'Silhouette'. the Shop Hop Quilt

This is 'Silhouette', the July Shop Hop quilt designed by Shania Sunga.  It features two fabrics designed by her for the quilt.  There is a print with the Great Blue Heron and one with cattails.  The applique in the centre is die cut so all you have to do is snip a few bits, peel off the paper backing and applique in place.  The quilt and fabrics are available at the 10 shop stores exclusively until January 14, 2014.

All the walls in the shop are covered with quilting supplies and samples so we are hanging the quilt on the porch.  There has to be a chair in front of the stand to keep the quilt from tipping into the garden.  Under the balcony, it is protected from rain and sun.  One customer said she liked being able to see it from a distance. 

This is a bag I made with the leftover fabrics from the quilt.  I used 'Among Brenda's Quilts' pattern "Tie a Ribbon".  It will make a great donation to the Enviro-Friends of Coldstream fund raising gala next spring.  We raise funds to run programs and to help maintain the conservation area which is behind the store.  There is a pond created by a dam on the Sydenham River.  Nellie, Tim and I stroll back there in the evening.  Sometimes we see the Great Blue Heron who is a resident. 

July Shop Hop Banner

I picked up a new banner today.  It is hung from a flag pole as close to the road as we are allowed.  Both sides have the July Shop Hop poster so you should be able to spy it from both directions. 
Getting more excited!!

July Shop Hop

The July Shop Hop starts on Thursday July 4.  Visit www.julyshophop.com to see up to the minute news.  Find out the location of the shops.

The 10 shops are featuring a special edition of Cantik Batiks.  Designed by Shania Sunga, there are 2 styles exclusively available at these shops until mid-January 2014.  One style is Great Blue Heron and the other is Cattails.  These will be unveiled on the first day, July 4.

If you love the fabrics as much as I do, you will want to make the shop hop quilt, 'Silhouette'.  It will be revealed on July 4 and be exclusive to us until the same time in January.  The quilt is 72" square, includes a fabulous die cut applique and is beautiful.  Pick up a kit from each of the 10 shops ($4.99 each) and finishing kit ($129.99) from your local participating shop.   These prices last until July 31. 

Look for more information tomorrow.  I am off to work on another shop sample featuring Great Blue Heron, Cattails and other Cantik Batiks.  Pictures coming July 4!!

Steam a Seam

I read this information in a digest today and thought it needs to be shared.  There is a shortage of Steam a Seam by The Warm Company.  Here is an explanation:

The problem was created when the European paper company that made the
release paper for Steam a Seam decided to no longer produce that paper.
Warm Company is researching several other release papers and feel they are
close to selecting a suitable replacement. They are reluctant to give a time
frame when Steam a Seam will be available for shipping until that paper
selection is finalized.

A group of quilters was in today and bought some because they are having a hard time finding it.  If you are thinking of a project and need some, get it when you see it as it may be a while before you see it again.

New Studio Dies

We added to our selection of Accuquilt Studio dies this spring.  There is a rughooking picnic down the road in Poplar Hill Park this June.  We've been invited to bring the Studio and dies to the picnic to cut wool for them.  We ordered a variety of circle dies so I added a couple of other dies to the order too.
In the photo, you can see Anne's sample using the Winding Ways die.  The block finishes 8" and requires a square at least 11.5" in size for the die.  It would be easier with 12" squares.  Customers are welcome to book a time to bring in their prepared squares for die cutting.  The Studio can cut 10 layers or squares at a time.  So we can die cut 80 squares in under 10 minutes for $10.  That makes a 64" by 80" quilt top so add some sashing and/or borders to make it the desired size. 
We have a 4" finished tumbler die waiting to try as well as an apple core that is cut 5 1/2" by 6 3/4".
We are ready to cut wool pennies for you.  In the photo you can see the dies for 1" circles cut 16 at a time, 2" circles cut 8 at a time and a peek of the 3" circles cut 9 at a time.  We can cut 1.5", 2.5", 3.5" and 5.5" circles. 

Let us die cut your stash so you can focus on sewing.

Motorcycle Fans

RetroRiders fabric from Windham has arrived.  There is a free pattern online called 'Speedway' by Whislter Studios.  The only print we did not get is a blue the same as the black and orange.

It's going quickly so email or call if you want us to hold some for you.

Where is spring this year?  All I see is snow!

Valentina by Robert kaufman

It's that time of year.  New fabric arrives more frequently.  Here is some from the other day.

This line is called 'Valentina' by Robert Kaufman.  I love the turquoise, white and red.  The colours are so clear and bright it was fun to unpack on a dull snowy February day.  I am thinking of ways to use the prints and wish I still made clothing because it would make great summer dresses.  I will need a new bag soon and have been thinking about another "Everything Goes Bag" by Among Brenda's Quilts.  Sounds like a great retreat project.         If I had a bedroom with white walls I could love a summer quilt too. 

 

 

It's always time for a fun cat fabric.  Anne made this display with co-ordinating fat quarters.