Cottonpickers Quilt Shop

Wildwood Show!!!

2011-11-05T10:09:00.000-04:00

Currently we are in the works of setting up our booth at the Wildwood Show with all sorts of new fabrics and notions that have arrived in recent days. We'd love to see you at the show - here's the details:

Where: Mentor Senior Center, 8484 Munson Road (Route 615), Mentor, OH (In front of Civic Center)

When: Sunday, November 6th from 10-4

How Much: Admission is $3

What Will I See: There are at least 14 vendors, several quilts on display made by members of the guild, a section of Challenge Quilts by the guild to vote on, refreshments, and last but not least - a quilt size quilt to raffle!!! Tickets for the raffle quilt are $1 each or 6 for $5.

It's going to be an exciting day with much to see and the weather is supposed to be nice, so grab a friend or two and make a day of it. Can't wait to see you there!!!

Samples

2011-09-20T09:11:00.000-04:00

Ssssoooooo? Are you ready for Quilting Around Chautauqua this weekend? We're almost ready to pack the car, head up North and see all the quilters attending this year's show.

This year the show features the amazing Jinny Beyer, her quilts are breath-taking and she pieces them all by hand... yes, by hand. So, if you can, plan on coming up at least for a few hours to see all of the quilts and vendors at the show.

We will be in the Anthoneum, in our typical spot. We are probably only one of close to 60 or so vendors, so bring the wallet - or better yet, bring your Husband's credit cards... He'll never know :]

One of the samples we will be bringing with us is our sample of Paganini by Miss Rosie. It's one of her Schnibbles patterns so with a Charm Pack and some background you too can have this adorable small quilt.

Once finished (these were taken right after the quilting was finished) this quilt will have scalloped borders and the cutest ever striped bias binding....

The swirls quilted on it were just too perfect to go with the Java fabric by Deb Strain for Moda. We have these patterns available in the shop and we will have them with us at the show this weekend.

We can't wait to see you all at the show, and if you can't make it to the show, the girls will be holding down the fort at the shop, so stop by there too!!!

Some pictures for ya!

2011-07-10T19:08:00.000-04:00

We've settled into our new shop and finally got our sign up:

Doesn't it look lovely?! Remember, we're between Joey's and Cameo Jeweler's in the Washington Post Plaza...

Oh, and we got these awesome decals for our windows...

But if you haven't been to the new shop - when you step in the door this is what you'll see!

We still have all the same goodies like Civil War Fabrics, Batiks, 1930's prints, and so much more.

Including this latest collection to arrive - Peek-A-Boo by Red Rooster. These adorable bears look so cuddly, they'd make a prefect baby quilt! Know anyone that's expecting - I sure do!

We also have a bunch of Christmas fabric that has recently arrived - but hurry, it's going fast!!! Many more batiks are arriving all the time as well as a few Civil War lines that I know should be here shortly.

We'll keep you updated with the latest here in the shop (like maybe a sale and a Shop Hop or two in the future!) and any classes that we might be offering. For the latest class list click here.

Speaking of classes, we have acquired a classroom space within the same plaza that can meet our needs for some of the larger groups we've been having. It also can be available if you need to lay out a large quilt and don't have the space along with other things. Ask about using the space and if you have any questions (we do have to work around the class schedule) give us a call or stop in!

That should do it for now - I'll be back with more info for you soon!

Come take a class!

2011-02-02T07:04:00.000-05:00

We've gotten together with our teachers and compiled a calendar full of different techniques, skill levels, and just all around fun.

If you have any questions on the classes listed below or would like to sign up, please e-mail us at cottonpickersquiltshop (at) gmail (dot) com or call us at 440-279-0610.

Classes

February 2011

February 2 - Wooly Wednesday - 1pm-5pm

February 9 - Wooly Wednesday - 1pm-5pm

February 10 - Marti & Me Club - 6:30pm

February 11 - Jo's Little Women #10 - 10am

February 12 - Marti & Me Club - 10am

February 15 - Charmed Living Table Runner - 6pm-8pm

February 16 - Wooly Wednesday - 1pm-5pm

February 19 - Invisible Machine Applique (pt.1) - 10am- Noon

February 19 - Beginning Rug Hooking 10am-Noon

February 22 - English Paper Piecing - 1pm-3pm

February 23 - Wooly Wednesday - 1pm-5pm

February 26 - Beginning Rug Hooking - 10am-Noon

February 26 - Charmed Living Table Runner - 1pm-3pm

March 2011

March 2 - Wooly Wednesday - 1pm-5pm

March 5 - Invisible Machine Applique (pt 2) 10am-Noon

March 8 - Marti Michell Log Cabin Quilt - 10am-2pm

March 9 - Wooly Wednesday 1pm-5pm

March 10 - Marti & Me Club - 6:30pm

March 11 - Jo's Little Women #10 - 10am

March 12 - Beginning Rughooking - 10am - Noon

March 16 - Wooly Wednesday - 1pm - 5pm

March 17 - Beginning Rughooking - 6pm-8pm

March 19 - Marti & Me Club - 10am

March 23 - Wooly Wednesday - 1pm-5pm

March 26 - Beginning Rug Hooking - 10am-Noon

March 26 - Feathered Star Quilt - Mary Huey-10am-4pm

March 30 - Wooly Wednesday

More classes and events are being planned as I'm writing this, once we have more information I will post it on here as well as out website. Have a great day!

The Winners Are...

2011-01-03T18:04:00.000-05:00

Well, we've moved, survived the holidays, and are ready for the new year. The new space is so nice, we feel at home already. If you haven't been out to see the new shop, we can't wait to see you! If you've been I hope you like it! I will upload pictures soon now that we have things on the walls and have "settled in" a bit.

But what you all have really been waiting for. All purchases in December came with a ticket. Depending on how much you spent, you received more tickets. What exactly were those tickets for? We're drawing 2 tickets - one for a Grand Prize basket filled with goodies and one for a Gift Certificate to the shop! And without further ado, the winners are:

445233

444764

Check your tickets and let us know if you are one of the winners! If no one comes forward with the winning numbers in a reasonable amount of time we will re-draw them so still hold onto those tickets until further notice!

Thank you for making our transition to the new shop a welcome and successful endeavor! Many good things to come in 2011, stay tuned for more!

Have you heard the rumors?

2010-11-09T19:32:00.000-05:00

Well, it's true! Cottonpickers is moving to Chardon!

Welcome to the new home of Cottonpicker's Quilt Shop:

We will be right there where C Star Nails was in the Washington Post Plaza at 209 Center Street (Route 44) in Chardon beginning November 23rd! (We'll be closed November 22nd to move)

It's right around the corner (less than two weeks away) and we are so excited! In anticipation of the move we are realizing that we have alot in the store, so if you all would be so kind to help us out with that there will be a Moving Sale in the very near future. We're currently working out the details, so stay tuned and as soon as I know them I will pass them along.

If you aren't familiar with Chardon or cant remember where the Washington Post Plaza is, it is also the home of Joey's Italian Grille (where the Hilltopper was), Mike's Jersey Subs, and the Central Perk Coffee Shop (complete with homemade ice cream). If nothing else, this move only sounds bad for my waistline...but the sacrifices we make for our business...

This plaza also has many other shops that I forget at the moment but it's between Washington Road and Cherry Avenue, also kiddy corner from the Post Office. We will be just North of the Square and just South of Giant Eagle.

We are so excited and hope you are too! I can't wait to show you pictures of the inside of the shop, but it's covered in construction dust right now, so we'll hold off on pictures until it's beautiful and full of fabrics. Are you as excited as we are?

Sailing Away to France (kinda)

2010-11-02T16:43:00.000-04:00

We've got the latest line in from French General for Moda, Maison de Garance. It's the traditional French General reds and creams with the addition of the most luscious chocolate brown you have ever seen. This picture does not do the fabric justice by any means, come and and see/feel it for yourself!

As promised more batiks arrived recently. These are just a few from Edyta Sitar of Laundy Basket Quilts latest line Bon Voyage for Moda. Her color choices for her fabrics are so rich and vibrant without being too loud, and the stripe-ish looking one, what a catch! You don't see many of those types of batiks around.

We should have more batiks and a mish-mosh of other fabrics arriving in the near future. We'll keep you posted as to when they arrive.

Also, check back soon for a big update on the shop. Big news in store, just wait until you hear the details!

Paradise and Flowers

2010-10-19T09:59:00.000-04:00

Paradise is here. For those of you who love fall, yes that could be what I'm talking about but in this case, it's not. I'm talking about the Paradise Batiks by Moda! We have them - ALL OF THEM, and trust me, many ladies have already been eyeing them up for the last couple days since they came in and I don't think they'll be around long.

