It's official!

The store is closed.  I would like to thank all of my fabulous customers for supporting me in my quilting dream.  

There are a number of reasons I made the decision to close.  The first one is my health.  I am about to begin another round of chemotherapy which will have extreme side effects.  There is no way I could get through the chemo and run the store, and although I have some really fabulous friends who would have stepped up here, it would still require me to be available.  

Needless to say, when the landlord chose to lock me out instead of discussing the issue, I realized that over the next few months, which are the slowest of the year, that I would constantly be under stress wondering if he would do it again if I was late with the rent.  Stress is not a great thing when you are already facing illness.

The other reason is, although I made the right move in terms of location for many of my TTC customers, it turned out that being situated next to a dance studio was not the right move for the business.  As I found with the last newsletter, people were not signing up for classes like they used to and that is a huge part of the business.  There were definite rumblings about the noise which sometimes emanated from next door.

I will not go quietly - the plan is to continue doing my pattern designs and I have some other great quilt ideas up my sleeve.  As I begin chemo on the 10th of July, you may not be hearing from me in regards to new designs and patterns but, I will try to keep you updated on my progress and I did promise to finish my Amish With A Twist, along with a few other projects that I had started in the store.

I would like to send out a huge thank you to everyone who has helped and given moral support over the past two weeks.  Liz, who took over the cash, served as my taxi service and made sure I ate properly.  Leeane and Gail who helped set up the store for the sale, came in untiringly to cut fabric and help with everything.  Linda, my rock, for everything she has done for the past few months to help me get through the tough days.  Laurissa, who is tall enough to reach all the tough stuff and did some major hauling of boxes and bags.
Diannah who can clear a thread rack in seconds and managed to keep Gillian busy.  Last but not least, Gillian, without her I would have just walked away and left it all!!!!  She was the driving force behind the re-opening of the store, the sale and everything that went to Value Village in the end.  She left no stone unturned, if it could fit in the car it made it to VV.

For all who would like to know, the balance of the fabric, books and patterns have gone to very worthy causes.  East Toronto Quilters Guild for Linus quilts, etc.,  Etobicoke Quilters Guild for comfort quilts, Mississauga Quilters Guild for their placemats program and Healing Heroes (Quilts of Valour) for our service men and women.  I am also happy to report that a number of the store samples (7) have been donated to the flood victims in Calgary.

I decided not to take any pictures of the end!  The end is a new beginning for me - hopefully one that includes good health!  I am looking forward to a new chapter in my quilting journey.  Hopefully many of you will come with me!!!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Spring quilting!!!!

As much as I love gardening, quilting is still my passion and luckily it is shared my many other quilters.  Babies are born and they need quilts to be bundled in, there are wedding quilts to do and milestone birthdays that deserve our very best gifts - quilts!  There are those dreaded deadlines and so we continue to quilt.....

First I will bring you up to date as to where I am on that gorgeous Amish With A Twist....I have started doing the outside of the blocks....

Block 2

Block 3

I should have more done but as many of you know by reading my blog - www.creationsbyjoann.blogspot.com, I have been obsessed with The Farmer's Wife of late.  I'm hoping to get more done in the next few days.

I will also share with you some fabulous customer quilts I've been lucky enough to be inspired by....

First Kay and her friend made this fabulous quilt at Laurissa's Bloomin' 9 Patch class....

Cathie has been working on this quilt for about 10 years but that actually includes selecting the fabrics.  It's that fabulous pattern, Yellow Brick Road and it is stunning.....

This pic shows the blocks - she came by one Friday night to "babysit" me (I think it was May 10th) and marked her rows and blocks.

Yesterday we had our monthly Sunday Stitch & Bitch and check it out!  They held it up sideways but - still effective......

Chris never ceases to amaze me with the quilts that she produces and this month (May) at our Stashbusters (Scrapaholics) Club night she didn't disappoint.....

Here are two quilts she did, changing them up but using the same strips....using different backgrounds they look completely different.....

She is also working diligently on one of Bonnie Hunter's patterns and each month it grows.....

Liz came by last week and showed off this gorgeous quilt which I believe is a wedding present and she was getting it off to the long arm... (wish I could take a decent picture - ugh!)

The last quilt and really an inspiration belongs to ????  Okay, I know it is very unlike me but as many of you know I am within my rights to use "chemo-brain" as an excuse here,  I cannot remember who brought this quilt in, so someone has to "own up" and help me out here.....

I would like to introduce you to the new "boss" at Cock A Doodle, in case you haven't met her yet -----  This is Missy!  She belongs to Gillian and when Gillian is in the store, Missy is there to look after us all!

