Cock-A-Doodle Quilts

Stop the presses.......

noreply@blogger.com (Cock-A-Doodle Quilts) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 07:37:00 +0000

It was a very productive day today! The car wouldn't start so Barb picked me up and off we went to the store with a quick pit stop at Camisso's to pick up fresh bread for lunch.

I headed for the office right away and got the Newsletter sent off to my amazing printer (Superior Printing - if you need fast and fabulous, he's your guy). I then sent it off to our web guy (who hopefully has posted it by now) and we were off to the races.

I also managed to get the car in for service finally and should have it back tomorrow some time so I had to rely on Barb and Rich as taxi service for the day. In anticipation, Rich and I picked up stamps and headed back to the store......

The printed Newsletter arrived at 6:00 P.M. and Barb and I set up the TV and our work station - ordered Swiss Chalet as a treat, and then stuffed, sealed and stamped envelopes.....In record time (by 11:00 P.M.) we were done.

Since I'm taking the pictures, you don't get to see me stuffing, but the big messy pile is mine.......

By 11:30 P.M., we were off to the races.......in a blinding snow storm (okay, so it was just snowing).....

Rich and I hopped in the truck and headed for Gateway Postal Depot............................

Where Rich stuffed three mailboxes..........................

While it snowed all over us.......................

Well at least he was smiling and really stuffing those mailboxes........

They should be arriving at your mailboxes by Wednesday. I can't believe that the boxes say pick-up at 17:00 hr - that is so lame, it is right outside of the sorting depot for heaven sakes! Oh well, we'll see! I still think it's faster this way......

Needless to say I got NO quilting done today, but, I did order a whole bunch of new patterns from P3 Designs which hopefully will arrive before the Open House which is on January 14th, 15th and 16th!

Hopefully tomorrow I'll get some quilting done too! (It was one of my resolutions - to quilt at least an hour every day!) We'll see how long I can keep that up......

Time to get to bed - I started reading My Sister's Keeper so I'm itching to get back to it.....Good Night everyone!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Sharing......

noreply@blogger.com (Cock-A-Doodle Quilts) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 06:33:00 +0000

Like all quilters, I too resolve to finish UFO's every January! So, I'm not sure if you remember this little project I was working on not so long ago, I came across it again today lying in the bottom of a project bag in my office......well I finished all the blanket stitch tonight while watching Heartland. Since the back is a muslim-like fabric, I wrote a short history on the back and layered it up for quilting......

I realized there wasn't a lot of quilting needed so I quilted it and got the binding on. I will put a small sleeve on it and get the binding done while I'm watching TV tomorrow night. We're going to order a few kits in for those of you who think it's cute (I still like it quite a bit!) however, I will forewarn you that the kit is pretty precise on the fabric cuts.....although in the end there was enough to do the binding from what was provided, I was a little skeptical so I picked something from my stash! Look for the kits in a couple of weeks!

That's one down (one more than last year I think! - I honestly don't remember completing ANY UFO's this past year!)

I then proceeded to make the pieced borders for the "Ditch Flowers" and managed to get one border on before I ran out of steam......

The jury is still out on the Tri Recs Tool by EZ Quilting which I ran all over "hell's half acre" to find when I bought the pattern and found out I needed this tool! In fact I think Marti Michell's Sashing Tool will work just as well if not better but I will have to experiment first - will let you all know after I get the sashings done for the Block of The Month. It actually may be my original piecing of the background was a little off - I mean seriously, this is 7 years in the making! Seams change - ha, ha! At any rate, I do hope to have it completed this week some time ( The Ditch Flowers - hmmm, and maybe Marti's American Beauty too!)....

All in all I think it was a pretty productive day!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Happy New Year Everyone!

noreply@blogger.com (Cock-A-Doodle Quilts) — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 08:24:00 +0000

Happy New Year everyone! We would like to wish all of you a Happy, Healthy and productive New Year!

It has become the tradition at Cock-A-Doodle that on New Year's Eve I prepare a holiday meal and a few of us get together to Sit & Sew. The preparations usually start days before and there was no exception this year. I did the food shopping earlier in the week and had plans to make one of my famous desserts but alas it was not to be.

There was a newsletter to get out and I got busy Wednesday in an attempt to get it done. So busy that I missed the deadline to get the cake done in time. No worries, I knew where I could get something delicious! So I continued working away until around 2:00 A.M. when I decided I'd better get home and get some sleep.....

Off went the lights, bags in hand, pack up the car, alarm on, lock the door and......you guessed it! The car wouldn't start! Back into the store and now what???? If I called OnStar again they would come and boost me and I'd have to let it run for an hour. By the time they got there it would be 3:00 A.M. - so I called my son and said I was sleeping on the couch at the store!!!!

Hah! I was so angry (at myself for not dealing with the battery problem) that I just couldn't get to sleep so at 4:00 A.M. I called a cab and went home to bed.....not so fast....I was still wired up so I got into bed and started reading.

Did I tell you I was reading The Lost Symbol - well around 5:00 A.M. I hit this really crucial part and I couldn't put the book down - you know how that is? right??? Didn't fall asleep until 7:00 A.M..

It's now New Year's Eve and I don't wake up until 1:00 P.M. - I still have shopping to do and cooking to do and I have no car! Rich comes to my rescue (as usual) and takes me shopping and boosts the car (too late to get a battery today!) and drops me at the store.....

I want to make dinner rolls - oh please! So out comes the breadmaker and I read the recipe and dinner's gonna be late! (Cuz I want to make dinner rolls!!!)

Seriously, I couldn't find any at the store or I would have bought some! Dinner was supposed to be at 7:00 P.M., lucky if we eat by 9:00 P.M.!

So - we serve appetizers to keep everyone from murdering the chef! Great idea - I mean some people don't eat until midnite on New Year's Eve! Then I have a major meltdown because I forgot to read the recipe for the Gorgonzola Sauce which takes an hour and I started it late......okay! This will happen!

....and finally dinner is served (I had to put the beef back in the oven - it was still mooing!).......

The Menu was -

Filet of Beef with Gorgonzola Sauce

Roasted Garlic Potatoes

Asparagus Spears

Roasted Tomatoes

Sauteed Mushrooms

Red Wine (Thanks Gillian! I needed that!)

Dessert was also amazing..............

Lynne contributed Brownies (homemade) and Shortbread

Flo brought Mincemeat Pies

I bought a Chocolate Mousse Cake

and Laurissa made Lemon Squares (to die for!)

....and I got NO sewing done! By the time we finished dinner it was after 10:00 P.M. and I needed to get that kitchen cleaned up so no one else would have to clean my mess......However, we all had a great time - Laurissa was working on this gorgeous applique - she didn't even bring her machine!...and also on her Baltimore Album!

Last one to leave was Elaine - she was working on a Bread Basket - oops! no it's a purse/bag from clothesline (looks like a class to me! - maybe in the Spring!) I didn't get a picture but check out her blog (link on the side bar) - she's got great pics!

Then Laurissa and I shut down the lights and guess what! The car started! (Phew!!!)

Yesterday was another "lazy" day for me! I literally slept the day away (after I finished reading The Lost Symbol - great book!!! I really enjoyed it - really makes you think!). I then worked on another project - NO IT IS NOT A NEW PROJECT!!

It's a wallhanging I started about 7 years ago and it's been on my UFO list for awhile (7 years - duh!)! It's actually on of the UFO's I can get done quickly and it involved alot of hand work so since I was watching TV - I pulled it out and got some of the blanket stitching done last night....

Today was Healing Heroes Day at the store and the ladies were busy quilting tops they had finished - it was great to see them at work! I headed for the back room and finished the NEWSLETTER - if all goes well you should have it in your mailboxes and e-mails by Wednesday.

The Open House is the 15th, 16th and 17th so mark your calendars. There are some really fabulous classes coming up - alot of new technique classes and a number of Blocks Of The Month - one of them is pictured below!

Patchwork Sampler by Lori Smith

Laurissa is teaching this fabulous pattern in 12 parts! I'm tempted to do it myself - I just love this pattern BUT I'm thinking I have enough to do right now!

Tonight I came home and planted myself in front of the TV and completed the blanket stitching on my wallhanging and cut all the triangles, etc. for the pieced border......may even get it finished tomorrow night!

I've made a few resolutions which I won't share right now because I have blabbed on way too much tonite......tomorrow is another day!

Happy New Year again and Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

What did I do?

noreply@blogger.com (Cock-A-Doodle Quilts) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 20:47:00 +0000

We actually closed for 3 days! That is the first time in 3 years we have been closed consecutively for 3 days! What did I do????

Day 1 - I slept! ....and watched movies! By the evening I had had enough sleep so I cut 40 pairs of Sashing Star Points for the Marti Michell quilt. Then I slept again! (Must have needed that sleep!?!)

Day 2 - I tackled my laundry room and 5 loads of laundry....and since I was downstairs near my studio (hadn't been down in months, except to get things I needed and give it a quick clean). I usually just run in, get what I want and leave so I didn't notice what Simon had been up to....If you remember my Country Haven Quilt that I was working on, well I left everything out on my cutting board including all the pre-cut strips and Simon made the whole pile of fabric Simon's Haven.

QUILTING TIP OF THE DAY - If you have pets, store your projects in plastic containers or bins. That way when you aren't working on them they are safe from "nesting" animals. (I spent over an hour last night using a lint brush to remove all the cat hair painstakingly from each strip of fabric - serves me right!) It will also keep it clean until you go back to it!

However, I did manage to finish quilting the Table Runner that Kathy made a few months ago with fabric from Lakehouse....Sharon is busy putting binding on right now.....so it will soon be officially DONE! That's one project out of the way! I also worked on backing for a small quilt (I'll show you when it's done)

Then I went upstairs to watch Quantum Solace which was on one of the movie channels and I cut out another 40 pairs of Sashing Star Points so that's done! I also started cutting squares for my second quilt from Lori Smith's Fit to Frame #1 pattern.

Day 3 - Continued laundry, continued cleaning and went to the store - you knew I couldn't stay away for 3 whole days! Barb met me there and we baked 4 loaves of Amish Friendship Bread (the main reason I went to the store - it had to be baked that day)......and I did a little work on the Marti Michell! We went back to my house to watch Julie and Julia (5 stars as far as I'm concerned - Barb and I both enjoyed it!) and I worked on the Hand Quilting Sampler from Alex Anderson's book which I completed last night and which Sharon is putting binding on today. (...will post a pic once it's COMPLETE!)

So - yes I got some much needed rest, and yes I got lots of stuff done that needed to be done but I still need 8 more hours in a day!

Here's what the Marti Michell looks like now! (I'm still loving it!) I will be working on Sashings tonight I think......probably just getting them ready! I also have to work on the newsletter which is now THE PRIORITY!

Now that Christmas has come and gone I can unveil the best thing EVER! A custom made DESIGN WALL!

About 2 weeks ago we got a call from a husband of one of our customers looking for a Design Wall and where he could get one! I, without thinking twice said, "Richard can make one"! Oops! Well, after getting all the specs and finding out exactly what he wanted - Richard came up with this! It is

6' x 4' and can hang on the wall either way (horizontally or vertically). It was made so that the batting can be easily changed or tightened when necessary and it is very sturdy but not that heavy. He really did an awesome job. He's already taking orders! Of course he was ready to murder me in the beginning but after having built the Design Wall in our classroom and one in my home studio he knew what he was doing, so it didn't take long before he came up with a great design for a free hanging model.

On that note, I guess I should get back to that Newsletter so you can all see the great line-up of classes and BOM's we have in store for the New Year!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Merry Christmas........

noreply@blogger.com (Cock-A-Doodle Quilts) — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 03:15:00 +0000

Merry Christmas everyone, have a Happy and Safe Holiday!

We were supposed to close at 4:00 P.M. today but this is a picture of the store at 5:00 P.M. - those die-hards just can't get enough fabric. Since we will be closed for the next three days (December 25th, 26th and 27th) - I guess I can't really blame them.......

After everybody finally left (around 6:30 P.M.), Sonia and I got really busy and guess what? I got Block 11 done......

.....and Block 12.....

Just a little background here! When I shop for fabrics and Block of the Month ideas it's sometimes very hard to make a choice. Originally when I saw the picture of this quilt I wasn't convinced, it just looked too busy......

I really thought the fabrics would just overpower the designs but then they showed me the fabrics and I fell in love with them.......I'm honestly not a "flower" person but these fabrics are so "fresh" looking, I was hooked! So I had to see more......

I just couldn't leave it like that.......12 blocks done?! So, since the corner triangles were all cut and ready to go.......

I am absolutely in love with this quilt.....keeps me motivated......

The seventh Block is on the ironing board! But I thought I'd go home and relax (although Sonia relaxes me).....however, slight snag there! Around 9:00 P.M. I cleaned up the kitchen, started the dishwasher, packed up my stuff to go home, shut down the lights and locked the door......

Put my bags into the car (it will be a White Christmas after all!) and got into the driver seat and nothing, nada, zilch! DEAD BATTERY! Luckily I have OnStar - so unlock, alarm off, call OnStar! They tell me 45 minutes and you know what?! It really was less than that - congratulations CO-OP Towing (the last time they told me 45 minutes it was 3 hours)! Well done! Took him awhile to get it to turn over but finally we had ignition......now I have to let it run for at least 1/2 hour so, since I live less than 3 minutes away I am hanging out here and letting it run.......

At this rate I'll be waving to Santa as he passes overhead (or I could go play with Sonia some more!).........I could think of worse places to be stuck! I mean really a "fabriholic" stuck in a quilt store!?! How bad could that be?

Have a wonderful holiday everyone, enjoy family and friends and most of all - BE SAFE!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann and The Chicks - Sharon, Kathy, Mary, Nancy, Judith and Barb

Way cool.......

noreply@blogger.com (Cock-A-Doodle Quilts) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 04:57:00 +0000

So, last night my son called the store around 6:30 P.M. looking for food. I was on a roll working on Blocks 7 and 8 of the Marti Michell. The original plan was to go food shopping Wednesday night (that way we would actually still have food in the house for the 24th and 25th - he's a Hoover!) but, Jonathan suggested gently that we go last night, (he didn't want to go Wednesday night, I think there's a basketball game on or something.) so I packed up 3 bags of projects to take home and off we went.

Got home around 8:30 P.M. and positioned myself in front of the TV with my 17" Spinning Cutting Mat and began cutting the 1" borders (48) and the corner triangles (48) for the Marti Michell. Well - I have found the most phenomenal tool!

Owning a quilt store does not mean that you have had the opportunity to try all the gadgets and gizmos you stock in the store. It would be nice but sometimes it's just impossible. Because I am doing the sample for the Block of The Month, I am using all the recommended tools - Set L Templates,

the Diagonal Set Triangle Ruler and the Sashing Set. After all it is a Marti Michell pattern so it makes sense to use her tools......

I am completely, utterly hooked on the Diagonal Set Triangle Ruler (shown below) - you know the size of the finished block you want to put corners on, you cut to that size on the ruler. It shows you the exact size of the strips you need - I had 48 corners cut in less than an hour.....If you've never used this method - I highly recommend it! I can't tell you how many "on point" quilts I've made and what a pain it was to cut the blocks or corners - this is just too easy!

I added InvisiGrip to the back, or you can get the Sandpaper dots to secure the ruler on the fabric and away I went......I used InvisiGrip on all the Set L Templates as well - really keeps them from shifting while you are cutting.

It was nice to be home for a change last night and got me ready for today......I will remind you what MY desk looked like last week....

Total chaos! I had to get some paperwork done today and I just couldn't look at this anymore, besides there were bills buried in this mess that needed to be paid! So I spent 3 hours working at putting things in order and although the next picture may not look like it's in order, I know where everything is!

Personally I think it looks much better now! It can only get better! So that deserved a little relaxation with "Sonia".......and so I finished Block 7 -

....and Block 8.......

.....and Block 9........

.....and Block 10......

Sonia and I did very well and Block 11 is almost completed.......I am really enjoying this quilt! Each block is nicer than the last and I am so pleased with how it is coming together......I've forgotten how much fun the Templates can be - some of these blocks have over 50 pieces but you really don't notice it until you've actually got it together! Marti's instructions are fantastic, easy to follow and suddenly the block is done!

It's getting late - I finished piecing around 11:00 P.M. and wanted to go home and cut my second Lori Smith from Fit to Frame #1 but I'm not sure I have the energy...

I may be ahead of Elaine in piecing the Marti Michell but she far surpasses me in projects completed.....she gets so much done in a day! I am in awe - she makes me tired! On that note, feeling that I accomplished a great deal in this 24 hour day, I will say good night!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

We've been busy........

noreply@blogger.com (Cock-A-Doodle Quilts) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 22:30:00 +0000

The last two days have been crazy! We received two huge shipments from our suppliers yesterday and we have been busy getting everything marked and out...calling customers for special orders and getting ready for the holiday.....

I'm happy to report we have 6 more copies in of FibreArt Montage by Judith Baker Montana (the last 6 didn't last 24 hours in the store!)......it is an absolutely gorgeous book!

We also got in a HUGE shipment of EQ 6 (Electric Quilt) and LOADS of EQ Compatible Software.......EQ 6, EQ 6 Upgrade if you already have EQ 5, and Quilt Wizard if you want to try your hand at designing quilts but don't want to make to big an investment. NEW in the store are EQ Printables Foundation "paper" and clear overlays and of course the EQ Printable Fabric is available.

....and then there's the compatible software packages......Dear Jane and Dear Hannah........

.....The Best of Quiltmakers 2007 and a lovely Robyn Pandolph book and CD called Stitched with Love.......

and to build up your block libraries in EQ there are - Town & Country Patchwork, Stars & Sets by Judy Martin and AnglePlay Blocks by Margaret J. Miller.......

If that's not enough there are the Classic Applique Series......., Baltimore Album, Folk Art and 1920's & 1930's Applique Blocks........We'll soon be changing the name of the store to Quilters' Computer Cache! (I can't wait to try out all the software.......I'm thinking I'll start designing in my spare time!)

Actually, in my spare time I made another block - Block 5.......

...and I looked at the photo and noticed something was not right with the world! So, I fixed it......

and then to top it off, I made Block 6..........Seriously, I had that much spare time......no, not really but we won't get into why I was still at the store the other night until 3:30 A.M. with nothing to do except quilt.......

I am absolutely loving these blocks and the way the templates work so well, I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed doing Marti Michell templates...... My blocks come out very uniform in size and each of these blocks has over 30 pieces.....it's a miracle, not to mention I love the fabrics.......

I am planning on getting a couple more blocks done tonight......haven't checked Elaine's blog to see where she's at but I think I'm well ahead, and I'm off to quilt now!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Dog Day Afternoon......

noreply@blogger.com (Cock-A-Doodle Quilts) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 05:48:00 +0000

So, let's start with yesterday before we head for the Saturday Dog Day's..........

The UPS truck arrived with loads of fabric so Sharon and I spent a couple of hours marking, cutting and moving....

First there is - Turn of the Century from Exclusively Quilters.....

..........and for a closer look...........

Then there's some great landscape fabrics........

And last but not at all least, there's Froggie's - adorable, colourful and lots of fun prints and co-ordinates....

And I too, have Block 2 done of the Marti Michell Block of the Month - American Beauty!

Last night was our monthly Sit & Sew and Lynn got her two quilts back from Margaret Mitchell who did a wonderful job quilting them both.......

They are for her twin grandson's - for their big beds........the boys are 3-1/2 aand sound like two handfuls but they will just love the bright colours in these quilts - I believe the fabric is the Califon line that Mark Lipinsky designed for Northcott......

Oh yeah, and here's Block 3 of American Beauty............

Today was our Block of The Month day however, it being the Saturday before Christmas, everyone seemed to be working on everything BUT their Block of the Month........Liz got this cute little paper pieced snowman quilted (She took Barb's paper piecing class a couple of weeks ago and I think she's made 3 or more)........

Libby stopped by in the afternoon with the new puppy - Luna, she is absolutely the cutest! Her paws are bigger than she is. She's adorable!

.....and Karin happened to have Blackie out in the car so he was invited in for a play date with Luna....they had a great time! If only we could teach them to quilt.....we could double our output! I'll have to have a chat with Bosley when I get home...he's gotta stop eating the fabric first!

Oh my look at this! Here's Block 4 of the Marti Michell...........I was really on a roll tonite!

Block 5 is almost done as well - I think I may go home and start cutting sashing, I think I'm going to need it sooner than I thought..........I'll have to go check Elaine's blog (there's a link on the right side of our blog) to see how far she's gotten, but I think I'm well in the lead now.......We'll see if I can keep up the pace!

I have to start working on the "other" Block of the Month quilt too! All the fabrics will be arriving on Monday and that one is machine applique so I have to start cutting right away......

I also started the newsletter today and I have to say - we have some really fabulous NEW classes coming up as well as another weekly Sit & Sew day......I'm getting excited and I really need to get home and get to bed....

Tomorrow is another day....

Happy Quilting Everyone!

Jo-Ann

Okay, so it took 3 days.......

noreply@blogger.com (Cock-A-Doodle Quilts) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 03:57:00 +0000

I promised to take you to the "Dark Side" three days ago but for me it was just yesterday! You know what they say......."time flies when you're having fun!"

As most of you know I have been in the throes of giving up my "other" business and it has been taking up a large part of my days and nights. The last three days was spent racing to complete two year ends for the accountant and I just came back from delivering the second one to him in Unionville. Phew! just under the wire......but done!

Then there is "cause and effect" which created the "Dark Side". Beyond the classroom is the kitchen and then there is THE DOOR! The one that says "Private Office - No Entry Please". Up until Tuesday it was also referred to as the "Cold Storage" because beyond that point there was no heat! Hence "cause and effect"! "Cause there was no heat the effect was catastrophic! I will give you a rare glimpse at what no heat caused....

This is my office, heated for the past three months with a space heater......Side A......
....and Side B - it is also due to the fact that I have to combine my "old" office with my store office that chaos has reigned (that and the lack of heating)!

...and the REAL cold storage where there was absolutely no heat - our storage room! There was no way anyone could stay in there for more than 5 minutes once the temperature started to dip......

From this angle it only looks worse........

......and now for the real "Dark Side" - my son Jonathan! (Great scowl) He was playing with the camera and I told him if he didn't stop I would post this pic......guess what!

On Tuesday they finally came to install the duct work that is now FINALLY heating the storage room and my office.......they took apart the ceiling in the classroom........

.......the ceilings in the kitchen, the storage room and my office and I finally have heat!

My goal, along with completing a few more outstanding year ends (my companies, of course) is to get those two rooms in order - hopefully before New Year's! All I need is TIME!!!! (that 4-letter word again!)

I'm sure you all remember Country Haven - one of my favourite quilt patterns with that gorgeous fabric from Kim Diehl (no mine is not done - you're kidding, right!) Well just to jog your memory - look at the picture!

...and now look at what one of our customers did! Martha brought this quilt in today and made sure I got a look at it......not only is it the Country Haven pattern but she did it in a "quilt as you go" method! I should have taken a picture of the back - it is done in a checkerboard with the greens and the beiges.......isn't it gorgeous! When I first saw it - it looked familiar but I couldn't figure out why! How different the same pattern can look in another colour way and yet so completely effective!

You may all think because I haven't posted anything yet that Elaine is winning the Marti Michell challenge, but I'm not so sure! Here's Block 1 of the "Light" version of the quilt! (Take into account I've cut all my blocks now) ....and I am halfway done Block 2!

News from the storefront! (Enough with the back rooms!)

We have completely replenished our Sashiko cabinet and added a few great Japanese fabric packs - Charm Packs with 40 fabrics and 1/2 metre cuts! Along with loads of thread and Sashiko panels.....there are some books on the way as well - Barb thinks we should do a class and I'm agreed with that! We may even show you how to embellish these panels.......I can see places for beads galore!

Last, but not at all least, Nancy spent the day making tags for our pattern racks! She got out the old Print Shop and the laminator and went to town. We think it will make it alot easier to find things.....along with our pattern books! We've also gotten in quite a few new ones......

.....the rest of the day Nancy and I spent debating who was the "Start A Project" queen! I'm still not sure who's in the lead - her or me! Hmmmm! Do I see a resolution coming soon????? We'll see!

All I know is - I just looked at the clock and it's almost midnight so on that note I will close the lights and head home to bed......(I just started reading The Lost Symbol - so I can't wait to get home!) Tomorrow is another day, another block and we've got Friday night Sit & Sew so I'll be cooking up a storm.....

Nite all and Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Fabulous Fractures, New Stuff and MY FAVORITE day of the year.........

noreply@blogger.com (Cock-A-Doodle Quilts) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 23:51:00 +0000

First of all it's Barb's Birthday tomorrow (she will be 39 again!) and Karen and Riali brought her a lovely cake on Saturday when they came for their class. Ok well that was after lunch we took the picture........
Elaine was in to teach Fabulous Fractures on Saturday and they really are FABULOUS!

This one is from one of the Asian prints in the store.........kinda looks like Africa....

Now turn it the other way and we have Australia..........

This one is a beautiful floral fabric and I believe two of the students were using the same fabrics......

An order came in from my supplier on Friday - no sooner had I priced these books then they were gone......FibreArt Montage by Judith Baker Montana came in - 6 of them and Elaine is holding up the last one Saturday afternoon which left the store shortly afterwards.....luckily I have 6 more on order which should be in this week.....The book is amazing!

The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt came in too and I believe there is one copy left in the store....guess I will be ordering more of those tonight as well! It's written by Laurie Aaron Hird and it is an amazing quilt (I have the book and shhhhhhh - I will be collecting fabrics for this amazing quilt shortly.....I want to hand piece it! Because I have so much "extra" time on my hands!)

I'm sure you all remember our Buck A Block this year (there were other names given to it for obvious reasons due to the difficulty some of you had with the outside borders!) Well Effie has hers practically done and it looks spectacular! You can't beat the cost of this quilt! We've still got finishing kits at the front counter if anyone needs one.......

Now I get to MY FAVORITE DAY of the YEAR! It's POT LUCK Monday! I don't have to agonize what to make for the Monday Sit & Sew because the girls all make something and bring it in and exchange Secret Santa gifts........It's wonderful!

The lunch preparations didn't stop the girls from working though! Here's Gail pinning a quilt that she had wanted to quilt herself - but I just got the scoop and she's on her way over to Sandy's to get it quilted......(Sandy being Sandy Lindal of Scrappy Gal Quilts....a fabulous long-arm quilter right here in the city!)

Here's Stephanie auditioning fabrics for a quilt she is piecing by hand.......

...and Gillian is doing something with pajama bottoms - making them bigger I think! (We don't sell Maple Leaf fabric!)

...and HERE is the DIE HARD quilter, Elaine, hand completely bandaged from a Flaming Christmas Pudding accident making a backing for her fabulous baby quilt!

And now for the good stuff......Kathy and LeeAnn busy preparing in the kitchen......

....for a varitable feast.......so many wonderful dishes.......and that was just the beginning.......

Then came the dessert table.......

Thank you ladies, it was a wonderful lunch, and as you can see everyone enjoyed it....... (I'm stuffed to the gills!) and as usual you have outdone yourselves! The gifts were also wonderful and thoughtful! We had a really great time!

...and then I found this lovely gift (don't know who the women are in the picture) which will make a wonderful frame for a picture of my godson's son.....This will be Shai's frame....I don't know who the Secret Santa (Chanukah Harry) was but I thank you so much and I am wearing the necklace!!!!!

Tomorrow I will show you all why I haven't been keeping up with the blog......a look at the "dark side".........Oh yes, and I forgot, Elaine has issued a challenge!

