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.
Showing posts with label quilt shop. Show all posts
Showing posts with label quilt shop. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Phone Troubles
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!
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!
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Shoplifters Beware!
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!)
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!)
Saturday, October 23, 2010
New Stitchery/Quilt Patterns On the Way
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!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
White Flag Waving
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!)
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!)
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Busy, Busy, Busy
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.
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.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Crazy Updates!
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!
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!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
How Many Places Can I Be at Once?
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!
The Crazy Quilter on Facebook
Have fun looking, more pictures coming soon!
Friday, April 16, 2010
OK People, Here's the Scoop
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.
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.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
A Look at What's Happening
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.
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.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Let There Be Light!
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!
(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!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
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.....
(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.....
Saturday, March 14, 2009
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!
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!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
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!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Yee Haw!
The Cowboys and Indians fabric arrived today! This is such a great fabric line, as it has both boys and girls in the focal fabric, yet could easily be an adult quilt by leaving out that one fabric. It's done in 1950's style and is just fantastic!
Tomorrow's project will be fixing up the display my mom and I have been planning to go along with it. We've already collected a saddle, and my mom has plans to build a fence for the fabric. Pictures to follow as soon as possible!
Hopefully my super helper comes home from Hawaii soon (you know who you are) to whip me up some sample quilts! Remember Boot Scootin' and Stampede? These quilts were attracting all sorts of attention at Quilt Market, so I can't wait to have my own versions!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Apron Trends
Aprons grew hugely in popularity this year, and with their popularity the number of great apron patterns grew too! January is going to be apron month at Moda University, so to get you ready here are some of the aprons on display in the store. You'll find all these patterns under the Bags and Wearables pattern category.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Those Crazy Kids
No, this is not a post about my family. It's to announce to arrival of the newest Buggy Barn book, "Those Crazy Kids!" I ordered this book at Fall Market, and it just arrived today, hot off the press! The quilt on the cover was featured in The Buggy Barn booth, and it was so darn cute it stopped my mom and I in our tracks. I know at least 2 little boys who will be thrilled with this quilt! The fabrics are from a line by The Buggy Barn, "Ron's World," which is due any day now.
The rest of the book isn't so bad either. Flowers, purses, kites, and sail boats are some of the great things you'll find featured in the 7 quilts. Even a coordinating crib sheet and bumper pad featuring the trucks!
You can find this book in the "New Additions" catagory of the online catalog.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Holiday Gift Ideas
Despite the unusually mild temperatures we have had here in North Idaho, it really is just a few weeks until Christmas! Time is ticking away quickly for gift shopping, so I thought I'd share a few ideas.
For your quilting and sewing friends, there are tons of ideas! A small basket filled with notions like thread, needles, a special tool, or even a few fat quarters is always a big hit. For many quilters, purchasing new tools or notions is hard when we're hoarding our money for fabric. If you have a special quilting friend, buying them a tool they wouldn't otherwise purchase for themselves is a great gift. Ideas include the Sidewinder, the Calantha Rotary Cutter, the Clover Mini-Iron, and the Electric Scissors.
Another idea for your quilting friends is to buy a kit. If you shop with them, you've probably got a good idea what styles and patterns they like. There are kits for every taste, and every budget. View them all here!
If all else fails, gift certificate never disappoints. I have them available in increments of $5. Call and I can even mail them with a card for you!
For your quilting and sewing friends, there are tons of ideas! A small basket filled with notions like thread, needles, a special tool, or even a few fat quarters is always a big hit. For many quilters, purchasing new tools or notions is hard when we're hoarding our money for fabric. If you have a special quilting friend, buying them a tool they wouldn't otherwise purchase for themselves is a great gift. Ideas include the Sidewinder, the Calantha Rotary Cutter, the Clover Mini-Iron, and the Electric Scissors.
Another idea for your quilting friends is to buy a kit. If you shop with them, you've probably got a good idea what styles and patterns they like. There are kits for every taste, and every budget. View them all here!
If all else fails, gift certificate never disappoints. I have them available in increments of $5. Call and I can even mail them with a card for you!
Monday, November 24, 2008
Random Happenings and Updates
Wow, have I been lazy at updating this blog lately! I've been on a mission to get caught up on long arm quilting, and the blog has slid as a result. Saturday I actually quilted 3 quilt tops! That never happens unless everything works out perfectly, which is maybe once a year. However, I have to be careful not to get too lulled into thinking I'm getting ahead enough to take a few days off, or I'll be right back where I started!
Another reason I've been frantically quilting is that I've recently come to the crazy, psychotic, hair-brained idea that I should go back to LCSC and finish my degree. Yes, I've been a big, fat, quitter for 2 years, and it's high time I finished up. I 9 classes away from being a Business/Accounting know-it-all. When I mentioned my newest crazy idea to my mom, she promptly replied that I couldn't do it unless I was all caught up before school starts. That means by Jan. 12 those 40+ quilts had better be gone!
My mom and sister have been great at picking up my slack in the samples department. My sister whipped up a great new apron for me over the weekend, and I have several new ornament kits and patterns that I need to add to the website. Pictures soon, I hope!
I also need to finish organizing my "12 Days of Christmas" at the store. Dec. 1-12, something new will be on special each day. Watch here for details as I figure them out. Nothing like waiting 'til the last minute!
Another reason I've been frantically quilting is that I've recently come to the crazy, psychotic, hair-brained idea that I should go back to LCSC and finish my degree. Yes, I've been a big, fat, quitter for 2 years, and it's high time I finished up. I 9 classes away from being a Business/Accounting know-it-all. When I mentioned my newest crazy idea to my mom, she promptly replied that I couldn't do it unless I was all caught up before school starts. That means by Jan. 12 those 40+ quilts had better be gone!
My mom and sister have been great at picking up my slack in the samples department. My sister whipped up a great new apron for me over the weekend, and I have several new ornament kits and patterns that I need to add to the website. Pictures soon, I hope!
I also need to finish organizing my "12 Days of Christmas" at the store. Dec. 1-12, something new will be on special each day. Watch here for details as I figure them out. Nothing like waiting 'til the last minute!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
New Market Stuff Just In
The shipments are starting to arrive on things I couldn't stuff into mine or my mom's suitcase from Market! Today I received my Patchabilities patterns, and I have finished uploading them to the website and created a new catagory just for them! The Patchabilities catagory holds the patterns I have so far, but there are sure to be more because I love their stuff! (There is an adorable Summer scene set that has a martini button that I must have before next Summer!) All of Patchability patterns have awesome buttons that make them unique, and buttons are included in each pattern! There is also a wire hanger from Ackfeld available for every pattern, which just finished them off beautifully. Their Advent Calendars are the best I've seen anywhere! As each season approaches, watch for new things to be added in this catagory.
Also arrived this week are Amma's Garden fabrics from G.E. Designs and Red Rooster Fabrics. The Poppy Garden quilt that coordinates with these fabrics is gorgeous, and waiting to be quilted at the shop right now!
New notions arrived this week as well, including the buttons for the Lackadaisical quilt. I know you're thinking that the kit price is high for this quilt, but trust me, the buttons are well worth it! They are fantastic, lending a unique effect to an otherwise super simple quilt.
I also have jelly thimbles from that I will be uploading as soon as I find or take a good picture.
Last, I now have mini irons and mini iron cooling bags. These are excellent for small project like the Patchabilities, or for applique. The cooling bag allows you to transport a hot iron to and from classes or other locations. The Patchabilities Christmas Bulbs kit includes a patch for the sole-plate of your mini-iron, making it non-stick. This allows you to iron on the fusible ribbon (for the bulb hooks) and any other fusible product, without it sticking to your iron and without using a pressing sheet!
For now, that's what's new. Watch for more, because that's not all I ordered!
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