She's very photogenic and loves having her picture taken.....

She also has her own "throne" - our very own Queen of Quilts!!!!  Her favourite spot is on top of the quilt!

Gillian is away for the next few weeks so the "boss" is off for a while.  I have to say, I really do miss her.

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Exciting.......

I am excited and totally inspired!  Have you seen this quilt yet?  I fell in love with it the moment I saw it and I'm sure you will too!  It's our newest BLOCK OF THE MONTH.
  

Amish With A Twist

89" x 106"

This is our upcoming, beginning in April, Block of The Month.  It is a 9 month program priced at $24.95 per month.  You will receive fabric and pattern packs in month 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9.  The kits contain fabrics to complete the top and for the binding.  The backing fabric kit will be available for $89.95.

The quilt, designed by Nancy Rink, uses Centennial Solids by Marcus Brothers. The pattern is designed for Beginner to Advanced quilters alike.  Beginning in Month 1, you will receive fabrics and patterns for 3 blocks, with many quilters tips and detailed instructions.  For those picking their "package" up in the store a short class will be offered to answer any questions and help with construction.  Each time you receive a pattern, you will also receive Bonus project sheets.  These will allow you to try out different techniques before you make your final blocks for your quilt.  With your patterns there are also some great ideas for future quilts or quilts to work on now while you hone your skills to make this gorgeous quilt!

You can choose any background colour you like - it doesn't have to be Black (mine is going to be black because I love it like that), envision it on Navy, White, Grey, Purple, Brown!!!!

Check these out:

HOW TO SIGN UP  (There are NO Sign Up Fees at Cock-A-Doodle!)

1. Come into the store, check out the poster and the fabrics (I've got a kit I haven't started yet!), sign the list and fill out the monthly charge form.

2. Call the store, we'll put you on the list and fill out the monthly charge form for you. (From out of town or the U.S. - call toll free @ 1-866-432-9678).

3. E-mail us at cockadoodlequilts@bellnet.ca, with a phone # where you can be reached or an address and we will phone you for your info or send you the charge form with a S.A.S.E. to return to us.

How easy is that - we accept Visa or Mastercard.

Now, I am going back to finish my quilt from @#$%, I'm almost done!  Then I have to do my 9 patch blocks for the exchange, yes, I am behind a little!  BUT THEN, I get to start my Amish With A Twist store sample.....(and also work on my Urban 9 Patch!!!)  Sew many quilts - sew little time!!!

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

Today....

 

Today was all about the Healing Heroes for Quilts of Valour that meet at the store the first Saturday of each month.  These ladies and gents are incredible.  Today they added another 12 quilts to their incredible total (well over 200 quilts).  I am so honoured to play a small part in what these volunteers do, even if it is just to provide space for their gatherings.....here are the 12 quilts.....some of which I know who made them, some, unfortunately I did not get names for......

 

FYI - the pics are unedited due to a glitch with my camera (and the photographer probably!)......

 The above quilt is made by Rochelle

I tried to crop it on the camera and messed up the whole photo

It appears again behind other quilts that were photographed

It's a great little pattern and goes together pretty quickly

 This one is also Rochelle's, another great pattern

 Not sure who did this one but yet another great pattern

I think this one is Sylvia's (I know she brought it in?!?)

It's the 1,600 Inch quilt

There's Rochelle's quilt in the background - really nice job there! 

 This is another 1,600 Inch quilt

 I think this is Sandra's - lovely pattern

 Another 1,600 Inch quilt

 Definitely not sure who did this one - but it's a lovely flannel quilt

 This one was done by Violet - closer look shows the great pattern

 Judy did this one - great autumn colours - really bright

 Peter put this one together and did the awesome quilting

He and Bill worked on the great design - mixed 9 patches

done in a trip around the world pattern

Again - Peter put this one together and quilted it beautifully

 

 

They sweep in at 10:00 A.M. and begin working.  They spend the whole day working hard on piecing, quilting, binding, etc.. and at the end of they day they go home with loads done and more to do.  They bring them all back done....it truly amazes and inspires!!!!

 

 

Thank you Virginia for all those years ago asking me to be a part of this undertaking!!!!  You have all made me feel, in many ways, a useful part of this group!  I hope we will all be meeting together for many years to come.....

 

 

For anyone who wants to donate quilting fabric or a quilt to Healing Heroes, please call the store for more information....

 

Happy Quilting!

 

 

Jo-Ann



More, more, more.......

Wow!  Thought I was just going in to kill time today it being a short day for me.  Hydro sent us a notice that they will be "upgrading" our service (the whole plaza) and the power would go off at 5:00 P.M. so I closed today at 4:00 P.M..

Around 1:00 P.M. in walks the delivery guy with a big box and wait until you see what was in it!!!!!

Here we go, more to whet your appetites!  As if yesterday wasn't enough -

 Ombre Hand Dye Strip-Its!  40 strips x 2-1/2" $52.95

 Free Pattern - Prism Quilt

Free Pattern - Rainbow Square Quilt

 Free Pattern - Weave Quilt

 Just waiting for you all to get one!

 Champagne Lights - absolutely luscious creams - $11.95 per metre

First of all, I want to point out how unfair this all is!  One of my resolutions this year was not to start anything new unless I "had to" make a sample for the store....  As much as I am salivating to do one of those Free Patterns for the Ombre Hand Dye Strip Its, I am well aware that these will be gone before I can even pick out the quilt I want to do!!!!  Hopefully I will be able to get my hands on more of these - they are to "dye" for.

Those creams are also calling my name and guess what, I already have a quilt pattern in the planning which absolutely REQUIRES a piece of each of these creams, so I'm in luck!  I'm hoping these will also remain available for awhile as they really are great neutrals.....

Before I'm off to enjoy my few extra hours, I wanted to share a photo I received today from one of my students.  This quilt is from the Urban Pods class where we used the fabulous Quick Curve Ruler....

Anna used a dark grey with white as well as chartreuse fabrics that were sprinkled with grey.  The photo doesn't really do the fabrics justice but the quilt came out absolutely awesome!

Anna's Quilt from the Urban Pods Class

I'm thinking I should really try to get some quilting done in those few extra hours or maybe some cleaning or laundry - that would be good!  But, on the other hand, I could use a little rest!  Hmmmm.....just not sure what to do!  While I'm deciding I think I'll catch up on some e-mail!

FYI - Tomorrow is Healing Heroes for Quilts of Valour from 10:00 A.M. to closing.  Come on in and visit us, sew a seam, press a seam, cut a strip!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

On a roll......

At 1:30 P.M. today I taught the Urban Pods class.  The class really consists of learning how to use the Quick Curve Ruler (QCR) designed by Jenny Pedigo of Sew Kind of Wonderful.

When I talk about this ruler, I let everyone know that this is one of the best tool's I've come across in a very long time.  I liken it to the "bread slicer".  Personally, as a quilter, I think it's better than the bread slicer.

I let my students cut MY fabric and sew MY blocks (they have likened it to slave labour, but it's very effective).  I do this so that they won't waste their own fabric but will get used to all of the special techniques so, at least four of the blocks in the sample started below belong to my students.....

After they had gotten the hang of the technique, they began cutting and sewing their blocks (I expect photos ladies) and I set to making my second Urban Pods quilt.....Needless to say, once I got started I couldn't stop, so I continued and promised myself I would stop once I ran out of bobbin thread!

As you can see I got 4 vertical rows sewn although the second set is not put together yet (I knew I wouldn't make it to the end with what was left in the bobbin)....

I am addicted to this ruler and how easy it is, not to mention how quick it is!  From about 3:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. with two 1/2 hour breaks to close the store and have a bite to eat - I managed 4 rows....and this was done very methodically so as not to repeat the fabrics!  I hit my stride around 6:30 P.M. and figured out how to layout each row so I could string piece them - broke for dinner and then kept it going.....hopefully I can get the rest of them done next week some time....  Since I started on the store machine, I will finish on the store machine.

Monday I am putting in an order for more rulers and loads more patterns.  I think Jenny has two new patterns that I haven't had in yet, and don't forget I have another quilt in the works - the Urban Nine Patch!  This is definitely an addiction......

I'm going home now - my day off started at 6:00 P.M. - and hopefully I will get some other projects done!  (I'm so not in the mood to clean the house!)

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Sometimes.....

It just gets too busy for words.....and I can't keep up with what's happening in the store.  The past two weeks have been pretty much a whirlwind of activity.  This of course, is a good thing.....so I will start with Friday Night Sit & Sew which happened last Friday night and we were packed to capacity.....

Here's what everyone is working on or showing off!!!!

 Liz made this awesome quilt for her daughter and you will notice the argyle right away.

 She took it to a retreat to do the couching of the yarn and spent most of the retreat working on it but this labour of love looks absolutely awesome.......

