December 28, 2008

Holiday Fever – How did everyone survive the holidays? Just a few more days and it will be a new year. Time to start a new project. And the best time to take advantage of that New Year’s Day sale at the Attic Window Quilt Shop and get all your items needed for that new project at a great discount (20-50% off!). Be sure and stop in for this pre-inventory sale and start off your quilting year with a big bang!

Also – You’ll want to stop in at the shop and see all the changes that have been made. The shop was closed for remodeling right after Christmas and I’m sure you are going to like all the changes that Chris has made to make things more convenient for your shopping.

Something New – The Newsletter went in the mail this week and will go out via e-mail on Monday. If you don’t receive yours or can’t wait, you can now go to the blog and now find a link for the newsletter and the three month calendar for your convenience. (just be patient as it takes a minute to download)

Show - The Trunk Show from the Stitch Connection is in the shop now. Stop by and take a look.

Parade – Don’t forget to sign signed up for the year long parade of quilt shops. Cost is only $5 for the entire year and you will receive discounts at the featured store and a chance to win a $50 gift certificate from the featured store. The shop to be featured in January is the Attic Window Quilt Shop.

Make 2009 a giving year - Join Quilts for Wheels group (meets 2nd Monday of the month) or the Cancer Kids Quilts group (meets last Friday of the month) and make quilts for those in need.

Expenses - Due to the price increases on printing and postage, the Newsletter will now be available via e-mail. If you still wish to receive your newsletter via the U.S. Mail, please drop off three self-addressed stamped envelopes at the Attic Window Quilt Shop and we will drop the newsletter in the mail to you as soon as it is printed. We thank you for your support and understanding in this matter. For those of you who want to receive the newsletter via e-mail and have not yet signed up, either sign up on the blog or send a note to carolld@havilandusa.com.

Something Fun - You might want to check out the Quilters Blessings stitchery. There is a new block to download and they are starting a new BOM in January. These are cute little stitchery’s. The link is on the blog under blogs I follow - Capricorn Quilts.

December 21, 2008

Cabin Fever - How is everyone dealing with all this snow? Going stir crazy? Why not make something? You only need a small piece of muslin and some thread to make the free stitchery on the blog. Just click on ChristmasBall.pdf on the blog. I notice it takes a few minutes to download so don't be impatient. If that one doesn’t interest you check out http://capricornquilts.blogspot.com/
for their Quilters Blessings stitchery. These are really cute and you will want to go back once a month and get the next one. It is in another language but just click on the right were it says “Link to Pattern” and beneath that “December” and it will get you to the pattern.

SALE! - Don’t forget the big sale on New Year’s Day from 10 – 3. You will receive 20-50% off (or more). Join us for this pre-inventory sale and start off your quilting year with a big bang!

Bee – Don’t forget the first Bee of the year is Saturday, Jan. 3 and goes from 10-3.

Sampler - Sampler 2009 will begin in February! No meeting in January. Look for information in the newsletter.

Parade - Have you signed up for the year long parade of quilt shops? It costs only $5 and you will receive discounts at the featured store and a chance to win a $50 gift certificate from the featured store.

Show - The Trunk Show from the Stitch Connection is in the shop now. Stop by and take a look.

Make 2009 a giving year - We have so much to be thankful for. Now is your chance to give to others in need. Join Quilts for Wheels group (meets 2nd Monday of the month) or the Cancer Kids Quilts group (meets last Friday of the month) and make quilts for those in need.

Expenses - Due to the price increases on printing and postage, the Newsletter will now be available via e-mail. If you still wish to receive your newsletter via the U.S. Mail, please drop off three self-addressed stamped envelopes at the Attic Window Quilt Shop and we will drop the newsletter in the mail to you as soon as it is printed. We thank you for your support and understanding in this matter. For those of you who want to receive the newsletter via e-mail and have not yet signed up, either sign up on the blog or send a note to carolld@havilandusa.com.

Please note that the store will be closed Friday and Saturday after Christmas for a little remodeling. May you all have safe and fun-filled holidays and a blessed New Year.

December 14, 2008

News: This will just be a short recap of last week's post as we have been very busy getting ready for the holidays and getting the newsletter ready to publish.

Special: During the month of December all Christmas Fabrics are 20% off.

