hi there! i'm karen gray - thanks for stopping by my personal blog for a little visit. this is where i ramble on about what i'm making and other things happening in my world. glad you're here.
I wasn't expecting Heather Bailey's new Collection Nicey Jane until January... I am pretty happy and thankful that this gorgeous fabric arrived a little early ~ hurray! I have the entire collection available in the shop. Also, Denyse Schmidt's long awaited Hope Valley made it's way off the UPS truck this morning too - gorgeous!
Stop by and view the NEW lovliness.
See you soon,
Karen
happiness = beautiful fabric to have & to hold.... & to sew.
I am clearing out a lot of fabric to make room for new fabric Collections due to arrive very soon.... can hardly wait. Take advantage of some unbelievable prices before they are gone. This is what I'm calling Wild Wednesday!
This past Sunday we hosted our very first birthday party and it was loads of fun! Hadley turned 9 and she wanted to celebrate by making cool stuff with 11 of her closest friends. The girls made AB-Beads necklaces and pillows with their own heat & bond design, followed by cupcake decorating at Sweeties ~ my neighbor merchant. We had a blast and I think the girls are very excited about doing some serious sewing now. Thank you to my sister Nancy for helping me out with all the party festivities, could not have managed without her.... well~ I could have, but it would not have been pretty ;)
Also, the November/December class schedule is all set. Check out all the offerings and call to reserve your spot in a crafty fun class 336-779-6155.
Tuesday, October 29th for the giveaway announcement?..... now that's definitely a trick. Sorry about that. Ellen, commenter #1 was selected by the Random Number Generator to be the lucky winner of the Barcelona Skirt pattern with your choice for fabric to suit your personal style ~ what could be better.... nothing. Hurray for Ellen!
It's a drizzling day here today and I fully expect to be wearing rain gear for the trick or treating fun tonight. Followed by candy sorting and pizza for dinner. I'm looking forward to it. This is the 1st year I haven't made a costume and I am feeling a little guilty. Oh well, it will be fine ~ maybe next year.
Betsy stopped by the shop yesterday to show off her scrap genius quilt top and to show how she has put the skills she learned in Zipper Class to work. Check out all the extra adorable zipper bags she has made. Wow ~ Good job Betsy!
I have been meaning to tell you about this great zipper class we offered in the shop last month. Everyone really was interested in mastering the skills to get the job done and with Cathy as the instructor, success was achieved by all. Now everyone can make zippy bags or better yet a Barcelona Skirt for everyday of the week. Well, 5 days anyway ~ the weekend is for pajamas only.
Here is a photo of Cathy ~ instructor extraordinaire. She teaches Sewing 101, Pajamas & Pillowcases, Zippers, and is also available to teach private sessions to accommodate your busy schedule. Cathy is a sewing genius ~ mad skills here. Call or email for details.
Check out all her students working out their zipper problems:
The Barcelona Skirt is pretty glorious and not only looks amazing, but is quite easy to make. This week my Giveaway includes Amy Butler's Barcelona Skirt pattern + fabric of your choice to make your very own - exciting. Leave me a comment and I will select a winner on Thursday, October 29th.
Also, I want to mention that there are 2 spaces available in Saturday's Master Mitered Corners class with Gina. Last month this class was a huge success ~ so call today to reserve your spot 336-779-6155. You will be making 4 fabulous napkins + learn about other fun projects that involve the blessed mitered corner.
Thank you for all the great quick gift ideas. If only I could spend a little more time making than I do dreaming of fun sewing projects....
The classes this week were unbelievably fun, and not just plain old fun, but rockin good time fun ~ I not kidding. The photos I took of the PaJamas & pillowcase class didn't turn out, but just know that we will definitely be doing that one again! Todays AB-Beads class was packed. It's already starting to feel like everyone is getting down to business with their holiday gift list. Check out all the necklace making we had going on in the shop today:
Heather & her 2 moms
Tami and Mollie really enjoying the music a Bernina makes
Dianne working on necklace #2
my precious niece Ashley, who really knows good fabric when she sees it
Sisters, Laura & Mollie had a good time sewing & crafting together ~ they're pretty cute, especially with their fabulous original necklaces
Random Number Generator has selected #33 for the winner of this weeks giveaway ~ that's Kate! The good times will continue next week - A-Line skirts, Domestic Goddess Aprons, & Master Mitered Corners are on the schedule with a few spaces open. Call me to reserve a good time 336-779-6155.
This has been such a fun week of classes. I am loving all the little tidbits I am learning from everyone. I think that is one of the best things about sewing, - there is always a little trick or short cut you don't know about + you are always making new friends.
Here are the fabulous Gum Drop Pillows the ladies made with the help of Gayle Eason, Check out the monogram on Gayle's Gum Drop - too cool. Great job ladies.
Also, check the extra fun twirly skirts made by Miranda and Barbara ~ adorableness, don't you think!
Looking forward to round 2 of the AB-Beads class tomorrow + I heard Sue is bringing cookies again ~ inspiration!
Hope you all had a great weekend. The Saturday AB-Beads necklace class was a BIG success. I know everyone had a great time. Sue was a great instructor who not only showed everyone the secrets to making extra fun necklaces, but came to class with homemade pumpkin spice cookies for her students. Cookies are usually enough to inspire me. Thank you Sue.
Sue and her happy students
I am pretty excited about Denyse Schmidt's new Collection "Hope Valley". The design simplicity and colors she used are so reminiscent of my grandmother's house in Wisconsin ~ LOVE! I am expecting these lovely fabrics next month sometime - stay tuned.
On that note, I have this wonderful box of fat quarters from Denyse's Katie Jump Rope collection that I would love to giveaway this week. Leave me a comment about a fun & easy gift to make and I will randomly select a winner on Saturday, October 17th.
Oh~ I have a few spaces remaining in the classes this week. So if you're interested in having a great time and learning some new sewing skills, you should definitely sign up: Beginning Quilting, Amy Butler's Gum Drop Pillow, Pajama bottoms & pillowcase + another great AB-Beads necklace class are what's on the schedule
I've decided to try the Random Number Generator to select the winner for today's Giveaway and #14 wins. That's Kaye ~ Hurray!
I am getting ready for a busy day in the shop, so I must cut this short. Have a wonderful weekend and do know that I am planning another fabulous Giveaway next week.
Sue came strutting into the shop wearing this AMAZING jacket! Of course she made it herself with fabulous fabrics from my shop. Talk about bragging rights ~ Seriously, look at all the gorgeous details she put into this masterpiece. Sue's sewing skills are definitely inspiring, to say the least. I am so motivated to do something extra fantastic now - I just need to find a little time. I am actively thinking about it, so that counts ;)
Don't forget tomorrow I will announce the Giveaway winner of the Garden Party fabric & Birdie Sling Sewing Pattern. And tomorrow is also the fun AB-Beads necklace class ~ hope you can make it.