"After Hours Sew-A-Thon"starts this Saturday

Starting Saturday, February 25th, the last Saturdays of each month will be "After Hours Sew-A-Thon" from 5:00 p.m. to ???

Bring any project you'd like to work on (it doesn't have to be sewing/quilting related) and let's get some stuff done (bring any snacks you'd like to share with the group). 

The shop will be open as long as we have warm breathing bodies working on projects...and will close when the last person leaves!  

Also Saturday, the 25th:  all 'clearance' fabric will be $5/yard (one yard minimum) OR $4/yard when you buy what's left on the bolt.   

"Open 24 Hours"; Martelli rotating stuff; PODS; glow in the dark thread!

Remember when Saturday night was spent at the local diner?  The jukebox was playing....milkshakes were consumed as you sat in a booth.  

"Open 24 Hours" from Exclusively Quilters reminds me of those times.  The first three pictures are the same print of (in my opinion) what could easily become place mats.   

Place mats print of "Open 24 Hours" by EQ 

right side of the place mats print 

left side of the place mats print 

The "Menus" print is adorable! 

"Menus" print from the "Open 24 Hours" collection 

The "Billboards and Signs" print is spot on! 

"Billboards and Signs" print of  "Open 24 Hours" 

We received two colorways of "Food and Condiments":  black and light blue.  

These prints make me hungry! 

"Food and Condiments" on black and light blue 

 "Silverware" is a great companion print of this collection.  

"Silverware"  on light blue 

Vicki mentioned the rotating mat and ironing board Jenny Doan used in a recent tutorial.  After watching the tutorial (several times) I knew we had to have these in the shop. 

We received "Round-A-Bout" rotating mats and ironing boards by Martelli this week.  YIPPEE!!!  

Each piece is sold separately but we also have the sets (base, mat, ironing board). 

New PODS just keep rolling in!  This week we received table runner and quilt PODS from the "Arabella" and "Berries and Blossoms" collections by Maywood Studios.  

We'd heard about glow-in-the-dark thread but couldn't find it from any of our suppliers.  

The search is over....we received five colors of this fabulous thread last week.    

This isn't the greatest picture but hopefully you can see the colors:  mint green, pink, white, light blue and yellow.  

Kay made a mug rug using the white spool and....it really does glow in the dark. 

glow in the dark thread:  mint green, pink. white, light blue and yellow 

            

Kaylee Ann; Arabella; nifty new stuff; 'birthdays in February" party!

We love it when little ones come to the shop.  We were thrilled when Sandy and little Miss Kaylee Ann stopped by yesterday.  

Kaylee decided to play with one of the jelly rolls so....maybe this is the beginning of a future quilter!  

Sandy and Kaylee Ann stopped by yesterday 

we love Kaylee's outfit 

complete with a big pink flower...

Kaylee loved rolling this jelly roll on the floor 

stopping long enough to make sure we saw her!  

Most of this week's new stuff is purple.  We didn't plan it that way, it just happened!  

Prints, PODS and pre-cuts of "Arabella" by Maywood Studios came in this week.  

This collection smacks of "Grandmother's Flower Garden" normally accomplished by English Paper Piecing each itty bitty piece together then assembling together.  

More prints of this collection will be here very soon.   

prints of "Arabella" by Maywood Studios 

Until then, the layer cakes, charm packs, jelly rolls and PODS are here (the mini-charms will be here next week).  

What in the world is a POD?  PODS are pre-cut kits exclusively offered by Maywood Studios from their fabric collections.  

There are two kinds of PODS: table runners and quilts.  Table runner PODS include the backing and binding fabrics while quilt PODS include the binding fabric.  

PODS are great for beginners since all the work is already done: everything is already cut, the fabrics coordinate and the instructions are super simple.  

"Arabella" pre-cuts; quilt and table runner PODS

Another new POD is this "Sister's Choice" table runner using Pioneer Spirit prints ("Sister's Choice is the pattern, not the fabric).  

Sister's Choice table runner POD by Maywood Studios

We love anything that makes our quilting life easier. Anything! 

I squealed like a little girl when we opened the box with these little beauties inside:  collapsible totes by "Quilt Happy".  

How cute are these?  Each tote has a front pocket, inside pocket; top zip closure and completely collapses when not in use.  

I put something in the front pocket and zipped the top closed

Hopefully you can see the fat quarter in the inside pocket

completely collapses and has an elastic band to keep closed 

I have a bunch of little stuff I have to hunt for when I need it.  

That's no longer the case with the addition of this "Nesting Notions Totes" that came in this week (note:  they're also purple).  

These all have zipper closures and fit inside each other (if not stuffed beyond their capacity) when not in use.  

set of "Nesting Notions Totes" 

that fit inside each other for easy storage 

We found the next item quite by accident.  I was searching for something else and found these.....double sided fusible hexagon shapes.  

Each package contains 12 hexies and I can't wait to make something with these.  

double sided fusible hexagons by Bosal.  YIPPEE!!! 

The latest issue of "Quilting Quickly" has some purple on the cover....

Suzanne's birthday is Valentine's Day so, she was our special guest for the "Birthdays in February" party (birthday cake courtesy of Sweetness).  

Suzanne enjoys a piece of BD cake! 

Sharon, Dorothy and Kay also had a piece! 

Lee almost waited too long for a piece of cake! 

Secret Sisters; four legged kids; Show and Tell

The shop was a buzz of activity yesterday:  all day demos; Show and Tell; Secret Sister gifts and lots of visits by some four legged customers (and their well behaved humans).  

We started another round of "Secret Sisters" in January.  Dorothy, Vicki and Shawn each received stuff their 'sister' gave them for January and February.  

Dorothy's 'sister' gave her a smiley face mug and several tea bags as January's gift.  

Dorothy's January gift from her 'secret sister"

Vicki's 'sister' gave her a gift certificate as January's gift.  Vicki chose the latest issue of "Block" magazine and some "Bread N Butter" fabric.  

Vicki used her gift certificate on fun stuff 

Shawn's February gift from her 'sister' is a quilt clamp, two fat quarters and a Valentine's Day card.  

Shawn's February gifts from her 'secret sister'. 

Yesterday's "Sit N Sew" was (almost) standing room only...and we had a blast!  

It's a great thing to come together with others addicted to quilting, inspire each another and rally the troops when faced with a stubborn project.  

part of yesterday's "Sit N Sew" crowd 

We were blessed with several visits from our four-legged customers (and their well behaved humans).  

Sisters Mia and Molly (and their human Terri) stopped by yesterday.  These two are quite the pair.  

After some romping and playing, running around the shop and finding some scraps of fabric (dropped during "Sit N Sew"), these ladies were ready to go home.  

Mia and Molly are ready to go home! 

Mia and Molly take a break from romping and playing.  

Miss Lily (and her humans) stopped by on their way to Roaring River State Park yesterday.  Lily has grown a lot since the last time we saw her.  

Thanks, Ben and Jen, for bringing Miss Lily for a visit.....don't take so long to bring her back again!  

Ben, Jen and Miss Lily 

Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Miss Lily, has grown a lot since her last visit

Little Miss Sweetie Pie, Gracie (and her human Vicki), were here yesterday.  

Gracie is the shop's mascot so, it's her official duty to pop in now and then.....to be sure we aren't misbehaving!  

Miss Gracie checks out the shop

The big brown truck stopped by a couple of times this week.  We received this adorable new adult coloring book......

new adult coloring book 

Four new AccuQuilt dies....

three new dies  from AccuQuilt 

Rick Rack die from AccuQuilt 

and another bolt of "Quilt Camp" by Henry Glass Studios.  

bolt of "Quilt Camp" by Henry Glass Studios 

Yesterday's "Show and Tell" was totally over the top. 

Pat's "Butterflies" quilt is truly stunning in person. This pattern was originally a very small wall hanging but Pat wanted to make it into a much larger quilt.    

This was quite a feat considering Pat (who doesn't own a computer) had to enlarge all elements of the quilt then painstakingly drew out the design on paper.  

