Wrought Iron Cross

This is one of our newest products and makes a beautiful wall-hanging without all the cutting!. This elegant cross is a laser-cut and finely detailed design that easily peels and lays on top of a contrasting piece of fabric. Add outer borders and quilt as you please. You don't have to do any additional sewing unless you'd like to. Click on photo for an up-close view.

Because the cross is black, you can place it on a wide variety of background fabric to create endless possibilities of looks, from somber and traditional to bright and contemporary.

It's Been A While, no?

But I am back at work and have some new things to report. First, because time is of the essence, Linda Kay is holding an additional class for this!:

A Tisket A Tasket, Let's Make A Biscuit Basket!

Back by popular demand, and Tuesday Dec 8, 10:00-1:00, with 3 spaces left open. If you are looking to make a fun gift for Christmas, what a great presentation basket this is! You still have time to learn the techniques of this project with Linda Kay.

The class requires the purchase of the pattern and LK uses one package of BaliPops. This is enough to make 2 complete baskets but if you add 5 more strips from your stash, you can make 3 baskets from one BaliPop so 1 pop goes a long way.

The class fee is $20.00. Give Pearl a call at 985 845-9554 to reserve a place!

Now here's another project to make and give or keep for yourself

It's the Big Block table runner, The Quilt Company, and measures 21' x 56" and makes up very quickly. It features 2 15" blocks so you can finally put all those "just can't cut it" fabrics you have been stashing to good use, right? Pattern is $8.50

Okay! Is it Christmas?! Do you know a quilter?! Are you looking for something that she probably doesn't have (yet) but might really find "awesome"? Well here are a few super awesome suggestions to consider.....

the Gypsy Sit Upon! What every Quilter need to keep the core in motion and work on her posture (not to mention relieving back pain and tailbone pressure) $28.95

Here is another Stocking Stuffer, the Petite Press by Dritz $39.99

And from Alex Anderson, a new tool for her kit, the 4 in 1 Essential Sewing Tool: $19.95

As always, there's more on the way and a new class schedule being pulled together as I write this. So check back or stop by the shop and I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas.

(the temperature is dropping....... yippee!)

Washington Medallion

Leslie is rapidly approaching the final outer border of our 2010 BOM, Washington Medallion but I cannot wait even another day to post this photograph.

Isn't this stunning? Only batiks are used and it will measure 84" square. The entire BOM will include binding fabric and we will be starting this Block of the Month in January 2010.

Each kit will be $24.99.

Mini Quilt BOMs.....

......samples are starting to make their way into Bright Hopes and here I show you two that Georgia made last week.

This is December and October

As you see, the hangers are as whimsical as the designs. Pearl plans to begin the BOM in Jan with February's quilt because it's theme is "Valentine" and how inspiring that will be to get these little quilts completed quickly.

If you are interested in signing up for this Block-of-the-Month, stop by or give us a call.

Pearl's Renaissance

So, she finally finished a quilt she actually gets to KEEP!

Pearl has made this beautiful quilt using Kaffe Fassett fabrics and adapting the pattern, Renaissance by Blue Underground.

Renaissance
This is the repeating block: four of them make the square.

But clever that she is, Pearl reoriented the "four-square" and added sashing to make hers unique. And hurrah for Pearl that this one stays home. Anne Urhy did the machine quilting and if you hurry, you might see it in Bright Hopes Quilting, for a short time anyway.

Tommy the Tiger

Isn't he cute?

This adorable wall-hanging, from Spring Creek NeedleArt is made by Georgia, and although they call him Tomas Tiger, Georgia named him Tommy for Pearl's grandson (who we all know is going to be a Tiger! if Pearl has anything to say about it...)

28" x 30", fusible applique or use your own favorite method. And check out the tiger fabric... it's batik!

New Samples from Mountainpeek Creations to Show

I came in the shop today to find new samples up and feel behind the times! Here is a wall-size version of City Blocks by Mountainpeek Creations that Georgia whipped up using our newest Asian fabrics featuring (what else?) everyone's favorite, Koi. The pattern is intended to be a bed-size finished quilt and Georgia has made only a "block" of the original to give quilters an idea. (well, a wall hanging is also an idea.....) What a gorgeous layout for these prints!

Now we have Mary Gerardi's latest sample, the new pattern Town Square by Mountainpeek Creations, using fresh fabrics in brick-red and turquoise. The squares are large enough to showcase the fabric itself and is an excellent pattern for those "just can't cut it" fabrics.

Folk Dance Quilt Kit

We have bundled this bold new quilt design from Clothworks, Folk Dance. The color scheme is the violet and blue (large) quilt shown.

We have in stock 7 bolts from the product line. The colors are strong and vibrant, clearly inspired by western folk art and measures 61" square.

The kit with instructions and binding included is $57.99.

We will have the sample from Clothworks in the shop shortly so drop by or check back on the post for an update with photo.

2009 BOM NEW!

I mentioned in the last post that we will be featuring another Block of the Month starting next year and THIS would be it!

How fresh is it? It's so fresh, you won't find anything about it on the internet as of today except here! (Hey I googled it yesterday! Couldn't find a thing) (This, too, shall change)

The fabrics are in Alex Anderson's Elizabeth Anne collection and the quilt was designed by Kit Morse and Julie McAuliffe, Always Quilting.

The color scheme you see in the large center is the one we will offer and if you click on the image, you will be able to see all the lovely blocks.

Nothing overly repetitious about this gorgeous design. It meaures 82" x 99" and will be completed in 8 months, instead of the usual 12.

We are targeting our starting date for the Beginning of March and hope to have a sample up by early January.

Back From Market

I popped into the shop and found Pearl and Mona back from the Houston Quilt Market, loaded with wonderful things and more to come.



What's great and surprising is to see how rested they look after! (I was lucky enough to go last year and let me tell you, it's so much fun but utterly exhausting)

Pearl has had in stock many of Little Bits paper piecing patterns (those tiny packages near the register that make wonder mini quilts) and has brought in even more new ones, (and one that I intend to snap up once they get into inventory) some with autumn themes.

LOTS of patterns and if you look hard on the table, that large pink thing left of center is a Sashiko template you have to see to appreciate. Sashiko is that beautiful Japanese quilting/sewing technique. Pearl has some new indigo fabric as well to go along.

That square thing resting on the templates is something new and intriguing. Framed quilts and Pearl has several patterns to show you and they are really lovely. Again, a new direction for fabric.

Anyone who knows me knows I trumpet the use of acrylic templates when making complicated patterns. Pearl has a new set in that make something along the lines of a Marine's Compass or rosette and and quilt pattern to go along.

They have decided on more BOMs for next year: Alex Anderson's Romantic (more on that later, check back after Thursday) and from Patch Abilities look at these

There will be twelve in all and each has a unique themed hanger. I just think they are fun and totally different for a BOM.

I have been told that we will be receiving lots of new fabric over the coming months....(yea!!!!!)

{Oh I realize these descriptions of everything is only a bit maddening... you'll have to stop by soon and see what all they trooped home with. I will update the post with better photos on Thursday, I promise, for those of you who live long-distance and popping in and out is not an option.}

As I leave you now, one more shot of something I saw at the checkout. Look at these great little stocking stuffers! They are sewing kits in mini-barrels. Christmas really is just around the corner now.



Not to rush you or anything. I am the first to cringe and groan when I see the stores haul out halloween candy with Back to School supplies, Christmas trees in October and Valentine's chocolate the day after Christmas. What's the RUSH!?

Not Your Grandmother's Log Cabin

Classes here at Bright Hopes Quilting are a blast, and Leslie brings to hers a high level of energy as well as a broad base of knowledge. On Thursday, she and group of students worked on a kaleidoscope style design using the Clearview Triangle Ruler. If you look behind her on the display board, you'll see a project Leslie is working on and using as her demonstration.

It's a bit hard to see in this small shot the ruler Leslie is placing, but click on it and you'll get a better view. You'll see it's lined up along the upper corner
The projects are coming from this book, Not Your Grandmother's Log Cabin, by Sara Nephew & Marci Baker, which is chockablock with gorgeous quilt designs!

So, if Log Cabin is a block you've told yourself is essential to have in your pile of quilts but haven't been enamored with the "squareness of it all", check out this book and you will be so inspired to give a go.

Here's a parting shot of the students and their progress.

Methodist's Childrens Home

This lovely quilt you see before you is going to be raffled off at the end of the month. All proceeds will be donated to the Methodist's Children's' Home here in Mandeville, LA.

It's a big one! 92" square.

Tickets is be $1.00 per chance and 6 for $5.00.

Come on by and see it hanging behind the counter and take a chance!

July Baskets Block

Here is the July Block for the Baskets Block of the Month. Hope to have August finished soon. Go Tigers!

Leslie

This is our Anniversary Month

It will be 6 years this month that the doors opened here at Bright Hopes Quilting and, naturally, we're going to ring the bells and celebrate!

On Sept 25 and 26, we will hold demonstrations and door prizes. We will have a free pattern and refreshments. We will have special sales and WE WILL GIVE AWAY A FINISHED QUILT TO A LUCKY WINNER!!!!!!

How is this possible? Here's how it goes:

Beginning Friday, Sept 4, for every $10.00 spent, you will get one chance to win. Spend $50.00 and get 5 chances. ALL MONTH LONG! At this end of the month, we will draw the winner's name and no, you need not be present to win, but yes, you MUST fill out the chance with your name and phone number and put it in the glass before you leave the shop each trip.

So let's start the Anniversary Month rollin'!!

A Question

I am posting/posing this question to anyone who wishes to answer it, locals and web-readers both:

What classes would you like to see offered by a quilt shop in the future? Fabric dyeing? Embellishments? SweatShirt Jackets? Traditional blocks? Basic borders and binding?

What degrees of difficulty do you hope we would offer? Mostly beginner? Mostly advanced?

The next newsletter is going to start taking shape and I thought I would try to get some feedback ahead of time. Thanks in advance!

Quilt Camp for Adults

has been a blast for us and here are a couple of photos of the "campers" and their projects!


Shannon and Abby each made a 16" pieced AND quilted AND binded mini-quilt (table rugs as one husband calls them), embroidered tea-towels and tissue box cover, beginning paper-piecing block and Wonky Town Houses, a market tote and a cell-phone shoulder-bag. They are covered in wares!
It's the participants that make the classes fun for us and I thank you both and all the students in the past for taking them with us.

View the Shop

Here's a couple of short films I took of our store during Shop Hop 2009. If you were one of the Hoppers, you might see yourself and if you have never had the opportunity to drop by, this will give you an idea of how we look inside.




It's a bright, chock-filled store and if we don't have it in stock, we'll try to order it for you. Come on by!

Shop Hop Round Up

Well, I hope all of you are recovering from your road-trip around our beautiful state of Louisiana. Pearl has headed out on one of her own to recharge her batteries, so the troops are here keeping the lights on and receiving new merchandise.

We had a WONDERFUL time with you on Friday and Saturday and thank you all for your participation and support. If I can figure out how to do it, I will post some video I took on Saturday.

Shop Hop 2009 Begins Tomorrow!

Get Yer Motors Running!!!!!!!!!

Shop Hop starts tomorrow and continues through Saturday. It's not too late to join the fun and madness. All the participating shops have passports for sale and each passports includes coupons for each store. Every store you hit will have a prize basket that will be awarded at the end and if you get your passport stamped at every participating store, you will eliglble for the Grand Prize of an Arrow Sewing Cabinet.

Each store is also passing out block patterns and will have their own Shop Hop Quilt and kits available. Here is the quilt Pearl made for Bright Hopes Quilting with the Floragraphix IV fabric:.

When you come by, take a look at the quilting of this one by Judy Hukill.

Washington Medallion

You're gonna thank me...... look at this!

