Quilter's Clean Up--YARD SALE/PORCH SALE

The spring clean up has begun. . . Although I had cleaned out my sewing space before Christmas for the guild garage sale, I now find myself faced with another cleanup.  "Stuff" remaining from the shop closing all ended up in every available nook and cranny in my sewing room, making movement difficult.  With shows over with and gardening season upon us I am determined to get this cleared out.

I have things I won't be needing anymore.
A cash register
An extra phone
A wood ironing board c 1940 with a cute frilly cover c 2010
an iron crib (display only)
Fabric. Fabric. Fabric
Kits, kits and more kits
And boxes and boxes of quilts and smaller store samples.
And then there are the unfinished projects from the store.  I had those under control, or so I thought . . .

A yard sale/porch sale is scheduled for  June 13, 14 and 15.  10 - 4 each day.  No early birds please.

Some items may be sold in advance.  Email me (institches at picketfencefabrics.com) if you are interested in anything listed here.

Linda's upcoming sale

  Linda has found time  to create since the closing of Picket Fence Fabrics and is having a sale this weekend.  Details below:

In THE SPIRIT of

SPRING    

Featuring

‘ON THE PATH’

Found Objects Reinvented/Garden Accessories, Elegant Silver Chimes

Designed by Linda Scallion and Calvin Prescott

 and Guest

Andrea Dowd of

‘BUELLS CREEK CHIC’

Bridging then and now, old and new!

Antique Furniture/Accessories, Stained Glass Window Mosaics

“Reclaimed” “Restored” “Reloved”

Also Sunday only JUDY TODD OF ‘ALLTHINGZENERGY’

Saturday, May 18^th & Sunday, May 19^th, 2013

10:00 am – 5:00 pm

247 Old River Road, Mallorytown

At the intersection of Old River Road and Buell’s Point Road

On the Thousand Island’s Parkway

(entrance off Parkway – watch for signs)

 

                                            Cash or Cheque only

Scraps . . . they are taking over!

Every January I tackle the scraps that I have managed to sort into some semblance of organized chaos.  I start a few scrap quilts and offer these as classes at Picket Fence Fabrics.  This year is no exception.

Pixie Squares will be the first offering on January 25. The queen-sized version of this quilt calls for more than 1000 -- 2 1/2" squares.  If you follow Joan Ford's method of organizing your scraps--by cutting squares from what is left over following every project. . . you will have more than enough squares to do this quilt.
Instructions  include three sizes and three setting options.  It is my go-to project when I want to just sit and sew.

The second scrap class being offered is a new design called Tumbling Spools.  This double/queen quilt favours 2" strips in multiple colours.

Faith will be teaching an Easy Scrappy Stars class using 2 1/2" strips. This design is from Cozy Quilts and could also use some of those fabulous strip sets you don't know what to do with.

The final offering is a sorting bag.  Now, the Wizard had a sorting hat but that wouldn't be very useful to a quilter.  Our bag keeps tools sorted and organized.  It hangs on the back of a door or a wall for easy access to your tools and keeps your work space clear.  Fold and zip and you are ready to take to your next class with all the tools you need.  Use all the bigger pieces from your stash for a scrappy look.

Drop by the shop to register for any or all of these classes.  And be sure to pick up you Feburary coupons when you pay with cash or debit.

Always in stitches,
Jennifer

What's In the Box?

With so many boxes of wonderful new fabrics arriving daily, and just in time for our Open House in September, we will be starting a new feature here on our blog called What's In The Box.  Every Sunday I will write about a fabric, tool or pattern that recently arrived at the shop.  Next time you are in the shop, if you can tell us what the last posting of What's In The Box was you will receive 10% off your purchase.  Want to play?

This week we received 28 colours of Fusions Mist by Robert Kaufman.  This tone-on-tone fabric has a pattern like frost on a window.

As soon as I saw the variety of blues I knew exactly what project it was destined for.  I have  been updating some of the older more popular pattern covers in my spare time. Jane Guthrie  recently re-worked all of the embroidered HATS FOR SNOWMEN blocks in variegated COSMOS thread which works perfectly with this Fusions Mist.  Picture to follow of the new quilt top very soon.

Scrap Quilts --What's not to love.

Scraps, scraps and more scraps--they multiply in the dark!  A number of new quilts  in the works, all using scraps, have me sorting, cutting, pressing, and cutting again.  Some of my favourite rulers are getting a workout this month.  Today I used the  Tucker Trimmer I and II for more scrappy borders.  I love how easily everything trims up with the easy-to-see lines. And triangles are always perfect.

You are invited to tackle your scraps and make this mystery medallion quilt along with me.  On May 17 I will post the first installment of the instructions for the quilt.  The scrappy part is easy. . . the applique medallion and borders will take me all summer.   I have a head start on you so I will be trouble-shooting everything long before you get to it.  My  quilt is made with batiks.  The only yardage I purchased was 3 metres of a neutral for the centre medallion and applique borders.  Everything else is from my stash.

Patterns and Instructions will remain posted until one month after the final posting.   More details to come, but if you are thinking about joining this mystery,  start sorting your scraps into light, medium and dark values.

Morning Madness Sale

Its that time again. . . 

Picket Fence Fabrics is having our annual Morning Madness Sale Event, this Saturday, February 25.

Everything is on sale, all day!   

The shop opens at 8:00 a.m with great  Early Bird Specials.

PICKET FENCE FABRICS

MORNING MADNESS SALE

Saturday, February 25, 2012

8:00 – 4:00

20% - 60% OFF EVERYTHING STOREWIDE—ALL DAY

BATIKS 20% OFF (44” WIDE)

COTTONS 25% OFF (44” WIDE)

HALF METRES AND FAT QUARTERS ALREADY CUT

 BUY THREE GET ONE FREE

PATTERNS AND BOOKS 20%OFF

SELECTION OF FAT QUARTERS--FOUR FOR $5.

SELECTION OF HALF METRES--FOUR FOR $12

3 METRE CUTS $18. 5 METRE CUTS $30.

EARLY BIRD SPECIALS

From 8:00 - 9:00 A.M

FLANNELS 50% off  

(minimum cut 1M or already cut)

CURTAIN GROMMETS 60% off

LANDSCAPE FABRICS 50% off

(minimum cut 1M or already cut)

WIDE BACKING 30% OFF

SELECTED BOOKS 50% OFF

From 9:00 - 10:00 A.M.

FLANNELS 30% OFF

CURTAIN GROMMETS 30% OFF

LANDSCAPE FABRICS 30% OFF

WIDE BACKING 20% OFF

SELECTED BOOKS 40% OFF

(20% OFF AFTER 10:00 A.M)

Old New Mystery Quilt

The old new mystery quilt has made its way to the top of the pile) See June 2010 post.  Holey knee socks! has it been a year and a half?  Well, I never give up on anything I start so stay tuned for directions for the first section.

JANUARY CLASSES

Join us  January 13 and 14 for our New Year Open House.  Meet the teachers; see class samples; enjoy refreshments and demonstrations.

Gift with purchase: Kaffe tote bag with $60 purchase or registration in workshop, Jan 1 - 14, while supplies last.

This Month's Classes

• January 10 --Blockheads Do you love pieced blocks and have a ton of scraps you want to use up? Become a Block Head!  This monthly evening class explores new blocks each month which can be made into large quilts. January's blocks are Northern Puzzle and Corner Star
• January 11-- Friendship Braid  A package of 2 1/2" strips and borders, all that is required to make this lovely quilt
• January 13 & 27, Six Inch Club with Jackie continues
• January 19-- Bali Bag  this popular tote uses strips and finishes in a day
• January 21-- Rapid Fire Hunter Star--Jackie will show you how to make this old favourite with a great new ruler
• January 24 --Quilting in Sections-- Evening tutorial--This step by step tutorial demonstrates how you can quilt your own quilts. You will be amazed at how easy this method of quilting is.  
• January 26 --Liberated Quiltmaking--Games for Quilters --Spend exploring these interesting techniques and liberate yourself the rules of quilting.
• January 28 --River's Edge--Block of the Month--Using Cantik Batiks' Lakeshore and Flavours, this new Block of the Month explores the natural beauty of the River's Edge.
• January 31--Spools Part One of Three--Join Faith in this class and use up the scraps you are so found of to make a delightful lap quilt.

Details including fees, supply lists and samples available in shop.

THE LIST

A new year and a new list of unfinished quilts.

Although these posts are supposed to be about the shop, the unfinished quilts that end up on my list usually start as a shop sample or a new idea for a class.  I can't help it--surrounded every day by fabulous colourful fabrics,  the temptation to start something new is too great.  Usually by the time I finish a sample the fabric in the quilt  is no longer available.  So I start a new one with new fabric--its a vicious cycle!

