Trees

Trees
I think that I shall never see
A poem as lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the earth's sweet flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in Summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.


What ever your symbol be for celebrating these very special seasons, may all your stars shine bright and long.

Dancing With The Stars

Well it is over for 2010 Saturday Sampler. If anyone still has not picked up their December blocks, we will have them available until Jan 1st. After that they will go into the extra block basket and are available for sale for $5.00 each. It was really nice to see so many of you today and I appreciated all the nice compliments you gave us on this past year's Saturday Sampler. Many of you bought extra blocks and fabrics to make your quilts bigger or to make another quilt. I consider that the best compliment. Thank you. We still have yardage of the black and whites and yardage of the purple accent fabric along with the jet black. It won't last long, so if you are planning on needing more, now would be the time to get it.
Again thank you and hope to see you all next year....it is a much different quilt. Very traditional red and white school house quilt...or blue and white...your choice.
Happy Stitching and goodnight,
Mardi

Don't Postpone Joy

Crossing the Finish Line

Goodevening friends,
Well, we finally did it!! Saturday Sampler 2010 is hanging and all the finishing kits are done and packaged and waiting for Thursday and Saturday to be distributed to their owners. If you purchased a finishing kit with accent fabric, the final cost to you is $25.00 plus tax. For those who purchased the finishing kit without accent fabric, your cost is $7.50 plus tax. For all of you who participated in the year long program, there is a finishing pattern for each of you. Also, all black and white fabric, black fabric, scrap kits, and extra block kits, and even some finished blocks that we didn't use that are left over will be for sale starting Thursday. There is plenty left so if you want to increase the size of your quilt, hurry in to pick up some of these goodies. The quilt finished at 64" X 84". It is a striking piece and sure to please anyone for whom you make it. Doors open at
10am on Thursday til 8pm and Saturday we open at 9am.

See you then,
Mardi

December

This very night, while you lie quietly in your bed, open your eyes. Now, look out your window! For even at this yawning hour, so many of your friends are working to keep the world magical.
Yes they are the ones who make new stars and put them up. The ones who light and keep stars burning.
The ones who keep the moon company, feeding him when he's too thin and watching his diet when he's too full.
The ones who keep the sky and the horizon tightly fastened to each other. The ones who make sure that the night is kept buttoned-up against the cold.
And do you know what else is happening? Yes, even now some of your friends are busy making sure that all is ready for morning...
They are the ones weaving the meadows and telling trees where to stand. The ones putting fruit back on the branches. The ones painting feathers on birds and designs on the wings of butterflies.
The ones practicing the great rainbow balancing act.
The ones collecting yesterdays' raindrops, mending old clouds, and delivering newly stuffed ones.
And yes, all day tomorrow your friends will be at work (behind the scenes, of course)...
They are the ones who will raise the sun into place.
The ones who will load up the night and bring it back to storage.
The ones who will give the wind directions, fly the clouds, and tell the rain where to fall.
The ones who will make changes in the weather and decide the season.
The ones who will make sure that the sun gets down safely.
Now, while you sleep tonight...
imagine what you most would like to do to help keep the world magical?
For you know that one of these nights your friends are going to tap on your window and invite you to become one of the
Caretakers of Wonder.
As this season of hope and wonder begin, let us take steps to insure that magic and imagination grow stronger in everyone. Let us become a Caretaker of Wonder. It's a journey you will keep with you all your lives. You have the opportunity to pass it on and watch it continue growing stronger in each child that blesses your life.

I would love to take credit for all these words, but the magic was passed to me through the book "Caretakers of Wonder" by Cooper Edens. It is still available along with other books of his that embrace the "magic" that we mustn't lose. Children will always be magic and have magic. We as adults must never forget the lessons of "magic"...the lessons of love for everyone and everything.
Remember...the child is in us "still" and sometimes not so "still".

