Updates from my Studio to Yours

posted May 15 2025 3:00 PM by Lorna Shapiro

Hello and happy spring to all of you. You may have noticed that I gave myself a few months of holiday after all the in-person shopping that occurred as I closed out the in-studio shopping. While I miss the visits with all of you, I am enjoying the flexibility that comes now that I'm no longer hosting shoppers in my studio.

One of the things I've had time to do is just to play with fabric. I was inspired by a weekend in Victoria with the Victoria MQG taking a workshop with Marianne Haak (https://www.instagram.com/mariquilts/). It opened my eyes to some new ways to play with design and the first piece I did was very much like Marianne's work and I show it here.

Almost Circally

But of course, that got me started and now I'm working on these blocks, finding my way to a design that I hope will be pleasing. I'll keep you posted as both of these develop.

Through the Mist

What is happening with my store?

I've had people ask if my business is closing and the answer is definitely not. Although I'm no longer having in-person shopping, I continue to sell through my online store and also through Etsy. There will be new patterns coming throughout the year and some fabrics I couldn't resist buying!

The online store has yardage fabrics (AGF solids, widebacks, kimono silks, and coming soon are my Essex linen collection.) The store also has patterns, fabric bundles, standard kits and custom kits. I'm happy to continue to help customers with requests for particular palettes in any of my patterns. I generally select a few options which we discuss so that you can be sure you are getting exactly what you are looking for. Once we have it sorted, you make your purchase.

Local customers can arrange pick-up so that you save on the shipping fees.

Here are a few photos of custom versions of my patterns that have been created by customers who first worked with me to select their palette:

new extra-wide fabrics for backings

I've received three new wide-backs (one is organic from Cloud9) and have another three on order, so watch this section of the website for updates.

Wide Backs

Some testimonials from customers

Sue T. send this on AGF Solids:

I bought a piece of solid fabric from a fabric store, washed it and started to iron it.  It was so far off grain that I lost several inches of fabric and there was so much fraying .  

In contrast, I prewashed the AGF solid that I bought from Lorna, it was a dream to work with!  It was absolutely straight with very minimal fraying.  I recommend the AGF solids hands down over any other lines I have used.  

Mary B. send this message:

I ordered the Pathways quilt kit from you in a queen size. You kindly adjusted it to a full with an 11" drop on three sides for me. I haven't been more impressed with the customer service, fabric quality and WELL WRITTEN instructions with anyone else and I have been quilting for 25 years. I just wanted to THANK YOU!!

Wray H. sent this about the Pathways pattern:

Pathways is the best written pattern I have ever used.   Your directions are wonderful and it was a real adventure to piece.  Thank you for your attention to detail.

Great use of linen fabrics

Janelle P. sent me some photos of the Somerset Tote by Sitka Handmade that she made with wovens. Some inspiration for those of you who are willing to tackle totes!

one final thing....

Since slowing down my business, I've found time to work with my husband Vic to build me a vegetable garden that I can work in without being on my hands and knees. So this summer, for the first time, I've started a vegetable garden. Pretty darn cool, isn't it?! I'll keep you posted!

OK... that's it for now. I wish you all a wonderful summer - good health, good friends, much laughter and even more kindness!

Sending my best wishes to you all. Thanks for being part of my quilting community...

Lorna