A "Lucy" Update

Well, it's been about two months now that our little Lucy came to be our "Quilt Shop Dog."  She has made sooooo many friends!  She just loves to greet everyone and maybe give a few puppy kisses.  I have been working hard on  teaching her a few manners.  When it's quiet in the shop and someone comes in, she gets a little barky.  We are working on breaking the habit.  She's so smart and stubborn though, but, I think we are making progress.  This cold snap has set us back a little bit on potty training.  Take her out and she looks at you like "Are You Nuts!!!"  I guess I would object a bit as well.  Over all, she has been lots of fun to have in the shop.  Such a cuddly, sweet little girl.  Here she is showing of her new winter sweater. Need a little love and puppy kisses?  Stop by. 

Saturday Is Santa's Workshop Demo Day

 Boy, O Boy! Is it chilly out!!!  For me, It makes me want to cozy up and make lots of fun gifts for my family and friends!  Put a pot of soup on to make the house smell  good, put an old movie on the tube (It's a Wonderful Life) and create!  Now That's Christmas to me!!! So on Saturday, December 7th, all day we will be showing demos on some fun, EASY gift projects for everyone on your list.  Many of the projects are easy enough for kid to make. (With some supervision) It's nice to get the kids involved with hand made gifts. 

The Folded Christmas Tree Napkins are still a big hit!  EVERYONE loves them.  Use the pattern from the kits to use up all your Christmas fabric scrapes.  Then there is Aunt Mary's Quick Pot Holders.  They make a great hostess gift. They only take a quarter yard of fabric and some insulated batting.  Everyone can use new pot holders!

Of course there is the perfect gift for just about anyone. A new pillowcase!!  My kids are very grown up, and still need a new one every year for Christmas. (And their birthday.... etc)  They really make a great gift at any time of year.  When you learn how easy they are, they will be your go to gift for any occasion.  Well, that's not all! We will be showing more great, easy projects. So don't miss out!  Stop by!

The Most Wonderful Time of The Year

The holiday season is upon us!!! One of my favorite holidays is right around the corner.  THANKSGIVING  Time to take stock of all that I am thankful for. I am very blessed with so many things.  A warm home, a full pantry and fridge, are just a few of the things most of just don't think a lot about. There are so many families in our community that need help with the basics.  Here at Aunt Mary's, I try to help.  SO..... it's time for the annual food drive.  Let's kick it off in a big way.  This week end, Friday through Sunday, Bring in a donation for the local food bank and take 20% off all Yardage,  50% off selected Halloween fabrics, and 50% off clearance fabrics (one yard minimum cut)  What kind of donation you might ask?  Well...... Non perishable food, of coarse, however they always are in need of things like shampoo, toothpaste etc, My friend Deb likes to bring in these stuffed animals with a small quilt wrapped around them.  We have had people make "Birthday Bags".  A pretty gift bag with a cake mix, frosting and small toys.  I can't tell you how much these things make the people at the food bank smile.  There are so many kids that get so little on their special days.  So use your imagination!  What ever you bring in will be greatly appreciated. Happy holidays!! Hope to see you this weekend!!

It's Been Awhile! Sorry!!

Oh, My!!  The time sure flys!!  I have neglected my blog.  To all my followers...... Sorry!  I try to post on facebook at several times each week, but my blog kind of takes a back seat.  Today is book club and the girls are starting to arrive, so this is kind of the wrong time to catch up.  So I'll just show you a picture of Lucy.  She has been lots of fun to have around the shop.  My little ambassador of good will.  She has several places to curl up under the counters. It's hard to be a party girl all the time.  Watch for more blog real soon! 

The Adventues Of Lucy the "Shop" Dog.

If you have visited the shop in the past two weeks.  You may have met our new addition.  LUCY!  She is the sweetest little thing.  She loves to meet everyone.  She's very social!  So, here's a little background............ My husband and I had two little precious dogs that we lost this last summer.  Henry, who was about three, ate thread and died.  He was such a sweet thing.  BUT very snoopy and would have adventures at night and eat things that he shouldn't.  BEWARE of thread and your pets.  It can be VERY bad.  Then........ our sweet old dog, Sophie, who was seventeen, after a great life of making us all feel very protected and loved, passed away.  I had a VERY hard time of it.  I loved them both very much.  Our family had a busy summer getting ready for  big wedding, so we were alone for about three months.  Even my favorite thing, (applique) slowed down.  Nobody to snuggle with in the evening.  Not to mention, under our kitchen table was getting out of hand. I asked my husband if he was throwing things under there.  I'm not used to cleaning up under there.  SO, along comes Lucy!  A few things have changed since our last puppy though.  The biggest is my husband is now working away from home. I am here at the shop all day.  Hmmm. How to have a puppy?  Take here with me!  So far she has been great!  Doing great about learning were to go potty.  There have been a few accidents, but they have been mostly my fault.  I will get better.  She hardly ever barks.  So far, only the UPS guy gets lots of barks.  He really needs to slow down!  She has lots of people come in and snuggle with her.  She loves that. Behind my counter is her area most of the time.  Lots of toys and things to keep her busy, and me tripping over.   I hope you get a chance to come by and meet her.  She would love to meet you.  

To Any Unhappy Customers.

I don't usually do this.  I don't like to be too personal on my blog. However, today I think I want to get on the soap box for just a bit.  (Hopefully nobody will read this and get upset with me)  This morning, I came in to work and logged onto facebook.  On my page there was a message for me.  Evidently, yesterday I had a customer that came in and was unhappy with her experience at Aunt Mary's.  She will NEVER come back.  Now, I know I should just write it off. let it go  But I don't!  I run over the whole day in my mind a thousand times trying to remember what I did........... Don't remember anyone upset. Don't remember being rude or not being friendly.  BUT I must have. Because this person took it upon herself to let me know.  First I have to say....... I'm sorry!  I think customer service is THE most important thing I can do.  My mission statement from the very beginning of Aunt Mary's, was to make the shop a comfortable, friendly place to visit.  A place to make friends, and feel like you got a hug. just for stopping in.  I know I'm not perfect! I know there are days that are harder than others.  Sometimes, I may not feel well, or there is something on my mind.   SOMETIMES it's just hard to take care of everything all at once.  (And now I added a puppy to my list of duties) (She's doing really well, thanks)  I have had people talk about another shops. How they didn't say hi or they were unfriendly. I always try to tell them to give them another chance.  You never know what was happening behind the scenes.  It's not always easy to "read" a customer.  There are times they just want to look around and think.  So we try to give them their space.  I try to let them know I'm there if they need me, but not be intrusive.   I think that can look, to a customer, like I don't care.  Believe me I care very much.
So ANYWAY, I guess I feel bad that someone didn't feel good when they came in.  I wish there was something I could do about it.  I'll try to do better.  We always need a reminder. But the next time you go into any small business and don't get the experience you think you should get.  Please try to be patient.  Many times it's just a misunderstanding.
 

Big Weekend Coming Up. Fun For All

 There is lots to get ready for this weekend!  I kind of messed up and scheduled Aunt Mary's Customer Garage Sale and Back to School Sale on the same weekend as the "Tri County 91 Mile Yard Sale. Woops!!! Oh well!  I think it will all work out great!  It all kind of goes together anyway.  You may have come to the Customer Garage sale in years past.  SOOO much fun!  I have all the tables in the classroom rented out to my customers.  Many of them have been cleaning their studios of all the things that make them feel guilty. (Or lots of it anyway) This Saturday they will be selling it all at garage sale prices! (to make room for more.) If that's not enough we also have our "Back to School Sale this Thursday through Saturday.  15% off all yardage and books.  Then........ there is the "91 Mile yard sale!!!

Each year the Tri County Quilt Association cleans out their shops of all kinds of goodies.  I like to go through all my books, patterns, fabric and even kits that have not moved as fast as I would like and mark them all down to 50% off.  I may even have a few samples to sell.  It's just a great time to clean up and get ready for new.  A really fun thing that the Tri County Association does during this event is a gift certificate give away.  For every ten dollars that you spend in our shops this weekend, you get an entry into a drawing to win an either $10 or $20 gift certificate to five of our shops.  COOL HU?   Who wouldn't want that!?? Hey! and if that's not enough!  Aunt Mary's will be hosting the QA Quilt Guild. They will be here selling tickets to win their raffle quilt.  I hear it's gorgeous!!!  It's shaping up to be a big weekend.  I hope to see you.

