The Tour of Guilds and amazing folk schools in the Midwest

Hi Friends,

It’s hard to describe the summer beauty all around this first half of August. I hope this note finds you all doing well, wherever you are, enjoying this beautiful time of year.

As much as I have traveled this summer (well over 4300 miles since May 22), I can honestly say that I have spent every second outside that I could. Even during the heavy rains that we had, I took shelter under the carport to hear their sounds and marvel at their resolve to not let the gardens dry out, not even for a day.

Sitting outside this morning, listening to the critters and birdsong, surrounded by color, shapes and textures, I know that the earth will continue its movement, and outside writing days will slowly turn to crisp ones inside. I will welcome that when it arrives. I have accomplished everything I set out to do this year (haven’t done it by myself), a satisfying feeling for sure, but I will be ready to turn inward as well.

This Friday it’s our 4th Annual retreat in Baraboo and I’m excited to welcome back regular attendees and a few new ones! Every year I hold this special workshop, always a new theme, the same Friday in August. If you are interested please reach out for next year!

4th Annual Retreat in Baraboo, Friday August 16.

Student work, July at Adamah Art Studios, 4 Day retreat - Creative Metamorphosis

I feel so privileged to have had the opportunity to meet hundreds of creatives in my travels this summer, and more to come in September and October!

We have shared creative discoveries, laughed so hard and enjoyed many meaningful conversations that will stay with me for many years to come. I have had friends drive hours from one state to the next to meet me there and I have been humbled by their presence and Joy, from small towns to metropolitan ones. Even my tiny chihuahua has traveled with us part of the way.

Thank you, doesn’t begin to capture what it has meant to present lectures and lead countless workshops since February, both online and in person. I’m forever changed by the kindness and appreciation I have received across these four midwestern states. Your creativity is overflowing.

If you have a chance, please visit Adamah Art Studios for a workshop experience. I led my very first 4 day workshop series there at the end of July, surrounded by what seemed like a boundless landscape. It was absolutely magical. Another favorite of mine is Shake Rag Alley; I have been teaching there for the last five years and it’s a remarkable gem in Mineral Point.

I could continue talking to you forever but instead I leave you with a small sampling of my students’ work. They are the real superstars.

I hope to see you at the Great WI Quilt Show and Blue Bar Quilts this September!

Cheers!

M.

Students this summer played with paper, stitched by hand and/or machine, printed on fabric, created textile collages, sewed curves, used new and vintages materials, and I think, had a great time!

Fancy Tiger Crafts, Denver

First trip to the west was epic and beyond memorable. I hope this visual journal will give you an idea of how special this weekend of teaching, was.

The creative ethos of this community staple aligns so much with my core as a creative and human. Millions of thanks to the staff and the students that made it so memorable. Thank you for welcoming me.

I was in awe of all the murals we found in the two 1/2 days that we were in Denver.

Truly memorable.

A few of the captured moments at Fancy Tiger Crafts! I was delighted to find out that they are a Janome dealer!

The Quilt Show - Denver, CO

We visited 13 states from May 1st to August 25!

There is something very special about living in the Midwest.

The road to Colorado was nothing short of amazing. We began the journey at 108 degrees; it was 60 degrees when we reached Denver.

Meeting Alex Anderson, Ricky Tims and their crew was a core memory I will cherish forever. My family being there with me, priceless. Visit their site to find out more about this incredible duo.

Episode airs April 7, 2024

3rd Annual Meditative retreat/dinner (and 2 other August events)

Hello and happy August if you are reading this!

It has been over a year since I added content to this journal. After the incredible work retreat participants/friends completed last Friday, I simply couldn’t leave this event un-celebrated and/or unmentioned.

Here is a gallery of their beautiful work and we hope to come back next year around the same time for a 4th event. I always have two techniques to try on each of these retreats. We also enjoyed plums and peaches grown in our beautiful gardens and of course, pizza!

Until next year!

Be well.

August 5th Shake Rag Alley in Mineral Point, WI for 4 consecutive years.

August 6 and 7th I did something to celebrate another run around the sun. I met Jen Kingwell from Australia, at Primitive Gatherings in Larsen, WI. The coolest thing? She was also invited to the taping of the Quilt Show in Denver!!! I missed her there by a few days.

August 9th - The Sheboygan County Quilters guild invited and welcomed me in a fierce and lovely way!

Saying Yes!

Hello friends!

Thank you for being here.

Where do I start? The last 4 weeks have been so uplifting.

There are so many things about life that are challenging, no secret about that; but there are many more that are exciting, engaging and life changing in big, positive ways.

In July we presented the director of the George Culver Community Library with 3 new Janome sewing machines. It is a practice I started in 2015 with proceeds from my art workshops. It is what I hope, a tool for the community to use and learn from. I know they will be in good hands!

Maybe it’s my joy for life that gives me what seems like unending energy or maybe it is the definite promise of winters in Wisconsin that propels me to grab on to this beautiful outdoor life and bask in it’s chaotic perfection! We managed to participate in 2 different garden tours, June 11 and July 30th. The latter was a fundraiser for the Sauk County Master Gardener Association.

I’m now the proud steward of a volunteer garden in downtown Baraboo, passed down to me with awesome perennial plantings already in place. I took the job seriously and managed to plant additional pollinator plants after the 4th of July. I was there almost every evening after work to clean and upkeep it, in addition to the other space on 5th ave that I planted and keep since 2014! I love it and look forward to more years collecting rain water and taking it downtown, to these beautiful community spaces. More than anything, bringing beauty to my community as well as teaching my child about the importance to give back, is a true honor. My partner is the person that helps me transport the garden waste, so it is truly a family endeavor for which I’m grateful and joyful for.

Saying YES can open up opportunities you never fathomed, whether it is Yes to a workshop, lecturing at a quilt show, a gathering or a new work adventure.

Last week it took us to Milwaukee for a Spanish TV interview with Telemundo Wisconsin for their “Que Pasa” segment to represent Wisconsin Craft and promote the Morning Glory Art Fair that took place August 13-14 at Fiserb Forum. It is an annual event in Milwaukee that brings talented artists working in varied mediums, from the entire US.

We took advantage of this opportunity by finally visiting the Domes (great indoor gardens) in Milwaukee. A bucket list item for a long time. I wanted to share this with my family but never found the time until last week before interview. We found fairies to add to our gardens at home. One of the Domes was decked out in fairy homes to delight visitors.

I got home Wednesday evening and finally unveiled the new Janome sewing machine that arrived from Janome America Inc., as part of my participation in their Artisan Team. I can’t wait to start sharing projects, sewn and/or quilted using this machine. It is truly a work horse sporting straight-stitching only. That will require some getting used to.

Also last Thursday evening, I was honored to present virtually to the Madison Modern Guild my current sew-along samples. It was a true joy to see so many familiar faces. Many thanks to Dustin for contacting me and the guild for being so gracious. Some of the samples are quite large and it would have been difficult to maneuver without a videographer (my partner) and/or my child helping me to hold up the pieces! I’m grateful for their willingness to assist.

An unexpected invite to attend the Latino chamber of Commerce Gala after work on Saturday came at the perfect time, last minute! I said yes!

This chamber assists a widely diverse number of businesses. It was a great evening at the Monona Terrace in Madison with a well attended and super entertaining event. There are many collaborations already taking place between Chambers of Commerce throughout Wisconsin, focusing on helping small businesses through a difficult economic time. I was reminded of how crucial networking is to the health and prosperity of our communities.

The Baraboo Chamber of Commerce is also doing great things.

Sunday found our family back to nature, quiet and restful. It felt like an autumn day in the middle of August, but the rain made sense to us.

We picked blackberries that the rain had no spoiled and cleaned the rock garden my young lady and I built in 2018.

Nature is always grounding and the perfect companion through it all.

If you read till the end, thank you! I truly appreciate having this time to share with you.

Maybe you are inspired, maybe I made you tired, but please know, that life has so much to offer and we were made to help others along the way.

xoxo,

M.


Nature and Connections - July 23rd event


Hello Summer, Hello Lake!

Devils Lake State Park

We hosted a team/friendship building event last Saturday at Devils Lake State Park; a popular park for sure, under shelter, enjoying a summer breeze and amazing views.

It was an event for which planning ahead was crucial because expecting to find a shelter for a specific date at the last minute simply does not work. Just like in winter, weather and summer schedules can throw a wrench on any well built plan, but we did not allow any of those things to faze us. Our group of sixteen had a chance to get to know each other and create something beautiful and functional, together.

We brought Art Supplies, food, including frozen popsicles; friends brought veggies, fruit salad, assorted drinks to complement ours and my partner grilled. It was perfect. We met new and old friends and the laughter was abundant.

And yes, the summer weather definitely brought the heat, naturally; the view, the company, the water and the food, made this day so enjoyable. Thank you to everyone that made it so special and memorable!

Giving Back and being together will always be one of my passions.

Stay well and active.

M.

Thanks to WI Craft Board members for attending and weaving

June & July Workshops in St. Cloud/St. Paul, Minnesota

There is so much work that goes into organizing a Quilt Show, that most of us can’t fathom all of the moving parts and variables, until we get there and see it all in person!

I get to experience this all over again in Madison for The Great WI Quilt Show Sept 8-10, 2022. I’m leading 3 lectures and the Thursday session will be recorded by PBS for educational purposes!

Last June, I participated in the Minnesota Quilters Inc. Show https://www.mnquilt.org/index.html , as part of the faculty for a 3rd time, in St. Cloud. This is a quilt show that is over 40 years old and takes place mid June each year. We met virtually in 2021. The last time it was held in person in St. Cloud (and I was there) was 2018.

I think I had a smile on my face all four days that I was there. I woke up each day early to stitch in the lobby and enjoy complimentary coffee. The Kelly Inn hotel treated us very well and the energy was positively, electrifying. I had so much fun and I hope that my students did as well.

Chaos of Perfection Lecture.

The events were wonderful but those in-between moments of travel and stitching were equally meaningful. We loved supporting small businesses along the way and exploring the convention center before the party really got underway. I also got an opportunity as a faculty member to award a ribbon!

I prepared 65 kits, packed up all of the work I had at home and many pieces from the shop; by the time we left nothing else fit in the car. We had a great time meeting new and returning students. Everyone was happy to be there, learning and appreciating this time together. The weather was beautiful and everything seemed to work out. Incredible!

Block Printing Workshop

The Boro Connection

Deconstructing Denim. We even did a little bit of curved piecing.

Bojagi Korean Patchwork - my interpretation.

Traditional Sashiko Hand-Stitching

I returned to Minnesota in early July to lead a Barn Quilt Painting workshop for the Minnesota Quilters Guild in St. Paul, as part of their summer programming. Another super stellar time spent with creatives who embraced the painting mess eagerly. A number of the participants completed one in 2018 back in St. Cloud and joined me again to create a second! This workshop will remain as one of the most special times ever.

A big thank you to this amazing guild for embracing creativity in all its forms.

I also enjoyed the time spent with my family. It was great seeing them talk about paint and being an important part of this journey.

Thank you Minnesota Quilters Guild for having us!




Sew Fresh Janome Sewing machines - Giveaway!

Welcome!

As many of you know, Sewing means a lot to me and Janome is my favorite brand of Sewing Machines.

Every 2 months I create and submit a Free Project that you can download from Janome. To see the newest Free tutorial for my Vintage Summer Curtain please visit https://www.janome.com/inspire/projects/home-decor/vintage-summer-curtain/

As a member of the Janome Artisan team, I’m excited to team up with Janome America Inc. to give away two (2) “Sew Fresh” portable, entry level Janome sewing machines, to individuals and/or non profit organizations!

I tested the machine, wound a bobbin and sewed through 3 layers, including batting and the stitches looked beautiful! Entry level machine meets many fun summer projects.

Please be aware that this is local pickup only (Baraboo, WI).


Details - How to Participate in this fun experience.

  1. This Giveaway begins May 22 and ends Monday, May 30th. Winner will be picked randomly and will be announced Tuesday, May 31st by 6pm.

  2. Share & Comment on this public post on Facebook. The winner will be chosen from those that shared it and I can see the “Share.” Follow my page for future giveaways!

  3. This giveaway is open to everyone in the USA - (still local pickup only please).


Have Fun and Good Luck!

Thank you for your interest.

For more information about this machine, you may visit Joanns

Thank you Janome!


The month with built-in potential

Greetings on this inaugural month!

January is the month dressed with potential and every year I find myself grabbing a little more hope from its tender promise. It is also one of the busiest months; gathering, planning and paying taxes. It is all very exciting because Spring feels within our grasp (imagination helps).

I have so many wonderful workshops planned in 2022 and I hope you are inspired enough to try one or return if you have been away for a while. My mind is a never ending whirlwind of color and nothing makes me happier than to share this saturated world with you. I do the work so you don’t have to worry about the details.

This year I’m leading a lecture at the Minnesota Quilters Show on welcoming grace to our creative practice, in June followed by four different workshops. I also return to Shake Rag Alley in September and oh, my Fiber Arts Festival returns this April (event # 6 since 2017) in Baraboo, with workshops that are bound to delight in every skill set. I’m proud of that. We have better control over the things that we create (or as much control as is possible) than what the world around us, throws our way.

