THEY HAVE ARRIVED

Hi Everyone

Sorry for not writing for awhile it has been very busy around here. Our visit with Patrick Lose was great. Everyone was very pleased and picked up some great tips. During his visit everyone fell in love with his Satinsque line of fabric. Well, good news the line of fabric arrived yesterday.
They are beautiful!!!
They are priced at $17.49/metre.

Come in and have a look you won't be disappointed.

See you soon
Kelly

P.S. Don't forget about our book sale starting tomorrow Friday Aug. 21st and Saturday Aug. 22nd. 15% off all books.

Closed

The Hobby Horse will be closed Monday August 3 in Celebration of Simcoe Day. We will have normal business hours on Saturday and Sunday.
Have a safe and happy holiday weekend.

Kelly

Treasures Anyone?

Everyone has treasures!!! How about making a sweet little fabric box (3"x3"x6") to hold them. A perfect size for small hands. Uses charm squares.

Cdn Suggested Retail - $4.50

Angie

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!!!

Fabric is Arriving daily...

Just in

New Art To Heart Christmas by Benartex
DecoPark by by Robin Pickens
Scribbles By Patrick Lose
Flora & Fauna by Benartex
Cat Fabric
Dog Fabric
Sponge Effect Batiks by Fabrics that Care
Christmas Panels

It's like being a kid in a candy store...so many choices

Angie

Plan A Trip to Visit Us

With Summer holidays in full swing, why not plan a trip to visit with us. Pack a picnic lunch, enjoy the gardens and shop in comfort (we're air-conditioned). If you would like to arrange a quick demonstration for your group, please contact Gail.

Looking forward to nice days,

Angie

Miss Bunny's Show and Tell

We came across just a couple of this great little book by Tricia Cribbs ( Friendfolks). Six Little Fat Quarter Quilts. Blow Out Price of $7.00.

Don't delay,

Angie

Happy Canada Day!

The Hobby Horse will be closed Wednesday July 1st to celebrate our nation's birthday.


Happy Canada Day!

Gail and staff

When Simple Works

I love the simplicity of this pattern. A simple pieced background of tans and beiges offer the perfect canvas for the shabby-chic raw-edged applique flowers. If you want to make this bigger tan the 50" x 65", how about adding a couple of extra borders. Throw in a few flowers on the borders and you will have a truly stuning variation.

La Vie en Rose - $8.98 CDN S/R
Enjoy,

Angie

P.S. We carry a great selection of LizzeBcrea8ive patterns.

Another Option for Travelling

There is room for everything in this 19 1/2" x 25" quilter's tote bag. Pack your ruler, mat and anything else you need in this great bag. Have fun using buttons from your button collection. Lots of fun to make and lots of fun to carry.

"starlight, star bright..." quilting tote - $12.49 Cdn S/R


Angie

Getting Organized for Summer Travel

Are you travelling to the cottage this summer? Do you like to take projects with you to work on? Well, you need to take a look at this great tote from June Tailor. It's a Quilter's Tote with a pressing station. Lots of pockets to put all the necessary tools(like cutter, ruler, mat). Pack a small travel iron to use on the pressing station.

JT5524 - Cdn S/R - $78.75

Here's to a great summer,

Angie

Stack Your Bobbins Nice and Neat

No more searching for bobbins! Have them all organized and ready to go when you use the Stack'n'Store Bobbin Tower by Clover. No more lost or damaged bobbins on the floor.

CN9508 - $20.99 Cdn S/R

What to Do With 5" & 10" Squares

Are you looking for patterns for 5" & 10" squares? How about this new book from "Me & My Sister Designs". Fifteen different projects are included (even a great tabletopper). All quilts in this book are based on the Four Patch Block.

TPP975 - Four Patch Frolic - $31.25 Cdn S/R

Have fun creating,
Angie

New From Laundry Basket Quilts & Laundauer Corporation

Hot Off The Presses! A new book from Edyta Star of Laundry Basket Quilts. We've carried many of Edyta's patterns in the store. Edyta shares her techniques for selecting and combining fabrics. A beautiful applique quilt is included that would be perfect for a Block of the Month program, as well as 8 inspiring projects.

Hop To It! Applique Blocks & Projects - $ 34.94 Cdn S/R

Enjoy,

Angie

Just Arrived...Quilt In A Cup

Your cup will be overflowing with creativity when you make this large insulated acrylic cup. All you need to worry about is the fabric and general sewing supplies. Everything else (including the batting) is included. Think of much fun you could have making one-of-a-kind drink cups for friends and family.

