Well! Here we are - The End of the year! At Aunt Mary's, that always means a big sale. Get that inventory down! Less counting! This year, the sale has been going well. My shelves are looking a little spacious. That's really a good thing. I sometimes get a customer that thinks we are going out of business. NOPE! Not that I know of! It's just nice to move out the old and make room for all the new stuff coming in after the first of the year. As a matter of fact, I decided to extend our big "End Of The Year Sale" till Monday. Everything in the shop is 20% off or more!
Tomorrow, our Christmas Tree comes down. (SAD) All the other ornaments will be finding their way back into boxes and then the NEW quilts can get put up. There are lots of new classes, so the samples will be arriving in the shop soon. I really do look forward to the new year.
Here's a new quilt we put up just recently. I think it's great for this time of year. When I used to have a garden at home, I would get all the seed catalogs in the mail. It's time to start dreaming about a garden. I think this quilt reminds me of that. It's a really simple quilt to make too. There are KITS available. So, stay tuned! Soon there will be lots and lots of new fabric, ideas and classes. Can't wait!!!
Twas two days before Christmas, and all through the quilt shop. Not a creature was stirring! Yep! The days before Christmas can be kind of lonely. You all are doing your holiday things. If your projects aren't done by now, you certainly wont be starting a new one. So that leaves the shop kind of quiet. But that's really kind of a blessing. There are always things for me to do. The new newsletter is almost done and I have class folders to take care of. The big 'End of the Year" Sale starts on Wednesday. I have to get ready for that. AND YES! I have some things to make for my family for Christmas. (I waited to see if the world ended. It didn't. So, now I have to get ready for Christmas) We really don't so much. I love to make a big dinner, spend time with my big boys, and relax. We don't do much for presents. The one thing my kids have all decided we just can't live without, is pillowcases. So now I have to figure out exactly the right fabric for them. Well, maybe it won't be such a slow day. I have plenty to do! Merry Christmas One and All!!!!! See you on Wednesday!!!
Here's the famous Roxanne Carter! I am so lucky to have her teach here six times each month. She has such a big following and it's growing all the time. She can take on a class of eight to ten students, some of them brand new to quilting, a few that need help with a project that they are stuck on, and a few that are working on very complicated projects. Now, most instructors would be pulling out her hair! Not Roxanne! She is very calm, knows her stuff and takes care of EVERYONE. She's like mom. She has eyes in back of her head. I've had students wonder how she knows from clear across the room that you need help. When you sign up and take one of her classes she gives you one of her new patterns. She has new quilts, and patterns ready clear through July. Her patterns are all fun and she makes them very doable with quick piecing techniques. This is her new "Block of the Month" for 2013. Each month she will hand out the pattern for a block. This is in addition to the quilt pattern you get. So, if you do a block each month you to can have this beautiful quilt by the end of the year. Ok! No pressure. This version is the queen size. She also will give you instructions for a twin size. Stop in and get her schedule, and get going! This would be a FUN new years resolution!
What a fun day! this was the second installment of L inda Tellesbo's class for the "Celebration Tree Skirt." Here is one of the finished tops. The colors for this one are just THE BEST! It looks like a giant snow flake. It's got sparkly fabric interspersed all through it. I think she should put some crystals on it as well to give it even more sparkle. i asked her if she was going to make it a tree skirt or a table topper. She said she just couldn't put a hole in it now. Personally I wouldn't want to cover it with presents. It's just too pretty!
Now these girls are making the "Bali Wedding Star" Such a pretty quilt! They made allot of progress in the two session class and they know how to finish it. I can't wait to see the quilts finished.
Here's Linda showing how to do a technique. She is a very good instructor. She will be here teaching a "Technique of the month" starting in February. There are two different quilts for the students to choose from. It's a six month workshop. So, that will be one full Saturday a month for six months.
