VISITORS FROM DOWN UNDER

Yesterday was a great day.

We had 3 wonderful Australian visitors.

Gail Pan and Helen Stubbings along with Helen's daughter, Tess.

Both Gail and Helen are pattern designers.  

Patchwork, applique and embroidery.

I have known Gail and carried her patterns in the shop,

for several years.

You might recognise her Berries and Bluebirds pattern.

Joyce selected clear bright colors for her quilt, Gail's quilt was done in 

a more Country pallet.

Helen has a wonderful new method of making Hexi's!  I am super excited about 

picking these up, at Quilt Market next week. Her pattern Company is 

Hugs 'n Kisses.  She has 2 exciting new clubs, a Hexie of the Month, and 

a monthly Embroidery Club,  Get Knotted.

Oh, boy, are we going to be having a good time in our Clubhouse!

Helen's daughter, Tess, has been studying in the US for several weeks, 

and as you can see, she was very happy to be back with her Mama.

Gail's new book, Simply Christmas  2013,

is in the shop.  It is full of delightful projects to

decorate your home or to give as gifts.

She has a way of combining patchwork and embroidery that

makes me smile.  I love her work!

This little treasure was given to me, by Gail.

I wanted to squeal,  it makes me so stinkin' happy!

Thank you, ladies for a day filled with fun and inspiration!  xo j

THE MOST WONDERFUL WEEK!

Well, I knew it was going to happen.

Just not exactly when.

I went to a meeting on Monday morning,

and when I arrived at the shop.

There were boxes, lots and lots of boxes.

  

When the first box was opened, I took a deep breath.

It was here.  My turn in Quilt Sampler Magazine.

I can't tell you how wonderful it felt.

And then I opened it to page 122. 

There is was.  My story, my shop, my home away from home.

And then it dawned on me.  YIKES!  The kits need to be finished!

So, I planned a 'party'.

50 bolts of fabric had been cut.  All stacked in neat piles.

I made 20 little place holders.  

We could make 20 kits at a time.  Like dealing cards.

The Shipping Department had been making boxes.

Kay and Faith were straightening stacks.

Noel was counting, to 12.  Over and over again.

 Joyce and Kay Hobby were on Quality Control

And Kits were being produced!

The 'Shipping Department' was pleased with the results, 

and is now open for business!

We had a great time, and a nice dinner.

I have the best staff ever!

Now, I can go back to soaking up the fun.

xo j

A LOT OF CUTTING GOING ON

I still not sewing.

I am thinking about it, and enjoying everyone's

projects.  People parade their wonderful works through the 

shop doors every day.  Customers and employee's alike.

Cutting.

Yes, lots and lots of cutting.

So that you, my favorite customers 

can sew.  The Quilt Shop Sampler will

be out in less than a month.

My kits need to be finished!

There are several tables filled with strips.

Each pile is an entire bolt of fabric.

Lots and lots of fabric.

 
Each pile gets cut into squares.
And then it is taken to the Accuquilt Cutter.
8 - 10 squares at a time.

And then they look like this.

It is a little time consuming.  But, you are all going to love
having all of the pieces cut for you!

Can you see the little notches?
Well, the Melon shapes have notches, too.
You will match them up, sew slow and steady, and before you
know it you will have a beautiful Robbing Peter to Pay Paul quilt! xo j

Sewless in Seattle (Bothell)

Today I walked into my sewing room

and realized that my sweet Bernina is still

in her case.

All that vacation sewing, is but a distant memory.

I came home to sick employees.

One right after the other.

Yesterday, was the first day I didn't work for 

over 2 weeks.

Today, I am in the clubhouse.  Working on the Website,

kits, orders, bills, paper, paper, paper.

I need a fabric fix!

A lot of fabric has been delivered to the shop.

Including 103 bolts of Northcott's Colorworks Solids.

They are beautiful

And a wonderful weight.  I really can't wait to peal off the plastic,

and use them!  xo j

TRI COUNTY QUILT TOUR 2013

This years Quilt Tour is

Quilts Through the Year.

Each shop designed a block for their assigned month. 

And, also for April. (there are only 11 shops this year)

My assigned month was July.  I was very happy, 

because I love a little flag block!

For April, I did a sweet tulip .

I decided I wanted my December block to have a Barbie Tree.

Complete with the charms from all of the shops.

As you can see, I did a very scrappy setting, sashing and borders.

All, with 30's fabrics.  I really think it turned out Super Cute!

And the back.  I love the back!  

Thanks, Pam, for the wonderful quilting. xo j

UNDERGROUND RAILROAD WRAP-UP

On Monday, my trusty little group of quilters,

all brought their Underground Railroad quilt tops for show and tell.

They have been working on their quilts for

about a year.  We shouldn't talk about how long ago I first started mine.

(remember the selvage from 1999?

that fabric is in this quilt.)

Each quilt has it's own personality.

Just like it's maker.

Jackie

Louise

Marge

My 3 pride and joys!

I have taken them on a 3 year journey.

Sometimes, holding their hands.

Sometimes, reminding them not to run with scissors.

They have come so far, I am so proud of them!

They now have matching sewing machines, and take themselves on retreats.

They have had some great adventures along the way.

Thanks girls for all the fun and laughter!!  xo j

Last Evening of Our Little Vacation

It is hard to believe we have been here a week.

We have had long quiet days.

We went on a couple of drives,

Out to dinner a few times.

Had a snow day,

And today I sat on the deck and did a little stitching.

It is a wonderful life.

I now have 42 pinwheel blocks.

I need a plan, so I know how many more to make.

8 more Scrappy Trip Around The World blocks.

I have 12 at home. 

Finished the binding on my Tri County Quilt Tour Quilt.

I

Finished my Underground Railroad Quilt top.

Good Bye, Chelan.

You have been wonderful.

We will see you in the fall.  Xo j