All three shelves are part of this line (minus a couple stragglers I see now that I already took the pictures)

There's bright colors, warm colors, fall colors, everything you imagine to see in paradise.

Don't you just hear the Jimmy Buffet music playing, the waves crashing and feel the sand between your toes and the margarita in your hand? Okay, a girl can dream atleast...

Also arriving are the Fun Flowers by Lakehouse Dry Goods. The large print is a great panel to use as is or fussy cut for quilts, bags, or whatever. We've already had some ladies grab this fabric for a few bags and gifts (remember it's only a couple months or so until Christmas - just saying!)

I'm not sure if you can see it, but the white print does have a white on white flower with black centers, it's hard to see, but super adorable in person.

A few other things to update you on and keep in the back of your mind:

Get your ideas started for a Christmas Wish List. We know many of you have Secret Santas, or family members that would like to get you "just the right thing" for Christmas. We will have a notebook or something soon by our register that you can write down your Wish List. Just jot it down and hopefully then you will get just want you wanted!

Also keep in mind we will be starting a Block of the Month Program by This and That. It's called Vintage Memories and each month you get a small pattern. The great thing about this pattern is each month it takes minimal fabric (either fat quarters or fat eighths usually) so you get to pick and choose your fabric each month to make it your own! Their version of this quilt was made with Martinique by 3 Sisters for Moda and you can see more about it at their website by clicking here. (Picture borrowed from their website)

And last but not least, we will be at the Wildwood Quilt Guild Show on November 7th at the Mentor Senior Center. This is the last local quilt show until the Farmpark Show next spring, so come out and see us as well as several other vendors from the area before the unmentionable stuff starts flying.

If you have any questions about all of the items listed above, stop in, call us, or e-mail us for more information! I'll keep you updated as more things happen around the shop!

Trying it here too!

2010-10-12T09:12:00.004-04:00

If any of you follow the Ruby Blue Quilting Blog, you might know I just made a button for you all to grab there. It worked well so I'm trying it for Cottonpickers too. So here it goes, once it's up and running I'll let you know! It'll look like this:

Not bad, only about 10 minutes this time around! It's up and running, grab it and post it on your blog proudly! Oh, and hopefully our new favicon comes up too! (Look to the left of your browser address)

Annandale by Jo Morton is here!

2010-09-28T12:31:00.001-04:00

The gang's all here! All 27 gorgeous pieces are here and currently being cut into Half Yards and Fat Quarter bundles to add to your Civil War stash or to be the jumping off point for a new quilt! There are several wonderful prints in several different colors to drool over...Trust me, just wait until you see them you'll be drooling too!

We will have all of these pieces with us this weekend at the Streetsboro Quilt Show (Friday and Saturday) at Faith Baptist Church in Streetsboro. To see more information on this show and others that we will be attending this year, visit our post by clicking here.

Alright, since we are currently in a cutting frenzy here at the shop I do not have pictures of all of the prints from Annandale, but here's a few. You can view all of the prints on Andover Fabric's website or by clicking here to view the entire collection.

Come and see us on the road, we have a few shows down and a few more to go so there's still plenty of time to travel around before the unmentionable stuff starts flying. Stay dry these next few days and if worse comes to worse, it's perfect weather to start a new quilt project! Put some goodies in the crock pot and sew away! We'll keep you posted as more fabrics arrive!

Traveling for business (and a little pleasure!)

2010-09-23T12:01:00.000-04:00

Or alot of pleasure! You know they say there are two reasons why people travel - business or pleasure. We ask why not both?! This weekend we will be in Chautauqua, so if you're coming out to the show, stop in the Antheneum and see us. Beth and Donna (with Crows on the Lodge Wool Studio) will be there with plenty of fabric, wool, and all sorts of goodies to make your shopping trip complete. It's going to be perfect weather to relax by the Lake and do a little retail therapy at the same time.

For more information on the show visit millcreeksew.com or for directions to the Chautauqua Institute visit ciweb.org or click here.

On another note, we had some new arrivals in recently. Bliss by Bonnie and Camille for Moda came in and it's absolutely gorgeous! We have some yardage on the bolt and a few Layer Cakes available still. Also showing at the shop (and traveling to Chautauqua this weekend) is Becky's quilt featured on the Moda Bake Shop which uses the Layer Cakes. To see the "recipe" click on the link to see Blissful Confection, or go to madebakeshop.com.

Also arriving last week was Happy by Me & My Sister for Moda. This is a great line for the little princess in your life. Wouldn't it make a great lap quilt or even pajama pants? (I was going to say sun dress, but I think it's not the right season for that much longer...) Stop in and see it for yourself!

Alright, we're currently in the process of folding the last little bit of fabric and finishing last minute details before packing all of the "stuff" in the car and remembering to leave enough space for people and luggage. Can't wait for the show, see you there or stop in at the shop and see Becky this weekend. Keep you updated as more comes in!

Spice Chest is here!

2010-09-14T12:53:00.000-04:00

Jo Morton's new line Spice Chest is here! It's wonderful and gorgeous - just like we knew it would be! It even comes with a "cheater" panel that is perfect for those quick and super easy projects. It is now here and ready for the taking so come and get it! We are currently in the process of making Fat Quarter Bundles including each piece from the line except the "cheater" panel. Came and see it for yourself!

We'll be back to update you once more stuff comes in!

On the road again!

2010-09-11T14:30:00.001-04:00

We're heading straight into fall which means plenty of quilt shows to visit. We've got the list of where we will be going to below with some information on each one. Give us a call if you have any questions on these and just to let you know we still have a few spots open on our October Retreat, call us to reserve your space! Come and see us, we'll be in several different neighborhoods across a state or two. Here's where you can find us (we'll still be at the shop as well during the shows):

The Crazy Quilters Guild Quilting Extravaganza
Sunday, September 12th 3pm-6pm

Grace United Methodist Church
1725 Drexel Avenue NW
Warren, OH 44485

Over 12 Vendors, 50/50 Raffle, Free Demos, Chinese Auction, Free Refreshments, Door Prizes and much more!

$1.00 admission donation requested
*Proceeds used for the Home of the Brave Service Project

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shop Owner's Night (Public Quilt Show!) by That Quilt Guild I Belong To (T.Q.G.I.B.T.)
September 21, 2010 6pm

Western Reserve United Methodist Church
4580 Canfield Road (Route 62 East)
Canfield, OH

16 Vendors plus Quilt Ladders by Bill Davis. Includes 9 new vendors. Open to the public - bring a friend! Door prizes, 50/50 drawing, free refreshments will be served.

$2.00 Admission

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quilting Around Chautauqua featuring Kaye Wood
Friday, September 24th - Class Day
Saturday, September 25th - 10am-6pm
Sunday, September 26th - 10am-4pm

Chautauqua Institution
Route 394
Chautauqua, New York

Maps available at the Welcome Center. Over 65 vendors, hundreds of quilts on display, lectures and classes held all weekend (pre-registration required by calling Mill Creek Sew at 814-866-8227)

$3.00 Admission. Classes and lectures at an additional fee. For more information contact Mill Creek Sew at 814-866-8227 or millcreeksew.com

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

28th Annual Streetsboro Quilt Guild Show
Friday, October 1st - 10am-8pm
Saturday, October 2nd - 10am-5pm

Faith Baptist Church
9890 State Route 43
Streetsboro, OH 44241

12 Vendors, Door Prizes (with proceeds going towards the Streetsboro Community Food Pantry), Many quilts hanging

$3.00 Admission

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mayfield Township Historical Society Quilters 13th Biennial Quilt Show
October 9th & 10th 9:30am-4pm

Mayfield Village Civic Center (Former Mayfield Methodist Church)
6622 Wilson Mills Road (SW Corner of Wilson Mills & SOM Center)
Mayfield Village, OH

Many quilts on display, vendors from local quilt shops, raffles, door prizes, tea and cookies.

$3.00 Admission

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wildwood Quilt Guild Annual Quilt Show
Sunday November 7th 10am-4pm

Mentor Senior Center(in front of the Mentor Civic Center)
8484 Munson Road
Mentor, OH 44060

14+ vendors, Many quilts on display, Queen Size Raffle Quilt, Gifts Sew Special (projects made by the Guild Members for sale), Free Refreshments.

$3.00 Admission.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Just a little bit more to show you, these arrived this week and more to come shortly!

Some Paula Nadelstern by Benartex arrived. These would be awesome for a Stack-N-Whack - just saying!

Also some more batiks came in - just a small taste for you of the other 60 or so we expect in within the next month or two!

And we're working on a new little thing - I'll update you more later. Here's a sneak peak!

Come visit us whether we're here or there and see what's new!

New Goodies!

