Annual Inventory Reduction 30% Off Sale

Our sale starts tomorrow at 10 am and runs until closing on Friday December 31.
If you want to come today we are here.
If you want to come about 9 am tomorrow we will be ready early.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays

The last idea for a present for your favourite quilter is always a gift certificate, especially since our Annual 30% Off Inventory Reduction Sale starts on Monday.

Wishing you a wonderful time with family and friends! Happy Holidays!

Newest Arrivals

Just yesterday a couple of brand new items arrived!

'The Cutting Corners Ruler' is so new I haven't tried it yet but it looks very very interesting. Here is what the promotion info says:

How does it work? It’s simple! The Cutting Corners Ruler™ gives you the simple and accurate measurements to eliminate a corner from a block, a square, a rectangle or triangle, while leaving the seam allowance on the remaining piece. Just add another fabric (pieced or not) and turn plain blocks into complex beauties.

Now doesn't that sound like a way to spice up a quilt!

The GO Baby arrived yesterday. Now we have 3 so if you want one, let us know so we can put your name on it until you can get here.

If someone still needs something for your stocking, we have charm packs of 5" squares that would fil very nicely....

Pillowcases for Everyone

Pillowcases are great for using up your stash and wrapping all kinds of presents. Anne has been having a great time choosing fabrics for kits so there are plenty of choices. I can email the pattern to you as a PDF file, if you send a request to themarshstore@execulink.com

I made 3 on Sunday to use for wrapping toys. You can see my 'Spot' case, filled for Christmas Day, in the background.

One magazine is running a campaign to encourage making and donating one million pillowcases. For ideas and free patterns, try googling 'hotdog', 'roll up', 'sausage' or 'burrito' pillowcase pattern and learn to make them even faster than my way. It's not too late!

Quilters Pocket Map: Ontario

This Ontario map shows where the sponsoring quilt shops are within the province. The map includes a free pattern from Eleanor Burns. Also included are the address and phone numbers for the shops so you can contact them. The suggested price is $10 but we are selling them for $5.

On these wintry days when you need a break from stitching, why not plan a family road trip or a shop hop for friends. That should provide sweet dreams during nap time.

deColourant for the Fibre Artist

Something new for those who want to remove colour, as in play with fabric. I found this explanation and couldn't say it better.

This citrus paste/creme is available in an 8 oz. jar to stamp, stencil or print with. There is a 4 oz. spray bottle available too. deColourant is safe to work with and does not damage your fabrics. It requires heat to work , either ironing, a heat gun, or even the sun! This product is a pretty safe chemical, but as always you are encouraged practise proper use and safe working conditions. They tested this product on hand-dyed cotton, silk and wool yardage and found it to discharge well, in addition to showing no damage to the fabric.

As always, you should play with it first to get to understand the qualities, quirks and possible uses in your work.

Quilters Are Special

About this time when working on the blog I seem to get a little philosophical. So here is what I am thinking.
After attending a quilting conference far away alone I came to realize that whenever you meet a quilter you have found a friend. Carry a bag you have made or wear a quilted item and someone will ask, "Did you make that?" Most of the time she will be a quilter and you have found someone to share with.
Quilters are unique. The reports say quilting is a billion dollar industry. Quilters purchase fabric with the main intent of giving it away. We plan a quilt thinking about someone else. We spend hours of our time sewing and stitching thinking about the receipient. We support other families by investing in the time of a machine quilter. Sure, many quilters have a stash but it is there in case we need a quick shower gift, baby quilt, hostess gift or quilt for someone in an emergency loss. We make and give, hoping the receipient will feel the warmth and love stitched into the quilt. So out of that billion dollars, what percentage do we save for ourselves? 10 percent? How impressive are quilters? Obviously more than anyone realizes....except, perhaps, a knitter.

'Making Waves' by Among Brenda's Quilts

Have leftover 2 1/2" strips from jelly rolls? Need a fast hostess gift? Then, 'Making Waves' is for you. Easy to piece, quick to quilt and machine sewn binding make this pattern just what you need.

