South Brooke Quilting Co.

Today has been a - - kind of day. About a week ago or so, I posted that I was nearing the end of building my first quilt pattern. [INSERT SQUEAL HERE] As a part of that process, I need to follow my directions and create the quilt as though I had purchased it. ... So here I am, working through the fabrics that I want to use... is that pink too pink? does that pink clash with that shade? does this material pattern overpower that one? do I want stripes or polka dots? Ha-ha! Yep, I question myself too. My first step is to pull everything that's in the same colour house. No matter what the pattern or even if it has pops of another colour in it. I then organize them from light to dark. The next steps is searching for visual interest. Kind of what I noted above... does that pink overpower the others? Do I want whites and creams together? Does that pattern have any business playing with that one? I also ponder ideas like; if this were for a 6 year-old, a 13 year-old or a 40 year-old would they fall in love with this combination? Being critical, asking questions and taking some time to mix and match is how I strike gold. This week, I have taken my creative step up a notch. I purchased a corkboard and am developing a wall of marvel. One that I can tack projects to and stare in wonderment until I can’t see anymore. Lol! Cause if you don't have any more table space, then start climbing the walls! I love that I’ll be able to switch out a fabric easily enough and not have to move it all over for another project. I’m now wondering how many I can fit on my walls. How do you work out a creative process? Is it similar to mine or do you just see it?

In my search for more information on quilt patterns possibly being used to assist slaves to freedom, I found another document that speaks to many other patterns that could have been used as well. See this link from the Owen Sound Tourism site. https://www.owensoundtourism.ca//Documents/Quilt-Codes.pdf A book called "Hidden In Plain View", written by authors Jacqueline Tobin and Raymond Dobard, published in 1999, speaks of these three and other quilts. It is very fascinatin...g to me that such codes could have been used in this way. After reading several articles on this subject I couldn't help but wonder if there is truth to their findings. The explanations certainly create curiosity. I have also tried to comprehend their sentiments of satisfaction, as small as it may have been, when it was realized that their efforts were working. I do believe that learning more and talking to my children about history can only bring good. I will always show my children examples when people rise to help others.

One of THE BEST parts of this business is the shopping. I don’t care if it’s for needles, thread or rotary replacement blades, it’s fun and allows me to play.... okay, obviously the fabric shopping takes the cake! The very first quilting fabric shop that I entered, Stitcharie in Petrolia, Ontario, is involved in what’s called a Shop Hop. If I’m correct, normally one would enjoy a day of driving from shop to shop to find new and exciting fabrics and meet the f...aces behind new stores. But in today’s world, we’re enjoying eleven shops from across the province in the comfort of our own homes. I’m cuddled up in my warm and fuzzies with coffee a snack and one of our pups getting ready to purchase from goodies. For the next four days, these stores will offer discounts, prizes, daily deals and ballot entries for a draw. Interested? Of course you are!!!! Just head on over to Stitcharie to find out the details and get shopping with store number one. Have fun

. I scored with a great purchase of 80/20 batting today, but at what cost... One of my favourite quilting fabric shops, The Marsh Store in the hamlet of Coldstream, Ontario has decided to close its doors. So while I’m thrilled that my business is able to keep some money stashed away ( , ) I am saddened by their news. ... I posted about them last month but I can’t resist another post today. I stumbled upon this sweet store on my way to one of my son’s hockey games. Unable to pop in at that exact time, I hightailed it back quickly thereafter and fell head over heals as I walked through the door. This spectacular and one might I say, exactly what you’d think of a venue when it comes to a quaint small town, fabric shop is anything short of magical. Every room in this old 1869 home holds something unique. It pulls you right in. I have spent hours there and will miss its charm and lovely fabric choices too! Another extraordinary find and now dear to my heart location came from visiting The Marsh Store. The remarkable Coldstream Conservation Area. I’ll surely remember Tracy and her beautiful store each time we enjoy a walk along the boardwalk. Thank you for always inspiring me!

So another day of building ensues with Prismly. Cutting is a therapeutic process for me. I often read that others hate it. I suppose it’s something to do with the soothing sound of the rotary blade and knowing what is to come. The beginning of something spectacular. Hoping! This first stage always brings nervous butterflies. Laying out each piece always leaves me feeling amazed. It’s extremely gratifying to develop a pattern that was once in my mind. Calculate the math,... work it over not once, twice but three times, maybe a touch overboard. Next comes the cuts to spec to see it come to life with each piece matching up. Amen! Sewing is next, but that will have to wait for tomorrow. I have four men in this house who are in Super Bowl mode and so family time is winning today! Until next time, Kerri xo