Crayon coloring from American Quilter

 Greetings from Mermaid Song Quilts!

A New Year's Wish!

I found this coloring technique a while ago and thought some of you might enjoy it. Something just for fun!

https://www.americanquilter.com/blog/crayola-color-tinting-technique/?trk_msg=VHIKL62E13T4F8IUAIFVFU162C&trk_contact=K0T5TC8MLTK6OJ7VBIKDGPST3K&trk_sid=GGLLNVUN6OA4ADAGJBUIU722G4&trk_link=51TTCN681RQKL74OBTQULUS3IO&utm_source=listrak&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Watch+Now&utm_campaign=OnPoint&utm_content=OnPoint

The Bookcase Quilt class has met for the first time.  It’s designed so that you can join anytime and do as much as you like.  We’ve found some very cute fabrics and will have many successful completions, since you can even stop at only one shelf. It’s so nice to have a large room with a table for each person.  Scrap quilts take up a lot of space!

Wishing you a lovely 2023 with lots of fun fabric projects!

Love, Bunny

Notes on Machine Quilting Services

Good morning!  Here we are in the middle of many thunderstorms.  It rained yesterday, but none today, so far.

It’s been a long summer of large quilts and I’ve decided to limit the size I can accept!  I only have  a sit down quilting machine and the huge quilts are very heavy to manipulate. For longarm services, I can recommend Kim Hart (whose card I seem to have misplaced) in Otter Creek or Karol Kusmaul in the Inverness area (www.kquilt.com). They are both more expensive than I am, and Joe suggested that I raise my price for large quilts, but I truly don’t think I’m able to do my best quilting when the quilt is so heavy.

Here are the new parameters:

1. Quilts need to be no more than 94” on any side.

2. Backs need to be 6” wider and longer than the top measurement.  That gives me 3” on each side to work with.  Of course, you will get

    your scraps back if they are large than an inch or so!

3. Prices stay the same at $.015/square inch.  Tax is still 7%.

4. Batting is still $.0029/square inch. I use and sell Quilter’s Dream 100% cotton Request loft.  It’s the thinnest I can find. Their price has  gone up in the last year, but I can hold at the old price for now.

5. I’ve also held my thread prices at the old prices, even though Superior has raised their prices rather stunningly.  I ordered a supply before the change, so we’ll be fine for a while.

If you want to try your hand at quilting your own quilts, I highly recommend Lori Kennedy’s website. 

https://lorikennedyquilts.com

And here are some links to videos on how to quilt in sections or “quilt as you go”.  These methods make it quite possible to quilt your own quilts on your home machine.  I could probably be coerced into finishing some of your large quilts in that way.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji8BLS2rNHA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeelhIA3qAY

I’m so far scheduled to teach Machine Quilt it Yourself on Your Own Machine at the Cedar Key Arts Center the first 2 Mondays in November.  We’ll do a little ruler work, but mostly free motion designs.  

Enjoy!

Love,

Bunny

Spring classes at last!

 Sewing Help Classes resume at the Cedar Key Arts Center resume on May 3, 2021!

It's been a long and worrisome, but often fun year here on Cedar Key.  I was so lucky that this was to be my sabbatical year, so I was prepared for lots of independent learning and project completing.  It worked!  I'm all caught up on graduation and wedding quilts and they are labeled and waiting for the events.

I also had a wonderful time continuing my adventures with fabric decoration.  This week I added fabric paint to one of my own creations!  It's so much fun that I wish it took longer!

I'd love to add a photo, but Google has made it difficult! If you want to be added to my mailing list so you can receive newsletters, email me at 

mermaidsongquilts@icloud.com.

You can email me to register for classes, too.

Thanks!  Happy Spring!

Bunny

Some Summer Fun!

July 3, 2020

Again, I will not be able to teach at the Cedar Key Arts Center in July. There is too much Covid-19 in Florida!  Actually, I have cancelled all in person classes through December.

 

Quilts are still being quilted for anyone who does not like to do them personally, and I am still available for phone, FaceTime and Zoom consultation. If you live close by, you can pick up thread, notion, and batting orders from my front stoop! Or I can meet you somewhere on the road.

 If anything changes, of course I will let you know, but I think we might as well plan on at home learning for the foreseeable future.  

In light of that, I will occasionally post some of the things I have found to do for fun and experience.  Maybe you would like to try, too!

This is "Dancing Ribbons", a free pattern and quilt-a-long from the American Quilter's Society blog.

http://aqsblog.com

It is paper pieced and I did sew through the paper, since the pieces are so small!  This is a 12" block! To join the sections I used thread instead of pins to match the points.  I found the method on David Sirota's website,

https://www.quiltmavendave.com

under Videos, "How to Match Perfect Points".  I really don't think his method takes any longer than pins, and it sure is less stressful, being more accurate.

Bethanne Nemesh's class at the online quilt show was wonderful.  They also had quilt galleries and vendors.  Their next online show will be August 12-15. You can sign up on their website 

https://www.quiltfest.com

to be notified of class lists and registration dates.  I signed up early and by that afternoon so many people were trying to access the website that it was shut down!  But they rectified the situation within a day and all went well.

It seems our new "Goodbye" is "Stay healthy", so I wish it for you!

Until next time...

Bunny

Take a look at this quilting star!

A Favorite Quilter...

Here's a link to one of my favorite quilters, 

Bethanne Nemesh

https://www.whitearborquilting.com

I've been wanting to take one of her classes, but we all know I don't travel! For the last couple of months, she's been teaching video classes on her FaceBook page (look up White Arbor Quilting) on Mondays. Her rulers are wonderful! And on Thursdays she has a nice watercolor project for those who like to adventure in paint.

But the really great news is that the Mancuso Organization, which hosts international quilt shows, is having an online quilt show at the end of this month! And Bethanne is teaching!! 

I'm already signed up for one of her classes and may take 2 or 3. I didn't want to be greedy and sign up for all 3 at once! Here's a link to that site:

https://www.quiltfest.com/upcoming-shows-and-events/online-quilt-festival/

Try out one of her FaceBook videos to see if you like it, then maybe you would like to take a class at the first

Online Quilt Festival!

I admit it! I'm really loving taking classes at home on the computer. I've started going through all the Bluprint classes I bought, some years ago, since we don't know how long they will be available.  More on that later!

Stay safe! Wear a mask! It's the new fashion accessory!

!

Hello, dear friends!

I've been asked if we will have sewing help classes in the summer of 2020, and the answer is...I just don't know!

June will be too soon for us to get together.  I am signed up for the Cedar Key Arts Center classroom for the first Mondays of July, August, and October and the third Monday of September, since the first Monday is Labor Day and the second Monday is scheduled to be a day for Katy Gerritt's sit and sew group (to which all are invited). Classes will be from 10:30-1:30 if we are able to meet.

But who knows if it will be safe to be in a group indoors?  We would need to wear masks and stay 6 feet apart. Is it even possible to teach someone from a distance of 6 feet?  I just don't know!

Please call to register a week or so ahead of the class and I will be able to tell you if I will be at the Arts Center.  In the meantime, FaceTime works well for video conferences and I have Zoom on my computer.  I expect I can figure it out!  Text messaged or emailed photos have been working well for getting questions answered. Sometimes a photo isn't necessary and a tested or spoken conversation works fine.

Here's hoping you are all well and happily finishing lots of UFOs!  I do know that I am!

Love,

Bunny

My new Favorite Face Mask Pattern!

With a few changes I used!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvMEJfwVlUs

Here’s what I did differently:

1. I used about a 10” circle for a paper pattern.  Cut it in quarters so I could line it with white. Cut 2 of lining, 2 of print.

2. Sew the curves on the print fabric. Press open.

3 Sew the curves on the lining.  Press open. If you want the filter pocket, sew the edges down first.  I’m using non-woven fusible interfacing, so I think I will ignore the filter pocket in the future.  Just sew it closed after turning.

4. Open out both pieces, place them right sides together and sew around the whole thing.  

5. Turn, press and topstitch.  I didn’t bother with a nose wire because the larger sized  circle made the mask come up higher on my nose automatically.

6. I prefer to use a long cord instead of ear elastics.  Thread it from top to bottom on one side, come across and thread it from bottom to top on the other side.  I found a thick elastic cord in my stash that is nice.  Or a shoelace would work.

There's a Chinese proverb (curse) "May you live in interesting times."  And here we are!  I wouldn't wish these interesting times on anyone, but if we have to have them, I hope we can weather them with grace.  

Mermaid Song Quilts has cancelled all classes. The final 2 weeks of One Block Wonder are being held via email, video chat, and text.  It's challenging and fun!

The Shark Sewing Club Fashion Show is postponed until the students are back in school and we feel confident that we will not be infecting anyone by gathering.  The young women have made wonderful garments and are so disappointed not to be able to show them to you.

Since I don't know when we will be able to start classes again, please feel free to call or text if you need help.  I am still quilting quilts for those who need a quilter, and am working on classes for 2021.  I hope to teach improvisational piecing next January and start sewing help classes when the situation settles down.

In the meantime, I've been making face masks (If they don't work, why do surgeons wear them??). At least they're good for pollen control.  There's a good pattern and tutorial here

https://www.craftpassion.com

Marie Bostwick is planning to read one of her books aloud daily. Check her website for details.

https://mariebostwick.com

The Refashioista writes fun posts about remaking thrift store finds. I'm going to look in my own "thrift store closet" and see what I can do!

https://refashionista.net

Stay healthy and happy. It's nice to be outdoors and I'm thankful to have a house and yard.  Everyday I spend an hour or so wandering in the garden watering, pulling weeds and enjoying fresh air.

As Prince Charles says "Namaste!"

Bunny

Mermaid Song Quilts Class Schedule 

September-April, 2019-2020

Sewing Help
Mondays, Sept. 9, Oct. 7, 
Nov. 4, Dec. 2, Jan. 6, Feb. 3, Mar. 2. Apr. 6 
10:30am-1:30pm
at the Cedar Key Art Center
Sometimes you have a project you
need a little assistance to complete
or get started. We can help!
$15/session
($20 for non Arts Center members)




Cedar Key Jacket
Mondays, October 14, 21, & 28 
10:30am-1:30pm
at the Cedar Key Art Center 

After looking at samples and inspiration 
pictures, you will design and make 
your own.
You may bring your own pattern
or one will be provided.
$50 includes all 3 sessions
($55 for non Arts Center members)


Wanda’s Nautilus
Mondays, Nov. 11, 18, & 25 
10:30am-3:00pm
at the Cedar Key Art Center
Hand piecing, hand appliqué and
 freezer paper template piecing are 
some of the techniques used in this 
very rewarding wall hanging.
$50 includes all 3 sessions
($55 for non Arts Center members)

Free Motion Machine
Quilting with Rulers
Mondays, December 9 & 16 
10:30am-1:30pm
at the Cedar Key Art Center
Ruler quilting on your home machine 
can give the controlled look of 
computer aided quilting.
$40 includes both sessions
($45 for non Arts Center members)


Quilt in a Day Color Wheel
Bargello
Mondays, January 13, 20, & 27 
10:30am-1:30pm
at the Cedar Key Art Center
A great first quilt or a relaxing 
project for experienced quilters. 
Pattern purchase included in the 
price of class.
$55 includes all 3 sessions
($60 for non Arts Center members)




T-Shirt Quilt
Mondays, February 10 & 17 
10:30am-1:30pm
at the Cedar Key Art Center
Learn how to interface and 
construct these popular
 remembrances.
$40 includes both sessions
($45 for non Arts Center members)

Oven Mitts
Monday, February 24 
10:30am-1:30pm
at the Cedar Key Art Center
Who doesn’t need a new potholder? 
These make great gifts, too! A bonus
pattern is the pot handle holder for
your cast iron pots
$30, includes some supplies
($35 for non Arts Center members)






One Block Wonder
Mondays, March 9, 16, & 23 
10:30am-1:30pm
at the Cedar Key Art Center
It’s easier than it looks to make a 
stunning hexagon quilt with 
all straight seams and only one fabric.
 $50
($55 for non Arts Center members)

Registration:

Call Bunny at 352 378 2799 or email mermaidsongquilts@gmail.com

Supply List will be emailed to you!

Mermaid Song Quilts - The Salty Needle Quilt Shop January-March 2019

Sewing Help

March 4, April 1, May 6, June 3 10:30am-1:30pm

at the Cedar Key Art Center

Sometimes you have a project you need a little assistance to complete or get started. Join a friendly groupfor sewing fun. 

$15/session

Quilting on the Porch

Tuesdays, March 5, April 2

10 am until ??

at the Salty Needle Quilt Shop

FREE

Take 5 Quilt

Thursdays, February 21, 28, & March 7 10:30am-1:30pm

at the Cedar Key Art Center

Chris Black returns to teach this ever popular easy quilt. Use 5 fabrics to create your own masterpiece.

$50 includes all 3 sessions

Attic Windows

Friday, March 15

10:30am-3:00pm

at the Cedar Key Art Center

Use a panel or scenic fabric to make a 

quilt that looks like the view from an attic window. This update of an antique pattern uses no mitering or “Y” seams!

$35

3-D Quilting

Mondays, March 11, 18, & 25 10:30am-1:30pm

at the Cedar Key Art Center

Get the look of curves and triangles without the angst! You can make a quilt, or make samples

of the different techniques.

Each week may be taken separately, or pay one price for all 3 sessions. $20/session or $50 for all 3.

Vacation Skirt

Mondays, April 15 & 22

10:30am-1:30pm

at the Cedar Key Art Center

Make the classic tiered skirt with an easy waistband. You may use a provided serger or bring your own. This is a good time to learn to use your serger, if you have one!

Registration:

Call Bunny at 352 378 2799 or email mermaidsongquilts@gmail.com

Supply List will be emailed to you!

Mermaid Song Quilts - The Salty Needle Quilt Shop Spring, 2019

Sewing Help

March 4, April 1, May 6, June 3 10:30am-1:30pm

at the Cedar Key Art Center

Sometimes you have a project you need a little assistance to complete or get started. Join a friendly group for sewing fun. 

$15/session

Quilting on the Porch

Tuesdays, February 5, March 5, April 2 10 am until ??

at the Salty Needle Quilt Shop

FREE

Basic Braid

Mondays, February 11, 18, 25 10:30am-1:30pmat the Cedar Key Art CenterThe braid quilt looks complicated, but is so easy that a novice can make one andfind success. With so many styles, this could become a favorite for quick results.

Pattern provided.

$50 includes all 3 sessions

Take 5 Quilt

Thursdays, February 21, 28, & March 7 10:30am-1:30pm

at the Cedar Key Art Center

Chris Black returns to teach this ever popular easy quilt. Use 5 fabrics to create your own masterpiece.

$50 includes all 3 sessions

Attic Windows

Fridays, March 1 & 8 10:30am-1:30pm

at the Cedar Key Art Center

Use a panel or scenic fabric to make a quilt that looks like the view from an attic window. This update of an antique pattern uses no mitering or “Y” seams!

$40 includes both sessions

3-D Quilting

Mondays, March 11, 18, & 25 10:30am-1:30pm

at the Cedar Key Art Center

Get the look of curves and triangles without the angst! You can make a quilt, or make samples of the different techniques.

Each week may be taken separately, or pay one price for all 3 sessions. $20/session or $50 for all 3.

Vacation Skirt

Mondays, April 15, & 22

10:30am-1:30pm

at the Cedar Key Art Center

Make the classic tiered skirt with an easy waistband. You may use a provided serger or bring your own. This is a good time to learn to use your serger, if you have one!

Call Bunny at 352 378 2799 to register 

Supply Lists available

at the Salty Needle Quilt Shop

Mermaid Song Quilts - The Salty Needle Quilt Shop

The schedule stays the same, but please note that there will not be Quilting on the Porch at The Salty Needle Quilt Shop due to the VIP sale!  Be sure to visits the shop if you are a VIP card holder or have a filled discount card!  

See you at a class or at February's Quilting on the Porch!

Schedule through March, 2019!

Look for samples at the Salty Needle Quilt Shop

October-December 2018

at Mermaid Song Quilts and the Salty Needle Quilt Shop

Sewing Help Continues…

Oct. 1, Nov. 5, Dec. 3

at the Cedar Key Art Center

10:30am-1:30pm

$10/session

The Cedar Key Art Center is located above the Cedar Keyhole Gallery. There are outside stairs behind and to the right of the Sculpture Garden. There is also an ELEVATOR!!  Just call Bunny at (352) 378-2799 for access.

Quilting on the Porch 

Tuesdays, Oct. 2, Nov. 6, Dec. 4 at the Salty Needle Quilt Shop 10 am- ??

FREE

Rainbow Swirls

Thursdays, November 8 & 15

10:30am-1:30pm

at the Salty Needle Quilt Shop

Sew straight lines to create swirls 

and curves with this classic 

log cabin pattern. Using 2 1/2”

strips, one block makes a nice

baby or lap quilt!

$40

Machine Quilt it Yourself...On Your Home Machine

Mondays, November 12, 19, & 26

10:30am-1:30pm

at the Cedar Key Art Center

Explore straight lines and curves while

you make a machine quilting sample.

We will use the walking foot, free motion

foot, and rulers. You can expect help 

with thread, tension, and marking, too.

$50.

Mermaid Song Quilts - The Salty Needle Quilt Shop

  January-March 2019 

Sewing Help

January 7, February 4, March 4,            

April 1, May 6, June 3

10:30am-1:30pm

at the Cedar Key Art Center

Sometimes you have a project you 

need a little assistance to complete 

or get started.  Join a friendly group

 for sewing fun.

$15/session

The Cedar Key Art Center is located above the Cedar Keyhole Gallery. There are outside stairs behind and to the right of the Sculpture Garden. There is also an ELEVATOR!!  Just call Bunny at (352) 378-2799 for access.

Quilting on the Porch 

Tuesdays, January 8, February 5, March 5, April 2, May 7, June 4

10 am until ?? 

at the Salty Needle Quilt Shop

FREE

Beginning Quilting 4-Patch/Provence Dreams

Mondays, January 14, 21, & 28

10:30am-1:30pm

at the Cedar Key Art Center

Learn the basics of rotary cutting 

and piecing in the first session; continue 

with appliqué and quilt construction.

Those who wish to take 1 or 2 sessions

may pay a per session price of $20.

$50 includes all 3 sessions

Stained Glass Windows

Thursday, January 24

10:30am-1:30pm

at the Salty Needle Quilt Shop

In the Frank Lloyd Wright style, or

using stained glass patterns, you 

can stitch beautiful faux windows.  

And these are not breakable!

$25

Pie Plate Hot Pad

Thursday, January 31

10:30am-1:30pm

at the Salty Needle Quilt Shop

Make a tasty looking trivet! You 

may choose your own fabrics or

purchase a $7 kit which includes 

everything you need.

$25 

Jelly Roll Rug

Thursdays, February 7 & 14

10:30am-1:30 pm

at the Salty Needle Quilt Shop

This is so much fun! A whole jelly 

roll makes quite a big rug; this mat 

used only 18 strips.

$25

Basic Braid 

Mondays, February 11, 18, 25

10:30am-1:30pm

at the Cedar Key Art Center

The braid quilt looks complicated, 

but is so easy that a novice can 

make one andfind success. With so

many styles, this could become a 

favorite for quick results. 

Pattern provided.

$50 includes all 3 sessions 

Take 5 Quilt

Thursdays, February 21, 28, & March 7

10:30am-1:30pm

at the Salty Needle Quilt Shop 

Chris Black returns to teach this ever 

popular easy quilt. Use 5 fabrics to

create your own masterpiece.

$50 includes all 3 sessions

Attic Windows

Fridays, March 1 & 8

10:30am-1:30pm

at the Salty Needle Quilt Shop

Use a panel or scenic fabric to make 

a quilt that looks like the view from

an attic window.  This update of an

antique pattern uses no mitering or 

“Y” seams!

$40 includes both sessions

3-D Quilting

Mondays, March 11, 18, & 25

10:30am-1:30pm

at the Cedar Key Art Center

Get the look of curves and 

triangles without the angst! You 

can make a quilt, or make samples

 of the different techniques. 

Each week may be taken separately, 

or pay one price for all 3 sessions. 

$20/session or $50 for all 3.

Vacation Skirt

Thursdays, March 14 & 21

10:30am-1:30pm

at the Salty Needle Quilt Shop

Make the classic tiered skirt with one of 3 easy waistbands.  You may use a provided serger or bring your own.  This is a good time to learn to use your serger, if you have one!

Call Bunny at 352 378 2799 to register

Supply Lists available 

at the Salty Needle Quilt Shop