Here we go.....

Gillian and I went crazy yesterday moving everything out of the center of the store.  She is like the energizer bunny with attitude.....and she has a very long whip!!!!  Not sure where I found the strength, I think it was just trying to keep up with her that kept me going.  Needless to say I was a little sore last night when I got home.....

This morning the guys showed up to remove the carpeting needed for the new store......and as I write this they are laying it down there.  I can't be in two places at once or I would be there too!  This afternoon we are hopefully going to start moving the small stuff over to the store and tomorrow we will be working with the bigger pieces......

Here's something, just a little teaser so you know what's coming for the new store.....

Fiona dropped by today with a quilt she made with the absolute coolest ruler ever.  It's called the Quick Curve Ruler and it's the best thing since the rotary cutter......I have also been working on a sample for the store so hopefully I'll get some time to finish up in the near future.

Urban Pods with the QCR (Quick Curve Ruler)

Pattern modified to baby quilt size

Of course we'll be offering a class and a bunch of patterns as well as a couple of kits for this particular quilt!  Once you make your first quilt using the QCR you will be absolutely hooked and the patterns are fabulous.....

Can't wait to get the new store up and running - but I'm going to need a few days so go easy on me....

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

The Blitz is on......

The bathroom left yesterday, the kitchen cabinets went out today.....and who knows how quickly the rest will follow!!!!  I just finished loading all the patterns into baskets so the slot board can be moved over.  It is quick and methodical and Richard and Jonathan are working like "dogs"!!!!

They are off to get the flooring for the classroom at Costco now and I am looking at what I need to pack up next.  As I write this, I look around and wonder how we are going to get this all over there but I know that the "boys" will do their best to make it easy on me. 

I'm not sure what should come next but it looks like I have to make some decisions quickly so, this is today's update and I am off to figure out what to get packed.....

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Adding....

Have you seen these two fabulous books?  They are actually two of my favourite books for a load of reasons - the most important one being that they are catalysts in dealing with my unwieldy stash!  These books were both written by two very talented local quilters - Mary Elizabeth Kinch and Biz Storms.

 This is the latest book - Small Pieces, Spectacular Quilts and if you remember that handy little tool - the seam roller - that I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, well it appears again on page 21 of this book.  Many of the quilts in this book were quilted by local long-arm machine quilters - Margaret Mitchell and Sandra Reed. 

This is the first book and my copy is at home where I can't reference any of the really important stuff.....but, I do know that I have plans for my baskets full of scraps.....

Mary Elizabeth dropped in today to pick up some fabrics - can't wait to see what she's working on now.....so, in order to keep up with Mary Elizabeth I have, with her permission, added her blog to our favourites....so you can check her works in progress too!

I really have to get some packing done here so that we can get out of here quickly when the time comes (very, very soon!)  I also have a lot to do in terms of quilting so on that note I will wish you all.....

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

First look.....

Here are the first pictures of the new space!!!  Rich has finished all the painting and has started on the flooring.....we're getting closer and I have to say I have been very patient but I am really starting to get excited now!!!!  There is a very bright light at the end of this tunnel!

 This is the front of the store looking in from the front door

 This is the front door and front window from the center of the store

 This is the classroom looking in from the store with Rich working on flooring

 This is the other side of the classroom from the store view

 This is the kitchen WITH A FLOOR!!!!! Yeah!

 The other side of the kitchen

This is the bathroom - almost floored.....

Needless to say I am busy planning next steps - tomorrow we will have a completed washroom and then the kitchen will be moving over.  Should be interesting how quickly we start moving from there......

I'm really hoping to be sending out the "We've Moved!" e-mail sometime within the next two weeks - keep your fingers crossed...

Tonight my plan is to get cracking on a couple of the new samples that will be in the store...so I am off to quilt!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Next step....

Rich finished the priming yesterday and was off to buy paint today.  Now that's been started so things are really moving along.  I might even post a picture in a couple of days.

I have to admit, I am getting very excited about the move.  Still trying to figure out what will fit and what won't but that won't be decided until we start actually moving the furniture.....

I am working on new samples for the store - cutting fabrics and we will start making up some kits as well.  Check the other blog to see what I'm up to as far as projects go (www.creationsbyjoann.blogspot.com).  Or you can wait to see the completed samples here, hopefully very soon.....

We'll see how much I can get done tonight - I'm still working on my 9 Patch Exchange Blocks.....

Will definitely keep you posted!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

What's Up!

Finally the light is on at the end of the tunnel!  The old store looks a little like a cyclone has gone through it - doors have disappeared, vents have been removed, flooring is being stored until tables and all kinds of "goodies" are all over the store for sale.....christmas decorations, desks, tables, chairs, etc.

Rich is busy at the NEW store painting and as soon as that's done he'll be doing the flooring and then the bathroom and the kitchen and then - well then - everything else can move over.....

I feel like I'm sitting in flux - waiting for this all to happen and I'm doing it quietly, I do not want to disturb the "master" at work....

I am starting to work on some samples for the new store too!  Can't wait to get in there and show it off but of course it will take a few days to get everything sorted out and start receiving new stock.  I don't want to order anything until we're over there and ready to open the doors so I don't confuse my suppliers....

It's so exciting - and it is in the works and happening!  Will keep you posted as to the progress and how quickly we will be going .....

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann