Just playin' around.

Since I was a little girl I've always liked little boxes or containers to put things in.

Becky showed me one of these in a magazine and I thought I'd give it a try.

I painted the box with FolkArt - Butter Pecan paint. While that was drying, I blanket stitched my wool pennies together.

When they were totally sewn and the box was dry - I took a little glue and attached the penny to the top of the lid.

Now to put some fun things inside. I was thinking it would be nice to put a few spools of thread some needles, pins and a thimble and use it for binding or applique projects. This little box is too small for a scissors, even the tiny ones we have at the shop. I am going to do a taller box next and a scissors will fit in.

What a cute gift this would make for a friend.

The first sign of Spring.

To me, the first signs of Spring are when you see "Watch em Grows", Bulb Gardens, Tulips and Daffodils at Bachmans.

I couldn't resist picking up this little tulip plant to take to my Mother. She has a sunny window in her room at the care center, and this will thrive there.

The second sign of Spring is Peeps (you know, the little sugar coated marshmallow eggs). I have to admit, I love them. I put them in the freeze til they get hard and chewy. ( I have a feeling the weight watchers leader will not be pleased with how I have chosen to use my daily points )
Then there's all the Easter decorations and Hallmark cards. Sure sign... Spring is just around the corner.

I know we're all tired of snow and cold, I don't need to wait for any ground hog to see his shadow.... Tulips and Peeps are a sure way to tell it's almost over. Until then, stay warm and keep on quilting.

Patti

Sneak peek at our Shop Hop Quilt

This is Fabric Town's "Twin Cities Shop Til you Drop Tour" 2011 quilt.
Each of the 11 shops will have a wonderful, truly unique quilt to represent their shop.

Mark your calendars for our hop, April 28, 29 & 30.

Quilted designed by Lola Hendrickson - Quilt Company Patterns
Quilted by - Jana Kutnink

s

Last Chance to sign up for Celine's Class

Ladies,

If you've been waiting to sign up for the "Pieces in Time" class on Sunday, January 16th with Celine Perkins, you better do so by Friday, January 14th.

There are several spots open, so you haven't missed your chance.

Old Chicago called yesterday for the table set up and said we can let them know as late as Friday.

We're looking forward to spending a day with Celine, she's one of Fabric Town's favorite designers.
Don't miss a great opportunity to get away from the snow and cold and sit with a bunch of fun ladies.

To all who have already signed up... See you Sunday.

Patti

Kim Diehl is Simply Wonderful.

I have to admit it, I'm addicted to Kim Diehl's books?

One of my favorite things to do - get a cup of coffee and sit on the couch and slowly look page by page.Simple Traditions, Simple Season & Simple Pleasures I have them all.


There are a number of things I look for when buying a book or pattern. First, I like full color photos, Second, are the instructions easy enough for a beginner to follow and Third, are the yardages correct.



Kim's books fill my criteria. Her photo's are inspiring, full color and fabulous. The instructions would be easy enough for someone with some quilting experience to follow and her yardages are correct.



In my opinion she could name her next book "Simply Wonderful". If you haven't had the pleasure of reading her books, stop in and check them out. I just know you'll love them.

Patti

Lola does it again.

Fabric Town is proud to introduce "Star of Wonder", the newest pattern designed for us by Lola Hendrickson of Quilt Company Patterns.

Many of you already know Lola from when she had her shop in Blue Earth. When the shop closed, Lola and her husband moved away for a time but then returned to Minnesota.

Lola has been with Fabric Town for 4 years. She teaches classes as well as designs for us. On top of that, she holds down a full time job at DCTC. Her never ending energy is something I wish we could bottle. Who wouldn't want to get a little extra umph.

Stop in the shop and check out this wonderful new quilt. Kits are available and we have two colorways for the outer border - blue as pictured and green. Both are sure to please.

Have a fantastic day,
Patti

All good things must come to an end.

The retreat is over and it's time for me to go home. This has been so relaxing and fun that I'm already looking forward to our next one in April.

Just a few photo's of the ladies and a couple of the projects being worked on.

Thanks Ladies for a great time.... see ya soon.

Having fun with friends... a weekend retreat.

Having a wonderful time with a few of the Fabric Town ladies and some of our good friends. This is our Winter get-away retreat. We started Friday morning and wind down Sunday around 5:00. Just long enough to relax and get some quilting done.

I'm working on my "Comfort & Joy" block-of-the-month. Here are a few photo's of block #1 and #2. I still have to blanket stitch around the house. And then to sew all the parts together.


It's like doing a puzzle, and as I had hoped "stress free". I'm working on getting all the piecing done so I can concentrate on all the applique blocks. Doing the blanket stitch by hand so it takes a little longer then using my machine.

We will be putting the kits together so they will be available soon. I know you'll have as much fun as I am, working on this. I especially like the idea that I'm already getting ahead of the Holiday Season.

Hope everyone is keeping warm. Yesterday it was unbelievable just trying to get here. The highway was a mess - cars and trucks in the ditch. It was snowing pretty heavily but the wind was so strong it made it a white-out situation. All our retreaters made it safely, the last one rolled in around 6:30.

Today the sun is out and it's a cold crisp one. Glad I'm inside sewing.

Be Good....
Patti