After some head scratching and a few Tylenol, this is the end result.  

Judi Miller did the quilting and brought it back to Pat yesterday.    

Hopefully I was able to capture the great quilting job Judi did on this fabulous quilt.  

Pat's "Butterflies" applique quilt 

we love the quilting on Pat's latest creation 

we particularly love the quilting around the flowers toward the bottom 

we love the butterfly quilting 

While she was here, Judi brought a quilt she's making for her sister.  

Judi's sister added some embellishments (hand embroidered hummingbirds) then give it to Judi to complete and quilt.  

This quilt is so big we had to go outside to take the picture.  

Thanks, Judi for bringing this in.  We can't wait to see it after it's quilted. 

hand embroidered hummingbird by Judi's sister 

this is a very big quilt.  We love it! 

Kay Simpson was one of our $25 gift certificate winners in December.  

Kay used her gift certificate to get Bonnie Hunter's new book, "Addicted To Scraps".  

Congratulations, Kay.  We know you'll love it.  

Closed tomorrow, demos Saturday

Just a quick reminder the shop will be closed tomorrow, January 26th so Dorothy can recover from her eye surgery.  We will re-open at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, the 28th.  

We'll be doing demos of "The Essential Triangle Tool" by Bonnie Hunter at 11:00 a.m.; 2:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Saturday.  

See you then!  

For Love of Country; Xanadu; Color Daze; Home of the Brave; Bread N Butter; Row by Row prints; Show and Tell!

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A bunch of new stuff came in since my last post. We love the patriotic prints; big florals and vibrant colors of these new arrivals.  

Three bolts of "Love of Country" by Quilting Treasures came in.  We love the fireworks and stars on these prints (they are a smidge darker in person). 

Love of Country prints by Quilting Treasures 

Grab your sunglasses! These next prints are put-your-eyes-out bright and wild!    

"Xanadu" by Quilting Treasures offer big splashes of color and lots of movement.  

I'm not sure what to make with these first: a little girl's dress; curtains or a tote.  

big bright prints of "Xanadu" by QT 

four more prints of "Xanadu" by QT 

We were running low on big prints for borders but, that's no longer the case!  

These four colorways of "Color Daze" by Moda offer very large floral prints which, we think, would be great for borders. 

four colorways of "Color Daze" by Moda 

Everyone knows we're very involved with Quilts of Valor.  I won't get up on my soapbox but, this is a wonderful organization who wants every solider touched by war to receive a quilt.  Every soldier.  

We were thrilled when the boxes and boxes of "Home of the Brave" prints finally arrived.  

This collection offers three panels and several companion prints.  We think these would be great as a Q.O.V. or Americana project.  

"The Flag" panel from "Home of the Brave" by QT 

blue and cream colorway panels of "Home of the Brave" 

"Soaring Eagle" on black and cream 

three colorways of "Flags" prints

three "Stars" colorways of Home of the Brave collection 

We love anything 1930's...anything! I spun straight up when we received more prints of "Bread N Butter" by American Jane.   

We'd received several prints of this collection awhile back but these are just now getting here.  YIPPEEE!!! 

four colors of "Small Flowers" from the Bread N Butter collection 

three colorways of "Medium Flowers" 

yellow "Pin Dots" of Bread N Butter by American Jane 

We'd sold out of "Marble Citrus" jelly rolls so...the big brown truck brought some more!  

"Marble Citrus" jelly rolls by Moda 

I started making table runners over Christmas vacation.  Trying to keep track of 50 different fabrics almost drove me over the edge! 

Then I remembered the 'Numbered Pins" we have in the shop.  After purchasing a package, I was able to walk away from the edge of insanity.   

These pins are great. They're made of steel and have numbers on the end.  Each package has six pins of each number (1-20) and really saved the day! 

Numbered Pins by Marilee 

Dorothy made this Log Cabin Table Runner using one of the PODS we received from Maywood Studios (table runner PODS include the backing and binding fabrics). 

After adding the ends to her runner, Dorothy will quilt it herself.  

Dorothy's Log Cabin Table Runner POD 

Dorothy finished this "Rail Fence" tote last week and brought it to share with us.  We love it! 

I reminded Dorothy my birthday is in May and my favorite color is blue.....a girl can only hope!!! 

Dorothy's "Rail Fence" tote 

Four legged kids (and their well behaved humans) are always welcome in the shop. We love four legged kids.  

Miss Millie and her humans (Rodney and Cheryl) dropped by last week before leaving town.  

Rodney and Miss Millie 

Miss Mia and Miss Molly and their human (Terri) also stopped by last week.  

These little ladies are full blooded sisters but from different litters.  They fuss and fight as you would imagine sisters do!  

Miss Mia and Molly with their human, Terri 

"Secret Sisters" started again in January.  Shawn is a prolific knitter so, her 'sister' gave her a couple skeins of yarn and a card as January's gift.  

Shawn's gift from her Secret Sister 

a card and two skeins of yarn.  

I'm running so far behind on posting stuff I made a couple extra trips around the shop to be sure I had pictures of everything....

The latest issue of "Block" magazine is here.  There was a hiccup in shipping but, it finally arrived. YIPPEE!! 

the latest issue of "Block" finally arrived 

These two bunting prints by Quilting Treasures came in...along with the other patriotic prints we received. 

I'm thinking these would be great borders for a Quilt of Valor.  

two colorways of bunting by QT 

"Row by Row 2017" doesn't start until June but, lots and lots of stuff has to happen between now and then.   

We received the entire collection of "Row by Row" prints by Timeless Treasures last week.  These are so fun.  

This year's "On The Go" theme brings lots of things to mind.....and now some of them are on fabric.  

the 'allover' print of this year's Row by Row collection

more fun 'on the go' motifs by Timeless Treasures 

this year's license plate print for Row by Row 

linear print of "On the Go" by Timeless Treasures 

"State Stamps" of this year's Row by Row collection 

allover Row by Row print of words, scenes and motifs 

the other half of the print pictured above 

"The World" print of this year's Row by Row collection 

the other half of "The World" print 

(Arkansas) Lillian has been very busy.  She stopped by yesterday with lots and lots of stuff for "Show and Tell". 

Lillian made these adorable pouches, carryalls and coasters using fabric (or mini-charms) in different sizes...add a zipper and binding and you're done!  

These will be a class in the very near future.  We can't wait to make some of these ourselves.  

front of  Lillian's pouches 

backings Lillian chose for her adorable pouches 

carryall by Lillian complete with adorable button closure 

its holds lots of stuff 

and has a zipper on the back  

coaster Lillian made using charm pack pieces 

back of Lillian's coaster 

notebook cover complete with ribbon ties 

it also holds a lot of stuff 

the perfect way to keep small sewing supplies together

Lillian made this adorable mermaid (and accessories) for her little girl 

Miss Mermaid complete with fins!  

Did I say Lillian has been very busy?  I wasn't kidding.   

She also brought three quilts she made for her family 'just because".  Each quilt used one layer cake....then Lillian quilted them herself.  

Thanks, (Arkansas) Lillian for sharing your stuff with us.  We love everything...we can't wait to take your class. 

"Farm Fun" quilt Lillian made using one layer cake 

"Farm Fun" backing Lillian used for the quilt above 

another quilt Lillian made for her family 'just because" 

the back of Lillian's 'just because" quilt! 

another 'just because' quilt by Lillian 

the back of Lillian's quilt pictured above 

Mitch and Ileene stopped by yesterday.  Ileene purchased the "Bow Tucks Tote" pattern the last time she was here. This has been a very popular pattern and we've sold out several times.  

Yesterday, Ileene was carrying the tote she made (and showed us the wallet/checkbook cover she made with the scraps).  

Thanks, Ileene for sharing your creations with us. You did a great job.    

the back of Ileene's "Bow Tucks Tote" 

the front of Ileene's tote 

wallet/checkbook cover Ileene made with her scraps