Another day full to the brim.

Got up early to get a jump on things. Have a pretty full day planned at the shop.

Quilt Minnesota is still going strong. Yesterday, we had no more than 10 minutes without a shop full of hoppers. That's fantastic, you would expect it to be quieter during the weekdays. It seems that many prefer to come during the week to avoid the weekend crowds. Whenever they decide to come, we welcome them.

I find it amazing how a shop hop can not only bring out the "physical" quilter but the "mental-creativity" of the quilters. Does that make sense to you? I was listening to several quilters talk while looking at a sample hanging on the wall. They were talking about their fabrics and where they would use them in their version of that quilt. How they would change this and add that. In essence, they were designing and creating something unique. When I got them the pattern and we chatted, it was very interesting to hear some of their ideas. They were going on a retreat and taking that pattern as their project. Each was going to make it "Her" way. I would love to see the finished projects - guaranteed they would all be "creatively"different and wonderful.

Our class schedule will be posted on our website today. Patti H. has been working very hard to put together one that has a full array of classes for all levels. Lola, Kim, Patti H, Becky and Georgann and I will all be teaching again. Most of the classes are new but we did offer some of the popular ones again. If you missed one last time, check and see if it's listed this time. If you can't find it, call and we can see if it will be on our Winter schedule.

Well, that's it for now. Better get ready and head to the shop.

Have a wonderful day,
Patti

Quilt Minnesota 2010

Have not had time to blog this week. Quilt Minnesota is in full swing.

The shop hop is in it's 6th day and going strong. Today, we were busy from the time we opened until just now when we closed.

All the quilter's that I've met have been having a fantastic time and are planning to do it again next year. One group came in from Seattle to hop. They completed one section and are starting on their second. Nicest group of ladies - you could tell they were BFF's.

I'm going to go change into something comfortable and put my feet up. Need to rest up for tomorrow.

Keep on quilting,
Patti

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