 This is Rita's Valentine Bargello from the class with Carolyn.  It is so fresh looking and she was auditioning borders Friday night so she could finish it.

 This picture loaded backwards  - it's Linda's version of Bonnie Hunters Mystery quilt which she was working on in the photo below - it is going to be stunning.

 Linda working on the blocks

 Cathie is doing a quilt with Bali pops (which by the way, she says were not cut exactly to 2-1/2").  This is going to be gorgeous and is for her son.

Here's another one of Linda's projects, another Bonnie Hunter - I think this pattern is from Adventures with Leaders and Enders?!

 Here's the quilt Teresa is working on - what a great kids quilt!

Saturday was Christmas Club - nothing to show yet as this was their first meeting - here's a picture of what they are working on.  There's still time to join the club -  I think this month's homework has something to do with the background......

Monday is Sit & Sew and was another busy day but our "quasi" boss showed up and kept us on our toes - Missy's favourite spot is definitely the couch where she rules supreme.

I had an extremely productive Sunday for the first time in weeks.  Usually I spend the day reading, cleaning, relaxing (sleeping) or just plain old vegging out but this Sunday I was motivated and finally completed my Lithia Park top. You should come in and see how gorgeous it is - this picture does not do it justice and it will be in the store for the next few weeks until it jumps the queue for being quilted (I have a pile at home that are on hold)....

FYI - we have all the Paper Pieces sizes to make these flowers and if I am not mistaken the pattern is still free on the McCall's Quilting website.

 I also managed to get a little work done on my Urban Pods on Sunday but ultimately completed the top sans the two borders on Monday night - just in time to teach the class Tuesday afternoon.  There's another class on Saturday afternoon if you'd like to learn this technique - I do have to caution you though - once you get the hang of it, it is highly addictive.  If you check out my blog Jo-Ann's Creations, Trials & Tribulations! at www.creationsbyjoann.blogspot.com you will see the block I made for the Urban Nine Patch - gorgeous!

Finally - there's the new stuff!

Quilt Album 

Only I would jump at something like this but I just had to see what it was all about.  I am a huge advocate for documenting your quilts as well as labeling them.  This product is stand alone software that gives you all the tools to type in detailed information and print out formatted pages for your albums and slide in photos of your quilts and the quilting process.  You can also design greeting cards and labels and the front cover says - It's easy and it's fun!  I sure hope so, because from everything it professes to be, it is just what I've been looking for.....

I'm wondering what my great-great grandchildren will think of all the quilts I've made.....???? 

 $39.95 (and worth every penny)

Sensational Small Quilts

This is one of those books that has it all and from a number of quilters.  I'm always looking for a book that will harvest more than one quilt.  There isn't one quilt that I don't want to do here - and the beauty is that even though they are touted as "small" quilts, they are easily modified into larger ones if needed.  I know, we are always "collecting" those books but this one is definitely a motivator. 

 $24.99

Red Heart - Heart & Sole Sock Yarn

I bring this in regularly for Barb's Sock Class and it sells out quickly.  This time I added all kinds of great colours to our usual repetoire of Faded Jeans, Razzle Dazzle, Berry Bliss and Green Envy.  We now have Spring Stripe, Antique Rose, Toasted Almond, Tequila Sunrise and Rustica.  I have to tell you, I am tempted to grab two of each for myself but in all honesty I have not even finished my first sock yet and since I have no where to store this stuff I'm keeping my hands off.....

Paton's Classic 100% Wool

This is for the new knitting class we added - Lace Scarf that Barb will be teaching on February 11th.  Gorgeous colours again, Magenta, Lemongrass and Orchid.  They are all hard to resist.

Red Heart $6.59                Paton's $9.49

Kona Fat Quarter Bundles

This is one of those times when I hate owning the store!  I just want to grab one of each of these and hide it somewhere rather than share it with you all.  These fat quarter bundles are great for applique or a monchromatic quilt - the new rage of course!  It is really all I can do to keep my hands to myself!  I can already see the quilt......

Yellow - 22 pces. $62.00  Green - 23 pces. $65.00

There are a few new bolts of fabric that have arrived over the past two weeks as well - some much coveted Kona in Navy, Brick and Spice and a gorgeous Red & White Polka Dot which you can get a look at in my blog - it's in my Urban Nine Patch block.  The Kona is priced at $8.95 and the Polka Dot is $12.95.

I think that's about all the news for today (for the last two weeks actually!)  There are always new things coming in and if you need anything special - don't hesitate to call, we can usually get a special order in within 7 days.

I'm going to go see if I can do some more damage to my long list of things to do!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann