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

Spring has Sprung at Flying Geese

What a joy it was to return to the shop yesterday after what seemed like a very long leave (thanks to all who stopped by to welcome me back- you truly made me feel special). Our displays were certainly warmer than the first of April weather outside. We are bathed in spring-like inspiration within our four walls. Cheryl has done it again with a lovely spring bouquet of one of my favorite porch flowers, the geranium!



It is easy to see why her raw edge applique classes fill so quickly.

This little display reminded me of the Mary Englebrite saying: Bloom Where You Are Planted. It would be a sweet gift or addition to your own home.



For those of you who love what Moda Fabrics does with their precuts, we have a display that just screams spring, and lots of new Schnibbles patterns to use in a must-do project. Come in soon for best selection, they are selling out quickly.



For the bag/purse lover, we have an impressive display of bags with patterns/kits by the newest member of the Flying Geese Teaching Staff, Jessica VanDenburgh:



There are new batiks for large or small projects (such as this table runner):



For the scrap quilt fanatic (you know who you are!) we have just the book for you...Scrapbasket Surprises is one page after another of fabulous quilts to make with fabric strips or scraps. I have owned this book for awhile now, and am making myself sit on the urge to start "just one more project". I know...I know....but really, just look at this graphic black and cream quilt. I'm going to keep my copy hidden in the bookcase for now, even if the projects are quick and simple (with great instructions!).



We are also featuring quilts and patterns by Kate Mitchell of Berkshire Quilts. Here are just two of the quilts we have hanging on the walls:






I hope I've peeked your curiosity a bit in this post. Come in, feel the spring inspiration and pick up a little something to boost your own quilting urge. Inquire about our class openings, or sign up for one of our Blocks of the Month (there are still some available spots). We are here to answer your questions, bring you inspiration or just chat awhile about what you might have in mind to do in the future.
Here's to seeing you soon--
Karen

Have Your Caught Red and White Fever?

Two color quilts have long been a favorite of many quilters, and the end of March saw a gift to the quilting world at large and on a smaller scale- to the city of New York.
The American Folk Art museum presented "Infinite Variety- Three Centuries of Red and White Quilts. For four days the red and white quilts amassed by Joanna S. Rose were hung in the Park Avenue Armory in New York City. A total of 650! Yes! 650 red and white quilts. It was an amazing display. It is also fitting that we here at Flying Geese are offering our Saturday Sampler customers their own two color quilt project. Whether they chose red and white, or another very classic combination of blue and white, our Cobblestone Cabins will be a piece to be proud of in their own collection. Just look at this antique house and church quilt! The power of two colors!



The center piece of the exhibit truly gave me a chill. I was proud to call myself a quilter and be a part of something that is deep rooted in our country. This display, representing the quilter made me think of the joy I find in the small quilt groups I belong to. Be it a guild, a "friendship group", or a class/club here at the shop, quilting with others brings us closer to our joy in the process we so love.




An amazing gift, an amazing site to see!



Did anyone else get to travel to New York to share in this experience? For those who were not able to do so- I hope this short video taken on the last day of the exhibit makes you feel like you were there - at least just a little!

The Folk Art Museum is celebrating The Year of the Quilt. Here is the link for the museum, just in case you feel the need for a quilt fix- in any color!
I seem to be in a video mood this morning so will share this one on the museum's year long Masterworks Exhibit as well.


In my next post, I'll take you on a spring time tour of the shop. You can stay close to home and get a quilting fix just by stopping by to see what is new!
Until then, happy stitching.
Karen
(Note: to see any of the above videos, simply click on the light gray word(s). You will be taken directly to the video. To return to this post, simply hit your browser's back button)

April

Well hello everyone, happy April.

Spring is here and it is a time of renewal for everything. A lesson was learned over these last few months by myself and many others. There are losses, our bodies wear out, our thoughts come more slowly. But our life cycles are our most creative effort. We can't never not be in them, right?
The struggle is to try and obtain a sense of participation in your life the whole way through. We must treasure old age, but not wallow in nostalgia. Appreciate the joy of attachment without possessiveness. Just thoughts I wanted to share with all of you.

Now down to business at the shop!!

Tomorrow is Saturday Sampler's 4th installment of 2011. Wow! We are a third of the way there. Good for you.

Also there are so many things to look at when you come in. I will try and post the pictures later today. New camera New adventure...yippee.

BOM's starting up. Get signed up for there are limited spaces.

See you soon,
Mardi

March 15th a beautiful day!

Hello everyone,
I hope you are all enjoying the wonderful gift of beautiful weather "Mother" bestowed upon us today. See good things do come to those who wait.

Well, classes are going very well at the shop and I am just sending a reminder about a few up and coming classes with some beautiful new faces sharing their expertise with our customers.


Leading Lady Pleated Wristlet by Jessica VanDenburgh
Cost: $35.00
Date: Saturday, March 19, 1-4pm

First we have Jessica VanDenburgh with her "Leading Lady Pleated Wristlet". Jessica has been designing and teaching for years now and we are very pleased to welcome her to our teaching staff. This new design is perfect for the girl who likes to carry just the basics...and a bit more. This versatile wristlet can be used as a clutch or wallet by simply removing the detachable loop. This session includes learning how to sew a zipper in a bag...Jess's easy peasy way.


Morning Glory Raw Edge Applique by Cheryl Bloomer
Cost: $35.00
Date: Thursday, March 24, 6-9pm Kits are available for class or general purchase.

If you have been in the shop lately, you have had the pleasure of seeing Cheryl's great "raw edge applique" art pieces. She has taken several patterns and added her own magical touches to each one to create such pretty one of a kind pieces. Start with one of her kits and embellish to your hearts content. Morning Glories bring in spring with these beautiful blooms that are simple and sweet.


Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Your Sewing Machine by Linda Denner
Cost: $35.00
Date: Saturday, March 26, 12-3pm

In this class, you will learn the setting and preparation for perfect satin stitching and buttonhole stitches for applique. Also, when to use stabilizers, how to use decorative threads and embellishments, and how to get your $199 machine to behave like an $8,000 model. Bring your manual and unidentified presser feet for questions. Some machine quilting will be covered.


NEW THINGS AT THE SHOP


Kate Mitchell from Berkshire Quilts has graciously dressed our shop with some of her personally designed quilts. They are lovely and we have the patterns by Kate for your to purchase. Also keep in mind, we have scheduled a trunk show by Kate during this year's SHOP HOP.


Sue Pritt creator and designer of Sweet Seasons Quilts, has new patterns available for her spring collection and her new pocketbook/bag designs. Her patterns are now available at the FG.


Jess VanDenburgh has samples of her reversible bags in sizes S,M,and L on display at the shop with patterns available for your purchasing.

Our own wonderful Miss Patty has whipped up a darling little bag made with grommets. Easy and Fast. Kits and patterns available.


Just a reminder, we are still doing our Applique Club every second Wednesday of each month. With all the bad winter weather and cancellations we were unable to meet when scheduled, so please take note that we are still up and running this club.

April Class descriptions coming soon.

Have a wonderful weekend....go to your local quilt shop....Flying Geese Fabrics
Mardi

Rabbit, Rabbit, Rabbit

Welcome March! Yes that wonderful first day of March when even as temperatures barely reach out of the twenties, hope springs forth and just for a moment we feel the rebirth of earthsong and human spirit.

Hello all my friends, it has been a while since I took pen in hand. A long winter for us all and so much "feeling" under the weather has kept so many of us too "cooped" up for too long. I myself have been waiting to "awaken" again and feel the breath of spring flow all around me and get my creative juices flowing again.

New fabrics at the shop are brightening up our shelves and displays, along with new patterns for spring projects and classes to get you out of the house and into that freshening up mood. A new spring coverlet or maybe a pretty bag are just a few of the projects we are offering in our new classes. A fast and easy landscape wall hanging might just be that special piece you need for that wall you've been wanting to hang something on, but couldn't decide what it should be. Let us help you and it will be done before you know it.

New fabrics at the shop include: Moda's Dominique II. A French patchwork quilt from the 1860's inspired the fabrics of Dominique II. This beautiful quilt appeared to pay homage to the traditional quilts and tapestries designed to grace the stone walls of European residents. The fabrics display the French love of a floral garden with sinuous botanical blooms and tranquil garden song birds. The collection boast two outstanding paisley prints: a Jacobean floral paisley and a tossed seed paisley foulard. The classic paisley floral stripe provides a dramatic appearance. Rich and timeless colors imbue this heirloom collection of fabrics. Precuts and bolted fabrics available.

Moda owner Mark Dunn may not make quilts, but he certainly appreciates them. Twice yearly he selects an antique quilt from his substantial collection and reproduces its fabrics for his Howard Marcus lines. The proceeds from these fabrics, know as "Collection for a Cause," benefit charities that touch Moda customers and employees, including breast cancer, juvenile diabetes, Alzheimer's, Quilt of Valor, and more. Beautiful fabrics created in the true spirit of quilting. This year the collection we are featuring is called "Faith". Beautiful browns and pinks in yardage as well as precuts. Hurry in because these won't last long at all.

Moda's French Pom Pom Paris is here. In her seventh collection for Moda, Kaari breaks into beautiful colors of the French garden. Kaari walks you through the romantic floral garden with the pastoral scenes. Blooms and butterflies abound in the Chapeau de Napoleon. Peintres shows Arts and Crafts at its best with the classic Stawberry Thief in rose hedge. Felicite Perpetue offers a most beautiful floral column stripe. The floral continue to woo with Louis Gimard and Plantier. The coordinating pieces are simple and elegant. Precuts and yardage available.

Don't forget to sign up for Shop Hop. Dates are May 19, 20, 21 and 22. This is the weekend before Memorial Day. Bags and passports are now on sale for $5.00. Don't miss the chance to visit all eleven shops for fun, games and great prizes.

Reminder

Goodmorning everyone,
This is just a reminder that the house class scheduled for Sat. Feb 5th at 10am is cancelled. We are being cautious with the weather prediction. The store is open for regular hours both Saturday and Sunday. The beginner machine quilting class with Linda Denner has been postponed also, but I believe it is to be scheduled for Sunday the 6th. Please call the store to confirm.
There is an error also in the directions for the Saturday Sampler cobblestone block.
Please call the store to get the corrected information.
Thanks,
Mardi

Happy Groundhog Day....Spring just around the corner

Ok!! I will buy into that one. Spring is only 47 days away, so literally it is right around the corner. With so much beautiful winter weather gracing our homes and yards and the trees dripping with crystal chandeliers who could possibly be in a hurry for spring? All this weather has slowed us all down. Mayhaps we should take the opportunity to do just that and nestle down into our sewing rooms and sew, sew and sew somemore. What feeling of accomplishment we will have if we don't let the winter weather consume our every thought. If you're a snow bunny then this is your year...enjoy...I wish you all the fun you can find. If you are yearning for spring, change your screensaver, buy a daffodil at the grocers, bring in some branches from the early spring flowering trees and force their buds, or pick out your prettiest spring fabrics and grab your simpliest quilt pattern and go to work. In no time you will be singing and happy and so pleased with how winter has given you this slow down time and captured you in your homes. Then just look at the beautiful quilt you started and are almost finished piecing or appliqueing. Be happy, don't worry, Mother Nature may teach us harsh lessons, but she always comes through with a change for the better. Be blessed, be safe and be happy for the next 47 days...or maybe more.
The shop is on winter alert so please check before venturing out to make sure we are open. We will try our hardest to be there, but we will be careful too. If you are scheduled for classes this week please call the shop and if you cannot reach me at the shop, you can call 956-1677, it's my cell. With the storms approaching and unpredictable, we may postpone the Saturday Sampler block classes on Thursday and Saturday.
Thank you and please...safety first
Mardi

SUNDAY

Burrrrrrr! Sure is cold outside, but thank you for braving the cold and coming out to our sale. We moved a lot of fabric today. People sure seemed happy with their purchases and happy to shake off "cabin fever". Me too, I stopped by the shop at the end of the day and was so amazed at how much fabric and other goodies were gone. Of course there are still some goodies and fabrics left on sale so if you missed today's fun, you are sure to find something at a great price to tickle you pink when you do stop by.