2010-09-04T10:46:00.000-04:00

Alright, I know we have so many more fabrics coming in shortly, but we got a bunch in this week I need to update you on. Stay tuned for more to come in the near future. I promise there's so much coming in I forget what all to expect!

For all of you out there like myself that are in LOVE with the Civil War Reproductions, Miss Awesome Jo Morton has released yet another shirtings line, Attic Shirtings. There are 13 prints in the line and they are all so yummy, they won't last long at all. We have already cut some bundles of a Fat Quarter of each fabric in the line. Those won't be around much longer either so stop in and get one for yourself!

We have a few pieces of Fandango by Kate Spain for Moda. This is just the perfect fun floral line for the end of summer. It just screams Florida, beaches and umbrella drinks to me. Come and take a look for yourself, it's really bright without being too bright, just perfect for a bag, or something fun.

Also arriving this week is the latest line from Whimsicals called Bread and Butter. These fabrics are really warm and country feeling, just in time for the cooler weather we are having right now. Just think about it, time to start up your crock pot and quilt the day away!

And as a last little bit of summer beachy goodness, there are a few beach, sand, and sunrise/sunset prints. Just think about this one, work on a quilt with these fabrics and play one of those relaxing CDs with the beach noises - waves, seagulls, wind. You will have fun and be so relaxed, maybe that;s not such a good idea, the quilt will never be done. Although this could be your beach escape minus the sand all over, sunburn, and seaweed. Come check out these fabrics and feel relaxed instantaneously!

Sale is still going on through 4pm today. Come and see us, I will update you once we get more goodies in store! More demo days are being planned for the upcoming weeks, keep an eye out for the different techniques and tools we're showcasing to see if you wish to expand your quilting horizons! Until next time!

SALE!!!!!

2010-08-31T17:34:00.000-04:00

If you haven't heard... we're having a sale! It runs through this Saturday, the 4th of September and we have all sorts of goodies for you like:

Pre-cut Half Yards are $1.50
Select Fabrics are $3.00 a yard (quantities vary)
Select books and patterns are 50% OFF
More is being added every day so check back and make sure if something catches your eye that you snatch it up, many things that were here on Saturday are not here today and I'm sure many of the items here today will not be here tomorrow!

We have many new fabrics and more due here any day now. We got these awesome wide batik backings. Yes, I did say WIDE BATIK BACKINGS. They are delicious and they're batik, what else can I say?

There are these adorable fabrics with those sewing notions and spools of thread that we can't get enough of. This line is called Miss Sew and Sew, perfect for those Secret Sister gifts that will be here before you know it!

Feeling hungry? You might not be yet, but you will be after looking at these scrumptious fabrics with cooking utensils and cupcakes! This line is called What's Cookin'? And I have a few people in mind this would be perfect for... just don't tell them they might get an apron or something...ssssshhhhhhhh!

Another yummy thing we got in recently are these Snuggles by Moda in pink and blue. They're soft and cuddly and would make the perfect baking for a little one's quilt. At 60" wide, for smaller quilts, you might not even have to piece the backing.

We also got some yummy 1930's fabrics in lately, this entire shelf is all new, gorgeous and waiting for you!

Also we have in at the moment (they won't last long I'm warning you!) The Lil' Twister and Twister Rulers. Come get them while they last, we've had these on back order for a long time and who knows once these are gone when the next shipment will come in...

We have plenty more on order that should start arriving any day now...batiks, Civil War Reproductions (Jo Morton's Attic Shirtings, Spice Chest, and Annandale), floraly girlie stuff like Bliss by Bonnie and Camille, Happy by Me and My Sister, Fun Flowers I & III by Lakehouse Dry Goods, Paradise Batiks, and many many more! We will keep you posted when they arrive.

What else? Oh, we are getting to fall, the weather will cool, the crock pots will warm up, and the fall shows will be upon us! We will be at Quilting Around Chataqua at the end of the month and we still have a few spots open for our October Retreat at Riverside Inn in Cambridge Springs, PA. We will be at the Streetsboro Quilt Guild Show, Mayfield Village Historical Society Show, Wildwood Quilt Guild Show, Shop Owner's Night in Canfield (yes this is a public quilt show), and possibly a couple others I'm forgetting at the moment. I will give you more information about the specifics and the dates for each event later, too much info for one day...

Alright, well we hope to see you in for the rest of our sale and if not maybe we will see you at one of the many upcoming shows. If you have any questions about anything listed above, please either e-mail us or call or stop in, we'd be happy to help you out!

Are you ready for this?

2010-08-03T11:54:00.000-04:00

Oh my goodness! The Shop Hop was a blast! We had so much fun and met a ton of new people this year. We saw some familiar faces, but with the change in scheduling from the last Steppin' Out Quilt Tour, we also had a chance to see some of you that weren't in the area last fall. I hope you all enjoyed it as much as we did. Check your answering machines and voicemails this week to see if you were the lucky winner of any of the shop baskets. The Grand Prize Basket will be drawn later this week, so stay tuned for that information as well.

Along with the Shop Hop going on, we just received a bunch of new fabrics. I hope you're all ready for this. There is lots to see:

First off, we just got some new batiks from Timeless Treasures. Aren't they scrumptious?

Also, these are new Tonga Treats from Timeless Treasures. The rolls contain 40 - 10" squares. The flat packs contain 40 - 2-1/2" strips like a Jelly Roll, but unlike a Jelly Roll each Treat pack has 2 strips of 20 different fabrics. We currently have 3 different flavors, Sugarplum, Coffee Cake and Meringue. Come in and take a look.

We also just received these delicious batiks from Hoffman Fabrics. The wilderness prints only have the animals and trees on the bottom half of the fabric. That way you can still use the background that coordinates with it within your quilt.

This is the latest line from Edyta Sitar of Laundy Basket Quilts for Moda. This line called Let It Snow has the most gorgeous snowflakes and coordinating prints. We are currently working on a sample of one of Edyta's patterns using this fabric. We can't wait to see it once it's all done.

The last set of batiks we received are these from Benartex's Venetian Collection. I can assure you the picture does not do justice for the colors of these prints.

We also got in some novelty-ish prints that can appeal to youngsters, but mostly to adults including this coffee line from Benartex. Cafe Bistro has a great stripe and coordinating prints, I can already see a purse or tote bag made from this fabric.

Timeless Treasures has got some of the best theme prints around, and this will be one you will want to get a piece of if you know a music lover. With newer sheet music prints and a mix of the traditional instruments, this collection is very well done.

Another adult-ish fabric collection that could appeal to children as well would be this yummy floral line from Timeless Treasures. This is yet another line that I can see a purse or apron out of. Think about it!

Getting to the fabrics that appeal to a slightly younger crowd, these 2 prints still could appeal to the kid-at-heart. Who doesn't love flip-flops and purses in bright colors?

Benartex has come out with this adorable line called In The Nest. Owls are big right now, and wouldn't these be cute in a pillowcase?

For the little guys in your life, these Pirates from Timeless Treasures will do just the trick! A great stripe with these and some improvised blocks would make a great strip quilt.

And yet another perfect fabric line for those little princesses in our lives, Benartex has come out with Girl Talk. Once again, these prints are much brighter and adorable in person. We have been planning on what exactly to do with this one, but stay tuned, I'm sure something will turn up.

Recently Beth had a birthday (they seem to creep up you know) and her wonderful Mom stitched this sign for us here at the shop. Gotta love that woman, she's so creative!

I think that's it. Last week there was about 2 days that we got box, after box, after box, after box. You get the picture. Lots of goodies, a little bit of everything in them. Well, like I said before, stay tuned and check your voicemail/answering machine often to see if you're the lucky winner of one of the many gift baskets from the Shop Hop if you participated. The Grand Prize basket will be drawn this weekend. Hope you enjoy all of these fabrics, and stop in to get some for a new project. It's not too late to start thinking about Christmas presents! (Sorry, but it's true!) Take care and have fun, call us if you have any questions.

Pillowcase Tutorial

2010-07-20T15:17:00.000-04:00

Becky has just posted on her blog a tutorial on how to make the Sausage Style Pillowcases we make a bunch of here at the shop. Don't forget that if you donate these or any other handmade standard size pillowcase to the shop we will turn them into ConKerr Cancer.

To go straight to the tutorial, click here.

All of these pillowcases stay locally for children with serious illnesses or cancer at Rainbow Babies Children's Hospital, Cleveland Clinic, or Akron General Hospital. We just ask that if you can, please wash all the pillowcases and place each one in a quart size ziploc bag (if you make a flannel pillowcase it most likely will only fit in a gallon size bag). And yes you can make pillowcases out of cotton, flannel, or fleece (no sew fleece pillowcase instructions can be found on ConKerrCancer.org).

