One Patch at a Time Designs

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T22:28:00.000-05:00

As another year comes to an end there is always so much to reflect back on the previous year. What a year it has been!

Although there were many ups and downs for me the continued love and support of my friends and family was so strong throughout this year that I will never ever forget how many people were there for me when I really needed them.

It seems that whenever there is a down if you look hard enough you can find something positive in it. Sometimes this is much harder then others.

My older son left home in April for the first time. Not only did he move out but he moved from Ontario to British Columbia. As much as that was such a sad time for me, I was so proud of him for chasing his dreams and thought it was a wonderful life experience for him. I became the happiest mom in the world when Alex walked back into the house on December 1st! He had decided to move back and had kept it a secret to surprise me. Not only him, but my sister and her family were in on it also. My sister and nephew were the best...they flew out to B.C. to help him get back home to surprise me. Family sure can be great sometimes.

In May I started not feeling so great. In June I went numb from my ribs to my feet. What a scary time when I learned I had a mass that was crushing my spine. The Dr's were sure it was Lymphoma. Having a family with many cancers this was the worst news. Being a single mom of a special needs son and facing cancer was brutal. Well, I had surgery June 17th to remove the mass and when I woke up I was told the mass was not cancer! I couldn't have been happier. It was like I was given not only my life, but more importantly my sons life back.

I learned the recovery is a long one. I am told it is generally at least a year before I know how fully I will recover. I really didn't think this would include me though. After all, I am Super Woman remember! I am like the energizer bunny, just keep on going no matter what. Well, somewhere along the line the rules changed and apparently I am not so super after all. I was completely off my feet for 4 months. Since then, it has been slow. For those who don't know, I'm not the most patient person when my body won't keep up with me. I have too much to do for this crap!

Things are getting better slowly. I did regain all the feeling I had lost. I could have been permanently paralysed and you never would know it now so I am very thankful for that. I have decided to just keep on pushing myself until I get my endurance back. I have too much living to do to watch the days go by. Hopefully some physiotherapy will help my back regain some strength. Apparently having part of your back bone removed ticks off the rest of your back! Who would have thought????

So, as much as I didn't get to have the amazing summer of little trips I had planned for my younger son and I, we did have a lot of time to just hang out together. We had lots of great talks as I lay there watching him play games. It was amazing to see the boy I usually take care of doing so much to take care of me. What an incredible young man. I really am truly blessed to have two amazing young men for my sons. They make life worth living.

I had so many friends sending well wishes for me, including many of my Facebook friends I have never met before. You truly do find out who your real friends are when you are sick. Sometimes it is a very happy surprise and sometimes it is very disappointing.

I had many friends and family who went way above and beyond to help us out. From Marg who spent days with me at hospital emergency rooms and stuck with me as the awful news was given, to Frances, Gordon, Shirley, Aunt Billie who dropped off all kinds of food for us so I wouldn't have to worry about cooking when I couldn't stand up. My sister Cora and niece Chantelle who stuck with me for days while I was on standby for surgery so I wouldn't be alone when I went into surgery and came out. John who went to Adam's Track Meet and video taped it and put it on Facebook so I wouldn't have to miss it. John also helped keep the house going for me. My many other amazing friends who came to visit me in the hospital and continually checked up on me when I was home. I'm not even going to mention names because I know I will forget to list at least one person. I could never thank everyone enough for all the love and support. You kept my world going when I couldn't do it and that is something that I will be forever grateful for.

In November I lost one of the best friends I have ever had after a short but very brave fight with cancer. Louise was truly the definition of an angel on earth. She was and always will be an incredible lady and I am a better person for having her in my life. I will always treasure the hours of laughs we had together. Life has been forever changed. I will miss you Miss Louise. The only positive thing I can find in this is that you are at peace and not having to suffer any longer. This is one of those that I really am having a hard time finding something positive to come up with. Sometimes life is very unfair.

I am starting 2012 treasuring every day (as I have always tried to live my life). I have a new job that I am very excited about. I am the new Education/Event Specialist for Husqvarna Viking. I have worked on these machines at Canadian Dealers stores for the past 8 years so am very familiar with the machines and just love them. This year is going to be very exciting with lots of opportunities for One Patch at a Time Designs to grow also. Specializing in Quilting and Machine Embroidery, I am really looking forward to travelling to different stores. What a great source of inspiration to get the creative juices flowing again.

Well, now you know why I have been so quiet this year. I never make resolutions because they always get broken anyway. I just set goals!

I hope you all have a 2012 filled with Love, health, happiness and prosperity. May there be many new memories to treasure. Thank you so much for sharing this year with me although I wasn't as active as I have been in other years. I intend to come back in overdrive in 2012!

Happy New Year. Bye-Bye 2011!

Brenda
One Patch at a Time Designs

What a great few days!

