Yep! Solids are back and are quite popular! five years ago I sold very little solid fabric. All the tone on tone fabrics were the "go withs" and they still are. But solid fabrics are stepping up. If you are reading my blog, you probably read other quilting blogs. Blogs are really influencing the quilting industry. The "Modern" look is in! I have had people ask me if I like it. Yep! I thinks some of the style is that the quilts are "minimal" and easy looking looking. But if you study the patterns, some are really deceptively "simple" looking. You have to get all the seams to match up exactly. If you have ever tried to use really high contrasting fabrics. You will know that you can't make a mistake. It shows. If the seams don't match up, get out the seam ripper. So techniques are important. But what I really like about the modern look is the empty spaces for the quilting! The quilting can be AMAZING! On solid fabrics the quilting shows up beautifully. I love it!!
Books are coming out regularly now, with the modern look. Next time you see one. Check it out. You may like it! We have several classes with modern quilts. Krista Moser is teaching the "Modern Chevron Quilt." It's beautiful, and Stephanie Davis is teaching the "Striped Strips Quilt." FUN! Come check them out!
Yesterday on facebook, I showed some great new precuts of Kaffe Fasset fabrics that have come in the shop. (Pre-cuts are the Fat Quarter Packs, Charm Packs Jelly Rolls etc.) I mentioned that I have been using them for applique in Kim Mclean's patterns. So I thought I would show the latest block I have just finished. Here it is! This pattern is called "Princess Feather" I have really enjoyed using "Kaffe" fabric. I didn't think I would when I started. It's lots of fun to find different shapes in the fabric. I am WAY addicted now! My biggest problem is I have such a huge collection of "Kaffe" Fabric now that I can't transport it to the shop and back home without a suitcase! Big problem huh? Life is good. My sales rep from Wesminister Fabrics will be here today to show me Kaffe's new spring collection. Hold me back!!!
It's that time of year to make sure all the people that you love know how you feel. Personally, I think it's important to never pass up an opportunity to tell your special people just how much you love them. You just never know.
Here is a sweet little project that is sooooo easy to make. This sample was made in about 30 minutes. It can hold all your valentines or special cards. Hang it in your office or kitchen and put only special notes in it. Make one for your valentine! Kits are here in the shop or just the pattern so that you can make it with your stash. Happy Valentines Day!!!
Yesterday was the big 13th Anniversary Party here at Aunt Mary's. I had a really good time. I got to see lots of people that I have not seen in a while. It's always fun to catch up. We ate lots of cake and had some giggles. I had all kinds of door prizes to give out. So it was fun to see the smiles on faces when they got something unexpected. Surprises are so fun!!! Not to mention the PARTY BUZZER! Some people got up to 15% more off their purchases! Whooo. Hooo!!! Thank you all for the last 13 years! Here's to more great years to come!
Today is "Fat Quarter Day!" It's part of the big anniversary sale. Everyday there is a different sale happening. TODAY if you purchase three fat quarters you get the fourth one free! Whoo Hoo! Here at Aunt Mary's we have tons of Fat Quarters throughout the shop. When a line comes in we automatically cut fat quarters from each piece. That makes lots to choose from. This bank of drawers is a big focal point in the shop. It hold hundreds of fat quarters. It is a great find from an antique store in Snohomish. When we bought it, it was dusty and falling apart. My husband fixed it all up and now it's good as new. I knew exactly what we would use it for. FAT QUARTERS of course. We were told it came from the old Fredrick and Nelson store, down town Seattle. I wasn't so sure I believed it. However I had a lady in the shop one day that recognized it on the spot. She worked in the "glove" department. Isn't that the coolest? So now it lives here at Aunt Mary's holding fat quarters for which I think it was realy made for. So I hope you can make it in today, or catch one of the others Sales this week. OR - At least stop by for the big party on Saturday.
Yep! Aunt Mary's has been around for thirteen years! Wow!!! Sometimes it's very hard to believe it's been that long. The time has just flown by! Then I get to thinking about all the great times I have had here. All the friends that have come and gone. All the Shop Hops, the great classes! I am THE LUCKIEST GIRL IN THE WORLD! There is not a job in the world that I would rather have. It's not always easy. There have been slow times that I have worried if the shop would make it and there have been friends that I have made that are no longer here. A few that I miss everyday and I know that Aunt Mary's wouldn't even be what it is now with out their influence. Joanne File and Kathy Smith to name a few. I am so glad that I have had the opportunity to be here. All of my customers and friends are the BEST! This week we will be celebrating our anniversary with a different sale every day, and a big party on Saturday. I hope you can stop by! There will be cake, door prizes, and of course the famous "Party Buzzer!" If your here when the buzzer goes off you get even more of a discount! Fun!!! Come Celebrate!!!
My oh My! The new year kind of came in and kicked my but! I spent the last week mostly at home with just a squeak of a voice. I can't tell you how frustrating that is. I couldn't even answer the phone. Thank god for text messaging! For two of the days I had no one to work at the shop. (We have all caught the same cold) So my husband came in and kept the shop open and going. He did a really good job, but just the basics. Lots of text messaging to me. I am VERY grateful to him. I don't know what I would have done without him.
So, now I have lots and lots to catch up on. I have been soooo excited with all the new class samples coming for the classes this winter. I think we have a great line up. The first picture is a quilt that Stephanie Davis is teaching. It's called "Striped Strips." I have another sample of it as well. It's got a very "Modern" look to it. Stephanie's classes are all very layed back and fun to take . She will get you to just relax and see where the creative process takes you.
This quilt is called "Leaf Drop." Its a fusible applique quilt. Really fun, and beautiful. I have had lots of customers over the years that tell me they get so confused with the fusible web that they get more on their ironing boards and hair than on the quilt. Here's the class for you! Cleo Jordan is the instructor. Such a fun, goofy lady! You will be in stitches in more ways than one.
Here are just a few of Stephanie's "fabric valentines." They really go through the mail. I got one in the mail just the other day. We wanted to test it out. Don't you think they are so much more special than a paper card? They would be great for mothers day or a friend that doesn't feel well, or just about any time you need to do a little something special.
Yep we are having "The Buggy Barn Class" again. I have requests for this class continually! They are all very fun to make. I can almost guarantee you wont just make one. There is a brand new Buggy Barn book in the shop. It's called "Crazy Till the Cows Come Home." It's got some great quilts in it. I can't decide which one I want to make first.
Oh! And don't forget! We are also having a Mystery class this quarter too. Sorry no picture. It's a mystery! I will be posting more class samples as they come in. Friday is our MEET THE TEACHER. From 4 - 6pm. Stop in and see all the samples and ask any questions you may have. If you sign up at this time, you will receive a 15% off coupon for anything on your supply list. So why not come on by. Take a class and learn something new! I think its a much more fun New Years Resolution than loosing weight!
