Loose Ends Make Me Crazy(er)

I'm having a hard time maintaining a good attitude this week, due to feeling overwhelmed in several areas that are making me crazy, in turn making it hard to concentrate and get anything done!

The "Quilt Shop on a Budget" project is getting worse before it gets better. The bathroom is completely destroyed right now, the electrical bid is down right scary, and my poor husband is working himself to death on it every night.

I got swamped this week with quilts from people who didn't realize August is in two weeks. You want that done---WHEN?????!!!!!

The boat is still in the shop. I called Tuesday to check on it and the repairman very nonchalantly told me they hadn't received the prop back yet and wouldn't do the rest until it arrived. "Will it be done by the weekend?" I asked. He gave a noncommittal answer. I wanted to scream into the phone, "Do you realize it's already Tuesday, we already missed one weekend on the lake, and if we miss another and have to stay home and work on the rental house all weekend we'll probably kill each other??!!" Instead, I very politely told him that I'd "wait to hear."

The Snow Wonderland fabric I requested over a month ago is still MIA. I called on it Tuesday, too. The woman said "Oh yes, I've got that all packaged up for you, but it says you don't want it until August."
"What?! I requested it to ship immediately over a month ago!"
"I'm sorry, do you know who you talked to?" was her response.
I wanted to scream into the phone, "You, I talked to YOU! Are you stupid? I've been patiently waiting all this time while my fabric sits in your warehouse because you didn't listen the first time I called????!!!!" Instead, I politely but firmly told her I want that fabric ASAP!

I've spent the last 2 weeks of Tuesday and Thursday evenings watching my youngest 2 kids "play t-ball." Let's be clear, when I say "play t-ball," I mean play around, fill your glove with dirt, throw it in the air, stand motionless and watch as the entire crowd screams at you to "throw to first" while the ball rolls between your legs, run from home to third after batting, then get in the car to go home and fight with your siblings the entire way because you're exhausted. Phew, only 2 games left!

This Saturday is my grandparents' family reunion/anniversary party. I love my grandparents, but I generally avoid parties. I'm really bad at being social, just ask Monte who's the exact opposite. Plus, that pile of quilts will be whispering in my ear all day, "finish me, finish me, finish me...."

I keep telling myself this feeling of being overwhelmed will pass. But when? I'm ready for a change, quick!

Fall Brings Higher Prices

I just found out today that Moda fabric prices will go up, beginning in November 2008. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but prices for Moda fabrics will probably be $8.99 in my store, and likely more than that in many other places. I knew it was probably coming, but it makes me sad to have to raise prices.
Jelly rolls, layer cakes, and charm packs will also be going up. Jelly rolls and layer cakes shipped Nov. and later will sell for $35.00.
On a happy note, the Bistro and Civil War prints will remain at $8.75/yd because they are releasing in September!

My Older Sister

Did you know I have an older sister? Neither did I, until now!

If you read my blog often, you already know that possibly my least favorite question in the world is "How Old Are You?" Well, now I have some company, because I'm pretty sure it's now my sister's least favorite question too!

Last night we were both at a house warming party. My sister recently moved back into the area, so a lot of people don't know her yet, and most of them didn't know I have a sister. It seems that the question du jour last night was "How old are you?"

To be more specific, "So you're Mindi's older sister?"

My sister happens to be 3 years younger than I am. Ha, Ha, Ha. Need I say more?

Hey sis, I'll give you my baby face, but you have to take The Hair with it!

Moda U Fall 2008

Last month, at the Moda U meeting, I was disorganized (I know, what's new, right?) and didn't have all the info on the new project for Moda U. In an effort to redeem myself, here is what I have so far.

Beginning in September, Moda University will feature an article each month written by Barbara Brackman. The article will describe a featured block and its signifigance to the Civil War. We get to learn our history with our quilting! At the end of a year, the featured blocks will be combined into a block of the month quilt. Tentative pricing on the block of the month will be between $8 and $10 per month, depending on final costs of the finishing kit which I will figure out before September's Moda U meeting.

The finished quilt will be about 76x89, but could easily be larger with an added border or two. Moda has sent out a picture of their sample quilt, which I have to say I HATE! It is ugly, for lack of a better description. I'm not sure why they chose the fabrics they did for their finishing, but it's a disaster. Here, see for yourself!

Sorry, Moda, but I hate, hate, hate your fabric choices.

Barbara Brackman has a brand new Civil War Reproduction line releasing in September, and I will have all 40 bolts in shop! My kits for the block of the month will include fabrics from Barbara's new line, and as soon as I have my sample ready I will post a picture of what I think this quilt should look like! I'm excited about the fluidity of the new project, with the historical quality, the coordinating newsletters, and the fabrics. With a few different fabrics (OK, with ALL different fabrics) this will be a stunning project as well as a chance to learn some of our quilting heritage.

I will be offering the block of the month program online as well. If you are interested, watch for more info here and on my website, The Crazy Quilter, as soon as the program is posted.

Look What Came Today!

You might remember a certain couple of very rude sales men? Well, guess what arrived today?!

Tracks Along the Trail Flannels by Debbie Fields of Granola Girl Designs!

The salesmen made a mistake and didn't order the correct coordinating panel, which is of course on backorder now. I'm trying really hard not to be bitter. The line is gorgeous regardless!

Crazy 8 Shop Run

The Crazy 8 Shop Run is a fun filled poker style shop hop. Collect a poker card at each of the 12 participating shops for your chance to win great prizes, including $300 in gift certificates, a quilt rack, a design wall, an Oliso iron, and more!

The shop run follows a figure 8 loop, running between Pomeroy, WA, through Moscow, ID, Palouse, WA, Deary, ID, Grangeville, ID, Orofino, ID, Lewiston, ID, and more! 12 shops in all, 3 days of fun!

Friday, August 8 and Sat. August 9, 9am-6pm
Sunday, August 10 12-5pm.

If you would like more info on this Run, please email me or call the quilt shop.

Tent Camping was a Bust!

Yep, it sure was. All in all, not a great weekend. I guess we're not very good holiday campers, because between the incredibly rude people who stole our camping stop, the heavy boat traffic, and the booze hounds, we would have rather stayed home! Add the grand finale of a broken boat prop, and I can think of much better things we could have done this weekend. Anybody have a quilt they want quilted, a REALLY BIG quilt? Because I have a boat to repair.

Thankfully, we did find a camping spot, and we did have a good laugh watching the people across the lake get busted for lighting fireworks. Thanks to a noisy animal of unknown species, I ended up cuddling with a scared Kylee while Monte wrapped up in the Disney Princess sleeping bag. Here's a pic of the kids collecting firewood. A fun "game" until Kylee grabbed a stick out of the center of a red ant nest and proceeding to scream in terror because one ant was crawling on her.

Back to work we go. The boat's off to the repair shop, the kids are starting T-ball, and the quilt machine is smoking once again. Plus, I have a super duper, extra humongous, gigantic project that starts next weekend. Stay tuned for the details!