Mystery Week: During the month of March a mystery week will be held. Watch for future details on this fun filled event.

Toothbrush Rug Class: There will be a follow up class for those who took the Toothbrush Rug class. There is a $5 charge and you can come and get help with finishing your project. The class will be held Dec. 17th from 6-8 p.m. Call the shop to register.

Quilts for Donation: Women gather the Second Monday of each month to make quilts to be donated to those in wheel chairs and on the forth Friday of the month to make quilts to be donated to kids with cancer. You are encouraged to help with your time or your donations of fabrics/battings, etc. We need you now! Call the shop if you need more information.

Expenses: Due to the price increases on printing and postage, the Newsletter will now be available via e-mail. If you still wish to receive your newsletter via the U.S. Mail, please drop off three self-addressed stamped envelopes at the Attic Window Quilt Shop and we will drop the newsletter in the mail to you as soon as it is printed. We thank you for your support and understanding in this matter. For those of you who want to receive the newsletter via e-mail and have not yet signed up, either sign up on the blog or send a note to carolld@havilandusa.com.

December 7, 2008

Notice: This is the last month for the 2008 Sampler, so you won’t want to miss getting your last block and the instructions for putting the quilt together. There will be no Sampler classes held during the month of January. Classes for the 2009 quilt will not begin until February. Check the pictures on the blog to see how fantastic this year's quilt is turing out. Learn more about what's in store for next year's Sampler when the Newsletter comes out later this month.

New: Another NEW adventure is taking place in March during National Quilt Day. You’ll be able to finish a complete top! Look for more information in the Newsletter.

Special: During the month of December all Christmas Fabrics are 20% off.

Mystery Week: Also during the month of March a mystery week will be held. Sounds like lots of fun. Can’t wait to find out more about it.

Toothbrush Rug Class: There will be a follow up class for those who took the Toothbrush Rug class. There is a $5 charge and you can come and get help with finishing your project. The class will be held Dec. 17th from 6-8 p.m. Call the shop to register.

Quilts for Donation: Women gather the Second Monday of each month to make quilts to be donated to those in wheel chairs and on the forth Friday of the month to make quilts to be donated to kids with cancer. You are encouraged to help with your time or your donations of fabrics/battings, etc. We need you now! Call the shop if you need more information.

Expenses: That everything is going up in cost, goes without saying. Due to the price increases on printing and postage, the Newsletter will now be available via e-mail. If you still wish to receive your newsletter via the U.S. Mail, please drop off three self-addressed stampled envelopes at the Attic Window Quilt Shop and we will drop the newsletter in the mail to you as soon as it is printed. We thank you for your support and understanding in this matter. For those of you who want to receive the newsletter via e-mail and have not yet signed up, either sign up on the blog or send a note to carolld@havilandusa.com.

November 30, 2008

Snowflakes are falling in the store. During the week of Dec. 1-6, pick a snowflake and receive a special discount to be used that day.

Day Tripper- Read last week’s blog to learn about this new adventure. The cost is $45 and includes lunch. Call the shop for further details and/or to register.

Year Long Shop Hop –Don’t forget to sign up for the Year Long Shop Hop. The Attic Window is the shop to visit in January. Participants have until Jan. 31 to register for this event. Cost is $5 for the year.

New Year’s Day Sale. The Attic Window Quilt Shop will be open from 10-3 for you to drop in and take advantage of this special one-day sale!

Look for the Attic Window Newsletter which will be out at the end of the month. There are lots of new specials, classes, and events taking place that you won’t want to miss.

Quilts of Valor Project - If you would like to participate in the Quilts of Valor Project, You can send your autographed block to be joined with other blocks that are sent to make a Quilt of Valor for a wounded serviceperson. Go to the Quilts of Valor Autograph Block Drive for the mailing address, how to package it, and block ideas. The website is http://www.persimmonquilts.com/QOVBlockDrive.html

November 23, 2008

Note: Craft Day has been cancelled. Too much going on at this time of year and Chris thought it would be better to have it in the spring. Look for upcoming news of this event.

