by Great Joy Studio | Dec 20, 2024 | Quilting & Fabric
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From Our House Sew Along, last block!
You made it! Welcome to your last week of the From Our House sew along hosted by Riley Blake Designs highlighting their Hush 4 low volume designer’s collaborative collection. And if you’re just getting started and want to learn more click here for the details.
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Here is Great Joy Studio’s contribution to the Hush 4 low volume fabric, vintage button illustrations of a warm gray on a soft white ground.
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We are making our blocks for the sew along using some Basics from Riley Blake Designs, Watercolor Swirl and Journal Basics. Our designer alternative block center is SEW easy. It is a raw edge fused appliqué button using our chunky button template.
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Featured blocks were made by Mendy Russell from Missouri Stitcher
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To round out your RBD designer’s tour, please pay us a visit for a tour of our NEW tiny house, shared sew space and office on Instagram and/or Facebook. Built in 1916 and located at 16 Dreyer Ave., Old Towne Eureka Mo.
I hope you have enjoyed sewing along!
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by Great Joy Studio | Dec 10, 2024 | Quilting & Fabric
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Whew and hello!
We are grateful to be completely moved into our new office and workshop location at 16 Dreyer Ave., in Eureka, MO.
Not only moved but managed to make some repairs and dress up the tiny ‘play’ house with a brand new coat of white paint! It is quite the transformation and most of the reactions have been positive. It took a lot of work but at the same time very fun project to watch. All the while as local folks stop by and share quilt related stories I can’t help but wonder . . . where is all of this leading?
For instance, does anything change regarding our office, online shop and workshop space routine now that we’re in an actual retail location? It’s very tempting to invite the community in however, we are still suppose to be working here and we do still have deadlines to meet. The location is right in the heart of Old Town’s hustle and bustle (and noise) so it’s taking a bit of adjusting. In a good and interesting way so far.
Another very positive change that took place over the summer is a connection that we made with a few young energetic high school students from the home school community. They are eager to learn what we do and have been extremely willing to help us get in and organized no matter what the task.
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As promised we are posting our plans and tentative schedule as we know it, to date.
These are the dates in mind for the 2025 workshop schedule and featured fabrics we will be using. Note, there are no firm decisions on each specific project yet. As many of you know our intimate clubhouse setting only allows us seven spaces comfortably or 10 if we hold them at the Eureka Chamber of Commerce as before and these do go quickly. Here are some to consider if you need to make travel plans:
Workshops – Quarterly
• January 9th – 10th – All My Heart Project
• April 10th -11th – Project to be determined
• July 10th – 11th – White As Snow Project
• October 9th – 10th – Queen of We’en Project
Note: These are not listed under Eventbrite and are only available with an email to me direct to reserve a spot: Write to janet@greatjoystudio.com We are working on a google doc and will post this week.
Thursday, Friday and Saturday – open studio hours (10:00 – 1:00)
• Thursday’s we will be working with our Home School workers and students.
• Friday and Saturday offerings will depend on interest:
A.) Introduction to quilting and appliqué. B) Work with volunteers interested in creating charity quilts. C.) Intro to watercolor and drawing
Visitors will need to let me know your thoughts in the comments please. The open hours will allow for short visits with me, Janet and customer’s purchases pick up upon request.
These are subject to change as we learn the interest of our new community.
Closures in the coming weeks/months:
December 6, 26 – 28
January 2 – 4
February 13 – 15
April 17 – 19
July 3 – 5
October 30 – 31
November 1, 27 – 29
December 25 – 27
The hope:
With a little more prayer and consideration over the next couple of months I trust that a sound direction for the coming year will come to light. We would appreciate hearing your interests and suggestions.
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Upcoming events will post:
On Instagram @jweckerfrisch and Facebook Joy Studio-tiding of Great Joy
Great Joy Studio Office
Old Town Eureka, Mo
16 Dreyer Ave.
Parking is available in back.
Please use front door access.
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by Great Joy Studio | Aug 16, 2024 | Quilting & Fabric
Hi Friends!
I’m going to be honest, summer is not my favorite and this one has been has been a little scary. And hot of course. It has been exciting but nerve wracking, a lot of hard work but fun and all the while fulfilling, as I complete the last steps of my entrepreneurship.
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On a happier note, I’m still going! Here’s the latest:
We are nearly moved into our new office and workshop location at 16 Dreyer Ave., in Eureka, MO. Our new hours for visitors are
Thursday – Saturday from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm.
