Posted By Margaret on May 15, 2013

photo by Karen Schiely

Wow, what a weekend we had!  The 2013 Get-Away Weekend was sold out this year, filling all of the rooms that were available.  It was a relaxing weekend filled with lots of quilting.  We were pampered with massages and hot stone pedicures.  We had a special wine tasting with Evie Collins from Swedish Hill Winery on Friday.  We had a movie night Thursday featuring the movie “How to Make an American Quilt” another night.  We tasted champagnes Saturday night.  Sunday we had a huge Show & Tell.  Thanks to all of you who came, and thanks to the Rochester Modern Quilt Guild for bringing a wonderful modern quilt trunk show to Bristol Harbour.  Our theme, “Modern Quilting,” was a big hit.  This newest trend in quilting has totally got me excited about quilting again.  Not since I saw Stack-n-Whack quilts for the first time have I been so enthused about a style of quilting.

photo by Karen Schiely

I can’t wait to plan my fall classes this year.  You will certainly be seeing lots more classes of modern quilting.  If you haven’t discovered modern quilting yet, I’d be surprised. Every quilt magazine is featuring modern quilts which are modern, tweaked versions of traditional quilts often made from bright colors like orange, lime, turquoise and lots of negative space with background colors of white, oatmeal or gray.  Fabrics feature solids, geometric prints and large bold florals.  The pieced blocks are often wonky and not evenly repeated, leaving lots of background (or negative space) to highlight modern quilting stitches done on a home machine or a long-arm.  These stitches can be rows of closely spaced straight lines or free-motion curved design, often done without marking.

photo by Karen Schiely

One of the tips Sherri Laskey, from Rochester’s Modern Quilt Guild, gave us at the Get-Away Weekend was to practice these modern quilting designs on little sandwiches (about 10″).  She keeps her practice squares in a tote box to refer  to when trying to decide how to quilt her next quilt.  I’ve now started this same system.  Check out Sherri’s blog, The Creekside Quilter, where she’s blogged about this in March 2013.  She got the idea from Leah Day’s “365 Free Motion Quilting Designs.”  On Leah Day’s website, DayStyleDesigns.com you’ll find a great resource of designs and tutorials at different skill levels for free motion quilt designs.

There are lots of other great machine quilting sites and tutorials on the internet to learn new modern quilt patterns.  Angela Walters has a great book out on this topic, “Free-Motion Quilting with Angela Walters: Choose and Use Quilting Designs for Modern Quilts.” Check out her website with some free patterns and tutorials:  Quilting is My Therapy and her Facebook Page.

And another book that I love on this topic, “Modern Quilting Designs” by Bethany Nicole Pease.  What I like about this book is that it is full of pages of drawn designs for quilting, not lots of words.  I have copies of this book and Angela Walters book available for purchase at my studio if you are having trouble finding a copy.  Look for some new and exciting machine quilting classes with me this fall.

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Posted By Margaret on May 13, 2013

I celebrated my first year anniversary at the Hungerford at May’s First Friday with Watkins & the Rapiers playing my studio again.  Thanks to everyone who came and helped me celebrate. I promised to post my homemade salsa recipe.  It’s so easy to make and really tastes fresh, even though it’s made with canned tomatoes.  You can use any kind of canned tomatoes.  This time I used garlic fire-roasted tomatoes.

Margaret’s Homemade Salsa
1 – 4 fresh jalapeno peppers, quartered
1 medium onion, quartered
1 – 14 oz. can chopped tomatoes
1 – 8 oz. can tomato sauce
1 bunch of fresh cilantro, chopped

Whir peppers and onion in food processor until chopped fine.  Stir in remaining ingredients.  Serve with corn chips.

I’ve been busy making new summer runners, placemats, and coaster sets.  I’m working on a couple of new style purse designs also, a wristlet and a cross-over body style.  I’ll be posting a photos when I get them completed.  I also still have jelly rolls and creative packs for sale.

Next first Friday is June 7, 6 – 9 p.m. at the Hungerford, 1115 East Main Street.  My studio is located on the third floor, studio #307.  Just follow the hall out of the elevator to the end, make a right and continue to the end of the hall and make another right.  I’m clear at the end of the hall on the right.  Come by and see me!

