We decided today to start up a Desert Flower Quilting Newsletter again, so there is one on the way to all our customers in our database. Our first new Newsletter is basic and gives information regarding our long arm services. But we will expand our offerings in the future!
We want to be able to stay in touch with those that do not blog, and we feel the newsletter format works best. This will enable us to stay in contact with our customers, offering specials and coupons for our quilting services.
Just as with any newsletter format, there will be the option to sign up to receive it in case you are not on our list; and for those on the list, feel free to forward the newsletter to a friend that you feel may be interested.
Watch for the newsletter tomorrow and in the days and months to come!
Spring is here, and summer is fast approaching, so be sure to get your quilting projects to us soon. Last summer we were inundated with quilts which caused a bit of a back-log. Be proactive and get yours in early so we can complete and return it to you that much quicker!
Monday, March 14, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
Finally...an update!
It has been quite some time since we updated our blog, and we do apologize to all for that! But those darn holidays crept up on us and we were just swamped with customer projects as well as our own.
But here it is January, 2011 and we can breathe a bit easier and begin getting in gear for a new year! We have had a few quilts dropped off recently and are having fun working on those quilts. Deanna received her new Nolting long arm, and as an added bonus, she now has a computerized system on it also! This thing is so darn neat.....she is becoming quite skilled at setting up the computer to quilt out beautiful motifs and patterns. The precision is great and makes for and altho we both love the free hand, free motion quilting, the computer can't be beat for consistency. Stop by and take a look when you have a few minutes.
Traveling Fabric Show....
A few weeks ago....ok, almost a month ago...we had Jeannie Chappell stop by our shop with her selections of fabrics for sale. Jeannie usually frequents quilt shows (such as the AQS show in March) and has lovely fabrics and choices for purchase at those shows. Well, we have managed to talk Jeannie into coming up to the shop about once a month to bring her fabrics..so that we all can shop without leaving town! It was great fun when she came last month. Jeannie has a good selection of yard and 1/2 yard cuts of fabrics and batiks; and if there is one that particularly catches your eye that you need more yardage, she will take your order and cut to length what you need when she returns to her studio.
We are hoping that Jeannie can come visit us this coming Wednesday, January 19th, during our Coffee Time. Don't miss out on this opportunity to shop til you drop....and have coffee and goodies too!
Quilts and More....
A new quilting/sewing group has formed at the Fountain Hills Community Center that meets on the first and third Thursday of each month. I was able to attend the first meeting, and I have to say I am very excited to be able to be part of this fun group! I would say there was 30+ ladies in attendance, and there were lots of quilts and other sewing projects to see. The group is working on planning sewing days and other quilting/sewing projects.
This is a great opportunity to meet and join with other ladies who share our interest in quilting and sewing (and lots of knitters there too). So come join us....again, the FH Community Center, this coming Thursday, January 20th from 9am to 11am.
A Project Finished.....
One of the projects I was working on for the holidays was a bag for my daughter, Cassie. She wanted one that would be a good size for traveling. We came across the Amy Butler pattern for the Weekender Travel Bag and that seemed the perfect bag! The fabric she choose was one from a few years ago, featuring prints by tatoo artists. This one was black, gray and red with oriental dragons on it....sounds weird, but it actually turned out very nice.
I have to say, the pattern was not one of the easiest I have done, but the finished project was great. I have posted pictures on the Picasa site, and there is a link to it under the Photos tab. Take a look...it's interesting.
There are more bags in my future, but most likely they will be my favorite, the Bow Tucks Bag by Penny Sturgis, and perhaps a diaper bag for a friend. We'll post photos when they are done.
But here it is January, 2011 and we can breathe a bit easier and begin getting in gear for a new year! We have had a few quilts dropped off recently and are having fun working on those quilts. Deanna received her new Nolting long arm, and as an added bonus, she now has a computerized system on it also! This thing is so darn neat.....she is becoming quite skilled at setting up the computer to quilt out beautiful motifs and patterns. The precision is great and makes for and altho we both love the free hand, free motion quilting, the computer can't be beat for consistency. Stop by and take a look when you have a few minutes.