Follow us on Instagram @jweckerfrisch and Facebook Joy Studio-tiding of Great Joy for upcoming mini classes this fall.
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My three NEW fabric collections from Riley Blake Designs, “Pumpkin Patch”, “Old School” and “Press On” are in quilt shops now! Check them out at your favorite local or on line location.
Our Wonderland Workshop for October 4th is sold out. Next one is scheduled for mid January so stay tuned.
Upcoming events:
This weekend it’s off to Hamilton, Mo. and on August 19 – 20 we will be visiting our friends at Missouri Star Quilt Company! Watch for me on Jenny’s Tuesday Newsday and my interview with Misty Doan on her Homespun channel, in an upcoming episode. I am quite excited about this as you can well imagine!
Studio Class: Fused Applique Fall Place Cards – Details to come on IG and Facebook
Studio Class: Vintage Watercolor Color-Mixing Chart – Details to come on IG and Facebook
Fall Quilt Market in Houston TX is Oct. 26 – 28 where Riley Blake Designs will be introducing my new fall collections, one of which is, “Costume Makers Act II” .
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Well, I think that has us all caught up. I hope to see you soon at one of these events or just drop in to say Hello. We have been enjoying meeting folks, swapping quilt stories and sharing creative journeys. We would love to know yours.
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by Great Joy Studio | Jun 21, 2024 | Quilting & Fabric
HELLO!
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We are pleased to announce our 3rd Great Joy Studio workshop. This will be our first in the NEW space!
On July 19th we are hosting a Christmas In July event, from 9:00 am. to 4:00 pm.
The projects feature the “White As Snow” fabric from Riley Blake Designs. The table runner and mug rugs projects can be found in the Wintry Project Booklet in quilt shops now if you want to follow along.
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You can sign up with the Workshops tab to participate in person.
Kits for your projects, gift bags and a light snack are provided.
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Your choice of several lunch options are within walking distance.
Agenda and a list of things to bring will be sent to participants previous to the event.
Workshop will be held in Eureka Missouri 63025 at 16 Dreyer Are.
Recommended accommodations Wildwood Hotel in Wildwood, MO
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See you soon!
by Great Joy Studio | Jun 1, 2024 | Quilting & Fabric
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New Workshop Space
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Before awareness of everything made the national calendar,
JUNE was MY BIRTHDAY MONTH!
And, oh yeah . . it still is. Lol
So, Happy Birthday to all of you who were born in June and to me.
As it happens I have some really exciting news happening this month for
Tidings of Great Joy, LLC – dba Great Joy Studio:
A NEW workshop and office space, all our own! Yes, another move and here’s the story:
Years before the last two floods (2015 & 2017) in Eureka MO I would occasionally drive by and day-dream about a small 1916 farmhouse in ‘Old Town’. When it came up for sale again this year, I began to re-visit the former possibilities. Seemed absurd, out of the question, absolutely not! So, instead we moved to an office rental up the street. Adequate but not too inspiring. On my commute passing to and from the very large For Sale sign on the tiny but charming purple house was a daily occurrence and impossible to miss. Then in February, I decided to call on the property again and even threw out a number to the owner much to my amazement. In the weeks following I did my best to leave it in the back of my mind. However, this along with everything else going on in the world and in my personal life, waiting and wondering became a bit transforming. I still cannot put any of this into words that make sense to anyone perhaps but myself. And God? Maybe.
Anyway . . .
Weeks go by, working and prayer, working and prayer, living life, working and more working and more thoughtful deliberation, much research, work, prayer . . . I’m sure you are getting a picture. Then, one night for whatever reason as I sat straight up in bed, my eyes zeroed in on a particular sentimental watercolor that I keep in my room. It’s been there for many years and goes by unnoticed for the most part. It was painted by my Dad when I was a baby and holds great sentimental value. As far back as I can remember it hung in my parents room. The piece sits right next to a photograph of my Dad and me. This night, as I realized the striking similarities to the property and the painting that I found myself exclaiming aloud, “Dad, it’s the purple farmhouse!” Suddenly, strangely I felt peace. Peace of mind somewhat and the first time in weeks, even still, and I don’t fully understand why. So, I began several weeks of investigation, not allowing myself to give it too much thought and just kept busy as I always do these days. The further I probed, the easier it became to give into the idea for one more office/workshop move. Although I don’t exactly know where this venture is going and still having some uneasiness from time to time it’s mostly EXCITING and fun to think of the uses! To say nothing of the decorating!