At the shop:

This is the beginning of the "official" Christmas season and we are celebrating at the shop with a new promotional sale on selected kits. All selected kits will be 40% off regular prices starting December 1st through December 14th. There are a lot of kits available that will make up fast for holiday gifts or just give a kit to a quilter you know...they will love that.
Also this week ends our 2010 Saturday Sampler quilt project "Dancing with the Stars".
It has been a great success and we want to thank all of you for your participation.
All extra fabrics on bolts and scrap bags,$5 each, and extra blocks, $5 each, will be available to the public on Thursday, December 2nd. No reservations will be taken for these products. It is strictly a "first come, first serve" policy.
Signing up for next year's Saturday Sampler Project will start on Thursday, Dec. 2nd.

We do have holiday related kits and fabrics that are new to the store and ready to be scooped up by you.


See you at the shop,

With needle and thread,
Mardi

Traditions

Good morning friends,
Well here we are again in the sweep of the seasons. Traditional giving started last week with the celebration of Thanksgiving and now we are gathering again to celebrate the beautiful seasons of love and life being renewed. Some will rush to the last minute to get that very special gift for someone. Some will share their homes for the holidays. Some will travel far and some will snuggle down to the warmth of family gathered around. Some will have nothing and some do not even know what a holiday season is. Some will be far away defending a world foreign to them and to you and me, but part of our lives nonetheless. Let's take a moment and think about what the holidays mean to each one of us. I think many of us will be surprised with our own answers. So love the holidays in your own special way and let us all make an effort to spread that happiness with just one person we don't know, or do know that will find a celebration this year because of you.

We celebrate here at the Flying Geese each and everyday. We love our customers and are always excited to share with them what is going on at the shop.

Pat will be in the shop all weekend long. She has graciously and generously given the rest of the staff the weekend off. Thank you Pat. She will have a guest elf helper on Saturday...someone you will recognize...no not Santa...better.

Remember we are open on Sunday every week and welcome weekend shoppers with open doors.

Something we wanted to mention: Do you need a space to work on your project for a couple of hours, but can't find it. Call us we have empty tables for your use. Stop or call to see if the tables are being used and if they are open you can reserve them for a minimum fee. Sometimes we just need that outside of home place to go and get things done. Let us help you. I have to tell you all, I tried to sew at home this week and it did not happen, so I am going in to the shop on Sunday myself to sew. Come on down and join me. There is room for about 5-7 people.

Have a wonderful day everyone. May peace wrap gently around you this season and let love grow in all our hearts.

Little Quilts Club

Our sold out Little Quilts Club is off to a flying start! The October meeting saw seven eager quilters ready to get to work making a little square in a square quilt! Fun and friendship were the buzz words for the evening. Last week we held our second meeting,and the project was a bit harder- lots of little pieces, but our group worked hard and many tops were just about finished by the end of the evening! Good work, ladies. We did miss several members who had conflicts that evening. Hopefully we'll all be together again come January. Enjoy the following photos, I know our gals are looking forward to being blog stars!
Wishing all our customers a very Happy Thanksgiving.....
Karen



The girls hard at work, sewing, pressing, designing!



Mary Ellen's project in progress




this one belongs to Anne




Showing off last month's project (from left to right): Susan, Anne, Mary Ellen, Ellen and Marlene (kneeling). Missing from photo: Lori, Noel, Priscilla and Jennette

A New Week at the Flying Geese

Goodevening everyone,
Today ended the Shop Hop Bag sale and I hope you all enjoyed the shopping and the savings. Well, you can continue to save starting tomorrow with our Fat Quarter Bundles Sale. Buy a bundle and get the second one for half price. Not a bad deal at all.
Christmas is coming and we have just received 15 bolts of Stoff's beautiful holiday fabrics. If you like metallics, you'll love this collection. Do you remember Pat's beautiful snowy white Christmas quilt from last year? Frosted Memories? The one that had the small 3" panel squares scattered throughout the frosted white companion prints? Well our new collection will allow you to make a different take on this same pattern. Beautiful and traditional in appearance last year's gives way to a elegant European flavor of the holidays this year. You must stop in and see for yourselves. This collection won't last long...and when it's gone....it's gone.

