100th Follower Random Draw

Hooray everyone! I have been promising this moment . . . and here it is! 

We have hit over 100 followers on the Explore Fibre blog 

and we have a winner! 

The prize is my brand new pattern called Black Sheep Block Party. 

It's hot off the press and just hit the Brandy Lynn Designs website for sale last week!

Thank you to everyone for following! You are my friends, my family, my colleagues and a whole bunch of wonderful new faces! I'm so glad you've taken the time to connect with me. Your comments have been such a great way for me to meet you and get to know you better. Quilting and Fibre Art are my passion and through it all, you've been my support, so THANK YOU! I love you all for caring about what I have to say.

I'm so glad you've joined me for the Canadian Quilt Talk adventure. This is so exciting! In only 9 episodes, we've had over 7000 downloads. If you are not sure what that means, well, just know that it's a really good thing! It means I'm putting something out there that people are listening to. Now that we have over 100 followers on the Explore Fibre blog, this will be the last time we do the old fashioned "draw from a hat!" (Although my son and I have so much fun with that!) Next time I'll install that newfangled rafflecopter for the draw so it's officially fair and random. Although I cannot imagine anything more fair than the eagle eyes of a ten year old making sure no one peeks.

AND THE WINNER IS...

KATHY SCHWARTZ from Flin Flon, Manitoba

Congratulations Kathy! And of course, if I have a winner, I like mention where you can find them online. Kathy has a long arm quilting business and she loves to dye fabric as well so check out her blog at the Tamarack Shack! 

AND ONE FINAL NOTE - we are nearing 400 likes on the Canadian Quilt Talk Facebook and when we hit 500 we are going to have an online party like you've never seen before . . . just saying!

A mention on The Quilt Show Blog!

Welcome to all of our new quilting friends 

who are coming on over from The Quilt Show blog. 

Thanks for checking out Canadian Quilt Talk! 

Hey everyone! I'm so excited that we got a big mention on The Quilt Show blog! Doesn't he look like a sweetie in the picture? Well he is fantastic. When I interviewed Ricky Tims a couple weeks ago, he was so kind with sweet and hilarious answers and gave me a lot of great advice as well. He is a true gent and just passionate about quilting.

That was just a screen shot so you can't click on it to listen, but you can just go straight to The Quilt Show blog to check it out or scroll down on the right and click on Episode 007 to listen. Last week Ricky Tims mentioned me on the Quilt Show blog that he writes with Alex Anderson after my exclusive interview with him on his Canadian Tour.

The oh so exciting part is the jump in downloads for the Canadian Quilt Talk podcast. We went from about 200 downloads per week, which is pretty darn good already, to over 1000 in one day when he mentioned it on the blog. It's all so exciting! Now's the time to tell your friends. And if you are thinking, geez, I haven't even had a chance to listen, here are a few tips on finding some time to yourself to check it out:

1. When you are quilting of course! It's not a video, so you can set it up right back from podcast 001 and listen to them all while you get started on a project you've been meaning to tackle.
2. While driving your car. If you have a smart phone of any kind or an iPad, or even a laptop, you can download them all before you leave home and then play them on the road.
3. When you exercise. You know you should be walking, so download them on your iPod or whatever listening device you have and get your shoes moving!
4. And the most common response on the Canadian Quilt Talk Facebook Page is kicking back in a reclining chair with a cup of hot chocolate! 

Any place, any time, no matter how you check it out - I'm so glad you are listening.

Episode 009 Canadian Quilt Talk - Modern Quilting Uncovered

This week's episode of Canadian Quilt Talk hits a hot topic that everyone's talking about - Modern Quilting. You sent in your questions and we found the answers with special guest Holly Broadland, President and founder of the Vancouver Modern Quilt Guild. 

Check out this episode!

Tuesday Preview - CQT Episode 009

Welcome to the Tuesday Preview. This week's episode of Canadian Quilt Talk hits a hot topic that everyone is talking about lately - there's even a brand new category for it in the CQA National Juried Show. SO WHAT IS MODERN QUILTING ANYWAYS? I asked listeners to write in with their questions and we have all the answers as we talk to Holly Broadland, the President of the Vancouver Modern Quilt Guild. 

Canadian Quilt Talk Episode 008 - Modern Quilting Uncovered!