We take possession this month (a matter of days) and will work extra hard to have an open house/preview during the Eureka Block Party June 14 and maybe our first class there mid July. Keep an eye out on our new Workshop page we are currently in the process of creating. For our new space updates you can also follow us on Instagram @Jweckerfrisch
Thanks for your visit.
~Janet
PS – New location is – 16 Dreyer Ave. Eureka, MO 63025
by Great Joy Studio | Feb 24, 2024 | Quilting & Fabric
Hello there!
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Welcome to our 2nd Great Joy Studio workshop
On April 16th – 17th we will be hosting an “Art Journal” fabric making day, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on both dates. We will be using one of the large scale journal covers as we learn how to attach inside signatures (pages) with pockets, tags, and a variety of journal techniques. Kits will include Art Journal, Sew Journal and Journal Basics fabrics. from Riley Blake Designs and a variety of materials to construct your personalized fabric journal. I (J. Wecker Frisch) will again be hosting and guiding this class along with Kate and Mendy.
In addition to the sew day you will have exclusive access to shop Art Journal and Sew Journal fabric lines plus all six of our Holiday lines (three Halloween, two Christmas, two Valentine) and related kits from my personal shop stash. Some, not all of these, are already out of stock, out of print or hard to find.
So, if you (including shop owners & your customers) have been wondering what to do with these fantastic fabrics, this is your chance to explore the many possibilities. Our mission is to inspire and urge you to CUT that panel!
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Space is limited to ten – Kits that include a panel are limited to four!
You will have two options to purchase a spot in this event on a first come, first serve basis. Option 1 includes the Art Journal Covers Panels and Option 2 does not due to limited inventory. However, the panel is available at a number of shops, and ON SALE right now till end of February! Search Art Journal Panel.
This will be a two day event in order to get a good start on your fabric journal. We will try to include a studio tour of my private work space if time allows. Or if it is clean Lol.
Space is limited to ten – Kits that include a panel is limited to four!
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We need you to sign up using the Art Journal Workshop link on my Instagram.
Also you must purchase from one of the two kits offered for the workshop only, from our Shop link to hold your spot.
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Agenda and a list of things to bring will be sent to participants previous to the event.
Event will be held in Eureka Missouri 63025 at the Eureka Chamber of Commerce, 113 Hilltop Village Center Dr.
Recommended accommodations Wildwood Hotel in Wildwood, MO
Looking forward to seeing you!
by Great Joy Studio | Nov 30, 2023 | Quilting & Fabric
Hello everyone!
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Welcome to our 1st Great Joy Studio workshop intro.
On January 17 we will be hosting a Valentine quilt top sew day from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. We will be making my Broken Hearts quilt using the “Be Mine Valentine” fabric collection from Riley Blake Designs. Your teacher will be none other than, me, Janet Wecker Frisch. This is a free workshop so you need only to purchase the quilt top fabric kit from our shop. In addition to the sew day you will have exclusive access to shop all six of our Holiday lines (two Halloween, two Christmas, two Valentine) and related kits from my personal shop stash. Some, not all of these, are already out of stock, out of print or hard to find. In addition, for the really fast workers, we will try our hands at a Valentine post card or two.
Space is limited to the first twelve!
We need you to sign up using the Great Joy Studio Workshops link on my Instagram.
Also you must purchase the kit offered for the workshop only, from our Shop link to hold your spot.
Things to bring:
• Sewing Machine
• Sewing Tools
• Threads and bobbins
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Event will be held in Eureka Missouri 63025 at the Eureka Chamber of Commerce, 113 Hilltop Village Center Dr.
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by Great Joy Studio | Aug 30, 2023 | Quilting & Fabric
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Hello there!
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Well, I did not expect my fabric journal journey to take a full year to put up my next blog post! However, if you’re following me on Instagram then you have a pretty good idea of what Great Joy Studio has been up to. Five more fabric collections, a White As Snow Winter-y Projects booklet, lots of quilt design and some time to create a few inspirational pieces for church.
So, let me tell you what else is new like our latest collection from our fabric partners at Riley Blake Designs. “Sew Journal” is the name and is currently delivering (or delivered) to shops this week. Of course it is full of the coolest vintage and antique sewing imagery from my own personal ephemera stash. Some of the pieces are quite rare so I am especially glad that we can present this stunning art and can share on fabric and quilts for years to come.
