Friday, February 13, 2009

VALENTINE'S DAY SALE

Don't forget our Valentine's Day Sale
Wear RED and receive 15% off all RED fabrics.
Snacks will be provided and will be having a free
make it and take it project.

See you Saturday

Kelly

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Coming Full Circle

Paper piecing has held a special place in the heart of the Hobby Horse for many years. It seems that it is once again having a revival. If you are interested in paper piecing successfully come and check out the tools of the trade that allow for "picture-perfect" paper piecing.

Tools of Paper Piecing Include -

1. A 6" or 12" Add-A Quarter Ruler (available in yellow or Breast Cancer pink)
2. Press Bar - wooden or plastic
3. Foundation Paper ( Carol Doak's, June Tailor, YLI Corporation or That Patchwork Place)

A great book to get you started is Carol Doak's Show Me How to Paper Piece.


Paper piecing is addictive and fun to do. Why not come in and see our great samples. We have something for everyone!


See you soon!

Gail

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

My Favorite Marker

Everyone has a favorite marker and this is mine, especially when I am doing alot of embroidery work. It's fine tip allows for accurate tracing and drawing. As with any marker, remember to test on a small scrap of fabric before marking a whole piece of work. Always read and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Gail

Monday, February 9, 2009

Sewing the Perfect 1/4" Seam Allowance


Sewing the perfect 1/4" seam allowance is as easy as 1-2-3...if you have the right tools. For some of us a 1/4" foot is our best friend. But what happens when you do not have a 1/4" foot? Here is a list of some handy gadgets that do the job right.


1. Clearly Perfect Angles - A cling sheet that attaches on to your acrylic table. Shows the 1/4" markings. ( a good choice if you have a large sewing area)
2. Pam Bono's Angler II - Fits onto your sewing machine. Shows the 1/4" markings (a good choice if you have a restricted sewing area)
3. Sewing Edge by Alicia's Attic - A very good choice because it is colourful and is easy to see. Can be used on any size of sewing area. Just position using a ruler.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Mark Your Calendar


Can you think of a better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than to spend some quality time at The Hobby Horse? To celebrate the special day come and participate in a free Make 'n Take.
We'll also have snacks...and we'll be taking 15 % off all red fabrics!
Could you ask for anything more?
See you Saturday!
Gail

Saturday, February 7, 2009

A New Gripper In Town


Before Christmas, the Original Gypsy Gripper (two suction cups) and the Amazing Little Gripper were the most sought after gadgets for Christmas gifts. Now available is the In-Between size for the middle size rulers and templates. This size even comes with an indicator which tells you when the suction cup is properly attached.
Why not treat yourself to this great new gadget. You'll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Happy Cutting,
Gail

Friday, February 6, 2009

Our Pattern Pick of the Week

Many of you may be familiar with Atkinson Designs. Have you made a Yellow Brick Road quilt? Then you are familiar with the quality of pattern that Atkinson Designs produces. Any of Terri's patterns are great projects because they are straight-forward and do-able. We've been having great fun with this pattern lately.

The gentle curves are fun to sew! The pattern packet includes three acrylic templates and a complete pattern with easy to follow instructions. Five sizes are included.


Until tomorrow,

Gail

Thursday, February 5, 2009

The Final Touch

Now that all the hard work is done, there is one final step to consider for your quilt project. The funny thing is that this is the one step that is the easiest to do yet is the most dreaded on almost all quilting projects...the hanging sleeve.
The Quilter's Hangup is a ready made cotton pleated sleeve. Just measure the width of your quilt cut the amount of sleeve you need and follow the step-by-step instructions. Each package contains 3 yds of sleeve.
You'll wonder what all the fuss was about!
Canadian Suggested Retail - $14.50
Happy Hanging,
Gail

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Choosing the Proper Gift



This past weekend, my grandson Quinn was invited to a friend's birthday party. Finding the perfect gift (especially when that friend is of the opposite sex) can sometimes be difficult. So instead of heading to the mall, Quinn and his Mom came to the store to seek out material to make special pillowcases.

Quinn chose a great aquatic theme. Just like Quinn, his friend swims for the local swim team. After choosing the fabric, I gave a copy of our great pillowcase instructions to Quinn. Quinn (with some help from his Mom) made a one-of-a-kind gift for his friend.


The pillowcases were a hit! So next time you are trying to come up with the "perfect" gift, why not consider making a great set of custom made pillow cases. Just come and get your fabric and we'll be happy to give you a copy of our great pattern free.


Gail
P.S. That's Quinn in the picture

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Making Bonus Points with The Younger Generation

One of our best selling patterns! Choose wild prints (for the gals) and plaids (for the guys) and start sewing. A great multi size pattern (XS - XXXL). All the teenagers will love them. As an added bonus there is a bag pattern and a pillow case pattern included. The perfect project for both the beginner and vetran sewer.
Many variations included.
Canadian Suggested Retail - $18.75
Happy Sewing,
Gail

Monday, February 2, 2009

Cupcakes AnyOne?...No Calories





How cute is this cupcake? With no calories, you won't be able to stop at one! A great gift to make for a friend or yourself. Choose pretty fabrics to make the icing and the cake.
They are absolutely fabulous and guilt-free!
Canadian Suggested Retail - $7.50
Happy Baking,
Gail

Sunday, February 1, 2009

What's Your Act of Green




These days with all the talk of Acts of Green and what each of us is doing to contribute, I thought I would share with you my currect Act of Green.

For Christmas, I made this fantastic bag for my two daughters and daughter-in-law. It's a great way to reduce, re-use and recycle. What makes this bag the best is the fact that when not in use, it can be rolled up tight and secured with a button. Make it out of great print fabrics in any of the three sizes. You'll be the envy of the grocery stores!

I'm pretty sure that you won't stop at one.

Bring in your bag and show us your handi-work in the month of February and we'll put your name in a draw for a great pattern bundle of other Brookshier Designs patterns (6 in total). The winner will be announced on March 1st. (one entry per customer )

Canadian Suggest Retail - $11.25


Gail