Student Newsletters

March 27, 2022 Hi there! Goodness, if I would take the time to write these newsletters more often, it wouldn't feel like I'm reinventing the wheel each time I go to do one!  I'm thankful to have had a number of new students in class recently, so I thought it was past time to get a newsletter off to you.  :) IG QUILT FEST A FB friend recently checked in with me and said she hadn't seen me post much on FB about my quilting endeavors lately.  She is right!  I tend to post more on Instagram so that I don't annoy my non-quilty FB friends, and only post the highlights on FB.  :)  Apparently I didn't have many highlights to post! But, during the month of March I've been participating in the "IG Quilt Fest 2022" hosted by @AmysCreativeSide on Instagram.  It's been fun!!  This is probably the fourth year I have participated.  I usually get side tracked and don't post each day, or lose steam before the month ends, but this year I decided to challenge myself to do every single prompt.  I had shared with some of you that I felt like I had lost my quilting mojo with all the craziness of the world these past two years; quilting felt frivolous to me, or made me wish for life BC (before covid)....   Participating in this quilt fest seems to have done the trick!!  It's been fun to reflect on my quilting journey and document it.  And now I'm back to thinking about quilting 24/7 and wishing there were more hours in the day.  :)  Feel free to hop over to my Instagram account and take a look at my daily posts:  https://www.instagram.com/missandreaquilts/.  The nice thing is that you don't have to have an Instagram account to be able to view it.  Hopefully my letting you know about this goal will hold me accountable in finishing out the month! FINISH THOSE WIP'S! I was so bummed about our Revisit class being canceled on Saturday; I was looking forward to seeing my people!  Apparently I was in total denial that it would actually snow....  When I realized I had an entire weekend completely open, I decided to sew like a maniac and finish up several WIP's.  I've been working at finishing various WIP's so that I can justify starting some new projects!  :)  I always have multiple projects going at the same time.  That way, I can set one aside if I'm not sure how I want to proceed and move on to the next.  That approach works great for me, but every now and then I have to put my foot down and wrap up a few so that things don't get out of hand! This half square triangle quilt above was originally intended to be a Dutch Pinwheel quilt like the one below:  But, then I saw a rainbowtized HST quilt by Diary of a Quilter, and decided to switch gears.  Now to decide on a binding....  Maybe a scrappy rainbowtized binding?? I also finished up this sweet Missouri Star Pinwheel Party quilt made from a charm pack. Since the backing fabric wasn't quite wide enough, my favorite solution is to add a pieced insert that ties the front in with the back.  :) I'll be teaching a Half Square Triangle class on Friday, April 15.  We'll be covering various methods of stitching HST's, and if you haven't learned how to use a Bloc Loc ruler, you definitely need to join us!  Here's the link to register: https://theoldcountrystore.com/events/class/half-square-triangle-fun I'm currently working at finishing up an ancient WIP.  :)  I purchased this quilt kit at a quilt show in 2002, I believe - 20 years ago!  9/11 was fresh in my mind, and I loved the appliquéd roses - a nod to Lancaster, the Red Rose City.  Twenty years later I still love it as much as the first day I saw it.  I struggled and struggled with the appliqué - oh how I wish I knew what I now know about appliqué, especially my favorite freezer-paper-and-starch method!  Those stars are a bear!  Then I ran into trouble with my seams being slightly too deep and the flag stripe blocks ended up being too small.  (Can anyone relate?!)  Lots of ripping and resewing later, and I'm almost finished.  I just need to appliqué the stars on the border and sew the segments together.  I'm still contemplating how I should quilt it; I'm thinking big stitch quilting.  Because it's such an old pattern, I can't find any similar finishes on Instagram! If you want to perfect your appliqué techniques, consider joining me for the Applique Your Way class on Friday, April 29: https://theoldcountrystore.com/events/class/applique-your-way T-SHIRT AND MEMORY QUILTS I'm still busy making t-shirt quilts for customers; I have three in the queue at the moment!  Let me know if you would like to learn the Too-Cool method, and we'll get a class on the schedule. I also did a memory quilt and an infinity scarf for a mom who lost her son.  A plush blanket on the quilt back makes it soft, warm, and snuggly.   The infinity scarf contains scraps from her son's pajama shirt from when he was little; you could tell that it was home sewn, most likely by a loved one, so that made it even more special!  The inspiration came from  Binding Love, a non-profit whose scarf proceeds go to victims of sex trafficking.  If you aren't familiar with them, be sure to check them out. I have basic directions posted on my blog:  https://andreasuzannesquilts.blogspot.com/2016/05/in-memory-of-mother-part-ii.html NEXT UP - STARS AND STRIPES I've wanted to make a "Beachy Faded" version of my Stars & Stripes quilt for the longest time after seeing so many on Instagram.  My understanding is that to get that look, your fabrics should have a light or white background. Here's my fabric pull as well as some backing options.  I'm determined to use my stash, but I am also planning to shop a student's stash for a few more fabrics.  She is making the same version and has a much better selection than I do.  :)  I'd love to have you join me for the class on Friday, May 27!  Here's the link: https://theoldcountrystore.com/events/class/stars-and-stripes-quilt AND THAT'S A WRAP! I think that's all from me for now!   October 11, 2021  NEW CLASSES OPEN FOR REGISTRATION Hello there!  I wanted to pop in and let you know that we just added three new classes to the schedule for this year! Lucky Log Cabins This has to be one of the quickest and easiest quilts I've ever stitched!  And, I love how it turned out!  It's the perfect stash buster quilt since you don't have to purchase any background fabrics.  I'm already thinking of a red, white, and blue version, as well as some others.....  :)  You can sign up here:  https://theoldcountrystore.com/events/class/lucky-log-cabins Santa Claus Pillow I saw this adorable pillow on Instagram last Christmas and just had to make one of my very own!  I was even able to use some vintage buttons from my collection for the eyes.  :)  This is just one of the projects from Lori Holt's Vintage Christmas book; it's worth every penny and full of all kinds of quilty inspiration!  Click here to register:  https://theoldcountrystore.com/events/class/santa-claus-pillow Walking Foot Quilting 101 I've been wanting to teach this class for the longest time, but kept getting sidetracked by other fun classes I wanted to teach!  I love walking foot quilting - it's way easier than people think, and I find it to be much less stressful than free motion quilting.  If you've been wanting to learn how to quilt your own quilts, this is the perfect place to start.  I'll have lots of samples to show you of various walking foot quilting designs, and then you'll spend the rest of class time practicing or quilting your own project.  And just a heads up - I'm planning to offer a Free Motion Quilting class in the new year, which will be the ideal sequel.  Sign up here:   https://theoldcountrystore.com/events/class/walking-foot-quilting-101 PERENNIAL FAVORITE Modern Improv Christmas Tree Blocks I was a little pokey in getting this class posted, but it's always a hit!  Super easy, and a great intro into improv piecing - hope you can join us if you haven't already had the opportunity to take this class!  Here's the link to register:  https://theoldcountrystore.com/events/class/modern-improv-christmas-tree-blocks   WHAT ELSE HAVE I BEEN UP TO? It's been the craziest and most stressful of times, and yet looking back on my pictures since my last newsletter I'm wondering if maybe it wasn't as bad as I'm remembering....  Or, maybe it's simply because I only take pictures of the things that are full of beauty or bring me joy?!!   Local Fair Junkie I spent most of August frantically finishing a wide assortment of projects to enter in the Elizabethtown Fair, my annual tradition for almost 30 years.   It's the craziest thing - there's something about the angle of the sun and the height of the corn at the beginning of August that suddenly puts me into fair mode.  I'm motivated by deadlines, and enjoy the nuttiness of it all. :)   I usually bring my collection of needlecraft entries home, pile them on the sofa, and then take the same items to the Manheim Farm Show which was this week.  I've only been participating in the Farm Show for the last five years, but it is just lovely, and has a wonderful community vibe.   My favorite Etown entry was the Christmas ornament I made from my collection of fair ribbons.  Only fair maniacs can appreciate the insanity!!  Next up will be a version in red!   Quilt for Baby Harvey I stitched this simple plus quilt for my very first grand nephew.  I would be happy to share the free tutorial with you; let me know if you would like me to e-mail it to you! It's a great quilt for some simple walking foot quilting!   25 YEAR LATER I enjoyed celebrating a friend's 25th wedding anniversary in August.  The couple was married at a historic horse farm in New Jersey, and one of the photos was featured in a Farm Wife News special publication highlighting country-themed weddings.  Anyone remember that magazine?!  :)   I thought we all aged quite well!   Ahhh, the Beach.... I was able to skip off to the beach for the day a few more times, which is always a good reset for me.  I love hand stitching at the beach!  On this day I was prepping yo yo's for the upcoming Yo-Yo Pillow class.  :)   Garden Blessings I'm so grateful for my little bits of garden space that help keep me grounded!   THANK YOU! A very special thank you to all of you for coming out and taking a class(es) with me recently - it truly makes me realize how important it is to continue creating and connecting no matter what is happening in the world around us.  I am grateful for you!!   Past newsletters are accessible on my blog.  If you are a new student and this is the first newsletter you have received, you can read previous newsletters here!   Blessings to each and every one of you! Andrea XXOO

August 5, 2021 - August Update!

Hello, everyone!  I am finding these newsletters to be a fun way of recapping what I've been up to since I last communicated with you! MORE CLASSES ADDED TO THE SCHEDULE! I finally planned out my class schedule up through the end of October, so classes are now open for registration!  Click HERE to see the complete list of offerings at the store, including mine.  Quilt Binding 101 was a success!  Nancy was a star student and tackled a machine binding with ease.  :) Some of you weren't able to make that date, so we added another session on Saturday, October 23.  You can sign up HERE.  Tomorrow's Applique Your Way class sold out, so we added another session on Saturday, August 21.  Click HERE to register. We've also added another Nightingale class on Saturday, October 16 for those of you who missed out on the last one.  It's so fun to mix and match fabrics, and you simply can't go wrong!  Sign up by clicking HERE.  (I still need to take this quilt out for a photo shoot!) I've even started a second one in a totally different palette (one of the hazards of teaching!).  I am finding this quilt to be just as addicting as the Meadowland quilt! And, the Revisit That Class sessions have been so much fun - don't miss out!   QUILTS FOR SOME SPECIAL NEPHEWS Here's a shot of my 10th completed t-shirt quilt in 2021!   You can't beat gifting a Too Cool T-shirt quilt to a high school grad,  :)  I love teaching this class - and when you gift yours, you don't have to tell anyone that it's way simpler than it looks! I also had fun stitching a simple baby quilt for one of my other nephew's new little guy.  :)  A bit of cross hatching adds the perfect touch! SEWING FOR FUN I'm still cross stitching away, and I most recently fell down the Cross Stitch Clutchhole! I've found these genius clutches to be a game changer in terms of staying organized with my stitching, and I'm working at making a coordinating clutch for each of my cross stitch WIP's.  Goodness, these holes are never ending! I'm also having fun stitching these Modular Sewing Boxes by Arabesque Scissors. This particular box is designed to store your precious Liberty fabrics.  I want to play around with her other sizes as well.  It also resulted in a trip to Hinkletown to purchase a teflon foot for my Bernina.  This could be another deep hole.... I MUST HAVE FLOWERS My vegetable garden didn't do nearly as well as other years, but still yielded plenty of produce for fresh eating.  (I guess you can't skimp on the watering and still expect good results!)   One of my students shared her grandfather's Crock Dill Pickle recipe with me a few years ago, and I've been making them every summer since.  This is the way they used to make pickles, and you get the benefit of all those good probiotics! I'm so grateful for my little plots; they keep me grounded, and it always makes my day to be greeted by blooms of all sorts! Only a quilter who lives alone gets the luxury of staring at a dining table centerpiece such as this!  :) SUMMER FUN What is summer without a little beach time and some EPP? And next up is the Etown fair!  Most of my quilts aren't big enough for their new size requirements, so I've been pouring over the other categories to see what all I can enter.  Yep, yet another hole! :) Whew, no wonder summer feels so busy!  Hope you are making the most of your current circumstances!

July 3, 2021 - Happy Independence Day!

Happy Independence Day!   I finally discovered why my hydrangea bush hasn't bloomed all these years - I must have been trimming it incorrectly!  Apparently this variety blooms on old wood, and every spring I had been trimming off those "dead" beaches, along with any hopes of blooms!  I'm sure other factors played into it as well, but at least I can enjoy its abundant blooms this year! I'm also thrilled to be picking my very own raspberries from my little patch.  I planted them a few years ago and they are producing just enough for fresh eating daily!  :)   All The Flag Quilts Flag Day and now the Independence Day holiday makes me think about all the flag quilts out there!  I really need to finish this old WIP - I started it over 20 years ago....  I bought the kit at one of the quilt shows, struggled with the appliqué (that was before I learned about my favorite Freezer Paper and Starch Method), and then for whatever reason put it away and never finished it.  Maybe this weekend is the perfect time to finish stitching it together?  I'll be highlighting my favorite method of appliqué as well as three other methods at the Applique Your Way class on Friday, August 6 - hope you can join us! I still want to stitch a "beachy" version of my Stars and Stripes quilt in faded blues and reds like this one I saw on Instagram.  I need to dig through my stash to see if I have the right fabrics! Flag Day motivated me to finally take it out for a photo shoot the other week.  I love everything about this simple quilt! Open for Registration! The Scrap Lab class is now open for registration!  I love playing with scraps, so I'm looking forward to discussing all things scraps with you on Saturday, July 31!   We still have plenty of seats in the Too Cool T-shirt Quilt class this Friday, July 9. We've also added Half Square Triangle Fun on Saturday, August 21, Stash and Dash for Saturday, August 28, and additional dates for Red Geese and Revisit That Class. This link lists all my upcoming classes at The Old Country Store as well as a description of classes I've taught in the past.  Let me know if you have interest in any of my past classes, and we'll get a date on the calendar for you.  I still have a bunch of ideas for new classes, so I will continue to keep you posted of my progress! I had the loveliest time yesterday being back in the saddle; I so needed to be with my people again!  (Note to self:  next time try your jeans on before the morning of class to make sure you can still get in them after months of not teaching - ha ha!)   And, My Granny's Garden Progress I'm still plugging away at my Granny's Garden blocks....  Oh my, they are so time consuming!  I'm working at prepping the shapes using the Freezer Paper and Starch method, and then will hand appliqué the pieces down.  I've only completed 17 of the 42 blocks so far - ugh!!

June 17, 2021 - Back in Business!

I'm back!! Goodness, I'm a bit rusty on this newsletter thing - it's been soooo long since I've typed anything to you!  I had to dig out my notes on how to even get started!! I am so happy to let you know that I'm finally back to teaching - woo hoo!  I've missed you terribly - I didn't realize just how much I depended on you for my quilting inspiration....  I can already feel the creative juices flowing again, thank goodness!  I'm working at getting some more classes posted, but wanted to at least let you know that the following classes are open for registration. Revisit That Class I can hardly believe it, but I've taught 29 different classes in the past five years of teaching at the store!  So, if you've taken one of my classes (I repeat, 29!!), didn't get your project finished and need a refresher or some motivation to get back to it, this class is for you! Too Cool T-shirt Quilt I've been busy, busy, busy stitching Too Cool T-shirt quilts for customers this spring - nine completed so far and two more in the queue, including one for my nephew.  I think I can say that I pretty much have the technique down - ha ha!  Most were for graduating seniors, and it's been so much fun getting pictures like the one above from recipients, now that the quilts have been gifted.  :)  I would love to share what I've learned with you so you can make your own keepsake! Red Geese I love, love, love everything about this quilt!  And, you'll love learning how to make perfect flying geese units with the Wing Clipper Ruler! Nightingale I so enjoyed participating in Lo & Behold Stitchery's recent Nightingale quilt along - I am smitten with this block, and am already working on my second version.  I would love to have you join me on the bandwagon! Counted Cross Stitch 101 I'm still cross stitching away!  It's a fun time to be cross stitching again, and I would be happy to introduce my love to you, or give you a needed refresher! Quilt Binding 101 I love a perfectly-stitched quilt binding.  Students often ask me for pointers, so I figured it was time to do a full-blown class! Meadowland Meadowland was one of the classes I had to cancel last November because of needing to quarantine due to Covid exposure, so I'm happy for the chance to finally be able to offer it again! And more coming! I have a few more classes in the works too!  As soon as I get my prep work done, I'll send out another newsletter notifying you that they are open for registration, so stay tuned! A little time away.... I was so, so grateful for a few days away with a quilty friend at her family's cabin last month.  That was the first I felt like I had truly escaped covid's grubby little paws in over a year, and that experience gave me a renewed determination to stay in that zone and to also offer that same sense of escape to you at class.  So, come escape the craziness out there and take a class with me!!  (By the way, I went kayaking for the first time, loved it, and can't wait to kayak again - what took me so long?!!)   And in other news... My youngest nephew is all graduated!  It's been so fun watching him grow up over the years, and I was so happy to be able to attend his graduation in person.  I even got to hear him sing the national anthem - he nailed it! New contact info If you have e-mailed me and I didn't respond, it's likely because I didn't get your e-mail.  I changed my e-mail address last November and can no longer be reached at my old embarqmail address, so be sure to use my current e-mail address:  andreahoke@icloud.com.

November 6, 2020 - Why Hello There!

Hello my friends! I've composed many a newsletter to you in my mind over these past months, but as clearly evidenced, that's all the further it went!  This note will be short and sweet, but I did want to update you on a few things.   New contact info I've dropped my landline and changed internet providers, resulting in a new e-mail address.  Oh my, what a process!  Embarqmail will no longer forward my e-mails effective November 9, so be sure to use my icloud e-mail address:  andreahoke@icloud.com, or you can reach me via my cell:  717-575-5098. Poinsettia Stars Class The Poinsettia Stars class on Friday, December 11 will get you into the Christmas spirit and give you the opportunity to learn how to use the Bloc Loc Ruler!  Click here to register. What I've been up to.... This continues to be the craziest of times....  Who would have ever guessed what all 2020 would hold for us?!  I think I have allowed the weight of these unprecedented days to make me feel that quilting was frivolous, and I keep losing my sewing mojo.  But, I've been working at getting it back, and plugging away at developing new classes, so stay tuned!   I just posted a lapped zipper tutorial for pillows on my blog, gave myself permission to play recently, and have been stitching away on a new EPP project (in between counted cross stitch, of course!). I'll leave you with this - I stole it from one of my students, and it both gives me perspective and makes me laugh at the same time!! Past newsletters are accessible on my blog.  If you are a new student and this is the first newsletter you have received, you can read previous newsletters here!   Wishing you the very best of days in all areas of your life!  Be kind to yourself and care for others well! XXOO Andrea :)

July 14, 2020 - New Classes and More!

Hi Everyone!   How are you doing?!!  I still am trying to find my way through this crazy time....  I have officially decided I have "Covid brain"....  I feel like I am walking through cement most days, either physically and mentally!  I think the uncertainly of this time weighs on me more than I realize.  I'm guessing many of you can relate! Anyway, It has take me longer than normal to get my class prep together.  Summer is always a busy time, but normally I am able to bust through my to-do lists with way less issues than of late.  But, the good news is that I finally have two new classes open for registration!   Counted Cross Stitch 101 If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram, you're probably aware that I've fallen down the counted cross stitch hole - big time!  :)  I am really enjoying it right now!  And, what is so fun is that a number of quilt pattern designers (Lori Holt, and Camille Roskelly of Thimble Blossoms to name a few) are offering counted cross stitch patterns that are inspired by their quilt designs.  It's a fun time to be cross stitching again!  The designs are fresh and easy.  I'd love to have you join me for class on Friday, August 14, whether you are a beginner or coming back to cross stitch after years of being away.  Click here to register.   Meadowland Quilt I participated in a Meadlowland quilt along this spring, and so enjoyed making this quilt!!  In fact, I have fabric pulled for two more versions!  You simply cannot go wrong with your fabric selections if you follow the Meghan's guidance.  We'll be discussing how to do an effective fabric pull, and how to use the Wing Clipper ruler for perfect Flying Geese units.  For more inspiration, look at all the quilts posted on instagram under    #meadowlandquilt.  I'm just warning you, you'll be hooked!  Click here to register for the class on Tuesday, August 11.   Backyard Quilt Show Every summer for the past 5 years, I've made the trek to Sisters, Oregon for their Outdoor Quilt Show on the second Saturday of July.  As you can imagine, I was brokenhearted when I learned the show was canceled.  I knew I needed to do something that weekend to fill the void, so at the last minute I hosted a quilt show in my backyard Sunday evening.  The weather caused a few complications, but it was still a great time.  You can read more about it here. Past newsletters are accessible on my blog.  If you are a new student and this is the first newsletter you have received, you can read previous newsletters here!   I hope you are navigating these uncertain times with grace and strength!  Blessings to you!! xoxo Andrea  :)

April 12, 2020 - Checking in and Happy Easter!

CHECKING IN  Hello everyone!  How are you?!!  I miss you!!  I’ve been wanting to check in with you and hear how you are doing, but I honestly wasn’t sure how I was doing myself!\ This whole turn of events totally caught me off guard, just like so many of you.  I love teaching and connecting with you – it was my sweet spot these past few years and felt purposeful and meaningful.  I loved seeing the magic that would happen when an unorchestrated group of students came together.  So, losing all of that plus the one-on-one portion of my other self-employment gig so suddenly, not to mention a significant chunk of my income, has been a bit disorienting to say the least. I figured I would take advantage of the extra time and sew away, and all would be well.  I could work on class development, stitch samples, finish up other class projects, etc.  I could even get back to doing Pilates and yoga from home.  But, that didn’t happen!  At the beginning, I just couldn’t settle down and sew; everything that was happening around me was too worrisome on so many levels.  I found myself cleaning the oven, doing a freezer inventory, making bone broth….  Then, the mask making needs were presented, so I felt that I should help out where I could, but I absolutely hated it!!  Finally, when I realized this wasn’t going to just be a short-term thing, I was slowly able to get into a groove.  I’ve been seeing God’s care and provision in unexpected ways, and so I think I’m finding a new normal, whatever that looks like!!  Who could have ever imagined this crazy turn of events!! GRATITUDE JOURNAL During hard stretches of life, I have found keeping a gratitude journal to be extremely helpful; I’m finding it to be helpful in this season of life as well.  At the end of the day, I list everything I can think of that evidenced God’s care and provision in my life.  It’s an amazing exercise/discipline; it helps put things into perspective and trains me to see things I would have totally missed or not even noticed.  And, I am seeing His provision!  I’ve been stitching t-shirt quilts for customers as well as making masks. MASK MAKING Speaking of masks, I know many of you have answered the call to make masks and are stitching away.  At the beginning, I just wasn’t sure about the whole thing.  Were they even going to get used?  Do cotton masks really do anything? And, deciding on a style was overwhelming given all the patterns and opinions out there.   Then a local friend got a request from a health care facility for a large number of masks.  They came up with a pattern, so I was comfortable helping out with that need, even though I still wasn’t certain it was a good solution.  And then a week ago when we were encouraged to wear masks, I got slammed with requests, and have been sewing masks fast and furiously in my sweat shop, just like many of you.  However, I want to give you permission to NOT sew masks too!  For some of us, sewing masks gives us a chance to do something and is soothing.  But for others of us, masking making creates more anxiety.  So, do what you feel called to do during this season!  You may feel led to help out in other ways.  Or not.  Give yourself grace and permission to do the things that are purposeful, joyful, and healing for you, and don’t compare yourself with others.  (I need to remind myself of that too!) I posted a tutorial for the style of mask I’ve been making on my blog in case you are in need of yet another version – ha ha!  You can access it here. CHARITY QUILTS I think it’s important to take a break from the mask masking and remember other charities during this time too.  So, I figured this is the perfect opportunity to collect 5” squares for a Pixelated Heart Patchwork Quilt.  You can view Diary of a Quilter’s version here.  If you are interested in contributing, simply mail me 5” pink or red squares for the heart, and low volume squares for the background.  We’ll need 215 squares of low volume prints for the background and 70 pinks and reds for the heart.  Think cheery and whimisical, and avoid civil war reproduction fabrics and batiks.  I love the charity 19 Quilts for Natalie, so that’s where we will donate the finished quilt.  And/or if you’d like to contribute money toward shipping and other expenses, etc., that would be welcome too!  Please mail your squares by the end of the month to my address: 707 Fieldstone Lane Elizabethtown, PA  17022 As soon as I get the binding on this star quilt it will be headed to the same charity – I hadn’t had any luck on finding the perfect binding I’d envisioned, so I guess something out of my stash will have to do!  We used Cluck Cluck Sew’s July Star Blocks tutorial to make the blocks. CLASSES CANCELED As you may have read in the latest e-mail from the store, as long as the store is closed, no classes or events will be held.   (Boo hoo!!!)  The store will be in touch with you re: rescheduling or refunding your registrations once staff are back to work.  HOW CAN I SERVE YOU? Please let me know what you are needing during this time.  I considered Zoom, but honestly, not sure that is me….  Maybe I need to reconsider??  Seriously, it makes my brain hurt!  But, possibly a Q&A session?  A tips and tricks discussion?  Let me know your thoughts!  No promises, though – ha ha!  Either way, please stay in touch!! EASTER BLESSINGS I do hope today is meaningful for you, even though so very different from our usual traditions!  I’m still not sure what I’m going to cook for myself since I avoided the grocery store this week, but I plan to listen to a good sermon, do some stitching, deliver a few masks to neighbors and a shut in, and get outside to photograph a recently finished springy Gingham Quilt.  Past newsletters are accessible on my blog.  If you are a new student and this is the first newsletter you have received, you can read previous newsletters here! Love and blessings to you!! Andrea

 January 31, 2020 - End of Year Recap and More!

STUDENT OPEN HOUSE I don't even have any pictures to share with you from last month's Student Open House (argh!!)!!   But, that's a definitely a sign that it was such an meaningful time for me that I never even thought to take pictures (I am still boo hooing over that, though)!  I am so glad I opened up my home and that you accepted the invitation, making the trek to Elizabethtown!  I was a little nervous, I have to admit, and I had a few "what in the world was I thinking?!!" moments when I was getting my house in order ahead of time, but I'm so grateful we did it!  It gave me a renewed appreciation for my home, and a fresh motivation to keep my sewing spaces organized so that I'll be ready to sew when I have a spare moment.  The only downside was that I didn't know what to do with myself for several weeks afterwards because I didn't want to mess up the house - ha ha! TOO COOL T-SHIRT QUILTS I love making Too Cool T-shirt quilts!  I blocked off the week before Christmas to complete two t-shirt quilts for customers, and was super pleased with how they turned out!  Each time I make one, I tweak my technique a bit, and think I'm finally happy with how I go about it now.  We just did a class recently, and I love introducing the method to students.  It is surprisingly easy once you understand the secrets, and t-shirt quilt recipients are always grateful.  We'll be offering another class this summer; let me know if you're interested, and I keep you posted on the date! VINYL ZIP POUCHES FROM VINTAGE PATTERNS These zip pouches are by far the coolest project I've ever done.... I was able to make vinyl zip pouches for my sisters and sister-in-law for Christmas from my mom's wedding dress pattern and her receipt for the bridal fabrics. I made a pouch from one of my dad's patterns as well!  I am beyond thrilled with how they turned out.  You can click here to read more about them on my blog. WINTRY PHOTO SHOOT We had the loveliest fluffy snowfall a few weeks ago.  I have grand visions of photographing every.single.one of my quilts in a setting that complements them perfectly, so when that actually happens, I am ecstatic!  With a friend's help, I was able to take a few pictures that day in the tiny window of time after the icy roads had melted and before the snow blew off the trees.  We  even captured the magic of an unexpected snow squall in a few of the pictures!  This Starburst Quilt is a super easy pattern from Missouri Star Quilt Company.  Click here for the tutorial. UPCOMING CLASSES As always, I have a zillion ideas floating around in my head for new classes.  Remixed Geese is the newest class in the lineup!  I loved making this quilt; the Wing Clipper ruler is a game changer when it comes to flying geese, and I would love to introduce it to you!  I can't wait to make another version out of my Denyse Schmidt fabrics.  Click here to register! Past newsletters are accessible on my blog.  If you are a new student and this is the first newsletter you have received, you can read previous newsletters here! Thanks for reading and staying in touch! Andrea :)

September 26, 2019 - Sue Daley Recap and More Sue Daley comes to PA Hello Friends! I was so happy to be able to take in Sue Daley's English Paper Piecing class and trunk show last Friday, along with a number of you!  She is the Australian queen of English Paper Piecing.  I learned how to English Paper Piece by watching her videos on YouTube a number of years ago and have been in love with EPP ever since.  Sue was delightful - down to earth, funny, humble, generous and eager to share her tips and tricks with us.  And, her new Paper Daisies fabric line is just lovely. I'm offering another Intro to English Paper Piecing class on Saturday, October 12.  I figured it would be perfect timing after all the inspiration we gleaned from Sue's events.  I'll be covering her glue basting techniques as well as other popular methods.  This is a great opportunity to learn the basics if you didn't get a chance to take one of her classes.  And, if you need some more help with that knicker knot and/or quilter's knot, or want to perfect your skills, this class is for you too!  Click here to register. English Paper Piecing is my favorite past time at the beach, thanks to Sue!  I recently spent a few days at the beach, stitching away to my heart's content.  I highly recommend scheduling your own personal hand stitching retreat - I can't wait to do it again next year! We've also scheduled another Intro to Applique class on Wednesday, October 9.  It's a wonderful technique to add to your English Paper Piecing skills; we saw lots of examples of how Sue combined both.  I looove hand appliqué, and I love introducing the Freezer Paper and Starch method to students!  You can register here. Deb's Barn Quilt I Deb attended our very first Mini Barn Quilt class back in March and went on to complete this amazing full-size barn quilt for their property in Lancaster county.  If you take a look at the center, you'll see that it's the same block design that we used in class.  It's been so fun to see how students take the simple techniques that we cover in class to new levels!  We'll be offering this class again, so stay tuned! The Beach was meant for quilts.... I had fun photographing a few more quilts at the beach again this year.   This Flower Girl quilt pattern is by Camille Roskelly of Thimble Blossoms. And, this is Lori's Holt's Bloom quilt, a free sew-along on her blog. Let me know if you have interest in a class on either of these quilts! I think I belong at the beach....  :) Past Newsletters Past newsletters are accessible on my blog.  If you are a new student and this is the first newsletter you have received, you can read previous newsletters here! I'm gearing up for the "Weekend with Andrea" retreat; I'm looking forward to sewing with my peeps.  :)   Hope you're able to find time to sew this weekend as well!! Blessings, Andrea XXOO

Update - September 9, 2019

Hi Everyone!  I just wanted to pop in and say hello in case you were wondering what in the world happened to me!  I was in a good groove of sending out a newsletter every few weeks, but then BAM, all the craziness of spring and summer (yardwork, vacation, Etown fair prep, etc. etc.) hit in full vengeance! I am SLOWLY getting back on track and working at getting caught up.  I have a long list of things I want to chat with you folks about, but for now, I wanted to at least send out a quick note! ELIZABETHTOWN FAIR I've been entering the Elizabethtown fair every year since 1991 when I made my first quilt.  As a farm girl, I grew up with the Franklin County Fair, and love the tradition of local fairs.  I entered a whole slew of things again this year - quilts, flowers, herbs, vegetables, and canned goods.  But, hands down, coaching my 16-year-old nephew to a blue-ribbon win for his Macarons was the best moment of any fair - ever!  Fair deadlines and competitions always push me to improve my skills, finish projects, and try new things, and this year was no exception.  By the way, I've got my sights set on that apple pie contest for next year!  :) A LITTLE COUNTED CROSS STITCH I've hardly even had a chance to touch my sewing machine this summer, but I finally took some time over the weekend to clean up my sewing space and reorganize, and now I can't wait to get back at it!  I have, however, had some fun with counted cross stitch after an almost 30-year break!  This pattern by Lori Holt is my next project! NEW CLASSES OPEN FOR REGISTRATION It's been so enjoyable having so many of you in class recently, both new and previous students!  I wanted to highlight a few upcoming classes, especially for those of you I haven't seen recently: ByAnnie Stash & Dash Pouch, Wednesday, September 25:  While this is not a new class, it is a great introduction to ByAnnie's patterns.  You'll learn to work with her Soft & Stable stabilizer, mesh, vinyl, strapping, and also how to insert zippers.  After tackling this organizer, you will have learned the basic techniques for any ByAnnie pattern, and it's the perfect preparation if you'd like to make an Ultimate Travel Bag! Ultimate Travel Bag Workshop, Monday, October 28:  I so enjoyed making this bag to take along on my trip to Oregon in July.  I am eager to share tips and tricks so that you can make a bag of your own!  It is a bit time consuming, but trust me, it's not at all difficult once you understand the ByAnnie techniques! Farm Girl Vintage Sewing Day, Wednesday, November 13:  I love everything Lori Holt touches - patchwork, appliqué, and counted cross stitch!  Join me and learn tips and tricks for any Lori Holt project you wish to stitch! PAST NEWSLETTERS For those of you who are new, past newsletters are accessible on my blog.  You can read previous newsletters here:   Thanks so much for staying in touch!  I post regularly on Instagram @missandreaquilts as well as on Facebook, so feel free to see what I'm up to there as well! Blessings to you! Andrea  :)

Update - May 23, 2019

Hello Everyone! Hope you are doing well! Here’s what I’ve been up to! ULTIMATE TRAVEL BAG I spent last week hunkered down sewing a ByAnnie Ultimate Travel Bag (while the weeds all around me grew like crazy!!).  Oh.my.word, I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed making it!  A big thanks to student Deb Kanagie for inspiring me to make one – she brought hers to class recently, and I couldn’t get it off my mind as a result. I know it sounds hard to believe, but it truly was not that difficult to make, just LOTS and LOTS and LOTS of steps and time.  In fact, I found it easier than working with smaller pieces on projects such as the Stash and Dash Pouch (anyone remember struggling through that project?  :)  Deb recommended the Bluprint video tutorial which was super helpful.  I’ll be leading a workshop on the Ultimate Travel Bag in the near future.  I’m also planning on offering a class or two on some simple ByAnnie pouches; they will be a good intro for any of you who haven’t yet used one of her patterns or worked with Soft and Stable (her foam interfacing which gives her bags that perfect structure).  Her patterns are outstanding – well written and easy to follow.  I’ll keep you posted on dates!  I was motivated to get my bag finished in time for my upcoming trip to Sisters, Oregon in July.  I can’t wait to take pictures of it in front of the Sisters mountains!! SO FINE THREAD I just recently started using Superior’s So Fine thread for bags and I LOVE it!  It’s nice and fine like Aurifil, but much stronger since it’s 100% polyester, so it’s perfect for bag making.  I knew I wanted something stronger than Aurifil for my Ultimate Travel Bag, and this was the perfect solution.  My Bernina loved it too.  :)  The Old Country Store will now be carrying spools of it, so be sure to pick up some for your next project.  More and more quilters are piecing with it too.  They like it  because, again, it’s fine like Aurifil, but it doesn’t generate any lint since it’s a polyester.  Just make sure to iron at a lower temperature, according to Superior Threads' recommendations. FLATTENING AN OLFA MAT Did you get a chance to attend the Mancuso show in Lancaster this month?  I thought it was a great show, despite the fact that the venue still looked like a war zone – ha ha!  I always learn a few tips and tricks from Charlie at the Olfa booth.  I was able to ask him the best way to flatten a warped OLFA mat (question inspired by a student who had inquired!), and he directed me to their website where it tells you exactly how to go about doing it.  Here's the link:   https://olfacutterstore.com/mat-maintenance-tips.htm  GINGHAM QUILTS I can’t stop making Gingham quilts!!  I have 2 more baby size quilts ready for machine quilting, and 2 larger ones cut out and ready to go.  They are embarrassingly simple to make, but the possibilities are endless.... I finally took my pink lap size out for a photo shoot.  Next class will be Wednesday, June 26.  It’s a great class if you want a simple project, and perfect for beginners if you have a friend who has been wanting to learn to quilt. MINI BARN QUILT I thought you might enjoy seeing photos from our last Mini Barn Quilt class.  Marjorie joined us from the UK, three students traveled from New York, and we had some locals too!  I still think we need to get more men involved….  :) Next class will be Thursday, August 12! STARS AND STRIPES  I love this picture of Lisa and Rita with their flag blocks from the recent Stars & Stripes class! ADDITIONAL CLASSES NOW OPEN FOR REGISTRATION Intro To English Paper Piecing: Wednesday, July 24  Modern Hexies: Wednesday, July 31 A LITTLE GARDENING Not a fan of radishes? Well, Martha Stewart’s Radish Butter may change your mind! I just harvested my first radishes and promptly ate them, Martha Stewart style! PAST NEWSLETTERS Past newsletters will now be accessible on my blog.  So, if you are a new student and this is the first newsletter you have received, you can read previous newsletters here. I think that's it for this newsletter!  As always, I love staying in touch with you!  You can also follow me on Facebook (Andrea Hoke) or on Instagram (@missandreaquilts).   Blessings to you! Andrea :)

Update - May 6, 2019

Hi Everyone! I couldn’t resist sending you a few pictures from recent classes!  MINI BARN QUILT CLASS First of all, how amazing is this Barn Quilt that Marti Clugston finished over the weekend?!!!!  She came to class on Thursday, but took the simple technique we covered in class to a whole new level!  And, her socks even match too!!  :)   I’ve been playing around with a few more designs also, but on a much, much simpler scale!!   We still have some openings for Wednesday’s class, and will be adding more dates to the schedule.  I’ve been wanting to get some of the husbands/men out there involved – would anyone be interested in a “couples-friendly” class??  I think we could convince some men to join us if they knew they won’t be the only male present – ha ha! JELLY-ROLL RUG CLASS Saturday’s Jelly-Roll Rug class included students from all over – two ladies plus another gal from England, two sisters from Boston and Virginia, and one woman from New York!!  I am so grateful I get to teach at a quilt shop that attracts students from near and far! GINGHAM QUILT CLASS I’m planning to schedule another Gingham Quilt class shortly.  These quilts can be made in any size from Mini up through King size, and are oh.so.fun!! I stitched a little Mini top last night - I can’t stop making them! The Old Country Store (including online) has Kona solids on sale May 6-11, so this is the perfect time to stock up on solids.  Here’s the link for the free pattern we will be using in class in case you want to purchase yardage for that project:  http://emptybobbinsewing.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/BuffaloCheckQuilt_EmptyBobbinSewingStudio.pdf ZIP CLASS 101 The Zip Pouch 101 class is now open for registration and has two date options.  Use the link below to register:  https://theoldcountrystore.com/events/class/zip-pouch-101 FARM GIRL VINTAGE RETREAT I’ve been pouring over Lori Holt’s patterns and Sew Alongs in preparation for our upcoming Farm Girl Vintage retreat October 18-20 (retreat will be open for registration on June 3 @ 4:30 pm).  Oh my, the possibilities are endless – I’m thinking a week-long (or month-long!)  retreat would be in order....  If only that were an option!  Lori's Farm Girl Vintage 2 book will be available in September, just in time for the retreat!   MY MOTHER.... My Mother’s 90thbirthday would have been today!  My sister and I are planning to celebrate her birthday this evening by going out for dessert.  Even though she was a Home Economics Education major, she never really enjoyed cooking.... It was more of a necessity versus an enjoyable venture for her, but she did love to eat if someone else did the cooking, especially dessert!!  I credit her for introducing me to all things domestic at a very young age, including teaching me to embroider by the time I was in kindergarten, and how to sew my own clothing by fourth grade.  I still have that cross stitch sampler.  :)   Keep sending me pictures of your completed projects – I love seeing them, and I love adding them to the Class Gallery for other potential students to see!  And, thanks so much for your kind feedback re: my initial newsletter! Blessings on your week! Andrea :)

Welcome to My Newsletter!

April 23, 2019

Hi Everyone! I'm finally getting around to writing a newsletter for my students who have taken classes with me at The Old Country Store!   I've been wanting to do this for the longest time, but just wasn't sure how to go about it. :)  Some of you are on Facebook and/or Instagram and keep up with me there, but many of you are not!  So, this will be a way for me to keep in touch will all of you!  I plan to keep you posted on what I've been up to quilting-wise, as well as let you know when new classes are posted. If you prefer not to receive this newsletter from me, you can simply click on the "unsubscribe from this list" link at the bottom of the newsletter; or, shoot me a reply, and I'll be happy to remove you from the list.  I'm always trying to keep my e-mail inbox cleaned out, so I won't be the least bit offended!   VILLAGE QUILT CLASS OK, now for some news!  I thought you might enjoy seeing a few pictures from Saturday's Village class: We had so much fun!  The houses with fussy-cut doors are quite addicting!  I'm looking forward to scheduling another class soon.  Let me know if you are interested in signing up for the next class, and I'll be sure to let you know when the class is posted and registration is open.   EASTER BAKING FUN I enjoy cooking and baking (and eating too!) with my nephew when we can find the time to get together.  For our family Easter dinner this year, he wanted to try making these "Chick Crinkle Cookies" from Rosanna Pansino's Baking All Year Round cookbook.  Aren't they adorable?! LIBERTY VICTORY GARDEN QUILT My friend's brother commissioned me to make a quilt for her birthday out of Liberty Lawn fabric several years ago.  Since he lives in London and she has visited him there, we thought this Victory Garden quilt was the perfect pattern for her!  We ended up with a lot of leftover fabric, so we decided to make one for him as well.  I just delivered the second quilt to him last week, so it's now safe to post pictures here!  I'll be teaching this class again on Saturday, June 15.  Click here to register! COMING SOON - ZIP POUCH 101 I am looking forward to teaching this basic Zip Pouch class - I just need to do a little more prep work, and then we can post the class! Thanks for taking the time to read this and for staying in touch with me! Blessings on your week! Andrea  :)