From our hutch to yours

Big Finish

2012-03-09T10:50:00.002-06:00

The sewing machine in my basement has been a purrrrrrrrring lately and the other night I had a big finish.

Here she is:

My Log Cabins by Fig Tree Quilt Co.

It was a fun one to make and I love, love, LOVE the bordering....4 small borders rather than 1 wide border.

So, It's at the shop to be quilted and I can't WAIT to see her all done and bound :)

Note: There are kits on this at the store...wink, wink!!

Groovy Girls: March Edition

2012-03-06T15:38:00.003-06:00

Welcome to the virtual edition of the Mach Groovy Girls Club.

This month we worked with the theme "Company's Coming".

On Saturday morning, all the Groovy Girls came together for another club meeting and we even had a couple new faces join in on the fun too!!! I guess the word is spreading that this is a fun little club to be in!

Small version of the Happy Holiday's table topper.
Kits and pattern available in the store.

Medium version of the Happy Holiday's table topper....kits available

Large tree skirt version...Sooooo cute :)
Kits available!!!

We had lots of fun with show and tell and I can't wait for next month when we discover.....

Groovy Gifts!!!

Confessional

2012-03-02T12:59:00.002-06:00

Ok....so....

I have something to confess.

About 6 weeks ago I packaged up all my give away kits, addressed, stamped and taped each envelope shut just in case, and put them in a box to take to the post office. Fast Forward to last night. I was digging through my sewing room looking for a stack of patterns and this is what I found...THE BOX!!! I thought I mailed them but must have been negligent!!!

Conclusion, they're in the front seat of the Jeep and I'm popping them in the mail today. If you were one of the 13 cupcake pincushion give away winners and reside in the Albert Lea Minnesota area, expect you're kit in the mail tomorrow! If you live somewhere else, it's on the way!!!

Congratulations to those of you who won this little package of goodness and I apologize for delivery taking this long!!

Enjoy the day!

I have some exciting things to show you tomorrowish!

Farmer's Wife: Month 2 blocks (10-18)

2012-02-23T14:41:00.000-06:00

Welcom to month 2 of the Farmer's Wife!

This month (March) the blocks to complete are 10-18. Note: The computer had the honor of choosing which direction the pictures downloaded this month...so my appologies for stiff necks!

Also, I've once again included cutting for squares and rectangles. I double checked the measurements however, please remember I am a human too!

Block 10: Bowtie

I pressed the tan points on the red squared to the red and the points on the blue squares to the tan points.

Block 11: Broken Dishes

Press to dark

Block 12: Broken Sugar Bowl

#1 – 2 ½” square

#19 – 1 ½” square

Block 13: Buckwheat

#21 – 1 7/8”
Piece HST blocks (I pressed to dark) and then work in rows diagonally. Seams will nest if you press rows in opposite directions

Block 14: Butterfly at the Crossroads

#34 – 1 ¾” square

#35 – 1 ¾” x 3”

Block 15: Buzzard’s Roost

#5 – 3 ½” square

Block 16: Calico Puzzle

#1 – 1 ½” square

Block 17: Cats and Mice

#21 – 1 7/8” square
I pressed hourglass blocks to the dark.

Block #18: Century of Progress

The cutting instructions/color placement for this block appears incorrect. If you choose, you may place colors differently.

Farmers Wife / CW Chronicles / Weekend Update

2012-02-21T10:42:00.001-06:00

Happy Tuesday!

Just an FYI for those of you in the Farmers Wife Club

or the Civil War Tribute/Chronicles club

Due to the Lenten season, February and March meetings will be on Thursdays instead of Wednesdays.

Same weeks, just the following evening :)

So, I will see you all on THURSDAY evening, not tomorrow evening :)

Look what I did this weekend....

Yup...it was lots of fun :)

The special someones phone camera is pretty scratched, but you get the idea!

Have a good day!

Snaps from the retreat

2012-02-16T09:10:00.002-06:00

So, I charged the battery on my camera up before I left for the retreat, took my camera out of the bag and put it by my sewing zone, and then proceeded to not take any pictures. Grrrrr! The poor quality pictures you're looking at are brought to you courtesy of my phone. Thank goodness it has a camera!

Some message therapy for all those stiff and sore sewing muscles!

The champion "Nut Stackers" posing for a picture in Victory Lane!
Don't ya just love those awesome retreat games??

And of course, the Fat Quarter blackjack. I think there are ladies who come to the retreat just for this half hour span of time. They have the game down pat. They start with the minimum buy in and end with arm loads of fats!

Looks like fun, huh!?
~K

Happy Valentines Day!

2012-02-14T09:36:00.000-06:00

Happy Valentines day, friends!

Retreat - Friday update

2012-02-10T19:22:00.002-06:00

Bound the Strip and go make it
started mystery .... Not on my to do list :)

Retreat Weekend

2012-02-09T12:40:00.000-06:00

Couple things...
1) Welcome to a pictureless post....well, i'm sure you'll be making mental pictures :)
2) Austin Retreat weekend is upon us and i'm getting excited!

I've been working on getting my projects to work on ready for the weekend and have come up with the following list:

1) Civil War Tribute - Piece HST units for border
2) Civil War Tribute - Finish Feb blocks
3) Stitchers Club - Step 2 HST units
4) Farmer's Wife - Blocks 10-18
5) Baby Quilt - Boy
6) Baby Quilt - Girl
7) June Bug - Bind
8) Schnibble - Bind
9) Mystery from 2/2011 retreat - Bind
10) Baby quilt - Bind
11) Stitch and go make it quilt - Bind

Here's my projection of what I'll actually get done:

8) Schnibble - Bind
12) Featured Retreat Mystery Quilt - Piece....yes, this wasn't on my list....that's how I roll. I procrastinate and do lots of what doesn't need to get done :)

So....I figured out how to blog from my iphone so watch out....I hope to keep you up to speed on what I actually accomplish. Don't be shocked if don't do anything :)

If you're in the Austin area this weekend, stop in and say HI!
~K

Groovy Girls: Month 2

2012-02-06T14:17:00.000-06:00

First off, a HUGE Thank you goes to my friend Holly Dahl who was my "substitute" on Saturday. I was in the cities at a soiree for work and she was nice enough to fill in for me. All I had to do was make the projects, set everything up and make sure things were in order. I'm sure she was an AWESOME host/teacher/presenter :)

Theme for month 2: Drawstring bags (travel time!)

Here are some shots of my display and this months projects:

and a little closer up...

the pictures are a little funny but that's what you get for forgetting your memory card on your desk at home....yet another reason I'm thankful for the inventors of smart phones :)

PS: This is an awesome pattern for drawstring bags and if you join the Groovy Girls club the pattern is yours for free!!

What a weekend!

2012-01-31T10:12:00.002-06:00

Happy Tuesday!
So, I had huge, grand plans of accomplishing tons of stuff in the sewing zone this weekend....and then along came the creepy crud. It crept right on in and took over my life! Grrrrr!!!! However, I still managed to do this.....

Well....this I did last week for Civil War Tribute last Wednesday. I made 4 of these little buggers! I am really looking forward to seeing this quilt done. I've enjoyed the process but the excitement level is getting pretty high!

Since I wasn't feeling very well, I made all the half square triangles for the rest of my Civil War Chronicles quilt because that was mindless sewing :) I doesn't look like much in the picture but trust me....there's over 300 HST there. Now all I have left are the bazillion for the border!

I also intended to get all the sewing done for Groovy Girls on Saturday, but this stack just sat there. Tonight this is going to become 5 projects! Watch out!!!

I finished the last of the log cabin blocks and even got a couple rows together.

Plus....I spent a ton of time cleaning and organizing my sewing space...it's so nice down there I have a hard time working on stuff. For real, it's so clean and nice I just want to sit and watch movies at my sewing machine because I don't want to mess it up!!

That's all for now, folks!

Enjoy the sunny tropical paradise we're having in S.MN!

Hope all this nice weather doesn't confuse my tulips into thinking it's time to come up!

Farmer's Wife: Month 1 blocks (1-9)

2012-01-25T11:38:00.000-06:00

Dear Farmer's Wife clubbers,

For your reference, below are pictures of the first months 9 blocks along with notes and tips to hopefully aid in keeping the process enjoyable :) I've tried to include measurements to the rectangular and square templates so you can simply cut without the templates...however, you may wish to double check because I make mistakes too ;)

Block 1: Attic Windows

Note: I fussy cut my center block.
I pressed away from center.
#1 = 2 1/2" square

Block 2: Autumn Tints

Note: This block can be made without templates.
#5 Large (orange) squares = 3 3/4"
#4 Small (tan, green, gold) squares = 2"
I pressed to dark throughout.

Block 3: Basket

Note: You may need to trim a little length off the 2 handle ends to ensure 1/4" seam allowance is
available at the top of your handle. You can see I left about 1/2". To applique the handle, I simply used light fusible web (Steam-a-seam or Heat-n-Bond lite both work well) and then simply used the blanket / buttonhole stitch on my machine to stitch around the edge. With a matching thread the stitches aren't even seen.
#9 = 2x31/2"
# 4= 2" square

Block 4: Basket Weave

Note: Instead of cutting 1 1/2 x 3 1/2" pieces, consider cutting long strips (approx 16"), stitching the lengths together and then sub-cutting into 3 1/2" blocks. Saves time and tends to add accuracy!
I pressed all one way (to dark)

Block 5: Bat Wing

Note: For some reason I swapped the templates for this one and had to remake my block. I don't know if I was confused or if the templates look confusing...you may just want to look close before you begin.
"wings" I pressed to dark
Center strip I pressed to light.
#34 = 1 3/4" square

Block 6: Big Dipper

Note: I pressed to dark.

Block 7: Birds in the Air

Note: Be sure your seam allowance is accurate! For this block I personally needed to be sure my 1/4" was scant! Once I adjusted to scant 1/4", the block went together flawlessly.
I pressed the HST to the dark and then when I added the large tan triangles I pressed to the tan.

Block 8: Bouquet

Note: I also fussy cut the background so the pretty little designs looked nice! The seams in the "flowers" lay really nice if you press them open instead of to one side.

Block 9: Box

Note: I pressed to dark.
Center green square is 2 1/2"

Have fun!!!
~K

Farmer's Wife

2012-01-24T13:32:00.000-06:00

Just a little FYI:

Farmer's Wife club starts tomorrow night at the shop!
The club meets from 7-8 the 4th Wed of the month

Click here for more info!

Over the course of 12 months, we will be tackling the "Farmer's Wife" quilt from Laurie Aaron Hird's book. It will be lots of fun :)

~K

I've got a secret!

2012-01-18T10:44:00.000-06:00

Hint 1:
I love MODA fabric....
If you know me you know that really is no secret.

Hint 2:
The UPS guy brought this to my doorstep today....
note the packaging tape.

Hint 3:
Bakeshop....
bear claws, glazed raised and long johns oh my!

Hint 4:
Brrrrrr!!!!!!

Hint 5:
I have something that won't be in store till Spring :)
Can you guess????
~K

Birthday Giveaway

2012-01-13T10:12:00.000-06:00

Hi friends!
Thanks to all who participated in my birthday giveaway! If you were one of the 13 people who left a comment, please send me and email with your name and mailing address before next Friday 1/20.
katie.zenk@hotmail.com

Enjoy the day!
~K

MN Shop Hop 2012

2012-01-12T09:29:00.000-06:00

It's never too early to start dreaming about the 2012 MN Shop Hop!

PS: I'm in love with the some of the fabrics ;)

Groovy Girls Month 1 - Success!

2012-01-11T10:33:00.002-06:00

Good Morning!

I'm pleased to report that our first ever meeting of the Groovy Girls that took place Saturday morning was a complete success! After all the time I spent making samples and demos and getting everything just perfect, I was glad the it was enjoyed and a good time for the crowd that came.

The featured project was Terry Atkinson's Stand and Stow bag. Pictured in the medium (grey print).
The free Terry Atkinson pattern was for the Monkey Business bag. Picture in the yellow floral with teal.

I had a whole display ready for the clubbies...I brought decor from my home and had everything you could need to make the projects ready and available which made shopping a breeze!

Did you know that with your club membership you receive a card for 20% off all Terry Atkinson products and stuff to make Terry Atkinson projects???? Talk about incentive to join!!

And everyone left happy and ready to start sewing their new projects!
PS: it's not too late to join! Simply register with the shop and you'll receive the free pattern you missed as well as the membership card.

Hope to see you Saturday Feb 4!

~K

Birthday Giveaway

2012-01-06T11:37:00.000-06:00

Happy Friday, friends-

As mentioned, I have a giveaway to offer :)
I designed this pattern for my birthday party and made some extra kits to give to some of you!

So, be one of the first 10 people leave a comment and tell me about something you were given for your last birthday and a pattern and kit will be yours! Giveaway will close next Friday 1/13.

Happy posting!
~K

Groovy Girls

2012-01-05T14:06:00.000-06:00

I've been working hard getting things ready for the first meeting of the

If you're wondering what that is...it's a club designed by Terry Atkinson. Each month there will be a different theme and free pattern created by Terry for club members only. You will learn to make all sorts of "groovy" things for you, your friends and your home. A little teaser for ya, the first month (meets this coming Saturday at 9:30) will highlight bags....it will be a ton of fun.

Christmas!

2011-12-29T16:01:00.000-06:00

Dear Friends,
I hope that you all had wonderful Christmas celebrations! I know I sure did. Every year I try to have all the shopping done before Thanksgiving so that when Christmas comes around, I can just enjoy the holiday. Every year, including this one, I'm wrong. Yes, the shopping was done by my deadline, but for some reason, Christmas time still is incredibly busy and for some reason, it's you...my blog friends...that get neglected. However, I'm back and have some things to share with you!

First: My yearly Christmas card picture

Maybe not this exact shot because you can't see my eyes...

...but same pose.

Second: The tree in the above picture morphed into this:

It looks like the leaning tower, but this girl didn't notice the funny angle when she took the picture...what ever are we going to do with her???

As you can see, Santa was good this year :)

...or Katie REALLY like wrapping presents and wrapped every little thing individually!

Third: Somehow I found time to make this for my Grandma for Christmas:

It's just a little guy but boy was he time consuming!!! Grandpa told me the other day that they're taking it in to be framed....guess the liked it!

Fourth: These were so hot off the press when I took them to Civil War Tribute club last night that there was still steam billowing off ! I didn't think I would have time for them, but....ta da! I pulled it off :)

Once again, there is something seriously wrong with the photographer...another crooked picture...grrr!!! I'm going to have to do something about that!

Finally, my birthday party was a lot of fun and thank you to all who came and stitched away the day with me! I designed a little wool pincushion and gave a kit to everyone who came that day. However, I "accidentally" cut some extra kits so I could share them with some of my blog friends. So, stop back often next week because I'm having a give away one day...can't tell ya when because it's going to be a surprise! You know, like a surprise birthday party :)

Merry Belated Christmas!
~K

Under the tree

2011-12-13T09:41:00.000-06:00

Stitcher's Club is a new club starting at the shop this year. We will be using a Glad Creation's pattern and working one step a month till we have an awesome finished quilt in a year!

I took this great picture of the bundle available for the club under my tree...

Don't you want one under yours too???

Yeah...I have a cat so most of the ornaments are a foot off the ground....

she hasn't ever bothered anything yet....YET....just trying to be safe is all :)

And here's the pattern:

Note: No curve pieces :)

I'm excited to get started on this project!!
Enjoy the day!
~K

Winter 2012 Newsletter

2011-12-07T09:14:00.000-06:00

Good news quilting friends.....the Winter 2012 newsletter is ready for you!

Just click here to see all the new clubs and classes.

Also, did you notice how different it looks???

Yep...new logo and layout. How fun is that!

Over the next couple weeks I hope to feature some of the new clubs offered

and show you the awesome projects they will be working on.

That's all for now-

Stay warm if you're in S. Minnesota!

ps: Did you read up on the big sale happening soon at the shop??

~~ You're ALL Invited ~~

2011-12-02T08:44:00.000-06:00

This is an invitation to:
~*~ My Birthday Party ~*~

For my Birthday, I have reserved the classroom at the shop to host an open sewing day and you are all invited to come and sew with me (and my mom)!

Wednesday December 14

9am-9pm

Come when you can! Morning, evening or all day!

All food / meals will be provided

PLEASE NO GIFTS...You're presence is enough...pun intended :)

Please RSVP your approximate sewing hours

so I know how many to count on for meals. You can do this by either:

1) leaving a comment on this post

2) sending me an email katie.zenk@hotmail.com

Hope to see some of you there!

Finishing....

2011-12-01T09:24:00.001-06:00

First off, let me just say how stinkin' excited I am that it finally snowed last night. You see, unlike a majority of Minnesotans, I actually LOVE snow and can't wait for it to come each year. We didn't get much, but they say we're getting more on Saturday. It finally feels right to decorate for Christmas.

Now for the sewing stuff. Last night I was about to cut into the pretty Butterscotch and Roses kit from a few posts back so I could start stitching away on the sample. But I decided I better finish an already started project before I start another one. So, I got my finishing kit for my 2011 Calico Hutch BOM all ready to sew. PS...I love that this year we got to choose our own finishing fabrics from anything in the store!

Here's what I came up with:

My blocks...all but the December installment

And my finishing kit

Light: narrow block sashing

Gold: Sashing corner post star points

Red: Corner post star centers

Brown and green: wide sashing.

I had just the brown for shashing, but then wheels started to spin. I did some math and I discovered I had enough for an outer border too (which is why I felt the urge to buy more than I needed....just in case ). Then I figured out that if I put green sashing around the edge and brown in the middle and then add a light narrow border (like my narrow block sashing) around the whole top I can have my brown outer border and hopefully it will turn out as pretty as the mental image I have. However, I think I'll make just a couple green sashing blocks and try them out before I go all hog wild. Sometimes my ideas aren't as awesome as I build them up to be in my over active imagination!

Oh yeah, also by adding the extra narrow inner and wide outer border, It makes better use of my backing fabric...instead of 61" wide, the top should now measure around 75" making perfect use of my backing width!

Hopefully tonight I'll get a chance to turn on my sewing machine and start working!

PS: When did Mc D's stop making cherry pies?....I'm slightly irritated. I don't eat them often but I want them there waiting for me when I have the sudden urge to consume hundreds of empty calories!

In pieces

New Fabric!

2011-11-29T09:41:00.000-06:00

The shelves are overflowing with new fabrics of all colors and styles!

Tons of new:

BATIKS

CIVIL WAR

30's

Plus...some beautiful new lines:

Butterscotch and Roses

By: Fig Tree Quilts for Moda

Cattails and Clover

By: Kansas Trouble's for Moda

and...

Taza

By: Dena Designs for Free Spirit

So, don't miss out on these beautiful newbies!

Off to work on finishing my BOM!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T06:00:00.001-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving, Friends!

I came accross this cute little poem to share with you today!

Twas the Night of Thanksgiving

By: Lauren

T’was the night of Thanksgiving, but I just couldn’t sleep.

I tried counting backwards, I tried counting sheep.

The leftovers beckoned, the dark meat and white.

But I fought the temptation, with all of my might.

Tossing and turning, with anticipation.

The thought of a snack became infatuation.

So I raced to the kitchen, flung open the door,

And gazed at the fridge, full of goodies galore.

I gobbled up turkey, and buttered potatoes,

Pickles and carrots, beans and tomatoes.

I felt myself swelling, so plump and so round.

‘til all of a sudden, I rose off the ground.

I crashed through the ceiling, floating into the sky,

With a mouthful of pudding, and a handful of pie.

But I managed to yell as I soared past the trees

"Happy eating to all, Pass the cranberries, please!!?"

May your stuffing be tasty, May your turkey be plump.

May your potatoes and gravy, have nary a lump.

May your yams be delicious, May your pies take the prize.

And May your Thanksgiving dinner

Stay off of your thighs!

I hope this day is a special one for you and that you're able to take some time to reflect on all the things we have to be thankful for!

Enjoy the day and that turkey sandwich that will materialize tonight / tomorrow!
~K

Tofurkey!

2011-11-23T10:06:00.000-06:00

So, I get to make the bird this year and I'm pretty excited...however, I just can't stop thinking about / laughing uncontrollably at this episode of Everybody Loves Raymond. Seriously, it drops me to the floor and brings me to tears every time.

I think my favorite part is when Robert asks for the leg and his facial expressions pretty much through the whole scene.

Hope it this brought a smile to your face as you're scurrying around preparing for tomorrow!

Enjoy this day before Thanksgiving!
~K

Monday Night Madness!

2011-11-22T10:04:00.001-06:00

Last night I....

1) stared at this beautiful bundle / kit itching to cut it up...but, there are other things that I need to finish up on first...however, this pretty stack is how I will be spending my black Friday!

2) Worked on my Civil War Tribute blocks...made a bazillion HST :)

First ya cut your fabrics slightly larger than the paper...I'm down to only needing 1/4"

Then ya sew on all the sew lines and then trim on all the trim lines

nip the corners off and then peel off all the papers...good thing the garbage man comes today!

and you're left with PERFECT HST that don't need any trimming!

3) And then I worked on some hardanger for Grandma for Christmas....

I started with a pattern for the basic outline and then just kind of made things up...not done yet, still needs a border and inner filling thingers, but you get the idea.

Hope y'all get some good stitchin time in today!

Groovy Girls - Now at the Calico Hutch!

2011-11-18T13:48:00.000-06:00

The quilt shop is excited to announce that starting January 2011, we will be hosting a Groovy Girls club!

Groovy Girls Club is designed by Terry Atkinson (creator of the Yellow Brick Road, Lucky Start and tons of other wonderful patterns) and is a chance for a monthly get together where club members can laugh, learn, and be inspired by creative ideas. Come and learn a new technique each month and use it to create a fun little project designed by Terry herself.

Projects will include things like: bags, table toppers, some home things, accessories and pretty much anything you could think of...well maybe not anything, but you get the idea :)

Visit Terry's Website
Check out her Blog

More details coming soon!
~K

If only I lived in a fairytale...

2011-11-15T10:49:00.001-06:00

So, last night while I was cleaning up a little bit in my sewing zone, I threw the movie Tangled in. You see, I've always enjoyed a good Disney movie. Anyhow...I watched this portion numerous times because it simply amazed me...

You see...
1) she cleaned her tower top to bottom complete with waxing the floors in 15 min

2) She baked a pie and then later on she made cookies and still wears a dress size -4

3) She read the same books twice (they looked like long ones too!)...if her "mom" is going to keep her locked up in that tower, the least she could do is hook the girl up with an e-reader and a library card!

4) I estimate that in another 3-7 days she's going to run out of walls / ceilings to paint.....then what??

5) How many hours are in her day and why has the girl not yet learned to quilt??

Enjoy the clip! If your're feeling adventurous, watch the whole movie sometime...it's pretty cute :)
~K

~~ Hummingbird ~~

2011-11-14T14:44:00.000-06:00

I finished it! I worked on the blocks at the retreat in the evenings last week and then this weekend I made more blocks, trimmed, and put the top together. I unplugged my iron, turned the TV off and shut down the sewing machine at 12:30 this morning....but, it's done and I won't have to put it away and drag it back out any more :)

Here's my Hummingbird!

Fabrics: Recess by Sandy Klopp for Moda (few years old)

Pattern: Hummingbird by Darlene Zimmerman.

Rulers: 30 deg angle template and the companion angle.

I'm lovin' the finished top! Puttsy piecing / trimming is so rewarding :)

5" finished block size +sashing

Can't wait to see it quilted!
~K

Snapshots of a retreat in action-

2011-11-11T15:17:00.001-06:00

Few words...lots of pictures!
Here's a little of what happened at the retreat :)

Bonnie stitchin' away on her Civil War Tribute blocks

Workin' hard to maximize production!!!

Gotta love a good ol' Banana Split quilt. Designed by Jolyn Olson!

Piecing...piecing...piecing...piecing

And here's Jolyn....she has a great blog too!
Farm Quilts

And at the end of a great day of sewin' there's a message!

It was lots of fun and I got all the rest of my Hummingbird blocks done! Picture coming soon!

Doodle Stitching

2011-11-07T10:44:00.000-06:00

I'm prety excited that it's Monday. You see, I was in a wedding this past weekend and am so thankful that it is finally Monday so I can sit back and relax...kind of. Today through Wed I"m working during the day at my real job and sewin' at the retreat in Austin at night. I've taken to learning hand embroidery and am starting with Doodle Stitching. I have this book...

and a ton of floss....watch out! I'm dangerous and super duper in love with the concept! I've got a little trial run / sample doodle going now...can't wait to share!

Enjoy the Monday!
~K

My very own MacGyver (almost) moment

2011-11-01T09:00:00.003-05:00

Happy day after Pumpkin Day!

This weekend I was a prime example of productivity at it's finest....kind of..
Friday evening I worked at the shop as usual and had the pleasure of waiting on the infamous Jo herself ...you know, the writer of one of my favorite blogs, Jo's Country Junction. If you haven't taken the time to parooze her fun stuff, you're missing out! She also (along with the help from her daughter who is also a ton of fun) has written several awesome quilt patterns/tutorials available for free at the Moda Bakeshop. I talked with her for a while and she encouraged me to go out of the box and try something new. I did just that and hope to share more with you about that adventure in weeks and months to come....Thanks Jo!!!!

Saturday I finished my Ruby quilt using a pattern from Little Louise Quilts.

I'm very happy with how it turned out and can't wait to see it quilted as it's headed to the shop today for quilting! When I finished all the Ruby goodness and got the back pieced and the binding sewn together, I also pulled out my Postage Stamp Posies (the Spring Darlene Zimmerman class quilt) blocks and tried to figure out what was next...pretty sure this is another project that got packed up at 80% complete....why do I do this to myself!!! Progress picture coming soon :)

Sunday after church I took a nap...a long one...a glorious one! I now know what being a cat is all about and I must say that it really isn't all that bad. Here is Miss Kitty demonstrating how I spent a bulk of my Sunday afternoon:

(PS: Miss Kitty is not supposed to be in the downstairs bedroom...I evicted her shortly after I took her picture. She looks crabby (like Maxine) because she knew she was in trouble!)

After the nap I put some serious time in on my very first hardanger piece and actually finished all the eyelets and cut it out. I'm pretty proud of this little piece of art and can't wait to start my next little doilie. Here she is in all her glory:

Seriously, I know it's small and not overly elaborate, but I'm so stinkin proud of it! I nailed the doves eyes and all the little eyelets around the edge...I feel like a second grader that just got her license to write cursive.

Then off to play in the community band concert which produced a very interesting / entertaining story that lead me on the path of believing that after all these years of hoping, I was finally going to get to say the dental floss saved my life....yes, a true MacGyver moment. You see, I play the french horn which has rotors...rotors have strings which help them move back and forth so the right sound comes out. Somehow in our quick pre-show run through one string came untied and pieces flew everywhere...screws were missing and my world had ended. For a moment, I thought I could just restring it using dental floss but I never did find one of the screws...but I did have dental floss readily available...thank you Dr. Potache for the little sample floss you gave me which I keep in my Jeep :) Fortunately our concert was in Alden (a suburb of Albert Lea) and across the street from the High School and lucky for me, the HS choir director was there who was able to send her daughter with me along with her keys to borrow a school horn. She was very happy to help me because every year I volunteer my time to play solo horn for the High School choir Christmas Concert. Small school = only one double horn which the beautifully helpful daughter informed me was "..um...really old, really smelly, really dented...and nobody EVER played it". Yes, she was correct, however she didn't know that it was an awesome horn. It didn't look good but like my usual horn, it (labeled FH#7with the good ol' label maker every school uses...I call her 007 for short -James Bond humor- ) was a Conn from the 60's. It looked a lot like this one I found on eBay just now so I could show you a pic...just add a LOT of dents..and LARGE dents at that and you have the instrument du'jour:

I paid an arm and a leg for mine about 7 years ago...yes mine has no dents, is still shiny, has beautiful scrolling on the bell, and doesn't smell...but this one had a very mellow tone quality much like mine and responded just like mine. Also, sweet little choir directors daughter who should remain nameless to protect the innocent, informed me that "just last summer the band director took all the horns down to the car wash and blew them out." I've never heard of taking the "horns" down to the "car wash", but it added an interesting element to my story.So, I played it and it was gorgeous. Moral of the story, I'm trying to buy it from the school for a spare and you also can't judge a book by it's cover. I'm thinkin 50 bucks should get the deal done.

When I got home I washed the horn stink off my hands (seriously, the horn made my hands smelly funky) and started in on the first months blocks for a new club that is going to start at the shop in January that I have committed myself to leading. More on that later...it will be awesome...I promise.

Enjoy the day!
~K

Happy Pumpkin Day!

2011-10-31T13:03:00.000-05:00

Confession: I'm not a Halloween fan at all....so today like every other 10/31, I celebrate pumpkin day :)
This year I made this for Pumpkin Day...didn't get it quilted..argg!!!

And I decorated my mantle for the special day...

and even added a little pumpkin goodness to my table!

The pattern for the cute little Pumpkin wall hanging was in the October 2011 American Patchwork and Quilting magazine that looks like this:

If you decide to make it be aware...they did not include the pattern for the tag (I made my own) and I turned the 'U' upside down for the 'N' because I didn't like the one they provided :) Other than that, it was fun to make!

Be sure to pop back tomorrow for a full report of my weekend...let's just say I met someone famous, had a french horn mishap right before a concert, finished a quilt and a HUGE handwork project I've been working on.

Have a fabulous Pumpkin Day!
~K

Month 6: Civial War Tribute

2011-10-27T16:02:00.001-05:00

Got the good ol' Civil War Tribute blocks (in 30's fabrics) done just in time this month! I must say, I like the way my fabrics worked together this month best of all....

There is just something magical that happens when you put green and yellow together...

See...green and yellow....just pure bliss...It puts a smile on a girls face :)

(yes...that's me circa 1988)

Who doesn't like what happens when you pair up green and yellow....besides all those red fans...and orange fans....and even blue fans :)

Off to spread the green and yellow goodness!

~~ RUBY ~~

2011-10-24T09:27:00.000-05:00

Soooo stinkin' excited these days...

I wait all year for Bonnie & Camille's fabric line to come out in October!

They are a mother/daughter team and tend to design some awesome fabrics...

Modern but not too funky...just fresh and playful

This year I'm especially lovin' the gray....ya see, for some reason I'm hooked on gray-

Anywho, over the course of the next few days, this beauteous stack is going to become a lovely quilt!
Can't wait to keep you posted! I PROMISE I'll be better about posting....life was a little crazy there for a while...I'm sure you all understand how that goes!

Can't wait to start cutting, but first I must, must, MUST finish my civil war blocks for Wed. night meeting so I can get my free fat quarter...It amazes me what a quilter will go through for a free fat quarter :)

Enjoy this autumn Monday!
~K

Apples, apples, apples

2011-10-17T10:17:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year again...you know when apples are everywhere and all you do is center your life - and your diet - around apples.

I found this delicious recipe for Upside Down Caramel Apple Pie on the Tasty Kitchen site.

