They're Back From Market!

Oh Boy, did Pearl and Mona bring back the goods!

But first, I am please to announce the winners of our Kaffee Fassett Challenge and the October $25.00 Gift Certificate:

$25.00 to Linda Lawrence!

Marge Sandy and Cathy O'Flynn, you two are the winners of the FKC and, I don't mean scrambled chicken! Now, I know, I know, I was so certain I was going to be the winner..... but I really mean it when I say, Congratulations! To all 3 of you. (And I can't wait to see what you do to with your squares.)

Okay, in store now are two fun fresh patterns for baby bibs by Little Quilt Company. They are so sweet and come 12 designs to a pattern. You will recogize the look; Kim Shaefer did the calendar quilts!

Speaking of which, they also have a Calendar Table Runners pattern booklet with 12 runner patterns.

Moonlight Design has 2 wearable "art" sweatshirt patterns that are terrifically stylish and once assembled, ready for embellishments.

Are you an avid appliquer and love the "Baltimore albums"? P3 Designs has the Baltimore Liberty DIY BOM and it is all about the patriot in you. The Liberty Bell, Statue of Liberty, Fireworks and Star, Bald Eagle..... it's gorgeous.

Staying with the Americana theme, we have a pattern by Mountain Patchwork called "Liberty Banner" for use with your red, white and blues.

Brenda Henning and the Bear Paw Productions has a new workbook, Strip Therapy 6 for those Bali Pops

We just received our shipment of the Strip Stick, an ironing impliment to help give you crisp, straight ironed seams. 2 lengths come in one package, 18" and 45". $24.99

If you are one of those quilters whose family asks, "What do you want for Christmas? You seem to have everything....", now you can answer "That rotating cutting board on the heavy acrylic base over at Bright Hopes!". It's 14" square, rotates smoothly and when you go to cut the fabric it won't shift and mess up your line.

Cats're Away!

So Georgia and I have been mousing around the shop today, hanging samples and checking new fabrics into the system.

We got in 4 more bolts from the Dr. Seuss line, including a fun rainbow stripe and character stripes.

Another arrival was 6 beautiful, so beautiful, fabrics from In The Beginning and Michele Hill, called Adelaide Collection. They are inspired by William Morris and have such a soft hand. They would clearly be perfect in any applique technique but I can see some more complicated pieced patchwork in them.

As they arrived shortly before closing, I didn't stop long enough to shoot a few photos but I work again Saturday and will do so then.

We had the Applique Society meeting today and received 4 more blocks for our Kaffe Fassett Challenge. The deadline to get yours in is Saturday. So I really look forward to seeing what you have made. And for ANY of you out-of-towners....... if you want to join in, PLEASE do so and give us a call. All blocks must be post-marked by Oct 30 to be entered.

OKAY! So here is something! As you know, this is the weekend of Houston Market and everyone is heading to Texas for one crazy time. I can't believe how long ago it was that I got the opportunity to attend and how much fun and exciting it is to see the new fabrics coming and the designers and vendors. Exhausting as well! I can't wait to see what Pearl comes back with nest Monday.

Today, we had 2 ladies stop by on their way as buyers for their business and next week, (here's where YOU come in!) they will be there as vendors with their new business, p.s. Goin' Sewin' (I love it that we are still entrepreneurs at heart!)

If you have taken any of our X-Block classes, or have thought about getting one, let me tell you! Georgia recognized Peggy from a GSQA class from several years back. I wish I could bottle the energy level they put out!

These two, Peggy and Shannon, have definitely sold me on the uses. They design and demonstrate various ways to use this ruler to optimum heights. So much so, they are seminar and retreat teachers and pattern developers. (Ask Georgia one day about what students in Shannon's class said)

Not only the X-Block tool but also a Kaleidoscope tool from Sharon Sebrow. Here you see two of their samples using these 2 tools.

Shannon and Peggy with 2 samples. The X-Block on the left, Kaleidoscope on right.

Anyway, after Market they will be at the Quilt Show itself as vendors in the 1500 block of the George Brown Convention Center. Stop by and tell them you read about p.s. Goin' Sewin' here on our blog. You never know what might happen!

This is what their van looks like as they move down I-10.

Ah yessss... I remember ours looking similar on our way home from Market...... memories....

Mardi Party!!!!!!

The new fabric is HERE!!!!!!

We got so excited when the UPS man walked in with the boxes. Pearl has kitted up bundles of these and "friends" to make up a lap sized quilt.

And although it has nothing to do with Mardi Gras, (I think they are pretty exuberant) here are our newest in the Kaffe Fassett line......

And speaking of which..... we got a few more squares for the Kaffe Fassett challenge. SOMEone(s) gonna be a VERY happy participant. You still have one more week to get yours done and entered.

Stars Over Bali Skies Block of the Month

We will be starting our Stars Over Bali Skies BOM in January 2011 (yikes!) and taking reservations now.

This one lasts 10 months and includes all the blocks, setting squares, borders and binding. All the fabrics are batiks (yummy!) and the cost is $19.99 per month.

If you are interested in signing up, please give us a call at 985-845-9554. January will be here soon and after the holidays, it's fun to start an exciting project. I think this one promises to be just that!

Well I Have Resurfaced!

(Sorry about that lapse in time.) However I am BACK and have lots to share with you.

First off, Hattiesburg was a blast and man alive! What an enormous collection of stunning quilts they had on display. Did you have trouble with choosing the "viewer's choice"? Yeah. Me too.

Secondly, I wanted to tell you that although we extended the Kaffe Fassett Fabric Challenge to the end of October, that date is rapidly approaching. So, if you were planning on entering one (or more!) 12.5" block, you've only got one week left!
There are some great blocks now waiting for a lucky winner.

Okay, here is where I get to show off some new stuff:

Dr. Seuss' cast of characters are on fabric and we have the line. These are only some of the bolts...

you'll have to see the spots and remember when Things 1 and 2 ran amok!

RJR's line of fruits & veggies have been bundled into groups of fat quarters and here is a sampling of some of them. (I bought this bundle!) Luscious!

This is just 12. There are 25 more here as well.

We got a box of 25 Hoffman Batiks!!!!!! All NEW... no repeats. They are getting too beautiful...... if that's possible. I don't have enough time to make all the quilts they invoke.



Jayne, however, knocked this quilt out using "Spumoni" Bali-Pop batiks and the pattern "Hanging Gardens" by Cozy Quilt Designs.


She will be offering a class in this quilt some time in January.

Okay.... when this fabric first showed up last month, it blasted out so fast I only heard of it. Then the next bolt (bolts to be precise) arrived and it, too, barely got out of the box before it blew out the door. (I managed to escape with a fat quarter. And I WORK here!)

We have just received another 3 bolts of it and it is so beautiful and so perfect for ANY New Orleans-inspired or Saints quilt you have in mind. Now I have yardage and you can too; if you don't wait, that is.



I leave you now with this sweet soft selection of the Lizzie Collection from Windham Fabrics

They remind of a candy from my childhood, SweeTarts. Anyone?

We wait with great anticipation our new Mardi Gras fabrics as well. We've been told this is the delivery week. Check in soon.

Quilt Tops

Have you looked through all the quilt tops we have hanging on the racks in the back and thought, "I wonder what they're going to do with these?"

(I know I have. )

We have wall-hangings, table top, runners, Christmas themed, Blocks of the Month, orientals, Halverson, batiks, Lap-size, Queen-size, florals, juveniles and baby things. We have samples of everything!

Today, in preparation for the 2 day Anniversary Weekend, Pearl has marked down quite a large number of these....some are even already quilted. And I don't mean by a little....I'm talking 30%, 40%, 50% and more off! MOST of them also have binding included in the sale price. This is a deal! steal!!

So if you have been thinking, "I'd really like to give a quilt but I don't have time to make one!" here is your chance. Grab one (or two) of these bargains and let a long-armer do the quilting. Or take what you've learned in Mary Green's machine quilting class and put it to good use on a quilt top you are not "personally invested" in. *

Think if it as "Adopt a Quilt Day". You'd be giving it a new and good home.

* Talk about personally invested..... Pearl kept saying, "You made this one. You made this one". Some I didn't even remember doing at all! That's crazy! I wish I had a hotel....I ran out of beds at home.

7th Anniversary Week _ Up Dated!

It's been 7 years this week since Pearl opened the doors to the North Shore's first truly "quilt" shop and I have a hard time wrapping my head around this! (And I was THERE that day!)

7 years! Can it be?

All those fabrics that walked out the door and back in again, sliced and diced, and then reworked into art and design. It's been a pleasure and a privilege to witness a large number of both events. Seeing finished quilts is, to me, like having the museum bring framed paintings to my living room. Now, that may never happen (except in dreams) but it does (almost every Thursday) when ya'll come in with your completed projects and it is such a treat. So thank you for sharing!

OK, back to the topic..... Friday and Saturday we are celebrating the end of the 7th and the start of our 8th year. Please drop in and see what Pearl and the crew have done as the "theme" of 7. I will not, repeat, will not reveal this now.

It's early Tuesday morning and when she gives me the green light, I will up-date this post to reflect the info. And anything else she is ready to show and tell.

Ok, the newsletter went out so I am posting shots of our "RAINBOW" inspired quilts:

Rainbow 4 Squares

Moonlight Garden

Line Em Up!

Splash

So there you have the 4 newest quilts from Bright Hopes and we have kits cut and bundled. Pearl has new patterns and notions and books in stock. As if I even have to mention it, new fabric lines are pouring in and here is quilt Linda Kay whipped up:

Snapshot

Now, scope out the email we sent for more information on products you'll find, sale items & Anniversary specials and remember we are open to celebrate Friday AND Saturday from 9:30 to 4:oo pm.

(Ask about the new Red White and Blues! the Red Stripe is great!)

OH, BY THE WAY!

Kaffe Fassett blocks are starting to show up and we have all the (so far) blocks mounted on a board. I think Pearl is going to extend the entry date a wee longer so, if you are joining in, bring em on! If you are sitting on a fence, come see the lovely blocks you could win! Each block you enter gives you another chance at the drawing. You KNOW you have some Kaffe F in your stashing, just callin' your name....... beckoning....... cajoling...... "Cut me...sew me......... you know you want to!"

7th Anniversary Challenge

If you got the last newsletter, you read about Pearl's new challenge. If you haven't read it and are now reading this, let me fill you in!

We love Kaffe Fassett fabrics and so do lots of you. Others are attracted to them but just don't know how to use them effectively. So Pearl is holding a "challenge" of sorts. The challenge is to make just one 12" finished block using at least one KF fabric. That's it! Well, almost.

All this month, when you make a 12" FINISHED (that means it measures 12.5" edge to edge) block using Kaffe Fassett fabrics and bring it in, it gets added to the pile and you get one chance to win a pile of blocks! If you make two, you get two chances! Etc.

You can use any Kaffe fabric you happen to have on hand. (If you want to join the fun and don't have any, well, you know we have a selection like no other! ) They can be "fresh" or 4 years old..... the blocks can be simple as rail fence or a complicated star. The only restrictions are:

1. at least one Kaffe Fassett fabric in the block
2. 12.5" square unfinished. Please please please make sure it measures 12.5" so they are all the same and easier to use for the lucky winner.
3. Your name should be pinned to the
   

Easy, right?

Now, how much the winner(s) actually win(s) will depend on the turn out. We are hoping there is a tremendous response so we can break down the collections into several piles. Based only on what we saw with the Lollipop Challenge, there are a lot of you that like challenges!

We already have received blocks and here is the FIRST of mine.


I say "first" because I intend to make several. Hey! I wanna win!

OK, now you have all month long in September to work on this so make 'em and bring them in as you go and Pearl will let us know at the end how many we received in total and who all wins. I can't wait to announce it on Thursday September 30.

Ok 2 more:



Now it's ya'll's turn!

(y'all's turn.... is that like a cheese?)

September Goodies

Here are some luscious new fabrics we just got in! I am crazy about this:

They are by Westminster Fabrics and a new designer from Brighton, England, Dan Bennett. So cool!

And these cheerful flowers from Lakehouse. They remind me of a candy from my childhood.

These fabrics would be perfect for a school tote for girls, a throw quilt or how about this!:

Honey Bun Poufs! (floor pillows.) Don't let the name throw you; you don't use "honey buns" (those thinner jelly rolls) ........ these "poufs" are 24" and 30" wide.

Now when you have had enough with (well, can we really ever have enough?) sewing for the day, here's a good read that keeps giving chuckles.
And when you're finished, pass it over to your spouse so he/she can know there is someone out there who walks in their crocs. I have read the author, Mark Hyland, is giving a portion of his proceeds to the Linus Project! What a good man!

Linda Kay held her third Biscuit Basket class, this time with 6 students. Here are the results:

Pretty snazzy!

New Things!

Do you enjoy free-motion quilting but find the gloves you use to grip the sandwich a little stiffling? These new Betty Bands might be just the thing for you! The gripper in in the palm of your hand,leaving your fingertips free and breezy.

If Sampler quilts are your thing and you have a hankering for a new look, here is the Six Halves Makes a Whole Sampler by The Quilt Branch.

Starting with 6 half-yard cuts, you assemble this lovely, almost "venetian-tile" quilt. As an added bonus, the book includes instructions for table runner and a tote bag.

Linda Kay has offered the Biscuit Basket as a class several times now, and has another class coming up (sorry, ya'll. It's full but hop on the waiting list for the next one!) and Pearl just got in this roll of pre-cut heavy-weight stablizer. I have been told it cuts the assembly time down considerably so if you were planning on knocking out a few for gifts, you might give this a try.

Heads UP!

We are closed on Saturday and Monday for Labor Day. If you were planning to stop by, make it Friday! Or Tuesday..... or come back on Thursday so I can visit!

And have a safe holiday.
C

2 More Design Books

Okay, this is getting tough!

Pearl got several new books in stock and I am in a dilemma: Which of these does my shelf need FIRST?

Flying Colors by Gail Garber

I see so many quilts at shows with these swishing flying geese and marvel at the artistry. Here Gail Garber lays out the techniques using paper-piecing to create mind-blowing designs. When you are ready (I'm getting there!) to move up the ladder into one-of-a-kind piecing, this is definitely a book for you (me).

I love Lone Star (is that 'cuz I hail from Texas?) quilts and have had the pleasure of actually making exactly one. Now this book,Star Struck Quilts by Barbara H. Cline, comes along and showcases some that makes me want to shove everything off the cutting table & design wall and start one of these instead! I'll NEVER finish this year's resolution list!

Ivy Spangled Banner is gorgeous! Whirling Stars! Star Ripple......Barbara, you're killing me!

Please pause and flip through these books when you stop by and see for yourself...... totally fantastic books. $27.95 each

Paula Nadelstern

Who isn't a fan of her magnificent quilts? Wouldn't you love to learn how she creates her signature kaleidoscope design?

Well, now you can under the guiding instructions from her new book, "Kaleidoscope Quilts, The Workbook". Step-by-step you go, creating the patterns to cut the pieces to sew these amazing blocks.

When you know the way and the tools to use, this advanced technique is yours to master.

One block or 12, wall-hanging or quilt, these are hard to resist and we carry her fabric as well.

Fresh off the press and $24.95.

Calendar Up-Dates

As Pearl has just sent out a newsletter with the calendar of classes for September and October, I thought I would bring it up to the top of the blog.

Check out the new schedule and remember, if you bought the class coupon, you have a nice selection now to choose from.

There are lots of classes making things you can give as gifts in the holidays. Click on each day for more info on each class and refer to the newsletter for details.

Fabric Up-Dates

We just got in a bolt of wide Fleur-de-lis fabric. It is 100% cotton twill and is a welcome addition to our growing collection of this Louisiana motif. I like that scattered look, me.

Now you may have already caught sight of these children's fabrics (and in one instance I think I may have already posted an image) but here are 3 sweet designs for those of you thinking about a baby quilt or young child's nap blanket.

We Have A Winner!

Well, truth be told, we have lots of winners come through the shop and today has been especially rewarding as so many quilt-tops have been in for our viewing pleasure. I don't know what has spurredthis flurry of activity but I say, Keep Bringing It On!

But I digress. The winner of our Bright Hopes Quilting Shop Hop 2010 basket is (drum-roll, Ramona!) Loren Delgehausen of Baton Rouge!

So Congratulations to Loren! We hope you enjoy all the goodies in the basket and thank you for participating.

Now, the shop owners will be coming together to pull the winners of the Grand Prize and other prizes this weekend so check back to find out the results.

I found a new tool, a new favorite tool: The Fiskars Fingertip Control 18mm rotary cutter. I took Pearl's class on curved seams and am bonkers now for this block. When I spied (with my little eye) this nifty cutter on the wall, I knew I had a new favorite gizmo.

You slip your finger through that opening and press your index finger down on the other end and easily follow the acrylic template, especially the tiny ones that require finese. It's like tracing, only better.

Check it out when you pop in.

Shop Hop 2010

Well, it's been a jumping weekend and it's about to wrap up now. I wish we'd had the time to whip out the camera this morning when the bus from the Lafayette area rolled up and unloaded 31 quilters. I was not here and missed the fun completely.

I hope everyone had a good time and a safe one as well. The energy you all give off is infectious and inspiring to boot. I got to meet new faces and friends and this is one of the best things for me.

After the shops get together and pull the winners, I'll up-date this post so check back. Of course, if you are one of the lucky winners, you'll know it before I do!

Good luck to you all and thanks for making it another successful Shop Hop.

Can't Get Enough of Applique?

Here is a new do-it-yourself BOM by Pearl P Pereira. "Balitmore Christmas"

Georgia has made one sample block from the pattern using a fusible applique.

Of course, if needle-turning is your forte, this pattern will make you very happy indeed.

The entire pattern is sold for $78.00 and in stock now.

New Big Block Table Runner

Here is a new sample of that great Big Block Table Runner pattern. This one is made by Sharon Mathews and she will be working here at Bright Hopes Quilting on Saturdays. What a great use of the fleur de lis fabrics!

Stars Over Bali Skies BOM

This gorgeous quilt is a sample of our 2011 Block of the Month, made by Katherine Toler and on display for a limited time only.

I hope you get an opportunity to see it "in person" as it is a fine "batik" quilt.

All of you familiar with batiks are well aware that many of the fabrics are limited as to the quantity dyed and as such the fabrics used in this sample will differ from ours.

However, the feel of the quilt will be much the same as you see here. Light pastels to dark vivid hues transition on the diagonal and a exceedingly wide variety of colors and textures and patterns in all the fabrics.

Pearl and the staff have begun cutting the monthly kits which will be available starting in January. The BOM will run for 10 months and we are taking down a list of sign-ups now.
If you are interested, please give us a call or stop by and we'll be happy to fill you in on details.