Astoria, Oregon Quilt Shop
Care to post about the candidates? We watched and listened to the debate tonight. Such differences between the candidates. Every time one of them says: ‘listen’ I worry about lies. Because I’m already listening! Are they only trying to get their opinion out there and are ignoring the others words?
nite
Just finished a Halloween Project. A fun table runner with goblins. It’s a really fast project. I used Wendy’s cousins pattern called “Inspiration” Linda (Wendy’s cousin) wrote beautiful instructions with ironing directions. Pictures anyone?
We have a Christmas quilt sample and now my table runner to show off. Emi Clark made the quilt.
Over the weekend Thor, Wendy and I went to a local quilt trade show. Can’t say we found anything that is ‘gotta have’. Some fun new patterns and a few books.
A customer told us that if you add a 1/2 cup of Borax to the final rinse in the washing machine, it will make quilts fire resistant. NOT FIRE PROOF, just resistant.
On October 17, at 10am we have our first Redwork Club meeting! I’m pretty excited. Hope you can join us.
I have gotten hooked on Project Runway. Mostly I think for the blunt word trauma incurred when the judges talk about the designs.
Does anyone remember a movie called “Westworld”? Except for the human guests, all ‘characters” are robots. The theme park is totally computerized. (first clue to what happens). I happened across it flipping chanels tonight.
Night
It’s our 3rd anniversary! We put everything on sale 25% off. Plus we put fabric in the classroom 40% off. There is a free gift with purchase. Plus cookies or scones.
We’ve made so many changes over the years. We bumped up the brighter fabrics. We added Bernina sewing machines. Now we are buying more bolt per collection, at least 8, and sometimes (like Winterberries) the whole collection.
Some new Thimbleberries has arrived. a nice halloween collection and a neat Christmas collection.
This afternoon I got out and weeded a portion of my neglected garden. If I’m lucky it will be done by winter rain time.
Look for new classes in the newsletter.
Nite
Going to Portland tomorrow to pick up a few things. Like red fabric, and some navy blue. A couple fabrics to add to the Thimbleberries collection for Christmas too. We’ll look and patterns, books and notions too of course.
We added a couple really cute Christmas redwork patterns to check out. A fun one for Halloween too. There is also a group of Thimbleberries Halloween fabric that’s very nice.
Back to the Olympics. Stay dry!
nite
Guess I love the Olympics because I used to watch a lot of sports with my mom. She even watched boxing! We liked gymnastics, swimming, rowing, and track and field most. Now Thor and I watch as much as we can. Thor doesn’t mind the gymnastics and such, but he would rather see the boating. Which seems to be shown between 2am and 5am. I’ve never seen any sailing, some kayak and rowing is all.
Watching the finals of gymnastics now. There are a lot of falls and missteps. Balance is a problem too. Disappointing.
Watched the men’s final of the 100 meter dash. I’ve never seen anything like that. Bolt just breezed to the finish. I can’t believe his ability to look around then purposely slack off! He later said he just wanted to win, not go as fast as he could all the way. Speculation by the announcers was Bolt could easily have run faster than he chose to.
Night.
Classes coming soon are beginning quilt making, beginning sewing and beginning quilt making again. Coming in September: quilting, One Block Wonder, Beg. Log Cabin. Christmas projects.
Newsletter is coming in the next week. We’re trying to plan classes ahead more. Plus I need to check for the longarm clases.
nite
We’re watching the opening ceremonies. WOW! How much did the fireworks impact the air quality? it’s been in the news quite a bit so I just wonder. that giant LED screen was amazing, then they turned it into the largest stamp pad in the world. Have you noticed that the parade of nations gets, um long? Maybe I’m just too tired. Our family thought that the US team ‘costurme’ looked very British, the beret, they looked like they should play cricket. Ralph Laren? 8 pieces-in Bejjing-in August!!?
Planning our anniversary sale over labor day-every thing 25% off. Drawings. Treats.
We’ll be starting long arm quilting classes soon.
Come see me at the shop.
night
Well, by now most of you have heard that Anna Lena’s is closing. I know we’ll miss the shop a lot. Anna Lena’s had a few niche areas. Fudge! Redwork, and 1930’s fabric.
I’ve been asked by several people to carry the ’30’s fabric and to start a Redwork club. I’m in the process of figuring out how this could be done. I’m not very adept at redwork so would need a teacher/leader for this group. Karen (Anna Lena’s owner) mentioned she will keep a website and sell her fabric, books and patterns.
Christmas fabric is here, we’ve got kits, patterns, ready to go. Maybe Christmas in August?
Those are the top things I’m thinking about. Next is our 3rd anniversary over Labor Day Weekend. In the works are drawings for book bundles. Sets of books with the same general theme. In-store specials. Fabric sale. Treats…..
Classes are in planning stage, from bags, to redwork, wool felt, home decor and of course quilts and wall hangings.
We got a Millenium, so we’ll be teaching a class on how to use it and then renting. Class includes hands on. Should be ready mid-late August.
Lots for me to think about and plan.
Night
so, the longarm is up and running. I put it together myself. good step-by-step directions.
Thor bought a racing boat. (Actually it’s a share of the boat with three others) An Olson 30 named ‘Wildfire’. She is mighty fast. We took her out today with only the jib up and went faster than Spindrift with full sails! it was very fun and fast. I got really tired. My knees were shaking from the strain of having to keep my balance.
You’ve probably heard about Anna Lena’s by now. It’s a little depressing. Good bye to a great store. Contact her if you want to buy a fabulous store.
What else? My elbows hurt more than ever. I think it’s incorrect height of my sewing machine table and chair.
Projects: Did finish a wool Santa that was fun! I got to sew the wool felt and add roving. Then did some decorative stitching on it. It’s hanging in the shop. Then the unfinished: A Double Irish Chain, Windy City Star, another Christmas Quilt (really cute), a paper pieced project, bindings for 3 quilts. Started the third of three commissioned quilts. A new technique-weaving.
Belen will be 21 on Thursday!!! That’s a shocker for Thor and I.
well, nite.
Okay, it’s a little of a teaser. The longarm is here. I put it together Sunday and Monday. Not an easy job by myself. But I did it with the help of the excellent instruction manual.
My plan is to teach others how to use it and rent it on an hourly basis. An instruction class is required. Beginning rate $20 an hour. With experience $15 hour.
This is still in the planning stage as far as rental agreement, class outline.
What else–well I’ve been busy with the shop. We finish with the Sew Oregon Shop Hop tonight. That was fun.
We’re busy with ideas for Christmas. I completed a wool Santa. Next is a decorated Christmas Tree. And then a Santa Through the Year panel/pattern. I’m stitching around the different Santas by hand.
see you