Announcing a new concept in learning to quilt. This is a minimalist, low cost approach to acquiring quiltmaking skills; or a renewal for quiltmakers who are tired of the current emphasis on the "fast, fast, what's new and popular" approach currently found in the industry.

Here(http://www.simplequiltmaking.com/) you will learn to approach quiltmaking with only a pencil, pins, a ruler, and a pair of scissors plus needle and thread. To begin with you will only need to know how to thread a needle.

At http://simplequiltmaking.com/ you will find the satisfaction of learning to confidently design and construct your own quilts, seeing them through from the initial stages of fabric and colour choices to piecing, applique, handquilting and binding. You will design and make quilt labels to document your quilt and you will also learn to make an invisible hanging sleeve that is an integral part of your quilt.

This is a website devised to empower women everywhere (with a special emphasis on those quiltmakers who are either far from centres where they might learn or whose family commitments are such that they cannot easily get away for classes or retreats)

I want to support quiltmakers to feel confident in their developing capabilities and to rely on their own artistic experience and judgment, while at the same time spending as little or as much as they want to develop their skills and artistic expression.

It is planned to have an ongoing instructional course on quilt design and the skills needed to finish a quilt of any size; a monthly update of pattern ideas along with 2 new projects a month: buying tips: where to find the best books, patterns and tools at the best prices; and how to shop for the best prices on a variety of first rate, quiltshop quality fabrics, backings and batting. Best of all http://www.simplequiltmaking.com/ is planning a members picture gallery and a forum for comments, queries and exchanges.

ABOUT ME: I live in rural eastern Canada, and I have been doing needlecrafts of all kinds for over 60 years. I have had a business website presence at http://www.novascotiaquilts.com/

for over 10 years now, and set up my blog a few months ago at http://www.quiltingwithjanet.blogspot.com/. I have been making quilts for sale through my quilt studio for about 12 years now and am represented in quilt collections in North America and Europe.

I feel I have a very good grasp of trends in the industry, of quiltmaking in a historical context, and the requisite skills to make quilts that are very much in demand.

My life before "retirement" involved a career as an educational psychologist, and I have both the skills to know how to teach a complex subject like quiltmaking and the desire to empower women through the medium of textile arts. Best of all I am using an information management system on http://www.simplequiltmaking.com that enables me to post directly, so there is no waiting for a webmaster to load content, and your questions are answered in a very timely manner.

Come on this journey with me over the next little while - I know you will not be disappointed! You and I will exchange lots of ideas at http://www.simplequiltmaking.com/.

I have a one month trial, moneyback if you are not satisfied and decide to cancel membership within the first 30 days. You can't go wrong!

Labels: begining quilting, how to quilt, learn to quilt, simple quiltmaking

9:26 AM

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Will Spring Come This Year?

We woke up to 6 inches of wet, heavy, yucky snow yesterday morning and I had to get the neighbour with his snowblower down to deal with it! Blech!! I'm reading lots of seed catalogues and wishing these days!
It is helping me to get lots of quilting done though. I have a major quilt at the handquilting phase right now and I'm very pleased with it indeed. A well, I am dealing with a couple of smaller commissions, which present seperate challenges - this is always fun!
The quilt kit shown above is one of my vintage Paragon kits complete with suitable floss for embroidery - I looked it out and photographed it for a prospective purchaser who found the king sized version a bit large for her bed and so passed on it.



One of my "recreational" projects is an online tutorial for my "Sea Creatures" quilt (http://www.quiltingwithjanet.blogspot.com) and I find I am going to end up with two seperate concepts for the same basic idea - these smaller quilts - child sized or wall hanging size will be for sale when I have completed them or sooner if you want to contact me. I am working on building up some stock for the "walk-in" tourist traffic I get at my quilt studio because of its location near the very popular destinaton of Hall's Harbour, Nova Scotia, so I expect these smaller quilts will go quickly.

Shown below is one of two amish style strippy quilts I am currently handquilting. I have become fascinated with the endless variations that can be achieved withing the framework of solids only and limited colour palette, and I find I keep returning to play with ideas.