It feels good to begin the year with a major milestone project I gave myself last May; layers joined together by hand (pieced together using my Janome M7) to create a cyclical reminder of the power of things interconnected. It returns as a workshop in the Spring. I have a little work to complete on the binding and then it will be displayed at the shop. I always need projects that push me to work slow, as if I had all the time in the world. We shall see.

Making beautiful things that honor my journey and the women before me, is an honor I don’t take lightly.

May your journey this year give you hope and keep you in good health.

M.

Love, Valentine's brunch table runner

Cheers to the highlight of winter, celebrating Love and Friendships!

LOVE, brunch table runner. Check out the new Ruby Start Toweling

This project was created for Janome America, Inc.

When I began teaching myself how to sew at the end of 2009, I never imagined the pure and life-changing Joy, sewing would give me. It is that Joy and love for sewing that inspires me to create, decorate and share the simple and/or complicated projects I make monthly. Luckily, the project I share with you today, leans on the simpler side!

With a few tools and pre-hemmed chore coat toweling, you too, can make this quick raw applique, brunch table runner work for you. It doubles as a bed runner or can be easily cut into kitchen towels at a later date.

Let’s get started.

Helpful Hints: Double sided fusible web has paper on both sides. You will peel only side at a time. Lay a simple fabric scrap on the ironing board to protect it while using double sided fusible web items.

Supplies:

Red Metallic thread (or matching thread for applique word)

Bobbin thread to match applique thread color (red)

Janome blue tip needle

2 yds chore coat toweling fabric (16” wide, length depends table size)

1 fat quarter, red fabric

Paper to trace and cut “love” (or favorite word)

Sharpie/Pen for tracing

Pins

1/2 yd of double-sided fusible web (steam a seam 2 is an option)

Sharp scissors

Iron/ironing board

Machines

Janome M7 Continental (Foot A and zig zag plate)

Janome Air Thread Serger

1. Trace “love” or favorite celebratory word, on paper to create a template. I used paper from packing materials; it’s stronger than printing paper.

2. Remove the paper from one side of the steam-a-seam 2 fusible webbing and attach to red fabric. No need to iron at this point, just press down evenly on the fabric. Pin “Love” paper template backwards, on the remainder paper side.

3. Let’s trace! My template word measured approximately 14.5” lengthwise.

4. Using sharp scissors, carefully cut around the traced template and inside letter bubbles.

5. Repeat the steps above if you would like a second “love” sticker to applique on opposite sides of the table runner. Helpful Hint: Use a pin to help you remove the last paper backing.

6. Iron the “sticker” on the toweling. This toweling comes in a variety of colors!

7. Select stitch #1 under Utility mode for raw edge applique. Decrease stitch length to 2.0 to make it easier to sew around curves.

8. Stitch continuously around each edge of the sticker, as close to the edge as possible.

The red metallic thread compliments the red, speckled fabric. Hint: Use thread that inspires you and makes you happy, even if the thread color doesn’t match the word.

9. Using your serger, serge on both short ends with coordinating threads.

10. Add your favorite treats and beverage for a memorable Valentine’s Day weekend spread the whole family can enjoy. This year it falls on a Monday, which means, we can start celebrating Friday the 11th ! Even your teen will thank you!

This is a happy and versatile project. A way to show that love and kindness is all around us and special moments make everything sweet. This technique can be added to other home décor items, garments and more. Use fancy applique stitches built into your Janome machine or raw edge applique for a speedier project, like I completed here. This runner can also protect our handcrafted quilts from those wonderful pets that “love” a comfy bed everyone once in a while.

Wishing you all, the very best and many thanks for checking out this project.

Maday

On the first day of winter, an Autumn project :)

       “Let Nature in” Shower Curtain Makeover

Hope you enjoy this project I created/submitted for my November Janome project submission.

A fun reminder of summer walks, warm days and nature, was the inspiration for the project I bring you today. There is plenty of sun and gorgeous leaves hanging on, but we know that it is sweater weather and hot chocolate time!

I love parts of Autum/winter but I don’t decorate for it, that is until this project popped into my head. I see beautiful décor everywhere but there is one room that seems to get forgotten; I’m here to remedy that with a simple, interactive project for the bathroom. Start with a plain-ish cloth shower curtain and applique leaves on it for a quick bathroom make-over the whole family can take pride in. 

I always try to think of projects that involve the entire family to provide “screen free” time for my teen. Feel free to go for a walk around the neighborhood collecting eye-catching leaves in different shapes and sizes to trace for this project. Let’s get started!

