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

There are no words......

From the day I opened Cock-A-Doodle Quilts, over 6 years ago, I knew that my customers, each and every one of you, are amazing.  You have all proved it to me over and over with your support and actions.  There are no words to express how grateful I am, you motivate me and no matter what I face in terms of challenges - you are the reason I get up each morning and face the day.....

I now have a new "friend" at the front desk to help me greet you all when you come in, and although she does not have a name, her chest pin tells you that she belongs.  Marjorie dropped her off yesterday - and she has taken a place of honour in the store!  A gift that she knew I would cherish....

If you look closely, you will see that she even has a paper shopping bag from Cock-A-Doodle along with fat quarters and all kinds of goodies - even a few bolts of fabric!  Marjorie says she's ugly but I'd like to say here and now that she is beautiful!  ...and we can all relate to her vest pin - Fabric Addict!  The pattern for the "Diva" is from Amy Bradley and Marjorie has made her come to life.....

Funnily enough my new "Diva" has a friend!  About 12 years ago when I first started quilting I came upon my first Scrapaholic Diva -  I think the two of them should shop together.....oh my, the damage they could do!

 Just in case I don't get to the blog again before Monday I would like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.  I am about to make some of those resolutions we all make around this time of the year and I promise - more blogging will be on the list!  (Oops - I think I said that last year too!)

Have a wonderful holiday everyone!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Official !!

It's official, I really feel like we are a quilt store again!  We held our first "CLASS" today!  Actually we had two classes, Fabric Cards and Snap Bags, which Mary taught this morning and this afternoon.  It was a busy day and everyone had a great time!

First - Fabric Cards - I managed to get a photo of the works in progress but never got photos of the finished products - DUH!!!!  Wish I had but my mind started moving on to other things and the next class, etc.  and then there were customers, etc.

 Suffice it to say - they had a great time and the finished products were great - probably already in the mailbox on their way to receipients......I don't know about you - but I love classes where you can achieve a finished product and today's classes were just about that.

Snap Bags - from the Snap Happy patterns was the afternoon class and the ladies did not disappoint....they each completed at least one bag and can now make thousands more as gifts and give-aways!!!  Okay, maybe not thousands, but I do know that it would not even dent my stash!

Below - the photographer is totally useless (me) SB made a really lovely Sanp Bag....

This one belongs to KM and I just love the light colourways - reminds me of spring and sunshine - great to perk you up on a day like today.

 The next one belongs to CH and also has that perk-ability!  Flowers always make me happy on dreary days - nice little bag to find at the bottom of my purse....

 Last but not least is AC's bag with an added handle and to be used by her hubby for whatever he needs...I think it would make a great travel organizer for a razor and blades or even to keep all that change that nobody wants in their pockets......

I think everyone enjoyed both the morning and afternoon classes and went away with completed projects which is always a bonus as far as I'm concerned....I knew I should have tried to sit in, but alas, there was plenty of activity out front to keep me busy.....

I'm so pleased that most of you are finding the store with out too much trouble and are liking it as much as I do....Thank you all for your support and best wishes - it really means so much to me.....

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

A Quick Note.....

It appears I will be putting out yet another FIRE today.  The newsletter is not linking properly.  If you read the blog then you know Marc and I rushed to get it done and of course in the "kerfuffle", it seems we actually got nothing done.

I apologize to those of you who read the blog - the new e-mail will hopefully go out today.....

I promise a "real" blog later....

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

D is for DONE!

Just a quick note to tell you to check your inboxes for the "mini" newsletter which should be on it's way momentarily!!!!

Took all day but I get it DONE!!!!  And, Marc is busy prepping it to put out the e-mail.  All the new e-mail addresses have gone out to him too!

Hope to see you all in some of our upcoming classes.  Mary, Carolyn and I are anticipating lots of students.

It's late and I am going home to have dinner and get some quilting done....

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Never enough time......

I have been trying all day to get at least one page of the newsletter out to you all, but, I have to admit, Monday's are never good days to plan something like that.....

So for the moment - I will give you a quick Blog Update of the classes and dates and tomorrow (hopefully) the e-mail will go out to you all too!  Don't hesitate to sign up - bring a friend and tell your friends about these classes!  They are all great classes - loads of fun and you'll have your Christmas gifts done in a minute!

December 1st - 6:00 P.M.  The Jiffy Bag with Carolyn

Bring your scraps, your machines and even batting scraps or quilters flannel for the layering and you will have a gorgeous, one of a kind bag ready to go!!!

You'll be making a bunch for everyone!  Have a fun Saturday night, stress free, and creatively productive.....

December 8th 10:30 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. Fabric Cards with Mary

It's not to late to create that one of a kind holiday greeting to send out to friends and family.  Something they will cherish for years to come!  Spend a couple of hours with Mary and learn how easy it is to do it.

December 8th 1:30 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.  Snappy Bag with Mary

Again, a great gift idea in multiple sizes and there are different patterns available from change purses to large totes.  Pick what you want and go to it.

December 15th 12:30 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. Thread Catcher with Mary

For all the sewers on your list, whip up one of these great gifts.  Make one for yourself while you're making them - great for themed fabrics for all your friends.