2011-11-02T19:49:00.000-04:00

I have had a few great days!

Saturday I was the featured quilter at School House run by Wilton Creek Fabrics. What a wonderful time was had by all! Every October Shelly runs her version of Quilt Market. There are 4 teachers each teaching 4 demo's throughout the day. It is a day crammed full of information, techniques, fun and friendship. I would highly recommend you check this out for next Fall and consider going. You would never regret it. I am hoping I will be asked back as a teacher another year. I met so many fantastic ladies. Thanks Shelly for inviting me to take part this year. I had a great time!

Last night I was the Guest Speaker at the Durham Trillium Quilter's Guild. It was great to do a Trunk Show close to home for a change. Guilds are such a great way to meet other people with the same passion as yourself. There is always such a wide variety of skill and techniques displayed at the Show & Share. The most wonderful part of quilting is you can never get bored...there is always something new to learn. Thank you for inviting me to spend the evening with your Guild. It was great to see some old friends and meet a few new friends.

Keep watching here and my webpage for the launch of my new Block of the Month, Seams Like a Journey! There are several stores getting ready to start teaching this quilt.

Seams Like a Journey – 52” x 64”

Seams Like a Journey is a 10 month Block of the Month “Journey” through quilt making. Join me as I teach you a new technique each month. You will learn, Half Square Triangles using the All in One Ruler, Checkerboard, Bargello, Foundation Piecing, Peeled Back Patchwork, Flying Geese using the Quilt in a Day Flying Geese Rulers, Quick Corners, Storm at Sea using the Quilt in a Day Triangle in a Square Ruler, Seminole Piecing and Appliqué. You will be want to apply all these techniques throughout your future quilt making.

It is great to feeling a bit better after the last few months. I am working very hard to get back on track and out in the world again! Thanks to everyone for the emails and words of support and encouragement to help me through these past months. Onward and upward!!!! Only looking forward now!

Keep watching for more information on Seam's Like a Journey in the next few days or email me directly at one.patch@hotmail.com.

Brenda

Where did the summer go?

2011-09-04T19:52:00.001-04:00

I can hardly believe we are already almost through the Labour Day weekend. School starts back here on Tuesday!

The start of school for many of us "big kids" means we get a bit more time to sew! The weather gets cooler, kids are busier and we are inspired to get back into sewing and maybe get a few Christmas gifts prepared.

My summer just disappeared on me. I ended up having emergency spinal surgery in June. What an experience that has been. For someone who is usually on the go and used to doing so much, it sure is painful to be thrown off your feet and unable to get back up on them no matter how much you want to.

I am finally a little more mobile in the last couple of weeks. Recovery has been a very slow process but I am now able to do just about anything in small amounts.

Last week I finished Block 6 of my Jacobean version of I've Been Framed! I am looking forward to getting back at it and get this new version completed. Here is my second row. I decided to change some fabrics in my first row so while I was laying around I picked much of it apart. One day I will have that to show you too! Below is Block 4, 5 & 6.

I am looking forward to getting some Fall Quilting Retreats happening too! If you are interested, contact me at one.patch@hotmail.com for more information.

Until next time....

Brenda

I've Been Framed! - The Block of the Month Series

2011-06-03T10:18:00.004-04:00

I'm sorry for taking so long in getting these amazing photos posted. What a year it has been so far!

Thanks to everyone who has been sending me in pictures of their I've Been Framed! as you have been working on them. What a great inspiration for everyone! Grab a tea or coffee, sit back and enjoy the show.

Susan, Uxbridge, Ontario

Robynn, Port Perry, Ontario

Lynne, Cannington, Ontario

Sarah, Washington, USA

Brenda, Burlington, Ontario

Eva, Cobourg, Ontario

Donna, Courtice, Ontario

Frances, Brampton, Ontario

Sam, Fenelon Falls, Ontario

Can you believe Sam painted her block? Just beautiful and what an amazing job!

I had to share a couple of close-ups.

Brenda, Cobourg, Ontario

Anne, Burlington, Ontario

Edie, from soon to be Nova Scotia. L

Lynne, Cannington, Ontario even has Block 4 done!

You have all made me so proud. You have inspired me with your versions of my I've Been Framed! I love your colors, your design choices...wonderful! Please keep your pictures coming. I promise to do much better at keeping this updated.

I am going to add an I've Been Framed page to my Blog so you won't have to go hunting for this post whenever you want to see what others have done.

Thank you! Thank you! for doing such incredible work!

Quilting Retreat April 1 - 3, 2011

2011-04-25T10:37:00.001-04:00

Wow! Am I ever behind! Life has been so hectic with so many exciting things happening. Thanks for being patient while I try to catch up.

I thought since we are having another Quilt Retreat this weekend, April 30, May 1 & 2, that I should at least get the pictures from last months up!

