Butterflies!

How is THIS for inspiration?

These HUGE butterflies are 4 to a panel and Celeste Chabert used two of them to create this pretty tablerunner:


But what about a BQ or Just Can't Cut It? Or pillows?

Shopping totes? You'll never run into one of THOSE at a grocer's checkout counter!

That Gum Drop Class and Storm at Sea

I promised I'd get a better photo of these cute floor pillows Linda Kay made. Her class is THIS Thursday!

Now Pearl has a class coming up for Storm at Sea and this uses the paper-piecing technique.

Such an effective design and a great way to make this beautiful quilt.
The class is this Sat, Jan 18.

Call the shop to book a spot (985) 845-9554

Spring Really IS Just Around the Corner!

How do I know this? When it's 29 degrees outside? Because we just got the entire line of Nancy Halverson's spring fabrics, Garden Song and the panel!




The new fabrics (37! squeal!) are really pretty... the colors have a more intense saturation yet still that classic Halverson look and yes they still blend well with older fabric styles. What a great way to begin this year and look forward to thawing out. See, we can "garden" without the soil!

Embellished Tablerunner Class

So, here is a 2 part class coming up that offers a unique opportunity to explore embellishments with our talented teacher, Mary Green. To begin, Celeste Chabert will guide you through the construction of a fusible and pieced table runner as you see above. On the second day, Mary will put you through your paces with Angelina fibers, basic beading, couching with your sewing machine, Shiva paintstix and hot-set crystals. If you have been curious about any of these techniques and possibly slightly frightened, here's an opportunity to let the expert show you how much fun it is to kick your stitching up the ladder to new and exciting heights.
These techniques can be applied to so many projects, large and small, and once you get the bug, nothing's gonna stop the creative flow.

February 12 and 18, 10am - 2pm. Spaces fill up quickly so if you're interested, please call (85) 845-9554

Astor Manor Layer Cakes

Astor Manor by Moda: We have Layer Cakes and 3 bolts to complement them. Linda Kay has made this large and lovely sample hanging, "Ashley's Journey" from the Piece of Pie quilt book, on the wall using these soft pinks and browns floral fabrics.

Calendar

Happy Year to Everyone

It has been over a month since I got my fingers on the keyboard and up-dated the happenings at Bright Hopes Quilting and for this, I truly apologize.

In full disclosure, it's been 2 weeks! since I have set foot in the door due to the holidays falling on a Thursday and my work schedule but it's so COOL to walk in again and find so much newness all over the place. Pearl and the staff keep generating beautiful samples of new fabrics and patterns. Linda Kay has the new newsletter out and if you would like us to pop one over via email, drop us a line at

brighthopes1@bellsouth.net

Also please note that I have added above the new class schedule calendars. Lots of classes and a few new twists. I will try to remember to keep "lifting" the calendar as the days go by to make it easier to see.

OKAY! on to What's New!

The Gum Drop Pillow The two different size samples were made by Linda Kay and make great gifts for that elementary thru high school or college kid in your life! Use wild Kaffe Fassett fabrics or buggy juveniles and watch them throw themselves on it! She's got a class coming up for it as well, Thursday January 14th if you want a little guidance for your first one.



This is Eclectic Garden by Jason Yenter at In the Beginning Fabrics and we really do enjoy the innovative fabric motifs he designs as well as the clever quilts that are made with them. This pattern comes with our kit. $72.99

Our Mini Quilt Block of the Month is full but we still have a few spots left for Leslie's Washington Medallion Quilt I wrote about back in November. Here's reminder:

As you see, it is awesomely beautiful, all batiks, but what you DON'T see is the quilting on this.... you have to drop by to witness it. It measures 84" square and costs $24.99 a month. SO if you are inspired to step up your sewing skills and give a BOM a try, this is definitely one for the memories.

January is fresh and new and we at Bright Hopes are ready to get busy creating new quilts! However, if you are anything like me, you still have a few UFOs hiding that need a little attention and we encourage you to drag them out, put them in a prominent spot so they nag at you and bring to our UFO Fridays (the first Friday of every month).
Let's get them finished and move forward!

Happy New Year to 2010.