The Colour of the Year for 2010

Pantone, the global authority on colour, has announced Pantone 15-5519 Turquoise as the colour of the year for 2010. Combining the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green, Turquoise evokes thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a languorous, effective escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of well-being. (Just what we need today - the temperature is minus 14!)

Whether envisioned as a tranquil ocean surrounding a tropical island or a protective stone warding off evil spirits, Turquoise is a colour that most people respond to positively according to the Pantone Color Institute. It is universally flattering, has appeal for men and women, and translates easily to fashion and interiors. With both warm and cool undertones, Turquoise pairs nicely with any other colour in the spectrum. Turquoise adds a splash of excitement to neutrals and browns, complements reds and pinks, creates a classic maritime look with deep blues, livens up all other greens, and is especially trend-setting with yellow-greens.

Maybe we should be looking through our stash to find the turquoise fabrics for our 2010 quilts?

Quilters' Connection Magazine

I have just received my second issue of the new Canadian quilting magazine, Quilters' Connection. This is even bigger and better than the first issue. I was pleased to have my little wall quilt, Share the Spirit, included in this issue of the magazine. I used fabrics from the Northcott Winter Sports flannel collection.

This is a quick and easy project to make and can be easily enlarged to make a bigger quilt. The editors of the magazine did a wonderful job of presenting this project in the magazine. Congratulations to all!

Here is a picture of the quilt showing different sports in the centre square. Full instructions for this project are included in the magazine.

A Fibre Friends Christmas: Part 3

Here are more pictures of our Fibre Friend's quilts:

Nellie made this scrappy quilt for Dyane.

Christine used this challenging large peacock print for Linda's quilt.

Linda made this quilt for Marilee.

And here we are with our wonderful new quilts. Thanks, everyone, for doing such creative work with this year's Fibre Friends' quilts!

A Fibre Friends Christmas: Part 2

Here are some of the quilts made by our Fibre Friends group.

Cheryl made this "girly" quilt for Christine.

I made Cheryl's quilt with this wonderful red and black fabric that she gave me.

Dyane made Nellie's quilt complete with music fabric.

Marilee made this quilt for Trudy.

Watch tomorrow's blog for the rest of the pictures of our Fibre Friend's quilts!

A Fibre Friends Christmas: Part 1

Our Fibre Friends group meets once a month for lunch and an afternoon of stitching. Every January we exchange bags of fat quarters and then have until December to make a quilt for one of our friends. On Friday we met at Dyane's house for the 2009 exchange.

Dyane's home was a Christmas wonderland! Have a look at some of her decorations.

This drum was used by Dyane's father many years ago and now she uses it to display some of her many stuffed doll and teddy bears.

A closer look at the teddy bears.

The fireplace mantle is decorated with hand-made choristers.

A closer look at the choristers

Dyane served a wonderful lunch with the help of her husband, Rene

And, of course, my favourite part - dessert!

Watch tomorrow's blog for some pictures of the amazing quilts we received.

Sad News from The Quilt Project

This press release from The Quilt project has recently been released:

THE QUILT PROJECT TO WIND UP OPERATIONS
After 11 years of service and raising over $1.8 for Support for People Living with Cancer, the Board of Directors of The Quilt Project has made the difficult decision to discontinue the project. The organization has begun winding up operations, in accordance with the registered charity requirements of Canada Revenue Agency.

WHY?
Discontinuing an organization dedicated to raising funds to support people living with cancer was not an easy decision. We have been challenged by the current economic situation and the budget shortfall arising from organizations and individuals reducing overall donation dollars to The Quilt Project. The Board was encouraged to make this difficult decision at this time because a number of organizations raising money for Cancer now provide funds for support programs. We are justifiably proud to note that the early groundbreaking work done by The Quilt Project has translated into support being provided by many mainstream fundraisers.

THANKS TO ALL
We want to thank all the quilt donors, sponsors, volunteers and staff who have been a part of our 11 year journey. Carol Miller - as founder and visionary - has been the single most significant contributor to the success of The Quilt. Her dedication and determination are an inspiration to many. We thank her on behalf of The Quilt Project for her years of service.Again, we thank you for your support over the past 11 years. Should you have any questions or concerns, we invite you to contact our office at 519-272-2588 or via email to quiltinfo@thequilt.com.Mark Wiltshire and Gail Johnson Morris, Co-chairs on Behalf of the Board of Directors

You can read more about this organization here.

Stitchers' Angel Project

This fall I was part of the "Stitchers' Angel Swap" organized by my friend, Helen Stubbings from Tasmania. All participants were to make 3 projects and send them on to their Angel partner. Last week I received my bag of goodies from Becky in Bountiful, Utah. Not only were there the 3 stitchery projects, but also a collection of great little sewing tools, a pillow project and a 12 Days of Christmas panel. Thanks, Becky! It was just like opening a big Christmas present.

Here are the stitchery projects:

Needle Case

Tote Bag and Pincushion

And here are all the extra treats!