Everyone is working so hard. It is such a great escape to spend the weekend full of friendship and sewing.

How peaceful waking up to this view first thing Saturday morning!

How can you not have a great day?

Everyone is starting to gather for Breakfast. There are only a few slowpokes and one serious sleepyhead but I would never mention any names Robynn!

Saturday morning Belgian Waffle Breakfast.

Josie though it looked so good we needed a picture.

Here Frances and Marg are enjoying a moment of quiet. Where did everyone go?

The view is beautiful from both the upstairs lounging/kitchen/dining area and the downstairs classroom.

What can be better then a lakefront view?

It's getting late but everyone is still working hard getting lots done. Lots of laughs over the weekend.

Yeah, we are still working (aka playing). Girls gotta do what a Girls gotta do!

The weekend is coming to a close. Lynn helps Kelly hold up her weekends work. This little applique piece had at least a million pieces. Kelly and Robynn worked on their wall hangings all weekend.

Josie's Dreams to Go quilt is up on the design wall at the cottage. She was able to get the strips cut and sewn for two identical quilts over the weekend.

We are now reserving for Fall Retreats. If you are interested in a weekend escape contact me @ one.patch@hotmail.com for more information.

For additional information on location and rates visit the Quilt Retreat page on this Blog.

I've Been Framed! - The Block of the Month Series

2011-03-08T15:12:00.002-05:00

Block 1 is now in the hands of designers around the world.

Remember to send me your blocks when they are complete and I will post them here to share your colors with everyone.

My Jacobean Jewels - I've Been Framed!

Come back to see the next group of Block 1's completed!

Brenda

I've Been Framed! - The Block of the Month Series

2011-03-02T08:26:00.001-05:00

Block 1 Now Available!

Start any month. Are you ready for 10 months of learning and techniques?

I've Been Framed! - Block 1 - 3 with Jacobean Jewels by Hatched in Africa

Join a group of quilters from around the world to work on this quilt together. What fun!

I've Been Framed! with designs by Anita Goodesign

I am offering I've Been Framed! as a Block of the Month Email Program. It will be available for purchase as a complete program on CD in the months to come.

I have had many requests from quilters "who just want to get started now"!

What I have decided to do is to offer a Special Introductory Price for those of you who would like to receive this as a Block of the Month emailed to you in PDF format on the 30th of each month.

The cost for the complete I've Been Framed will be $99.99 plus shipping and handling if you would like a CD copy mailed.

There will be 10 Blocks and assembly instructions at various intervals in addition to the regular monthly block.

You will learn various techniques and specialty rulers along the way. I will also give traditional piecing methods for those who do not wish to purchase the various rulers if you do not already own them.

Each month is filled with techniques and piecing information to help you improve all your future quiltmaking endeavors. This is a learning quilt as well as a Block of the Month. Many of the months stand on their own as little mini quilts. Any of my patterns selling on their own are on average $12.50. The value of this program purchased individually would in the range of $150.00.

Answers to FAQ

1. Do I have to use the Anita Goodesign Snowmen or the Hatched in Africa Jacocbean Jewels? Answer: No, there are no designs included with the Block of the Month and you are NOT obligated to use any designs that I did. I think this will make it more fun an personalized. Purchase new designs or use designs in your stash! The choice is yours!

2. Will you give the Fabric Requirments in Month 1? Answer: Yes, however other then the border amount it will not be too specific. The quilt is intended as a "scrappy" type quilt where you use many fabrics so I will give general amounts.

3. What else will come with Block 1? Answer: Block 1 will contain Fabric Requirements, tips for picking fabrics and threads so your quilt will all come together great and not look "scrappy", basic information about how to use some rulers I will recommend, traditional methods for those who do not have or wish to purchase the rulers,

If you have any questions email me at one.patch@hotmail.com.

If you are ready to sign up email me at one.patch@hotmail.com and I will send you a PayPal invoice. Block 1 is now available so let's get started!

Thanks for all your interest. It has been a great week getting everyone signed up and talking about what designs and fabrics you are going to use. I can't wait to see everyone's Block 1!

Brenda

The countdown to I've Been Framed! is on!

2011-02-26T14:22:00.003-05:00

I've Been Framed! - Block of the Month

Block 1 being emailed February 28, 2011.

We now have quilters ready to start from most Provinces in Canada, several U.S. States, and a few from Australia!

Are you ready???

Regular Price $99.99

Early Sign up before March 1, 2011 Sale Price $80.00

I've Been Framed! with Anita Goodesign

I've Been Framed! with Jacobean Jewels by Hatched in Africa

Read the post below for all the details.

Email me at one.patch@hotmail.com to sign up by PayPal.
Only 3 days left to receive this great discount!

Brenda

I've Been Framed! - The Block of the Month Series

2011-02-23T15:22:00.001-05:00

HERE IT IS!!!!!

