A Fun Place to Visit

New Name for the New Year!

2012-01-19T17:32:00.000-08:00

My new logo is done, and I've unveiled it on this blog above! The website is in progress, I hope to see it up and running within the next month. Right now, whenever my home page opens up it has a very sad, dejected, "This site is closed" message. Hopefully not for long!
Revamping a website is hard work, even when you hire someone else to do the geeky, technical part! I already feel like I have spent days entereing merchandise into the new site, and I haven't even finished the patterns yet! That's right, I haven't touched fabric, notions, kits, or any other catagory besides patterns and I'm already whining.
I know it will all be worth it in the end. The new site will be much better organized, prettier (very necessary, wouldn't you say?), and more fun to spend time looking at. I can hardly wait to see what you all think!
Until then, you will have to wait patiently, or just visit me in person at the store! New fabric is arriving this week, watch for a preview here on the blog until the new website is up and running.

New Year, New Name, New Website

2011-12-28T10:17:00.000-08:00

For 2012, I have decided my shop's website needs a refreshing upgrade. To that end, I am in the process of having it redesigned and reorganized. I have high hopes that it will be wonderful and fun! I am even changing the name of the store to go along with the new look. Watch for the improvements to show up sometime in February or March, and don't panic if the current website dissappears for a while! Bookmark this blog now, and you can still visit me while the new site is being finished.
The new website's address will not change, so as soon as it is up you will be able to access it again via the same address, www.crazyforquilting.com.

In the mean time, my mom, my husband, and I are spending some time in the next few weeks reorganizing the store itself, and doing a major inventory overhaul. Visit us after the first of the year, Thursday - Saturday, to see how it's going. I'm sure there will be many items marked down and added to the sale area, as we make room for new merchandise in the coming year!

Along with this overhaul, I am also re-organizing my quilting calendar. This will allow me to be more accurate and more on schedule throughout the year with the long-arm quilting. Right now, quilts can be booked for March. With my new scheduling, quilts will be done within 1-2 weeks of my estimate, instead of 1-2 months. I am excited about being more organized and on-target, and I hope you all are too! If you would like to view pictures of my quilting, please visit the store's Facebook page, here.

Phone Troubles

2011-11-12T10:13:00.000-08:00

If you've tried to call the quilt shop in the past week or two, you probably didn't reach anyone. Why? Because I make a brain-dead move and neglected to follow up with my new phone system to ensure I had set it up properly. The result? No one trying to dial the quilt shop could get through.

Great........As if the for-sale sign in the front yard wasn't enough to make people think I was out of business, now I've really gone and done it!

In my defense, I've had a super busy couple of weeks learning a whole lot of fun stuff at my new job.

But still......is my face red?

Anyways, the phone is back online. And, "YES!" I'm still in business!

Cabana Batiks Are In the Store!

2011-10-28T22:25:00.000-07:00

The new batiks from Moda arrived today! I haven't carried batiks for quite a while, as in a few years. So, even though I'm not a huge batik fan myself, I do appreciate them and I am excited to have them back in the store. This new line from Moda has some beautiful jewel tones. It will be followed up with another shipment in December of Tropicana Batiks, also from Moda.
The batiks in stock now have been uploaded to the website, so have fun drooling over them here!

Look What I Did Today!

2011-10-03T22:54:00.000-07:00

Today I had a day at home, with five blissful hours to myself while everyone was away at school! Here is how I spent my day:

First, I helped Bailey get into her Cowgirl gear. This week is homecoming week, and today was "Western Day." Since Bailey lacks all of the self-consciousness I had in high school, I am taking full advantage of having a little fun and living vicariously through her. I didn't think far enough ahead to procure a horse for her to ride to school, so I drove her instead. Apparently Grandpa's Chaps weren't very comfortable for walking!

When everyone was gone, I vacuumed and did some other miscellaneous housework. But...since the kids had popcorn tonight while they watched Ghostbusters it's a little late for a picture of that.

Next, I finished putting the borders on my Night Owl table topper, which I have kits of in the store. I have been carrying the cut pieces of this quilt back and forth from store to home for about 6 weeks now, so this is a major victory!

Then, I did some quilting on the long arm.

After that, I felt like baking, so I made some rosemary bread to go with dinner. I wish I had a picture of how pretty it looked before I cut it up. Here is all that is left, safely sealed away so that Charlie actually gets to have some before I.....I mean the kids....eat it all.

Since I had baking on the brain, I decided to tackle the baked potato/tortilla steamer pattern that just came last week. It was super fast and easy, so in less than an hour I had it done!

After dinner, it was almost time for Bailey's volleyball game. I had just enough time to prepare some fusible shapes for her costume tomorrow, which Kylee and I cut out at the game. Tomorrow is "Super Hero Day." Can you guess what Bailey's going to be?
They don't allow guns in school. Even super cheesy guns that only shoot ghost-sucking plasma rays. So, I had to think of a different prop.
After the game, and after I finished the costume, watched Ghostbusters with the kids, and tucked them into bed, I whipped up another Easy Striped Tablerunner. This time I used fabric from the Tangled Threads fabric line by Whimsicals.

Wow, I sure wish every day could be like today. Now I can relax with a glass of wine, because I sure earned it!

Shoplifters Beware!

2011-09-22T14:46:00.001-07:00

To all of my honest customers, who are happy to pay for the products you take home with you. I regretfully inform you that you will now be shopping on camera. Due to your dishonest, lying, cheating, good for nothing (except putting products in their bags/pockets/etc. and leaving without paying) counterparts, I have installed security cameras throughout the store. I can now find out, if necessary, everything you touched while you were here.

Do I really want to? No.

Has it become necessary due to incessant stealing of everything from charm packs to finished samples? Yes.

Will I be watching the cameras constantly? Only if I find something missing and want to know without a shadow of a doubt where it went.

If you are honest, you have nothing to worry about.

If you have previously walked out of my store with stolen merchandise, be afraid. Be very afraid. I will prosecute shoplifters. If not for the immorality of stealing, than for the simple reason that my daughter should not have to worry at the thought that someone might swipe her Sneaker Sack and keep it as their own. (Seriously people, the things I make are often for my kids. They have sentimental value. Make your own!)

My kids don't need that stress. Neither do I. And now, thanks to Costco and my dad, I no longer have to stress about who took my Zippy Strippy Bag, or which sample will go missing next. All I have to do is replay the camera and call the cops.

Or maybe not. Hopefully the camera is enough to make you think twice. Better yet, hopefully you're an honest shopper to begin with. Either way, I will sleep better.

(And no, it appears I haven't quite exhausted all of the favors my dad doesn't owe me!)

Oregon Trip Picture Time!

2011-09-20T16:45:00.000-07:00

It's picture sharing time! Warning: This is purely me bragging up my family and our great week long trek up the Oregon Coast. Skip this post if you are looking only for quilting related news. Otherwise, enjoy pictures of our vacation last month along the Oregon Coast!

New Samples

2011-09-08T11:59:00.000-07:00

After spending last weekend at the St. Maries Quilt Show, I took some time to rearrange and reorganize the store this week. It's a great time to do it, since everything I took to the show had to be put away anyways. It also gave me an opportunity to hang some of the new samples that have been completed recently.

Hanging samples is not my favorite thing to do. It is difficult to do alone, since holding a quilt, hanging pins, getting everything straight and the right heighth, while standing on a ladder does not come easily to me. In fact, standing on anything tends to be a hazard when I'm involved. Take, for example, the time I decided to clean out the cabinets above my kitchen counter while standing on the bar stools. There are four stools, which I thought would be perfect since it meant I could step from one to the other while not having to get down in between. Cabinets would be neat and tidy in no time, right?

Turns out me on bar stools looks a lot like a contestant on Wipe Out crossing the "big balls." Only bar stools aren't bouncy and soft, there isn't a swimming pool in my house, and I wasn't one of the lucky ones who made it across.

Luckily Wipe Out is one of my kids' favorite shows. After making sure I was still breathing and there had not in fact been an avalanche in our dining room, they had a good laugh at my expense.

Thankfully, I am done hanging samples for now. Plus, I still have all of my bones in tact although my ladder is an old one of my dad's. The fact that he hasn't come looking for it in several years should tell you something about it's condition!

Here are some pictures to enjoy, albeit not the best quality since I'm using my phone. The first is the new sample of Flight North using Moda's Snowy Eve fabric line.

Next up is my wild and crazy holiday version of Spotlight featuring sock monkeys in Moda's Santa's Helpers fabric line.

And last for now, the new Shenandoah pattern featuring Bliss by Moda. This is the crib size, but the pattern includes sizes up to King.

Fall Classes

2011-08-26T12:14:00.000-07:00

After taking a long hiatus from offering a class schedule, I have decided to offer new classes this Fall and Winter! The classes through September are listed on the "News and Classes" page now, you can view them here. Questions, requests? Send me an email through my home page!

Who's going to be the first one to touch the ocean?!

2011-08-18T01:38:00.001-07:00

Last week, I took a much needed break to visit the Oregon Coast with my husband and our three youngest kids. (The three that I get to share my very own DNA with. Some day they will thank me for this, I'm sure)

Charlie especially wanted to see Crater Lake, and since this was to be nothing if not a sight seeing trip, we hit the lake first thing. We drove from 12:30am Monday morning until about 9:30am to see this:

After looking around a bit, we excitedly headed for the coast. Well, at least we thought we did. See, Kylee and I had done some preliminary research the week before, and decided to pick Gold Beach as our first coastal stop. (OK, so I picked it and Kylee just wrote it down. I admit it, it was my fault already!)
Little did we know that there isn't exactly a main highway from Crater Lake straight to Gold Beach. In fact, my Garmin GPS didn't know this either. It deceivingly gave us directions, turn by turn, as if it were no big deal. By 2:30pm, we were headed up a winding, one lane, mountain road that looked alarmingly similar to the set of Deliverance.

The GPS said we'd be hitting the sandy beaches by 4:00pm. But, after several "keep lefts" and "turn rights" we were still in the mountains at 4:30pm. In fact, the only things keeping my from insisting we turn around were the road markers every few miles that said "Coastal Route" and the nearly full tank of gas in the car.

At one point, Charlie said that he needed to take a potty break, but thought twice about getting too far from the road in fear of ending up squealing like a pig.

About an hour into it, my car actually started to smell hot. My brand new, still on manufacturer warranty, car, started to smell hot!

The entire way we kept meeting large econoline vans, pulling trailers full of river rafts. We even saw a sign warning vehicles to use a CB radio if possible. I'm pretty sure every one of those vans was using their radio, to warn the vans behind them about the stupid ****'s from Idaho in the red car headed their way!

At what might have been the top of the mountain, we pulled into an overlook area and met a couple from Holland who were headed the opposite direction. They were on a 4 week vacation, and didn't seem alarmed at all about the road they were traveling. They must have some fierce traffic in Holland!

Finally, delirious from hours on a winding, narrow road that seemed to go nowhere, we emerged on some highway where there was road construction, complete with flaggers, and deep, unmarked trenches that tried to rip my car apart and swallow it. I'm pretty sure it will never be the same. The moose was no match for backwoods Oregon!

And then, just when I was about ready to turn around and go home, we finally found Highway 101, and Gold Beach. Actually, it was all worth it, because Kylee and Will have never seen the ocean, and I got to watch as Charlie called out, "Who's going to be the first one to touch the ocean?"

2011-08-16T21:09:00.000-07:00

It's finally here!! The fabric I ordered at Spring Market, and then had to re-order when my order got mixed up in the supplier's computer, finally came! Now, I can finally begin offering this beautiful new block of the month from The Quilt Company.
This time it features barns! This quilt is gorgeous in person, and will make a fantastic addition to any one's quilt collection. These quilts are also fun to make, and are much less daunting than they appear when you take it one block at a time. (Months 5 and 6 include the setting blocks and borders.) Last year I vividly remember sewing up the last BOM in a round of 3am sewing sessions in late July. Maybe this year I will create my shop sample in the same fashion a month later? I will be sure to let you all know when it is complete. Regardless, if you are already in love with this quilt as much as I am, you can start yours anytime by ordering here!

Ready for Sun

2011-08-04T13:14:00.000-07:00

While at Quilt Market, we completed a fun booth hop put on by some of the vendors from Utah. Bailey actually did most of the leg work on it for me, and was great at collecting stamps from each participating booth we passed. As a reward for all that hard work, we won one of the prizes!
A few weeks ago in the mail, I received a package containing my very own Abbey Bag, which I didn't even have to make! Plus, a copy of Abbey Lane's newest books. Just in time, too, because I was under the gun to make Will a sun hat before a camping trip, and I hadn't figured out how to adjust the Amy Butler pattern I made for Kylee into a less girly version of sun protection. I was excited to find a great unisex hat pattern in one of the books, and in a couple hours I whipped up a great hat for Will.
The books are full of other great patterns too, so watch for them in store soon!

2011 Crazy Eight Shop Hop

2011-07-08T14:56:00.000-07:00

August 5, 6, and 7th marks the annual Crazy 8 Shop Hop! This is always a great time for all. Visit area shops Friday, Saturday and Sunday for a chance great prizes plus have a lot of fun. Each participant will receive a shopping bag with goodies at their first shop. Door prizes and refreshments along the way, plus prizes for the best poker hands in the end! Email me through the website at The Crazy Quilter website with any questions or for more info.

Snazzy New Bag for Bailey

2011-06-28T12:45:00.001-07:00

Bailey picked out fabric for this great bag a few weeks ago, and while she was away at camp I surprised her by finishing it! Now it goes everywhere with her. It was surprisingly quick to make after the gathering of the strips was finished. It is the Snazzy Bag by Lila Tueller, made using Happy fabrics.

New Fun Projects

2011-06-03T14:47:00.000-07:00

Last week I spent a few minutes here and there making some of the great new projects from Ellen Medlock. These are more of my favorites from Market, and they have been super fast, fun, and easy. My girls and I now have coordinating rings, bracelets, and purses for our dresses! Possibly the easiest and least expensive accessory ever is the button rings.

Then there's this fantastic heart clutch!

Great napkin rings! These come white, and you can paint them, cover them with ribbon, wrap them with fabric, or anything your imaginations can come up with! Make them to match your dishes, tablerunner, or whatever!

And finally, the bracelets. They are similar to the napkin rings, only bigger around to fit over your hand. They come in large or medium size (we all wear the large so medium is for small children and people with very small hands). I can't decide if I like the ribbon covered ones or the fabric ones better! They are like chocolates, you can't have just one!

Like what you see? Want to try it your self? You can find these items online under Gifts & Fun. Bracelets will be added soon!

Spring Dress Fever

2011-05-27T15:23:00.000-07:00

Spring and Summer always bring on the mood for me to sew up a new dress or two. This year, I get to sew three! After finally finishing my Monique Dress Tuesday (pics soon), Bailey and Kylee both wanted a dress too. So, yesterday, at Kylee's request, I sewed up an Abigail Dress for Kylee that matched her hat and headband.

The only catch? She had her heart set on wearing the dress for the Spring Music Concert, this morning! I guess I do best when I'm under the gun, because I finished the dress at 5pm yesterday, and she skipped off to school in it at 8am this morning! Thank goodness it fit!

Now, I just have to finish another Monique Dress for Bailey by next weekend, and I'll probably be over my Spring Dress fever for a little while.
And, just for a little proof that even when I don't write on here, I am actually doing things, here is a picture of a delicious cake I made for Nick's 18th birthday Tuesday.

Here's how to make it:

Roll 1 package of sugar cookie dough out into a circle, using flour as needed. Place on a pizza pan and bake according to directions on dough. Allow extra baking time as necessary to make sure the center is done. Then cool.

Mix an 8oz. package of cream cheese with 1/2 C. of sugar and 1 tsp. of vanilla. Spread evenly on the cooled crust.

Slice up your favorite fruits (I used strawberries, kiwi, and blueberries) and decorate your cake with fruit and berries.

Eat and enjoy!

Back from Market

2011-05-17T15:14:00.000-07:00

Another Quilt Market has come and gone, and I survived yet again. We had a fun trip to Salt Lake City, and found some great patterns. I have finished uploading everything to the website that is in stock now, and more will follow as ordered items start to arrive in about a week or so. Check out the New Additions category to keep up with everything we found!
I also ordered various fabrics that will ship through the rest of the year. Included are a western themed line, a large selection of black, white, cream, and brown prints, some wilderness cottons by Holly Taylor, and new Maywood florals.
Now that I am on summer break from school, I will be spending my spare time (or lack of spare time as the case may be) sewing up a storm of new store samples. First up, my Santa Monica jacket, which now has sleeves and will hopefully have a collar and a zipper by the end of tonight!

Fun, Easy Headband Tutorial

2011-05-05T13:24:00.000-07:00

I saw headbands similar to this style in a mail flyer, and wondered if I could make them easy and inexpensively. Mine are more funky and less fancy, but just as fantastic! I am not a pattern writer, so use these instructions at your own risk. If you are smart enough to follow them, you are probably smart enough to make up your own pattern, so make as many of these headbands as you want, just don't sell the pattern!
Here is how to make your own. (Pictures follow each step:

1. You will need 2 strips 2.5" wide by WOF for your headband, 1 strip 2.5" wide by WOF for your flower, enough fusible fleece for a 2.5" x 40" piece (can be pieced together), and a scrap of green for your leaves. You will also want matching thread.
2. Layer your two main strips together, still folded in half, with the fold at the same end and lined up together. Using your ruler and rotary cutter, cut the long sides at a slightly tapered angle by lining the ruler up with the folded top corner and in about 1/4" from each bottom corner. Then, cut the selvages off straight across the end.

3. Using one of these angled strips as a pattern, cut single sided fusible interfacing to cover 1 strip. Since my fusible interfacing is 20" wide, I cut two pieces and butt them up in the center of the band before ironing. Because you will be ironing them on, plus sewing around them, you don't need to have the interfacing all in one piece.
4. Iron the fusible interfacing to the WRONG side of one ofyour headband strips.

5. Layer both headband strips, one with interfacing and one without, together with right sides facing. Sew around using a 1/4" seam allowance and leaving about 5" for turning on the center of one long side. Clip the corners at each end.

6. Turn the band right side out, one half at a time. Iron the band, making sure to press all seams out with no folds. Top stitch around the entire band, 1/8"-1/4" in.

7. Taper the 2.5" strip for the flower. This doesn't have to be very exact, just taper it to a slight point. You might also want to cut this strip down in length to about 30" for a less bulky flower.
8. Cut 2 or 3 leaves from your green scrap. I just eyeballed mine by cutting two intersecting arcs.

9. Take the flower strip and fold it accordian style. This may take some pratice to get it just like you want it, and you want your accordian to be messy. Once you're satisfied with it, sew it in the center to hold it.

10. Place your flower on your headband by trying it on and seeing exactly where you want it to be on your head. I like mine just to one side or the other. Once you like your placement, sew the flower to the band by just sewing a 1/2" line in the center and then backstitching. Then, add the leaves by sewing around them and then up the middle with a straight stitch.
Congratulations! Your headband is ready for wear! Tie and enjoy.

Upcoming "I Sew, So I Hop" Shop Hop

2011-04-21T15:46:00.000-07:00

The 7th Annual I Sew Shop Hop is fast approaching! Here are the dates, details, and fun:

May 6 & 7, 9am-7pm daily
9 Quilt Shops in North Idaho and Eastern Washington
Fantastic Prizes! Prizes are drawn at random from all completed passports. The Grand Prize includes a $25 shopping spree at each participating shop. There are tons of other great prizes. (I got to be the prize collector this year and they are making a mountain in my office!) Prizes include fat quarter packs, charm packs, books, patterns, rotary mat/cutter, a custom sewing machine table, and more!
Great fun, friends, and food, plus door prizes at many of the shops along the way.

All hoppers will receive a goody bag. In addition, all hoppers will get a free fat eighth and pattern at each store they visit.

Need a map, more info, or have questions about any of this? Feel free to email me at crazyforquilting1@yahoo.com! Grab your friends and carpool to fun!

As Promised, Mug Shots of a Moose Killer

2011-04-05T17:05:00.000-07:00

It turns out, if you're going to committ moose murder, you probably want to be driving a Chevy Cobalt. The car, despite hitting Mrs. Bullwinkle nearly square center, drove to the body shop 50 miles away from the scene of the crime.

Sadly, Mrs. Bullwinkle did not fare so well.

As usual, I haven't failed to find a silver lining. Hitting a moose is one way to sweet talk my way into this ride for a day or two! Why do husbands gotta be so protective with their cars, anyways? It's not like I'm gonna drive it into a moose or anything.

OK, even I must admit that I can see where he might have gotten that idea.

It's Friday!

2011-04-01T12:41:00.000-07:00

It's Friday! Hooray for the weekend, hopefully you find some time to visit your sewing or quilting machines. I have a light load for homework, my kids are visiting their dad, and other than working I will be spending time with my quilting machine for sure.
I have finally made time to upload the new Holly Taylor fabrics from Moda. You can find them under Dragonfly Summer in the online catalog. They are beautiful!
I also invested in a new camera recently. It is just a simple Kodak model, but it will do the job and I should be able to put pictures up much easier and more often now. I decided that repairing my Nikon was probably going to be more hassle and expense than it is worth right now, considering I'm not exactly an expert photographer. So, I will be posting pics again soon.
First up? Maybe a picture of the tablerunner I made Wednesday, followed by a picture of what my car looks like after Wednesday night.

No, I didn't make a cute quilted car cover for it.

Instead, I drove it into the broad side of a moose. Now my car is crunched and sad and needs major surgery. I, thankfully, am not crunched and do not need major surgery, but I am sad. And you should see the hot rod I get to drive 100 miles/day until my car is fixed....

Countdown to Quilt Market

2011-03-21T13:36:00.001-07:00

I added a new widget to the right sidebar of the blog today! It is a countdown calendar counting the days, minutes, seconds until I leave for Quilt Market. It's not too pretty right now, but it's what I could come up with in 5 minutes, and now I can check it whenever I need a reminder of the happiness that is Quilt Market, made even sweeter by the fact that Quilt Market conincides with the beginning of my summer off from school!

Upcoming for Spring

2011-03-11T11:22:00.000-08:00

Spring will hopefully start here in North Idaho soon, and with it comes a load of events and fun! Here is a quick run down of some of the spring quilting events at The Crazy Quilter:

April brings 2 quilt shows, Clarkston, WA and Moscow, ID. I will have a booth at both this year. The Clarkston show is over Easter weekend, the Moscow show is the weekend before. More details for times and dates is available at the store. Considering they are barely a month away, I'm starting to get that panic feeling of not being able to get everything done for them I would like. A surprisingly large amount of work goes into creating a booth and attending the shows, so it's high time I get myself in gear!

May brings the I SEW shop hop. Over Mother's Day Weekend, May 6, 7, and 8, visit nine quilt shops around the Palouse and Eastern Washington for fun and prizes! A large amount of work goes into this project as well! Food treats, give-aways, free patterns, prizes, advertising, phew! Even spread over 9 store owners it is a hefty task.

The weekend after the shop hop is Quilt Market! International Market is being held in Salt Lake City this year, which is fantastic for me for a few reasons. First, it's close enough to home to be a fairly easy trip, a short plane ride, and inexpensive. Plus, my sister lived in SLC for awhile, and we are familiar with getting around there. Last, I'm super excited that Bailey gets to come with me this year. I told her when she was old enough I would bring her, and this is the year! It will be great for her to see what Market is all about.

Considering that the week between the Hop and Market is my finals week, I have some work to do! But won't Market be sweet knowing that I don't have to worry about school work for a few months. I'm hoping that means I'll find extra time to make some of the great new projects we always find.

Link to Pattern from Terry Atkinson

2011-02-24T11:47:00.000-08:00

As many of you might know, The Crazy Quilter holds a Groovy Girls Meeting the first Saturday of each month between 10am and 11am. It has been a lot of fun trying out new patterns and learning so many great and easy ways to use the new zippers! Now, here is another great benefit, a free pattern from Terry's blog! Click the link below and scroll through the blog to find a link to the "Sweet Zip" pattern. Happy Quilting!
Terry's Blog Link

Marbles Back in Stock

2011-02-17T13:31:00.000-08:00

I've just finished adding the Moda Marbles that are back in stock. You can view them under Moda Marble Cottons on the website. This updates my badly needed supply of some great basic colors! Some of these seem to work with everything. If you're looking for a great background color, try the Flag Ivory, one of my favorites for getting the perfect contrasting look to make other fabrics stand out. Or, need a black but don't like it solid? Try the Jet Black. They make great accent colors in your quilts.

New Sample Coming Soon From Sugar Pop

2011-02-10T11:19:00.000-08:00

My mom generously volunteered to make my sample of this new Sugar Pop quilt. I know this picture is not too impressive, but the actual quilt is turning out beautifully! It uses non-traditional applique techniques to make it fun and easy, and it features the layer cake from the Sugar Pop fabric line. This way, you get over 30 great fabrics in one quilt, without having to buy a piece of every single one off the bolt. Watch for this sample in the store soon! Kits are available now, click here.

Camera Illiterate, That's Me!

2011-01-14T12:58:00.000-08:00

Well......I was going to post a great picture of my newly finished sample, the Giddy panel quilt for Valentine's Day! (And mine is so much cuter than the pattern picture!)But.......apparently I need photography lessons. More specifically, camera technology lessons. I have a really nice Nokia camera that's only about 2 years old. However, the lens quit focusing about 6 months ago, and I don't know how to fix it or where to take it to be fixed. Thus, a long drought of little or no pictures on the blog.
Then....I found my old camera. But the memory card from the Nokia wouldn't work in my Kodak. So, it took me about a week to uncover a memory card that works in the mess that passes for our family office.
So....today I get all excited that I actually remembered to bring said camera into the quilt shop. I take a picture of my new sample, and then plug the memory card into my computer to upload it. And what-do-ya-know.....my computer cannot read the memory card for an unknown reason.
What are the chances the universe does not want me to upload pictures to my blog anymore?
Maybe tomorrow.....(sigh)

Where to Begin, What to Finish?

2010-12-23T14:36:00.000-08:00

The cold weather seasons always make me want to do more quilting. Combine that with the holidays, and the new fabrics that continue to arrive, and the fact that I'm on break from school for a month, and I really want to quilt! Now that I've finished all the long-arm quilting for Christmas gifts, I might actually get to sit down at the sewing machine before midnight soon. In high hopes of this, I am adding my to do list back to the blog. Maybe this will help keep me accountable to actually finishing up some projects!

Christmas Specials

2010-12-14T12:24:00.000-08:00

A few days ago I posted about a Christmas special, where if you commented on my post I would send you a coupon code. Well......shame on me for not checking this out first, but without a way to contact you through the Blogger site, I can't send anyone who comments a code! So, either give me a way to contact you in your comment, or send me an email to crazyforquilting1@yahoo.com so I can share the coupon special with you! That way I'll be sure to make good on my promise.

Groovy Girls Tomorrow!

2010-12-10T11:24:00.000-08:00

The December Groovy Girls meeting is tomorrow, Saturday, at 10am! Come see proof that it's not too late to make great handmade gifts. This month's features are the Zippy Strippy Bag, some great bonus ideas to make your bags one of a kind, and a fantastically easy bottle cozy with built in gift pocket! (It's not just for wine, either!)
No fooling about it not being too late, I made this bag in less than an hour, and the bottle cozy in less than an hour too! Since Bailey's probably getting this bag for Christmas, I've already started on one of my own, using one of the bonus ideas for customized trim. Stop in Saturday to see how it turns out!

What Are You Looking Forward To?

2010-12-02T10:24:00.000-08:00

With only one week of the semester left, and the Christmas season upon us, I find myself thinking about all of the things I am looking forward to doing in the next month. Of course, as with everything I do, my list of wants is far longer than what reality will probably allow. However, forever an optimist, I like to set my goals high and see what happens. With that in mind, here is part of the list of things I am looking forward to:

*Vacation days spent at home playing with my kids.
*Being more than a train passing in the night to my husband.
*Baking sugar cookies with the kids from my Grandma's fantastic recipe.
*Not buying a tank of gas every 3 days.
and, of course, *More time for sewing and quilting! (can you say home-made gifts?)

So, what are you looking forward to this season? Send me a comment with your favorite holiday "look forward to" and I'll comment back to you with a coupon code for 40% off your Christmas fabric and/or pattern purchase! Send your comment before December 15th!

New Stitchery/Quilt Patterns On the Way

2010-10-23T14:12:00.000-07:00

I just ordered some great new patterns from Pumpkin Berries Stitchery. They are small applique wallhangings with just a touch of stitchery thrown in. I had to slap my hands not to order some of the super cute Fall/Halloween themed patterns and focus on the Winter ones for now. They will be up online as soon as they arrive!

Piece, Love, Applique Under Way!

2010-10-09T10:45:00.000-07:00

The P,L,A Block of the month is underway! There are over 10 people participating, and I've run out of the right fabrics to kit up any more in similar color ways. (although I can see this quilt in other exciting colors, so don't worry if you are still wanting to join I can make you up a fantastic kit!)
You can view the pictures as they come into me on the shop's Facebook page. Just search for "The Crazy Quilter" on Facebook to find me!
I also promised to give tips, hints, help, etc. for those of you who are participating. Since you have received blocks 1 and 2 so far, and 3 is being sent next week, here is a tip to save you time:

Block 1: The pattern tells you to cut 2.5" squares and then sew them all together individually. Instead, try cutting one light strip 2.5" x WOF, and two strips from a dark fat quarter 2.5" wide. Then, sew the dark strips to the light strip and place the dark strips against each other but not overlapping when the first one runs out. Then, you can sub-cut this unit into 2.5" units, cutting around the middle where there is a break in your dark strip.
This strip piecing prevents you from having to sew a bunch of little squares one by one. You can use this technique throughout the quilt top whenever you make checker board units. It also saves time later, because you will have leftover strip sets to cut more 2.5" units from for other blocks!

You can use the tag at the end of this post to view the rest of the Piece, Love posts if you need to.

Happy Quilting!

To Market or Not to Market? That is the Question.

2010-09-28T16:01:00.000-07:00

I'm having a horrible time deciding whether or not to go to Quilt Market. So horrible that I've put the decision off until now, and it's only a month away! I've got to get down to business, before the price of plane tickets sky rockets, and the only hotel rooms left have cockroaches! So....I've posted a little poll on the blog. Help me out! Would ya?

When Did I Become a Real Mom?

2010-09-23T12:27:00.000-07:00

I've been a mother for over 13 years now, but I was never a real mom until just recently. Without me even trying, true motherhood just snuck right up on me.

It started back in August, as I was preparing the kids for school to start. Kylee and I had a conversation about getting ready for school in the morning. Kylee is not a morning person. In fact, she is just the opposite, as in don't even think about looking at her, talking to her, or asking her to do anything she might not want to do until at least 10 a.m. unless you like to be growled at. (And I do mean growled)
In an effort to save the rest of my household from unneccesary agony, I discussed laying out her clothes for the following day. "I'll lay out an outfit for you, and then when you get up you can just put it on," I told her.
She gave me "the look," but didn't really say much.
Two days later, the topic came up again. "Remember, I'm going to start laying clothes out for you the night before, right?" To which Kylee replied:
"Yeah.......But could you make it look like you didn't?"
"Huh?"
"Well, if you pick my clothes out, could you make it look like you didn't pick them out?"
Hmmmmmmm....
Then, fast forward to last week, when Bailey came home and shared that she was running for school Vice President. I, being a super-excited, proud mom, immediately began coming up with great campaign slogans. I was quickly informed that I was "embarrassing and un-cool, and under no circumstances was I allowed to tweet or blog my campaign ideas!"
Then: The final medal on my "Real Mom" chest. Shopping on Monday, I noticed that one of my favorite clothing stores is now selling their own leggings, which are very in style right now.
My exclamation of, "Look, Bailey, they have leggings!" elicited this response:

"Oh. My. God. Mom. You cannot buy leggings."

"Why?" I ask.

"Because, Mom. You can't wear leggings. That's just wrong."

Wow! Suddenly I was having flash backs of my mom's stirrup pants. Specifically, of how un-cool those stirrup pants were. But suddenly, it's me, and what are leggings if not stirrup pants without the stirrups?

Oh. My. God. I've turned into my mother! But I thought I was so much cooler than that....

Groovy Girls Club Update

2010-09-20T21:55:00.000-07:00

I will begin offering a Brand-New club in October, organized by Terry Atkinson at Atkinson Designs, called "The Groovy Girls' Club." I'm super excited about it, the information and design of the first meeting is loads of fun and includes a great learning opportunity. The club will be offered the 2nd Saturday of each month, for 1-2 hours, it's up to you if you stay and sew or not. Benefits include free patterns, demonstrations, door prizes, and fun! If you're a Groovy Girl, join me for coffee and fun on Saturday, October 9th, at 10am!!

*Club runs for 6 months, beginning October 2010, on the 2nd Saturday of every month at 10am.
*Club fee is $10/month. This includes free patterns and gifts each month. You will receive MORE than enough in club benefits to pay for your fee. (In month 1, you'll receive a FREE zipper and 2 FREE bag patterns with multiple options for customization!)
*Members receive a special punch card. Fill your punch card to receive a free gift by completing a club project, bringing a friend, or making a $25 purchase. A full punch card can be exchanged for a free club gift. Punch cards are exclusive to club members, and there is no limit to how many cards a member can fill!
*Bring your sewing machine and supplies and sew for the day up until 3pm in you like! Work on the club project, or work on anything of your choice!

Hint!: For month 1, we'll be learning about how to use zippers in a fast and easy way to make customized "Cash & Carry" bags to carry everything from your glasses to your credit cards to your change!. The new zippers from Atkinson are fabulous! Here is a sample preview:

This bag is one of the options for your first free pattern. This version is the perfect size for reading glasses, and only takes about 1.5-2 hours to put together! There is a perfect zipper color available for any fabric choice!

If you're interested in becoming a "Groovy Girl," contact the shop during business hours. You can find hours and contact information at www.crazyforquiltng.com.

When I Grow Up

2010-09-02T10:23:00.001-07:00

It seems I still haven't decided what to be when I grow up. Yes, believe it or not, I've returned to college for round 2. After the urge to finish an Education degree I dabbled with during my Business degree years hit me last month, I decided "Why not?" and enrolled for the Fall term. Now, I'm a Secondary Ed./Math major, with an even stronger addiction to Starbucks, fed by my 7:30am Calculus class.

Yes, I said 7:30am......4 days a week.

It has been a very long time since my last formal math class. I frequently leave that class with one of two attitudes:

(1) The misconception that I actually understand the day's lecture. This misconception is quickly cured as I attempt to complete the day's homework. (Notice the word "attempt")

(2) No misconception that I understand the day's lecture, just a combination of fear of the homework and the feeling my head might explode if I don't get more espresso soon.

Yes, I am fairly convinced that Calculus was invented by a bunch of expert mathematicians.......while they were drunk.......as a cruel joke to torture the rest of us.

I am still here, I am still quilting, and I promise to post about something quilt related soon. Just as soon as my head stops throbbing.

Origins-Fresh on the Shelf

2010-08-20T14:35:00.001-07:00

Origins, the new line by Basic Grey for Moda, arrived today! Myself and my freight crew (Bailey and Kylee) got it unwrapped, tagged, and ready for sale. It is beautiful, and I can't wait to get my hands on it and whip up some samples!

New! Groovy Girls' Club!

2010-08-20T14:27:00.001-07:00

Terry Atkinson has come up with a new club centered around quilting, learning, and fun. "The Groovy Girls' Club" will be offered through The Crazy Quilter beginning in September. I don't have all the details lined out yet, but here is what I CAN tell you for sure:

*Club Members will meet once a month for a fun lesson on a new technique. (The first month involves zippers) There will be free patterns and lessons relating to each month's pattern.
*The club day and time is yet to be determined. Membership and all benefits are available in store only. Sorry distance followers, this is a rule of the club and not my rule!
*Members will have exclusive dibs on these projects and lessons. They WILL NOT be offered outside of the meeting!
*Fun, easy, inexpensive kits will be available for members featuring the monthly projects.
*There will be a small monthly fee to cover the costs of copies, snacks, etc. While I haven't crunched any numbers yet, this will be quite affordable. I aim to keep it under $5/meeting.
*As of now, the club will run for 6 months. Should Atkinson Designs choose to extend it before then or run it for another 6 month period, I will let you know!

More details to follow!

Maggie May Bag

2010-08-11T12:40:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend, in between the shop hop customers, this bag pattern (The Maggie May Bag)kept tugging at me from the pattern wall. So, I grabbed some fabric and took it home with me on Saturday. A few days later, and only 2 or 3 hours of sewing time, here is what I have! This was possibly the easiest bag I've ever made, and I'm not saying that lightly. I was pleasantly surprised how easy it went together and how easy to cut out the pieces it was. The pattern utilizes 1.5" strips from a honey bun, and 1 honey bun could make 3 bags. Add a fun button, and you've got a great hand bag!

White Flag Waving

2010-08-05T00:19:00.000-07:00

I'm waving my white flag for the night. It's the last few days before the Crazy 8 Shop Hop, and I've been putting in some late nights of quilting and piecing in a last ditch effort to finish as many new displays and prepare as many things as possible for the hop this weekend. My last big project? Finishing up the quilt sample for Holly Lane, which shoulda, woulda, coulda been done last month had the fabric arrived on time. As it stands tonight, I am a few borders short, which brings the promise of another late night tomorrow.

So for now, I am waving my white flag and yelling "Uncle" at the top of my lungs.

Well, at least I would be, if I had the energy. I.....need......sleep.

But first, I am going to finish drinking this: (Don't mind the mess in the background. I waved my white flag at housework last week)

Next, I'm going to eat this:

And I'm going to attempt to be somewhat coherant when C gets home from work, around 3am.

However, if he's lucky, I'll fall into a deep sugar coma before I go back for seconds, and there might be a brownie left for him (if the girls don't find them first!)

New Monthly Program Updates

2010-07-24T12:28:00.001-07:00

Today I finally made it far enough on my to-do list to add a new monthly program I've been wanting to start. These new patterns were designed by The Wooden Bear, and now that I've added them to my website, you can view them under Monthly Kits.
I debated about waiting until I had some samples made and everything in order, but who am I kidding? If I do that I might as well pencil it in for 2044 or so. Instead, I'm offering it right away with a promise to myself that I'm going to have to get it in gear and make some samples soon.
Here are the basics:

Once monthly for 1 year, you'll get a pattern and buttons to make one quilt. These quilts hang on a scroll stand, so with the monthly program you'll also get a stand. The price of the monthly kits ($13.75/month) includes shipping and one stand as well as patterns and trims/buttons. You can also get each kit separately, if you prefer not to do 12 months, or if you need an extra. The quilts finish to 12x12, so they are a perfect way to use up scraps and stash fabrics, making them very affordable! A very fun addition to a table, desk, shelf, or dresser in any home.

Busy, Busy, Busy

2010-07-15T14:34:00.000-07:00

This month it seems like I am really good at starting things and not any good at finishing them! Just ask my husband, who's having a hard time dealing with my home improvement projects and the mess I leave in my wake. (What do you mean you didn't see my official title, "Home Improvement Diva," on the marriage license??) Who knew he liked having a shower in the bathroom, a ceiling in the dining room, or carpet on the floor?? They'll all get finished....eventually.

Our house has revolved around a certain car for the past month or so, which I hope to share about soon here. Suffice it to say I have been officially inducted into the world of muscle cars and 100+mph, and I am slightly addicted.

There has been so much going on between home and the quilt shop I have found it hard to focus on writing even one post. There are just too many things to choose from. Here are a few things happening of late:

Preparations for the 3rd Annual "Crazy 8 Shop Hop" are in their final stages. Well, OK, maybe not exactly in their final stages. Well.....OK......maybe I haven't really started yet. I promise, it will be wonderful, even if I don't get any sleep the week before. The hop happens August 6, 7, and 8th, and involves a figure 8 shaped map full of fun quilt shops to visit in Northern Idaho/Eastern Washington. Want details? I'd promise to post them soon, but I might be lying about the "soon" part, so if you really need the goods than give me a call or email.

The "Origins" pre-cuts arrived today. You might remember this Moda line from an earlier post on this blog. It is Gorgeous!!! The line is due to arrive in August.

Deary Community Days will coincide with the Crazy 8 Hop this year. This might make traffic a little difficult on Saturday morning, with the parade lining up in my back yard. I will be placing red balloons around town to mark alternate routes around the parade for hoppers. The local quilt group, "Country Pine PieceMakers," will have their Annual Quilt Show that day as well, so stop in if you're making the hop. Their quilts have kept me quite busy and admittedly a little stressed out as I attempt to beat the Olympic record for number of quilts quilted (and quilted well) in one month. I already hold this record from March 2010, but I'm nothing if not ambitious!

I have begun to add photos and some info to a Facebook page for the shop. You can find it by searching "The Crazy Quilter". I am also adding custom quilting photos when I get time. Watch for this album to fill up fast!

My dad (who surprisingly never fails to answer his phone, even when he knows it's me), along with my bro-in-law and my oldest sons, helped me move my quilting machine about a month ago. (OK, so maybe they moved it and I "directed.") This was no small feat, as it doesn't come apart in the center and weighs close to a million pounds! It now resides in my living room, which is where it will stay unless it falls through the floor to the basement. As a result, the quilt shop has tons more room (everyone keeps commenting that it looks empty, but I promise I actually have equal or a little more inventory than usual). I also now have a great place upstairs for sewing. You can bring your machine and latest projects in anytime I am open and enjoy sewing with me. I have been getting many projects finished just by sewing for an hour or two here each day.

New items continue to arrive almost daily, and there are sure to be a lot of new projects to see in the shop. Since I won't find time to post them all here, be sure to check out the "New Additions" category at www.crazyforquilting.com, where new items will appear first.

New Fabric!

2010-07-13T18:13:00.000-07:00

A new line arrived this week that I had ordered at Spring Market. It is called Olde World Style from Maywood Studios. C talked me into it at Market, and despite myself I am sure glad he did because it is gorgeous! There are a few patterns I purchased specifically because they feature this fabric line, so watch for more to come as I work on getting samples made. For now, you can see the fabric online or in the store!

Claire Cami Dress

2010-07-01T15:48:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, kind of last minute, I decided I would cut some fabric for a new dress pattern I picked up at Market. (The Claire Cami Dress)The designer that sold it to me swore it was easy, but you know how that goes, right? We've all heard that one! Except, this time it was true, and by Monday evening after only a few hours of sewing, I had a new dress that is super cute!
Here's a picture of my reluctant model, Bailey, because it's hard to take a picture of yourself wearing a dress, and she's probably cuter in it than I am anyways!

Now I want to make one in all sorts of interesting fabric combinations!

More Hats!

2010-06-24T17:47:00.000-07:00

I LOVE this Hat!

2010-06-24T13:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, sort of on a whim, I decided I would whip up a hat for Bailey for her birthday. (which was yesterday) This hat is from Whimsical's new book, "Tangled Up in Thread. I knew the hat was cute, I'd seen them at Quilt Market. What I didn't know was how easy, and how addictive, they were going to be! Here's the run down on the hat:

2 hours = 1 hat
<$10 of materials = 1 hat
2 fat quarters, 1/8yd. trim and 1/4yd. interfacing = 1 hat
1 hat made = orders for at least 3 more!

Even if you made nothing else from the book, the hat is more than worth purchasing the book for! I am making 2 more today for my other two girls, and maybe tomorrow I'll finally get one for myself. It is great fun to embellish them with different flowers and buttons, and this Fall I'll probably make us all a winter hat from the Woolie Flannels!

Newly Completed Samples

2010-06-17T15:38:00.000-07:00

Finally,a picture of the Piece, Love, Applique quilt!

Also, my mom finished this quilt this week, and it is BEAUTIFUL! The quilt is Blessings Baskets and we have kits available.

I also finished up this sample today. It is from the book Dolly Days that I brought back from Market. The book is loaded with girly quilts and cute doll clothes. This project is so fast and easy, and made to fit right on this wire table top stand.

Now, I'm on to making something wonderful from One Bizillion B.C.. Will was eye balling these fabrics this morning, so maybe I'll earmark it for him!