The Marti Michell Block of the Month kits have arrived (I showed you the fabrics last week in the blog) and she is doing the "dark" version while I am doing the "light" version - it seems there is a race on to see who will finish first! Of course I assume that only means the top because SHE will probably be quilting both quilts......so - bring it on Elaine!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

What's happening.....

noreply@blogger.com (Cock-A-Doodle Quilts) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 01:33:00 +0000

I just realized that the blog I wrote Sunday was actually written at 1:00 a.m. (or thereabouts) on Monday. I really do need an extra 8 hours a day.....

On Monday we had our usual Sit & Sew (thinking of adding another day in the week for Sit & Sew in the New Year but really need some feedback before I decide). Fiona stopped by with a little gift for us that she couldn't resist - it's a stapler.......
...and Kathy showed off her Signature Quilt which came out absolutely stunning! The signatures are on the green strips running vertically through the quilt. She was aiming for a lap quilt but it just kept getting bigger.....so we've named it the "Two Lap". It's for her neice and her husband who were married in August...

(Yes Libby - Barb and I will get that signature quilt we promised you done - hopefully before your 50th!)

You've seen this one before - on my blog, on Elaine's blog and now again here! Claudette is thrilled (peeking out from behind the quilt) she has finished her granddaughter's Christmas Quilt.......and it is spectacular!

Check out the detail of the dancing lights.......

The reindeer pulling Santa's sleigh......

...and of course the West Indian Angels! She did some fabulous embellishing and the method was Quilt As You Go so it's ready to go onto the bed when she's finished showing it off!

In January we'll be starting our Christmas Club with a Quilt As You Go quilt that will be ready to adorn a bed or hang on the wall in time for next Christmas........look for details in our upcoming Newsletter!

Tonight was our monthly meeting of the Underground Railroad Club......they come for the tea and cookies (and chocolate)! Chocolate covered Cream Puffs from M & M's are to die for......

Then they got a great history lesson from Nancy..........

Suzi finished her Underground Railroad quilt top and put the borders on tonight....it looks fabulous!

AND NOW FOR A SNEAK PEEK!

......at one of our Block of The Month programs coming in January!

Marti Michell and Maywood fabrics have teamed up again to bring you a fabulous BOM - American Beauty! This picture does not do it justice.....but,

Look at these fabrics.......I am working on the "light" version of this quilt and Elaine will be doing the "dark" version of the quilt......so you will actually get to see first hand what they will look like once they are done.....

So rather than get to start my next Fit to Frame #1 quilt I am cutting out the templates for this gorgeous queen size quilt which will eventually adorn my bed.......I can't wait (Bosley will then be banned from my bedroom......it is white after all!)....

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

A full day.......

noreply@blogger.com (Cock-A-Doodle Quilts) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 06:13:00 +0000

I will fall into bed tonight (this morning) with a smile of satisfaction! I had a very full and rewarding day.......

First on the list was my Godson Oren's son's Bris! It was fabulous being with "the family" for a good part of the day and seeing my God son take on the role of father. Here they are......you could just eat that baby, he is so sweet!
...and here is Mommy, Daddy and baby Shai ( you will note he is wrapped in the blanket I made for him - the replica of his father's blanket made 30 years ago)......

After a lovely afternoon with family and friends I came back to the store and found the "Barrie girls" (actually Cathy) had brought me the cutest gift.... Cock-a-Doodle Do It! - isn't that just the cutest! ....and I will use it too! It's up on the fridge at the store......

.....so now I can tell you what the end to a perfect day feels like! First I will tell you how I got to this end! On Thursday Nancy took one of her small quilts home. I think it's either going up at her house or she's giving it to someone as a Christmas gift. It was an applique that hung on the clothes line by the front desk for a few months. The pattern was Lori Smith's #6 Fit to Frame. I loved that little wallhanging and it sold alot of patterns.

I decided I wanted another one to hang there, so I took my collection of Lori Smith patterns home and chose #1 Fit to Frame. Friday night I took the light box home and prepped my Soft Fuse (I love that stuff). I decided to use the same method Nancy used in hers - which is raw edge applique with a blanket stitch.

Tonight I chose my background and fused all the pieces and voila!I am absolutely thrilled with the results! Along with fabrics from the store I was able to dig into my "home" stash and I couldn't be happier....I just finished choosing all the floss from my vast home supply for the blanket stitching and since the Applique Club (Apple Cake Club - as my son Jonathan refers to it) will be meeting this Friday - the 11th, I can begin stitching this great applique.

The best part is - I have more than enough fabric from all my fat quarters to make at least two of the other 4 quilts in this pattern.....

A day well spent! Hope you all had a great day too!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Healing Heroes.....and.....

noreply@blogger.com (Cock-A-Doodle Quilts) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 04:53:00 +0000

Aha! Only 3 days since my last blog! Not bad - making time! Of course it's after midnight on Saturday and I'm still at the store - so I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not! However I did get almost everything done today that I set out to do.....almost!

Barb came back from her "quick" trip to Ottawa - she was gone since Tuesday (and don't tell her but I missed her). Karen and Raili came in this morning for a visit - to pick up their Buck A Block's and check out all the new books. No sooner did Barb sit down with a cup of coffee than I started what will now be refered to as a TRIPLE F! What is a TRIPLE F you ask? A FABRIC FEEDING FRENZY!

On Monday I purchased on a whim some fabric from Northcott on sale and I announced the price of $6.00 a metre...........

This is Karen's pile........you can see Raili's in the background........
It being the first Saturday of the month, the Healing Heroes group was in the classroom quietly sewing away when they heard $6.00 per metre and the frenzy began.........

The ladies lined up and finished off 11 bolts of fabric "tout suite"....... there will be more arriving some time on Monday (and if you read my blog - it is $6.00 per metre - and if you don't it's $12.00) Aha - increase readership.......

Now to the important part of the day! Healing Heroes is one of the most worthwhile causes! These ladies get together once a month at Cock A Doodle Quilts to churn out lap size quilts for our service people who have come back injured from serving overseas. Since they started meeting at CDQ in September 2008 they have sent almost 100 quilts.

Today being the "holiday" meeting they had a Pot Luck Luncheon and everyone had a wonderful time.......there were all kinds of goodies.......

.....and we shared a great meal!

....in between stitches.......

They also showed off another 6 quilts which will be sent off some time this week to the founder of this great idea in Ottawa........

Since they are not a registered charitable organization they rely on donations of fabric, batting, etc. If you happen to go through your stash and find one of those "why did I buy this" fabrics, they will be more than happy to take it off your hands......

I have to say that I am proud to be connected with this great group of quilters even though it is only through the use of our large classroom. Hopefully in the New Year I will actually have the time to sit and sew with them on occasion as well and make a "physical" donation to this worthwhile cause.......

Tomorrow I am off to my godson's sons Bris! (It's when they cut the foreskin - ugh!) and yes I finished the baby blanket in time! I think it was Thursday night! However, I did not get the label sewed onto his quilt so tomorrow he only gets the "blankie"! I saw Shai Michael this afternoon in person at his great-grandparents 65th Wedding Anniversary party - took 2 hours to spend some time with friends! Then back to the store to spend the night cooking and baking for the next two days - so I don't fall behind!