I've Been Framed! Block of the Month Program

I've Been Framed!

I've Been Framed! - Jacobean Jewels Continues

Block 1 - 3 - Jacoben Jewels by Hatched in Africa

I am offering I've Been Framed! as a Block of the Month Email Program. It will be available for purchase as a complete program on CD in the months to come.

I have had many requests from quilters "who just want to get started now"!

What I have decided to do is to offer a Special Introductory Price for those of you who would like to receive this as a Block of the Month emailed to you in PDF format on the 30th of each month.

The regular price for the complete I've Been Framed will be $99.99 plus shipping and handling if you would like a CD copy mailed.

There will be 10 Blocks and assembly instructions at various intervals in addition to the regular monthly block.

The special introductory price for those who sign up before the end of February is $80.00. That is almost half price to what the blocks would be if purchased individually!!!!

Answers to FAQ

The Special Introductory price of $80.00 will be honored through

February 28th, 2011. Block 1 will be sent out February 28, 2011.

This is a special price for those who sign up before the end of the month and are in the first group to start. Many of you have already taken advantage of this big savings! Don't be disappointed by missing the deadline.

If you have any questions email me at one.patch@hotmail.com.

If you are ready to sign up email me at one.patch@hotmail.com and I will send you a PayPal invoice so you are ready to go and don't have to worry about missing the deadline.

Thanks for all your interest. It has been a great week getting everyone signed up and talking about what designs and fabrics you are going to use. I can't wait to see everyone's Block 1!

Brenda

I've Been Framed! - The Block of the Month Series

2011-02-17T11:19:00.000-05:00

HERE IT IS!!!!!

I've Been Framed! Block of the Month Program

I am offering I've Been Framed! as a Block of the Month Email Program. It will be available for purchase as a complete program on CD in the months to come.

I have had many requests from quilters "who just want to get started now"!

What I have decided to do is to offer a Special Introductory Price for those of you who would like to receive this as a Block of the Month emailed to you in PDF format on the 30th of each month.

The regular price for the complete I've Been Framed will be $99.99 plus shipping and handling if you would like a CD copy mailed.

There will be 10 Blocks and assembly instructions at various intervals in addition to the regular monthly block.

The special introductory price for those who sign up before the end of February is $80.00. That is almost half price to what the blocks would be if purchased individually!!!!

Here are some samples of Block 1!

Block 1 using Jacobean Jewels from Hatched in Africa

Block 1 using Snow Fun from Anita Goodesign

If you are interested in purchasing this program please contact me at one.patch@hotmail.com and I will send you a PayPal invoice.

Any questions, just ask!

Brenda

Retreat February 4 - 6, 2011

2011-02-10T19:58:00.000-05:00

Our First Retreat!

We had a great time at our Retreat last weekend. Great company, lots of sewing and lots of food. What more can a quilter ask for in a weekend away.

I thought you might want to share in a few of our pictures from the weekend.

Betsy and I working on her Quilt as You Go Blocks.

Lynne thought she could avoid the camera! LOL

Lynne and Betsy working hard.

What a beautiful view! So peaceful.

My turn to try and avoid the camera. I didn't get away with it either!

There is still room in most of the upcoming Retreats. The last weekend in April is full.

Brenda

Quilt Design Star Winner Revealed

2011-02-03T19:29:00.000-05:00

McCall's Quilting has just announced the winner of the 2011 Quilt Design Star Contest. Kathleen Whiting.

Thanks to everyone who has voted, commented, sent amazing emails and who have just been here throughout this contest. I have met so many new wonderful friends, re-connected with old friends, and reassured that my great friends really are great!

This weekend McCall's is running a contest where you could win a great prize pack with all the goodies we have been spoiled with during the contest. Check it out here: Win Like a Star Contest.

I have started working on the pattern for both A New Horizon and I've Been Framed. Follow my Blog to see how they are coming along.

Visit me often, write, leave comments. I will miss our daily chatter. Thanks again for taking this journey with me.

Brenda

Voting for I've Been Framed!

2011-02-02T11:12:00.000-05:00

I've Been Framed!

Final day to vote!

Please take a minute to cast your last vote and leave your final comment today.

I've Been Framed!

As this contest comes to a close I feel today is bittersweet. I am excited to receive the results but I am going to miss the challenges and the daily comments and emails I have received.

I have met so many wonderful quilters, their families and friends from around the world. The response and support has been nothing short of incredible.

Thanks to McCall's Quilting for hosting such an amazing contest. Every step has been a wonderful experience. The staff at McCall's have been so supportive and encouraging. They are amazing and I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to participate in the contest.

McCall's is hosting a Web Party on their website this weekend to announce the winner and to give you an opportunity to win some prizes. Come back tomorrow for all the details.

Please take a minute to cast your last vote and leave your last comment today.

Brenda

Retreats, Voting & Comments!

2011-01-13T12:29:00.000-05:00

I've Been Framed!

There is so much going on right now! What a wonderful time.

I have received such great feedback to I've Been Framed!. Thank you for all your support in this first week. Please remember to click the link daily to vote and leave a comment. Comments are monitored so are not posted at the same time you send them. Be patient. They will show up! Reading the comments is the highlight of my day.

I`ve Been Framed!

Quilting Retreat

The Quilt Retreat for the weekend of February 4 - 6, 2011 is a go! There is still room so if you are within driving distance of Fenelon Falls, Ontario, come and join us.

It will be a great time.

Check out the Quilt Retreat Page for more details. If you have any further questions email me directly at one.patch@hotmail.com.

Brenda

I've Been Framed!

2011-01-06T09:01:00.000-05:00

Here it is!!!!!!!!! "I've Been Framed" is my final entry in the

McCall's Quilting Quilt Design Star Contest.

I've Been Framed!

Voting will start Friday, January 7th, 2011.
The winner of the contest is heavily weighted towards public voting. Take a minute each day to cast your vote for your favorite designer!

If you would like daily morning email reminders for voting click on my Newsletter sign up to the right. The General Interest Newsletter is for my Free Block of the Month. My McCall's Voting will get you a morning email with the voting link so you don't have to go looking for it. :-)

The challenge was to design, piece and quilt a quilt using our original quilt submission as inspiration. My original submission quilt was Crazy Animals.

What I loved about Crazy Animals was how all the embroideries were framed and you could not easily look at the quilt to duplicate it. I love a quilt that is asymmetric and is a bit of challenge to design and assemble.

I thought I would take Crazy Animals to a new level and “frame” each of the embroideries with a different type of frame. Of course, I couldn’t stop there. I wanted everything to be a different size to keep your eyes travelling around the quilt and find something new and different each time you looked at the quilt. I think of “I’ve Been Framed” as Crazy Animals all grown up!

We were asked what challenges we faced during this challenge. Keep in mind, we received the challenge November 30th. We had to design, piece, quilt and have the quilt delivered to McCall's Quilting in Colorado by January 4th. Not only is Christmas a busy time of year, we also had all the holiday shutdowns of the delivery services to deal with!

My response to the question was:

Apparently, as my friends will attest, I work best under pressure! Time was always an issue with this design. I played with designs for more then two weeks before I stitched the first embroidery and then still didn’t do anything I had previously designed. I designed this quilt as it grew. I started with the pieced border I knew I wanted and then worked backwards to fill the interior of the quilt. It was embroidered, designed, and pieced in one week. I really feel the best designs come from just letting the embroideries and fabrics tell you what they want to be.

I will put the voting link up as soon as it goes live. For now, click on the picture of "I've Been Framed" above to see the remaining 8 quilts in the challenge.

Leave a comment for me! I would love to hear your thoughts!

Thanks for all your support throughout this entire challenge. It has be remarkable. I have gained so many wonderful new friends from around the world. The comments I have received from the other challenges warm my heart. You truly make every challenge in designing worth the work. I thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Happy New Year!

2010-12-29T15:23:00.000-05:00

I feel so fortunate to have met so many wonderful new friends from around the world this year. I would like to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for all the love and support I have received this year.

Every year I am amazed by realizing how many wonderful people I am surrounded by and those who I thought would always be there but are no longer. Like every year, there have been happy and sad moments.

A New Horizon

The McCall's Quilting Quilt Design Star Contest has given me so many wonderful opportunities. The contest has pushed my creativity to new levels. The highlight of my year had to be winning 1st Place for A New Horizon!

The new friends I have met through the contest and designs this year have been awesome. I am overwhelmed at all the support I have received throughout the contest. I really do treasure every vote, comment and email I have received.

My final contest submission has just been picked up by UPS. The voting will start on January 6th for this final round. I am so excited to show you the quilt but I promised myself I would wait and let McCall's be the first to display it with the other entries when voting opens.

I have added a button at the top of my Blog for you to sign up for my Free Block of the Month and/or my McCall's Quilting Voting List. The Free Block of the Month or General Interest Newsletter comes out approximately once per month. The McCall's Voting List is a daily morning email you will receive during voting times only (approximately 3 weeks) containing the link to click to vote. Many people have asked for this since it is easier to see it in your morning mail then to go looking for the link. I have had husbands and friends of friends who don't quilt who would just like to vote sign up for this one. Once the voting is over they will no longer receive emails from me.

Now that the rush of the holidays are over, remember it is time to get signed up for my upcoming Quilt Retreats. I have added a Quilt Retreat Page to my Blog that contains all the information you will need to contact me.

I hope everyone has enjoyed their holidays so far. I wish everyone a Happy, Healthy New Year filled with everything your heart desires!

