Blog along with Aunt Mary

It's Virginia's Birthday

2012-02-01T15:52:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday To You Dear Virginia! I just absolutly love this dear girl! She is my oldest sons girl friend. She has spent many days here in the shop learning to quilt, and I think she has grown on all the ladies that come in. I told my son not so long ago that if anything ever happens between them, I will probably have to choose Virginia! I hope she has a very wonderful day! Happy, Happy, Happy!!!!

Tri County Quilt Tour Will Be Here In NO Time!!

2012-01-27T13:37:00.000-08:00

Oh Me, Oh My! Sometimes I get just a little overwhelmed with all the dead lines there are in life. It's that time of year again, that all the great shops in Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom county get together to host a wonderful weekend of quilting pleasure for all of you. There are 13 shops, and we all design a block pattern that gets made up by each shop into a one of a kind quilt. None of us know what the other shop is doing. What fabrics they are using and how they will lay out the quilt is a mystery. (Here's a sneak peek at one of my blocks.) Then...... Wednesday - through Saturday, March 21st through March 24th, all of you get to go on a wonderful adventure to stop in to our shops pick up a free block pattern, see our creations and enjoy the fun atmosphere. All the shops try to have drawings and fun games or door prizes. It's been a really fun "shop hop." This year the Name of the event Is "Sew Northwest" I feel it's been more fun to do this one than the big one in June. This year we are doing something new. Each of our shops are also giving out cute little charm with a a purchase. I'm really looking forward to it. So mark your calendar now and get some friends together. I know you will enjoy it! For more information, and a list of the shops, go to www.quilttour.com

Quilting Is The Icing On The Cake! YOU Can Do It!

2012-01-25T10:22:00.000-08:00

When I first learned to quilt, I remember I thought I would ONLY hand quilt everything I made. I was kind of a snob! "Real quilts had to be Hand quilted". Well, that only lasted for about three quilts. They probably took me years to do. Now, over twenty years latter, I have decided that there are WAY too many quilts in me to hand quilt them all. I still love hand quilting and will always have one quilt on the side that will be hand quilted (When I get time)

Machine quilting, over the past fifteen years has become "The Icing On The Cake!" I love the way it looks! And guess what. I can do it! Yep! on my own "Regular" machine. I know that YOU can do it too. It takes some practice. But if you are willing to put some time into it. YOU CAN DO IT! I found this really nifty blog by Leah Day, called "The Quilting Project". Scroll down to my favorite blogs and click on hers. Its really fantastic! She has great videos and daily tips and tricks. Then get some fabric out and make some layers and try it. YOU CAN DO IT!!!
Oh, Just so you know..... I didn't quilt this pretty green quilt. My friend Sharon Szekely did it. This one is so nicely quilted that no one ever asks me who appliqued it. They just want to know who quilted it. Hmmm...... Maybe next time she could not do such a good job?

The Famous Valentine Napkin

2012-01-24T15:31:00.000-08:00

I am feeling soooo much better this week! All that nasty white stuff is gone, and people are venturing in. It's great to have customers again!

This is a version of the famous Christmas Tree Napkins, that every one loves. But it's a Valentine! Cute!!! And just as easy as the Christmas Trees. So if your looking for something fun and easy to make for your valentine, stop on by and I can get you hooked up.

Looks like this post is going to be short and sweet - I have customers! I'm so tickled!!!

Anniversary Party A Success!

2012-01-22T12:30:00.000-08:00

Boy oh Boy!!! After last week, it was sooooo nice to see people again. We had our anniversary party yesterday. It was a great success! I just had time to set out the cake and do a little decorating and cab lam!!! customers everywhere! (So I only got a picture of the cake) (I'll never be a National Geographic wildlife photographer!) But, anyway, Thank you all for putting up with all my whining last week. I am looking forward to having all the different sales all this next week. I think it will be fun. Check my web site for a list of the sales. There is some great savings to be had! www.auntmarysquiltshop.com

After all the nasty winter weather, it was nice to get some beautiful spring fabric in. This is a line from Moda, called "Felicity". It is just gorgeous!! I may have to take a few charm pacs and make something with them to chase the winter blahs away. Spring is really just around the corner!

It's Melting!!! Let's Party!!!!!

2012-01-20T12:48:00.000-08:00

I can't tell you how glad I am! I have had lots of time to get lots,and lots of work done in the shop. Bookwork, cutting fat quarters from ends of bolts, cleaning, organizing. Did I do it? NOOOOOO! I am so pathetic! I stand around and send laser beams at the snow. I was talking to one of my friends on the phone. She said, "I know what your doing right now,Carrol, Your standing at the front door, looking pathetic aren't you?" What could I say? I walked away from the front door to the back window. Who wants to be so predictable?
Well, I think it's over for now. Tomorrow I am going to have our big Anniversary party/sale and, have it kick off the whole next week of sales. I bet there are lots of quilters out there with cabin fever. Let's make some lemonade! So tomorrow is the big party. come one by. 20% off everything in the the shop. Door prizes and the party buzzer! Fun! I better order a cake! gotta go..... So much to do!

Governor Declares State Of Emergency For Quilt Shops

2012-01-19T12:08:00.000-08:00

OK! Not really. Although, I think we could use it. Here is my wonderful husband scooping snow in the parking lot. He does a great job of keeping it parkable. It's just kind of hard to get To the parking lot! Yesterday, I had a few faithful friends come hang out and sew for a while. I love those guys! I'm starting to feel like the Matage Repair Man! This stuff HAS TO GO AWAY! They say it's suppose to warm up tonight and rain. Maybe there is still time to have our Anniversary party on Saturday. I'm going to have all our sales that were suppose to happen this week - next week. Today, I am cutting strip pacs for the Bali Wedding Star class that is next Saturday. That will keep me busy for a while. If your out and about. Stop by! I promise not to make you stay. I so pathetic! Sorry!!!!

Ok! Enough!!!

2012-01-18T10:40:00.000-08:00

Well, I ended up going home yesterday. It was really hard for me to just lock the door and go home. After all, it's our anniversary sale. I will probably just have the sale next week instead. I did have a nice day at home though. I decided to make bread. That always makes me feel better, and the house smells comforting too. I also got time to work on my Mystery sample. It's almost done. The Class is in February. I think it's going to a fun class. So I guess all in all it turned out ok. Now if we could just make it all go away fast. I will be happy. I think the neighbor birdies were very happy I came in today. The feeder was empty and looked like an igloo. It took a while to thaw it out and get their little bistro up and running again. Well, if your getting cabin fever. Aunt Mary's is open today, and the espresso bar is up and running!

A Winter Wonderland?

2012-01-17T09:55:00.000-08:00

Winter Blast 2012! Here is a view from my classroom window. If I turn around and take a picture of the classroom, It would be empty! This wonderful fluffy stuff does that to my shop. NOBODY wants to go out. I can't blame you. If I wasn't married to Nanook of the north, who can't stay home when it snows. I would be home today too. This week is our 12th Anniversary sale all week long. Yesterday there were TWO customers. I sure hope it clears up by Saturday. That's our big party. I can't decide if I should just go home. The Sad thing is -We're not suppose to get real snow till tomorrow!

Princess Feathers From Glorious Patchwork

2012-01-14T10:47:00.000-08:00

Ta Dah!! here is my latest favorite project. It's called Princess Feathers by Kim McLean. She is an amazing designer from Australia. I have become quite addicted to playing with her patterns. I know I'm not the only one. If you scroll down on my blog, you will find a link to a blog that is all her designs. She uses lots of Kaffe Fasset fabrics in her designs. This is the second quilt I have done with her patterns. You may have seen the "Flower Pots" quilt hanging in the shop. That was lots of fun to do too.

Part of the really fun part is playing with the fabric and finding just the right piece to use. I thought that might be hard and I wouldn't enjoy it. However, NOW, it's my favorite part. Beware though, If you start doing these quilts, I can promise you will become totally addicted to "Kaffe" fabric! I mean think about it. I own a quilt shop. I have carried "Kaffe" fabric for many years and so I have lots in my stash. But, every once in a while some poor student will be unpacking her fabric for a class and I spot a piece that I don't have. Well....... "wanna make a trade?"

Meet The Teacher - Saturday!

2012-01-13T09:58:00.000-08:00

So how are you doing on your new years resolutions? I have been trying to be more organized. I guess so far I have been doing ok. What I really needed to work on is procrastination. That organized thing can always wait till tomorrow. I think we should pick something that is FUN. How about this year, I will do something just for ME! It's important to take care of yourself. How about - learn something new! It's never to late to learn. Ok! so how about doing both. Take a class that you will learn something new and make new friends. We have lots of opportunities for just that! Our class schedule is out (It's on the web site www.auntmarysquiltshop.com ) and tomorrow Saturday, January 14th is "Meet The Teacher" here at the shop. It's a great time to stop by and check out all the class samples, ask any questions you may have and get signed up. If you register for a class at this session, you also get a coupon for 15% off anything on the class supply list. Let's get you going! I know you will have a great time!

Sniffle, Sniffle, Cough Cough!

2012-01-10T14:29:00.000-08:00

Ok, Here I have been thinking that I have been SOOOOOO lucky, Everyone that has come in in the last month or so tells me they have had this nasty, nasty cold. Not me! I am sooooo lucky!!!! Well, I guess that will show me not to think I am so special. I got it! I have hardly left the couch in two days. I am a big huge germ!!! If my husband gets this he will never let me rest! Of course, he ALWAYS get it worse than I do, and he's such a grumpy guts! Cough, cough. I'll be better in a few days. We have meet the teacher this Saturday, and the Anniversary sale next week. So I better go have more vitamin C. Sniffle.......

Something For Your Valentine!

2012-01-05T09:51:00.000-08:00

Yep! already there is a new holiday to think about! Valentines Day! Here at the shop we have lots of new sweet things to get you going! How about a Valentine Napkin? You know about the Christmas tree napkins that have been so popular over the last holidays. Well..... Now we have Valentine napkins. and they are just as quick to make at the Christmas Trees. Yesterday, I made some kits. So all yo have to do get sewing!

Here are some of the other great fabrics to get you going. I have some patterns and buttons and other goodies too. I have lots of ideas too. Isn't that the way it is.... Lot's of ideas - no time. I have book club coming in so I have to go.