December 15th 3:30 - 6:00 P.M.  Casserole Cover and Pot Holder with Jo-Ann

The ultimate hostess gift as well as one you could use yourself.  I always say I wouldn't give a gift I wouldn't want myself.....Spend the afternoon putting these two together - no sweat and quilting it!  The potholder took me an hour!  Seriously - you'll be making one for each and every hostess you plan to visit this season.

If you are interested in any of these classes - call the store for details - as usual the prices are very reasonable and as always they will be fun -

Home to get some quilting done now - have a great night!

Happy Quilting!


Jo-Ann

New, new and new!

Okay, I've been promising this quilt for months and it is now kitted and in the store - Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too! We've got 7 in stock and once they are gone - they are gone! Don't miss out - it's really adorable and super quick and easy (unless I'm doing it - then it takes forever!)

Books, books, books! There are 4 new books in stock. I admit, I am addicted to quilting books, but, when I see something that sparks my creative juices and motivates me I just have to have it.

Lately I have been obsessed with anything that uses up scraps! I have so many that it just makes sense and Successful Scrap Quilts from Simple Rectangles by Judy Turner and Margaret Rolfe has 15 fabulous projects to use them up. Better yet - as the title promises, all from rectangles, how easy can that be. I haven't had a chance to try anything out yet but I'm sure I will have to dig into my scrap basket soon.

Recognize the name? Barbara J. Jones has put together A Batch of Quilt Soup with some fun patchwork and applique patterns. I actually put aside a copy for me cause I really do love her patterns, but for now I really can't start anything new - so my copy is back on the shelf. We also have quite a few of her patterns which I will put nearby - she's a very talented quilter.

What can I say - anything Kim Diehl comes out with I have to own and Homestyle Quilts, her latest book, is no exception. I love her simple folk art patterns and her choice of warm colour palettes. It makes me feel cozy and warm, just looking through her books. You know I've already snagged my copy.

My last acquisition is Design, Create & Quilt by Ruth Hughes. This is really one of those rare books you have to own. It's a technique and a tutorial and takes you far beyond the traditional. Ruth has a way of making it look so easy and her methodology reinforces the ease at which you can create, not only her masterpieces but your own as well.

There you are, lots to see and look at in the new store. You will be wondering how we fit it in to this cozy little space.....Tonight is our monthly meeting of the "Don't Dare Bring Your Machine Group" otherwise known as the "Applecake Club" - dinner and hand work (you can knit too - we don't point fingers here!)...There are  two spaces available if you feel like hanging out with a bunch of quilters tonight!

Hope to see you soon!

Happy Quilting!


Jo-Ann

We are officially here....

When we originally arrived on November 7th and until today I was considering a new logo due to the sign above the store.  Years ago, Mary Ellen Hopkins wrote a book which I believe is still in print - "It's Okay to Sit on My Quilt", so I thought I could change that to - "It's Okay to Dance on My Quilt".  Seeing as the sign above the door read Danceology.  (The space used to be part of Danceology who still has space next door.)  But, that really didn't give anyone any inkling as to what we are all about.

 As you all know, moving is not cheap.  It's a pretty costly business, so I went about trying to find a sign company willing and able to put up our sign at a reasonable price.  It took quite awhile before I found Abdul at Affordable Signs and it was just that, affordable.

He came by yesterday (Wednesday November 21st) to measure and give me a firm quote after giving me a ballpark figure over the phone and said he could do it on site today.  As promised, they arrived at 12:30 P.M., cleaned off the old lettering and began installing our lettering.

I have to say I LOVE IT!!!  When I was deciding on the lettering I must've picked about 12 different fonts and I could not make a decision.  It's the artist in me.  Finally I turned to the expert, Barb,  who made a really good case for the font called "Quigley Wiggly" and it looks fabulous!  Teresa came in on Tuesday and also agreed with Barb so I knew I had a winner - and I didn't have to make the final decision.  I think it looks awesome and I feel like I've grown up now because we have a REAL sign!!! 

I am thrilled to say the least!  It's been a busy few days and last night I finally got down to wome piecing on my Urban Pods quilt - check out Jo-Ann's Creations, Trials & Tribulations! for an update.

If you look to your right, under tutorials, you will note there is a new one there - Machine Maintenance.  While I was quilting last night, I hit a bit of a snag with my needle and needed to do some maintenance, hence the short tutorial.  Enjoy it!  I am definitely off to arrange patterns now or nothing will be ready for Saturday....

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

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 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  

Phew!!

What a day!!!!  I'm way past exhausted but it is a wonderful feeling.  The new store is a reality, a mess but a reality!!!!  Gail came down to help out and she was absolutely amazing.

Shaun, Patrick and Rich did all the heavy work and I'm pretty sure we have 90% of the furniture in the store.  All the little stuff is left now - ugh!  Of course the store is absolutely upside down - actually both stores are upside down, so there's still alot to do but little by little it will get done for sure.....

No pictures yet - maybe later in the week, once we get a little bit organized.  Not sure when the official "Opening Day" will be but I promise it won't be too long.....

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

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