This is one of the quilts that can be made in this workshop. Linda tells me there are optional borders for each of them that will make them approximately 90 inches square. These patterns are only available by taking the workshop. Pretty cool! If you think you would like to join us. Give us a call and get signed up.
Ta Dah! Here is Dorthy with her FINISHED "Bali Wedding Star." I think her smile is as pretty as the quilt. We have had this as a class twice now and all of the quilts are just amazing. I love to have you all come in and share with me. Sometimes you won't let me take your picture though. I have a really wonderful man quilter that has been working on quilts for his grand kids for Christmas. I think he is almost done with three gorgeous quilts. He won't let me take his picture though. Oh well. I am still very proud of him. He is pretty new to quilting. He tells me he wanted to give it a shot. Between you and me - I think he's hooked! We will be seeing more of him! Love it!!. Keep bringing in your finished projects. I really love to see them.
Sometimes I think I just don't have enough time for everything I want to do. This quilt shop business takes allot of time! I can remember when a new box of books came in I would sit down and go through them cover to cover. Now, so many times I just put them out on the shelf with hardly a thumb through. That's how this book slipped through the cracks and I didn't even give it a second glance. That Is until one quiet afternoon, I knocked over a stack of books and I noticed this book. WOW!!! I love it! Victoria is a blogger that I have read and really liked, so I'm not sure why I didn't take notice.
This book is full of great ideas. Very inspirational. She takes 15 minutes each day to "play" with fabric. Just sewing it together and seeing what you get. In this way, she makes her own fabric. You will have to take a look at some of the really wonderful creations she has made. Her "Scrap Challenges" will help you learn to use up all those wonderful fabric treasures you have in bins at home. If you get a chance you need to take a few minutes and sit down with a cup of something wonderful and enjoy this book! P.S. I have added a link to Victoria's blog on my favorites. Check her out!
Tomorrow is Last minute Gift Demo Day here at Aunt Mary's! I have been preparing all kinds of demos for all of you to come and see. I know you probably vowed to get all your gifts for Christmas started and finished by the fourth of July and now it's gotten down to the last minute and you still have some gifts to make. All of the fun things on my list take about two hours or less to make. I know, I know! You could probably go to the mall and find some things that will do. However, I don't like the whole feel of Christmas at the mall. I would SOOOO rather spend the after noon in my cozy room, with some good music or reruns of Christmas movies on and create some special gifts for everyone on my list. It's such a great feeling, and wouldn't rather get a gift that was made with just YOU in mind? This bag is one of my demos. It's "The Mini Bow Tucks" bag. I took it home last night, cut it out and finished it in an hour and a half! Ok! Maybe more like two hours, I watched Greys Anatomy and Scandal. Who watches the clock?
These are our famous Place Mats. I can't tell you how many of these I have made over the years. They make great gifts for people that have everything. Customize the fabric to match the personality. Kids love them too. I sometimes use Isulbrite. It's an insulated batting. That way they protect my oak table from the heat. They also wash up beautifully.
Here is another great project! Our Roll Up Bag. I use one for my Applique things. I can roll up a block with all my threads, markers and other goodies and off I go! They make great gifts for lots of people. I had one customer that made them for her grand kids. She filled them with colored pencils, craft scissors and other art supplies. Wow! The possibilities are endless!
So as you can see. I have lots to show you tomorrow. These and many more fun projects that will make you the hit of the holidays! I hope you can make it!
I just love it when the new stuff comes in! Yesterday we got a big load from Clothworks. Inside was all the beautiful Laurel Burch Fabric " "Fabulous Felines." When the sales rep was in a few months ago, I remember, I had a hard time picking out just a few from the line. So I closed my eyes and just ordered the whole line! I really don't do that very often. It's really just too expensive. But this time I just did it. I'm really glad I did. It's really very fun and beautiful. The colors are so gorgeous!!! Today I finished putting it all out and I made a few Pillowcase kits. they were selling very well all day.
Saturday is "Last Minute Gift Demo Day" here at the shop. I do demonstrations on all kind of great gifts that are quick and fun to make. So the pillowcases will be a big hit! I had such a great time playing with all the fun possibilities and combinations.
Check out the pretty thread that goes with the line of fabric. It's really yummy! One of these packs could be in your stocking. You better send Santa in! If that big pack doesn't go home with someone real soon. It may follow me home!
Here They are the Famous "Christmas Tree Napkins!" I was not going to make them this year. I kind of thought maybe everyone has done them and they wouldn't go this year. Boy, was I wrong. I had so many customers ask for them that I had to get them going again. They really are fun and so very easy. Here are the kits that I have so far. I know I will be doing more. They have been selling very well. The kit makes four napkins and you can always use the pattern to use up all you scraps of Christmas fabric. I had a lady tell me she made them for her table and the guests got to take the napkin home with them. (That way, I guess you get out of washing them. Hee hee) They only take a few minutes to make each one, so you can make them for everyone you know! Very Martha Stewart! It's a good thing!
Here we are! Almost all decorated for Christmas! Well, Almost I still have lights to go around all the windows. My Husband said he would help me on Friday. Then it will be a magical Christmas Wonderland! Ok! Maybe I'm exaggerating just a bit. I like it though. It's a fun time of year to merchandise the store. You would hardly know that I'm such a Scruge! That's a story for another time.
I have lots of fun gifts for all you quilters coming in. Pretty little scissors, new books, and all sorts of fun little things for your stockings. You will have to make sure and tell "Santa what you want. OH! And, don't forget to tell him you want a gift certificate. So many times when they come in to find "just the right thing to make you happy." They think I will know just the thing, and they think a gift certificate is to impersonal. Well, in the quilt shop. You are all so different. One fabric or notion or goodie will make one person happy, but the next quilter doesn't like it at all. So, with a gift certificate, you can come in and get exactly what YOU want. Let him know it's OK. We also Have a "Santa Sale" Friday Saturday and Sunday, December 22nd, 23rd and 24th. Santa can come in and get your goodies for 15% off and I will wrap them for free. You better give him a list! Or! Give me a call and I will have your order all ready for him to pick up!
We have been very busy making all kinds of kits for quick easy projects that you can make for gifts. We have Pot holders, Pillow case Kits and of course the Christmas Tree Napkin kits. All of these projects can be made in a half hour or less. On Saturday December 10th. We will be doing demos on all kind of last minute gifts to make. Mark your calendar! It will be fun!! Happy Holidays!!!! Ho, Ho Ho!
Boy oh Boy! Last week just flew by! Holidays do that. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I did. It's one of my favorite Holidays. A whole day of people I love, great food, games and movies and even a little nap! The day got over way too fast though. Then it was back to the shop for our After Thanksgiving Sale. I think "Black Friday" took over this year. We didn't have the customers we usually do. You all were out shopping! Oh well, I had allot to get ready for anyway. Saturday was "Aunt Mary's Christmas Mystery." Twelve full hours of quilting, laughing and enjoying each others company.
Here is MaryJane with her "Mystery about half way done. She is a really nice lady. She is relatively new to quilting and was really concerned that she wasn't keeping up with all that everyone else was doing. I always try to let people know they should just go at their speed and enjoy what your doing. It's not all about who finishes first. Readers all read at different paces as well. It doesn't mean your a bad reader. I snuck her finished blocks away from her and put them on the wall while she was ironing and not paying attention. I LOVE the smile on her face!
My Mystery quilts are usually very scrappy and I love to have people share and trade fabrics. That way we all get to have more variety. Here is Cathy and her quilt all layed out on the table. Isn't it pretty! Truly scrappy quilts are so fun to look at. Every time you look at them there is something new to see. It was a fun block to make and I think everyone had a great time. Now I have to find a new mystery for my winter mystery class. Hmmmm...........