Day Tripper- This is something new and promises to be a lot of fun. The first Day Tripper this year is Jan. 31. You will meet at Attic Window then a bus will take you to Common Threads in St. Louis, MI and Everlasting Stitches in Holt where you can spend 2 hours in each store shopping. The cost is $45 and includes lunch. Call the shop for further details and/or to register.

Year Long Shop Hop –There are 10 shops on the Hop this year. Each month you will be able to visit the designated shop, receive discounts and register for prizes, at that store. The Attic Window is the shop to visit in January. Participants have until Jan. 31 to register for this event. Cost is $5 for the year.

Sale!!! On New Year’s Day the Attic Window Quilt Shop will be open from 10-3 for you to drop in and take advantage of this special one-day sale!

Did you know that the Stitch-In includes lunch? The teacher graciously provides lunch for those who participate. The cost to participate in the Stitch-in remains the same whether you partake of the lunch or not.

Barb has lots of new designs in Redwork and Twilling. Stop by and take a peek at the samples. They are fantastic!

Doll Club - Is now Julie's $6 Doll Bee and Julie encourages anyone to join the group as they do other crafts as well. She has added new pictures to the blog so you can see how easy her dolls are to make. Future plans include molding of the doll heads, arms, and legs and learning the techniques of putting on the hair. Click on the picture of the doll shoes to see what she is doing.

The newsletter will be out the end of December and will include further details on the above events.

May you all have a safe and blessed Thanksgiving.

The women of Quilts for Wheels have been working hard at making quilts for people in wheelchairs. The group meets on the second Monday of each month and interested quilters are always invited to join them. They currently have made 40 quilts which they will be donating to the Veterans Administration and Mary Free Bed. All the materials and batting for these quilts have been donated and the women would like to thank everyone for their generous donations. The group is accepting material and batting donations for future quilts. If it is difficult to get away and you would like to make a quilt or two for donation, just use any pattern you desire, and make sure the quilt is at least 36” by 40”. You may bring your quilts to the shop for distribution.


November Special: During the month of November, you may choose a day and stop in at the Attic Window to pick out a pumpkin which will have a shop discount on it. (Limit one per person)

Craft Day: Need to get a head start on those Christmas Gifts? Sign up now for Craft day, on November 29th from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. There are lots of projects and gift ideas available for you to choose from. Class if free! Kits will be available that day for a minimal fee. Call the shop and sign up now because seating is limited.

Author Visit: What a wonderful experience talking to Sandy Klop Friday when she was at the Attic Window to sign copies of her new book "American Jane's Quilts For All Seasons...And Some for No Reason.” During her time there she also demonstrated her unique way of making the many triangles that are used in her quilts (one quilt in the book is made entirely of triangles). She also shared lots of tips, including the binding tips and tips for the best way to make a mitered border, both of which are included in her book.

Klop grew up in Michigan but has spent the last 35 years in California. She still has family in this area and has been enjoying a visit with her sister. Klop has been designing her own patterns for the past 5 ½ years. She also designs fabrics for Moda. She said that during her first visit to Market, Moda came to her booth and asked her to design for them. She said she was thrilled beyond description. Her fabrics are with a 30’s flavor. She has a new line coming out soon and her sister says it’s is the best yet. Can’t wait to see it.

If you didn’t make it to the shop, you really missed something. Klop is a warm and giving person and it was such a pleasure to meet and talk with her.

November Special: During the month of November, you may choose a day and stop in at the Attic Window to pick out a pumpkin which will have a shop discount on it. (Limit one per person)

Craft Day: Need to get a head start on those Christmas Gifts? Sign up now for Craft Day, on November 29th from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. There are lots of projects and gift ideas available for you to choose from. Class if free! Kits will be available that day for a minimal fee. Call the shop and sign up now because seating is limited.

Visiting Author: Don’t forget that Sandy Klop will be at the Attic Window on Friday, Nov. 7th, from 3 – 5 p.m. for a book signing and to visit with you fellow quilters. Be sure and stop by for a chat, pick up a book, and grab bite from the refreshment table.

Sampler BOM: Saturday, Roxanne announced that December will be the last month for the Sampler BOM. Participants will get the last block and receive directions for various ways to put the blocks together to make a quilt. She also said that she is busy working on the Sampler BOM for 2009, which will begin in January.