Since I have to get up early tomorrow I think it's time to leave now......

Happy Quilting and good night.....

Jo-Ann

Took me long enough.......

noreply@blogger.com (Cock-A-Doodle Quilts) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:31:00 +0000

...to recuperate from the Anniversary Sale.....I actually managed a whole day away from the store but then ended up coming back to cook that night! I really have tried to get some rest over the past ten days however, there is always something that needs doing!

We're also beginning to replenish our stock - lots of fabrics, books and batting!(which seems to sell out before it comes in!)

Below is one of the cute ones - fire hydrants! Great to go with our doggie fabrics...

We got some Shadowplay in from Maywood - Red and Green!(for the season but also because we had special requests!)

... Some night skies in two colors.......

This line is stunning but really needs to be viewed in person to appreciate... Winchester by Makower.....

These Civil War/Shirting fabrics came in also - I love them! There are also a bunch of new Kaffe Fasset fabrics on our shelves......and as soon as I get a minute I am going to start my Kaffe Fasset quilt! (a minute???)

Then there are all the new books that came in.......

.....and more new books.......

...and last but not least! 25 bolts of Tone on Tone fabric straight to the Color Wall........great colours and some very unusual ones, just waiting for that time you need just the right colour!

So you see - it's not like I haven't been doing anything while I neglected the blog! I keep saying I will try to be more consistent but most of the time my day goes so quickly I don't even realize it's over...... It's hard to fit everything I want to do into a 24 hour period! I always say - all I need is 8 more hours in a day to sleep!

On that note - I will continue to try to fit everything I need to do today into my day and see if it works.....I'll let you know if I find the secret!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

The 4th Year begins.........

noreply@blogger.com (Cock-A-Doodle Quilts) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 05:01:00 +0000

We would like to thank all of our wonderful customers for coming in to wish us a Happy Anniversary and join us in celebrating the start of our 4th year! We are indebted to you all for our success!!!! Thank you all so much!

Jo-Ann, Barb, Kathy, Sharon, Nancy, Mary and Judith

Friday night we had our monthly Sit & Sew and Lynn brought in this "masterpiece" - isn't this stunning.....but that's not all.......
Check out the back of the quilt........ I love it! Lynn puts as much thought into the backs of her quilts as she puts love on the front! I have watched her painstakingly piece her quilt backs as carefully as she pieces the fronts. A lesson to us all - and not a scrap unused.......

I have been working on a knitted baby blanket the past few weeks (the quilt is already done)! It is for my god son's baby boy due the end of this month. I very rarely knit these days and I will be happy once this is done but, there is a story behind it! When Oren was born I had knitted him a blanket in variegated baby yarn like this one (acrylic) which he "shlepped" around until he was 4......there is still a piece of it somewhere about a 4' x 6' square......so, his first child should also have the same opportunity! This one is made from 100% Cotton so hopefully it will hold up to the abuse!

Anyway - the reason I am telling you all this is because I am a spoiled brat! Instead of sewing with the girls on Friday night I was going to knit that blanket (hopefully finish it)! I said I was going to go sit in one of the big red chairs in the store so I would be comfortable......This is a picture of Gillian, Barb and Sharon trying to get the stupid chair through the door so I could sit with them.......

...actually I am grateful that I am spoiled, however when they threatened to take the legs off I settled for it just being placed outside the classroom door where I could still partake in all the fun.....I didn't get much knitting done because I was falling asleep in the chair it was so comfortable......

Today was the last day of our annual anniversary sale, it was also Block Of The Month (Month 10) so we were busy, busy, busy! After lunch things kind of died down a little bit and Sonya (my new Janome) was beckoning.......so I decided to give her a little workout!

Gillian (one of our Sit & Sew regulars) is doing a project which she has taken upon herself as a tribute to a young woman who, before her tragic death in a car accident worked in an orphanage for special needs children in Bangladesh. There are 31 kids in the orphanage and Gillian has pledged to make them each a quilt. On Friday night at Sit & Sew she was busy cutting 10' blocks to make these quilts....I couldn't stand by idly so I offered to make some too!

Since Sonya needed a workout and I needed some relaxation I stayed tonight to finish the quilt top I started after lunch and then decided, since there were enough blocks I'd just get a second one done while I was at it! Okay Gillian, only 29 tops to go and then we start quilting!

The fabrics she cut are really nice and bright! The kids will love these!...and they will give me the chance to see what a great job Sonya does on the quilting! How cool is that!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

It's all about sharing........

noreply@blogger.com (Cock-A-Doodle Quilts) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:32:00 +0000

Last night was one for the books - Jane's show of antique quilts was amazing! The first one is a family heirloom belonging to her cousin and is absolutely exquisite.......

Of course, in the store - the show must go on and the customers were busy saving loads of cash on their stash of fabrics.......and showing off completed projects as well as great quilt tops.....(it's a great time to get backing for a completed top with 20%-50% off).....

Jane shared so many lovely quilts with us...........

Jane even shared one of her creations with us - isn't this stunning?????!!!!! It represents her family history as well as biblical references .......

As we watched this amazing show the quilts were folded lovingly and placed along the sides of the room where we could take a closer look and handle carefully.........

After the show, refreshments were served and everyone went shopping........The consensus is we should do this again!

If you missed last night's event and you have the opportunity to see Jane's Antique Bed Turning at another time it is certainly worth it........

One of our customers was kind enough to share some antique quilts in her collection. This one was found hidden in a barn in the Kitchener/Waterloo area......it's actually a legitimate quilt block called Fly Foot but appears to be a Swastika. It was a very popular pattern in the U.S. before World War II.

The other two quilts she was kind enough to bring along are wonderful hand pieced quilts.

Suffice it to say - it was a wonderfully entertaining evening and we all had a great time....

The sale ends tomorrow at 6:00 P.M. - don't miss out!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann and the Chicks

What's happening.......

noreply@blogger.com (Cock-A-Doodle Quilts) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:46:00 +0000

First a reminder that the sale ends Saturday November 21st at 6:00 P.M. (or thereabouts!)!!! As busy as we have been since Sunday we still have some fabric left....

There were a few bolts that followed a "chain of command" .....you know, one person picks up a bolt of fabric to be cut, the next person in line wants some of that fabric, and then the next person and the next person.....Barb got a little worried that there wouldn't be enough to go around and wanted to make sure she wouldn't be responsible for disappointing anyone.....but it was great to see they all shared.....

Then one of our customers came in looking for a rotary blade....why????.....her husband used her rotary cutter to cut cardboard on the concrete floor of the garage for her son's Egypt project - it made a great pyramid! All we wanted to know is if we would need to harbour a fugitive or raise bail money! I mean seriously why is this man still alive?!! It worked in her favour though, she was able to come to the store 3 days in a row - he felt so guilty and he got to pick the kids up from school!