 I work well to deadline(and sometimes not) and this past year I found myself putting off doing THE LIST quilts because the year end was so far in the future.   I have long suspected that procrastination and deadlines were cut from the same cloth.  Like night and day, we can't have one without the other. Well, here we are; December is almost over and there is no way, not even with a month of Sundays before me, that I will finish ALL the quilts on the list! 

So I have made the decision to divide THE 2012 LIST  into 12 months, and I will post a new list every month. (This also saves the embarrassment of posting the whole list all at once.)

So here is the list of the unfinished projects I will complete by the end of January.  Drop by the shop to see what gets completed.  Or, better yet, send me your list and challenge yourself to complete a few of your own UFO's. 

JANUARY'S LIST

1930's Baby Bricks 

1930's Beginner Sampler (one of many started while teaching the beginner class)

Turquoise and Brown Florida tote (A Trace and Create bag pattern)

Black and White Florida Tote

Purple Carol's Convertible purse

Bali Bag

Ursula Bag (turquoise)

Black/White/Orange Knotty Basket

Heart wall hanging

Miniature stars quilt

HOLIDAY HOURS AND YEAR END SALE

The shop will be closing at noon on December 24  and will remain closed until 9:30 a.m on Wednesday, December 28.

We will open regular hours on December 28 – 30,  9:30 - 5:00

Year End SALE on all fabric in the shop.  Three days only.

The shop will be closed December 31 until Tuesday, January 3.

Peace and Joy

This is the time to reflect on the year gone by. Seems like just last week I was doing this, but a year has passed already.

 After nine years I still look forward to the happy faces of visitors to Picket Fence Fabrics, and the stories of old and new friends. And of course, I have to mention the deliveries of fabric and quilting supplies—I look forward to those too. And then I go home every day and share my day with my wonderful guys, who politely share my excitement and enthusiasm for the happenings at the shop. And I love them for that!

 To everyone who has spent time in the shop this year from near and far, I thank you for your continued support of Picket Fence Fabrics. You are a big part of what makes the shop so much fun. May you have peace and joy in your life.

In search for the perfect bag and other workshops

The pursuit of the perfect bag continues.  If you love a new bag for every outfit this post is for you.
Picket Fence Fabrics is offering more bag classes this spring, and a basket class, just in time for Easter (class March 29). Our current favourite is the Bow Tucks Tote which keeps things organized (if I put things back in the same place everytime !) Here are a few Bow Tucks totes. By popular demand this class is being offered again March 24.

Another favourite is the Bali Bag.(April) I love this one to use up batik scraps. New to the line up is the Mari Lyn.  The whimsical thread heads on these gals are sure to turn heads and great for carrying to class or to the market.(April)  Pattern will be available later this month.


Linda's Irish Bouquet pattern is now available and charming little project for this month.

Shopping local--you can find it right in our own backyard!

The Brockville Farmers' Market is a great place to find locally produced veggies, fruit, jams and jellies and all things hand-crafted. If you are in the shop on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday morning, the market is only two blocks away. And you won't want to miss the newest addition to downtown Brockville--Limestone and Ivy. After picking up my samosas and green beans this week in the market before opening the shop, I stopped in to welcome the staff to the downtown, and couldn't help but say hello to the shoes on display. Well, I should have known it would happen--a pair of shoes came home with me! I had a wonderful time at the Lyndhurst Turkey Fair this weekend. For the second year in a row I sat among fabulous quilts, old and new, beautifully displayed in the Anglican Church Hall in Lyndhurst. Lunch was turkey or beef on a bun and a drink. As always, lunch sold out quickly. You could hardly move in downtown Lyndhurst for all the people and cars, tables and tents! For a small community they put together a great little fall fair. The turkey quilt I started after last year's fair is at the top of the pile again so I can finish it before next year's fair! There are many country fairs at this time of year. Strap on a good pair of walking shoes, and take time to savour the season. You won't be disappointed.

Workshops and News

We will be visiting the Common Thread Quilters' Guild as Shop of the Month this Tuesday and have some fabulous new batiks and fabrics to share with guild members. On Saturday the shop will be at the Lyndhurst Turkey Fair as a vendor. If you have never been to Lyndhurst for the Turkey Fair make the trip. . . it is a fun day for young and old alike. Both of our 8-week beginner series are full and start this Wednesday. We have started a waiting list for a Tuesday evening beginner class starting October 4 . If there is enough interest we will run another beginner series. On Friday, September 14, there is still space in the Bow Tucks bag class. This class is the first in the bag series and is almost full so don't delay in signing up. If you haven't heard, we have a different bag class almost every week until Christmas. These bags and totes make wonderful gifts and great accessories for any wardrobe. We will be posting a picture of the bag class for each week so check back on Monday evenings. Rapid Fire Hunter's Star taught by Donna has been moved back a week.If the first date conflicted with your schedule we may be able to fit you in. Our Block of the Month class, Snow Days starts on September 24. There is still space in this workshop, we have deconstructed this beautiful quilt to make construction fit into this 6-month workshop. Another block of the month is the Pomegranate Sampler with four-patch chain. This Block of the Month is a pick-up class. Drop in for coffee on the first of every month, meet other participants, and pick up your kit which contains two blocks per kit. Part of the chain border isalso included with each kit so you can complete the quilt centre and be quilting the quilt in time for display at a quilt show next summer!

How much is that writer in the window?

Our shop was one of the participating shops in the Storefront Writing Challenge on Saturday, organized by the Thousand Islands Writers Festival. Wendy seen here, and Melanie, in the other window,(sorry Melanie no photo) spent Saturday in our windows with their laptops writing a story in any genre. Participating writers were given the same prompt and had to include the prompt somewhere in their story. I can't wait to read what these talented local writers came up with. You can read completed works later in September--I'll keep you posted.

Quilters from Italy

We had a visit from two quilters from Genoa, Italy at the end of the summer, who were delighted to find a quilt shop on their trip to Canada. There are no language barriers when you are a quilter!

Erica's Quilt

One Saturday this summer Erica made her first quilt top at the shop , with a little help from Mom and I. This colourful quilt was hand-quilted by Erica and completed for a friend's new baby. Congratulations on your first quilt!

The Grand Adventure and the Perfect Bag

In the last post I mentioned our oldest son was going off on a grand adventure across three continents. If you wish to follow his adventure go to Overland to Australia.

Finding the perfect bag is our latest adventure at the shop, whether it is a carry all for travel around the world, or a shopping tote to go to the market. This week a few new shop samples were completed. The Smoosh Bag is exclusive to Picket Fence Fabrics shown here. Drop in to see other new bags, all of which, will be offered as workshops this Fall.

Jenn

Summer Blues

I am nostalgic for summers past. . . Every August growing up, we would take a city bus to the CNE to enjoy the rides and junk food, arriving home well after dark carrying a giant stuffed animal and sporting a sunburn. I can no longer stomach the rides or the food but the smell of fried donuts and cotton candy always take me back to those simpler times.

The Ex, as it was affectionately called, was also the signal that school was just around the corner. A visit to the Ex when it opened was always better, because you still had about two weeks of summer to savour. If ever someone could feel blue in summer though, this was the time. And, if you missed the Ex completely because you were sick or the parents decided to visit family in Northern Ontario, the summer blues were really bad! As the first day of school approached we could usually be found lolly gagging around a swing set or on the top of a picnic table in the park, remembering the cool things we did earlier in the summer. Talk of school would surface briefly, rumours about a teacher or a back to school shopping trip, but reminiscing about the summer took precedence, as if bringing up school and the future would break the happy spell of summer.

This year the Summer Blues have hit early . With the oldest heading off for his grand adventure across three continents, the second son back at university and the youngest heading off for his first year at university, this month will be a time for reminiscing, not just about summer, but about the past 25 years - about their childhood and also ours.

Do you have a favourite summer memory? Share it with us in the comment section.

For the month of August, all blue fabric will be 10% off the regular retail price when you mention the Summer Blues blog entry.

Shopping Downtown

Are you a downtown shopper? On Saturday we demonstrated the Accuquilt GO! for the "Shop Outside the Box" downtown promotion. What a busy day! Customers were given a "Shop Outside the Box" reusable shopping bag with purchase. The blue bag is great for grocery shopping, or carrying your quilt to guild for Show and Tell. A number of bags are still available to be given away with purchase Why not drop in and pick up yours.

The prepared fusible leaves we cut during the Accuquilt GO! demonstrations are now available for purchase in packages of 7 leaves. Drop in to see the fall runners we made using the leaves. What a quick and easy runner to make for fall!

You can still purchase the Accuquilt GO! dies and accessories until the end of July for 15% off the regular retail price.

Our Shore Birds window topper is next on the GO! project list.