Also, we are taking part in the Million Pillowcase Challenge along with the other 14 shops participating in the Steppin' Out Quilt Tour (it's still going on through the end of the month!) Our goal collectively for the 15 shops is by the end of the year to collect a total of 2010 pillowcases to donate. Even if you are not participating in the Shop Hop, we will gladly accept your pillowcase donation at any one of the 15 shops. Please contribute and help make a difference in a child's life today.

We are still collecting everyone's name that has contributed a pillowcase, one entry for EACH pillowcase. At the end of every month, we donate a $25 gift certificate to the shop to one lucky winner. So what do you say, help out a great cause and get a chance of winning a prize with each pillowcase you donate, sounds good to me!

So jump on over to Becky's blog by clicking here and get step by step instructions on how to create one of the Sausage Style Pillowcases. It's not a food thing, it's more of how it's constructed. Sorry no pictures today to make you drool, not that sausage makes everyone drool, but you know what I mean. It's a pretty ingenious technique to encase all of your seams - that means no raw edges, at all.

We've been pretty busy with all of you Shop Hoppers traveling around, it's nice to see a bunch of you that live further away! I know we have a bunch of new things on order, from tools and books to yummy fabric. Once it starts to arrive, I will let you know. Stop in and say hi when you're out in Madison, or give us a call if you can't make it out. We'd love to help you with your current project(s) - how'd that 's' get there? None of us work on more than one thing at a time (yeah right?!). Just stop on in and we'd love to help you out in any way we can. Take care and we'll chat again soon!

One last thing, if you haven't heard already, Becky has also posted her first tutorial on Moda's Bake Shop. Go check it out by visiting modabakeshop.com. She posted it on Thursday, July 15th. Take a look and let us know what you think!

What a Summer!

2010-07-17T11:51:00.000-04:00

We have had so much fun here lately at the shop (not that we haven't had fun every other day we're here) and we have some show and tell for you. We are currently in the middle of a Shop Hop, we just had two Demo Days recently and we've changed things up a bit in the shop, it's been really busy, but good.

If you haven't already signed up, you still have two weeks left to participate in the Steppin' Out Quilt Tour Shop Hop. We are one of the 15 participating Quilt Shops, all of which are located in Northeastern Ohio. For a list of all participating shops as well as a map of their locations, please visit the official Steppin' Out Quilt Tour website here. Even if you don't think or absolutely know you won't be able to make it to all 15 shops, you can still benefit from stopping at only a few shops. At each shop, if you make a purchase and get your passport stamped, you will be entered into each shop's individual drawing. If you do make it to all 15 shops, you will be entered into each shop's drawing as well as the Grand Prize basket! That's a chance at winning 16 different baskets, all with a minimum retail value of $100.

We recently held two separate Demo Days, the first featuring English Paper Piecing and the second featuring the Strip Tube Ruler by Cozy Quilt Designs. We had no idea how many of you would be interested in these new techniques that have been filling up our spare time! The English Paper Piecing went very well, all of you ladies seemed to take to it like a duck to water! We have gotten in some more shapes, so when you're ready for something new, come on in and see what we have in stock!

This is what the end of the English Paper Piecing Demo Day looked like. To others it might look like a mess, but trust me, this is really a sign of a good day of friends learning something new and having fun.

The second Demo Day we were having too much fun, we forgot to take pictures! This tool is really inventive and you can see more about it if you visit our Facebook page here. If you missed either of these Demo Days, feel free to stop in the shop and ask about either one we've done. We have all of the piecy-parts to show you how they're made and we can do an impromptu demo at any time.

Here are some other samples of patterns we've made. This first one is the Simple Star pattern by Bonnie Blue Quilts. We have had this pattern in the shop several times before, but it's so quick and easy, plus it works well with any fabrics. Only 8 half yard cuts and you too can make the center of this quilt! This version was made with Holly Taylor's new line for Moda, Northwoods Botanical. The best part about this line, it's more wintry but works for Christmas as well, but you can leave it out a lot longer than most Christmas quilts.

This is another Jelly Roll quilt Beth made using a Bali Pop. This is Pandora's Box from one of the many good Jelly Roll books. Bali Pops are the same as Jelly Rolls, just made out of Batiks. We added a small border and used the extra blocks we had made as cornerstones within the border. It's a really good lap size quilt that can be made quickly and easily. We have ordered an array of Bali Pops and they should be in the shop some time in September. We will keep you posted on their arrival.

Come on in and stop to see us while you're out and about this summer. Don't forget, we have several local wineries and restaurants so feel free to make a day of it, come visit the other local shops including a bead shop, a cross stitch shop and soon to open a vintage toy store all within a block or two of the shop.

Long Overdue

2010-06-07T10:57:00.003-04:00

I went on vacation and my mind obviously never came back. That and the fact that "I'll do it later" always seemed to fall after I landed on my life-sucking couch and the rest is history. I've really been horrible about updating everyone and I apologize. It's a new month and I'm trying to turn over a new leaf to keep updated on everything. We'll see how it goes.

I have a few things to update you on that are happening in the near future at Cottonpickers. We do have 2 buses going down to the NQA Show in a couple weeks. The Thursday bus is full but we still have a few seats left on the Saturday bus. If you have any questions about this event or the buses, please call us at 440-428-6449 and we can try to answer all of your questions.

Also, we have now joined Facebook. Become our friend and see what Beth has been up to lately. She's been posting pictures of fabric and books as they arrive as well as other projects she's been working on.

Once again this year we are part of the Steppin' Out Quilt Tour Shop Hop. It will run from July 12th - 31st and this year there are 15 shops involved. For more information on which shops are participating and how to get involved check out their website at SteppinOutQuiltTour.com. The passport fee has slightly changed for this year - we are participating in the Million Pillowcase Challenge. As we did last year all pillowcases donated will be given to ConKerr Cancer and stay locally within the Children's Hospitals in the area. They include Rainbow Babies, Akron General Children's Hospital and Cleveland Clinic. To get your passport, you can either (A) purchase a passport for $5 or (B) Donate a handmade pillowcase for a child (ages 2-17). For more information please call us at 440-428-6449.

Alright, getting to the good stuff! I know I am so far behind on updating what fabrics have arrived. Here is the shorter and simpler version. Sorry no pictures, but you can come in and see and touch the fabrics if you wish!

- Indigo Berries by Jo Morton for Andover Fabrics - Blues of every shade, they're delectable!
- Cherish Nature by Deb Strain for Moda - the panel is so adorable!
- Ravenwood by Jo Morton for Andover Fabrics - Blacks and Greys to go with your scraps!
- Martinique by 3 Sisters for Moda - just yummmmmy!
- Cocoa Express by Jo Morton for Andover Fabrics - the best browns you could ask for!
- Rural Jardin by French General for Moda - Come and get it while it lasts, not much left!
- Garden Song by Nancy Halverson for Benartex (we have the pattern book for this line too)
- More and More Batiks - all sorts from lights, darks, grapes, flowers, etc. Come take a look!
- Desert Nine Patch Kit and Batiks - this fabric is so scrumptious, you'll just love it!
- Fruitcake by BasicGrey for Moda - not your gramma's fruitcake, that's for sure!
- Northwoods Botanical by Holly Taylor for Moda - we're getting kits together for this of Bonnie Blue's Simple Star Pattern. It's really worth checking out!
- Wrapped in Paisley by Kansas Troubles for Moda - they're just yummy to go with the Charm Packs we have!
- Tidings by Nancy Halverson for Benartex - we have the advent calendar with this line!

We have much more to come and I apologize if I missed one or two. I think that about covers most of them. I promise to keep you all in the loop and not fall under the spell of my life-sucking couch. It's hard to resist! Become friends with us on Facebook for other updates and information and we hope to see you in the store soon!

2010-03-04T20:17:00.005-05:00

It's been a while since we've chatted. Between the snow and ice the last month was an interesting one. And kind of a slow one as far as new fabric goes. We just started getting in the spring lines and we have many more to come. We have received a few lines so far and more to come soon. I wish I could've gotten these to you sooner, but we were busy getting ready for Vendor's Weekend at the Lake Farmpark Quilt Show (this weekend, come see us. We're in the atrium by the Cafe!)

This first one is called Garden Party. It's the latest line by Blackbird Designs for Moda. We have patterns for this line with these prints and jelly rolls. Come and get them while they last!

The next line I'm going to show you is a big one, a BIG one. We got all 47 pieces in the regular line as well as a few wovens that coordinate wonderfully. This is Looking Back by Brannock and Patek for Moda. All three shelves pictured here are the line.

Yep, all of them. Including this one...

And this one...

And this one.

We have the latest patterns designed by Janet Patek that feature this line available. These pictures do not do the fabric justice, please stop in the shop to take a look for yourself. And let me tell you, they feel as good as they look...and then some! We also have some Charm Packs available (if they last through the Farmpark weekend!)

