New Year's Resolution

My new year's resolution is to blog more! After a brief hiatus, I'm back:) There's so much going on here I don't know where to start! The new class schedule for Winter is on the web site. There's so much to offer, I want to make one of everything. From beginner to experienced, I'm sure you'll find something you like.

This is a picture of one of the new Jo Morton's Little Women's Club quilts. This one is 44" square. We will start this class in March.

We have all the pictures on the web site so go check it out. www.redroosterquilts.com.

Happy New Year everyone!

New Stuff!

We get a shipment from UPS daily! It's like Christmas everyday here. So, here's what he's brought us lately. The new line from Jo Morton called Providence. Click here to view the fabric: http://andoverfabrics.com/OurCatalog/SingleGroup.asp?GroupName=Providence%20by%20Jo%20Morton The colors on the screen do not do this line justice! It's a little softer and prettier. Then, to go with all this Jo Morton fabric, we now have thread by Precensia that matches her fabric.

We got the new line called Metro Blue goes Green. Click here to view the fabric: http://www.marcusfabrics.com/cgi-bin/fabricgallery/gallery.cgi?Category=442 This fabric is going to make some great purses. Think messenger bags for high school and college students for Christmas gifts.

We have the new Baby Geniuses Grow Up line. It's really bright geometric fabric for babies. They say babies see contrast at first and not color. This line definitely has contrast!

We have a pretty fall pastel group called Natural Splender with a nice free pattern that we are kitting up today. Click here to view the fabrics: http://www.wilmingtonprints.com/Allfabrics.aspx?fcatid=46&name=Natural%20Splendor.

We have the third installment of the Wizard of Oz fabrics. Click here to view fabrics: http://www.quiltingtreasures.com/content4556.html.

We have new dish towels. Again, think quick Christmas gifts for teachers, co-workers and family gatherings.

That's just what we've received in the last week (except Wizard fabric came a couple weeks ago). So, if you don't stop in weekly, look what you miss!

Retreat

Red Rooster Quilts
Presents:A Quilter's Spring Break Retreat

Who: Calling all quilter’s and their friends!
What: A fun and relaxing weekend of sewing, eating & laughing with old and new friends.
Where: Round Lake Christian Camp, Lakeville, Ohio (1 ½ hour drive)
When: Thursday, March 26th @6:00 pm through Sunday, March 29th @1pm
Fee: $295 which includes 3 nights lodging and all meals except dinner on Saturday.

You’re invited to join us on our first annual Quilter’s Spring Break Retreat. One lucky retreater will win a Janome JP760 sewing machine. Plus, we’ll have door prizes and exclusive patterns and kits especially for you.

On Thursday evening, we’ll come together to make a small project and play some games. On Friday, we’ll provide a new pattern especially for you with kits available plus we’ll have a demo on a new technique. Then, you can sew the day away! We’ll repeat this on Saturday. Sunday, we’ll have a wonderful brunch and then close with Show & Tell!

A $50 deposit will hold your spot. The retreat holds a maximum of 40 people, so get your deposit in as soon as possible. The balance will be due by February 25th, 2009. You can sign up on-line or in person.

A supply list will be provided in February.

Rug Punch

Here's a picture (OK, yes it's sideways....I can't figure out why just yet but my techie daughter will straighten it out for me) of my latest obsession.....rug punch. It's sort of a cross between punch needle and rug hooking. The needle is like a punch needle where you push it all the way in and you get a perfect size loop every time. It's unlike rug hooking where you have to be very careful about getting your loops all the same size. But, it does look like rug hooking since you use hand dyed wool yarn. It has that old, primitive look that I like. We'll be having a class on it this fall. Check out our new fall class schedule on our web site at www.redroosterquilts.com.

Little Women's Club

These are some of the quilts we made this year in Jo Morton's Little Women's Club. (Except the one that was stolen from me!)

We really had a blast making these little quilts so you should think about joining us for Club 7 & maybe 8 this fall. We now have some of these kitted and will have the last 2 next week.

This last one (looks a little strange because I took the picture while it is hanging up) is a sample from the upcoming Club 7. These are little 1" strips! It's so much fun, so don't let the size intimidate you. Classes will start in September. Watch your e-mail for complete details.

Quilts on the fence

We always get a lot of compliments during Shop Hop when we display the quilts on the fence. We really enjoy showing off our work and it really makes a statement!

We have even attracted some new quilters and buyers with this display. And, some people have commented that they have a hard time telling if we're open (thanks Dublin for your strict signage) so this has helped. Double click on the pictures to see them larger. Enjoy the show.

It's Shop Hop Time!

New Christmas
New Halloween

It's Shop Hop Time! We've spruced up the place, changed the displays, ordered LOTS! of Christmas fabrics and invited 1000 of our closest friends to visit. These are pictures of the new displays you'll see when you visit this week.

It's all about purses.

So, grab you're hopping shoes and stop in and say hi.

(It's really hard to take photos in the store because the backdrops are sooo busy. But, if you double click on the picture, it will enlarge and then it's not so cluttered looking. Enjoy!)

To wash or not to wash?

We frequently get asked "Should I pre-wash my fabric?" So, I thought I'd share some information I recently received from P&B Textiles.

"Care and treatment for your P&B Fabrics:

It is the nature of cotton fabric that some changes may occur when it is washed and dried. Regional water quality, water temperature, detergent varietes and dryer temperture can all affect shrinkage, bleeding and fading.

At P&B Textiles, we pride ourselves on producing superior fabrics, which will retain their quality if properly treated. Please help to educate your customers about the proper care of cotton fabrics:
* If you are making an art quilt or wall hanging that won't be washed, it is recommended that you do not pre-wash your fabric.
* If the quilt is dusty, tumble it in a cool dryer for a few minutes and shake it out.
* If you pre-wash fabric, do not use hot water or a hot dryer. Once quilts are made, they should only be washed and dried in cold water and a cool dryer (or dried flat) and only if the fabric was pre-shrunk prior to construction of the quilt.
* If you are making a quilt with light and dark fabrics, it is suggested that you pre-wash dark fabrics to remove any potential bleeding. This can be done in cold water. A good test of bleeding is to add a light colored or white piece of fabric to the dark wash, and see if any color bleeds onto it. If so, repeat the washing process until the light-colored swatch comes out without any color change.
* Detergents can fade fabrics. It is recommended that you use a gentle detergent to wash quilts, and no detergent at all for pre-shrinking. Orvis is recommended.

If you have followed these guidelines, your fabric should not shrink more than 5% selvage to selvage, and most fabrics won't bleed or fade at all."

Even though these guidelines are from P&B Textiles, I have received similar recommendations from other manufacturers. Hope this helps when you're trying to decide whether to pre-wash or not to pre-wash.

New stuff

Here is a picture of the new Donna Sharp Rolling Duffel Bags. These bags are beautiful if I do say so myself. They have handles that raise up high enough so you're not bending over to pull the bag. They are just the right size to transport a small sewing machine. And, at this time, they would probably work as a carry-on bag. I hear they are going to be checking out carry-on sizes next but I think this one will work. They are only $129.95. That's way better than those other bags and way cuter!

At Water's Edge

Isn't this beautiful! It's hard to see in the picture but there are pieces of Chenille in this quilt and they give it some wonderful texture. We have this kit for sale in the shop for $69.95. The finished size is 66" x 78". If you double click on the picture it will enlarge on your screen for a better view of the quilt.

The graduate!

Peace on Earth is here!

Your prayers have been answered. We now have Peace on Earth. Well, the fabric anyways. This is another beautiful collection by Moda. There are 50! pieces of fabric, each one better than the last. There's a beautiful stripe and an antique looking map piece. I can't wait to create something with this one. Stop in today before it's all gone.

It's official....really

Our youngest, Amanda, has decided on her college choice. She's going to.........drumroll, please............North Carolina State. They are the Wolfpack. I'm not really sure what that is and I couldn't find it on their web site. But, I'm sure I'll know what one is by the end of orientation. So, here's a picture of my new wardrobe. Don't tell Amanda, but OSU will still be #1 in my book! Oh, and for those of you that have been following the college saga, this is the one we were supposed to tour.

Is there anybody out there?

Is there anybody out there? Just checking to see who's reading and what you'd like to see posted on here. Send me a quick e-mail and let me know what you'd like to see. For everyone who responds, I'll send you a coupon for the store.

Quilt Market

We've just returned from Portland, Oregon for the Spring Quilt Market. The temperature when we got there was 97!! Wow, it was HOT. But it wasn't just the weather that was hot, so was market. I always feel rejuvenated when I return and want to sew at 100 miles per hour. Here are some pictures of the quilts that I bought the fabric for. I love the feathered star one. I can't wait for it to arrive!

And the winner is....

And, the winner is...... Kirsten Whitehouse. Our latest raffle quilt was won by Kirsten. Some of you may recognize her, she used to work here. She just bought a new house and was thrilled as she has the perfect place to hang it and she loved that it was made by us. And, just to let you know, the drawing is totally random and usually the name is drawn by a customer, so don't alert the FBI.
We collected $63 for the Children's Hospital Burn Unit. I have decided that I'm going to match the amount collected to make it better! But, I know we can do better, too. So, come and purchase your raffle ticket for our next quilt. The proceeds go to the Dublin Community Church Food Pantry and the drawing will be held on 7/1/08. Mention that you read the blog about the raffle quilt and buy 1 ticket and get one free! Buy 6 tickets for $5 and get 2 free!

The 10th time was just as good as the 1st

The Billy Joel concert was awesome! We had ok seats so this picture was NOT taken by me. I counted.. I have seen Billy Joel in concert 10 times and I've seen his broadway musical Movin' Out twice! When's he coming back to Columbus? I don't know but I know I'll be there!

Ok, so back to the real world. We have received about 200 bolts of new fabric in the last few weeks. We have Amy Butler's newest fabrics, we have Noah's Ark by Jim Shore, we have the wildly popular Prairie Paisley by Moda and Roman Holiday and Malibu Monkey all by Moda. But wait..... there's more. We have Snow Wonderland (shown here) by Whimsicals and some of the line Fresh Squeezed by Moda. We've been busy with the sample making so stop by soon to see what's new!

The 5 step program

Don't have time for quilting? Here are 5 easy steps to get more quilting time with ease.

5. Carry a quilting magazine with you where ever you go. It's easy to pull it out when you have a few spare minutes. It's an fun way to de-stress since you're thinking about your favorite past time and get your creative juices flowing when you do get to your sewing space. And, if there's nothing in the magazine you want to keep, consider leaving it at the doctor's office and maybe you'll inspire a new quilter. Plus, wouldn't it be more fun to sit down at the doctor's office and see a quilting magazine rather than another article about Britney Spears!

4. Clean your sewing space. Ok, now I know this doesn't sound like fun.... but, if you take just a little time to be organized the next time you step into your space, you'll be ready to finish your latest project.

3. Make a list. Once your space is clean and organized, make a list of the most pressing projects to finish or supplies you need for your next project. Cross them off your list as you finish the projects and you'll feel a sense of accomplishment and you'll be ready to tackle the next project on you list.

2. Carry hand work with you. Have a little bag by the door or even in your car so when you find time on your hands, you'll have that little applique project or punchneedle ready to occupy that precious free time and make you smile!

1. Get up early. Try getting up one hour early one day per week. For me, this is my primary sewing time. I usually get up around 5:30 and sew for an hour each morning. I get a lot done and I don't feel like I've taken time out of my busy day. Plus, it's a happy way to start my day with my most favorite hobby .... QUILTING!

Here are some swatches from our newest fabric collection. It's called Posh by Moda. There are about 25 bolts of fun, I'll call bright pastels, that would make great purses, jackets and quilts. These pretty fabrics will make you feel like spring really is just around the corner. I'm going to make a backpack.

Blizzard '08

Since we're all snowed in this weekend, I thought I'd share a FREE charm pattern with you. You can do this with just about any charm pack but you need two. Enjoy ~

Carpenter’s Star Charm Quilt
Exclusive pattern for the Red Rooster Quilts Charm Club
November, 2007
32” Square
Materials Needed:2 – Oak Leaves & Reel Charm Packs by Moda
1/3 yard for binding
1 1/8 yard for backing
36” square of batting
4 ½” square ruler

Cutting Instructions: 12 – 4 ½” squares of light fabric
8 – light 5” squares cut in half once diagonally to yield 16
triangles
4 – light-medium 4 ½” squares
8 – light-medium 5” squares cut in half once diagonally to yield
16 triangles
32 – dark 5” squares cut in half once diagonally to yield 64
triangles

Lay out your pieces as shown in the diagram/photo. Sew the half square triangle blocks together first. Sew using a scant ¼” seam allowance and then trim block to be 4 ½” square.

Sew the blocks together into rows. Sew the rows together.

Cut 4 strips 2 1/4" for binding.

Quilt as desired and bind.

Red Rooster Quilts
48 Corbins Mill Dr.
Dublin, OH 43017
614-734-9007
http://www.redroosterquilts.com/
©2007. All rights reserved.


Oh, and, in case you're keepting track..... 43 days to BJ concert!

Don't be lackadaisical....

Here's a good laugh for the day. This is from Sandy Brawner of Quilt Country.

"I thought we could use this little laugh. It is about sewing so hopefully it will be OK. The first paragraph is from an excerpt of the 1949 Singer sewing manual and the response in the second paragraph is from a good friend of mine.

Advice from a Singer Sewing Manual from 1949: Prepare yourself mentally for sewing. Think about what you are going to do. . . never approach sewing with a sigh or lackadaisically. Good results are difficult when indifference predominates. Never try to sew with a sink full of dirty dishes or beds unmade. When there are urgent housekeeping chores, do these first so your mind is free to enjoy your sewing. . .When you sew, make yourself as attractive as possible. Put on a clean dress. Keep a little bag full of French chalk near your sewing machine to dust your fingers at intervals. Have your hair in order, powder and lipstick put on . . .[If] you are constantly fearful that a visitor will drop in or your husband will come home and you will not look neatly put together, you will not enjoy your sewing as you should. . .

Oh, yeah? Well, how about this instead:
Prepare yourself mentally for sewing. Turn the radio to a classic rockstation and set the volume at a level so that you will not be distracted by the phone, doorbell, smoke alarm, barking dogs or sirens. Throw a dishtowel over the dirty dishes and close the bedroom door if the bed is unmade so that you don't have to look at it. Put on some sweats and flip-flops and pin your hair back so that it won't get in your way. Get a coaster for your Shiner Bock or Diet Dr. Pepper and a bowl for your M&Ms. Sew until it is time to order pizza, and then sew some more."

Win Me!

Each month or two, I choose a quilt to be raffled off for a local charity. All of the proceeds go to that charity. Last month's quilt was won by Margaret Paloney. She was gracious enough to pose for this picture. So, when you win..... be ready to say cheese! Oh, and we raised $123 for the American Heart Association.

And, the countdown to BJ is 50....

Let the countdown begin......

If you read my profile, you'll note that I LOVE Billy Joel. So, for Valentine's Day my dear hubby got me tickets to see the concert. So, I'm counting down to the big day......53 Days!

Decorative Pillowcase

This is a picture of the ends of three pillowcases that are a new class, just added to the schedule for Wednesday, March 12th at 10:00. Wouldn't they make great easter gifts?? Go to the web site to sign up today! Class size is limited.

www.redroosterquilts.com

Project Linus

Don't forget....this Monday, Feb. 25th is our label making day for Project Linus. Join us from 10:30-1:00 in making labels to put on the back of their quilts. This is an important part of their blankets that needs to be done before they can be distributed. If you're not familiar with Project Linus, you can check out their purpose on their web site www.projectlinus.org.

Check out this Amaryllis! Isn't it beautiful!! I've never seen anything like it. Sandy brought us the bulb in when it was just a baby right after the new year and now look at it! She said she's never seen one this big either and she's the green thumb around here. I told her it's our winning personalities that are making it grow. Stop by and see it soon before it's gone.

Quilt in a cup

Look at this fun way to showcase your fabrics and get to look at your fabric on a daily basis. (ok... try to overlook the blurry picture.... how I could manage the blurriness with an automatic camera is beyond me but... I managed to:) This fun insolated cup could sit on your desk at work every day and make you smile and help you drink all that water we should be drinking! The two on the outside are from our last class. There's another class coming up on Saturday, February 16th at 10:00 am. And, the class is FREE if you bought your Janome sewing machine from Red Rooster Quilts. So, hop on over to the web site and sign up today............ http://www.redroosterquilts.com/.

At Water's Edge

Here are some swatches from the new collection by Blackbird Designs called At Water's Edge. This is a pretty, soft pastel group of 40 fabrics. The new layer cakes will be coming for this group and a pretty pattern to go with it. Did you know that Moda has a web site that you can see swatches of all the new fabrics, bio's on their designers, free patterns and more? Check it out at http://www.unitednotions.com/.

Rocky

This is Rocky. He's the greatest dog in the world except.........he barks too much! He is a miniature schnauzer, really. We keep his hair cut short because we like it that way. He has really long legs and Kevin often jokes we should have asked to see that father that was on the premises and checked his DNA to prove his paternity. But, I don't care. I love him just the way he is. I thought you just might want to see his picture since many people have heard Rocky tales.

Daydreams

We just received a beautiful collection from Moda, designed by Ohio's own Deb Strain, called Daydreams. This 45 piece collection features butterflies, paisleys, polka dots and more in the very popular colors of brown, pink, green and blue. This collection is great for the teens and 20's girls in your life. Maybe even a fabric that will get them interested in quilting.

Fat Quarter Tuesday

February 5th is FAT QUARTER TUESDAY at Red Rooster Quilts. All fat quarters in the store will be $1.50 and there will be a limited number of $1.00 fat quarters. So, shop early for the best selection. And, you got advance notice of this sale since you read my blog. So - go start planning your next project today! Limited to fat quarters on hand.

My new favorite notion

Ok, I'll admit it. I'm 40 something and I wear tri-focals. So, my new favorite notion is the self threading needle. No more trying to find the right distance and angle to hold the needle so I can see the hole. No more licking the thread to make it stiff. No more cursing, crying and whining. I have found the self-threading needle. The needle has a slit in it that you just pull the thread through. Easy, quick, threaded in just one try! And, I've tested it. It didn't come out through the slit. It still comes out when the thread gets too short but that's a whole different story.......

I LOVE Football

Ok, I think I can talk about it now that the pain has faded..... I am a Buckeye football fan. I especially love the Buckeyes and the Browns and the Packers. So, with that in mind, I wanted to go to the National Championship game. Surely the Buckeyes would prevail. Surely they would avenge last year's loss. Surely we'd shut down those Tigers and put to rest the SEC curse. Alas, surely wasn't to be. We had a blast, though. I really loved the pep rally. It was such a rush to be in a place with 15,000 other rabid buckeye fans. So, even though we lost, now I'm hooked. How/when can I get my next fix? I'll pin my hope on the Packers next. Please don't let me down......I don't think I can take it, again. Oh, and Santa, can I please go to the Superbowl if the Packers make it?

The most asked about fabric ever....

Would you believe that the most asked about fabric line so far has been....... The Wizard of Oz fabric. This will be a fun, and fast selling, collection. The first fabric to ship should be the sepia color tone. It's so fun. Just like the beginning of the movie, this fabric has no color except Dorothy's ruby red slippers and a little rainbow in the background. Then, in February, we will get another group of fabric that's all in color. We'll be sure to send an e-mail when it arrives but act fast as we have a growing list of customers on our call list for this fabric.