Check a dictionary and you’ll find that a notion is an ingenious article or device. At the last Mariners meeting in April, Heather highlighted an array of these great ideas available at Atlantic Fabrics, many on sale in conjunction with the store’s 30th anniversary. Or, as Heather said, it was a chance to see what’s new and to do new things with what you already have.

So what did she show us? Too many to name all but here are a few that make quilting easier: several cutting systems from Sew Easy and Fiskars, especially helpful for those with arthritis; a selection of rulers, both multi-purpose and specialized – Dresden plate, log cabin, attic windows, hexagons and more; and folding cutting mats of various sizes. Heather also brought along swatch buddies that allow quilters to make portable swatch fans for fabric shopping; silicone spray that prevents fabric puckering in free motion quilting; and spooler spindles that store thread spools with matching bobbins. She also brought along basting glue, an electric seam ripper and Sew Red glasses that help quilters determine colour value.

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For show and share, we saw the creative output of several workshops. Jacqueline, Patti and Deanne showed their rust-dyed fabric, created using a technique learned at Susan Tilsley Manley’s recent workshop, Rusty Things. Sandra and Deanne brought in their completed Asian inspired hangings they started at Helen Fujiki’s workshop at CQA 2012 in Halifax. As well, Dominique displayed quilted luggage tags, Pat created a quilted basket, and Margaret and Tina showed off their completed quilts.

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