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