Helpful Hints: Double sided fusible web has paper on both sides. You will peel only side at a time. Unusual fabric prints make for interesting leaves. Lay a simple fabric scrap on the ironing board to protect it while using double sided fusible web items.

Supplies:

  • Cotton scraps in assorted colors (leaves)

  • Cotton thread 50 wt (favorite colors)

  • Janome needle blue tip

  • Assorted natural leaves in different sizes

  • Blank cloth shower curtain (I used a white, pottery barn curtain I have had since 2008)

  • Pencil/Pen for tracing

  • 1 yard of double-sided fusible web (steam a seam 2 is an option)

  • Sharp scissors

  • Iron/ironing board/Best press starch

Machine

Janome M7 Continental

Satin stitch Foot F and zig zag plate

  

1.    Go on a scavenger hunt to collect interesting leaves. Perhaps you can find them in your yard or local park. It’s fun identifying trees as you go along, especially if you have company during your walk. 

2.    Peel the paper from only one side of the double-sided fusible web (like steam a seam 2) and attach to the wrong side of the fabric scrap that you are using for your different leaves. You might be using different scrap colors so you will repeat this step for each leaf. I pressed down with my iron very lightly to secure it to the fabric. Hint: Do not leave the iron down for too long. Please note that your iron is on paper and not glue. The glue side attaches to the fabric. 

3.    Now you are ready to trace leaves on the paper side. Have Fun!

4.    Cut out your leaves with sharp scissors. I had a total of thirteen. Hint: This task is perfect for a short screen-time recess or boredom buster.

5.    A curtain rod with clips acted as a design wall holder for my blank shower curtain. It’s great for keeping my progress off the floor and save my back J Hint: Be prepared to use lots of best press to get as many wrinkles out as possible, while ironing.

6.     Remove paper backing from each “freshly cut” leaf and iron to shower curtain. Transfer it to your shower stall to ensure that you are satisfied with the placement and how it looks. Decide if you would like to add more leaves. If you like the way it looks, you are ready for machine stitching!      

7.    Select your favorite applique stitch and using the Satin Stitch foot F (with red triangle guide), stitch around each leaf to secure to the curtain. Take your time going around curves. Hint: The M7 continental also shows you the correct foot to use, on the screen, for each stitch. 

8.    Line up the guide on the foot (to the right of the red triangle) with the edge of the leaf to start appliqueing on the right side, as shown below. 

Appliqué foot with guide

9.    Use the mirror image feature on your M7 Continental to your benefit. It allows you to sew on the left side of your project without rotating a large piece. It maintains your stitch length and width. I show you this on the photos below. All stitch settings appear on the screen.

mirror image function

10.    The “begin again” button (photo below), helps applique-ing around sharp edges by restarting the stitch sequence so that the work remains tidy. Hint: engage the automatic foot lift (highlighted below). Foot lifts when you stop sewing and needle stays in the downward position; pivoting is a breeze!

11.     Continue stitching around all the leaves.

I like applique but I will admit that I’m still learning and have a way to go in this practice. Be patient and kind to yourself as you experiment. Hint: If you use coordinating thread to applique, you will not see any imperfections. I wanted you to see on my sample below that I had a “miss” towards the tip of the leaf. I chose to leave it as a reminder that practice is always a good thing. Have fun with this project!

You can see that this project is versatile, and the technique can be added to other home décor items and garments. You can use fancy applique stitches built into your sewing machine or raw edge applique for a speedier project. 

Even better, add leaves to your homemade greeting cards this holiday season and mail to your loved ones from near and far, to remind them that good cheer is like falling leaves.

It can travel far.

 

My very best greetings to you and thanks for checking out this project.

 

NEW Workshop date!

Echo Stitching by hand, machine appliqué, curved piecing, are some of the techniques you will find in this project.

Hope that you are all enjoying this beautiful summer.

A new workshop has been added for September 16, 4pm. Pattern is required and a little homework before workshop date. 608-356-4461

https://www.sustainabletextiledesign.com/workshops/2021/5/1/applique-and-piecing-workshop-the-making-of-a-turtle

Around the world the tortoise and/or turtle can be seen as a symbol of wisdom and knowledge, and is able to defend itself on its own. It can be regarded as personifying water, the moon, the Earth, time, immortality, and fertility. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cultural_depictions_of_turtles)

Reach out if you have any questions.

A smooth sea never made a skillful sailor - Unknown

I cut my fabric pieces first without steam-a-seam to plan the layout.

Using small/sharp scissors, I cut apart the Stirrups & Stitches laser panel to fuse the small turtle independently. I used black thread to machine appliqué the pieces.

