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!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
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
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
Sunday, May 15, 2011
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.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
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
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
Friday, April 8, 2011
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
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
Saturday, April 2, 2011
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
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)
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)
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