Check here for the link to my other blog - quilting with janet.blogspot.com

Labels: hand quilting, my designs, quilt studio, tourism, tutorial

2:52 PM

Saturday, February 23, 2008

A TRADITIONAL FLYING GEESE QUILT

This is a quilt I have just finished handpiecing and begun to hand quilt. It is my version of a quilt in the collection of the State Museum of Pennsylvania and dates to the 19th century. The colours red, green and ochre are commonly used amoung the pennsylvania dutch in particular and in the northeastern United States and Canada in general.
It has been thrilling to make this quilt, and in particular so gratifying to see how easily the blocks and strips come together when hand piecing is used rather than machine piecing.
After this quilt and a couple of smaller commissions are completed, I am hoping to get several of my vintage and antique quilt tops ready for hand quilting, and also to make several other quilts using 19th centrury reproduction fabrics. Of you are interested in exploring any of these possibilities, please contact me at mailto:janet@novascotiaquilts.com

Labels: 19th century quilts, hand piecing, hand quilting, one of a kind handcrafted quilts, repro quilts, special commissions

4:51 PM

Monday, January 28, 2008

VINTAGE IDEAL ABC YOYO BOUDOIR CUSHION COVER

Recently I have been checking through my inventory and also reorganizing leaflets, patterns and books. I have located several items I knew I had, but could not remember where they were stashed. One of these items is this sweet little kit that proves to me that the nicest things come in small packages. The box containing this kit is about 4 by 4 inches and no more than an inch high. Dating to the 30's and containing a lovely nile green backing and enough precut yoyo's in prints and solids to complete the project, the colours are nile green, warm white, lavender and some green, yellow, coral and lilac prints. The kit was marketed by ABC Chicago (Ideal) and is the only one of its kind I have seen. It is in clean mint condition, along with quaint Art Deco instruction sheet, the only flaw being that two sides of the little box have broken down - I have not repaired this, leaving that as your choice. How darling this kit will look as part of a vignette of vintage sewing items beside your old Singer machine!

Price $89.95, airmail postage included.

Labels: ideal ABC, vintage kit, yoyo

7:19 PM

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

A CHANGE IN PACE

Most of my life I have been a terrible packrat and collector and I have come to the realization that I need to start weeding out my collections - have made a New Year's resolution to do that and it may be easier than the second one to get fitter and lose some weight. I need to concentrate specially my collections of vintage quilt kits, both cross stitched (Paragon and Tobin)and applique and Doublestencil Smithsonian whole cloth and wholecloths embellished with needleturn applique.
In addition I have a huge supply of fabrics, mostly 19th century reproduction, amish-style solids and 1930's both repro and genuine feedsack. As well I have a fair supply of 1970's and 80's tiny flowered calicos. Time to get sewing on my own planned projects so I will only rarely now be accepting commissions to hand quilt others' quilt tops and now and then will accept a quilt restoration if I am intrigued enough. I am hoping my new commission clients may be interested in letting me surprise them after choosing colours and type of quilt - my creative juices are currently becoming frustrated! I have many antique and vintage quilt tops to be finished too.
As well, I have collected and dealt in Nova Scotian Folk Art for at least 30 years and am planning on keeping only a few sentimental pieces such as the fine Elmer Killen carving of a man and team plowing, which was left to me in my mother's estate.
I also have smalls of all sorts to go.
Basically I'd suggest you contact me with your wish list and we'll see what we can find - once the snow is gone and the tourists are here again I will be open 7 days a week and expect my collections to move fast, so perhaps checking out my inventory now is a good idea!
I am reaching the point in life where I want to do more of my own design projects and am also embarking on teaching online as my main occupation, so it makes sense to downsize. As well I am looking at some fairly extensive maintainance for my almost 200 year old home so reducing the stuff that will need to be pushed around from place to place makes a lot of sense to me!!!.

Labels: amish quilts, antique quilt tops, applique, calico, fabric for quilting, hand quilting, Nova Scotian Folk Art. Elmer Killen, quilt restoration, smalls, teaching quilting, vintage quilt kit, wholecloth

3:29 PM

Monday, December 31, 2007

HAPPY NEW YEAR and HAPPY SNOW DAY

We are having yet another "snow day" - time to stay close to the woodstove, drink tea and quilt - no complaints here! It's not even very cold and there is no wind, just steady light snow. Nothing out on the roads but the snowplows so it is very quiet here.
A couple of blogger friends have asked me to publish some tutorials about quiltmaking on my other blog
http://www.quiltingwithjanet.blogspot.com
so if you would like a tutorial, go on over there and leave a comment to that effect. To make it worth my while to pull some tutorials together I have asked to have at least 7 or 8 people interested.
Best wishes for a happy and peaceful new year to everyone!

Labels: quilting, quiltmaking, snowfall, tutorials

9:30 AM

Monday, December 24, 2007

MY BIG QUILT PROJECT FOR 2008

I finally finished appliquing the top of this original quilt I am working on. Ahead of me is a lot of hand embroidery to detail the flowers and leaves and then I will be ready to sandwich it with batting and backing, and proceed to hand quilt it.
This quilt will definitely be a one of a kind piece of folk art reflecting my coastal heritage in this corner of Atlantic Canada where the schooner Bluenose and msny others like her made a name for themselves and a living for those who sailed in them.
Although I will, I hope, make many more quilts, this one will be my best - without question, my best! I am considering various options for displaying, publicising and exposing this quilt so that many people can see it - thee are several options, including Province of Nova Scotia Art Purchase programme, purchase by a private collector, purchase for raffle, or as part of an entry to Early American Life's programme that publicises craftspeople and artisans who work in traditional methods. Perhaps first of all I need to finish it and go from there!!
In the New Year I am planning to limit my commissioned work to weekdays, leaving weekends and holidays to my own projects - so perhaps I will get it finished.
Meanwhile, I want to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy and productive New Year! Best to everyone!

Labels: handmade quilts, schooner Bluenose, season's greetings, top quality quilt

1:37 PM

Sunday, December 09, 2007

DOUBLESTENCIL AMERICAN HERITAGE FLORAL APPLIQUE QUILT KIT

Another wonderful find!! I've been really lucky lately. This one is a rare queen sized kit, 88x114 in excellent condition. In addition I also have the kit for the wallhanging shown above the bed in the picture. The small quilt is 40x40 so it can also be used as a crib quilt.
Again, I would love to make up one or both of these kits for you - the quilts will be entirely hand appliqued and hand quilted - guaranteed to become a family treasure.
In addition to this blog on my quilt studio website, I blog at http://www.quiltingwithjanet.blogspot.com and will be posting a picture there this evening of my most recent completed commission - an art quilt inspired by a painting of geese by Canadian First Nations artist Benjamin Chee Chee.

Labels: applique, art quilts, baltimore album kit, Benjamin Chee Chee, collectibles, custom ordered quilts, quiltmaking, vintage quilt kit

8:29 PM

Friday, November 30, 2007

VINTAGE PARAGON QUILT KITS

This lovely 90x108 kit is my most recent acquisition. Dating to the American Bicentennial in 1976, the kit is based on a quilt held in the Smithsonian Institution collection. The American Bicentennial celebration began a resurgence in the popularity of quiltmaking that continues to this day, and saw many marvellous kits designed and marketed. I also have in my collection a "Tree of Life" applique kit by Tobin and in addition, many cross stitch Paragon quilt kits from the same vintage period. All kits are of 100% cotton and usually the thread kits for the cross stitch quilts are much more colourfast than todays threads.

If interested in purchasing anything in my inventory, please contact me at mailto:janet@novascotiaquilts.com.

Labels: applique, cross stitch quilt kits, paragon, quilt kits, vintage

1:37 PM

Saturday, October 13, 2007

AN UPDATE ON MY FOLK ART INVENTORY

I thought it was time to give you an update on my current Nova Scotia Folk Art offerings. I have recently sold the following pieces: the string of fish decoys, the Neil Levy seagull ditto, and the wonderful Britannia(Samuel S. Cunard, Cunard Lines memoribilia) went this summer too.
I just noticed that I hadn't before showed you this Tom Rector Bird Tree. Tom, who is now deceased made very few of these - his specialty was "crotch men" made from crotched tree branches. This is another of the pieces that makes me smile whenever my eye lights on it. Somewhat primitive, but carved and polychromed with a sure eye for detail but whimsical sense of colour, I am offering these fellows as a surefire hit under someone's Christmas tree.
I will be adding pictures soon of a model of a cape islander fishing boat, and a harness race horse - two of the many maritime icons that are seen everywhere in the Atlantic Provinces.

Labels: Atlantic Provinces, bird tree, cape islander, Christmas, harness racehorse, Maritimes, Nova Scotia Folk Art, polychrome

12:36 PM

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

ATTENTION ALL RUG HOOKERS!

Putnam's dyes have long been the traditional standard of excellence for those artisans who prefer to dye their own rug wool. A lively market for vintage and antique Putnam's dyes and their marketing containers has grown up, as rug hookers and dyers have become collectors. These items also attract collectors of country store memoribilia.

Recently I was very fortunate to find this store counter case in brightly lithographed tin. As it is still in the mails to me I am waiting keenly to receive it so that I get a clearer picture of its dimensions and condition.

I am offering it for sale immediately so that those of you who know the scarcity of such an item can get in on the ground floor and speak for it. What a wonderful gift it would make for someone at Christmas! For further details, please contact me at mailto:janet@novascotiaquilts.com

Labels: country store collecticles, hand-dyers, hooked mats, hooked rugs, memoribilia, rug hookers

9:09 AM

Sunday, September 23, 2007

QUILT SHOW AND SALE - waiting!

Sunday, September 09, 2007

Nova Scotia Folk Art Gull

Pictured is a wonderful polychromed carved wooden seagull by Neil Levy of Blandford, Nova Scotia. Carved in 1997, this fellow has been inspiring my quilting for several months now and every time I pass him I simply can't resist running my hand over his smoothly curving body. He stands on a small piece of stained and varnished pine and his feet are a work of art in themselves.

This guy is extremely well-behaved and hasn't yet forgotten his manners as the wheeling seagulls down at the harbour are prone to do!

He's ready to fly from my home to yours!

Labels: Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia Folk Art, quilting

2:49 PM

Saturday, September 08, 2007

NEWS! Quilts at the Harbour has a dedicated website!

I'm pleased to tell you that our annual quilt show and sale in Hall's Harbour, Nova Scotia now has a dedicated and permanent website thanks to my daughter's generosity in doing the "techie" stuff. It will be a community service site and to cover the costs of domain name and hosting will carry google adsense ads.

Check out http://quiltsattheharbour.com/ for news leading up to the event this year, and afterwards for lots of pictures of the show itself - I will make sure to bring along my digital as will friends and other participants and hope to make it feel like you are there.

The picture above is of a vintage 1920's or 30's hooked rug which was probably hooked on a Garrett's printed burlap - these were sold throughout Canada via Eaton's catalogue and also by mail order through Garret's offices in New Glasgow, Halifax and Boston. Spruce Top Rugs in Mahone Bay have copies of the definitive work on Garrett Rugs, showing all the variations and styles which were offered.

http://www.sprucetoprughookingstudio.com

A firm in New Glasgow has purchased all the old patterns which were warehoused there for many years - they are now re-publishing the patterns.

http://www.ragstorugs.com/ is where you can look at these old patterns.

All for now, folks. Please contact me either through comments or email me at: mailto:janet@novascotiaquilts.com if you need further information.

In addition, there will be several other vintage hooked rugs for sale in addition to quilts, and quilty things.

Labels: antique, Hall's Harbour, hooked rugs, quilt show and sale, retro, vintage

11:35 AM

Tuesday, September 04, 2007

MY NEW BLOG - Quilting with Janet

I recently began a new blog and would like to make sure you have a look. It's called "Quilting with Janet" and is a more personal diary in which I would like to receive comments and questions and attempt to answer them. You can find this log at http://www.quiltingwithjanet.blogspot.com/ if this doesn't get you to the site, email and let me know and I will correct this post! I haven't had my morning coffee yet so anything is possible!

The picture to the left is the label from a wonderful Doublestencil kit I acquired recently - queen sized. At the same time I also acquired a crib or wallhanging size of the same design. I am ready to complete either one for you using my applique and handquilting skills.

Labels: applique, blogs about quilting., crib or wallhanging size, doublestencil, handquilting, queen sized quilt

10:45 AM

Monday, September 03, 2007

NOVA SCOTIA PATCHWORK

Pictured on the left is the front cover of a great quilting book by Carter Houck; it has long been out of print. I have collected several copies of this 1981 Dover first edition. Included are 12 traditional quilting patterns with full sized templates and instructions, including layout sketches. There is an interesting history section and if you have seen others of Ms. Houck's books you know you are in for a treat.

I am offering these collector's items for sale at the price of $22.95 plus postage but cannot guarantee their availability past September 29, at which time I will offer them for sale at our upcoming Quilt Show and Sale - check out another recent posting for info on this show.

I had collected these books to use in a planned quilting retreat and workshop that did not happen for lack of participants - if any of you are still interested contact me soon as once these books are gone, so is the opportunity for the workshop.

Labels: Carter Houck, quilting books, traditional quilting patterns

12:18 PM

Saturday, September 01, 2007

MY BEST QUILT YET!!

I just finished this top today and since it is a lovely early fall day I took it outside and photographed it. I will have to wait until I have quilted it and have it professionally photographed to show you the whole quilt, I am just not set up to display a quilt of this size here at my studio. However, it will finish to about 86x106 inches when done and will be heavily handquilted in very traditional quilting patterns. This quilt is without a doubt the best quilt I will ever do and the person who commissions its completion will have a one of a kind, original design that is informed by the tradition of the baltimore album quilt but goes well beyond that concept. Of course it is entirely hand-appliqued and will be hand quilted.