I timed myself making 4 placemats and a runner. It took:

8 minutes to die cut 36 strips

50 minutes to chain piece all pieces

15 mintes to quilt and bind 1 placemat

I'll let you know how long the rest take....

Die Cutting Service

We have an Accuquilt Studio die cutter and will cut for you. It is based on $25 per hour. If you come and prepare your fabric for the die you can downsize your stash for under $10. For example:

over 400 charm squares- 8 of each fabric

over 400 strips at 1 1/2"- 8 of each fabric

over 220 strips at 2 1/2"- 5 of each

over 200 pyramids for a Thousand Pyramid quilt

lots of side triangles for the pyramids

If you check out the AccuQuilt website, we have the Studio dies to do the 12" finished squares and more. If you are into penny rugs, we can cut pennies from felt for you. Let us cut for you!

Triangle Paper

Now you should be ready for going on a retreat, assuming your loved ones are reading the block, signed you up and have your personal station equipped. Let's talk about ways to speed up piecing so you can maximize your sewing time.

'Triangle Paper' by Quiltime is newsprint ready to sew into bias squares. For $5.39 you can make 700 squares to finish 1" ( different to the photo) or for $6.69 you can make 720 squares to finish 1 1/2". There is a variety pack with 3 sheets to make 10 different sizes from 1" to 5". After sewing on dotted lines and cutting on solid lines, the newsprint tears away easily so all you have to do is press open. Check out Quiltime website for more information and free patterns, http://www.quiltime.com/ .

Mini Iron by Clover

Now all you need for your retreat workstation is a mini-iron. Yes, you will need to get up and go to the communal cutting and ironing areas for a stretch and visit now and again but with the FoldAway and Mini-Iron you can work right by your machine. Imagine how much you can accomplish!

Clover makes 2 versions of the mini-iron. The first version is for small pressing jobs and is loved by appliquers. The Mini-Iron II has an adapter so you can change the tips for a multiple of fibre art uses.

We are getting some other versions of small irons suitable for retreats or classes. Seems everyone is thinking about our ironing needs as we travel to sew with friends. Yeah!

Omnigrid FoldAway Cutting and Pressing Station

This is at the top of my Christmas list. It comes in three sizes and is perfect for taking to class or a retreat as it makes any area your workstation. The FoldAway is a portable cutting and pressing station since it has a cutting mat on one side and a non-stick ironing surface on the other. The largest has an 12" by 18" mat and ironing surface ($47.99) while mini-makers would love the 7" by 7". It folds for travel and storage. Use both sides or fold one under.

Material Girls Retreat

Friday March 25 to Sunday March 27
Festival Inn
Stratford Ontario

Imagine the chance to sew for 3 days, meals made, friends and laughter. Work on projects of your choosing, knowing that if you need help someone is right there.
I've been trying to think of how to describe what you get from a retreat. It is too much to list in this short blog so I will save everything and do it in January. It makes me excited just thinking about the next retreat.... Sewing goes so much faster with friends.

Block of the Month: Patriots in Petticoats

Jacob and Louisa Marsh were Quakers who built the store in 1869. One of their daughters married a doctor from Pennsylvania and moved there. The fabric for the Block of the Month program from Windham Fabrics, called 'Patriots In Petticoats', is from the Hanna Wallis collection. Hanna Wallis was a Pennsylvania Quaker who married a doctor so it seemed appropriate for us to take part in this program. The fabrics are late 1700 reproductions.

I am working on the store sample to make sure the patterns and fabric requirements work. As soon as the first shipment arrives (any day now) we will be able to establish the price which should be in the $30-35 for the patterns, top fabric and binding.

The quilt is 98" by 98". The first 8 months you make two 10" blocks. Next month is the centre medallion, then the log cabins followed by the ribbon border and, finally, the outside border. There are monthly meetings to discuss that month's blocks, useful techniques and questions. Time for sewing with some directions can be booked.

Block of the Month programs are a great way to have fun making a quilt.

True Grips

Tim and I saw this at Quilt Market last May. The package contains 15 grips and retails at $5.99. They are made by 'The Grace Company'.

These non-slip adhesive rings cling to the back of rulers to help you cut more accurately. We tried 3 rings on the back of a 3 1/2" by 24" ruler. It did help reduce slipping on the fabric but really helped with the ruler on the cutting mat. The more I used the ruler the more I noticed the difference. Being frugal, 3 were enough but I could have used more and noticed a bigger difference. The rings are pressure sensitive and can be removed. The ruler and rings may need cleaning if the rings are changes around frequently.

EQ Printables

Why would you include Printables in your Christmas list? They will involve your family in your quilt making and make quilt historians happy.

Use the fabric sheets in the computer printer. Ask a computer savvy family member to type or use a publishing program to create quilt labels. Then all you have to do is print them on the fabric, sew on a 1/2" fabric frame and stitch it to the back of your quilt. As a special treat to the family computer expert, have a photo added to the label.

'EQ Foundations' are newsprint foundation paper that you can use to make multiple copies for paper piecing. How easy is that? Or, another opportunity to involve the family computer expert and show all that you are ready to embrace technology!

Quilters Love Books

Books inspire us, teach us and entertain us when we relax with one at break time. As an elementary teacher-librarian for many years, I love children's books too. Now you may understand why our children's fabric selection focuses on kid's books: Spot, Maisie, Eric Carle characters, Dr Seuss and more to come.

Off to read......

Wool Batting by Legacy

It has been snowing for days and I can hardly see off the balcony while quilting in my chair. The wind blows through the cracks of this old building so the perfect time to plan a warm throw with Legacy wool batting.

It is so soft and a pleasure to hand quilt. Legacy says 'super washed wool blended with binder fibers to thermal bond'. The binder fibers makes it shrink less, 0-2%. Quilt stitch spacing is 4" or less. At $20/m it is the priciest batting but worth every bit.

Come and try a few hand stitches on our sample.

Triangle Square Up Ruler

I am including this useful ruler again this year. It is by 'Quilt In a Day', Eleanor Burns. After many years of piecing, I know I do much better by sewing bias squares too large and trimming them to size. Cutting the triangles and sewing accurately seldom works for me. This ruler saves so much time because you trim the square to size after sewing and before pressing it open. You cut all four sides by trimming two. It is especially helpful when sewing small squares, like the 1" finished ones I've been doing.

'Wrap-ability' by Brenda

Just in time for major snow and party season! Brenda of 'Among Brenda's Quilts' has thought about our wardrobe and how to highlight it with a little sewing...maybe even from our stash.

Make the short version in black with gold for festive wear. As I watch the snow fall I am more and more anxious to get a hood made for walking with Nellie. Hmmm, off to sew.....

Imperial Fusions: Kyoto

This is what they say on the Robert Kaufman website:

This best-selling collection series returns in an all new offering of Asian-inspired floral blenders with a Far East twist. Expert coloring includes rich crimsons, brilliant purples, and dynamic blues. Luminous metallic gold accents add an extra layer of sophistication and dimension.

Because they are part of the Fusions line these fabrics co-ordinate with other RK prints and make stunning quilts or quilted pieces. Need a special bag for holiday parties? They have the sparkle to match your most festive outfits.

My Favourite Seam Ripper

Not that I need one...too often... but my favourite seam ripper is the Fons & Porter Ergonomic Seam Ripper. The large handle makes it comfortable to hold with even the tightest stitches. The rounded bottom works like a pencil eraser to pull out the thread bits left behind. It's the sharpest ripper I've had the pleasure of using.

Baby GO!

Have you been dreaming of the possibilities using a die cutting machine? AccuQuilt has been thinking about you. The newest addition is arriving soon! We have ordered several so if you want one under your Christmas tree call or email and reserve yours as soon as possible.

The GO Baby takes 6" wide dies so many of the applique and shapes dies already fit it. AccuQuilt is resizing strip cutters too. Check out the Accuquilt website for tons of ideas and more information.

Binding Tool

Once in a long time we come across a tool that is worth the money. Yesterday I tried the Fons & Porter binding tool. I absolutely love it! No math, no resewing, no extra bulk to fit in and not too short.

