Bright Hopes Quilting

New Block of the Month- The Seasoned Quilter

2012-01-24T05:33:00.004-06:00

Some of you stitchers out there may well recognize this lady, The Seasoned Quilter, by Amy Bradley. She's a HOOT!

Pearl offered her as a BOM back in, (are you sitting down?) 2006! Wow, has it been that long?

She is holding in her 3-dimensional "hands" a complete quilt! Each month will be a kit to make another quilt based on a holiday or seasonal theme.

Here is "Easter"

and this is a year-round "welcome" sign.

This makes a fun fusible applique project using your blanket stitch on the sewing machine but just as easily done is needle-turning. Then, let the embellishing begin!

Well, there are new quilters who are just meeting her for the first time, and others who missed out altogether back then, who are signing up for our new 10- month BOM. We will be starting the BOM shortly and I'll give all the good information in this week's newsletter but if you want to get a jump on the BOM, give Pearl a call at 985-845-9554.

Valentine's Day Challenge- Up-dated!

2012-01-22T05:00:00.005-06:00

If you received our newsletter last week and read to the bottom, you will have learned of our new "challenge".

This year, to give a kick to Valentine's Day, we are hosting a "Red and White" challenge open to everyone, even those of you at a long distance! To shake it up a bit, we are including two sizes.

Bring or mail in any one 12.5" unfinished or two 6.5" unfinished blocks using only

Red and White fabric

and be entered to win them all. The blocks can be of any design; 8 pt star, churn dash, square in a square, curved seams, schoolhouse, anything you can think of.

Now you might ask yourself, "Why two 6.5" blocks?" We think knowing that all the block designs will be different, mixing them up along with the 12.5" can make for an exciting sampler for some lucky winner.

If you are stumped for a pattern, Pearl is handing out instructions for a unique "danish heart" design in either size to anyone who comes by.* How unique is it? ~~I can't find a single photo of it thru Google~~ (Found them! not many......) but it is based on this:

I'll make a sample and post a photo on this message shortly. Up date! Here it is in both sizes:

a scrappy heart and a more unified heart

Pearl has a complete quilt on display where she repeatedly used the block.

We will draw the winner on Lagniappe (Leap) Day, February 29 and announce the winner who hopefully leap for joy!

Here is a video taken from a show last year of Infinite Variety, RED AND WHITE quilts at the American Folk Art Museum from a collection of 650 quilts owned by Joanne S Ross. I love how the quilts were displayed, floating en masse from the high ceiling in darkness, with stars shining above. Such an amazing collection.

ENJOY!

Danish Heart Block

* If you read this far, you know I have added the instructions for the Danish Hearts right here:

For 12.5":

Cut :

1 - 4.25" White Square

4- 2.5" White Squares

2- 4.25" x 8.75" rectangles in two complementary red fabrics

5- 3.25" squares 'from one of the red'

4- 3.25" squares 'from the other red'

Make a 9-Patch with the 9 - 3.25" squares and set aside

Draw a diagonal line across the back of the 4 2.5" white squares. Place one of the squares on the upper right corner of one of the 4.25" x 8.75" rectangles and sew on the drawn line. Trim the seam to .25" and press away from the rectangle. Repeat on opposite (left) upper corner. Now repeat these steps on the other red rectangle.

You should now have :

1 - 4.25 white square, 1 rectangle unit

1 - rectangle unit, one 9-patch.

Sew this "four Patch" into the heart!

For 6.5":

Cut :

1 - 2.5" White Square

4 - 1.5" White Squares

2- 2.5" x 4.5" rectangles in two complementary red fabrics

5- 1 7/8" squares 'from one of the red'

4- 1 7/8" squares 'from the other red'

When you have made the 9-Patch, trim it to an accurate 4.5" square!

Repeat the other steps from the 12.5" heart.

Kathy Brown Fat Quarter Cutter

2012-01-15T12:17:00.005-06:00

We had a terrific turn-out for the Demo Day last Saturday and I was only able to snap a few photos of Celeste and the embellished Patternista balls and 4 videos of Kathy Brown telling us about her recent activities.

Here is a quick snippet of Kathy:

I love that smart=phone app linker on her rulers. The scan takes you straight to a video where she shows you everything about the rulers. For those of you who haven't had the chance to look at one up-close, check it out:

As you can see all the unnecessary lines are eliminated and only the most-used widths are clearly lined down the length and then across the widths you see the outline to square up any charms, 2.5" and 1.5" measurements. In addition, she specified where the grippers should be on the back for the best use...... not only are they behind every number, the grippers are completely around the outer edge of the ruler. All grip, no slip!

Kathy designed this ruler to be most friendly with the popular fat quarters. The wrapper has all the dimensions you can expect to cut with this ruler from any FQ.

Here is Celeste and a couple of the Patternista balls. She used Paula Nadelstern's new fabric and beads to embellish the ornament.

If you didn't get a chance to make it, we will be repeating the Demo next Friday, January 27 between 10 am and Noon. Sadly Kathy won't be with us but you can see how smart and useful her Fat Quarter Cutter is for yourself and all the other neat notions and projects.

Newsletter Correction

2012-01-11T11:14:00.002-06:00

Hi there,

A mistake was made in the body of the newsletter that went out two weeks ago.

For the class, Strip Six: The actual date of class is February 28.

In the description, it reads February 14. That should be Feb. 28. Sorry for any confusion.

Duffle Bags with Linda Kay

2012-01-10T15:43:00.007-06:00

Her 2-day class ended yesterday afternoon and I wanted to post the photos of the finished products.

The stitchers look very pleased with the results and I think they made wonderful duffles!

Linda Kay is taking new sign-ups for the next class in March.

When I popped in the shop this morning to buy binding fabric, I saw a new shipment of Michael Miller material being dropped off. And the sale fabric in the back really took a hit over the weekend and Monday!

We have our first Demo Day on Saturday, Jan. 14 with Kathy Brown and her Fat Quarter Cutter at 10:00 am followed by the staff showing new patterns and notions. I am very excited about the LED Mag-Ripper, (These eyes ain't getting any better on their own!) and we have another one that Georgia is keen on; a surgical-styled ripper.

I am just putting the final quilting on a top out of the Strip Smart Quilts book by Kathy B. and hope to have it at the Shop by Saturday. See you there!

ARRRGGGHHHH!!! (or Tenacious Me)

2012-01-07T17:35:00.002-06:00

I have just spent the (much) better part of three (count 'em, 3) hours trying to solve a sewing machine problem and if you read this to the end, it might just save you from the same.

I have a Viking Lily and I love the machine almost entirely. It would be beyond awesome if the dern feet didn't cost and arm and a leg. Love the drop-in bobbin and that I don't have to unwind the thread in order to wind a bobbin. I just pull the thread under the raised foot and loop it up by the tension coil and over to the bobbin winder and whizz it off the spool. Terrific feature, that.

It is a quiet machine, as well, especially when I compare it to the Singer student model I had been using for many years.

So, today I was sewing along and minding my own business, when I noticed the machine sounded noisier than usual. A clicking sound. Hmmmm. So I took the bobbin case out and cleaned the obvious lint away. That usually does the trick, and it did. Temporarily.

Then some time later, I got that weird looping/sticking that happens when the thread pops out of the arm that lifts up and down along with the needle. I recognize very quickly when that occurs because the needle jams. So quick as a bug, I pulled the thread up and back over the raised arm. All was well in with my world..... except the bobbin sounded loudish again. Like a click, click. Not with every stroke and not rhythmically.

Weird. So, I popped the bobbin mechanism open again and did more thorough cleaning. Ever notice how much lint can get caught in the feed dogs? It's amazing! Linda Kay gave me some pipe cleaner gizmos her husband made and I use them regularly to keep the area clean. Now, I put them to very good use. Put everything back together and went along my merry way. Or so I thought.

There was that click again! What the heck? But I don't give up or give in. Now I decide I really must figure out how to take the back of the machine off far enough to get under the feed dogs and bobbin case. That took 20+minutes alone and I tip my hat off to those Swedes. Once you know how, it makes perfect sense. Right up til then, I was thinking evil thoughts. In Swedish.

So, with everything clean again, I screw the back into place, reinsert the bobbin case and feed dog cover and drop in the bobbin and cover the case and....... Click. And I am reminded of this

That's me!!!!! Except it's a sewing machine instead of computer and no Frank and no birthday cake! "there's something wrong......."

When the needle goes down, all is good. When the needle comes back up again, it makes the bobbin "lift" in it's case. Not every time... just enough to allow me to stitch and lose my mind!

I kept at it, until I figured it and here is where you come in. Ever heard the phrase

"Be a wonderful example or a terrible warning to others"?

Well, you decide what I am. The solution to the problem was so simple, I blush to disclose.

I sat there fuming and staring at the bobbin for a few minutes, racking my brain for an answer when I my eyes drifted upward..... right above the needle, just past the tension coil to the arm. Remember the arm? The one that occasionally allows the thread to pop off and jam the needle?

Like it did a couple of hours ago? When I pulled the thread up and over the arm, I had accidentally twisted it, causing an additional tension against the bobbin thread. Duh!

So there you go...... always, ALWAYS RETHREAD the machine when you jam! Don't take the short-cut.

That is right up there with "It's usually the simplest solution to most problems. We just make them more complicated!"

On the up-side, I know how to open the back of the Lily! And the machine is so clean it squeaks! (no, it doesn't. It purrs)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

2012-01-01T05:58:00.007-06:00

Oh I hope you all had a very Happy and Safe New Years Eve. Can you believe it's 2012!

A LEAP year and an election year...... and a year of quilting up a storm. I know I am hitting it hard, fast and early this morning.

I have one of two Barbara Brackman Civil War quilts on the design board (which incidentally isn't large enough to accommodate all the blocks......) (I'm just saying...) and have it almost all together. I'll post a shot of it soon.

Up-date: here it is!

I started this project in January last as an attempt to rein in all my stash. Both of the tops are a "controlled" scrappy quilt and put a serious dent in my fabric collections but I still have a ways to go before I can call my pile "manageable". I'm working on it!

HOWEVER, Pearl has made it that much more difficult for me because she put 3 rows of fabulous bolts on the sale table as we closed out the year and you can see below how much is going to be available at $5.99 a yard when the doors open Tuesday morning.

Now if you look over to the far left side of the first photo, you'll see 3 large bins of fabrics. Stuff as much as you can up to the handle of our provided plastic bag and it's all yours for $7.99. We have batiks, Kaffe Fassett, Jinny Beyer, blenders, prints you name it. This is a great way to get small pieces for applique projects.

So, I guess you know where I'll be Tuesday morning!

In the meantime, I wonder if you know that the Dr. Seuss book, "the Lorax" is about to be released as an animated film? We have just received our long-anticipated shipment of the fabrics and you will not believe how soft the 'hand' is on them. The colors are brilliant and the selection is terrific. All of the bolts are made with organic cotton.

This quilt pattern, Speak for the Trees, is free from Robert Kaufman Fabrics

We have also finally received the focus fabric Peacock Panel from the Timeless Treasures collection, Plume. It is really really gorgeous.

Timeless Treasures is holding a "challenge" for this line and you can pick up the informational brochure at the shop.

Block of the Month!

Dancing with the Stars

Amish with the Twist

Blocks of the Month Sign Up is underway so if you are interested in joining in, drop by or give us a call and we'll be kitting up, ready to distribute Dancing with the Stars first month on February 1. Amish with a Twist will begin in March. As always, we do not charge a registration fee for joining.

I'd like to do something fun this year to showcase the quilts YOU make with fabrics you bought in Bright Hopes...... if you would like to add yours to the queue, please send a clear photo of the quilt, and yourself in the shot if you'd like!, and I'll add it the slideshow.

Let's make a bright and colorful 2012. Happy stitching...

January February 2012 Schedule of Classes

2011-12-22T19:00:00.004-06:00

We heard from some customers that they have trouble with the Schedule of Classes. Not able to see it or print it or save it to their hard drive. I hope to address some of this here:

First, if the image below is too small to read, you can increase the view by first making the window a full screen. Tap your mouse on the icon to the right of the percentage sign. That will make your view as large as your monitor. If you need it to be larger still, zoom in by holding your mouse over that blue slide button on the top and move it gently to the right.

When you wish to minimize the window, just hit your ESC button on your keyboard.

Now, for printing purposes, the easiest method is to tap on the small icon to the far left. (It looks somewhat like a printer). That will open a pop-up window that allows you to choose which pages you would like to print without doing all of them. Your individual printer will determine your additional options. Please go now to the bottom of that window below:

Download document to PC

Do you see that line "Download document to PC" ? This is how you can download the entire schedule but it is a bit of a rig-a-ma-role and I don't recommend it.

HOWEVER: If you click on that, you will be linked over to the program, PDF CAST; I use this program to create the embedded PDF. It is cluttered with other information that looks very confusing but if you scroll down, you should find the word in large letters D O W N L O A D.

When you click on that, you will get yet another page that opens. Fear not. That should say something like this:

To continue, complete human verification below.
We are sorry for the
inconvenience, we need to make sure that you are not a malicious bot or
virus.
Complete the puzzle below to download the document, if you got
confused click reload button to change the puzzle.

If you wish to continue, you must enter the words in that small window and you should then receive the PDF to your computer. Once again, I don't recommend this.

If you really need a copy on your harddrive, send me a note here by email, and I'll email it directly to you. brighthopesquilting@gmail.com.

Okay, I hope this has been helpful.

Sprinting to the New Year!

2011-12-10T05:17:00.006-06:00

Oh man, I can't believe how quickly this month is passing me by without posting!

Thanksgiving Day usually leaves me breathless as we enter the Holiday Month. This is the case as well at Bright Hopes where packages come pouring in with products that were ordered at Market and items that make good gift-giving.

But that doesn't mean we abandon quilt-making; oh no..... in fact, we have several new samples of patterns and fabrics that are so fresh, they are practically dewy!

Jane Sassaman has her new line out and Georgia was immediately inspired to make this Grand Central pattern. If you look closely, you'll see the center panel is one piece of fabric with spinning pinwheels and solid blocks surrounding the middle

Georgia is making a new one using the panel and softer "baby" yellow for the background so I'll post a follow-up post when I get the shot.

Paula Nadelstern's new kaleidoscope fabric is in and this is the "main feature". While at "Market" the gals found this fabulous ball made with the fabric and many pins and sequins.

Pearl is organizing another Demo Days nest month and Celeste will be demonstrating how this is made. We have so much to show & tell and it's great fun to be able to do a lot in short time-frame.

Here's a new item straight outta the box that arrived Thursday afternoon, Poke A Dots!

You've probably had your own issues with thimbles that don't fit well, or fall off or perhaps your favorite has finally worn it's own hole through. If this sounds familiar, you might want to check these little guys out. 18 to a box and made in the USA, these are sticky grippers that are reusable several times and are placed exactly where your "strike zone" is to give your fingers protection while stitching. And the tin is a great keeper for needles. By Jillily Studios.

As for me, what am I up to? I joined in the Farmer's Wife club here at the shop. I'm making mine out of my scrap-bag(s) of batiks (naturally) and will put a board up today showing some of the blocks from various fabric schemes that others are making.

We will host several free Sit n Sew's each month for anyone interesting in hanging out while making the squares. Our next meeting is Monday afternoon, Dec. 19.

Also, we got in a book by Cozy Quilt Designer, Strip Six, of six blocks using jellyroll strips (2.5" WOF) and background fabrics. I liked it and the information inside so much, I bought one

(I know I know! I swore I was going to finish the one's I started before I go off in another direction! But you know me....)

and am using my fruits and veggies left-over strips to make a sample for the shop.

(I figure like this... as long as I am using the stash, a new book doesn't hurt, right?)

It's fun to make complicated-looking patterns quickly.......

__________________________________________

Pearl put all the Christmas Fabric on SALE!!!

$6.99 a yard.

_______________________

Build a Block Monday

2011-11-18T08:00:00.002-06:00

Our Build a Block class is still going strong and Monday will feature the Flying Geese block. This indispensable block is one of my favorites and Mary Gerardi is the teacher this month.

If you are planning on attending but haven't signed up, give us a call. It's a 2 hour class which gives you time to grab lunch before the Farmer's Wife Sit n Sew which follows directly after.

We will be closed next Wednesday through Friday for Thanksgiving.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving week. Eat lots of pie!

Farmer's Wife Quilt

2011-11-16T06:53:00.007-06:00

You may have noticed in the newsletter that we are hosting a Farmer's Wife Quilt Sit Sew one day each month. Our first day is next Monday, Nov. 21 and I wanted to show you four of the blocks done in an assortment of batiks.

The Farmer's Wife Quilt was compiled by Laurie Aaron Hird from letters written by wives of farmers answering a question posed by the editor of a magazine from 1922, "The Farmer's Wife, A Magazine for Farm Women".

Do You Want Your Daughter to Marry A Farmer?

Each block is accompanied with a response from a farm wife and the insights are as down to earth as you can imagine, but it is refreshing none-the-less to read. The book is very popular at the moment with many websites sharing photos of the quilters' progress. It is a super quilt for stash-busting which is what I attempt to do here with my batik collection.

The book has 111 blocks, all 6.5" square and a CD with every pattern included. Now, Marti Michell has acyrlic templates in 6 sets to make the cutting easier and you probably already have some of the sets in your tool-kit. We have used them in several BOMs over the years.

These are fabrics Linda Kay is using in one of her two quilts.

This is going to be an on-going monthly event and everyone is invited to join along and share tips. It is totally informal and free. We look forward to seeing the fabrics you choose along the way.

________________________________

Linda Kay held her two-day Duffle Bag class last week and here is Dixie J showing her small bag.
The pattern has multiple sizes to make and here are 5 more:

They are so professional-looking! I love the fabric selections here....

~They're Back From Market~

2011-11-05T06:07:00.008-05:00

and have returned with fun products and a bursting order book.

First off..... we have some complete wool kits from Primitive Gathering like this Hydrangea Table Mat...... I've been watching a friend here work on a wool quilt and am intrigued at the blanket-stitched wool pieces and how they glow against the dark background.

This is only one of the kits we have at the shop and we are expecting more to arrive shortly.

Pearl has chosen 2 new Blocks of the Month for 2012 and this is the Amish with a Twist by Nancy Rink:

Don't be fooled by this small photograph... this a large finished quilt! It's mostly piecing, as you see, with a small amount of applique on the outer border and again, how beautifully the colors glow against the background.

We will also be offering this row quilt, "Glory Garden"

This will feature an even mixture of piecing and applique in soft sweet colors.

The fabrics are all being made available in January so these BOMs will begin in February 2012. I'll post more information as we get closer to the launch but if either one gets you excited, get your name on the list soon.....

If you are anywhere near Picayune, MS with weekend and can't get enough of quilting, do check out the "Elements of Fall" quilt show, sponsored by the Picayune Piecemakers.

9-5 on both Saturday and Sunday... 303 W. Canal Street in Picayune. Drop by our booth on Saturday!

Nov Dec 11 Schedule

2011-10-28T17:13:00.003-05:00

Okay..... here is the schedule of classes for November and December...

Download document to PC

As usual, scroll down to see what the Shop has set up for classes for the next two months, a description of each one and a calendar you can print on the last page.

Check out the Duffle Bag Class!

Any new quilters out there? or...... Do you know someone who says, "Oh I wish I could make a quilt!"? Well, let's encourage them to LEARN THE BASICS!!!!! We will get them on the right track to start with to piece a quilt. Why the 1/4" seam allowance is SO important and accurate cutting makes life easier!

"My Runners" is a super new book making table runners...... from a Scandinavian perspective.

Have you been reading about or thinking about the "Farmer's Wife" quilt? This is a very popular new book and quilt-along pattern. You can use your stash to make one or use a current fabric line for a fresh new look. Bright Hopes Quilting will be hosting an afternoon each month for anyone interested in working on this lovely project with a fun group of gals! Come join us and visit, laugh, sew and share tips as we work our way through the book. This is not a class but a "sit and sew".

Okay, that's all for now.... watch your email for the newsletter sometime tomorrow!

Thursday Wrap-Up

2011-10-28T06:47:00.004-05:00

We had one heckuva fabulous hour yesterday afternoon when Betty T and Casey B stopped by to show us their final quilt-tops.

These two ladies have been making "round robin" quilts with member of their guild and we've been watching the progress all year.

For those who don't know, the round robin quilt starts with everyone participating bringing a center already finished and then handing it off with specific requests (like all batiks or no applique, please (no applique???) and then trusting your fellow-quilter to add another "border" or sides that both complements and continues to build on the center. Then the pass the quilt to the third and so on.

The thing is, you don't get to see what is happening to "YOUR" quilt until the last person is finished. So technically, you all get to see the final results at the same time.

Now this in definitely not for everyone. But it can be great fun for those adventurous souls out there and Casey and Betty are firmly in that category. One with the SHOW!

Here's Betty with her finished top...... exquisite work!!!! I am slightly disappointed in my photo because the batiks are more vibrant than shows in both shots..... but I can't wait to see it quilted! You can zoom in by clicking on either photo to see the fantastic workmanship. Casey pieced the intricate border third from the outer edge.

This is Casey's..... check out the outer-most border close-up..... see the diminishing geese?

I was lucky to be working on the days they'd bring in the ones they were adding to and watched the progress but this is the first time I got to see theirs.....

So GREAT!!!!!! Thank you for sharing this adventure with us!

This is "Market" weekend and the Big Houston show next week. All you attending, have a super fun time and tell us all about your trip on the return!

Interview with Carolyn Burga

2011-10-12T17:06:00.000-05:00

1.When did you start quilting and how did it come to happen?
Senior year at Newcomb College, my mother panicked because I had not made a trousseau quilt. I couldn’t imagine piecing anything, so she set me to making a whole-cloth cross-stitched quilt by hand.

2. Do you still have your first quilt?
No, but I still have the first one I designed. And my mom’s 1938 hand-quilted bubble-gum pink quilt.

3. When did you arrive in St. Tammany Parish, and what brought you here?
We came in 1998 when my husband was transferred from a south shore bank.

4. How long have you worked for Bright Hopes Quilting and what do you do there?
I’ve worked here about 3 years part-time. I cut fabric on Tuesdays and teach classes once or twice each month.

5. Here is the other “stealth stitcher” in our family….. Carolyn will show up with a new sample and I never knew the pattern existed! How do you find things and from where do you draw your inspiration?
I find things by tripping over stuff, usually in my sketchbooks. (sometimes on the studio floor)

6. Your “art quilts” and canvas are very personal. Do you think of yourself more as a quilter or as a fiber artist? (Or do you even make that distinction at all?)

As I make “originals”, I see myself as a fiber artist. When I tell people that, some think I make art from healthy cereals. It’s easier to just say “quilter”.

7. Do you have a space dedicated to your work? Would you have any tips you’d like to pass on in “organizing your space?”
I am blessed with a studio – AKA spare bedroom, no bed. You just need a table to leave our machine out and a design wall nearby. Put everything else away.
Or see Answer #5.

8. If your fairy quiltmother could grant you one wish, what would it be?
I’d love floor-to-ceiling shelving so all my fabric could be visible all the time.

So, back to me...... Carolyn's work is intimate and the quality shows in the detail. Here are 2 small close-up shots of "points" in her work.

We have several of her originals on display at the shop and if you take one of her classes, I hope you take time to talk to Carolyn. Her calm and quiet demeanor only masks a sharp and quick humor. She leaves me in stitches!

Stonehenge Revisted

2011-10-12T16:11:00.004-05:00

So, did you get a chance to attend the Event with Vic Dadika yesterday?

I sure hope you did..... but in the case of those unable to get here, I'd like to show just a touch of what we got to see first hand.

First, it was explained that Stonehenge, the fabric line from Linda Ludovico and Northcott, is the best-selling fabric in the United States and when you think that there are 81 fabric distributors all vying for our attention and money, that is no easy accomplishment.

However, by now you are probably well aware how beautiful the fabric is and how great it feels to work with and how well it blends with other designs.

But it was very interesting to hear how the designer came up with this concept, how it developed further and how far it's come in just two years.

We have had it in stock only since around the beginning of 2011 and carry a vast selection of bolts, collections, and recently received the 2.5" strips and now the "chips", the 5" squares. A package of these were given to each attendee along with a terrific trunk show of outstanding quilts. Here are just two:

Stoney River

Blueberry Hill

Now, these were my personal favorites and there were many more....

Northcott has a vast website offering pattern ideas for use with Stonehenge, some of which are free PDFs.... the two featured here are in stock now at Bright Hopes Quilting.

We lucky ladies sitting in got to see what was coming up in 2012 and I can't show n tell you. Yet. But there were plenty of excitable wimmen-folk and I only hope Pearl is able to order and receive enough of it to satisfy the masses.

Along with the pack I received, I purchased another and yardage of "Salt" Stonehenge and can't wait to get busy with it. I already know what I'm going to do... check back in a few weeks!

Interview with Jayne Harrell

2011-10-11T09:39:00.008-05:00

1.When did you start quilting and how did it come to happen?

A very dear friend had started paper piecing . For a very long time, she had been encouraging me to learn. I was not interested at all. Then one morning, flipping through TV channels, I spotted a paper piecing demo on Simply Quilts. I can do this!!! That was about 15 years ago and it has changed my life. I am proud of my new found creativity and thankful for the many wonderful friendships I’ve made.

2. Do you still have your first quilt?

Yes, it’s awful and hidden in the closet. My second quilt, however, was made for my husband and is proudly displayed in the den. It’s a beautiful Log Cabin from my first quilting class with Alice Levet. Thanks Alice for starting me on the right road!

3. When did you arrive in the local area and what brought you here?

I was born in New Orleans and raised in Metairie. In 2003 my husband was transferred to Hammond. We rented a house and started building our dream house in Robert, where we now live. We absolutely LOVE living in the country.

4. How long have you worked for Bright Hopes Quilting and what do you do there?

I started at Bright Hopes 3 years ago. Let me just say, this is the best job I’ve ever had! Everyday is like a party and we actually get a little work done!! And the UPS deliveries are like Christmas morning! My job is to do whatever needs to be done, from cleaning to sewing samples to making bows. My favorite part is helping brand new quilters. They bring so much excitement to the shop.

5. Jayne is a fan of “retreats”. Can you give the reader who isn’t aware of these things an idea of what you do on a retreat and how it promotes your “work”?

I ‘retreat’ twice a year with a wonderful group of friends. The one thing we do most is laugh!!! And, we get lots of sewing done too. It’s amazing how much you can get done with no interruptions from phones, husbands, kids, work, etc. We have workshops, raffles, gifties, and lots of show n tell. The grounds of the retreat center are beautiful and many take long walks in the woods. When we return home we are relaxed, inspired and very ready to do it again!!!!

6. Do you belong to a guild? attend large quilt shows? travel far afield to take classes?

I belong to Queen Bee Quilters, Stitchin’ Sistas, and Happy Hearts. I love going to Houston Quilt Festival and GSQA Seminar. In Houston, I meet with my dear friend and quilter Barbara (from Buffalo NY). This is usually the only time we see each other which makes the event extra special.

I also try to see as many quilts shows as I can. When we vacation, I’m always on the lookout for quilt shops.

7. Since I have known you, you have branched out in new directions concerning fabrics. How has your work changed in the past 8 years? Where do you see yourself headed?

My heart lies with traditional patterns and fabrics. BUT, I find being exposed to so many different styles, I’m being drawn out of my comfort zone. Namely, batiks. (thank you Pearl!!!) I’ve done a few shop samples in batiks and have fallen in love with them.

Lately, I’ve been working on several table runners. There are so many adorable patterns available. And now with a new grandbaby on the way (a girl!!!) I’m buying lots and lots of pink fabrics!!!

8. If your fairy quiltmother could grant you one wish, what would it be?

My wish is to be able to quilt for a very long time. I have so much fabric and so many patterns, it will take a life time to complete it all!!!

Back to me..... I LOVED to hear Jayne describe what it's like to work at Bright Hopes..... like a party and Christmas when the UPS man walks in with boxes. That is exactly spot-on.

Her retreats sound like another party... and one I'd attend in a heartbeat. Laughter. Friends. Food. Fabric. There's a real recipe for success.

The Tote Club - October 25

2011-10-01T11:07:00.007-05:00

Jayne is teaching the Tote Club class this month..... Rag Bag.

This roomy tote is fast and fun... perfect for a grab and go project.
The class is Thursday, October 25 from 10-2pm.

And Georgia got the last border on that "stained glass" Stonehenge quilt:

I have reached the age where any assistance in seeing is greatly appreciated so when I spied this new Sewline Quick-thru needle-threader, I had to try it out.
I used a No. 8 needle and voila!

It threaded like a champ.

STONEHENGE..... Come Join Us For An Event

2011-09-30T11:21:00.002-05:00

Bright Hopes Quilting is very excited to announce that we have been chosen to host an up-coming seminar........
Stonehenge Event.
________________

On Tuesday, October 11, Vic Dadika will be bringing new samples from the Northcott Trunk Show using this fabulous line to add to our samples, which you may have already seen in the shop.
Like this!

(Georgia is about to finish the last border)

Stonehenge is the best-selling fabric in the country and Mr. Dadika is going to give us an insider's view of the design team, how the fabric is produced and explain about the Buying Process. Participants will even get a vote on some of the newest Northcott lines in the works!

We will offer two times on Tuesday, October 11; 2:00pm and again at 6:00pm. The presentation should last 90 minutes and we will have refreshments and door prizes!

Space is limited and pre-registration is required. The cost is $5.00 which you will get back in the form of a gift certificate to be used after the talk.

We have in stock a vast selection of this terrific fabric and pre-cuts in various color collections. We will also have the new Stonehenge "Chips" (5" charms squares) in 3 color ranges.

Come be part of the excitement! Be sure to reserve your seat!

985-845-9554

It's Our 8th ANNIVERSARY!!!!!

2011-09-23T09:57:00.003-05:00

YEA!!!!!!!!

It's been a fast eight, too, I can tell you!

And to celebrate, we have some special stuff happening today, Friday and Saturday!

First, everyone who checks out at the counter gets to draw one of our "Pieces of Eight" (can I hear an "arrrrrrh!") which entitles you to a discount of anywhere from 15 to 50% off the highest-priced item in your stack.

Second, every $10 you spend entitles you to a chance at one of 8 prize drawings (all of equal value). So, spend $40 and you get 4 chances. That's pretty good!

Third, every shopper checking out has a special something behind the counter waiting for them.

____________________________

Pearl has 4 tables of marked-down fabrics so this is a good time to get those backings you've been looking for.

Now, if you've been eyeing that BabyGO system, here's an opportunity to get it for $99.99 (while supplies last). They retail at $139.00 so that's a good deal!

As you are aware, our fabulous Batik 8-Point Star Challenge is almost over.... and as of this hour we have 20 blocks entered. SOoooo, if you were planning on getting in on this, you have til 2pm Saturday to get them in; that's when we draw the name of the winner(s).

And finally, don't miss out on a "chance" at that beautiful Queen-size turquoise quilt made with the Blank Fabrics ovarian cancer line. It's huge, gorgeous and all proceeds go directly to Ovarian Cancer research. $1.00 each or 6 chances for $5.00.

We'll have refreshments on hand to keep your energy up. We look forward to seeing you.

Let's Hear It For Another Year!!!!!

Interview with Georgia

2011-09-05T04:58:00.006-05:00

1.When did you start quilting and how did it come to happen?

I had always wanted to quilt. I grew up using quilts on my that my Great Aunt and fraternal Grandmother had made and loved looking at all of the fabrics they had used. I had made a couple small table toppers on my own, but really didn’t know the correct way to do them. I saw an advertisement for a new quilt guild in Slidell that had meetings in the evening, so I went and discovered the wonderful world of quilting. Think this was in the early 90’s I guess.

2. Do you still have your first quilt? No.

3. When did you arrive in St. Tammany Parish, and what brought you here?

I came to Louisiana in 1980 from Ohio/Pennsylvania. My Dad was from South Carolina and I had always hated the cold weather and wanted to live in the south. I had thought of Atlanta, Houston, or New Orleans, and decided on New Orleans because of the music, the wildlife, the water, and the small town atmosphere New Orleans has. Love it here!!

4. How long have you worked for Bright Hopes Quilting and what do you do there?

I think I’m starting my 4th year at Bright Hopes. I work with the customers, make some samples, help with the BOM’s.

5. You have been active in GSQA for many years…… what “hats have you worn” with them? For those who are unaware, can you tell the area readers a little about GSQA and what it does?

I have served as Circuit Teacher Chairperson and Seminar Director and been a member on the Teacher Selection Committee for GSQA. GSQA is a great organization. Promoting quilting is the main objective of the organization. We do this by offering quality teachers, informative programs, quilt shows and, of course, our Seminars. GSQA allows you to meet other quilters and learn from them. Because of GSQA I have taken classes from many national teachers that I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to do otherwise, and met hundreds of interesting people, some who have become great friends.

6. When thinking “SEMINAR”, do you have any tips or suggestions you’d like to pass on to students attending classes in Baton Rouge / and/or circuit classes?

Take as many classes that you can. Try something out of your comfort range, you just may find that you like that new technique. Every class you take you will learn something new, guaranteed.

7. Do you have a favorite fabric? Is there a technique in piecing that you won’t do? Do you have on your bed right now a quilt YOU made?

I have never met a Batik that I haven’t loved!! I don’t like curved piecing or Y seams, but have done them at least once. I’ll try anything. Yes, I have a scrappy New York Beauty quilt on my bed right now, and, once I get it quilted, will have the Washington Medallion quilt we had as a BOM a year ago on my bed. (After I enter it in the GSQA quilt show next June)

8. If your fairy quiltmother could grant you one wish, what would it be?

For everyone to have the chance to be exposed to quilting - for them to see all the different techniques that make up the quilting world and for them to find one that speaks to them. Quilting gives me peace and keeps me sane.

Back to me ( I love getting the last word, don't you?) Georgia and I work together on Thursdays. (I always know it's going to be a great day) and I love to hear her laugh! It's like music! She and Mona worked together on the beautiful Rose of Sharon applique BOM

and recently completed this:

Interview with Carolyn Burga

2011-09-05T04:50:00.006-05:00

So, back to me...... Carolyn's work is intimate and the quality shows in the detail. Here are 2 small close-up shots of "points" in her work.

Interview with Mary G.

2011-08-30T13:21:00.005-05:00

1.When did you start quilting and how did it come to happen?

I started quilting in the Spring of 2004. I live across the street from Celeste and she had invited me to join Birds of a Feather. I had been interested in learning to quilt but had never had time or knew anyone who could teach me.

2. Do you still have your first quilt?

Yes, I do! My first quilt was raw-edge appliqué that the group had already begun when I joined. The pattern was funky chickens, eggs, nests, and barns. I was the last to start but the first to finish, including the quilting! It is on the back of a sofa in my living room area and I call it my happy quilt because it makes me smile when I look at it.

3. When did you arrive in St. Tammany Parish, and what brought you here?

In 2002, my husband and I were looking for property to retire to on the Northshore. We bought in a spot and started building in 2003 as we were selling our house in Harvey and getting ready to retire. We retired in January 2004 and moved into our new home on Valentine’s Day 2004.

4. How long have you worked for Bright Hopes Quilting and what do you do there?

I started working for Pearl in May 2007. I have really enjoyed working with Pearl, the customers and co-workers and learning as much as possible. I like to encourage customers to try different techniques, tools, and the various classes that are offered.

5. You keep the lowest profile in the shop. We know that hides a swift mind and tremendous sense of humor. What did you do before you “retired” and went to work here? Did that prepare you in any way for working in this environment?

My background is in adult/pediatric/neonatal critical care nursing. I received my AD in nursing in 1975 and worked in the critical care arena all but 2 yrs of my entire career, most of which has been at Ochsner Hospital main campus. I guess that’s why I double check almost everything and can get really focused on a task or project.

6. I can’t believe how quickly you knock out a quilt, and it’s usually complicated. Do you sew every waking moment? Do you gravitate towards any specific technique?

I usually have several irons in the fire at one time in order to take a mental break in a different direction. That is why I do some of the shop samples as well as to learn a different technique. I pretty much enjoy all the steps of the quilting process from the fabric selection to the binding.

7. Is there a technique in piecing that you won’t do? Do you have on your bed right now a quilt YOU made?

I sometimes have to talk myself into trying a technique, but there is probably no piecing technique I won’t do at least once. I did my first block-of-the-month last year with the Washington Star Medallion and have that on my bed right now. It was quilted by a longarm quilter and is gorgeous! Most of the 50+ quilts I’ve done have been quilted on my Bernina 440. The attached picture is a recently finished project done entirely on my Bernina, which is being donated, to the local Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for a fundraiser in October.

8. If your fairy quiltmother could grant you one wish, what would it be?

I would love a bigger quilting room in order to have a long- or mid-arm machine. I still have several grandchildren awaiting quilts. There is a plan for later down the road and I can hardly wait!

Okay, Chris here.... Mary really does knock out samples. She'll come in to the shop for fabric and 3 days later, there's another quilt-top hanging!

I am having an issue with images at the moment but hope to include some shots of Mary's work shortly. In the meantime, if you pop in, we can show you around and say, "That's Mary's, that's Mary's, Oh that's Mary's, and that one....". While you're there, look at the footballs she quilted on the Saint's quilt. Freehand.

Things To Show, Things To Tell

2011-08-25T06:20:00.003-05:00

Let's start with our 8 Anniversary Challenge: Here are three of the entries so far.

Bring in ANY 12.5" unfinished 8-Point star made entirely out of Batiks and be entered to win all. If we receive more than 12, we'll make another winner. The drawing will be held during our Anniversary Celebration at the end of September.

Friday, August 26, (that's Tomorrow!) Carolyn B is holding a class in this Color Work table runner. Look closely to see the waves..... break out of a rut of straight lines!

And Meliss made this stunning variation of Storm at Sea using those bold animal prints.

Very Nice!!!

September October Schedule of Classes

2011-08-23T09:45:00.001-05:00

Sept Oct2011 Newsletter

Download document to PC

Interview with Linda Kay

2011-08-22T08:45:00.005-05:00

1.When did you start quilting and how did it come to happen?

I had been interested in Quilting for several years and finally, in 1990 when we moved to the Dallas/Ft.Worth area, I was able to have the time to take a class…and the rest is history!

2. Do you still have your first quilt? Do you have on your bed right now a quilt YOU made?

I have my first quilt on a bed in my house. In fact every bed in my house has a quilt I have made on them.

3. When did you arrive in St Tammany, and what brought you here?

We lived in Slidell from 1985 – 1990, then traveled with my DH’s job until we both retired. We are both golfers and when we found Money Hill golf course we decided to move to Money Hill and play lots of golf!

4. How long have you worked for Bright Hopes Quilting and what do you do there?

I worked in the store for several years, but now mainly teach classes and do the Newsletter Class Schedule, which are my most fun things to do.

String Quilt Sample

5. You teach many of the “beginner” quilts & classes and initiated the “Build A Block” monthly. From where do you get your ideas and inspirations?

I wake-up in the middle of the night with many Bright Ideas!! It is soooo much fun to be able to share some of them with other Quilters or Wannabe Quilters! I love it when we have a “Beginning Class”. It is so exciting to me when we can start someone on the road to Quilting and some of our ‘Beginners’ become some of our best Quilters!

6. You have a tremendous quilt room; very organized and work-friendly. Is there a trick or tip or guideline you would like to share on how one gets there and stays that way?

My room is intentionally upstairs, if I am working on 1 or 10 projects I don’t have to pick-up if I am having company, although I find that anytime I do have company they want to go upstairs and see what I am doing, and that’s OK!

As far as being organized, for many years I worked for big Company’s where your desk had to be clean every day before you left the office, so I suppose I have carried that over into my Quilting. I am also a list maker…a TO DO list is one of my favorites! It helps to keep me focused!

7. You make a point of traveling to quilt shows yearly. What is your favorite out-of-state city to go for quilting? What do you do while there?

I love to go to the Dallas Quilt Show in March. We see some of our Old Friends and the Shopping is fantastic. We also try and get to the Houston Show every couple of years!

8. If your fairy quiltmother could grant you one wish, what would it be?

More time to do everything I enjoy doing …quilting, golf, bridge, reading,…you get the picture!

Chris again.....I have the pleasure of joining Linda Kay to team-teach some of the beginner classes. (I end up learning something new each time! ) She is affectionately referred to as our "bag lady" because she makes and teaches most of the tote bags/classes. Linda Kay scopes out new gadgets and patterns constantly and pops out samples faster than humanly possible and is a big fan of "pre-cuts" like layer cakes and charms.

Here is one of her "Twister" quilts.

Shop Hop 2011 Review

2011-08-22T07:26:00.004-05:00

Well, it's Monday morning after the weekend of Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler and I am slowly recovering..... don't know about ya'll.... but my back feels it the most when I awake.

This not to complain though! I had a blast and hope you did, too. We got to see past hoppers from far away and met new quilters. It's a great pleasure for me to see what projects are in the works and help locate a fabric or two that will be used in them.

Of course, I am the one welding the camera and scanning the crowd. I made a 4 minute recap video which you can see here.

We heard from several of the bus hoppers that they had a good time riding in comfort to the west side of the state. They'd like to make it a 2-day journey with an overnight stop next year. If anyone reading this agrees, please let us know.

The driver was a big hit apparently as well. And just to let you riders know, HE really had a good time with YOU and he wants to be the driver next year.

Thank you, all of you, who took the time to travel so far (or near, as the case may be) to visit our shop. We hope you had a good time, traveled well and got home safely.

As always, we'd love to see what you've made, so bring the show n tell on any ~~Thursday~~ day of the week (sorry..... I work on Thursday and really hate to miss anything!)

Next Thursday is Applique Society all morning. I look forward to hearing what they saw.

Til the next time......

Photo by Angie Crowley

Shop Hop 2011 Day One

2011-08-18T05:36:00.002-05:00

It's Thursday, folks! The first day of Shop Hop,

Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler

I'll be there in the afternoon and start shooting some quick videos. The madness begins when a bus rolls up and that should be sometime Friday between 3pm and 4:30 so fair warning.... it's going to be packed and frantic at this time. Which has it's own form of excitement, I'm not going to lie! I love it when the energy levels rise and I get all caught up in the moment. I just hope I can get it caught on "film."

So, if you're there and see a small camera, smile n wave!

Interview with Celeste

2011-08-13T17:45:00.004-05:00

Celeste has been with us for years and makes so many of the fine samples you see around the shop. If it is whimsical (remember the fun animals with the fancy shoes?) or nautical (the McKenna Ryan watercolors), chances are it was Celeste that made it. She teaches many classes each month and you probably already have met, but here she is in her words.

1.When did you start quilting and how did it come to happen?

1979 I loved Better Homes and Garden magazine. It featured a quilt pattern of Trip Around The World. Our children were young, went to bed at 8-8:30pm, my husband worked offshore. I had always enjoyed sewing, embroidery, any type of hand work, I thought, "I can do that !"

So with cardboard for a template and scissors for cutting, fabric from TG&Y. Ziplock bag to organize, I had a project, did take a few years to complete, remember 3 kids- worked full-time as an R.N.

2. Do you still have your first quilt?

That trip-around the world was machine pieced, hand quilted, and just had its binding re-sewn, our son is the proud owner. I have lost count of the quilts that have been made and given as baby gifts, auction, Memories quilts, just because, and esp. loved ones!

3. When did you arrive in St. Tammany Parish, and what brought you here?

My husband and I wandered across the causeway in 1992 just to look around, very aware that Lafourche Parish La. was very vulnerable to flooding. Found just the right land by accident, spent one year clearing it by hand, every weekend. We now have lots of animals, garden, and Grass!

Also no fear of Flooding.

4. How long have you worked for Bright Hopes Quilting and what do you do there?

After Katrina, I was very fortunate to be asked by Pearl if I would like to work at Bright Hopes. I was thrilled; I had retired when my first granddaughter was born, then we moved to St Tammany. I was ready to enjoy quilting by working at Bright Hopes, being part of the Bright Hopes Family. I love our customers, show and tell, being inspired with new ideas, and trying to absorb all the fun ideas that come through the doors everyday.

Part of my job is to assist with customers, help with cutting kits, planning kits, teaching and helping with Block of the Month projects.

5. You teach many of the classes offered at Bright Hopes Do you have a favorite class or technique that you enjoy teaching most?

I like a challenge; I've completed my share of bed quilts, baby quilts. I can no longer do hand work, so my challenge was to fine a new way to create! Raw edge applique-embellishment, tons of patterns, lots of creative ways to express myself. I also discovered wool-rug hooking! I loved doing the Jungle walk, The Garden Cats, I think 18 at this time. Now McKenna Ryan. Keep a close watch on our News Letter And blog, new things all the time.

6. Is there a technique in piecing that you won’t do? Do you have on your bed right now a quilt YOU made?

An Amish quilt is on my bed. Most of my bed quilts have been given and several are waiting to be quilted on my wonderful Bernina. I like any piecing that can be done by machine.

7. You have a small farm. How do the critters and garden inspire you in your quiltmaking?

Mother nature is our inspiration, we have 2 miniature donkeys, Jethro, and Sweetpea, Frick and Frack (2 Manx cats), Jake and Dexter (dogs), everyone has heard stories of those two.

We have lots of chickens and ducks. We feed all of the above, we also have our fair share of wild critters! I love to play with landscapes, trees, country scenes, and waters capes. Lighthouses, barns, old houses, all sorts of chicken patterns, everything. Not enough hours in my days!

8. If your fairy quiltmother could grant you one wish, what would it be?

I would ask my Fairy Quilt Mother to grant me more time to love, and enjoy this great gift of quilting, and to be able to share with everyone all the fun that is your reward.

Interview with Mary Green

2011-08-10T20:40:00.011-05:00

Continuing with our "Meet the Staff" interviews, here I introduce you to

Mary Green

1.When did you start quilting and how did it come to happen?

I became interested in quilting when I was a graduate student. I saw a quilt pattern in a magazine that I just fell in love with. I bought fabric and worked on it a little but never finished it. So later, much later, when I stopped working, I again bought fabric and a book and made my first quilt, a typical rookie mistake of a fairly complicated pattern - a pieced and appliqued Dresden Plate. However, I entered it later in a GSQA show and won first place in the First Quilt category (when they had one). That was encouraging so I decided to take a class (and learn from a person rather than a book) and it snowballed from there.

"Dresden Plate Sunflower" completed in 1995

2. Do you still have your first quilt?

My first quilt is hanging on a quilt ladder in my living room.

3. When did you arrive in St Tammany, and what brought you here?

I arrived in St. Tammany Parish in 2000. My family was living in Destrehan, LA and both of our neighbors bought motorcycles as a mid-life crisis thing. The roaring of those engines every weekend morning was so annoying my husband and I started to look for another place to live. My husband always wanted more land so we bought a home on six acres in Folsom. It is very quiet and peaceful.

4. How long have you worked for Bright Hopes Quilting and what do you do there?

I found Bright Hopes Quilting about six years ago. I was driving down Hwy. 22, saw the sign for the shop, and I turned right around. It felt right away like I had found a home away from home. Currently I teach classes including Beginning Free Motion Quilting, art quilt techniques, and integrating computers with quilting.

5. Of the various classes you teach, do you have a favorite class or technique that you enjoy teaching most?

I love teaching any classes that push students out of their comfort zone. My objective is to get students to feel free to explore new techniques and to think out-of-the-box. There are very few, if any, rules in my classes.

6. Your embellishment projects are very beautiful….how did you start moving down that path in quiltmaking?

I was always been interested in art so adding embellishments was a natural extension of my art background and I enjoy the freedom that art quilting allows. Quilting usually involves a lot of precision and, while making art quilts can be time consuming, I find it a lot of fun to be able to throw things on fabric (like fibers, or paint, or beads) to make something beautiful or interesting.

"Love the Future" a quilt in support of Chinese artist Ai Weiwei

Folded Log Cabin

7. You have gone to the Houston Market for several years with Pearl. It is exhausting! What do you do there and how do you recover from it?

I LOVE going to market! It is so wonderful to see all of the new products and fabric lines. When at market, I attend classes showcasing new patterns and techniques and assist Pearl when meeting with fabric and notion vendors. After fours days at market I need more than a week at home babbling on the couch in order to recover. But the whole experience is extremely stimulating and I get home with a head just chocked full of ideas.

8. If you had a fairy quiltmother, what wish would you want her to grant?

If I had a fairy quiltmother, I would want her to gift me with more energy so I could do complete all the quilt ideas I have rattling around in my head. That would be wonderful!

So, to conclude I'd like add this piece entitle "BP GrisGris"

Click on the shot to see the beadwork up close.

Last week, Mary held her class on the Christmas Bird wall-hanging. Anytime you take a class with Mary, you're going to drive home with your head spinning with all the possibilities to release your creative powers in fiber-art. Here are a few of her students showing the works in progress.

The Staff Has Been Busy!

2011-08-10T05:43:00.004-05:00

I popped into the shop yesterday and was greeted by some very artistic samples.

Carolyn B has such a creative streak and moves away from traditional quilting towards the art quilts and pictures.

Here is the latest small quilt; an intimate picture using only one piece of fabric and selectively cutting. (In this case it is a batik). Carolyn is going to hold a class in October for Fun, Fast Fusies.

Carolyn has also been making all our samples of the "Calendar" tablerunners by the Little Quilt Company. Here you see September (apples for the teacher), July (R, W & B naturally!) and August (summer vegetables). Again, these are fused onto pieced backings and make fun n' fast projects.

She is also going to offer a class in machine applique using the Rose of Sharon applique designs to make this:

Now, Celeste has been working with batiks to make this sample of McKenna Ryan's "Something Fishy" pattern.

We have all the patterns in stock and an outstanding collection of batiks to make this gorgeous wall-hanging. I love the braided border! and check out those waders in the lower left corner.... a really beautiful job, Celeste!

Shop Hop 2011 Up date

2011-08-04T10:25:00.003-05:00

I have another (better) shot of the Shop Hop 2011 quilt here that shows the background fabric more clearly....... you can also click on the image to get a close-up window.... for even better viewing.

The background has all the colors in small clusters and the border fabric is the same on black.

Show and Tell

2011-07-30T07:28:00.004-05:00

Linda Kay held her class on the Christmas Tote last Tuesday and took a photo of the finished projects!

Linda Williams and Barbara Moore

Tote Club is a fun monthly class that offers a new "tote" each time.

Next month's project will be a small sewing notion "tote" that holds your marking tools, small scissors, ripping stick, you know.... all the small things that tend to get lost in the shuffle or under a pile of fabric on your cutting table.

Kay Guillot came in for Applique Society and brought with her this terrific Show and Tell:

Her 11 year old granddaughter was in town for a visit and together they held their own "quilt camp". Sarah Duley pieced and quilted this beautiful batik 9 patch. I am told she also chose the fabric selection as well. It looks like another quilter has embraced the craft. Welcome, Sarah, to the club.

Now for a fun and silly parody, please read this article: The First Rule of the Quilting Society

If you need a tidbit to sample:

You don't cut more than four layers of fabric at the same time. You keep an eye out for cuts containing fabric fibers, as this is a sign of a worn-out blade. You keep your blade covered when not in use and out of the reach of little hands at all times, because safety is paramount. And you don't talk about the quilting society.

Ah, good stuff!

Here's a Tip!

2011-07-26T17:02:00.003-05:00

I'm fairly certain other people have done this but again, good ideas should be widely distributed, no?

Linda Kay does this to her books and I find it to be a terrific use.

When you get home and thumb through a new paperback quilting book, you will find (probably) several designs you want to make, but the book closes and you prop it open with whatever you have handy, right?

Take that book over to Office Depot or Kinko's and have them trim off the binding and spiral bind it for you.

How easy is this and what a great idea!!! The book is then happy to stay open and you can easily photocopy any patterns that you need for projects without that awful distortion we get from that bend in the middle.

Thank you , LK!

Shop Hop 2011 Quilt Ta-DAH!!!!!

2011-07-25T09:48:00.003-05:00

I couldn't wait til Thursday to reveal to our readers this sample of our Shop Hop Quilt.

Each shop is selling a kit to make one of each of the blocks, along with the pattern. Ours is the bright blue block in the middle!

And then each participating shop will be creating their own unique setting..... this one being ours. It measures 66" x 90".

We will be selling what we call Finishing Kits and instructions for this "on point" setting and binding.

I do hope you will be "hop" on in and see how beautifully Anne Uhry quilted it in fleur de lis patterns.

Meet the Staff - Mona

2011-07-22T06:41:00.005-05:00

As a run-up to our 8 Anniversary, I am posting questionnaires of the good women who work at Bright Hopes. This week we have our......

Interview with Mona Lowe

1.When did you start quilting and how did it come to happen?
I started quilting when we lived in Saudi Arabia. I belonged to the Women’s Group and they had a rather larger quilt guild. My mother-in-law, Tica, was also a quilter and she, along with my husband, Roger, got me started on my first quilt.

2. Do you still have your first quilt?
My first quilt was an 8 pointed star with jeweled insets and yes, I still have it and it is still one of my favorites.

3. When did you arrive in Mandeville, and what brought you here?
I arrived in August, 1996 (for the second time). We repatriated from Saudi Arabia back to Mandeville for Roger’s work.

4. How long have you worked for Bright Hopes Quilting and what do you do there?
I have worked at Bright Hopes since the first day Pearl opened her doors. My responsibilities involve just about everything from daily bookkeeping, waiting on customers to teaching classes. I also have the honor of accompanying Pearl to Market in Houston.

5. You are know as an accomplished appliquer. Is this your favorite technique or do you have even have a favorite? Is there a style of quilting you would NEVER do?
I do love appliqué. I would have to say it is my favorite form of quilting. I also enjoy hand-quilting. I enjoy anything that is done by hand. I can’t say there is a style I would never try - I like to try most things at least once.

6. You have a collection of antique quilts. Is there a favorite in the collection?
Yes, I have quite a collection of antique quilts and I love them all. I can’t say I have a favorite one.

7. Do you have on your bed right now a quilt YOU made?
Yes, I have a snowball / nine patch quilt on my bed no that is one of the first quilts I ever made.

8. If your fairy quiltmother could grant you one wish, what would it be?
To live to be 170 years and still be able to quilt so I could finish all the projects I have already started or planned.

Ok, back to me..... Mona never toots her horn so please allow me ..... she and Roger designed this beautiful and complicated spiral quilt as a Challenge Quilt (from I think Moda...... approximately 2004). It made it through several levels and is one of the most unique quilts I have ever seen. I wanted to include for your viewing pleasure:

Stash Busting 101

2011-07-08T06:42:00.006-05:00

First off, there is nothing you are about to read that you don't already know or haven't read before but perhaps it bears repeating.

Yes, we are a quilt shop and indeed we sell fabric but a day doesn't go by without one of us either hearing or muttering to ourselves, "I have too much fabric! I don't know what to do with it all!" And then another fabulous shipment arrives and we drive home with yardage...

So, and speaking for myself, when confronted with what appears overwhelming, the tendency is to do a Scarlett O and just say, "Fiddle de de, I'll just think about that tomorrow!"

M' dears, tomorrow has arrived for this quilter. I had a good chin wag with Pearl yesterday and she gave me some good advice. I pass it on to you in the hopes that if tomorrow arrived today in your home, you will find this useful.

It's daunting to look at the spread you've got tucked here and there and know where to begin. So break down the difficult into manageable pieces. The rest will follow. (they're not going anywhere without you, you know!) And remember..... it took you years to get to this point; it's not going to unravel itself in a day, unless you are really motivated by something, (like moving).

a. In an effort to not overwhelm your senses and space, Open one drawer or tote box and go through it. Just one. Did you love the fabric then and wonder 'why?' today? Go with your gut and put it in a one of two stacks. If you love it still, keep it. If you reaction is "meh.." let it go. Give it up. That one goes in a non see-thru box so you won't be tempted to pull it out again. When you have plowed through that first stack of fabrics, give yourself a break. If you have the strength to continue....

b. Repeat this with another box or shelf of fabric. Now stop.

c. After you have culled, put the "To Go" box out of sight and organize what you intend to keep. Chances are you have fabric you haven't looked at in a long time and already your mind is swirling with possibilities. Group that together and write down what you are thinking. Put it in a ziplock bag or grocery bag together with the notation. This is important because with the passage of time comes memory loss. My best ideas are gone before I can finish thinking them throu..... what was I saying?

If you don't have any bright plan and or still have fabric orphans, organize what you are keeping in some manner that appeals to your method of quilting. I would make 3 piles and organize by size first. Scraps (yes.... I keep everything!!!!! groan), less than half a yard cut and yardage. Stay with me here..... Then box up the scraps so you don't get distracted. Put them aside. (There are ways to break even those down further but that's for another day.)

With the larger pieces, you need some form of organizing. Big chunks of yardage are easy to stow all together and then easier to find when it isn't jumbled in amongst the bits n bobs. They can be folded neatly and placed on end in a large clear container and if you are really good about this, you can measure each piece and place a sticky note like a file tab so in the future, when you have a pattern in mind, you don't have to drag it out completely to see if there's enough of that for the project.

There! The small pieces are done, the large chunks are out of the way..... It's the smaller, less than half-yard cuts that are most cumbersome. And probably account for half the battle.

We love to buy fat quarters but then they pile up and we want to use them so we just shuffle them around until they get mixed up and lost. So begin by deciding how you want to find them in the future. By color? All reds, all greens, etc. By brand? mmmmmm maybe not. By motif? all Asians, all polka dots, all baby, all batiks. (I have two boxes all Christmas! Who knew?)

Once you decide that, how are you going to stack them? In boxes, or on a shelf? Measure the intended space and fold the fabric to fit neatly in or on it. And stack it so you can see what you have without picking up what sits on top. If you have a label maker, stick a reminder on the outside of the box or on the shelf so you will know what is there without having to open it. Then, when they are all tucked in and you stand back, you will be amazed that you didn't do this before.

There! In less than a few hours you will have gotten some handle on your problem and probably are feeling less stressed as a result. You have taken the first step toward stash busting and I hope will feel enthusiastic about continuing with the remaining piles and closets and under-the-bed bundles of fabric.... (I hide them too... like a squirrel with nuts)(It's an illness.) until every piece is both accounted for and dealt with. Nothing left untouched or forgotten. And if this takes a week, that's okay. The point is you did it. You know what you have and you are in control again. (I'm not, yet, but I'm working on it....I'm working on it!)

Repeat this with your collection of books, magazines and patterns. Oh NO!!! Oh Yes. Have a pattern swap. Thin out the herd of magazines by tearing out the patterns you want to keep or cut just the photo of that especially pretty quilt you admire and get a 3-ring notebook instead. Why do I keep old advertisements on my shelf in some musty old magazine from 1996? OUT!

But what about the cast-aways? Don't toss it in the garbage!

If you belong to a club, propose a swap. Or make a scrappy fast quilt and give it away. Give it a good home. It came from one!

I read once that "clutter is nothing more than postponed decisions" and I think there is wisdom there. I know I feel better about what I am doing when I know where I have my stuff.

Now! You know all that stuff you kept? If you are ready to actually use some of it and want ideas, look for our little happy stars we have placed on patterns and samples throughout the store.

Scrappy quilts are awesome!

These little guys are there for you to get inspired to use what you have and be excited to do so.

I hope this has been a useful read. Send in photos of your busted up stash and quilts made from the results. We love to see what you do!

Road Trip to SouthCentral Louisiana is Ready to Roll!

2011-07-04T06:40:00.003-05:00

I mentioned in our email last week that the bus* is now scheduled to take Shop Hoppers from Mandeville early Saturday morning, August 20, and head straight to Lafayette to The Borne Quilter. Riders will have 1- 1/2 hours to shop and get passports stamped and fill out chances for the door prizes. Then back on the bus to go to Morgan City.

Lunch is supplied and after spending another 1 -1/2 hours at the Quilt Cupboard, you'll head to The Quilting Niche in Houma.

Once again, you'll have 1- 1/2 hours before you make your return trip to Mandeville with a snack to tide you over. The bus should arrive at Bright Hopes Quilting parking lot by 6:00pm and all you had to do was kick back and have fun. The bottom line? $65.00

If this sounds like your cup of tea, give us a call to book your seat. Space is limited and the weeks are passing swiftly.

Passports go on sale July 15 at participating stores and come with $5.00 coupons for every shop. If you have never gone on Shop Hop, it's a lot of fun and even more so when you go with a group of like-minded quilters.

I can give you a tip I see each year. Bring some of those return address stickers you get in the mail (endlessly). It saves you time at the table filling out 8 drawing prize registrations and DON'T FORGET TO GET YOUR PASSPORT STAMPED at EACH store to be eligible for the Grand Prize. Every year it's a good one and THIS year it's an AccuQuilt GO System!

* So you know, Pearl at Bright Hopes, Mona at Sew THIS! and Brenda at Mama's Quilt Shop are sponsoring this bus and you can sign up at any of these 3 stores.

We Approach Our 8th Anniversary in September

2011-07-04T06:13:00.004-05:00

As a lead up, I thought I'd introduce some of our readers to the owner and staff of Bright Hopes Quilting. Those of you who cross our threshold on a regular basis know us all fairly intimately and would be able to pick us out of a line-up (and hopefully post bail, should we need it).

But, some of you are fairly far-flung and might be wondering, who are all these people she keeps mentioning?

I will start with the one who got this ball rolling for the rest of us, our boss and benefactress, Pearl Squires, who answered the call and throws open wide the door, Monday- Saturday. Take it away, Pearl!

Interview with Pearl

1.When did you start quilting and how did it come to happen?

1975 – Community classes

2. Do you still have your first quilt?

No, my daughter has it. (Chris here - gonna see if I can get a photo of it!) (GOT IT!!!)

3. When did you arrive in Mandeville, and what brought you here?

1996-Husband’s job transfer

(aside- now, I have known Pearl for many years, but I never knew she got here the year before we arrived! I thought she'd been here long before this!)

4. It’s been 7 years plus since the doors first opened at Bright Hopes Quilting.
A. How did you decide to open a quilt shop and
When I lived in California. I considered opening a quilt store. I found it frustrating having to drive to Albany or New Orleans for quilting supplies. Then, my son went off to college and I began to see opening a quilt store as a possibility. (Small business Development Unit at Southeastern, retail experience.)
B. what was your goal(s)?
To create a quilting version of “Cheers”.
C. Have they been achieved?
They have been somewhat achieved, although I’d like to have more gatherings and clubs.
D How did you come up with the name?
The store name is also a block name. The block is somewhat obscure, and I liked the idea of using a block that is not completely mainstream. I especially liked the philosophy that the name conveyed – as a life guidepost and representing who we are at the store. Unexpectedly, the physical set-up of the store also came to reflect the name - sunshine & bright fabrics.
5. Katrina struck 2 years after you opened and we lost a few shops in the Gulf Coast area either directly or as a result of the impact of the storm. Were there days after the storm when you thought to yourself….”hmmmmm I wonder if we’ll make it?”

Yes. The bills still had to be paid, I wondered if people’s interest in quilting would diminish & I wondered about the New Orleans/Metro economy.

6. You see lots of quilts come through the door. I hear one compliant about owning a shop is the loss of time to make quilts yourself. Have you found this to be the case?

What I do has changed. I make samples for BOMs, classes and to highlight fabric. The number of quilts I’ve made since the store opened is much more than before. Besides, I come across more exciting ideas and fabric – this is also reflected in the BHQ crew.

7. Do you have a favorite pattern or technique? A favorite fabric line? A favorite book?

Block – Sawtooth Star. Technique – Miniatures. Fabric – Free Spirit turned me on to brights. Book – Sally Collins

8. If your fairy quiltmother could grant you one wish, what would it be?

Time (true..... we all want that fairy quiltmother!)

July-August 2011 Newsletter of Classes

2011-06-27T16:11:00.005-05:00

I slipped the collar and disappeared for a week and while I was gone, Linda Kay and Pearl put the final touches on our new schedule of classes. If you are subscribed to our newsletter, you will be receiving this in an email form in a few days, as well. But you get a jump on the others by reading the blog! (and I thank you for reading the blog)

Here it is for your downloading/printing needs.

Download document to PC

As before, you can increase the size for easier viewing by moving that bar on the upper left over towards the right and print by clicking on the tab in the upper left corner.

At first glance, you will see that July is devoted to getting everyone well underway towards Christmas and gift-giving projects. There is something for everyone and especially for fast and fun things to make and present.

August is definitely more laid-back and traditional but you will find, even there, some fast projects like pillows and table toppers and runners.

Sign up early before the classes fill and please, if you must cancel, do let us know as timely as possible to allow others on the waiting list an opportunity to take your vacated spaces.

Amy Bradley BOM

2011-06-17T05:29:00.004-05:00

We are rapidly approaching the last months of a couple of our Blocks of the Month and gearing up for our next offering. This one, keeping with our "Christmas in July" theme will be a 6 month BOM, Amy Bradley's Merry Christmas!

Once again, Amy Bradley has designed some wonderfully whimsical patterns that can be embellished with embroidery and rhinestones and buttons. It is perfect for machine (fusible) applique or the more traditional needleturn. And because the blocks are not complicated, you won't be working on this endlessly.....

Now click on the reindeer and see the lovely workmanship by Jayne below. I love how the bulbs glow...
The gingerbreadman, below, being made by Celeste is only fused at this point in time and waiting for his smile.....

The patterns include all the penguins and nut-crackers you see here as well, so you can switch things up if you are so inclined.

If you saw our Dog BOM and the UFO BOM from a few years back, you know how "happy" these quilts look.

They will become available at the start of July, so give us a call or drop in and sign up.

Shop Hop 2011 -UPDATED!!!!!

2011-06-10T09:57:00.004-05:00

I know, I know... It's just June, right?

Well, that means August is not far away and August is synonymous 'round these parts with Shop Hop, "Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler"!

It's back, it's BIGGER and it's bodacious! With eight stores participating across the lower half of Louisiana, we are gearing up and getting ready for what we believe will the best Hop yet!

As always, passports go on sale July 15 at all the shops for $5.00, they will include the valuable coupons for every store and the Grand Prize this year is an AccuQuilt Go system! The lucky winner will be cranking out quilt pieces by September.... you lucky lucky thing!

You'll have 3 days to travel and visit the stores, get your passport stamped and fill out a chance for each store's prize Gift Basket. Get all 8 stamps and you are entered for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and the Grand Prize!

So call your quilting friends and start making plans to buddy up and join in the fun. You know the more is the merrier!

ROAD TRIP!!!!!

Up-Date!!!!- Now, SPEAKING OF ROAD TRIPS!!!!! Pearl, Mona and Brenda are organizing a bus to take hoppers on Saturday leaving Mandeville and headed to the 3 shops in West Louisiana: The Borne Quilter, The Quilt Cupboard and the Quilting Niche. Why not just sit back, hang out with your friends and let someone else worry about the directions, right? Box meals will be included in the final cost, so if this sounds like your cup of tea, give us a call and get on the list. Space is limited and you'll hit all the shops in one fun day. 985 - 845-9554.

We are working on the Theme quilt and will post another blogblurb shortly to reveal all.

Kathy Brown's Strip-Smart Quilts

2011-06-08T05:33:00.006-05:00

It was a packed space last Saturday here at Bright Hopes Quilting, when Kathy Brown brought her new book and accompanying trunk show.

Oh to be so up-close to the quilts and feel the fabric, linger over the quilting designs..... and be able to ask Kathy, what is this fabric!? Case in point: The Twist

Okay?

Now check out the back!

And now the quilting.

When I saw this one in the book, it's softness was apparent but in person, the subtlety of color and simplicity of quilting just took my breath away! And the fabric was so soft and alluring. It was everything I love in a quilt! I wanted to curl up in it in some corner immediately and just just keep going over the rest of the book.

Here's Carlyn and Meliss, two of the Wednesday quilters, in front of Merry-Go-Round, one of the many bright quilts you'll find in the book.

So, when this whacky-looking ruler showed up, we were all asking each other, "What do you make with that!?" The answer is: "A lot more than you think!" and so much so, Kathy is in the process of designing new quilts for a second book.

She had even more exciting news to reveal! She showed us photos of her new fabric line that should be hitting "market" in the fall. And let me tell you, they are beautiful. What a talented woman we have living just down the road from us in Baton Rouge.

I enjoyed seeing the actual quilts, watching Kathy demonstrate and reveal the tips she has to make make these vibrant quilts. It's always fun to compare the photographs to the originals; in this case is proof to the pudding that this quality is at a high standard indeed with "Strip-Smart Quilts."

Someone at the demo said (I'm paraphrasing here), "You speak like you write in the book. Your personality comes through." and she truly does. She has pulled from her life and weaved anecdotes to the patterns.

Now, I wonder if she'll share the recipe for those good-looking brownies on page 26!

The Giving Quilt, Inc Show

2011-05-30T08:48:00.005-05:00

There has been so much going on lately that I unfortunately have only just gotten around to writing an up-date post on a show I attended a few weeks back.

You may recall my mentioning The Giving Quilt, Inc and a show they held at the St. Gabriel Community Center..... and asking for donation quilts to be on display and then handed over to the charity of your choosing. Well..... I arrived in St. Gabriel around 12:30 in the afternoon and met Candy Bergeron over by the rooms that were abuzz in activity. She showed me around and explained that here "lasagne" quilts were being constructed..... and prepared for future donation.

(These are "lasagne" quilts finished)

Here we have tables of machines and ladies whirring out pillowcases galore and you can see the ironing station in the background.
Everyone was invited to join in for however long you could and this drives home the point that many hands do indeed make for lighter work. But, it wasn't until I made my way into the large auditorium that the true magnitude of this was apparent.

There were hundreds of quilts. Hundreds. Here you see behind the people seated all the premmie quilts; there were over 150 of them alone!

You cannot believe how many quilts were hung for viewing for just one day! and then donated! It was amazing to see the quantity and then the quality of these beautiful quilts. It is a magnificent outpouring of love for strangers in need that propelled this endeavor.

The women who accepted the quilts for their various organizations were given an opportunity to tell who they represented and what they did and, truly, the need out there is great. For the sick, for the battered, for the elderly and infirm and for the smallest of us. Even for the animals.

Here, a Girl Scout group sewed comfort pads for animals in a local area shelter, Capital Area Animal Welfare Society.

So, in the wake of all these weather-related calamities across the States, here comes another call-out for donations...... if you have a stash of fabrics and want to "do something", make a quilt. Make pillow cases. Contact your local quilt shop and ask if they know a drop off point or contact The Giving Quilt, Inc. They'll get your quilt into good hands and believe me, these people do care.

__________________________________________

An added bonus for us lucky to be there was the traveling exhibit of Hoffman Challenge quilts.

Chenille Rug Slash-Cutter - It's a Blast!

2011-05-26T09:53:00.005-05:00

You may have seen us discussing this chenille rug slash-cutter in the shop lately and, if you are anything like me, you may have been intrigued.......

After our demo-days, I bought one and some yardage and ...voila!

I LOVE IT!!!!!

It is SO easy and so effective. Now, I'm wandering around the shop, seeing fabric with new eyes!

This CUTE CUTE CUTE rug was made by Mary Green and she used the Hungry Caterpiller panel..... see what I mean? New eyes, I'm telling you!

Kathy Brown's Strip-Smart Quilts

2011-05-19T12:53:00.003-05:00

Kathy Brown + Creative Grids =

You have to take a look at this new book and cast a glance at your stash of Jelly Rolls. Here are 16 wonderfully different takes on an easy technique that uses strips. It's all in the knowing how, right?

My personal favorite is "Family Vacation" and that might be because batiks were used. Or it might be because of the intricacies of the overall design. Or it might be because of the secondary design that sneaks up on you.

Kathy is going to be here at Bright Hopes Quilting on Saturday, June 4 for a Trunk Show and book signing. If you had the great fortune to be here last year for her Take Five book release, you surely remember a good time was had by all.

Strip-Smart Quilts: $24.99

The Modern Quilting Bee and Bake Shop Goodies

2011-05-19T12:13:00.004-05:00

Fresh Fabric Treats by Moda Bake Shop designers 16 projects using jelly rolls, layer cakes and more.... pouches, techno bags, travel jewelry rollup, baby quilts (I squealed!) (this one is too sweet!)

so many fun ways to use your pastry collection. $21.95

The Modern Quilting Bee block party (The Journey of 12 Women, 1 Blog & 12 Improvisional Projects. Now quilting has come along way since the rotary cutter was bestowed upon us and next to that must surely be the internet phenomenon. You are here reading this blog and I bet you spend a fair amount of time cruising the 'tubes' in search of information on this shared passion of ours.

Well, perhaps our not-so-distant foremothers were meeting for those rare social visits while catching up on news and stitching. However, they are not unlike some of us today. Far-flung to say the least and eager to share our knowledge with friendly souls. But instead of the monthly or seasonal "bee", today we can visit each other daily or even hourly on-line in this "virtual" quilting bee world.

The women in this book, The Modern Quilting Bee Block Party came together on the internet and have created a looser, artistic approach to quilt-making. Rather than "strict" rules for cutting and piecing with precision, they cheerful abandon the norm and break new ground. This is quite the opposite to what I have grown accustomed to and rather refreshing! $21.95

Dresden Plate Meets LSU and More!

2011-05-19T12:05:00.004-05:00

Janet Crosslin came in with 2 beautiful quilts I wanted to share with you... This one is an exquisite 3-D Dresden Plate in LSU colors (Geaux Tigers!)

..... and this lovely hand-appliqued sampler/ folk-art-like beauty done in the French General fabrics.....

Please click on either of them to get a closer look..... the quilting is outstanding!

We have been receiving new Halloween fabric this month and ~~Carolyn~~
OOPS!!!

Sharon M made this cute 3-6-9 quilt with our array..... love the kitties hiding behind the pumpkins

Let Freedom Ring Fabric Panel

2011-05-06T14:40:00.004-05:00

Here is that Let Freedom Ring panel I mentioned in our recent emailing....... It's by Wing and A Prayer and Timeless Treasures.

As you see, the panel includes the Pledge of Allegiance, the Preamble to the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, along with several labels and God Bless America center square...... enough to make some to keep and some to give!

Up-Coming Classes and FYI

2011-04-29T15:38:00.008-05:00

Linda Kay had her "Tote Club" class on Monday and two ladies went home with this Mini Messenger Tote bag. Shannon used batiks and Jan has the dragonflies and I think they did a super job. It really is fun to finish a project in one class sitting.

The Twisting Twice Class is coming up next Thursday, May 5. This is a quilt that uses that "Twister" acrylic ruler, the Let's Twist book and large squares of fabric. You can't believe how fun it is to watch the pieces being cut out and reassembled to create these spinning pinwheels and I love the use of the Red, White and Blues in this sample by Linda Kay.

It's a fast quilt and a perfect one to make if you want a complex look in a short length of time. And, no, there is not a lot of wasted fabric!

Now, if you want to decorate for the 4th of July and don't have much time, this might be for you! Fireworks! with Carolyn Burga on Friday, May 6. It's a super little wallhanging that can be left unadorned or blinged out with embellishments!

If you are getting or new emailings and want to send in a comments, we'd love to hear what you think and don't forget the St. Gabriel Community Center/ Giving Quilt Inc show next Saturday, May 7.

HALLELUJAH!!!!!!! Jalapena!!!!!

2011-04-28T14:10:00.006-05:00

May I just take a brief moment and jab my fist in the air!!!!!

I am so pleased to be able to post Linda Kay's schedule on the blog.
BUT IT GETS EVEN BETTER, if you can believe it!

As you know, if you used to get our bi-monthly email, we sent this out as PDF and some people were not able to "open" it...... strange as that may sound, they weren't. And trust me, I understand the aggravation only technology can induce. I know it so well..... I have been there all day today. Right on the Edge of Crazy.

But here it is, at long last, our May - June 2011 class schedule/calendar and what makes it so cool is you can scroll down, right there and hit that little printer icon in the upper left corner and print the pages you want for easy reference! If you just need that calendar on Page 7, select "page 7" and that will be the only page printed. BUT WAIT!!!! There's more!

Take it away, Ramona!

(Ok, now in case you can't see this File in that box below..... just give it a moment to load. This happened to me this morning. Grr Some connections are slower than others and I can't do anything about that. Other times, the host server may be down for a short time but it will be back)

(trust me) (oh technology! you devil, you!) (when it works, it's great. when it doesn't, you wait)

See that small thing that looks like a TV set at the top and center? If you click on that, the whole PDF file will appear as large as your monitor screen and when you want to make it go away, you just click it once again and you'll be right back here!

And last but not least...... right below these words you will see the words "Download document to PC". If you click that (below), you can save the whole shebang to your computer! No more printing papers or leafing through your email looking for that message. Just save it to the desktop and you will always know what's happening here at Bright Hopes Quilting.

I am astounded at what technology can do!!! (and sometimes doesn't....)
I'm so thrilled, I may have to eat Tex-Mex tonight.

Download document to PC

Ba Da BING!

2011-04-26T10:59:00.005-05:00

Yes! We were able to send out our weekly newsletter via email yesterday. Whooh-hooo!!!

I can only imagine you are as tired of hearing about it as much as I have been apologizing for this drama.... but it has been some struggle to arrive at the final piece of the puzzle: Why have we been so unable to send email?

Answer: AT & T has changed their mailing policy and somehow we were not informed. Ahhhh.... okay!

All this is history and we're still standing, bruised but not broken. And just in time, as it turns out.

Linda Kay has written our new class schedule/ newsletter and I will be up-dating this information here, shortly, on our calendar and sending it directly to those of you on our eList. If you wish to receive email, please drop us a line at brighthopes1@bellsouth.net.

_________________________________________

Thursday , April 28, is our Monthly Applique Society meeting, 9:30 am - noon. Always fun to see what they are working on. And pick up tips on better stitching!

Our applique Block-of-the-Month is the Rose of Sharon that Mona and Georgia have been working on. This is the latest shot I have of the blocks:

I think the bottom two are the most recent ones....(don't quote me on that!)

Just What A Blog Is For!

2011-04-24T05:46:00.007-05:00

If you are on our emailing list, you might be wondering what is going on with that! Long story short, AT & T has changed their processing of mailings so we are changing ours as well. As I learn more how to do this, I still make mistakes.

So where is it, you ask? Ah technology! I'll leave it at that as I sort out the final , ah.... issue. Linda Kay has fine-tuned our latest newsletter and class list (some great ones coming up!) so I am eager to get that sent out. I hope to have the email to you by Tuesday .....

.....but in the meantime, I'll fill you in on last week at Bright Hopes.

Candy Bergeron came by Thursday afternoon, as promised, to collect a stack of donation quilts and receiving blankets for the up-coming show in St. Gabriel.

I wrote a post about it last week and planned to attend myself. (Candy invited me to be a docent for an hour or so...... she trusts that I won't ankle off with any quilts! hahahaha) ("What does a docent do?" " Answers questions...." " I don't know if I know any answers." "......." She still wants me. ) So, May 7, St. Gabriel Community Center......... I'll be the one in white gloves looking like I know what I'm doing but don't.

Candy will be making a final pass through Mandeville on Thursday, May the 5th and Bright Hopes Quilting is a drop-off point so if you would like to donate any quilt to this cause, please have yours at the shop no later than Thursday morning and be sure to fill out the donation form to have the quilt given to the charity (on the list of 16) of your choice. This is a tax-deductible donation so if that is important to you and the IRS, don't forget to document that as well.

_______________

We have received more Just One Star blocks and will be mailing the big package off Tuesday, April 26. It was SO COOL to open an envelope Thursday and find more stars arriving!!!! At this rate, we all will have made more than enough stars to complete 4 quilts! Ya'll are the BEST!

Thank you for participating in this project.

________________

Isn't This CUTE?

You know Pearl has a lovely little granddaughter.... look what she's getting! This little-girl sun cap is reversible and adorable and made by Pearl. I think the pattern is Blossoms and Bloomers..... and has a jumper as well.

___________________

I was prowling around the shop and came across this bolt that has somehow escaped my detection until now. Beautiful dragonflies in an oriental feel. It glows off the black background.

Classes and Calendar ::::

Tuesday is Tote Club,

Thursday is Applique Society

Friday is 6 Halves Makes a Whole Starburst (continued)

Okay, be on the look-out for that elusive email and pray for me as I continue down the technology wormhole!

Just One Star

2011-04-17T05:44:00.004-05:00

Well, maybe a few more than one!

I popped into the shop yesterday and was greeted by this fabulous display of the Moda's Just One Star donations. Don't they look awesome! What you can't tell from the photo is some of others stars in plastic baggies containing several blocks so we are going to be sending quite a handsome package to the project in a couple of weeks. If you want to make one or some and join in, here is the pattern and information. They are fast and easy to make.

At the door, I saw this new sample by Linda Kay of the Let's Twist book & tool and the RED WHITE & BLUES fabric line. It is such a cool way to spinning stars.

Now, ya'll who know me, know I have this thing for chickens.... and so do a few others of us at the shop. Celeste is the designer of this quilt, using our newest panel of artistic roosters and a crazy patch. We have since received more fabrics that fall into that French Provencal look that remains classic and popular throughout the years.

I'm Watching You!

The Giving Quilt, Inc.

2011-04-15T14:21:00.004-05:00

If you read our newsletter 2 weeks ago, you saw this paragraph:

Speaking of giving in May, The Giving Quilt, Inc. organization is hosting a wonderful One Day event in the month of May, at the St. Gabriel Community Center. All donated quilts will be on display and awards will be given for "Celebrity Judges" and "Viewer's Choice".

At 2 pm, the presentations will begin and the representatives from the charities of your choice will be on hand to receive them!

The list of 16 charities includes worthy charities such as The Linus Project, ALS Association, Southeast Louisiana War Veterans Home, Volunteers of America and Quilts of Valor. Get all the information you need at their website, or ask us at the shop when you come in.

I just got off the phone with Candy Bergeron who is one of the organizers of this Quilt Show and she plans to be at Bright Hopes Quilting on Thursday, April 21 to pick up any donated quilt.

If you are planning to make a donation and want to save a little wear n tear on your car, drop off your quilts before the close of business Wednesday (or first thing Thursday morning........that'll work!) and don't forget to print and fill out this form to include with your quilt.

Take a look at the list of possible donor recipient organizations here and make a choice. Some organizations have specific requirements that must be fulfilled prior to the actual donation (like some must be pre-washed. Some expect a presentation case. Some must be no smaller or larger than...) This list will include that important information.

We quilters know the comfort a quilt gives and the warmth we receive in return knowing they will be appreciated by the recipient.

We also love seeing quilts on display, so if you want to enjoy a nice day out in a feel-good environment, come to the show in St. Gabriel, LA on Saturday May 7, 2011 between 10:00 am and be sure to be there at 2:00 pm for the Blessings of the Quilts and presentation. There will be all sorts of stuff to see and do. Hope to see you there!

For additional information, go here.

Everywhere I Turn - Applique

2011-04-09T04:33:00.004-05:00

As you probably know, Bright Hopes Quilting hosts a local Applique Society on the last Thursday of each month, so that means they met again just last Thursday.

This is an especially fun day for me as I have long admired the technique from not-so-afar and can skim past and see what they are working on. Always inspiring and usually un-nerving as well. These ladies are serious stitchers and do amazing work.

I took a few shots of a Halloween pattern that Melinda Jones has been working on. I just wanted ya'll to see this:

Click on the photo to see it up-close. It is fine fine fine!

Now, every where I turn it seems, we have a new book or pattern or sample in the shop for applique.... like this, for instance:

How cute is this?

Or this new display rack Pearl got in to house our growing collection of applique books. Whatever you do, when you stop in, do NOT look at that one in the center bottom, Beautiful Botanicals...... steer clear of it.

So, something is definitely afoot because when the one to the left showed up, I bit the bullet and bought a copy. I WANT to be able to needle-turn. I have tried and found myself, shall we say, lacking in the ability until a woman stopped by the store on her way home from Seminar (GSQA).

Violet Newby was one of the instructors, for applique, and she gave me a quick starter lesson and got me going. So, Violet, if you're out there, thank you!

Here is my second attempt, from that book . Donna D., I used your method of marking and liked it!

And just this past Thursday, Mona gave a class on hand applique that I horned in on and learned her method of marking. I shall give that a go this weekend.

To ALL of you applique artists, I Thank You.

OH, and I added a new "label" for this post. "Applique"

see below

Quilts of Valor

2011-03-30T05:39:00.002-05:00

If you have dropped in the Bright Hopes Quilting Shop lately, you will have noticed couple of quilts with a decidedly patriotic take. Here is the first one made by Mona.

The perfectly named pattern, Just Between Friends

After the Houston Market last year, Mona brought home lots of information about a major campaign push starting this May to distribute quilts to wounded US soldiers and that fabric companies were getting on board by printing more "RED WHITE & BLUE" fabric lines.

Quilts of Valor is probably nothing new to a lot of you and we have been shown plenty of beautiful quilts come through the shop on their way to this great organization but what is new is how the project is spreading beyond the strength of quilters to those who have never picked up a needle and thread.

If you go to the Quilts of Valor website, you will find everything you need to know to make and give a quilt. You will see samples of quilts that already been sent off, You will read that as of February 2011, Quilts of Valor has given 37,000 quilts to wounded soldiers. 37,000. They also have patterns and suggestions for fast quilts.

You will see that there are volunteers who will do the quilting for you and return it for binding and labeling. What a generous and charitable thing! (I have personally had one quilt finished this way.)

But if making an entire quilt is something you are unable to do and you still want to be involved, MODA has another idea.

Just One Star is a project where all you do is make one star, using the pattern provided and donate it to Moda. They need 1800 stars to complete their goal of 100 quilts by June. (So, make 2!) Please take note that the pattern also asks you sign your block with your name and state.

Now, you may send your block(s) directly to Moda at the address provided or bring them to Bright Hopes Quilting. We are a drop-off point through the month of April. They are already starting to come in. Pearl will be mailing every block she receives in one big package.

Okay, to pump you up, I make this promise. I will post a photo of every complete quilt that you make to send to Quilts of Valor. I would love to receive either a photo from you via email or bring your quilt in before you send it off and let us take the shot. I would love love love to have a gallery of these quilts on this blog!

I knocked this quilt out in a week. It's a simple 12" block sawtooth star, with sashing and cornerstones and 2 borders.

12 Stars

Let's see how many stars we can collect in April!

New!

2011-03-25T07:02:00.004-05:00

We got a new shipment in and I wanted to show you a little of what arrived.

Here is a great ruler rack. It's small footprint won't take up lots of space on your cutting table and will keep your rulers organized & handy. $12.00

Here is fusilbe piping, a notion Pearl and Mona found at market. Talk about fast!
Applique Society meets at Bright Hopes next Thursday, March 31 and we have some new and beautiful books of designs. Here is 101 Applique Blocks

And Gracie's Garden Sampler. This pattern flew out of the shop and we have more coming...

.. and Mona made this sample from one of the patterns to show. She does such lovely work. And is teaching a class in hand applique next month. If you want to learn how to do it, grab this opportunity while it's available.
Mona has also made a sample for this cool pattern... a chenille rug using layers of fabric. You need to show cool this is. And fast!

Linda Kay had the Lagniappe class last Saturday and here you see the ladies with finished reversible bags...

I love being there when the class is over and the finished projects are all together! Thanks for letting us show off your work.

March Mayhem

2011-03-19T04:48:00.010-05:00

We've been receiving so many parcels with new fabrics and patterns and I have fallen way behind with up-dating the blog to keep you abreast. Add to this our continuing email issues (yes, they have resurfaced....just when I thought we had that sorted out!) and now there is so much to tell. Let me get started first with fabrics.

Last month we got in the Jason Yenter "Camelot" line of fabrics. Now, I know it seems like we all just put Christmas away but this line definitely has a seasonal feel to it, notwithstanding the name. He also has a book of quilt patterns specifically designed to showcase the fabrics an we have cut kits for two of them, Guinevere and Lady of the Lake. Georgia is working on a sample for the shop and here is one square to show you how they come together.

They are gorgeous, richly intricate designs we have admired for several years now.

You know how I feel about batiks.......Pearl has been getting so many new and exciting bolts and I just keep collecting them...... may I live long enough to use them all.....

This pastel batik is an ombre that has a subtle wave of colors passing through it.

Ah, The Universe is here in the store...... have you been searching for fabric for a young boy that loves science?

Check out our planets and stars!

CLASSES

Jayne has been holding several classes and just finished this one for the Diamond Double...... here are a couple of the students and the project underway.

She is teaching another class next Tuesday, March 22 for the "Tote Club" making this popular "Tote It" pattern using that great mesh fabric. This large roomy tote is perfect for many things, like knitting projects or beach bags..... and Jayne has many so many, she has it down pat. If you'd like to join the class, there is still time to sign up. 985-845-9554.

Speaking of classes, X-Block Triple Play is next Thursday with Celeste.

Six Halves Makes a Whole Starburst

2011-03-04T06:21:00.005-06:00

and now it's made two! Linda Kay has brought in her beautiful sample of this quilt (and class) using the William Morris fabrics and we have it hanging at the shop. Stop by to see it.

Here is a close-up of the center

"medallion".

This is the batik version, so you can really see a comparison......

The class begins next Friday and takes you through the cutting, the piecing, (yes, the ripping when something goes awry) and the completion of a really beautiful design.

This is a five-part class and a good one for someone who has taken the introductory class of quilting and wants to practice her skills. There are a lot of familiar half-squares and 9-patches and this quilt brings it altogether.

New Month.....

2011-03-04T06:15:00.002-06:00

New Calendar

As always, if you click on any class above, you'll get a snapshot of what the class is. For more detail, please refer to our newsletter PDF. If you'd like us to email you one, please pop us a message at brighthopes1@bellsouth.net.

Lagniappe Saturday!

2011-02-15T17:04:00.003-06:00

... is this week and Linda Kay is teaching a twofer.

This month you can learn how to make bibs and tissue box covers. Pearl has some sweet baby fabrics and patterns to make the bibs extra special.

The tissue box covers take a single fat quarter and make a nifty gift that is quick to whip up!

Give us a call to book a spot. Saturday 10-1pm 985 845-9554

Bringing the Calendar To The Top

2011-02-10T09:31:00.000-06:00

Rose of Sharon Block of the Month

2011-02-09T06:34:00.002-06:00

When you see beautifully executed hand applique, it takes your breath away. Here are two more from our BOM, Rose of Sharon. Mona and Georgia are working on this sample quilt.

Don't forget about the monthly Applique Society meetings we hold each month on the last Thursday. If you have a itch to learn better technique or are looking for a group of like-minded stitchers, drop in between 9:30 and noon, Thursday Feb. 24.

Bed Runners and Tea Leaf Totes

2011-02-09T06:21:00.005-06:00

This is our latest pattern for totes, the Tea Leaf Tote and Mona made this sample. I love that Cathedral Windows look

I remember the first time I saw a bed runner on a bed in a hotel, I thought "why didn't I think of that!"....... well, here we have a terrific new project book, Bed Runners and a sample of one of them for a kid's room made by Celeste. It has pockets on both ends to hold a favorite book of bedtime stories.

What really gets me excited is this book is written by Baton Rouge quilter, Kathy Brown! She uses "pre-cut" fabrics to make the projects fast and fun.

These are the new mini-quilts with purpose!

New Fabric From Moda and RJR

2011-02-09T05:46:00.003-06:00

I popped into the store yesterday to get some yardage and what did I spy?

Oasis for Moda!

Those spring flowers are scrumptious. Don't know about you, but I am SO ready for Spring. (Doesn't seem like this winter has been harsher than necessary?)

Okay and here we have the new RJR Fabrics, Le Belle Epoque:

SO pretty.....

Linda Kay is readying the new list of classes up-coming in March and April so keep an eagle eye open for that in your mailbox. We have been having issues with our mail server lately, so please bear with us as try to sort it out.....

Six Halves Makes a Whole Starburst

2011-02-05T08:58:00.004-06:00

I wanted to show you the lagniappe you get after making this quilt, Six Halves Makes a Whole Starburst.

This tabletopper is a great use of "left-over" fabric from those alternating squares. I had enough of the outer border fabric as well. I only needed a little extra of the dark blue for the cross-sashing. This one measures 30" x 40". Pretty sweet!

Dr Seuss

2011-02-05T08:49:00.004-06:00

If you read our newsletter that came out yesterday, you know that Pearl is going to do it again!

What's that? you ask? Bright Hopes Quilting is celebrating Dr. Seuss' birthday, March 2, by hosting another Challenge!

Bring in any 12 1/2" unfinished block using any Dr. Seuss fabric and be entered to win a stack of the entries. If you enter two, you get 2 chances to win. Enter 3 and you get 3 chances.

Here is the first block entered:
As you see here, I used two Seuss fabrics and two complements.....

We will start accepting the blocks on Monday and keep them on display through March 23 when we draw the winner(s).

Quilt Exhibition in Franklinton

2011-02-05T08:24:00.003-06:00

Here's a head-up for all you quilt enthusiasts in our SE Louisiana area.... The Varnado Store Museum in Franklinton is holding a month-long exhibition of quilts, old and new, and demonstrations. Today, Pat Zieske will be appraising quilts from 1-3.

If you are interested in more info, go here and need directions, go here and scroll down for a map.

Baby Buggies!

2011-01-29T12:01:00.006-06:00

We just got in two shipments of new fabrics and this one, Baby Buggies, is adorable!
I know! I know!!! Black for babies? Well, yeah when it's this fun and whimsical..... we have kits ready to make using the Sidelights pattern and introducing other fabrics to complement the buggies.

Phoebe

is a new line from In the Beginning fabrics that shout SPRING!

And for those fans of Laurel Burch, here are her Celestial Dreams by Clothworks:

Metro Bag Class

2011-01-29T11:57:00.003-06:00

Linda Kay had another bag class last week, this time it was the Metro Bag. Here are some completed....

One of the BEST things about Linda Kay's classes is you almost always go home with a finished product. These are so cute and fashionable.

Applique Samples

2011-01-29T11:49:00.003-06:00

Mona brought in two new samples of applique I want to show you. First up is a new pattern for celtic applique:

The batik she uses is really beautiful; please click on the image to get a close-up.

Here is one block form the Rose of Sharon Block of the Month:
Again, it uses the celtic applique technique. These, too, are batiks. It positively glows.

By Popular Demand...

2011-01-25T05:10:00.003-06:00

Since the first class filled up so quickly, Celeste is holding a second class to make the Mask A Raid quilt pattern. Thursday, Feb. 3.

Here is a fun new pattern similar to the Buckets Linda Kay taught last year. Knotty Baskets and we still have precut Timtex (see that roll under the pattern?) to make the making that much easier.

And here is the sample for a class that will begin in March, Six Halves Makes a Whole Starburst. This will be a multi- phased "beginners" class.
Any eagle-eyes out there spot the mistake?

It's been fixed.

Pssstttt Part Two

2011-01-20T05:33:00.003-06:00

and here are 3 of the block elements......

It's gonna be pretty.......

X-Block, Mask-A-Raid! and Dr. Seuss

2011-01-20T05:13:00.005-06:00

I have a few new things to show ya'll!

Pearl has just made this fun sample of "All About Me" with our Dr. Seuss fabrics..... It's wild and colorful and playful. AND BIG. We have kits cut and ready.

Next Friday, Jan. 28, Celeste is holding this class, Mask-A-Raid, which teaches not only piecing but fusible applique, and just in time to have finished for our annual party, Mardi Gras.

Next month, on February 18, Celeste will teach this class, using the X-Block tool. Here she has used gradient batiks.

(hmmmm, a little fuzzy.... still, you understand the idea and see the glow....... I'll take another shot soon)

Classes do fill up fast, but you may place yourself on the waiting list.

If you have signed up and are unable to attend any class, please give us a call as soon as possible in order to open that spot up to someone on the Wait List.

We are working on the class schedule for March April as I write this. Man, the months speed by!

Let's TWIST!!!!!!

2011-01-14T06:57:00.006-06:00

Linda Kay has a new class coming up using the Twister cutting ruler, one of our newest tools at Bright Hopes Quilting.

You start with layer cakes and create this:

Then, after slicing and dicing with the Twister Ruler, you rearrange the pieces and end up with this!

It's a large scrappy quilt from a pattern in "Let's Twist" book, a great way to use your stashed Layer Cake collections ("now what am I going to do with this.....?")

And there is remarkably little waste of fabric, which is important to us thrifty stitchers. A little, true but not as much as I thought there might be. The class is February 8 with Linda Kay.

Shhhhhh!

2011-01-13T18:03:00.003-06:00

Don't tell anyone...... I'm working on a new sample for a Beginner's Quilt....... here's a hint!

I am using batiks

I think they are outrageously scrumptious.

It's going to be done over the course of four to five weeks.

The class will begin in March.

sssshhhhhhhh........

It's Great to be Back in the Shop

2011-01-13T10:21:00.009-06:00

and I have some fun things to show you. First up are these great new samples of up-coming classes:

For those in our Tote Club classes, here is the next one being taught, the Metro Bag by a former resident of Mandeville and awesome quilter, Paula Hughes. Linda Kay is holding this class on Jan. 25.

This is an upcoming 2-part class, Introduction to Quilting with Linda Kay. She uses French General fabrics and the pattern "Cottage Row" from Teacher's Pet (Baton Rouge!) This class starts next Thursday, Jan. 20 and finishes Feb. 10. I think it's a very good quilt to get you new-comers into the wonderful world of quilting. It uses those things we call "jelly rolls" or 2 1/2" strips of fabric to get that organized yet scrappy look.

Next up is Mask-A-Raid..... this sample was made by Celeste and is a small version (tablerunner size) of what is actually a pattern for a throw quilt. "Throw me something, Mister!!" Celeste's class will be at the end of the month, Jan 28 and she's probably going to repeat it in February.....
We have kits already cut for both the runner and the quilt-top.... you should see this up-close. Celeste has it blinged out.

In late February, the 25th, Jayne is teaching this cool quilt!! Petal Pops uses jelly strips of candycolored batiks and makes an eye-popping "crazy quilt"-like design.

So, on to Products...

Moda has this new product, Candy Bars:

They are 2 1/2" x 5" pre-cut rectangles, in "light and dark" chocolate bundles. Each bundle comes with a free pattern of Dresden Plate. AND... each pack has chance at a "Golden Ticket" that gives the bearer a prize of $150.00 of Moda "sweets" and a tour of the Moda Fabrics in Dallas, Texas. Pretty cool!

Next up is the pattern for our Tote Club class in February, Tea Leaf Totes with Mona, which is the catherdral windows look. Very pretty.

Have you met our new baby? It's the "Go Baby" cutting system. Compact and totally totable, this little tool will have your many pieces cut out in minutes and is a nifty tool for applique pieces, (think Rose of Sharon...) Each pattern "die" is sold individually and although this Baby is narrow, you will be surprised how wide the dies can get. Come in and give ours a crank!

YEA!!! more layer cakes...... this are making me yearn for the Spring! (or maybe it's the fact that it was 25 degrees this morning...and forecast for the next few days....)

Here's something that brings to mind the art of Peter Max...... anyone remember this look?

It would make the least fattening valentine gift ever....what a cute bag.....or pillow.

Ah..... isn't this gorgeous..... new by Jane Sassaman. We've been big fans of her designs since we opened and here is a good reason why..... these are luscious!

It's been a whirlwind walkabout for me seeing all this new stuff. Stop on by and we'll give you a spin!

And It's Back on Top!

2011-01-10T16:43:00.002-06:00

Back in the Saddle, (again?)

2011-01-10T16:09:00.005-06:00

Happy New Year Everybody!!

It's been quite a while since I dropped the ball in November but we saw lots of you over the holiday season (thank you!) and I hope you all had a very merry Christmas, a safe New Years Eve and are rarin' to kick off this year in high gear.

I hope, as well, that you have been keeping abreast of our new inventory and quilt samples and up-coming classes from the weekly emails that Pearl sends out. I haven't been the diligent one to get the new calendar in the the blog but that is being remedied as I write. (I've been sick....sniff...)

Please do check out the new classes. You will find some interesting new designs to get you going and for those of you with the class coupon, you know how fast the classes fill up.

We still have spaces left in our 4 Blocks of the Month quilts. To remind you, we have the Amish Sampler,

the Stars Over Bali Skies (batik),
the applique Rose of Sharon,

and the Monthly Mini Calendar Quilts.

I should be back in the saddle and at the shop Thursday to see what all came in while I have been out and look forward to picking the ball up and running with it.

Til then, I leave you in the good hands of Gene Autry: take it away, Gene!

They're Back From Market!

2010-11-04T14:32:00.003-05:00

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!

2010-10-28T17:38:00.005-05:00

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!!!!!!

2010-10-23T13:32:00.004-05:00

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

2010-10-20T14:20:00.006-05:00

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!

2010-10-20T09:17:00.005-05:00

(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

2010-09-23T11:59:00.002-05:00

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!

2010-09-21T06:34:00.006-05:00

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

2010-09-10T12:45:00.005-05:00

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:

at least one Kaffe Fassett fabric in the block
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.
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?)