Okay, I give up!

Somebody needs to explain to me where the last 10 days went?!?!  I cannot believe that I have not blogged for 10 days.  I mean seriously, what have I been doing?

I know, we started the move on the 7th of November and that's the day I lost touch with the world.  The computers were disconnected for close to 8 days.  It was like being in a void, very weird but, that's not to say we weren't busy.  The 7th was a Wednesday and we spent Thursday and Friday cleaning out 115 Miranda and literally dumping it into 2700 Dufferin Street - see for yourselves what I am talking about.  These pictures were taken after we moved all the fabric into the shelves at the front!  What a mess.....

As previously mentioned, Gail came by on Wednesday to help me clean up and organize the front of the shop so that we could actually put things where they had to go.....

On Friday night (Nov 9) Cathie and Gail came after work and organized the fabrics - I sat back and supervised (right!)....

Trust me when I say, there was fabric everywhere.  But, at the end of the evening the store was beginning to form.  Saturday I had help from Rita, Gillian and Tonya as we began clearing the back room.  We needed enough of the room cleared to accomodate 4 for Stitch & Bitch Sunday and after a full day of work we were able to do it.....

The monthly Sunday Stitch & Bitch was a go - we have a food station which seems to work out really well.

 Everyone had plenty of space to work.

 ...and dessert worked out pretty good too!

Alot has happened since then and the store is looking really good - but you'll have to come in to see the progress, although I may drop a few pics in before you make it in for a visit.

Needless to say there is still alot to do but slowly but surely it is all getting done.  I spent a good part of today organizing our thread unit.  Now there are signs up telling you what the threads are and what they do.  It helps if it's easier to pick the right thread for the job you want to do.  If you have any questions about thread, don't hesitate to ask.

 I also ordered in a few Applique Scissor Sets by Clauss which are wonderful for any avid sewer, hand or machine.  The set of 3 is $64.50, say you saw it here and get a 15% discount.  What a great gift idea for someone special!

My next job is tackling all the patterns that we have.  The move had them dropped into two huge baskets and now they have to be sorted and re-hung.  I know I want to make each and every one of them, otherwise I wouldn't have ordered them but even so, you forget what you have.  It will actually be fun to see what's there!  Will keep you all posted....

Happy Quilting,

Jo-Ann

We've got it!

I have been a very busy "bee" the past two weeks!  At what you ask?!?!  Check it out!

Our new DMC tower is filled up!  Right next to

a great assortment of #8 Pearl Cotton

That's right, we now carry the full range of DMC Floss.  It took nearly two weeks to get it entered into the inventory and a lot of cursing (and help - thanks Barb!) to get it onto the carousel but it is ready to go.....I'm just thinking of all the projects I can use it on!!!!

We've had quite a few classes this week also which were really fun!  Fiona was in on Wednesday evening to teach Photo Expansion and wait until you see what her students came up with..... 

 Fabienne's bicyclette.....

 ..the extension is so amazing!

 Florals always work well with this extension.....

 Check out the cutest little sewing machine ever!!!!

 Kay also chose a floral photo.......

 Helen chose a beach scene......

..and used hand painted fabric, sometimes that's what works!

One of these days I am going to take advantage of this class - I already have something in mind and I know I can even use some of that floss I just showed you to do a little embellishment, make it 3 dimensional as well as extended.....As usual it is only time that is not on my side!!!!  Every once in a while I do treat myself to a class so maybe the next time.....

Today Laurissa was in to teach Rain Drops - everyone loves that quilt so at least once a year it ends up as a class....there is however, another Judy Neimeyer pattern that I adore and I really want her to teach that one...so first I have to get the fabrics in and then I can take the class!  Here's what came from today's class -

This is Cheryl's - done by hand....I might add!

This one belongs to Gail S....bright and beautiful!

Gail H. is working on something completely different!

Her Lucky Stars quilt - but check out her hand dyed fabric!

I think I may just get some of this into the store - it's gorgeous!

Jean has started with some blues and greens - awesome!

This one is Lucy's and I just love it - like sunshine!

I think everyone is pretty happy with their progress and the end result will be absolutely spectacular!  Whether you do this by hand or by machine this quilt is gorgeous!

Barb dropped by this week and she was wearing this spectacular necklace which she made.....I had to show it off again, in case you haven't seen it before....I really love these colours too!

I can't do this blog without mentioning that on Thursday Linda V. was able to show off one of her "house" blocks for the Christmas Club - I'm so proud of her - this is quite the achievement and an awesome block....

Now I can show off one of my "beginner" students.  Sharon has been working diligently for weeks on her Yellow Brick Road and here are her blocks, all ready to be sewn together.  Looks like her daughter will have her quilt pretty soon!  Way to go Sharon and next week we do borders!!!!

And lat but not least, our sock knitters are about to graduate this coming week!  Looks like we'll be knitting socks for a while to come so we've decided to keep a few choice sock yarns in the store....check these out!

It's been a busy week with another busy week to come - drop in and see us!  There's always something happening at the store, and the coffee or tea are always available....

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann