ONE DAY AWAY

It is Tuesday! We are ONE DAY AWAY from our biggest challenge, change, project QH has ever tried to tackle.  There will be mistakes, we will still be crawling along, learning as we go, but the end result should be amazing.

Customer Quilt quilted with Deer Hooves and Antlers.

Tomorrow, you will have to check out our NEW website!

Customer quilt quilted with Ocean Froth.

Close up of customer quilt quilted with Ocean Froth.

The class calendar, in my opinion, is much easier to operate, and you can even sign up for classes. You might just have to give us a few moments to get everything set up.

Customer quilt quilted with Meandering Circles. 

We are still working to get everything set up: every bolt of fabric, notion, ruler, etc had to be re-input.  That part has been gross!

Customer quilt quilted with Modernish.

I miss my sewing machine. Millie, our longarm quilting machine, has been putting in long hours, but that is the only machine that has really seen any operating time.  I miss it.

Customer quilt quilted with Americana Rounded Stars.

I’ve received two spectacular machines recently, and they are begging to be used. Soon.  I keep telling myself that it will happen soon. When it does, you bet I’ll be sharing with you.  TWO MACHINES! You will be meeting them soon.

Customer quilt quilted with Nested R&R.

Until then, I’ll be looking through photos on my phone and trying to share some of our older quilts that we have quilted.

 

See you at the machine,

-Care

What’s In a Name?

Happy 2018! It is a new year, and we have so many things on the agenda for the shop. I’m not a huge New Years Resolution person, but I am really hoping to find time to blog more this year.

 

With that said, I am also helping to continue learning more on Millie, and I started early learning new things this year. On Christmas Eve/Day, I quilted a custom quilt for my Brother-in-Law. Somehow, my two brother-in-laws have been able to convince me to only quilt custom for them. It has always been a large learning curve. Each time, I have learned new things, and thankfully the quilts always turn out great!

 

This particular quilt was a gift for the man officiating his wedding. The family’s last name starts with a G and they have three kids: Ellyn Beth, Jax Joseph, and Jones Dean. I promise we checked the spelling multiple times during this process, but it still made me nervous.

Devin, my brother-in-law, had the idea to quilt all of the childrens’ names into the quilt. It sounds easy, doesn’t it? Well… I couldn’t find an easy way to do it without a ton of jumps between every letter (A jump is when Millie stops sewing in one spot and moves to another spot. It leaves a stretch of loose thread that needs trimmed.), so I improvised. I spent quite a lot of time in PatternCad, a program in QuiltPath that allows a pattern to be “drawn”.

I grumbled quite often while “drawing” this pattern, but I love how it turned out. Now I want to do a similar quilt for my grandmother with all of the grandchildren’s names, but the idea of creating patterns for all of those names makes me worried.

 

See you at the machine,

Care

 

 

A Leap of Faith

It’s been awhile. And by awhile, I mean way too long. I’ve been working full time plus helping at the shop too many hours to count. This isn’t a pity-party, but a party because that has all changed now! 

I’m still at the shop too many hours to count, but that full time job is no longer on the table. I’ve taken a leap of faith, and I’m trying to follow a dream. (Or something like that….) 

My husband has decided that I am a “Professional Quilter; Occupation: Quilter.” He made that declaration as I walked in the door one week ago after my last day training my replacement at the full time office job. I think he was under the impression that I won’t need to add to my personal fabric stash, now that I’m around fabric all day. He has no idea.. 🙂 
Now that I’m at the shop, and supposedly have free time (I still haven’t seen any or that), we are going to start working of a few fun things we’ve been planning. We are also gearing up to announce our next few months of classes. So far, our classes have been successful, fun, and energetic, so we want to keep that going. 

Do you have any fun ideas that you would like to see added? 

I did manage to finish this quilt last week, so I will leave you with this picture. 
See you at the machine, 

•Care

Happy St. Patrick’s Day- FREE PATTERN

Top O’ The Mornin’ To Ya!  (I just looked up different St. Patrick’s Day sayings and came out somewhat empty handed. Thanks Google…)

 

Happy St. Patrick’s day!  As I sat in the car this morning before work, I realized that I had walked out the door without any green today… Thankfully, I had a green hair-tie in my car, but does that really count? We could get into the nitty-gritty, or I could share with you a fun, green pattern.  Let’s get to it, and hopefully it will make up for my lack of green wardrobe.

