Totally out of my box.

I consider myself a traditional quilter. I still enjoy nine patch and log cabin more than any other pattern. The only time I stepped out of my box was to make my New York Beauty.

UPS just dropped off a box of new books... these two were among the new selection.

They are unbelievable. The quilts may have started out with traditional block patterns but they are anything but traditional.

The photography is fantastic. I'm not much for funky fabrics and wild patterns - this is an exception.

Excellent job Kathy and Sarah.

After the storm.

This Spring was really a strange one. Now that we're supposedly into Summer - it's just as strange.

I think there's more mushrooms in the lawn than blades of grass. When you walk on it, it's squishy. The poor farmers either can't get into their fields to plant or the plants are drowning from the rain and suffering from the lack of sun.

My lovely basket of Million Bells that the girls at the shop gave me was so beat up from the rain and wind, that it lost all it's flowers.

They always say that after the rain - a rainbow. Well my entire basket is covered with wonderful buds... I guess you could say, a million of them. It made it through the storms and is bigger and stronger. Sounds like the description of alot of women I know.

The sun is coming out and it's suppose to be a wonderful "Summer" day.

I hope you all have a Million Bells kind of day.

Patti

"Talent Show" Bed Turning

Everyone has a quilt they're especially proud of. Here's the perfect chance for you to share it with others who share your passion.

Fabric Town is hosting it's

1st Annual "Talent Show" Bed Turning.
Thursday, September 15th, 2011
7:00 PM

We will be featuring Customer and Employee quilts.

*Refreshments
*Door Prizes
*Raffle Quilt**

To shy to get in front of a crowd? No problem, write up a description of your quilt and anything you would like to share and someone will present it for you.

Entry forms and information will be available at the shop starting Monday, June 27th.

RSVP required (952) 432-1827
Depending on the number attending, we will be holding this event in a different location in our mall.

Seat Charge: $5.00**

**This is a charity event. Proceeds from Raffle Quilt and Seat Charge will go to Birthday Buddies. (www.birthdaybuddiesmn.com) Your donations are tax deductible and receipts will be available upon request.

Word for the day

Inspire.......

Word for the day.

Create

MQ show is over, now on to the Quilt Minnesota Hop.

The 2011 Minnesota Quilters show came to a close at 4:00 today. It was a great show and we had fun. It's always nice to see quilters having a good time and getting excited about a new project.

Gingie was excited. She got to sit with Sue Poser from Gruber's and chat. Then she went over to the "Quilt Minnesota" Quiltapoloza booth to check out the new fabric for this years hop.
While she was there, she checked on the bus tour. 21 shops in 3 days for only $199.

That's a fantastic deal. Now she can complete two sections and qualify for the wonderful gifts they're offering.
With the cost of gas, this is a bargain. Just give Mary at Quilted Treasures in Rogers a call and sign up today.

A new Bernina for Gingie

During the preview at the show last night, Gingie stopped by the Bernina booth to check out the latest machines.

Looks like she's heading to Bear Patch in White Bear Lake to see Laurel and Deb and pick up a new BERNINA.

Excellent Choice - that's were I got both of mine.

Gingie - while your there could you pick me up a clear foot for doing satin stitch and blanket stitch.

Keep watching and see what else Gingie finds at the show to share with us.

Let the Show begin!

The booth is finally all set up and we're ready for the show to begin. Here's a few random photo's of the completion.

Thanks to all the Facebook and Blog Followers that stopped in tonight to say Hi. It was nice to meet you in person.

Nostalgia

On the weekends, Jeff and I like to go to the Keys Cafe in St. Paul. It's a family owned restaurant with huge cinnamon buns, great Italian Hash and hot, spicy homemade sausage.
They have many locations but this is the one we prefer.

If you like Nostalgia... you'd love Succotash the Vintage-Retro shop a couple doors down from the cafe.
Jeff and I love to go and check out at all the crazy things this shop has to offer.
I really love the way that you can just see a glass or canister set and it can take you back to a place in your past. Many of the things we see, our parents had in our homes as we were growing up.