Market in Houston: Chris just got back from attending Market in Houston. She said there were between 150 and 200 new shops, and she saw lots of new patterns and fabric lines during the three days she spent shopping. She said that Pastry is big this year. Moda has new Turnovers and Cinnabars as well as the Jelly Rolls, and has new Bake Shop strips that are 1½ inches wide. She also took some classes and brought back lots of new ideas, patterns and books.

Getting your E-Mails: Have you been receiving your e-mails? Several have bounced back after I sent them out. There are various reasons for that and I can’t really tell you here how to correct that. I just know that a number of the bounce backs say “unable to deliver” or “spam filtered” or “mail box full.” If you are having a problem you might want to sign up on the blog (see above and on right). That service asks for verification and for you to put the address in your browser in order to avoid the bounce back and to keep your browser from thinking it is spam. I’m not sure I’m explaining this correctly, but try signing up on the blog and see if that eliminates the problem. If you find you are getting too many e-mails from us, you can always opt out.

We are so excited to have Sandy Klop visit the Attic Window Quilt Shop on Nov. 7th. She is the author of serval books, the lastest of which is American Jane's Quilts For All Seasons...And Some for No Reason. Here is a little of her bio:

Sandy Klop was trained as an art teacher and began quilting in 1979 while she was living in Iran and then Saudi Araia, teaching at an American school. One of her first quilts was a baby quilt, made for her third child who was born in Saudi Arabia.

Back in California in 1984, Sandy continued to expand her interest in quilting and improve her skills. She worked at a local quilt store and began teaching classes. In 2000, she published a series of three quilt books. In 2002, she started creating her own pattern and marketing them under the name American Jane Patterns. The following year she was invited to become a fabric designer for Moda Fabrics.

She has had quilts displayed at Houston Quilt Market and at the Pacific International Quilt Festival. She has 130 quilt patterns on display on her website.

We hope you will join us in welcoming Ms. Klop to the Grand Rapids area.

October 20, 2008

Lots going on this week. Check out all the class samples that will get you in the mood to start a new project. We are starting to add a class supply list on the blog, thinking that will be helpful when for preparing for a class. Also, Julie is going to show us how easy it is to make a doll. Her dolls look so professional and she says anyone can make one. Look for upcoming pictures of her various stages in doll making.

Chris and some of the Attic Window teachers are going to market this week. Don't we envy them getting to see all the new things. Can't wait for them to get back and share with us.

Mark your calendar now for November 29th, the Satuday after Thanksgiving. That is when Craft Day is at the shop. You sure don't want to miss this fun day. Chris has lots of fun projects for us to make.

August 2nd, 2008

There are so many exciting events coming up that it is hard to know where to start.

The Shop Hop is Sept. 20-27 (closed Sunday). Be sure and get your reservation in now.
Quilts on the Grand at the Delta Plex is in October.

A teacher's meeting was held Friday night and there are a lot of great classes coming up.
Cindy will be making lots of new purses.
Carolyn E will have table toppers and a lovely new wavey jacket (picture coming)
Colleen is doing fabric cards and two-color applique.
Maggie has a wool and civil war fabric BOM quilt and a shooting stars applique.
Julie is teaching the Red Shoe doll, the spool pin cushion, and the Penny Rug Santa.
Barb is teaching her version of a very old quilt - the Sun Bonnet Sue Twins which is done in Civil War fabrics.
JD has a beautiful tree skirt, which will help you improve your machine quilting. She also has a crazy quilt Christmas tree skirt, a winter trees table runner, and a three hour pillow that will be just perfect for that last minute hostess gift.
Maria has a new flower wall hanging.
Vickie has a maple leaf wall hanging and a churn dash quilt.
Sue has a couple doll quilts and a 4 square double 4 patch quilt.
Glenys has a small star quilt and a quick butterfly quilt.
Caroll has a Vintage Charm quilt that is on point, and a Charming Flowers (no applique in either of these which is unusual for her).

Check back weekly as pictures of these projects will be posted as we get closer to the class.

