Saturday, July 14, 2012

Our quilty friends have been busy!

Our quilty friends at the Mermaid have had a busy summer! Take a look at some of their latest projects.
 




 Some are new quilters, some are new to sewing. Some are busy taking classes & then practicing at home. Some are preparing to teach classes.






 Some are experienced experts, but they're all having a great time & exploring their creative energies. And that's what it's all about! I just love when they come to the shop & share their projects.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Summertime explosion

I don't know what comes over me as I order new fabric for summer delivery. I guess I get excited that school will be out soon & I over do. Or maybe the choices are just too overwhelming & gorgeous. I don't know what happens to me, but I've ordered so much that as it arrives now, we're scrambling to find places for everything. We're rearranging & squeezing it all in as best we can.
We're exploding with new fabric!






 So keep in mind when you walk through the doors this summer & feel that something's a little different - it is! The place is exploding with new stock!
You'll have to stop in & see what we have to entice & inspire you this summer. If you're just looking for a cool place to hang out for a while, come on in & enjoy.

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Now shipping to our Canadian neighbors!

We have now set up shipping to Canada on our website.
Unfortunately, we aren't able to ship internationally beyond Canada, but it's a start!
Check out our online shop: www.calicomermaid.com.

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Road trip to Handi Quilter!

We just returned home from our first visit to Handi Quilter headquarters in Salt Lake City. Here are a few highlights from our trip:

 You know you're in Vegas when Elvis makes a quick stop by your hotel.
 My favorite place in Vegas is the garden at the Bellagio.
 Isn't it just a flowery wonderland? I love it!
  
 The Cosmopolitan has a store with this amazing sewing machine display in the windows.
How cool is that?!


 
 Here we are at Handi Quilter! This sign greets everyone as they drive up.It pretty much sums up everyone's attitude inside the building.


It was interesting to see where the machines are assembled.Every machine is assembled by one person, then test run before packing & shipping.


 Here's our classroom with Avantes, Fusions, & Sweet Sixteens just ready & waiting to get 
 to work. We gave them quite a workout.
While I was learning about all the HQ products & operation, Richard was learning to be a HQ technician.
He is now qualified to service Handi Quilter machines. We can provide routine maintanence (annually) & upgrade your machines with the latest technology. 
The first lesson was about thread & needles.

Remember - there are no Quilt Police! Here you see they've surrendered their helmets since they are no longer in service.
There are beautiful inspirational quilts all over HQ. Every wall-every office-every hallway is lined with these gorgeous pieces.

 
Everyone was so kind & helpful (& patient!) We thoroughly enjoyed meeting the creative engineers & educators & everyone else who make Handi Quilter such an awesome place. We're happy to be part of this bunch.


We made a quick stop at the Mad Greek in Baker on our way home. It's my first time!

Here's my chicken gyro - before I tried to pick it up & it spilled all over.
I've always loved Calico Ghost Town. hmmm...do we see a Calico pattern here...?


 Now we're home & ready to uprade our machines & show off all the new tricks we've learned! Watch for a special shindig next month!