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!