Traveling Fabric Show....
A few weeks ago....ok, almost a month ago...we had Jeannie Chappell stop by our shop with her selections of fabrics for sale. Jeannie usually frequents quilt shows (such as the AQS show in March) and has lovely fabrics and choices for purchase at those shows. Well, we have managed to talk Jeannie into coming up to the shop about once a month to bring her fabrics..so that we all can shop without leaving town! It was great fun when she came last month. Jeannie has a good selection of yard and 1/2 yard cuts of fabrics and batiks; and if there is one that particularly catches your eye that you need more yardage, she will take your order and cut to length what you need when she returns to her studio.
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| The Lovely Jeannie Chappell |
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| Can't keep your hands off this fabric! |
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| Lots and lots to choose from.... |
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| Fabric shopping ladies |
We are hoping that Jeannie can come visit us this coming Wednesday, January 19th, during our Coffee Time. Don't miss out on this opportunity to shop til you drop....and have coffee and goodies too!
Quilts and More....
A new quilting/sewing group has formed at the Fountain Hills Community Center that meets on the first and third Thursday of each month. I was able to attend the first meeting, and I have to say I am very excited to be able to be part of this fun group! I would say there was 30+ ladies in attendance, and there were lots of quilts and other sewing projects to see. The group is working on planning sewing days and other quilting/sewing projects.
This is a great opportunity to meet and join with other ladies who share our interest in quilting and sewing (and lots of knitters there too). So come join us....again, the FH Community Center, this coming Thursday, January 20th from 9am to 11am.
A Project Finished.....
One of the projects I was working on for the holidays was a bag for my daughter, Cassie. She wanted one that would be a good size for traveling. We came across the Amy Butler pattern for the Weekender Travel Bag and that seemed the perfect bag! The fabric she choose was one from a few years ago, featuring prints by tatoo artists. This one was black, gray and red with oriental dragons on it....sounds weird, but it actually turned out very nice.
I have to say, the pattern was not one of the easiest I have done, but the finished project was great. I have posted pictures on the Picasa site, and there is a link to it under the Photos tab. Take a look...it's interesting.
There are more bags in my future, but most likely they will be my favorite, the Bow Tucks Bag by Penny Sturgis, and perhaps a diaper bag for a friend. We'll post photos when they are done.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Zoo Lights and stuff..
Phoenix Zoo is presenting it's annual Zoo Lights show, and last nite I was able to attend along with my daughter, son-in-law and grandson. We had a great time...the weather was comfortable, the lites were spectacular, and the company was great! I encourage anyone in the Phoenix area to go, especially if you have kids or grandkids as they will really enjoy the lighted exibits. Go to the Photo Album tab above and click on the link to see some of the pictures I took while there.
Deanna and I have been working on holiday quilts for our customers; we've even had a few brought in a bit last minute! Deanna has sold her Nolting machine (as most may know, she is the Nolting rep for Arizona), and has a new one shipping any day now. So in the mean time, we are down to my Lizzie cranking out the quilts. No problem, tho...Lizzie can handle it!
Christmas is approaching...quicker and quicker as the days go by! I still have a few Christmas projects of my own to get moving on, not to mention getting any shopping done ! It will all fall into place, I'm sure, but in the mean time...STRESS!!
We've added a few pictures to the Photo Album tab (there are links under the tab that you can click on to navigate to the photos); the pink and brown quilt I made for my niece who is expecting her baby girl, Rylee, on December 13th. The fabrics used in the quilt were Moda Blush. Really pretty tones of pinks and browns.
Another quilt picture we've added is a batik quilt done for one of our customers. Unfortunately, the pictures do not do it justice. It was really beautiful, and so many people commented on it while it was on the long arm being quilted. Kudos to our customer on this one!
Oh...also worked on a few bags, two made from the Bow Tucks Bag pattern and one from another Penny Sturges pattern that I can't remember the name of right now but it's a diaper bag. The two bags were made to be given as Christmas gifts for a friend in Tuscon; the diaper bag was made for a friend of my daughter whose baby was just delivered today! Great timing on that one!!
So, we will just keep chugging along here at Desert Flower Quilting. Stop by and visit if you have a few holiday minutes to spare! We'll have our Wednesday Morning Coffee each week as usual...oh! and we got a Keurig coffee maker, so you can treat yourselves to your own coffee flavor!! Wooohooo! So drop in, join us for coffee and fun.
Deanna and I have been working on holiday quilts for our customers; we've even had a few brought in a bit last minute! Deanna has sold her Nolting machine (as most may know, she is the Nolting rep for Arizona), and has a new one shipping any day now. So in the mean time, we are down to my Lizzie cranking out the quilts. No problem, tho...Lizzie can handle it!
Christmas is approaching...quicker and quicker as the days go by! I still have a few Christmas projects of my own to get moving on, not to mention getting any shopping done ! It will all fall into place, I'm sure, but in the mean time...STRESS!!
We've added a few pictures to the Photo Album tab (there are links under the tab that you can click on to navigate to the photos); the pink and brown quilt I made for my niece who is expecting her baby girl, Rylee, on December 13th. The fabrics used in the quilt were Moda Blush. Really pretty tones of pinks and browns.
Another quilt picture we've added is a batik quilt done for one of our customers. Unfortunately, the pictures do not do it justice. It was really beautiful, and so many people commented on it while it was on the long arm being quilted. Kudos to our customer on this one!
Oh...also worked on a few bags, two made from the Bow Tucks Bag pattern and one from another Penny Sturges pattern that I can't remember the name of right now but it's a diaper bag. The two bags were made to be given as Christmas gifts for a friend in Tuscon; the diaper bag was made for a friend of my daughter whose baby was just delivered today! Great timing on that one!!
So, we will just keep chugging along here at Desert Flower Quilting. Stop by and visit if you have a few holiday minutes to spare! We'll have our Wednesday Morning Coffee each week as usual...oh! and we got a Keurig coffee maker, so you can treat yourselves to your own coffee flavor!! Wooohooo! So drop in, join us for coffee and fun.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Hmmmm..
It's been a rough week here in quilt land. We had a great turnout at Wednesday Morning Coffee, but I suddenly came down with the death grip cold that sent me to bed for two whole days! Time I cannot afford to give over to kleenex and Triaminic!! Then...getting back on my feet....we find out that Cindi has come down with her ever-popular stomach flu, or whatever that strange malady is that she gets now and then. What's going on??? We all falling apart at the seams, or is the wonderful holiday season pressure just setting in?
Whatever....!! We will not let this stuff get the best of us, and we will rise up and forge onward. Well, kinda...
We're getting quilts done, at least. And that is all that matters right now. We had several quilts dropped off recently, and each of those quilt owners have had their names placed in our drawing for the Basket of Goodies to be given away next month. Bring 'em in, ladies....free stuff is always good!!
All of our notions are now on sale for 40% off! Be sure to stop in and pick up those little items you may need...and at a discounted price! (Batting is excluded)
All remaining fabrics are also on sale at 50% off. See what we have left, and maybe you can find that perfect backing for that hidden-away quilt top!
Whatever....!! We will not let this stuff get the best of us, and we will rise up and forge onward. Well, kinda...
We're getting quilts done, at least. And that is all that matters right now. We had several quilts dropped off recently, and each of those quilt owners have had their names placed in our drawing for the Basket of Goodies to be given away next month. Bring 'em in, ladies....free stuff is always good!!
Sale....Sale...Sale...
All of our notions are now on sale for 40% off! Be sure to stop in and pick up those little items you may need...and at a discounted price! (Batting is excluded)
All remaining fabrics are also on sale at 50% off. See what we have left, and maybe you can find that perfect backing for that hidden-away quilt top!