Here are some more random batiks that we received as well. We have so many coming in that I'm sure I've missed taking pictures of some of them, so come and check them out for yourself.

We also have received Jo Morton's latest line Indigo Berries which I realize now that I forgot to take a picture of. Sorry. We will also be getting in her next two lines over the upcoming months. I believe March is blacks followed by a line of browns in April. I will keep you posted as soon as they get delivered.

And last but not least for the updates, the winner of the February Pillowcase Drawing is Judy Gais. Congratulations and please stop in to redeem your $25 Gift Certificate. Thanks again for all of your donations, we definitely have some really creative and giving customers. We couldn't do it without you. This month alone we received 66 pillowcases to be donated.

Well, we hope to see you this weekend in Kirtland and as I said before we have many other fabrics coming in over the next few months. It's nice to have really colorful and dare I say - Springy - looking fabrics arriving. I hope it's a sign of good - and warmer - things to come.

Cock-A-Doodle-Doo!

2010-01-24T12:13:00.006-05:00

It's finally arrived and let me tell you they're even more scrumptious in person than in the magazine ads or even the pictures on the patterns. We have finally received our shipment of McKenna Ryan's All Cooped Up line. You've probably seen the advertisements for it in the last couple months of various quilting magazines and other catalogs. We have the fabric and it is gorgeous! We have a few of the patterns for the Rooster and Chicks appliques, but they're going fast! We are hoping to have kits available this week. Please call or e-mail us if you'd like us to reserve one for you.

As well as the whole line of McKenna's new fabric we also received a couple shipments in the last few days of other just as wonderful batiks. So all in all I believe we have 41 new bolts of batiks gracing our shelves. Let me tell you though, they're not going to last long! Here's what we got in, and yes it's all of these pictured below.

Well, have a great rest of your weekend and please let us know ASAP if you're interested in any of the kits for the All Cooped Up Line. If you haven't seen the fabric or patterns available, you can find a link to Hoffman Fabrics website by clicking here. There are all of the patterns as well as swatches of all of the fabrics included on this page, and as I said before we have them all, but they might not last long. Once they're gone we can't get any more until May. Yuck!

See you all at the shop this week and good luck to all who entered in the Lake Metroparks Farmpark Quilt Show. Hopefully many of you will be getting phone calls in the next few days. Until next time!

Latest Arrivals

2010-01-15T16:42:00.005-05:00

I have been slacking a bit on blogging. So sorry but between year end as well as those holidays I just got caught up in the mix and am finally getting back into my rhythm. (Okay weird tanget here: have you ever spelled a word and thought it looked weird? I had to look up rhythm because it just didn't look right but I knew it was right. Weird, but back on subject here.)

How was everyone's holidays? We had family in town and enjoyed some really good times with them, I'll have to put up a picture sometime of all of us. I hope you had a great and safe time, even after the holidays. We've heard a few stories of slips and spills, just remember to be safe out there!

Oh, and before I forget, we drew the name for the ConKerr Cancer Pillowcase donations for December and the winner for the month is Ann Warmuth. Congrats Ann! Once again, thank you for your donations, so far we have received a total of 387 pillowcases for the cause. Thank you all so much!

Alright, I know we are having a slight warm up as far as the weather goes right now, but we have received some absolutely gorgeous and cozy flannels to keep you warm when the weather takes a turn for the worse. Hopefully it won't happen soon, but unfortunately we are in the snowbelt, winter doesn't end til May. But it is coming, right?!

Also, we got a shipment of new Civil War Reproductions in by Barbara Brackman for Moda. Civil War Homefront just came in and we can't get enough of it.

What else, oh! We just got a shipment of new 1930's Reproductions yesterday and I apologize for not having a picture yet. I will take one tomorrow and get it on here to show you. They are adorable and bright and colorful. The perfect thing to cheer up your day when it's looking a little grey and dismal this time of year.

We have several new fabrics coming in the next few months, unfortunately, I can't remember half of them right now. Several new Moda lines are coming in February and March, more Civil War Reproductions are coming in I think every month between now and May (including 3 new lines from Jo Morton), and we just ordered Christmas fabrics that will be here in May and June. I know what you're thinking - we just had Christmas. The good thing to think is this - we order it now, it comes in May and June and then you have several months to get your Christmas projects done, or that's the idea.

I will get organized and post an updated list of what's coming in soon. For now, the only other thing I have to remind you of is it is almost time for the Lake Metroparks Farmpark Quilt Show is just around the corner. Quilts will be dropped off next week and the show will commence shortly thereafter. We will be at the show for Vendor's weekend and we will see many of you at the Show's opening reception. If you have any questions about the show or would like more information, please feel free to give us a call or check out the Farmpark's website by clicking here. This year's featured quilters are Harriet Hargrave and Marti Michell, both wonderful and legendary women in the quilting world. Be sure to go see the show and plan to spend atleast a few hours there, it's never disappointing.

Well, have a great weekend and like I said earlier, I'll be sure to get organized and update you on what we're getting and post pictures of each line when we get it in. Take care and enjoy the slight heat wave.

November Winner!

2009-12-01T18:32:00.002-05:00

How was your Thanksgiving? Ours was so good, we had family in from out of town and Becky hosted her first Thanksgiving without even a hiccup. It was good and hopefully tonight's dinner will get rid of the last of the leftovers. Don't get me wrong, I love leftovers, but not this many!

We drew for the November winner of the pillowcase donations for ConKerr Cancer and Beverly Scoby is the winner! Congratulations Beverly. You amazed us once again by donating 45 more pillowcases making the total thus far donated at our shop 321! Thank you again.

And last but not least, we again this year are a drop off location for the Madison Chapter for Toys for Tots. We have a collection box for new and unwrapped toys if you would like to bring those in. Or if you would like this year we also have trains that ccan be signed and hung around the store for the donation of $1.

Please stop in and see what new and wonderful things are going on around the shop. We will be having our annual Customer Appreciation Sale in the near future. This year it'll have a slight twist, but we'll elaborate on that later. Once we get the details finalized we will update you on here and we'll be sending out an e-mail with the details as well. Have a great day and we hope to see you in the near future.

Back again!

2009-11-13T15:41:00.004-05:00

Okey dokey, we're back. I don't even know where to start, we've been running around so much that once we finally slowed down it seemed like the world was spinning. Do you know what I mean?

We just got a new shipment of fabric in from Moda this afternoon that we've been patiently waiting for. It's the new line from Edyta Sitar of Laundry Basket Quilts called Close to My Heart. It's the first line Moda has put out that combines batiks and regular printed cottons. She just released her next design due out in Spring and it'll again combine the prints and batiks that she does so well. We love her to death and can't wait to start a project or two out of this fabric.

What else? Hhhhmmmmm, I'm thinking. We rearranged the store again slighty to expand our newly redefined seating/husband/sewing/whatever room. We now have a wonderful and really comfy sofa added to the rocker and other really comfy chair in the back room. The hoosier cabinet most days has coffee and cookies to welcome you and all that missing is - well, you! Grab a friend and a project, come sit and sew or knit or something. Just call us up or pop on out and relax and have fun!

Alright, I'm still thinking. I feel like I'm forgetting to tell you something and I just can't think of what it is. Can you tell it's close to the weekend? My brain must already be on vacation. Well, I still can't think of it so I guess it'll have to wait until next time. See you back here later for more updates and other goings on around the shop.

The October Winner Is...

2009-11-03T15:23:00.002-05:00

This one is really short and sweet. Later in the week I'll have more time to update you on the goings on around the shop and what wonderful and exciting things are being planned for in the near future. Right now we're trying to catch our breath. Eleven weeks on the road participating in all kinds of shows and retreats can really do a number on oneself. But you knew that right? Maybe next year we'll catch on - or not. There's always next year, right?!

Okay, getting to the good part. I just contacted the winner of the pillowcase drawing for October and - Margaret Hawkins - was so shocked that she won. The poor lady has had just a bad spell of luck these last couple of weeks and this really brightened her day. We're so happy for you Margaret and hope to see you in the shop soon!

You ladies really impressed us this month! I thought last month was great. I thought it was superb. I didn't believe it could be done. I know I've said before how gracious we as well as the foundation and the children receiving your donations are for the work and generosity you all have put forth, but honestly I didn't believe it could happen. This past month we received a grand total of 249 pillowcases!!!! Our office is overflowing with pillowcases right now. This Sunday we will be delivering them to our Chapter Coordinator and they will promptly be passed out to the local hospitals. Thank you again and I can't wait to see what happens this month.

