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.