A Tadd More

Nashville or bust……

Yes, we’re back! As many of you know we have been at the AQS show in Nashville. Held at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Convention Center. We had a FABULOUS time!! And I am so proud of myself, I actually took our trailer and Laura 2 and I pulled that baby all over the place! I was so scared to try to drive my vehicle pulling that little trailer for the last year or so that we’ve had it. But, surprisingly enough the Lord just gave me peace about it this time. I just made up my mind, there was no other way, and I was going to have to do it. However, I can’t back it yet... so I just made sure wherever I went, I had a “way out” and didn’t have to back out. That worked great until the last day of the show, when I knew I was going to have to find someone to back it for me. Laura 2 found a man who had a trailer of his own and asked him to back it for us. According to him, he is the “world’s best trailer backer”, and I was willing to let him believe that as long as he was willing to put the trailer right where I wanted it. And, ya know what….. he earned that title! He IS the world’s best trailer backer as far as I’m concerned!! Mr. A-1 Quilting was an answer to prayer!

Here is a picture of our booth in our favorite corner. We have a great spot at this show. We saw lots of old friends and made tons of new ones. It was a great show! I will be showing you some of our other quilt friends who had booths at this show as well, later. I'll be showing you lots of goodies that I bought too! I bought 2 new sewing machines. One for my oldest son, Nick who is a new quilter, maybe you saw his quilt from a previous post and the other machine is for my youngest daughter, Haley (she's 11). So, now mom gets her sewing machine back and Nick can sew 'til his little hearts content!!

I also took tons of pictures of show quilts and I have pictures from our New Girl class.

Here is my mommy and I with all of our pink and green. The only thing missing is the green aprons. This was such a nice spot for a picture. Isn't my mom the cutest!

I have so much more to show you. Come back and see more AQS quilt show pictures and food, fabric and flowers!

              +++ Thought for the day +++
"Family faces are magic mirrors. Looking at people who belong to us, we see the past, present, and future."                                    Gail Lumet Buckley

Tell your family how much you love them, while you have the chance!

That's all for now!
Tammy

Can someone say “BACK TO SCHOOL”!!!……

“Look Dick, look Jane” it’s time for school to start. And if you listen closely you can hear the shouts from mom’s everywhere saying “YES!!!!”  Ok, maybe it’s just me shouting but, I’m READY!!  You know, the summer seems to go so quickly in some respects, but in other ways NOT FAST ENOUGH!

Here is one of our displays in the store with the Dick and Jane fabrics from Michael Miller. This is such a fun “back to school” line. It really “takes us back” doesn’t it? There are some commemorative books available too, if you look for them. I’m sure if you do a search on-line you can find all kinds of them.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I love all of my kids, but there are days when, I am more than ready for them to go back to school. I have a mental list of things that I wanted to do with them this summer that we never quite “got to”, but we did a lot of other things that weren’t planned. Most of the time that’s more fun anyway.

I’m sort of ready for a routine again, and earlier bedtimes. Not to mention the fact that it will be REALLY great to not get 25 phone calls a day at the studio, to settle some argument between them!  Did I mention that I’m REALLY ready to get the kids back in school? Sorry to all you teacher’s out there. Some of my best friends are teachers and I know they are not altogether ready to go back. So for them, I feel a little bad saying that….. just a little!

              + + + Thought for the Day + + + 
"When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. You are connected to your child and to all those who touch your lives. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child."     Sophia Loren

So true! When the kids go back to school, spend a little time on yourself. Take a day and do WHATEVER YOU WANT, and don’t feel a bit guilty about it!

That’s all for now!
Tammy

More spring in Salt Lake City……

Some of my favorite Moda girls….. this is Barb and Mary from Me and My Sister. They are not only great pattern designers, but they design the most adorable fabrics for United Notions and Moda. They are some more of our “market buddies”, that we hunt down at every market. They always have the cutest booths and great little “doodads” like the giant clothespins on the top bar of the booth! One market they had a “Barbie” pink grill as a prop in their booth and at another show was a purple wheelbarrow! We actually have a pink and green one in our store, I’ll have to show it to you sometime, but I “stole” the idea from them. Now, am I not telling you the truth….. is this the cutest booth or what?

