Traditional Florals and a Celebrity Visitor

The weather was just unbelievable here in Toronto -- the day started out warm and rainy at a balmy 9 degrees. By early afternoon it was nice and sunny but down to minus 5 and now it is a bit snowy and all the way down to minus 11. With days like this you might as well hunker down at home and sew the day away!




We had a celebrity visitor in the store today: Mary Elizabeth Kinch. Mary Elizabeth is one of the co-authors of Small Blocks, Stunning Quilts and she was kind enough to autograph our in stock copies for us...that was a real treat. Mary Elizabeth also gave me a great tip: when winding a ball of yarn from a skein using a ball winder it should be done twice. The process of winding the ball causes the yarn to stretch a little bit and the ball will wind up very tight. If you draw the yarn from the centre and wind it a second time the ball will ease up and be a bit looser which will keep the yarn from stretching.
Yarn Ball Winder Royal




We have a new line of traditional floral flannels in stock called Rose Petal Cottage Flannel. They are made by Northcott and are absolutely lovely. I have been saying this for years but it is an unchanging truth...Northcott makes the best quality flannel on the market. It is soft and thick and washes like a dream. This line is very well put together with a large, medium and small scale floral print, a texture dot and a stripe.

Rose Petal Cottage Flannel
$9.99/metre.

Shout Out to Region of York Quilters Guild

Last night I had a tremendous time visiting the Region of York Quilters Guild. ROYQG was hosting its annual Merchant Mall Meeting and we were lucky enough to have been invited. I got to visit with many friends and customers and meet all sorts of new people too! The weather was spectacular yesterday so the trip out was an absolute pleasure. I would like to extend a hearty thank you to Patti and Bonnie for having us and to all the members for supporting us.

Located in Newmarket , ROYQG was established in 1985 and is now 200 members strong. The Region of York Quilters Guild meetings are held at the Newmarket Seniors Meeting Place, 474 Davis Dr, Newmarket, Ontario, on the 4th Wednesday of each month September through May, excluding December. Doors open at 7 pm. Guests are welcome to attend our meetings at a fee of $5 per meeting.

This year is a special one for the guild as they will be hosting their Works of HeART Quilt Show. The show is to be held at:

Seniors' Meeting Place
474 Davis Drive
Newmarket, ON L3Y 2P1

on

April 18 & 19, 2009

We will be there in the vendor's mall and hope to see you all too!

A Tisket A Tasket 2 ... Redwork Too!

I don't know about the rest of you but I was on the edge of my seat waiting for February 5th to roll around to see what the second block in the Tisket a Tasket Block of the Month Program would be.

To my delight it was a basket full of birds and was just to my taste. Anne also included redwork directions to give people another creative way to use her patterns. Of course I couldn't resist the redwork so started that too!




Here is a cute grouping of red and white fabric perfect for setting redwork blocks!



Redwork Fat Quarter Pack




We have Bunny Hill Designs' new Pattern - Arnie available now as well -- isn't he adorable? Can't wait to get started!

March Buck a Block...Sneak Preview ... and a Little Advice If You Please

On March 1st we will be starting our next Buck A Block Program! This one uses Thangles and a gorgeous Debbie Mumm Christmas Collection of fabric in country red, green and beige. Here is a sneak peak at the center medallion:

This time around you can do just the pieced blocks or you can choose to do the applique centre as well! The project doesn't start until March 1st and sign ups are in the store only while quantities last (although we made dozens!). I'll post another blog entry to remind you on March 1st.

In the meantime I need a little advice...on finishing the applique. While the details are hard to see in the picture...I used a buttonhole stitch around all the pieces and then couched some fluffy white yarn around Santa's cuff's and coat. I can't decide what to do with the wreath ... I'm thinking possibly a little thread painting and then decorating it with a few red beads... what do you think?

New Book and Fabric Arrivals

We have been blessed with unseasonably warm temperatures here in South Western Ontario - the snow is melting and we are all running around outside enjoying our good fortune. We have been getting new goodies in nearly daily and I am working hard to get them up as they come in.

Without further ado:
We are very proud to offerSmall Blocks, Stunning Quilts by local quilters Mary Elizabeth Kinch and Biz Storms. Antique quilt lovers, join Mary Elizabeth and Biz in a celebration of traditional quilts! With inspiring photos of quilts from private collections, this book gives you a peek at masterpieces that have not been widely seen. Indulge your passion for nineteenth-century reproduction fabrics as you create gorgeous large quilts with small blocks.

Quilts From the Heart II has arrived! With a bright color palette and traditional, easy-to-piece designs, this 18 project collection will inspire creativity and generosity that will bring joy to all.

Next up is the book and updated technique that I am itching to try: Lynne Edward's updated Cathedral Window Quilts. We have the book and Cathedral Window Companion Ruler in stock now.

We have a few cute new 1930s reproductions on the shelves too!

Neutral Sampler Block of the Month

We are now registering our new Neutral Sampler Block of the Month program.

This exquisite quilt uses only neutral toned fabrics from cream to tan and an asymmetrical arrangement to achieve its striking appearance. It was designed by Sandy Lindal.

This is a 6 month program. It is available by mail order as well as in the store.

There is a $25 non-refundable start up fee and then a monthly charge of 24.95. By signing up you agree to participating for the full six months. Your monthly fee includes:
· all fabric needed to complete the 60” x 72” quilt top
· all instructions needed to complete the quilt
· all postage costs
· monthly meeting with Sandy Lindal (on the first Tuesday of the month from 6:30 – 8:30 pm)
· start-up kit with handy file, storage box and starter bundle of fat quarters

If you would like to register you may call the store: (416) 633-8800; register online or drop by the store!

New Collections in Stock

We have really had a lot of new products coming in the store in the last little while.

Today we received the exquisite Bonsia Geisha Fabrics from Northcott. This beautiful collection, designed by Ro Gregg has an Oriental flavor. The metallic accents add texture and sheen to the fabric, giving the designs a special dimension. There is a panel as well as 6 co-ordinates all in a purple and gold palette. They are priced at 9.99/metre (8.99/yard).

Bonsai Geisha Fabric

We also have a whole slew of new black and white fabrics...there is a funky grouping from Kaufman, some unbelievable novelties and white tone on tones from Japan and a few great graphics from Northcott.

Here are a few of the many new black and white fabrics.

Also in is a little grouping of tea themed fabric in a lovely Victorian palette of pink and green.They are priced at 9.99/metre (8.99/yard). They are just great for tablerunners and placemats!

Rose Garden Tea for Two from Northcott