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.

Slacking off

It's the end of the school year & I'm swamped!
I apologize for slacking off in the blog posting department, but I still have another week of school where I'm staying busy with grades, last minute field trips, & mentoring a new teacher.
Then I've been ordering new fabric for the shop the past couple of weeks.
It looks like new bolts will begin arriving next week!

The new June Class Calendar is posted on our website & our Mermaid teachers have a bunch of new classes ready for June. Check it out & let me know if you'd like to be on our mailing list.
www.calicomermaid.com

I promise I'll be back & catch up soon!

 

Memorial Day Weekend Sale!

Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday
May 25-27, 2012

All regularly priced yardage 25% off

(in shop only - free shipping on all web orders)

Teach a Girl to Make a Bag...

 Teach a girl to make a bag, then get out of the way! There will be embellishing & variations & ideas galore!

Bags are the big deal at Calico Mermaid this spring.


The Pockets a Plenty pattern, taught by Jenny has been our biggest seller, but Margaret's Mesh Bag Class is a close second.

 Jenny has inspired Lilli to make a bunch of variations on the Pockets a Plenty Bag.

 These are examples of the free tote pattern we gave away on our Cruise to Porterville weekend. We still have some pocket kits left. Just ask if you missed out or need more.

 Rae Lynne used her Double Diamond Ruler to change up one of her mesh bags.

 Cathy did a great job on her Ruffled Up Bag. It's so cute!

Mother's Day 2012

Mother's Day is tomorrow, & I miss my mom. 

My mom taught me so much.

She told me I could do anything if I tried

She taught me to enjoy creating in all kinds of ways - sewing, crafting, cooking, music.She was an early-day Martha Stewart, recreating recipes & ideas from magazines with her own twist.   

She taught me to enjoy life.

If it wasn't fun, she made it fun.

She made everything beautiful & found the best in everything & everybody.

She wasn't afraid to work hard & make things happen.

Often when I'm selecting fabric in the shop, I notice a piece she would love & think what she'd do with it. Or how she'd laugh at some. When new tools arrive, I think of how she'd improvise & achieve the same effect without buying the tool at all. Many times I wish I could show her a book or pattern.

I think of her everyday & remember her love.

I'm very lucky to have had such a wonderful mom.

Your Mother's Going to Love You!

Win this Mother's Day Fat Quarter Pack from Robert Kaufman!
If you're a Mom, a Grandma, or had a Mother...this is the drawing for you!
Everyone through the door receives a ticket to win this beautiful pack. We'll be drawing the winning ticket Sunday at 2:00. Enter every time you visit!
(At least run around the block or go have lunch before you come back for another ticket.) 
Open 10-6 Tuesday-Saturday, 1-5 Sunday

Meanwhile...
we have gift cards
blades
cutters
note cards
kits
pigma pens
fat quarter packs
scissors
beads
& all sorts of tools to make your quilter's day!