Yesterday was my day off. It's all I get until thanksgiving. I will be having my family over for the big dinner, so there was sooo much to do. Clean the house, get groceries, had a few things to cook and of course dinner.Well, I got up early and went for groceries. Did the once over in the house. About three o'clock I decided to sit down and finish the binding on a quilt that I have to have done for the fun mystery quilt class on Saturday. I only had one more side to go. It really didn't take very long. I finished it in about twenty minutes. So what should I do now? I could hear the rain on the roof and my dogs were all cuddled up. I didn't want to make them move so I could get up and do more chores, so I sat and admired my newly finished quilt. It has "Minkie" on the back so it's really smugly! It's very scrappy and has such fun fabric in it. But, as I ran my hands over the beautiful quilting my friend Lyn did, my brain just drifted off. mmmmmm...........
This week we should all be thinking of things we are thankful for. Sometimes it's just the little things like a good cup of coffee, or a call from one of my kids to say hi. Yesterday......... A Nap!!!!
I would post a picture of my new quilt, But! It's a mystery!!! There is still room in the class........
Sunday morning...... I sure had a hard time getting up! The rain was falling and my little dogs were all cuddly! I was out of milk for my coffee. UGH!!!! Well, I made it to work and students were already here a half hour early! They were all excited to make floor quilts. Ok! So I made myself a latte (Extra shot) and got going.
Wow! all the creativity just got me going. It's kind of contagious. Here's Kathy with her creation. VERY pretty with lots of beautiful batiks.
Here's Barbara. I love her mat. It's this really fun chicken fabric. I think she was pleased with her project as well. So all in all, I'm sure glad I got up and got going today. I love to teach a fun project like this. I'm a VERY LUCKY girl. Just kind of a sleep head!
Well, here it is in all it's glory! Donna put the binding on it yesterday and it's now hanging in the shop. I love looking at it! It looks like years of work. It really only took Donna about a month from start to finish. The precut fusible backed pieces save HOURS of time. Just peal off the paper, put them in place and iron. Then Donna did a small little zig zag stitch around the pieces. As you all know I love hand applique. I know it's not for everyone though. So, now for all of you that have no desire to hand applique, but still would love to say you did it. Here you go!
We are now taking pre orders on this quilt. You can do it as a Block Of the Month and get one block in the mail every month for twelve months. (Much nicer to find this in your mail box than some other things!) You can also get the whole quilt kit all at once. Wouldn't you just love to have Santa get this for you? Send him in!
Here's Stephanie with one of her happy students. She taught her first class here called "Stacked Coins." Everyone was very excited about their project. Here is Cathy. (We had three Cathys in this class wow!) I love the grey fabric she's using for her background. I can remember not too long ago grey was not even in my top 100 favorite colors. Now I think it's very cool. Goes to show how we change with colors.
Anyway, It was a very successful class and all the girls are looking forward to new classes that Steph will be teaching. She has several lined up for the winter schedule. One is a string pieced "Spider Web" quilt and she's also teaching "quilted valentines." You can even mail them! So, be looking for her new classes in the next schedule. You may also want to check out her blog. It's in my favorites on this page. Just scroll down and click on her blog. You wont be sorry!
Look what my friend Cleo did! I am so lucky to have such great friends. I just showed her this pattern the other day and Voila!! She made it and I get to hang it n the shop. Isn't he handsome? It's a great pattern. You can make it with any applique method. (Fused, Hand) or you can purchase the pattern that has a disk in it that does some really cool magic stuff. At least that's the way I feel. She showed me how it stitched out the line and you cover it with fabric, and it stitches over the fabric and WOW!!! I am very impressed! My machine doesn't do all that. I'm a hand applique girl. So this pattern will work for all of us. I like to have guy quilts hanging in the shop too. It can be a challenge to find pattens that will please a guy. However, I think the industry is trying really hard to cover that area. We have a really neat pattern from Crabapple Hill that is a guy quilt. Its called "Vintage Tin." I'm working on it now and it's fun. It's got as workbench with oil cans and it has motorcycles and cars. I think it's going to be really nice. We also just got in a book that is called "Man Cave." So now there are some great choices for the guys too. If we make them a quilt once in a while. They will appreciate quilting even more!
Just look at our collection for the food bank! I am so proud of all of you. For being so generous. We will be taking this load over to the food bank next week. They are always so very happy for any help. It makes me want to do more and more for them.
This year we have also been taking in dog and cat food as well. I am looking for an outlet to get this to people that have animals and have a hard time feeding them. I know what it's like to have a dog look at you like your the biggest hero in it's world. They are at your side even when no one else is there, listening to all your troubles, and snuggling up to try and make it better. So, it's important that they get fed well too.
I will be taking in donations till the first of the year. So if your coming by, bring a can or two with you.
Need a project that doesn't take you forever to make? Gift giving season is coming at us at light speed! In no time at all we will be out shopping at the mall for some magical gifts for everyone we know. Well...... Maybe you should get started now with a few great gifts that can be made in an afternoon. Here is a really cute little guy that any little person and a few big people would love. Pick out a few fat quarters and get this guy made. He has his own little story book that goes with him. In about two weeks we will have a whole new line of fabric from "In the Beginning" that you can also make a cute little quilt!
Ok! How about a table runner! Great for hostess gifts, or pretty much anyone! This is THE quickest table runner I know. Find a pretty border print and you can have this done in around a half an hour. All wrapped up and ready to go! We got this fabric in yesterday. I made the table runner sample and even made kits! There are really lots of other projects that are quick and fun. Pot Holder Kits, Pillow Case Kits. Place mats Whew! The list goes on! So this rainy week end, put on a pot of soup to make the house smell good and get busy!
Don't you just love to learn something new? We have had some really great classes this quarter that lets you do just that. This picture is one of the projects that was done in the "Fractured Quilts' class that was a few weeks ago. This one is Cathy's. It a great example of taking a really different fabric that you don't know what to do with, and seeing what will happen. She's going to keep working on it. It's going to be a stream. Looking through the water at the rocks. I can't wait to see it finished.
This quilt is our good friend Denise's project. She loves outer space. Great affect! Donna taught this class and the girls had a great time. I think it's allot of fun to not really know exactly what will happen in a project. So much of art is playing and just seeing what will come of it. I know this is hard for many students. But if you can just accept that you don't always have to be in control, and get into just PLAYING. You can be amazed at what will happen.
Here is a class that will be this Saturday with the great Stephanie Davis. She is all about playing! This is the "Stacked Coins" class. You will be quilting without a pattern! Wow!!! But so cool!!! There is still room. Maybe YOU could use some playtime?
Wooo Hooo! Aunt Mary's long awaited Saturday will be starting this Saturday November 3rd at 10:30. We finally got in all the fabric and have the kits all cut and I think I'm ready to go! We still have room for more people, if you think your interested. It's allot of fun. We will meet on the first Saturday of each month for a demonstration on how to put the block together. This 12 month block of the month focuses on improving your piecing skills. I really enjoyed putting together our class sample. We have several options. You may purchase the whole kit with all the fabric to make this quilt. You may pay as you go and get a kit for one block each month. Or you can use your own fabric. Which ever way you do it, you only have to bring the block in the next month to get the next pattern and demonstration for free. We even give you a "Get out of Town Free" coupon for the one time you have to miss for one reason or another. Just give us the card and no questions asked! We also have a drawing for some fun giveaways each month. So if you are interested, stop by this Saturday and lets get you going!
WOW! My friend Donna has been working on this sample for our new "Block of the Month" quilt that will be ready to go real soon. It's really amazing! The Pattern is called "Spring Bouquet" from Laundry Basket Quilts. The thing that makes this one soooooo cool is that all the applique pieces come lazer cut and already have the fusible web on them. All you have to do is take the paper off the back, place the pieces where you want them, and iron them down. Donna has been sewing a little zigzag stitch around all the pieces to hold them down. As you can see there is only two more borders to go. I'm thinking it will be ready in time to put it on your Christmas list. That way you can be working on beautiful flowers all winter long!
It's That time of year. Time to start making little things for all the people you love. What could be handier than a hand made potholder? EVERYONE could use a new one. They take really just a few minutes to make, and they make a lovely gift to give to the cook at the next party you go to. I have a fun time Just putting the kits together too. This one is made with pumpkin fabric. (Thanksgiving is coming!) Some of the kits are made with some retro coffee fabric and even some beer fabric. Hmmm.... Maybe Some Halloween?
Here's John Davies, our 'Scissor Sharpening" guy. He will be back here at Aunt Mary's on Saturday. He does such a great job with all your sharpening needs. So, that means scissors, knives, gardening tools almost anything that needs to be sharp. John will do a great job. He will be here all day, but to make sure you get yours done that day, be here early. He will always do everyone's things, however, sometimes you wont be able to pick up your things till the next day. Oh! Don't forget! It's also our BAT SALE on Saturday!
Looking for a new applique project? Well, here you go. This a great project from "The Buggy Barn." Of course it's got the Aunt Mary's spin on it. Brighter, springier fabrics. I really had a fun time making this quilt. Now you can make it too. You can be working on all the birdies and flowers and have it done for next summer. We have it all ready to go as a "block of the Month" program. Get a block kit sent to you every month. That way you can spread out the cost over twelve months, (and the work) or purchase the whole kit now. Give us a call to get the details. Soon, it will be on our store web site.
Just look at a few of the absolutely gorgeous, yummy fabric that came in this week. The fabrics from Kaffe Fasset have become one of my favorites! Some of each of the new bolts has followed me home. My stash has really gotten a little out of control. But, I can't help it! Since I started using it for the "Kim McLean" Patterns. I look at it with a whole new eye. There are so many possibilities. I can cut out a bird here, a flower there..........
This is an old "Kaffe" Fabric with new colors. I brought in all three color ways. LOVE IT!!! The other thing I love about this line is the fact that you really can't go wrong. It all goes together. You will have to stay tuned for some projects using this fabric. OH! And if you can't stop by the shop for some. Go to my on line store and I will mail it to you. Remember, No shipping over $30. It will be there before you know it!
Here it is! I just finished piecing this on my day off. This is the project we will be making in our next addition of Aunt Mary's Saturday Sampler. Which should start this Saturday October, 6th. It will be at 10:30 am on the first Saturday of each month. The demonstrations only takes approximately 20 minutes. So it shouldn't take too much of your precious Saturday time. The classroom is always open after our demo for those that want to stay and get their block done right away. OR just stay, quilt and enjoy some quilty company. Kits are available for the whole quilt, Or, you can get a kit each month, Or you can use our own fabric. Come in or give us a call and we can give more details.Just so you know, Your quilt will not come with the feet at the bottom! Hee hee!!!
When I get to cleaning and organizing........ watch out!!! I found all kinds of things to put out for the "91 Mile Yard Sale" There are some kits, jelly rolls, Layer cakes, books, Fabric paints, all kind of things. I Even went through some stacks of quilts and found some shop samples that can go home with you. I also have all the holiday fabric on sale this Friday and Saturday. 20% off all Christmas and Halloween fabric, kits and precuts. It should be a fun sale. Oh, and remember. For every ten dollars you spend at any of our Tri County Shops. You will get and entry into a drawing to win either a $20 or a $10 gift certificate to all the shops. SHOPPING SPREE!!!