** It was easy-peasy!**

Usually I make my own crust, but I did buy the ready to use kind in the

refrigerator section at the grocery store. (by the canned biscuits)

It looked so delicious I dug right in...

Seriously.....I could have eaten the whole thing!

But, I took half of it to a friend to enjoy.

Think about it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream...or REAL whipped cream...or both!

PS: Just as good room temp the next day as it was hot out of the oven!

Enjoy!

Civil War Artists

2011-10-07T09:28:00.000-05:00

I had the honor of hosting Civil War club in September and I snapped a picture of some projects to date.

As you can see, you don't have to put them together the way the pattern says :)

Aren't these some gorgeous looking quilts? Hard to believe they're not even half way done yet!

~K

New Pre-cuts!

2011-09-28T09:27:00.000-05:00

Look what the UPS man unloaded.....lots of new charm packs, layer cakes and jelly rolls!!!

Check out tons of awesome free pre cut friendly patterns at the Moda Bakeshop....

Late Bloomers

By Sandy Gevais

Ruby

By Bonnie and Camille

Cattails and Clover

By Kansas Troubles

Precut stats:

Charm Pack = 40 - 5" squares

Layer Cake = 40 - 10" squares

Jelly Roll = 40 - 2 1/2" strips

These are just the newbies to the store....there are TONS of other cuties to pick from too!

Bus Trip Quilt is Done!

2011-09-22T09:26:00.000-05:00

I present to you a new sample:

Bus Trip Quilt with No Name

56 x 82 (ish...I think)

Made with 63 - 2 1/2" strips

I like it....I really like it....I like it a lot....I really like it a lot

I took it to work to show my dad and he really likes it too :)

Kits available! I know you want one-

Oh yeah, incase you haven't gathered, it's a bus trip weekend at the shop meaning that throughout the weekend we will have several busses full of quilteres stopping by the shop. This means that pretty much every employee will be working (including yours truely) all weekend. The block used in this quilt is the "official" block of the bus trip...every shop made something out of it...I think.

So, stop on by and capture some of the great energy from the bus trip this weekend...you won't regret it!
~K

Darlene Zimmerman is coming again!

2011-09-21T09:33:00.001-05:00

Come spend the day with the Clothesline Lady

If you've never taken a class from Darlene, you're SERIOUSLY missing out! She is one of the nicest people you will probably ever meet AND she brings a BEAUTIFUL trunk show that will inspire and amaze!

View her website

Darlene Zimmerman

Saturday, November 19 or Sunday, November 20 --- 9 AM - 4 PM

(only a couple Saturday spaces left! Call right away and reserve your spot!)

$54 includes the class in addition to:

Morning coffee and treats at 8:00 AM, lunch, afternoon dessert and Darlene’s trunk show.

What a bargain!!!

Call to reserve your spot 507—377– 1163

Project: Old Fashioned Stars

Kits (61 x 81) in reproduction fabrics (pattern included)

Civil War—$82

30’s—$69

Darlene is a quilt historian, fabric designer, quilt tool designer, author of Granny Quilts, Granny Quilt Décor, Fat Quarter Small Quilts, Quilter’s Edge, Chicken Linen - Feedsack Facts and Projects, Quilting - the Complete Guide, and Quilts from Lavender Hill Farm and many individual patterns.

Don't wait too long to register!!!!

Hope to see you all there :)
~K

Talk about one creative weekend!

2011-09-19T11:34:00.001-05:00

Greetings from my creative zone! This past weekend I fully channeled my creativity that's for sure!
I began working on the feature quilt for the bus trip this coming weekend.

The batik part...not the 30s :)
I think I need another design wall....or just a bigger one!

I have 1/3 of the blocks done....usually batiks don't appeal to me, but I'm really liking the way these are turning out. Maybe I do like batiks! There will be kits available VERY VERY SOON!!!

And, I stared taking hardanger through community education. I really wasn't anticipating the 6 week commitment but the instructor is a really sweet older lady whom I know from different things around town. Last time I saw her I mentioned that I was interested in learning sometime. Note the key, non-commital words "interested" and "sometime". The day before class was slated to start she called me at work.... here is the direct quote. "yeah, say, it's Helen. What color doilie do you want to make in class tomorrow. White or ivory...I need to know so I can get a starter kit ready for you." Long story short, this fall is not the best timing to be making such a commitment but what the heck. So, Here's how far I've gotten...I know, impressive right ;) The class itself was a unique experiance I will save for another time-

And, as we all already know, I'm a night owl. A lot of times I'm too alert to go to sleep but not alert enough to cut and sew without making ridiculous mistakes. So, I knit or crochet or as of late, work on my ivory hardanger doilie. This past weekend I hit the knitting pretty hard. Note: I am by no means an expert knitter or even a good knitter, but I like doing it so I do. I should have probably taken the knitting class through community education too!

I worked on a scarf that I started last fall. When I took it out Thursday night it was only 6" long. As of Saturday, It was about 36" long and I had stop because I ran out of yarn. Then when I was randomly rummaging through some things, I found another skein so now I can finish....I am one lucky ducky!!!

After traumatically running out of yarn and before miraculously finding more, I packed the scarf away and moved on. I dug out some circular needles (I bought a whole bag of needles at a garage sale for $1.00) and some purple yarn that's been gracing my yarn tote for a few months and started my first ever circular needle project: a baby shawl. It's just a simple seed stitch and so far I'm lovin the circular needles.

So, that's the end of my weekend creativity...
Hope you all were able to have some creative time too!
~K

A quilt for soon to be baby Porter

2011-09-15T13:04:00.000-05:00

Soon to be baby Porter's mom is one of my good friends....we walk and laugh together and share the same fascination with baking / canning / home making. So, I've concocted a baby quilt.

I've blogged about it here before and talked a little about the patterns I combined to make this cutie. I love, love, LOVE the owl :)....he's a hoot!

Can't wait to meet this little blessing!
~K

Sandi Irish is coming to the Calico Hutch!

2011-09-13T11:38:00.000-05:00

Sandi Irish has been quilting for over 23 years, teaching and working in a quilt shop as well as designing quilts for companies like Timeless Treasures Fabrics and doing other commissioned works. Since she prefers creating her own designs or adapting traditional quilts to her own style, launching the Irish Chain pattern company in 2003 was a natural step to take.

“Bling” with Sandi Irish

Saturday, November 5 - 11:30 till 4:30 pm

10 AM—FREE Trunk Show for general public

Her new “PINE TREE pattern is one of a set of designs in the Quilted Jewels Series cut using the diamond template set. Included in the series of patterns is “BLING”, I SPY DIAMONDS”, CHRISTMAS TREE SKIRT and QUILTED JEWEL TOTE BAGS. Sandi will demonstrate all of the Quilted Jewel Series with an emphasis on Tall Pines (24 x 56), a great addition to your home for the holidays!!

Class - $35
Kits available — $44

Call to reserve your spot and kit. 507-377-1163

Visit her website and blog!

Fall Newsletter

2011-09-08T10:04:00.000-05:00

Good news folks, the fall newsletter is up on the website!

Be sure to check it out because you wouldn't want to miss out on anything exciting!

Click here to scope things out.

Fall is a coming....before ya know it, the maples will start to turn and then (yay) the snow will start to fly!
~K

Visitor

2011-09-06T14:36:00.000-05:00

This weekend my window boxes had a visitor...

Yup...you're seeing things right, I did plant basil and egg plant with the flowers in my window boxes when the pansies died....I've got a bumper crop if egg plants coming on! I'll have to take a picture and share with you.

Oh, If I only ate egg plant---
~K

Just one of the many reasons why I love September!

2011-09-01T06:00:00.001-05:00

How cool is this:

*Thank you to Moda fabrics for this pretty pretty picture*

Sew, what will you be stitching up during this month that celebrates our beautiful art?

If ya want to, send me a pictures of what you accomplish and as your works of art accumulate in my inbox, I'll post them. Who know, maybe we'll even do some sort of CRAZY AWESOME give away :)

please send them to: calicohutch@gmail.com

Get to work!
~K

Again, I receive no compensation in anything for mentioning stuff or companies in this post or on this blog. I just thought MODA made a pretty little thingy-ma-bobber for national sewing month and I wanted to share it with you :)

Here's my Hometown!

2011-08-31T08:48:00.003-05:00

I picked up my Hometown Picnic quilt from Bonnie at the shop yesterday and boy am I super duper excited to show you my all done, completed, quilted, wonderful, beautiful, probably my new favorite quilt to veg out in front of a movie with quilt. Actually, it's not completely done, i still have the hand stitching on the binding left, but my thumb just wouldnt let me do that.

Also, thank you for the opinions, I did add a 5" border just to make a teensy bit larger for better snuggling and also to make the best use of the super cuddly Fireside (adult minky) back. Fireside is softer than minky but doesnt have the velvety, shiny look the minky does. With the border, it finished to approx. 58 x 78.

I tested it out last night and it is the perfect TV quilt.

Pattern: Picnic from the amazing book Scrapbasket Sensations by Kim Brackett
Fabric: Hometown by Sweetwater for MODA

This will become that one quilt that everyone fights over because it's so awesome!

Have you Schnibbled lately?

2011-08-30T09:40:00.003-05:00

This past weekend-before the kitchen injury-I got a lot of sewing done! Earlier in the year, I got a Schnibble all cut out and ready to sew and then found out that all the charms at the shop that were to be used in kits, were already sold. So, the pieces all got bagged up and stashed away.

Fast forward a little while and you land on last Friday when I was thinking about my sister's birthday coming up. Note: I don't have a sister and she's actually my sister-in-law but I like her a lot so I call her my sister because is just sounds so much better. She and my brother are in the process of moving to a new home closer to the rest of our family and she's really excited about her new kitchen. She's painting the cabinets and tweaking a little bit to have a more "retro" kitchen. For those of you who know her, this is right up her alley. She's also collected some depression glass plates which I think she also plans to hang on the wall.

Wouldn't ya know, this schnibble is a perfect match for her. So I dug it out, got all my ducks in a row, put my favorite color Aurifil thread in the machine and I was off to the races and before I knew it, I had this little cutie:

(Looking back, I probably shouldn't have taken the "folded" pics before this one!..Ahhh..wrinkles!!!)

~I think she's gonna love it!~

Pattern: Schnibble "Joy Luck" by Miss Rosie's Quilt Co.
Fabrics: Dream On by Urban Chic for MODA

So, have you schnibbled as of late? If not, there are a ton of the patterns and charms at the store, you may need to take on a little project :) Just think how nice your table would look with one of the darlings adorning it!

Now all that's left is the quilting and binding!
~K

Note: I am not compensated or rewarded in any way shape or form for mentioning certain products in this post.

Autumn is just around the corner!

2011-08-29T11:19:00.000-05:00

This morning I woke up to these words coming out of the radio:
"currently in Albert Lea, it is 48 degrees." However, it is now 71 so I'm not totally sure I heard that correctly.

So, if it really were only 48 degrees out this morning, that would cause me to believe that autumn is just around the corner and I really should get my rear in gear and finish my Autumn Glory table mat I started last year. Note: because this has been so popular in the shop, kits have continued to be cut and are available.

And I also have this little guy to work up too because I think he looks like he pairs up will with the above mentioned table mat:

The pumpkin mat has also been wildly popular and is still being kitted up too. Also, for those of you on a budget, this little guy is VERY affordable!

But then there is reality....I won't be doing much of anything creative in the near future and it really makes me sad. You see, yesterday afternoon I was using my kitchen slicer/mandolin and may or may not have sliced off a portion of my thumb....my RIGHT thumb...and I'm right handed. So, until this self inflicted wound heals, I'm sorta, kinda out of commission. As my friend Michelle from the 90's TV show Full House once said, "Bummer Dude".

Have a wonderful day and remember,

Autumn is coming soon!

How can you not laugh?

2011-08-26T09:19:00.000-05:00

Last night when I was sewing, I watched some Everybody Loves Raymond. I've discovered that people either love that show or hate it...me, I LOVE it! I actually personally own all 9 seasons. I can't imagine my life without Frank and Marie, Robert (and Amy) and of course, Ray and Debra. So, here's what had me rolling on the floor laughing last night.

I'll be back with some pictures but I'll give ya some time to recover from the laughter.
Enjoy!
~K

Hometown Picnic

2011-08-22T13:41:00.000-05:00

I've been a busy girl...the top is all pieces and pressed.

I think I may add a border even though the pattern doesnt call for one.

a little close up...

So what do you think...border or no border....hmmmm

Border?
No Border?

Going on vacation!

2011-08-17T10:10:00.000-05:00

I will be gone for a few days. I'm headed east to the river to:
Fish

Eat

Work on wool projects

Antique

Eat

Fish

Boat

See some eagles

Eat

It will be fun

Oh yeah, I have half of the blocks done for the quilt from my last post and they're looking good!

(Scrap Basket Sensations "Picnic" using Hometown jelly roll)

Hope you have a wonderful next few days!

Hometown by Sweetwater

2011-08-12T11:15:00.000-05:00

A buch of Hometown jelly rolls came in the other day and boy am I excited!

I've had this book for a couple months now because I LOVE everything in it! I think the cover quilt will be what I make out of Hometown. I'm guessing there will be kits at the store-

I'm retreating with some great friends on Sunday.....bet ya can't guess what I'll be working on ;)

The corn is as high as an elephants eye....

2011-08-10T10:39:00.001-05:00

On my little drive to ride horse the other evening, I noticed the corn. I saw if and I felt it...yes, seasonal allergies. Of course, with my fascination with musicals, this song has been stuck in my head ever since.
Don't ya just love mornings this time of year? Beautiful, sunny and starting to cool off.

Oklahoma! is one of the greats in my opinion. I especially love "the farmer and the cowman should be friends" which brings me to another post on barn raising scenes in musicals which I will save for later.

Enjoy the beautiful day!
~K

Civil War Tribute: Month 4

2011-08-09T13:21:00.000-05:00

So, I do have something exciting to show you, I just have to figure out how to take a good picture! Instead of something really fascinating, I will show just a little of what goes in to making one months Tribute blocks.

Pin triangle paper to fabrics sandwiched right sides together.

Triangle paper is WONDERFUL and is also my new best friend. Talk about slick!

Then sew on the sew lines....

...and cut on the cut lines.

Would ya look at that, a stack of 98 perfect half square triangles.

Then cut all the little corners on the cut lines and peel all the paper off. I've always shortened my stitch to make this easier, but this time I REALLY shortened my stitch as you can kind of see....wow...it made a HUGE difference! REALLY short stitches allowed the papers to peal off REALLY easily and cleanly.

Now that all the corners are snipped square and the papers are all removed, all that's left is the pressing.

I'll have to share with you my trick for perfect pressing sometime...

your life will never be the same, or maybe it will

And presto, just like that....98 PERFECT HST in under 2 hours.

It officially took me longer to pick my fabrics than stitch these cute little puppies!

Now on to the rest of the block tonight!
~K

Under layer 2

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

I've been working hard and have manged to peel off another layer of my design wall.

Last time you saw it my wall looked like this:

I spent about an hour searching for the missing bottom row blocks only to discover that they never existed because when I sewed the one row together so I could demonstrated positioning the applique blocks on the border when i taught the class I sewed too many blocks together making a row of 8 which should have been 7 and I had the 1 extra block because I always make an extra just in case something were to happen and I needed a spare and sometimes I even stitch this extra block into the back and use it as the label using a pigma / fabric pen to write all the important stuff on it so the new owner of the quilt knows all about it...wow...that was probably one of my all time best run on sentances.
Here are all the blocks sewn together and the one border appliqued.

...and I got a lot of pins back. all of these guys were holding the pieces up on the wall.

But, with a little help from their mama, they made it safely back home.

And after I peeled off that beautiful layer of pieced and appliqued goodness, I was left with this work of art: The first three months of my Civil War Tribute quilt pieced together. I even scooted around the edge with my walking foot (using a 1/8" seam) to hold all those little seams together.

As you can see, I'm one step closer to what I was really excited to show you!

Hopefully I'll get things finished this weekend so I can make the big reveal on Monday.

Enjoy the weekend....I'll be at the fair doing horsey things :)

I'm a 2800 kind of girl...you?

2011-08-04T09:25:00.001-05:00

It's no secret, I love thread! You may even call me a "thread head". My personal favorite is Aurifil and I think all the employees at the shop feel the same about it. Simply put, it's good stuff. It runs through the machine nicely and doesn't tend to lint up. Here's my personal collection:

After much contemplation, I've some how managed to narrow it down to my top 4 used. I tried for top 3, but that didn't work to well. Here they are:

here they are again:

Out of those 4 pretty little ladies, this girl here is my all time #1 used thread.I go through spools and spools of this goodness...brace yourself, you may be shocked by what you're about to see!

It's a light tealish, greenish, bluish. Works wonderfully with 30's reproduction fabrics, pastelish things and of course my all time #1- Fig Tree fabrics. My basement lacks the goodness of natural sunlight so the picture doesn't do justice to it's stunning beauty. However, it's true color is a little more evident in the first picture.

Oh yeah, hey there little guy, I use you a lot too. Okay, I'll add and a fifth favorite just for you little "beaver" colored guy. Leave it to beaver!

So, if you haven't tried this good stuff yet, tread yourself to a spool next time you're in the store. If you're already an addict, pick up a couple new spools....maybe give 2800 a try. Careful though, 2800 tends to wiggle its way into your world and trust me, you just won't be able to let her go!!

So, what's your thread color of choice?

PS: Stop back tomorrow to see what was under the second layer of my design wall.

I have recieved no benefit, pay or compensation from Aurifil thread for promoting their product. Ijust like their stuff :)

Pealing back the layers....

2011-08-02T09:26:00.002-05:00

I really want to show you something.....but it's under here somewhere:

My design board (aka a piece of pink foam insulation which is to be covered with a piece of muslin) has been taken captive in the hostage situation in my sewing zone which has too many projects in action!
So, under here somewhere is something really cool....at least I think so. So in attempt to liberate this fascinating thing that I want to show you, I sewed and sewed and sewed....

This top part is the center section of a baby quilt for my friend...most of the X's are from the Fig Tree fabric line Wimsey we had in the store a couple years ago. The background is from a current baby line in the store that is really cute....I would have used the whole line however, it did't use the colors I wanted. The pattern is from Miss Rosie's Schibbles Times Two book, pattern "X Rated". I plan to add a wide outer border

Here are my bordering options....I think I like the one with the inner border....it adds a little pizzazz I think.

And then...I'm going to add a little machine applique owl in the wide border. The owl is from the pattern "Remember Whoooo Loves You" by Acorn Quilt Company.

For some reason, this picture won't upload in the correct direction....
You'll have to use those necks to turn your heads :)

I've now whittled my way down to this:

Remember this guy? I started him in the Spring to use as a teaching aid when I taught the class. There are still a couple of these jelly rolls left I think. Maison DeGrance by French General for Moda. You also can see toward the bottom a sneak peek of one of the things I'm so excited for you to see :)

I'm still whittling away! Hopefully pealing off another layer soon!
Oh yeah, I now know where all my pins went!
~K

Minnesota All-Stars

2011-07-29T09:42:00.000-05:00

Thank you to all who left a comment attempting to wow me with your pattern naming expertise. After fretting, chewing off all my fingernails, twirling my hair around my finger, staring off into space, and even loosing a little sleep over naming this quilt, I've taken the advice of a very wise reader.

Annette said...

How about Minnesota's All Stars?

I'm a baseball fan, too, can you tell?

I say, Annette, that's a wonderful name...I'm a baseball fan too! Go Twins!
So, Heerrrrrreeeeee's.......

Minnesota All-Stars!

Patterns are available at the shop now and Annette, I will deliver your bundle 5 fats to the store today for you to pick up. They will be at the check out station in the "rain-check" drawer. Please pick them up before September 1st. Oh yeah, Annette, who knows....I may even stick a pattern in there too...wink, wink.

Well, I'll be back later with more pictures of our great Minnesota projects.

Time again....

2011-07-27T11:12:00.001-05:00

During the month of July, I've spent a majority of my time at the community theatre playing in the pit for their summer presentation of Gypsy. 4-7 hours a night, 5-7 days a week. A ton of rehearsing and 8 public shows. Needless to say, on Saturday when it closed I had this empty, bittersweet, feeling. I now have time again. Time again to sew. Time again to weed my flowers. Time again to ride horse. Time again to cook, exercise and attempt to eat health, and time again to blog. In memory of my time spent with Gypsy, I share with you one of my favorite parts....there are a lot of favorites, don't worry, I'll share more :)

Also, here is a REALLY cute new kit...I think I need it :)

I will be back SOON!

Quilters....Start your engines!

2011-07-25T13:11:00.000-05:00

The great MN Shop Hop is about to begin!

Gas up the family truckster and get ready to put the

pedal to the metal!

Quilt Minnesota 2011

Friday, July 29—Sunday, August 14
Over 80 Minnesota’s Quilt Shops Participating

Grand Prize—Trip for two to beautiful Alaska

Visit the official Quilt Minnesota Website

SE Minnesota Section Shops

All In Stitches, Stewartville

Calico Hutch, Hayward

Fourth & Main Fabrics, Cannon Falls

Pine Needles Quilt Shop, Racine

Quilter’s Dream, Montgomery

Quilter’s Quarters, Spring Valley

Quilting by the Hearth, Lonsdale

Rather Bee Quilting, Lake City

The Quilting Cupboard, Rochester

Free Fats....What!? 158 days till Christmas !?

2011-07-20T13:44:00.000-05:00

Gas up the car and call the friends....it's a shop hop!

Enjoy stash building at the 7 wonderful shops and don't forget,

only 158 shopping days till Christmas1

Super Duper Stash Dash

“CHRISTMAS IN JULY”

July 20-23, 2011

“EVERYONE IS A WINNER”

Receive a free fat quarter with any purchase at each shop during the shop hop

Receive a free pattern for a 12-inch Christmas-themed tree block at each shop

Get your passport stamped at each shop to be eligible to win the $525 Grand Prize

All Shops Open (plus each shop’s regular hours)

Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 9—5 PM, Thursday 9-8 PM

7 Participating Shops

Calico Hutch, Hayward MN

Seams to Me, Algona IA

The Quilted Forest, Forest City IA

Saintly Stitches, St Ansgar IA

Saintly Stitches, Mason City IA

Debbie’s Quilt Shop and Gifts Osage IA

Iowa Falls Sewing Machine Company, Iowa Falls IA

Have Fun!

Lazy, Crazy, Hazy, Dog Days of Summer

2011-07-15T09:19:00.001-05:00

Just a friendly reminder: Are you folks of the Minnesota area ready for the lazy, crazy, hazy days of summer? The dog days are in the forecast for the next week or so I'm officially issuing mandatory sewing time for all of you readers...after all, can you think of anything better to do when it's over 100 deg. out? - besides cooking eggs on your sidewalk that is!

So...be sure you have your survival kit ready. You will need:

* Thread

* Fun new kit

* Sharp blade in your rotary cutter

* Quilting magazine

* Wool project

* Awesome fat quarters

* Coordinating fabrics to play with

* Needles

* Sewing machine in good working order

If you're missing any of the above, I bet you know where you can find them. And as always...remember the shop is open till 9 pm tonight and then 9am - 5pm tomorrow!

Also, remember if you're making quilts for Christmas gifts, now is a good time to work on those and get them to the quilter....we all know about those waiting lists :)

Along with basking in a pile of frozen water, add a glass of iced tea and my Civil War Tribute blocks and this is that state in which I can be found this weekend

Keep cool and enjoy your sewing time!
PS: Don't forget to throw some water at your petunias from time to time!

~K

Ta Da! you could win 5 fats

2011-07-12T10:42:00.001-05:00

I now know how long it takes to finish a quilt when you only have time to work on it 1 hour at a time.
So..."Here she is boys....here she is world....Miss Gypsy Rose Lee".

Sorry about the random reference to the Broadway Musical Gypsy, It has consumed my life lately. What I meant to say was..."Here it is quilters...here it is friends....my MN quilt with no name".

So...Here's where you come in. Leave comments with possible name suggestions for this quilt and you could win a bundle of 5 fat quarters from this special MN fabric line.

Things to keep in mind when thinking of names:
1) Fabric was created for the MN Shop Hop
2) Most all fabrics reflect MN in some way
3) Fussy cut MN Scenes

Hope you all think of a winner ;)
~K

29% off SALE

2011-07-09T10:44:00.001-05:00

Did you see we're having a BIG sale at the shop?

The Calico Hutch has been open for business for 29 years so thus the

"29 and HOLDING ON TIGHT Sale

29% offalmost EVERYTHING!

Books/patterns

Kits

Notions

Thread

Bernina 300 Series machines

Bernette new models

Select Bernina accessories

Stop by and shop:Monday July 11, 9am - 9pm

Tuesday July 12, 9am - 5pm

Wednesday July 13, 9am - 5pm

I'm Making progress!

2011-07-08T10:44:00.000-05:00

I have the star portion of all the blocks pieced! I'm very satisfied with how they turned out as well as how nicely the scenes on the focal fabric fussy cut out.

Now for the corners.....tonight??

Note: This is the prototype block...the "real" corner triangles won't have red...just green, blue and gray.

Also, all for corners won't be from the same strip set so nothing should match where corners meet.

FYI: This was a project that I was going to have completed by July 1st....

Ahhh.....life :)

New deadline: To the shop for quilting BY Monday July 11th.....

I can do it!

Bed Turning

2011-07-06T11:03:00.000-05:00

Last Monday (July 27) mom and I had the honor of presenting our "mother/daughter" bed turning to the ladies at the quilt guild meeting in Osage, IA.

Between the two of us, we took over 100 quilts to show. As you can see, we rolled them in groups, in order and then completely filled my dad's relatively large SUV from floor to ceiling. I hauled all the props (end tables, throw pillows, flowers, baskets, etc.) in my Jeep.

Side bar: does auto insurance cover quilts? Should we have buckled them all in?

Here's my "daughter" side. The quilt is one that sold a lot of kits at the shop.
Pattern: In and Out, Fabric: Bliss by Bonnie and Camille for Moda
The picture on the night stand is of mom and I sewing together.
We thought it was appropriate :)

Throughout the presentation, we showed quilts we've made using the same fabrics but different patterns, quilts with different fabrics but the same pattern, our first quilts, our favorite quilts and quilts that are simply that....quilts. There were also a lot of stories and laughs too....of course :)

This is mom's "mother" side. Her quilt is one of her all time favorites.
Pattern: Basket of Logs, Fabric: Cinnamon Hill Farms by Fig Tree for Moda
Quilted by: Mary Nordeng. Her and Mary entered this puppy in shows together.

In the past we've hauled 2 twin beds with us to layer all of our quilts on. This time however, we got smart. The beds are made out of an 8' table (not set up) sitting on 2 totes. Much easier to set up and we didn't need to bring a trailer!

As you can see, the ladies did a wonderful job folding and helping re-load after the gig. Looks much better than it did when we brought them. However, there was a method to our madness before....they were in order...hello!

It's always shocks me by how long it takes to put all of these away when they come home. There may or may not still be a huge pile of them in the middle of my living room. But hey, at least they aren't still in my car! When they were, people looked at me funny when I drove through places like the bank and McDonald's for Iced Tea. Oh yeah, usually about two months after the fact, one of us comes across a stray quilt that belongs to the other and the other had no clue it was missing!

We had fun and hope to visit you girls in Osage again!
It was a great night and we saw our first fire flies of the season on the way home.
~K

No Excuses!

2011-07-05T11:13:00.000-05:00

It has been a while...too long! I have no excuses or pictures to show of my absence.
So, you may wonder where exactly have I been for the last week....here's the best I can do:

In the garden

Scooting around town on my scooter

Baking pies

Working Friday night at the shop

Eating pie

Washing clothes

Working at church

Making potato salad

Eating potato salad

On a horse

Eating steak

Eating potato salad

Musical rehearsals

(Gypsy....Albert Lea...July 14-17, 21-23)

Eating watermelon

Being carried away by mosquitoes!

Working on a wool project

Watching fireworks

Eating ice cream

On the boat

Feeding the cat

Eating strawberries

Watering plants

Doing a bed turning with mom

(hey...I have pictures of that!)

Playing in the community band

Sewing MN fabric stuff....pictures coming soon :)

ahhh....such a sweet, sweet life :)

I've missed you all and hope many wonderful patriotic celebrations were had-

~K

MN Projects: Take 1

2011-06-24T12:12:00.000-05:00

This has made it's way to my cutting tabe.

A whole stack of MN yumminess.

And just because I'm feeling a little on the generous side,

I may or may not be using blocks like this in my creation.

Hopefully I can get lots more accomplished this weekend!

There's a hole in my finger!

2011-06-23T09:21:00.002-05:00

Seriously, there is a hole in my finger...It's quite small like the eye of a needle and on the top of my right hand middle finger. It's there and it's from binding and wool projects and not wearing a thimble when I should have. I have a love hate relationship with this hole...you see, he and I have been through a lot together...a lot of thread that is :) I often take a break from hand sewing to give the skin a chance to grow back together. Then I start going through withdrawls and head back to hand stitching thinking that it's all better and the callous will protect me. WRONG! Time after time I'm wrong and within the first couple stitches, the eye of the needed finds the hole and jabs me....right....in...the....needle hole. I can say that I graduated from college with honors, yet I'm still not smart enough to learn just to wear the stinkin thimble.

Here's what I have to do this weekend: Bind, bind, bind.

Top to bottom: Schnibble, schnibble, twin, baby, couch throw, queen

I'm thinkin a movie marathon to go with my bidnding phenomenon!

Hang in there finger hole....my life would not be the same without you!
~K

Big Plans Ahead!

2011-06-20T09:38:00.000-05:00

I spent hours and hours cleaning, organizing and rearranging my sewing zone this past weekend....I actually usually really enjoy this process. For me, any cleaning is fun as long as I get to rearrange the furniture! If they put odometers on furniture, mine would have more miles than a used car. I think part of my fascination for moving things around comes from how you feel when you're done...like you have a whole new room...all ready to mess up :)

So....enough with that...I'm sure y'all really don't care about the fact that I have a serious obsession with moving my furniture. Now that I have a beautifully clean creative area, I plan to cut in to some of the 2011 Minnesota fabric and mess up this place of beauty as fast as I can. Maybe I should take a picture first to have proof of how clean it was...

I have big plans for some hopefully awesome projects. I've discovered that no matter how cool it may look on paper or in my brain, sometimes it bombs when fabric gets involved!

I'll keep you posted as things progress!

~Strawberry Fields~

2011-06-17T09:18:00.000-05:00

I'm super duper excited...new Fig Tree fabric has arrived!
Let me introduce you to:

Strawberry Fields

Charm packs and bolted fabric now available.

I'm pretty sure I need some! Isn't it fresh and springy and playful and whimsical and.....you get the picture.

Well, off to daydream about what to make with these beauties!
~K

Darlene Zimmerman Class: Part 2

2011-06-16T08:56:00.000-05:00

I'm back with more Pictures from the Darlene Zimmerman class last weekend. As always, she brought a WONDERFUL trunk show with her to share with her class. And as always, everything was STUNNING! So, for those of you who were not able to be there and also for those of you who were and like me can never see enough quilt pictures, here are some snaps of what we saw:

This is her Oopsie Daisie pattern what was inspired by.....

