Seminole Sampler News

Challenge ...

... fabric is in -- the Hoffman Challenge, that is. :) We got a few bolts from Hoffman, all of which are lovely (exactly as expected, this IS Hoffman Fabrics we're talking about:) ... including the challenge print for this coming year (2009). Also some lovely blue and yellow prints (that look a bit stronger in our photos than they really are -- the human eye is much more discerning than even the best camera:).

First I would like to share the new books that are in. From the designer called American Jane comes a compilation of traditional designs:

Do you have a baby to quilt for in your near future?

Anyone you know a budding seamstress (or seamster)?

Fabric prettiness follows:

This lovely soft paisley is the challenge print.

More loveliness:

Bright Alert!

WOW!! We got a full dose of beautiful, bright, colorful, wonderful fabric today! Laurel Burch's newest collection, Secret Jungle, has landed. This work was apparently in progress/production when Laurel pass away earlier this year. What a wonderful elegy it is!!

Here is the panel print which goes selvege to selvege:

I intend to use this panel as the beginning of a medallion style big lap quilt, myself. :) Any of the bright colorway of past fabrics of Laurel's design will coordinate with this print, I'm sure. Here are the 'go-withs' that the collection came with:

Inspiration!

We got a very nice set of patterns and books into the shop today! There is a lot of great inspiration here -- are you thinking about gift giving (or making)? :)

First, in the pattern department:

Now, for the books:

Personally, I'm really excited about the stained glass version of Turning Twenty (I see a new sample coming!:) ... and I enjoyed paging through the antique photos book by Terry Thompson -- people have taken pride in making their quilts for some time. :)

"Information ...

... is the foundation of learning." (Otto Hampton)

I have been collecting website addresses for items of interest to quilters for a while. I finally got my 'act' in gear and assembled them for a new page on our website called Tips & Tutorials. I hope you find these items of interest. Even more important, if you come across something you think would be helpful to other quilters, please do send it to me at my shop email address.

I just came back to the store from Gaithersburg -- the Quilters Quest committee met today to draw the various prize winners (announcements pending notification:). We also talked about ideas for next year's Quest -- we decided to hold Quest 2009 over a FIVE DAY period, to include the actual day of Veteran's Day (Wednesday, Nov 11, 2009). We also decided that the quilt theme for next year will be Compass Roses (something that should appeal to the traditionalists and the contemporary quilters among you, alike:). Keep your eyes on our website and the Quest website
for breaking news.

It's foggy and damp out this evening -- I wish you a pleasant cuddle in a warm quilt for comfort!

:) Linda

Thinking About ...

... you all, beginning to work on (or at least contemplate?:) the winter holidays. Quilters Quest was wonderful last week/end (I do love seeing all those enthusiastic quilters!:) ... but now it is time to buckle down, as the saying goes. (grin)

I, myself, always face the winter holidays with mixed feelings. My fairly happy childhood predisposes me to enjoy Thanksgiving and Christmas; my busy adult life makes me somewhat dread the work involved (and the darker days -- gotta sit in front of my light bank this time of year:). We have embarked on a major de-cluttering effort chez Schiffer -- at this point, I am looking forward to being finished and to having a more peaceful, tidier winter! :)

Some of you may know that two of my employees attended Fall Quilt Market in Houston (just before Quilt Festival). We received a nice small box of goodies in yesterdays' UPS delivery that they bought for our gift table. As usual, there are limited numbers of these goodies in the shop so you will want to come in sooner rather than later if they appeal to you. :)

From BBD Creations, sets of book plates (for your own library, for a friend's stocking, maybe to put into books you give as gifts?):

Also from BBD, cards that contain bookmarks. These cards are the size of business-type envelopes and the book marks are laminated for long wear. Very charming!

I think these cards would be great to send to a friend far away or to anyone you wanted to give a small remembrance. :)

Do drop by while you are out and about -- there is a great color jolt and happy chatting waiting for you here at Seminole! Until I see, this is a time of year when you especially need to Remember To Breathe and to Keep Stitching!!

:) Linda