Quilts At The Creek!

We are looking forward to participating in the first Quilts At The Creek show this weekend.  Check out the link to see who's going to be there and what it's all about - www.blackcreek.ca/events/ .

We are packing up to go to the show this week and hope to see you all there. The store will be closed Saturday July 28th and Sunday July 29th and we will be closing early Friday July 27th to go and set up.  Since I can't be in two places at once we invite you to visit our booth at the show.

We are also getting ready for our Fall Newsletter and hope to have it out shortly.  If there are any particular class offerings you would like to see, please e-mail us at cockadoodlequilts@bellnet.ca with your requests soon so we can include them in our fall line-up.

In the meantime.....

Happy Quilting!



Jo-Ann

We had a ball!!!

Last night we were honoured to be a part of the Yorkshire Rose Quilt Guilds annual Christmas Meeting, along with Art Quilts and Log Cabin Quilts.  They invited us all to set up a small Merchant's Mall at their meeting and included us in their Christmas Pot Luck and festivities.  It was delightful and Laurissa and I had a great time with a great group of ladies.

 I'm not sure who that is "manning" the booth, oops, it's me!!!  Great hairdo there!!!  I truly don't recognize myself - Laurissa was taking the pictures.....

One of our best sellers last night was the Clover Needle Dome - I'm pretty sure I've mentioned it before but it's one of those gadgets that when you look at it - you wonder, what do I need that for, until you have one and then it's more like - how did I live without this thing!!!  Last night we sold out except for the one we had left in the store which, by the end of the night was spoken for and in fact, was picked up today.....with an order for 3 more!!!!

I have two stashed away, one for my applique and one for binding quilts!  They are usually both in use - although, at the moment I have nothing to bind - I take that back I have a binding that needs resewing, so I will have to fill it again......

If you have seen this item and want one, or would like a demonstration - just ask when you're in the store.  I will be placing an order early in the New Year so get your name in if you want one.....

In the meantime - I would like to thank the ladies at Yorkshire Rose for a wonderful and very enjoyable evening!!!! (Can we join your guild!!!)  What a great group and extremely active too - lots of charity work and great ideas!!!!
Kudos ladies.....and as always,

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

December 3rd, 2011

Why the date?  Well this is the last meeting of the year for "Healing Heroes" - Quilts of Valour and as is the custom, the ladies put on an amazing Pot Luck Lunch.  I am only allowed, as per Virginia, to contribute my smile, my sense of humour and my appetite!  I didn't have a problem there!

As you can see by the picture(s), the food was awesome - by 1:30 P.M. we all could have done with a short nap!!!!  Virginia's Broccoli Salad, Andi's Chicken Paprikash Crepes, Pat's Cheese and Crackers, Jayne's Deviled Eggs, Joan's Waldorf Salad and all the Spinokota(sp.), and the great meatballs!  It was all good and waiting in the wings were Judy's Butter Tarts and other goodies along with Annadel's Fruit Platters......a nap, seriously a nap!

 It's hard to believe that this Pot Luck Lunch marks the 3rd Christmas lunch we've all shared.  Heroes is starting it's 4th year with us and I just got an e-mail from Pat stating that their contribution is 188 QUILTS to date!
They are amazing - all of them and all of you who come by to drop off those amazing quilts from your hearts and hands!!!!

Bill dropped by this morning with a car load of fabric for Heroes and everyone got busy sorting through it all - there are pre-made blocks and cut strips and all kinds of goodies including what we term as "bag" fabric - that's fabric we can make bags to put the quilts in from!  Not 100% Cotton, designer fabrics, heavier cottons, that sort of thing!

 I guess it was a day for sorting p Pat pulled everything out of the back room and sorted through it and repacked it!  They do this at least once a year and today was as good a day as any to clean out and re-sort, especially with all of the goodies Bill brought with him.....

We are really looking forward to starting a new year of Healing Heroes on Saturday January 7th, 2012! 

On that note I would like to introduce our new "Mascot" quilt to you....Andi was in the mood to do an applique quilt and found this set of patterns I had on the pattern rack - she fell in love with the pattern but says she has no where to hang it so it has to hang in the store.....I, of course, agreed!  So, hanging now behind the front desk is Andi's version of Country Cluckers!

It's one of those quilts you have to see in person, so you'll just have to come by and have a look, and maybe a cup of tea and some cookies!!!! 

Happy Quilting!


Jo-Ann

A special guest....

I really meant to post this a few weeks ago!  I got an e-mail from a lovely lady visiting from Australia who wanted to know if she could join us for our monthly Sampler Club Meeting ( Dear Jane, Dear Hannah, The Farmer's Wife and Nearly Insane - to make it easier, Nancy renamed it the Sampler Club)!  Of course, we always welcome quilters!

Linda came by and shared some amazing stories and a wonderful quilt she made for her daughter who lives in Toronto......

Linda dyed all the fabrics in this quilt herself and the pattern is a take from the Ricky Tim's fractures......it is absolutely stunning!

We were absolutely thrilled she shared it with us........

 It really is a stunning quilt!