Classes for the Fall session are coming to a close in the next few weeks, but we still have a few opening left in the classes coming up.

Linda Denner's Beyond Beginner's Machine Quilting has a few openings for her Dec.4th class. You all know Linda's classes fill fast and there is always a waiting list, so if you have thought about reaching beyond beginners, now is the time. Give yourself that little extra holiday spirit and put a bit of "dazzle" in your holiday gift quilts.

Linda Bennett's Storm At Sea has a second date added for Dec. 12th. This class has 2 opening left. It's a big hit and won't be back around for a while, so if you liked the sample and you like Linda's teaching, call and sign up tomorrow...better yet stop and and take a peek at the class. Linda will be teaching this class tomorrow too.

OOPS!! Saturday Sampler Goof in November

Hi everybody,
Well it was a great Saturday at the shop and thank you all for stopping by for Saturday Sampler and the Shop Hop Bag Sale. The sale will continue through next Saturday.
There is a error in fabric contents in some of the SS kits.
You should have (4) approximately 3 1/2" x 13" black and white strips. Some of the kits only have one. If you have one of these kits, please come in and pick up your extra three strips any time. Sorry, for the error. I hope you weren't too inconvenienced by my mistake.
Kathy is aware of the problem and will take care of you on Monday. I will be in the shop on Sunday and you can stop by tomorrow if you want too.

New things at the shop:

We a have great selection of charms packs and layer cakes that just arrive this past week along with many new patterns and new books. They are just waiting for you to pick them up and take them home.

Again, thanks for understanding my error and have a safe and happy week.
Mardi

Hello again!!

Hi Everybody,
Sorry for the lapse in blogging. My computer crashed and I am literally on borrowed time! So before the computer police find me sneaking on their computer, haha, let me update you with a few things from the shop.
Classes coming up this week of Nov.1 thru the 14th.

Friday, Nov. 5 we have our Garden Skirt class at two different times. 10 to 1 or 6 to 9 in the evening. The cost is $35.00 and Mardi will teach the classes.



Saturday, Nov. 6 is Saturday Sampler at 9am.

Thursday, Nov. 11 Cheryl's Raw Edge Applique Poinsettia class at 6:30 to 9:30pm. The cost is $35.00 and kits are available.



Friday, Nov. 12th The Sophia Tote/cinch bag will be an all day class from 10 to 4. The cost is $50.00 and kits are still available. Mardi will teach this class. Go home with a completed project.



Sales at the Shop in NOVEMBER:

From Nov. 1st to Nov. 5th all books will be 30% off.
From Nov. 6th to Nov. 13th is the Shop Hop Bag Sale
From Nov. 14th to Nov. 30 our fat quarter bundle sale will be offered.

See you at the shop and hope to be back blogging by the weekend.
Mardi

Thanks Karen!!

Hi Everybody,
Now you can see all the wonderful things I have been writing about. Pictures, pictures....nothing says it like pictures. Okay, they also can be a little deceiving. Take that For Beginners Only quilt picture.....just not a photogenic quilt. Kind of like it's maker, me. Not so pretty in pictures, but what a "beauty" when I, it, gets all made up. Pretty in Person...that's what I will call it.

Don't miss your chance to get into Karen's "Little Quilts" Club. Remember that old saying, "So many quilts, so little time"? Well, here is your opportunity to do whole quilts in a little time. Each month Karen will provide you with another fun pattern and kit to work on and they will all be "do-ables" in just a little bit of time. You can find a little bit of time, right? Come in, sit with us and stitch a little quilt up before you know it. See the pictures in the last blog spot...beautiful. The first quilt she will present is a sweet little beauty. You won't want to miss it. Come in or call and register. See you all there.