July 28th, 2008

You are going to be thrilled when you stop in at the Attic Window. Chris has scads of new materials and books and patterns. She believes in thinking ahead, and now is the time to start thinking about those Christmas projects. Don't wait until the last minute to start making a gift. Avoid the rush and check out all the new project ideas and beautiful fabrics that are in the shop.
Of particular interest are the small projects that make nice housewarming, or hostess gifts. There are lovely new books with lots of ideas. Panels with the coordinating fabrics are also nice, quick, and pretty. That time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is always such a busy time, why not make those small projects now and put them back for when they are needed. What better gift to give than something made with your love.

There are also lots of new classes coming up. Check out the newsletter or call the shop for upcoming classes. Or if you are interested in a class that is not being offered, let Chris know so she can get it on the schedule.

June 8, 2008

Have you signed up for the Quilter's Skip? It's not too late. The Skip runs all week (June 8th - 14). Those who participate will receive patterns, fat quarters, and lots of fun. Stop by Attic Window and pick up your registration packet.



The teachers have been busy making new samples and helping Chris get ready for the Skip. Stop in at the shop even if you don't participate in the Skip, because you will want to see all the new fabrics, books, and changes that Chris has made.



There are lots of kits available. These small projects are fun and easy to take with you on vacation, or on those weekend trips to the cottage, or just to do while at home watching the kids enjoy their time away from school.



Hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful weather that finally arrived.

April 28, 2008

Wow, what a week. There is so much going on at the Attic Window. You must stop in and see the American Jane Trunk Show. You will love the samples, and if you are like me, anxious for the patterns to come in so you can start making up one of those beautiful quilts.

The newsletter is out. If you haven't received your copy yet, give the shop a call. Also, please don't forget to turn in your registration form (found in the newsletter) so you will be sure and receive the newsletter in the future. We are updating our mailing list. If you prefer, you now have the option to receive your newsletter via e-mail. Regardless, don't forget to stop by every week and view this blog. It is updated weekly so you can see what new is happening at the Attic Window Quilt Shop. (However, this next Sunday I will not be around to update the blog until later in the week. Vacation!) ;0)

Some fun classes are coming up in May. There is a new class on denium shirts, and one for making wallets. Everyone is talking about the environment lately and the Eco Friendly Bag is sure to be in demand.

Hope everyone has a great week!

April 23, 2008

It's Earth Day. And what a beautiful day it has been. It's hard to think of being inside and quilting when there is so much to do in the yard. It seems everyone is eager to get out in that sunshine after such a long and hard winter. Take advantage of the next week. Get that spring cleaning done. Get that yard work finished. Then get ready for the next Attic Window Newsletter which will be out by the first of May.

There is an abundance of classes that you'll want to read about and sign up for. The teachers have really worked hard to get their samples ready and make sure you have some interesting projects to do.

Don't forget to re-register for the newsletter. We'd like to know who wants to receive their newsletter and news of upcoming events via e-mail.

Hope everyone has a great week enjoying this beautiful weather.

April 13, 2008

Wow, what a week. I've been working on the newsletter and you are going to love it. It is crammed full of new classes, techniques, and events, including a week end retreat. We are also asking everyone to re-sign up for the newsletter. We need to know if you want it mailed to you or would you prefer to have it sent in an e-mail. The sign up form is in the newsletter.

The annual Skip is in June and Chris and her staff are busy getting things ready for that.

The Annual Fat Quarter Sale is May 8th, 9th, and 10th. Stop by the shop early and take advantage of this great bargin.

Quilts For Wheels will start on May 12th. Bring your tools, machine, etc. and join us on the second Monday of each month making a small quilt for children and adults who are in wheel chairs. If you are not able to help us out with the construction but would like to donate fabrics, thread or batting, that would be appreciated.

April 6th

Things are really happening at the shop lately. There are new fabrics to see and the teachers are busy planning their next classes. Stop by and see the samples.

The newsletter will be out at the end of the month so you can see what new classes are being offered. We are asking that you re-sign up if you would like to receive your newsletter via e-mail and/or if you would like to get weekly/monthly updates as to what is happening at the Attic Window Quilt Shop. There will be a sign up sheet in the Newsletter or you can sign up the next time you are in the shop.

The Quilter's Skip promises to be a week of fun from June 9th - 14th. Eleven shops are participating. Registration if $15. You will receive a neck wallet, passport, pattern, fat quarter and a 20% discount with proof of participation. Look for further details in the upcoming newsletter.