The best news is - she comes quite often to visit her daughter and I'm going to try to talk her into teaching in the store, she also had some absolutely fabulous ideas and some great projects......possibly this time next year!

Certainly I will try to keep in touch with her - she was an absolute delight, we loved looking at photos of her quilts and projects and we all had a lovely evening.....

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Hey there!

From the back patio this blog comes to you!  I can't believe it's been almost a month.....so sorry, been a little preoccupied!!!

Nancy filled me in on what's happening at the store so let's see - we've got 2 BOM sets left of Fairy Dust which are at a fabulous price, you can buy the whole set or sign up for monthly installments.....the pattern is from Starr Design and the quilt sample is up on our wall - so drop by and check it out!

Nancy has also made up a bunch of "Scrap Bags" which she's put out for sale too....lovely little pieces for all those scrap quilts we all love doing!  Speaking of scraps - Scrap Basket Sensations!  is back in stock.....

We also got in a number of new books which are as always at a great price!

I haven't had the chance to go through them yet but I know they are fabulous, they came from That Patchwork Place and they do have some of the best books......

There's a slight chance I may be starting a new project today from one of last month's fabulous book choices but I'm not sure yet, depends on how I feel this afternoon!  I'm hoping to drop by the store in the next couple of days to say HI and possibly hang out for a bit.....so who knows, maybe I'll see you there.....

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

What a weekend......

Saturday April 23, 2011

The girls arrive bright and early (10:00 A.M. - that's "my" early) to get going on all their projects.  They came up with this great idea, when they finished a project, they got to ring the Cock A Doodle dinner bell!  It's the bell I use to call them to meals.....

After Elaine started ringing the bell on a regular basis they decided to hide the bell from her - we also changed the rules - bringing finished tops that just need borders and binding made do not constitute "finishing| projects!  It's a new rule for the next retreat!

Marion is working on this fabulous applique - can't wait to see this one done!

Gillian has taken over the design wall with her One Block Wonder - it looks awesome.......

 Lunch has been served, Frittata, Salad and Cheese bread......

 Dinner consisted of one of our favourites, Hot Dogs, Beans and Potato Chips - they got brownies for dessert......

Karen showed off one of her recent Mystery Quilts - done!

Cathie and Andie are holding up Cathie's 4 Patch Posie.....absolutely awesome!

 Elaine thinks so too - this is her head taking a picture.......check her blog - her pics are less blurry......

Aha - I did get one decent picture......it really is awesome!

They worked hard - late into the night.......

 On and on into the night.......

I actually went home early but I heard they were there until midnight.......

Sunday April 24, 2011

Another day, more projects but first, bright and early and breakfast is served!
Pancakes......with cherry sauce and maple syrup!

 Here's Andie hard at work cutting 1" squares for her amazing quilt!

 Lunch is served, Fresh veggies with dip, cheeses and crackers....because I pu dinner in the oven and went home to rest up for the evening!

 Before I left I caught Elaine working on this Buggy Barn pattern......

When I got back Sharon had finished her Mystery Quilt from April and so we were able to put it next to Karen's - they really are all "one of a kind" and each of them is gorgeous!  Hmmm...should have put mine in the mix too!  Oh well, will remember that next time......

 This is the beginning of Andie's 1/2" square quilt - each square is a different fabric so far.....she intends to use 90,000 squares.........it's going to be amazing.......

 This is really what everyone was waiting for - dinner - Roast Beef, Mashed Potatoes, Yorkshire Pudding, Brussel Sprouts and gravy......dessert was Apple Strudel and Ice Cream......

 Hmmm.....this is what I was doing this afternoon while I was supposed to be resting.....slowly but surely and I will try to get at least one "unblurry" picture by the time I finish it.......

 To the right of my gorgeous batik is another one of Andie's creations which is going to be totally awesome and it is destined for our Healing Heroes program.  It will be stunning!

 In the meantime Elaine's stars are growing and growing........

 Again, they worked until almost midnight, some left a little earlier but most made it to the end......

Monday April 25, 2011

Brunch only - Egg and Cheese Casserole, Bacon, Suasage and fresh baked croissants - lovely warmed bluberry muffins and apple muffins for dessert!  Admittedly I spent most of my weekend in the kitchen but you have to remember I love cooking almost as much as I love quilting......

What a fabulous weekend, it really was alot of fun!  I think we'll definitely be doing this again.......hopefully soon!

I took a poll before they all left and they would all come back for this one!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

It's all about temptation!

We are constantly receiving new books in the store and it's all I can do to stop myself from starting new projects....  2011 is all about FOCUS for me so I can get some of the MANY projects I've started completed......but when the new books arrive I am always inspired and of course have already made mental notes on which projects I want to tackle......

First, and this one is right up my alley!  Scrap Quilts Go Country by Deanne Eisenman.  The nice part about this book is it adapts to Jelly Rolls and Charm Packs so you can really use up all that stuff you bought on a whim because you loved it when you saw it (hmmm, yes I am also guilty of that passion!).

The second book is also a great "idea" book - Modern Basics by Amy Ellis - real contemporary quilts, great for beginners but also great for quick quilts for gifts or for charitable causes......I may even donate one of these books to our Healing Heroes group!