I am planning on submitting this quilt to our provincial government's Art Purchase Programme providing the cut off dates are good, but am displaying it here in case there is someone out there who is thinking of buying it for their private collection. I did have interest in it expressed by a couple of visitors from British Columbia, so will give hem the opportunity of first refusal.

Labels: applique, best yet, original design, queen sized quilt

3:22 PM

FREE WILLIE - polychromed carving - Nova Scotia Folk Art

You're looking at my newest Nova Scotia Folk Art acquisition. This is "Free Willie" a carved and painted piece by Jean Marc Poirier, Cape Breton Island, completed in 2002. Apparently Mr. Poirier stopped working for a few years after this piece was made, but has begun again in recent years and is generating great interest now among collectors.
I hope I can find more of his work - it's the kind of Folk Art that causes me to smile when I look at it. Especially, note the wonderful colour and depiction of waves on the stand.
I'm so happy to have Willie with me for a while, overseeing my work as a quiltmaker - I know he will be my muse when I embark on the Dolphin quilt I expect to be making soon!

Labels: Jean-Marc Poirier, Nova Scotia Folk Art, quilts

9:29 AM

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

QUILT SHOW AND SALE - HALL'S HARBOUR, NS

Our annual quilt show and sale is just around the corner! "Quilts At The Harbour 9" will be held on Saturday September 29 from 10 to 5, and on Sunday September 30 from Noon until 5.

As usual, we are planning a bake table, free refreshments, an exiting "gently used" table of bargains for quilters and the opportunity to meet friends, compare quilting ideas and perhaps purchase a quilt that will become a family heirloom.We expect there will be some vintage hooked rugs for sale as well as lovely family heirloon quilts for display only.

If you would like to display a quilt or two (or more!!) please email me for particulars. We would love to hear from you, too, if you have quilting fabric or books or notions to put on the gently used table.

If you want to come and enjoy looking at a large variety of lovely quiilts in a wonderful small country church dating to the 1840's pleae come along. Your free will offering and a percentage on items sold will go to benefit this lovely small rural church. Last year we were able to raise approximately $600 for that purpose.

For a map giving directions to Hall's Harbour scroll down this page - the show will be held in the West Hall's Harbour United Baptist Church on West Hall's Harbour Road. Watch for the bright OPEN banner and our sandwich board sign. Wheelchair accessible and washroom facilities. Bus tours welcome!

Labels: Hall's Harbour, Quilt show

7:13 PM

Sunday, August 05, 2007

A RECENT QUILT

I want to show you a quilt I just finished piecing this morning. It is 50x64 inches - a good snuggle size - and is made from about a dozen different co-ordinated fabrics reproduced from the 1830 to 1880 time period. Featured are fabrics in the indigo and cheddar colourways by Margo Krager. When finished, the quilt will be bound in a dark blue print. This quilt is in a simple, timeless style and can be completed and shipped to you at a cost of $525USD anywhere in North America. Elsewhere shipping will be a little more.
I think my major quiltmaking strengths are in colour choice and design, and I am thrilled by how this one has turned out.
I have so many ideas for using my extensive fabric collection - perhaps you would like me to design something for you using your favourite colours and size.



I am feeling very creative these days as the weather has finally improved and is now more typical of summer on the North Atlantic seacoast, instead of the steamy tropics. Working hard to finish up a couple of commissions and get on to new projects!

Labels: custom ordered quilts, quilt design, quilts

12:06 PM

Friday, July 13, 2007

Nova Scotia Folk Art

The most prominent family of folk artists in Nova Scotia today is the Naugler family of Lunenburg County. There are three bothers, Leo, Ransford and Bradford, their sister Verna Naugler/Zwicker and Leo's son.

Every year their work sells out as soon as it is displayed at the Lunenburg Folk Festival and Sale.

I am very fortunate to own several carvings by Leo - a gigantic yellow flying fish, several decorated framed mirrors and a whimsical birdhouse. Best of all, I currently own a painting by each of the three brothers and they are all for sale.

First Ransford Naugler's "Farm" with wonderful vibrant colours, the ubiquitous Nova Scotian seagull and telephone wires picked out in gilding. Check the picture with this post.

Next comes Bradford Naugler's "Green Bay Farm" - a large square oil on quarter inch ply with a great country singer type guy walking along a beach beside a field with cows and a farm building alongside a road - again those seagulls are perching here and there.

The final painting is by Leo Naugler - entitled "Fishing" complete with decorated frame - a Leo Naugler trademark. Wonderful!! You'll love it when you see it!

My website is now resulting in sales of folk art across North America and I still have many great pieces to post - keep watching.

