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.

New Samples to show off!

Here you see a miniature version of the glowing "City Quilts" by Pearl. If you haven't browsed through this lovely book, give it gander the next time you pop in. It is filled some very modern, minimalistic quilt you've seen. They were inspired by the "urban" landscape, particularly of Houston, Texas (my home town, so I have a soft spot for sure.)

If you have been searching for "masculine" quilt, you'll find several fine designs in this book.

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Linda Kay has made another great tea-towel using the "Tidings" by Nancy Halverson

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Celeste knocked out this "ode" to our Great State of Louisiana: Bait Shop by Patchibilities



Reminder to everyone: Shop Hop is just around the corner and I hope y'all are as excited as we are. Stop by and get your "passport" at any participating store.

Amelia'a in Baton Rouge
Fabric Krazy in Baton Rouge
Quilting Niche in Houma
Mama's Quilt Shop in Independence
The Borne Quilter in Lafayette and, of course!
Bright Hopes Quilting in Mandeville

Movin' It On Up!

Two Classes Coming Up

I want to show these new samples for a couple of up-coming classes.

First, we have the It's A Wrap class with Jayne on Tuesday August 10. Such fun projects that are a total departure from quilting.

And the Lagniappe class on Saturday, August 21 are these cute cute CUTE Schnibbles pincushions with Linda Kay.

So it's time for me to start thinking about those Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers..... December will catch me off-guard every year!