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