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

Working with Wool again & lovin' it.

Having a wonderful time making "Petitfore Pincushions".

The pincushion is nestled in a small tin tart cup... almost looks like a metal cupcake paper.
They're the kind of project that's fast, easy and addicting. Once I got the first one done I couldn't wait to make more. The one with the little flower basket on it is my favorite.

I have several new projects that I'm anxious to get started on. Too many great things to make and just not enough time in a day to get things done.
Isn't that the complaint of most quilter's?

My weakness - Antique Lamps.

If you stop in the shop, it's obvious that I have a weakness for lamps. My favorite however - Antique and Vintage. My Grandmother had some lovely lamps and it takes me back to a home that was warm and loving. I have several of the hand painted globe lamps like the one above, the other two are in the front windows. At night, especially in the winter when it gets dark early, the shop looks warm and inviting.


This lamp was a fantastic gift from Kim, one of our nicest customers. I'm going to hang it in my bedroom, but for now it's on my deck. My deck is one of my favorite places to unwind and the lamp gives off a warm glow and a relaxing feel. I sit there alot in the evening before I go to bed. Thank you Kim for such a lovely gift.

I found this lamp in an antique shop in St. Paul. It was in the back corner and covered with 1/4" of dust on the outside. It's one of my favorite finds. Jeff and I both like the "Hunt". We're always looking for another one to add to my collection.

Spring has arrived...

Spring is finally here.... the days are getting warmer and the flowers are starting to bloom.

Alot going on right now at the shop. The 13th Twin Cities Shop til you Drop tour begins next weekend ( April 29, 30 & May 1). We've all been busy getting all the new quilts, kits and fun projects ready for all the happy hoppers. This year we have added 3 new shops and are sure you'll enjoy the new additions.

We have added a new employee to our group. Jamie Ryan started last week and is a great addition. If you already know Jamie, you know that she is very personable and alot of fun to be around. She is fantastic with color and always willing to help you with your selection. Welcome Jamie, we're glad to have you at Fabric Town.

Along with getting ready for the Shop Hop next weekend, we are getting ready for Minnesota Quilters Quilt Show in June. We had a wonderful time last year and expect it to be just as much fun this year. The show is in St. Cloud on June 17-19... mark you calendars, you don't want to miss a great time..

I have been so busy that I have not had much time to keep this blog up to date... I apologize and will make an effort to keep it current. I appreciate all your comments and emails about the changes to the shop. I am always trying to make changes that I feel will make your experiences at Fabric Town positive ones. If there is any thing you would like to see at the shop or any comments you would like to make, please email me at Fabrictown2@aol.com. I value your opinions and will respond to your mail.

Take Care - enjoy the beautiful weather.
Patti