We’re pleased to have Brother Canada  as a Quilt Canada Platinum Sponsor.  “We’re proud to be involved in such a celebrated event,” says JoAnne Cockerton, Home Appliance Division Manager of Brother Canada. “Quilt Canada has been bringing together like-minded quilting enthusiasts for many years now, and we hope that our partnership will keep it going for many years to come. This is an important initiative that helps to promote this wonderful, creative form of art and expression.”

Of course, we’re all familiar with Brother, a company that produces so many of those products we can’t do without, including a full range of easy-to-use sewing, quilting and embroidery machines. In fact, some years ago we bought our daughter a Brother sewing machine – a machine that she still uses to this day for everything from craft sewing to quilting.

Brother Canada will feature a full selection of these machines in their booth at the Quilt Canada Merchant Mall in the Kelly’s Creative Sewing booth. Beginner and veteran sewers are encouraged to stop by the booth for a demonstration of the various built-in features of these state-of-the-art machines.

You’ll want to see the new Limited Edition Laura Ashley NX-2000, with 420 built-in stitches, with fabric thickness sensor, 5 quilt feet, a bobbin work kit and a huge extension table.

Or take a close look at the the utility quilt machine NX-450Q that includes 129 built-in stitches, a quilting table for added support as well as a knee lifter for easy fabric control as you piece and sew your quilts.

Brother Canada is delighted to supply the NS-40 sewing machines that will be used in a number of the quilt workshops at Quilt Canada. This machine has 7 point feed dogs that makes for easy, accurate piecing.

Good news if you’re in the market for a new sewing machine! After the classes are over, these gently used machines will be available for purchase at the show from Kelly’s Creative Sewing at the amazing sale price of $488.00. This includes $95.00 of quilt accessories – walking foot, ¼ inch foot and free-motion foot (regular price with extra accessories is $644.96)  You can reserve your NS-40 machine right now at Kelly’s Creative Sewing, 804 Main Street, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia 902-435-7380 OR visit their booth in the Quilt Canada Merchant Mall. These machines come with a full warranty from Kelly’s. BUT BE WARNED - there are limited quantities, so reserve your machine now!

Our thanks to Brother Canada for their support to Quilt Canada 2012!

In Japanese, the word Janome (pronounced Ja-NO-me) means “eye of the snake.”  The company earned the name in the 1920s when founder Yosaku Ose, a pioneer in Japanese sewing manufacturing, began to use a round metal bobbin system instead of the traditional long shuttle common at the time. The Japanese thought the new round bobbin looked like a snake’s eye, and from the innovative design, a name was born. Janome has been leading the industry with innovation ever since.

 In 1960, Janome came to North America with the purchase of long-time U.S. sewing machine manufacturer “New Home”. Under this name, Janome developed computerized sewing for the home as well as  the first professional style embroidery machines for home use.

Janome has built on that innovative heritage, becoming a world leader in robotic technologies and has made continued advances in sewing machine technology. The company now has sewing divisions around the world, including Canada, Mexico, Europe, Australia, India, Africa, South America and throughout the Pacific Rim of Asia.

 Their sewing machine technology has come a long way in a relatively short time. In 1979, Janome technology introduced the world’s first programmable, computer sewing machine – the MEMORY 7. Today, Janome’s Memory Craft computer models consistently stand out in the industry for their ease of use and precise stitch results. Their latest? The amazing Memory Craft 12000, a powerful and sophisticated home machine, with patented stepping motor technology and industry-leading software.

Yet equally as important as their innovative technology is the mission behind it. They know the most important thing about their products is not the machines themselves, but what you create with them. The better your tools, the more inventive, artistic and pleasurable your sewing experience. They tell me that’s why they design their machines for  performance,  but also for  comfort, quality and intuitive ease of operation. They want their products to inspire, not intimidate – because the most important function their sewing machines perform is to set  free your creativity.  A visit to Janome’s life blog clearly shows the possibilities. 

As a proud Quilt Canada Platinum Sponsor, Janome has provided 120 sewing machines for classroom use. According to Janome, “using a classroom machine may be just the opportunity you need to experience all of the convenience that a new sewing machine can offer. For instance, the 4120 offers an automatic thread cutter that saves time, countless thread snips, and allows you to sew all the more efficiently.  The lightweight structure of this full-sized machine is also a pleasant surprise that will make taking it along to classes all the more enjoyable.” 