Happy New Year!
Brenda

Can you say S P O I L E D!!!!!!

2010-12-16T16:42:00.000-05:00

The mail lady came with a big box of treats for me today!

McCall's and all the sponsors of the McCall's Quilting Quilt Design Star Contest spoil us with treats for completing each Challenge. Today my box arrived. Take a peek at all my goodies!

6" x 12" and a 4 1/2" square Frosted Rulers from Olfa!

Beautiful Kaffe Fassett Threads from Rowan!

A Design Roll from Westminster Fibers!

Those were the prizes for completing the second Challenge.

The prizes I received for being awarded 1st Place for Challenge 2 are:

A beautiful funky sewing basket from Dritz. Everyone who knows me knows I LOVE these colors!

A great book from That Patchwork Place. It looks awesome! I have only allowed myself a quick peek since I am still working on my final Challenge quilt. Taking a closer look will be my reward at the end of the day today.

A pretty new rotary cutter from Olfa. I love the colors and will be perfect for my new sewing basket!

A Stack 'n Store Bobbin Tower from Nancy Zieman. I have been wanting one of these for a long time so this is perfect!

A Pins & Needles Cushion from Considine Creations. I have to admit, I have never seen this one before and had to look it up to see what it really was used for. I am looking forward to giving it a try. It might be nice not to have to dig my pins out from the center of my pin cushion.

I guess I have no excuse not to get back to work on my final Challenge quilt.

Until next time,

Brenda

Quilt Retreat Anyone???

2010-12-04T12:29:00.001-05:00

One Patch at a Time Designs

First Annual Quilt Retreats!

Where: Situated on beautiful Cameron Lake, minutes from Fenelon Falls, this comfortable family cottage is set on a very large open, grassy lot with lots of room to play. The cottage has spacious rooms with a large living room overlooking the lake plus a rec room on the lower level with television, seating etc. A large kitchen/dining area - and lots of amenities.

Dates:

February 4 – 6, 2011

February 18 – 20, 2011 (Celebrate my Birthday with me!)

March 4 – 6, 2011

March 18 – 20, 2011

April 1 – 3, 2011

April 29 – May 1, 2011

Cost:

King/Twin Room – Sleeps 2 - $250.00 per person

Queen Room – Sleeps 2 - $250.00 per person
OR Queen Room - Sleep 1 - $300.00 per person (if space allows)

Double Room – Sleeps 1 - $300.00 per person

Twin Room – Sleeps 3 - $250.00 per person

If the above rooms are full and we still have another 1 or 2 who want to come there is another queen pull out couch that can sleep 2. If this is required, I will talk to you about it at that time.

Fees Include:

All meals & snacks from Friday dinner through Sunday lunch. Tea, coffee, water and some soft drinks will be provided. Feel free to bring wine or whatever else you would like to drink throughout the weekend.

Fees also include me, your teacher! If there is a group that would like a specific pattern of mine taught, request it in advance and I will do it. I understand many people would like to work on projects that have been started and would like some assistance or a weekend away to sew.

I would like you to design your Retreat! Let me know what you would like and I will do my best to make it happen.

Deposits:

Deposit of $125.00 is due when you register. The balance of $125.00 is due 30 days prior to your Retreat.

Refunds/Cancellation:

A refund of your deposit will be honored up to 30 days before your Retreat. If you need to cancel within the month prior to Retreat there will be no refund of your deposit however your Registration is transferrable to another quilter. If I have a waiting list and have someone to fill your spot I will gladly refund your deposit. Unlike many other Retreats, my costs are fixed regardless of the number of people. I have held your spot for you so I cannot refund if I cannot get someone to take your place.

Registration & General Information:

When your Registration and Deposit have been received you will receive an information page containing the map to the Retreat. I will also be asking you if you have any special dietary restrictions we need to know about. If you have someone you would like to room with, please let me know. I will do my best to set up the rooms to best suit everyone’s needs.

For additional information and Registration Contact:

Brenda Sutherland

One Patch at a Time Designs

25 Foothill Street

Whitby, Ontario

L1R 2V8

Phone – 905-999-3027

Email – one.patch@hotmail.com

Register early to avoid disappointment. Space is limited.

Thursday's Sewing

2010-12-02T17:40:00.000-05:00

A New Horizon

Today I made great progress on the new sample and the pattern. I have the corner units done except for the borders on them. These 4 units take the most time in this quilt. The outside border is your reward for getting that far. It is fairly quick to do in comparison to the rest of the quilt. I love the way it frames the center of the quilt though.

I am working on the written part of the pattern. I am hoping to have it ready to purchase for next week just in time for a Christmas gift for your favorite quilter friend.

I have also been working on my Retreat flyer. I will be doing two Retreats each month in February, March and April. If they fill up I might add May also. I am hoping the information will be ready for you before the weekend is over! It sure has been busy.