As I said, I'll tell you more later in the week once we finish getting unpacked from our travels and regain our sanity and it couldn't be a moment too soon. This week we'll be working on a updated class schedule as well as many other odds and ends for the rest of '09 and the plan for 2010. Give us a call or stop in if you have any questions or just want to chat. Again, congrats to Margaret and thank you to all of our friends who are helping to support this amazing cause.

Back to work!

Lots of Topics...

2009-10-23T20:13:00.004-04:00

I hope you all have had a blast as we have these last few weeks. Between the Retreat last weekend, the many shows we've been to, the new friends we've met through the Shop Hop and all of the wonderful pillowcases we've seen - needless to say it has truly been a whirlwind of a month or so.

As far as the Retreat goes, I do believe many projects were completed or at least moved up in the pile of things to do, so good progress was made. The ladies had way too much fun and lots of new friends and connections were made, so I think that is best of all. Everytime I called to touch base with Beth, all I could hear in the background was giggling, I think that's a good sign.

We have just been astonished at the amount of you ladies participating in the Steppin' Out Quilt Tour. As of tonight, we have had 6 people register at our shop for the Grand Prize. That means that they have visited all 13 shops in the last two weeks. If you still would like to join the Shop Hop, you can. Even if you cannot make it to all of the shops, it might just be worth it. For every shop you do visit between now and October 31st, you still get entered into the individual shop's basket drawings if you make a purchase at their store. You never know if you might win the prize. Just to remind all of you, due to the Shop Hop's schedule we will be open from 9-6 tomorrow the 24th and next Saturday the 31st. After those days we will resume our normal hours on Saturdays from 10-4. Our hours during the week are the same. If you'd like more information on the Shop Hop including the list and map of all participating shops visit their website here.

And just for a quick update on the pillowcase project for ConKerr Cancer: I counted this week just how many pillowcases we have thus far. I couldn't believe it - I don't think you're going to believe it - but I'll tell you anyway. As of this moment we currently for the month of October have 201 pillowcases at the shop. Thank you to all who have donated and wish to donate. We are completely blown away by the generosity of our customers and friends. Thank you all again and we received a very nice card from the NE Ohio Chapter Coordinator for ConKerr Cancer that I believe will touch many of your hearts. Thank you sooooo soooo much and remember we will be doing the monthly drawing the 2nd of November. Check here to see if you're the lucky winner!

We received new fabrics this week. This is Wiscasset by Minnick and Simpson for Moda. Just yummy - there is just no other way to put it. If you have scraps left or pieces from past Minnick & Simpson lines, these will work together with those other pieces. I can't wait to see what they come up with next.

I know we've done some projects with this line before, but we still have free patterns and fabrics available to make this adorable child's quilt from the Animal Party fabrics. This panel might not last much longer so come in the shop and pick one up or come see us next weekend at Wildwood Quilt Guild's show at the Mentor Senior Center on Sunday. PS For more information on the Wildwood Show give us a call or leave us a comment and we'll e-mail you back ASAP.

And last but definitely not least: Becky's first pattern has been printed and will be at the shop on Monday afternoon!!! To check more out about her fun little new business and all that's happening in that part of the world check out her blog here. More to come on that subject later, but check back here shortly on all updates in all aspects of the quilt shop. Talk soon!

2009-10-15T09:58:00.006-04:00

Hi again! First and foremost we would like to thank all of the generous and wonderful people in our community that have graciously donated pillowcases for ConKerr Cancer. We recieved this postcard in the mail the other day, I know the picture is a bit blurry, but you get the idea. This was a kind and sweet reminder from Cindy Kerr, the founder of ConKerr Cancer, that what this foundation has done just so far has helped over 100,000 children and counting. We were shocked with our first month's response, but only being halfway through the second month, you ladies have just blown us away. Our first month we received 27 pillowcases. So far this month I believe we are close to 60. Thank you all so much!

Remember Animal Party that we showed you a few weeks ago. We just made this adorable Yellow Brick Road this week out of the fabrics from Animal Party. We have kits available for the same Yellow Brick Road (baby size) at the shop. Stop in and pick one up!

Alright, to the updates of new arrivals. Some of this you knew about, some you didn't. Let's get to it. This first group is the new Boyscout fabric by Robert Kaufman. Perfect fabrics for the Boyscout in your life.

Next is Caffiene Cafe. This fabric also arrived with a free pattern for an adorable apron. I can see some aprons, maybe some valances, maybe even a tablerunner or two out of this line in the near future. Christmas is coming and what a better gift for the coffee lover in your family?! You could make a tabletopper and wrap up a mug and a bag of coffee and some biscoti. Just an idea...

Okey dokey, this is Blessings by Brannock and Patek for Moda. I told you in the last post it was coming soon and like magic it just appeared a few hours later. I think Beth already has plans for this one brewing in her head.

This is it! This is Stafford County by Jo Morton if you haven't checked out the swatch page on Andover Fabrics website. This is what is left and it is sooooo scrumptious. Come in and grab what you want, there are already a few bolts that are gone. We also have made a few Fat Quarter packs of the entire line, all 27 prints. Those also are few and getting fewer. Come and get it!

Just real quick...

2009-10-02T10:14:00.007-04:00

I can't talk long, just a little chat. We are so busy lately between shows - figuring out what we have left, figuring out what we need for the next show - and most importantly, figuring out when we need to be there.

Beth is down this weekend today (Friday 10-8) and tomorrow (Saturday 10-5) at the Streetsboro Quilt Guild Show at the Faith Baptist Church located at 9890 State Route 43 in Streetsboro. This is a great show and will be sure to please. Go over and visit Beth and see all of the other vendors - it'll keep you dry in this lovely Northeast Ohio weather!

Alright and the drum roll please..................The winner of our first monthly drawing for a $25 Gift Certificate for donating pillowcases for ConKerr Cancer is...............Kathy Gornichec! Congrats Kathy and thank you to all who have donated so far. We have had such a tremendous response since we started receiving donations. Our first month was incredible and the second month started out with a bang. Yesterday one of the local Quilt Guilds dropped off 19 finished pillowcases and are bringing more up once they're done. Thank you again, you don't know how much this means to us and the kids that receive your donations! And just remember we are doing this from now until forever. Unfortunately, this is something that is always needed and we will be glad to help you out and take in your donations. Also, all of the pillowcases donated to our shop will stay local and go to Cleveland Clinic, Akron General Children's Hospital and Rainbow Babies Children's Hospital.

And last but not least, sorry I do not have a picture for you, but the latest line by Jo Morton has just arrived. Stafford County is absolutely gorgeous and we cannot stop thinking up a list of projects to make out of this one. If you would like to see a sneak peek of the line, and we have a bunch of it, go to Andover's website here. Scroll down about halfway and look for the title Stafford County by Jo Morton. I really don't see this line lasting long, so come in and get it before it's gone. As one of my favorite signs reads: If you don't buy it today, it may not be here tomorrow. Okay, we're off to shows and Becky will be at the shop preparing kits and holding down the fort, so stop in, give us a call, or e-mail us if you need anything or even if you just want to chat.

Happy Quilting! Stay dry out there in this lovely weather!

New Fabrics Have Arrived!

2009-09-18T19:43:00.005-04:00

Alright, these are the fabrics that I told you about last week. I'm sorry I didn't put them up sooner, but I have been quilting up a storm when I wasn't preparing for our show this weekend.

This first batch is Gobble Gobble by Sandy Gervais. We are working on a few projects out of this line from Anka's Treasures Sizzlin' Sixties book. Check out the store next time you're in, we'll either be working on them or hopefull we'll have them done and hanging up.

This line is called Millie's Garden. The colors are so vibrant and cozy feeling. It's the perfect focus fabric for your next project whether you choose the blue or pink colors - or both.

Let me introduce you to Animal Party. Full of adorable creatures big and small and the cutest panel and monkeys. This line will make a cute quilt for the little guy in your life. We have created a small quilt using this panel and coordinating fabrics. I'll have pictures once it gets back from the show.

These are the most b-e-a-utiful batiks we've had. Some of these incorporate a new technique in the line called Chop Chop. What this technique does is puts the fabric through the dyeing process twice creating color combinations that were never available before. You can kinda see this in the 2nd and 3rd bolts from the right, but for a better look, come in the shop and check them out for yourself. We don't see these fabrics lasting long.

An adorable panel of 30's fabrics dresses is the feature in the Sweet Pea line. With a couple coordinating fabrics, this line is cute just using the panel as a quilt, or mixing it up with other cute 30's prints.

Are you hungry yet? You will be when you feast your eyes upon the Girl Scout Cookie fabric that arrived. Complete with Tagalongs, Samoas, and Thin Mints this fabric has it all. Make your little Girl Scout a pillowcase or some pajama pants out of these fabrics to match their quilt.

