Thursday, October 29, 2009

Hallowe'en Fun Sale

We decided to have a little fun on Halloween. Here's your treat...

Black, white and orange things are on sale at 20% off. That would be fabric, thread and notions.

Bat-ting is 20% off (Tim's idea)

I have ordered more batting for Saturday but, if it doesn't arrive on time, we will do something for you. If it is something we have on hand, it is first come first served. When we run out, the sale for that type is over.

I ordered 3 bolts of plain Kona black so there should be enough of that.

Reply to Rhonda and others

In the business, we are referred to as a 'bricks and mortor' quilt shop. For people who see something they like that we carry, we will mail to you. The easiest way is to email with your request. We will let you know how much of the fabric (you need?!) we have and the cost. Then you can place an order and we can make payment arrangements. Most people call with a credit card number.

It may take a couple of days to get to a post office but we will get it out as soon as possible.

Email themarshstore@execulink.com or call 519-666-3330.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

'Quilter's Connection' New Canadian Magazine

Last Sunday Tim and I went to the Creativ Festival in Toronto. We stopped at the booth for the new Canadian magazine, 'Quilter's Connection'. I brought home 8 copies for the store and they quickly disappeared.

Heather McArthur, publisher and editor, has created a beautiful magazine with patterns, information and other Canadian quilty stuff. I love the Canadian content and the way it is presented. In talking to Heather, she prefers to have the magazine available in quilt shops rather than big chain stores.

The Marsh Store will be carrying the magazine on a regular basis for those who do not have subscriptions. If you want us to set aside a copy for you to pick up here, please send us an email so we know how many copies to have on hand. If you want to receive it by mail, contact Heather through www.quiltersconnections.ca

Sunday: By chance or appointment

Sometimes we have someone call to come on a Sunday. Or, if people are out driving on a beautiful day like today, they stop by chance. We do not mind opening the door to let you in but here are some helpful hints:

1. In good weather, if there are 3 cars (1 Mustang, a red Vibe and a black Golf) there is a good chance we are here. In winter the Mustang stays in the carport by the store.

2. We are likely upstairs with the quilting machine, the washing machine or the dryer going so may not hear or see you.

3. Give us at least 3 minutes to get downstairs. Knock on the door a few times or call from a cell phone to let us know you are here.

4. If we are out walking Nellie we will be back within a half hour.

There have been a number of times when we see someone and run downstairs. By the time we get to the door the car is turning onto Ilderton Road and you don't see us jumping up and down waving on the porch.

Hope these hints help.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Cats Amore

Arrived yesterday!

This line of fabric by Benertex arrived yesterday. Visit http://www.benartex.com/ to see the cats in Italy. There is a free pattern in the projects section. This is the third in the cat line, as they have been to France and London England.

You may know that I am more of a dog person than a cat one but, this past spring, when I saw the cats in Italy I figured I could make an exception this time. You may know that, in late June/early July, Tim, my father, my cousin and I went on a cruise in the Mediterranean. We started in Venice and visited Sicily, Naples, Rome and Livorno (among other places). For Tim and I, it was our first holiday in 2 years so we were ready to have a great time. We did!

Now I want to make a wallhanging with some photos and this fabric. That's the plan and we shall see how far I get with it...lol... Christmas is coming..... maybe another retreat?

Material Girls Quilting Retreat

Last weekend I went to my first quilt retreat. It is now Wednesday and I am feeling rested enough to write coherently about it.

On Friday I headed to the 'Festival Inn' in Stratford ON. Everyone was arriving late afternoon and it wasn't long before I was laughing with my 13 BQFFs (Best Quilting Friends Forever). Thanks to Joan at 'Sew Creative' in Mt Brydges, we had a large room with a table each, tables for cutting, tables for snacks and multiple ironing stations. We started right in on the retreat project, a placemat with special embroidery pocket. We enjoyed getting to know each other over dinner but were soon back sewing again.

I haven't sewn so much, ate so often, sang to the oldies and laughed so much for a long long time. It surprised me that, with everything going on in the room, everyone still could focus on sewing and accomplish so much.

It seemed such a short time until it was Sunday afternoon and time to go. I knew it was time for me to leave when I was sewing more in reverse than together and ahead.

Everyone agreed, 'What happens at retreat, stays at retreat' so I won't give details. But, if you are interested, we will be going again next March so let me know and I will send you an email as soon as I have details.