I'm Back! Kind Of.....

 Oh!  The Wedding last Saturday was truly magical!  Really one of the best days of my life!  I've had lots of my friends say, "I bet your glad it's over"  NOPE!!  That day could go one for ever.  The kids were so happy, the party was fun,(Thankfully, there was plenty of food) the sun came out just in time for the ceremony, and the evening was beautiful with all the lights in the trees.  There was even fireworks! My favorite!! It was wort all the work that went into it.  With that all said......... I'm really not as young as I used to be.  Monday morning came way to soon!  I was a ZOMBIE!!! It's Thursday now and I'm starting to feel a little more awake, and it's time to start thinking about the shop.  We have lots of fun things on the horizon.  

This Saturday, Aunt Mary's will be hosting "The American Hero's" quilt group.  I love having them here.  They do such great work.  I'm proud that I can help in some little way.  They would love to have you join them this Saturday.  There is work for everyone.  Binding, sewing a few blocks, ironing or just stopping by to cheer them on.  They take donations of time, fabric or even $$.  We also have some great classes coming up soon.  Here's a picture of one of Krista's Tuffit classes.  We have a new session coming soon.  There are many fun classes, come in and get a newsletter and let's get you signed up.  Then,  Nest Saturday is our big Customer Garage Sale, that just happens to coincide with the big 91mile yard sale with the Tri County Quilt Shop Association.  All the shops will be getting their clearance stuff out.  More about that latter.  I just had a Sales Rep come in the back door.  I FORGOT!! Go figure!!  I gotta get my head in the game.  So Blog with you latter.

Wedding Day This Saturday

I don't usually share very much of my personal life on my blog,  I try to keep it about the shop. Most of the time, My personal life is kind of boring!  But I'm so very excited about this.  My son, Pat,  is getting married to a wonderful, dear, sweet girl this Saturday. VIRGINIA!!!!  It will be at my house in my yard.  We have been working in the yard for months now to have it all pretty.  I'm making the food and the cake. Did I say how excited I am?  It's just three days away!!!  Everything is falling together quite well.  I will be away from the shop the rest of the week.  Ethel an Kathy will be here to take care of all your quilting needs. Come on in!  Use the Name VIRGINIA and get 15% off your purchases.  I'll try to post some pictures of the wedding.

Meet The Teacher - Friday

 Lots of fun new classes coming up this fall.  We also have a few favorites that everyone still asks for returning.  I think there s something for everyone in this schedule. Great projects for the gift giving season and some fun new quilt projects as well.  On Friday September 6th, we have "Meet the teacher." It's a great time to stop in and meet the instructors, ask any questions you may have and get signed up. If you sign up for classes at this session, You will receive a coupon for 15% off your supply list.  However,  just for fun, (Hee, hee) if you say "Polka Dot" in a sentence.  We will give you an extra 5% off your supplies!

The first picture is one of Stephanie Davis's classes called "Fabric Christmas Cards"  Soooo cute!  And they go right through the mail.  Wouldn't you just love to get one?  Stephanie shows how to embellish and make them one of a kind.  Then, we have the "Floorquilt' class.  This one has been on my floor in front of the counter for about three years now.  It still looks great!  They are lots of fun to make as well. These are just a few of the classes.  Scroll down for more fun classes, and  in and see us for meet the teacher and lets get you learning something new!

Some Great Classes With Stephanie Davis

 My friend Stephanie is such a fun quilting instructor. She's getting to be one of our customers favorites.  Her style is very playful and carefree, and her enthusiasm is contagious.  For just a hint of her style, scroll down and catch the link to her blog.  It's a blog that I always like to read. Her and her three sons just got back from a long vacation in Europe.  I loved reading about their adventures.  I think you will too. 
Here are a few of the fun classes that she has coming up. First, is "Scraptastic"!  It's using the book "Scrap Republic." There are three projects that you can choose from and Stephanie will help you go wild!  So get cleaning up your studio, pack up some of those pretty SCRAPS that you love and come make a fun quilt. 