I am working on the class schedule for teaching from my home. I have some "Onepatch Sewing Days" planned. That is a day where you can work on whatever you like and ask whatever questions you need answers to. These are kind of like UFO days where you are finishing up whatever you are working or stuck on. Of course, they can be used to get started on something new too!

I will also be running an Embroidery Club. There are many people with Embroidery who would like some great projects featuring embroidery. These classes are great to pick up many tips and tricks in embroidery mode. A good chance to get more familiar with the embroidery features.

Tomorrow I am away doing private lessons but I will be back to work again on Saturday.

I didn't forget the McCall's challenge either...that one is percolating in my mind while I work.

Brenda

A New Horizon takes 1st Place!!!

2010-11-30T21:35:00.000-05:00

I am very proud to announce that A New Horizon received 1st Place in Challenge 2 of the McCall's Quilting Quilt Design Star Contest.

I want to thank everyone for the wonderful emails, votes, comments and support I have received, not only in the last month but since this whole contest started back in May. It has been an amazing experience. I have met many great new friends I am sure I will cherish for a lifetime.

As most of you know, I use Electric Quilt 7 to design my patterns. The support for this program is second to none. I have used EQ for many years and still have so much to explore within the program. Every new feature opens a new door for design. Thank you to EQ for making the design process a bit of "instant gratification". It is great to know if you are going to love something before you make the first cut. The visual of seeing where I want to go is invaluable in designing.

Brenda

EXCITING NEWS!!!!!!!!

2010-11-29T21:48:00.000-05:00

Crazy Animals

I have just received the email saying that I was selected to continue on into the finals! Thank you to everyone who voted and commented helping me to get there! This sure has been exciting.

The new challenge:
- Create a completed quilt, not just a quilt top.
The design:
- must re-invent the project that you submitted for finalist selection.
- must be INSPIRED by your original project, NOT re-do the project in different fabrics.
- must be at least 24" square (although it can be any shape)

Crazy Animals was my submission quilt. This has been one of my best selling quilts. I am excited to see where I take this quilt.

Last Day to Vote!

2010-11-28T10:36:00.000-05:00

Today is the last day to vote for A New Horizon in the McCall's Quilting Quilt Design Star Contest. Please click the link to the right to vote today and leave a comment. I will update you Tuesday when we hear who is continuing on into the final challenge!

Here is the center of the new quilt I am doing as I am writing the pattern. I didn't get a very good picture but you can see I have kept the colors much the same.

I am enjoying some time with my son this weekend so I haven't got much sewing time in. Later I will print the templates for the next section.

Have a great Sunday!

Brenda

Today's adventures

2010-11-26T12:52:00.000-05:00

My Progress

I promised I would show you my progress. Here is what I have done so far. Keep in mind, these sections are just laying there so you can see them. It always looks so much nicer once the seam allowance is gone. I just wanted to give you an idea of the colors. The pattern is being written and tested at the same time so everything is a little slower.

That is the end of my sewing for today. I am now getting ready to leave to go to Burlington to Sewing Machines Etcetera for their Just Sew You Know Party. I will be teaching my Starry Night Quilt there in January. If you are in the Burlington area come by tonight between 6:00 - 8:00 and be sure to say hi to me. I love being able to put names to a face.

Hope you are all enjoying your Friday!

Brenda

A New Horizon....the pattern begins....

2010-11-25T09:35:00.000-05:00

Today is the day I actually start stitching the sample for A New Horizon. I always like to test my patterns so they go out accurate the first time. Here are the fabrics I picked up this week....aren't they pretty? Mostly all Batiks. Funny how when I pick them and they are Batiks, I love them together. Hmmmm, could it be I like having the control???? Just a thought! :-)

New Fabrics

Original Fabrics

The left is the new fabric I picked up. The fabrics on the right in the top nine patch were the ones sent to me. The bottom 8 are the additional fabrics I added to the Challenge quilt to make the fabrics stretch far enough since we were only allowed to use the fat quarters sent of those particular fabrics.

What do you think? I am excited! I can't wait to see the new version. All my foundations are printed. Notes are taken as to what I am cutting so I can make sure your pattern is perfect!

Later in the day I will post some pictures of some of the units as they are coming together.

Until then...Happy Thanksgiving to all my American friends. I hope you have a wonderful day. Eat some Turkey for me. It is my favorite!!!!!

Brenda

Weekend Friend Retreat!

2010-11-22T13:41:00.000-05:00

Gotta Go Bag

This weekend I had a little quilting retreat at a friends place. What a great weekend of chatting, quilting and friendship! Sew much fun!

I mostly worked on getting my Gotta Go Bag embroidered and completed. This bag features 6 pockets on the outside and an additional 6 on the inside. I designed this size to fit my laptop. The smaller bag measurements that comes with this pattern is perfect for lunches, shoes, books or children.