And speaking of cute... Here is another "market buddy" and Moda cutie; Sandy Klop of American Jane. Sandy is another great pattern and fabric designer for United Notions and Moda. I always love to see what her booth will look like. It's always nostalgic and vintage feeling just like her fabrics and patterns. She always has the greatest props and antique toys. And of course her little cutie husband Stanley. We always look forward to seeing him too. Thanks for letting me take your picture, Sandy! She wasn't to thrilled about it. I don't know why? She's adorable.

Here’s another shot from the plane. This view reminded me of a checkerboard and made me think of my husband, Gary. He loves to play chess. He hasn’t been playing much lately, and he’s really missing it. I’ve tried to play. I know how all of the pieces move and the rules of the game but I’m not any good at it. It’s too much work for me!! I don’t enjoy it. If it were a game I could win at, I might suggest some interesting stakes. Like a shopping trip, or a night out with the girls and he takes care of the kids. I can well imagine those wouldn’t be his suggestions for winning….! And since there’s not much chance of me winning (EVER) forget it!

                                                 

+ + + Thought for the Day + + +

“Husbands are like fires, They go out when unattended."     Zsa Zsa Gabor

"ouch" even though I wouldn't necessarily go to Zsa Zsa for relationship advice, this is probably true. Guess I'll start brushing up on my chess game!

That's all for now!
Tammy

Spring in Salt Lake City ……

“All right girls, SHOW ME YOUR BOOGIE”!  Although I’m not sure this is their “boogie”?  Not quite sure what I told them to do for this picture? But it’s a great picture isn’t it!! These are my really good “market buddies”, Elizabeth of Late Bloomer Quilts, (that’s a picture of her booth) and yes it’s true, that’s Pam Kitty Morning herself!! These girls both have quite a following, and yet they have time for us “little people”! Pam has been so helpful and encouraging to me with this blog.  I know there are times she hangs up the phone or reads an e-mail and thinks to herself; “what did I get myself into!”  And, HEY, that’s a great floor isn’t it?  It looks just like mine! Ok, maybe a little newer and cleaner than mine.

As promised, I’m going to try to keep you entertained and informed about my little corner of the “quilting world” so I thought you might enjoy seeing pictures from spring 2007 International Quilt Market in Salt Lake City, Utah. So here are just a few………

Isn’t this the sweetest booth? I just met Meg from Crabapple Hill at this market, although I’ve seen her at previous market’s, I’ve never had opportunity to talk to her. Not only did I visit her booth frequently, but they stayed at the same hotel, and we saw them at dinner and in the hallways!  You learn a lot about a person when you see what they order for a meal! Not really, I don’t even remember what I ate!  I’m lucky to remember my name after a day at market. So much to see, and touch, and buy……….  After all I do have a store to buy for now!  I know I’m already selling out of her winter and snowman patterns and have to order more! They’re adorable, and look at that fabulous pillow!!  I think I might try to get to know her better so maybe she’ll want to GIVE me that pillow! Right!!

I know I am not the best photographer,

but I had to take this shot from the plane.

Is this scenery awesome or what! God really

knew what he was doing didn’t He!

Pretty spectacular!! I’ll show you more later!

              + + + Thought for the Day + + + 
On Friendship:

Henry David Thoreau said; "the most I can do for my friend is simply to be his friend."

Wilfred Peterson said; "to be a good friend remember that we are human magnets: that like attracts like and that as we give we get."

Let your friends know today how much you value them!
That’s all for now!
Tammy

“Pumped-Up" pumpkins!

Hey! I know it’s a little early for pumpkins, but not too early here at TTD. We are getting ready for the American Quilter’s Society show in Nashville and these little pumpkins are making their debut.   

Aren’t they adorable! There are actually 19 fat quarters in these little pumpkins. I know that seems like a weird amount right? It’s actually a little kit. It comes with a pattern and you have everything to make a table runner and wall hanging. It’s called Pumped Up Pumpkins!

Here's the pumpkin assembly line with all of the fat quarters cut and ready to “roll”.  I wish I could say they were my idea, but one of my customers had something similar that they bought at a show last year, and I decided to make my own version. The great thing is you have enough to make a whole project! Don’t you love that?

There are five of us going to the Nashville show and the rest are staying behind to run the store. Sorry girls.... We will be leaving on Monday morning the 20th (EARLY!!!! .... not MY idea) and we'll be returning on Sunday the 26th. I’ll be taking pictures of the hotel and show to post later. If you have never seen The Gaylord Hotel in Nashville where the AQS show is held, you will be sooooo jealous when you see it! It's one of the most beautiful hotels I've ever seen!

Let's see; a week without the kids and hubby (did I say that? hope he's not reading this!) with four friends that I love, throw in a little shopping and eating, what could be better!  Oh yea, there is work too..... it's not ALL fun and games!! Although I do have to say, I love doing shows. It's a lot of work, but I love meeting and talking to fellow quilters. See ya when we get back.

                                                   + + + Thought for the Day + + +

“A loving person lives in a loving world. A hostile person lives in a hostile world: everyone you meet is your mirror.”                                                                                                                 Ken Keyes, Jr.

Reflect a little "love" to all those around you today!
Tammy

It was a GRAND opening!

We had our official “Grand Opening” here in June, so I thought you might enjoy seeing some pictures from time to time. You notice that I had to show you the food first right? After all it IS all about the food isn't it? Here at TTD we try to incorporate FOOD into everything we can!  I love strawberries and grapes together. I think it's reminiscent of my favorite suckers when I was a kid! Charms Sweet and Sour pops. This fruit dip, one of the girls made is from Tastefully Simple, I think if I remember right it uses whipped topping and cream cheese, and a strawberry-rhubarb jam or something like that in a jar. Anyway, it is sooooo yummy.  See the flowers are my favorite colors PINK and GREEN, naturally. Our Fresh Market in a near by town, has the most beautiful flowers…. These green spider mums were the perfect color!  The cupcakes were made by our local shop called Sweet Dreams. They are the BEST cupcakes I’ve ever had, and I’ve had a few cupcakes in my lifetime. The frosting is the lightest buttercream and they squirt the frosting down into the middle of the little cakes and then frost the top!! Ooooooh my goodness! To die for! They also have the best soups there. I try not to go there too often, if you know what I mean! 

Here is our Laura Weaver (aka; laura2) putting away fabric. She is always so happy and energetic! Don’t you love her green glasses that match her TTD apron perfectly!

This is one of my favorite spots in the store. This armoire is from Rachel Ashwell’s Shabby Chic line of furniture at Target.  It’s a great piece for the price.  Don’t you love the sparkly green and pink stars? I found them at one of the local stores here in town one day and HAD to have them! All of these beautiful pink, green, and lavender fabrics are from LakeHouse Dry Goods and Paris Bebe, and the beautiful quilt behind the stars is "Sweet Pea" from Perkins Dry Goods. 

              + + + Thought for the Day + + + 

On friends…..  “a good friend doesn’t go on a diet because you are fat. A friend never defends a husband who gets his wife an electric skillet for her birthday. A friend will tell you she saw your old boyfriend – and he’s a priest.”     Erma Bombeck

Stay cool, and enjoy what’s left of the summer!
Tammy

Fabric Love (or some might say addiction)……

  “A rose by any other name…....... this rose is called La Belle Rose, by LakeHouse Dry Goods? I think this is the most delicious line of fabric I have seen in a long time. They are by far, some of  THE “girliest” fabrics EVER! I can see already that these fabrics are going to be in big demand. Hope your LQS has a good supply of this line. There are lots of great patterns out there for them too! Check out the LakeHouse website and Holly's blog (link below) to find some of the other designers and their patterns. And hey, if you are going to be in the Nashville area for the AQS show from August 22nd thru the 25th. Come and see the whole line "up close and personal"!  We will be in booth #'s 1801 and 1803. Now you may or may not know that I really prefer “brights”, but when Holly sent me the very first photos of this line I fell in love with them immediately. Holly’s inspiration for this line was a vintage piece of linen from Paris. That fact alone makes us want it! From PARIS!  What girly girl wouldn't want fabric inspired by something from Paris right? 

And, speaking of "girly".........our new purse pattern “Girly Girl”, is perfect for La Belle Rose, if I do say so myself. When Holly sent the sample yardages for these purses she sent little sketches and instructions for which fabrics to use where. She has such a great eye for this.

If you didn't have a fabric addiction before, these beauties would be enough to get you "hooked".

More "girly" stuff later......

              + + + Thought for the Day + + + 

“Love at first sight is easy to understand. It’s when two people have been looking at each other for years that it becomes a miracle.”                               Sam Levenson

"Have a girly day!".....

Tammy

“Twitterpated”

We all know Bambi and Faline from Disney’s movie “Bambi” ,right? One of my favorite lines is when Thumper says “their “twitterpated” which means they’re “in loooooooove”. That’s what I thought of when I took this picture…..

Aren’t they just the cutest!! This is a picture of #1 son Nick and his girlfriend Renae.  Ah, young love….. hard to imagine what he sees in her isn’t it! Is she beautiful or what! And as a mom, I can say she is a really nice girl too. That goes a long way in my book. He needs someone to keep him in line. She’s a good influence on him.  I think “he’s got it bad” if you know what I mean!

He just made his very first quilt, here it is below, (picture taken with his phone) he used a combination of  Summer In The City fabrics by Urban Chicks and also Chez Moi both by Moda.  I should add that he gave it to Renae. Shows how mom rates! Anyway, now Renae’s mom wants him to make her a table runner!  I informed him, “it’s always a good idea to make brownie points with the girlfriend’s mother”.

He’s planning his next quilt already and bought his first quilting book. Happy Hour by Terry Atkinson. He’s all excited about picking fabrics and starting on the next project. Nick is the only one of my 5 children (at least so far) that has any interest in quilting. And to think when he was a kid, he hated going to fabric stores with me and grandma! Now he claims “it’s in his genes”. Now all of this is great with me except for one thing…….. he’s got MY sewing machine and doesn’t want to give it back!! I think I might have to find him his own machine soon! 

              + + + Thought for the Day + + + 

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.     Helen Keller

That’s all for now!
Tammy

A Holly Jolly July!

Yes it’s true! We’ve already had Christmas here in the store!  The entire month of July we played Christmas music (in spite of all of the complaining I heard about it from employees who shall remain nameless, but you know WHO you are) and put up Christmas trees and decorations! I even CRANKED the air conditioning so it was very cool. I did stop short of stocking hats and hot chocolate. I did seriously consider it! Maybe next year!!

Here are some fun pictures to get you in the mood for Christmas right now! I know, I know!  It feels like we just had Christmas a couple of months ago!  But as we all know, the holiday fabric lines are either already in, or coming in, to the quilt shops right now!  And we all know, it will take some of us this long to finish those projects in time!!   Believe it or not, we have already sold out of some of our pieces, and have had to re-order!

Here’s the girl too! I bought these kids last year at Christmas from my favorite local shop Megan Morrison’s Home and Garden.  When I saw this fabric line, I knew I had the perfect props! These guys are perfect with Moda’s new Holly Jolly line of fabric by Sandy Gervais. Don’t you agree! And, I have the cutest quilt to show you later that one of our customers made using this line and embroidered blocks! After all, I have to keep you coming back for more……..!

If you don’t know this about me already, Christmas is my very favorite holiday! I seriously have at least one decorated tree in every room in my house. Yes, even the bathrooms! And each tree has a different theme! Now, being the first year with our new store open, we’ll see how much decorating I get done at home this Christmas!! Not to mention that I may be sick of Christmas by the time December actually gets here!

** I have declared August, “National Anniversary Month” so all of my thoughts for the day are going to be about marriage and relationships.

So here is today’s, very appropriate to the quilter/sewer……

              + + + Thought for the Day + + + 

Chains do not hold a marriage together. It is threads, hundreds of tiny threads, which sew people together through the years.”     Simone Signoret

That’s all for now!
Tammy