Sew Karen-ly Created: Original designs for today's busy quilters
The quilts were stunning, and displayed so well in this setting. 
Betty MacDonald had several pieces in this show. Her hand quilting is exquisite, and her stitches unbelievably tiny. It's always a special treat to see Betty's work.
I have to admit my favourite was this Oopsey Daisy Quilt by Jean Matthews. The colours of those 30's reproduction fabrics worked so well with the pattern she chose. And look how these feathers are quilted - I love it!
It's been a whirlwind of a week, and I've got tons of pictures to share from our Fibre Arts Festival. I will work away at posting those over the next few days as the dust begins to settle. Here is a display in another window at Pugsley's Pharmacy on Victoria Street. I'd love to snuggle under this in my bed at Christmas; it's a beautifully rendered combination of patchwork and appliqué, finished with a striking scalloped border.
There are several dolls displayed in the window, stitched by pharmacist/owner Beth, who also happens to be chair of the Downtown Amherst Revitalization Society. She is a woman of many talents.
Another too-clean window to get a good shot, but if you look past the glare you can see a lovely hand-stitched fan quilt as well as two embroidered baby quilts.
Nancy Burke had a delightful display of traditional hooking. I really liked her style.
This was interesting to see the same image expressed in two different mediums: quilting and hooking.
There are lots more pictures to post of the day which I greatly enjoyed with fellow blogger Linda - there's just not enough day left to post them all. Stay tuned. Tomorrow is the second and last day of the presentation of my Meadow Song workshop.
This crew of volunteers has been busy getting quilts completed, and were working at basting another...
while Karen and Sherri quilted more:
Perhaps tomorrow I will win this lovely basket of goodies!
For more information on the Tantramar Chapter of Victoria Quilts phone 667-3294.
At the other end of the room, was a "Dear Phyllis" Help Desk set up. Folks could bring in a project they were needing help with and quilting experts Phyllis, Pat and Kathy would solve the problem.
My "use what's at hand" approach surprised a few; nothing was said when I hauled out the coffee filters, or traced the roll of masking tape for the yo-yo circles, but when I demonstrated the use of the tack and wine cork one the participants piped up with, "what are you - the McGyver of quilting?" That was funny :))
The day could have been longer, as the time passed all too quickly. The crew from Shelburne will notice that I am not posting our "Christmas card picture" - I think we need a retake on that one, girls!
This is the stage where Donnie Miller's play "Going To Pieces" will be presented. 
A quilt by Amherst's Phyllis Cameron graced the front of the stage. 
It garnered lots of attention.
Tomorrow is the first of my two Meadow Song workshops. The class is full and I am looking forward to seeing the colours and fabrics which participants have chosen for their quilts. Watch for pictures.
Each year during Fibre Arts Festival, dayle's Department Store sponsors a quilt block contest. Each participant begins with the same background fabric to make a 12" block. 
It's wonderful to see how different each block looks with the fabrics and techniques chosen by the maker.
You can see hand and machine appliqué, patchwork, and foundation-piecing techniques.
I spy fellow blogger Linda's block in this group:
Winners are chosen by a draw of entrant's names. Top prize is that very generous basket of goodies as well as 20 of the blocks. The remaining blocks are also drawn for.
If you are in Amherst, N.S. this week for the Fibre Arts Festival, be sure to stop into the dry good department located on the second floor of dayles, to see all the blocks. The draw will take place on October 16th.
Located downtown at 33 Church Street, it is a delight for the senses.
Wouldn't you love to open a box at breakfast and pour out a bowl of this type of fibre.?! Beats bran anyday!
Yesterday saw the close of the 2010 Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention National Conference which took place in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia from October 4-7. Conference organizers had commissioned members of the Mayflower Quilt Guild for the creation of ten small star quilts all using the same pattern and some key colours. I had shown snippets of mine on this blog as I worked on it, but the full quilt may now be shown. The piece finished at 18" square.
The Star Quilt is a First Nations tradition, given to someone at a time in their life when they achieve an accomplishment. These quilts were presented to the keynote speaker as well as volunteers. It was a unique and meaningful gift and I applaud the organizers for coming up with the idea to use quilts made by Nova Scotian quilters. Mine was quilted using Invisifil thread, the first time I had used it, and I am very pleased with the results this lovely, fine thread produces. The feathery circles quilted in the corner of the stars are meant to resemble dream catchers.
Yesterday a box of beautiful Benartex fabrics in luscious spring colours arrived. These fabrics will be shown at Fall Market in Houston later this month. With luck, there may be a star or two in this box also...