Seawell pattern by Laura Heine (I used the turtle template. if you would like to make her exact mosaic pattern, she provides you with a list of additional supplies you will need in addition to what I used). https://www.ardythssewnvac.com/shop/c/p/Seawell-Sea-Turtle-Collage---Shipping-now-x55378100.htm

  1. Lite steam a seam sheets - 2 packages (less wasteful and more intentional use. Expect to use 1 1/2 packages https://www.ardythssewnvac.com/shop/c/p/Steam-A-Seam-2-Lite-9in-x-12in-5ct-x37610602.htm

Longevity, Peace, Ancient Wisdom - My Ocean Project

Welcome To Spring!

A new workshop has been added for May 1st since I published this entry.

https://www.sustainabletextiledesign.com/workshops/2021/5/1/applique-and-piecing-workshop-the-making-of-a-turtle

4668E1D6-D2BF-42F0-A930-92E0A003EF2A_1_201_a.jpeg

Around the world the tortoise and/or turtle can be seen as a symbol of wisdom and knowledge, and is able to defend itself on its own. It can be regarded as personifying water, the moon, the Earth, time, immortality, and fertility. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cultural_depictions_of_turtles)

I have always had a special relationship with water, and the ocean specifically. When I was a little girl I began my athletic journey kayaking in the ocean and throughout my childhood, enjoyed many walks by the seawall with friends and family. It’s a great source of peace.

I remember times when the ocean was ferocious and if there weren’t any lighting strikes, we could be found training through the storms, windy conditions and jellyfish swarms (they stung bad).

I miss the ocean, the salty air you can almost taste; the wind filled with that sweet mistiness, the smell of fish, the giant waves with their white caps and the infiniteness of it all. I decided to create an ocean window display to combat its absence this year and share the beauty with all. I hope it inspires you as well.

While this post does not offer step by step instructions, I hope it has enough information to spark your curiosity and jumpstart your own research.

Enjoy!

Reach out if you have any questions.

A smooth sea never made a skillful sailor - Unknown

43C8B4AE-FC46-486D-B1B7-FF4A4943003E_1_201_a.jpeg
I cut my fabric pieces first without steam-a-seam to plan the layout.

I cut my fabric pieces first without steam-a-seam to plan the layout.

Using small/sharp scissors, I cut apart the Stirrups & Stitches laser panel to fuse the small turtle independently. I used black thread to machine appliqué the pieces.

Using small/sharp scissors, I cut apart the Stirrups & Stitches laser panel to fuse the small turtle independently. I used black thread to machine appliqué the pieces.

Echo Stitching by hand, machine appliqué, curved piecing, are some of the techniques you will find in this project.

Echo Stitching by hand, machine appliqué, curved piecing, are some of the techniques you will find in this project.

Resource List

You won’t be surprised to know that all of the supplies I have included in this project can be purchased locally at Ardyth’s sew n vac in Downtown Baraboo. Should you decide to make the project on your own, please reach out with any questions you may have. I have provided direct links to the products, whenever possible for your convenience.

  1. Iron/Ironing board

  2. small/sharp scissors

  3. medium/sharp scissors

  4. Janome continental M7, appliqué foot F, zigzag foot A

  5. Aurifil thread (summer colors & black to match appliqué)

  6. 90/14 Quilting needle

  7. 4-5 yards of backing material for large turtle

  8. Batting - bamboo and cotton blend (piece larger than your front panel).

  9. AccuQuilt Go Cutter

  10. Accuquilt Flying Geese (yielding 3 1/2”x6 1/2” unit)

  11. Accuquilt GO! Local Color by Bill Kerr Die (yielding 6 1/2”x12 1/12” unit)

  12. Center panel - 46”-50” square - I used Supernova p4286 by Jeanie Sumrall-Ajero by Hoffman Fabrics 2016

  13. Fabric for Borders - assorted scraps to fit on AccQuilt die’s shapes

  14. Seawell pattern by Laura Heine (I used the turtle template. if you would like to make her exact mosaic pattern, she provides you with a list of additional supplies you will need in addition to what I used). https://www.ardythssewnvac.com/shop/c/p/Seawell-Sea-Turtle-Collage---Shipping-now-x55378100.htm

  15. Sea Turtle Laser Cut by Stirrups & Stitches - I cut the pieces apart very carefully https://www.ardythssewnvac.com/shop/c/p/Sea-Turtle-Laser-x55157893.htm

  16. Tropical Fish kit by Stirrups & Stitches https://www.ardythssewnvac.com/shop/c/p/Tropical-Fish-4in-Hoop-Kit-x54619896.htm

