Claire Haillot – The French Quilter

My best tips for buying a sewing machine

Looking for a new sewing machine but don’t know where to begin? Start by reading this blog!

I regularly receive emails seeking advice on the purchase of a sewing machine to make quilts. I always take the time to answer as best as I can in private, however I see that this is becoming quite a regular question. That’s why I have decided to write a blog featuring my best tips for buying a sewing machine so that I can help more quilt enthusiasts with this great purchase!

Tips for buying a sewing machine

I contacted several sewing machine vendors as I wanted to get some help when giving advice reflecting what’s available on the market today. I was really happy to have two businesses interested in collaborating on my project. You might wonder why I reached out to vendors? Because the first thing you should do when purchasing a sewing machine for quilting IS to find a store specializing in the sale of sewing machines in order to ensure that you receive adequate assistance following your purchase.

My 3 quilt challenges for 2021

This blog is all bout my 3 quilt challenges for 2021 and why I’m doing them. Much to my surprise, I’ve never blogged about the quilt challenges I set for myself every new year! It’s a ritual that I’ve been doing for several years to push myself to become better at it! If you read all my blogs carefully, you will see that I still talk about it on a regular basis.

“I always set myself a few goals at the beginning of the year. I choose completely different projects to push me out of my comfort zone!”

You can laugh… or raise your eyebrows thinking that’ it? … but believe me, it may be very simple yet it’s highly effective.

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The year 2020 in review!

One thing is certain, the year that just ended will have been full of twists and turns for most people. We’ve all had to face unimaginable challenges. It has also been a somewhat forced way to reinvent ourselves, to rethink our priorities and to find pleasure in the little things in life.

For me, the year 2020 promised to be full of new adventures long before the pandemic hit. It was on March 1st that my divorce was officially pronounced and that I could finally turn the page on many mediated meetings and put my finances and life goals in order. I was celebrating with my new love in Mexico! AH! But I’ll save this story for another time 😉

Here is my year 2020 in the field of quilting :

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Special Presentation for Courtepointe Quebec Quilt Association

Last November, I was invited by the Quebec Quilting Association to present a virtual show explaining my work. It was so much fun to prepare and I really enjoyed getting to meet new people.

For those who’ve missed it, here is the recorded presentation:

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Me Made May Garment Sewing – Aurifil Artisan May Challenge

All right! Here’s one challenge I was sure not to take part of as an Aurifil Artisan. There was just no way I would sew a garment ever again! The whole point of quilting is to never have to sew anything else for anyone. But you know how I can’t refuse a good challenge now, so I just had to participate in the Me Made May Garment Sewing.

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Working on a serie of quilt can help you improve your skills

If you’re bored and looking for a new challenge, might I suggest working on a series of quilts to improve your skills. That’s what I realized when I decided to work a my rainbow series. But little did I know that it wasn’t just the piecing of the quilts… it was also a learning experience for the quilting.

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Aurifil Artisan April Showcase: Favorite Thread Weight

I am really excited to present you my Aurifil Artisan April Showcase featuring my favorite thread weight. It’s taken me so long to finish this project but it was perfect timing for this month’s showcase.

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Time to Break Free with Dominique Ehrmann

It was on April 27^th of 2019 that I ventured in the Laurentians to meet up with my dear fellow quilter Dominique Ehrmann. She had invited me to come over to see her latest piece entitled “Time to Break Free” before it left for a six month show in Cape Cod.

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A Special Quilt Show

I’ve always wanted to find out more about my fellow quilters and I was happy to come and meet the Lennoxville Guild members during the annual quilt show on September 7^th, 2019 in Sherbrooke. Continue reading “A Special Quilt Show”

Aurifil Artisan March Challenge: Hand Quilting/Kantha stitching with Kaffe

I was so ready for the March Aurifil Artisan Challenge! It was the perfect occasion to get started on all the cushions that I want to make for my new living room sofa. How can I not be challenged with combining Kantha stitching with Kaffe Fasset’s beautiful prints? It was a dream come true.

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