Autumn Days and "Spooky" Nights

October 20th already! What is Mother Nature thinking? Doesn't she know we need more than 66 days left til Christmas to get our gift giving completed? What? What was that I just wrote? Sixty six, 66, days and nights left until Christmas? Yes that's right, but remember gift giving isn't always wrapped in pretty paper and ribbons. So many of us give our hearts to the ones we love and care for, and that is always enough. But on the other hand, we sure love making the gifts we give, so let's get going.
It's Wednesday morning and I am up early in the little Hamlet of Hoosick where I grew up and raised my family. Home sweet home, and it is to me. But enough of that.
I have two long days and nights to sew, sew and sew. No one here but me and Mom's dog, Sassy. It's 8AM and already I have been in the forest of "Silver Trees". Many of you may know that is the BOM I have been working on for quite a long time. It is progressing nicely now, and will be ready for all of you soon. I am going to put up bits and pieces around the shop while I get the whole quilt done. It will be fun, kind of like a scavenger hunt.
Now to what is going on at the shop!
There are still many classes with a few spots available for the taking. We reconfigured the class area so more people can fit in each class. Got a friend, there's room.
This weekend is our popular "For Beginners Only" class. That is full to the brim, but I would gladly arrange another date for anyone who is still interested.

Sunday, October 31st is the Just Too Easy strip tubing class with Linda Bennett. In the previous posts you may have read how much fun everyone had at Linda's debut. There are a few spots left in that class if you're interested. The sample is the quilt hanging behind the cash out area.

I have a fun and easy skirt class coming up if you are looking for a great gift for your best girlfriend or yourself. You can make it in cottons, homespun or flannels and you will love every version. I wear my cotton ones all year round....long johns fit nicely under this comfy, cozy skirt. There are two session available on Friday, November 5th. The morning session is 10AM to 1PM and the evening session is 6PM to 9PM. You have a choice. This is a pattern you will use over and over again because you adjust and truly make it fit anyone.

If you like tote bags for yourself or as gifts, we have too very nice classes. Our Mini Miranda Bag in Textures is a beautiful and elegant small tote perfect for the holidays. No quilting here, the fabrics include a brocaded velvet and pure black wool. Simple and easy....finished in class.

Our other class is called the Sophia Bag or "It's a Cinch" and it is. This bag is wonderfully deceiving because it doesn't look huge and bulky. It has an interesting closure that makes getting in and out of it a cinch. Also, it opens up into a "great" big space with a "great" big pocket. Made with the knitter, quilter and other artist in mind, it is the perfect gift for your talented friends.

Kits are available for most of our class projects. We also have many "gift" oriented kits in the shop just waiting for the "Santa" in you to stop by.
See you soon,

Back to the forest,
Mardi

Sunday, Sunday oh what fun it is to join in a quilting class today

Well we had a great class today and everyone stitched away strip after strip. Beautiful quilts were being created as old friends gathered once again and new friends were made. We had an ocean full of beautiful color swimming on our class room tables and even the scraps on floor looked pretty in different shapes and sizes. In the end all went home with blocks ready to easily piece into a lovely quilt. Linda Bennett's debut was a huge success. If you're reading this Linda, thank you. The laughter and joy was so contagious we can't wait until your next class.
You make "school" fun...and everyone learned a lot. Thanks again.

We have great new kits for easy 2 hour table runners in Holiday and Autumn color ways. They are going out the door faster than I can put them together.
New clubs are starting soon. Karen is doing her "Small Quilts" club starting the end of October. Call or stop in to check out the details and reserve your spot for this "girls night" of precious little projects.



Pat is working on a Black Bird Designs applique club project and you can get all that information by calling or coming in too.
BOM updates: Some of our BOMs are coming to a close in the next few months, but never fear we always have something brewing. Starting this month you may have already heard of and seen Karen's beautiful Juniper and Mistletoe, Festival of Trees in Wool. It's gorgeous. Wool applique is so elegant and easy to do. There are limited numbers of spaces available. Be sure to get your name on this one. You will be sorry you missed it if you wait too long.





Pat is also doing a hand applique beauty that will start up soon. It's cameo blocks of flowers done in an antique tone of neutrals. Charmingly different with the flavor of nostalgia. Again the spaces are limited; you'll want to put your reservation in today. Kathy is working on a sweet seasonally themed BOM that will start the beginning of next year. It will give you a taste of each month in easy to do blocks that can be hung individually or maybe assembled all together as a quilt in the end. Very sweet and homey. And finally, Silver Trees will begin Jan/Feb of 2011. Many of you have been patiently waiting for me to get this forest growing. Well, the seeds have been planted and the trees are growing finally. Thank you for waiting, I think it will be worth it.

And just a reminder: If you would like us to do a class that we don't currently have listed, or a class of a project you'd like to do, we will gladly accommodate your request when you have a group of 4 or more. You name the class, the day and time convenient for you and your friends and we will create the class.

Just In Time for "It's Too Easy" with Linda Bennett

Tomorrow, Sunday October 17th, Linda Bennett will debut here at the Flying Geese with her "It's Too Easy" Cozy Quilt class. We are all pleased to have her as part of our teaching staff and hope you will all join us to make her feel welcome. Linda has several more classes scheduled in the upcoming weeks and months, so if you missed this one, stop in and see her samples and get in to one or more of her great classes.

Settle In Sunday....a great way to relax and enjoy the end of a weekend!

We will be open at ten tomorrow for class, but if you're just shopping, our doors are open from eleven to four.

"INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES OF THIS WEEK"

from the book, "A Creative Companion How To Free Your Creative Spirit" by Sark

HOW TO BE REALLY ALIVE!
Live juicy. Stamp out conformity. Stay in bed all day. Dream of Gypsy wagons.
Find snails making love. Develop an astounding appetite for books. Drink sunsets. Draw out your feelings. Amaze yourself. Be ridiculous. Stop worrying. Now. If not now, then when? Make yes your favorite word. Marry yourself. Dry your clothes in the sun. Eat mangoes naked. Keep toys in the bathtub. Spin yourself dizzy. Hang upside down. Follow a child. Celebrate an old person. Send a love letter to yourself. Be advanced. Try endearing. Invent new ways to love. Transform negatives. Delight someone. Wear pajamas to a drive in movie. Allow yourself to feel rich without money. Be who you truly are and the money will follow. Believe in everything. You are always on your way to a miracle...........
THE MIRACLE IS YOU.

This is just a bunch of words that always make me smile. Hope they do it for you too.

Keeping in stitches the best way we know how, quilting!
Mardi

Octoberfest as the Geese Fly

Good morning to all of you. Hope you're enjoying the change of season and getting the itch to stitch. We are happy to help you satisfy your yearning to nest and build a project to warm your way into a holiday season.

There are several new classes added to the original fall list and you should have received them in your e-mails. Karen and I will be posting pictures and further descriptions of each upcoming class to the blog very soon. Please stay tuned.

I am off to the shop this morning to teach "Stars On Point" by Whistlepig designs. Stop in and check us out along with the new samples of the added classes.

We could wish the rainy day away, but if I am on the same page as the rest of the quilting world, a rainy day is a gift......a quilting day...hurrah! Enjoy!
Mardi

Autumn Crisp is in the Air

Autumn Crisp is in the Air and the smells of soup and apple pie stir our deepest connections to this time of year.
What are we all doing here on our computers when we should be dabbling in the magic of this enchanting season. Gather your friends and fibers and connect with us to create warm and wonderful gifts for the upcoming holiday seasons.
We will be whipping up a whirlwind of excitement for you with our charming Christmas projects. Make a quilt from any of our wonderful kits and join us for classes to learn new techniques and find out about all the new things out there in the "amazing world of quilting".
We have new classes to add to our original Fall listing and I will post that with pictures on October 20th. The samples and kits are already in the shop, so if you can't wait, and I hope you can't, stop by, visit and pick up a kit or two and start your creative engines.
Well, til we meet again dear friends,
Mardi

October Happenings

Tonight it was truly a witches gathering as the students in Cheryl's "The Witch Is In" class brought to life one of our favorite wall/door quilts. Everyone had a great time as we stitched and laughed and shared stories about our quilting endeavors. A new quilter was born tonight and we were thrilled to share in her delight as she sewed her "Linda" into an enchanting little quilt. She's hooked and happy and so are we.