Quilt In A Cup - $29.99 Cdn S/R

Have fun,
Angie

Fairies, Fairies Everywhere

If you like fairies, you will love these squares and overall print of fairies in the garden. They are from the Flower Fairy Collection by Michael Miller. We also have a great selection of Fairy Frost fabrics to go with these. Many of the Fairy Frost fabrics have been bundled into fat quarter bundles. A pretty little gift for yourself or a friend.

Angie

Taking the Log Cabin Out of the Cabin

Take a look at this great log cabin book by Sara Nephew and Marci Baker. It takes the classic log cabin design to a new angle of triangles and diamonds using the 10" Clearview triangle. Great illustrations for each step of the project. A must have book for any log cabin lover!!!

Not Your Grandmother's Log Cabin - $37.45 Cdn S/R
10 inch - 60 Degree Acrylic Ruler - $22.44 Cdn S/R

On Golden Pond

A couple of years ago, we got to do a test sew on this great quilt from Clothesline Quilts. It measures about 45" x 60". A super project to mix batiks and country style fabrics. Skill level is intermediate. The best part of this project is not having to rake the leaves!

Canadian Suggested Retail - $9.98

Speaking About Patrick...

Patrick's new book has arrived! Poster Quilts with Patrick Lose has 10 great festive fusible quilts for year round fun (say that fast ten times!). Think of all the great Christmas projects you can get started on.

CT10684- Canadian Suggested Retail - $34.94

Have fun fusing!

Angie

Special Bulletin!!! Kansas Winter Fabrics Arrive

Everday new fabrics are arriving. It's like Christmas!!! Just arrived in the last few days is a great collection called Kansas Winter by Kansas Trouble Quilters. We've concentrated on the reds, greens and beiges. Over 20 bolts in all from this wonderful collection.

Our intention when we ordered this was to do kits for Cozy Quilt's pattern Holiday Cheer and fatquarter packages. But when it came in it got put right on the shelves and everyone is loving it! Hopefully next week, we'll get some fat quarters cut.

Priced at $17.49/metre

Scribbles Arriving In July!

I wasn't too sure what my Mom's reaction would be when I brought home Patrick Lose's new collection - Scribbles. I knew she would love the fabric but maybe not what I ordered. When I went to the store I showed her this lovely roll of all of the fabrics. She asked me immediately if I had ordered them. I said YES! We both think that they are great mix-in fabrics.

These great fabrics will be coming the end July. We'll have yard goods, 5" charm rolls, 5" charm squares and fat quarters available. There are 40 different fabrics in this wonderful collection.

I have to tell you I am having so much fun helping Mom with buying fabric. Mom's weakness is shoes. I think mine is fabric!


Angie

Mark these Dates of Your Calendar

Our Annual Anniversary Sale is on from June 3rd thru June 7th. Come and have some fun!!!

Angie

Forget About TV!

Forget about Watching TV with the kids this summer!! Make this cool games quilt. The printed panel is included with the pattern. Choose from Hopscotch, Shoe Lace-Up, Checkers, Tic-Tac-Toe, Identifying colours amd I Spy. It measures 70" x 96" when finished. We have in stock lots of great "I Spy" fabrics for around the outside.

The pattern(including one panel) will retail for $19.50. Kelly has them on order and is expecting them in stock in the next couple of weeks.

Anybody up for a game of checkers?

Angie

If You Enjoy Foundation Piecing

I can't believe the number of books being released that deal with paper piecing. We have always enjoyed paper piecing at the store. It's fun to watch our customers and class participants get excited about it too!!

Next time you are in take a look at this new book by Leisure Arts. Author Linda Causee has written many great books over the last few years and her new books are up to that great standard. The accompanying CD will allow you to click on the desired block size and print out all the paper patterns you will need. One 100 different blocks are included (traditional, travel,curved, calendar, star, Christmas and garden).

Canadian Suggested Retail - $19.95

Happy Paper Piecing

Taking Care of Cat Lovers...

As my dear brother Dwight pointed out to me not everyone is a doglover. So to keep the family peace I am including Rachel's Cat Garden. Each block is an individual kit with the watercolour squares and cat fabric included. Canadian retail is $23.95.

I really like both quilts ( I'm more partial to the dog quilt because I have a beagle). No matter what your preference is I am sure there is a block that you fall in love with.

Enjoy,

Angie

For Dog Lovers....

My Mom gave me a couple of missions to accomplish while I was in Pittsburgh recently.
The first was to find her a new pair of shoes. No Luck there!!! The second was to find something absolutely stunning for the store. Boy did I score big on that one!!!