In fact, Janome will make these classroom machines available at their BEST PRICE EVER to Quilt Canada attendees. If you’re in the market for a new sewing machine, here’s your chance! A few years ago, I replaced my trusty old sewing machine with Janome’s Memory Craft 6600 and until then, had no idea what I had been missing in features. Be sure to visit the Janome booth in the Merchant Mall to find out more about this special pricing.

Our thanks to Janome for their commitment and support to Quilt Canada 2012!

One of our Bronze Sponsors, the Fibre Art Network (FAN) is a co-operative of self-defined art quilters based in Western Canada. The co-operative was first conceived in the spring of 1997 and was operational later that year. The group is committed to promoting quilting as an art form and supporting and promoting each other as artists. 

Circle of Friends by Margie Davidson

Members of FAN come solely from Western Canada – British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, the Yukon and the Northwest Territories. Members share their learning and their news in a monthly newsletter and through their web site. It is a long distance meeting of minds that spans artistic challenges as well as geographic ones.

Purse by Debbie Tyson

Any artistic endeavour benefits from the sharing of ideas and approach. FAN members connect through joint exhibits and through an annual retreat that helps them take their art to a new level. The cooperative supports the fellowship of like-minded friends and provides the opportunity to celebrate differences.

Who are FAN members? Membership is broadly based – from emerging fibre artists to teachers, authors, judges and award winning artists who have already gained notice for their work. Many have shown their work nationally and internationally and some have gained widespread recognition as art quilters.

Eagle Sanctuary by Vivian Kapusta

If you visit the Gallery on the FAN web site, you will see simply stunning quilts from a number of FAN members. If you are attending Quilt Canada, you will have the chance to see the work of FAN members first-hand. In their exhibition, with the theme From Away, members of FAN will show us the results of their creative journey in interpreting this broadly-based theme. Be sure to visit Dalhousie’s Risley Hall, shown here on the Quilt Canada Map, and be prepared to see some very interesting artworks. As many exhibits are available to travel, please contact FAN through their website to inquire about hosting a FAN exhibit in your community.

Thank you to members of the Fibre Art Network for your support for Quilt Canada.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU – to all of you who took up the challenge and created your own Catch of the Day bag, and then sent them on to us for Quilt Canada 2012!

When we first saw the design for the Catch of the Day bag, designed by Karen Miller of Nova Scotia, we knew this was something special and a perfect fit for Quilt Canada 2012. BUT when we posted the pattern on September 9th last year, we had no idea how many quilters would actually take up the challenge and not only make the bag, but generously  share the finished product with another quilter attending Quilt Canada.

We should have known! Time and time again, quilters across this country dig deep into their stash, apply some creativity, and donate the result of their efforts to local charities, good causes, and to other quilters.

The Catch of the Day bag is no exception. We have received a grand total of 693 bags from all over the country – and you all deserve a huge THANK YOU!  I had the pleasure of peeking at the bags last week and each one is as striking as the next one. You can see from the photos in this blog post the sheer variety of colour and pattern – and I’m in awe of the creative embellishing that makes each one unique.

For those attending Quilt Canada, the Catch of the Day bags will be a special treat, sure to be kept, well-used and treasured as a reminder of their time here.

WELL DONE, EVERYONE! AND THANK YOU!!!!!!

We’re pleased to have Fun With Stitches join us as a Bronze Sponsor and also as a vendor in the Quilt Canada Merchant Mall.

According to owner Gail Bax: “Quilt Canada is a wonderful opportunity for us,  not only to present the latest to others, but to get inspired ourselves and appreciate the talent of others.”

Fun With Stitches opened in 1994 to fill a need in the community of Belleville, Ontario for quilters – including Gail herself! Today, I guess you could call Fun With Stitches a ‘full service’ quilt shop. A Janome dealer, Gail carries a full line of sewing machines and sergers.

Along with 3000 plus bolts of fabric, the shop carries an array of quilting notions, patterns and books to inspire those who visit. If you’re in the Belleville area, you no doubt are already aware of the many varied classes  that change quarterly and run year round. The quilt pictured here is Northern Wilderness, one of the many interesting quilt kits on her web site.

The Fun With Stitches booth in the Merchant Mall will feature a fabric that you don’t see very often – Bold over Batiks. A striking array of colour and pattern that I can’t wait to see in person – they look yummy!