Remember the aluminum kitchen sets... I do. Now they're back in style, especially the ones with the red shiny tops and vinyl covered-high back chairs. Funny, back then it was just a kitchen set and now if you have the original it's worth double or triple the price your parents paid for it.

I remember my Mother and Grandmother telling me that if I hung on to things long enough they would come back in style. Funny.... hip huggers and bell bottoms did. (I did that once, never again)

You all know I have Quahog, Boston Terriers were the breed most popular in the 50's. Most people who don't have a Boston would not know this but - they're back and on the top of the breed- list for popularity? Watch how many TV commercials have a Boston in it - I can name at least 10. The breeder said her puppies are sold out before they are even born.

How about the aluminum Christmas trees... silver with a color wheel. Find one at an antique shop that's in good condition and you'll get sticker shock. I could list a dozen fun things that are making a come back.

It's just fun and very Nostalgic.

OK booth Fairy... do your thing.

This is our booth... we are just unloading a few tubs and the quilts.
We actually set up tomorrow at 11:oo.
I'm actually hoping that a Booth Fairy comes by some time tonight and sets the entire thing up for us. Probably not going to happen but who knows.
(Positive Polly Attitude)
That's Theresa in the corner....

When I went to move the truck to a parking lot, Theresa got started. Still a long way to go.

I just noticed, if you look on the far right table in the first photo, check out who's sitting in her lawn chair on top of the paper ream box.... Gingie. Hey, girl, you could at least start unloading that box!!!!!

The loading begins.

The loading begins, last night Jeff came to help me load the truck. I wanted to get all the tubs we already packed out of the shop so there was room for the customers to move around. We plan on starting to set up today at 4:00 and then our scheduled appt. is for Wed. at 11:00. This will give us a few extra hours to get it set up without too much pressure. We want to make sure we haven't forgotten anything..etc. I've got a list but we all know how that goes.

Well, while I was loading I came upon a stow away in the box of the truck sitting on the tubs.
Look who's back from her vacation and anxious to get to the show.... it's Gingie.

I noticed that she was even wearing a fancy dress and had her lounge chair with her to sit in the booth. Haven't had a chance to chat with her to see when and where she'll be traveling to next. For right now - she's heading to the Minnesota Quilter's show.

I wiill post some photos of our booth as it progresses. Funny how you have a plan in your head of how you want it set up. Then when you get there it takes on a life of its own and finishes up totally different. Either way it will be filled with lots of fun new projects for everyone.

Looking forward to seeing you there.

Patti

PS: Remember to stop by and bring in your list of Gingies travels to receive your fat quarter pack.

Shhhhhh, it's a secret.

I'm not suppose to tell you what the new mystery looks like, I guess everyone feels that it would ruin the "mystery" part of it.

So, shhhhh, it's a secret that Lola just brought in the quilt top and it's going to the quilter.

Shhhhh, it's a secret that it's even better than the last one.

Shhhhhh, it's a secret that it's going to start in September.....

You didn't read it here, I never mentioned it Shhhhhh, it's a secret!

Patti

The kit factory continues....

I got up at 4:30 this AM to take Quahog out and get started on the kits I brought home again last night. Not only at the shop but here at home it's turning into a "Kit Factory", at least that's how it feels.
We're still getting ready for the Minnesota Quilters show - for what seems like - forever.

Funny how you have all year, yet the last 3 days before the show you're working like mad.

This is just one of the cute samples that we've been kitting. Theresa made it as well as the others in the series.

We'll have everything stitched, bound, kitted up and packed by Tuesday. Our set up time is Wednesday at 11:00. It takes us all day to get everything unpacked and in it's spot.

I am looking forward to the show, it's always fun to see not only the quilts on display but all the quilters having fun. Hope you get a chance to enjoy the show.

Patti

June Blog Special

"June Blog Special"

Four Square Farmhouse Kits
25% off

This special is for Blog followers.
Be sure to tell us when you're checking out that you are a follower to get the discount.

Getting ready for the show.

We're getting ready for the show. Theresa, Becky and I spent yesterday cutting and kitting.
I took these home and tied them up while watching a little television.

Just need to put tags on them and tie the bows.
We have alot of really cute things to share with you at the show.
Most of what we're bringing is new and has not been on display at the shop yet.

I even designed a few things that I'm really pleased with. Yes, for those of you who know I don't sew alot.... I spent a full week at home working on projects. I had a really fun time doing it and plan on making time to do it again soon.

Hope you enjoy all the new things.

The start of a perfect day.

Monday morning. Wake up everyone, it's the start of a new week.

I got up at 5:00 AM with Jeff to get him on his way and to have a few quiet moments before I start my day.

My favorite part of spring and summer? That would be being able to sit on my deck and have a cup of coffee, read a magazine or do a little hand work. The sounds of the birds chirping, the soft breeze rustling through the trees. It's just a perfect way to start the day.

Hope you all have a wonderful week.

Patti

Having fun for Birthday Buddies.

Yesterday was our Birthday Buddies Beer Bust and raffle. It was held at Blondies in Brooklyn Park.

What a fantastic turn out we had. Everyone was there to help raise the much needed funds. These events are necessary so that Nancy can continue to provide her birthday parties for families in need.

This time there were at least 50 baskets/bottles and kegs to raffle. My job was to sit and sell the tickets for two different Twins Games.

Guess who bought a ticket..."Gingie" Yes, there she was all dressed up and attending the event.

Here's a picture of her with her raffle ticket for the July 4th game. Not many people know this but she's a big fan of the Twins.























Looks like she's checking out a few of the wonderful gift baskets. I think she has her eye on the Margarita basket with the Cuervo, bottle of mix and 2 fancy glasses. Oh, she's ready to party.


My only concern is that she be back on the placemat in time for the Minnesota Quilter's Show on June 16th. All this traveling must come to an end.

Remember....Stop in our booth with your completed list, see if she's back and receive your fat quarter bundle.

Who know's were Gingie will turn up next.........

A little R&R in the Florida Keys for Gingie

Looks like another perfect day at the beach for Gingie.
What a little fashion statement she is.

Move over Kim Kardashian... Gingie has her bathing suit on.

Smokie ??????

For the past 4 - 5 days there has been a "Lost Cat" flyer posted to every tree, fence and all over our neighborhood.

The lost cat's name is Smokie, he has long gray hair and green eyes. He responds to clapping of hands and his name. He was lost on Saturday night.

So.... On my way home from Buca - a local Italian Restaurant (where I was purchasing Jeff's "Home cooked" dinner) I spot Smokie walking down the sidewalk about 2 blocks from where I knew a flyer was posted.

I quickly pull the truck off the road, jump out and start clapping my hands and calling him. He stops walking and comes directly to me. At this point I carefully and cautiously pick him up. He's kinda complaining but not much. I then pick up the pace and head up the sidewalk to where I remember the flyer. I'm not exactly running but I'm makin' time. All the while, Smokie is starting to complain and wiggle. Hang on Smokie - we're gonna call your Mom!!!

I finally jog the 2 blocks to the posted sign, I get my phone out of my pocket.... Smokie now starting to get very wiggly and MAD. I make the call. It rings about 30 times, at least it felt like it. I'm still holding on and trying to soothe this cat.

A lady comes on and I tell her that I believe I've found Smokie. Wrong... they found him this AM and just haven't taken the signs down yet.

At this point Smokie lets out a low growl and bolts from my arms. Feeling bad about taking him from his neighborhood, I find him under a bush and coax him out with the clap again.

I then walk slowly, as not to upset "Smokie" - all the way back the two blocks to return him to his neighborhood and get Jeff's truck.

Now I can't sing, never have been good at it - but evidently who ever that cat was liked it because as long as I kept singing he didn't try to get away.

I guess if this gig at Fabric Town doesn't pan out, I could try American Idol. Just Sayin"