You can mix and match your fabric or use all the same.

 

Prep:

Dig in your stash for green and cream fabric. Or whatever floats your fancy.

 

You will need:

1/4 yard of green {clover fabric}

1/4 yard of tan/cream {background fabric}

One fat quarter {backing}

One fat quarter of batting

Two 2” strips {binding}

*You could also use mix and match your fabric as I did.*
 

Chopping Block:

Cut two 2.5” strips of clover fabric.

Now, cut 24 2.5” squares from the clover strips.

Cut two 2.5” strips of background fabric.

Now, cut 32 2.5” squares from the background strips.

Depending on the width of your fabric, you might need three 2.5” strips.

*Note: If you are unable to get the full 34 squares from these strips, you could also cut down the scraps in the next step to get the remaining squares.

Cut one 3” strip of clover fabric.

Cut this into four 3” squares.

*If you were unable to cut all your squares earlier, use the scrap from this step to cut the remaining squares.

Cut one 3” strip of background fabric.

Cut this into four 3” squares.

*If you were unable to cut all your squares earlier, use the scrap from this step to cut the remaining squares.

 

 

Stitchin’ Time:

For this step you will be using the 3” squares of background fabric and 3″ squares of clover fabric.

Take one of each square and place them right sides together. Draw a diagonal line from corner to corner.

Now sew a quarter inch on both sides of this line.

Repeat for all 3” squares.

Cut along the line you drew and press seam.

 

Trim these down to 2.5” squares.

You should end with eight half square triangle squares.

 

Assemble your block using the diagram.  Once assembled decide whether you want a stem or not.  It is personal preference.  I decided to add one using a scrap from an earlier step.  To attach it to my quilt I sewed lines through the stem multiple times.  I wanted it to look like veins on a leaf or stem, but also to be something fairly simple.  There are no rules here, just have fun and make it your own.

If you press your seams opposite directions for each row, it will be much easier to next each corner and patch your points.

When the top is complete create the quilting sandwich:

Backing fat quarter—Batting fat quarter—Quilt top

Pin, spray baste, or thread baste the sandwich so you can quilt it together.

 

Quilt however you desire: stitch in the ditch, horizontal lines, meander, the options are endless.

After quilted, trim edges and attach binding.

Finish by sewing the binding, and you will have a completed clover mini quilt.

Finished size: 16.5″ x 16.5″.

 

 

Instructions Without Pictures:

LUCKY, LUCKY

Prep:

Dig in your stash for green and cream fabric. Or whatever floats your fancy.

 

You will need:

1/4 yard of green {clover fabric}

1/4 yard of tan/cream {background fabric}

One fat quarter {backing}

One fat quarter of batting

Two 2” strips {binding}

*You could also use mix and match your fabric as I did.*
Chopping Block:

Cut two 2.5” strips of clover fabric.

Now, cut 24 2.5” squares from the clover strips.

Cut two 2.5” strips of background fabric.

Now, cut 32 2.5” squares from the background strips.

Depending on the width of your fabric, you might need three 2.5” strips.

*Note: If you are unable to get the full 34 squares from these strips, you could also cut down the scraps in the next step to get the remaining squares.

Cut one 3” strip of clover fabric.

Cut this into four 3” squares.

*If you were unable to cut all your squares earlier, use the scrap from this step to cut the remaining squares.

Cut one 3” strip of background fabric.

Cut this into four 3” squares.

*If you were unable to cut all your squares earlier, use the scrap from this step to cut the remaining squares.

 

Stitchin’ Time:

For this step you will be using the 3” squares of background fabric and 3″ squares of clover fabric.

Take one of each square and place them right sides together. Draw a diagonal line from corner to corner.

Now sew a quarter inch on both sides of this line.

Repeat for all 3” squares.

Cut along the line you drew and press seam.

Trim these down to 2.5” squares.

You should end with eight half square triangle squares.

Assemble your block using the diagram.  Once assembled decide whether you want a stem or not.  It is personal preference.  I decided to add one using a scrap from an earlier step.  To attach it to my quilt I sewed lines through the stem multiple times.  I wanted it to look like veins on a leaf or stem, but also to be something fairly simple.  There are no rules here, just have fun and make it your own.

 

When the top is complete create the quilting sandwich:

Backing fat quarter—Batting fat quarter—Quilt top

Pin, spray baste, or thread baste the sandwich so you can quilt it together.

Quilt however you desire: stitch in the ditch, horizontal lines, meander, the options are endless

After quilted, trim edges and attach binding.

Finish by sewing the binding, and you will have a completed clover mini quilt.

Finished size: 16.5″ x 16.5″.

 

 

 

 

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

See you at the machine,

• Care

 

T-Shirt Quilts, Teacup Spinning, and Team Work

Do you ever feel like you are cramming a week’s worth of living into one weekend. It is the end of the week, but everything starts spinning in fast forward motion.

I feel like I am on the teacup ride at Disney World with my husband and a family friend crammed into this little tea cup and they are spinning it so fast I cannot see anything outside the cup. You focus on the inside, and the only thing you can clearly see. The door is locked and you are stuck spinning away. That is my weekend, but I completely love it.

I am truly living every second of every weekend. I’m not sleeping it away or waiting for time to pass. I’m living in the moment, and enjoying it wholeheartedly. However, I’m a little tired. Many weeks and weekends with little sleep are causing my batteries to run low. Tonight, I am going to sleep early and I have announced this to my family. Hopefully these storms don’t get too nasty….

This weekend was our second sewing class- a full t-shirt class. This has been our most requested class, and it turned out to be such an exciting and all-around great class. Several people even finished their quilts!

We are almost certain two machines had smoke flying out of them as their owners earned several speeding tickets throughout the weekend, but we let them fly and loved their finished products.

My goal with every class is that each participant makes the quilt they truly want, not what is required. We have few requirements in our classes. There are so many different ways to sew, and we understand that. Things work for one person that do not work for someone else. We recognize this. My mom sews one way, and I sew a different way. Laugh if you will, but I was taught to cut by a left-hander (mom), so that is just a hilarious process unto itself. 

 There is no right or wrong- putting a needle through fabric is sewing. We will teach what we know and tricks and tips we have learned along the way. Most importantly, we will all have fun.

 
After a brief chat, everyone got to work. Baseball shirts, anniversary shirts, soccer, football, OSU, tie-dye, and fraternity—we saw so many different shirts and each quilt is incredible and different. 

As class progressed, I was even able to play on Millie a bit. I stayed late and came early to prepare quilts so it wouldn’t disrupt class. 

Two cute, matching KU quilts were finished, and we even took in a K-State quilt. We do not choose teams when it comes to quilting. 🙂 

A small table runner or wall-hanging also made its way across the machine. This one was incredibly pieced and I loved getting to add the quilting.

Our most popular thread this month has been Sand, and we quilted with it again this weekend. A fabulously, fun quilt with a flower pattern was screaming for gold thread. Sand has a way of looking like the perfect gold for quilting, and that is just what it looked like on this one. 

Two of the quilts this weekend used a fun color thread on a solid backing, which allowed the quilting to really pop. It creates a truly reversible quilt. 

I have yet another unfinished project since I couldn’t fully finish my OSU T-shirt quilt, but this is the first full week of the month, and that means it is WIP Week! I have two quilts that I will be working on and hopefully you will get to see finished pictures soon…
One last project that happened this weekend–my batting wall. Friday night I walked my amazing husband into the quilt intake room and pointed at the massive pile of batting and said I wanted something to fix it. Then I left the room. The result was this awesome wall that works perfectly! 

Our next class will be a Log Cabin quilt using the Creative Grids trim tool. I love the traditional log cabin block, so I cannot wait for this!

See you at the machine,

•Care

Traveling through Hyperspace… Or Just a Weekend

Weekends used to mean a time to relax, clean house, catch up on laundry, and go grocery shopping.  Now, they mean sewing and being surrounded by fabric! I’m fine with this tradeoff, but my house might be included in the next State of Emergency Alert.  Long days doing what I love, and an extremely understanding husband, make the tradeoff bearable.

This weekend was busy… and fabulous… and so much fun.  Friday I worked with Millie and caught up on random shop things including placing more inventory around the shop and ordering even more fun stuff.  Saturday we had our first class.  The Disappearing Nine Patch Class was a blast.  Although the pattern was the same, each quilt was vastly different.  I cannot wait to see the finished quilts.  Everyone made great progress during class, so ladies, don’t let that get buried in your unfinished project pile. I’m mainly talking to myself since I have had a partially finished D9P floating around in my car/backpack/sewing room for quite a while now.

Two of the quilts we finished this weekend were customer quilts.  One was a fun Bruin T-shirt quilt and the other was a GORGEOUS star quilt.  The t-shirt quilt was quilted using a pattern similar to the border print.

The Star quilt was quilted with a simple Damask pattern.  Can we have an honest moment for three seconds? This quilt made me nervous.  First, it is GORGEOUS.  I cannot believe the time spent on this quilt.  Secondly, the story behind it is one to break hearts and show love.  Every stitch was sewn with love, and I felt compelled to carry that through the quilting.  Lastly, it is just so breathtaking.  I was not the one to take this quilt in, so I had not seen it before I started loading it onto Millie.  Breathtaking.  Simply amazing.  I believe I asked my mom if they were sure they wanted me to touch it.  A few deep breaths later Millie started to hum.

The quilting pattern was perfect as it did not take away from the quilt piecing.  Thank goodness.  I would not have been able to handle it if the quilting changed this quilt in the smallest way.

Shout out to tall husbands and brothers.  Also chairs and friends.  Taking some of these pictures can be difficult but they put up with my “just a few more pictures” every single time.

The last quilt from the weekend (which is still on Millie) was a quilt my brother-in-law, Devin, has sewn.  He pixilated two Star Wars graphics and pieced them together using 3 1/2 inch squares.  I think there is a rule that you try to do anything a brother asks (I only have brothers), so we were jumping into the deep end and learning new things, left and right this weekend.

First, we wanted to keep the squares lined up.  The front and back were the same size and used the same 3 1/2 squares, so in theory they were to line up.  To handle this and knowing that the back sometimes shrinks up more while quilting on a Longarm we pinned the squares together all throughout the quilt.  I also attached leaders onto the backing so I would have enough space to attach the quilt to Millie.  On the last row of pinning, we found that there was an extra row on the top piece. Something was wrong.  The unpinning began and we finally found the problem in the middle.  We repined and were ready to start quilting.

Devin found two images he liked and wanted quilted throughout his quilt.  One was a TIE Fighter and the other was a X Wing.  At first, we tried pulling the images into Quilt Path, the program I use on Millie, but the program could not understand what line to draw next.  She was moving all over the place and creating around 45 “jumps” in one small square (Jumps are when the machine moves but does not sew, so you are left with long threads to trim).  I finally decided to draw each image line-by-line, so I could control what she would sew next.  I figured out how to upload a background image to “trace”, but it still took quite a bit of time, and it was a huge learning curve.  I was besties with that undo button.

I also reset the line and dot design he had found so it would fit in the different spaces.  We made different sized blocks so all of the lines and circles would stay the same size and not get stretched or scrunched when we set each block.  I set Quilt Path up to have four point marking in place.   Every block could be placed within the set boundary and not start to sew outside of the grid.  Although some blocks are off slightly, most are extremely close.

After all the blocks were designed and ready, I showed Devin how to place each block using the four point set up, pull the bobbin up, and get Millie to sew each blocks.  While he worked on this, I was able to work on a handful of other things around the shop.

Out of nowhere, we heard an awful noise and everyone started running to Millie as I kept saying “Press stop! Press stop!” Devin caught it, pressed stop many times, and we were there.  She broke a needle.  I tried looking for the other part of the needle and said a prayer that Millie’s timing was not messed up.  After looking underneath Millie, I quickly noticed the hook assembly looked out of place and way wrong.  To test, I put a new needle in and tried using the fly-wheel to make sure everything was okay.  It was not.  I jumped online and searched for the re-timing video APQS has recorded on YouTube.  A machine’s timing is correct when the needle can enter the bobbin basket as the hook assembly spins around at just the right time.  This creates a stitch.  Needle down, hook assembly spins, needle up, stitch created.  That is the simple way to say it.

When I realized the video was almost an hour long and knowing we still had quite a bit of quilting left to do, I called Brenda (The sweetest distributor from Barnsdall – Red Barn Quilting).  She confirmed my fear and said we really needed to watch the video and follow each step in order and fully.  I thanked her and turned back to the computer.  Here goes nothing…  After the first three steps, back up was called in.  My father-in-law was already at the shop, so he stepped in and I walked away.

I was a ball of nerves as the video continued; file this using an emery board, pull on this, unscrew and remove that.  Each step caused me more fear, and I was not helpful.  I quickly exited the room and worked elsewhere while they went at it.  On occasion they asked for my help, then I would quickly leave again. It was best this way.

Eventually she was back to sewing happily, which meant that I was back to being happy.  We began sewing again, this time moving on from the line design and starting on the X Wing blocks.  On the first block we all gathered around and were mesmerized by Millie (it happens quite often).

Devin continued placing the blocks and working away.  All that is left now are the vertical borders which I will finish up this week.  I need to work more in the design software to set those up.  This takes quite a bit of time and we were all exhausted last night.  Soon it will be finished.

All in all it was a busy but fabulous weekend. We accomplished quite a lot, chatted with friends, and finished quilts.  Learning new things is a key component of this journey and I am always pleased when things turn out well even if we have to take the long route to the finish line.

A new week awaits and another class, the t-shirt quilt class, is happening next weekend.

See you at the machine,

•Care

VALENTINE’S DAY FREE PATTERN

It’s Valentine’s Day and I miss making a paper mailbox so my friends could drop a sweet valentine into it and the school parties… Oh how I miss those! Since I will be working, sitting in a bland cubicle all day and not acknowledging the holiday, I thought I would leave each of you a special valentine. I hope you enjoy it.

 

How about a quick and easy mini quilt filled with love.

 

Actually, I think that is what I will name this mini, “Filled With Love.” It is even simple enough to whip up quickly and have finished before the day ends. Let’s get to it.

 

You can mix and match fabric or use all the same.

 

Prep:

Dig in your stash for red/pink and cream fabric. Or whatever floats your fancy. Personally, I think this would look beyond cute in purples, but I’m a purple girl.

 

You will need:

1/4 yard of red {heart fabric}

1/4 yard of tan/cream {background fabric}

One fat quarter {backing}

One fat quarter of batting

Two 2.5” strips {binding}

*You could also use mix and match your fabric as I did.*
 

Chopping Block:

Cut two 2.5” strips of heart fabric. 

​Now, cut 20 2.5” squares from the heart strips.

Cut two 2.5” strips of background fabric. 

​Now, cut 34 2.5” squares from the background strips.  

Depending on the width of your fabric, you might need three 2.5” strips.

*Note: If you are unable to get the full 34 squares from these strips, you could also cut down the scraps in the next step to get the remaining squares.

Cut one 3” strip of heart fabric. 

​Cut this into five 3” squares.

*If you were unable to cut all your squares earlier, use the scrap from this step to cut the remaining squares.

Cut one 3” strip of background fabric. 
​
Cut this into five 3” squares.

*If you were unable to cut all your squares earlier, use the scrap from this step to cut the remaining squares.

 

Stitchin’ Time:

For this step you will be using the 3” squares of background fabric and 3″ saquares of heart fabric.

Take one of each square and place them right sides together. Draw a diagonal line from corner to corner.

Now sew a quarter inch on both sides of this line.  

 

Repeat for all 3” squares.

Cut along the line you drew and press seam. 

Trim these down to 2.5” squares. 

You should end with ten half square triangle squares. 

Assemble your block using the diagram.

 

 

When the top is complete create the quilting sandwich:

​Backing fat quarter—Batting fat quarter—Quilt top

​
Pin, spray baste, or thread baste the sandwich so you can quilt it together.

Quilt however you desire: stitch in the ditch, horizontal lines, meander, the options are endless

After quilted, trim edges and attach binding.

Finish by sewing the binding, and you will have a completed heart mini quilt.

 

Finished size: 16.5″ x 16.5″. 

Instructions Without Pictures: 

FILLLED WITH LOVE 

Prep:

Dig in your stash for red/pink and cream fabric. Or whatever floats your fancy. Personally, I think this would look beyond cute in purples, but I’m a purple girl.

 

You will need:

1/4 yard of red {heart fabric}

1/4 yard of tan/cream {background fabric}

One fat quarter {backing}

One fat quarter of batting

Two 2.5” strips {binding}

 

Chopping Block:

Cut two 2.5” strips of heart fabric. 

​Now, cut 20 2.5” squares from the heart strips.

Cut two 2.5” strips of background fabric. 

​Now, cut 34 2.5” squares from the background strips.  

Depending on the width of your fabric, you might need three 2.5” strips.

*Note: If you are unable to get the full 34 squares from these strips, you can cut down the scraps in the next step to get the remaining squares.

Cut one 3” strip of heart fabric

​Cut this into five 3” squares.

*If you were unable to cut all your squares earlier, use the scrap from this step to cut the remaining squares.

Cut one 3” strip of background fabric

​Cut this into five 3” squares.

*If you were unable to cut all your squares earlier, use the scrap from this step to cut the remaining squares.

 

Stitchin’ Time:

For this step you will be using the 3” squares of background fabric and heart fabric.

Take one of each square and place them right sides together. Draw a diagonal line from corner to corner.

Now sew a quarter inch on both sides of this line.   

Repeat for all 3” squares.
Cut along the line you drew and press seam.

Trim these down to 2.5” squares.

You should end with ten half square triangle squares.

Assemble your block using the diagram.

 

When the top is complete create the quilting sandwich:

​Backing fat quarter—Batting fat quarter—Quilt top

​Pin, spray baste, or thread baste the sandwich so you can quilt it together.

Quilt however you desire: stitch in the ditch, horizontal lines, meander, the options are endless

After quilted, trim edges and attach binding.

Finish by sewing the binding, and you will have a completed heart mini quilt.

Finished size: 16.5″ x 16.5″. 

Happy Valentine’s Day! 

See you at the machine, 

•Care

WIP Week Wrap Up

{WIP= Work In Progress}

Wow! The week flew past, yet somehow I was able to finish a few things. I sure hope you were able to as well. 

First, I worked on a class sample. Our first class is February 25th and it is a beginner quilt class on making a Disappearing Nine Patch; although, any skill level could join. I have set up three different sizes: a queen layer cake friendly version, a charm pack friendly throw size, and a charm pack friendly crib/toddler version. 

This is such a fun, versatile pattern. I used a Moda Grunge layer cake and grey complementary fabric to whip up this sample. I actually really like it and cannot wait for it to be my new couch quilt. I am using Ellen Medlock’s fabric line to make the throw quilt size. It will be an excellent quilt for the spring with all the bright colors. I just started this one, though, so it is not making the leap to the finished quilt pile just yet.

In addition to the Disappearing Nine Patch quilts, Millie was a go getter. This weekend we quilted about 10 quilts. It was such a great weekend spent getting to see different quilts and how the quilting pattern changed the quilt for the better. Everyone has such a unique style that I just love.

We still have a few spots open for the Disappearing Nine Patch Class and Thursday is Open Sew Night at Quilter’s Hideaway! Last week we stayed sewing until after 9pm.

See you at the machine,

•Care

A Local Designer!

When we started this journey many people asked if we would have any locally manufactured fabric. We have truly tried to meet everyone’s wants and wishes. With that said, yes! We do have many fabric lines that are local or made in the USA, but we also have a local designer! Ellen Medlock is a designer who lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma. 
 
When we started talking, my mom remembered hearing of a local designer at different quilt shows and even remembered going into her shop some time ago. Many conversations later, we finally figured out her name and I was able to track her down. Although she has closed down her Tulsa shop, she still has an Etsy store and I found an email address. After drooling over her fabric line I asked… or begged… her to allow us the privilege of carrying several of her bolts. She said “Yes,” and I squealed in excitement. Not only is she local, I LOVE her designs!

Not love, but an oh-my-gosh-I-can’t-live-without-it kind of love! She uses bright colors and fun patterns. Her fabrics would be great in a kids quilt, but also work perfectly in so many other things. She has a panel to make a tote bag which is fabulous, and her kid’s counting book panel is to die for. It is just the cutest. 

I think it is safe to say we are enjoying this process and pulling in as many different types of designers and manufactures as we can. We are adding to our inventory weekly and making more orders just as often. We really hope you will let us know if there is something you’re wishing for.

Also, remember our first class is coming soon! It is a Disappearing Nine Patch happening on February 25th. I will be there, will you?

 See you at the machine, 

• Care

Millie, the machine, Earned Overtime This Weekend

Happy Monday!

Today feels like Wednesday, or maybe Thursday without the added excitement that tomorrow is Friday.  It just has the drag that we are pushing through another week.  The get up and go of a Monday following a relaxing weekend is nowhere in sight.  I’m tired.  The reason I’m tired is exciting, though.  We open THIS weekend!  I never thought the day would come, but there are only 4 more days until Grand Opening, and we will be ready.

I might be drinking caffeine which I normally avoid and running around with a slightly jumbled brain, but it is beyond worth it.  Dreams are coming true, y’all.  Yes, I just said “y’all” maybe I do need a little sleep…

I digress.  This weekend was a whirlwind of fabric, Millie working away, and things coming together.  We could open tomorrow, but there are still a few things I am hoping to finish up beforehand.  It feels a little like wedding-week or the week of a big performance.  These are the only things I can find comparison to at the moment, but both are very positive and we survived each in their own way, so this will be no exception.

First up, Millie earned overtime this weekend.  It started with a ginormous King-size purple and camo customer quilt.  The pattern was simple but executed well and I can only imagine how long it took to finish the mile-long seams from one edge to another.  We found a quilting pattern called antlers and deer hooves, and I am so happy we found it because there is nothing that could have been more perfect.  Take a look!

Next, we pulled out my most favorite panel that just came in.  I wanted it visible for you to be able to see, and decided to toss it up on Millie and play.  Bruce the Moose came to life with an acorn precisely placed on his nose… snout?… I didn’t plan that, but maybe I should say I did? The acorn adds to the overall playfulness of this quilt.  It is a favorite for sure.

Bruce will hang in our kid room along with a cradle my grandfather made for me.  Our shop is filled with family and love.  Much of the furniture is from my grandmother’s house when she passed away.  The sewing machine my mom learned on which was purchased and owned by my great-grandmother sets in front of a quilt that my mom watched my great-grandmother sew using remnants of tattered clothing.  My mom’s first quilt hangs along with my first quilt-the difference is incredible, but each quilt showcases our tastes in a funny way.  Each quilt hanging in our store holds a story, as every quilt does.

The furniture in our shop, though many of the pieces are from IKEA, includes several family pieces: the cabinet puzzles were kept in at my grandmother’s, crates my husband built for our wedding, my mother-in-law let us borrow furniture, more of grandmother’s furniture, pieces made by my grandfather for me, and so much more are all mixed together.  It was fun creating the feel of our shop and trying to find ways to mix the old and new, much like mixing older fabric from your stash with new for a quilt.

After Bruce the Moose was complete, I worked on another customer’s quilt.  This one used hand-dyed fabric.  I love seeing all the different ways people create quilts and how their personality is showcased through fabric.

This quilt was yellow with pieced triangles and we found an all over triangle pattern to quilt on it.  I love how it turned out.

After Millie had a few seconds of a break, I needed one last thing finished before the weekend was over.  I had great plans of piecing a quilt for the back of our checkout area’s dresser.  We have it turned backwards so the drawers can be used for storage, but it left a slightly ugly back.  Time just kept sneaking away, and I made the decision to take a solid piece of fabric and try quilting it much like a Wholecloth quilt. It is not perfect, actually far from perfect, but it will work.  It also gave me a reason to use purple thread! Where are my purple loving friends??

Once it is cut down to size and binding attached, it will do the job.  I will keep practicing and one day, I will make a Wholecloth quilt. I just love how they look.

I think that about wraps up our weekend.  More boxes are due for arrival on Wednesday, and we will send out our first Newsletter tomorrow or the next day.  If you would like to be included in our newsletter, please send me an email with “newsletter” in the subject (quiltershideaway@gmail.com)

Don’t forget, you can have your own Bruce the Moose if you come to the Grand Opening on SATURDAY!

See you at the machine,

•Care

Squirrel moment: every time I post a blog, I worry about all of my high school and college English teachers reading it.  I’m sorry to all teachers and grammar enthusiasts trudging through my many issues. You are a champ for continuing to read these posts. Thank you!

FOUR MORE DAYS!!