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!