I am so conflicted........

We have been invaded!!!!  Yesterday two boxes arrived full of gorgeous Asian fabrics......

 Just a taste of the Orient.......

This grouping is more like a meal......all $14.95/metre

Why am I conflicted!  Well you see those gorgeous fabrics (the meal),  I cut some and I have a plan!!!!  Now, I am busy working on Amish With A Twist (Block 9) and the Radical Rail is coming along nicely, so what will happen if I add yet a third project to the mix?!?!  Well, we are going to find out - I'm also writing a pattern for this great project, working on the newsletter and cutting all the fabrics for Amish With A Twist so that it will be ready for pick-up this weekend......

On top of that, another two boxes of fabric have arrived!  More gorgeous Asians......can't wait to get into those boxes, it was all I could do to leave them alone and do what I had to do today.....tomorrow is another day.

More to come......

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Happening at the "Doodle".....

You know how I love sharing customer quilts and this week at the Thursday Sit & Sew I was in luck (actually it was last Thursday for the first one)!

Linda saw that I had the Charm Squares of Fairy Frost from Michael Miller in stock so she brought in the quilt she made from the Charm Pack she bought a few years ago.  She teamed it up with some light grey/white Fossil Fern and a great black sky fabric.  Used the disappearing 9 patch pattern and Voila, an absolutely gorgeous quilt which reads like a color wheel.  It's absolutely stunning and we discussed how she is going to quilt it.  I can't wait to see it finished.

 Disappearing 9 Patch with Fairy Frost

Chris is working on this Lantern Quilt which is for the Momiji Bazaar on Saturday March 23, 2013 at the Momiji Health Care Society, 3555 Kingston Road in Scarborough from 12:00 noon - 3:30 P.M..  She's just finishing the quilting which is absolutely gorgeous.  She's doing a free hand Mctavish which really gives a lovely texture to the quilt.  She hasn't got too much left to do, which is a good thing since the bazaar is only a week away....

Chris's Lantern Quilt

 Closer look at the quilting (click on the photo to get a closer look)

We moved on to Stashbusters Club and Chris pulled out two projects she's working on.  One is from Bonnie Hunter's Adventures with Leaders and Enders and the other is a strip quilt.  The fabric she's using as a background against the strips is striking!  Can't wait to see this one sewn up.....

 Chris's scrap projects

Linda was layering a charity quilt while I was working on the quilt from @#$% which I finally finished at Friday night Sit & Sew.  I had plans to start my scrappy pineapple, I even had printed off the foundation sheets in readiness but like Linda, I was determined to finish what I had started so I guess it will be next month when I finally start using up all those scraps I painstakingly organized.

I was more than relieved when I completed the quilting last night on the baby quilt I am finishing for a customer.  This is the quilt I complained about recently because a sheet was used for backing.  Unfortunately, not only was it a nightmare to quilt because the sheet kept shifting but in the end it was not large enough for the quilt and after squaring it up, Mary helped me by adding on a small strip of muslin and putting on the binding.  I decided to give this new mother a break and hand sew the binding on but a lesson to be learned - NEVER USE A SHEET AS A BACKING!!!!  Got quite a bit done tonight while watching the hockey game - another heartbreaker but at least the Leafs got a point!!!

Now I can move on to my next priority - 9 patch blocks!  I also have to get to the new newsletter (what - again!!! how time flies!)  Tomorrow is my day off and I'm hoping it will be a productive one quilting wise!

Happy quilting!

Jo-Ann

More for you.....

The SALE

CONTINUES.......

We're keeping it going until

SATURDAY MARCH 23, 2013

 

 

 



Technology....

Being in business today requires that you know your way around a computer.  I have to say that, as much as I know how to do, there is always something that baffles me.  It appears that when our e-mail went out on Thursday evening announcing our BIG SALE, some people only received a portion of it, while others received the whole e-mail.  It is frustrating to say the least, and I'm sure, because we are talking about a computer, that there is a logical explanation for this, but neither I nor my "web" guy have any idea what it is.   For those of you who got the first paragraph of the e-mail and have come to check out the blog......

This is what's happening in the store.....

Thursday March 7, 2013

Hi everyone!

If you read the blog or you visit Cock-A-Doodle Quilts on Facebook you already know what’s new in the store, but you don’t know the BIG NEWS yet, just in case you haven’t been keeping up with “social media” I thought I would drop you an e-mail.

  

Now for the Big News

FRIDAY MARCH 8^th, 2013

MARCH MADNESS

SALE

FABRIC & PATTERNS

(MINIMUM 1 METER CUTS)

10% - 50% OFF

How it works! 

The % is determined by the Inventory # on the item.

Items beginning with:-

                108000                            10% Off

                107000                            15% Off

                106000                            20% Off

                105000                            25% Off

                104000                            30% Off

                103000                            35% Off

                102000                            40% Off

                101000                            45% Off

                100000                            50% Off  

Our biggest sale ever!  The more that disappears, the more new stuff in the store!  This store is smaller and I have no room to store anything so the more that goes, the more room I have for the NEW STUFF!!!!!

