It's wonderful to be home and back to Quilt in Joy! Thank you for asking about the trip - and for tracking us on Facebook. We found it was a fun way to share our joy. At this point in my life, I would say Ireland is my favorite country to visit. Honestly, if it wasn't so far away, I could live there. Irish Patchwork Ireland is a little cooler and wetter than I thought, even this time of year (no air conditioning needed) - hence the beautiful wool sweaters and scarves. The country side really is a green patchwork with the natural fences of stone overgrown. The sheep and cows are like moving dots on the various greens, changing colors with clouds and foliage. In the middle of a pasture might be a lone tree, probably a fairy tree, no one will cut it down.
Thatched Roof Cottage Irish folk didn't seem glued to their cell phones, although they certainly had them. They gathered in the pubs or parks, enjoying each other, good cheer, and brew. Even the music seemed happy. One night we went to see some local talent, a young fellow whose Irish dancing "made the hair stand up on your arms" as our guide said. The older gents tried to out-tap him but to no avail. We closed our vacation with our daughter, Amy's military retirement in Germany and returned home with their 3 children so she and her husband can vacation a few weeks. Amy's Retirement It's great to be back, I've never been away this long since I opened the shop almost five years ago. Thanks much to a team that could take the reins for a few weeks. But while I was away, I think we had a fabric explosion. We just have so much room and the orders are rolling in for the holidays. ***********************************
Friday 6/22 and Saturday 6/23 - It's time for a Clearance Sale to give us some space. 1. All Sales Fabric $5.00 per yard, and those shelves are full! 2. In addition, if you finish the bolt - regularly priced fabric is 25% off. 3. and all patterns are 20% off. So, come on in and share some German Ritter Bar chocolate with us, and while you're here, check out the new fabrics that have been rolling in, well over 100 bolts so far this month. In addition if you use your registered American Express card you get a $10.00 credit toward your purchase at participating small businesses in the Chicago area between 6/21 and 7/4. American Express Small Business Chicago Special Register your card at: www.shopsmallnow.com ************************************************* June 1st - August 31st is the Northern Illinois Shop Hop. The summer hop has started 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. 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: http://www.northernillinoisquiltfest.com/quilt_shop_hops.html 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.
**************** What's New? Summer Border Prints - easy gifts, one for you, one for a friend. Halloween Puppies
A little lime with your black and white The other new items include - Hoffman's Christmas fabrics, Blitzen Christmas by Basic Gray for Moda (we kitted this today), and the new Grinch line. On the non-fabric side, we have the new 2013 Quilting Calendars. ********** Amish with a Twist - Block of the Month Starts 7/1/12 And check this out, announcing our new Block of the Month, Amish with a Twist by Marcus Brothers. The sample came in today and we'll have it priced and cut in the next two weeks. Karen did the sample and she is a certified pattern tester. Her feedback is that the directions are excellent and every block built on easy to more difficult. Also, you work on the piano key border as you go. One of the reasons this queen size quilt appealed to me, it goes with the color of any bedroom. If you want the details, just email me at quiltinjoy@quiltinjoy.com. The pricing is monthly and the pattern and fabric will be available for pick up each month, classes are not involved.
Amish with a Twist (sorry about the two spot lights). Thanks to the Quilt in Joy Team who have been busy working on samples while I was across the pond.. This Halloween Party Panel is easy to do for a quick wall hanging and I love how the stripes look in the border. Ann used the larger 60 degree ruler on this border fabric from In The Beginning. Don't you love the scallop look? We also have the same fabric in reds and greens. There is enough fabric, even with the wider ruler, to make two runners. On Personal Note.. I just overheard someone on our time answer the phone and say, "bring it in, I'd be happy to help!" Remember if you do get stuck with a problem, we're all quilters and we'd be happy to share your challenge.
May the road rise up to meet you and the sun be at your back! Kathleen 847-669-1722 email: quiltinjoy@quiltinjoy.com On-line store, open 24/7 www.quiltinjoy.com