Saturday, October 30, 2010

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

Saturday, October 23, 2010

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!

Sunday, October 17, 2010

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???

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

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!

Friday, October 1, 2010

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!