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!

Happy Hour Sale

Happy Hour Sale

in shop only

Saturday June 30   4-6

Come see what's new & on sale!

I'm ordering more fabric!?

The past couple of weeks have been pretty intense after shop hours. I've been sequestered with fabric salespeople, looking through all their gorgeous fabrics. It's time to order fabric for delivery next fall & winter.

 The fabric manufacturers have so many incredible choices, it's crazy to have to choose!

Each fabric manufacturer representative had a TON of beautiful pieces to see. We heap them up on the table & then work our way back through - discarding & picking through to select the best & the most the old budget can handle.

 So I did my best. Deliveries will begin soon. I picked juvenile novelties, batiks, wintery prints, & some amazing BOM patterns. Wait till you see! Stay tuned to see which pieces made the cut.

 It's so hard to select something for everyone - & set aside my personal preferences.

But if you ever walk into the shop & everything is red & pink...you'll know I finally gave in to my own favorites! ;)

Firecracker Sale!

Firecracker Sale!

July 3-4-5

Calico Mermaid & Totally Tina's Fabrics

122 N. Main                                                                                               600 N Prospect

Porterville, CA                                                                                           Porterville, CA

559 793 2510                                                                                             559 782 3100           www.calicomermaid.com                www.totallytinasfabrics.com                                                                  

Beginning Sewing for Children

Jenny, credentialed teacher, started her first sessions of Beginning Sewing this week. She has a full house for Session 1. Yesterday the girls were a little tentative but excited, & today they arrived with their completed "homework," ready for action.

 The kids have been learning about their sewing machines & how they work, as well as practicing precision sewing.

Such hard work calls for some pink lemonade & cookies for refreshment at break time. They even found some time to play a few sewing games today.

Confidence & creativity are the goals for these classes.

 Session 2 will include some simple sewing projects, & the following Sessions will progress in difficulty.

Check the June Class Calendar at www.calicomermaid.com for more information on classes.

June Classes

Our teachers have planned some awesome classes for this summer!
Stop in & check out the class calendar. They have classes for children & adults for all skill levels.
Here are just a few on tap for June:

Batik Spinner 51" diameter
June 19 12:30-4
$20+tool pattern included
taught by Sheri
Here's another beautiful use for that wedge ruler.



Paper Piecing Greeting Cards
June 10 1-4 taught by Sheri
$15+card kit
This is a good way to begin or
become more familiar with paper piecing.





Fabric Post Cards
June 16 10-1 taught by Linda $25 includes all directions
Great for greeting cards for all occasions!



Flower Petals Placemats
June 21 10-2 taught by Jenny $15+pattern
Reversible placemat/candle mat/mug rug






Thread Painting Pizzazz June 21 5:30-8
taught by Sheri $20 includes most supplies
Back by popular demand!





Breakfast Club Sew Along
June 22 8 -11 a.m. $5 includes brunch
Bring your own project & come enjoy sewing in the
early hours.




Hunter Star June 23 10-4 taught by Sheri $20+kit
Use as many block kits as you want to make a table runner, wall hanging, or lap
quilt.

Double Diamond Table Topper
June 24 1-5 $15+tool+pattern




Kids' Color Your Own Pillowcase June 30 10-12
$10 includes kit - bring your best crayons. (No sewing)
taught by Georgia
Reserve your spot early!


You can find the complete June Class Calendar at www.calicomermaid.com
Just click on the Classes button - or call the shop at 559 793 2510
See you soon!

Friday Night Fever

On the first Friday night each month, we have a sewing night from 5 to midnight. Last night we 

had quite a fun crowd. I couldn't have put a more interesting, enjoyable group together if I'd sent invitations!











When I arrived after a long, hot Friday at school, several had already staked out their space & were already getting started.

They were working on a variety of projects from Christmas to bags, kids' quilts, & Double Diamonds. Some were designing their own patterns, some carefully following directions. Some were experienced, some pretty new to sewing. It was fun to watch them all interact & help each other. Some were acquainted before, but all were sewing buddies by the time they went home.

By the end of the evening, I'd finished up some overdue chores. I felt renewed & ready for the weekend. How is that possible?

I made chicken pasta salad & sourdough bread for dinner. Dessert was warm apple crisp & ice cream or whipped cream (or both!)

You might want to plan on joining us next month. Put it on your calendar & reserve your spot early.