Welcome to our newest feature, providing Canadian quilters with insights into the notions, tools and patterns that make your quilting easier and more fun. This comes with a focus on Canadian products and innovation.
While very few products in our industry have Canadian roots, those that do will receive a shout-out. Some products will be new to the quilting world or new to you. I am always open to suggestions about a product I haven’t seen yet.
100% CANADIAN MADE QUILTING RULERS
Silly Moon Quilting Co. – Canada
When Kellie Kaczmarek purchased her long-arm machine, she wanted rulers that she could use for quilting on both her domestic and new machine. Her husband, a talented machinist, took Kellie’s designs and turned them into exactly what she wanted. Silly Moon rulers are manufactured in their facility in British Columbia and continue to gain in popularity with quilters in Canada and around the world.
The most popular Silly Moon rulers include: Twistie, Drops and the Beginner class that includes rulers. The newest Silly Moon rulers are the Ribbons 5/3 and Mosaic.
Whichever Silly Moon ruler you start with, I know you will be over the moon at the results!
Erie Quilt Art Inc. – Canada
It has been a dream of mine to create a line of 100% Canadian-made quilting rulers that meets the needs of quilters.. The Canadian-made part is easier said than done. We released a line of non-slip rulers in 20 sizes at Quilt Canada 2025 that were designed, packaged and labelled in Canada, but cut, printed and coated in the U.S. Upon further searching, we will release our line of 100% made-in-Canada rulers this autumn. The design includes features I liked best in other rulers and eliminates features I didn’t find helpful while adding a few not found in other rulers. What makes our rulers a must-have for quilters?
- Fine lines and easy-to-read larger numbers aligned to make the rulers great for both right and left-handed quilters in up or down orientations;
- A solid quarter-inch line around the ruler to trim up blocks and quilts for binding without having to ‘connect the dots’ in your mind;
- Angle lines that go to the edge in the corner of the ruler for cutting angles and to the quarter-inch line in the middle of the ruler for squaring up star blocks while allowing for the quarter-inch seam;
A frosted coating on the back that allows you to see the markings whether cutting light or dark fabrics while providing a bit of grip.
QUILT PATTERNS BY CANADIAN DESIGNERS
Many great Canadian quilt pattern designers began designing patterns to coordinate with their fabric lines while others focus solely on patterns. Here are a few from across the country:
- Art East Quilting Co. – Nova Scotia – whimsical story-time characters (Kiss Me I’m Charming block shown above);
- Blanket Statement – Manitoba – modern quilt and bag patterns;
- Modern Blended Quilts – Alberta – classic modern quilts and more; some with instructions for using Studio 180 Design tools;
- Quiltoni – Ontario – whimsical pixel video game designs and so much more;
- So Treasured – British Columbia – wonderful bowls and containers that are all the rage;
- Tamara Kate Designs – Quebec – wonderful nature-inspired patterns to coordinate with her Windham fabric lines.
NEEDLE ARTS
Many quilt shops are expanding into needle arts and knitting/crochet products: fabrics, threads, patterns and kits. Post pandemic, more quilters have joined not only the big stitch movement but show an interest in cross-stitch, bead art and embroidery. Some products like needlework canvas from Zweigart are in short supply until the manufacturers can catch up with the trend. The younger set are embracing needle arts in a big way, looking for modern, edgy designs.
Hook Line and Tinker – Nova Scotia
Laurie Dolhan is the genius behind these designs. The limited colour palette and use of recurring motifs is purposeful. Finished hoops hang well as mix-and-match groupings and tell a cohesive story within a theme. Some patterns are first-time friendly; others suit ambitious beginners. Lots of love goes into each and every kit, produced in small batches in a home-based studio. (Owl featured above.)
Abris Art – Ukraine
Abris Art designs and sells cross-stitch and bead-art kits from the smallest ornaments to large pictorial cross-stitch designs. The kits come complete with everything you need, except the frame (although their frames are excellent quality as well). The designs use counted cross stitch and – what we love most – are oversized and very easy to read, even for aging eyes.
Robin Pickens Designs – United States
Robin Pickens has been a household name in the quilting world for some time. When her daughter suggested cross-stitch patterns of her modern quilting designs, Robin gave it a go. She has gone beyond quilt designs to create the cutest sewing machine cross-stitch patterns and more that would look great in any studio.
KNIT AND CROCHET PRODUCTS
Takumi Pro – Clover – Japan
Clover is known for its quality notions and these knitting needles are no exception. Designed as the best on the market, they have met their goal with smooth joints and quality materials. Knitters will be pleased to have these needles in their hands.
Seeknit
Kinki Amibari now has the Seeknit brand of premium, eco-friendly bamboo circular needles (seen above). Crafted for durability and aesthetic appeal, they offer a long-lasting and high-quality solution for knitters of all skill levels.
Kinki Amibari’s innovative swivel-cord connectors prevent the cable from twisting, ensuring a seamless flow as you work. The cables are exceptionally flexible and the needles are lightweight, which ensure your knitting tension remains perfect while preventing hand fatigue during long projects. Seeknit is distributed to knit and quilt shops by Best Quilt Knit Sew, a Canadian company.
STICKERS
The sticker craze has hit the quilting world in a big way. Have you noticed the stickers on the machines of fellow quilters at retreat? They seem to be a hit with both young and old quilters alike with cute and edgy sayings leading the way.
Whether you are looking for stickers, fabric patches or greeting cards, U.S.-based Katie Cupcake has it all.
Gail Heller is the owner of Erie Quilt Art Inc., a Canadian wholesale company in Calgary, Alberta and an avid quilter. As an Aurifilosopher and one of the first certified Studio 180 Design instructors, she offers lectures and workshops for shops and guilds. You can contact her at gail@eriequiltart.com.