And don’t forget Fun with Stitches is one of the merchants in the Virtual Market Place where they are offering 20% off any kit (hmmm…. Northern Wilderness, perhaps?) OR 1 month free on a Block of the Month OR 20% off a $100 purchase in-store or at the Quilt Canada Merchant Mall.  Just use Coupon Code fwscoup at checkout on their web site or bring the Coupon Code with you to the Merchant Mall. Something to think about – maybe a belated Mother’s Day gift to yourself?

Thanks to Fun With Stitches for their support to Quilt Canada 2012. We can’t wait to visit you in the Merchant Mall.

And, to all of you Mom’s out there, HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

Redfern Enterprises, a Quilt Canada Silver Sponsor, is North America’s premier provider of innovative home products. Proud to be the ‘biggest little company in North America’, Redfern’s top quality products, professional product representation and friendly staff are behind their continued success in bringing unique products to the market in the United States and Canada.

Redfern searches the world to bring the best in products home to North America – and they proudly represent the Eurosteam line of products, as well as multiple household helpers, rest, relaxation and health products.

I’ve never seen anything quite like this new iron – the Eurosteam Evolution. This ground breaking new iron from Redfern is designed to make ironing so much easier. It features a compact design and a built-in boiler system, while most irons have a large separate tank. Compact perhaps, but it has 120V/800 watts of power, just like a professional iron and the plate (one of the most important parts) is 9.5” x 4.5” just like my own regular-size iron.

Interesting to note that this iron uses a ceramic plate, just like a high-end curling iron! It can be used vertically and horizontally with steam projection that you can have on bursts (to save water) or continuous. The best part, no temperature settings – simply on and off.

This amazing iron has the ability to iron through 10 layers – can you imagine? And according to the Redfern web site , the iron will not burn, scorch or leave a shine on fabric, even if it’s been left on the clothing for hours.

Just look at this photo – I can’t imagine testing my iron up against a balloon, can you?  Steam blasts are 6 times the blast of a traditional iron. You can see a short demo video here on youtube – interesting, isn’t it?

Quilters, sewers and hobbyists will want to check this one out at Quilt Canada in the Redfern Merchant Mall booth.

Our thanks to Redfern for its support of CQA/ACC and Quilt Canada.

17 days and counting…..

One of our Bronze Sponsors, Stitches  is a complete resource for fibre art and mixed media supplies. Established in 1998, Stitches has become a destination for artists looking for textiles, metals, foils, paints, dyes, inks, fibres, yarns and quilting cottons.

The brick and mortar shop located on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, boasts rooms bursting with art quilts, knitted samples, all the latest books on surface design and art quilting and a lot of unusual products sourced from the U.S. and abroad. Shop staff offer a range of expertise in all areas of quilting, textiles, knitting and fibre arts. Retreats are offered for those wishing instruction in art quilting and the chance for a short stay on the beautiful island of Salt Spring.

Stitches takes their shop on the road as they know the value quilters and fibre artists place on touching the products, seeing the samples and talking to knowledgeable staff. They are excited to participate in Quilt Canada 2012 as a merchant and Bronze Sponsor to share many of their products and ideas.

For blog followers, here’s a sneak peek at a piece made especially for the show. They will have this pattern available in the Merchant Mall and the materials they used to make the sample – hand dyed fabric, copper shim and archival pens for the details – will also be found at their booth.

Take a look at their extensive web site, and check out the products, their blog filled with inspirational ideas, techniques and product articles, as well as the many photos of completed pieces. Consider signing up for their bi-monthly newsletter, and be sure to look for information on retreats or do some secure shopping while you are there.

Latte Lines by Riverwoods Collection

Don’t forget that Stitches is one of our vendors in the Virtual Market Place . On offer is a 20% discount on Troy fabric  while supplies last. These lovely fabrics have the look of hand dyed yardage with swirls, stripes and dots. You can also pick up a set of 12-Inktense pencils at15% off! These water color pencils are ink based; you simply write on fabric, and distribute the color with a wet paint brush for a permanent finish. Visit the Virtual Market Place and send yourself the Coupon Code or simply quote QC2012 in the coupon box upon checkout.

Our thanks to Stitches Fibre Art Supplies for their support for Quilt Canada as a Bronze Sponsor.