Tell me!

First I want to tell you that I did find the Seam Rollers at Lowe's for $2.98.  I bought 3 so if anyone needs one I'd be happy to sell it to them....

I was able to get the 2" size of the above roller which I believe will work perfectly.  Since the move is fast approaching I will probably be in Home Depot and/or Rona as well and will check to see what they carry.

Now - the TELL ME part of the blog - would you buy fabrics and make quilts or other things from the following themes:-

Archie Comics
Star Trek

Family Guy

The Simpsons

I have the opportunity to get these fabrics but have, in the past, shied away from the "trendy" theme like fabric for numerous reasons.  With the new store being a tad smaller I want to make sure my shelves are stocked with what my customers want to buy so - let me know soon!  Fabric comes and goes quite quickly and I would need to get the order in almost immediately....

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

NEW Tool!?!?!

Many of you were at the York Heritage Quilters Guild meeting last night and were introduced to a fabulous "new" tool by Renae Merrill, the guest speaker.  She called it a "seam presser"!  Since they haven't as yet made an "overpriced" quilters tool out of this yet I will tell you what will work......and also what I think it is! 


It's a Wallpaper Seam Presser -

They come in all different shapes, sizes and are made from metal, plastic and wood.  I'm not sure what they cost but probably under $10.00 and are available at your local Home Depot, Rona, Lowe's and Home Hardware.  I'll bet you can even get them at the dollar store......

It was Barb who clued in right away when she saw the actual "tool".  Since they don't make the "overpriced" quilters version yet - I suggest you all hit the hardware store.

I have to admit it really is a great idea when you're paper piecing to have this "tool" or something similar available, especially when the pieces are small and close together......

That's my tip for the week and I do intend to go out and get one tonight!!!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Busy Bees!

The thing about moving is that you have to pack!!!!  We've been here for 6 years and needless to say, we have accumulated a lot of "stuff"!  Mary came in yesterday and the two of us tackled all the "this and that" boxes of holiday decorations and store props.  We had a lot of fun but paring down is one of the goals, so there's a lot of great Christmas and other holiday decorations that are priced to go quickly all over the store.  Not to mention a complete sewing corner.....

 From Halloween to Chanukah - something for everyone!

 All you need to decorate the tree - the tree is for sale too and already has the lights on it....

 We've got the odd dish here and there with more coming out of the back daily including some really unique sets......

 Chanukah has not been forgotten and then there are the lovely egg plates - great for deviled eggs!

 If I had the space this would be going home with me - a sewing center with a space for the computer and it comes with a two drawer filing cabinet on casters - you can't beat it!

There's room to set up a cutting area as well - and plenty of space for books and those great DVD's - I can just imagine taking some on-line quilting classes and being right next to my sewing machine......what a bonus!

Of course, that, on top of 30% off all store merchandise is keeping me on my toes these days.  The Creativ Festival starts today so if you are in the city, you might want to just drop by the store to see what's on sale too!

You can tell we are moving, there are doors missing and flooring boards are being stored under the class tables, along with a big ladder by the washroom which is holding up lengths of baseboards we have removed.  I met with the electrician yesterday at the new store and the walls are up and the electrical is happening so it won't be long before things start disappearing from 115 Miranda Avenue.  I'm actually getting antsy....I just want to get over there and start getting in all the new stuff that will be on it's way shortly.

If you have a spare moment, come by for a tea or coffee and a chat, browse around and see if there's anything you need and let me know if there's anything you want me to order for the new store....I would love all your input.  I already had some input from CM yesterday about a fabric line she would love to get her hands on - took a look and I'm ready to order it!!!!  Gorgeous, blacks, metallic golds, whites - with butterflies and floral prints!  Really stunning and there's a free pattern as well as a featured pattern in the new McCalls quilting magazine.  Not sure when it will be available but will certainly let you all know......

In the meantime - gotta get back to the task at hand!

Happy quilting!

Jo-Ann

More, more, more!

The "Smushies" have arrived!  What is a "smushie", usually it is a tone on tone, a background, a zinger for all your fabulous prints....that's a "smushie"!!!  These fabulous fabrics are Michael Miller Krystal and hard to resist at 30% off!!!!  That red and orange are to die for!

As you all know, I love it when my customers come in and share their fabulous creations.  Marlane brought her "Cabin In The Woods" quilt in today and found the perfect backing (at 30% off) but also allowed me to take a picture of her and friend Pat holding it up.

"Cabin In The Woods"

From the book - Welcome to My Cabin

by Nancy Smith and Lynda Milligan

Possibilities

I also love September!  It's the time of year when quilters come back to the store for our evening Sit & Sew's.  Tonight was no exception.  There were eight of us spread out along the tables and everyone worked diligently on their various projects.  Dinner was Beef Stew with Crusty Bread and a mixed Salad, dessert was Caramel Apple Cheescake and Caramel Chocolate Pecan cheesecake.  I'm exhausted but it's that "good" exhaustion you feel after a day well spent.  I was right this morning when I posted on facebook - It's a beautiful day!  It truly was!

The dishes are in the dishwasher and the kitchen has been tidied.  Just waiting for the day to be over and Liz to drop me off at home where I can unwind a bit before bed! 

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Yes! I know!

I have definitely been off the grid for quite awhile.  It's been a very busy and eventful Summer and I am now looking forward to the store move (more to come as plans progress)!  On that note I received a few fabulous bolts of fabric on Monday which are now priced and on the floor waiting for you to come and fondle - at 30% off - how can you resist!

From white all the way to black and I just received another box this morning with a bunch of "smushies"!!!!  What are "smushies", they are those gorgeous tone on tones you always seem to need to complete your stash.  These are colours that I myself am tempted to grab metres and metres of because I know they'll get used.....I will post a pic as soon as I have them marked and ready for you - again at 30% off, how can you resist....

If you've been keeping up with the e-mails, you know we will soon be on the move and there will be loads of new and exciting things happening at the "Doodle".  Right now I really have to concentrate on our Newsletter so I promise to post again soon but in the meantime I will mention that coming up are the following events......

        1) Friday September 21st - Sit and Sew - 6:00 P.M. - 12:00 A.M.
                                               (Dinner included - $15.00 + tax)
        2) Wednesday September 26th - Closed - Yom Kippur
              (It's the one holiday I always close for)
        3) Friday September 28th - Don't Bring Your Machine or Apple Cake Club
                                                 6:00 P.M. - 11:00 P.M.      (Applique)
                                                (Dinner included - $15.00 + tax)
...and in case I don't get the newsletter out this week!

        4) Saturday September 29th - Jiffy Bag with Carolyn  10:30 A.M. -                 1:30  P.M.
        5) Saturday September 29th - Hanging Gardens with Carolyn
                                                   2:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M.

and remember, you can use your Gift Certificates for classes too!!!!

In the meantime, I am going through a very long list of things to do so I will wish you all -

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

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