It's (Almost) Christmastime at Quilt Essential

Back to school is upon us and it is time to start thinking Christmas. Maybe not the decorating, cookie making, present wrapping part of Christmas yet, but definitely time to start those quilted Christmas gifts. We have been getting in a lot of Christmas fabric and have a lot more to come. Here is a nice little sample of what is available now.

A Christmas Story: May your days be merry and BRIGHT... how can you not love these crazy colors? 

Snow Days Batiks: Who wouldn't want a snow day when you could be working on a quilt with these batiks?

Blitzen: No reindeer on this fabric, but the greys and aquas are just delicious.

Allie Cat Runner in Blitzen: Yum, yum!

Christmas Spirit: The new Holly Taylor... and yes, we already have kits for this line!

Joy: This line comes with a happy panel.

Winter Penguins: Make a quilt for your "Happy Feet" fan.

Like I said, this is just a taste of Christmas. We have been and will be working on lots of kits with these lines. We should have a great selection of kits at the Fargo Quilt Show.

Katie

Playing with my camera

About a month ago my old digital camera disappeared. I'm not sure if it grew legs and walked off or if I just misplaced it, but I've searched all over and can't find the thing. This weekend I decided it was time to invest in another camera, but I got a little crazy and decided that a dslr camera is really what I need for taking photos of quilts in the store (maybe a little overkill, but it sure does do a great job!) So here are a few photos that I've been practicing on...

Our newest kit in Kansas Troubles - Queen Size

Sleeping bag from the Curiousities and Mischief Book

My kitty on the prowl

Bob-bert...isn't he cute?!!!

Baby Room Stuff

Hehe, I love these little witches...Stop staring at my lollipops!

Kate

Katie's New Toy

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy! We weren't expecting to pick it up yet, but Sunday Ryan, Ma, Pa, and I went down to Valley City to pick up my new toy from our good friends Julie and Jim. Below is a photo of her all set up in our shop.

Her name is "Miss Julie" after her previous owner, Julie, who used to be our longarm quilter before she was diagnosed with cancer. She was instrumental in the store being what it is today and we will miss her dearly. She passed away just two days after we picked up the machine, but she will always be a part of our shop and the longarm machine is a daily reminder of what a wonderful friend, quilter, and woman she was. 

We got "Miss Julie" up and running on Tuesday and did a little playing with some verigated threads. It is completely different than my HQ Fusion, so it has been quite a learning experience already! Loading quilts, oiling, threading, and the buttons are all different than what I'm used to, but it has been fun doodling with thread :)

Kate

Custom quilt-double wedding ring

First things first, I think I'm completely incapable of uploading photos to any social media and have them show up the right way. They are fine on my computer and then, bam, wrong way on Facebook or the blog! Anyhow...I've added a couple photos of the quilt I just finished. My camera disappeared so they are photos with my phone, so not the best quality, but you get the idea. The bottom photo gives an idea of the block. There is quilting inside each large area, plus a different quilt pattern in the small areas and a separate one in the brown squares. The borders are quilted differently as well. This quilt took around 20 hours on the machine. The quilt turnout out absolutely gorgeous, so I'm pretty pumped.

Kate

Country Register Story

I was lucky enough to be interviewed recently by Chickencreek Communications, the publisher of the Country Register for the Dakotas. Follow this link to page 7 to read the article about Quilt Essential.

Some of the questions were easy to answer, but the question  "what is your favorite part of your job" was a tough one. As with any work, there are things you love and things you would prefer not to deal with. In my case I have a hard time saying no to pushy vendors, paying bills (but really, who LIKES paying bills) and would prefer to never have to dust and clean. However, I have many things I love that I get to do: help people pick out colors for their quilts, see customer's completed projects, rearrange the shop to my liking, choose designs for quilting tops, design patterns that go with fabrics from the shop, etc. I just wish I had more time to design and less cleaning to do.

Kate

A few extra moments

The bus trip is almost here and I'm almost ready to breathe a sigh of relief. This week will be full of menus, kits, and trying to get caught up on the shop's long arm quilting. Oh...and getting ready for the International Day we are vending at in East Grand Forks. It is all coming so fast and we'll be adding to the chaos by vending in Rapid City in early June.

I can't wait for the craziness that will soon be upon us. We seem to thrive, spitting out kits and samples at the last minute. When the list of things to do is longer than the time we have left to do them in, somehow everyone pulls it together-Mercedes keeps me in line, Mom sews like a madwoman, and Grandma and her group of friends folds until their fingers ache. And it works. Welcome to my wonderful, crazy life as a quilt lady.

Kate

Spring is here!

Spring is here...well, I hope it is, anyway! The sun is shining outside and I have an itch to start my garden. 95 pepper plants last year...that's nothing compared to what we'll have this year! I was told we should really put in a LOT more tomato plants this year so we can make more homemade salsa to can. Evidently the three quarts and eighteen pints of salsa last fall wasn't enough to keep Ryan in salsa for the year, he was down to three pints just a couple weeks ago. Bring on the sun.

Enough day dreaming...just a reminder the Spring Fever (which I seem to have) Bus Trip is scheduled for April 28th beginning at 8:30am. Get a group of your friends together and book your seats today! Seats are limited and are filling up quickly, so get your seat right away!

Kate

Ha! Figured out the photos.

Here is the giraffe quilt. I love the citron, grey and black!

 And here is a photo of one corner of our booth...

Kate

Minot Prairie Quilt Show

Hello from the Minot Prairie Quilt Show! I am actually sitting in my booth waiting for the chaos to begin. The big items at the show? Our new chenille rug kit has pretty much been a hit. We are out of patterns and are getting close to finishing off the fabric.

The giraffe quilt as you go kit is now gone and I'm hoping to have enough fabric to make two more kits. We'll see if it ever sees a wall in the shop. Hmm, the blog isn't letting me upload any more photos. Grrr. Well, the noise just got louder in here, so it has started....

Kate

Spring Fever Bus Trip

Well everything has come together and we have the information for the bus trip!

The Devils Lake bus will leave at 8:30 am and wind our way through quilt shops in Rugby, Bottineau, East Grand Forks, and Crookston before returning around 9:30 pm.  It should be a great day filled with friends, food, and great shopping!

The bus pass cost is $80 and includes all transportation, meals, a goodie bag, and one lucky Devils Lake passenger will receive a $500 Quilt Essential Shopping Spree good toward merchandise or long arm quilting services! The winner of the shopping spree will be drawn when the bus gets back from the trip.


Only 24 spots are available for our portion of the bus, so your chances of winning are great! Reserve your seat at Quilt Essential or click here for the printable form to send in.

Kate

Spring Bus Trip

We are finalizing the details for a Spring Bus Trip with 5 other towns! So far this is what we have:
Saturday, April 28th early AM-mid to late PM.

Yup, that's it. But very soon we'll have a whole slug of information on it...and we plan on having a GREAT BIG PRIZE for one person on our bus. Will you be the lucky participant?

Kate

New Fabric online!

Whoo hoo! Just finished updating the online site http://www.devilslakequiltshop.com/ with the fabric that has come in while I was gone. Here's a taste. Check out the website for the rest of the pieces.

Love the princess theme of It's a Girl Thing!

Are you ready for Easter?

Go Bison!

Pretty Papillon.

Giraffe Love?...Why, yes, I certainly do!

Kate

Had a great time...but I'm back!

Well the bachelorette party and the wedding were a blast. Only one thing threw a kink into plans...the zipper on my newly taken in bridesmaid's dress didn't quite last through the entire reception-oops!

I've been working away at the stack (yes, it is a LARGE stack) of quilts that came in while I was gone and working on a few new patterns to debut at the Minot Prairie Quilt Show.  Just a preview of what's to come:

Rockin' the Band Headband Pattern

Sew Fast Quilt as you Go Kid's Quilt

Deer Quilt (no name yet!)

The samples for all three patterns are done and ready to check out, but I'm finishing the last few touches on the patterns and the kits. They'll be done soon!

Kate

Quilter's Beer?!

This is just too weird. Take a good look at the label on this beer. What is the name of it? Quilter's Irish Death! Hehe! Yes I had to pick up a couple bottles of it (even at over $5/bottle!). We'll have to try 'er out at our next Thursday night UFO party!

Oh and just because I can, I took a photo of the sushi I ate this week. Mmmm, isn't it tempting? And no, nothing on the plate is raw besides the avacado in the middle.



But I tried...

Well since I don't have my laptop with me, I've had to sneak onto my friend's computer to update my blog but I did try to hit a couple more quilt shops this week...remember the word "tried"!

First, "Pieces Quilt Shop" in Renton.

But it was CLOSED! Turned out they went out of business a while ago. Bummer.

Next I drove by a place where I saw machines in the window... *screech* brakes on and finding a turning lane! I don't know the name, it just said "Bernina". I tried to upload the photo but I think the computer is taking a rest, so it isn't up to doing any uploading. Well NO FABRIC, but I did find a handy little gadget for the long arm machine and a few extra bobbins.

I'm headed to Auburn tomorrow to visit Gonsanko's Chocolate Art and pick up the three pounds of sea salt topped chocolate covered caramels I ordered. YUM! My wallet and my diet are going to hate me.

Kate

Shop Hop Seattle Style!

Well I'm in the rainy city and it hasn't disappointed, it rained all day today! Luckily the rain here is more of a drizzle and doesn't drench one when walking in and out of quilt shops and restaraunts. I started my day in Bellingham, WA at a little place called "The Bagelry". After an everything bagel with cream cheese and garlic potato soup (it was garlic-y) I did a little gift shopping and headed to probably the BEST ice cream shop, "Mallards" for a scoop of Blackberry Ice, although the Lavendar, Ghost Pepper/Lime, and Green Tea Ice Creams sounded interesting.

After stuffing myself and people watching (let's just say Bellingham has a DIVERSE population), I headed down to Evertt and "Needle and I" quilt shop. The shop was cute and tidy, there weren't a ton of samples but I did pick up an awesome pattern that I'm hoping to figure out and teach classes on at a later date.

Next on the quilt shop hop was Keepsake Cottage in Bothell, WA.  Pulling up I was really impressed, there were a ton of different shops in the "Country Village". Very cool.

The shop was super overwhelming. There were a decent selection of samples, but they must carry 10,000 bolts or close to it. Everywhere one looks there is a bolt of fabric. The selection was awesome, but it was incredibly hard to get around in. The picture doesn't do it justice, literally there are 10" paths through the store. I had a hard time walking through with my purse! But I bet they'd have that piece that you can't find anymore.

Tomorrow? Hmm, I have some errands to run for my friend's wedding and I might try to hit another one or two quilt shops along the way :)

Happy Monday!

Katie



Feb Quilt Essential Mystery Challenge!

Stop by the shop to pick up your mystery challenge fabric while supplies last. Use the mystery fabric in any sewing project (it has to be used in a way that it is visible), combine with any other fabrics and bring in by April 14th (send a photo if you can't get here). The winner of the mystery challenge will recieve a $50.00 gift certificate to Quilt Essential.

Be creative and have fun~

Katie

Baby It's Cold Outside

Brrr. I'm loving the sun we've been having for the past couple days, but boy it's chilly! I guess we've been spoiled this winter. I got the greatest news today...a spot opened up at the Minot Quilt Show and we're in! It is going to be a hectic month getting ready for the show, especially since I'll be out west for almost two weeks this month. Good thing we've been busy getting new kits ready!
Our disappearing 9 patch in "Grow With Me" is quilted and just about kitted. We used cute little monkeys in our quilting!