Okay, we'll be at the shop and at the Cascade Quilt Guild Show tomorrow in Bath, Ohio. Come see us at either location and we'll help you either finish your projects or start another. You can never have too many (says the person that has atleast 15 projects currently going on! ooooppps). Atleast it keeps me out of trouble for the time being.

We'll post more pictures soon and show you some of what we have been spending our creative hours on lately. See you soon at the shows! If you have any questions on upcoming shows either call us, stop in, or check our website for more information. Off to hand quilt some more. I'm working on getting one project done. Let me know if I can help you finish yours!

Ready for a nap

2009-09-08T11:52:00.008-04:00

We're ready for a nap, but it's for a good cause. Here's the scoop - We have just teamed up with ConKerr Cancer to make pillowcases. ConKerr Cancer is an organization that helps make hospital stays as pleasant as possible for children who are sick with cancer or other serious illnesses. ConKerr Cancer began when the founder, Cindy Kerr, took her son to the hospital for long stays and made him bright fun pillowcases to brighten his room. Soon after she began making pillowcases for the other sick children in the hospital and it grew from there - rapidly. Now ConKerr Cancer has chapters nationwide and is expanding globally.

We are now a drop off location for standard size pillowcases for children of all ages - even teenagers. All pillowcases dropped at our location will be kept within the area at Rainbow Babies Children's Hospital, Cleveland Clinic, and Akron Children's Hospital. Instructions to make a standard size pillowcase can either be picked up at our shop or found online at ConKerr Cancer's How To Help page. Unfortunately pillowcases are always needed, but remember that donations will be taken from now until forever.

What we will do for all of our generous customers and neighbors is this - for each donation made to the shop we will put your name into a drawing. Monthly we will pull a name and donate a $25 gift certificate to one lucky person. If you would like to donate but don't have the time to sew, other donations can be make to ConKerr Cancer if you visit their website by clicking here. Also, not all pillowcases have to be sewn. No sew polar fleece pillowcase instructions can be found on their website here. For more information stop in and pick up a brochure or visit the ConKerr Cancer website here.

Moving on... or moving around. On our last post we showed a glimpse into how the store layout was changing. We've continued that slightly and here's another sneek peek. It's still a work in progress, but come in and let us know what you think. I was told by a little bird there might even be goodies and coffee for taste testing in the near future!

Since we have moved the store around a bit the classroom is no longer where it was and it's purpose has changed into more of a multi purpose room. We're still going to have classes but it now has a really comfy chair and ottoman, a rocker, and a beautiful antique hoosier cabinet in it too. What we are planning to do since we are here six days a week and we understand life happens and schedules get hectic, our space is open to you. What I mean is this - If you and a friend want to come and just sew your hearts out in our space, call us and reserve the spot. If you are having a hard time with a technique or just want to sew with other people around, come on in! Or if you are interested in a class but your schedule just can't fit it in, call us and we can sit with you one on one. We understand sometimes space can be a premium that your house doesn't allow or another opinion can make you feel at ease. Come join us and just have fun!

We are getting ready to begin our Fall Show Extravaganza! We are at several shows in the upcoming weeks - here, there and everywhere! For an updated list of the shows we will be attending as well as directions and other vital information, visit our website On The Road page. If you have any other questions about where to stay eat or other attractions to see, call us or e-mail us and we will try our best to help you out.

Oh, I almost forgot to mention - the details are still being worked out, but we are part of the Stepping Out Quilt Tour (Shop Hop) next month. It will run from October 12th through October 31st, three solid weeks to visit 13 different shops across Northern Ohio. More details will come soon, I promise. If you have any questions, check back soon and if that doesn't help give us a call!

We hope you all had a nice holiday weekend and you'll stop in and say hi! Come see us and the wonderful new things we have in store for you. And let me tell you, we have many new and wonderful things in store. Just this afternoon 23 delicious bolts arrived of batiks and Girl Scout Fabric. I will take pictures of those and other goodies that arrived last week and post them all here soon. If you can't wait, just stop in and see them for yourself! Gotta go, happy quilting!

Missed you much!

2009-08-17T18:51:00.008-04:00

Alright, I know it's been awhile and we have alot of catching up to do. So sorry it's been a crazy month and once you read on I'm sure you'll see why.

First things first: The winner of the Nine Patch Challenge is Mary Lou Atkinson with Number 2. Congratulations and next January be on the lookout for another challenge quilt. What'll it be this year? I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Okay, moving on. We (meaning Donna) rearranged the store recently and some more changes will be coming in the near future. Just for a sneek peek this is some of what you'll see when you walk through the door. Come for a visit and see the total transformation as it's happening. That's all I'm telling you on that for now, like I said: More to come later.

Some new fabrics have come in lately. More should be coming soon. Oh, and before I forget, the first of many Bali Pops by Hoffman Fabrics have arrived. More should be here any day now. The fabrics below are another goodie from Studio E called Deja Brew. For all the coffe lovers out there, this fabric line is truly delicious. Also, the stock of gorgeous Black and White fabrics has been replenished with some beautiful pieces. There are just too many choices now, I can't decide which to piece with first.

And to Patty and Halle, I'm so sorry it took awhile, but the two ladies took our Crazy Curves class awhile ago with Carol Chenoweth and these would be the results of their class time. The pictures do not do the quilts and fabrics justice at all, but I can assure you the ladies did a wonderful job with their first curved piecing and they did it in a flash! The earth toned one is Patty's and yes that is Halle posing with rollers in her hair next to her bright and fun quilt. For more information on any of our upcoming classes like this one, check our website here .

Okey dokey, I think that covers everything since the last post. Sorry again and I hope you missed us as much as we missed talking to you. Oh, and a big thank you to all of you who voted for the Challenge quilts. The ladies did a wonderful job! Check back soon for more updates, I promise there will be another one soon! Have a wonderful day and come see us soon!

Get Your Votes In!

2009-07-13T15:50:00.000-04:00

Alright, Here they are! We have six entries into our Nine Patch Challenge. The voting begins immediately and runs through the end of the month. The quilts below are numbered, so you can either leave us a comment, e-mail us at cottonpickersquiltshop@gmail.com, or call us at 440-428-6449 to cast your vote. The voting is open to anyone who wishes to: your husband, your kids, your neighbor - we're not picky. Just let us know and we will tally all the votes and have the winner announcement on August 15th.

Quilt #1

Quilt #2

Quilt #3

Quilt #4

Quilt #5

Quilt #6

And as mentioned in our previous post, we're going to collect your favorite recipes. Just to share, nothing big. It's prime picnic season and we wanted to know what your favorite potluck/picnic foods are. Sometimes it is just too difficult thinking of a dish to take without using the same one you've used for everyother event. Becky's favorites are the staples like macaroni salad and potato salad and pasta salad (noticing a trend here - like carbs!) and Beth's are potato casserole and better than sex cake. We'll think hard to pick a favorite and post the recipe soon. Just leave us a comment of your favorites and maybe you'll discover a new dish to try.

Okay, off to work on more projects. They tend to multiply around here while we're not looking. Happy quilting and cast your votes. Remember you have until the end of the month!

How Refreshing

2009-07-08T16:47:00.000-04:00

Well, we had a wonderful fourth and we hope you did too! The baseball game was fun and the fireworks were spectacular. It was nice to have a couple days to relax and attempt to fish, but now we're back to our normal schedule. That's alright. So far this week we've seen some wonderful projects that are being completed. Everything from applique to rug hooking.

We've had some new arrivals lately in the shop. Too many projects are running through our heads right now. We have to try (really hard) to figure out what we want to do with each one of these goodies. And try to finish every other project we have started. If nothing else, all of these quilting projects sure keep you out of trouble!

This is Charisma by Chez Moi for Moda. I think Beth came up with a project for this one already. We'll have to wait and see what she does with it.

This is some wonderful wine fabric for those of us who love or know someone who loves wine. Honestly, we are in the middle of a well known wine region. Just doing our part to help boost the economy, one way or the other! This is Vintage Collection by Robert Kaufman.

These adorable cupcakes are from Robert Kaufman as well. This is part of the Confections line and we love it to pieces.

Here's some new batiks from Robert Kaufman that have come in recently. We know how much you love them and we can't seem to keep some of these on the shelf! Come and get them before they're gone. The last bunch didn't last long at all.

That's everything for now. We are currently working on cropping and uploading the pictures to the website for the Nine Patch Challenge. Check back real soon to vote!

Also this week we are working on scheduling the next round of classes. Please remember if we have are offering a class that you are interested in, but it doesn't fit your schedule, let us know when you are available. If we get enough interest for a different time slot, we might be able to schedule another class. It's not a guarantee, but we do understand life happens and not everyone's schedules are the same. If there is a certain technique or quilt you would like to try but would rather take a class than attempt it on your own, leave us a comment and we'll see what we can do.