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Posted By Margaret on March 4, 2013

2012 Get-Away Weekend at Bristol Harbour

Only one double room is left at Bristol Harbour for the 2013 Get-Away Weekend.  They are holding it for me until March 10, the deadline to sign up for this all-inclusive, fun-filled weekend.  If you were planning on going and haven’t let me know yet, now is the time.  We also have a couple of single king rooms available.  This year the theme will be Modern Quilting.  Our guest speaker for Saturday afternoon will be several members of the Rochester Modern Quilt Guild who have been meeting at my studio for the last few months.  They will tell us about modern quilting and have a trunk show to share.  I’m really excited about this year’s Get-Away, not only for the theme and guest speakers, but also because it is the largest one to date, with 33 people signed up so far coming from Rochester, eastern New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio.  Plus it will be a little later this year, April 18 – 21, so the weather should be warming up by then.  Bristol Harbour is such a tranquil and beautiful destination, it will be nice to spend some of the weekend outside.  To read more details about the weekend and download a sign-up brochure click here.

Guided Project for the 2013 Get-Away Weekend

For the guided project this year, we’ll be making a quilt called “Soho Sanctuary” designed by Jude Spero.  It measures 62″ x 78″ and it’s made from 32 assorted 2 1/2″ pre-cut strips.  You can cut your own or buy a pre-cut jelly roll.  I’ve been sorting through my stash and will have lots of themed jelly rolls for sale at the Get-Away weekend if you don’t find any you like and don’t have time to pre-cut from your own stash.  We’ll also be doing a jelly roll project for the Spring Day Retreat on Saturday, April 27.  In case you haven’t heard, the Spring Day Retreat will be replacing the Sizzlin’ Summer Retreat which usually takes place on a Friday night in June at Jackie Lynn’s. You can sign up for the day retreat at Jackie Lynn’s.  It’s only $40 and will include a full meal just like the Friday night retreats.

Also for sale this year at the Get-Away weekend will be Jeanne Beck’s Creative Fabric Packs.  I know some of you discovered Jeanne’s studio at the Hungerford in January during the Art of the Steal clearance sale.  Jeanne is a mixed media artist who spent the last decade making her own hand-dyed and embellished fabrics for use in her artwork.  She is now working with other media and has been selling off her incredible stash of hand-dyed and painted fabrics.  They are not just cottons, but also silks.  These packets are packed full of coordinating fabrics in varying sizes and sell for just $15 a pack.  It’s hard to select just one!

Thanks to all of you who stopped by for the March First Friday.  If you haven’t been to a First Friday at the Hungerford yet, I’ll be open for First Friday, April5, May3, and June7, from 6-9 p.m.  This past First Friday lots of artists at my end of the hall were open.  The Hungerford is a great building filled with lots of varied artists, many who open on the first Friday of each month to show and sell their artwork.  It’s a 4-story building filled with artists.  I always post recipes after First Friday of the food I serve.  In March I made a corned beef dip that tastes like a rueben sandwich in appetizer form.  Here’s the recipe:

Hot Rueben Dip
14 oz. can sauerkraut, rinsed and drained
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
1 cup corned beef, chopped
1 cup mayonnaise
rye, pumpernickle or baguette bread

Pat sauerkraut with paper towels to absorb extra moisture.  Combine all ingredients, except bread, in a large mixing bowl.  Spread in an ungreased 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.  Bake in a 350° F oven for 25 minutes or until hot and bubbly.  Serve warm with torn bread or sliced baguette.

And one last thing.  The winner of the drawing from the January Class Sign-up Days was Mary Kieffer who won a free class.  Congratulations, Mary!

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Posted By Margaret on February 4, 2013

Retro Apron

Thanks to everyone who stopped by on First Friday.  We all had a good time.  As promised, here are the recipes:

Fast Chocolate Fondue
2/3 cup dark corn syrup
1/2 cup heavy cream
9 oz. semi-sweet chocolate, chopped

Heat corn syrup and cream in saucepan on stove until it comes to a boil.  Remove from heat and stir in chopped chocolate until it is all melted. Transfer to fondue pot and serve with assorted fruits, angel food cake, pound cake, pretzels, marshmallows, etc. to dip.

Camembert Cheese with Cherry-Balsamic topping
1/2 cup cherry preserves
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (I used a cherry balsamic vinegar from the Rochester Public Market)
1/4 cup chopped pecans

Stir all ingredients together.  Spread over a wheel of Camembert cheese. Microwave for 1 minute or just until warm.  Serve with crackers.

Now it’s back to classes.  Classes begin this week at my studio with the Slice & Dice Quilt on Thursday, February 7.  On Friday, February 15, is the Machine Quilting Made Easy for all of you who want to learn basic machine quilting.  Monday, February 18, come learn how to make this fun retro apron.  You can sign up for any of my studio classes right from this site.  Just go to the “upcoming classes” page and click on the buy now button next to the class you want to take.

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Posted By Margaret on February 1, 2013

Mini Quilt Pins, available at First Friday

It’s First Friday again, and your last chance to get a free class or a class for 50% off at my studio.  Sign up for 3 classes anywhere I teach by the end of the day today and get a class at my studio for 50% off. Or sign up for 4 classes anywhere I teach and get a free class at my studio.

My version of the Slice & Dice Quilt, class begins Feb. 7

Tonight is First Friday and I will be open from 5 – 9 p.m., Studio #307. Stop by and see samples of my studio classes, sign up for a quilt class (anywhere that I teach), do a little Valentine’s Day shopping and have a glass of wine and some chocolate fondue.  We’re celebrating St. Valentine’s Day early at the Hungerford, 1115 East Main Street tonight.

You can also sign up at the individual stores (where you can see the class samples) or right from this website through PayPal (for classes at my studio).  Then just send me an email and tell me what 3 or 4 classes you signed up for and what class you want for free (or for 50% off).

Hope to see you tonight!

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Posted By Margaret on January 27, 2013

Modern Quilting

The dates for the Modern Quilting class at my studio have been changed.  This class will now begin on February 27 and continue on March 6, March 27 and April 3.  You can choose between a day class (from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.) or a night class (from 6 – 8:30 p.m.).  This is a beginner level class.  Come learn about the latest trend in quilting, “modern quilting.”  Although this quilt is made from a pattern, the technique leaves lots of room for improvisation.

Slice & Dice Quilt

Another “modern quilt” class, new this winter is the Slice & Dice Quilt class which will be on Thursdays, beginning February 7 and continuing on February 28 and March 7.  Also, you can choose between a day class (from 12:30 – 3 p.m.) or a night class (from 6 – 8:30 p.m.)  This quilt comes from the same book, Modern Quilting by Jacquie Gering and Katie Pedersen.  Join us at my studio and learn this fun slice and dice technique.

Stop by my studio this Friday, February 1, from 5 – 9 p.m. for First Friday and check out the samples in person.  You can register for any of my studio classes (as well as my classes at Jackie Lynn’s and the Scarlet Thread) Friday.  If you sign up for 3 classes (any location), you will receive a fourth class at my studio for 50% off.  Sign up for four classes (any location) and receive a free class at my studio.  This sale ends Friday, February 1.  You can also now sign up for my studio classes right from this  website through PayPal.  Just go to the Upcoming Classes page and click on the “Buy Now” button.

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Posted By Margaret on January 16, 2013

Saturday, January 19, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. is the Class Preview Day at Jackie Lynn’s.  I will be there to answer any of your questions about the Winter classes at that store.  Sign up for 3 classes and get a 4th class at my studio this winter for 50% off.  Sign up for 4 classes and get a free class at my studio.  If you haven’t been by Jackie Lynn’s since the holidays you will notice a new look when you arrive.  They  have eliminated the front classroom and are in the process of adding a new larger classroom off the back classroom.  Until the construction is done, though, they will only have two classrooms.  So you may notice I have a few less classes this winter at Jackie Lynn’s, especially on Saturdays.  To accommodate this, I have added some of my beginner and basic classes to the Scarlet Thread and have moved the UFO class to my studio.  I also have a few more new classes at my studio.

Watkins & the Rapiers playing in a corner of my studio at First Friday in December

On First Friday on February 1st from 5 – 9 p.m., I will have a class sale and sign-up open house at my studio, #307, the Hungerford, 1115 East Main Street (at Goodman St.).  I’ll have the same sale for 50% off and a free class, except at this sale you can mix and match class locations to get the 3 or 4 classes for the discount.  Since it’s also First Friday, the building will be open and many of the other studios will be having sales and refreshments.  It’s a great opportunity to wander around the building and check out some art.  Stop by and check out my spacious studio with cutting stations, ironing stations, lots of tables and adjustable office chairs for your comfort.

I’ll also be participating in the Art of the Steal Clearance Sale at the Hungerford on Friday, January 25 – Saturday, January 26, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.  This sale is when all of the artists will be selling off their art supplies and having a clearance sale on their artwork.  I’ll have some of my craft and quilting supplies on sale and will also be available for an Early Bird class sale, same 50% off and free class specials.  You can sign up for any of my classes at any location on these two days also.

And new this year, you can sign up for my studio classes directly from this website using PayPal.  Just go to the Upcoming Classes page and click on the “buy now” button next to the class you want to take.  After you sign up, I will email you a supply list.  You can also email me with questions about these classes at qwm@rochester.rr.com or mail me a check if you prefer.

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Posted By Margaret on January 7, 2013

The Webster Museum & Historical Society has a current exhibit through January 20, 2013 featuring the War of 1812 Quilt Challenge with “cot to coffin” size quilts in 1812 era fabrics.  The 27 top quilts from the Great Lakes Seaway Trail Quilt Show are traveling across the United States and Canada as part of the Great Lakes Seaway Trail War of 1812 Traveling Exhibit.  Accompanying the quilts will be Exhibit Boards describing the history of the War of 1812 as well as story boards from the New York State exhibit celebrating the 200th anniversary of the War.

Museum hours are limited, Saturdays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2 – 4:30 p.m.  The museum is located at 18 Lapham Park in Webster, NY.  There is no admission charge.  If you’d like to schedule another day or a group tour you can contact the museum through their website at www.webstermuseum.org

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Posted By Margaret on January 6, 2013

Watkins & the Rapiers at December First Friday

What a crazy and busy holiday season this has been!!  Hope you all had a wonderful holiday.  I’m just now getting around to planning my winter classes.  I’ll have more on that in a few days.  Just wanted to wish you all a happy new year and post some holiday recipes from my December First Friday that I never had time to post during the holidays.

Holiday Spiced Sangria
Make a simple sugar by heating 1 cup granulated sugar with 1 cup water over medium low heat on the stove.  Add 1 cinnamon stick, 1 star anise and 4 whole cloves.   Cook until sugar is dissolved.  Cool and store in a glass jar overnight.  Remove spices.

In a punch bowl combine 3 liters dry red wine, 1 liter cranberry juice cocktail, and a large bottle of cranberry lime sparkling water.  Add spiced simple sugar to taste.  float orange and lime slices and cinnamon sticks in punch.  Serve chilled.

A happy customer enjoys the band on First Friday

Festive Retro Holiday Spread
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
4 oz. chopped black olives, drained
4 1/2 oz. can chopped green chiles, drained
1 bunch green onions, chopped
16 oz. container sour cream
1 jar roasted red pepper strips, drained or 1 tomato, seeded and chopped

Blend together cream cheese, olives chiles and onions.  Place spread on a piece of plastic wrap and form into a log.  Wrap with plastic wrap and bend into a candy cane form.  Lay on a platter and chill.  Remove plastic wrap 15 minutes before serving and place on serving platter.  Spread sour cream over candy cane like frosting.  Sprinkle tomatoes or roasted red pepper strips over sour cream to form red stripes on candy cane.  Serve with Ritz crackers.  Makes 10 – 12 servings.

Pine Cone Retro Cheese Ball
1 – 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 – 4 oz. pkg. corned beef slices, chopped
1 bunch green onions, chopped
2 tsp. Worchestershire sauce
1 pkg. pecan halves

Blend cream cheese, corned beef, green onions and Worchestershire sauce.  For into a ball and wrap in plastic wrap.  Chill overnight.  Form cheese ball into a pine cone shape and remove plastic wrap.  Place on serving dish.  Starting at point of pine cone, insert pecan halve around cheese ball in rows to resemble pine cone.  Garnish top of pine cone with some holiday greenery and serve with crackers.

My studio was closed for the January First Friday.  I’m taking the month of January off.  But I will be open again for First Friday in February on the 1st and will be having a class signup day and sale then.  Watch for more news about this in the next few days.

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Posted By Margaret on December 7, 2012

Elf and Santa Dog Hats, just some of the items for sale.

This is a busy weekend! Friday night is First Friday at my studio from 5 – 9 p.m. It should be a great time.  I have local band Watkins and the Rapiers playing their Holiday set of all original music.  I took down all of the class tables to make more room and the studio is decorated for the holidays.  Hope you can stop by for a  little holiday cheer and shopping. My studio is #307 on the 3rd floor of the Hungerford, 1115 East Main Street.

If you can’t make if Friday night, I will also be open Saturday for the Holiday Show, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.  No live music on Saturday.  But many of the other studios will also be open on Saturday.

Then on Sunday I will be at the Rochester Public Market for Craftacular at Java’s at the Market inside, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.  Sundays in December at the Market are always fun, if you’ve never been before.  Lots of outdoor shopping: live trees, gifts, etc.

If you’re out and about this weekend stop by and say hi!  Remember, help the local economy and shop local this year for the holidays.

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