fabric designed specifically for the occasion.

Transcription

1 May 2012 Dear Laura, It's a rainy day in the neighborhood quilt shop. We've had a few customers this morning - but I think most of you are busy sewing. I skipped the walk this morning with Junie B. Jack went out and got to the farthest corner when the sky opened up. He came in dripping with a wet dog. Our Ireland trip that we have been talking about for a year starts this weekend. My suitcase is in the bathtub and I just keep adding to it. Sounds weird, but it works. If you would like to follow our trip, I plan updates on Facebook so check there. Two quilters in our group put together a 12" hand applique block with their own Celtic design. So as we wind down each evening we can share, sip and sew! At the Irish Quilt Festival we'll be able to buy a fabric designed specifically for the occasion. I'm planning to bring a yard back for my shoppers but can't share it with you all, so enter the drawing and list the county of my Irish origin - maiden name Dougherty. The drawing starts Monday, 6/3.

2 Karma Baby ready to kit. This week I've been busy buying from the reps coming back from market. Those of you that have been in have seen some of the choices (even helped with some decisions). Solids seemed to be popular, but we've built our solids inventory the past few years to accommodate the trend in modern quilting. Batiks are growing in popularity - and you know we concentrate on those, and we're choosey! So what is new that we're buying? Great new modern prints, especially some 24" repeats in geometric and floral graphic designs. I bought a line of red and white batiks, and also a line of very soft indigo blues from South Africa that is two-sided, it's not really woven, but you could use either side of the fabric. Here's one sneak peak: Large Graphic Floral & Coordinate New Books - remember all our books are always 20% off, even those that are brand new. Now that Nancy Halverson has a new grandchild, she

3 has a book for children, Curiosities & Mischief, it even has nap mats and tooth fairy pillows. I love her appliques and the lettering. Also, the new Quilter's Travel Companion came in today. Planning a trip this summer? You need to know where the quilt shops are. New Patterns - we have the newest ones by Terry Adkinson either in the store or on order. This season her trend is to sewing organizer carriers with vinyl. Bridget's Bagettes Our Creative Grids Demo Day last Thursday was a huge hit! The #1 selling ruler of the day was the new log cabin square up ruler. This block is 8 inches and the only accurate cutting you need to do is a 2.5" starter. If you missed our demo, just ask, we'd be happy to show you - but sorry to say, you probably won't get the Irish jokes that went with it. In our EQ7 Class last Saturday I designed a Christmas Quilt using the 8" log cabin block. Look for it in the shop in July.

4 June 1st - August 31st is the Northern Illinois Shop Hop. The summer hop starts tomorrow and goes through the end of August. Many of you already have your passports and are ready to go. Remember the day that you register in any of the shops you get 15% off and an entry ticket to their prize basket. Our prize is a batik quilt kit. Primrose Lane Quilt Kit The Shop Hop has expanded to three regions - and now 32 shops. The prizes are phenomenal, and 3 months gives you the ability to spread your fabric budget out. The passport is available on the shop hop website: and we'll also have them available in the shop. A decal on the shop window let's you know if you're in a participating shop. The Quilt Expo in Madison is September 6-8th, We've started planning our kits and products for this show as it keeps getting bigger each year. Laura is doing a bus trip to Madison again this year. leaving at 7:30

5 a.m. from Quilt in Joy and returning at 7:30 p.m., on Friday, September 7th. The price is $ Call or come in to sign up - cash or checks. Last year we had a waiting list and if that happens we may add a second bus. The first bus is half full. Reminder to Gift Card Holders - if you don't have a "Blue Q" on your Quilt in Joy gift card please bring it in to redeem or transfer the balance by the end of the month. **************** Upcoming Events and Classes: Road to Quilting: Our Beginner Class is hands on and includes and pattern and 1 1/2 yards of fabric to make the Yellow Brick Road. Ann concentrates on going through every step and if you do your homework, you have a completed quilt! Evening Classes start Tuesday, 8/7, see for details and sample pictures. Introduction to Machine Applique: this two night class includes a kit and pattern for a pillow top and starts Tuesday, 6/19. Machine Applique Class Summer Sewing Camp at QIJ: Last year two of my grandchildren participated in the Quilt Camp and they decided on the projects this year so we are calling it Sewing Camp. Sewers from 8-12 who have had some experience using a machine will spend four mornings with us - making a pillow case, an apron, and finally a journal cover. The dates are

6 7/23-7/26. Friday Night Stash Bash is tomorrow, June 1st with Laura. These quilters sew until midnight with a pizza break. Call to register. Look for all of our Summer Classes and Events at What's New? How about houses? We have some new ones in both Christmas and Halloween lines. On Personal Note.. I'm leaving in a few days and will miss you all. I wish I could take you all along - wouldn't that be fun. The team here is ready and able, it's so wonderful to have them. Many Irish Blessings and see you when I get back! - Hey, we could have a show and tell evening. I'm on it! Kathleen quiltinjoy@quiltinjoy.com