Thank you all, for all your wonderful thoughts! I really appreciate all the prayers. What would I ever do without all of you? Thank You!!! Ok! So let's look to the bright future. I'm tired of feeling bad. Things have started to look up anyway. I had to put a few of my orders on hold for a week or so. But in the end, I think everything will be ok. One great thing to look forward to is the "91 Mile Yard Sale!" All the shops in the Tri County Quilt Association clean up the shop and place all kinds of great things that need a home on at a great discount. I have been going through the shop and have pulled around fifty bolts of fabric to add to the already full clearance wall. It's all going to be 45% off. Gotta take at least a yard to get that price though. If you finish a bolt you can have it for 50% off. I also have gone through all my books and patterns. If they haven't moved in six months........ you can take them home for 50% off. You may even find a few jelly rolls, kits and, well, you just never know! So if that's not enough to get you out on the road, how about taking 20% off all the holiday fabric in the shop! So That Would mean Christmas and Halloween fabric. Woo hoo! AND!!! just for fun for every $10 you spend in any of our shops during the run. You will be entered into a drawing to win a gift certificate to ALL the shops. There will be two winners. One for a twenty dollar gift certificate and someone else will win a ten dollar gift certificate. Wouldn't it be fun to go on a shopping spree to all the shops? So you all better get you cars gassed up and your walkin shoes on!
Oh! Just when you think all is going pretty well. Something like this happens. As I reported two weeks ago. The shop got broken into. At the time we were feeling pretty good that they really didn't take anything. Well, evidently, That little trip was only reconnaissance. This time, they brought the right tools to do what they wanted . They took the Safe!!!! Ahhhg!!! !#%@^!!!!! (Sorry for the language) Anyway. It had all my sales for three days in it. Boy oh Boy! It sure put me in a funk for that last two day. Now we have to deal with insurance and getting things repaired. Not fun! But I know we will get through it and do ok.
One thing I do want to tell anyone that wrote a check to Aunt Mary's between Thursday through Saturday, you may want to put a stop payment on that check. Soooo Sorry! The police did say they would probably just throw them away. (They want cash) But I would not want them to forge them in any way and try to cash them. Just another worry!!! @%$#!!! (Opps slipped out again. Sorry) Thank you all for your thought and prayers. I don't know what I would do without all my friends!
There is a new class in our fall schedule! Linda Tellesbo will be teaching this gorgeous Christmas Tree Skirt. This picture really does not do it justice. The ones that I have seen done are sooooo pretty! Of coarse you can make it with red and green and have it for Christmas. OR you can make it in your very favorite colors not put the hole in it, and use it for a table topper. It fits just beautifully on my dinning table. Linda will be teaching this class in a two session class. Saturday November 20th and Saturday, December 17th. You can have it done for Christmas!!! This is a great starter quilt, if you have been interested in Judy Niemeyer patterns. Linda will make it fun and easy. She is a certified teacher for Judy's patterns. So give me a call and get signed up. Remember today and tomorrow,(It's Back to School Sale) sign up for a class and will get 15% off your supplies.
This Saturday is the fourth annual "Customer Garage Sale!" the classroom will be FULL of goodies and treasures from my customers "Studios." This is a picture of just a little part of it last year. There will be lots of wheeling and dealing going on. Can't wait! You really never know what wonderful thing will be there waiting for you to take it home and love it. The quilters that have rented the tables this year tell me they have TONS of things to sell. You wont want to miss it! Also, don't forget about the shop! We will have all yardage and books on sale for 15% off and because it's "Back to School Sale" If you sign up for a class, You will get a coupon for 15% off all the supplies for the class. So, come on down!!!
Ok! So, I have been writing and posting this blog for over three years now. As of today, This blog has 35 followers. I think we can do better than that! AND I am not apposed to bribery! So for the next two weeks, for all the new followers that sign up. (It's really kind of painless, I promise!) We will have a random drawing and the winner will get this fat quarter pack of "Merry Medley" fabric from Moda. We just got it in and I really like it. It's not as whimsical as we usually have here at Aunt Mary's. But we need that sometimes. So after you get done reading this post. Scroll down to "Followers" and get singed up. Good luck!