New Books Featuring Embroidery and Quilts

2010-06-16T22:03:00.000-07:00

The book I ordered from an Australian designer at Quilt Market finally arrived today! Along with a couple patterns from the same company, this book, A Boy's Story, has become my motivation to start doing more hand work!
The book is full of fantastic boy quilts, for boys of all ages. There are some quilts with minimal or no embroidery, but the one that stole my heart has equal piecing and embroidery work. The embroidery sections are stunning in their creativity, and capture the essence of little boys perfectly.
And then there's the embroidered door signs, with sayings like "Toxic Waste Dump," and "Pretending to Study," they are to die for!
I will definately be starting a quilt from this book soon. I am also offering a beginning embroidery class for anyone interested in making their own projects like this. Trust me, if I can do this hand work, anyone can!
If you're already into hand work like this, check out their 12 Days of Christmas advent calendar pattern!

Stressed Out, Over-Worked Tooth Fairy

2010-06-15T23:33:00.000-07:00

Will lost his first 2 teeth recently. One a little more than a month ago, and the second just this past week. Imagine his excitement when his sister informed him he would actually get paid for losing teeth! After a harrowing ordeal with the first one, when it actually became unexpectedly lodged in his gums after he bit down on his fork at dinner, he was truly excited that there was an upside to that pain.

Now, imagine his dissappointment when he awoke to find he was still in possession of said tooth, and none the richer for it. It seems our part of the world is serviced by either a lazy or an overworked tooth fairy.

I did give our tooth fairy the benefit of the doubt here. I was careful to explain to Will that maybe there was a rash of kids losing teeth recently, and the tooth fairy got backed up and couldn't make it all around in one night. Maybe she hadn't budgeted for so many lost teeth, and the bad economy meant that no one would give her a loan? Or maybe, she got caught up in putting together her Best Bias Skirt, or piecing her block of the month quilt, and completely lost track of time?

Whatever the reason, Will did finally get paid. The second night after the first tooth and the third night after the second one. She even left the tooth behind the second time. Maybe she felt bad about being late and thought he deserved to keep it? (I'm sure it's not because she forgot to take it, or anything)

Piece, Love & Applique Up and Ready to Order

2010-06-14T09:23:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited to share that I've finished my new BOM quilt! I will have pictures of the complete quilt some time this week, when I get my mom to help me hang it for a good shot. In the mean time, I am really excited to say that I've figured out pricing, and I think it's an awesome deal!
After finishing my quilt, I went through my notes and totaled up how much fabric I actually used. This leaves plenty of room for personal color choice and scraps for mistakes, yet doesn't leave a lot of extra yardage for no reason. What I came up with is a cost of only $10/month! The quilt is about 62x82, so this includes significant fabric for a substantial project. But the best part? For only $10 you also get your backing!
Yep, that's right, I was able to include the price of backing and keep the quilt super affordable. I just love it when you have a matching backing all ready to go with your quilt top and don't have to make another purchase or hunt down the perfect fabric months after starting your project!
Here is a link to the ordering page I've created for this project. Monthly kits will be available starting in August. Piece, Love & Applique link

New Pillow-Class to be Posted Soon

2010-06-11T16:34:00.000-07:00

I made this great throw pillow the other night as a class demo. I will be listing it as a Summer class on the News and Classes page soon. This is a great class if you've never made a throw pillow and would like to try it out. What a fantastic way to easily customize your home decorating! A great beginner class as well.

Final Blocks of Piece, Love & Applique

2010-06-11T16:25:00.000-07:00

Here it is, the final block of the newest BOM at The Crazy Quilter! This quilt is gorgeous, and if I can stay awake long enough tonite I might finish the applique on the borders.
In fact, today was my last day of work at my "real job." (to some people, owning and operating the quilt shop is just a "hobby" and not worthy of being a "real job." ha, ha)
So, technically I can sleep in as long as I want tomorrow. Not really, since my husband has a wild hair you-know-where to drive to Kellogg, ID and drool over some Dodge Challengers tomorrow, BUT, if I really wanted to I could sleep in.

At least telling myself I could sleep in tomorrow might just get me to stay up late enough to finish the applique on the borders of this quilt. Then it will be ready for the quilting machine! Can't Wait!

Piece, Love & Applique Blocks 7, 8, 9, 10!

2010-06-02T22:11:00.000-07:00

Here they are, almost the entire remainder of the new Block of the Month I've been working on. I'd better be careful, or I might actually finish something on time!

Here is a quick refresher on this quilt:

Block of the month (BOM) to begin at The Crazy Quilter in August 2010.
Finish your block each month and receive the next pattern for free!
Finish you quilt top at the end of the year and win the chance at great prizes, including FREE quilting!
Approximate costs will be $8-$12 dollars per month (plus $2-$5 shipping if applicable). This is only an estimate, based on the materials I've used so far in my quilt. I'm contemplating including backing so you can have a truly complete quilt kit.
Each kit will be different, and allow for individualizing through fabric choices. Share pictures with me and I will post them online so we can all have fun looking at everyone's interpretations.
Opinions or questions? Please comment!

Piece, Love & Applique Blocks 4 & 6

2010-06-01T22:14:00.000-07:00

Here are the pics I promised earlier today of the Block-of-the-month. This starts officially in August, you will be able to see the real deal on display in the shop in July when it's done! Just a note, not all the kits will be like mine, you will have to trust me, but they will all be gorgeous!
Here are blocks 4 & 6, there are more on the way but I need to take pics of them first!

Don't let Block 4 scare you, the appliqued basket is not nearly as difficult as it looked. I promise, I was a little aprehensive but it went really fast. Plus, that is it for month 4, so you don't have to worry about any additional piecing that month!

Here are blocks:

Crazy Updates!

2010-06-01T15:01:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to keep checking the New Additions page, as I continue to add in new stuff from Market. A lot of the things I found I had to order, so as they arrive in-store they will be added to the website.

Also, if you're at all interested in Block-of-the-Months, check that category out and watch for new additions. I have a few more programs to add to it, and all of them are available by mail as well as in-store. By the way....I saw the newest kitty at Market, and it's a fabulous broccoli cat. It's so new it's not even on the website yet!

I have lots of new pics of the Piece, Love & Applique quilt, which I worked on a lot this past holiday weekend! I am nearly finished with the quilt center, so watch for pics later today.

Also watch the News and Classes page, as I am updating it for Summer this week, complete with a Summer class schedule including a Kids' Quilt Camp in July!

And, now for the best part.......

Are you ready??? It's really good......

After June 11th, I am officially unemployed again.

What, you say? How is that a GOOD thing??
Well...OK, it's not. At least, not if you're my checkbook.

And, I must admit, it wasn't an easy decision, and there are a lot of factors that led up to it. Many of which won't fit into this blog post, and all combined wouldn't fit into a made-for-tv movie.

BUT......it's a very good thing if you're a Crazy Quilter customer! It means more projects, more products, more classes, more quilting, more website updates, and more blogging.

I have lots of great, fantastic plans for the shop. And yes, I know I always have great, fantastic plans, many of which fizzle and die, or crash and burn. Yet, I continue to make more plans. I know, I'm a sucker, or a glutton for punishment, or just plain stupid. However, I can't help myself.

Watch for a Crazy Quilter newsletter soon with some new details on classes, BOM's, and such. If you're not on the mailing list, shame on you! You should sign up right now!

Home From Another Quilt Market

2010-05-23T11:28:00.000-07:00

I'm home from yet another Quilt Market experience, this one in Minneapolis, MN. I must say, Minneapolis was a great city to visit, and this turned out to be a great Quilt Market. I came home with as much as I could carry, and ordered even more than that to be shipped to the shop!
C had fun too, I think, especially since we were able to do a little site seeing in between time at Market. However.....he has already ran out the door this morning to go meet G for some man time, so maybe he got a little more girl-i-fied than he could handle after all.
They wanted $9.95/day for WiFi access, so I didn't blog from Market at all. I mean, come on, that's like over a yard of fabric! That means I have a back log of great stuff to share with you all. To get started, I'm going to begin uploading new items into the online catalog. Watch for them to start appearing today!
Oh yeah, a little birdie told me that new Christmas fabric from Moda arrived in store while I was gone. You can check it out at Fruitcake in the online catalog under fabrics.

The Final Count Down to Market

2010-05-19T16:42:00.001-07:00

I leave for International Quilt Market in less than 12 hours! I have yet to finish packing and get my thoughts in order. It has been a crazy week. I've spent all week fighting off a nasty head cold, and completely lost my voice yesterday. I've burned through nearly half of my sick leave at work, and spent every afternoon sleeping in an effort to avoid attending Market with a box of kleenex and bottle of cold syrup in tow. I think it's working, as I'm starting to feel better, but it's working slowly. And, chances are C will just start to come down with it by tomorrow and I'll end up towing around a box of kleenex, a bottle of cold syrup, and a miserable husband! Should be fun, huh?

Our plane leaves at 6:15am sharp tomorrow, and since the airport's a 2 hour drive from home we'll be leaving the driveway at 3am or so. Another reason this has been a crazy week? C's started back to work, with a night shift of 4:30pm-2:30am. That means that he'll have just enough time to take a shower and inhale a few of those donuts he bought today just for the occassion before we hit the road.

Despite all of this, I'm really excited! I think we'll have enough time to check out the Mall of America tomorrow afternoon, before Sample Spree. I will try to post some pictures tomorrow of Sample Spree, so watch for those. That is...assuming I don't get trampled over, Day After Thanksgiving style, by the mass of quilters waiting to get through the door!

So, I'm off to finish up the last minute tasks. A t-ball practice to take Ky and Will to, packing to finish, thoughts to organize, kids to organize, etc. etc. etc. Let the count down commence!

Origins-Sneak Peak

2010-05-08T17:10:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago my Moda rep visited with a preview of new fabrics. One line really stood out for me in particular, making both my mom and I drool with excitement. What can I say? sometimes fabric "speaks" to me!

So....I got an awesome email from Moda with links that I can share with everyone. Here is a link to "Origins," which I loved so much that the ENTIRE line will be in store this August!

Origins by Basic Grey for Moda

Happy drooling!

Surivor..........or Sewing

2010-05-06T21:21:00.001-07:00

I had high hopes of getting a lot done tonight in last minute prep for the Shop hop this weekend. I planned to finish blocks 3-6 to display 1/2 of the new Block of the Month this weekend. I also wanted to finish my Caulipuss wall hanging. But, when 8 o'clock rolled around I was done for....or so I thought!

I popped a big bowl of popcorn, poured a bigger glass of wine, and settled into the couch for some fantastic vegging in front of the T.V. So, here I am, thinking I'm done sewing for the night cuz it's time for Survivor, when the phone rings.

It's G, my husband C's cousin. And when G calls, it's usually so he and C can discuss and solve all of the world's crisis in the world's longest phone conversation. (They're worse than a couple of women!) So, after sitting long enough in front of the paused, Tivo-ed, Survivor to finish my popcorn, I gave up and hit the sewing machines again. And before the world's latest crisis was completely resolved, I managed to finish a few things up!

First, my Caulipuss wallhanging. Finally, my own Garden Patch Cat for the quilt shop!

So, I moved on to some more Piece, Love, & Applique. Blocks 4 and 6 are done!

And then there's Block 5, which happens to need red fabric for a big basket of flowers. Red fabric that I don't have at home, so for now it's a big block of background.
I am officially 1/2 done with my Piece, Love & Applique quilt (minus the missing red fabric). Here's a picture of the top half.

BOM Blocks 1 and 2-Piece, Love Applique

2010-05-02T20:11:00.000-07:00

Well, it turns out this BOM is very quick to put togther, and with only a couple of evenings after work I have churned out Blocks 1 and 2! Here are some pics for you to enjoy:
Here is "block" 1. With this project, they're more like sections than blocks.

Here you see two shots, one before and one after I've button-hole stitched the fusible applique. I went with my favorite method, fusible applique and machine button-hole stitch.

Here is section 2, the first try.

I didn't like how light the green of the leaves turned out, so I switched fabrics. Here is my final block, before the buttonhole finish:

So, I'm off to finish the button hold and section 2 will be done! Perhaps you'll find a picture of sections 1 and 2 attached to each other later tonite!

New Block of the Month-As Promised

2010-04-29T21:38:00.000-07:00

OK, so I promised at Moda University that I would post pics and info about the new block of the month idea I've been cooking up. Here are the basics, about 90% organized and decided upon in my head. I'm still fine tuning the details, and won't be starting it until my sample is all but quilted, so you have some time to ask questions, get details, and think about how much fun you'll have participating!

First, the quilt. A pattern I picked up in Salt Lake City at a quilt shop about 2 or 3 years ago. Not exactly a new pattern, but one that I loved and have been saving for the right time and fabric.

Next, my idea of how this will work:

1. A 12 month block of the month. Pick up your pattern by the 10th of each month. First pattern section is FREE as long as you pay for each month's kit for the entire 12 months! You will get a fabric kit with a variety of fat quarters and a background fabric that will make the entire top. I don't know prices yet, as I'm making mine first to determine how much fabric you really need.

2. On months 2 thru 12, bring in your finished block so I can take a pic, OR email me a picture of your block if you are not in my area. This is meant to be fun for everyone, no matter where you live! I want to share all of the different quilts and different fabric combinations, so pictures will be posted either here or on the shop's Facebook page for everyone to view. Even if you get the same fabrics as someone else, you're bound to pick different fabrics for different blocks, so no two quilts will be the same!

3. If you complete and bring/email a picture of your block each month by the 10th, you will get the next portion of the pattern for FREE!!! (Do you all love FREE stuff as much as me???) If not.......sorry, you will have to buy your next pattern to continue.

4. I will post tips, tricks, and pictures of the steps my quilt goes through each month to help you construct yours.

5. After you receive the 12th month's instructions, submit a picture/bring your quilt in by the 10th of the 13th month to be entered into a Grand Prize Drawing!!! Number of prizes is yet to be determined, and will depend on just how many people are participating. The Grandest of Grand Prizes??? FREE (yes, another FREE thing!) Quilting for you quilt top! If you get your quilt, back, and batt to me I will quilt it for FREE! If enough people participate, I might even quilt 2 for free, and will also include a second and third place prize.

Questions, suggestions, and/or general comments? Please reply, I'd love your feedback!

Oh, So, TIRED!

2010-04-25T21:01:00.000-07:00

Let me start by saying that working a 40 hour/week regular job AND running a business STINKS. Would someone tell me why I didn't request tomorrow off, because I will be lucky to crawl out of bed and drag myself anywhere in the morning. I am so tired, in fact, that I didn't even have the energy to be in this picture of my quilt show booth:

I did, however, actually finish a few things this week in the way of quilt projects. They are the Ellie Bag, and my Spring Needle Punch. Why yes, this is the same needle punch I started over a year ago. Thanks for rubbing it in!

Here are some pics:

Now, off to bed with me!

How Many Places Can I Be at Once?

2010-04-21T21:19:00.000-07:00

After resisting for as long as possible, I finally broke down and joined Twitter. I even figured out how to get a fun background, currently featuring one of the fabrics from Moda's new Hunky Dory line. And now, I've created a page on Facebook just for The Crazy Quilter. Although it is a pathetic, empty space at the moment, I have plans to make it fun and wonderful with lots of pictures. You can visit it here:

The Crazy Quilter on Facebook

Have fun looking, more pictures coming soon!

OK People, Here's the Scoop

2010-04-16T13:04:00.000-07:00

So......A realty sign went up in front of the quilt shop this week, and apparently caused quite a stir. If you're wondering what the deal is (and even if you aren't) here's the scoop (the super condensed version, anyways):

I no longer live in Deary. Last year was quite a year for me, and due to several very big life changes I moved to another small town about 30 minutes from Deary. This happened in August of last year, within the same 2 week period that I also started a new full time job in Moscow, which is 30 minutes from Deary as well as 30 minutes from my house. (Picture a big triangle, with my house, Deary, and Moscow each at a point of the triangle)

I have spent almost every weekend since then driving back and forth between my home and Deary. I have spent Monday thru Friday commuting between my home and Moscow, and often (every evening for the most recent 2-3 weeks) I have driven the entire triangle every day, as I go to Moscow in the morning, to Deary after work, and then finally home.

It has not taken me too long to realize this is a pace I do not want to keep up with. Long story short, either
(1) I don't keep my full time job (not really a choice, can you say "health insurance"???)
(2) I don't keep the quilt shop, or
(3)I find a way to move the quilt shop closer to my home or my job.

So, I guess you can figure out which one I have chosen. I AM NOT selling the business, only the location. I hope to find a super awesome location in Moscow as soon as the building in Deary sells. While I love the atmosphere of my current location, and I am thankful to have had it available to me for the past few years, if I want to make the quilt shop work for me long term I need a solution better than running myself into the ground.

A Look at What's Happening

2010-03-07T10:55:00.001-08:00

There are a few things I'd like to share with everyone about what's happening this Spring at The Crazy Quilter.

Coming up quickly is the Clarkston Quilt Show, at which I will be vending. It is April 24th and 25th, and if you'd like more information see their webpage here!

Following closely behind that will be Spring Quilt Market, in Minneapolis this year! I made my reservations this past week, after a few weeks and weighing cost against benefit, etc. etc. I decided I just couldn't pass it up. Quilt Market is always a great time for me to get re-energized about quilting, not to mention a chance to see everything new and wonderful about to flood quilt shops everywhere. How can I pass up an opportunity to get it first?? I can't.......so coming the 3rd weekend in May my husband and I will be traveling to Minnesota. My mom has decided to sit this one out, since she is busy building her own business, which I'll post about later this week I hope! So.......now I get to train C on how to pack as lightly as possible, stuff one suitcase into another to allow for carrying home all kinds of great goodies from market, and survive on nothing but pure adrenaline and lots of Starbucks for 3 days. (sounds like F-U-N!!!)

I'm expecting a new book (new to me, at least) called "One Yard Wonders" this week. I ordered one copy for myself to investigate, so I'll share what I find out with you all soon. It's full of projects that use one yard of fabric, great for stash-busting all of those cuts of fabric we all collect because we love the print but don't have the perfect project yet.

After a long, dry spell of no new fabrics, Spring will finally be bringing in some great new things from Moda, Blank, and a few others! Believe it or not, it was once again time to order new Christmas fabric from Moda. I placed my order this past week, so watch for it to arrive sometime in July.

Super Fast and Easy Apron

2010-02-27T14:13:00.000-08:00

Looking for a gift? Want to make it yourself but don't think you have the time?
I discovered this apron pattern just before Christmas and LOVE it! It take less than 2hours to make these great No Neck Stress Aprons! The loop on the front pocket holds a dish towel, and you can customize the size and depth of the pockets on the front.
So grab your favorite two or 3 fabrics and let's make an apron!

Let There Be Light!

2010-01-18T21:04:00.000-08:00

This weekend, after having it on my "list" for 3 weeks, I FINALLY remembered to buy some more light bulbs for the quilt shop. Back when I purchased the building, I replaced all of the light fixtures in the main room. As usual, price was the main determining factor in deciding which fixtures to purchase.

(OK, minus the absolutely fabulous ceiling fans with the matching fabulous price tag that I fell in love with and had to have. They look cool, right?)

Little did I realize at the time, the cheap lights would prove to be an issue during the dark North Idaho winters. Plus, they go through regular light bulbs like a newborn baby goes through diapers. (A newborn, breast-fed baby, no less) And my dad, the ever reluctant but always coercible handy-man, was getting a little cranky about spending every other weekend changing light bulbs.

So, Saturday I dropped a $100 on light bulbs, of all the things I could think of to spend $100 on....super awesome, super expensive light bulbs weren't exactly top of my list. Except they were really getting necessary. So light bulbs jumped the list, passing up a badly needed mani/pedicure, and new speakers for my commuter car, and leaped into first place.
Then, my husband (a very good sport, indeed, to take ladder duty) and I spent an hour yesterday replacing every light bulb (ALL 24 of them!) in the main shop room. And Hallelujah, Let....There.....Be.....Light!!!!

What a difference! Wait until you visit the shop next, I know you'll be pleasantly surprised. I forgot to warn my mom about the switch, and she reports that when she switched the lights on this morning she thought for a moment that the building was on fire!

New Weekly Special-Every Saturday!

2009-12-12T14:20:00.000-08:00

Every Saturday, starting today, I will be marking down a different line of fabric for one week only! This ain't yo' mama's kind of mark down, either! ($4.99/yd for Moda!?!)

This week, Soiree is on sale.

Happy Shopping!

Hooray, Montana Modern is on it's way!!

2009-12-10T18:31:00.000-08:00

Here's an update for all of you who pre-ordered any of the Montana Modern fabric or kits!

The fabric is shipping to me this week, and we will start sending out kits next week, just as fast as our rotary cutters can fly. There's sure to be smoke flying off our green mats!

If you preordered a kit, start watching for it to arrive in a couple weeks. If you haven't ordered a kit yet, what are you waiting for??? This fabric won't be around long, as over half of it is already spoken for. Wait at your own risk....

New and Fresh From Quilt Market!

2009-10-21T21:19:00.000-07:00

My mom and I made a whirlwind, less than 48 hour total, trip to the Fall Quilt Market in Houston the weekend before last. Even with very limited time, we managed to find some awesome new stuff to bring home! Here is a list of what you can watch for in the next week or two:

*2 new Garden Patch Cats! Get ready to grow an Eggplant and Gourd in your Kitty Garden, patterns will be posted online soon!
*New projects from Hillcreek Designs, featuring coordinated button packs and wire hangers. Great projects you can finish in an hour or two, perfect for gifts!
*A fantastic, beautiful new Block-of-the-Month for 2010! Featuring fabric from Timeless Treasures, "Back to Nature" is a one year feast for the eyes. Sign up begins now, and for the first time ever, I will be cutting sign up off (tentatively Jan. 5) so don't miss your chance! View the project HERE!
*We also came home with many new patterns, including quilts, bags, and aprons! Watch for them to be added to the "New Additions" catagory as the orders arrive in store. Some of them are already up!

We also ordered new fabric lines for early 2010 arrival, and I test drove 3 brands of quilting machine. All in all, it was a great trip!

Do I Have Time to Quilt?

2009-10-18T11:59:00.000-07:00

I want to take a few minutes to reassure everyone that, Yes! I am still quilting. My mom is also quilting with me, so rest assured we can and will still quilt your quilts! Not only that, but my quilting prices have remained the same for over 4 years now, and I would like to believe that my quilting skills have improved.

Due to some big changes in my life this year, which I am not ready to get into here, I now hold a full time job outside of my Quilt Shop. I piece at home during the evening, and I quilt on the weekends. My mom quilts some during the week.

So, the short answer to the question everyone has been asking me is "YES."

I am still quilting, I have no plans to quit, and NO! The quilt shop is NOT FOR SALE.

If any of this changes, you'll read it here first.

And.......to address another comical rumor I've heard swirling around: No, I am not pregnant. But hey, I can always use a good laugh, so keep those rumors coming!

Montana Modern

2009-10-08T21:29:00.000-07:00

The newest Love of Quilting magazine includes a quilt made using the new fabric line, "Montana Modern" from Benartex. What a great new wildlife fabric line! Take a peak at it, even pre-order it if you want!
Montana Modern

2009 Crazy 8 Shop Hop

2009-08-05T20:51:00.001-07:00

This upcoming weekend, August 7th, 8th, and 9th, is the 2nd Annual Crazy 8 Shop Hop. All shops will be open Friday and Saturday 9am-6pm, and Sunday 12-5pm. Visit each shop for prizes, free patterns, snacks, and fun! Draw a poker card at each shop, choose to hold or draw a new card after you have 5, and may the best hand win!
Poker hands will be ranked according to traditional poker rules, and the highest hands will win fabulous prizes! Contact any of the participating shops for details.

Email me through www.crazyforquilting.com, or call the shop for more information, a list of participating shops, or a shop hop map.

Garden Patch Cats

2009-08-02T20:16:00.001-07:00

Even if you're not particularily fond of cats, you can appreciate these fanciful felines! Garden Patch Cats are my latest offering for a block of the month style program. The wallhangings use the new Maywood Woolie Flannels I posted about below. They are fast, easy fusible applique projects, and can be easily finished on your home sewing machine. Avocato begins shipping the 20th of August, and all of the cats will be on display at the shop through September 20th.

New Woolies Flannels

2009-07-11T13:10:00.000-07:00

I FINALLY finished uploading the new flannels that arrived this week. This is the first of 2 shipments of Woolies Flannels from Maywood. These fabrics are some of the best feeling flannels I've seen. They look like wool, but are soft like flannel. Fantastic for "guy quilts!" I have a fun new project of the month planned that uses these as well. Watch for more details on it in the next month, with samples in store for the Crazy 8 Shop Hop August 7-9.

Don't Mess With Me This Week

2009-06-18T12:59:00.000-07:00

I haven't been writing on here lately, as I'm sure you have all noticed. I'm having a very hard time being cheerful these days, so I've been avoiding writing to spare you all. I will spare you all from my private life, which has become the mother of all country songs lately. Instead, here is what's going on at the shop as of late:

My quilting machine had the big one (again) last week, midway through a twin sized quilt, and had to be taken to emergency care. It is currently being resusitated by the closest dealer/mechanic, who happens to be a two hour drive away and slow to boot. I am not very patient to begin with, and looking at my mountain of quilts every day is not making me any more so. I haven't yelled at the repairman on the phone........yet.

Some of the new Roses de Noel line is starting to trickle into the store. I received the charm packs last week, but am waiting to upload them online until the fabrics arrive. With the month I'm having, they'd better not short me on my order or someone will definately hear about it!

I am continuing to work on the Sunflower Hill BOM sample. I finished all of the buildings last night, and am now buttonhole stitching the sunflower blocks that go in between. Then it's on to the rail fence border for the big finish! (hopefully soon)

My mom made a fantastic sample quilt from the new Flourish fabrics, which I'll try to upload a picture of later. It is from the new Anka's Treasure's book, Stop, Drop & Roll, and it was super fast. My mom pieced, quilted, and added binding in a week! Picture coming soon...

Figgy Pudding

2009-06-08T07:18:00.001-07:00

I've uploaded the brand new holiday line from Moda that I chose for this year. Figgy Pudding is a fun yet elegant fabric line that reminds me of the old blown-glass ornaments and fancy ribbon candy. It will be arriving in the store by the end of this week!

Happy Hollow Designs

2009-06-03T13:59:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to start offering patterns and kits from Happy Hollow Designs! They specialize mainly in Fall and Christmas/Winter projects, such as runners and small hangings. They have a fantastic fusible grid product that makes their projects easier than you would ever think, and you'll get an informative flier of instructions to help you get started with your order! Plus, ALL of the accessories are available with the pattern. This is a big must for me, since I hate trying to run around gathering everything to make the project perfect. The accessory kits include all trims, buttons, jewels, EVERYTHING to make the project as pictured!
The products I have in stock now are only a small sampling of what I hope to carry soon. Plus, they are great scrappy projects since they take a variety of small squares from many fabrics! You can see what's available now by looking under Happy Hollow in my online catalog. Be sure to order at least a yard of the fusible grid for each project you're making.
I hope to have samples made soon, but don't hold you're breath because I'm in the middle of Sunflower Hill right now!

New Fabric, New Kits, Never Enough Time

2009-05-26T14:49:00.000-07:00

Now that I'm done with school, I feel like I have TONS of time! Consequently, I'm getting a TON of stuff done. Or, at least I'm doing a good job of fooling myself into thinking I'm getting a lot done! And yes, believe it or not, that quilting list is starting to show signs of progress.

New things in the store this week include a gorgeous fabric line from Maywood Studios, called Paisley. It's already selling online, so if you have something in mind don't hesitate to get your fabric! It will make beautiful tonal, one/two color quilts!

Just in today, the remaining fabrics for the Sunflower Hill BOM I posted about earlier. I hope to get my own sample kit cut today or tomorrow. Then, I'm making myself put that last border on Comforts of Home before I start my Sunflower Hill! By the way, Comforts of Home is looking gorgeous, with the final red border half sewn on!

Arriving this week also, some new kits from Happy Hollow Designs. I've seen this company's projects around, drooled over them at previous Quilt Markets, and now I am finally taking some time to try them out. They specialize in holiday projects, mostly Fall and Christmas, so I am ordering them in plenty of time to make some stuff before this Fall! (in theory, anyways)

With the kids' final day of school being this Friday, my TONS of time will probably soon be gone. Oh well, it was good while it lasted! With the beautiful weather we've been having, I'll have to squeeze in some time for fun anyways. My wake board has been collecting far too much dust, and I am looking forward to finally learning some fancy tricks. And no, I'm not delusional, just optimistic!

One Border Left, Sunflower Hill, and Needlepunch

2009-05-23T21:25:00.000-07:00

First things first, here's my Comforts of Home! One border left, a 5" red border, and the top will be finished. Kits will include similar fabrics, from Kansas Troubles and Buggy Barn, as well as the wool bundle for the applique.

Next stop, Sunflower Hill! I received my shop packet for this new block of the month program, and plan to start my sample quilt next week, as soon as the fabrics arrive. If you remember Garden Friends, you'll remember how beautiful these quilts are in real. Kits will begin shipping in June or July, and the fabric for these is hard to come by, so first come, first served! Sign up now or risk losing your chance to make a beautiful heirloom.

And finally.......my newest venture, Needle Punch. Also referred to as Punchneedle, this is a fun new craft I'm trying out. I've uploaded the available supplies and patterns, as well as my full stock of DMC floss, available online or in the store now! I'm trying out the Spring project as my first attempt, and will be sharing it at this month's Moda University meeting. So far, it's fairly easy to pick up, but takes a little while to adjust to the proper technique. Sufice it to say, my first section looks a little rough, but each section keeps getting better! It's quite addictive, and my 12 year old daughter has been eye balling it and asking questions. Maybe I'll have her whipping up some Needle Punch samples soon!

Charm Candy-Done!

2009-05-19T20:21:00.000-07:00

I did it, I did it! I actually finished something in less than 6 months! My Charm Candy Bag, made using Wee Play fabrics is done. It actually only took about 3 hours. What do ya mean, ya don't believe me? See for yourself...

Comforts of Home-Little by Little

2009-05-17T12:07:00.000-07:00

Little by little, I am finishing my Comforts of Home! Here is an updated pic.

New Fabrics-Studio E

2009-05-16T08:50:00.001-07:00

This week some of the fabrics and items I ordered during my trip to Portland in March arrived. Studio E is a relatively new fabric manufacturer. Their fabrics are high quality, similar to Moda, Red Rooster, Etc. They also have pre-cuts, the Studio E version of a precut is a package of rectangles that are 5 inches x 9.5 inches.

What really caught our eye at Portland was a "bed scarf." (Think over-sized tablerunner here) The pattern is made using mostly their pre-cut rectangles, plus some large applique for the fern leaves. The result is gorgeous, and it can be made in any size to fit any bed. A bed scarf lays across the foot of the bed, or if you make the smaller one it works perfectly as a tablerunner.

The fabric line is called Fresh Aire. You'll notice I've only stocked the fabrics necessary to make the scarf/runner. Kit prices for the scarf will be up soon!

Also from Studio E, a new quilt kit in stunning black and white. See Charleston Gate under quilt kits.

Watch for new Studio E fabrics to arrive over the next few months!

First Grade Mafia

2009-05-14T21:55:00.000-07:00

This past Monday was my daughter's 7th birthday, and all week she's been trying to decide who to invite over for her sleepover. Today on the way home, she and her sister were discussing possible invites, when a girl we'll call "Suzy" came up. "Suzy" was no longer in the running, after she had apparantly helped herself to some of Kylee's LPS's.

It turns out that my daughter had taken her "LPS's" (Littlest Pet Shop toys) to school, and "Suzy" had apparantly taken a few. Five, to be exact. "Suzy" claimed they were lost, so she couldn't give them back.

I instructed the girls to make me a list of missing LPS's so I could call "Suzy's" mom and ask if "Suzy" might have borrowed them. While they were making their list, I heard the following tid bit of conversation.

7 year old says to older sister: "See, that's why I wanted to invite her. So I could rip her arm off and you could throw her outside."

And that's how I know my daughter's in the First Grade Mafia!

New Quilt As You Go Book from G.E. Designs

2009-05-11T21:40:00.000-07:00

G.E. Designs has a brand new quilt-as-you-go book coming out in the next few weeks, "Fast and Furious." The book is full of great looking patterns, from baby quilts to bags to runners, you'll find pictures of all of it at Gudrun's blog. Check out www.gequiltdesigns.com for a link to the G.E. Designs Blog, or visit www.gudrun.typepad.com. Watch for the book to arrive in store soon! If you haven't tried quilt-as-you-go, and especially using G.E. Designs patterns, you will be surprised at how easy and how time saving this technique is!

Hurry, Hurry! Last Day to Vote!

2009-05-08T12:00:00.000-07:00

Today is the last day to vote! Then, as soon as I finish with finals I'll be starting my Anna Tunic. See the post below from a few days ago to view the fabric choices, then vote for your favorite! I promise to post a picture. (assuming I manage to make the right size and it fits me!)

Comforts of Home-Almost Done

2009-05-07T07:31:00.000-07:00

Here's another thing I forgot I'm doing before the hop tomorrow, finishing the top to my new block-of-the-month! Here is a picture of how far I got last night, to be finished tonight!

Crunch Time!

2009-05-07T07:16:00.000-07:00

It's crunch time, the I S.E.W. Shop Hop starts TOMORROW! I have all kinds of stuff to do, and I'll probably spend the day running around like a headless chicken. I have copies to staple, quilts to quilt, samples to hang, my kids' music concert to attend, a soon to be 7 year old's birthday to plan, a final essay, final paper, class discussions and group project to finish, and to top it all off I have to finish painting the outside of the shop! Yes, only I am crazy enough to insist that the shop be painted before the Hop, and only my parents are crazy enough to agree to help me.
(OK, maybe my dad only agreed because my mom agreed. What was that he kept muttering, something about forced labor?)
Now, if the weather had cooperated, and if I had considered that the poor building hasn't been painted in 20 years or more and bought 3 times more paint, it might have gotten done already. Instead, it's 1/2 done. So, just in case I don't get to it today, when you come for the hop tomorrow, make sure to come from the South. Then just pretend that the entire building looks that nice, and pretend you don't see the old robin's egg blue trim peaking out from the North side. (Yes, robin's egg blue, from the 70's!) The day I don't have to go to the shop and see that trim will all be worth it, even if I end up being the one on the ladder, in the bucket of the tractor. Yes, it seems even my dad has his limits, and for some reason he won't let me run the tractor.....

Happy Early Mother's Day To Me

2009-05-03T19:34:00.001-07:00

In his excitement to show me what he made, Will gave me my Mother's Day gift a week early. It consists of a painting/drawing, and a card. The card has sentences that have been completed by Will about me. Here is how it reads:

My mom likes to (blank).
My mom is (blank) old.
My mom's favorite color is (blank).
My mom's favorite food is (blank).
My mom is good at (blank).
My mom likes it when I (blank).

That's how it read before Will filled it in. Here is what my card actually says:

My mom likes to watch TV.
My mom is a teenager old.
My mom's favorite color is yellow.
My mom's favorite food is spaghetti.
My mom is good at sewing.
My mom likes it when I go to town with her.

At first, I thought he was making me out to be a couch potato. Then, I read how old I was and had to laugh. I think he mixed up my favorite color with Bailey, and my favorite food with his. At least he got the sewing part right, but I took him to town today and I most certainly DID NOT like it!

Isn't motherhood grand?

3rd Time's a Charm

2009-05-02T22:33:00.000-07:00

Last year I made myself a halter top using an Amy Butler pattern. I might have gotten to wear it, too, if it hadn't been just a little bit too small!

Last month, I made myself a Sun Surf Halter. Too bad it turned out to be 2 sizes too big! I look ridiculous in it, and it would take me less time to make another than to re-size the one I already finished.

Just to prove you can't keep a sewing fanatic down, I'm taking a third stab at the whole clothing thing. I've decided to attempt the Anna Tunic. It has a great flower pin that reminds me of the one on the Lilly Apron!

I'm having a hard time deciding which fabric to make my tunic from, so I've decided to run a week long pole. So, thru next Saturday, May 9, you can vote in the sidebar of this blog for which fabric you think I should use to make my tunic. When the week is over, I promise to attempt to make a correctly sized tunic!

Here are the choices:
Dark Red Rebel Roses

Green Damask from Soiree

Arcardia Blue & Brown on Eggshell

You have one week to vote for your favorite print. Happy voting!

Prince Charming, Here I Come!

2009-04-30T16:44:00.000-07:00

When I was about 7, we moved a short distance to a different house. With the new house came a satellite dish, and my first introduction to something besides channels 2, 4, 6, and 12. It was one of those dishes that still lurk in some back yards, the ones that are the size of a UFO and physically turn when you change the channel. No Directv in those days! Nope, just good old transponders, like G8-24.
With this fantastic new dish came the CMT channel. Back then, CMT actually played nothing but music videos, and one of the hottest videos about that time was "The Race is On," by Sawyer Brown.
And that's how it happened: Love at First Sight! Me, my cousin, even our moms lusted after that dancing hunk with the voice that made us drool. (Mark Miller)
The only two concerts I've ever attended were Sawyer Brown concerts. At the first, my mom bought me their latest cassette and my cousin got the T-Shirt, and then we traded them back and forth every week. My bedroom's main feature for many years was a Sawyer Brown poster, (The Dirt Road). (My sister had a poster of Billy Ray Cyrus, but you didn't hear it from me!) And when Mark Miller started going bald, we didn't care. After all, my Dad's bald, and he's a great guy, right?
Over the years, I lost track of Sawyer Brown off and on, although every once in awhile I get the urge to listen to their music again. I have several albums of theirs on my Ipod, and their Christmas album played all last season at the quilt shop. And, if Mark Miller ever asks, then yes - Of course I'll marry him!
My husband bought the Sunday paper a couple weeks ago. Right there, hiding amongst the ads, was an announcement for a concert at the nearby casino. And guess who's the main act!

Oh! Be still my beating heart! Prince Charming, here I come!

OK, so maybe I'm a little older now. And there is that small matter of my husband and children. Oh Darn, I guess I'll have to settle for being one of those screaming, crying, fainting fans in the audience. Oh Well, I'll take what I can get! Don't be surprised if my mom and sister are right there with me!

And no, I'm not telling you where to get tickets. I'm not risking anyone getting ahead of me in line!

Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire!

2009-04-27T17:50:00.000-07:00

I just finished two long weekends of vending at local quilt shows, Moscow, ID and Clarkston, WA. The shows were great, I especially enjoy the Clarkston show as the people there are so supportive and warm!

At both shows, I wore a Lilly Apron borrowed from a friend. The apron is absolutely fantastic, due in large part to the great, big, oversized, matching fabric flower pin. Of course, I assured everyone that even though the pin is not shown on the pattern cover, the instructions to make it ARE included inside the pattern.

So, Saturday evening my mom happens to ask me if I've ever actually checked to be sure the flower pattern is inside?

Well............actually,.........no. I just took my friend's word for it, because she is very trustworthy, afterall.

Little did I know that the pattern manufacturer, sometime after my friend bought her pattern and before I started buying patterns for the shop, stopped including the flower instructions with the apron.

Uh Oh..............How many patterns have I already sold?????

So, I am a BIG, FAT, LIAR! If you bought the Lilly Apron pattern from me and I told you the flower instructions were included, I LIED! (whoops, my bad) This is just the sort of TERRIBLE customer service I strive to avoid.

So, if you read this, please call the shop or email me so I can get you a copy of the flower instructions! And shame on me, for not double checking the patterns myself!

Seaport Quilter's Show & Stuff

2009-04-24T07:58:00.000-07:00

This weekend, April 25 & 26, I will be vending at the annual Seaport Quilter's Guild Quilt Show, in Clarkston, WA. We didn't even unpack the entire trailer from last weekend's show at Moscow, ID, and we'll be repacking and packing some new stuff up today an heading down this afternoon to set up.

I've quilted the Boot Scootin' and Stampede shop samples, and hope to have pictures up later today. The feather borders, when quilted to accent the feathers, look awesome!

After that, I hope to begin posting here more often. It has been a super crazy month. Here's a partial list of things I've been doing that I may write about soon:

Arguing with a rude and pretentious insurance adjuster about my sewage soaked basement.
Scheduling carpet installation, and trying to paint the basement in between quilts.
Finding new kitchen cabinetry for the quilt shop.
Quilting like mad, that list just keeps getting longer!
Classwork, classwork, classwork. 3 weeks left!
Quilt shows, upcoming shop hop, and crazy online orders.
3 kids who are very tired of school and ready for a break.
My husband's unexpected job loss, followed by crazy new job with long hours.
A new puppy, then 2 new puppies, then 1 puppy again.

I'm sure there's more that I've forgotten, it's turning out to be a very busy Spring! Today's goals are:

1. Finish painting the basement.
2. Finish quilting Stampede, possibly quilt 1 more for someone else.
3. Pack and set up for the Clarkston Quilt Show
4. Make a Home Depot run to find paint, return extra carpet, and get some decking.
5. Come home dead tired and dragging, and try to do some housework and/or classwork.
6. Drink a glass of wine, I'm gonna need it!

Annual Palouse Patchers Quilt Show This Weekend

2009-04-18T09:01:00.001-07:00

This weekend, you'll find me at the Palouse Patchers' Quilt Show in Moscow, ID at the Latah County Fair Grounds.

The show hours are Sat. 10-6 and Sun. 11-5

I'm wearing my fanciest apron, loaned to me by a friend since I haven't had time to make my own! It's got these great pockets on the front that hold all kinds of stuff: change, my blackberry, fiber one bars, a hair tye, and room for more! Here's the pattern: Lilly Apron.

And no, that's not me wearing it. My hair is much........puffier than that!

2009 I S.E.W. So I Hop

2009-04-10T15:51:00.000-07:00

The 2009 I S.E.W. Hop is just around the corner! Here are the details:

May 8 & 9, 2009, all shops are open 9am-7pm

10 participating quilt shops in the North Idaho/Eastern Washington area

Becky's Fabrics & Bernina
Emerald Garden
Grammy G's
Hawthorne Gallery
Quilted Heart, LLC
Quilt Something
Rather-Be's
Small Towne Quilts
Stitches and Petals,
and of course, me! The Crazy Quilter

Hoppers will receive a FREE fat quarter of your choice at each participating shop, plus door prizes, snacks, and lots of fun! Grand prize includes a $25 gift certificate to each of the 10 shops!

When you complete your shop hop passport, you'll also receive an exclusive FREE pattern!

Visit the shop, or email me through my website if you would like additional details, including a road map.

Happy Hopping!

Ge Designs and Comforts of Home Update

2009-04-04T20:45:00.000-07:00

The Comforts of Home block of the month is sitting in my dining room/quilting room. Each section is completed, and it is ready for the wool, which I am patiently (OK, not so patiently) awaiting to arrive so I can add the appliques. Pictures will be added as soon as I get it! This block of the month will begin as soon as the sample is completed.

A few weeks ago, Gudrun of GE Quilt Designs so nicely talked about me in her blog. You can read her blog at:

http://www.gudrun.typepad.com/

Here you will find her upcoming patterns, design process, and more. I love her patterns, so it is great to get a sneak peak at what is coming next!

New Charms Idea - Neptune Necklace

2009-03-30T20:50:00.000-07:00

I've posted before about the new site, Moda Bake Shop, that gives great ideas for using all of Moda's precut fabrics. Here is one we tried at the shop that I love!

This fashionable necklace features charms from a Neptune charm pack. Of course, you can make it from any charm pack for a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelery. This is a great kid's project, and one charm pack will make several. Or, make a bracelet to match! You can find the directions for this project here: http://www.modabakeshop.com/2009/03/neptune-necklace.html

The colors and prints in this charm pack are great. Makes me wish I had ordered the line in, but I just can't get them all! Believe me, I would if I could!

New Pattern from Abbey Lane Quilts

2009-03-28T21:07:00.000-07:00

I've just received a new shipment of patterns from a company I haven't tried before. I'm excited to try some of their unique and fresh designs! You can check out their website, including a nice blog, at:

www.abbeylanequilts.com

View the patterns I have in stock under New Additions in the catalog!

The Happiest Vacation on Earth

2009-03-26T14:44:00.000-07:00

My family and I just returned from a fantastic vacation at Disneyland! I am, of course, way behind on blogging about the wonderful new things at the shop lately, but first, here are a few pictures from our first ever bonafide family vacation. Look closely - you might see the promised Sun Surf Halter!