Here we are, back from our visit to the Lake District, where we visited old friends. This was where I first discovered quilting, so it is a special place to return to. Sadly, it was a short trip and I had no time to catch up with quilting chums.
Since then, Emma has visited her pen friend Pippa - yes, they email each other! She spent four days with the folk who will foster her when I am away from home. Dorothy is one of my most faithful students at King's Lynn and it was clear that Emma was thrilled to be their house guest.
Sadly, the fearful pooch has discovered her innate primitive hunting instincts. To date, a fox has been pursued and a poorly baby bird frightened to death. A Christian burial was quickly arranged.
The weather in England has been more than warm and we struggle under such climate extremes. Quilting was the last thing on my mind as keeping comfortable was effort enough. However, with cooler weather I am back into quilt-making mode, currently working on a little pink and green number for a friend.
Now that we are half way through the year, our minds turn towards Christmas. Yes, I know - it's only July! But for quilters, early preparation of those priceless pieces that we offer as gifts is imperative. It's so much better to get things done in time than to leave it so late that it's a scramble to the finishing line. The season is stressful enough without stitching until midnight on Christmas Eve.
Have you noticed how prices are rising apace? I recently visited a couple of fabric warehouses, and found myself paying much more for fabric than before. Of course, some of that rise has to be passed on to the customer, although those who have visited Sewing Machine World in King's Lynn will know that we try to peg back the prices as far as we can.
It might be a good idea to plan ahead for a few months, make your colour choices now, and buy the fabric in advance to save you a penny or two before the new stock arrives. If you live in the UK, the additional VAT being introduced in the New Year is another incentive to buy early. Just think how impressive your stash will look! And when complaints are made about the amount of fabric you are buying, you can proudly point to the ultimate savings!!
The same goes for servicing. If you think your machine needs a wash and brush up, why not get it done now? Firstly, it will be in pristine condition when you restart quilting in the Autumn and secondly, it will cost more if you leave it until after the VAT rise.