Our Retreat was so much fun that I am planning some One Patch at a Time Retreats for this spring. Keep watching for more information or email me at one.patch@hotmail.com if you would like to be on my Retreat email list for the updates as the plans continue.

This mornings sewing....

2010-11-19T09:24:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I purchased my new calendar to carry in my purse for the next year. I couldn't really find any that were super pretty. I did find this one though that was the size I wanted and it was for two years so I thought that was even better.

Well, today is a PA Day which meant mom could sleep in but....then the idea hit me. I thought, why not use my Book Covers & More Pattern to cover it and make it pretty. I am always out doing Trunk Shows, Teaching and Machine Education Classes and I find that all my really pretty covers are the ones I have given away.

I decided I was worth the treat this morning and made myself a little gift. What do you think? I thought these are a fantastic idea for stocking stuffers or that hard to buy for person on your list.

I modified a few things from the pattern. If you purchase the pattern and intend to cover pocket calendars, contact me at one.patch@hotmail.com if you would like a few tips and tricks!

So now I feel like my day has been somewhat productive and it is only 9:22. What kind of trouble can I get into the rest of the day?

Enjoy your Friday!

And the pattern begins....

2010-11-18T15:56:00.000-05:00

A New Horizon

Since many of you have asked that I write the pattern for A New Horizon, it is time for me to start gathering fabrics to make another one!

I usually like to test all my patterns myself by doing a second sample, or at least the blocks to ensure the pattern is correct prior to release. Isn't if frustrating to get working on a pattern and find errors? That is a huge pet peeve of mine.

Don't forget to keep voting and leaving comments on A New Horizon at the voting site right through November 27th! Help me make it into the finals!

Don't forget to vote!

2010-11-16T06:36:00.000-05:00

A New Horizon

It's going to be another beautiful day here in Southern Ontario. Who could ask for a better fall day then sunny and 13!!!!!!

I am off to teach some wonderful friends today. It should be a great day.

Don't forget to take a second to vote for my McCall's Quilting Quilt Design Star Challenge 2 submission, A New Horizon. Just click on the picture, and click to vote. Feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of the page!

McCall's Challenge 1 Gift

2010-11-15T09:37:00.000-05:00

Many of you have asked to see all the goodies McCall's Quilting and their sponsors sent us for completing the first Challenge and sucessfully making it into Challenge 2.

Take a look at all these goodies....can you say Spoiled Rotten!!!!

There was an amazing selection of goodies all packed inside a great McCall's Quilting Tote Bag. I love getting treats in the mail! :-)

Virtual Retreat Update

2010-11-14T16:41:00.000-05:00

What a productive day! I managed to get 4 placemats done that were also sitting here started since June!

Then since I was so happy that the towels and placemats were done I decided I would do the blocks for a quilt the retreat was working on! That will be another UFO for awhile but the blocks are neat.

I also got my first Christmas gift finished. It is a journal cover for one of my sons EA's.

That's it for sewing today for me.

Have a great night!

Virtual Retreat Update

2010-11-14T10:11:00.000-05:00

Well, my intentions were to get some of my UFO's worked on and maybe a quick gift or two. So far I have avoided most of my plan. I did finish some towels I embroidered as a gift that I had been putting off since July!

I am a bit sidetracked now on a cute little strip quilt and a fat quarter bag. Hopefully they won't end up in my UFO pile too!

Sunday Sewing

2010-11-14T06:55:00.000-05:00

It looks like it is going to be a beautiful day here in Whitby today!

A New Horizon

Today I am doing on online Virtual Quilt Retreat with the Canadian Quilters Online Yahoo list. I thought after cleaning through some of the mess I had created designing A New Horizon that it is time to take care of some of my UFO's that are sitting here calling my name.

Don't forget to take a second to vote for my quilt. I am the only Canadian in the McCall's Quilting Quilt Design Star Contest. You can vote once each day at A New Horizon.

Come back later and see what I have accomplished today. Hopefully I will start some Christmas gifts also!

2010-11-13T17:37:00.000-05:00

WOW is all I can say about the amazing comments that have been posted. I was overwhelmed reading them this afternoon. I was amazed to see 56 comments already after less then 48 hours! I can hardly wait until Monday to see read the new comments posted over the weekend. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to vote and leave comments. Remember, you can vote once per day at http://ck.upickem.net/engine/Details.aspx?p=V&c=17717&s=5619829&i=3#SD.

Until tomorrow...happy stitchin!

Brenda Sutherland
One Patch at a Time Designs http://www.onepatch.ca/
McCall's Quilting Quilt Desing Star Contest Voting http://ck.upickem.net/engine/Details.aspx?p=V&c=17717&s=5619829&i=3#SD
McCall's Quilting Quilt Design Star Finalist http://www.mccallsquilting.com/contests/design-star.html