It’s just a little over a month before the WV Mountain Quilt Quest shophop – June 6-9, 2012 and lots of ideas running through our heads.  Lots of new fabrics, books and notions will be arriving in the next few weeks — so don’t forget to stop in and get a sneak peek.  Our theme this year is “A Quilter’s Village” so I have challenged all of you to make a quilt block – any size, (square or rectangle), any colors, any patterns – to portray your idea of a Quilters Village.  Some have brought blocks in from barns, houses, outhouses, lighthouses, churches, etc.  Hope to see a few more come in to be included in our “shop village”.  I will put the blocks together and have on display for our shophop!!

Just a few collections coming in will be Modern Vintage, Happy Halloween, Sentiments, Elegance, Give Thanks ( all from Moda) – Northcott’s Quilts of Valor fabrics should be arriving soon as well.

Happy quilting!!

I am just loving this weather!!  I know some of you missed the snow and cold – and yes I know we needed more (or at least some) this year – but you have to admit how wonderful it is to hear the birds singing, the peepers peeping and the children laughing.  It’s amazing how the first signs of spring just brings out the smiles and laughter.  Speaking of which – there were alot of both on our trip to Pigeon Forge.  We are so thankful for the nice weather, safe travel and all the hard work the guilds go to in order to organize such a wonderful quilt show – and a big hats off to Music Road Hotel for hosting the show as well as making our stay so comfortable:)

We visited several quilt shops and even got to sit a spell with a couple of pattern designers and teacher/author Cynthia England.  Looking forward to sharing some new patterns and techniques in the near future with everyone.

We are adding a block of the month class here at the shop – features Maywoods U-Taupia. Class will begin on April 11th – so call or come in and save your spot.  (Look under classes for full description, class dates and picture)

Don’t forget to open those windows and let the fresh spring air fill your home – take a couple of minutes and enjoy God’s color palette that he has so lovingly given us.

Happy quilting

Phyllis

Greetings everyone!  Just a quick reminder to all that the shop will be closed on Tuesday – March 13th, 2012 – March 16th, 2012.  I will reopen on Saturday, March 17th at 9:00am.  We will be attending the quilt show as well as visiting a host of other quilt shops this week on our annual bus trip.  (For more info – click on tab above).  Hope to see many of you there for a great time of fun, friends, fabric, food and fellowship!!!

For those who haven’t been in the shop in the last few weeks, we have 3 Sisters Collection Papillon in; as well as Kansas Troubles Sandhill Plum collection.  Maywoods new block of the month is in and classes are being scheduled with Pat Habenschuss as the instructor. (starts in April – will keep you updated in a couple of weeks).  Marcus Brothers block of the month will be arriving in May – so watch for that update as well.

Follow us on facebook next week as we post pictures of our quilting journey

Has anyone noticed how fast 2012 is moving?? January has been wonderfully mild and almost “snowless” for us here in Hurricane – however, it just seems to be flying by.  We can’t let it slip away until we have our 16^th annual winter Open House!! The teachers have been working steadily throughout the month getting samples ready and dates scheduled for our upcoming classes.  New fabrics have been arriving – books, patterns and notions ordered – so – it’s time to invite everyone to come out and see what’s new for 2012.  Open House will be Saturday, January 28^th from 9:00am – 3:00pm.  Teachers will be here to sign you up for classes,  help select fabrics for your projects and to offer encouragement to all our beginners J  Fabrics will be $1.00/per yard off; books, patterns and notions 20% off; jellyrolls, layercakes – $5.00/off; and fat quarters $1.75/each.  I hope everyone can make it out to see the wonderful class samples and take advantage of the sale.

Class Schedules:

Cabin the Pines – A twelve month (block of the month) project designed by Jan Patek features a 76” x 76” pieced and appliqued quilt – showcasing  different seasons through your choice of applique method.  Cookie Ranson will be leading you through your preferred method  of applique– whether by hand or machine – you will be delighted to learn different “tidbits” of each method.  Class will be on Tuesday – Feb. 14^th,   March 6^th, April 10^th , May 15^th,  etc. – Class begins at 1:00pm until 3:00pm – Instructor fee: $5.00 class – Kits will be available by first class –   $99.00.

Squared Away  - A contemporary look that is sure to tempt all you batik lovers!!  Pat made this “Wonky One-Block Quilt” using an assortment of fat quarters and a contrasting fabric.  Her sample is 55” x 74” – lapsize; however, the book has directions for all sizes for those that would like to do a bed-size quilt. Fun, easy and just a touch of raw-edge applique rounds this project out.  Instructor: Pat Habenschuss – Dates: Wednesday, February 8^th, 15^th, and 22^nd – 10:00am – 3:00pm.  We will be breaking for lunch – you may either bring a lunch or go out J

Instructor fee: $30.00 – Book required $20.00. (Hint: we will be using this book later in a Thursday Sit & Sew)  Check out the new Moda Batiks in the front of the shop!!

Carpenter Star – An old-time favorite – “Simple Stars – Beautiful Quilts” is a wonderful beginner to intermediate class.  There are no “Y” seams or diamonds required to make this bed-size star quilt.  Jody has made a smaller crib size version as well (directions included in the book) to allow students an opportunity to see the pattern in different sizes.  Instructor:  Jody Postalwait – Dates: Saturday, February 4^th – 10:00am – 3:00pm and  Saturday, March 3^rd from 10:00am – 3:00pm.  Instructor fee: $35.00 – Book required $15.00

Snowman Block Exchange  -  February usually brings snow – snow brings memories of building snowmen as children, as well as making memories building snowpeople  with our children and grandchildren.  It was always fun to “dress” our snowmen different from each other as children – so why not bring that memory into our quilting classes??? Jody is going to lead 9 students on a snowman block exchange – yes – you design 9 of the same snowman block – and then trade with your classmates allowing everyone to have an array of beautifully dressed snowpeople!!  From cowboys to diva’s your snowpeople will definitely have personality – as well as help you make memories with your quilting buddies!

The “clothes” are fused on and blanket stitched by hand or machine.  Instructor: Jody Postalwait – Date: Saturday, February 18^th and March 24^th from 1:00pm – 3:00pm.  Instructor Fee: $20.00 – Kit and Pattern: $30.00.

Stars and Stripes – An AQS favorite book by Sharon Sebrow features an amazing technique using the Kaleidoscope Smart-Plate Ruler. The stars in this 94” x 94” bed quilt will be a snap as Pat walks you through this technique – everyone will be hooked on this method the minute you see this sample!! Instructor: Pat Habenschuss – Dates: Tuesday, February 28^th and March 7^th – 10:00am – 3:00pm. Instructor fee: $30.00.  Book and ruler required.

Delectable Mountains – An Eleanor Burns spin on an old traditional pattern has everyone asking for a repeat of this class. In the fall, Jody used a Christmas panel for the central focus and lots of greens and reds to highlight the sky’s and mountains – but for this class she was sure she wanted to think “spring”.  Moda’s Dogwood collection worked wonderfully but whatever fabrics you choose will surely bring this quilt to life.  Great beginner to intermediate class.  Instructor: Jody Postalwait.  Dates: Saturday, April 7^th and May 5^th – 10:00am – 3:00pm.

Instructor fee: $35.00 – Book required.

Thursday Sit n Sews:  Designed to be an informal class setting where everyone sews and shares ideas and tips on a particular theme. Each class will have a $5.00 fee to hold your spot – please pre-register as there are only 6 spaces available per week.

February 16^th –  Four patch stack n whack

February 23^rd -  Rag quilts

March 1^st – Square in a Square (how to use ruler)

March 22^nd – Square in a Square

March 29^th –  Wonky One Block

April 5^th – Cutting Corners

Neighbors Day – Second Thursday of each month from 10:00am – 3:00pm – Come sew with Millie, Clara, Janice and the gang – Pre-cut kits are provided by Millie for various types of blocks – all quilts are donated to different local charities.  This is a day to just bring your machine, positive attitude and expect a day of blessing and laughter!!

Mountain Quilt Quest Shop Hop –June 6^th – 9^th, 2012.  This year’s theme will be a “Quilters Village” – I will be chartering a bus to visit all 11 shops this year – will be leaving on Friday, June 8^th – @6:30am and returning on Saturday, June 9^th.  The cost will be $175.00 per person – and we will be staying overnight in Morgantown.  The cost will include bus travel, lodging and box lunch to be eaten on the bus. The hotel will have a continental breakfast – however, you will be responsible for your own evening meals.  Sign-ups are being taken now – and must be done before May 1^st – otherwise we will be cancelling the bus.  Hope you plan on participating as our shopowners are already busy preparing for this eventJ – More details will follow as they become available.

We have completed 122 pillowcases to date for the ConKerr Cancer challenge – thanks to everyone that has helped to make this possible.  We are each given gifts and talents to use and it is such a blessing to witness so many using their talents for such a worthwhile cause!!  We will continue to make and gather in pillowcases until the end of October – hope you will share your talents to help make a child’s day a little brighter

I’m excited about our shophop meeting tomorrow – getting to see all the foliage along I79 towards Flatwood – is going to be Beautiful!!!  Always fun to have our meetings and try to figure out what we are going to do next year to keep all you quilters hopping!

Newest fabric collection to arrive this week was Etchings by 3 Sisters (Moda).  Needless to say it is flying out the door – as is the layer cakes and jellyrolls of upcoming collection called Blueberry Crumb – Bolts will be in the shop in November if you missed out on the precut goods.

What an amazing show of color we are blessed to behold!!  This is when my creativity goes in overdrive – trying to mimick the color palatte that I so dearly love.  Lots of new fabrics arriving at the shop – French Generals Panier de fleur; Denim Paisley by In the Beginning Fabrics; Etchings by 3 Sisters; American Banner by Minnick & Simpson – lots more to come

This month is National Breast Cancer Awareness month – so last week we did our Sit & Sew on “Summer in the Park” using Northcotts Pink Jellyrolls.  Everyone had such a good time we decided we would use this Thursday to try it again – hope you can join us.

We are also challenging all of our quilting friends (and non-quilting friends) to help us with our 100 pillowcase challenge for ConKerr Cancer for children.  We have 43 completed this week & I cut another 24 kits for those that doesn’t have any novelty fabric. We will be having another sew-in this Friday for anyone that can lend a hand – just bring your sewing machine, basic sewing supplies and come sew with us from 10:00am – ??? If you want to furnish your novelty fabrics you will need 27″ pillowcase body; 11″ cuff; and a  1 1/2″ strip of contrasting fabric for each case you make.  Of course if you can’t make it to sew here at the shop but want to participate – we would love for you to drop your pillowcases off anytime this month – we will add them to the count and ConKerr representative will pick them up at the end of October.

Don’t forget if you signed up for Jody’s Twister class it is this Saturday from 1:00-3:00pm

God Bless!

Phyllis

Happy belated Labor Day – hope everyone enjoyed a few days off their normal routine and got to do some of the things you enjoy.  I know I did – Dave gathered in the green beans and corn and we started canning - (yes, WE – he’s really a big help) - added another 21 quarts & 7 pints of beans and 20 quarts of corn to our cupboard.  One more day of canning beans should complete our “harvest” for this year.  Always thankful for the garden vegetables,  for my mother who took the time and patience to teach me how to can them, and a wonderful husband to be my canning helper   Blessed.

We had our first Sit & Sew last Thursday – and I’m happy to report that it was filled.  We are also already filled for Sept. 15th – which means I’m going to have to really work to keep ahead of all you quilters   We enjoyed making our Dresdan Turkery tablerunners and yes we did get off course a little when Nita started making the ten-minute tablerunners – but we sure came up with lots of possibilities for that to.  That’s what Sit & Sews are all about – lots of fun and great ideas from everyone.  Hope to see lots of new faces and ideas in the future.

Pat Habenschuss taught her first class of the season – County Lines – and again had a full class.  Everyone choose such beautiful fabrics – going to be some really great quilts come from this class.  I always find it interesting to see how the pattern looks in different fabrics and I got to experience this one first hand - from batiks to sports -fabrics of all colors —this pattern really takes on a different look.   I am going to challenge each of our class participants to bring their completed class project back to the shop so we can put a picture here in the gallery for everyone to see just how this pattern looks in everyone’s favorite fabrics!!

Tomorrow is Thursday – Sept. 8th – and we’re having Neighbor’s Day – from 10:00am – 3:00pm.  Everything sewn on this day goes to different charities and community projects.  Millie has kits already cut for you to begin sewing – so bring your machine and basic sewing supplies and plan to spend the day.  Some go out for lunch – some bring theirs along – plenty of room for everyone -and definitely plenty of need.  If we run out of table room we can always use help with pressing, clipping and encouraging   Second Thursday of each month.  Some of the places the quilts go to is Veterans, Hospice, Habitat for Humanity – Hope you can join us!

Wow!! What a wonderful Open House – I love this time of year – getting to visit with so many of our friends – showing all the new quilts and projects we’ve been working on over the summer and enjoying the excitement of the coming classes!!

Pat’s Mystery Quilt class filled quickly – and since there is no way of having a “waiting list” for the mystery class – we will just have to see if she can do a different one in January – I encourage all those who weren’t able to signup for this class to take advantage of the other classes that are available.  There are just a couple seats vacant in most of the classes – sooo – come in and get your name and deposit down as soon as you can.

Special thanks to all those that helped in the shop to make this one of our best Open Houses — Margaret, Nancy, Trish, Marcy, Kay, Jean, Linda, Aarti, Mary, Nita and Gertrude – Cookie, Jody and Pat — what a wonderful “staff” we are blessed with

Welcome everyone!!  We are still working on our website but would like to ask everyone to help us get the link out to your quilting friends.  If they don’t receive email’s from us – this website is a good place to re-submit their email address and just glance through the classes and happenings here at the shop.

Open House will be on Saturday, August 27th from 9:00am – 3:00pm.

Classes are posted – but I’m waiting on some finishing touches on the samples before we can post pictures.  Teachers will be available to visit with and tell you a little about their projects – help you sign up and aid you in selecting fabrics.

Fabric will be $1.00/yard off regular price, fat quarters $1.75 each, (look for the bargain bags – 20 fat quarters for $25.00 – while supplies last), notions, books and patterns will be 20% off.  We hope you will be able to join us as we celebrate our 16th Open House here in Hurricane!!

We appreciate your support and patience while we finish “setting up” our website.

God Bless!!

Phyllis

Just a quick reminder to let you know we will be holding our annual Fall Open House on August 27th from 9:00am – 3:00pm.  Will be posting class schedules as well as shop news soon!!  Lots of Moda Christmas and Halloween fabrics already in the shop -