Again, from Leslie (it's Leslie month at Bright Hopes). This is the center and then some of our 2010 Medallion Block of the Month. Leslie has done a FABULOUS job of selecting the array of batiks in this quilt.

When complete, the quilt will measure 84" square and will use a variety of piecing techniques. So if you would like to spread your wings under the guidance of Leslie, sign up quick. The space for joining this BOM will be rather limited due to availability of the fabrics.

Bali Sea Star

Yet another beauty from Leslie. This quilt comes from the book, Scrap-Basket Surprises by Kim Brackett. You won't BELIEVE the great ideas in this book.

This is one of 18 quilts in the book and is made from those Jelly Rolls that are increasingly popular. We stock a great selection of Bali Pops from which to choose. OR....if you are a Batik Freak (like me) and prefer to "pick your own", come by and see our Batik Corner. Very Inspiring!

Baskets in Bloom Update

Chris here, I just thought you might like to see how beautifully this Block of the Month is coming along. Leslie is the artist behind it and is too busy to toot her horn. So I will! It's really lovely...

Baskets In Bloom June Block

Well, I'm falling a little behind, but trying hard to catch up. Here is the June Block all finished, and then it has been added to the rest of the quilt. That means I'm half way finished. Come by the shop for Shop Hop to see the real quilt up close. Hope everyone's working hard on their Blocks also. I can't wait to see this one finished!

5 & Dime.....

......by All Washed Up! Now that sounds pretty funny.

Especially when you realize it refers to THIS!:

This quilt is made with the McKenna Ryan fabrics and makes a gorgeous contemporary quilt in beautiful shades of lavendar and teal. The Pattern is 5 & Dime!

Pinwheel Wreath

And the samples keep pouring in. Here we have Happy Hollow Design's Pinwheel Wreath, made by Laura

and as you can see, it has an cordless electric (that means battery) candle to light it up over the holidays. Laura used the newest Nancy Halverson fabrics.

The pattern: $9.50
The kit supplies the fringe, buttons, cardboard base and candle. $29.00

Wintergraphix by Jason Yenter

Wintergraphix is the latest and really wonderful In the Beginning fabrics line and Linda Kay and Georgia have both just brought in their newest quilts.

First is Figgy Pudding (and it's almost 3-dimensional!) by Linda Kay. The pattern is free at Moda Home:

And the next is Globes, a pattern that can be found in Jason Yenter's Wintergraphix, Holiday Project Book. This quilt has been made by Georgia:

and it really shows off the rich textures and multiple layers that Jason Yenter features in his fabrics. Georgia proves that circles can be fun and not something to be avoided!

Both of these quilts will be on display here at Bright Hopes Quilting. Come on in and see.

Kringle Bell

Another super craft project from Happy Hollow Designs!
Linda Kay has just delivered our newest sample, Kringle Bell and he already has a prominent place in the shop.

The pattern is $9.50 and the accessory kit $14.00

Stacked Deck

We got in a new line of Black, White, Red and Yellows that are contemporary and bold and here we have a wonderful new quilt that shows them off beautifully:
Leslie whipped up this sample.

The quilttop measures 50 x 50 and we have kits with the pattern cut. $42.99

Shop Hop News

We are a month away from our Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler Shop Hop and Pearl has completed our Bright Hopes Quilt for you to enjoy:
The fabric line of from In The Beginning Floragraphix IV by Jason Yenter and let me just say, I am a BIG fan of his fabric designs.

This is his latest and it has gorgeous oranges, reds, greens and blues...... all set on point. We will have kits cut and available for purchase in time for the Shop Hop.

There are 7 shops participating and each will have their own quilt on view. The dates are

August 14 and 15,
the passports are $5.00 with coupons from each store and we have great prizes!

So make your plans, get your driving buddies lined up and scope out your favorite route and lunch restaurants because Shop Hop 4 is Just Around the Corner! Whoo-hoo!!!!

Quilt Camp Update

Here is quilt the campers will be making next week:

So bright and uplifting! This quilt is a terrific "first" for young beginners. Challenging and bold. Energizing to look at and very fresh.

Ragamuffin Scarecrow

Again, another winner from Happy Hollow Designs! Mary Gerardi has made our shop sample and added that extra touch of the burlap hat. It measures 42" long and makes a super autumn house greeter.

The pattern is $9.50 and accessory kit $27.00

Our Mona has just brought in this lovely tablerunner from the book, "Skinny Quilts andTablerunners" by Elenaor Levie.



She used the "Annabelle" line from In The Beginning and yes, those are prairie points you see along the edges. (click onthe image to enlarge)



Mona reports that the tablerunner came together exactly as described in the instructions and that the book has lots of tops she wants to knock out in the near future. Isn't it great to be inspired by more than one project in a book?

$24.95

Happy Hollow Santa Clothespin Bag

In an earlier post, I wrote about new products in the shop from Happy Hollow Designs.

Here you see our newest sample, by Linda Kay, of the Santa Clothespin Bag, for Season's Greeting cards, or any other thing that strikes your fancy.

He is so cute!

The pattern is $9.50 and the accessory kit is $24.00

Quilt Camp! One and Two!

Quilt Camp for kids is starting soon, July 13- 17, with Mary Green as our returning and motivating instructor. (We have 2 spots left)

Now, with the thought in mind of "why do kids have all the fun?", Linda Kay has designed a camp for Adults! and has planned out a five day "retreat" with projects that will cover everything from Quilting 101 to a Market tote. We will take a beginner quilter through a crash course to make and complete a mini-quilt, including quilting and the binding. That is our typical beginning quilting class in a microwave!

Then we'll whip that now-experienced quiltmaker up to the next level with basic paper-piecing, a cell-phone bag, machine applique and how to make a simple tote from one yard of fabric. And we think there's going to be time to throw in a Wonky House. (no, no more explanation than that!)

To make it even easier, we have kitted the whole week up so all the "camper" needs is a working machine, the usual notions and 4 hours of free time. How simple is this? The only thing that could make it better is having pony rides and a swimming pool out back! (Sorry, ladies, there's no pool back there. No ponies, either)

So recap: 5 day, 5+ COMPLETED projects. What's the cost? $125.00 for the week plus $50. for the entire kit. August 17- 21

Stop by the Shop to see our samples. If you have any questions, drop us a line or give us a call.

brighthopes1@bellsouth.net
985-845-9554

Bali Pops

A new selection of these jelly rolls by Hoffman International have arrived and just because they are gorgeous batiks bundled in luscious collections of coffee, berry, sherbert and others, they are not hanging around.



And to add the delight, we have in stock Judy Niemeyer's beautiful pattern (paper piecing) Stepping Stones.

Simply Beautiful

HAHAHAHA These are GREAT!!!

Okay, here's some of the latest projects to come to Bright Hopes. From Happy Hollow Designs, we have Stick Chickens, Cats, Santas, etc and Santa Clothespin bags, a wreath kit, stockings and all the accessory kits to finish out these cute patchwork-inspired projects.

These are just a few to look at. More samples are coming in!

As always, click on the photo to enlarge it and get a better view.

Viva Venezia

Wow, would you look at this! Talk about Italian tile inspired!!!

This lovely book, by Christine Porter, is chock-filled with gorgeous quilts and it'll be a tough decision which to make FIRST.

To help resolve this dilemma, we are assembling a collection of batiks that are equally inspiring and makes the "executive decision" perhaps alittle easier. Creams, Greens, Golds, Browns andBlues... all very earthy and natural; as beautiful as Italy herself.

Layer Cakes

Weve been cutting groups of "layer cakes" based on collections we have in stock and they are proving very popular.

For those new to this, a layer cake is a set of 10" squares. In this case, our sets are 20- 10"squares of either our sophisticated "musical"

or the children's line of "animal".

Click on the photos for larger images.

At 10", these can be cut down to accommodate any "charm pack" quilt pattern.

Each sell for $14.99.