Alright, off to make some blocks. I love it when you get projects finished! Oh, and just a hint: keep in mind some yummy recipes for the next post. I don't want to give it all away, but we have something wonderful in mind.

The 4th is Here

2009-07-03T11:27:00.000-04:00

We made it through our shows and retreat, now we're looking forward to relaxation and good food. We will be closed on the 4th of July, but we will be back in the shop on Monday. Hopefully rested and full of good picnic food.

Just one new fabric line came in this week. Another good one from our new favorites, Studio e, this is Pungkin Peers. They're just too cute and make you smile. My favorites are the buck-toothed little pumpkin and the bug-eyed bats.

We received a few entries to our Nine Patch Challenge. We are currently uploading the photos online and we will give you all of the information on where to find the pictures and how to get a hold of us with your votes next week.

Sorry this one is short and sweet, we've got too many projects to finish and way too many bindings to do. Have a safe and happy 4th of July. See you all next week!

So Yummy...

2009-06-23T18:11:00.000-04:00

Well, another week, a bunch of deliveries. We've seen some familiar and new faces in the shop lately. It's just lovely to chat and meet new people and see what projects and mischief everyone is getting involved in. There's just too many things to do and too little time. We'll have some pictures up soon of some projects going on here between classes and other things. More on that later.

So late last week we recieved the new line The Haunted Hallow by Jackie Paton. It's new from Red Rooster fabrics and the great thing is there is a wonderful panel within the line. It's a 22" square, but the even better thing is Red Rooster has a free pattern available at the shop for a wonderful wall hanging using this line. We have kits available for $18.50 which includes your panel, coordinating fabrics, and your binding. Here's a picture of the one Beth whipped up quickly before she left for retreat. It's just darling.

Today we got a shipment from Studio e Fabrics, our newest favorites. Just scrumptious fabrics I tell you. We have more on the way, but for now we received Nature-ology and Flourish. Nature-ology is fun prints with of course nature and birds and other wonderful things. Flourish on the otherhand is just as yummy with a large kinda contemporary/retro floral and wonderful coordinates. Take a look, I can see several aprons, purses, tote bags, and throw quilts out of these in the near future. Stop in and see them for yourself. I promise you they are even more marvelous in person.

Okay, I think I covered everything I needed to mention, Oh wait! I forgot something! Just a reminder that we'll have the deadline for the Stashbuster Challenge next week. Once we get pictures of all of the quilts, we will post them online and let everyone e-mail, call, or post who they'd like to vote for. One lucky person will recieve a prize from the shop.

Alright, now I think that's everything. Off to quilt some more! Check back soon for more updates and pictures!

More Goodies!!!

2009-06-17T18:39:00.000-04:00

Well, we've been busy at shows lately and we have about another week and a half of being on the road before we can relax at the ballpark on the 4th of July.

Tomorrow is the beginning of the NQA Show down in Columbus. We have two full buses of quilters headed down to the show. Bright and early Thursday and Saturday several women will hop aboard for the long day at the show, but I'm sure they will not be disappointed. Between the vendors and the Quilt Show itself, there's just too many things to see.

Next week Beth will be off to the Riverside Inn in Cambridge Springs, PA for our June Retreat. Accompanied by about 30 other women or so, there is the hope of many projects to be finished. The ladies will be sewing their heart out or working on various other crafts. Hopefully we'll get some nice pictures to show you.

And finally, I think... Beth will be at a quilt Show the following weekend down in Sebring, OH. And then in July we crash, relax, and recover.

We just received several goodies in the last few days including Winter Song by Deb Strain, the next installment of the Thimbleberries Club fabrics, some new 30's prints, and some other wonderful goodies. Stop in and see what's new, you never know what might be in the next shipment. We should be getting in more 30's prints and batiks any time now. We can't wait!

Well, here's a picture of the Winter Song line by Deb Strain. We received these 5 bolts plus a few Charm Packs of the line. Get them before they're gone!

Happy Quilting and safe travels this summer!

It's like Christmas!

2009-06-07T19:23:00.000-04:00

It's just like Christmas at the shop lately. We just got our most recent shipment of goodies and we just had to show you. Below are two of Marcia McCloskey's fabrics in her Staples line. Just really good coordinating tonals and a beautiful large print twall.

And these five fun prints are just a few of the many that should be here any day now of RJR's Everything but the Kitchen Sink line. They're currently housed in the front corner of the shop with the rest of out 30's reproduction prints and our Kona Solids. They're so fun and cheery to work with. We just love them!

As you might have seen or heard, we moved the store around. It's quite a nice change, but we're still getting used to it.

As we said in our last post, our Spring Cleaning Sale has been extended for another week. Stop in and see all the wonderful discounts you can take advantage of.

We'll be busy in the shop this week getting ready for many shows in the near future. For more information on upcoming events, please check our website by clicking here.

Alright, I should get back to sewing. We have too many projects and too little time. I'm sure many of you find yourself in the same situation! Okay, I'm off to sew. Pictures of what we've been up to will be up on the blog shortly. Check back soon for some show and tell!

More Market & Other Updates

2009-06-05T20:45:00.000-04:00

Well, it's just been another wonderful week at the quilt shop. We've seen so many wonderful quilts and projects-in-the-making, we know you're all busy making beautiful treasures. We're going to try to get pictures from classes we're having and other goodies that come in the shop up in the future, so be on the lookout for those.

Just a few more pictures from Spring Market for you. We had such a wonderful time and still cannot remember everything we saw and fell in love with that it might take until next year to sort through it all.

This is Edyta Sitar of Laundry Basket Quilts and Beth at a book signing. Beth and Edyta met at a show a while back in Shipshewana and we have been captivated by her designs at the shop. Edyta designs quilts as well as fabric for Moda. Mostly batiks, but her new line due out in October mixes both prints and batiks. We got a sneak peek at Market and we're sure you'll all love it when it arrives. Only 4 more months until it gets here! (Sigh)

This was Becky's favorite moment of Market. She finally met Carrie Nelson of Miss Rosie's Quilt Co. Carrie was so nice and sweet and even gave Becky a hug! :) We're in love with her new patterns coming out and can't wait to see what she thinks of next.

Alright, moving on. We had such a great response to our Spring Cleaning Sale we've extended it through this upcoming week. Stop in and see what we have discounted and rediscover some goodies.

One last thing. Don't forget that the deadline for the Stashbuster Scrap Quilt Challenge is June 30th. You can still enter and the quilts do not need to be quilted to be entered. Quilt tops are acceptable. We'll be taking pictures and posting them online for a Viewer's Choice. One lucky winner will receive a prize.

Have a great weekend. We'll be back in the shop on Monday, recovering from a week of long trips to both Indiana and Rochester, New York and be getting ready for more shows to come. More on that later. Happy Quilting!

Back from Spring Market

2009-05-26T10:22:00.000-04:00

We just got back from Spring Market. Our heads are swimming with new ideas, new patterns, new fabrics & all sorts of other goodies. Market was wonderful & how nice to have it so close to home. There were about 2500 booths. Thank God for good shoes & Aleve!

We got to meet Carrie Nelson from Miss Rosie's Quilt Co., Edyta Sitar from Laundry Basket Quilts, Camille Roskelley from Thimbleblossoms & her mom, Bonnie Cotton from Cotton Way, Joanna Figueroa from Fig Tree Quilts & so many more! All of the designers are so sweet and wonderful people. It's nice to realize that they're just normal people like the rest of us, but we still love them more than they know.

Since we've been home, we rearranged the store. We are still trying to get used to the new layout but agree it was time for a change.

Stop in this week for our sale to make room for everything we ordered at Spring Market. Select bolts of fabric, patterns, books and notions are on sale! Sale begins today and goes through the rest of the week. Just remember the shopping mantra: "If you don't buy it today, it may not be here tomorrow."

We're blogging!

2009-05-11T11:56:00.000-04:00

For those of you that know me - you know that I only know enough about computers to be dangerous! So, you'll have to bear with me as I figure out this blogging thing. Thank God that I have kids that are up to speed on this stuff. It may take me a while to type these out, I can talk a whole lot faster than I can type (My dad told me that I was vaccinated with a phonograph needle - isn't he cute!!)

I hope to be sharing some pictures of projects that are in the works, new fabrics & classes that we are doing here at Cottonpickers and of some of the quilts that you bring into the shop. We get to see some of the most awesome quilts from our customers. This truly is the best job in the world!! You ladies inspire me soooooo much! Now, if there were only more hours in the day to keep up with all those UFO's. Sleep isn't as overated as I thought it was at one point.

Have a wonderful Monday! Beth