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It's Cruise Time!


Hello All, It's May- Can you believe it??  How time flies when you are having fun.  My hubby had his knee replacement surgery and has been cleared to go on the Stitchin Heaven Cruise to the Western Caribbean with me.  We won't be scuba diving in Cozumel or climbing the Mayan ruins, but we can relax, soak up some Vitamin D and catch those experiences the next time around. 
Before his surgery, I was at Cactus Rose in Stephenville, TX. for a great retreat!  It is located out in the country, just west of Ft. Worth, and is a wonderful retreat center owned and run by Annis Clapp.  The workroom is great, lots of design boards, a world class kitchen for cooking and she even has a quilt shop- I left a few dollars there myself!  Did I work much on the projects I took?  Read on and see what was accomplished!
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Knee Surgery
Jim had his knee replacement surgery a couple of weeks ago and everything went well.  There was the usual pain the first few days, but he is now walking without a cane or walker and bending his knee easily.  There have been lots of physical therapy and Dr. follow up appointments for him and since he has not been released to drive, I have become his driver.  Thank goodness I have lots of hand work to keep me busy.  When we get back from the cruise he will be driving himself short distances for PT and other errands- I think he will be sorry to see his driving service come to an end - he likes being chauffeured around!

Retreat Recap
Diva Orphan Blocks
This was the last project I took to retreat and the first one to come out of the box.  I have always admired orphan block quilts (and Lord know I have plenty!) and wanted to make one ,  I just didn't know how to start.  I decided to just start putting blocks on the design board to see what worked.  I quickly learned that, for me, this did not work.  I then decided to work on rows of blocks and I first grouped all the blocks in like sizes- all the 12" finished blocks together, 10", 9", 8", 6", 4"' 3", etc.  Then I started working with a 3' grid, placing 2-6" blocks together, then a 12" under them, then some 3" blocks  and a 9" block together.  This method worked well for me and above is the result.  I was quite impressed how it all worked out!  Since I still have lots of blocks left over, I think I will try making another one.  I will start this one with a center block and work around like a medallion style quilt.  Hope you will give a try!

Boardwalk Quilt
Boardwalk Quilt, pattern and starter fabric kit by Treehouse Textiles, was the second project to tackle at the retreat.  With the fabric kit, I got a couple of blocks made.  Although the block construction takes time, it is fun and easy to make.  This is another great scrappy quilt project from the creative ladies at this Australian shop and it will go to another retreat soon!

Pick A Petal
Pick A Petal , a project I will be teaching at Must Love Fabric starting this month, was another project I took to retreat.  This Block of the Month was designed by Jen Kingwell.  I made many of the Month 3, the Nine Patch block.  I had the pieces cut out for 18 blocks, so it was easy to chain stitch the center 9 Patch pieces then add the curved side pieces.  We will meet once a month in a lecture /demo format with lots of tips and ideas for the students.  Come join us and have lots of fun!

Pick A Petal  has some simple appliquéd flowers sewn on the low volume log cabin blocks.  I prepared some of the appliqués to take on the cruise.

In the class, I will demonstrate how I make the appliqués and stitch them down by hand, but each student will be encouraged to the applique the way they like- hand or machine.  This is going to be a wonderful, fun project!

Martha
Martha BOM, pattern and fabric kits by Treehouse Textiles, is now completed and she is beautiful!   The top was easy to assemble and went together quickly.  It is a large square quilt, 72" x 72", so all I need is a backing and she can go to the quilter!  I would definitely do another BOM from Treehouse - they do a great job!

Sweet Tweet Month 6
Sweet Tweets, Month 6, pattern by Focus on Quilts,  is complete and I have added the second row of blocks and sewn down the branch that runs across blocks 4,5 and 6.  It is soooo cute!  Now, I just need the next three blocks done and the border added- where can I find some extra time!

Cruise Project - Indigo Puzzle Box
I will be teaching this quilt, Indigo Puzzle Box, on a Stitchin Heaven Caribbean cruise leaving Sunday!  This is a fun, easy, large quilt made with indigos and shirting.   If you like this pattern and won't be joining us on the cruise, you can purchase the downloadable pattern only Etsy shop, Petite Quilts, and sew along with us .

For class, I create steps for the students who can sew in the quilt room any time of day!  The machines are always set up the the room ready to go.  Can't sleep?  you can go sew.  This project will be fun and I can't wait to see what the students create!

Spring Classes at Must Love Fabric
​We had a great class, A Wild Ride, a few weeks ago and I have another evening class, The Pineapple Quilt, coming up this month along with Pick A Petal getting started.  Come sew with us at  Must Love Fabric in Colleyville, TX. 

Pineapple Quilt, Wednesday, May 22, 6-9p

Pick A Petal, Class is once a month for 6 months, starting Sunday, May 18, 2-4p

I will have samples for the classes on display, so call the shop at 817-488-6764 for all the details and come join the fun!

Sewcation in Lancaster,PA
Join me and Jo Caraway in Lancaster, PA for a fun Sewcation, July 6-11, presented by Stitchin Heaven .  I will be teaching Scrappy Anvil Quilt and we will have a wonderful time sewing and visiting the Amish country in the area.  Check with Stitchin Heaven for all the details and join me for all the fun!

In the Shop
Just added my Etsy shop, Petite Quilts, is Blue Waves Lap Quilt.  It is made with wonderful Primitive Gatherings Indigo and light flannels and it is quilted in an allover wave pattern.  Since it is a soft flannel quilt, it would be great as a new baby gift!  Check it out and all the other offerings in the shop and, as always, thanks!

A Country Traffic Jam
I just had to share with you this great photo taken by one of the quilters at the retreat.  While trying to get to town, she encountered this group of cows being led down the main street by a truck full of hay!  It reminds me that living in the country has a slower pace of life- a wonderful thing to experience!


Keep up with my cruise adventure by following me on Instagram.  I will be teaching on our cruising days and going onshore on the port days.  The Stitchin Heaven crew, Dawn, Dana and Deb, is a great group of ladies which means the fun never end!
Until then time, keep busy, stay safe and healthy and keep on creating!

Later,  Annette