Again I want to remind everyone that this weekend is the QUILTS guild show at Proctor's and it promises to be a wonderful time. Please stop in and check out all the quilts on display and enjoy shopping at the vendor booths. We will be there represented by Pat Cunningham, who by the way has several beautiful quilts on display, and Mary Ellen Tardiff, our good friend Joanne Depeaux. Sunday you will be happy to have Pat along with Kathy Burke greeting the visitors. The shop will still be open with the remaining geese ready to help you with all your quilting needs.

At the shop we are previewing Karen's wool BOM, Juniper and Mistletoe. It is beautiful and Karen has outdone herself once again. Be sure to stop in and check it out. There are a limited number of spaces and they will fill fast. So, if you like wool...you'll love this charmer.

We have an assortment of project for the Halloween/Fall season. Some we have done as classes and kits. Kits are available for all.

Holidays are happening here and now. Come celebrate with us.

Mardi

This Saturday is Saturday Sampler day so our doors open at 9am. And don't forget, we are now open on Sundays, 11-4.

Falling into Autumn

Hello everyone,

Autumn has arrived and it is gathering us together once again with connecting threads. The thought of comfy cozy quilts dressing our beds and lounging on our favorite chair stirs up the need to bring the best in life together again...family, fabric and friends. Join us as we bring in the harvest and share the wealth this season has to offer.

We here at the Flying Geese feel those urges too. Though most geese migrate and head for warmer weather, we are filling up the store with new projects and fabrics to comfort you through the long winter months.

Holidays are coming and we have an array of quilts and gift item kits and classes that you will want to scoop up and start your gift making season.

Stop by and see the wonderful new layout at the store and all our beautiful new quilts, kits and gifts. We look forward to your next visit.

Fall into Quilting with us,
Mardi

A Tour of Flying Geese Fabrics

As you all know, flying Geese underwent a good spring spruce up. As of Friday March 26th, we re-opened for business with an entirely new look! Join with me in taking a virtual tour of our new layout:

Entering the front door, you are greeted by a spring garden fabric display.
As you look into the shop just a few feet more, you will find the cutting station arranged at "shop center".


To the left is the new check out area with plenty of wall space to feature our many quilts both large and small.




To the right of the front door is our re-vamped Reproduction Fabrics center. We have wonderful reproduction fabrics, books and patterns to inspire those who enjoy making new "old quilts".



Our Fat Quarter rack is filled and ready for the picking, and from this point on, you will see little niches for quiet contemplation and also a "sea" of fabrics!






Our classroom remains in the same area, and will undergo some minor changes as we go along. The addition of comfy cushions to the classroom chairs is just our first improvement! Small fabric racks hold our collection of flannels as well as gold and orange florals. The wool center occupies the end space.



The area that once featured our collection of batiks is now home to our baby/juvenile and novelty prints. More quilts grace the walls and floor space here.




Across the way is the newly organized notions wall! Everything has a place and you will find it much easier to find that needed ruler, marking aide, thread, pins, or the all important package of thangles.



I can only give you a small glimpse in this post;try to make a point of stopping in for the complete tour,and to see all the changes for yourself! Our updated class list is ready- you can sign up for a class, find inspiration in the quilts hanging through out the shop and see our newest line of kits. We'd love to have you just stop by to say hello! Feed back on the changes has been wonderful. We are glad to hear that all the hard work put forth by those who helped in the shop transformation created a shop that gives our customers a warm and happy feeling! We hope to see you all very soon!