Another weekly update...

Looks like everyone had a pretty decent week.

I have been sick this past week. Finally diagnosed as Pnemonia. Didn't get to the club at all. I did watch what I ate and drank plenty of water. But wasn't sure how the scale would reflect my lack of exercise.

I managed to lose 1.2 lbs. which makes my total -16 lbs. I'm very pleased with that. I plan on getting to the club this week if I feel better. Have a retreat this weekend, the hotel has a treadmill so I will use it when I need a break from sewing.

Here's how everyone did... Excellent job Ladies!!!

LP -1.0 -16.4

MN -2.2 -4.8

JJ -.2 -16.2

JO -1.2 -15.6

I hope you all have another good week.

Patti

Blog "Follower" Specials

Periodically, we will be having "Blog Follower Specials".

These specials are our way of saying "Thank You" to the people who are reading and commenting on our latest blogs.

It's easy to take advantage of these discounts.....

1.) Sign up to be a follower on our blog page.

2.) Come into the shop on the "Special" day and let us know you're a "Follower".

That's all there is to it. You will receive your "Blog Follower Special".

Our first "BFS" will be on April 1st..... no, it won't be an April Fools joke, but you'd be a fool not to take advantage of it. Save 15% off any regular priced kit.

(This offer is only good on April 1st and to registered Blog followers.)

Thank you to all who follow us.

Patti

New York Beauty in progress

This is the start of my first New York Beauty. I have always admired them and wished I had the patience and skill to make one.

I thought it would be fun to make. It's not hard, just a little challenging. Paper piecing is not my forte so I'm learning a new technique. As for the curved piecing - once you figure out how to fit the pieces in, it's not hard.

The quilt top I chose has 36 blocks. I have these 4 done plus a few of the spike arcs. What is taking me the longest time is trying to make the colors flow. I went on line and looked at several sites that had NY Beauties on them. They don't seem to worry about "flow' they just put them all together and their results were fantastic.

I will keep working on it when I get a few minutes and hopefully will get it done soon.
When I do (notice the positive phrasing) I will post the photo. Don't be surprised if it's not this one.... Bright's is not my color preference, I'm thinking I would like to do it in softer shades of peach and green.

Have a great week.
Patti

Brick and Mortar shops or the Internet????

It never ceases to amaze me when customers come in and are surprised that a Quilt Shop is closing, and in the same breath takes out fabric that they ordered over the internet.

Well, here's a few things that can be considered in response.

#1. Every time you order on line, instead of at your local quilt shop, you contribute to the closing. I realize that every shop can't possibly carry all the new lines, notions or patterns. But if you want the item, ask if it's possible to get it in for you. Most shops will be more than willing to do this.

#2. You would be surprised at how many times we hear customers say to their friend - "Don't buy the pattern, I'll make you a copy of mine". This makes me sick when I hear it. That's what they call Copy Write Infringement. How do you think Celine Perkins, Terry Atkinson, Lynette Jensen or any other hard working designer would feel if they knew you were copying their patterns. I have a feeling you'd be hearing from them. Every time you copy a pattern and take the sale from the shop and designer it hurts both.

#3. Cotton is going up as are the costs of printing fabrics. These increases are not helping sales at the shops but there isn't much any of us can do about it. Before you go to JoAnn Fabrics or Mill End stop and think about this; With all the work you put into your quilts do you really want to use cheap fabric? Take a piece of your JoAnn's fabric, put it in your washing machine a few times and wash it.... did it fade? Is it feeling a bit whimpy? Don't ever mix your top quality quilt shop fabrics with JoAnn's fabrics - when washed, you'll be able to pick out the inferior fabrics right away.

You put all that work and quality fabric into the top - then turn around and buy the back from a craft store.... this too helps close quilt shops.

#4. Where are you going to go for advice, help and inspiration when the Quilt Shops are gone? This is one of the benefits of a Brick and Mortar shop. The clerks at JoAnn's are there to cut fabric and stock shelves, they're not there to take the time to help you pick out a quilt, give you the name of a machine quilter or just sit and help you learn to do your binding. We enjoy helping you succeed with your project no matter how large or small. We take pride in your accomplishments the same as you do.

If this continues to happen, you'll see more and more shops close. I don't mean to sound nasty about this but it really is disheartening. We put all the effort into making the shop a nice place to come, offer you top quality fabrics, samples to enjoy and kits to make your shopping easier, only to hear about the Internet - pattern copying - and then Mill End and JoAnns.

We all appreciate you and your business and look forward to helping you with your projects. By patronizing the Brick and Mortar shops you help us keep our doors open. For this I thank you.

Patti

My Bernette and a few fun projects...life is good.

I am having a terrific time working on some fun projects with my new Bernette from the Bear Patch in White Bear Lake. If you're looking for a really lightweight machine to take to classes and retreats - this is the one.

I have a wonderful Bernina that I use at home, but this little one is easier for me to lift and load into my car. I don't sew as much as most of you do, so I don't really need alot of options. I'm not into embroidery or monogramming so a basic machine fills all my quilting needs. I also didn't want to spend a lot since I have a "Bernina" and a "White" that do all the other fancier things.

Another thing that's important to me is service. I know of some shops that sell machines that have people doing repairs that have never gone to repair school. No way, with what you pay for the machines, you don't want someone that's never been trained doing the repairs. Bear Patch has a trained repair man that will keep your machine in tip top running condition.

Since Saturday, I've finished a Grab bag log cabin, 3 table toppers - one shown here. And am working on a Quilt Smart -Pumpkin Seed.
I'll post some pictures when I get it put together.

Hope everyone is getting ready for Spring - it's coming. Hard to tell after the storm that hit this week. Dont' forget the "Easter Egg Event".. keep collecting your eggs. Up to 50% off your purchase possible (with 5 eggs redeemed). Remember - the eggs are sugar free and won't cause cavities so you can have all you can collect.

Take Care... keep on creating.

Patti

The return of Winter.

Wasn't that the start of spring last week? I vaguely remember having the doors open and letting the fresh air in.

Well, I've been up for several hours watching the return of Winter. It's unbelievable outside. The wind must be gusting to 30 mph and the snow and sleet balls are actually hitting the french doors like bb pellets. I bet the roads are glossed over from the freezing rain last night.

Fortunately, I only have 2 miles to go from home to the shop. I doubt we'll be busy, would rather see everyone stay home safely and come after the roads are cleared. However, I do appreciate all the die hard Minnesotan's that don't let a little weather keep them in.

I better get ready I need to scrape off my car. The Beetle looks like a Hostess Snowball with all the snow on it. It'll take a little longer to get there this morning, it depends on how well the City of Apple Valley & Burnsville have plowed. The nicest thing about where we use to live in AV, the Fire Chief lived up the hill - the street was always kept cleared.

Keep warm and safe,
Patti

5 Week Mystery

Our "5 Week Mystery" kicks off on April 1st.

3 Blocks, 3 Fabrics and a "Surprise Ending".

It's a do at your own speed - at home mystery. The first four weeks you will receive a clue each week for the blocks. On the fifth week you'll receive the final clue, a complete pattern with color photo and the "Surprise" ending will be revealed.

The cost is $10 for the clues. If you purchase all your fabrics at Fabric Town when you sign up, you will receive the clues for free.

This is a quick and easy mystery (that's why only 5 weeks) and the quilt top is fantastic. I'm lucky enough to have seen it finished and I am planning on doing it as well. It can be done in any size - Lap to King.

We would like to add a 6th week... down the road for everyone to bring in their finished tops and share with all the other mystery members. We will have refreshment and door prizes. It's always fun to see how different each will look just by changing the fabric choices.

Get in and pick up your first clue.... this is going to be fun.

Patti

Spring is almost here, time to walk outside.

As the temps keep going up outside, the more I look forward to outdoor walks. The treadmill is great during the winter or inclement weather.... but spring means walking in the fresh air.

After last weeks terrible weigh-in, this week was good. I was down another 2.2 lbs for a total loss so far of -14.8.
.
At WW they have a prize for losing your first 10%, It's a little key chain. I received mine on Saturday. With every milestone you hit you get a charm to hang on it. Very cute. I was also able to get my Points Plus Calculator. This will come in really handy when I'm at the grocery store trying to figure out if the item I'm considering is a good use of my points. If you don't have one, I recommend it. It was only $5.95 and it's the size of a compact so it fits into my purse.

I got in all the totals and everyone seems to be doing well.

LP -1.2 -15.4

MN -2.6 -2.6 Welcome to our Weight loss journey.

JJ -2.2 -16.

JO -3.0 -14.4

OP -4.8 -4.8 OP remained the same - no gain, no loss. She's sure it's due to not eating enough food during the day. That's something we all have to remember - You can't lose if you don't eat.

I'm really enjoying doing this as a team. Being accountable in the beginning helps. I find that for myself, it gives me more of a reason to work out and journal. I want to do well and I know that I have others watching my journey. I'm not sure how long I will be doing the blog, it all depends on how many of you want me to keep it going.

Just wanted to share a few lovely quilts.

Many of you did Becky's 2010 Civil War Block-of-the-Month. Is yours done yet? Becky brought hers in so we could put it up and share it with everyone.There were two versions, a pieced center and this one. Becky chose to do the appliqued medallion in the center. Her applique is second to none.

A few years ago, Lola taught this quilt as our Beginner Quilt Sampler. Many of you requested the pattern - well, Lola has written it up. I know that there has been alot of interest in taking her class, as far as if she's going to teach the class again....possibly in the future. Keep watching our class schedule. It's called the Do-Si-D0 Sampler.
This week we are hanging alot of new samples and putting out kits. I enjoy doing the new displays.. not hard when the projects are as nice as the ones the girls have made for you to enjoy. Be sure to stop in and check things out.

Patti

Hand or Machine Applique - which would you do?

While browsing different blogs and facebook entries I came across this photo. It's by "A Quilty Kind of Girl". She asked the question - Would you applique the outer edge by hand or machine?

I've always wanted to learn to do hand applique. My specialty has always been fusible. I love to blanket stitch by hand, so I fuse the applique's and just stitch around them. In February, I started doing a block of the month and it has both pieced and appliqued blocks. I'm having a lot of fun working on it, but really would like to learn to do traditional needle turn so I'd have the option of either one.

When you're in the shop and see the wonderful wall hangings and even dresden plate potholders - they were all done by Becky. She excels at needle turn and teaches it for us. Right now, she's making a wonderful quilt for her granddaughter, it's a combination of applique and embroidery. It makes me want to take her class and learn the correct way.

I may just try my hand at this dresden plate and make a pillow... start small and if I enjoy it, then maybe a larger project.

Thanks to Quilty Kind of Girl for the picture and inspiration. Hopefully, I'm going to learn to applique.

Patti P.

The week 4 results.

Once again, it was a good week for all.

LP -3.2 -14.2 Nice job on the exercise, 3 times per week is fantastic.
JJ -2.2 -13.8
JO -2.4 -11.4
OP -.6 -4.8 Unable to exercise due to knee problem. Hope it gets better soon.

Pretty soon we can spend more time outside, the weather is finally starting to cooperate. I walked today for 30 minutes at the club, I would have loved to walk my neighborhood but it was raining. After the Chobani fiasco this week, I need to be more active. I still can't believe I didn't notice the sugar. Live, Learn.... and move forward.

Have a good week and thanks for sending in your totals.

Patti

Week 4 - Patti vs Chobani

Well, week 4 didn't go as well as expected. It wasn't because I didn't try, or didn't go to the club or even wasn't sticking to my program.

Remember I told you about Chobani? That's the Greek yogurt that I am totally addicted to. I'm so addicted that I have been having 3 per day. On Weight Watchers, that's 3 points per 6 ounces. I get 29 points per day so that is only 9 points. That's still good, it leaves me plenty of points for fruit, veggies and regular meals.

When I weighed in this morning I was up .4 (4/10 of a lb). That totally shocked me. I knew I had gone to the club 3 times this week. Watched and logged all food and drink. And had not cheated once. What was the problem??? CHOBANI !!! Yes it's fat free and only 3 points but it has 13 grams of SUGAR in the vanilla and 21 grams in the black cherry. That would be 61 grams of sugar per day UGH. I never saw that coming. I can't eat artificial sweetners, so sugar free is out of the question. I guess I'm just going to have to limit myself to 1 per day.

I stayed for the meeting and met a really nice lady. Cyndy, I hope you have a great week.

I'll post the totals tomorrow of the other ladies when I get them. I hope their week went better than mine.

Patti

New things to make and enjoy.

This week we're putting up alot of new samples. Lola, Becky, Theresa, Heide and Sandy D. have been extremely busy making some fantastic things.

This is just a sample of what we've hung up so far. We have alot more to display. Also, more at the quilter.





These are two of the new quilts Lola designed. They are so light and fresh, right in time for Spring. I can picture the posy quilt and runner in a little girls room.






There are new table runners and toppers, quilts and more.









We are also displaying a trunk show by Celine Perkins, "Perkins Dry Goods".
I think it's pretty well known that we all love her patterns.

I will post some other samples as soon as we get them out. Theresa is working on the kits and they will be available soon.


Also, don't forget the "Egg Event" is going on right now, collect as many as you can between March 1st and April 21st. Redeem them on April 22 & 23.

Patti H. is working on the class schedule and we will also be having a fun mystery quilt offered. Lola just showed it to me..... it has a "Surprise Ending". Watch for details here and on our website.

Have a wonderful tomorrow..
Patti

Week 3... Still committed.

Hello Ladies.

I guess I don't need to ask how well you're doing, the totals really show it.

I weighed in Saturday morning and was down another -3.2 for a total in 3 weeks of -12.2.

I must say, it's not as hard as I thought it was going to be. I think one of the things that makes it easier to stick to is the fact that others are doing it with me. Maybe it would be called "Accountability". I weigh in each week at WW but I think what's really making this fun is knowing that there are others also going down the same road.

I got a call at the shop from JJ, she had a tip for everyone.

"Before every meal, have a glass of water with lemon squeezed in it (or orange). The water fills you up & the lemon flavors the water and makes drinking it easier. This is great for someone who doesn't like drinking water.

Thanks JJ for the tip it makes the water sound refreshing. I'll try the orange, that sounds good to me.

Here are the weights that came in so far.

Week 3 Total in 3 weeks

LP -3.2 -11.2
JJ -3.0 -11.6
JO -4.0 -9.0
OP -4.2 -4.2

I hope all goes well for everyone this week. My plan is to get to the gym at least one more time then I did this week. I would like to get it up to 5 days.

Thought for the week: Success is the good fortune that comes from aspiration, desperation perspiration and inspiration.

Have a good week
Patti

In like a Lion... Out like a Lamb.

Isn't that what they always say about March? I remember it from when I was a child.

Well, once again it's holding true. March had been pretty nice so far - sunny, bright and cheery. But the forecast has predicted snow for the next 3 days then starting again on the weekend. Right now, it's really coming down. The flakes are small and they are only predicting 1" - 2" but for some reason, that has a strange way of turning into 5" - 6".

We were busy at the shop all weekend. I think everyone has the same idea, get your project for the week incase we get snowed in. I know I brought my block of the month home to work on.

If you're planning on coming to the shop this week and it's really snowing and blowing, please call before you venture out. (952) 432-1827
We will close up early if the roads are bad. I wouldn't want anyone to make the trip and have an accident - that goes for the FT ladies a well.

Have a good week, keep warm and safe.

Patti