I-80 SHOPPERS SPREE - - - WEEEEEE

A few pictures from previous years - - -
And, even though the Daytona 500 is running, Frank can't think of anywhere else he would rather be!

It's almost here! Sunday, Feb 14 (10 am to 5 pm) and Monday, Feb 15 (10 am to 4 pm) at the Little Amana Clarion Inn (formerly Holiday Inn), I-80 exit #225 (Little Amana Exit).
Vendors:
Adel Quilting & Dry Goods Co
Rainbows and Calico Things
The Quiltmaker's Shoppe
Merry's Stichins
Heritage Designs and Needlework
Expressions in Threads
Seams to Me
The Back Stitch
Nolting Long Arm Quilter

Garden Twist Day Camp - come and gone - -

Jan Mueller taught another great Day Camp last Saturday, Garden Twist.Watching all the different fabric selections come to life in this quilt was inspiring.

Above and below - - - a couple of bold floral prints.

And here is a sample of a bold red, black and white quilt about to be born.

This more subtle earth tone quilt was very pretty and almost blends in with the carpet on the classroom floor.

Jan's quilt, shown here on the design wall, is well on it's way to completion while Laura's teal and brown is still in it's baby stages.

They had a great day planning - - - -

stitching - - - -

reverse stitching - - -

Eating -- - notice in the background, Jan brought a completed quilt for display- this one done by her friend Joan.

they laughed - - --

and had an all around great day of learning and creating.

Next Day Camp is FEBRUARY 27. Taught by Colleen Tauke, this camp features a strip project and focuses on 60 degree angles with a discussion on choosing a quilting design and applying binding. There are only a couple openings in this Day Camp.

What a Super Day!

Even with the snowy road, we sold over 1,000 fat quarters yesterday. Thank you to all who made it in. It was a Super Day!

Shared from my sister - -

CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP
6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
6 cups water
1 small onion
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup chopped celery
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
3 cans cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup milk
8 oz. egg noodles
8-10 oz. frozen peas
Garlic Salt to taste
8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1-2 cans chicken broth
Seasoning Salt to taste

Cover the chicken breasts in large soup pot with 6 cups water and simmer 20 minutes or until no longer pink. Remove breasts and dice. Refrigerate for later addition to soup. Add onion, carrots, celery, salt and pepper to broth from chicken. Simmer vegetables 1 hour or until tender. Add soup, milk, noodles, peas, garlic salt and seasoned salt. Simmer until noodles are tender, about 20 minutes. Add chicken and cheese and simmer until cheese melts. Do not boil. If you prefer to thin the soup, add chicken broth to desired consistency. (I wound up using both cans of broth and it was a VERY full pot of soup) Makes a lot of soup. Very good as leftovers. ENJOY!

Hoffman Block of the Month

We've been working over the design and here it is. This block of the month starts in April. Buy into this project for just $35. Come in the 3rd week of each month to pick up an 18" block at no extra cost. 12 months, 12 (18") blocks. Each block will be a scrappy version selected from this new Hoffman batik line. Additional fabrics and design ideas will be available to make this quilt any size you want. Shown below is one block, the optional border fabric (draped over top) and samples of combinations to be used in the quilt. Register soon as this program will be limited to just 200 participants. Also available by mail for $17.50 per month. Be sure to click on the image for a close up view of the quilt. The dark bars create a great secondary design when set together.

February Offerings - - -

16" - Available now

11" x 14" - March - Woops, tip your head to the right :)

16" x 32" - April

16" x 25" - May

Not too late to sign up for our block of the month programs. Starting this month:

• Lilly Anna Stitches (seen above)- This seasonal bom runs for 4 months and features hand dyed wool. Cost for bom registrants only is just $20 a month. Each table topper comes complete with the pattern, locally hand dyed wool, wool felt and perle cotton.
• Strip Club - This is a special value because you get the whole Queen size quilt, already cut for you. There are no other fabrics to add. It's a bar quilt block with a fun sashing that gives it interest. This project runs through August for just $15 a month and includes binding. A neat design but beginners level. Scroll down to Jan 23 post for more on this Strip Club project.
  
  

Snow Special

Remember our leaf special from last fall? Well, it's back now for snow! Come in today (preferably before noon) and receive 10 free scoops of snow with every $1 spent. BYOB (bring your own bucket). Scoops will be provided. As always, we appreciate your business :) :) :)

From a customer - - -

The Power Of Prayer

Someone has said if every citizen really understood the full extent of the power we have available through prayer, we might be speechless. Did you know that during World War II there was an adviser to Churchill who organized a group of people who dropped what they were doing every day at a prescribed hour for one minute to collectively pray for the safety of England , its people and peace?

There is now a group of people organizing the same thing here in America . If you would like to participate:
Every evening at 9:00 pm Eastern Time (8:00 PM Central)(7:00 PM Mountain) (6:00 PM Pacific), stop whatever you are doing and spend one minute praying for the safety of the United States , our troops, our citizens, and for a return to a Godly nation. If you know anyone else who would like to participate, please pass this along. Our prayers are the most powerful asset we have.

"The last hope of human liberty in this world rests on us" - Thomas Jefferson

More new stuff and it's all sweet!!!

Jeni Osler made this shop sample quilt using sweet pink, brown and red Valentine Jelly Roll strips. The photograph does not do it justice. The pattern is from a new GE Designs book, Strip On which features several strip project quilts.
And here is Garden Song, a new, very sweet panel from Sandy Gervais.

and how are these for sweet little baby prints?

New from Moda

Just in - a few pieces from the new Moda collection of OZ

New selection of hand dyed wool - - -

Diane was just here with her suitcases full of hand dyed wool. We added several bright, spring looking wool pieces to our fat 1/8th selection of fall colors.
Below is a fun little quilt we just finished off as a pillow. It uses a combination of fibers. Mixing cotton with wool and/or wool felt is a great textural look as well as a very economical way to get stretch your wool stash budget. This pattern is also available in the shop.

Tis the Season - - -

- - - - to come out of hibernation with Valentines
- - - - the fabrics

---the kits - - - The square quilt features fabrics from artist, Cherie. The table runner is made with cream wool felt and lovely hand dyed wool hearts. Kit includes pearl cotton for finishing.

the last call - - - - one kit left of this cute little red and white quilt

-- -- and, one kit left of this little wool felt table topper - Kit includes the adorable little heart buttons.

AND the Wearing O The Green - - - -

St Patrick's Day with new gorgeous fabrics from Hoffman and

Karen Berger made this little Shamrock shop sample for us. Very pretty.

Show N Tell

Margaret Beal brought in this quilt yesterday. It is a kit project she purchased in Missouri. Allot of work but, so beautifully done. Another Margaret marvel!

Adult Ed Classes

Many of you know Colleen Tauke, our shop Assistant Manager. An ISU Textiles graduate, she teaches classes in our shop and has also started offering classes through the Waukee Adult Ed program. Go to this website link for more information. www.waukee.k12.ia.us/communityeducation

New from Moda - Blush

The Smile Is the Shortest Distance Between Two People

February Snap Sack!

Looking like a breath of fresh air, our February Snap Sack is ready. Colleen made this little sample while the snow whirled outside. Just $12.99 for the top, back, binding and pattern.

Binding idea - - -

Have you ever run just a little short of the fabric that you just MUST HAVE for binding your quilt? You've searched high and low, and it is no longer available? My friend, Marge, just passed this idea along to me:

For 2 1/2" cut binding:
Cut the required number of strips from what you have for binding but cut the strips just 2" wide. Cut 1" strips from a substitute fabric. Piece these two strips together (stitching together the long sides). Fold, press and apply to quilt. The substitute fabric will be completely hidden when you fold the binding around the quilt edge.

For 2 1/4" cut binding:
Do the same thing but, cut 1 1/2" strips from what you have for the binding and add 1 1/4" strips of a substitute binding. This will stretch your original fabric even farther.

Because you have an extra seam in your binding, when trimming, you will likely not need to leave much extra , if any, to make your binding feel plumped.

Close Up

This is a close up of the machine quilting done by Deb Semmens of Tomorrows Heirlooms (a long arm quilting service in Desoto). She is still offering half price on machine quilting jobs. Deb has added a 2nd quilter to her business and wants to boost volume. Click on this image for an even closer look. Contact Deb at 515-834-2430 or 515-250-7719 for an appointment more view samples and schedule a job.

New Strip Club Project

Shown here in the country colors, this one block quilt has built in sashing that appears to float above the blocks. These are just blocks from month 1, layed out on my floor. The actual quilt will be much more scrappy as you add different strips each month. To create the design, the sashing and the binding will be the same print through out the quilt.


Above are sample strips of the Blue and Yellow choice. Starts Feb. Just $15 a month gets you all the pre-cut strips to build this Q size quilt, including the matching binding. You choose your color way.

Lots of New Stuff!

Spring fabrics are starting to arrive - - first from Moda

Then from Clothworks - -


This collection comes with a pattern with a cute inch worm in the border.

And - some new pre-quilted fabric, perfect for bags.

And these new tote bags hold a large quilt. They are made from re-cycled materials with a Ricky Timms design - Just $6.95.

Other new stuff -

Come in and try our notion of the month. Glue Something is a great substitute for the glue stick. Much easier to apply, more precise, last longer, does not get soft and smeary and is water soluble. Just one dot on your applique holds it in place while you turn and stitch. Also wonderful for wool and/or wool felt applique


Here is a pretty valentine quilt made by Colleen. Click for a larger image to see these little girls hanging their valentine quilts on the clothes line. We have this in kit.

Deb Semmens has just completed this green and white Twist and Turn shop sample quilt. This is a great two color-way quilt. Very vibrant. We have it in kit in green/white, black/white (also shown) and red/white.

new fabric

From Hoffman, this fabric also has a little gold outline around the shamrocks. Very pretty.

And here are a few pieces from our new Moda cowboy line. The tone on tone prints are tiny stars.

Mrs. Potter's Garden

This is our next applique block of the month. If you click on the image to enlarge, you will notice little bunny motifs in the centers of each. These little pre-printed pieces come with the pattern and you build the block around them. This pattern company is sending us this very quilt to have on display in the shop in February and March so, stop by to see. We will select fabrics for our BOM that closely resemble this sample.

www.theiowafarmer.com

My brother, Bill Beaman, is a farmer in south-west Iowa. He has recently published a book, a mystery titled "The Iowa Farmer's Wife". He has also opened a website. Check it out and pass this link along to your friends. www.theiowafarmer.com We will be carrying his book in the shop soon.

Lillyann Stitches BOM

Above is a sample of our first project in the Lillyanna Stitches BOM, starting in Feb. This is a 4 month series. Each month will include a kit for a seasonal table topper, combining wool and wool felt.

New Stuff made by Colleen

January Snap Sack project - Kit includes front, back, binding and pattern, packaged in a cute little paper bag for just $12.99. We get a new project every month and they sell out quickly. Isn't this one pretty?
Above is a new wool felt pattern from Lilyanna Stitches, Treadle Treasure. I can't seem to get it to upload correctly so, the center sewing machine shown above is on her head. Just kind of tip your head to the right and you'll see it! This little quilt is only about 14" square but wool felt is very easy to work with, no fraying and stitches sink in very nicely.

I-80 One Stop Shoppers Spree

Doesn't seem possible but, in just a few weeks, it will be time for this big show again. Several quilt shops will set up under one roof - the Holiday Inn at the I-80 Amana exit. Feb 14 & 15 (Sunday/Monday of Presidents Day weekend). Always a great event - make plans to attend if you can. Worth the drive.

Coupla new things - - -

Jackie O keeps making us new shop samples of the Tie Pillow. One sells out and we have her make another one. Here is the latest version. This kit comes with a free pattern. This pillow cover requires two half yard cuts. If you purchased on of our Quilt for the Cure kits for the Tie Pillow, please check to be sure you received two half yard cuts in that kit and not just two fat quarters.
Below are some bolts we just moved to the $5 a yard shelves. This cute line of dog prints comes with a free pattern to make a doggie bed.

New Stuff

Love it! Just in is this selection of green and whites. What shall we make up in these?
And Nancy Halverson's new book - always lots of fun whimsy in her books .

And two new groupings of Valentines fabrics. One in brown, red & pink and they other mimics old fashion Valentines. Both are very nice.

- - - plus charms and jelly rolls to coordinate.

Holy Snowballs!

Here is Colleen's shop sample, featuring our new Valentines fabrics by artist, Cherie. Cute and how appropriately named in the aftermath of this blizzard. Holy Snowballs! This kit is available in wall hanging size under $30.

Baby Jungle

Here's a close up of our baby quilt kit from the fabric line, Jungle Jungle. For an accent, we added a wide binding strip across the top of Poodle Cloth. Fun way to trim out any little quilt and babies love the texture.
note: kit does not include Poodle Cloth but there are lots of textures and trims available on the market now. Just be sure to pick one that is baby safe.

New Strip Club

Deb Schemmel brought in this cute baby quilt for show n tell. It gave birth to an idea for our next Strip Club project. I love the way the block placement creates a fun secondary design. We will offer this quilt for Strip Club starting in February 2010. Come in and pick up your pre-cut strips once a month for $15. We will offer 4 color-ways to choose from. Our project will finish
66 1/2" x 76" with no borders. Add borders to make a queen size quilt. Sign up soon so we can get strips cut for you! See more samples in shop. Registration requires a deposit for first and last month.
Color choices will be:
blue/yellow/green with a dark blue sashing
brights with a black sashing
country colors with a brown sashing
or
Amish solids with a black sashing

The back is a fun polka dot on Deb's quilt. It is just adorable. Thanks for sharing, Deb.

From a simple hand towel - - -

Make a bag, make an apron, make a pillow or simply decorate a holiday towel! Come in and let us share ideas.
This cute pillow was created by Colleen using a towel, some wide rick rack and the mitten design motif from The Wooden Bear.

The 2010 Calendar is in!

Here's a sample. This is Jan Mueller's French Braid quilt. This photo was taken by her daughter, Meridith for our 2010 calendar. They are in the shop now and just $11.95 each. Come get yours soon or ask us to ship.

Ladies of the Lake Prepare to Retreat!

Ladies of the Lake Quilt Retreat(s) are Oct 12 through 14 and Oct 15 through 17 at Lake Panorama, near Panora, IA. There are still a few vacancies in the October 15-17 retreat so if interested, call soon. Cost is $95 for Fri/Sat and $115 for Thur/Fri/Sat plus hotel at $70 a night for double occupancy. All meals, speakers, lectures, prizes, gifts and tons of fun are included!


The venue is open sew but we do teach and provide kit projects for those interested. This year, we will be teaching the Lazy Angle Ruler and Flying Geese X 4 to make this "Chain of Events" quilt by Far Flung Quilts. We have kits reserved for retreat guests in both color ways. The quilt kits finish 45 x 60 to make a nice wall or throw size quilt.
Above is the two tone purple quilt (all batik). This is just a sample of how the color combinations will look. The actual kit is for the throw size, same as shown in the autumn colors below.This is the autumn color way, mostly batiks. Colleen Tauke made both of these quilts and will be presenting a lecture on the techniques used in this quilt pattern. She will also be on hand throughout retreat to assist. This is a quilt you can easily finish during retreat. How fun to go home with a completed project.

The bus takes off

A bus full of happy quilters just took off on a three day excursion.

Blog Tip

A customer told me about this today. You can go to www.Google.com/reader and build an account for yourself and enter all your favorite blog addresses, www.adelquilting.blogspot.com, for example. Each time that blog adds a post, it is automatically forwarded to your new Google Reader account so, you don't have to check each blog for new entries. Just go to your Google Reader account and view them all. Very cool, huh?

A Black Squirrel???

Has anyone ever seen a black squirrel in central Iowa? We spotted this guy in our back yard last evening. We have the fattest squirrels in the three state area due to Frank's generous feedings. Guess word got out.

Here's our 2009 BOM - Bali Pop

Each year, we do a project where customers come in during one week out of the month to pick up a block pattern and fabric kit. During that one week, the block kit is free. Any other time of the month, the block kit is just $5. Here is our 2009 project. Made mostly from Hoffman batiks, this is a "must see" quilt. The colors are golden caramel and dark, rich teal blue with all shades of purple mixed in. We did not use curved piecing for this sample. We simply appliqued large arcs on to a background square. Either method is quite easy when doing large curves like these. Of course, we will show you how!
This quilt is made using a pre-cut package of Bali Pop strips. Registration is $15 and this quilt requires 1/2 pack of Bali Pops ($17.50). This sounds like a bigger investment up front than we usually have but, considering that these are 16" blocks, it really is not. There won't be as much finishing fabric required and the Bali Pop strips are all pre-cut for you!

This program will run for 13 months. Initially scheduled to begin in April, we have now moved it to May due to a back order of the Bali Pop packs.

Program Rules:

• $15 Registration
• Come in any day between the 3rd and 4th Saturdays of the month (We are including both Saturdays this year)
• Only registrants may pick up free blocks and only for themselves.
• Blocks are only free between the 3rd and 4th Saturdays.
• NEW THIS YEAR - we are not requiring that you show us your completed blocks. However, if you do bring in completed blocks to show us, we will enter your name in a drawing.
• Blocks not picked up during the open window are just $5 (still a bargain!)
• Blocks are available by mail for just $5 plus postage.
• This program will run for 13 months and includes 13 star blocks, shown in the picture. The quilt shown is a queen size quilt.
• We will provide instructions to set this quilt together, as well as an option for two smaller projects in lieu of one large quilt, at no extra charge.
• Setting fabric is sold separately

Please stop by or call soon to register.

Porch Quilt Show

Our 7th Annual outdoors quilt show is June 13 & 14. All are welcome to hang quilts in this show. The only requirement is that the quilt be finished!! Customers will vote for their favorites which will be photographed for our 2009 calendar of quilts and recipes - - - Please let me know if you plan to hang a quilt in this show. Remember, all quilts hang out doors and, based on past experience, Tide Pen removes mulberry bird droppings, our worst fear! - - Any suggestions on what kind of recipes to include? We have done cookies, casseroles and favorites in the past. Any clever ideas on how/where to photograph the quilts? We're always looking for new ideas. It's such fun. Please join in.
email me at adel.quilting@mchsi.com

Our Shade Garden

We have too much shade for grass behind our shop and home so, this is what we have been working on. After three years, it's starting to come together.

Frank and Max

As we patiently await the arrival of grandchildren, we find comfort in Max, Willow's Yorkie. Willow is our youngest. Max is pictured here with Frank, my husband. The two are captured in this picture doing what they do best, watching TV and napping. As a footnote, none of our children are married yet so, - - - heavy on the "patiently" waiting.