Sunday, June 24, 2012

Winding Down






We have had to remind ourselves not to run with scissors!
 We have just as much fun as the hoppers do!

My boxes for Passports and Scavenger Hunt maps
are addressed and ready to drop off
at the Post Office tonight.

We only have an hour left of this little party.
The 2012 Western Washington Quilt Shop Hop.

Our little chicken went home with one of our quilting friends yesterday. 
Bobbie Jo, she named her Shop Hop!  I know she will be a very happy chick.

I am off early in the morning, for a different kind of adventure.
It will be pretty exciting, and I can't wait to share it with you,
So, stay tuned.  xo J

Thursday, June 21, 2012

A VISIT FROM A NEW SHOP HOPPER


It's always fun to see this announcement up on the reader board. 
We were ready yesterday when it was 9am !

One of the really fun parts of working the shop hop, is seeing people you only
see once a year.  They come from many places.  It is always a fun reunion.

This year we had a little strawberry blond stop by on Sunday morning, and she has
been shopping everyday since!





She is not a bit afraid of us.  She prefers to be in the shop, the other chickens make her nervous.
We have had to pick her up and take her outside several times.  She doesn't seem to mind.
We are pretty sure she was someones 'house chicken'.

Well, that's the big news here in the barn!  Hope you are hopping by to see us, and our new friend!  J

Monday, June 18, 2012

WESTERN WASHINGTON QUILT SHOP HOP 2012

The wait is almost over. The 2012 Western Washington Quilt Shop Hop starts this Wednesday.



We have posters for sale,

 



Our packets a made,



our little 'starter' house is on display,


  we have bolts and bolts of fabric waiting for you,



we are cutting half yards and making Fat Quarter Towers!

Now all we need is you, our favorite customers!

We have had so many great comments on the fabric this year.  The winter birds are really beautiful!
You still have time to preorder your fabric, and then you can pick it up from us while you are hopping!  Just don't wait to long.  We don't want any of our customers to be disappointed!


to go to the Shop Hop web page.  You can download your passport, get the new grid chart, see the hours,
addresses and any updates.

This year the Tri County Quilt Shops are having a scavenger hunt.  Eleven shops, eleven clues,  find them all and be entered to win one of 3 baskets of quilting prizes!! Pick up your map from any of the Tri County shops.


This is always a fun event!  We can't wait to see you hopping in to see us.  J

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Vacation Week

Last week, my DH and I were on vacation.  We were really looking forward to being away, no responsibilities, and sun.  Yes, warm sun on our backs.  Sunglasses.  Miracle Suits.  BBQ weather.  Noodles in the pool.

It was beautiful on our drive to Central Washington.  The first evening was wonderful. We cooked on the deck.  Watched the stars come out.  Oh, the excitement of the week to come.

The next morning, reality set in.  We were still in Washington.  It is only June.  It was raining.  It rained a lot.  We had laptops, Kindle's, and cell phones.  I had been the wise one.  I brought my BFF, my Bernina.  And a couple of projects to keep me busy.  Boy, was I happy I did.

 
I set up my little workshop on the Dining Room Table.  I had to go to the local hardware store to buy and extension cord.  Well worth the $7.99!

As you can see, I have a little portable cutting mat.  It really is great for this kind of travel.  You don't have to worry about it warping.  It has an ironing surface, also.  The condo had an ironing board, so I didn't have to use it.



I brought one project all ready cut out.  I spent one lovely afternoon cutting out a second project.

I sewed for many happy hours.  The lighting was awful, and my camera battery just died.  So, I will show you the finished projects in a day or two.

The highlight came on Friday night.  The man of my inner 13 year old's dreams, came to town.


It was cold and rainy.  The venue was outside, it was covered. But in the front row, you still got a little wet. (Yes, I said Front Row!!)

I was on cloud 9.  Peter Noone was signing to me!!  I knew all the words, to all the songs.  He can still sing. He is funny and kind.  My poor husband was freezing.  But he stuck it out.

I saw Herman's Hermits in Portland,  when I was in the 8th grade.  The seats were far away, and all the girls were screaming.  I am sure, that I thought it was the best night, 'ever'.  This night beat it, hands down!!  J

Friday, June 1, 2012

GRADUATION QUILT

I love this time of year.  Many customers are making graduation quilts.  T-shirt quilts are always popular, or quilts with a theme from the Graduates life.

This year it was my turn to make a quilt for my nephew, Dane.


Here he is a few years ago with his 'big cusins', my boys, Cameron and Quinton.





OMG, how did this happen??  Who is this young man, and what happened to my little nephew?




Well he grew up.  And he plays a 'big boy sport'.  Here he is 3rd from the left in the back row. Just look at the joy on his face.  Surrounded by his teammates, sweaty, happy boy!


There was no question what kind of a quilt I was going to make.
Had to be Hockey.



This is a great pattern for a large print.  We call it The 5 Yard Quilt.  We give you a free pattern when you buy 5 yards of fabric for the quilt!  (pay no attention to the fingers holding up the quilt!)

Tomorrow is the big day.  I won't be there to watch him toss his cap in the air, but my heart will be filled with pride.  I am sure his Daddy, my baby brother will have enough tears for both of us!