Stash Builders!

Last week we opened a few boxes that were delivered by none other than our UPS man, Greg.  The boxes contained some FANTASTIC stash builders! 










We took advantage of some awesome sales that our distributors are offering and we are passing them on to you! 

Just look at some of the AMAZING bolts we have added to our clearance section!!!

Hurry in before Wendy returns from her vacation, because when she has a chance to look at these bolts there may not be any left for the rest of us! ;-) Love ya Wendy!

BE SURE TO CHECK OUR BLOG MONDAY FOR AN EXCITING EVENT TO BE ANNOUNCED!

More Progress!

The classroom all framed in :-)

A new opening cut into a wall

Here are a few more pictures showing you some progress on our new location!  I go in every day just to see what is new and different, I am never disappointed.

Another view of the new cut out

The new front entrance is looking good!

Today the 'Steve the painter' began his work (do you hear the theme song for Bob the Builder anyone?); and oh my goodness does he have a lot of work!

new paint in the kids area

Keeping track of the remodel is not the only thing that has been keeping us busy around here.  We have been busy cutting fat quarters of new fabric lines, receiving some of the best books I have seen for a while, along with planning new quilts to make for the store.

Here is a peak at just a few of them....

for Lakehouse

Summer House by Anka's Treasures

for Moda

Hope to see you soon!!

It's Time for a Tutorial!

I am so ready for some sunshine, how about you?  I love this time of year when we are deep into winter and I get to bring a little sunshine in my house with my Valentine decorations.  I have wanted to make a headband using our fun metal blanks and thought this was the perfect time for it.  Wouldn't your little cutie-pie look adorable wearing this!

Sweet Valentine Headband

 So let's get started....... gather your supplies. You will need

•  one headband blank (available at the store)
•  1 or two scraps of green wool and/or wool felt
• 3 buttons
• 3 scraps of fabric for the flowers (approximately 4" each)
• 1 - 2-1/2" x 13" fabric to cover headband
• glue gun
• basic sewing supplies
• 1/2 yard ribbon

Now let's put it together. (I hope you don't mind, but I like pictures and so this tutorial is full of them, bear with me)

• From two of your flower fabrics cut a 2-1/2" circle, from the remaining fabric cut one 3-1/2" circle.
• Mark the center of each circle with a pencil. 
• To create flowers fold one edge of circle up to meet your marked center.

• Rotate and fold up the edge of the circle so that point A (see illustration) meets up with marked center. Continue rotating and folding, each time having the outer right fold point meet up with the center mark. 
• Tack at center point to keep folds from opening up.
• Sew a button in the center. Note: The folds are the "right" side of the flower.  Repeat for all circles.
• Cut out two leaves from wool or wool/felt approximately 2" long and 1-1/4" at the widest part.
• Tie a double bow with ribbon. 

• Fold headband cover fabric lengthwise right sides together. Sew a scant 1/4" seam along the long edge. 
• Sew a 1/4" seam along one end, with the seam down the center. Turn right side out.
• Slip over the metal headband with the seam on the inside.
• tuck raw edge in at the end. Hand stitch or hot glue -opening closed.

• Glue leaves in place beginning approximately 3-1/2" from end. 
• Glue largest flower in place.
• Glue two additional smaller flowers next overlapping.
• Finish by gluing double bow under the edge of the small flowers.

I hope you enjoy!

SANDY

It Has Begun.....

We have known for at least four months that we would be moving into a larger space here in Gardner Village, but it is hard to believe that the time passed so quickly and now the move is only a few weeks away!!!  FINALLY we can see the progress and changes being made to the building in preparation for our MOVE!!  Here is a look at the progress....

main floor

preparing an exterior wall for a new main entrance

a look up into the classroom on our 2nd floor

new main entrance

Each week I will post more pictures of the progress :-) along with revealing a few surprises we have coming up before moving day!  SO STAY TUNED!!

Thrilling Thursday!

Yes, I am behind a day again.  But I believe this time of year we are all excused a little delay, aren't we?  At least I hope you do :-)

Here is a peak at some new things in the store....

Remember, there are only four more days to use your 12 Days of Christmas punch cards AND your Hometown Values magazine coupons!!

Hope to see you soon!

A Light in the Midst of this Darkness

Everywhere I go, I hear people talking about the awful tragedy in Connecticut last week.  And amidst all the thoughts and feelings of darkness, there are people who are a shining light.  Take a look....

 











An incredibly inspiring twist on a Christmas poem

Twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38
when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.
Their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.
They could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.
They were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say.

They remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.

"Where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.
"This is heaven." declared a small boy. "we're spending Christmas at God's house."
When what to their wondering eyes did appear,
but Jesus, their Savior, the children gathered near.

He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.
then He opened His arms and He called them by name.
And in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring
those children all flew into the arms of their King.

And as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.

And as if He could read all the questions she had,
He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad."

Then He looked down on earth, the world far below
He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe
then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"
"May this country be delivered from the hands of fools"
"I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"

Then He and the children stood up without a sound.
"Come now my children, let me show you around."
Excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.
all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.
And I heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,
"in the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."

And from Sarah Jane Studios

http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=a74f6d37d836582b4a9b7bcb0&id=2bd6c5a39e&e=82021b486c

May the Spirit of Christmas heal all our hearts, especially those families who lost so much last week!

Mystery Monday is complete!

Chapter 4 is in and the Mystery is Solved.

We picked a new fabric from Dear Stella for the border because it looks like a knitted sweater. This picture doesn't show the binding, I have to pick that out at the shop today. Any suggestions?  I'm thinking frame it up  with another aqua piece.

This quilt is appropriate for today's weather don't you think!  Bella was curled up at my feet the whole time I was quilting it this morning. The wind freaks her out and so she's glued to my side anytime the wind blows. 

That's my Bella. Time for a grooming and lookin a little scruffy. Now that I mention it, I'm in need of a grooming myself  :)