Hope everyone has a fun week of quilting.

First Week of April

Finally, the snow is gone and it's supposed to get up to 60 degrees tomorrow! I can't wait. This weather puts people in the mood to do some spring cleaning, think of planting flowers, and start new quilting projects (after we organize that sewing room). While doing that organizing I bet you found some material you forgot you had or maybe a pattern you put aside because you really wanted to do that one some day. Now it the time to stop by the shop and look at new patterns and books or pick out more fabric to go with what you already have. You just get the urge in Spring to start something new.

Happy Easter

Hope everyone had a nice Easter. What a beautiful sunny day. The snow is slowly disappearing, thank goodness.


Take note of the new shop hours. The shop will now be open:
Monday and Thursday from 10-8;
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 10-6;
Saturday 10-5.


The teachers are working hard making samples and getting things together for upcoming classes. The newsletter with the new schedule of classes should be out the first of April.


Until then, be sure and check our current class schedule and stop in at the shop to see the new samples that are on display.

March 16th

There was lots of activity going on at the shop this past week. UFO night was packed with women finishing up their special projects.

Chris is busy rearranging the store and hanging new samples. Be sure and stop by and see what she's done.

Teachers don't forget to get your information on upcoming classes in to Chris this week. We don't want to miss mentioning any classes in the next newsletter.

Lots of fun classes coming up next week. Check out the calendar for dates and times.

Teachers Meet

The teachers at the Attic Window Quilt Shop met Friday night to discuss and plan for their up coming classes. I'll try to post pictures of the samples as they come in, but be sure and stop by the shop where you can get a better view of what is being offered.

The newsletter with the new schedule for the classes should be out by the end of April. This will help you plan those summer projects. The teachers have been working hard on new ideas and samples. Moda University should be lots of fun. It starts in April (call the shop for dates and time).

Another popular class is the Sew-In. This session is quite well attended. We can't figure out if it is because the women just like to get together and sew or if they come to enjoy JD's soup. I hear she makes really good soup!

Fabrics! Be sure and stop by the shop to see all the new fabrics. Chris has chosen some beautiful fabrics, pastels as well as brights. She also has new Civil War fabrics. Come in and see the line.

Busy Week

It's been a busy week at the Attic Window with classes and parties and Bee's. Friday night there was a Quilt Block Caper - An Affair to Dismember - A Twisted Sister Murder Mystery Party. It was lots of fun with participants "murdering" a twisted sister block, as well as taking part in the play and solving the mystery. A good time was had by all.

Saturday Roxanne conducted the Sampler class and had a little show and tell. Several women had beautiful quilts to share with us, however, my camera battery died and I didn't get pictures of them. Sorry! Earlier, I did get a picture of the quilt Roxanne made with her scraps. We want to learn more about how she does this.

Following Sampler, the women of the First Saturday Bee got down to work, and enjoyed getting out of the house and talking to like minded friends.

12 Fat Quarters=5 Quilts Class

June, Marilyn and Ellen were busy cutting and sewing Saturday at the 12FQ=5Quilts class. During this class they learned how to use 12 Fat Quarters to make 5 quilts: Twisted Sister, Windmill, Hearts, Rail Fence, and Checkerboard. By cutting the FQ a special way, they managed to get the blocks cut for all five quilts. Of course they still had to supply the background materials, but it was a good way to make full use of all those fat quarters.

Gotta Quilt

When we were young many of us liked to cut up squares of fabric, rearrange them, sew them back together to make pillows and doll quilts. How many of us as adults still love to run our fingers over fabric and imagine putting different fabrics together? How many of us still look forward to that next trip to the quilt shop where we can purchase more fabrics even though our stash has outgrown the guest, hall, and bedroom closets?

I don’t know what it is about those beautiful cotton fabrics, but they have a way of making addicts of us quilters. Did any of us know what we were getting into?

I hear stories of quilters who began quilting long before rotary cutters or the various rulers now available. When I think of how far quilting has come, I’m grateful for all those new gadgets out there. I couldn't quilt without them.

There is nothing better than a well-worn, well-loved quilt to crawl under, wrap up in and dream on. Come to the Attic Window Quilt Shop in Comstock Park, Michigan and see what all the fuss is about.