Now there is all the new fabric ready for anyone craving spring to get started. So pretty in pinks and baby blues, flowers and fun brights. Lots of new batiks and bali pops along with charm packs and layer cakes and jelly rolls. Great dessert choices for all those watching their calories. And like the desserts we make from sugar and spice and everything nice, these creations will make us feel yummy all over and over again without ever feeling guilty about "having" too many sweets. Oh how sweet it is and spring is only 2 months away, so get started and be ready. Put on your Easter Bonnet caps and think Spring. Can't you just see those soft spring colors splashed across your bed or the back of a white wicker rocker. Maybe a baby is coming and you want to give a special quilt as a gift. It's the time to start...let it snow and give you time to cozy up and snuggle in with your quilting projects for the rest of the winter...start with us at Flying Geese Fabrics, where inspiration starts at our door.

Til we stitch again my friends,
Mardi

Sunshine

It's a beautiful morning here in Albany and the sun is shining bright. What a way to start the day. Here at the shop Linda Denner will be conducting her "Quilted Sweatshirt Jacket" class from 12 to 5pm. Even if you didn't sign up for the class, stop by and watch all the fun the students are having as Linda gives them extra tips on embellishing and making there jackets a "one of kind" beauty. The pattern comes in a book with several more jacket designs and you may just find yourself wanting to make this cute, any season, jacket for the spring from some of our brand new "Spring" fabrics. Moda is here and pretty as ever.

Don't forget tomorrow...."BIG SALE" day on Sunday, January 23rd, from 11am to 4pm. There will be selected bolts of fabrics, lots of them, for $3.00 a yard. Fat quarters will be $2.00 each from our pre-cut inventory.

Today if you should stop by the shop, please give a warm welcome to our newest "flockette", Leda. She will be gracing the shop on Saturdays with Kathy and we are so happy to have her.

Also there is time to sign up for the Cobblestone Cabins Saturday Sampler for 2011.
Due to the late arrival of the blue fabric we postponed the January start date and moved our first dates to February 3rd and 5th. You'll love this 40" traditional wall hanging done in your choice of red or blue. It's the easiest, but sweetest Saturday Sampler we have ever done...and all blocks are the same.

We are working on classes as I write this blog. I promise, they will be worth the wait. Thank you again for your support and kindness.

Stitch by Stitch...til we meet again,
Mardi

Friendly Friday at Flying Geese

Today's thoughts settle on "Balance".

The Universe,
like bellows,
is always emptying,
always full.
The more it yields,
the more it holds.
Tao-te Ching

Here is a simple exercise:

Visualization for Balance

Close your eyes for a moment. Feel and hear your own breath. Now you are centered within yourself. Imagine yourself quilting at a lovely, rhythmic pace, not too fast or slow, but smoothly, responding to all parts of your quilting, yet mindful of the whole. Speak in your own way to your intention, to allow all parts of the quilt to give their perfect gift to the whole. View each step you take in quilting with compassion for yourself and your quilt. This will lead you to understanding why you created your quilt.

Oh the Weather Outside is Frightful!!!

Snow, sleet, freezing rain. Cold, cold and more cold. January, January, and January. What a month we've had here in the "Great Northeast". What a month we are having at the shop. All sorts of new Moda fabrics are coming in on the bolt and in pre-cuts just for you. We have a beautiful spring collection that will wrap you in the feeling of "I'm so pretty." You're going love this collection. Stop in and see everything that is blooming in the shop.