Another quilt that was just quilted and is now kitted is Pristine:

The Tennessee Waltz kit is ready and we don't have the sample quilted yet, but you can imagine what it would be like:

We also received some awesome new flannel today from Moda and are restocked on 45mm blades and 6" and 12" Add an Inch rulers.

Bright and Fun!

I love this new sample Mom just whipped up. The colors are bright and happy, the pattern is simple and goes together quickly. Now...I just have to get it on the quilting machine!

Yummy new fabrics, with a yummy recipe

New fabrics just in:
Fortune by Kate Spain for Moda:

Click here to buy Good Fortune by Kate Spain

Garden of Enchantment by Maywood:

Click here to buy Garden of Enchantment

New Charms from Moda: Sassy, A Stitch in Color, Domestic Bliss

Click here to buy Charm Packs

I pretty much make myself sick on this fruit salad....

Strawberry Tapioca

2 pkg (10 oz) strawberries

1 pkg tapioca pudding – regular

1 pkg vanilla pudding – regular

2 bananas

1 pint cream, whipped

Drain strawberries; add enough water to strawberry juice to make 3 cups.  Boil with pudding.  Cool.  Add strawberries and bananas.  Fold in whipped cream.

Grow With Me

New! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE "Grow With Me" line from Moda in BRUSHED COTTON (Flannel-like cotton)! Jelly Rolls, Charms, and Layer Cakes are in and ready for your baby quilts.

We already have our disappearing 9 patch quilt ready to be quilted, completed from one layer cake.

Kate

Fritos Chili Cheese Salad Recipe

1 can Mexican Corn (the smaller can), partially drained
1 cup Mayo (not Miracle Whip)
2 cups Fritos Chili Cheese Corn Chips (adjust to taste)

Mix can of corn and mayo together in bowl. Just prior to serving add chips to coat.

It sounds a little odd, but this salad is sooo yummy!

Ma-moose-a!

Here are some photos of my most recent trial-an artsy quilt. The panel was a moose and I wanted to create a sort of 3D effect. I quilted the outside with a meander and the back of the moose with a gold thread and the darker hair with a dark grey thread.

The back of the quilt turned out pretty cool, if I do say so myself. Below is a pic of the back. The thread shows up really well on the blue flannel back the customer chose. You can really see the moose, even though it is just the thread from the other side!

I was pretty pumped with the finished quilt and I learned a lot with this one. It is fun to try out new techniques with my machine!

Katie

UFOs and the "Stash" Resolutions for 2012

"I could open a shop with all the fabric I have at home..."
"I have sooo man kits that I haven't even opened yet...."
"I just can't buy any more fabric, I have so much..."

Sound familiar? As I shop owner, I hear comments like these all the time. 2012 is here and it is time to do something about all those unfinished projects!

Where do I start, you ask....at the top of the pile! Here are some helpful hints to get you started on your road to a UFO-free quilting existance:

1) Lock  yourself in your quilting room. Maybe it doesn't have a lock, that's okay, just get away from the kids, grandkids, husband...the distractions.
2) Take a deep breath. Yes, it may look like mountains of fabric, but remember you will conquer the pile!
3) Start to organize. Whether you prefer to organize by color, amount, or project, start a pile for each type.
-Remember to have a "what was I thinking" pile. Toss all fabric, kits, etc you can no longer see the beauty in into this pile. This pile will go to Goodwill, a church quilter's group, or to anyone who would jump at the chance for it.
4) Use bins or tubs to organize fabrics and a small see through bin or a box to put each full project in. It will keep the fabric together and keep them neat.
5) Make a list. What projects do you think you can get done this month, quarter, or year? Add only projects that are do-able and keep this list somewhere you can see it and keep it updated. There is nothing like crossing off one of those items!
6) Join a group. Talk to your guild or to your quilt shop to see if they have scrap or UFO groups. They will keep you interested in decreasing your to-dos while you get the latest gossip!

Do you have any ideas for reducing stash? What can we do at the shop to help you get rid of all your excess projects? (Short of tossing them, of course!)