Quilter's Garden Blog

Wanna See?

2011-08-07T13:29:00.000-07:00

We just have to post a few more pics of the new shop. We are ready to open tomorrow, August 8 at 10 a.m. We are thrilled with the results of the many hours of work. And we are thankful to all the people who have helped us along the way!

Almost Ready

2011-08-03T08:49:00.000-07:00

We are almost ready in many ways at Quilter's Garden & Sassy Sisters. Beth & Carol are getting ready to go to Quilt Expo in Madison, so there are many new samples in the shop. Our top sellers are the Shannon Cuddle quilts. You might want to give them a consideration for quick and easy Christmas gift giving. We are also ready for Garden Club next week. BTW, have you been wanting to join the club? September starts our new year for club. Why not visit in August to see what all we do and consider joining us? You have been invited!!!!
Also, the new shop is very nearly ready to open. We didn't get the photo posted a couple weeks ago after the carpet was installed. Sorry bout that! But, the change is now very dramatic. Clothing is everywhere! We have been having a blast unpacking garments each day! We are aiming for August 8 to open, so watch for the posts!

Three Days Ago

2011-07-15T09:34:00.000-07:00

We didn't get it done earlier this week, but wanted to share three days ago in Sassy Sisters. Carol and Beth have been spending late nights painting right after the carpenters complete each part of the work. The door is laying on the floor and the painted trim is almost ready to be installed. Check back later today as you will be amazed at the transformation that was completed with carpet laying yesterday!

Progress Continues

2011-07-06T11:25:00.000-07:00

Whew! The doorway between our current and new building is now framed in. We love seeing the daily progress. We will be painting the fitting rooms soon. See the slatwall stacked in the middle of the room? That will be on all the walls soon. Oooooh! Can't wait to see how this all comes together! The clothing and jewelry is even starting to arrive! We love seeing the items coming in and ooh and aah just like we hope you will! Keep posted.......

photos of Sassy Sisters

2011-07-01T10:27:00.000-07:00

Oops, sorry we forgot to post the pics!

Sassy Sisters Progressing

2011-07-01T10:13:00.001-07:00

Things are really happening at Sassy Sisters. Will we be open by August 1? We sure hope so! The doorway between the two buildings will be open by this evening. Can you believe the carpenters are working their way through 5 layers of bricks? Sounds crazy, but it's true! What was once a kitchen is now fitting rooms. Some painting and a few more minor fix-it projects are all that is needed before the carpet is installed. Stay tuned........

Day 1-Salt Lake City

2011-05-13T19:00:00.001-07:00

WOW! What a market! The market is 29 aisles long. We just barely got through it at 6:00 PM. We saw soooooooo much that it is hard to know where to begin. We have seen lots of stitchery and applique. We are very excited about a stitchery BOM from This N That that we purchased. We have seen lots of tote bags and when I get back to our room, we will begin the process of narrowing it down. Of course we were wowed by the Shannon booth. They did not disappoint us. They were even showing rugs made out of the Shannon Cuddle fabric! The colors on the floor seem to be much brighter. We did see a beautiful Civil War line. It is done by Wilmington. It had some beautiful blue tones in it. Tonight we went to the Moda party. It is always quite a spread of food. The topping to our meal was a Russian Custard. It was so good that Beth talked the waiter into having two servings! I am not joking! Be sure and ask her how the dessert was. I'm going to Google that recipe when I get home. Well, I better get back up to the room to start the process of looking over everything we saw today. It is a tough job, but someone has to do it!

TTFN,

Carol

We Are Here!

2011-05-10T18:55:00.001-07:00

We arrived in cold Salt Lake City this afternoon. We had a good flight and it is so cool to see the mountains. You can still see the snow on them. The tulips are in full bloom and there is some blooming tree that is gorgeous. Sorry, I didn't get that gene from my dad! He knows what every tree is. Anyway, everything is a beautiful green. - Tonight we walked to a mall and ate at a Southwestern Grill. Of course we ran into another shop owner and asked her to dine with us. That is the best part of quilt market. She was from Alaska and was getting us pumped for our Alaskan cruise in August of 2012. - We don't have our own computer with us. It is so heavy and hard to travel with, but I will try and explain in detail what we see when market opens. - Because the bus trip we usually take was the same as four years ago, we decided to make our own quilt adventure tomorrow. Hoping to go to Gardner Village which is the home of Pine Needles. The motel is going to try and figure a way for us to get there by bus and train. Sure hope we don't end up in Nevada! I think if we start going over mountains that will be a clue to turn around!

TTFN,

Carol

Off To Market

2011-05-09T07:26:00.000-07:00

We're crazy at the store today. We are packing and getting everything ready for the girls while we are in Salt Lake City, Utah. I always laugh when everyone says, "Oh, how fun!" Yes, it is fun as we get to be with all of our cronies, but it is a work-out. I always think I'm going to wear a pedometer, but always forget. It literally takes us 3 days to work the market. Think of a football field full of booths! Beth will be taking her computer so stay tuned to the blog as we share market with you. I am sooooo excited to see what is new!

TTFN,
Carol

Moving Day

2011-05-04T13:48:00.001-07:00

Things are underway for Sassy Sisters, our women's clothing store! Beth and I spent a day in Chicago looking for fixtures. We were very lucky to have found just what we wanted. We had to get the fixtures last week so we motored up to Joliet to get them. To make a long story short, we ended up taking my husband's livestock trailer and it worked perfect! Thank God we both married a Country Boy! Isn't that how the song goes? Due to the wonderful rain we kept having, Marty had a tarp that fit from one side of the trailer to the other side. I told him our boys would have been so proud of him by the way he had everything tied up with twine in his "Boy Scout" knots! Of course we kind of looked like the Beverly Hillbillies heading to town, but it worked! Even our ol' diesel with 300,000 miles made it. Beth had to have a little help from Cary to get into it as her legs aren't quite as long as mine. As you can see, the fixtures were all tied up and we didn't have one scratch on anything. You can see in the pictures Beth, Cary and Marty working and I was supervising and giving orders. Thank goodness Cary and Beth have room at their farm to store everything until we are ready to bring it all to town! Well, lots to do before we leave for market so better get back at it.

TTFN,
Carol

P.S. Oh, I had the greatest day! My college friend, Sally Lessen, visited the store while she was on Easter break from teaching. We had a blast. Marty said he wished he could have been there so he could have tried to get one word in! -

P.S.S. Just had to put in my new picture of Brayden with my parents on Easter. Marty calls me "kissy koo!" I just can't quit kissing those cheeks!

Where is spring?

2011-04-20T12:59:00.000-07:00

Brrrrrrr! The only good things about this cold weather is it makes me want to quilt! I'm working on a gift for a wedding and I can't wait to get it done. It is a fun tumbler pattern and I think the bride will really like it. Aren't weddings fun? The only problem is I will be in Salt Lake City the weekend of the wedding. I guess you can't do everything, but darn! So, since I can't do everything, I am really trying to prioritize. I think if I make lists, I feel better prepared. Beth and I are pulling together things for Garden Club and have so many new ideas for our bright fabrics. Sew much to do! - Yesterday we motored to Chicago to get fixtures for our new store. Of course we always brainstorm and get our agenda for what needs to be done. We have really been trying to clean. How do we accumulate so much? Make sure you check out our barrel the next time you are in. You just never know what will be in it! - Well, back to the quilt. Hope you enjoy more pictures from our retreat! Be sure and wish Jeannie Baby Casey a Happy Birthday. Her birthday won't be as planned as she had to have surgery on her hip/leg and will be recuperating in Liberty Village in Peru.

Ta,Ta for now!
Carol

Spring is just around the corner!

2011-04-14T12:42:00.000-07:00

We are just basking in the sunshine and warmer weather around here. It just gives a little lift to your step! Our retreat was such a hit at Wise Guys. We had a wonderful time with 46 women in attendance. We have booked for next year on March 23 and 24 so mark your calendars now. Everyone got so much accomplished. Beth taught a quilt by Edyta Sitar using the 60 degree ruler. We always love more than one way to use a ruler! I taught the 10 Minute block. My quilt was made with jelly rolls, but I've posted a picture of Ginger and her quilt was made with layer cakes. Many also made our Friday night mystery project - a quilted project bag. They all learned an easy method of inserting a zipper. If you need a gift for a quilter or stitcher, this would be a great idea! - Last night Beth and I motored to Chesterton, Indiana for an Aunt Sewzy program. What a delightful group of ladies! These ladies have donated over $10,000 to the Ahlheimer's Association through quilt donations. WOW!!! Quilters are wonderful no matter where you roam. Enjoy the pictures from our retreat. Till next time......

Ta, Ta,
Carol

Getting Ready for the Retreat

2011-03-23T11:15:00.000-07:00

Hey all,
The final plans are almost in place for our retreat. We are so looking forward to it. Wise Guys has been wonderful to work with and to just drive down the street! AWESOME!! Beth and I have our projects quilted. I have to say they look mighty fine! I am doing the 10 minute block and it literally takes 10 minutes! The process to make it has been so much fun. I wonder if the lady who designed it ever sleeps! It is such a neat technique. Beth is doing an Edyta Sitar pattern with the 60 degree ruler. I know many of you have this ruler and the quilt is stunning. Be sure and stop in the store next week and see our new additions. Well, off to finish a few last minute things.

Ta Ta,
Carol and Beth

Quilting takes a back seat!

2011-03-16T14:07:00.000-07:00

Just had to do a quick post to let you know that my quilting has been on the back burner because I just had my first grandson! Wow, it is wonderful!!!! Brayden Chad Keller was born on Feb. 25 and weighed 8 lbs. 9 oz. The week after he was born was a blur as we were getting ready for the quilt show in town. Cary (Beth's husband) says we just move from crisis to crisis! Anyway, back to Brayden--he has lots of dark hair. Marty(my husband) says he has more hair than him! How fun it is to hold him and have him snuggle. I'm having a hard time focusing as all I think about is that cute little guy. I bought him a few outfits last weekend as he is growing so fast and Sarah said I had already purchased the one with -I dig Grandma- on it. Oh well!! Well, must get back to quilting. We are getting ready for our retreat on the last weekend of March and I must get my project ready.

Till next time,
Carol

A Few from the Carribean!

2011-02-17T08:48:00.000-08:00

Wow,I was looking through our pictures from the cruise and wishing I was back there! I just had to post the picture of Beth with the beautiful blue water in the background. It is such an awesome color! The other pictures are Wendy, Beth, Marty and I climbing the Dunn's River Falls. It was quite an experience. You literally relied on your team members to help you get up the falls. It was a 950 ft. climb. A few times we needed a good push from the person behind us. Isn't quilting like that? It seems I always get more done when I have a "little push" from a friend and always get more done when I'm sewing with a group. Well, that is a little lie. Beth would say I get more talking done! I just love the camaraderie of quilting buddies. - Well, I need a little push to get our things ready for our Aunt Sewzy program in Ottawa tonight.

Till next time,
Carol

Love this weather!

2011-02-16T12:19:00.001-08:00

O.K.- it has been way too long since I last posted and am going to try and do better. I just ran down the street for lunch and I am sure loving this weather. Of course it doesn't measure up to being on the cruise, but it is sure an improvement. - Beth and I have been busy getting ready for the Princeton Quilt Show. It is the first weekend of March and will be here before we know it. We have lots of new projects and are really trying to focus on the fast, fun and easy ones. - Our retreat is at the end of the month and we are both finishing our blocks to send those off to Janice to quilt. Remember, if you need a great quilter, we have one! She is putting the quilt I made for my new grandson on the frame today. He is due any day now. She asked me just how long have I known I was going to have a grandson? Some things never change. Sew much to do, sew little time. - I am working on another baby quilt for my neighbor and have had a ball appliqueing with my new Pfaff. Having the pressure foot lift on it's own makes everything soooooo easy. I am actually making two of them so I can have one for the store. - Tomorrow night we do our Aunt Sewzy program for the Ottawa guild. It is called, "Aunt Sewzy Goes to the Demo." Beth and I always have a good time when we go out and visit the guilds. Aren't quilters great?

Ta Ta,
Carol

Where in the world are Carol and Beth?

2010-10-30T20:07:00.000-07:00

What a day! We saw so many new things it is hard to know where to begin! So......I'll start with our first purchases--two rulers by Deb Tucker. Yes, you guessed the first one--The Tucker Trimmer. She was so busy doing demos that we had our picture taken with her husband. He said he didn't mind at all! We also bought another ruler that you are going to love for doing the 54/40 or Fight. It is the V block trimmer. We definitely don't think Deb sleeps at night. She is amazing! On the first day of market we always sit with our Moda Rep, Brian. Edyta Sitar has some beautiful batiks and cottons. Of course we purchased some Kansas Troubles. And, we purchased an adorable line from Sandy Gervais. Our final picture of the day was with the guys in pink from Like Sew. As you can tell, we always have a lot of fun with them. They run our website and we use their program for designing blocks. I was in their very first class at market 2 1/2 years ago. They are the nicest "computer geeks" we know. Market closed at 6 PM and then we headed to the Moda party. We aren't going to tell you where it was held, but we will give you three strikes, oh I mean three guesses as to where it was. Now, don't tell our husbands to check out these pictures of us. We've always told them our trips to market are work, work and more work. Actually, you can tell our husbands as they don't even know how to turn on our computers!

TTFN,
Carol

P.S. If you like my scarf, I got it at Amma's in Princeton! Beth was sooooooo tired of people stopping me and asking where I got my scarf. I was almost tempted to take it off so I could get through the aisles! (Notice I said almost!) I finally called Kay, the owner of Amma's, and asked her if she could mail them to people. She has them in many colors, but you better get down there soon as Kay will soon be out of them!

To Market, To Market

2010-10-27T11:35:00.000-07:00

The day before market is such a fun time---anticipation, anticipation, anticipation! We have been receiving mail with all of the new products and designs. We just always wonder what the new "hot" item will be. I am finishing a Camille Bag to take to market out of the leopard Shannon Cuddle print. It is adorable! I was up in Chicago with my niece on Monday and that is what I am seeing in the accessory department. Lots of leopard prints! Of course that is right up my ally! I'm also noticing the soft textures. Oh, I can't wait to see what new Shannon prints will be offered. I hear Fons and Porter are coming out with a new program also. --The biggest plus of it all is I get to see my sister while in Houston. She will be coming down a couple of nights. Yahoo!!! Well, need to finish that bag...............

TTFN,
CArol

Whirlwind???

2010-10-22T12:23:00.000-07:00

Wow, things have been a whirlwind around here. This has been a great fall--weather included! The great part of driving places is getting to enjoy the beautiful leaves. We have definitely been on the road! Of course last weekend we had 8 busloads of wonderful quilters. I believe a good time was had by all! Last Monday we were in Coal City at the library to do our Aunt Sewzy program and last night we were in Albia, Iowa to do a program also. You know, no matter what guild you are at, it is the same-- wonderful quilters everywhere! The guild last night does so many charity projects. It just gives you goosebumps to hear what they are doing and the joy it brings people to be the recipient of a pillowcase or quilt! Of course we had God on our side last night. We left Albia and made a 2 hour drive back to Muscatine to spend the night. The ladies told us to be very careful as the deer were terrible in their area. Aren't they terrible everywhere? Well, we were about 2 miles from Muscatine and a deer started trotting across the road. Of course someone was right on my tail! Anyway, the deer got real close to my door and decided not to cross the road. He literally turned around and ran the other way!!! Of course our alarm clock didn't go off in the motel room so we slept a little late!!! Oh well, it is a good story!

TTFN,
Carol

Fall is Quilting Season

2010-10-12T10:23:00.000-07:00

With the changing of the leaves, it reminds me of quilting season! Haven't the leaves been unbelievable? The colors seem so intense and beautiful. It makes me want to finish my fall quilts. I said it makes me WANT to finish, not that I am going to finish! Maybe in a few weeks! -- We are getting ready for our big "Crazy for Quilting" bus hop. It will be a great time. 8 quilting shops in 2 days. What could be more fun? --Have you had a taffy apple yet? I saw one that looked so good, but it was a Granny Smith apple and I like Red Delicious. Do you like your apple sweet or tart? Beth likes her apple tart and I like mine sweet. We have a really cute towel done up with a taffy apple on it. It makes me hungry each time I look at it. - Next week we have 2 Aunt Sewzy programs. We will be doing one in Washington, IL on Monday evening and then we have one in Albia, IA on Thursday evening. Aunt Sewzy will be on the road again! We look forward to meeting new quilters. We are definitely a special breed. There is a special bond between quilters that is hard to explain to anyone who isn't a quilter. Don't you agree?

TTFN,
Carol

Day at Home

2010-09-18T10:18:00.000-07:00

There is nothing like a day at home! It has been quite a little while since I've had time at home so I'm enjoying the day trying to get things done. I was wondering how you all get things done? Do you make lists or what do you do to stay on track. As you know, I have a difficult time staying focused. I find if I write it down, it helps me immensely! My son's wife is very focused. She has a big board in her office and she writes down on a dry/erase board what she needs to do. I would say she is extremely focused if she was able to take her first test to become a CPA just 2 days before their wedding! I still don't know how she did it. I was reading the Good Housekeeping magazine and Jamie Lee Curtis had an article about being organized. I think the real key is to clean out clutter. Nicole and Sharon helped me organize the office this week. Wow! Nicole said she could actually see that our desk was brown. I had Steve Lewis hang some shelves so we could get more things off the counter and also got more folders to get things filed. It sure makes me feel good! HOWEVER, at home I have a harder time going through things and getting rid of them. I always think I might need something (even though I haven't used it in 5 years) and hate to part with it. We don't have a basement in our home so I have to be pretty good about getting rid of things, but it is still hard. Well, so much for talking about being organized. Guess I better get busy and do something. Beth and I are taking off for a few days for a little sewing and relaxation. Well, we hope to get alot of sewing done!

TTFN,
Carol

The wedding

2010-09-02T13:25:00.000-07:00

I know it has been so long since our last post. We have been very busy at the store getting ready for the quilt show in Madison, WI. Remember, it is next week on Sept.9,10 and 11 at the Alliant Energy Center. If there is any way you can get there, it is well worth your while. We will be in booth 99 and 100. We have lots of new patterns we will be debuting and we have all been working day and night to get ready.--I am wondering where the summer went. It was definitely a memorable summer for me. My son, Chad, married Sarah Schierer on July 24th at Kickapoo Winery near Peoria, IL. In the outdoor rehearsal picture, I was watching them practice and when I looked up, there was a beautiful rainbow over them. It still gives me goosebumps! The wedding went off without a hitch! It was such a wonderful time to share with family and friends. At the next wedding, I will take more pictures of the bride and groom together. I kept thinking, "I'll get those pictures from the photographer." So, I don't have lots of pictures of Chad and Sarah together, but I'm sure you can get the idea!! - I was reading on one of my favorite blogs - Jill Savage - and she was saying how we wonder how our children grow up so fast. When our children are younger and people tell us to enjoy our children because they DO grow up fast, we think, "Yah, Yah, Yah!" I have to say that when I was looking through pictures for the wedding I really wondered how the time did go so fast. Would I do anything different if I had to do it again? Probably. I would worry less about a clean house and having everything just so. I have always walked to the beat of a different drum. I am not very routine - imagine that! I just love watching mothers who are soooooooo organized. I tried so hard to keep everything in order (and spun my wheels more often than not)and just should have thrown it all in the wind! I am glad though that we always took vacations and spent lots of time with our extended families and friends. So many memories!!!
Well, lots to do so better get back to kits, kits and more kits.

TTFN,
Carol

It's Close!!

2010-07-21T11:39:00.001-07:00

Yes, the wedding is almost here. I know you all can't believe I got the bridesmaid's bags done ahead of time, but I did. We went to St. Louis shopping last weekend for the bachelorette party. Now that is my type of a party. On the way home, my extremely organized sister, Kathy, helped me make a list of all I had to do this week. I'm getting the things crossed off little by little. - The shop hop was a success! Now we are just waiting for all of the passports to come in so we can draw the winners. How fun! - Remember, we still have room for our Crazy For Quilting Bus Hop on October 15th and 16th. If you want more information, just give us a call! - Believe it or not, it is time for us to be thinking about the Madison, WI quilt show. Our class room shows we have work in progress!! The dates for that show are September 9, 10 and 11th. Be sure and put it on your calendar. Well, must get back to work!!!

TTFN,
Carol

Summer is Here!!

2010-07-07T14:47:00.001-07:00

I think summer is finally here! It is time for the M-P Fair, so it must be here in full force! We have our free-motion quilting class tomorrow. The class is full, but we will be scheduling another one soon. We all have so many quilt tops to finish and learning to free-motion quilt is a good beginning!--Remember, the shop hop is next week--Wednesday,July 14th-Saturday, July 17th. What a fun way to spend a few days! Get a carload of friends and aim your car towards Interstate 80. The passports are FREE! Yes, I said FREE! The grand prize is a Janome Gem Gold 3. What a great machine for classes. Speaking of classes, we just finished an apron class. A picture is included so you can see our accomplishments. Of course we get a little goofy by the end of the class, but some things will never change. - Our friends, Mary and Bill Fowler, have been frequenting Quilter's Garden a lot lately. (Well, actually more than lately and we love to see them come in. Bill says that we torture him, but for some reason he keeps coming back!) As you can tell, Mary keeps very busy quilting. She keeps her machine a hummin'. Mary is in the process of making a quilt for all of the members of her family. What a gift! - Thank you to all who took advantage of our quilt appraiser, Janette Dwyer. What a great 2 days we had! Janette taught us so much--label, label, label. Did I say you needed to label your quilts? I will really have to work at taking her advice, but learned how important it is. It is also sooooooooooo important to get your quilts appraised so you can list them on your insurance. Unfortunately, unless you have your quilts appraised, if something happens to them, the insurance companies compare them to those found at the "W" store. Ouch!!! I know I am going to have more appraised! Well, it is closing time and time to head to the Marshall-Putnam Fair. Oh darn, I will have to sit for 3 hours and stitch while "guarding" the food department. I may even have to try out a corn dog, elephant ear and lemonade shake-up. At times life is so hard!!

TTFN,
Carol

TGIF

2010-06-18T12:32:00.000-07:00

Hey,
Thank goodness it is Friday! We have been so busy at Quilter's Garden. If you come in you are liable to get caught up in the fabric frenzy also! We just got in a HUGE shipment of Shannon fabrics. They are luscious! Beth has made up some pillowcases that are soooooooooooooo soft. You will definitely have to make one for your little someone. Did I say it is sooooooooooooo soft? We also have some free patterns if you purchase the fabric. Don't you just love that?
We have also picked out some kits to make some projects from Edyta Sitar's book, "Hop To It." You all know me and know I am not a batik person. But, I have to say after seeing her projects, she has me looking at things a whole different way. I have the applique block in the first project all done and now just need to sew the quilt together. Has anyone found some extra hours yet? I need a few! - Beth has chosen her colors for the second project and now we just need to get them appliqued. I have to say that applique is my new favorite quilting thing to do. I just love my sewing machine as when I stop sewing, it lifts the presser foot just a little so I can maneuver the fabric without having to lift the presser foot manually. It is awesome and saves a lot of time!
Well, Sarah's shower is tomorrow and I need to finish the binding on her gift. This has sure been a fun journey. Aren't weddings fun?
Oh my, I just looked out the back door and the storm clouds are coming in. I'm saying a prayer that it will pass over and everyone will be safe!!!

TTFN,
Carol

Antique quilts

2010-05-11T13:10:00.000-07:00

I am "flying high" today. I stopped at my mother-in-law, Dorothy's, house last night and she gave me 6 quilts to bring to Garden Club and share. They are just treasures! My very favorite one is a Flower Garden Quilt that she embroidered when she was a freshman in high school. The pattern was in the Bloomington Pantagraph newspaper each week. Her sister copied off the pattern and then Dorothy stitched one block a week. Her mom then put the quilt together with a picket fence border around the outside. Dorothy's stem stitch is just BEAUTIFUL! The ladies in club were so interested in it that they thought they would like to do it for a block of the month. To my good fortune, a quilt appraiser came in the store from Iowa right after club and I showed her the quilt. She said the pattern was designed by Ruby Short McKim and I could go to her website and probably find the pattern. Of course I went and googled it immediately. I found it! I am going to order the book and get started. I'm hoping Dorothy will let me display the quilt for a little while. - Another quilt I have is a quilt made by her favorite aunt. The appraiser thought it was probably a purchased kit. I didn't even realize they had kits back in the 30's and 40's! - Dorothy said that most of the fabric was probably ordered from the Sear's Catalog. Her mom ordered scrap bags of fabric and the fabric would come in all shapes and sizes. The bags were probably like our scrap barrel! Some of the fabrics look just like our reproductions. It is awesome! - The double wedding ring quilt has a purchased bias binding on it. The appraiser said that she considered the binding to be a "hot gadget" at the time. Bias binding was something very new and the "gadget girls" were the ones who purchased it. - Dorothy's aunts would come to her house around 8-8:30 AM and would stay until it got too dark in the house to quilt. Just think--they didn't have Ott lights! - Dorothy's mom's stitches are soooooooo tiny. I don't know how she got them so small and even! Her mom never took any of her quilts to the church to have them quilted, she just quilted them with her sisters. Oh what fun they must have had!-

TTFN,
Carol

Sunday - Sew Day

2010-05-02T09:04:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I wonder if I should be sewing on Sunday, but I came to church in Princeton this morning and then decided to stop by the store for a few hours to put some borders on some new quilts. You will have to stop in the store to see them. I think they are so neat. We have already sold one kit for "Hannah's Joy" before the quilt is even done! Hannah's Joy is a tumbler quilt and Beth's daughter, Hannah Joy, has designed the applique to go in the corner. Remember the new fabric we purchased, Petal Pushers? This quilt is made in this fabric and yes, it screams freshness and spring. The other quilt is made from my favorite, Kansas Troubles, and is an applique quilt I have been working on for..........well, a long time!
Have you been thinking about the cruise? The balconies are almost booked! Bunny was in yesterday and said 100 people are already signed up. We are so excited. It is going to be tons of fun and Bunny has lots of neat surprises too!!! If you have any questions, call the store and if we can't answer them, Bunny will. Remember, Bunny is also putting a package together that will include airfare, hotel accommodations the night before the cruise and transfers from the airport to the hotel, hotel to the ship and ship back to the airport! We are looking to take a flight out of Bloomington, Peoria, or Moline so don't stress about having to get to Chicago! What a vacation - cruising and quilting!
Well, better get to those borders. I told my family I would be home to cook dinner.

TTFN,
Carol

Rainy day - quilting day

2010-04-23T12:02:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a rainy day! Wow, what a day to quilt.! Actually, my husband was hoping for a little rain and hoping we aren't going to get the storms as predicted. I spent Monday in the tractor "helping" my husband. He told me what I did looked good from the road. Of course I laughed to myself and thought of us quilters as we say our quilts look good from a galloping horse! My mother-in-law asked me if I enjoyed being out in the open air. Truthfully, I told her, "No, I don't really enjoy it." I am really an indoors kind of gal. I appreciate looking at beautiful gardens, but I don't really want to have one. Isn't it wonderful that God made us all different? I LOVE to do applique, some don't like it at all! I love the "h" word - "hand-work" - and Beth prefers to do everything with her machine. I love to look at diamond quilts with all of the set in seams, but have no desire to try one. Some like a challenging quilt, others like to do simple quilts. I prefer the simple quilts. I like the mindless-brainless ones that I can talk to my friends while making them. Imagine that!!! And, I especially love giving them to people who don't quilt. They are impressed with anything! And if you love giving things, don't forget about our pillowcase challenge. The girls who stayed in our retreat center last weekend made us a boatload of pillowcases to take to Freedom House! They were so inspiring for us. They found if they purchased a yard each of two different fabrics in the clearance section, they could get two pillowcases. You should see the beautiful pillowcases they came up with. Marianne (the lady who takes the pillowcases to Freedom House) told me the kids get so excited when they see a cool pillowcase on their bed. She said it is even more exciting when she tells them they get to take it with them when they leave! Well, just in case you have nothing to do on this rainy day, think about making a donation of a pillowcase for someone who would really appreciate it!

TTFN,
Carol

We're Back!

2010-04-13T12:18:00.000-07:00

Yes, we're back and have hit the ground running! Dallas, Texas was WONDERFUL! We got the red carpet treatment while we were at Moda/United Notions. Our minds are spinning from all we learned. We spent the airplane ride making a big list of everything we wanted to do. We took 2 classes from Joanna from Fig Tree Quilts. She taught the most adorable pin cushion. Beth and I were able to get them cut out while in class and hope to get them together this week. We also liked one of her dresden plate patterns. Another lady we took classes from was RoseAnn Kermes. She did lots of demos for us and gave us some super ideas. Susan Fuquay from American Quilt Retailer presented 2 classes also. Boy, is that lady organized. Very inspirational!!! We flew back into Chicago on Saturday evening, stayed at a hotel, and went to Troy's Fabriganza on Sunday. We came home with a van load of material. Our biggest "find" was Petal Pusher's fabric by Pearl Louise. It screams SPRING! The colors are red, white, green, blue and yellow! Stop in and see this new line. We have lots of projects planned for it. - Our purchases from Moda should be arriving any day. Moda is the king for jelly rolls so we couldn't leave Texas without a new grouping! Well, we have Garden Club this evening so I better get back to work! In case you were wondering, my April Fool's joke backfired! AARGH! Beth carries a Miche bag. (I'm sure you all know what these are and if you don't, just ask us and we will show you.) She has three openings for pictures on the front of the bag. Of course she has two of the openings with pictures of her grandsons in them. The third opening has been empty for weeks! So, I put a silly picture of myself in the third opening and thought she would carry it for weeks without noticing. It just so happened that she noticed it within 2 hours! Of course her son-in-law took it a step farther and put a mustache and beard on my picture! What kind of family does that Beth have anyway?!!!

April Fool's

2010-03-31T13:56:00.000-07:00

I love April Fool's day. It is my husband's birthday and it has always been special in our house. One year April Fool's day fell on a Sunday and I was playing for church. It took me the whole service to get up the nerve, but on the last hymn instead of playing what I was supposed to be playing I played, "Joy To The World." The congregation was trying very hard to sing along with me, but it didn't sound too pretty. After they had sung one verse, I stopped and yelled, "April Fool's!" They all laughed so hard that it was hard to finish the service. The pastor was very gracious about it and said we must laugh at church also. She was in the store the other day and brought up my April Fool's playing and said she will never forget it. The best thing about owning a quilt shop is being able to laugh and have a good time with our customers. We are sooooooooo blessed! Oh, in case you are wondering if I have an April Fool's joke up my sleeve, you are correct--I do! I will have to wait a few days before I tell you what it is..........Till then!

TTFN
Carol

Belated thank you!

2010-02-13T20:57:00.000-08:00

It's been crazy busy the last few weeks. Carol and I have neglected the blogging. But now I do want to go back to January and comment on the fabulous response by you all for products for our local food pantry. We want to thank you so very much. We took several boxes and bags to the food pantry. When I made the delivery, they were in awe and terribly excited. You see, that very morning the shelves were bare. Then another party unexpectedly brought in several boxes of food. The same afternoon, I brought the toiletry products. The folks at the pantry were so grateful. The need has been great! Anytime you have a few extra dollars and would like to pick up a few items, just drop them off at our store and I will be glad to make the delivery. I decided that when I am shopping at Dollar General, I will just pick up double of shampoos or toothpaste or laundry soap and collect some items to donate. It feels great to know that this is a small way we can help someone who is in need.

Sunday, Sunday

2010-01-31T14:46:00.000-08:00

It's been a few weeks since we posted so I thought I would type away. I have been home today, which is unusual. Marty is trying to combine so the best thing I can do is stay at home! Needless to say, it is not going the greatest. As many of you know, his combine burned up so we made a trip to Indianapolis last weekend to look at a different combine. (The one that burned was our oldest one, so at least we have another one.) His combine was old enough to vote, but he had the same sentiments about it that I have about my 930 Bernina. Anyway, I got a lot of sewing done traveling in the van. I am working on an applique project by Buggy Barn and using Beth Ferrier's applique paper. It is awesome. I can't wait to get back to it. You will have to check it out at the store in a few weeks. While the guys were checking over the combine for 3 hours, (that's what happens when you send your son to diesel mechanics school) Lizzie and I watched a movie - Bringing Up Sarah Cain -and I just cut and glued away. What did we ever do without DVD players in our vehicles? I would highly recommend this movie. We also watched The Christmas Blessing. It was a tear jerker, but a good one too. I have to put my applique aside as we are getting ready for our retreat. We will be unveiling 3 new tumbler table runners. We have one all ready to be quilted and have the other two ready to put on the appliques. They are pretty cute, if I don't say so myself! - Well, I have been on a milk buying binge lately and was trying to think what I can make to use some of it up. (It is one of those things that I think I am probably out of milk, so I pick up a jug! AARGH!) I am going to make some sugar cookies like my Grandma Gibbs used to make. Grandma put pecans on the top of hers and ALWAYS had a tupperware bowl full of them on the top of her refrigerator. I just love thinking about those wonderful memories. I can almost feel them melting in my mouth. Off to the kitchen.........

TTFN,
Carol

Vacation???

2010-01-09T11:37:00.000-08:00

Beth is on her way to WARM Phoenix, Arizona? Am I jealous? NOT AT ALL!!! Well, that is a lie! I am cleaning, cleaning, cleaning. How do we accumulate all of this stuff? And, I don't even have a basement. At this time I am trying to decide if I will have a garage sale or take it all to The Closet. At this time, The Closet is winning! - I got a new Bing Crosby Christmas tape, so I am listening to it as I type. I just can't turn off the Christmas music yet! I was giving my son a haircut and I said, "Do you like my music?" For some reason, my 18 year old didn't care for it! - Anyway, back to the cleaning. I found a ton of wool. I am allergic to wool. What was I thinking? I guess I thought maybe things would change. Then I finally tried on this beige pair of shoes I keep putting back in the closet for a "good" outfit. They were so tight and really pinched my toes. I couldn't have worn those if they were the only shoes I had! - Remember that we will be closed Mon., Tues., and Wed. I will be at the store on Thursday and Beth had better not call me and give me a weather report like she did last year. If she does, I may be looking for a new, nice partner! - Oh, one WARM spot today. I am meeting my best friend from college tonight in Peoria. I haven't seen her for a couple years. Sure hope we have something to talk about!!! Of course you know I am kidding! Keep Warm!!!

TTFN,
Carol

Counting our blessings

2010-01-05T15:53:00.000-08:00

Wow, we were really blessed today! We had so much left to do to finish getting the shop ready for the sale. And then 3 blessings occurred--2 angels stopped by and 1 called to see if we needed any help! That blew us away--not to mention that Beth's mom came in to help also. So, we give heartfelt thanks to Sandy, Maribel, Rosanna and Armida for being our blessings of the day! What we like to do when we feel blessed is pay it forward--so we will see what happens next.....
See you at our sale!
Beth for QG

2010 already???

2010-01-02T13:45:00.000-08:00

I just had breakfast with my girlfriends this morning and we were remembering the hype about the year 2000. Remember when we didn't know what would happen to the computers when they switched over, we bought generators, and we purchased water and toilet paper just in case? It's hard to believe that was 10 years ago. Where does the time go? And, when I am talking about 2000 that reminds me that Quilter's Garden has been in business for almost 10 years. Wow!!! How lucky Beth and I have been to meet so many wonderful people. Elizabeth Geuther was in the store today with her mom, Jan, and we were wondering how she grew so much. She was just 3 years old when she started accompanying her mom to the quilt store and now she is almost 6 foot!!! - With the new year, I have been cleaning at home and we have been cleaning BIG TIMES at the store. Don't forget about our sale next week. It will start Wednesday, Jan. 6th- 10-5, Thursday , Jan 7th - 10-7, and Friday, Jan 8th - 10-5. 25% off of fabric, yarn, notions, patterns and books. (1 yard minimum purchase) Bring in women's toiletries for the Food Pantry and get an extra 5% off your purchase. Items excluded are kits, Accu-quilt items and batting. We will be closed on Saturday, Jan. 9th and the following Mon-Wed (11th, 12th and 13th) for vacation. - Well, I must close as I am off to have supper at Kenyon's in Lacon with my son, Chad and his fiance, Sarah. Corn fritters here I come!!!

TTFN
Carol

2009-12-24T17:50:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!!! As I sit here tonight I have to admit that this season I have been thinking how Mary must have felt when she found out she would be having the Son of God. After watching the Miracle of Christmas in Branson, I have to say that seeing Mary so excited when she found out the news was quite a different perspective for me. Can you imagine what she felt and having to tell Joseph and her family? Wow, it is hard for me to comprehend! - My gifts are all wrapped and ready to go. I finished everything yesterday so today I focused on cooking. Things didn't start out so well. I make a recipe for mashed potatoes that takes sour cream and cream cheese. It is a great recipe as it can be made the day ahead. Anyway, I made the lumpiest potatoes I have ever made. I called my sister, Kathy, to tell her she would be making them next year, but she said she knows they will be just fine! Anything to get out of making the potatoes! Then I am making the strawberry pretzel salad. I forgot to add the sugar with the pretzels and butter. Let me tell you, it doesn't work without the sugar! I went to put the second layer on the pretzels and the pretzels were like powder. I dumped that in the garbage and started over. Luckily I had pretzel rods from cookie baking and used them instead of the small pretzels. I'll let you know how they turned out! Well, I need to grab my knitting and watch "White Christmas." That is one of my very favorite movies and I love the song, "Count Your Blessings." On this Christmas Eve I count my blessings for all of you and I thank God for the greatest gift that he gave me - JESUS!!! Have a Blessed Christmas!!!

Merry Christmas to all

2009-12-23T10:27:00.000-08:00

I think my family will be so shocked. This will be the first time in years that all presents given will be completed before not after Christmas. They won't know how to act. Well, I must say I like the feeling. Praying that your loved ones as well as mine all safely get where they want to go over the next few days. Check our latest newsletter at our website for the shop hours and information about the sale soon after the new year! Beth for QG

Are you ready?

2009-12-17T08:45:00.000-08:00

Are you ready for Christmas? If you are, kudos to you! If you aren't, join us here at Quilter's Garden. We have two sew days--tomorrow from 10-5 and Monday from 10-5. Come and join the fun as we all try to get ready for the BIG DAY. - We have some great last minute gift ideas ready for you. Of course, you can always make a pillowcase using our easy pattern, make a book cover out of Shannon, or give one of our neat notions. We just love the new binding tool. They are $9.99 and would make a great stocking stuffer. Since Armida's hands are getting sore, I actually had to do some bindings and I can't believe what a difference the binding tool made. No more sticking myself with pins or losing them in the chair! - I don't know about you, but I get so much satisfaction giving a gift that I made. I decided that instead of making a "bucket list", I would make a quilt list of people I wanted to give quilts to. I have already crossed off the first name on my list. My cousin, Wendy, and I don't trade gifts, but I wanted her to have a quilt. I dropped the quilt off yesterday at her mom's and my aunt is going to deliver it to Massachusetts next week. - Christmas stirs up so many past memories for me and I have to remember to slow down a bit and recall all of those wonderful times and to also remember the reason we are celebrating this season.

TaTa for now,
Carol

Why do good things have to end?

2009-11-30T20:11:00.000-08:00

Well, it's already the final evening of our visit to Branson. Yesterday, we shopped the historic downtown of Branson as well as an outlet mall. We ate at two restaurants we discovered and liked last year--a hamburger joint for lunch decorated in a 50's style and The Fish House at Branson Landing (a new downtown shopping area). Carol and Beth went to a performance in the evening by Debby Boone and the Country Tonite band and singers. It was a fabulous program! Today, we shopped again (we all accomplished quite a bit of Christmas shopping) and went to an afternoon performance by Christian singer and comedian, Mark Lowry. His piano accompanist was Stan Whitmire. Both were awesome, gifted and very inspiring. Oh yes, while at the Debby Boone concert, we learned that a very well known friend of Debby's was in the audience and we asked to have our picture taken with him after the concert. Can you tell who it is from our photo?
Well, we need to get to bed, up early and on our way home tomorrow. Just a reminder that the shop opens up again on Thursday, December 3.
All for now, Beth & Carol

2009-11-28T21:19:00.000-08:00

Greetings from Branson, Mo,
Carol,Beth and our friend Linda have just arrived today in Branson and we had a startling revelation by Linda once we got here. She saw a very good looking man with a great body, and unfortunately an attractive wife. Oh well, she said she at least realized she's not dead.
After getting lost a few times under the direction of our fearless leader, Carol, we finally made it to our hotel, rested a few moments, then headed out for a couple hours of shopping. Our evening was definitely the highlight of the day when we went to the Sight and Sound Theater to see an amazing performance of The Miracle of Christmas. This was a fabulous rendition of the birth of Christ.
Well, tomorrow will be another full and fun day, but Linda and I agreed that Carol is no longer the navigator.
Ta Ta,
Beth & Carol

2009-11-14T13:31:00.000-08:00

Oh my, our brains are on overload (okay, no comment from anybody)! We had an EQ6 class taught by Susan Knapp. Carol and I took the class also and we are of course, ready to go quilt design crazy. There are just endless possibilities to do with this program. Hurray for the creator of EQ6. Want to get in on this class next time we have it? Just give us a jingle or send an e-mail. We will post the dates when chosen for either late February or March.
Our friends, Mary and Billy brought in this gorgeous quilt that we helped choose fabrics for and we had to take a pic. The pattern is called The Man Quilt and the pattern company is Perkins
Dry Goods. Isn't it boo-ti-ful? Billy is such a great supporter of his wife's hobby. She showed us her book of photos of the quilts she has made. This is a great way to record one's accomplishments over the years. We recommend labeling quilts also for the benefit of future owners.

New Accu-Quilt Go Owners

2009-11-12T14:37:00.000-08:00

We have some new Accu-Quilt Go owners and we want to share their photos. Sherrye is on the right and has only owned hers a few days. She has already cut hundreds of pieces and is planning to make a quilt for each of her grandchildren for Christmas. Bonnie is a brand spanken new owner and we know she is going to quickly make plans to use her new toy.

To see the available die shapes, you can go to accuquilt.com and look through the choices now in stock. We feel sure that more designs and shapes will be coming over the next months.

We had Sew Day today and as always it is fun to see what gals are working on. We had purse projects, quilt borders being put on and a microwave potato bag completed during the day.

It has been a full day!

Aunt Sewzy Strikes Again

2009-11-06T09:00:00.000-08:00

Aunt Sewzy and Beth had a great time last night doing our program for a group of ladies at the Coal City Public Library. The library had quilts on display throughout the building for a one month period of time. And that was the most "happening" library we ever saw! There was so much buzz and activity and so many events going on. They had children's story hour, craft tables, teens on computers, adults in easy chairs reading and then the tea in the back room with the sewing group. It wasn't a noisy place, but there was an undercurrent of fun and activity that we have never seen at any other library. If you ever drive through Coal City, stop in the library--it was way cool!
Oh my--it's Christmas again today: more pre-quilted fabric arrived, our Aurifil thread has been replenished, Bali Pops (2 1/2" pre-cut batik strips) in 6 new colors, more flannels, fishing fabric, new Ackfeld quilt hangars, and lots more. Gotta go and work on checking it in.....

Aunt Sewzy

2009-11-02T14:17:00.000-08:00

Oh what fun we had yesterday, November 1 doing our Aunt Sewzy program for the fund raiser for Hospice in Sterling, IL. They had a beautiful quilt show, refreshments and then our program. We invited Carol's nephew to be part of the program and sing "Downtown"! Yes, the song done by Petula Clark years ago. Don't tell Aunt Sewzy, but I think Clayton stole the show.
This is the time of year that lots of you gals get the knitting needles clicking and we have been getting some beautiful yarns in as of late. I know my needles click at night until my hands hurt.
We still have two openings in the EQ6 class for Sat. Nov. 14. Carol and I hope to sit in on it also and get a better handle on using the program.
We will be closing early, Nov. 5, Thursday, as Aunt Sewzy will be on the road again.
Keep on quiltin',
Beth & Carol

2009-10-26T09:49:00.001-07:00

When shipments arrive, it is like Christmas. We just love to open boxes! We just received a shipment of yummy, scrumptious new yarns. More colors of cotton that are great for dishcloths, more colors in the worsted weight, some sock yarn and a brand new fiber--linen yarn. We have a simple knit jacket pattern to make with it. Also, I recently heard that there is a knit scrubby pattern that calls for linen yarn. We will have to google for that pattern. Anyone know about it? Oh, almost forgot about the Alp Premier yarn in more colors for the diagonal knit scarf we have on display--it is our best selling yarn and the pattern is free with the yarn purchase.
Hey, we have Knit at Night tomorrow night the 27th of October from 5:30-7:30. It is too dreary to do anything else, so why not come knit with us? Bring any project you are working on (some embroidery gals are coming too) and join us for the evening.
Speaking of shipments, the Accuquilt Go just arrived and we are so excited, we have to start setting up the display right away. All for now--Beth & Carol

Bus Group Visits

2009-10-20T13:44:00.000-07:00

Wow, we had such a fun day yesterday with 43 neat ladies who visited from the Northwest Suburban Sewing group via bus. They descended in two stages, as they split time with Old Times and us. We shared demonstrations of some of our favorite tools, patterns and techniques. That's quite a feat for us because we are so shy--at least that's what Carol says.

What are our favorite things you ask? You did ask, didn't you? Well, we love the Zip Clip for bindings, the sixty degree ruler for border print tablerunners, Shannon fabric for blankies that are as soft as a babies bottom, and tablerunners made from our precut tumbler blocks.

Our thanks to Joan for being the fearless leader of your bus group! Come back and visit again anytime.

2009-10-20T10:36:00.000-07:00

Why is it when you want to take a baked good to a special outing it never turns out as good as if you were making it for your family? AARGH!! I was making ice cream cone cupcakes to take somewhere and as I was baking them, I looked in the oven and noticed they were over flowing!!! I didn't have time or supplies to make them again so after I took them out of the oven, I peeled away the cake from the side of the cones. I then frosted them and had these really cool Halloween decorations to put on the top. You know what? They didn't look too bad when I was all done. We see this all of the time in the quilt shop. Not with food, of course, but with quilts. So many times, a quilt top gets put together and then as you are looking it over, you see a big mistake. I figure there are 6 things you can do. #1. Live with it. If it doesn't bother you that much, then let it go! #2. Embellish it. Can you put an applique over it? #3. Rip it out and redo it. #4. Declare it an Amish quilt. Only God is perfect. #5. Don't tell anyone there is a mistake. Nine times out of ten no one will even be able to see the mistake unless you point it out. #6. Give it to someone who doesn't quilt and they will love it! (This one is my favorite!!!!!!) Remember, quilting should be FUN!!!

TTFN

Sew Day

2009-10-16T13:41:00.000-07:00

Today is our sew day and the word for the day has been colonoscopy. I know you are all wondering what the word colonoscopy has to do with quilting??? Well actually it has nothing to do with quilting; however, there has been lots of laughing going on and that is what quilting is all about - laughing, comradery, fellowship AND if you get some sewing done while spending time together then that is a bonus! One of the ladies who had a colonoscopy recently said she had prepped for the procedure and followed the directions her doctor had given her. Of course the directions say you are not to eat anything after midnight. Her son picked her up at her house early in the morning and had stopped to get himself a breakfast pizza at Casey's. Was she hungry? You bet!! As he was sitting in the hospital enjoying his breakfast, our friend said to the nurse, "What do you do with a son like this?" She said, "Easy, take him out of your will!" - Along with all of the fun, I have actually gotten some sewing done. At market, we purchased 13 bolts of Shannon fabric. You can go to shannonfabrics.com and look up cuddle. It is the softest and smoothest fabric you will ever feel. Beth and I have lots of projects planned for it and I already have one finished. Of course I can't tell you what it is until the pattern is done, but it has something to do with what we have been talking about in previous blogs. Yes, you are right. It is a book cover. Are you thinking Christmas presents? I know we sure are! Well, I'm sitting back here in the office and I just saw Beth throw her hands up in the air and twirl around in the class room so I better go and see what I missed!

TTFN

Goose Bump Moment

2009-10-14T14:56:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy day at the store. Janice brought back the Christmas Row Throw all quilted. I can't wait for the big unveiling at Garden Club next week. (Of course there are a few of you who already got to see it.) - Remember yesterday I told you about the flight attendant who loved my book cover? Well, I just got an e-mail from Eulonda and she has sent the book cover off to Sharon, the Delta flight attendant. But, what is soooooooo neat is that Eulonda has not even talked to Sharon. She just made the book cover for her and put it in the mail. In Eulonda's email letter to Sharon she said, "I do most of my quilting and sewing as a hobby and I have lots of fun doing the various things. I really don't like to sell things, then it isn't a hobby anymore. The only payment I want for it is for you to "Pay it Forward" someday when you can do something for someone else." Do you have goose bumps yet? Isn't that something? Quilter's are the best people on the planet!! I sure hope Eulonda doesn't mind me sharing her story. We hear so much negative in a day that I just thought I would share a wonderful positive. - Beth and I have been choosing the fabrics for the retreat projects. We purchased another pattern book from our friend, Karin Hellaby, while at quilt market. So, we will now offer two different projects. One is a pineapple techique and the other is an attic windows 3-D project. The ladies who went last year will get first dibs; however, if you would like to get on the waiting list, just stop in and get your name on the list. Till the next post.....

TTFN

2009-10-13T13:51:00.000-07:00

We're baaaaaaack! Beth and I are definitely flying on adrenaline today. We got to my house at 12:00 AM which means Beth got home around 12:45 AM. There were storms in Houston and Atlanta so our planes were delayed. It is always fun to meet new people in the airport while we are waiting. I know, Beth and I are so shy that you're wondering how we got the courage to talk to a stranger; but we went out of our boxes! We sat by Janet who is an article writer for the magazine, Sew News. How interesting! We shared a room with Susan Knapp (from the Quilt Branch) and she was also on our flight home. We told her how we had purchased a lot of pre-quilted fabric and wanted her to design a specific bag/purse for us. I don't know about you, but I love a zipper in my purse and those patterns seem to be a little harder to find. While waiting for our plane, she opened her computer and designed as we told her what we liked. SOOOO COOOOOL. Which reminds me, check out our class list as Susan will be doing an EQ6 class for us in November. For those of you who know Susan, you know what a computer guru she is and also a fantastic teacher.
Oh, the neatest thing happened on the plane. My friend, Eulonda Gries, made a book cover for me. It is made out of ultra suede and has my initials on the front and back. Anyway, I was reading on the way home and the flight attendant came by and said, "WHERE did you get that book cover?!!!) I told her my friend had made it for me. She said she has been looking for one forever and can't find them. I told her I would contact Eulonda and see if she would make one for her. She headed straight for the galley and came back with her name and e-mail on the back of an airline load requirement paper. (Never seen one of those before.) I called Eulonda immediately this morning and she is going to contact her. So, if you see a flight attendant on Delta with her own monogrammed book cover, you will all know where it came from! Since you all know how I love to read, we purchased paper pieced patterns from A Very Special Collection for checkbook covers and book covers. We will be having a class on these very soon. What great Christmas gifts they will make.
One more great purchase was a pattern to make Spa Therapy Bags. Believe it or not, the shoulder stress suressor and the eye bag are filled with corn! Since Beth and I are both farm wives, that was a "must purchase" pattern. The designer said that corn retains the heat longer than rice. Sounded good to us! Wouldn't that make a great gift for your favorite quilter friend or someone who has shoulder or sinus problems?
Well, must get back to pricing all of the new patterns and books.

TTFN
TaTa For Now

Second Day at Market

2009-10-11T20:42:00.000-07:00

It's 10:45 PM and we are just getting time to blog. It has been a busy day at market. I took a machine applique class from Beth Ferrier and absolutely loved it. Actually, I was a class crasher. I tried to get into the class before market and it was full. So, I just went to the classroom and hung around to see if there was someone who wouldn't show up. It was my lucky day. Beth has one of the newest notions out for applique since sliced bread. Can't wait to share it in the store with you. Are you curious? I knew you wouldn't want to wait until we were home. It is a water soluble stabilizer that you use instead of freezer paper. I learned so much from her in class. She is my favorite teacher as she is such a great educator and fun too! - Beth and I are also pictured with the girls from Buggy Barn. Their book had one of the greatest quilts at market. Janet and Pam are just great. (Notice we are on a first name basis!) - Well, I must pack. This is so hard as we can only have 50 pounds in our suitcases. Our carry on bags get a little heavy! - Of course the best thing of all is getting to see my sister, Nancy, while at market.. Her friend, Hilda, and she came down to Houston tonight and we ate at Josephine's Italian Restaurant.

Quilt Market Opening Day

2009-10-10T18:58:00.000-07:00

Oh my, Carol and I have just completed our first day walking the market floor. There are 21 aisles of vendors and lots of new and exciting ideas. Now we have to decide what to order and bring home to the shop.

We have decided to become Accuquilt Go authorized dealers! That is the fabric cutter and equipment for home use. One can cut many layers of fabric at one time and be ready for fast piecing of many different patterns.

We also met Amy Butler and really like her fabric line this fall. We will likely be ordering some tomorrow.

I took a zipper installing class from author Linda Ghee and made a zip cosmetic bag in less than one hour. Yippee!! That's my idea of a great gift idea. Do I see a class in the future at the shop? You bet!

2009-10-06T14:50:00.000-07:00

Wow! It is so much fun hearing from those of you who are following our blog. Beth and I are frantically getting projects ready for the girls to do while we are at market. Actually, Beth is buzzing around here a little faster than I am as I worked in our yard on Sunday and pulled a muscle in my leg. So, I made a note to myself and said, "Self, no more working in the yard." If I had been quilting or knitting, that would have never happened! - We almost have our center pieces put together for our next year's block of the month. They are really turning out great. You'll have to stop in to see them or join us on Oct. 20 and 21st for Garden Club. We are just starting a new year and we feel it is one of the best deals in town. Just $25 for a year of fun and learning. No need to call ahead, just show up at 10 AM on Tues. or Wed or 6 PM on Tues. Of course we go to the Mexican Restaurant (Los Ranchitos? or something like that) for supper on Tuesday evening at 5 PM. Join us if you can. As I sit here I think about all of the friendships that have been made at Quilter's Garden. Aren't quilters grand? Well, it is almost closing time and I need to get home to finish my packing. Oh yeh, Beth already has her things out to be packed. That is pretty scary. She says she doesn't like to pack early because she always forgets something. I wonder what I will have to bring to her rescue this trip!!! Ta Ta for now!!!

Quilter's Garden First Blog

2009-10-02T08:20:00.000-07:00

Yes, we finally got with the times! We are blogging! Oh, this is fun!!! We just have so much to share that we felt it was imperative to begin! Beth and I have begun our quilts for next year's Garden Club. They are turning out great. As our e-mail blast said, we are doing them in country and batik. I wonder which of us is doing country and which is doing batik? - In the knitting end of things, we just ordered some new Plymouth yarns and Swedish yarns. We have really been scouting for yarns to make prayer shawls. It is such a wonderful ministry and I saw the comfort given to my roommate from college last week when she wrapped in a prayer shawl after losing her 16 year old son. It still gives me goose bumps when I think about her putting it around her! - We will look forward to blogging and keeping you posted on "what is happenin'" at Quilter's Garden. Be sure and mark our blogspot as a favorite on your computer and in the future we will have a link from our website. Ta Ta