I followed the instructions and photos. I was done in half the time and needed only tea (not something stronger) afterwards. I found the instructions on their website but you could call to arrange a demo sometime.

Batting Seam Tape

Here is the first of 24 ideas for Christmas gifts for your favourite quilter.

Batting tape is a fusible tape to use with batting scraps. Butt same type batting pieces together and fuse with this tape. At $6.59 per 10 yard roll, it would be worth using for larger pieces of batt to make up a queen size and be more even than one pieced with a zigzag stitch.

Spot has arrived!

We have been waiting for this line of fabric since seeing it at Quilt Market in Minneapolis last May. Children have been enjoying Eric Hill's lift-the-flap adventures with Spot and his family for 25 years. There is a free pattern using the Spot line at http://www.andoverfabrics.com/

The panels make perfect 20 inch pillows for cuddle time. I'm off to make mine now....

'Hot Cakes' Oven Mitts

At the quilting retreat, I decided the first project would be something fast so I would accomplish one thing. So I made these oven mitts from the pattern by 'Susie C Shore Designs'.

We will have a class on Monday December 6 at 9am. The $20 for the class includes the pattern. I can make a kit for anyone who wants one. Use insulated batting for protection.

They are so much fun to make! I want to make one for all my family this Christmas. I can't wait to decide which 'icing' fits each family.

Off to bake cupcakes...

Time Flies

Once again time has flown so quickly it's been almost 3 months since I posted. Yikes! With so many new fabrics, patterns and other items I will post regularly We have been working to rearrange, reduce older inventory and add new. There's too much to put on the 'What's New' webpage.

The 38 bolts of brushed flannel plaid, which Tim ordered, arrived this week.

The 50 bolts of new Imperial Fusions from Robert Kaufman, which I ordered, arrived this week.

Maybe we should have some blog specials for those who like to follow....hmmm...

Off and running but I'll be back soon!

Very Series Quilt Kit

It arrived today! We are busily making kits for the Eric Carle quilt called 'The Very Series'. You can see it at http://www.andoverfabrics.com/ in their free pattern section. The picture there is much clearer.

Let us know if you want one saved for you.

August News

We are working at rearranging the fabric to make room for great new fabric. Lots of bolts and fat quarters are being added to the sale rack, including Asian prints for the first time.

Check out Anna Griffen's Christmas line, Georgette Christmas, at http://www.baumtextile.com/. We will be kitting the free patterns. Let us know if you want one. Email if you want to know more about price and colourways, themarshstore@execulink.com

If you are in more of an autumn mood, check out Red Rooster for 'Harvest Town'. We have the whole line in 5 m cuts so don't delay if you see something you like at http://www.redroosterfabrics.com/.

Anniversary Sale Starts July 19

Our sixth anniversary sale starts tomorrow, Monday July 19, and runs until we close on Saturday July 24. We will open by 9 am on Monday and Tuesday. The rest of the week we will open at the regular time of 10am.

Everything but the sewing machines are on sale at 30% off. There are no rainchecks so if there is something you need come early in the week. Most of the batting is gone the first day.

Call 519-666-3330 if you have any questions.

Bright Fun Fabrics

How about something light and fun for a baby quilt or the kitchen table. I love the bright greens! We were playing with the bird bolt and trying it with all kinds of colours and prints. The options for fun quilts are great. Come and play with us if you need something a little different.

Keep Cool...Sew Winter

Need a project to keep you cool? Here is some new winter fabric that would make a bright colourful quilt, throw or table accessories. It's great fabric for 'Among Brenda's Quilts' patterns like 'East Meet West' or 'Round Trip'.

And the sale starts next Monday....

New Crop Potatoes and Pattern

Yesterday a new crop of potato fabric arrived along with the pattern for a potato/tortilla microwave bag. Also came bolts of garlic and bananas. I hope the pattern for a microwave corn steamer bag and the corn fabric arrive in time for this season's fresh corn on the cob.

Off for a snack......

Anniversary Sale July 19-24

It's time for our annual anniversary sale. It will be 6 years on July 24 since we became owners of the store.

Sale starts on July 19 and runs all week until closing time on July 24. The store opens at 10am but we are ready early, about 9 am, the first day or two. For those who know, they can get a head start. We close at 5 pm or when the last person leaves. We have had people call so they can come after work.

The sale is 30% off the regular price of fabric, batting, thread, patterns, notions, books, paints and Accuquilt GO machines or dies. It applies to in-store inventory. Only Juki sewing machines are not included in the sale.

The batting goes quickly so much of it is gone the first day. We have ordered more Legacy batting but any time you buy the whole 8.23m bolt you gets the 30% off.

If you have any questions please email themarshstore@execulink.com or call 519-666-3330.

Legacy Batting by Pellon

Today we received our first shipment of Legacy batting. Most comes in 8.2m bolts (9 yards) so you can afford a whole bolt if you have number of quilts to do. We do sell it by the metre so you can get the amount you need. Most bolts are 96" wide. We have king size (120" square) batts of 100% Natural cotton for $39.99 and 80-20 cotton-poly at $36.99. For in depth information about the variety of batts available and the properties of each, go to http://www.quiltlegacy.com/ . I am working on stitching and washing small samples of each batt so you can feel the results before you buy. I am looking forward to trying some handquilting with the wool and flax/linen.

Right now, we have bolts of soy-cotton, bamboo-cotton, 100% cotton in both bleached and natural, 80-20 with and without scrim and polyester. For longarm quilters with a business number, we can supply batting at special rates. Email us for information.

CEG Summer Workshop

The Canadian Embroiderers Guild- London holds a week long workshop each June. Participants spend a week working with a textile artist developing techniques. As a guild member I get to volunteer to hostess one day of the week. Yesterday I got to enjoy the company of the teachers and students. This year's teachers are Dorothy Caldwell and Jane Davila. Meet Dorothy through http://www.ccca.ca/ and Jane through http://www.janedavila.com/ . I can't wait to visit again at the open house later this week to enjoy the students' progress.

After class yesterday some people visited the store so I took a picture of a few on the porch, with Nellie, of course.

It Seemed Like a Good Idea

Months ago it seemed like a good idea to order the 72 colours of batiks in 'The Princess Palette'. Now that they have arrived and need a shelf to sit on, it is an interesting challenge. We made 3 packages of charm squares: red-purple, yellow-orange, blue-green. Each box has 2 squares of each of 24 colours. Then we made fat quarters and now we are arranging colour groups of bolts.

When we were in Minneapolis at the trade show, Quilt Market, we ordered the new Liquitex 'Surface Design Center' from C&T Publishing. What fun! If you have 'Jane Davila's Surface Design Essentials' book, we have the supplies you need to try things.

It's Raining, It's Pouring

It's rainy again today so it seems like a good day to get caught up.

The fall and winter fabrics are starting to arrive. I think you may not be ready for Christmas so we can leave those in the back for awhile. Unless, of course, you check out Northcott website ( http://www.northcott.net/ ) for the 'Holly Holiday' line and want right away.

Robert Kaufman 'Nutmeg' line co-ordinates with all the Fusions and Kona solids. So we ordered 4 great prints to create autumny runners, hangings and bags. I tried to take a photo but if you want to see proper colour go to their website. It's ready now for you to sew.

Yikes, Time Flies!

I can't believe it is May already! So much has been going on that it has sped by. Now I hope to have time to get back to blogging. Some new items...



Aunt Becky's Quilting Tool: a special request from a hand quilter that looks interesting but it just arrived yesterday and I haven't had time to figure it out. Drop by and we can learn together. Just bring some quilting to do by hand.



Stonehenge: Mother Earth, Maui, Colorado, metallics... need I say more? Check out http://www.northcott.net/



More Angelina Film



Time for Sunprinting: bring out your t-shirts on a sunny day and take a class. Tons of fun for all ages.



Now that I have this post done I will do more. Happy May!

Sweet Peep

Brenda of 'Among Brenda's Quilts' has a new pattern! 'Sweet Peep' features Mama Owl with her wings protecting Baby Owl. At 42" by 48" it is suitable for decorating the nursery or cuddling around baby. Brenda made hers in Northcott's 'What a Hoot' fabric line. We can make you a kit of pretty cottons or flannels to suit your baby. The pattern is $9.99 and we would be happy to mail it to you.

February Specials

February is a good month to clear out some things and make room for the fresh new fabric. This month all remnants are 50% off the lowest price, bundles are 5 for $10 and finish any bolt for 30% off.

Promotional coupons for regular priced fabric, when purchasing Juki sewing machines or the GO! fabric cutting machine, are available until March 31.

Material Girls Quilting Retreat

Ready for a break from routine and a whole lot of fun? Join us at the 'Material Girls Retreat'!.

March 12, 13 and 14
Festival Inn, Stratford ON
$325 includes 2 nights, double occupancy, 2 breakfasts, 2 suppers


Bring your WIPs, works in progress, and sew from 3 pm Friday to 3 pm Sunday. Also included is a kit for a special project to remember your fun time. A $100 non-refundable deposit is required at time of booking. Space is limited so book as soon as you can.

'Sew Creative' in Mt Brydges, 'The Quilt Shoppe' in Sarnia and 'The Marsh Store' are working together to plan this adventure.

I went in October and had such a great time I wanted to be involved again. I was amazed at the amount of sewing I accomplished while talking and laughing. Call or email if you are interested.

As Seen In a Magazine

Lightbulb moment! Wouldn't it be helpful to let people know the fabrics we have from current magazines? So here are the ones I am aware of:

American Patchwork and Quilting- Feb 2010:

'sweet tea'- teacup print and 3 pinks

McCall's Quick Quilts:

'cottage garden'- same 3 pinks as above;white, pink and dark pink floral

'roadside stand'- not this line but lots of other fruits and vegetables

Quilters' Newsletter Feb/Mar:

p. 45, #6 Stafford County by Jo Morton

Fons & Porter Jan/Feb 2010:

'Kingyo" panel, border print and black print (D)

"Dancing Horses" by Laurel Burch in earth tones- ad p. 41

on order 'Simple Nature' as shown in ad on page 21

If I find anything else I will post it.

Juki Sewing Machines and GO Cutters Special Promo

We are offering free fabric coupons on purchases of our Juki sewing machines and GO! fabric cutters until March 31.

Receive a $75 coupon for regular priced fabric when you purchase the GO! fabric cutter.

Receive a coupon for regular priced fabric when you purchase a Juki sewing machine.

We carry:

HZL-25Z $295 compact-size easy to use for beginners $50 coupon

HZL-35Z $395 more stitches and features for beginners $75 coupon

HZL- 61E $675 an electronic machine with great features $125 coupon

HZL-F400 $1125 Exceed Quilt & Pro $200 coupon

TL98-Q $1150 Industrial machine for home quilting frames $200 coupon

Snowy Days in Coldstream

Yikes, there's a lot of snow. Tim is blowing snow for the third time in 2 days. And, it's not over yet! The wind is picking up so the loose snow will blow. The balconey is so high we can hardly see over it. We're deciding when the best time will be to climb out the window and start throwing snow off. The weight of the snow is a concern, especially if it warms up and starts to melt.

Nellie loves to play in the snow. She drops her ball on the snow and digs under it until it falls. She keeps going until all you see is a wagging tail tip over the snowbank. When she comes in she spends half an hour picking off snowballs under her belly.

I can't remember this much snow all at once in the 5 years we have been here. Once we dry off it will be time to go play again. Maybe a walk through the trail...

Happy 2010!

Wishing you all you hope for in the new year!

I am taking a break from inventory. Yes, we are counting every fold on every bolt, every spool, pattern, pin and needle. Thanks to Ela and Anne for arranging bolts for speedier counting.

The best thing about inventory is one has time to reevaluate what we have and what we have had for far too long. If you missed the inventory reduction sale in December, there are lots of bolts, kits, patterns and books being reduced. Out with the old, in with the new!

Watch the blog for new fabrics arriving weekly, new classes being posted and other fun new items.

Now back to work...

Happy New Year!