So after all the whining....
Thanksgiving will be here next week, and we all look forward to spending time with family and friends, sharing our wonderful holiday meal. Maybe we need to think about what we are really, really thankful for and celebrate those gifts. Times are tough, going is rough...but still in all we have lots and lots of good stuff, good times, and especially good friends.
Deanna and I are personally thankful for all the wonderful friendships we have made amongst our quilting buddies. We have some great times, plenty of laughs, and even some good cries. And we appreciate those friends greatly. Thanks for being there!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Another week gone by..
Well, here it is Thursday again...the weeks just keep flying by! Which just means Christmas is getting closer and closer. (Time to panic???) Seems like those holiday projects of mine are not getting themselves done..and no elves have shown up to help out either! Drat..guess I need to kick into gear. I hope everyone else is making more headway on projects; but for those that still need quilting done, remember we have a November 22nd deadline on drop-off to guarantee you get your projects back in time for holiday gift giving.
Wednesday Morning Coffee.....
It was an exciting coffee morning yesterday! Two more of our favorite winter visitors returned....Julie and Janie...and it was really nice chatting and catching up. Our coffee crowd continues to grow as everyone returns, and it is so much fun for all of us! We sure look forward to Wednesdays each week to see who else will return to the roost!
Newsletter....
We just sent out our November Newsletter, and posted on it that we will be having a drawing for a Basket of Goodies to be given away in December. To enter the drawing, you must bring in a quilting project for us; bring in more than one and you can enter your name in there that many more times! The contents of the basket is valued at over $100.00, and would make a great addition to any quilter's sewing stash. Take a look at what is crammed into this basket....
So, don't miss this opportunity to enter your name into our drawing...bring in your quilting projects soon!
In-House Retreat Cancelled....
Due to personal conflicts, we must cancel the In-House Retreat we had scheduled for the weekend of November 19th. We will be rescheduling after the first of the new year, so stay tuned for that information. Thanks and apologies to those that did sign up. We'll catch you next time
Rim Country Round-up Quilt Show....
We are headed north this weekend to Payson, AZ for the annual Quilt Show there. It's really a great show, with lots of beautiful quilts on display, and lots of great vendors to shop with. Check out their web page for more information: http://www.rimcountryquiltroundup.com/. Take a day this weekend and drive up...you will enjoy the scenic ride on the way as well as enjoying the quilt show! Hope to see you there....
Wednesday Morning Coffee.....
It was an exciting coffee morning yesterday! Two more of our favorite winter visitors returned....Julie and Janie...and it was really nice chatting and catching up. Our coffee crowd continues to grow as everyone returns, and it is so much fun for all of us! We sure look forward to Wednesdays each week to see who else will return to the roost!
Newsletter....
We just sent out our November Newsletter, and posted on it that we will be having a drawing for a Basket of Goodies to be given away in December. To enter the drawing, you must bring in a quilting project for us; bring in more than one and you can enter your name in there that many more times! The contents of the basket is valued at over $100.00, and would make a great addition to any quilter's sewing stash. Take a look at what is crammed into this basket....
In-House Retreat Cancelled....
Due to personal conflicts, we must cancel the In-House Retreat we had scheduled for the weekend of November 19th. We will be rescheduling after the first of the new year, so stay tuned for that information. Thanks and apologies to those that did sign up. We'll catch you next time
Rim Country Round-up Quilt Show....
We are headed north this weekend to Payson, AZ for the annual Quilt Show there. It's really a great show, with lots of beautiful quilts on display, and lots of great vendors to shop with. Check out their web page for more information: http://www.rimcountryquiltroundup.com/. Take a day this weekend and drive up...you will enjoy the scenic ride on the way as well as enjoying the quilt show! Hope to see you there....
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Another Wednesday...another Visitor!
