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!

Fat Quarter Packs!

We have some nice fat quarter packs available now. We have reproductions, brights, pastels, and neutrals - all perfect for filling out your collection or finishing up those gifts you're planning for the holidays.

Many thanks to members of the Porterville Quilters!

At their recent meeting, Porterville Quilters advised me of their fabric, thread and tool preferences. What a big help!
I found out many prefer Mettler threads, some like Aurifil. Some quilters enjoy redwork, cross stitch, and using embellishments. Most use cotton batting, but their list of favorite fabrics goes on and on!
As I'm placing orders, it's great to know exactly what our local quilters need and want. We haven't had many choices in our town for a long time, so if there's anything we can do to make your shopping experience with us better, let me know!
Drop me a quick email or a phone call and tell me about your favorite threads, tools, supplies, and patterns. I hope to provide those specific requests as best I can. If it's something you love to use, I need to know about it!

georg@calicomermaid.com
559 853 SHOP

Delicious Precuts!

We have lots of yummy Honey Buns and Dessert Rolls from Moda. Don't they have the cutest names? These are great because the prints are already coordinated and ready to go. They're perfect for a quick project, whether it's a bag, wall hanging, snuggly lap quilt, or table topper! They can be used in any strip pieced quilt pattern. We have lots of different print styles, so you're sure to find something to inspire you. Check it out!