Meanwhile, the string of Ontario carved and painted fish decoys has gone to a new home, and the diorama of the first Samuel S. Cunard steamship has just sold.

Labels: Naugler, Nova Scotia Folk Art, paintings

3:03 PM

Sunday, March 18, 2007

QUILT PROJECT KITS

As I prepare to launch my new website http:// www.simplequiltmaking.com, I've been thinking about quilt project kits. Like all passionate quiltmakers, I have a fabric stash so large that 3 full lifetimes wouldn't see me deplete it all! lol.
It's time to share some of this wonderful quilt shop quality stash and what better way than using it to introduce newer quiltmakers to http://www.simplequiltmaking.com ? I have lovely prints and solids (100% cotton of course!) in just about all colours of the rainbow, although I must admit I haven't collected heavily in the "brights" and cutesy departments. No orange, no lime green (called by some "the new neutral") and no poodles taking a beauty bath or dancing in ballet skirts. Just lots of lovely classic prints and repro fabrics from the 1800's and the 1930's. I also have some pretty calicos of 1970's 1980's vintage and lots of thimbleberries.
I would like to assess whether there is any interest in my providing this sort of service - the kits will contain pre-cut and seam line marked fabric sufficient to successfully complete the quilt project outlined in the included instructional leaflet, and will also include suggestions for backing and type and size of quilt batt, optionally, these materials can be included at additional cost. In addition, you can feel free to contact me for clarification if any problems come up that you need help with while you are working on your project.
Any interest? Let's talk, and we'll see if I can supply you. mailto:janet@novascotiaquilts.com

Labels: how-to-quilt, quilt kits

8:58 AM

Friday, December 22, 2006

holiday greetings

Peace and goodwill to all! May we treat our fellow man as we wish to be treated in the new year.

Labels: holiday

10:36 AM

Thursday, December 21, 2006

my new quilting site - www.simplequiltmaking.com

I've been talking about setting up a new website that features 'learn to quilt simply' lessons, lots of helpful tips and op-ed pieces, plus methods to stretch your abilities with design, colour and fabric sense ideas. I'm one step closer! - I've chosen my domain name and a site under construction will be appearing in the next few days. Meanwhile my site is parked and can be accessed but has no content.
If you would like to start from scratch at quiltmaking, or go to the next step from Yellow Brick Road or rag quilts, and create something similar to the pictured quilt in today's post, why not drop me a line and I will put you on my list to notify you when I'm completely up and running?

Labels: how to quilt, learn to quilt, quilt

10:57 AM

Thursday, November 02, 2006

How to Quilt: Lesson 1 - Getting Started

What do you really need to buy before you get started on quilting? What do you need to know to get started? Many people cannot believe that it is as simple as it is, and certainly those who sell quilting supplies want to sell you as much as possible, so make it appear complicated.
First, as to the needed abilities. You really only need to know how to thread a needle - everything else can be learned step by step as you progress from one level to the next, and you will find the whole process makes sense if you learn it this way.
Next, on to supplies. You should buy a good quality packet of assorted needles and a pack of glass headed long pins; a spool of piecing thread in a lighter rather than darker colour - all cotton, please; and a spool of hand quilting thread, also all cotton in a light, neutral colour. A larger pair of scissors or shears, a cheap mechanical pencil - office supply firms carry them in packs of 4 or 5, and an accurate clear acrylic ruler, marked to a quarter inch at least. Many of these supplies are found in most households and until you see whether you wish to carry through on the process of learning to quilt, you don't need anything more specific. Finally you will need some sort of flat plastic for templates - for now the larger margarine tub lids will be just fine. Your cash outlay should be considerably less than $10.
And last, but perhaps most important, you will need some pieces of the very best quality 100% cotton you can buy - check out the sale shelf at your local quilt shop, their remnant bin, or pick up about three fat quarters in your favourite colours and patterns - there! you're ready to go!! If you really want to keep the cash outlay down cadge some bits from a quilting friend or check out your local thrift store for pieces of clothing in 100% woven cotton - it should be possible to find lots of gently worn clothes very cheaply.
Do you want to move on to the next lesson? In it we will make and finish a hotpad - small enough to be possible, but containing all the basics of making a much larger quilt and then quilting it!!
Contact me and I'll put you on my mailing list and as soon as my website is ready you'll be getting a link to it from me, and you can start to "Learn to Quilt".
janet@novascotiaquilts.com

