New Weekly Special-Every Saturday!

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!!

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!

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

New Fabrics-Studio E

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

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

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!

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

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!

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

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

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!

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

Direct From Portland

This weekend is the Spring Trends show at Portland, an open-house event for retailers at E.E. Schenck, a Portland based fabric and notions supplier. After arriving late last night, my mom and I spent a long day at their warehouse, shopping til we dropped! My Durango is loaded with some great new things! Fabric, patterns, books, notions, you name it, it's in my car and headed home tomorrow! My dad and husband came with us this time, so it's been quite a comical trip.

Monday and Tuesday this coming week will consist of a marathon of quilting for me, as I try to squeeze in as much time as possible before we head off to Disneyland. Yes-That's Right! DISNEYLAND!!! We've been planning a special Spring Break trip as a surprise for the kids, and we leave Thursday for 5 days at Disneyland. Yes, I know I'm crazy, you did read the title of this blog, didn't you??

After I return, hopefully tanned and happy, it's back to school to finish my degree in May. Will's birthday is the 26th of March, so there's a party in there somewhere. Not to mention, 2 quilt shows in April, a shop-hop in May, a quilt shop basement to clean and repair, and a TON of new samples to figure out how to complete. All as I continue to chip away at the mountain of quilting to be done. Whew.....I'm tired just thinking about it!

Watch for pictures of the first Sun Surf Halter, which I finished Thursday evening. It's the cutest thing you've ever seen, and it was super easy, taking only 2 or 3 hours to complete. So maybe it fits my almost 12 year old daughter and it was supposed to fit my almost 7 year old daughter......did I mention the pattern runs large?

By the way - I think I saw some notes about a "Boss Is Away" sale some one is planning. You might want to pencil in a trip to Deary for some great deals next week!

Now I Get It.......

I asked in my previous post what "Steamy Quilting" is and why everyone's searching for it. Thanks to a kind reader, now I know! You can too, if you visit the following website:

http://www.npr.org/templates/rundowns/rundown.php?prgId=35

Scroll down to "Listener Limerick Challenge" and listen for a few minutes. Turns out there was an interesting incident involving a recent quilting magazine article. It's actually quite funny, they had to sell the Jan/Feb. issue of Quilter's Home Magazine inside an opaque cover because the article title printed on the cover was too "Steamy" for store shelves. Yes, this is a quilting magazine we're talking about!

I tried to find this magazine online, and no luck. The copy of the issue I did find didn't refer to Steamy Quilting anywhere I could see. I guess they caved under the pressure and changed their cover.

What the heck is "Steamy Quilting?"

My feedjit widget on the side of my blog has been blazing this week with people from all over who searched for "Steamy Quilting," or "Steamy Side of Quilting."

Could someone who's searching for it please tell me what the heck you're all looking for? My curiosity's got the best of me!

Comforts of Home Part 3

Look what I got done yesterday! I actually felt a little caught up on homework, and since I've reserved Sundays as my day off from long arming, I found some time to sit down at my lonely Bernina. Here is what I did!


These lovely houses are part 3 of the Comforts of Home Block of the Month. They went together wonderfully, in only a couple hours! If I had brought home the fabric for part 4 I would have kept going, but I didn't, so we took a hike behind our house instead.


It snowed again! Just when we were beginning to see grass around the edges of our yard, we got 4-6 new inches over the weekend. Winter is not giving up easily this year in Northern Idaho!
Well, that feeling of being caught up escapes me this morning, as I have 2 assignments due in 3 hours. I guess I might want to get started on them soon.....

The Greatest Ideas Ever!

Moda has started a new blog site, called "Moda Bakeshop," and it's fantastic!!!! It is chock full of exciting and original patterns that use the Moda Precuts. Precuts are any fabrics that come precut, including charm packs (5" squares), Jelly Rolls (2.5" x WOF strips), Layer Cakes (10" squares), Honey Buns (1.5" x WOF strips), Turnovers (1/2 square triangles that make 5" finished squares when paired), etc.....

Take a look here for some great ideas!

www.modabakeshop.com

A Little of This and That

Here's a little of this and that happening around the quilt shop lately.

The 2009 Christmas and Fall fabric lines have been released, and I've ordered several for delivery later this year. The Christmas lines actually arrive beginning in June-before the Fall lines! I ordered my favorite line from Moda, a non-traditional line, of course! Still, it has an elegant appeal to it that I'm hoping you all like as much as I do!

Lots of new fabric has come in the past few weeks. Soiree and Flag Day Farm from Moda, Ron's World arrived and is half gone already, and Snippets is due in this month from Moda. Also due in the next 4-5 weeks is Iced Mocha from The Buggy Barn, and the remainder of Rebel Roses. If you like Rebel Roses, I'd preorder it now, as it's proving to be a hot, hot line before it even hits my shelves!

I chose my Soiree fabrics to make 3 Sun Surf Halters, and I've almost finished cutting out the 3 sizes from the pattern. Here's a helpful hint, if you're making clothing that requires you to cut out the size, and cutting one size means you've ruined all other sizes on the pattern, try this. Instead of cutting out from the actual pattern, first trace it onto freezer paper in each size you need. Save the original copy, and cut out the freezer paper copies instead. By doing this, I was able to make a Girl's size L, a Woman's Small and Medium from one pattern. Had I cut out the Woman's Small, I would have had to purchase another pattern to cut out the Woman's Medium.

I am still working on the Comforts of Home quilt, although VERY slowly! Not due to the actual quilt, but more do to my preoccupation with long-arm quilting and schoolwork. It's going to be gorgeous, so I really should get on with it, already!

Coming up in April-2 quilt shows! Moscow Palouse Patcher's quilt show, and the Lewiston/Clarkston Seaport Quilters' shows are back to back in mid-April. Also in April, I will be participating in the online only, Fab Shop Hop.
In May, watch for more info about the next in store hop, the I S.E.W. Shop Hop.

E.T. Helps Teach a Family Lesson

Every once in awhile, a movie pops into my head that I loved as a child. When this happens, I usually decide to make sure my kids have the same viewing pleasure all kids of the 1980's shared. Last Fall, it was Harry and the Hendersons, which turned into 2 weeks of re-watching, and lots of hilarious questions about whether or not Bigfoot is real.

Last week, after we pulled out an old T.V. that happens to have a built in VHS player, the kids rediscovered our VHS collection. They were like pirates discovering lost treasure, and it just so happens that I still have the VHS of E.T. from when I was a kid. My kids watched is 2 weekends ago, and I have never seen them so glued to the screen for an entire movie!

In a seemingly unrelated event, my husband, I and some friends,went out this past Saturday night to listen to a local band. Being the big booz hound that I am (not), I awoke Sunday with a slight (ok.....massive) hangover. (And I wasn't even drunk enough to dance)

Perhaps I was feeling guilty, maybe I was trying to find something good from my misery, but I decided to use it as a teaching lesson on the affects of alcohol.

Half way through my enthralling speech on why my kids should never drink, I was explaining the term "drunk," and how a drunk person might be clumsy, stumble or fall. My two younger kids had a look of confusion, when suddenly a bright light bulb went on over Kylee's head.

(Kylee, Eyes wide, big, "I get it, now" smile) "Hey, like on E.T.! He drank the alcohol, and then he falls over!"
(Will, now sharing the same "I get it, now" smile) "Ohhhh Yeeeeaaahhhhh! I remember!"

Then, they both started walking around the living room, giggling, like drunk E.T. imitators.

I'm pretty sure this is the point where I decided to cut my losses and shelf the alcohol lesson for a few more years. Who knew E.T. could be so educational?

Comforts of Home Part 1

Comforts of Home is a block of the month quilt project created by GE Designs. Although it's not an especially new set of patterns, I haven't seen it around anywhere, and I thought it was well done and a beautiful quilt! So much so, I've decided to offer it starting in March.

The quilt takes 6 months to complete. Each month's pattern includes a portion of the main quilt, as well as a bonus project. Part of what drew me to it was the bonus projects, as they offer another way to get your money's worth from the monthly patterns! I also like that it incorporates some simple applique, and the applique is done with wool. Mixing mediums, like fabrics with wools, is a great way to add a fresh twist to traditional quilting.

So, I've been working on the first step. Not just working on it, but slaving over it for the past 3 weeks. To be honest, I've done more ripping out than sewing on this step! In the end it was worth it, as the bonus tablerunner is gorgeous, and I'm excited about the portion of the quilt as well! Plus, now that I've figured out all the hard stuff I'll be able to pass on time saving tips for all of you that decide to participate in the block of the month!

Here are a couple of pictures of the runner, minus the applique that I'm planning to add this week.

Update, Update!

Here are some long overdue quilt shop updates!

Ron's World did finally arrive, so cute! This line will make fantastic quilts for your little farmer! I have kitted the cover quilt from the new Buggy Barn book, kits are $74.95 and will be online as soon as I get around to it!

Return to Romance has partially arrived, I'm still awaiting a few bolts, especially the larger focus print, but my mom did get what's in stock online for me. View it here!

Any day now the new Moda lines will start arriving. Coming in March, I'll be traveling to Portland for a weekend of warehouse shopping, and to listen to a lecture/class about batting. Hopefully I'll learn some great information to share!

Where in the World is "Ron's World?"

If you've been patiently awaiting the promised arrival of Ron's World, The Buggy Barn's new fabric line featuring tractors, dirt, and farm scenery, the wait may soon be over. After repeated complaints to my supplier, they have promised that it is finally in process and should arrive in store in about 2 weeks. According to the supplier, one of their sales reps neglected to input their order, so they were unable to fill my order. Frustrating, but unfortunately I'm powerless to do anything but wait.

Assuming their latest promise is accurate, and the fabric will arrive shortly, I will probably upload it to the website soon. Watch for updates!

UPDATE!!! You can now view Ron's World in the catalog under fabrics. This line is due in around Feb. 1, 2009.

I'm Cross-Eyed!

You might remember me mentioning a few posts back that I was thinking about going back to school. It turns out I was more than thinking about it, and after making a slight change in my major from one area of Business to another, I will be finished this May.......assuming I pass my classes. This degree has been 7 years in the making, so it's about time!

Classes began this past Monday, here is the lineup:

Bus 465 Money and Banking
Bus 220 Business Communications
Bus 413 Organizational Behavior
Bus 497 Strategic Management Seminar
Bus 412 Human Resource Management

That's a whole lotta business! Reading all those chapters has me cross eyed......

Or maybe I'm cross eyed for a different reason. See, Tuesday I had my annual eye exam. The doc sent me home to try my new contacts for a week. For the first time in 10+ years, (I've had contacts since Jr. High), I have a different prescription in each eye.

No big deal, except that I forgot this when I removed my contacts Tuesday night (remember, 10+ years). It wasn't until Wednesday morning that I realized I had no idea if I had put each contact under the correct lid. (right or left) Since there's only .25 difference between their prescriptions, I have no idea if I have them in the right eye or not.

It should make for an interesting return visit next week when the doctor decides if my new prescription needs adjusted!

Update:Shop Hop Block

My mom found a new block, and whipped one up for me this morning! We both like it better, so I'm changing my block for the Crazy 8 hop! New pictures are coming soon, as well as pictures of what I've been working on this week. Watch for a picture update to this post!

Crazy 8 Quilt Shop Hop

This year will be the second annual Crazy 8 Shop Hop. This hop began last year, and was held on 8/8/2008. This year, the hop will be the weekend of August 7th, 2009.

For the second time around, each shop is designing a 12" block. Hoppers will receive the pattern at each shop they visit. Here is what I've come up with for my block. No, these are not my best color choices, and they are NOT the fabrics I will be using to make a quilt with these blocks! They are just what I happened to have scraps of at home!
Next I'll be working on a setting for the 12 blocks to debut during the hop in August. I have a few ideas up my sleeve........

I love to rearrange.........

Furniture, store displays, and apparently my blog! I've been doing some blog housekeeping and organizing. What do you think? Too loud and obnoxious? Yeah.....I'm not sold on it yet either. Which means until I find just the right background, you may be greeted with a new look every time you visit my blog!

Sun Surf Halter + Soiree = Perfection!

The Sun Surf Halter pattern, new from Amy Butler, just came today. I am so excited to see that it includes instructions and patterns for girls size small clear up to Women's XL! That means I can make one for me and both of my girls, which is rare as far as patterns go.
Plus, the new Soiree fabrics coming from Moda next month are going to be perfect. I've been anticipating them for months now, as I really love the colors and patterns and think they'll make awesome clothes, bags, and quilts! I see some great mother/daughter pictures in my future........if I get them made and find the time to get pictures taken, that is!

Applique Survey

I've posted a new survey in the sidebar to the left. It's for my own curiosity only, as I've been more and more drawn to applique projects over the last year and wondered how everyone else feels about them.

I have a friend or two who refer to applique as "the a-word," and choice #1, "I wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot pole," is just for them!

Something New

I'm trying something new for me, and ordering flowery fabric. When I decide what fabric to carry in the store, I rely on what I like. Consequently, I don't have any florals because they're not my favorite style. In an effort to increase my variety and appeal, I'm trying out some florals from Maywood Studio. Here is a sneak peak:

With any luck these will be in store in a week or two!

New Monthly Mini Program

I'm writing this post to explain the new way I have decided to offer the Patchabilities Monthly-Mini's. There is a set of 3 small projects for every season. When put together, the 3 pieces make a great scene, and fit perfectly on the tabletop wire hanger as pictured! You can use one hanger, and simply switch the project out every 3 months.

As a group of 3, the pattern kits are $39.99. This cost includes the patterns and all buttons. The buttons are fantastic, and they truly make the projects a stand-out! All of the pieces are so small any quilter can find pieces in your stash or scraps to use up, thus no fabric cost!

Sign up any time in January to start receiving 1/3 of a scene each month for 12 months. The monthly cost is $14.99 plus shipping, or request to pick your kit up by the 15th of each month in store! I will be shipping the first third of the Spring scene in January. This will allow you to complete each season in time to display it for the 3 corresponding months.

Hopefully this explains the monthly program more clearly, it is difficult to squeeze all of this information into the online catalog sometimes!

Wishing For Spring

All of the very Wintery weather we've been getting here in North Idaho has me wishing more than ever for Spring! As a result, I've made a couple of Springy projects lately. First, I did finish the Lackadaisical quilt, and updated the price and picture in the catalog. Here is a picture of my finished quilt!

Then, I finally managaed to make up a sample of the Perky Peonies tablerunner. I've had this pattern for a while, and it turns out it is super cute!

Not quilted yet, but here is a picture of the applique detail. This runner will be featured in my fusible applique class this Winter.