This is a class called 'Snowfakes and Trees." (The trees part is still at the quilters.) They are pieced,for lack of another word, "Liberated." Stephanie just loves to make things by just adding fabric together and seeing what will happen.  I've know her for many years and she amazes me with her way of just putting things together without a pattern.  She has such a gentle sweet way of getting you excited about playing with fabric. So make a date to stop by and see the samples and perhaps get signed up for a class.    

Kaffe Triangle Exchange

We started our "Kaffe" Triangle exchange last week. It's been fun just cutting the fabric for the rolls.  I just love all the pretty colors. It's so easy to do as well.  Just sew on the dotted lines and cut on the solid.  Anyone can do it.  Then the fun begins!!  trade in some of your trianles to get a bigger variety of colors.  Here are a few blocks that I am making up for a sample.  it will be a cute tale topper.  Stay tuned!

The Fall Newsletter Is Out! Fun Stuff Ahead!

I am ALWAYS so excited to get the new newsletters all done and out to everyone.  I get excited about all the fun upcoming events and opportunities for everyone. Fall is a big time of year at the quilt shop as well.  The kids go back to school, the weather starts to turn, and everyone cozies up and starts think about the holidays just around the corner.  This newsletter has lots of information. Not only about classes, but sales and fun things like the "Triangle" exchange, when the scissor guy will be here, and our annual food drive.  I do get very excited about the classes though.  This time we focus on lots of great gift ideas that you may like to make for everyone n your list.  Hand made gifts are THE BEST after all.  So filled with love and thought.  Lets see, we have "The Tuffit," The clothesline tote, some great handbags and even the floorquilts.  So there is something for everyone.  If you are not on my e-mail list, you can either stop in the shop and pick up a newsletter or send me an e-mail and I will put you on our e-mail list and send you a newsletter.  I don't want you to miss out on anything!  My e-mail is carrol@auntmarysquiltshop.com
Hope to hear from you.

"Kaffe" Friendship Triangle Exchange

Hey!  Did you get involved with our last Friendship Triangle Exchange?  Last summer we did it with batiks and it was really fun.  This time we will be using the fabric from the "Kaffe Collective"  (Fabric designed by Kaffe Fasset, Brandon Mobley, and Phillip Jacobs) It's so brite and fun.  I think it will be lots of fun to do this with.  Here is how it works.......... Stop in and pick up a roll or two.  Each roll contains a "Kaffe" fabric, a tone on tone fabric and a triangle paper.  All you have to do is place your fabric right sides together, place the paper on top, pin and sew on the dotted lines.  Then cut on the solid lines and you will have 28 half square triangles.  Ta Dah!!  Then, so that you can have lots and lots of variety, get ready to come in and exchange your triangles with everyone else.  We will be having the exchange on December 14th.  It will be a fun triangle exchange party, with demos on projects to make and games to win even more triangles.  Lets get going!!

A Very Satisfiyng Week!

 This week was a very fun, satisfying week for me.  It started out, on Monday, Making over 100 tamale's for my sons wedding.  (I still have over 100 to make this next Monday) So that will be my next day off.  The wedding is coming up fast, September 14th, so I will be very relieved to have all the tamales in the freezer. Then the hard work is done!  Meanwhile, back at the shop, we had Roxanne for two sessions.  I always enjoy having her here.  I'm sure Aunt Mary's would not be what it is without her.  She is wonderful!!  I had two sales reps in, and got to see and order some great new fabric.  It's always fun to see what's going to come in.  It gets me thinking about all kinds of new quilts, classes and arraignments for the shop.    Stay tuned to see what I ordered.  I got the whole fall newsletter written and e-mailed.  I think there are some fun things in it.  I'm always so happy to get it DONE. 

Then......  Saturday was our first ever  SPA DAY in the shop.  You know, when I'm sitting at my desk thinking about what to do that's fun and different. I come up with ideas that, well, sound kind of goofy! Even to me!  But this one worked out well.  I figured about this time of summer there had to be some quilters that were tired of all the summer activities.  Gardening,family reunions, too much company and so on.  So they got to come here to the shop and spend a whole day that was all about THEM.  Sewing all day,  A pedicure at the shop next door, a box lunch from the bakery, even champagne.  I think everyone was happy when they left and all of them were ready to sign up for another session. You will have to wait though.  The days were all full for the fall session.  But you never know what will come up.  I now we have some fun things in store. Pick up a newsletter and get signed up for something FUN!

Amy Bradley! My New Favorite!!

I know!  I'm always saying ,this or that is "My Favorite"  In this job, it's so nice that new things come in all the time and I can change my favorite thing almost any day.  I have to say that I REALLY do like these patterns by Amy Bradley.  They are so colorful and whimsical.  How can anybody resist?  I guess they are patterns for kids.  However,  they are so much fun to make that you can hardly stop yourself from enjoying making them.  Each pattern has a least two quilts to make. "Meet the Tweets" has five different projects. All of them are sweet. This one is "Traveling Turtles"  My friend Donna made just the top row of it.  It's soooooo cute.  It just makes me smile.

 

All the patterns are made using the fusible applique method.  So they are really a cinch to make.  You can find them in the shop or on line at www.auntmarysquiltshop.flyingcart.com/  I you need help....... come on in. 

Aunt Mary's "Spa Day"

Saturday is Aunt Mary's Day Camp "Spa Day"  How about a day that's JUST FOR YOU?  Here's whats happening..........  Come and quilt all day here at the shop from 10 - 6.  Work on any project you want. Everyone gets a pedicure right next door at a great place that I go all the time.  (Se my toies in the pic?)  I think they do a really great job! AND!  You get a wonderful box lunch from the Bakery just  a few doors down. They do some really yummy stuff.   I think it will be a really fun day! Still a few spots left.  

Let's Not Forget The Halloween Fabrc!

 Ok! So, I have shown lots of the Christmas Fabric that has been coming in.  For some reason I have neglected to mention all the really fun Halloween fabric that has arrived.  It's one of my favorite sections too.  I think it's just fun!  This is just a few pieces from a line from Blend Fabrics.  it' so retro looking to me.  I love the colors and the poison witches brew bottles are very cool.  I've got a few ideas for a project with it. 

This is a quilt that Kathy made with this great line of fabric from Elizabeth Studios.  Isn't it cute?  The fabric kind of reminds me of the Alexander Henry fabric line "The Gastlies" (Which I still have a little of, and the new stuff will be arriving real soon.  It's called "A Gastlie Christmas. SOO Cool!)  Anyway,  this is a fun new pattern from Maple Island (Makers of the BQ patterns. ) It's easy and really shows off a fabric line.  This cute "goolie" fabric worked great, I think.  This is just a little bit of the Halloween fabrics available.  If you can't stop in.......... Go to the On line store www.auntmarysquiltshop.flyingcart.com/  and check out the rest of the fun Halloween fabrics.  FUN STUFF!

What To Do In The Middle Of Summer

Work on Christmas projects of course!  In all the quilt shops around the world, Christmas fabrics have been arriving daily.  Aunt Mary's is no exception.  So now is a great time to get started on a cute project.  Just yesterday, we got in a really cute pattern that makes three cute pillows.  I couldn't resist!  I started one yesterday.  I put a preview of it on facebook.  This table runner is THE quickest table runner pattern I know of.  The thing I like about it is it's so satisfying to make.  1 3/4 of any border stripe = two table runner tops and a cute little table topper.  It's instant gratification!  You can make all three in an hour or so.  It feels good to get something done so quickly.  Come on in.  I'll show you how to make one.  Or  two!

Aunt Mary's Online Store

Do you ever want to go shopping at Aunt Mary's but maybe you can't leave the house?  ie.... maybe your sick, out of gas, bad hair day?  Well now their is an answer to all your troubles!  Aunt Mary's Online!  Yep! go to www.auntmarysquiltshop.flyingcart.com/ and check out all the new fabrics, kits, precuts,books, notions and sew much more, from right there in your comfy chair!  It's been up for a few months and we have been adding all the new things that are coming in.  (I still have lots that I haven't gotten to yet) It will be growing by the day.  I hope you like it.  If you want to e-mail me (contact button) and let me know what you would like to see, or any suggestions at all, I would love to get your input.  Oh! and when you visit the store, I would love for you to sign up for the "Fan Club." These people will be getting great coupons and extras.  Remember with our online store - all orders over $30 - NO SHIPPING CHARGE! Order will be processed and mailed the next day. Except for Mondays. That's usually my day off.  :)