WE NEED YOU! My file folder of stories is getting low! Send us your Quilter's Corner stories! We have some great advertisers coming up and the prizes are as yummy looking as a 6 layered Death by Chocolate!  

This week we will let you know what our Facebook friends have to say about the question - "Where do you listen to Canadian Quilt Talk?" I love your comments! Whether it's through Facebook, Twitter, the blog, or the website - I'd love to hear from you!

As always, at the end of this week's episode, I offer up MY TWO STITCHES on Modern Quilting Uncovered. And don't miss our second installment of the GENTLE JUDGE - we'll answer your questions on the last Thursday of each month. 

Until next time . . . dream big and work hard in the studio . . . with Canadian Quilt Talk!

Our Oliver...

THANK YOU so much to my friends, family, listeners, followers....

The outpour of love and affection since yesterday has been so heartwarming. We've laughed and cried. You have reminded us of the best and the worst Ollie moments, the bloopers and the memories. We love you all and I can't thank you enough for your kind words.

It's been a quiet week on the Explore Fibre Blog as we cared for our ailing pup. He was a trooper wagging his tail and licking our fingers even in his last moments. For decades now I've turned to my studio and quilting to clear my mind, deal with stress and cope with the world around me. So, I was hoping I'd keep my mind off the quiet house this morning by heading down to the studio. Not so much.

He's not here by my feet and I realize how often I held his head in my hands and felt his ears and talked him through my problems. It's very hard, my heart is aching. I miss him, but I'll be OK.

To bring some cheer to the household, because that's the way I roll, I've been compiling photos and videos of our favourite moments with him, so to bring you a smile as well after this somber post, here's a link to the Canadian Quilt Talk Facebook Page to one of our favourite Christmas videos just 2 years ago when Oliver received the biggest bone he's ever seen in his life as a gift.

Episode 008 Canadian Quilt Talk - Inspiration in the Studio

On this episode we'll explore Inspiration in the Studio. If you ever feel like you are in a lull and need something to spark your creativity in the quilting studio, this episode is for you! 

Check out this episode!

Tuesday Preview - CQT Episode 008

Welcome to the Tuesday Preview. I'm still coming down off cloud nine from last week's interview with Ricky Tims! If you haven't checked that out yet, remember, you can go back on iTunes and listen to every episode of the podcast, anytime. This week's episode features the topic Inspiration in the Studio. If you ever feel like you're in a lull and need something to spark your creativity, then this is the podcast for you. 

Canadian Quilt Talk Episode 008 - Inspiration in the Studio

WE NEED YOU! My file folder of stories is getting low! Send us your Quilter's Corner stories! We have some great advertisers coming up and the prizes are like eye candy. And if you have a question for the Gentle Judge you can submit that too. Send me an email. I'd love to hear from you!

AND NOW THE WINNER of our Quilter's Corner segment - Melissa Marginet from Quilt Manitoba! I did a little digging around after reading her story and Quilt Manitoba is a great website packed with information on Manitoba quilters, fibre artists, shops, events and over 20 blogs. It's well worth a look. 

CONGRATULATIONS Melissa! You have won a fat quarter bundle of Bijoux by Bari J Ackerman brought to you by Mad About Patchwork! There are 10 fat quarters in the bundle, valued at $32.50! Thank you for your Quilter's Corner submission! 

Mad About Patchwork is a Canadian Online shop for all your quilting needs. Find fabric from today's favourite designers, along with patterns, books and notions. Over 150 bolts of Kona cotton at $8/yard and the full line of Rowan shot cotton at $9/yard. Experience personal and prompt service at madaboutpatchwork.com.

As always, at the end of this week's episode, I offer up MY TWO STITCHES on Inspiration in the Studio! And don't miss our second installment of THE GENTLE JUDGE next week on the last Thursday of the month. 

Until next time . . . dream big and work hard in the studio . . . with Canadian Quilt Talk!

Episode 007 Canadian Quilt Talk - "I'm Just Sayin" with Ricky Tims

In this episode we catch up with Award winning celebrity quilter and musician Ricky Tims at the tail end of his coast to coast Canadian tour. We'll ask the questions you won't find answers to online and announce his latest major award! 

Check out this episode!

Tuesday Preview - CQT Episode 007

Welcome to the Tuesday Preview. This week's episode features Ricky Tims! If this is your first glimpse into the life of Ricky Tims, you'll be so impressed. He's not only a celebrity musician and quilter, but also a down to earth guy! We'll ask the questions you can't find online, like why he comes back to Canada again and again, and we'll hear about his latest major award! You don't want to miss this! 

While you are patiently waiting for Thursday's podcast to arrive in your inbox you can head on over to the Ricky Tims website to find out more about his Colorado retreats or check out The Quilt Show website which is just packed with loads of great shows, galleries, contests and more...

Canadian Quilt Talk Episode 007 - "I'm Just Sayin" with Ricky Tims

WE NEED YOU! Send us your Quilter's Corner stories! We have some great advertisers coming up and the prizes are like eye candy. And if you have a question for the Gentle Judge you can submit that too. Send me an email. I'd love to hear from you!

ADVERTISING: Do you know of a local quilt shop or business that would like to be mentioned on our show? All they have to do is provide a weekly prize and their ad will be featured on the show. Spread the word! 

AND NOW THE WINNER of our Quilter's Corner segment. Tara Tkachuk - she talks about a man's experience of staying in dorms with loads of women at a CQA show! 

CONGRATULATIONS Tara! You have won a 1 year subscription to Quilter's Connection Magazine. Listeners can subscribe to the magazine at the Quilter's Connection website. Thanks for the Quilter's Corner submission! 

As always, at the end of this week's episode, I offer up MY TWO STITCHES on what I think of Mr. Ricky Tims! 

Until next time . . . dream big and work hard in the studio with CanadianQuilt Talk!

Ricky Tims!

It's not every day that you get to snuggle up to a quilting icon for a quick photo. We are having a fabulous time at the all day Ricky Tims Master Class. I am blogging this during a 37 minute "butt break" where we get to stand and stretch while he changes from slides to a video. He is so hilarious my cheeks are tired from smiling.

The lectures are fantastic because they are an entertaining 90 min. of techniques and stories but it's not a class so you don't need a machine or supplies. You just get to sit back, relax and enjoy. 

These were the three daytime lectures: 

1. Caveman Meets Convergence

2. Rhapsody Quilts

3. I'm just a quilting Fool

And later on we enjoyed the musical evening and stories that inspire, which is the cherry on top.  

If you want to have a Ricky Tims experience of your own check out the Ricky Tims website for his line up of workshops, events an retreats. Stay tuned next week for the Ricky Tims interview on Canadian Quilt Talk airing Thursday August 15th!

Episode 006 Canadian Quilt Talk - Rock That Retreat

This week's episode will tackle a few tips and tricks for planning to attend your next quilting retreat. Whether you hit the retreat circuit like a pro or you are attending your first retreat ever, this episode will have tips to help you make the most of it.

Check out this episode!

Tuesday Preview - CQT Episode 006

Welcome to the Tuesday Preview. This week's episode will tackle a few tips and tricks for your next Quilting Retreat. Whether you hit the retreat circuit like a pro or you are just thinking of attending your first retreat ever, this episode will have tips to make the most of it. 

Canadian Quilt Talk Episode 006 - Rock that Quilting Retreat!

And don't forget...this week's episode will actually air while I am attending the Ricky Tims Master Class and Musical Evening in Burnaby, BC. I'm so excited to interview him for our August 15th episode. 

WE NEED YOU! Send us your Quilter's Corner stories! And if you have a question for the Gentle Judge you can submit that too. Send me your story. I'd love to hear from you!

ADVERTISING: Do you know of a local quilt shop that would like to be mentioned on our show? All they have to do is provide a weekly prize and their ad will be featured on the show. Spread the word! 

AND NOW THE WINNER of our Quilter's Corner segment. Michele Timms - her story was perfect for this episode because it was like a mini quilting retreat in itself! 

CONGRATULATIONS to Michele. You have won a $25 gift certificate to shop online at Sew Sisters Quilt Shop. You can find them online at www.sew-sisters.com. Thanks for the Quilter's Corner submission! 

As always, at the end of this week's episode, I offer up MY TWO STITCHES on the topic of Rockin that Quilting Retreat! 

Until next time . . . dream big and work hard in the studio with CanadianQuilt Talk!

Episode 005 Canadian Quilt Talk - That Silly Social Media

In this episode we'll tackle the ins and outs of encountering social media. Whether you are an avid surfer or an internet newbie, we'll give you the tips to be safe and have fun browsing your favorite quilting and fibre art sites online.

Check out this episode!