Roxanne Carters Block Of The Month

2012-01-04T09:32:00.000-08:00

The beginning of the year means so many things. New years diets, getting organized, staying on budget etc. How about doing something FUN! Roxanne's new block of the month could be just the thing! She is really an amazing teacher. She is here at the shop six times each month. She has morning, afternoon and evening sessions, and this block of the month is a FREE pattern that she hands out each month. This quilt is a is the big size (Queen) But, she also has it in a smaller quilt, if you don't want to take on a big project. See that applique? Does it intimidate you? Well it shouldn't! Roxanne does EVERYTHING on her machine. I guarantee that you will love her methods. Her schedule is on my web site. Or, you can e-mail me and I will send you a newsletter with her schedule. Don't you think this would be a much better resolution than a diet?

New Classes!

2012-01-03T12:46:00.000-08:00

Would you like to learn how to make one of these beauties? We will discuss it all from transferring the design, getting all the basic stitches down and even how to color tint with crayons.

"Buggy Barn Quilting! There are lots of fun patterns to choose from. Let me help you find one and we'll make it!

"Vintage Moments" This quilt is a real SHOW STOPPER! Sure to be a family Heirloom. It will also make you a better piecer. Each month you will work on perfecting a new skill. There are lots more fun activities and classes. Oh and don't forget! Roxanne Carter is here six times each month to help you. From learning from the very beginning to making you a master. Stay tuned for more pictures of classes!

Today is My Bithday!!!

2011-12-31T14:49:00.000-08:00

Ok - It's not. It was last Wednesday, but I didn't have a chance to post anything. The big end of the year sale has been quit busy. I was so surprised that Facebook tells EVERYONE! it's your birthday. I'm just learning all this facebook stuff, so I didn't know about that. I was very surprised with all the e-mails and posts on my wall. Thank you all! I had a wonderful day! Here I am working in the greenhouse. Hee hee!

Here's wishing everyone a really wonderful new years. I'll be off for a few days. It's so nice to have two whole days in a row. The shop will be closed on New Years Day, and Ethell will be here on Monday. I'm going to work on my sample for the Winter Mystery. I wish I could tell you about it, but well........ I can't! You should sign up for the class. I think it's going to be fun.
Happy New Year Everyone!!!!!

A Few Days Off Works Wonders!

2011-12-27T15:51:00.000-08:00

Well! Christmas is over. I had a couple of days off and I'm feel much more in control. Look at the pretty flower that bloomed while I was away. My friend Kathy brought it to the shop a couple of weeks ago. I was pretty sure I would kill it before it bloomed. So Kathy has been in charge of watering it and seeing that we do the right thing. BUT..... then she went to Montana for three weeks. I was sure it would die overnight! I am terrible with house plants. I have even killed a Christmas cactus. I have been told "You can't go wrong with those. Well........ I killed it! Anyway, so far this pretty thing is doing nicely. I hope it blooms long enough for Kathy to see it. Doesn't it look pretty in front of my pretty applique quilt? It looks like it belongs.

I was messing with the little settings on my camera and look at this pretty picture. I am not sure how I did it. It makes the plant look a little alien.

Well, I hope you all had a great Christmas. Now it's time to look forward to the new year. Oh! don't forget about the END OF THE YEAR SALE here at the shop, starting tomorrow, and goes through Saturday. Everything in the shop will be 20% off. All Christmas fabric will be 40% of and the clearance fabric is priced to go! Hope to see everyone! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Peace On Earth!

2011-12-23T10:48:00.000-08:00

It's almost Christmas Eve, and almost everyone that's been in the shop in the past few days look like they are about to explode! Way too much to get done. They don't seem to be very peaceful! Can anyone tell me WHY WE DO THIS TO OURSELVES? My wish for everyone is for them to realize all the craziness is CRAZY! Slow Down! Relax! Most of it doesn't matter anyway. So whats going to happen if you don't make cookies like grandma use to make? Make a new tradition of buying them from the local bakery. They do a great job and they are sometimes better than grandma's.

This picture was taken two years ago, this past week. I am sooooo thankful that it doesn't look like this now! However, I think it made people slow down. They didn't have much of a choice. We COULDN'T go anywhere. I don't know, Maybe I shouldn't post this blog. I sound like a such Scrooge. I really do like lot's of things about Christmas. Enjoying a cup of coffee with my friends, laughing, spending time with my family, cooking a big dinner to share with everyone, and I am working on being a more peaceful person about the whole thing. Here's whishing to all of you a happy, peaceful, loving holiday! Enjoy the people in your life. They are the REAL gifts!

Valentines!!! Hurray!

2011-12-22T12:34:00.000-08:00

I don't want anyone to think I'm being a big Scrooge, BUT, I am looking forward to this holiday being over. So it was very nice to have this collection come in. VALENTINES! Isn't is sweet? Valentines Day is a nice holiday. You don't have to work up to it for six months like another holiday that I wont mention. It's just a nice time to think about the ones you love.

This collection has a really nice kit that makes a beautiful quilt for your Valentine. My Friends Kathy and Donna made a sample for the shop. They reported that it was quite simple to make, and it's very sweet. It's being quilted as I post, so I will post a picture when it gets back.

Quilts For Sale!

2011-12-19T10:44:00.000-08:00

For those of you that have not had the chance to stop by the shop. Aunt Mary's is located on a busy street, and we have big windows. At night people can see in, and see all the great quilts hanging in the shop. This time of year we get lots of people come in and inquire if we have quilts for sale. Well...... Yes! We do. I have a little corner of the classroom with a few quilts that are looking for homes. I never have very many as it's really soooo hard for me to see them go away. Especially to someone I don't know. I mean, I have made lots and lots of quilts for people that I love. But, sending my quilts out the door with a STRANGER! Hard to do! Maybe I should have them fill out a questionnaire? OK! That's a little nutso! I should just let them go. Off into the universe to provide love and warmth. I am really sure they are also filled with lots of good dreams. All quilts are.

My husband saw our sample pot holder and added eyes to it. Now, it's really got some personality! Our potholder kits seam to be the hot thing this year. They have been flying out the door! Maybe because of my highly profesional demo on my blog? Anyway today, that's my chore. Make more kits!

Charm Packs Are Sooo Fun!

2011-12-17T12:24:00.000-08:00

Look what I just finished! Pretty cool hu? This time of year it's kind of gets slow here in the shop. (You guys are all busy with holiday cheer) So I have had a little bit more time to make a few new quilts. This one is done with just TWO charm packs. It is very, very easy to make. You have probably seen it here in the shop before. We have done it many times in many different charm packs. Only this time I did it on point. It really gives it a whole new look. This line of fabric is from Moda, of course. It's designed by Sandy Klop. She does the American Jane Fabrics. It's brite and fun! With the purchase of charm packs we will give you the pattern for free! This could even be a good a great beginning project to work on.

HInts For Santa

2011-12-16T10:58:00.000-08:00

Ho, Ho, Ho! It's that time of year! All of you are trying hard to get everything done on your busy holiday list. So, it's hard to make time to think about yourself and what YOU would like Santa to bring for YOU. Well, here are a few suggestions. We just got in these beautiful batik rolls from Batik Textiles. They are really pretty! One of them has nine coordinating fat quarters all rolled up pretty, and it comes with a pattern to make a table runner. It's so pretty though I would probably just put it somewhere to just look at for a while. The other one is Five Half Yard Cuts, all rolled up in a pretty box that matches the fabric. It has a pattern for a bag. We also have lots of "Bali Pops" and now they have 10 inch squares of batiks all rolled up pretty. There is a great new book "Shnibbles II" with lots of patterns for 10 inch and Five inch squares. There is also some really beautiful kits that you might like.

Hey! How about a gift certificate for Aunt Mary's. Then you can get ANYTHING YOU WANT! Some Santas have a really hard time thinking a gift certificate is a good thing. This year we are adding a five dollar off coupon with any gift certificate over twenty dollars. I also have a big basket of goodies that would be great stocking suffers right on the counter. Next Thursday Friday and Saturday is our big Santa Sale. Send them in with a list, (or call me and I will have it ready) and Santa will get 15% off his list and we will wrap it up all pretty for you. All of you fabulous quilters are sooo special to me. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!

Look Who Flew In!

2011-12-15T10:13:00.000-08:00

Looks who came back to Aunt Mary's! He's one of our old friends that used to live here in the shop. I think we just wore him out! All of his lights went out and then he just fell apart. Well, my wonderful husband must have been bored yesterday, (or he got tired of kicking the box that he was in around his shop). He fixed our old friend all up and now he has new lights and is working great! I forgot how much I liked him! So, now he's all better and will live right inside the door to greet all of you when you come in. Happy Holidays!!!!

Free Hot Pad Demo!

2011-12-11T11:27:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, was "Last Minute, Quick, Handmade, Gift, Demo day" Here at Aunt Mary's. I had a great time! We had lots of people stop by and I think they got some good ideas for some great gifts to make. Lot's of you couldn't stop by though, so I thought I would put one of the demos on my blog. Soooo Here goes.

This is how to make a great, quick, Pot Holder. To start, you will need:
1/4 Yard of a cute fabric
9" X 22" of "Insulbrite (Great stuff for many projects)
2 1/4" Strip of accent fabric
First, insert the insulbrite between the layers of fabric. Then do some quilting to hold the layers together. This is a great place to practice your free motion, but simple works great to.

Then take a piece of paper and draw a 8" circle. (Use a plate and draw around it.) Cut two circles out of the prepared fabric.

Here's one.

Here's the other.

Use one for the base, and take the other, fold it in half and cut. So that you now have two half circles.

Taking your 2 1/4" strip of accent fabric, bind the two straight edges.

Using a what's left of the accent fabric, Cut approx. 3" and fold it over on itself and topstich to make a little hanger. Baste the loop on the top of the full circle.

Lay the two half circles on top of the full circles and sew 1/4" all the way around the pot holder.

turn it right sides out and Ta Dah!!! You have a great gift for some one.

Have fun! Feel free to disseminate this pattern with out any written permission at all. Happy Holidays!!!

The Tree Is Trimmed

2011-12-10T12:48:00.000-08:00

Well, we finally got our tree up and ready for Santa to come visit us. I think we have lots of wonderful gifts and stocking suffers for Santas to choose from. I always get such a kick out of your wonderful husbands. They stop in and want me to tell them what just the right gift for you is. Well.... As we all know, you quilters are all different! What one person would LOVE, the next wouldn't. As far as fabric goes,Well quilters are worlds apart on what is the most beautiful fabric in the world. That's why I always try to encourage them to pick up a gift certificate for you. However! Lots of Santas have gotten in trouble with gift certificates. (To impersonal) So you guys have to let them know it's Ok!!! Then you can get anything you want, and it will be perfect!

