My Tri County Quilt Tour Block

The Tri County Tour is fast approaching.  It's hardly a month away.  I'm sure all the shops are working hard to get their unique quilts all done.  For those of you that don't know about this.  There are eleven fantastic quilt shops in Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcome county.  We have banded together to make this area a great place to come visit if you want to see the BEST quilt shops in the North West!
We have a fun event we call the quilt tour each year.  It's March 20th through the 23rd.  This year the theme is, "A Year In Quilts"  Each shop has created a unique block that represents a month in the year.  THEN,  each shop creats a quilt that contains all the blocks.  You will be amazed at all the different projects, and you can collect all the block patterns from each shop.   I think this is our sixth year of the tour.  We have gotten lots of positive feedback on it.  It's a small enough tour, that you can get is all done in one day.  But, It's nice to take your time and explore all the shops. Everyone seems to have a wonderful time visiting all the shops, and seeing just how different we all are.  We have a great time doing it!!!  Lots of the shops have drawings and door prizes.The Turkey block is the one you will get at Aunt Mary;s.    I still have a few more to make.  I will give you a little hint about them. CUTE!!!

A Finished "Vintage Moments" TA DAH!

TA DAH!!!!  Isn't this a beautiful quilt?  This is Wendy.  She took the six month class with Krista Moser and made this quilt.  I am very proud of her, and I love the black, white and red theme in this quilt.  On the cover of the pattern, the quilt is made with thirties prints.  SO, that's what lots of people make the quilt with.  This is such and impressive quilt in so many other colors.  Wendy's sister, Leilani made hers with beautiful brown and gold colors.  WOW!  Thank you Wendy for sharing!  I'm thinking you have a wonderful family heirloom. I love it!!!!

The Funniest Vidio!!!

This is THE funiest vidio I have seen in a long time.  Thought I would share! I dare you to ot laugh out loud!

Fat Tuesday and Another Succesful Class

We had such a fun class lat Sunday.  The "Haute Tote." Here is Cathy with her FINISHED project.  Isn't it great?  There were more great projects in the class but goofy me,  almost everyone had left before I thought to take pictures.   We also had the first installment of a five month class by Linda Telesbo onSaturday.  It's the "GlacierStar/ Mariners Compass"  Class.  I really see some great projects coming out of that class.  Such pretty colors!  I can't wait to see more of that class as it progresses.  Hopefuly, over the next five months I will remember to take pctures and keep you posted. 

Today is FAT TUESDAY!  All the fat quarters in the shop are just $1.99!  It should be a fun day.  Hope to see you.  I better run and get ready.

Piece O' Cake MY FAVORITE

Ok, So I have lots of favorites!  That's what makes quilting fun.  This cute quilt has been a big favorite with customers in the shop for quite some time.  Now I can announce that the wonderful person that designed it will be here for a two day workshop in May.  Whooo Hooo!!!  I can't wait.  Becky  Goldsmith will be here for a two day workshop May 10th and 11th.  She was here about three years ago and the students all reported the best comments about the class.  Several have said that the class really kick started their love of hand applique I think Beck is a master at applique and really  knows how to teach her techniques very well. I Do lots and lots of applique and have learned allot from her my self.  When I teach needleturn in classes I have used her Applique Sampler book as a workbook. It has great instructions and up close pictures of all the techniques. Her designs are great as well.  I have collected all of the books and patterns ever published, such whimsical fun quilts!  So check your calendars!  Then call and sign up for the workshop!

Solids! What's Old Is New Agan

 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!

Princess Feather Block

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!!! 

Be My Valentine

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!!!

PARTY!!!

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! 

Fat Quarter Day

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.