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.