New Days Ahead

I am sitting here at the computer, composing my last post for the shop blog. It is quite bittersweet for me.
Due to changes within our family makeup, I have had to make the decision to say good bye to Flying Geese and the wonderful quilting "family" I have had the great pleasure to become a part of. My years at the shop are among the happiest I've had. I loved learning to quilt, honing my skills and then finally being able to share that love with you-our customers. Teaching was a great thrill for me (once I got over my nerves), as was spending time with you when you needed help (urgh- quilt math!), exclaiming over your finished works of art, or just helping you in the planning stages. Each encounter with sister quilters was always special for me.

To Tara and the other shop employees, both past and present, thank you for letting me "do my thing". I hope I was able to bring just a little something extra to Flying Geese Fabrics.
I'll miss you all.

Our sisterhood of quilting is far reaching, so I am sure that I will see many of you time and again as we are out there searching for the perfect fabric, taking that one exciting class, joining a block of the month, or enjoying a local quilt show. I'm looking forward to the time when I can do more of that.

Keep stitching!
Karen

Design Star contest continues!

Noel Payton has completed her latest design challenge, "Daisy Makes Do," for McCall's magazine and voting has begun. To see her quilt and read about the inspiration that sparked her design I've included the link to Noel's blog. Unfortunately, blogger is not letting me link this morning, so you will have to cut and paste the following http into your broser. I will try to correct that this evening. Noel has also posted a link on her own blog to the McCall's web site to make voting even easier. You can vote daily between now and September 9. We wish Noel luck once again- her talents are boundless, and we are all very proud of her.
Karen

copy and past into your broser:

http://www.quiltingtales.blogspot.com

Have You Met Miss Ruby?

Better late than never! I am seriously delinquent in my posting, but my computer is finally back on line so all is well!

In the "more exciting news" category, we are so proud of Noel Payton, one of our talented teachers here at Flying Geese Fabrics. Noel has moved on to the second phase of McCall's Design Challenge. Her submission: Miss Ruby Takes A Walk is truly stunning. Ruby is currently hanging at the shop and many of you have already been in to meet her in person.
If you haven't seen this latest creation, do stop in- you surely will not be disappointed. Ruby's photos online do not do her justice. Stop by McCall's website to see all the submissions for this second round of voting. As of today, Miss Ruby is quilt #8 (the current set up will not allow me to link you directly to her page; when you reach the main page just click on "vote" and you will be taken to the contest quilts). I know Noel would appreciate your comments in the comment section, as well as your vote!
All of us here at Flying Geese are very excited by this journey (to get to McCall's contest page, just click on the highlighted words "Miss Ruby Takes A Walk" that appear above)

In other news, we still have openings in our summer class schedule. Do call the shop if you would like information on any of our upcoming classes. We have also met with our favorite fabric representatives and have some exciting collections as well as lots of pre-cuts set to arrive over the next couple of months. Christmas fabrics should also be arriving in the next month. Stay tuned for more information as Mr. Brown begins delivering those boxes to our door!

Post Shop Hop News and a Thank You

Another year of hopping is behind us, and it was wonderful to see so many happy, smiling faces. I hope everyone who participated in Shop Hop 2011 enjoyed traveling and seeing all we had to offer. Here at Flying Geese, we worked hard to bring you lots of eye candy (as well as the real stuff- candy that is!) and inspiration. For those of you who may not have been able to join in the 4 day event (and have not yet seen our new displays) here are just some of the highlights.

This year the participating shops had a calendar block designed for them. Finishers received the 12 month calendar as part of their finishing gift. Our design paid homage to fall with an appliqued windblown tree. I do believe there will be a limited number of calendars for sale after June 15th. Keep an eye on your upcoming emails.



Reproduction quilts in blue and white, or scrappy civil war inspired fabrics as well as a rustic cotton with wool applique quilt were among the favorites of many of our shoppers.




This small primitive pillow designed by Jan Patek is just one of three projects featured in the Premiere Issue of Primitive Quilts and Projects magazine. I have been calling it a "book-azine" as it has so many projects, each one loudly whispering my name! We sold out of our first shipment quickly and had a second shipment sent asap. We still have a few of these copies left in shop.



A trunk show from Berkshire Quilts graced several of our walls. Patterns for these quilts are available at the shop.



You will also notice some of Cheryl Bloomer's appliqued door hangers. We seem to be covering all the seasons with these. Cheryl used raw edge applique and if you haven't taken a class with her, do put it on your bucket list. We also featured several table runners. Maple leaves, and a fun turkey to grace the fall table were made using the easy Flying Geese Ruler. The lovely collection Dominique II makes a bold statement with its deep colorway.



I did have a photo of our display of blooms and pinwheels, featuring projects from the latest Art to Heart book and patterns by Eleanor Burns.
Unfortunately, my computer refuses to access it! Hopefully it will reappear and I can show it off in my next posting. Better yet, stop by and see it for yourself! On a gloomy day, the colorful renderings perk up the mood.

We also want to extend a huge thank you to all who brought in non-perishables for the food pantry. As a result of your generosity, we were able to make a sizable donation to the Capital District Food Pantry. Your thoughtfulness will help those who have fallen on hard times and are grateful for your helping hands.

In more news, our door prize winners were Mary Van Patten, Maureen Mouso, Cathy Sontongel and Katy Holtslander. Congratulations to all. We hope each of you enjoy your "basket of goodies". Holly Darfler was the winner of the "Quilt in a Jar." Holly's guess of 654 pieces of fabric came closest to the actual number--656. Great guess, Holly! The grand prize winner will be announced after the post-Shop Hop meeting in mid-June. Good luck to all the finishers. I'll be sure to make the announcement here on the blog when we find out ourselves.

We are also very pleased to announce that Noel Payton's quilt Jack's Wild Ride made it through Round One of the Design Star contest; she will soon be designing the second round quilt. As of last Wednesday, she had no idea as to what it would be and was anxiously waiting for her "assignment" from McCall's magazine. Thank you to all who voted for Jack. We will keep you informed on Noel's journey to becoming the next quilt design star. She is already one of ours!

As this post comes to an end, I would also like to mention how great it was having Jean Tobey back at Flying Geese during her visit in New York. Jean pitched in like old times and it was great to catch up. It's been awhile since many of us have seen Jean.
I know she was happy to see some of the customers she remembered from her days as a Goose, and I'm sure they were happy to catch up with Jean as well. Come back soon, Jean! It was such fun having you here.

May you enjoy your Memorial Day weekend. Take time to relax, share a picnic or BBQ with family/friends, and to remember those who give in service to our Country.
Take a few stitches, perhaps, and we will look forward to seeing you soon at the shop.

Karen

Quilt Design Star Contest

McCall's quilting magazine is holding a contest to find the next design star. We here at Flying Geese know that we've already found ours! Those of you who have had the pleasure of taking a class with Noel Payton, or who have laughed and worked along with her at the Farmer's Wife Club know what a talented teacher, quilter and all around wonderful person she is. Noel's Halloween inspired wallhanging, Jack's Wild Ride, has been submitted for entry into this contest, and you can see her piece (if you didn't have the chance to see it when it was hanging in the shop) and voting for her by going to McCall's contest website. You can go directly to "Jack" by clicking this link. Votes can be made each and every day up to May 19th. Visit and vote often. We'd love to have one of our own travel up the quilt ladder to become the design star we already know she is! Good luck, Noel, and remember, no matter what- you are my favorite design star, and I know many of our customers feel the same way.

Got Batiks?

Kathy and Pat have been busy creating with Batiks. We've gotten in several fabulous new batiks and are trying to stay ahead of the game with our Bali Pops. These precut strips of batik are luscious with names to match: Hawaiian Sunset, Cappuccino, Mango....can you just picture the colors in your head?
Pat used a Me and My Sister Designs pattern called Jelly Sandwich (can we all say Grape!) and Kathy has chosen two projects from the book Scrap Basket Sensations which we have on order and should be in stock soon. If you love Batiks (and I think I may become a convert) make sure to come in soon for best selection. Enjoy the little show:

Jelly Sandwich (pieced by Pat Cunningham)




Story Teller (pieced by Kathy Burke)




Snails Trail (from Scrap Basket Sensations, pieced by Kathy Burke)





Another Scrap Basket Sensation pieced by Kathy Burke:






Happy Stitching,
Karen

Sewing at Flying Geese Fabrics

With the winter storms behind us (did I hear correctly?? 75* predicted for Monday?) our monthly clubs are getting back on track. Pat Cunningham and her Blackbird Applique Club were happy to get back to business last month and continue on with their projects. Here are just a few photos from the February meeting, with permission of the gang!

Rachel working hard on her applique. It really IS fun, really!!



Ellen's work is progressing:



Anne?? Is that you behind this beauty??



If you are interested in joining the Blackbird Applique club, or any of the current clubs here at Flying Geese, call the shop for more information. We have limited space in our Little Quilts Club, and will be revamping the currently running Farmer's Wife Club- stay tuned for news as this club returns with a new focus.
Karen