Layer Cake Project

I've been looking for just the right project for the Hemming House Layer Cake. So far, layer cake patterns have proven to be a bit tricky, because they require a certain number of dark squares and light squares. The Hemming House layer cake happens to have about 10 lights and 30 darks, so projects that call for more than 10 lights are difficult to adjust for. Finally, though, I think I've found it. It's a new pattern from This & That, and if all goes well I'm starting on it tomorrow.
The pattern is called Sweet Sunshine.

Ya Gotta Shop Around

In the past 5 years, I have seen a big jump in the number of quilt shops. Quilting has continued to gain in popularity, and many quilters have decided to jump on the band wagon and join the ranks of business owners. This means that as quilters you have more selection and more options than ever before. With the addition of Internet shopping, this is especially true.
This means that just like groceries, clothing, and other necessities, it is now possible to price shop for quilting supplies. Where before there was only 1 or 2 choices in one geographical area for quilting, now there may be 4 or 5 or more. And just like groceries and clothing, some shops are generally less expensive than others. This could mean that you are paying too much for your quilting supplies!

At a recent quilt show, I experienced this first hand as a shop owner. One particular quilt kit I offered was also offered from another vendor, for $50 more! We're talking identical fabrics and patterns, no discernible difference whatsoever. This is not an isolated incident. In general fabric, there are often shops in my area that carry the identical fabrics I have. Prices often range a $1.00 or more per yard, which can add up to big savings if you find the lowest price!
In this world of rising food and gasoline prices, quilting becomes even more of a luxury. So, don't forget to shop around a little. You might be surprised at the savings.

Pictures, Pictures!

Here are some pictures I was finally able to upload from my camera. It seems my computer is in a good mood tonight!

These are pics from the Clarkston Quilt Show last weekend:
This was my booth at the quilt show. My mom (you know, the senile one) and I worked long and hard last weekend and had a rewarding show. I am still recovering, but I have managed to get some quilting done the past couple of days, so maybe there's hope for me yet!
Have you prepared for the I Sew So I Hop Shop Hop, coming May 9 & 10? Yeah, neither have I, yet.