How to have a studio open house

 I met Cherri at Portland Modern Quilt Guild and got to know her a bit as we were officers together in 2010.  Yesterday afternoon she held a wonderful open house at her new studio space in the St. Johns area of Portland, which houses her new long arm quilting machine.  It was a perfect afternoon of Cherri-style hospitality!

The studio is housed in this cool old building, Cathedral Park Place, formerly the home of Columbia Woolen Mills and then Columbia Sportswear.

Just outside of her studio, you get a little promise of the inspiration within.

The awesome sign is a gift from PMQG member, Jill, and was made by her husband from her design.  

I've mentioned Jill and her business TabSlot before. 

They make incredible templates, including this New Wave Template. 

Once inside Cherri's studio, there is so much to admire and inspire.

Come in and take a look around!

 

 

These coasters were a gift from Megan.

Don't forget to grab a warm cookie and some ice cold milk. 

And be sure to get a party favor!

 

 

Take a spin on the long arm.  You can have a turn after Monica.

Maybe Jen will give an impromptu lesson on making a zippered bag.

Relax and enjoy yourself with quilty friends and family.

Thank you, Cherri, for sharing your beautiful space with us!  You are such a gracious hostess!

Cherri presenting at a PMQG meeting.

 It's time for me to head home, but what a beautiful drive it is!

With wishes, true and kind -- Joan

My physical therapist is trying to kill me...

...and thank goodness!  

In just a few short weeks my shoulder (that has been problematic for over three years) is almost pain free, and I almost have full range of motion once again.  So........... we have somehow gone from shoulder rehab to working toward "Michelle Obama arms". 

 That's right, my physical therapist is somehow becoming my personal trainer, but again -- thank goodness!  After babying my shoulder for the last few years, it feels good to be doing some upper body work again.  But Lee has no idea how close I came to throwing up on his floor today after a long and grueling session on some sort of bicycle-for-your-arms thingy.  Intense!

So, tonight I am feeling strong and capable of anything (we'll see how I feel in the morning)!  I am also feeling proud of myself for putting together a great little outfit for a fancy dinner dance I'm going to tomorrow night.  All in 1.5 hours on the way home from work.  What do you think?

 

 Dress and necklace 30% off at Ann Taylor Loft.

But since it's January, and I don't (yet) have Michelle Obama arms, I added this shrug from White House Black Market.

 

And these shoes (also from WHBM) which are just a little too big for Samantha.  She does love a great slingback, though.

I was especially motivated to get my shopping done in a hurry so that I can attend Cherri's (Sew On) studio open house tomorrow.  Her husband recently bought her a long arm and she rented what looks to be a fabulous space near her home.   I'd so much rather go see Cherri's new studio and hang out with quilty friends than spend my Saturday afternoon shopping.

Here is Cherri's version of Elizabeth's Tokyo Subway Station, which was quilted by Nancy Stovall.  And now that she has her very own long arm, I can't wait to see her work!  Be sure and check out Cherri's brand new blog (link above).

Maybe I'll even have time in the morning to finish up some bee blocks like these works-in-progress:

And, yes, the wedding plans are well underway, thank you for asking.  I'll probably start posting more details soon.  Less than four months and counting!

With wishes, true and kind -- Joan

This just in!  My fabulously sassy (and wacky) friend, Heather, is giving away some of Sarah Fielke's new fabrics--generously donated by the Fat Quarter Shop--on her blog!  Hurry on over for your chance to win!

 And now for a tiny secret -- just between us.  I already have a little of Sarah's fabric, plus this adorable bird, made by Sarah from her fabric! See how cute!?!?!
Shhhhh!  Don't tell Heather!

One quilter's (s)crap

It was agreed over a twitter conversation that one quilter's crap is another quilter's treasure, so some quilting friends and I gathered together for our sewing night with bags full of fabric, notions, vintage finds, abandoned projects, and even completed handmade items and quilts.  Sewing with friends is always fun, but this destash and share was a blast!  Where else could you score a quilt made by Elizabeth Hartman, while also having the opportunity to model what I will describe as a Little House on the Prairie Dress (looking good, Heather!) or take home a cut of Sponge Bob Square Pants fabric.  As usual with this crazy group of sewers, I laughed until my sides hurt, and I had to wipe away the tears!  

I think everyone found anywhere from a few treasures to a large bag or box full.  And we were all happy to see fabric and other materials on their way to being used and appreciated.  I had my eye out for certain colors and textures for bee blocks (especially grays and oranges), as well as perennial favorites like Amy Butler.  What do you think of my finds?

My bag, overflowing with fabric.

I couldn't resist more Party Dress by Mo Bedell.

Some miscellaneous stash enhancement:

I adopted a little unfinished hexie project from Heather.  It's not like I don't have plenty of unfinished projects of my own, but I just may surprise myself and finish this.

I didn't bring very much fabric, and was actually pretty sneaky about slipping it in with other people's fabric (mainly Monica's).  I thought mine was just too (s)craptastic!  Next time I'll bring a couple of bags!

The best part of the evening was getting a beautiful quilt from Elizabeth.  I just love it!  Molly even promised not to "steal" it from me, but the cats are still making a case for it.  They think all fabric and quilts belong to them!

New Wave Quilt

 Thank you so much, Elizabeth, and rest assured, this quilt will be used and well-loved!

And oh so many thanks to all the quilting tweeps and peeps for a great swap and evening of fun: Kristin, Violet, Irene, Gabrien, Heather, Traci, Mo, Monica, and Elizabeth!

With wishes, true and kind -- Joan