  17. Small turtle by Stirrups & Stitches https://www.ardythssewnvac.com/shop/c/p/Sea-Turtle-4in-Hoop-Kit-x54619877.htm

  18. Whales Laser Cut by Stirrups & Stitches - you will also need half a yard to fuse the whale’s panel on - https://www.ardythssewnvac.com/shop/c/p/Whales-at-Play-Laser-x50230763.htm

  19. Whale Toys - Tilda’s Seaside Ideas book by Tone Finnager https://www.ardythssewnvac.com/shop/c/p/Tildas-Seaside-Ideas-x56114411.htm

  20. Lite steam a seam sheets - 2 packages (less wasteful and more intentional use. Expect to use 1 1/2 packages https://www.ardythssewnvac.com/shop/c/p/Steam-A-Seam-2-Lite-9in-x-12in-5ct-x37610602.htm

  21. Sashiko handstitcing needles https://www.ardythssewnvac.com/shop/c/p/Clover-Sashiko-Needles-8-ct-x37605911.htm

  22. Valdani Thread- handstitching https://www.ardythssewnvac.com/shop/c/p/Valdani-Pearl-Cotton-Ball-Sz8-73yd-12-Colors-Ocean-Waves-x55832603.htm

  23. lint remover


Marvelous Eats - Trattoria IL Mulino

Trattoria IL Mulino

Published: October 27, 2019

Author: Adra

Hello, my name is Adra. Before I begin to tell you about this amazing restaurant located in Nashville, I’d like to tell you a little about myself. I live in the Midwest, I love traveling and I am Cuban - hence, littlecubanaeats as my blogging name. I am very proud of my heritage and I hope to blog about traditional foods from Cuba and many other countries as well!

I recently went to Nashville on vacation and upon arriving at the hotel my family and I tried the restaurant connected to it … it was terrible. The food was flavorless and barely hot. Later, we got so hungry that we decided to go walking downtown in search of a nice restaurant. In case you don’t know much about Nashville let me tell you a few facts: 1 - It’s a MAJOR party city, 2 - there is not much good food downtown; it consists mostly of bars.

One of the best Calamari appetizers we have ever had!

One of the best Calamari appetizers we have ever had!

Luckily, we walked on one of the side streets and we found an amazing restaurant - Trattoria IL Mulino! It is an Italian restaurant and a bit expensive but it is totally worth it. Not only was the food amazing but the ambiance of this restaurant was so marvelous! Originally, we were only going to go in and see what it looked like, but upon seeing it, we decided that we had to eat there. I was still full from the horrid food at the hotel so I decided to get dessert. I got raspberry sorbet and it was so incredibly wonderful. I have been to 9 states in the United States and I was so happy to add Tennessee to my list.

Stay tuned for my next blog post! I have the link for my blogs on my Instagram account which is: @itsthatgirlaudra :)

Thanks for reading!

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Sustainable Mending in our Communities campaign Launch

Welcome to Fall!

I wanted to share a new initiative I’m spearheading; one that I hope attracts the interest of other communities that wish to engage and begin a dialogue about resource consumption.

The Sustainable Mending in our Communities campaign (SMIOC) mission is to encourage the triple C’s:

  1. Collaboration,

  2. Community,

  3. Creativity

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This initiative aims to jumpstart 12 months of sustainable practices such as, Repairing our clothes and slowing down on unnecessary consumption but it’s much more than that. It is about engagement and thoughtful approaches to creative people power; ways in which we can help, learn and share about ourselves with our community and become involved with simple practices, to scale back on resource waste.

I hope it begins with our clothes and becomes so much more for all of us.

The end project is a textile mural completed by community members from near and far.

if you wish to participate, please reply with your email address and I will get the materials and more information sent to you.

This is open to anyone +18 years old, in the continental USA. I will be distributing and collecting 10”, up-cycled fabric squares stitched by hand for 12 months. At the end they will all be put into a mural and exhibited locally.

There is no need for fancy hand-stitches and I provide the repurposed textiles. if you know of someone that would like to participate, please share this blog post with them even if it’s not relevant to you.

If you are in the Grand Rapids, MN area during the Rural Arts & Culture Summit, stop by the MacRostie Art Center at 405 1st Avenue NW this Friday from 11- 12 pm to learn more about it.

Thanks for looking!

Cheers.

Manos del Uruguay Yarn - Arriving any day!

Good morning!

Some exciting news from my small corner of the world.

