Paisley Party-Coming in October

If you love fun, bright fabrics, be sure to watch for the new line from Terry Atkinson, Paisley Party. It will be the store in October, and I've uploaded it for preorders right now. Enjoy!

Civil War Crossing Fabrics

I just uploaded all of the new line from Barbara Brackman, after I realized it has been shipped! I will have it in store with a week. Preview it here: Civil War Crossing
With plenty of time before the September Moda University meeting, hopefully I will have a sample quilt made for the block of the month program!

New Books and Patterns

Over the past week, I've fallen even farther behind on everything, especially with some help from everlasting mouth pain, scorching weekend temps, and a weekend long party at the lake. The thought of the upcoming quilt shows and impending shop move is enough to overload my mind! Thankfully, it's raining here today, for the first time in a long time, and it has put me in the quilting mood, which will hopefully make things easier.
With Fall fast approaching, there are so many patterns I'm hoping to try out. I managed to make a Crazy Jack wallhanging yesterday, which was so fast and easy, and makes an awesome wallhanging for October! Others I hope to try before Fall is over include Gourds, Stars, and Punkins, Pumpkins in a Row, and Pumpkin Soup.
Another new book worth taking a look at is Barabara Brackman's newest, Making History:Quilts & Fabric from 1890-1970. Especially if you are interested in quilting history, this book has excellent info and tons of pictures, along with directions for 9 reproduction projects.
Last, the bags and wearable projects craze continues. A couple new patterns that arrived this week, Little Charmers Skirt and Jumper, and Sweet Delight Tote, can be seen under Bags and Wearable Patterns

Finally, A Diet That Really Works!

Yep, that's right, I've finally found the secret to fast weight loss. Here it is:

1. Have your dentist pull your lower wisdom tooth, even though you developed a serious and painful case of dry socket from the last one.

2. Go home and await the arrival of symptoms, characterized by serious mouth pain and possible swealing. Soon you'll be unable to eat anything!

3. Sit back and watch as the pounds melt away, up to 1 lb/day!!!

That's all there is to it. It worked for me, and it can work for you too! 5 lbs in 5 days and still counting!

Please Vote for Batting!

I've just posted a new poll regarding batting. If you quilt, please tell me your favorite brand of batting. The poll is anonymous, but I would love to hear the reasons behind your choices so if you want, post a comment under this post, telling me why you like the batting you do.

Thanks!

The Benefits of Dental Surgery

I know what you're thinking. How could there possibly any benefits to having oral surgery, besides fixing the problem that requires surgery in the first place, right? Well, since I have to have just such a surgery next month, I have been thinking long and hard on it. Here is what I can come up with:

1. A 1 week liquid diet isn't so bad. I can't help but lose a few pounds, and what can be more fun than doing it while ingesting nothing but iced mochas?

2. One surgery equals no less than 3 trips to the surgeon. One for the actual surgery, and 2 follow ups. That equals 3 trips to Lewiston with no kids in the car, because not even I am crazy enough the take my kids to the periodontist. What's so big about 3 trips with no kids? Well, that means 6 blissful hours in the car without 2 movies players going simultaneously, without stopping at McDonalds, without having the child lock the windows, without the risk of a Spiderman Sandal hitting me in the back of the head, without the chaos of continual fighting, and without potty breaks. I might even make it home without any new messes in the car, such as the pb&j smeared into the back seat right now, or the smiley face on the window that only appears when it's foggy. I can even dare to drive all the way without the window lock on! Oh the thrill! What more can a mother ask for?

3. Surgery gives me a pity card to play with potential baby sitters. That should be good for at least a couple weeks or more!

So, that's all I can think of for now. At least there's some silver lining in an otherwise unpleasent experience, sort of.

Who Needs the Pattern Anyways?

Well, apparantly I do. I finished all of the flying geese for the Portugal quilt, so proud of myself for using a short cut method of making flying geese, only to discover that they are all the wrong size. Yep, that's right, every last one of them is 2 3/4" x 5", instead of 2.5" x 4.5".

How did that happen, you ask? Wouldn't I like to know the same thing. It might have something to do with the circumstances surrounding the last few weeks, including a broken sewing machine (since repaired) and about 10 trips back and forth between my house and the store with all the pieces stuffed in a bag, or thrown across the passenger seat of my car.

So, I'm going to spend the afternoon attempting to make a respectable quilt from the mess I've currently got going. Wish me luck!