THE SALE starts Friday and goes until Thursday March 14^th, 2013 so, don’t delay, get in and get first pick on all those great fabrics.  It’s a great time to stock up on fabric for borders, backings and bindings.     

 Looking forward to seeing you all!

I apologize for the problems.  Hopefully once we have moved to the new website with our shopping cart, these things will become a thing of the past......I can only hope!!!!

  

Happy Quilting,

Jo-Ann

Today.....

Once a month a fabulous group of quilters come in on a Sunday to Stitch and Bitch!  As much as I look forward to having Sunday off to just stay home and veg - I enjoy more the monthly gathering of this family and friends who come to hang out in my store and create some really awesome projects......

Usually there's a Show and Share and then they get down to working on current projects.....today there was no show and share and I was way behind  the eight ball on taking pictures of current work so no pics today.....

I actually was a little tired after lunch so I lied down on the couch to take a nap.  I tried turning off the lights but they complained that they couldn't see so I had to hunker down with my head under a quilt.  And so was born, the "Talking Quilt"..... little comments from under the quilt persisted all afternoon....it was actually quite fun!

Spending the evening watching the "Boob Tube" and just relaxing - should be getting some quilting done but I really haven't got the motivation....

Gotta get my strength up for next week!  You'll soon know why!

Happy quilting!

Jo-Ann

We have arrived!!!

It's been a long week but we are there!!!  The store is moved - now comes the fun part!  Setting everything up and making it all work!!!  So far, I had the Dynamic Duo in last night and we were provided dinner - a fabulous Lasagna - by my new neighbour - La Fontina!!!

Cathie and Gail went wild sorting all the fabrics and making the store look fabulous!!!  Of course the front part still needs to be set up so I can get the desk area up and running and then we will have a bit more space to manuever but so far so good!!!!

I can't wait to start greeting you all as you walk into the new digs.....I'm off to the store now to start organizing the classroom, kitchen and other areas that have to be set up.....

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann  

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

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

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

February already!!!

Before I get into some changes in the store which are happening daily at this point, I want to share a quilt with you!  Andie made this one and to say that is stunning is not giving it enough credit.....

 Bear's Paw Lap Quilt

 Check the "flying geese" prairie points

 and the prairie points on the bear's paw blocks

The pattern comes from the book Prairie Point Pizzazz by Karen Sievert.  We've still got a few copies left.  The quilts are absolutely gorgeous!  Come in and check out the book.

Now for what's happening at the "Doodle"!  I spent the day setting up our "holiday" corner, where everything is 30% OFF.  The rest of the store looks like it was hit by a tornado because there are other things happening as well which I will share as they get done!

 Our new Holiday Corner

I've also decided to sell some of our store samples.  Most of them are made from fabrics or panels that are no longer available.  They are all very reasonbly priced and reside in the "Holiday Corner".

 Poinsetta Advent Calendar - $35.00

Cardinals Advent Calendar - $35.00 

 I Believe Quilt - Lap Size - $100.00

Merry Christmas Quilt - Large Lap Size - $225.00

Stay tuned for what's next on the agenda......I'm feeling quite frisky so I'm making lots of changes - can't wait to share them with you all!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Focus!!!

Focus is the "key" word for 2012!  So while I was focussing - 3 weeks went by!  Ahhhhh! but what am I focussing on!  The store and the 300 bolts of additional fabrics that have arrived along with a MEGA sale that is now going on in the store. 

I would love to see it all gone so I can order loads of new stuff!!!! 

I am also focussed on the Newsletter this week!  Last year slowed me down a little so I admit to being a "bit" behind but, we are now all ready to come back and offer a great array of classes for the coming few months and we are already planning for the Spring newsletter as well.....

We are going to try our best to plan far enough ahead that I will "catch up" with what's been falling behind.....

Hopefully you all got the e-mail announcing the sale - it's on until Thursday so you still have a few days to shop!  See you soon!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Busy, busy, busy!

The Sale was a hit!  ....we were very busy and last night was our monthly Sit & Sew - actually we may rename it to Sit & Eat - Quilting for Dessert!

I made one of my favourite meals - Chicken Shnitzel, Green Beans with Mushrooms and Smashed Potatoes, then I baked up Apple Strudels for dessert.  It was delicious and the girls enjoyed it too!

Then we got down to some serious quilting - here's Linda putting her Christmas Quilt up on the board.....can't wait to see this one done!  She's using black and whites as her background, it's looking awesome.....

 This morning in between customers Kathy was taking Elaine's Christmas Club Class and here are the blocks every body made......they are gorgeous!

 ....and the girls brought Show and Share - here's Beth's 2,900 and something 1" block quilt - it's amazing - she made it for her granddaughter......

Beth brought in this fabulous quilt top - it's from a class Luarissa taught a couple of years ago - a Lorraine Stagness technique......

 This is from last Wednesday's Autumn Braid class which Elaine taught - you can see the sample quilt hanging to the left - really cool Beth!

 Linda wowed us with her Patchwork Sampler quilt which is completed - it was one of our Blocks of The Month last year, taught by Laurissa.  Linda quilted it on Elaine's long arm machine last weekend.......it is awesome!

I have to say I just love it when you all bring in your quilts to share with us!  It's really motivating!  Makes me want to get busy......so I'm off to quilt!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

News and Tips......

Nancy prompted this blog completely!  She was doing up the front window where we are showcasing our "Sample" quilts that are for sale.....

She also wanted me to mention our great book prices and she's right!  Now that the dollar is above par it's an even better deal!  We sell all of our books at U.S. prices - that's a minimum savings of about $7.00 per book - add to that the strength of the Canadian Dollar and you are really saving.  Also, if there's a title you want and don't see on our shelves we are more than happy to order it in.  We love books, they inspire us and we all collect them so to have a few more on the shelves is never a problem.

Last but not at all least is our Quilt Tip of the Day/Week/Month!?!?

I've had these rulers in the store for a while and Nancy swears by them (which is why I ordered them in!!!).  I have never used them but she "schooled" me today and now I'm hooked....

The Quilt In A Day 6-1/2" Triangle Square Up Ruler

If you don't own one - here's why you should!  If you do own one but don't use it - check this out!

First, Nancy had a pattern that said to cut her squares at 3-7/8", she cut 4" squares instead and marked them for sewing her 1/2 square triangles.  She's sewn on either side of her centre line.

She now needs to have 3-1/2" half square triangles for her pattern.  So I am cutting along the centre line first.

 Here comes the COOL part!  I now take my Quilt In A Day ruler and line up the sewing line with the 3-1/2" mark on the ruler.........

 I trim around the ruler.......

 On both sides of the block (triangle).......

 Cooler still!  I turn the ruler around and again put the 3-1/2" line on the sewing line and centering the point and trim off the corners......

 I now have the finished triangle......no corners to trim......

 Voila - done!

 ...and it measures exactly 3-1/2"!!!!!

The beauty of this method is the fact that since you are measuring from your sewing line it doesn't matter whether it was exactly a 1/4" seam or not!  It will always give you the exact size block you need up to 6-1/2".....

Of course, it stands to reason that my next project has no 1/2 square triangles but no matter - I'm sure I'll be using it again very soon!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Do you know Murphy?????

I'm not sure if any of you are familiar with Mr. Murphy but lately I have become quite intimate with this man......

Mr. Murphy has a law - If it can go wrong, it will!

I was home packing, quietly minding my own business when I get a call from Kathy at the store......there was a "small" fire next door and she thought she should let me know!  Everything seems to be fine, so not to worry!

Hmmm, well I was going to be teaching a class at 7:30 P.M. (private lessons) so I guess maybe I should head over a little earlier and make sure all is in order......

I walk in the door and amconfronted with 4 hunky fireman moving my furniture around and Kathy running from the back with buckets......we've sprung a leak!  From the roof, etc.....and it's travelling along the beam in the center of the store....

The insurance adjuster and Cleanol were there within two hours and although it is still leaking at least I can sleep tonight becuase they have set up all the necessary contraptions to make sure there won't be much more, if any damage, but I thought I'd share the photos.....

Hope they put down enough buckets.....

I think it's safe to go home now!?!?!  I'm sure Mr. Murphy will let me know if anything else can go wrong!

Happy Quilting! (maybe I'll get some done tonight to calm the nerves!)

Jo-Ann

I am blown away........

Nancy brought back Aunt Millie's - quilted - IT IS ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!
The quilter is Karen Power.  I absolutely love her work but she has really outdone herself here - the quilt is phenomenal!

I have included a full size picture as well as some close ups of the quilting but you really have to see this close up and in person to appreciate it.  It is currently hanging on our design board in the classroom and will be there until Monday (here for the Open House) then Nancy will be taking it home to finish putting on the binding, which by the way was cut on the bias and looks fabulous......it will then be hung in the store!  So don't put it off - come and see it......

The Quilt......

A shot of the quilting on the border..... 

One of the blocks quilted....... 

 A block and the border...........................

 The bottom border, flower centers are yo yo's.............................

It took Nancy about a year to complete and now we're offering it as a Block of the Month - with Nancy's expertise of course!  I'm so glad she took her time with it, it shows!  I am just blown away by this quilt!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Happy Holidays!

I would like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful Holiday Season!  For the first time in 4 years we are closing for 3 days for the Holiday but we'll be back on Tuesday morning at 10:00 A.M............

 On another note, I did manage to finish Gabriella's quilt in time for Christmas!  She came by and picked it up Christmas Eve and I'm sure her mother will love it!  It came out pretty good - her it is still under the needle....Sonia did a phenomenal job!  However, I probably won't be doing any large size flannel quilts anytime soon! 

Enjoy your holidays everyone!

P.S. Yes the rumour is true!  The sale begins on Tuesday - our first Boxing Week Sale......

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann