Lucky Me

After finishing my "secret project" I decided to use 108" fabric for the back of the "secret project."  Off to the Quilt Foundry, my LQS.  I know Lisa carries several bolts of 108" fabrics and I was hopeful she had something that would work.

The street and parking lot was full of cars so I knew something fun was going on inside.  Little did I know I'd have my socks blown off!!!

Lisa, the owner, and 10 or 12 other gals were in the middle of a class with Sue Wilson, Certified Instructor for Judy Niemeyer Quilting. The class project was Sunflower Illusions.

Wow....isn't this absolutely magnificent?  Paper piecing is something I'd like to learn more about and I could believe my LQS had this class and I wasn't signed up.  Talk about kick myself!!!  (Signing up for classes is something I avoid ...my ignorant reasoning...I already have so many UFO's I need to get those done first.)

 If I had seen all these paper patterns before the class I would have instantly said, "no way I could manage to do that."  Watching all those women working on their Sunflower Illusions were absolutely amazing.

While I was admiring every one's choice of fabric (100% true) you know the one that drew me over quickly....yep...the one with Kaffe Fassett fabrics.  I was careful not to allow myself to drool on the block...some how I don't think they girls would have appreciated my saliva on their work.

Sue Wilson, the teacher, was so sweet...she let me look at her samples and even held up one for me to photograph.  She was patient too....lol....because you know I wanted to watch what she was doing too.

Sue had 30 pieces of fabric in a stack and she cut them all out at one time.  I've never seen anyone do that before so I was very impressed. 

Talk about wild....all those pieces cut and ready to go!  Sue told me that Judy Niemeyer has her own methods of doing foundation paper piecing and the  process certainly looked much more manageable that I had imagined.  

Yep...I got my 108" backing fabric....but I also left with a fascination for foundation paper piecing AND regret for not having signed up for that class.  But that doesn't mean I won't be looking up another class soon.

Smiles,

Kelly

Local Quilt Shop-Quilt Foundry-Changes Hands

REPOST- I posted the wrong hours.....YIKES

The actual hours at Lisa Spalding's Quilt Foundry are:

Monday-Thursday 10-7 and Friday and Saturday 10-5

The Quilt Foundry has been owned by 4 ladies for the past 22 years.  Gretchen, Mary, Margaret and Peg have decided to "retire" and there was a reception for them on Oct. 26th.  I actually just stumbled upon the reception as I went in to buy some fabric.  Good think I always carry my trusty camera!!!

 

This was a fun article posted just inside the door at the Quilt Foundry.  The gal on the top right is Gretchen.  Below is a photo of Gretchen at the reception.  She still has that same great welcoming smile!!

This is Peg and the photo is not very clear. I was shooting over another person and I did not want to disrupt her conversation.

Margaret is on the left and the new owner, Lisa Spalding is on the right.  Every time I needed to find a fabric to coordinate Margaret was my go-to person.  I guess I'll have to find her the next time I'm stuck!!!  I wish I had her gift/talent.

The Quilt Foundry closed on October 29th and will re-open on Monday, November 15th at 10:00 with a SALE......oh yeah baby!!!  Nothing brings quilters out into the cold faster than a fabric sale....very nice quilt shop fabric....I wonder if there will be campers out there the night before.  I can see a long line of ladies with their lawn chairs all lined up to the door starting at 5:00 pm the night before....LOL.

Lisa a well known long arm quilter here in our area.  I know she will be very successful in her new business and I hope if you are in the area you will stop by and say Hi.  Feel free to purchase hundreds of thousands of yards of fabric while you are there!!! :)

 

Rich Spalding, Lisa's husband, is also a long arm quilter (rumor has it Rich owns 10% of the business....does that make him a silent partner? ).  I can't wait to see where they put their long arm machines.  I heard from a little birdie that they have done some renovations.  Hmmmm....wonder if anyone will notice a tall red head peaking in the windows?  I could disguise myself as the meter reader and insist in getting in to read the meter.  I fear they would recognize me and pull the window shades.

This is a before photo....I'll post another after I see all the changes.  The Quilt Foundry's new hours are Monday - Saturday 10-4, Tuesday evenings 7-9pm and after the new year they will have Sunday hours as well.  I know Lisa is excited and can't wait to welcome everyone so stop on over and check out her new digs.

Smiles,
Kelly