This morning we were surprised to have one of our very favorite "snow birds" return to the quilting nest....Fudge Cathy! She is so named because each Wednesday morning for the coffee get-together she brings us a batch of her famous fudge...and she did not disappoint us today either. It was great catching up with her, and it seemed as if she had never left.
And check out this BEAUTIFUL afghan Fudge Cathy made and brought to me! I just love it, and am actually looking forward to some cool nights just so I can snuggle in it!
And check out this BEAUTIFUL afghan Fudge Cathy made and brought to me! I just love it, and am actually looking forward to some cool nights just so I can snuggle in it!
It appears my cat, Zinger, loves the afghan too!....I put it down for 5 minutes to take a picture and she thinks it's for her. Ha! Think again, Zinger!!
Speaking of knitting (I think we were speaking of knitting, weren't we?)....since being at the bead and yarn shop, I have become addicted to all the yarn and the fun things to knit. But my old canvas bag that I kept my needles in has seen better days....needles poking out everywhere, stabbing me in the legs as I walk! So I went a-googling for a quilted knitting needle holder. I found this one and decided to give it a whirl. Super easy to make, and we have figured out with a few fabric placement adjustments, you can use 2 half-yard cuts of fabric for this completed project!
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| Knitting Needle Holder |
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| Opened Needle Holder |
Here it is,all bundled up,and then opened with lots of slots for different needle sizes as well as knitting markers, tape measures, crochet hooks and other important stuff.
We've already had requests for a few and we plan to make up several to have for sale at the bead and yarn shop, Just Bead It.
In House Retreat
Don't forget to let us know if you are interested in attending our In-House Retreat the weekend of November 19th. We must have at leas 10 participants to hold the retreat; to date we have half that number. Leave a comment on this blog indicating your interest in joining us.
Christmas Quilts
Don't wait until the last minute to get those Christmas quilts to us for long arm quilting! We must have them dropped off by November 22nd to be completed in time for Christmas. Currently we are not back-logged with quilts, so the sooner we get them, the sooner we can promise completion!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Shop Talk....and Visitors!
SHOP TALK
We had mentioned in a prior post the recent arrival of our AccuCut 3/4" die cutter; well, we have been cutting lots of strips and making baskets. Cindi and Katie made really cute Christmas baskets...I wish I had photos, but alas, I do not! Maybe in the near future.
Today, however, while taking a break from long arm quilting, I decided to make a basket from strips of a Moda fabric with coral/cream/orange roses and brown background. I made a small oval basket.....and when I came to the end, started pondering how to finish it off. Well, gee whiz....here I am, in a BEAD shop! Low and behold, we found these really cute glass/ceramic beads that are perfect for the basket. I hope you can get a sense for the beads: they are peachy-cream color with a crackle glaze finish. Very pretty, if I do say so myself!!
So....keep the bead section of Just Bead It in mind when finishing those baskets. PJ has tons of beautiful beads and stones that can be added to your finished project to give it that perfect look.
And don't forget, we can cut those pesky strips for you in no time flat! Just ask Cindi....!!
We are contemplating an In-House Retreat to be held in November (most likely the weekend of November 19th). We would like to know if you are interested in attending our retreat. We will be able to accomodate about 10-15 people, and will keep the format similar to what we have had in the past at our previous location.
Please COMMENT below as to your interest. We are suggesting this retreat would work best for local quilters.
VISITORS
We've had some visitors this week, and we thought we would post a few pictures of them. Newborn Levi stopped by for a visit, along with his Mom and brother, Benjamin.
Such a cutie, and a good baby, too. Except Grandma just kept poking him and holding him....and would not let him sleep! Those Grandmas......no accountin' for them!
At Wednesday Morning Coffee we had another visitor....Judy Danz' granddaughter Kaitlyn stopped by (and brought her Grandma too). Kaitlyn was trying out a Halloween quilt we just finished for Cindi; but when her face started to get red and she seemed to be "concentrating", Grandma decided it might be time to move her off the new quilt! Good idea, as it turned out.
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