Giving Thanks

We have so much to be thankful for - and this is that special time of year to show it.

I didn't realize it before we opened the shop, but quilters & crafters are especially generous & giving. I'm loving that!

I love being around people who care about others & aren't afraid to show it in.

We all show our thankfulness for each other in different ways, but crafters & quilters express their creativity in very personal, heartfelt ways. 

Our projects often come from deep inside us. 

Some stretch us outside our little box - but they all are a reflection of our gifts we enjoy. 

Some projects may be creating an experience for our loved ones, some might be a way to provide comfort when we can't be close - or maybe just a reminder that the special someone is in our thoughts.

No matter what our level of expertise might be, crafters give from their hearts.

I'm very thankful for all our quilty friends - old & new. 

It seems those we've met or become better acquainted with through the shop have greatly enriched our lives.

Thank you all!

My customers & employees are the best!

Even though I've been swamped at school, trying to keep everything going as best I can, some things have to just slide for a little bit - like this blog. Sorry about that. 

But I'm caught up for now & our quilty friends have been busy creating & playing - just look!

I love when our friends bring their work & say, "Look what I made!" It makes me so proud to know they found exactly what they needed at my shop. Everyone of these projects used my shop fabric,  patterns, & books. They're all so talented!

 Cathy's Carpenter Star from Sheri's class

 Rae Lynne's butterfly

Check out the details!

 Trish's Christmas Heart Lights Tree from Margaret's class.

 Jenny & Cathy enjoyed the Bring Your Own Bag class - everyone chooses a different purse pattern.

 This is Jenny's fall runner.

 Jaime has been busy - check out his Jinny Beyer vest!

 Dion is going to teach this no-sew crocheted rag rug in October.

 Margaret made these adorable YoYo Trees. She'll be teaching the class in October, too.

Laura made this adorable quilt for a little someone special - it's all shirts & pockets from her little clothes! How clever is that?! It's pretty much a T Shirt quilt made from a little person's clothes. Great idea!

It's our birthday!

Come join us for our birthday party this weekend!
We have whistles, & cupcakes, & prizes, & lots of fun planned.
All fabric in the shop is at least 15% off!
Blow the whistle to see what your fabric discount will be.
Crave Bakery is bringing cupcakes, & you'll love all the door prizes!
This is our way of thanking you for a wonderful first year.
It's been a wild ride & we've loved meeting so many new friends along the way.
Everyone has been so helpful & supportive, & we just appreciate you all so very much!
So come out & enjoy the weekend with us.
Saturday 10-6
Sunday 1-5
Free shipping on all domestic web orders!

Retreat fun

We're having a great time at the retreat. Here are a few photos of our fabric in action!
It's so cool to see where our materials go & how much fun they have after they leave the shop.
These Peonies are all gone now - they've magically become pillowcases!Here is Sheri with our tea cups. I can't believe how many projects she finished this weekend!
This T shirt quilt needed just the perfect piece to border each block...
Here is the Camelot collection... it's just about gone now, but didn't it turn out nicely?
One of the last Avignon Layer Cakes has become a Twister.
And look at this pretty block!
This has been a lot of fun. Many of these retreat participants have been in our shop, but some haven't, so we're making new friends. We're enjoying getting to know them all better. There's so much creativity & talent here this weekend!

What's black & white & red all over?

There seems to be a lot of black & white & red all over my shop. How did that happen? Did I do that?
It's flying out the door faster than I can put it away!


We had a lovely day today at the shop. Lots of new customers came in & some old friends stopped by to say hello. We had shoppers who drove up to see the shop after visiting our booth last weekend at the Cotton Patch Quilters' Show in Bakersfield. Everyone seemed to find something that satisfied their sweet tooth - or maybe "color" tooth...or even "creative" tooth...or is that too weird?
Sorry.
Anyway.
It's so nice to spend the day downtown in such a beautiful space. I really enjoyed myself. You just never know when a new friend will walk through the doors. Everyone who came in today had a different project, a challenge & a story to tell.
Richard showed off his new quilting patterns on the Avante, & made some appointments for Avante rentals. I put out some new yarn cards for embellishing, & set up for tomorrow's Super Bowl Party.
All in all, a very successful, fun day at the Mermaid.
I'll just put my feet up for a little while & it will all be good.

Merry Christmas!

We're wishing each & every one of our crafty sewing friends - old & new - a safe, happy weekend full of love & fun. May you enjoy this Christmas with those who are most important to you, & find joy in whatever you choose to do.