I am THE LUCKIEST girl! I have some really wonderful friends. My friend Donna heard about our break in, and brought me a camera to use. what a sweet person. So now I can take pictures for my blog. This is the latest "Ghastlies" quilt to come to the shop. It uses some of this years NEW fabric from Alexander Henry. It was fun and quite easy to make. It is one of the "BQ" Patterns from Maple Island. Great for showcasing fabric you really don't want to cut up too much. We have used these patterns for sooo many projects. It takes on a whole different look, depending on the fabric you use. Imagine this quilt with beautiful big flowers. Or maybe a really fun Christmas print. There are lots of those out there right now. You can make yourself a great quilt this week end! Thanks again Donna! You are sooooo Cool! I love you!
Look what my friend Cleo did! I am so lucky to have such great friends. I just showed her this pattern the other day and Voila!! She made it and I get to hang it n the shop. Isn't he handsome? It's a great pattern. You can make it with any applique method. (Fused, Hand) or you can purchase the pattern that has a disk in it that does some really cool magic stuff. At least that's the way I feel. She showed me how it stitched out the line and you cover it with fabric, and it stitches over the fabric and WOW!!! I am very impressed! My machine doesn't do all that. I'm a hand applique girl. So this pattern will work for all of us. I like to have guy quilts hanging in the shop too. It can be a challenge to find pattens that will please a guy. However, I think the industry is trying really hard to cover that area. We have a really neat pattern from Crabapple Hill that is a guy quilt. Its called "Vintage Tin." I'm working on it now and it's fun. It's got as workbench with oil cans and it has motorcycles and cars. I think it's going to be really nice. We also just got in a book that is called "Man Cave." So now there are some great choices for the guys too. If we make them a quilt once in a while. They will appreciate quilting even more!
Here it is! I just finished piecing this on my day off. This is the project we will be making in our next addition of Aunt Mary's Saturday Sampler. Which should start this Saturday October, 6th. It will be at 10:30 am on the first Saturday of each month. The demonstrations only takes approximately 20 minutes. So it shouldn't take too much of your precious Saturday time. The classroom is always open after our demo for those that want to stay and get their block done right away. OR just stay, quilt and enjoy some quilty company. Kits are available for the whole quilt, Or, you can get a kit each month, Or you can use our own fabric. Come in or give us a call and we can give more details.Just so you know, Your quilt will not come with the feet at the bottom! Hee hee!!! 
Thank you all, for all your wonderful thoughts! I really appreciate all the prayers. What would I ever do without all of you? Thank You!!! Ok! So let's look to the bright future. I'm tired of feeling bad. Things have started to look up anyway. I had to put a few of my orders on hold for a week or so. But in the end, I think everything will be ok. One great thing to look forward to is the "91 Mile Yard Sale!" All the shops in the Tri County Quilt Association clean up the shop and place all kinds of great things that need a home on at a great discount. I have been going through the shop and have pulled around fifty bolts of fabric to add to the already full clearance wall. It's all going to be 45% off. Gotta take at least a yard to get that price though. If you finish a bolt you can have it for 50% off. I also have gone through all my books and patterns. If they haven't moved in six months........ you can take them home for 50% off. You may even find a few jelly rolls, kits and, well, you just never know! So if that's not enough to get you out on the road, how about taking 20% off all the holiday fabric in the shop! So That Would mean Christmas and Halloween fabric. Woo hoo! AND!!! just for fun for every $10 you spend in any of our shops during the run. You will be entered into a drawing to win a gift certificate to ALL the shops. There will be two winners. One for a twenty dollar gift certificate and someone else will win a ten dollar gift certificate. Wouldn't it be fun to go on a shopping spree to all the shops? So you all better get you cars gassed up and your walkin shoes on! 