Tomorrow night (Thursday November 19th) is our Antique Bed Turning with Jane Burke. There are a few seats left so if you feel like a night out "with the girls" this will be a very entertaining evening! She's got about 150 quilts and a story to go with all of them! You will be able to get up close and personal with these quilts after the storytelling.....I am really looking forward to it!

Of course we will be serving refreshments.....

Hope to see you there!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann and all the Chicks!

It's Started........

noreply@blogger.com (Cock-A-Doodle Quilts) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:28:00 +0000

THE SALE IS ON!

....and at 11:01 A.M. this is what the store looked like! Taking advantage of the lull to post this....

If you haven't been here yet......hurry, hurry, hurry!

See you soon!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

A Challenge and A CHALLENGE!

noreply@blogger.com (Cock-A-Doodle Quilts) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 01:13:00 +0000

First I will share with you my challenge! Wednesday night was the monthly meeting of the Pieceful Nights Quilters' Guild and the members were faced with the "Past President's Challenge". Mitzi asked us to each bring in the ugliest fat quarter we had in our stash that we had ever bought. They were then put into a bag and we got to pull out our "challenge" fabric.......

This is mine! What to do with Abraham Lincoln......the challenge project is due in January so once they've all seen it.....I will share it with you! However, I will let you all in on a little secret! As fate would have it, the same day, while I was at a meeting downtown, somebody (my quilting angel no doubt) dropped by the store to leave me some fabric swatches very appropriate to this project........
Nancy has been a busy little bee getting stuff ready for the sale that starts on Sunday along with Sharon, Kathy, Mary, Barb and I. While we were hanging out on Friday night - Dale dropped by to drop off a whole stack (30) of Preemie Quilts for us to take down to Sick Kids Hospital......

She and her quilting group - Isabel, Pat, Liz, Lynn, Heather, Brenda, Joyce and Martine got together and whipped up some great little quilts which will be much appreciated at the hospital....... So, I'm putting out THE CHALLENGE!

Since we will not have time to deliver them until after the Sale which ends on Saturday the 21st of November - how many more PREEMIE QUILTS can we collect before the sale ends......?????

If you have them ready or can quickly make some up get them into the store by next Saturday.....let's see if we can double, no triple, no quadruple ........ that number.......For the instructions on how to make these Preemie Quilts go to www.cockadoodlequilts.com/preemies.html.

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Hi again!

noreply@blogger.com (Cock-A-Doodle Quilts) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:27:00 +0000

I am still stuck in the back office drowning in paperwork but I decided to come up for air for a few moments.....and realized it is already November 10th! I'm sure some of you are also scrambling trying to get stuff done for that upcoming holiday I will not yet mention, however,

.....below you will see a gorgeous ________ Skirt for which we have a free pattern if you are interested. I made mine with a "seasonal" fabric and muslin and it is really nice.....Sandy Lindal quilted the tree stencil on for me (way back when)! I believe I made this in 2006 and was in our "seasonal" display the first year....but it is really a "timeless" pattern.......

If you are looking for a quick gift idea (for any occasion) this Rag Quilt made from Yarn Dyes or Homespuns is the ticket. Barb designed it, Sharon put it together and then Barb took it to the laundromat to give it a wash! It is so soft and cuddly...as much as I love flannel rag quilts - I think I like these more....they aren't as heavy yet they are really warm and cuddly too! Hmmm.....I think you may see some more homespuns in the store in the near future.....

Just a reminder as to what's coming up! Rooster Stew III is due today or by Friday at the latest (Elaine you still have time!). The Underground Railroad Club is meeting tonight and Thursday afternoon - there are spaces but call ahead to reserve. Kathy will be teaching Snail's Trail Takes a Detour from the book Scrap Basket Surprises on Friday and Barb is teaching Boxers or.....on Saturday.

The third and final instalment of the Take Away Mystery will be ready on Sunday for pick-up. Psssssst! Same day the SALE starts.......

Brenda Claire is teaching Tumbling Blocks and Make & Take Ornaments on Tuesday November 17th and Christmas Trees on November 19th.

SPECIAL EVENT - Jane Burke will be here to entertain us with Antique Bed Turning on Thursday November 19th from 7:00 P.M. - 10:00 P.M. and I am really looking forward to seeing this presentation.

That keeps us up to date for the next 2 weeks. Hope those of you who took the challenge fabric are planning on getting your entries in soon - the prizes are really great and it's always alot of fun!

Hope to see you all soon (gotta get out of the back office!)

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

The week in a nutshell......

noreply@blogger.com (Cock-A-Doodle Quilts) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 16:23:00 +0000

Last Sunday we had the rare (!?!) occurence when I made a mistake! Well - a mistake I couldn't hide anyway......I double booked a class/classroom event! If you follow the blog you will know that "The Girls from Barrie" (our nickname) come once a month to have a private Sit & Sew (only one of them is actually from Barrie!)....When I prepared the newsletter for the Fall I forgot to look at our store calendar which would have plainly shown the dates they were coming.....duh! Hence last month the formation of the Secret Cock-A-Doodle Club which met at my house.....

It wasn't so bad that I did it in October but I did the same thing in November and December.....again, duh! I truly hit a home run with this boo boo!

This month we combined their Sit & Sew with Laurissa's Orchard Temple Class and it worked out quite well. As usual we started with Show and Share and Gail made these great Halloween wall hangings from a Patchabilities pattern. I am definitely looking into getting some of their patterns into the store.....they're great.....
Uma is working on a UFO - these hydrangea are just stunning and it is all hand appliqued, 3 dimensional for a Guild Challenge.......

So - while the ladies from "Barrie" were working away on one side of the classroom.....

Laurissa was teaching the hand applique class - Orchard Temple on the other side....you should see the amazing fabric choices these ladies made. I promise to post the results as soon as they bring them in to show us.......

Here's the original that Laurissa made......the pattern is called Orchard Temple from Helene Knott's Postcards from Japan series......

She's (Luarissa) busy working on Mount Fuji - hopefully the next class in the series.....

Monday came pretty quickly and since we had loads of hot dogs left over from our Halloween Party saturday night I threw together a great meal. Made Potato Salad, Cole Slaw, Baked Beans and Hot Dogs - it was a treat that we don't get too often and one of my favourites.......Effie brought dessert!

.....the girls are always busy, busy, busy but this is one project I needed to share mid-stream. Gillian is at it again - this time with denim squares from old jeans which she has cut up. This quilt is going to be amazing! I really can't wait to see the finished top and guess what! She has enough blocks for two quilts!

If you remember last week I showed you the new fabric line Flower Show III - well Nancy bought 4 fat quarters and came in on Friday with this....

It is a 3 dimensional wall hanging - Vase on Table - she will be doing up a pattern and definitely teaching the technique as a class in our next newsletter......

Ruth came in yesterday with her completed Orion Star....a kit she purchased at Hobby Horse a few years ago with some added fabrics from Cock A Doodle. She sent it out to her sister to have it quilted and it is just beautiful........

Check out the close up of the quilting........

Last but not at all least - I would like to introduce you to SONIA! She has lived the past year in a box, undisturbed and very lonely, her owner more than content with her predecessor decided she would put her up for adoption!

I met Sonia on Saturday and felt that I needed to give her a home! Currently she is living at Cock A Doodle but she may be relocated depending on my mood.....She's a Janome 6260QC and she purrs like a kitten (until she gets her first "hair" ball)......in any event I think Sonia and I are going to get along just fine......

Now all I need is the time to spend with her and we will both be happy......

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Happy Halloween!

noreply@blogger.com (Cock-A-Doodle Quilts) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:11:00 +0000

They tell me I gained an hour this weekend?!? Well I don't know about you but I seem to have misplaced it.......I'm 2 days behind in my blog.....

October 31st was Halloween and what would that be without a Mystery Quilt! 11 Quilters showed up for the fun and unfortunately I didn't get pictures of the costumes that some of us came in but you can check them out on Elaine's blog I'm sure! http://elaine9703.livejournal.com/

I gave out the first 2 clues and everyone got to work while I took the dinner orders.....

Kathy helped in the kitchen and that way we got dinner on the table pretty quickly.......

The condiments were taken from the "witches" back room.......

...and dessert was served on the witches special tray......I mean how else do you serve "Poison" cupcakes.......

Everyone worked very hard.........(even Libby got to clue 3 of 10!)

...and after the 10th clue - I revealed the Mystery.......

What I love about a Mystery Quilt is that everyone's is so unique.....This is Lucie's top finished! Her focus fabric is a Safari Animal Print - really nice!

This is Elaine and I messing around taking pictures of each other taking pictures........you can see the other side of this picture on her blog....

This is Elaine's - reminds me of a bumblebee! It came out great and I really like her choice for borders......

This one is Claire's - she used Betty Boop as her feature fabric - it's great and she managed to find some great borders in the store to go with it.......

This is Marion's fabric - they had it up on the design wall but I was in the kitchen cleaning - ugh!

This one is Liz's and it's almost finished.......great feature fabric too!

Raili almost managed to complete her top and her focus fabric is gorgeous!

Karen was ahead of us all - she was working on two quilts at once - can't wait to see these done! One of them has 2 focus fabrics!

Kathy has her top finished and the first (possibly last) border on! It's really hard to see the fact that the blue fabrics are all different Indigo designs which she got from Callisti Quilts.....(sp.)

She's also just getting backing for last year's Halloween Mystery which she just completed - way to go Kathy!

I think the ladies all had a great time and have left with some pretty awesome quilt tops almost completed.......

If you've never tried one of our Mystery Quilt nights - they really are a lot of fun and we keep them fairly easy and achievable in an evening.......so the next time you see it on the"menu" don't be afraid to sign up!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

We're back.....

noreply@blogger.com (Cock-A-Doodle Quilts) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:02:00 +0000

We arrived at 3:00 A.M. on Wednesday morning....it was a very long trip! Spent all day Tuesday (10-6) drooling over fabric swatches and color cards and spending lots of money. Before we got on the highway we had a lovely dinner at The Olive Garden (my second favorite restaurant), stopped at Rite Aid for a look see and then headed home.

We decided to go back the same way we came which added 2 hours to our driving time, but, with the passport situation the way it was I thought it would be safer to cross at the same border. I was right - all they wanted to know was how much we were bringing in and if we had any booze! I honestly prefer to cross the border at Niagara Falls because I always feel like I'm almost home. That last hour and a half go pretty fast.....

For all the driving and the quick trip I was home and in bed by 6:15 P.M. last night and slept almost all the way through until 8:00 A.M. this morning......I really needed it and tonite I'm gonna go for another early night. I have to recharge for our Halloween Mystery night - can't wait and I almost have my version of the quilt done.......

I'm hoping that tomorrow will be one of those productive days where I really get something done......

Happy Quilting Everyone!

Jo-Ann

Monday,Monday and off we go.....

noreply@blogger.com (Cock-A-Doodle Quilts) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 04:31:00 +0000

It's Monday, my favourite day at the store -we can always see some awesome projects, either done or on their way to completion. This is Dorothy's quilt for a friend and it is really nice......I love the subdued colouring.....

Now this is what we call a double whammy (the top is not the border of the bottom quilt). The top one is Elaine's, she is making it for her daughter. The bottom is a One Block Wonder that Helen is working on.......They both promise to be stunning quilts.......

Barb and I hopped in the car around 2:00 P.M. and we were on our way. We decided to cross the border at the closest crossing due to the fact that I, who never have any time for "me" did not get my passport renewed yet! (I promise that by November 30th I will have at least made the application - somebody write this down). We were a little worried that I might not get across, at least Barb was worried. I can almost guarantee that even though I got across this time it won't happen again - he flagged me for sure......

Okay so once we got over our first stop was Erie, PA. where the Sugar Free Fudge comes with Fireworks, Pepper Spray and a Stun Gun.......hmmm! ....and the Jelly Belly store (free samples) sells guns and knives???!!!!
So.....where should we go for dinner? Cracker Barrel or Cracker Barrel? I think we should go to Cracker Barrel.......Barb's halfway there already.......I am so predictable.......
After 4 hours in the car it was great to take a load off....here's Barb rocking on the porch at the Cracker Barrel........ I love the Cracker Barrel -the atmosphere is all country and they have these "dumb" games on the table. You have to remove the pegs and leave the least amount of pegs - so I turned out to be "just plain dumb" and Barb rated "ignoramous"........oh well, we can try again tomorrow! ......Finally, dinner Chicken Fried Chicken, Green Beans, Mashed Potatoes and Sawmill Gravy with a side of Fried Apples - mmmmmm! Sooooo, delicious! Barb had a Rueben Melt - really good food! Then back on the road and finally hit the hotel around 11:30 P.M.. Ready to just sit and relax awhile then get some sleep.

Can't wait until tomorrow to get a look at all the new fabrics, notions, books and novelties.......buy, buy, buy! Okay maybe not so much but I'm delirious from driving all day.......

Can't wait to tell you all about it!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Just a quick note......

noreply@blogger.com (Cock-A-Doodle Quilts) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 03:24:00 +0000

No pics tonite - I was busy working away in the back on the books again and I actually missed some really cool stuff! Carolyn taught her Threadpainting class today and I completely dropped the ball and didn't get any pictures.....so sorry because there was some really awesome stuff going on in there.....

Since it was a small class I made my Zuchinni Quiche and the girls loved it. It's one of my favorites and I even had a piece left over to take to my mom's when I went to dinner tonite....it's one of her favorites too so she'll have it for lunch tomorrow. Sometimes I'm a "nice" daughter!

I headed back to the store to get lunch ready for the Monday Sit & Sew gang and then home to pack (and find my missing passport)....why, you ask - because Barb and I are off to buy fabric tomorrow! (and other stuff too!)

If you have any "special" requests - now would be the time to get them in! Just give us a heads up in the comments, ie. colours, themes, specific lines, anything goes and you never know you might just see it in the store in the next few months......

We'll be checking the blog once we hit our destination tomorrow night so you have until then to get your requests in......

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann