Tuesday, May 18th, 2010
First of all – my spree!
I am off to Quilt Market, where it is my turn to shop, shop shop! Twice a year, I spend some quality time at the quilt shop trade show – this spring in Minneapolis. Joan Ford and I usually travel together, but I accidentally booked my plane reservations for 7:00 pm instead of 7:00 am! So she is well on her way and I still have a couple more hours. All’s well, cuz I have time to post a few tidbits on the blog. And speaking of blogs – check out what Joan wrote about our favorite diner in Minnesota – Hell’s Diner. That’s right – we are going to hell! And then we will shop for the latest and greatest fabrics, gadgets, classes and fun stuff to hit the market. Keep watching the Calico Gals Facebook page to see what I find and who I meet, (shameless name-dropper that I am!).
Now for your spree…
Back to that Facebook fan page because the gals are cooking up a whole lot of fun while I am gone. They only think I don’t know what they are up to! They thought I was leaving this morning, so the Syracuse store started today with a buy one, get one free fat quarter sale. The gals in Oswego are on board with this since they are doing the same tomorrow. I can hardly wait to see what else they pull off. I can follow them everyday on Facebook while traveling, but there really isn’t anything I can do to slow them down or stop them. You win and we all laugh! Enjoy the sales!
Calico Gals Harborview is open for business!
The new store is off to a great start. We unlocked the doors on Saturday, even though there was fabric all over the floor.
Just the beginning. How do you like the new carpet?
Our groups are small at the moment, but trust me, I have already ordered a whole bunch of fabric to fill the place.
Tweet, Tweet - the new collection from Moda is just Cute, Cute!
This collection shouted, “Pick me, pick me!” So, of course I did.
Play in the Sand from South Seas.
There is still lots of room for more. The new sewing machines are waiting patiently in the boxes for the trip north.
Playing in the dirt.
It is good news if you drive by and see one or more guys digging in the dirt out front of the Syracuse store. That’s our new patio being built! And just in time for the good weather. The landscaping is next on the list.
It may look like work, but I think Mike was having fun.
Just because…
Or maybe just another reason to stop in to the Syracuse store. Remember the bras? I wrote last fall about seeing the Bras that Common Threads Quilt Guild made for charity. You can read about it here, or stop in to see the traveling exhibit we have hanging in the store. They spin around on their hangers and dance all day long. Some of us think they change places when the store is closed!
When Mike, our mailman, comes in the door shouting, "Show me your bras," we are more than happy to oblige!
Off to pack. I’ve got a plane to catch!
Posted in Gals on the Go | 2 Comments »
Tuesday, April 27th, 2010
Have you heard?
Calico Gals just can’t sit still for a minute. Every quilter I know is thinking about the next quilt as she sews the binding. Now that we are getting comfortable and settled into our beautiful new store, it is time to start a new a project. And what a project it is!
Another store!!
That’s right – Calico Gals is adding a second location in Oswego, NY. We have merged with Quilters Nook and opening a new store at 199 West First Street. And just so you can see how beautiful the new store will be, I need to show you how NOT beautiful it is now.
No longer available. Soon to be Calico Gals Harborview
I really like this store front. I never had a store front before! Real windows for displays! My retailer blood is racing. Oh – the possibilities.
Lots of room for fabrics and sewing machines. No steps to come in!
Yes – I agree – it needs a little work. Stay with me here… Right now the contractors are adding all new lights and new ceiling tiles. Additional outlets went in last week. The new carpet (had to have it) will be installed next week.
Needs a little paint.
What do you think? The stripes were cute for the former tenant, but they gotta go! So – add new paint to the to-do list. That’s also on this week’s schedule. No – I am not doing any of the remodel, but I get to pick it out (and pay for it!).
More windows and another door.
We need a classroom, right? How about a classroom with it’s own entrance? The store is part of a historic (aka old) section of store fronts and warehouses right on the canal and just a couple of blocks from the harbor and Lake Ontario. The owner has remodeled the stores with rear entrances into a mall-like shopping area. Right across the hall from this classroom door is a brand new elevator going down to a parking lot and the water’s edge.
Here's the hallway. Calico Gals Harborview on the right.
This just gives you the idea of what it is like. You will have to come and see it for yourself. Other stores in the “Canal Commons” section include a Chocolate Shop, Cafe, Wine Store, Florist and assorted gift shops. I think we will be a good addition to the mix. Our goal is to be open by mid-May. Stay tuned, keep watching for more updates and details.
Here’s another new store:
People always ask us about what is going on in our former spot in the Canal Barn in Fayetteville. I am pleased to tell you about Crow Hollow Primitives. It is the cutest gift shop that moved in to the area we called the Upper East Side, just below the classroom loft.
In the Canal Barn!
Melissa, the owner, pulled out the old, worn carpet and painted the wood floor to look like big tiles. She put a curtain over our batting cage and turned it into an office. Adorable! If you stop by to see the transformation you will probably end up picking up a few gifts for yourself or a friend. I did.
Speaking of binding…
Joan Ford can really turn a neat binding. Her students are always asking her for tips, so she created a fantastic tutorial on her blog.
Great detailed directions and photos for that perfect binding!
Visit Joan’s blog, Winging It, and bookmark it as a reference for your next continuous binding. And every binding after that.
Just because.
Here is a beauty. You can scarcely believe it is a quilt! I snapped this photo at International Quilt Market last fall.
Crossing Over by Cookie Warner, Fort Collins, Colorado
Posted in Gals on the Go | 11 Comments »
