And the Winner is . . .

CONGRATULATIONS TO JILL HARMS...

Jill was the lucky winner of the Tutto Tote Bag full of quilting supplies, fabrics and patterns.

Thank you Jill, for all the wonderful toys, dolls and especially the fantastic doll quilts you make for the children. With your help, Birthday Buddies has made alot of birthday parties possible.

Super Sunday....

It was a Super Sunday...not because of the Super Bowl, but because I actually had time to relax.

This morning, Jeff and I went to breakfast and then to the shop so I could cut out a "Take 5" quilt. I wanted something to work on while he watches the game . So, I got it cut out and we headed home.

I went grocery shopping yesterday to pickup some treats and a few snacks for him to enjoy while he's yelling at the TV. Shrimp Cocktail, Chips and dip, Cup Cakes and we're going to try a homemade pizza. Since cooking is not one of my favorite things, the pizza is refered to as Cooks Surprise. That basically means - the Cook is surprised if it turns out.

Well, I got the top of the quilt done...except the outer border. I have two choices and wanted to have the top done so I could decide which compliments the center best. This is a pretty easy and fun quilt to make. If you like puzzles, you'll love "Take 5" by The Teacher's Pet. I like a project that doesn't require alot of time but gives you nice results. This was the perfect project for me.

Now to go sit and watch the game...... GO COLTS!!!!!

Happy Quilting
Patti

Fun time sewing together...

Friday night I went over to Patti H's house - known to alot of you as "Other Patti".

We worked on making some of Terry Atkinsons newest little purses. Her new pattern arrived on Thursday, along with her zipper assortment. The pattern is called "Ca$h and Carry" and uses her easy method for putting in a zipper.

Notice the double one - how cute is that!!! We had alot of fun making them. I'm not the greatest sewer but "Other Patti" is fantastic. I only made the little one with the spools on it, Patti made the others and is making several more.

The purses are on display at the shop with the new zippers - if you've always been afraid of putting in a zipper, you'll love this quick and easy method. We're having a class to help you do it the first time. Sign up today to make one of these adorable purses.

Hats off to Terry Atkinson for another wonderful pattern.

Toy Drive Update

The Toys are coming in.....

We have had to deliver them to Nancy twice so far.

Monique's School of Dance finished up their toy drive on

December 31st. The winner of the Quilt was Lizzy K.

Thank you Lizzy and all the girls who donated.

Here are just a few photos of the donations we have received.

Nancy has been busy filling orders.

We are well over 3000 bags since our inception.

We are planning on having a used book sale sometime in

the spring. I will keep everyone posted.

We have in the neighborhood of 7000 - 10,000 books.

I am working on finding a location to hold it. Possibly in our mall.

Our last book sale was held in Brooklyn Park and was a great success.

Our drive ends on Saturday, February 13, 2010.

We will be drawing for the Tutto Bag full of quiliting goodies.
There is also a Tutto Bag at Bear Patch Quilting in White Bear Lake.
Laurel and Debbie are also having the toy drive for us.

Your help is greatly appreciated by my sister Nancy and myself.
This is a cause we feel very strongly about.

If you have any groups that would be interested in
hosting a toy drive or frosting & cake mix drive, please give me a call.
We need all the help & support we can get to keep filling the need.

Thank you to all who have donated.
Patti

New Year - New Start

I like to think that each new year brings with it a new start. I'm not one that makes new years resolutions, I just try to put more of an effort in making each new year better than the last.

The shop is doing well. With this economy it's hard to predict what each month will bring. We are making changes and working hard to keep bringing you fresh ideas and projects. If there is ever anything you would like to see offered as a class or an item that you need, please let us know. Becky will be glad to order any items you need and we will try to fill your class requests.

Right now we have a wonderful display of quilts in the shop by Celine Perkins - "Perkins Dry Goods". We are big fans of her patterns, they're easy to understand and fun to make. If you have not seen them, stop in before their gone. (they will be gone at the end of the month)

Well, that's it for now. Keep warm - stay inside and quilt!!!

Patti

Merry Christmas

I hope everyone is spending a wonderful Holiday with family and friends. The weather certainly didn't help if you were traveling, but better to stay home and be safe if you had to.

I am home today with the flu. It started on Tuesday, and is still here. I opened the shop yesterday at 10:00, but only made it til 11:15 and I had to close. I apologize to the three husbands that I think I let down. I waited as long as I could.

Jeff is at my Mother's having dinner. I felt bad leaving her alone last night, and now not being with them to eat. She's 81 and the last thing she needs is to get the flu. She understands, but still it's hard to be alone on any holiday.

Hard to believe that 2009 is almost over. My Granmother use to say that the older you get the faster time flys, how right she was.

I am not a person who makes New Years resolutions, for me it doesn't work. I am just going to try to make 2010 a better year at the shop and find new ways to make quilting fun and exciting.

We are putting together some classes that we think will be fun, some old favorites will be offered again as well. Always looking for the "different" one.

Lola is working on some fantastic samples and patterns. Celine Perkins of Perkins Dry Goods, let us hang some of her wonderful quilts. Patterns available for all of them. She is one talented and extremely nice lady. Stop in to see them while their on display.

That's all for today, I hope you had a great holiday and look forward to seeing you soon. We will be open on New Years Day from noon - 4:00. HUGE Sale..... don't miss it.

Patti

Snow Flake Sale in progress

Our 2 nd Annual "Snowflake Sale" is in progress. Time to clear out some of the older bolts and make room for the new ones - they'll start arriving in late January and continue.

Yesterday was a little crazy, we have about 250 bolts left with the flakes on them, as promised, we'll be adding more as the days go by. The 60% off bolts are dwindling down. I must have cut 150 yards yesterday.

I also want to say Thank you to Mary E. for her donation to our Birthday Buddies toy drive. She was kind enough to stop in for the sale and drop off 7 different toys - Checkers, Candy Land, Chess/Checkers combos a card game and yahtzee. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!

For her donation, Mary got her name entered into our drawing for the Tutto Tote and Goodies.... she now has 7 entries.

Please stop in and take advantage of our "Snowflake Sale" and drop off a toy for a child who otherwise may not receive a gift on their birthday.

That's it for tonight... going home to relax, been a crazy week since the sale started.

Keep warm - it's only 18 degrees out there. BRRRR
Patti