This vintage top she purchased.

My personal favorite...Trip around the world, 1" finished squares!

Forgot what this one was called. She explained how this one was constructed using primarily scraps!

There were several other quilts too...it just took a while for the light bulb in my head to pop on and remind me that I have friends over in blogland that would love to see some of this stuff.

Hope you've enjoyed!
~K

Darlene Zimmerman Class: Part 1

2011-06-13T14:38:00.002-05:00

Happy Monday Friends!
The past weekend, Darlene Zimmerman-Feed sack Lady, graced the Calico Hutch with her presence. In the class we worked on her "Postage Stamp Posies". Here are some snaps:

The quilt hanging as the background is the project we were diligently stitching away on.

Cut....cut...cut...and then press and cut some more!

Getting ready to make one of the many strip sets.....

Working on her alternate blocks....I think....

Think....think....think....sew....sew....sew...think...think...think....

Shhh....I'm concentrating!!!

I hope you've enjoyed seeing a little glimpse of the class!
Coming in future posts: Darlene's Trunk Show and a reveal of my Postage Stamp Posies out of Civil War prints.

I will never look at a postage stamp the same again!
Enjoy your day!
~K

Recipe: Carolyn's Granola is FAMOUS!

2011-06-10T10:16:00.000-05:00

If you have ever gleaned the recipes on the website, you may have noticed Carolyn's Granola recipe.
If you live in Southern Minnesota, and get the Southern Minnesota Magazine in the mail, you may have noticed that the Calico Hutch made it big! If you've ever wanted to make your own granola, you may now have a chance.

Here is the famous recipe

Granola
Carolyn Matson
(Owner of the Calico Hutch)

6-8 c rolled oats
2 c walnuts, slightly chopped
2 c whole almonds, slightly chopped
1 1/2 c coconut
2/3 c canola oil
1 c maple syrup

Stir together rolled oats, nuts and coconut. Whisk together oil and syrup. Pour oil/syrup mixture over the oat mixture. Stir together. Spread in thin layers on baking sheets. Bake approx. 40 min at 300-325 deg. Stir occasionally. Bake until toasted and golden brown. Store in air tight container. Keeps nicely in freezer too.

Sounds delicious!
~K

Summer Newsletter

2011-06-07T10:09:00.000-05:00

The Summer Newsletter is ready for you to parooze!

http://www.calicohutchquiltshop.com/flyer_current.pdf

Enjoy Reading!

Weekend Update

2011-06-06T13:56:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I soon realized that I may have made WAY to may goals and my plans changed quite a bit from my last post. I did get a TON of things done, but there was much more laughing and story telling than I allowed for. Here's how the weekend went and looking back, I should have photographed things before I folded them up for transport so please excuse the wrinkles!

FRIDAY: Day 1

Arrived 3 pm

Departed 9:30 pm
Total 6 1/2 hrs sewing time

~My Favorite bag ~

COMPLETED

Made completely from scraps...yes, that is corduroy

~June Bug~

Forgot thread for applique.

Decided to finish at home where I can arrange the blocks on my design wall.

Wasted 45 min dragging it out, making a plan, and packing it all up again.

~Gumdrop Pillows~

Patterns sold out! Serious bummer

Wasted a chunk of time scouring the store for the pattern.

~Swoon~

Started 3 blocks...half done
Used my destitcher (seam ripper) quite a bit...shhhh!

SATURDAY: Day 2

Arrived 10 am

Departed 10 pm

Total 12 hrs sewing time

~Swoon~

Finished 3 blocks

These 3 blocks (1/3 of the quilt) took WAY more time

than I ever would have imaged. However, the

outcome is stunning (or so I think!) The blocks finish to 26"

~Civil War Tribute: Month 2~

COMPLETED

Took all afternoon / evening

The red/blue center is month 1

SUNDAY: Day 3

Arrived: 9 am

Departed: 5 pm

Total 8 hrs sewing time

~Do the Twist~

Not on my original list.

This was a quilt Jaris Smith had all cut out. All I had to do was piece.

The kit was from the store a few years back. Still very stunning in Civil War prints.

COMPLETED

~Old Block of the Month~

Finished 4 blocks!

Only 3 left to go!!!!

~MN Fabric Planning~

I have some ideas on paper now!

As you can see I was productive...even though my list didn't get hit very hard.
I'm still pleased about all the projects I got done and the memories that were made....after all, isn't that why we quilt with friends in the first place ?!

All in all, It was a good time had by all...except maybe Violet because she had to sit by me ;)

We love retreating at the Calico Hutch!

~K and the "Border Babes"

This weekend is going to be WONDERFUL!!!

2011-06-02T16:17:00.002-05:00

So, I'm gettin' all excited for a whole weekend of nothin' but stitchin'!

Okay, okay, okay...maybe some gabbin' and gigglin' too....just maybe.

Oh yeah and there will be some nibblin' and eatin'.

And we'll review our latest readin' and do some book swappin'...

and there will most likely be some serious time spent talkin' about TV show drama..You know, NCIS, NCIS: LA, a little Grey's and some Bones and some Castle....I like Psych.

If we get all the above under control in a timely manner, I have all of this planned:

THINGS TO FINISH

(In order of importance to me!...kind of)

No. 1 ~ My Favorite Bag

Make 1 handle and finish assembly

Estimated 1 1/2 hrs to complete

No. 2 ~ Another "June Bug" quilt
Blocks all done, borders done
Estimated 3 hrs to complete

No. 3 ~ Quilt Schnibble ~ "Little Red"
Pink & brown Civil War prints
Estimated 1 hr to complete
(2 1/2 hrs if I bind too!)

THINGS TO MAKE
(In no particular order...I want em' all REALLY bad!!!!)

No. 1 ~ Brocante Schnibble

Cut & piece

Estimated 6 - 8 hrs....estimated

No. 2 ~ Swoon

LOVE this one.... i love it, I Love It, I LOVE IT!!!

(yay SNL skits...)

Already cut out and ready to stitch

Estimated 8 hours....or more....or less

No. 3 ~ Gum Drop Pillows

Cut, piece, stuff, put feet up...

Super excited for the ottoman one!!!

Estimated 3 hrs (for 2)...

Strongly leaning toward 4 hrs.

No. 4 ~ Month 2 Civil War Tribute Blocks

Already have a TON of hst made so I just have to piece to 4 blocks

Estimated 3 hours

(there's a ton of pieces....tiny-ish pieces)

Totalled that ONLY equals like 26 hours...
I WILL not get it all done :)

I'll keep you posted on my progress throughout the weekend!

Wish me luck-

Pssst..... Kansas Trouble Lovers.....Over here!

2011-06-01T15:37:00.002-05:00

Look what came in the other day:

Warm Memories

I cruised the Kansas Troubles isle at the shop the other day and there are some VERY pretty prints in this newest collection! Hurry in before it's too late.....Kansas Troubles fabrics usually tend to have a pretty short shelf life!

Consider yourself notified and warned!
~K

Tulip Time!

2011-05-25T08:59:00.000-05:00

For a while there I was worried.....last fall I planted a ton of tulip bulbs. As Spring progressed, the tulips all over my neighborhood started popping up and there was no sign of mine. Then, about a month ago, they started to peek through the mulch. Finally, this past weekend they looked like this:

I really wanted to pick them all and fill a vase for my desk at work, but managed to keep my hands off! You see, supposedly tulips are kind of like asparagus....you leave them alone the first few years to reproduce and grow. The flower and leaves feed the bulb to strengthen it and make more bulbs....at least that's what I've been told. Once they're all done blooming, then you can deadhead them. However, leave the leaves to die (yellow) on their own before removing them. Once again, I have nothing but the wisdom of a sweet neighbor to back any of this up.

PS: I sprayed that dandelion last night and am happy to say that it's looking pretty wilted this morning!
~K

Save the date(s)!

2011-05-24T10:23:00.000-05:00

Call the freinds and start planning your trip!

Minnesota Shop Hop

Friday July 29 - Sunday August 14

Visit all the shops in our section and get this FREE:

What a wonderful assortment of yummy backgrounds!

Now the wheels are turning.....add some Minnesota 2011 fat quarters and you have a wonderful quilt!

What comes to mind on a rainy day....

2011-05-20T11:25:00.000-05:00

It is a rainy day here and this is what always pops into my head on rainy days.

Hmmmm....now I'm thinking I need a set of orchestra bells (xylophone) in my office....he made it look like so much fun and I'm sure it would go over well!

PS....Farm Fresh is done and on it's way to the shop :) Picture coming soon!

Has my obsession with the Broadway musical became obvious yet? It seems I have a song or something from a musical to relate with or refer to in pretty much any circumstance...

Snuggle in with your favorite quilt, a cup of tea, a good book and enjoy the rainy day!
~K

Farm Fresh

2011-05-17T09:09:00.000-05:00

So, lately I've had my plate full with rehearsals for concerts....one biggie last weekend and two biggies this coming weekend. However, I have been able to sneak in a little sewing time :)

I found this pattern a while back and shortly after the perfect fabric came in! I love how the Pattern Basket people set a simple snowball block in this quilt. They look kind of like farm fresh eggs :)

Here's what I've got so far:

(excuse the quality of the picture....I had to use the camera on my phone. In real life, the fabrics are much more vivacious.)

I used these fabrics:

Buttercup by Fig Tree Quilts for Moda

Oh yeah, I used to raise farm fresh eggs when I was a young...here's some proof:

Me tellin the guy at the fair all about my chicken....It was a pretty one :)

My brother and me with our very first pollet eggs one year.

Top will be done soon and kits will be available at the Hutch so you can get yourself the ingrediants for a yummy Farm Fresh quilt!

~K

garden anyone?

2011-05-11T10:03:00.000-05:00

Last night I had plans....plans to clean out my vegetable garden and get it ready to plant. But, when I went out to do that, the sky got dark and the lightning started, so I went to a movie with a friend instead.

I was bummed...really bummed. You see, this summer I have big plans for my garden. Every year, just about the time all my veggies are up and looking good, a whole rookery of crows descend upon my sweet little plants and dine, and dine, and dine till everything is destroyed or gone. Even though this happens, every year I plant. This year is different...I've out smarted those stinky, mean crows. I'm planting all flowers and one tomato plant. I've always wanted a cutting garden so this year I'm going to have one.

I went out and got my bulbs the other night:

Plus I'm going to add:

*snap dragons*

*cosmos*

*zinnias*

*statis*

*asters*

*sunflowers...maybe*

*sweet pea*

and whatever else makes its way into my cart at the garden center.

As for the vegetables, I think I'll hit the farmers market!

Do you have big summer garden plans?

Paper Piecing Anyone?

2011-05-09T12:38:00.000-05:00

FYI for all of you who want to brush up on your

paper piecing skills.

What: Loon Lake paper piecing class
When: Tomorrow 5/10, 2-4:30 or 6-8:30
Where: Calico Hutch
Teacher: The wonderful Merle Stensrude
Skill Level: Beyond Beginner

Call 507-377-1163 to reserve your spot!
-As always, kits are available-

Darlene Zimmerman is coming!

2011-05-05T14:57:00.000-05:00

Hey Friends....

In case you've been hanging out with all those little Muppet-esque critters know as Fraggles in their caves known as Fraggle Rock and haven't heard yet, Darlene Zimmerman is coming to the Calico Hutch

Saturday June 11or Sunday June 12

9am - 4 pm

We will be working on this:

If you haven't signed up yet, do so soon....there are just a few openings left!

Also, if you don't sign up I can't say "see ya there!".

Oh, yeah...if you don't know what a Fraggle is, here ya go:

HOPE to see ya at the class!
~K

Civil War Tribute 2011: Month 1

2011-05-04T09:14:00.001-05:00

So far, so good! I'm right on track for finishing this puppy on time! :)
Here's my work so far:

Don't get freaked out if mine doesn't look like yours....
remember I'm using 30's prints in lieu of Civil War prints :)

I did however notice that there is only 1 - 16" block the first month and then the remaining months are pretty intense....like multiple blocks with tons of teeny-tiny half square triangles. For now though, don't burst my bubble...just let me think I'm doin great and this whole thing is gonna be a walk in the park on a sunny afternoon :)

A special kudos from me to the pattern writer. Everything pieced together BEAUTIFULLY allowing all my points to be perfect and no "easing" was needed! BRAVO pattern people, BRAVO! Keep up the good work!

I'm doin good!
~K

Bus Trip Recap

2011-05-03T08:58:00.001-05:00

Mom and I had the extreme honor to serve as stewardesses / hostesses / bus moms this past weekend for a wonderful bus trip that headed out from the Calico Hutch. We both had a blast! A special thank you to those who were along for the ride...It was a pleasure serving all of you :)

Here's the whole gang at one of the shops....I'd just like to point out all of the smiles and cheerfull expressions. I believe everyone was having a GREAT time and came back inspired, motivated, and ready to work on many, many, many new projects.

I know this pic sticks out into the right column....but if it were any smaller, it would just look like a pic
from a science book of an atom before it split....proton, neutrons and electrons oh my!
We had all positive protons on the trip :)

Now it's back to the sewing room for me. I have a quilt and a couple Schnibbles that need to get finished! More on those soon.

Thanks for the great weekend fellow bus people!
~K

Oh yeah, I went to the greenhouse last night for the first time (of many) this season and came home with this:

Pansies and a little Chinese cabbage for my window boxes and a cherry tomato plant for my grandma for mothers day. I'm hoping the Chinese cabbage will add a little texture and uniqueness. I'm in the mood to garden now....if it would only warm up a little!!!! Oh well, before long we Minnesotans will be complaining because it's 95 deg and humid!

Enjoy the day!
~K

Civil Warriors: Month 1

2011-04-27T11:20:00.001-05:00

OK, so....sometimes we tackle really huge things. Things so huge they require a special support group. Because I made the decision to tackle this beast:

I will be going to the support group at the shop tonight: The Civil Warriors.

See all of you fellow insane people tonight :)
~K

I'm Back!

2011-04-26T09:32:00.002-05:00

Good News: I'm back from the warm, sunny, state of Texas.
Bad News: I'm back from the warm, sunny, state of Texas.

Here are some highlights:

I met up with an old friend...one of the founding fathers of Grapvine TX.

Mr. Founding Father and I went cow tipping.....

I got thrown in jail....but promptly was released.

Now y'all know why It's been so quiet 'round these parts!

On that note, mom and I are gearing up for the bus trip this coming weekend...we've got so much awesome "in flight" entertainment planned y'all won't know what to do! We're branching out from our old tried and true entertainment and sailing some uncharted territory....watch...out!!!

We're having a planning party tonight and all I can tell you is I need to make a stop at the thrift store before then...

This bus trip...will...be.......EPIC!

Checking in

2011-04-20T08:28:00.000-05:00

captains log wed. april something
reporting from my phone here in texas, it is very hot, very balmy and fery fun.

how was terry atkinson
k

Terry Atkinson is Coming!

2011-04-13T11:38:00.001-05:00

Terry Atkinson is coming!

Monday,April 18 (yes, less than a week away!)

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

We'll be testing Shadow Song

(Pattern coming out at market in May)

Quilt finishes to 61 x 72

Class fee: $12

Kits available for $65 less 20% class discount = $52!

Wanna come and test one of her newest patterns?

Call the Calico Hutch ASAP...space is limited
and this does fill up fast!

507-377-1163

I've done this several times in the past and it is lots-o-fun!
I'm going to be in TX otherwise I would be there!
~K

Recap from retreat Weekend: Part 1

2011-04-12T09:52:00.001-05:00

I'm finally back to being semi-functional in the real world. I've found that after a fantastic weekend retreating, it always takes me a day or two to get back to reality and recuperate from all the hours and hours of fun and limited hours of sleep!

I've got a TON of pictures to share with you but promise not to bore you by doing them all at once.
So...for today I'll start with just some general fun shots from the weekend. As you can see, a lot of projects got tackled!

As you can see, it was a good time!

I'll be back with more pictures soon-

Pennies from Heaven - Wool BOM

2011-04-05T11:35:00.000-05:00

Don't miss out on this BEAUTIFUL wool Block of the Month!

Starting kits shipping this month!

ps...this picture does not do it justice!!!!

Click here and scroll down a ways for all the details.

There are a limited number of total kits available so don't delay...

My New Little Cuties - Help with naming!!!!! - Giveaway Alert!

2011-04-04T10:50:00.002-05:00

This past week / weekend, I've been busy designing some new little cuties.

I'm teaching wool at the retreat this coming weekend

and wanted to have something special for the ladies there.

Here they are:

Help me name the pattern!

I'll give you 1 FREE pattern if I pick your name suggestion!

All you have to do is post a comment BEFORE 10pm tonight

with a name idea or ideas for the pattern and your email address!

Oh yeah, all 4 little pincushion cuties will be in the pattern.

Will you be the winner?

Migration of the quilters starts today!

2011-04-01T09:08:00.000-05:00

What: Wild Goose Chase Shop Hop

Where: 10 shops in S. MN and 1 shop in W. WI

Who: You and anyone else you can squish in your car :)

When: April 1-9, 2011

Click here and scroll down a ways to see all the shops and read all the details!

FREE pattern at each shop!

Visit them all and get 6 yards of fabric FREE

(12 half yard cuts of MODA best selling Bella Solids!)

Happy Migrating!

Pineapple Nine Patch Class: Part 2

2011-03-31T09:29:00.000-05:00

As promised, here are some of the different color combos fellow quilters

came up with for their Pineapple Nine Patch projects -

Bright orange/yellow batiks with black

Brown and blue Civil War

I call this one "Sue's Scrap Basket Surprise!"

Jewelish tone batiks

2010 MN Shop Hop black and whites

Scrappy 30's prints

Darkish jewel tone batiks (and extension cords!)

This is mine, jewel tone Civil War with batik background.

Aren't they purdy?!

Pineapple Nine Patch Class: Part 1

2011-03-30T08:42:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited, I remembered my camera on Saturday when I went to the Cathy Wierzbicki class!
Here are some random shots of the action!

As you can see, we had a good time with lots of:

Learning

Concentrating

Socializing

Sewing

*gasps* Ripping

Eating

and Smiling :)

It was a good time!

Pop back tomorrow to see some finished blocks!

I love all the different color combos everyone came up with-

personalities really shine through fabric!

From our hutch to yours

Big Finish

Groovy Girls: March Edition

Confessional

Farmer's Wife: Month 2 blocks (10-18)

Farmers Wife / CW Chronicles / Weekend Update

Snaps from the retreat

Happy Valentines Day!

Retreat - Friday update

Retreat Weekend

Groovy Girls: Month 2

What a weekend!

Farmer's Wife: Month 1 blocks (1-9)

Farmer's Wife

I've got a secret!

Birthday Giveaway

MN Shop Hop 2012

Groovy Girls Month 1 - Success!

Birthday Giveaway

Groovy Girls

Christmas!

Under the tree

Winter 2012 Newsletter

~*~ You're ALL Invited ~*~

Finishing....

New Fabric!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Tofurkey!

Monday Night Madness!

Groovy Girls - Now at the Calico Hutch!

If only I lived in a fairytale...

~*~ Hummingbird ~*~

Snapshots of a retreat in action-

Doodle Stitching

My very own MacGyver (almost) moment

Happy Pumpkin Day!

Month 6: Civial War Tribute

~*~ RUBY ~*~

Apples, apples, apples

Civil War Artists

New Pre-cuts!

Bus Trip Quilt is Done!

Darlene Zimmerman is coming again!

Talk about one creative weekend!

A quilt for soon to be baby Porter

Sandi Irish is coming to the Calico Hutch!

Fall Newsletter

Visitor

Just one of the many reasons why I love September!

Here's my Hometown!

Have you Schnibbled lately?

Autumn is just around the corner!

How can you not laugh?

Hometown Picnic

Going on vacation!

Hometown by Sweetwater

The corn is as high as an elephants eye....

Civil War Tribute: Month 4

Under layer 2

I'm a 2800 kind of girl...you?

Pealing back the layers....

Minnesota All-Stars

Time again....

Quilters....Start your engines!

Free Fats....What!? 158 days till Christmas !?

Lazy, Crazy, Hazy, Dog Days of Summer

Ta Da! ****you could win 5 fats****

** 29% off SALE**

I'm Making progress!

Bed Turning

No Excuses!

MN Projects: Take 1

There's a hole in my finger!

Big Plans Ahead!

~Strawberry Fields~

Darlene Zimmerman Class: Part 2

Darlene Zimmerman Class: Part 1

Recipe: Carolyn's Granola is FAMOUS!

Summer Newsletter

Weekend Update

~~ You're ALL Invited ~~

~~ Hummingbird ~~

~~ RUBY ~~

Ta Da! you could win 5 fats

29% off SALE