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We used three of the Sew Journal panels and several scraps from all three of my ‘Journal’ collections, Art Journal, Journal Basics and Sew Journal to continue on our book making exploration. In addition I have gathered all of the tiny and interesting trinkets that one tends to collect through the course of a creative lifetime. You know the ones I mean, countless items that just don’t seam to go anywhere but you hang onto just in case you need for that special project? Well . . . we have it! And we want to invite you to join me at our first Sew Journal weekend retreat. Here are the details:
October 13 – 16
Quilt Town USA – Hamilton MO
MSQC Retreat registration click here!
See you there and keep following us on Instagram for inspiration and retreat updates.
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by Great Joy Studio | Sep 22, 2022 | Quilting & Fabric
Hello once again.
We took some time at the end of summer to do a bit of traveling so, our week five for the fabric journal post was delayed. We also took a couple days for garage and closet cleaning! In addition, the actual execution of this project is somewhat new to me and I am learning what works and what doesn’t. So I’m giving myself plenty of time for my fabric journal style to evolve. There are many techniques to try and experiment with.This is going to be an ongoing, learning process to enjoy.
Now, back to the fun fabric stuff! I have two more fun layouts signatures/pages to share. One I did in the car while riding along on the road trip. We had just received a bundle of Hush Hush II from Riley Blake Designs before we left so I grabbed our Baby Button Dot low volume sample and a bit of inspiration for this one. I stamped some words on linen scraps from Colossians 3 which was my scripture reference for this piece.
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I had purchased some craft board paper doll templates some time ago and decided to cut one from Riley Blake natural linen and one out of ordinary batting. Then a dress from our Doll Closet appliqué template and adjusted to the right size. I simply layered in a pleasing layout and began to hand stitch. A perfect project while taking in the sights.
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The second group of images were inspired by insects from our upcoming “Art Journal” fabric (above)! We are so eager to introduce this collection (February 2023 delivery) from Riley Blake Designs that we could not resist including a few early samples that were sent for color approval in our finished piece (below).
I asked Kate to design and cut out silhouettes in Riley Blake Black and then highlight with Best of She Who Sews measuring tapes and button dots. Once Kate had the black appliqué pieces cut out we auditioned a few of the Best of She Who Sews fabrics to see what to use for the beetle highlights and butterfly wings. Best of SWSs offers so many great options it’s difficult to choose!
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After fabrics were chosen, we prepped our base signature/page fabrics, Again we used RBD Natural Linen layered with Journal Basics Ledger Paper and assembled in place to fuse. I like fusing before sewing down to assure precise placement and this offers more stability to the signature/page. We added a little more stamping and plan to continue with the sew-y theme with vintage buttons and maybe some labels. Plus I have much more sewing details to try/add but see what you think so far! We will have these bug-y appliqué kits in our shop soon.
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I’m saving the Baby Button Dots beetle for a small accent pillow! Stay tuned:
Great Joy Studio/J Wecker Frisch on Instagram and Facebook
by Great Joy Studio | Jul 14, 2022 | Quilting & Fabric
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Hi and welcome!
This will be short and sweet so if your time is limited like mine this summer, you can still squeeze in a little TAG fun!
I tried a couple of new (to me) fabric tag making processes this week and it’s ongoing. The further I explore possibilities, the more ideas that evolve. Especially with so many fabric options. For these I used the Best of She Who Sews measuring tapes fabric from Riley Blake Designs. I love these text and color rich tapes and as always the scripture snippets!
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I’m sure many may have already done this with cargo tags however, I just happen to have a LARGE number of these manila paper tags so I decided to cover some with fabric. I like the stability that they offer as a base and also the look. The method I chose was the quick and easy trace, cut, sew! Here in these photos is how I did it.
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I used a Frixion Pen so the lines would disappear with heat from the iron and the red sharpy to hide my careless cutting. They are not perfect, not precise but that is the sketch-y, stitch-y, journal-y charm, I was told on IG. Then I decided to trade out the white strings that came on the cargo tags for some black hemp twine to compliment the tape text.
Now, I think we need to go a bit further by stamping the backs and attaching a few trinkets of ‘found’ objects that we ALL have in our growing stash and a little layering. To see this progress however, I invite you to tune in to my socials: Instagram or Facebook.
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One other new development for me this week was discovering my concise purpose for this Fabric Journal as I build and contemplate. I stated initially that it would be for personal use and since I chose such a jumbo binder there might be room to store my entire fabric designing journey! Or at least bits of the most significant items.
Again bye, for now and I hope you enjoy some create time.
~Janet