I want to apologize to all of you patiently waiting for a class list. I have been ill and forced to slow down a bit so my responsibilities got shifted to many others who already carry a full load at the store. Please be patient and we will have a new newsletter with class offerings coming soon. I may be down a bit, but I'm not out. I will be in and out of the shop for while, but plan on seeing you all sometime soon. I will be there for Saturday Sampler, which starts the first Thursday, the 3rd, and first Saturday, the 5th of February at 10am.

There are a few classes that are upcoming. Our sweatshirt class with Linda Denner still has 3 openings. The class is this Saturday, Jan.22 from 12pm to 5pm. The cost of the class is $50.00. This class had been requested over and over and Linda has an updated jacket design that is very style chic. Also, Linda Denner will again teach beginner machine quilting for all of you who have been waiting to learn the skills to finally attempt to finish that cherished top. Linda will give you the confidence you need to move forward with your machine quilting.

SALE.......................SALE......................SALE..................SALE....

...............ONE DAY SALE.....SUNDAY, JANUARY 23RD, 11AM TO 4PM...................

SELECTED FABRIC BOLTS $3.00 YARD (already cut) FAT QUARTERS $2.00 EACH

SELECTED BOOKS 50% OFF SELECTED PATTERNS 50% OFF

SATURDAY SAMPLER 2010 BLOCKS $1.00 EACH BLACK AND WHITE SCRAP BAGS $2.50 EACH

AND SOME UNADVERTISED SPECIAL SALE ITEMS MAY APPEAR THROUGHOUT THE STORE!!!!!!!!!!!!


As I close this message to you, may I leave you with this one last thought,
"My intentions have infinite organizing power."

Namaste,
Mardi

POSTPONEMENT/SATURDAY SAMPLER

Hi Everyone,
Due to circumstances beyond our control, we will be delaying the start of Cobblestone Cabins, our 2011 Saturday Sampler Quilt, until February. You will receive 2 blocks next month and all classes for the house block will be rescheduled for the February calendar. There will be no penalties and the program will continue as scheduled from February on.
Thanks for your understanding.
Enjoy the snow this weekend.
Mardi

Follow the "Red Brick Road"

Just a reminder, Thursday, Jan. 6th is the first date that Cobblestone Cabins, our Saturday Sampler project for 2011, will be presented. Any time of day from 10AM to 8PM. Saturday, Jan 8th is the second date that you can pick up your block any time from 10AM to 5PM.
JUST A REMINDER:
WE WON'T BE OPENING AT 9AM ON SATURDAY SAMPLER SATURDAYS THIS YEAR BECAUSE YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE THE PLEASURE OF COMING IN ANYTIME OF THE DAY, FIRST THURSDAYS OR FIRST SATURDAYS, TO PICK UP YOUR BLOCK.
Mardi

Monday, Monday...shall we trust this day?

Oh why not? It's the beginning of the business week and a new year, let's start it off right with trusting our instincts. I know it is going to be a great year. We are off and "stitching" at the shop and can't wait to share everything we have planned with all of you. Come on down and "Pick Your Project". That sounds like a great theme. We have all sorts of things brewing and we want you to be part of our pot. Come and gather what you need to start a project for the new year or just come and sit and sew with us on something you are committed to finishing. We have the room, the time and the company with a lot of expertice if you need to "pick" our brains. See you soon!
Mardi

Happy New Year

Well here we go again!! A new year, a new view and a new hope for the future. I don't like to make resolutions so I won't. But with the coming of this new year many things will change for good reasons and will lead to brighter and more wonderful adventures.
At the shop we will begin with a new Saturday Sampler called Cobblestone Cabins and a couple of beautiful new blocks of the month. They are up for viewing and signing up in the shop along with new projects and a lot of new fabrics gracing our shelves.
Come on in and join us for all the new expectations we have designed for you, our customers, and us, the staff. One love under one roof, with one great big "family" of quilt lovers...the makers, the takers, the givers and the getters.
See you all soon,
Blessed be,
Mardi