Labels: learn-to-quilt, quilting notions, quilting supplies

10:50 AM

Saturday, October 28, 2006

Learn to Quilt

Would you like to learn to quilt, in your own home, with a minimum of purchased items and the freedom to schedule your sessions at any time convenient to you, without having to travel to a class? All this for the small monthly sum of $10.99 - less than the cost of gas to a weekly class. All you need to know is how to thread a needle - I will coach you in the rest!
For some time now, I've been thinking of creating a website that would enable you to do just that - a website that would have instructional materials geared to whatever level you are at; that would have tips and hints not available in most regular classrooms; that would allow you to instant access an experienced and friendly quilter with your questions, ideas or problems. In addition to this, you would be able to post pictures of your triumphs, meet other learners, read interesting articles on quilt history, repair, restoration, designing, colour and pattern choices etc. The picture above is of a quilt which would be well within the capacity of a confident beginner, which you can be if you choose to learn with me.
I'd really like to hear from you with your views - would you be interested in a teaching schedule you decide upon, an instructional programme free from the need to own a sewing machine or other expensive gizmos - in other words - the picture of a quilt artist working peacefully in a warmly comfortable room with your choice of music or audio novel playing in the background, a pot of tea simmering on the woodstove - perhaps a dear friend working with you? This peaceful and creative image could be you!!! Contact me at janet@novascotiaquilts.com with your comments and questions. I will add you to my list and keep you informed of the progress of this plan.

4:32 PM

Thursday, September 14, 2006

A quilt using Den Haan and Wagenmaker fabric

You can imagine how pleased I was to purchase a large sampler box of Den Haan and Wagenmaker's beautiful Dutch Chintzes and documentary East Indian fabrics. These fabrics first came to Holland as extremely costly imports via the Dutch East Indies Company in the early 1700's. They quickly became the favoured fabrics to make house furnishings and were also used in the distinctive regional costumes we have all seen and admired. These fabrics are very similar to the "indiennes" so popular over the centuries in the Provence area of southern France and as produced today by Soulieado and Pierre Deux.
You can commission me to make you a quilt using these luxury fabrics and inspired by traditional European and North American quilt patterns. I've provided a picture of the fabrics(sorry it's such a poor one - I will eventually learn to use a digital camera) along with several ideas here and to view several made up quilts you can visit either Reproduction Fabric or the Den Haan and Wagenmaker site. At some point this winter, I plan to start a quilt using these fabrics - if you act now, you can be involved in choosing the size and design of this quilt and can become its happy owner!
http://www.reproductionfabric.com
http://www.dutchquilts.com

If you are planning to attend our small community's quilt show next weekend, be sure to check below for details or contact me at mailto:janet@novascotiaquilts.com for more details, especially if you wish to show a quilt.

1:33 PM

Thursday, September 07, 2006

A short note to local viewers

The quilt pictured above is my interpretation of a painting by Daphne Odjig, a Canadian First Nations artist. The quilt was commissioned by a British Columbia art dealer.
And........If you are looking for further info on the upcoming Quilt Show on Sept 23 and 24 in Hall's Harbour, please email me - janet@novascotiaquilts.com

1:00 PM

handcrafted quilts - a variety of choices

Talking with a prospective customer the other day I realized something about my particular skills in quiltmaking. Many quilters express a lack of confidence in their colour choices when making a quilt and tend to rely on quilt fabric shops to choose their fabrics for them. This often results in a stiffness or formula-like use of colour. Colour choice is a particular skill that I can use to your advantage in helping you to arrive at fabric choices for your quilt - I have a very strong colour sense. Another area where I feel that I excel is in my self-imposed demands for total accuracy - for me,every seam and point and corner must line up, and to do this I often find that hand rather than machine piecing results in the highest level of accuracy. Shown above is a queen sized jacob's ladder variation made recently for a jewellry artist from Seattle. We arrived at the final colour and pattern choices by a combination of email and snail mail and the customer was very pleased with the resulting quilt.
When you choose a keepsake, handcrafted quilt from me you can choose from several different sources: I can design and construct a quilt totally from start to finish - a contemporary classic or a quilt strongly influenced by my respect for the quilters of the nineteenth century; or I can complete one of many different vintage and antique quilt tops in my collection - I collect vintage tops using the criteria that they must be carefully constructed and strong enough to withstand being handquilted and used, which includes the occasional wash. Finally, you might choose to have me make up one of the classic kits I have collected by Yours Truly, Hearthside Quilts of Vermont, Progress, Tobin, Doublestencil and Paragon - these kits include wholecloth quilts, applique quilts and cross stitch quilts from the exciting American Bicentennial period around 1976 and before, when the huge resurgence in the popularity of quiltmaking crested in North America. For quilters who woould prefer to purchase these kits in original condition, that can be arranged - just email me with your requirements.
The definitive statement about my handcrafted quilts is made when one of my customers comes back to have another quilt made - this happens frequently and some customers are on their 4th or 5th quilt. All quilts are made of 100% fine cotton fabrics, using top quality Quilter's Dream cotton batting for ease of care - just wash and dry on gentle/warm cycles in your machine, using an oxy-clean type, non detergent washing agent.
Quilts vary in size from wallhanging, through crib and youth bed sizes, snuggle/lap quilts, single, double, queen and king and are priced according to a combination of size and complexity of patrern and quilting stitches. Hand quilting always.

