Quilt Minnesota - Day 1

Quilt Minnesota is off to a good start..... the rain doesn't seem to be deterring the quilter's.

It makes my day when a customer comes in and says "I look forward to this shop hop because I wait all year to come to your shop". She lives in Texas and comes up every year just to do the hop with her sister. That makes me feel like we're doing something right.

Our Hop fabric this year is really well received. I actually pre-sold half of it and now the ladies are coming in to pick up their packages. One was so excited to finally have it - she was clutching the bag like it contained something precious. I guess to a quilter, fabric really is something precious.

Here are just a few photo's of the projects we made from the fabrics. The table runner is made by D. Hall Designs and the bag was made by Theresa, it's the Caspian Purse. Our Winter themed charms from the shops in the Metro Section add to the front of the bag.

I hope everyone gets to participate in this hop, it's one of the biggest Quilting events in Minnesota and one you don't want to miss.

Hope to see you -

Patti

Home from my retreat.... totally pumped!!!

Got home last night from 4 days with Laurel (Bear Patch Quilting) at the Atkinson Shop Owners Retreat. This is my 4th time and it just gets better every year.

To just give you a quick insight to what we do at this retreat..... Laugh, Sew, Laugh, Laugh, Discuss, Laugh, Tease, Eat unbelievable meals prepared by a fabulous Chef, Laugh, Discuss, Sew, Sew, Sew, Laugh, Laugh and Eat again.. I think that about describes it.

Actually, the best part is not the eating or sewing, it's having the opportunity to share ideas with some of the nicest and most knowledgeable owners from all over the country. To hear how they are handling this economy, what makes their shop stand out when there are soooooo many to go to. They freely share tips and techniques to help make all our shops a success. For that I want to thank them. The ideas, tip and tools discussed were wonderful.

I will be adding pictures to my next blog, my camera did not exactly take the best. The table settings are worth seeing... Roseann (Rosebuds Cottage) does a fantastic job of setting up "Theme" centerpieces. This time it was and Ice Cream Social and then my fave - Halloween.

I signed Fabric Town up to be part of Terry's "Groovy Girls Club"... this is going to be fun. I will be sending out information about how you can be a "Groovy Girl" soon. (Little hint on what the club is - exclusive patterns for tiny totes, cute purses and much, much more. Let's just say, it in three words Terry Atkinson Designs!!!!)

That's all for right now. Our Quilt Minnesota, State wide Shop Hop starts in 2 hours so I better get a wiggle on and get to the shop. This is a fantastic event and I don't want to miss a minute.

Bye for now
Patti

Classes, Classes, Classes

Spent yesterday with Patti H. working on the new classes for Fall.

I am really excited about the new offerings this time. We will have a few of the "favorites" again but mostly an entire schedule of new things.

It is important to us to try to offer a little something for every skill level. I am a firm believer that if you start on a project that is over your skill level and you get frustrated - it can turn you away from quilting. Nothing wrong in taking it slow until you're comfortable with your 1/4" seams and cutting to be able to move on. Too often novice quilters come in to the shop and ask us why they can't get their "Lone Star" to lay right. One of the reasons is that they've only been quilting for 2 months and haven't mastered their 1/4" and don't know all the tricks. I like to tell them to just take it slow with a log cabin or 9 patch and then we can help choose the next step up. There's nothing more frustrating to a beginner than trying to make something that just won't match up or lay right. (This coming from the voice of experience)

I hope you will all find a few fun classes to take... also Becky will be announcing her next Block of the Month soon. We just ordered all the fabric for the finishing kits and are in the process of picking the remainder of it. If you liked the last one - wait til you see this one.

That's about it for today, gotta go close the windows it's pouring rain out. Hope you have a great day and get some quilting time in.

Patti

Quilts for all Seasons..

The "Log Cabin Addicts" put on a fantastic show!

Just wanted to show you our booth.
























I should have gotten a few pictures before the show started, this is after the first day. We sold alot of things and these photos look slightly "picked over".

Most of what we had in the booth was new and had not been in the shop before.

We got back on Saturday and Jeff and I went in on Sunday and put up new displays.

Stop in and see the wonderful Fall, Halloween and Christmas projects the girls have been working on. We're sure you'll find something you'll want to decorate your home with or even better .... give as a gift.

Patti

Bemidji with Heide....

Here we are in Bemidji.

"Paul Bunyan and two Babe's"

(just a hint - Heide is the one wearing the sunglasses)

Tomorrow the show starts. We are ready and excited.


If you ever come up this way.... the restaurants are also great. The burgers at the Blue Ox are second to none.

Patti

Prior Lake Quilter's Guild Meeting

Looking for a fun Guild to join..... Here's one that is perfect for the fun loving quilter.

Last night Becky and I were guest speakers at the Prior Lake Quilter's Guild Meeting.... what a hoot. These ladies, many whom we already know, are a riot. They have more fun and laughs.

They had a show and tell, drawings for prizes and then ice cream sundaes.

We talked a bit then showed off a few runners, toppers and new Fall, Halloween and Christmas items. Becky demonstrated how easy it is to use the "Nine Patch with Attitude" templates. If you shy away from curves... give this pattern a try, you'll be amazed at how easy it is. Before you know it, you'll be the Queen (or King) of Curves.

Thank you to Kate M. for asking us to speak at her meeting.... any time. Thank you Guild members for your warm reception and we look forward to seeing you in the shop.

Patti

Getting ready for my favorite season.....

My favorite season has always been Fall. Coming from New England where the most wonderful Autumn colors are, it's no wonder.

I love the corn stalks, pumpkins and the best is the warm rich tones of the fall fabrics. This is the season of rusts, reds, deep greens, golden yellows and mustard shades.

BUT... even better than that is Halloween. I have always loved to decorate and get into the spooky, crazy stuff. I'm not into the gore or the scary... just the cute fun decorations.

Our Halloween block of the month has really taken off. 12 of the cutest blocks. Check it out on our website.

Right now I'm making this cute little wool ghost pincushion. I doubt I'll use it for pins, I plan on putting it in a shelf with some other Halloween treasures.

At the end of next week. We'll be re-doing the front of the shop. The ladies have been making some really wonderful fall and halloween table runners, wall hangings and toppers. We will also be putting up some new Christmas things. There will be more to come but right now we have a nice selection to help you get a jump on the holidays.

Stop by the shop and check out the newest lines. One of the Christmas lines we got in a few weeks ago is Northwoods Botanicals by Holly Taylor. We've made up a table runner and topper from it and they've been very well received. If you like Deep Cranberry, Dark Sages and Warm
Creams, this line is for you.

Let us help you get ready for the Holidays.

Take care
Patti

New projects and displays.

Having fun setting up some new displays. One of our special customers Karen H. made us a wonderful table runner to display from the Art to Heart book - Garden Song. As usual, all the projects in the book are wonderful. We have the fabrics in and if you like soft, cheerful colors - you'll love these. Lola is also bringing in a wall hanging made from the book.

Mary R. made the fun wool pincushions on the little chair and the strawberry one in front of the book . Need a gift for your quilter friends? Fast and adorable, sure to make anyone a happy recipient.

We're ready to jump into fall and the Holidays. New Halloween, Fall and Christmas runners, toppers and quilts will be going up in the next 2 weeks. Stop in and get a jump on your decorations and gifts. We'll have kits for all the new offerings.

Take care,
Patti

Happy, soggy 4th of July

UGH, the weatherman predicted rain yesterday and today. He got it half right. Yesterday was sunny, humid but a fantastic Summer day. Today, it's raining in a steady down pour. So much for a 4th of July picnic at a park.

I watched families set up on the sidewalk yesterday, reserving a good spot to watch the parade today. I hope this rain lets up enough so they can still enjoy it.

Trying to be a "Positive Polly" so if you look on the bright side, the farmers will appreciate the steady rain for their crops. Took a ride yesterday and saw some fantastic fields of corn. That "Knee high by the fourth of July" phrase is a thing of the past.... with all the hybrids they have these days the corn is past my shoulders in some fields.

I can't wait to bite into an ear, one of my favorite foods... add a Von Hanson's hot dog, baked beans and I am a happy lady. I'm making myself hungry just writing this.

I hope you all have a safe 4th and try not to let the weather spoil your fun.

Patti