The third book is just plain fun!  A Year In The Life of Sunbonnet Sue! by Christine Porter and Darra Williamson.  I am not a huge fan of "Sue" but these little quilts are just adorable.....

Last, I started thinking outside the box when I ordered this one - meaning - it's not all quilting!  Fabric is fun and should decorate our lives so I ordered Sew Decorative from SewNews..... Some really great little projects in this book and it's great to use as a reference for a little home decorating!  After all it's nice to have stuff that goes with all the quilts we make.....

As most of you know these four books are just a drop in the bucket of the selection of books that we carry.....Come in and grab a comfy seat by our "Book Nook" and inspire yourself!  There's nothing more relaxing than being around fabric, books, patterns and all the wonderful samples we have on display.  Coffee's on!  Come visit!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

A quick update...

For those of you who follow the blog - I am fine!  Sorry it took so long to mention that little fact but I've been out of the store since Monday.

Missing you all and can't wait to get back into the thick of things....and to see what's new at the store - I hear there is new stuff!!!!

To get a more in depth update check out my "personal" blog at http://www.creationsbyjoann.blogspot.com/.

I hear they had a wonderful time at the monthly Friday Evening Sit & Sew.  Rich cooked a great meal for them and aside from a quick "blackout", probably due to the wind, they had a productive evening....didn't even miss me!

Happy Quilting,

Jo-Ann

Not so nice out.....

It's around 7:00 P.M. and I think I am going to close up after I blog (excuse to go home and work on Molly's Meadow!), it's pretty nasty out thereand I really don't think anyone will be coming by tonight......

In any event, that doesn't mean we didn't have visitors today.  Erica and Kiyomi dropped by and Erica finished this great quilt top - done with one fabric - a striped batik!  Isn't it the coolest!  I gotta try this - it's all about the angle you cut it for sure......

The next photo belongs to Linda Van Lierde, who with Karen Wold does a really cool presentation on the classes they have taken together and is doing this tonight at the Mississauga Quilters Guild.  These are blocks from some of the classes she took this fall........

I would be remiss if I didn't show you Raili's gorgeous Circles of the Moon tablerunner done in a recent class at the store....it really is stunning.......

So our first Thursday Sit & Sew of the New Year took off and loads got done....Annadelle tells me she has organized all of her UFO's and thinks she hasmore than me (not possible!),  I don't just have the ones at home, I have all the ones at the store too! In any event, her plan is to get them done!!!!  Sound familiar?!?!  We're all going to try this year.....for sure!

Andie came in to share a quilt she finished over the holidays (literally over the holidays - this was not a UFO - she started it and finished the top in the past month!)  I'm drooling, it is all hand appliqued......it's from one of the Kim Diehl books - I think the new one but will have to find out from her.....

Nancy brought in a little piece she put together this past week (by the way, she says she updated her blog).  She says she found these discarded Dear Jane blocks in the trash (Barb gave them to her, I think because she didn't like the colourway) so she made a small wall hanging which we are lucky enough to have displayed in the store......it is very Civil War but I really love it.....

Okay it's 7:15 P.M. and the snow is still coming down and I have to clean the car - ugh!  But I really don't think there are going to be any quilting "emergencies" in the next 45 minutes so I am going to pack up and go home....seeing all this stuff has inspired me to work on Molly's Meadow....

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Happy New Year!

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday!  The weather was pretty interesting, warm, rainy!?!?

The newslwtter is on it's way by snail mail and will be up on our website in the next couple of days.  We are really excited about this one - lots of new ideas and new classes!

Nancy and I had fun on Thursday and Friday, we were pretty busy with the sale on, not to mention having some wonderful visitors from Norfolk, England, Kingston, Ontario and Boston, Massachusetts!  Quilters travel and when they travel they look for quilt stores!  I know when I'm on the road I'm always looking for quilt stores.  What fun it is to meet all these wonderful people!

Nancy brought in one of her recent projects...check it out!  I love it and now of course I want to make my own!

We also picked out the fabrics for our new Block of the Month - Aunt Millie's Garden, there are 2 colourways - Brights and Classic!

Month 1 - Brights

Month 1 - Classic

Month 2 - Brights

Month 2 - Classic

How can you resist this quilt!?!?  If you love applique, this quilt will definitely be on your TO DO list.....

On another note, and in the spirit of "catching up", last Wednesday was the final meeting of the Patchwork Sampler Block of the Month.  It's truly amazing what these girls did with their scraps.....okay, there were a few fabrics purchased for this one but mostly they went to their stashes to do this quilt....

Here's Linda's.....in batiks!

Here's Barbara's on the right.....she's a new quilter!  Awesome!

Here's Kristin's......

Here's Rosemary's....with post it notes for numbering the blocks!

Here's Pat's - wait a minute, that's not Patchwork Sampler!  Oh, okay, she had guests this week and couldn't find her blocks (likely story) she's working on a book panel quilt.....

...and Jean's doesn't seem to be here either!  Well they've decided to make a date in the New Year to meet and show off their quilts....I can't wait!

I'm off to do some quilting myself!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann