February catching up...................

 Here we are again with a catchup post of newsfromjude. February has more than half gone and I see that the only posts for this month have been about history. The history of CCMQ and then my story of Mignon. Oh, of course there was the winner announcement, but nothing of recent happenings. Which brings me to the thought of what have I been up to too? 

Looking back at the photos tells me a bit, although I don't seem to be taking as many photos lately. Is it because I am not doing much? - Perhaps not.

  In the kitchen.............a few sausage rolls for a catering job...........although otherwise time in the kitchen has been to grab and go and eat on the job!

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A few customer quilts have walked out the door..........and I will save these photos for a separate post.

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The weather has been much milder this week which helps the motivation to get things done. I confess to wilting when it is really hot. A little time has been spent in the garden, although not as much as is necessary. Watering takes a fair amount of time in the mornings. The cucumbers and zuchinnis are ready to pick most mornings, so you know what is on the menu this month don't you? I can't say that the tomatoes are producing as this has been about the only one from the bush and I can't see any more on the way.

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I received this lovely card from one of my retreaters this week. She knows that I am "into" frogs.  Inside was a lovely message from her re missing coming to stay. Thanks Kathleen, missing you too.

A few years ago I saw where someone took the word FROG as the initials for the saying...............

 Fully Rely On God..................... and I thought that was worth remembering and started putting a few frogs around the house and in the garden. Well, you know that when people find out you like something, they buy you one, and it snowballs and now I have frogs everywhere!! The grandies all love to run around and see how many frogs they can see. (Perhaps I should go around and take photos and see how many I can find for myself??)

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There have been a few cuppas with friends who have called in.

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The fabric sorting continues. Sometimes I wonder if there is any progress or perhaps I am just shifting it from one place to another?? I have had no time at the sewing machine, but lots of the scraps are being put aside in preparation for QFO days that are about to commence. Have been trying to come up with a name for this and so far Quilts For Others is what we are going for??? This week the first of these days is scheduled. I have been putting easy to sew ideas in a folder in readiness. Watch this space for further updates.

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There has been lots of time spent at the computer...... typing our patchwork group newsletter each month............ getting to know the powerpoint programme, and I think I have learnt enough now to do this job.............sorting photos and writing blog posts and replying to comments............and commencing the writing of CCMQ 20 year history........... this has been quite time consuming going through all the information I have collected over the years.......... I had it all in various places, including this cupboard under the cutting table which was jammed packed with papers and magazines etc............................which is now empty!!

I have been through the magazines etc and all the other info and kept what I need to scan and it is all now neatly stored in this plastic tub, ready for when I have a bit of time to sit at the computer.......

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Another 10 Ready Set & Sew kits have been designed and cut. The maths guru is in the process of checking these and the fairy is coming to pack them soon.

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I am the first one to admit that cleaning is not high on the agenda here, and I can work in an "organised" mess for some time until.......... I have to stop and "clear the decks", so that I can think again. I must have stopped long enough to notice the cobwebs in the windows behind the blinds so it was time for action!! I can now see clearly out the windows! (Well, in this room.... we won't look at the other windows yet). And I won't show you the photo I took of the cobwebs!!

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This story will give you a laugh for your day, and we need to laugh at least once a day don't we?

Another area of my house that has been stressing me is in my bedroom. This is where the 'stuff' gets put that is out of sight to most people. All the cupboards are chockers and need a big overhaul, but it's time that needs to be spent elsewhere at the moment. But, I had a thought! If I did one little bit at a time I would feel better?? So my vanity cupboard was the start........ I never used most of what was in the cupboard!! Won't take long will it? Started clearing out all the towels that were taking up space, only need 3 of those and a couple face washers........ why did I have 14 in there?? Next was all the lotions and potions that I haven't used in years!! I'll put it all out on the kitchen table so I don't have to bend down so far.......... note that blue circle in the photo below..........

.........what is this stuff?? I was trying to read the label, I think it was some sort of bath wash??

On with the glasses to read the label.... (only need them for closeup vision)...... and in the process of holding the bottle up close to read the info....... the container exploded!!! @##$%$%$$

No photos, but it was in my hair, running down over the glasses onto my face and down, down, further to my shirt, (soaked through) and onto my trousers!! As it dripped further onto my shoes, I jumped up and quickly headed for the shower, the second one for the morning, and another hair wash also. 

Then I returned to the kitchen and the CLEAN UP! Thankfully the bottle was not glass.

Did I say that the contents were pink?

I now have lovely clean floors, walls and doors in the kitchen. Just goes to show that you can find good in every situation!! Floor cleaning had been on my agenda, but not on that day. My quick little task turned into one that took me hours!!

EDIT......... After a few comments asking what the pink stuff was, I actually went out to the bin and found the rubbish bag with the broken bottle and this is what it said.........

..............I think the problem was that the plastic had gone quite brittle after many years in the cupboard. The positives..... it was not glass......the pink contents were not toxic and washed away easily....... I had my glasses on and nothing went into my eyes......

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I am starting to work out a new routine in between a bit of customer quilting. Each day seems to work itself out, while also staying flexible if I need to be.

That's about it for now, I will be back with customer quilts in another post. I also have a few family pics for a post too. Be back, sometime............... 

Blessings, From Jude

A WINNER!!!!...........

 My apologies to those who have been checking newsfromjude for a competition winner. 

Thankyou to all those who left me a comment. It was extra special to hear from so many of  my regular readers, and many of you I have 'met' on Zoom (Jo, Chooky, Susan, Janice, Maria, Karen, Lou, and Sue). I have replied by email to those whose email I have. Some have come as no-reply bloggers. Thankyou to those people (Raylene, Jean, Dot, Pauline, Sue, and Jennifer) as well. A special welcome to Natalie, and sorry I am unable to reply to you. And lovely to hear from Deirdre, who I met at a quilting meeting in the city back in 2017. Thankyou to all for visiting newsfromjude. 

After putting all the names in a container a few days ago, I waited for someone to come in my front door to pick out a name. I didn't have to wait long, and the name that was drawn out was Pauline!!

This case is filled with goodies for the winner, and this time I won't be needing to post it as Pauline is a local lady. Congratulations.

I will be back soon with another post of recent quilting and other happenings. I can't believe how fast the days are going by. Here we are over half way through February already.

Blessings, From Jude

Mignon....

This week we have farewelled another longtime friend and Gum Tree Quilter. There have been too many of these occasions recently. It was a beautiful service and held in Mignon's local church were she, her mother and grandmother before her, worshipped over many years. In the time that I have known Mignon I have heard some of her life stories and about her family, but it is always interesting to hear the Eulogy and learn more of their earlier lives. 

Mignon was an Honorary Member of our group, and over several years held the positions of President, Vice President and on Committee. She was the President in the year I was Secretary so we had many conversations about the group activities and "life". We had a lot of good times at sewing days, workshops, attending quilt shows and retreats. She was a 'genteel' English lady with an underlying wicked sense of humour which could surprise you. There are a lot of stories I could tell, but perhaps what happens at retreats, needs to stay at retreat??

                                            One of our quilt shows when she was President........

...............and this was when our group celebrated their 10th birthday with a cake.............

                 ....and at an Australia Day event when our group won the Award for best event..........

.......receiving her Honorary Membership award............

.............. our "Back to School" themed retreat and Mignon was the "headmistress" and here she is talking to the "school inspector".............

..............and here she is the shop assistant at the "Big Bra Shoppe"!!!!!

   A group of us went on the train to Melbourne to attend the quilt show, and what a great time and lots of fun we had!! Ask us why they "upgraded" us to first class for the trip home!

This photo has one of those not to be told stories with it. 

Mignon loved her patchwork and was an encouragement and inspiration to many. As well as her embroidery skills, we remember her for her love of soft, pretty fabrics and this was one of the last quilts she made. Due to illness she was unable to finish it and Pat completed the borders for her ....................

.........and this quilt later hung proudly in Adelaide with a red ribbon. This quilt was on display at the front of the church at the service.

Mignon loved a cuppa in a fine bone china cup, and of course, the milk had to go in first!

She loved her garden and our exhibition tables were always beautifully decorated. She was also very skilled in china painting, cake decorating, and floral art and contributed much to her local community. We remember her for her cheerful smile, positive attitude and determination. She never lost her love for quilting and even though she was prevented from joining group activities in recent years, she was always interested in hearing what we were doing. Mignon, you will be missed. Thankyou for great memories.

Blessings,

 From Jude

Quick check-in..

 Just stopping off on my way to bed to say I am still here and I have not forgotten about the competition. Have had a busy week, but will get to picking a winner soon....

Catch ya in sometime soon,

Blessings, From Jude

20 years have flown by...................

 It was 20 years ago today that my Gammill Premier longarm quilting machine was delivered to Bordertown. 20 years! It only seems like yesterday, how did that time go by so fast? What is that saying, "doesn't time fly when you are having fun?" It has really been an amazing 20 years of my life and I have been so blessed to be doing what I love.

I posted a 15 year report in 2017 and told of the events leading up to February 4th 2002 and the next 15 years. This was quite long and I won't repeat it all here, but if you are a recent reader and are interested you can find that post by clicking on this link. (2017 post )       

 This photo was taken the day that "Gertie", my first machine was delivered and set up by Bruce Brown and his son from Sydney. I had many phone calls with Bruce and Kaye (who had recently had back surgery and was unable to come with Bruce), after I had ordered my machine. As I had only tried these longarms out briefly, I was unsure whether I would be able to master the skills I needed. Expressing my doubts to Kaye, she said " of course you can do it, you're a woman, you can do anything!!"

I needed a name for my business, and spent ages working on this. I compiled a list of possibilities, and consulted friends and books for opinions. One option was referring to me living on a corner, so was trying names around that. Why is it that sometimes, what should be the first thing, turns out to be the last resort? I finally went to the Bible for inspiration, and a verse jumped out at me. Ephesians Chapter 2, v 20, which talks about Jesus, the foundation, being the cornerstone. And as I wanted Jesus to be the Cornerstone of my life, and my business, thus Cornerstone Creations Machine Quilting was born. I felt as though I was being led on a journey and was at peace.

It was quite a learning experience to develop my skills, (and there was no stitch regulator on Gertie) but with much PPP (Practice, Patience and Perseverance) I improved. Sometime later 2 good friends thought I was "good enough", and gave me their quilts to do. With the great variety of styles, colours and patterns that come through my door, it is like going to a quilt show every day. I love the feeling when I finish a quilt and see how it has come to life. I pin the quilts up behind my machine and wait for them to "talk" to me about how they should be quilted. I was still working at my other job in 2002, but over the next few years I gradually reduced my hours until I was able to quilt full time. 

In 2003, Gertie had an upgrade and a stitch regulator was added and that made it much easier to keep a constant stitch length to my work.

To advertise my business and get my name "out there", I went to markets with displays of my work and items such as cot quilts to sell.

                           

A friend and I designed many tops, I quilted them and they were published in patchwork magazines as another avenue of 'getting my name out there'.

Many of my customers have made some amazing quilts and entered them into shows and won ribbons and I thank them for that. This has definitely been a great way to advertise my business, and I have been fortunate to work on their creations.

I have been humbled to also receive ribbons for some of my own quilts that have been entered into local, state and interstate shows. Probably the biggest win, and also surprise, was to win our SA state show Best of Show award in 2006 for my wholecloth quilt, Woven Inspiration!

As the business grew, I made the decision to purchase another machine, and work with 2. I could put the edge to edge quilts on the new, computerised machine, and do the custom ones on Gertie, and so get through my queue much quicker. In order to make the room for this machine, I had to extend the building a few feet. You can see in the photo below, the extension on the left, and the closed in carport on the right side.

This month is also a celebration for Max, my Statler as it arrived on February 16th in 2007. Once again, Bruce and this time Kaye came from Sydney to set it up.

The 2 machines set up and in action. After a year or 2 I decided to sell the first machine and Max keeps up with the job now.

Longarm quilting is a solitary occupation and to further my quilting education over the years I have attended many classes by travelling interstate to Sydney and Melbourne, as well as some locally in my own state. In recent years there has been much information online and many longarm quilting groups to share information and help each other out. I have been fortunate to learn from international as well as local teachers. More recently I have joined the QGSA Appraisal and Judging Panels and enjoy these days.

It was about this time that I started to teach Embellished Quilt classes, and the front room of the house was set up with tables for girls to sew at. Some came from away and some were locals. Accommodation was at the local caravan park for a few, and others stayed at my house. 

The next stage of CCMQ was the purchase of the house across the road in 2010, to hold quilting retreats and workshops. There was a lot of renovating to do and this took much longer than expected. Thanks to a lot of good friends for their assistance in getting this up and running.

We went from this......

                                                                            and this.......

and this....

                                                                          To this.......

and this. .......

                                                                         and this......

Quite a transformation and I could not have done it on my own. I loved my time in the garden, and it was a lovely secluded yard for the retreat guests to relax in. I named the house "The Sanctuary", and it was the perfect place for quilters to come and have "time out", to leave the distractions of home behind, to sit, sew and share life with each other. I kept this house for 5 years and held many workshops and retreats in that time, as well as continuing to quilt for customers.

In 2011 I started writing a blog, newsfromjude, as a way to advertise the retreats and my machine quilting. Over time this has grown to include much more of my life and is like a diary that I get printed into a book.

 Weekend retreats then returned to this side of the road, and the fun and friendships continued. Each year from 2013 until 2020 there was a "Pink" retreat where funds were raised for the Breast Cancer Network Aust, as a thankyou for the help I received from them after my Breast Cancer treatment in 2008. In that time more than $10,000 was raised by holding mini auctions of donated goodies and the raffling of a quilt. This was not held in 2021, but I am hoping that something can be organised for 2022.

Just a few pics from pink retreats in years gone by...................

I guess a highlight of my quilting journey would have to be joining the Aussie Quilters Abroad group to travel to the United States. It was a fun, fantastic journey with a great group of ladies. 

We loved attending the Paducah quilt show.................

..................and meeting Jenny Doan from Missouri Star Quilt Co, in Hamilton..............

..........and a journey into Amish Country................

..........oh, of course we visited lots of quilt shops and helped the US economy!!!

Recently I acquired some surplus shop stock and added another avenue to CCMQ. I have fabric for sale and use much, some of it for "Ready, Set, Sew" kits that are used in Mystery retreats and market days.  I scan the fabrics and bring this into EQ8 quilt design programme.  It is then cut and packed for a kit and quilters seem to enjoy having a quick project where it's all ready to sew. And I enjoy the process of choosing the fabrics and coming up with a design to use them.

Not long after the retreat in the photo above was held, Covid arrived in our country and life changed. Restrictions meant that Retreats came to a halt, although I was fortunate that I could still continue with customer quilting. Many events such as quilt shows were postponed or cancelled and life as we had known it turned upside down. 

Classes, quilt shows, meetings and quilt groups all developed an online presence and Zoom came into it's own. Thanks to Chooky, a quilting blogger in NSW, we have an online group who often meet on Zoom for sewing days. It has been great to "meet" quilters from all over the world and share our lives. Even the pink fundraiser went online and had Zoom afternoon teas.

In those 20 years I have completed more than 3,000 quilts for customers and I am very thankful for all who have trusted me with their creations. Thanks also to those who have supported my venture to purchase THE SANCTUARY and all who attended weekends there and joined in the fun times. We have all made some great friends.

Going forward: ........While I am still quilting for others, I have cut back the numbers going out the door and hope to manage to finish some of my own UFO's. I also have plans for a group to use my SABLE (Stash Accumulation Beyond Life Expectancy) to make donation quilts. I am continuing to cut Ready, Set & Sew kits for sale and have plans for an online shop sometime this year to help clear the shelves. CCMQ will also be attending some market days. I am hopeful that weekend retreats might be able to return in some format?? 

..........And so the journey continues........................Not sure if there will be any other plans for Cornerstone Creations, but I will continue to trust that God will lead me in my life, as he has done so far.  You just never know where life will take you. I have been truly blessed.

I had planned for some sort of celebration in February, but have deferred that until April in the hope that current restrictions might ease by then?? Watch this space for further news as it happens. Thanks for reading.

Blessings, From Jude

PS - As it's a birthday, we need to have a present. If you leave me a comment I will put all names in a 'hat' and draw a winner for a gift. Look forward to hearing from you. Entries close in a week, end of the 11th February.