However! If they just insist! I do have lots of things that most any quilter would love. I have a big Santa sale coming up on the 22nd and 23rd. If you all let me know what you want, they can come pick it up and I will have it all wrapped pretty for you. They also get 15% off! What more could Santa ask for!

Saturday is Let's Make a Great Handmade Gift / Demo Day

2011-12-09T10:17:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is Aunt Mary's "Let's make a great handmade gift - Demo Day. Don't you think hand made gifts are so much more special than a gift from that table going down the middle of Fred Meyers, filled with all kinds of stuff that you don't really want. I think a gift from that table says " I really don't have the time to find you something special, so here ya go." Hand made means you were thinking of the person while you made it. So it's filled with love! Growing up, My family was quite big. We drew names and had to make a gift. Maybe that's why I am were I am now. I love to create something special for the people I care about.

So, tomorrow we will have continuous demos all day long. Stop in and catch one. There is something for everyone. If you have a teen age person that wants to make a special gift for friends. We have several projects that are fast and fun to do that are really made up from scraps of fabric. Here are some fun bangle bracelets that are great fun to make. Who wouldn't want a few of them made with fun, bright fabric? We will be demoing a great table runner that is beautiful and easy. The focus on all of these projects is FAST AND EASY. There is not much time left. Most of the projects can be made in an hour or less. HO, HO, HO! Let's get busy!

Floor Quilts Created!

2011-12-08T12:23:00.000-08:00

What a FUN day of creating we had! Here are just a few of the wonderful foor quilts that were made yesterday. Whoever invented Mod Podge is a genius! Right up there with the sticky note guy! I mean how long has this stuff been out there. It was really popular way back in my middle school days. I remember making collages of all kinds, and feeling so creative then. Now! We are creating these wonderful art pieces for the floor.

Here's Barb. I think she was having trouble till we told her to just start gluing the fabric down like a collage and see where it takes her. WOW! did she let loose. Her floor quilt is SOOO cute!

Donna is always creative. She didn't need any encouraging. We just let her loose. This colorful floor quilt will fit so nicely into her studio.

Here's Sherri. She just kept giggling. I wish I took a picture of this one when she got it done. It looks kind of plain in this picture, but she added little squares and a border and it really pops now.
Sherri is such a cutie. She came in to sign up for the first session that was full. She almost cried. So, we scheduled a second class that I wasn't really sure would go because it was in December. But low and behold it filled too. Happy Day!!!

Here's Molley and her floor quilt. She is a big example of the student teaching the teacher. I had never made one using such big pieces. She had this big beautiful floral fabric she wanted to be the whole middle of her project and just add borders to it. Well, I was worried such a big piece would be hard to lay down without having bubbles under it. Not a problem! We just worked together and layed it down and voila! It worked great!
Now she is going to go home and prep a little more of the floral fabric and cut a big flowery vine and glue it down over the borders. It's going to be GREAT! I'm sure this will be a class that will be scheduled again. Be on the look out! It seams to fill up fast.

Fun = Floorquilts!

2011-12-07T09:23:00.000-08:00

Today is our "Overflow" Floor quilts class. The first one was sold out, so we scheduled a second one. I really had fun teaching the last class. Everyone got a "quilt" all glued down and ready to take home. There was sooo much creativity in the room we almost had to open the door to get the smoke out! I am looking forward to the girls coming in this morning. Stay tuned..... I'll get some pictures and post them this afternoon.

Dear Santa, I Would Love This Cute Bag!!

2011-12-02T10:04:00.000-08:00

Ok! We are running out of time for Christmas projects. Only Twenty three more days! But this one is really COOL! This is the sweetest little bag. My Friend, Donna made it up for a sample in the wink of an eye. She told me it was really quite easy! The handles are removable, so that you can make up more than one bag and use the handles for both. I can't believe there is a girls alive that would not just love this bag.
There are lots of other projects I can help you with. Next Saturday we will have a last minute, quick, easy gifts, demo day. Watch for more details.

Food Drive Is Going Great!!!

2011-11-30T09:54:00.000-08:00

Check it out!!! I am so proud of all of you that have made this a really great year with our food drive. We have been able to take all this and more down to our local food bank. They tell me there that this has been a VERY hard year to take care of all those in need. They are sooooo grateful for any help. So THANK YOU ALL!!! We will continue to take in donations till the first of the year. Watch for special events that will take a % off your purchases. Hint - If you are not on my e-mail list, call or e-mail your address into me and you will get special notices. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Let's Talk About Fabric Prices

2011-11-29T10:38:00.000-08:00

I know! I know! You must not have been into a quilt shop in the last six months if you haven't noticed the price of fabric. I have to agree with you, it's terrible!!! Believe me I have been quite concerned by it. Many of you know the reason for it ... the price of cotton has skyrocketed in the past two years. Not only were there huge problems with crops (flooding, cold weather, etc) around the world, now China, the worlds highest consumer of cotton, ran out! So for now, we are paying the price. It's simple supply and demand, along with the price of shipping to get the fabric into our shops.
As a quilt shop owner....... this is scary! I read blogs that encourage us to shop on line where prices are lower. Ok! Let's just tackle the reason the "On-line Shops" are less expensive. It is really very simple: they don't have the overhead that the "Brick and Mortar" shops have. Yep! these shops pay BIG RENT!
If we don't support these shops, we WILL lose them. Where would we be then? I don't think we would have the quilting culture we have now if we did not have those cute little shops for classes and stitching help. We not only sell fabric, but Ideas, Inspiration and Instruction. We are the place you come to relax, feel the fabric, and enjoy some camaraderie with fellow quilters. On-line shops do not provide that. I have had people go so far as to come in, look at all the books, write down all the numbers from the bolts of fabric and go home to order it on line. Hmmm. Kind of feel used there.
Well, I didn't mean to get on a soap box, but I get a little discouraged when I read some of the blogs. Aunt Mary's has been here now for twelve years, and as far as I know, Aunt Mary's will be here to serve you, my friends, for many years to come. Happy Quilting!

Aunt Mary's Christmas Mystery Is Solved!

2011-11-27T11:01:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was our Christmas Mystery class. Whew! What a day! We started at 10 in the morning and got to sew and have fun solving our mystery clear till 10pm. I hope the girls had fun. I had fun designing the mystery. It was a TRUE scrap quilt. The biggest piece we needed was 4 1/2" square of Christmas fabric. I think these kinds of quilts are fantastic! So much fun to look at. Every time you look at it there is something new to see.

The instructions for the girls was "Don't bring fabric that you don't want to share" So we sewed and traded fabrics all day long. You would have thought we would use up lots of scraps. I think my pile that I brought to share is BIGGER now! How does that happen? Well, now the party is over and here I am, the day after. The classroom looks like a thread bomb went off. I think it could have been worse though. My friend Cher was wearing fuzzy black socks and she wasn't wearing her shoes. She started to put on her shoes and discovered she was taller with all the thread and bits of fabric stuck to her socks! Thank you, Cher for helping out! All in all, I think it was a great way to kick off the Christmas Season. HO, Ho, Ho!

Small Business Saturday

2011-11-26T09:31:00.000-08:00

Today is small business Saturday. I'm hoping is will be a big day at Aunt Mary's. Many people don't know it, but The holidays are really the SLOWEST time of the year at the quilt shop. By the end of the year it gets kind of tight around here. Over the years I think we have all learned, and budget for it. But it would be nice if we did a little better. Boy oh Boy was the parking lot at Costco and target full this morning! Maybe this "ShopSmall" will help. Happy Shopping everyone!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T09:39:00.000-08:00

Here we are! The day before Thanksgiving. One of my very favorite holidays. (My favorite is the 4th of July) Maybe it's my favorite because I get to cook a big feast for people I love and get to enjoy their company all day long. What could be better? I am very thankful for so many things this year. I am very fortunate to have a great family and so many dear friends, a job I love to go to every day and even though I can't see as well as I used to, I am quite healthy. I am also grateful to all of you that dropped off food for our local food bank. Today we are delivering three BIG boxes of food. I am sending it off with a prayer that whoever receives it, knows there are people that care. We will continue to take donations till the first of the year. Hopefully we can send them a big gift for Christmas too. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!

Time to Make Pillowcases and Christmas Tree Napkins

2011-11-22T10:29:00.000-08:00

This week I have been a busy little bee. Getting ready for the big "Black Friday" sale. Among other projects, I put together lots and lots of the two kits that always please everyone for the holidays. First - pillowcase kits! I don't know anyone that doesn't love to get a new "Custom" pillowcase. One year, I didn't make them for my family and you would have thought I didn't love them any more! I think they like that the fabric is picked out to fit their personalities and interests. My husband is going to love this Rocky and Bullwinkle one. I love the fact that they take about twenty minutes to make. Zip! Zip! Zip! they are done!!! I have lots of kits for all kinds of personalities, but if we can't find one that fits. We can make a kit just for you.

Then there is the time honored Christmas Tree Napkins. You will impress everyone at the table. One of my customers told me she used up all her Christmas scraps and made all of hers different, then, everyone got to take theirs home with them. (Way to get out of laundry detail!)
Again. These are VERY QUICK projects. One afternoon will get you well on your way to feeling all Martha Stewarty.

Jane Shares Her Bali Wedding Star. All Done!!!

2011-11-18T09:20:00.000-08:00

Jane stopped by yesterday to share her "Bali Wedding Star" quilt. It's all pieced! Woo Hooo!! It's sooo pretty!
she is planning on giving this beautiful quilt to her son. She said, "I sure hope he likes it" Isn't that always our big worry? What if they don't like it........ I think we all go through this. I don't care who it is. Even the big star quilters in the world. We put sooo much thought and love into these treasures. But what if they don't like it? Well.... I always say, if they love you..... they will love what you did. Seriously, though, who would not love this beautiful gift?

Jane also told me that she loved the class, and would highly recomend it. It's a great way to stay on track and get a big project like this done. We have a new session starting in January, so if you would like to join us, call us for information. I would love for you to join us.

Floor Mats Galore!

2011-11-17T15:35:00.000-08:00

Today was the Floor Mats class here at Aunt Mary's. FUN! Everyone got to design their own masterpieces. We got them all Mod Podged down and they are ready to take home and have more coats of Mod Podge put on them. I think everyone was pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to do. I'm kind of thinking there will be many floor mats under the Christmas tree this year.

Here is Maralee's work of art. It's almost done. She is working on her borders. Don't you just love the colors? It's always fun to see how everyone's projects turn out. We even had two wonderful girls from our neighboring country in the north come take this class today. It was fun having them.

Here's Jayanne. She's trying to be the teachers pet. Using all that Kaffe Fasset fabric. I wish I had taken a picture of this one when it was all done. She really did some fun things. She appliqued a beautiful big flower in the corner. Just Yummy! If she can't find a place for this mat at home. She can always bring it back. I love it!!!

This class was sold out. So I scheduled another session in early December. So if your interested. Give me a call.

Miss Mouse Comes to Aunt Mary's

2011-11-15T16:34:00.000-08:00

Yesterday (Monday) was my day off. I had such an enjoyable afternoon making Miss Mouse! Every once in a while it's nice to do a project that you can get done in an afternoon. This is one of them. I started the day off with the grocery store,and cleaning the house. (yuck!) Then I put a pot of pasta sauce on to simmer. It made the house smell all yummy, and I set out to make miss mouse. (FUN!) She really didn't take very long to make and it made my day! I really enjoyed her. Now she lives here at Aunt Mary's. Currently She is residing on the fabric line from Moda that she is made out of.

There is this new book that just came in last week. It's just full of fun little friends like Miss Mouse. I think I may have to make the cute little froggy called Finnigan on page 90 next! I wish I had tomorrow off! (Blaw)

Bali Wedding Star Class A Huge Sucsess!

2011-11-13T12:17:00.000-08:00

Yesterday (Saturday) was such a nice cozy day to quilt! Here at the shop we were finishing up our threes sessions of Bali Wedding Star. What a really beautiful quilt! I think the class was a huge success! The girls really did well, and had lots of fun. Many of the quilts got up on the design wall. I was so inpressed! Of course every time one of the girls had their quilt on the design wall, I was busy up front or I didn't have my camera with me and didn't get a picture. So here are a few blocks, all ready to go together. Jane has promised to bring hers in, all done this week so I can get a picture.

Here are some blocks in progress. Everyone loved Linda Tellesbo. She is a really good instructor. She has worked with Judy Niemeyer extensively to become a "Certified Instructor" for her patterns. I sell lots of Judy's patterns here at the shop. The customers that have taken a class with either Judy or Linda tell me it's really the way to go. The patterns can be kind of intimidating. But after being shown how they are done, they really are wonderful patterns and really stunning quilts!

Here's Judy and Rose. Judy is making a KING size! Wow! Rose already has plans to make TWO more. What super quilters!!!

We have a new session for this class coming up at the first of the year. There are just a few spaces left. Maybe one of those spaces should be yours.

A View From My Window and Let's Go Play Trucks!

2011-11-09T09:28:00.000-08:00

I just can't say enough about how beautiful our trees have been this year. This is a picture of what I get to enjoy each day. When the sun shines through them they look like they are on fire. Such an inspiration from mother nature! I think this year they have been truly spectacular! Some years by this time in November, there is hardly any leaves left. It must be an extra little bonus we get for not such a hot summer.

Then......... check this fabric out! It's so fun!! Really! All anyone would have to do is put a border around it, and quilt it, and some little guy (Or girl) would be in heaven all naptime long. Get your trucks and cars out and let's have some fun! This line of fabric also has a soft book to make that goes with it. I made one yesterday. It took me about a half hour to make. It's sooo cute.

Silent Cinema, Free Spirit Fabric

2011-11-08T09:19:00.000-08:00

This fabric from Free Spirit, came in not too long ago, and I fell in love with it. I love the colors, the prints, everything about it. Some of each of them went home with me. My friend Kathy also loved it. We looked at it and played with it for sometime thinking about just the right project for it.

Here's what we came up with. We just added a few solids and did this fun easy pattern. After all, there is only so much time in our lives to make all the quilts we want to make. So, fast and easy is GOOD! Then, we can move on the the next coolest fabric that will be coming in.
Anyway, this pattern uses the 60 degree ruler, It cuts out in no time at all and gos together fast. The pattern is called "Simply 60s" and gives several versions of the same quilt. They all look great. We had a hard time picking which one to make. This ones the winner! I love it! Kathy did a great job!!!

Calendula Pederdrip's Cottage! Done and Hanging!

2011-11-04T10:53:00.000-07:00

Ta Da!!! Don't you just love the feeling of a finished project? This is the project I worked on all through summer. I started it at our big shop hop in June. The patterns had just barely arrived in the shop and I knew I had to make it. The Pattern is one of Meg Hawkey's. It's called Calendula Pederdrip's Cottage. I think Meg is a genius! Her patterns are so filled with details and fun imaginative little elements.

I have this quilt hanging right above my desk. So as I'm trying to get my book work done, I keep finding myself looking at the quilt. I know I have said how much I enjoy hand work. One of the benefits is that when I look at a block, I remember what I was doing the day I was working on that part. My son plays baseball on a senior league team, so many hours of embroidery was done this summer while enjoying the sun and watching ball games. I also worked on the books and feather block while sitting out under my apple trees on the Fourth Of July. So, you see there is sooo much more in a quilt than the finished project. It has so many great memories in it too.

Ok! Now! Here's a big problem!!! After finishing a quilt that you really enjoyed working on. The big problem is......... finding a new project that you will enjoy just as much. Well, I think I have it worked out. Next, I will be starting a new Kim McLean applique pattern, called Princess Feather. I uses lots and lots of Kaffe Fasset fabric, another obbsession of mine. You can't have too much of that.

A Good Book to Cozy Up With?

2011-11-03T17:48:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things to do on a cold rainy day, is to get a cozy quilt out, make a nice cup of something warm to sip, and read a good book. I think most quilters are readers too. Just ask our book club that meets here. We have sooo much fun!

One section of the shop that lots of customers overlook is our non fiction book section. Then again, I have several faithful customers that are picking up the books regularly and love it when new ones come out.
Earlene Fowler is always a good seller. For the life of me I can't figure out how one person comes upon so many dead people wrapped in quilts though. Then there are the Jennifer Chiveriani books. Always a good read. But then there are the fun little mystery books that one of my customers tells me are like eating potato chips. Fast, addicting and you don't have to think too much. Sew Deadly and Death Threads to name a few. So next time your here maybe you want to pick up a book and cuddle up for a while.

Need a Fast, Easy Project?

2011-11-02T09:28:00.000-07:00

That time of year is coming up VERY fast. Yesterday, I thought I should start getting some fast, easy projects ready for you. Here are two of the projects that I came up with. First - Panels are always popular. With this one, all we did was put two borders around it, quilt it and Voila La! It's done!!! this one is very cute with cute animals, and it also has a book that is easy to make. The shop has a few panels that would work just as good. One of them has vintage cars and trucks. (Easy gift for a guy)
Second - The table runner is THE FASTEST table runner project you will ever find! This one uses a 60 degree ruler and any pretty border fabric. It took me about 30 minutes to make this one. So you see, being Santa's little elf doesn't mean you have to spend all your time slaving away. As our time gets shorter to that big holiday. I will be showing more quick projects that make great gifts. Stay tuned!

I've Got The Blues For You!

2011-10-28T11:55:00.000-07:00

Just got some beautiful fabric in from Northcott. It's from their "Stonehenge" collection. I think it's really pretty. It's such an icy blue. The panel that comes with it would be great to just frame with some of the coordinate fabrics, but it cuts up even better!

Check out this beautiful quilt that you can make with the panel. It looks like you did hours and hours of piecing. I wont tell anyone! The kits are available for this one too. looks like a great rainy week end project!

Bat Sale 2011

2011-10-26T11:22:00.000-07:00

The big "Bat Sale" is this week end. We have been getting lots in, so you have lots to choose from. I think the biggest seller is Warm and Natural. We sell LOTS of it. The thing is, the cost of cotton products has gone WAY up this year. Ok that's most of what I sell. But maybe with 20% off, everyone can stock up a little bit. The other big seller that I carry is Wool Batting. If you havn't tried it, WOW it's nice. It's excellent for hand quilting. The needle goes through sooooo smoothly. It's got a little loft to it so it shows off your stitches nicely. I have also used it for quilts that are machine quilted. As with hand quilting, it really shows off your stitches, and if you really heavily quilt it. It still stays very drapey. (not sure that's a word) The wool batting also washes very nicely. Ok, so don't use really HOT water. but I don't wash my quilts in hot anyway. Warm and cool water works better.
We also have Hobbs Heirloom batting and Hobbs Black Batting on the roll. Then.... Just so you know that I carry them and they will be on sale also - I carry lots of Pellon fleece and fusible fleece. Ok, Come on in!

Tuffits and Movies! Oh My!!

2011-10-23T12:28:00.000-07:00

Whew! Busy end of the week! Sometimes it feels like there is something to think about, get ready for, take care of, order and handle every minute of the week. I guess that's what makes this job so much fun! Friday was the second session of our "Tuffit" class, with Krista Moser. (She is soooo cool!) There were some really great tuffits! Here is Karen, working on hers. Such pretty greens!

Here's Krista working with Sue. Funny, Krista wore almost the same outfit as me on Friday. She looks so cute - I kind of looked like a potato. Anyway, The Tuffits all came together and many of the students are planing on making more for Christmas gifts. Wouldn't you just love to have Santa bring one to you?

Here's Marta and Nancy with their finished Tuffits. Everyone's colors are so different, and they always come out great! Be watching for a class after the first of the year.

Then on Saturday, we had "Movie Night" I had lots of fun, and I think everyone else did too. We watched lots of movies and ate way too much good stuff. We all went home around ten with lots of work on our projects done. I think we may be doing this more often. It's really fun.

So this morning I got here early and the shop is all put back together and clean. There was lots of popcorn all over the place. Hmmmm? I think it's all ready for another fun week!

A Successful Hoochy Cow Class

2011-10-21T09:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was our "Hoochy Cow" class. I think it was fun! I think the students enjoyed it too. Here is a picture of part of the herd created. It's all based on Marylou Weidman's new book. "Out of the Box with Easy Blocks" We learned to do her carefree piecing commonly called "Hoochy Style" and made the basic cow. Then we did a little designing, making flowers, little birdies and even a barn.

Here's Norma's cow. Isn't the little birdie cute!? These quilts are really fun to make. Marylou makes it easy to make all kinds of special quilts that would make anyone smile. In her book there are princesses, birthday cakes, big birds and sew much more. Sew creative!!! This morning we have the second session of our "Tuffit" class. They will put their project all together. Stay tuned for a report.

Saturday is Movie Night

2011-10-19T09:56:00.000-07:00

This Saturday is "Movie Night" at Aunt Mary's. Can't wait. We have done this at least once a year for the last four or five years. I don't know why I don't do it more often. It's just allot of fun. We spend all day (10am - 10pm) sewing, laughing, watching movies, eating popcorn, playing games, and just having a great time. We bring in a big flat screen and watch some fun movies (mostly ones you don't have to pay real close attention to) Let's see... we have Young Frankenstein, Bridesmaids, Momma Mia and lots of other fun movies. I make dinner for everyone too, believe me nobody will be hungry. I'm thinking Ice cream sundays? Oh, and there are door prizes to win too. There are still a few places left if you would like to join us.

Happy Birthday to Joanne

2011-10-18T16:33:00.000-07:00

Here's my good friend Donna with her sweet daughter Joanne. Last Saturday was her birthday. She just LOVES her birthday. I'm so lucky she brought in a wonderful birthday cake to share with me and everyone that came in. What a sweetie! You can't help but be happy around her. She brought in a small selection of some of her favorite birthday presents to show everyone. Donna had to make two trips to the car to bring it all in. Whew!!

This month is the kick off for our fall food drive. Everyone got an extra 5% off the sale things all weekend. Be looking for more deals, or just stop by and drop off some food. I'm hoping to have lots to drop off at the food bank this year. I know it's very much needed in our community this year.

Last but not least..... here is the latest collection to come in. Moda's "Etchings" It's really beautiful! We have a really nice kit that is made with this collection. Hopefully we will have a sample real soon.

New Things and Halloween too

2011-10-14T11:22:00.000-07:00

Most days, here in the shop, I get a group of ladies relaxing and enjoying each others company. I love that part of my shop. I really enjoy getting to know my customers and finding out their likes and dislikes. I got talking to one of my friends about my blog and what she enjoyed reading on it. She like to see the new fabrics that come in. Sooo... Here's what we got yesterday. New Australian fabrics. Its made by a very small company IN Australia, called M & S Textiles Australia. Most Australian looking fabrics are just made to LOOK like they are from Australia. These are designed by the aborigines. I love all the bugs and symbols. They all mean something. We just got in a new book written by the artists. I has some really nice patterns for some fantastic projects. It also tells all about the people and the heritage of the fabric. HOW INTERESTING!

Also! Halloween is just around the corner and I still have lots of halloween fabric. Today and tomorrow it's on sale for 15% off. Bring in a donation for the ffod bank and take an extra 5%. Woo hoo! Boo!!!

The Bats are Back!

2011-10-12T09:25:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again. The bats are starting to arrive for our annual "Bat Sale." Oooooo Kind of scary! But these bats are very friendly! They are here to help us get ready. Soon all our BATTING will be on sale. Friday and Saturday October 28th and 29th, all batting will be 20% off. It's a great time to stop in and order a whole roll of your favorite batting, and take an extra 5% off. With the cost of cotton going up the way it is, now you can get a great price. Maybe you can split one with a friend or two.

Ok! I'm Ready!

2011-10-06T15:54:00.000-07:00

Whew! What a day! This morning was book club. We had such a good discussion! Even though this last months book wasn't exactly a deep thinker book. We read a Janet Evonovich book. It was in honor of our good friend Kathy Smith. She really liked Stephanie Plum books. So we all had a good laugh and had fun together. Mostly discussing who we would choose - Ranger or Joe Morelli. Hm..... I'd pick Ranger!
Anyway, after book club I had to get ready for the 91 Mile Yard Sale. Normally that would not be to bad. But, Friday and Saturday I have some big classes in the classroom. So, I had to move all the garage sale stuff up front by the window. I guess I should have not been so thorough in my "Spring Cleaning." I pulled lots of bolts and books and other goodies to put on clearance. It was a BIG job getting all arranged. Whew!!! It think I need to put my feet up! I hope the yard sale goes well. See Ya?

91 Mile Yard Sale

2011-10-05T12:19:00.000-07:00

It's that time again! I am so proud to be a member of the "Tri County Quilt Shop Association."   We are a group of THE BEST quilt shops anywhere! We are all located in Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom county. We have banded together for over four years now, bringing some fun events for you all to take part in.
I think many people think that quilt shops are in direct competition with each other. I may come as a surprise to many that it is just the opposite. We work together to make this a great destination for quilt shopping. I am very proud of all the wonderful quilt shops in our area. They really are some of the best in the country. the thing that most people notice is that we are sooooo different. We hardly ever carry exactly the same thing. And, even if we did have the same line of fabric, it's always fun to see the different things we may do with it.  The other thing I just love is that I can always call up one of my buddies and have a good talk about things we have concerns about. It's nice to have someone that really understands the problems of running a quilt shop.

This Friday and Saturday is one of our fun events! We call it "The 91 Mile Yard Sale" That's cause it's just about 91 mile from the farthest shop south to the farthest shop North. Stop by your closest shop and pick up a map of all the shops and get out on the road! All of our shops have been doing some "spring cleaning" we will have lots and lots of clearance fabrics, books, patterns, kits and all kinds of other goodies that need to find a good home. At Aunt Mary's we will be selling all that for up to 55% off! We will also have all yardage at 15% off. Whew!!!

Just to make it a little interesting. For every $20 dollars spent in any of our shops during the "Yard Sale" you will get an entry into a drawing. Some lucky winners will win either a $20 gift certificate to EACH of our shops, or a $10 gift certificate to each of our shops. That's $260 or $130 shopping sprees! Cool Hu?
I hope everyone can make it! See ya then!!!

The Gastlies are BACK!

2011-10-04T09:44:00.000-07:00

If you have been following my blog, you may recognize this cute quilt. It's made with the really great fabrics from Alexander Henry, called "The Gahstlies." The fabric was soooo popular that it was gone VERY fast. Well, now I have more. It just arrived in the shop yesterday.
This quilt is really fun and easy to make. it uses a pattern that we have used over and over. It's called "Side Lines" We have used it to highlight fabrics we just didn't want to cut too much. It's would be great for beautiful with big florals, asian prints, or almost anything you fall in love with. We made it with bears and it was really fun!
I'm sure you could still get this quilt done for Halloween.

Robert hasn't been in my blog for a while. So here he is. What a sweet little guy! I have had Robert in the shop almost from the beginning of Aunt Mary's. So that's over eleven years. He's getting kind of old. He doesn't sing quite as much as he used to. But every once in a while, he sings like a rock star.

Spiders and Bats! Oh My!!!

2011-09-30T15:52:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that tomorow is the first day of OCTOBER! Yep! So that means it's time to decorate for the spooky holiday! I think halloween is fun. Such fun colors, and I'm all about color! Here are just a few of the fun fabrics we have here for halloween.

This morning when I came in I found a few new "friends" hanging around! Isn't this a cute pattern. It's by Nancy Lee Chong. This one gives both fusible applique and hand applique instructions. I think Fusible would make this one a cinch.

The table runners below, are the FASTEST table runner to make EVER! Find yourself a border stripe and get going. With just 1 1/2 yards of fabric you can make two table runners and this little table mat.

So it's not to late to make something cute before the little monsters come knocking at your door. Oh and all Halloween fabric in on sale Friday and Saturday this week. So come on! make something cute!!!

A New Day! New Fun Things!

2011-09-28T09:53:00.000-07:00

Boy, oh Boy! Hardly a day goes by around here that we don't get something new. My job never gets boring! Here are just a few of the new things from this week.
First! This is kind of cool! This book "Hop to It" by Edyta Sitar, has been a very popular book. Now she made a stencil set that has all the shapes she uses in her patterns. So that now you can use the stencil to draw out all your applique pieces. It not only works for her book, but also for many of her patterns. Such as this new one "Sweet Sixteen" How cool is that?

Then...... I just got in a cute little pattern from Indygo Junction. It's called "Miniature Menagerie" It makes these cute little animals. Yesterday afternoon was just a little slow, so I made a scotty dog. It took about 45 minutes. (Plus a few customer interruptions) CUTE! I think it would be fun to make a mobile. Wouldn't that make a great baby gift?
Oh! The possibilities are endless! Stay tunes for more new stuff!

Oh, and don't forget! Here is my great customer, Kathleen, with her fun little fishy quilt. Isn't it great? She made the fishies all by herself! I think this is going to go to a very special baby in Hawaii. What a lucky baby!

Bali Who?

2011-09-23T13:52:00.000-07:00

"Bali Bags," "Strip Therapy" book and many of Judy Niemeyer patterns call for "Bali Pops." Bali Pops are 2 1/2" strip rolls made by Hoffman. They are really beautiful! But! did you know that Many other company's offer Strip rolls that are just a beautiful? yep! Timeless Treasures, Batik Textiles, Princess Murrah and many other companies are out there producing the best stuff just for our playtime. So next time your looking at a pattern that calls for a "Bali Pop" remember there are lots of others to choose from too. We just got in new strip pacs from Timeless and Batik textiles. They are soooo pretty! We also got a new thing.
Pacs of 10" squares of yummy batiks. There are lots of patterns that use those too. They just call them "Layer Cakes" (That's Moda, the makers of "Jelly Rolls") whew! confusing? Heck! Let's just get some and play!!!

Another Chance For The Bali Wedding Star Class

2011-09-21T15:13:00.000-07:00

Ok, Everyone! Here's your chance to take a class with a really outstanding teacher. Linda Telesbo is teaching this class here at Aunt Mary's. We schedule it for Three Saturdays at least one month apart, so that you have plenty of time to get lots of sewing done in between classes. The goal is to have this beautiful quilt all put together by the last class. This class filled to capacity and I had six people on a waiting list. So Linda and I scheduled a new session. It will be the last Saturday in January, March and April, from 10 - 4 each day. The fee for this class will be $110. The students that are in this class now are doing really well and are VERY excited about there projects. So, If you think you might want to do this one. Don't hold out too long. The class filled very fast last time.

My BEST Assets

2011-09-20T14:25:00.000-07:00

These are my Friends Ethel and Kathy. Have I ever mentioned that I absolutely could not run this shop without them? Well, it's time I did! They are the BEST!!! These are the ladies that are here if I'm not. They are always ready to help out all my great customers with whatever it takes to make you happy. I know the shop is in good hands while I'm away. But that's not all, They do soooo much around here that I would have a very hard time listing them. They even listen to me when I'm in a whiny, oh poor me mood. I hope they know just how much I appreciate them. Kathy is the one that made the cute, crazy quilt covered stool in front of the cutting counter. They both are always up to make just about any quilt project I throw their way. They both make a mean cup of espresso too. And besides that....... Aren't they cute?!!! I LOVE YOU GUYS!!! THANKS!!!

A New Bali Bag & Flowers

2011-09-17T10:57:00.000-07:00

Meet the teacher, last night, was lots of fun. A few classes are now full. We might have to have a second class on some of them. This "Clothesline Tote" (Bali Bag) has been a popular one. I would like to take it myself! Norma brought a new one in to show off. I think they are soooo pretty! They are made from "Bali Pops" (2 1/2" Strips). She says once you get going, you will want to make more projects using the tecnique. Fun!!!

I also wanted to show these lovely flowers with you! They were brought to me by a wonderful friend. Arn't they just the pretiest?
Such an inspiration! And they smell wonderful too. Thanks, Linda!!!

More Class Samples For "Meet The Teacher"

2011-09-16T10:11:00.000-07:00

This evening is "Meet The Teacher" here at Aunt Mary's. This is always a fun time. It's an opportunity for you to stop by the shop and see all the samples of the classes. Most of the teachers will be here, so it's a great time to ask any questions you may have. If you sign up at this time you get a coupon for a discount on all your supplies for the class. I think we have a really fantastic line up of classes this quarter. Some of them are great projects for the gift giving season that is rapidly approaching. Bags, Tuffits, even a beautiful big pillow that is hand painted with acrylic paints and machine quilted. It's really gorgeous! Then we have some things that are really just for fun. MOVIE NIGHT! it's an event we have done before that everyone loved. It's on a Saturday in October. We start at Ten in the morning and sew, watch movies, eat popcorn, play movie trivia, and EAT, and enjoy each other clear till ten in the evening. FUN! Then we have a Christmas Mystery Class. On the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It's from ten until ten also. Can't tell you very much about that one cause it's a MYSTERY. The cow in the picture is a class that I am teaching. I call it The Hoochy Cow. It's using Marylou Weidemans new book "Out of the Box with Easy Blocks." It's very fun and easy, and very carefree. '

This is a sample of Judy Irish's "Hollow Cubes. There are really two versions of this quilt. It's Using the book "One Block Wonder Cubed" to make a Kaleidoscope quilt with floating cubes. or and allover hallow cube quilt. Judy is sooooo cool! You get to choose. If you have never taken a class with Judy, you are in for a treat!

This is also a class with Judy Irish. A few years ago, Freddy Moran was here teaching and Judy was inspired by her quick, carefree way of making "Lonestars." Judy got quite addicted to making them. She has made dozens of them! You might get addicted too! Maybe you should drop by the shop this evening!

Something New For Aunt Mary

2011-09-14T09:29:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful day off on Monday. Every once in a while, my husband and I like to go antiquing. I like to wander through shops and find unique things for home or the shop. I was in a shop up in Mt Vernon, just down the street from Calico Creations, and look what I found! It's a "kitchen queen" It just talked to me! it said..."I want to go live at Aunt Mary's" And so......... Here it is! I had such a fun time playing with it yesterday. Hmmm.... I wonder what else I can put on it?

Winner!

2011-09-10T10:44:00.000-07:00

We just picked the winner of the twenty dollar gift certificate to Aunt Mary's. Last week I challenged you all to join as a follower to my blog. The winner is Marcia Wright. Thank you all for your wonderful response. I feel like somebody now! It was really fun to read all your great comments. Thank you all for the support you have given me. I really appreciate you ALL.

What Will They Think Of Next?

2011-09-09T14:15:00.000-07:00

Just when you think there is nothing new happening in the fabric world....... check it out! They made 3-D Fabric!This is Hoffman's new 3-D Fabric. I can't figure out how come it looks so normal with out the glasses on. When you go to the movies and take your glasses off. It's way out of focus. This fabric looks great without the glasses. but put the glasses on and........

Oh Boy!!! IT'S VERY COOL! Here's my good friend Jeanie. I think she's going to kill me when she sees this picture. But, I just couldn't help it.

Perfume? Headache!!!

2011-09-08T16:14:00.000-07:00

Have you ever gone to a quilt class, all happy and ready to learn, you get your machine all set up and ready. You are all excited about your fun day you are about to have. Only to have a very nice lady come set up right next to you and she is wearing a fragrance that blows you across the room? Instantly giving you a migraine, sets off your asthma, or both? What can you say? The lady is very sweet! You don't want to hurt her feelings! You can't hold your breath all day! Well, this has been the situation so many times in our classroom. The last thing we want to do is hurt someones feelings. To her she smells like a pretty spring flower!

There have been several times we have had to refund a student her money for the class because she just can't do it. I can't blame her. I have the same problem. Even at the movies or at the grocery store, someones perfume can just about knock me over. However, there,we can always move away. In the classroom situation there is no place to go.

In our class policies,(the piece of paper that everyone gets when signing up for a class,) it is clearly stated, PLEASE DO NOT WERE PERFUMES IN CLASS. It's even in big letters. So what else can we do? Just something to think about. HMMMMMM...........

New! From Moda

2011-09-06T10:57:00.000-07:00

We just got in a new line from Moda. It's called "Dogwood Trail". I think Moda is at the very top of my list of the best fabric suppliers. They have the very best of designers, their fabric is always the tippy top of the line, (it feels like silk) and they are always cutting edge on merchanising. They were the dreamer uppers of the "jelly roll," "charm pac," and soooo much more. the quilting world would not be what it is now without MODA.

Just check out how pretty this line is. Very sweet and crisp. I almost think it's kind of springy for this time of year. So this winter, when it's grey and cold and you think you will never see spring............

Folowers?

2011-09-03T14:58:00.000-07:00

Ok! So I want you to know that I realize I'm being kind of a whiner baby here, but, GOSH! has anybody noticed that I have been writing this blog for over three years now and I only have 15 followers? Yep 15 faithful friends! That's all. Some blogs that are out there, Have hundreds even thousands! I know that thousands is maybe a little overkill, but 15?

Do I have to resort to bribery? OK!!! DONE!!!! Next Saturday I will be giving out a twenty dollar gift certificate to a randomly picked follower. Ya better scroll down and sign in!

New Classes!

2011-09-02T09:47:00.000-07:00

Fall has arrived! You can smell it in the air. The kids are starting back to school, and now it's time to start back to quilting! I'm very excited about our class line up for fall. I think we have some really fun projects and techniques to learn. As always, in our fall schedule, we try to have lots of fun things that would make great gifts for the holiday season. (It will be here in a blink!)

There are several different bag and tote classes. The "B.B. Bags (In the last photo. That are really cute little bags that you can make in four different sizes. Great little travel bags! Then we have the clothesline tote. (This pic sure doesn't do it justice) It is beautiful! I would love to have one myself! Maybe I'll take the class. You can make it with a "Jelly roll" or "Bali Pop" Or just fun strips from your stash.

We have a great Crazy Quilting Class. Suz Litzinger is our instructor. The last time we did this one, everyone in the class just raved over it. Suz has amazing embellishing tips! She literally keeps you entertained all day with all the things she has to show. Your mind will be whirling!

And how about the "Tuffit" With out fail, everyone that takes this class ends up making more than just one. Who wouldn't want a "Tuffit" for Christmas?

There are way to many classes to show here. I'll try to get more posted soon. Check out Aunt Mary's web site www.auntmarysquiltshop.com for a class schedule or stop by to check out all the samples. OH! Don't forget! There is Meet the teacher on Friday, September 16th from 5 - 7pm. Stop by and meet all the instructors, ask us questions and get signed up.

New Fabric From Free Spirit

2011-08-28T12:15:00.000-07:00

Ah! A new week in the quilt shop, and new fabric just in. I sooo fell in love with this line when my sales rep showed it to me so long ago on paper. I would say I was smitten! The line is called "Silent Cinema" By Jenean Morrison for Free Spirit. What else can I say about it but COOL!

I have already cut some of each piece for my own privet stash. There have been several projects swirling around in my head that I am so sure it would look great in. But, I think it's going to age a bit in my stash where I can pet it and dream for awhile. See the funky wedding ring pattern that's hanging in the picture? I think it has definite possibilities!

A New Quilter

2011-08-25T14:47:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love the enthusiasm of a new quilter? Here's Virginia and her second quilt.Isn't she cute? I am especially proud of her. She made this quilt for a best friend. I hope her friend knows how special she is to get it. Virgina is my son's girlfriend. She has been dropping in on her day off to work on learning to quilt. I just love that she is interested in learning. After all, she may be the keeper of many of my quilts one day. We all need to know that someone will appreciate them when we are gone. I also hope we have many many hours of happy quilting together. What s a special girl!!!

Some Thoughts About Good Friends

2011-08-21T14:01:00.000-07:00

Ok! so today I'm going to be a serious. I want to talk about one of the biggest lessons I have gotten from running a quilt shop. Lots of people might think that it's all about quilting. Yes, some of it is. Ordering fabric, setting up classes, finding the latest patterns cutting and ringing up the money, paying the bills, etc. Yes. It's all of that and much more. But, today if you asked me what the best thing I have gotten out of it. I would tell you FRIENDSHIPS. I have met and had the opportunity to be around and laugh with some of the kindest, most generous people in the world. And, every once in a while one of them becomes a really dear friend. One that really knows me and likes me no matter what.
I lost one of those dear friends this weekend.

My dear friend Kathy Smith passed away on Friday evening. I cannot express how much I will miss her wonderful, funny, graceful, gentle, goofy friendship.
I know she has made a big mark on my life and Aunt Mary's really would definitely not be the place it is now if she had not been here for me.
So, the next time your with your friends (sisters) I hope you will take just a minute to look at them and cherish the time you have had. I think they are some real angels. I'm pretty sure Kathy will have them giggling up there.

Yea For The American Heros Quilters

2011-08-20T15:54:00.000-07:00

What a nice day we have had! The American Hero's Quilters were here in the classroom for the day. I just love having them here. They are doing such a great thing for our troops, and they are fun people too! They have a goal to make and give a handmade quilt to all returning wounded solders. I am always amazed at all the beautiful quilts that they produce. Just look at this stack!!! And this was early in the day. Latter the stack got even bigger.

Here are some of the group. I caught them doing show and tell. This is just part of the group though. The rest must have been keeping their heads down, getting their work done. Ok, I'm kidding! They always seam to be having a great time.
This group will be back next month. So if you want to come join them. There is something for everyone to do. They would love to have you.

Busy Week!

2011-08-19T09:55:00.000-07:00

Boy oh boy have I been working hard this week! Roxanne was here Monday and Tuesday. I got my newsletter written and e-mailed to everyone on my list (Are you on my list?) Sent it out to be written up for a hard copy and found about five mistakes. BLAW!!!! So I got those fixed. (Well, at least the ones I found., I always hear from someone that there are more) I think we have some great classes and other fun things on this schedule. I'm excited!
I taught a "Buggy Barn" class yesterday. (Fun) It was a great group. I can't wait to see their projects when they are done. Now, today I have an Embroidery class. They should be trooping through the door any minute. All smiley faces, and ready to learn. How exciting! So, off I go!

Just one Left!

2011-08-16T09:27:00.000-07:00

Ok! All the kits are almost gone. We only have just one more left. This is such a pretty quilt. I really had a great time making it. It's a pattern from Vintage Spool, called "Noel." Verna Mosquera is the designer. She really does a terrific job with her patterns. All the designs are full size, so that you don't have to blow them up. But, not only that. There are close up pictures of each of the blocks so that you can see exactly where each of the fabrics go. NICE JOB! It's done in such pretty colors. Soft pinks and greys. who would have thought to make a Christmas quilt with those colors? Well, I have had several people in my life try to put dibs on it. I think I will keep it for me for a while. Let them sweat! That way they have to be nice to me.

Roxanne Carter! How Does She Do It?

2011-08-11T16:13:00.000-07:00

This Morning we had "Girls Day Out" With Roxanne Carter. I can not say enough about her. She is such a great teacher! Here she is showing us one of her new quilts. This one is "Storm at Sea" She gives each student in the class one of her patterns each session. Nobody can figure out how she keeps coming up with so many quilts each month. She is always about three months ahead of everyone. I think she NEVER sleeps. Her patterns are VERY WELL done. I carry lots of them in the shop. She has you do them the easiest way possible. There is always a new trick to learn.

This is another version of 'Storm at Sea." Just another way of laying it out. Isn't it beautiful? I feel very lucky to have her here six times each month. She has a very loyal student base. I can't remember ever having to cancel a class because we didn't have enough students. Maybe you would like to join us? Check out our website www.auntmarysquiltshop.com for her schedule. Give us a call and we will get you signed up. See you then!

My New Friend

2011-08-10T09:22:00.000-07:00

Here's my new little friend that came to live in the shop. Isn't he cute? I found him at a produce stand in Stanwood, and fell in love with him. So, now he will be hanging out in, and amongst all the fabrics and quilts around the shop. What a life! I think he will be very happy here. Right now he is on our classroom cutting table, showing off two little halloween quilts. They are made with just one panel cut in half we added a small border to each of them. A voila!!!! How symple is that? You get to keep one and one can go to a friend! Fun! This could be a fun project for a new quilter or a teenager. We have to get them excited about quilting, because they are the ones that will be taking care of all the great quilts we make. but that's a whole other blog........

Mary Lou Weidman Does It Again!

2011-08-07T11:41:00.000-07:00

Ok, I know I have this book on the side of my blog , but I just have to say more about it. IT'S REALLY COOL!!! I'm so proud of Mary Lou! Even if she were not one of my hero's, I would want to tell you how great this book is. In this book you get to see how much fun it its to let loose and create fun whimsical blocks. Cats, Cakes, Chickens and Cows, Flowers and even Ice Cream Cones! Maybe even be inspired to make up your own "Hoochy" blocks.
Now, if you are the kind of quilter that gets uptight about precision, (Not that there is anything wrong with that. If it makes you happy) (I just think if your having fun there is no room for anxiety) You may not want to play with this book. But, if you are the type that likes to let loose! Take our shoes off! have some fun, and see what happens! Wooo Hoooo! This is the book for you!!! I Think I will take this book home for my days off and see what happens. You will have to check back to see.........

Oh, for more inspiration check Mary Lou's blog. There is a link farther down on this page.

Aunt Mary's Saturday Sampler

2011-08-05T10:23:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the first Saturday of the month. That means it's SATURDAY SAMPLER DAY! This will be the fourth instalment of this session. Each month we try to focus on a new technique. I think it's important to be learning something new! Tomorrow we will be making a beautiful eight pointed star, which will focus on Y seams. Here are the blocks that we have done so far. When we get all twelve blocks done there will be several settings to choose from to make your quilt one of a kind! It's really not too late to join us. Just come on by tomorrow either at 10:30 am or 2:00 in the afternoon. We will get you started!

Today is "Book Club" Yea!!

2011-08-04T09:35:00.000-07:00

Today is one of my favorite days of the month. BOOK CLUB!! We have the most amazing group of ladies that come each month to discuss our latest book. Last month we read "A Dogs Purpose" Such a wonderful story about the age long question. What is our purpose? I think it's going to be a fun dicussion. For the Month of August we are reading "The Widowers Tale." We will be discussing it on the first Thursday of September. We would love to have you join us!!!We also have an amazing pot luck lunch. It's worth it to come just for that!

My Summer Project

2011-07-31T10:31:00.000-07:00

Well. you know how I love hand work. Applique and embroidery are my lifesavers. If I didn't have something to work on every evening, I would probably be five hundred pounds. I would have to start smoking! My family would tell you, I'm a much nicer person when I'm stitching. I love to sit under my apple trees in the evening (till the nasty little mosquitoes come and want to see what I'm doing) stitch and listen to the birdies sing. I can't count how many baseball games I have sat through, happily stitching. I can look at a quilt and remember what I was doing while I stitched it. So many nice memories! So, anyway, Here's what I am working on this summer. It's a really fun, whimsical pattern called "Calendula Pederdrip's Cottage". It's one of the great patterns from Meg Hawkey's Crabapple Hill designs. She is an amazing talent. I have been really enjoying her creativity in this pattern. Stay tuned for more previews of this quilt.

Piece O Cake!

2011-07-28T10:23:00.000-07:00

Today is a very good day! At least so far... We just got in a new book from the girls at Piece O Cake Designs, Becky Goldsmith and Linda Jenkins. It's a very cute book with some really fun Christmas designs. And guess what? Just this morning I got an e-mail from Becky Goldsmith. We have tentatively booked her for three day workshop. OK! it's not until May of 2013, but hey! I'm still excited! She did a workshop about two years ago, here at the shop, and I learned allot! I wasn't even in the class. I was working, but got to watch many of her demonstrations. Maybe I will work it out so I can take the class too.

Their designs have been one of my favorites for many years, They are always so whimsical and fun to make. So mark your calendar! Ok. I don't even have a 2013 calendar. Hmm.... Maybe I'll make a big note for myself and put it on the fridge. It's going to be hard to wait for that long!

Customer Appreciation Sale

2011-07-27T13:56:00.000-07:00

This week, Wednesday - Saturday is all about YOU, my customer!!! I would like to take some time to tell everyone that shops here at Aunt Mary's.... THANK YOU! I am sooo lucky to be around quilters everyday. They are the most wonderful, generous, happy, talented and kind people on earth. I remember a talk someone gave at a guild meeting one time about all the things we get out of quilting, besides a quilt. One of the best things I have gotten from quilting is all the great friends and relationships I have.

So this week, we are celebrating YOU - MY CUSTOMER! Were would I bee without you?

Even those of you that don't want your picture splashed all over my blog. I love you anyway!

THANK YOU!!!

Summer Friendship Triangle Exchange Starts Today

2011-07-23T15:43:00.000-07:00

Here we go again! Last summer we did a "Friendship Triangle Exchange" and we had a very exciting response. Customers really got into it and wanted to know if we would be doing it again. Well,........ Yep!! Here's how it works. Stop in and see us and purchase a triangle roll. In the roll there is two fabrics. One light and one dark and it will have the triangle paper all rolled up inside. You take it home and place the fabrics right sides together and sew on the dotted line. Then you cut on the solid line to make 28 half square triangles. Ok, so now you will have 28 triangles with one color way. hmmm what could you do with them? Well, let me tell you! Bring them into the shop on Saturday September 24th for our big Friendship Triangle Party. We will be combining every one's in a big container and exchange your triangles so that now you have lots and lots of pretty colored triangles. We also have a great book here in the shop appropriately named "Friendship Triangles" by Edyta Sitar. It has some really great projects that use half square triangles. Some big and some not so big. On our Triangle party day you can come in and bring your machine to get started on a project or just stop by to exchange your triangles and maybe play some triangle games to win more triangles. It's Fun! I hope you can join us!

What I Did On My Summer Vacation

2011-07-22T09:32:00.000-07:00

As you have read, I took some time off for summer vacation. You would think I would do no quilting at all. Guess what?!! I really love quilting!!! So I worked on this quilt fresh from the new "Buggy Barn" book Still Crazy. I really enjoy their patterns. I have done at least one and sometimes more quilts from ALL of their books. I'm a big fan!!! The quilts are so whimsical and fun, and fun to make too. No worries about matching exactly or exact quarter inch seams. Stack up some fun fat quarters, cut out the pattern, shuffle the stacks and start sewing! Just enjoy the process and have fun! We do have a "Buggy Barn" quilting class coming up next month. Thursday, August 18th from 10 - 4. It's been one of our most popular classes. Most of my past students have gone on to make lots of the "Buggy Barn" patterns. They really are VERY addictive! Aren't these Turkeys Fun!!! The new book has other fun quilts that I will probably have to make too. There is an Ice Cream Cone quilt and a cute one with Christmas stockings. Hmmm? Which one should I do now?

As Promised! The Ghastlies Quilt

2011-07-21T10:58:00.000-07:00

A couple blogs ago, I showed the great new fabric from Alexander Henry, "The Ghastlies" had just come in. WELL!!! Now we have a great quilt made with it. I just love this pattern! We have made it up in so many different fabrics. It is great for showcasing a great piece of fabric. So here it is with the Ghastlies in it. I love it!!! I hope you do to. I have ordered more of the fabric to come in. I don't get to do that very often, but it's going sooo fast! Thankfully, Alexander Henry still has some. So hopefully the Ghastlies will be with us for a while!

A Great Book Review

2011-07-19T10:32:00.000-07:00

Every once in while a new book comes in and kind of stays off my radar for a little while. This book came in last month, just before Shop Hop, So I really didn't get a chance to even crack the cover. Then in comes a customer looking for it. She said a couple of her friends had been playing with it and WOW! So I had to take a look...... IT'S REALLY GREAT!! By just using strip sets of mostly 2 1/2" strips (Yes it's jelly roll friendly) and using a 90 degree ruler. Do some very easy cutting. (There is a special ruler from creative grid, but you don't have to use it. A regular 90 degree ruler will work) It makes some very fun and complicated looking quilts. This Saturday, we have DEMO DAY here in the shop. I will be demonstrating this book and how fun and easy all the quilts are to make. I also have some other fun patterns and new products to demonstrate also. So, stop in any time on Saturday and I'll show you some new tricks!

Back From Vacation

2011-07-18T10:26:00.000-07:00

Whew! For those of you that have faithfully checked my blog in the past few weeks, you may have noticed that I wasn't here. Vacation is a very beautiful thing! Every year when Shop Hop is over, it's time for me to go away. No, I didn't go to anyplace very far away. The chair under my apple trees was far away enough for me. Here are some pictures of some of the fun things we did

Tim and I have this wonderful little Italian restaurant in Seattle that we love. So here we are. mmmmm.....

We went to a very different art happening, my son Pat was at in West Seattle. This is one of his room mates, Niel and I. It's kind of hard to explain what they were doing, but it was fun to watch.

Here's my son Pat's girlfriend Virginia. and My son Andy. Still don't know were Pat is. It was a very fun crowd. It's the kind of place that "Moms and Dads" kind of stand out. But, I had fun watching. I'm very proud of my boys. Pat is VERY into his art. It's a little different than what I do, but, who am I to judge. We had fun!

I just kind of took every minute as it came. Worked on a quilt from the new "Buggy Barn" book. (Stay tuned, I will show it soon) and just really did allot of nothing.

So... now I'm back to work. It will take me a few days to find my feet.

It's nice to be back!

TOkhe 4th of July!!!! Hurray!!!!

2011-07-02T12:57:00.000-07:00

Ok! Hands down, the 4th of July is my favorite of the faoritest holidays. It is soooo much more fun than some of the other ones that we wont even mention here. I am looking forward to a big BBQ. This year we are smoking a turkey and my family's favorite beef brisket. There will be lots of family, and way too much food and games and of course the fireworks. Whoopee!!! I will be bringing out all my patriotic quilts to decorate with.

This one will have to stay here though. I still have one more kit to find a home for. It's called "Faded Glory" by Vintage Spool. If you read this blog and want it, I will take 25% off. But, it has to be before Sunday night. So I can take it home for the 4th. Come on you guys! Lets find this kit a home. I know you will love it!

Happy 4th Everyone!!!!

The Ghastlies are Here

2011-07-01T09:46:00.000-07:00

Here we are, three days before the 4th of July, and I'm blogging about Halloween! That the craziness of retail! We are always a couple steps ahead. Hmmm, maybe I should get out the holiday decorations and beat the competition? Ok, NO!! But just look at this fabric from Alexander Henry. I LOVE IT!!! This company is so creative! We are already working on a sample quilt. It uses the "Sidelines" pattern. Right now we have it made up with grizzly bears. It's a great pattern that will showcase your favorite fabrics. We have done it so many times. It always works!

So now it will have these wonderful people in it. I can't wait! The thing is the fabric always sells out very fast! I will try to get more A.S.A.P. No guarantees though. Stay tuned for a picture!
Oh! And Christmas will be arriving all this month. So ya better start getting your list ready. Blah!!!! Enjoy the 4th FIRST!!!

Lot's and Lot's of "Kaffe"

2011-06-30T09:46:00.000-07:00

After blogging about my "Flower Pots" quilt, everyone wanted to know if we had a kit. Well, not exactly. This particular quilt takes so many different "Kaffe" Fabrics. it's really hard to have all of them on hand. Lot's of them were from my collection of his fabrics that I have been hording for many years. Sooooo here is a great example of why our stash is so important. Fabrics come and go so fast! Many times I get a fabric in the shop and it's gone before I even have a chance to get some. This happened just before Shop Hop started. We got in anew one. It was the most beautiful sea shells, in teals and magenta's. The bolt came in and was sold before I got any. I will of coarse try to reorder it, but there is No guarantee that I will get it. That's just the way it works. Fabric is fleeting! Get it while you can!
We still have lots of "Kaffe" Fabric. in all the different cuts. Fat quarters, Fat quarter packs, Half Yard Cuts and even Fat eights. So get collecting!

This is a new one that came in. It's got the prettiest colors! They almost look real. I have been thinking about what we could make with it. Stay tuned!

Sun Shine, On My Sholder, Makes Me Happy!!!

2011-06-28T12:46:00.000-07:00

In all this Shop Hoping Madness we almost overlooked the first Day of SUMMER! Believe it or not, Summer is here! OK! I know,The sun has been just a little shy this year, So here is my answer. I made my own Sunshine!!! Isn't he cute? It's the center of a really fun "folk arty" pattern that we have in the shop. "Celestial Dream" By Susan Powell. this big block is all surrounded by animals and flowers and all kinds of fun things to applique. I couldn't resist it. I think he has a little "Mona Lisa smile. Maybe he's just not sure it's summer time?

Renagade Hoppers!! Keep an Eye Out!

2011-06-26T10:24:00.000-07:00

Well! I made it through four days!!! We have sure had some fun hoppers here having fun. ( I hope they are having fun! I AM) this is a group of the funnest! I always look forward to seeing them. I wish I could go with them. The sign on their door is an official banner from the tiny country of Swederland. I love their strategy - Get together - get out on the road and let's see what happens!!!! They always bring a good time to Aunt Mary's. The first year I met them, there was an incident at Olive Garden...... Hmm.... I hope they didn't get into too much trouble this time. I told them if they are north of Seattle and get into trouble, to give me a call and I will put up bail. Happy Hopping Girls!!!!!

Two Day's Down - Three to go!!

2011-06-24T13:13:00.000-07:00

Well, here we are two days of Shop Hop are in the history books. It's been a lot of fun seeing everyone. I think the shop still looks relatively in shape. I haven't run out of many patterns or books. So I guess we are doing quite well.

Here are the girls from Q.A, Quilt Guild with their raffle quilt. Isn't it pretty!? It's been fun having the girls here. Well I better get back to the mobs! Just wanted to get a post in! You still have two more days so get out on the road!!

Here's My Lattest and Greatest!

2011-06-20T10:21:00.000-07:00

Ta Dah!!!! I just got finished hanging this quilt. I just love the moment when you can stand back and take it all in. This was truly a FUN quilt to make. It uses all Kaffe Fasset fabrics. I started out thinking they were kind of tricky to use. All the big prints and all, but that turned out to be the fun part. You get to find just the right little bit to go into your flowers and butterflies.

So, now I am even more obsessed with his fabrics. I had lots in my stash, but now, every one I see, I see potential. This is a Kim McLean pattern called "Flower Pots." I have the patterns and lots of fabric to choose from here in the shop.
I think my next project will be also one hers called "Lolly Pop Trees" Can't wait! I wish I had more hands! I will be working on my Crabapple Hill, "Calendula Petterdrip's Cottage" for a bit. Isn't life wonderful to give you so much to look forward to?

Calendula Pederdrips Cottage!

2011-06-17T13:11:00.000-07:00

Ok! so, I just finished two applique quilts to have up for Shop Hop. They are both at the quilters for their beautiful. stitches. I am so lucky to have such wonderful quilters around me. I can hardly wait to see them all finished and hanging. I will post them when they arrive. But in the mean time....... NOW WHAT DO I DO WITH MY HANDS? Well, this new pattern by the wonderful and creative Meg Hawkey, just came in and I am having so much fun working on it. It's a fantastically spooky witches cottage and all the furnishing that would go into it. I love it! I would like to live in it!

This block is all tinted and ready to start put the stitching into it. Check back! I will show you how it looks soon!

Getting Ready For Shop Hop

2011-06-15T09:28:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year! Time to get the shop all ready for the big event. I think all of us shop owners try to get the shops in the best shape of the year. That means cleaning, hanging new quilts, making new samples, and of course cutting and getting our block kits ready. Not to mention sooo much more. So that's were I am this week. I'm surprised I even stopped to do a blog at all. I have a list as long as my arm with things to get done. My tummy is in knots! The Hop starts just one week from today!!! It's worse than Christmas!! Can't wait to see everyone. I am really looking forward to opening the doors on June 22nd. That means everything will be done, and if it's not........ oh well! I hope you are all ready to get out on the road. I am looking forward to seeing you faces.
So back at it!!!!

A New Adition Of The Tuffit Club

2011-06-11T15:54:00.000-07:00

Today was the "Tuffit" class. These girls really made some wonderul creations. This has gotten to be a VERY popular class. The wonderful and amazing Krista Moser teaches this one. She makes it Soooo easy.

Here's Karen with her fun Tuffit. They always remind me of birthday cakes. Happy Happy Happy!!! This is the first time we did the class in a one full day class. In the past we did it in two sessions. I thisnk it went well. The girls just had to really keep their heads down and sew like the wind! Krista did let them stop for lunch though.

Here's Krista helping put Jan's Tuffit together. I'm sure we will be doing this class again. Probably not till the fall though. Keep an eye out and get singed up! These Tuffits would make a really wonderful Christmas gift!

New Crabapple Hill Patterns Just Arrived!

2011-06-08T09:43:00.000-07:00

I was so excited to get a box loaded with all the new patterns from Meg Hawkey - "Crabapple HIll" into the shop, yesterday. I just LOVE her patterns. She is undoubtedly the very BEST stitchery designer in the business. Sometimes I wish someone else would step up and design like she does. I look at my shelf of stitchery patterns and it's mostly "Crabapple Hill." But her designs are really so well done.

Here is my "summer" project. I can't wait to start it. I just have to put the final stitches into an applique project that I want to have done for "Shop Hop." It's "Calendula Petterdrips Cottage." Sooooo Cute! If you stop in you really have to check this one out. Word just don't describe it. Fun!!! There are also pillows, pillow cases, tea towels and so much more. Can't wait!!

Aunt Mary's Saturday Sampler. Yea!!!

2011-06-03T09:50:00.000-07:00

A new addition of Saturday Sampler started here at the shop last month. But it's not to late to join us! Here is our block from last month. We started with really basic piecing, using strata , talking about accurate quarter inch seams, we used magic corners for fast easy star points and came up with this cute block. Each month my goal is to show some different piecing techniques. Through the year we will touch on curved piecing, paper piecing, even a little applique,( I know! It's just one block!) I hope we can help you learn new, fun skills.
Tomorrow, (The first Saturday of June) will be our next session. If you think you might be interested in joining us, call the shop and we will fill you in on the details. Or just come tomorrow at 10:30 or 2:00. We will get you going!