This beautiful quilt is called Rachel's Dog Kennel. Each block is an individual kit which retails for $23.95 Canadian. Each kit comes with the watercolour squares as well as the fabrics for the dogs. These will be available the end of August. If you would like to pre-book your pruchase we'll give you an extra 5 % off. This special promotion will last till July 15th. Think about these for Christmas presents.

Please contact Kelly at kelly@thehobbyhorse.on.ca to reserve your blocks.

Angie

P.S. I think my Mom will forgive me about the shoes

A Little on the Crazy Side...

My apologies for not blogging for a while. With Quilt Market and Life thrown into the mix the last couple of weeks, I just plain ran out of time. But boy have I got lots of great things for the blog that I found while at Pittsburgh Quilt Market.

Life is returning to somewhat normal at the store. Alfred is behaving himself these days, but like a true farmer he wants to be out in the fresh air on his tractor. Gail has had to read him the riot act a few times.

By this point you should have received your newsletter. Lots of great classes! We've included some great product in there as well. If you see something you like and can't get to the store, give us a call and we'll be glad to send it out.

Angie

Sara Has Been Busy

Sara has been very busy cutting fat quarters of our lovely batiks. She has especially concentrated on the very brights. Check out our fat quarter table next time you visit with us!!!

Until next time,

Angie

Getting Organized for 2010

Every year, this is our best selling calendar! With beautiful inspirational quilts inside you will get inspired to fill your free time with creating your masterpieces. Not to big and not too small, there is lots of room to record your appointments and special events.

AQS7800 - Canadian Suggested Retail - $17.44

Get your copy today!

For the Creative Person

Express your creativity in the 18" x 28" Wallhanging. A fun project to make combing the love of gardening, painting and quilting. A bit of wool and a few buttons just step it up a notch!

Canadian Suggested Retail - $11.25

We have some wonderful samples of other Lizzebcre8ive patterns in our shop. Check them out next time you visit with us.

Angie

The New Tool In Town

We've been having oodles of fun with this cool tool by Cozy Quilt Designs! Make half square triangles in no time at all. Step it up a notch and create some unbelieveable blocks. With great supporting patterns and a book (The Strip Tubing Book), this ruler is great fun. Think of all the sewing you can get done!

A great way to use 2 1/2" strips in a fast and easy way.

Strip Tube Ruler - $18.68 (comes with basic instructions)
Strip Tubing Book - $23.68 ( a definite asset)

We'll have in the next week or so a great kit for a Fall Quilt using this ruler. As soon as I can get a picture I'll post it on the Blog.

Happy Sewing,

Angie

Arriving Next Week...

The Piecemakers Times and Seasons Calendars have always been very popular at our store. We are so excited about the new 2010 calendar. We have great landscape fabrics for this project. Gail will once again be doing a Piecemakers Calendar Club. Check out our next newsletter for Club dates.

Canadian Suggested Retail - $24.26

An Update on Alfred

Just a quick note to let you know that Alfred is indeed home and doing very well. It has been a couple of stressful weeks for both Alf and Gail, but both are doing fine. Over the next couple of weeks, Gail will only be in the store on a part-time basis while she keeps Alfred from doing to much.

Our family would like to thank everyone who sent their best wishes and asked about Alfred. It meant a great deal to us.

Angie

Celebrating 20 Years of Thimbleberries

It's hard to believe that thimbleberries has been around for 20 years. This keepsake book showcases a varietyof quilting projects (12 in total) including a special thimbleberries Celebration Sampler Quilt. One of the prettiest projects is a Yo-Yo Table Topper.

Retail - $36.19

Enjoy,

Gail

Using Alfred's Gardens As Inspiration

Do you remember the fantastic sunflowers Alfred grew last summer? We took our inspiration from his garden to piece one of our own. This lap size version of Bridge Creek Blossoms by Atkinson Designs made up quickly. A Bonbon roll of oranges, gold and green batiks was just enough to make the flowers. A big sunflower fabric was our choice for the border. Cheryl Westlake of Alice's Quilt Shoppe in Erin did a lovely job quilting our sunflowers with the Fusions Thread by YLI in Gerber Colours.

Bridge Creek Blossom pattern - $9.95

BonBon Roll (Orange, Gold & Green) - $22.00

Our sample will be back in the store in a few days. One of our fellow quiltshops from out west borrowed it for a show.

Enjoy,

Gail

Like A Kid in the Candy Store!

Over the past couple of days Angie & I have been buying new fabric for the shop. Talk about being a kid in a candy store or in my case a lady in the shoe department!

We've ordered some great Christmas fabrics, pretty florals, Dog Fabrics (and some Cats too!), great batiks and a whole bunch of treasures that you'll absolutely drool over. New fabrics are going to start arriving in the next couple of weeks.

We'll definitely post on the blog what has arrived and what we are going to do with it.

Stay tuned,

Gail

Quilting Along With Emilie Richards

Author Emilie Richard's fifth and newest Shenandoah Album novel will be hitting the book stands sometime this Spring. Did you know that for every novel in this popular series, Leisure Arts has published pattern books? What a great way to create the novel quilts that are talked about in the stories. We've recently made one of the quilts from her newest books - Sister's Choice.

Our version of Alison's First Quilt has been done in Black & White Batiks and Jewel tones. There are seven quilt projects to choose from in this Leisure Arts publication.

Suggested Retail - $18.68

Enjoy,

Gail

If You Like Foundation Piecing...

Finally a great go-to reference books for Foundation piecing is available. An overview of basic foundation-piecing tools and techniques gets the ball rolling. Then you can learn to plan, cut and sew 73 classic blocks with easy-to-follow instructions. Like other great guides by C&T Publishing, this one comes with a wire-binding so it lays flat.

Canadian Suggested Retail - $24.95

Enjoy,

Gail

Taking the Guess Work Out of Hearts

Easy Hearts by EZ Quilting has been a very popular acrylic tool these days. With five different heart sizes ( 4 1/4" x 4" to 10 1/2" x 11 1/2") included, it just about covers your heart requirements. Use the slots to draw on paper or grab an 18 mm cutter and cut through the slots. Either way it will definitely take the guess work out of hearts.

Retail - $19.68

Gail

No Fuss, No Fusibles, Just Fun!

Any pattern or book that comes from Atkinson Designs is always a great seller for us. We are very excited about Terri's new book. Just like her other products, this book incorporates fat quarters. You will absolutely love using Terri's "Over Easy" method of machine applique. Paper letter templates as well as CD include letters in two sizes.

Fat Quarter Fonts - $28.69

If you like Atkinson Design patterns, you might consider the following items

ATK605 - Happy Hour - $18.67

ATK606 - Let's Do Lunch - $21.19

Enjoy,

Gail

A Soft Spot in My Heart...

The Carolina Lily has alway been one of my most favorite patterns. With Marti Michell's Set E templates(MM8255) and this pattern you can make four different sizes of quits. If you do not want to make a quilt, how about making one block and have it framed. Simple yet elegant.

MM8970 - Carolina Lily pattern - $12.50

MM8255 - Set E Template (Eight Pointed Star) Set - $28.75

For the Easter Weekend

The Hobby Horse is closed Friday April 10th and Sunday April 12th for Good Friday and Easter Sunday. We will be open Saturday April 11th (9:30 - 5:30) and Monday April 13th (9:30 - 5:30).

Happy Easter,

Gail

Being Optimistic...

We're being optimistic that Spring-like weather will arrive(at some point) in the next couple of days. This is another new pattern by Patrick Lose that we are very excited about. Although you can do it in sunflower type colours, our sample is actually done in pinks. Whatever colour scheme you use, we know that you will love the 20" diameter tabletopper and 15" placemat.

Did you know that we "Party with Patrick" every month. If you would like more details on this great new great club, please contact us.

Happy Sowing,

Gail

Another Great Pattern from Patrick

It seemed appropriate that we book in this blog today. It's snowing!!! Although winter is officially gone, it's time to start thinking about gifts to make for next holiday season. Patrick has created a great frosty fella tablerunner (14" X 44") as well as placemats. Try your hand at satin-stitch applique and free motion quilting.

Pattern - $11.25

A Whole Bunch of Critters

Around our stable we absolutely love the appliqued animal projects created by Linda Hohag of Brandywine Designs. Critter Caboddle is Linda's latest book that has whimsical collection of playful critters. Seven projects are included or do your own thing with these adorable critters.

Critter Caboddle - $25.00

Other Books to Consider by Brandywine Design

Alphabears - $25.00

Critters: Dancin' in the Moonlight - $25.00

Gail

SPRING SHOP HOP 2009

Don't forgot to join us for our Spring Shop Hop which starts April 2 - 4, 2009. Come and visit us along with Greenwood Quiltery in Guelph and Ruti's Needlebed in Streetsville. When you have visited all 3 stores enter the draw for one of 3 quilts. You will also receive at each store a piece of fabric and a portion of a pattern. When you are finished the hop you will have a complete pattern and fabric for a special project.

Another added surprise - SHHHHHHH. Thursday April 2 is Gail's birthday. Come and help her celebrate with a piece of birthday cake.


Happy Hopping
Kelly

Welcome Spring!

With Spring arriving officially today we thought you would love a quick peek at this great book from C & T Publishing. With over 50 applique blocks to grow your own garden and 9 quilt projects included, this book is perfect for creating a garden inside. The quilt featured on the front is actually a finished tabletopper ( 48 1/2" square). This book even includes applique patterns for bugs!!!

flower festival - $32.44

Happy sowing!

Gail

How Does Your Garden Grow...

Don't wait for the soil to warm up to plant spring flowers. We've brought in this great pattern from the Chicago School of Fusing Pattern Works. Bright and cheery...it will add colour into your life.

Check out what other patterns we have as well next time you are in.

Gail

At Some Point it Will Be Warm Enough

I promise that at some point it will be warm enough for us to shed those winter coats. How about making a jacket that has flair. If you can handle a rotary cutter and have a little sewing experience, you can make this great jacket ( sizes small to ex-large). This jacket uses 2 1/2" strips. Make from batiks, flannels or homespuns. Every jacket will be one-of-a-kind.

Stripped-N-Stitched Jacket - $18.75

Happy Sewing,

Gail

Combining Music & Dance

With recital time fast approaching, we thought we would bring to your attention a beautiful quilt to make for the ballerina and musician in your life. The quilt measures 58" x 67 1/2". This pattern is intended for the quilter who has had some experience with both applique and piecing.

Did you know that we have some wonderful ballet fabric available? If you do not have time to make this beautiful quilt, how about making a shoe bag from the ballet fabric.

Until next time,

Gail

"Nanna's Farm"...A Beautiful Memory

This quilt is one of our $10.00 class project choices. This quilt combines applique and patchwork to create a beautiful ode to farming life.

Nanna's Farm - $31.98


Gail

My Favorite Glue Pen

I have to say the Glue Marker by Fons & Porter has to be my most favorite glue applicator of all times. The blue air-soluble ink allows me to see where the glue has been applied. The color fades as the glue dries. Because of the narrow applicator, I can be very precise. Refills are available.

Glue Marker - $7.69
Glue Refill - $4.40

Keep Quilting,

Gail

How Many Times Can You Turn Twenty?

We can't say enough great things about this pattern by Friendfolks. Just twenty fat quarters and a couple of hours sewing time and you have a great quilt. Use florals, batiks or novelty prints. I believe that we've had about seven or eight different samples of this great pattern over the years. Great for beginners!

There are other great patterns by Friendfolks based on the same concept that you might like to look at as well.

Turning Twenty - $12.50

Other booklets available

Turning Twenty ...Again - $12.50

Turning Twenty...Around the Block - $13.70

Turning Twenty...Just Got Better - $16.20

Turning Twenty...Feelin' Groovy - $18.70

Turning Twenty...Simply Sashed - $18.70

Have fun stopping at one!

Gail

Great Baby Panels in Stock Now

Is someone in your family expecting a bundle of joy? Maybe at work? We have some wonderful baby panels (priced right) available. You'll have them sewn in no time at all. Come for a visit and see what's available or if you can't make it out just give us a call and we'll help you over the telephone.

See you soon,

Gail

The Luck of the Irish

March Tuesday March 17th as your lucky day! Wear something green and all green fabrics are 15 % off.

See you on Tuesday!

Gail

Looking for A Small Project to Do?

I absolutely love to have a hand stitching project on the go at all times. My most favorite projects come from a company called Bareroots.

Pillow Talk (#121) is my "Pattern Pick for the Week"
Retail - $8.98

We Interrupt Our Regularly Scheduled Blog!

Just in time for Spring! A beautiful collection of flannels called Chapel Hill. Priced at $15.49/ metre. We are doing our Simple Square lap size quilt with these flannels. Kits should be ready by the weekend.

Happy Sewing,

Gail

The Right Tool for the Job

Many quilters are making flannel rag quilts these days. They are quick and easy to make. But a number of quilters have been saying that their hands get tired when they are clipping. The right tool can make the difference.

Invest in the right kind of scissor (something that can do the layered cuts). We have three different scissors available for you to consider.

CLA18039 - $8" All Purpose Snips by Clauss (pictured) - S12.99
CLA22320 - 6.5" Rag Scissor by Clauss - $46.85
FP7827 Rag Scissor by Fons & Porter - $27.99

Have a great week,
Gail