Free Shipping Friday!

Just to say thanks for a great beginning, we're offering free shipping again this Friday!
We have thoroughly enjoyed this new adventure, and we're looking forward to all the excitement the new year will undoubtedly bring.
We hope you are reveling in the aftermath of an amazing Christmas, and are ready to kick off a terrific new year!

Merry Christmas!

We're wishing each & every one of our crafty sewing friends - old & new - a safe, happy weekend full of love & fun. May you enjoy this Christmas with those who are most important to you, & find joy in whatever you choose to do.

Hoffman Batiks are on the way!

There's a whole box of these amazing Bali Handpaint samples sitting under my tree right now! There's something for every color palette here. I'm anxious for the bolts to arrive.

Beads!

Look at these beauties.
Whether you're using them to embellish your quilted pieces or stringing them for something special to wear, these bead assortments are spectacular!
Check out these colors.

Are you feeling Christmasy too?

I thought I'd take a little break & show you some of my favorite Christmas decorations. The tree is up & I'm slowly getting the rest of the house ready for the season.

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These fragile plastic whirligigs have been in the family for at least 3 generations. The tin pinwheels inside spin when placed over a light on the tree.I love this little Santa from my childhood.
Some of these glass beads are losing their paint, but that's okay.
I love these. They are plastic, but look metallic. I remember when Mom bought them at a dime store. My sister surprised me a few years ago by giving me hers that match!
I made & sold a zillion of these when I was about 12. Check out the Mary Tyler Moore do!

Hoffman Challenge 2011

The Hoffman Challenge fabric will be here next month. Isn't it just amazing? There are lots of beautiful coordinates, too.
You can see the rules here:
http://www.hoffmanchallenge.com/

Free Shipping Friday!

Just to say thank you to all our friends,
Free Shipping
This Friday!
Relax & shop with your feet up - it's our gift to you.
Check out our gift section for all your quilt loving friends,
Secret Santa gifts,
stocking stuffers & gift certificates!
Whether you need fabric, kits, patterns, books, threads,
or embellishing supplies,
we can have it on your doorstep in plenty of time for Christmas!!
www.calicomermaid.com

Everything sewn up in one place!

Bernina has an incredible list of opportunities to sew for those who could truly use your skills and talent. This time of year as we look for ways to share our blessings, this list of organizations who collect quilts, supplies, and quilt tops is a great place to begin. I'm sure you'll find numerous ways to share. Whether the cause is to raise awareness, raise funds or comfort those who need it, there's something for everyone here:
We All Sew - Sew to Serve

Mayfair Scarlet Story

Look at these gorgeous fabrics from Benartex. I preordered the whole collection and today a box of fat quarters arrived just to tease me!

Don't you love stripey florals?




Check out the free pattern we'll have available - we might even try some kits.
I can't wait till all the bolts arrive.

Stitchery Kits

Since so many quilters love all kids of needlework, we have some new cross stitch and stitchery kits ready to go.
These nice cross stitch designs make beautiful gifts to commemorate special occasions or the kits themselves are great gifts for all the stitchers on your list.
All threads, needle, fabric and easy directions are included.
The little stitchery kits are quick, great for beginners & even include a frame and table top stand. The designs are young and fresh.
Aren't they nice? I can't decide which I like best.
Check the website for all our new merchandise:
www.calicomermaid.com

Cute kits

These cute kits are complete with all fabric, detailed instructions, batting, backing, binding and a magnet for display on any metal surface. They're perfect for beginners or quick gifts. Great for use as a 7" square hot pad with the magnet or add a few whole cloves for a scented mug rug.

Check the website for more designs: www.calicomermaid.com

Look how cute!

Doesn't everyone love Raggedy Ann & Andy? This happy panel just arrived with a cute coordinating ABC print blender - red, of course! Just in time for holiday gifts.
Check our online store for lots of new fabric, books and panels! www.calicomermaid.com

Books & patterns, oh my!

Along with ordering fabric I've been researching new patterns & pattern books. I found out that Eleanor Burns creates a new pattern almost every month! Did you know that? Her patterns are so easy to follow, & perfect for beginners or those of us who need lots of explanation.

"Miss Eleanor" has some nice quick patterns (Quilt in a Day, of course!) as well as some lovely traditional designs.
In addition, I've chosen some newly published books & patterns that haven't even hit the shops yet! There will be aprons & bags, table runners, & some featuring fat quarters & charms.
Something for everyone!
Check the website for some great buys in the meantime. www.calicomermaid.com

History Day for Kids

Many of you know I'm a teacher. I just can't help myself.
Yesterday the local schools presented a history day for fourth graders. My dear friend Nancy & I taught about 200 kids about quilting & let them try it out. It was a wonderful day! They threaded their needles, tied their knots, set their hoops, & started stitching.

Our husbands were so sweet to come early to set up for us.
Look at these amazing quilt blocks made by Nancy & her girls, Rebecca & Grace. I made the quilt on the bed for my daughter, Kelsey, who chose the pattern & fabrics, & my mom hand quilted it. We made two for her matching twin beds.
So that's what I've been up to this week!

Wow! I'm learning more about fabric than I ever dreamed!

Here are some cool calicos from Stof in Denmark, called Quilters Basic Memory. Nice colors. Nice body. Lots of luscious little prints.
Yes, as a matter of fact, there are some pretty reds...and pinks. But did you notice the blues, greens, & purples???

More pretties!

We chose more fabric for the shop. What delicious choices there were! There were some lovely florals from Wilmington, cowboys from Riley Blake, some great batiks - Seasons & Windswept, from Benartex. I have such a soft spot for batiks.
But then, I also have a soft spot for florals, polky dots, bunnies, butterflies, tropicals, paisleys, red & pink, red & orange ...
umm....
Wait. Maybe I just love selecting fabric.

I threw in a few peace signs & panels just for fun, plus some gorgeous Civil War prints from Windham. This last photo is the Hemingway collection from Windham.
It's easy to choose a variety of fabrics when everything is so beautiful.
The colors for spring are just amazing. I can't wait for it all to arrive!

Fabric ordering

We're in the process now of ordering fabric for delivery when the shop is ready. Check out the zillions of colors! It's a tough job, but someone has to sacrifice an evening to seeing & touching all these gorgeous new fabric samples!
It is such fun!

Exciting news!

We met with our landlord-to-be this week, and our building may be finished sooner than expected! It will probably be ready in January, so that means we have a TON of work to do to get ready!
First of all, I need to finish my mermaid. Did I mention I'm making a full size (whatever that size might be?!) mermaid for the shop? She'll travel with us to quilt shows just for company.
We'll be placing more orders this month for deliveries in 2011!
What fun!
I'm so excited.
wahooooooo!!!!!!!!!!

Look at these notecards

Who doesn't love to receive a handwritten note? A beautiful card can say much more than an email or phone call. These lovely cards by Rebecca Barker, blank inside, are great to let someone special know you care. Don't you know someone who loves quilts and would enjoy a little attention? There are many more to choose from on our webshop, www.calicomermaid.com.
I just can't resist these fall colors!