The Shop Hop Fabric Has Arrived

The great Western Washington Shop Hop is just around the corner.  Boy oh boy the time goes by fast!  I think there is more to do to get ready for this event than getting ready for Christmas.  2500 block kits,  fat quarter pacs, samples and soooo much more.  I have such mixed feelings about this event.  I really enjoy the actual days of it, but not getting ready. This will be my 13th shop hop, so we have got it down to a pretty good routine. The blocks will get done in no time at all.  I think the fabric is fun this year.  I like my block that we created. It's fun and easy to make.  I will post a picture of my block soon.  Customers seam to like the fabric as well.  We have had allot of pre-orders.  Last year all the shops ran out of the fabric.  I have a feeling this fabric will go fast.  Have you got yours ordered?  Well, I better get myself in gear and start cutting this morning.  Here I go............

Marsha Derse Fabrics at Aunt Mary's Win a Fat Quarter Pac

I have had lots of requests for "Marsha Derse" fabrics. So now I can say, YES we have it.  This picture really doesn't do the line justice.  You have to see it in person.  The colors are rich and the textures are so interesting.  I can't wait to make something with it.  The line blends with lots of other fabric lines or it can stand by itself.  I find myself "petting" it allot.    Have you noticed all the blogs that have give aways?  Well,  I thought I should get on the band wagon.  All you have to do to win a beautiful fat quarter pack of  Marsha Derse fabrics is send a comment about your favorite summertime quilting  class that you would like to see here at Aunt Mary's.  It's time to finalize my summer class schedule, and sometimes I am at a loss as to what we should do next.  So let me know and maybe we can arrange it.   

Marta Shares Her Mystery Quilt

My good friend, Marta was here to share that she finished her "Mystery" quilt from the last mystery class here at Aunt Mary's.  Isn't it great?  It uses lots and lots of scraps.  One of my favorite things to do.  Almost all of us have all those pretty little bits hanging around in baskets and tubs.  Let's use them up.  It really is lots of fun as well.  The flying geese down the middle of this quilt are FUN  and easy to make.  If you use the scrapes from your stash, you can't help but smile when these kind of blocks are made.  After all, you bought the fabric because you loved it didn't you?  So now, every time you look at a quilt like this, there are great memories.  Look at Marta at the top.  She is soooo special!  Watch for some great classes this fall that will utilize all of your scraps. 

Another Fun Class With Stephanie Davis

Looking for a fun project that can be made in just a wee bit of time that will get your creative juices flowing?  Well,here you go!  Stephanie is at it again!  She always finds the funnest, most creative things to share.  This book is FULL of sweet pincushions to make for yourself or your quilty friends.  Even the decorative pins are fun to make.  The class is called "Pincushion Party" it's scheduled for Sunday, June 9th from 10 - 2.  this would be a great class to take for Mom's and Daughters or Grandmas.  Stephanie is such an up and coming teacher as well.  The classes that she has taught so far, here at Aunt Mary's, have been VERY well received.  The Students have loved her. She has soooo much to share!  I just love it when I see her coming through the door with a new project to teach.  You can bet it's going to be FUN!

Count Down To Becky Goldsmith Workshop

Only 8 days to go before Becky arrives for a two day workshop.  I am really looking forward to haveing her here  at Aunt Mary's.  I still have one opening if anyone wants to join us.  I think  we have everything ready.  I have all of her past and present books here or on order. I have lots of her new book.  (It's fantastic by the way) The classroom is ready.  Everytihing from her supply list is here.  Whew!  Now just wait...........  I wish I could take the workshop.   

Spring Posies

Look at the pretty posies I made.  Aren't they cute?  I have a group of ladies coming over from Eastern Washington and I thought I would make them a little souvenir to remind them of Aunt Mary's.  These little guys are made with the Keshashi Flower Maker Templates, and are quite easy to do.  These ones, I sewed a pin closer on the back so that you can wear them as a pin.  I have seen them on hair clips and on handmade bag.  The possibilities are endless.  I still have a few more to make, but they don't take too long.  I really enjoy using up small scraps, and seeing how pretty they turn out.  Each one gave me a smile as I was making it.  Isn't that why we create? Most of these are made from new"Kaffe" fabric that has just come in.  Cute! 

New "Kaffe" Fabric! Yay

Yummy, yummy!  We just got in some of "Kaffe's" new spring line.  The colors are so pretty!  I only got a few bolts with this delivery. (More bolt due on Monday)  However we got some really fun "Pre- Cuts."  I have been petting them since they arrived in the shop.  Here are some fat quarter bundles of Kaffe's Shot cottons.  WOW!  such pretty colors!  Shot cottons have been frequently asked for lately.  I think it's because Kafee has a new book coming out with these fabrics being the star!  They are woven and hand dyed in India. Can't wait to see what Kaffe has done with them.  The book should be out real soon.   

We also got in a new precut package.  Six inch strips.  These bundles are wonderful.  The 2 1/2" strips are great, but too small for so many projects.  I do allot of applique with these fabrics and  six inches is PERFECT, and what a great assortment of the new spring pieces! I'm working on Kim Mclean's  "Princess Feathers" pattern.  I can't wait to add some these new fabrics to it. 

There's Nothing Like a Good Book On a Rainy Weekend!

Did you know that Aunt Mary's has a good selection of novels in addition to a great selection of quilting books on hand?  Yep!!  We love to read!!!!  There are lots and lots of fun mysteries, and feelgood books to choose from.  You can usually find our "Book Club" selections, past and present as well. There is nothing like curling up with a good book on a rainy weekend.  This months book selection is "A Walk In The Woods" By Bill Bryson.  A really funny and informative book about the Appellation trail.  Maybe you should pick up an Erlean Fowler book.  A great series of of mysteries.  I am always so surprised at how many dead people the main character runs into! So far this has never happened to me!     Happy rainy weekend!!!

A Little Sneek Peek Of my Shop Hop Block

It's so hard to believe that its already time to start getting ready or the BIG Northwest Washington Quilt Shop Hop.  But here we are as spring comes in, it's time to get ready. The fabric samples have arrived and I have to create yet another fun, easy, fantastically creative, wonderful block to represent Aunt Mary's.  Hmm...... Think, Think,Think.  Can't be too hard to do.........Has to stand out on the poster so EVERYONE will want to get one........Think, Think, Think!!!!  Ok!  here is is!!!!  Or at least a mock up.  What do you think?  I think It will be ok.  This years fabric is fun.  So far the customers that have seen it, tell me they like it.   OK!  I'm happy!  Don't forget to stop in and pre order your fabric so that you are assured to get what you want.  Last year Everyone ran out.   It's never too early for all of you to start getting your friends together and making plans.  Our Tri County Shops are working on our fun "Treasure Hunt" again.   I think I'm kind of getting excited!

Fun Classes - Great Teacher!

Stephanie Davis!  A VERY exciting, creative new teacher here at Aunt Mary's.   She has taught several class now and everyone loves her!  I have had the pleasure of calling Stephanie a friend for almost as long as Aunt Mary's has been around. She has a wonderful style.  I would say it could be described as "Playful" "Relaxed" "Fun" and "Modern."   I kind of hesitate to say "Modern" I think it may scare some people.  It's a new very popular movement in quilting that some quilters are reluctant to accept.  I think it's got a place in quilting.  The more I see the more I like it, and I think Stephanie's quilts are beautiful!  This Quilt is called "Scrappy Trip"  an old traditional pattern with a modern spin.  This class is on Friday, May 24th. 

 

This quilt is called "Confetti"  It usees up lots of your scraps (I know you have lots of those) and make them fall all over the quilt like confetti!  Stephanie will be teaching this class this Sunday.  Let's get you signed up! You will be very glad to have taken a class from Steph.