I love fiber, from tree branches, grasses and curly willows to hilo (thread), yarn and textiles.

I have researched and found a brand that is in line with my values as a human, woman, immigrant and creative and I feel that Manos is the perfect fit for the workshops that will be coming in 2020 such as (SURPRISE, not ready yet).

https://fairmountfibers.com/ Manos del Uruguay encapsulates what matters to me the most, diversity, inclusion and supporting women from around the globe. It is the main reason I have decided to make an investment on their mission and the great quality of their products to offer during Weaving workshops and add to my website shop.

My mission is not to replace any existing shop, gathering group, or to become a knitting guru. I leave that to the specialists, which I’m not. My hope is that you view my shop as a new local resource that “spins” the creative flow in a new way, giving fiber enthusiasts another option. My complete stock will be available on my website very soon.

Cheers!

“Sometimes your only available transportation is a leap of faith,” Margaret Shepard

Image by Soraya Garcia

image by soraya garcia

Mending our Communities - beyond Stitching Art

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The love we give…

Years ago, when I was attending college and teaching Art to school-aged children for the YMCA’s after school program in Manhattan (NYC), I stumbled upon and became fascinated by Origami. I purchased a kit at a local Barnes & Nobles, a favorite spot for starving college kids or at least for me.

When my child became old enough to learn how to fold paper into different shapes, I returned to Barnes & Nobles, this time in Madison, WI, and purchased an Origami calendar. I have had the immense privilege of watching my child love this technique and elevating her art by creating hundreds of these beautiful cranes and hanging them up at the shop where I work or gifting them to others.

I also realize what an immense gift it is to have paper to fold in the first place, any kind you like, because of the vast varieties available to us today, here, in the USA. I did not have that. Growing up I also did not know about Origami and I had never seen a real life crane until moving to the Midwest.

In Japan, the crane is one of the mystical or holy creatures… and symbolizes good fortune and longevity because of its fabled life span of a thousand years (google dictionary).

Living in a small town continues to be a journey for me; Art and a number of you, have helped me get through the toughest of times. I can’t convey enough how traveling and teaching in other communities have strengthened my resolve to make it work, and spread joy through Art, right here.

My family and I continue to volunteer and give back at every opportunity we can; we want to enjoy living where we are and contributing to the town with our talents and sweat. We feel immensely grateful to be able to share our lives with Ai, our exchange student from Japan, however short she is here. I have my friend Joanna to thank for introducing me to 4H in general even though my partner grew up being a member. Seeing our lives through Ai’s experiences will go down as a top five all time high for me. I can now say the same for my partner and child.

I also am grateful beyond belief to have been born in another country, to experience a rich life here and continue to expand on the knowledge base that living affords us.

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I also wanted to offer an update on my teaching schedule going into 2020; it has been a while since my last blog post. The workshops I have planned for the end of March during the Midwest Fiber Arts Trails have been announced and you can find them under events on my facebook page; as always, I’m thrilled to be part of this team. Registration starts sometime this fall.

You can expect fun and innovative classes and events next year but they will be fewer. If there is a topic that interests you this year, be sure to grab a seat as it may not return.

Thank you for following my adventures and mishaps and enjoy this beautiful season = the season that makes sense (at least to me :).

Cheers,

Maday

"Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can." -Arthur Ashe

Good morning!

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I have noticed that the earth is a little happier this week and by association, so are the humans. The birds are at it with their cheerful disposition and the sun has turned much warmer than the last three months. It has been an interesting winter, difficult to navigate both on foot and/or by car. You can’t help but feel more powerful for having traversed it’s difficult mood. in that spirit, I have worked on dynamic workshops for the next 6 months or so; if you are curious and need a little break, please visit/join me at https://www.sustainabletextiledesign.com/workshops?view=calendar&month=03-2019

You can always tell when our spirits lift; everything feels more positive and enchanting. We start making plans and filling up that summer calendar with outings and gatherings. Don’t forget yourself in the planning, something I try to remind myself of, so I have planned to attend workshops myself, to meet other creatives and learn something new or refresh the gears.

While we wait for the alluring beauty and warmth of the summer season, take a little time for art and retreat, however you choose to retreat. As for me, I can’t wait to map out new plantings for the Downtown Baraboo gardens I maintain and feel the soil between my fingers again.

Thank you to my wonderful students/friends and patrons that kept me energized and focused this winter; I feel invigorated by your support, humor and guidance and don’t forget, if you need someone to help you in the garden, discard/donate items that you feel are cluttering up your house/mind, or someone to listen, please reach out.

love,

M.