9:40 AM

Tuesday, September 05, 2006

a map to get to the quilt show

2:40 PM

Hall's Harbour 2006 Quilt Show: Quilts at the Harbour

Saturday, June 03, 2006

about ship diorama, vintage cross stitch quilts, vintage quilt tops and more

Hello to everyone: It's been so long since I posted that I hardly know where to start. Spring is far along - everything is blooming and the tourists and day trippers are coming out to visit this lovely little Bay of Fundy community.
I do want to thank everyone for all the orders and commissions I have received - several customers are working with me on their fourth or fifth quilt! Thank you too to all the people who looked at my website after having been referred because of their interest in yoyo quilts - I had no idea when I mentioned them that so many people are interested.

I have recently acquired several very lovely "new to me" Paragon and Progress vintage cross stitch quilt kits, some of which such as "Songbirds" and the "Liberty" quilt based on he Smithsonian quilt collection are rare and hard to find. I have also picked up a wonderful double wedding ring quilt top with a pale lavendar background showing off wonderful thirties prints. These quilt tops are so nice for your vintage decor and are awaiting your request for me to finish one for you.

Another of my interests is nautical collectibles and I recently acquired one of the nicest ship dioramas I have ever seen - it is a rendering of the first transatlantic steamship launched in 1840 by Samuel S. Cunard of Halifax, Nova Scotia who successfully bid for the contract for transatlantic carriage of the Royal Mail.
From this 1840 beginning with the Britannia, he developed the Cunard Steamship line which culminated in the legendary luxury liners Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth.

It is not often that so much is known about a ship depicted in a diorama, and in addition to its attractiveness to collectors of Cunard memrabilia, it is without any flaws and is extremely well executed by someone (in the 1920's I'm guessing) who was fully conversant with all the details of such a ship. It was found in England.

Having researched and looked at many dioramas recently, I am confident that the serious collector of folk art, nautical vintage and antique items, ships portraits and dioramas wuld be proud to own this lovely one-of-a-kind piece. Please contact me by email - you can find this on my contact page - if you want to know more about this treasure.

10:35 AM

Friday, December 02, 2005

Yoyo quilts, fish decoys and quilt retreats

A view of my string of fish decoys used in Ontario for ice fishing. These fish decoys have some age - I would say 50 years or so and have the original dry, chippy paint in wonderful strong colours. Nice gift for a collector of fish decoys or folk art in general.

I notice many people are still finding my site through their searches for Yoyo quilts so I want to update you - my vintage yoyo quilts have arrived, are lovely and in good shape as described - clearly the work of a skilled needleworker - various sizes, scrappy colour arrangements, all vintage fabrics. Contact me at janet@novascotiaquilts.com with your size requirement and I will get back to you immediately.

My Christmas ornaments and needlecases are sold out, but I still have several counted cross stitch bookmarks in primitive, folky style.

I am already working on plans for our 8th Annual Quilts at the Harbour Show and Sale to take place the last full weekend in September of 2006. In conjunction with this, we are considering running a three retreat - several possible subjects present themselves: 1)history and techniques of quilting in Nova Scotia 2) design and make a small quilt entirely by hand and 3) developing a good hand-quilting stitch using a small wholecloth quilt block either of commercial design or using some lovely sets of wholecloth designs available to me.
This retreat would take place the three days following the show and would include lodging in one of several small bed and breakfast or vacation suites in the interesting small community of Hall's Harbour and would consist of daily 10-5 workshops including a catered lunch. All supplies provided. Breakfast and dinner would be the responsibility of the participant. If your non-quilting significant other is with you, there are lots of activities such as golf, kayaking, vineyard tours etc to occupy the time, our weather is still very good and the light still lingers in the evening, so your days can be as full as you want to make them. Please get back to me asap if interested as plans will need to be firmed up and spaces are limited.

Thank you all for your confidence in my quilts - I now am working on orders that I expect will keep me busy up into the late spring.

8:59 AM

Sunday, October 02, 2005

A treasure-trove of yoyo quilts