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!

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

What an amazing adventure!!!  I don’t even know where to begin. A few weeks ago, I had the chance to fly to Houston and attend the International Quilt Market with Janet and Joan. The first day was Schoolhouse where I went from room to room every half hour to see Fabric Designers, Authors and Pattern Designers show us what’s new.  My favorites were Jo Morton (YEAH!!!) and Eleanor Burns (What  A Hoot)!

Wake up Melonie, it's Eleanor Burns!

I even sat in one Schoolhouse of someone you may recognize.

Our Janet with Mary Jane Butters

That night I sat on the floor, outside Sample Spree, until they opened the doors. WOW!!!!  It was like a stampede.  Not many manners used inside Sample Spree, but great bargains! Here’s a look at the crowds:

Yes, I am having fun!

The next day I took a class about dying fabric with markers and then Market began.  Again, WOW!!!!!  On Saturday I  took a class from Bonnie Sullivan,  Kathy Schmitz’s  sister.  She is a wool lover too, and we made a felted needle keeper.  Patterns will be in the shop soon.  I met so many neat people, not enough room to list everyone.

Quilt Market - the ultimate shopping experience!

I had a wonderful time shopping for Calico Gals with Janet and Joan, but I really missed my family, my animals and my Calico Gals, (who I consider family!)  One day home and I put on my sneakers, because the next three weeks is our journey to the new Calico Gals Barn!!! See you there in November!

Love, Melonie

I am blogging from El Paso, Texas, where I have the pleasure of visiting my oldest son, James, my daughter-in-law, Gail, and my adorably perfect grandson, Jacob. This is my first experience in a desert climate. Hot? Yes. Dry? Yes. But also very beautiful.

Franklin Mountains

A drive up into the mountains gave me numerous photo ops. Of course, a picture doesn’t really give the feeling of the expansive scenery that you get in person, but you get the idea.

El Paso city and beyond

I learned two very important things on this visit. First of all – don’t eat the green stuff. Days later and my eyes are still watering. Second of all – stay away from the cactus. And if it is growing over the sidewalk, walk around it. Walk way around it.

Ouch.

Tomorrow I’ll leave this corner of the Lonestar State and fly over to Houston for 5 days of Quilt Market. You’ll hear about that, too.

But what’s going on at home?

This was a tough time for me to leave Central New York. The builders of our new barn are finally getting to the fun stuff and I’m not there to see it, photograph it or post it on the blog. Here’s one of those hardworking guys:

Digger Bill

Bill has been digging holes and making an enormous mess outside for weeks. I took this picture last Friday. He was promising that he would fill it in and smooth it over. Bill’s wife is a quilter, so he is probably hearing it at home, too.

Future parking lot of Calico Gals

So this is why I need you to do a drive-by. What is going on over there? If you haven’t driven over to see where the new store will be, this is the perfect time. Drive over. Park out front and take a photo. Send it to me by email. Please!!

New barn October 2, 2009

This is what it looked like the last time I saw it. The grey panels are where the stone columns are going. In between will be cedar shingles. Is this happening? What about the doors? Are they on yet?

So, where is it, you ask?

The address of the new barn is 3906 New Court Ave, Syracuse, 13206. Put that into your google map. Better yet – here it is! Google Map for new barn.

There are many ways to get there. One easy way is to take Midler Ave North, through Eastwood. It turns into New Court Ave. The new barn is on the left, just before the No Name Diner.

Help me out here, gals! Send me a picture!

Last week I traveled to Binghamton for a meeting of the Quilters Consortium of New York State. As part of the meeting was a tremendous display of amazing bras created by quilters for Breast Cancer Awareness.

"Thing One and Thing Two" by Deborah Naftel of Ithaca, NY

I took a few photos, but it was difficult to pick my favorites. The judges for the show included one of our teachers, Sharon Stroud. Tell us, Sharon, how did you ever choose? They are all so fun!

"Please Squeeze the Melons" by Tamara Burger of Binghamton, NY

"Don't Gamble with Your Life" by Mitzi and Stephen Jones of Ithaca, NY

The Brazieres for a Cure Project is presented by the Common Threads Quilt Guild in Vestal NY. The bras were donated by Maidenform. Originally they had hoped to get 40 or 50 entries, but were thrilled with the 105 original creations. The bras are not made to be worn (no really?), but the project organizer, Louise Tiemann gave us a little show.

Louise models "How Cold Is It" by Rick DeMars of Vestal, NY

The traveling Brazieres for a Cure show goes on through November 6th and ends with an auction. Check out their blog for more information and lots more fun photos.

People have been driving by the construction site and telling me that nothing is happening. Not true! There is a lot of inside work going on in there. What are they doing? I have no idea! Construction guy stuff, I guess.

Last week, they sprayed foam insulation on all the walls and ceiling. Close-up it looks like marshmallows! Farther back and it looks like snow on the inside.

Marshmallow frosting everywhere!

I was sure this would keep us toasty in the winter and cool in the summer. But, Bob P, the owner decided to add more insulation to the walls. He wanted to be sure we aren’t bothered by noise from the street outside. The gals are a little concerned that he has driven by the old barn during some of our classes… maybe he wants to keep the noise inside! Anyway, they brought in a product that we can understand:

They use batting, too!

Before they cover all of this batting with sheet rock, the ducts for the air conditioning were going in the ceiling.

Looking in the rafters

Here’s a little teaser for you. Guess what we are getting…

Don't tell the guys!

Are we building a sewing center or a sports bar? Hmmm… mostly a sewing center.

And on the outside…

What are these things?

I am told they have something to do with drainage for the property and the parking lot. OK, makes sense.

Gals are busy, too.

We are running around, getting ready for our fall activities. The newsletter is printed and stitched and heading to the post office. Web Gal Lisa, is frantically adding the new classes to the website and calendar. The teachers are finishing up their supply lists and bringing in their samples.

We pulled out the Adopt-A-Bolt tags that we use every year for our big sale and we have to change them. This year it’s 30% (not 25%) off every bolt you finish (Monday the 14th thru Sunday the 20th). We usually pull small bolts off the wall and cut them into fat quarters. We have been leaving them for weeks so you have lots of littles to choose from.

Parade of Homes starts on Saturday. Our beautiful new Koala Sewing Studio is scheduled to be delivered tomorrow. We ordered an exotic Brazilian Cherry finish that will look amazing in this house. I won’t tell you too much more because I am going to take pictures for the Gabby Gals blog. Wait a minute! Stop out and see it in person! Here’s a coupon to save a dollar off admission.

What did we do during our free time? Went to the fair, of course. We enjoyed the quilts and the tomato sandwiches. Kathy Barden sampled the deep fried dill pickles and actually liked them. We didn’t go on any rides, but we still had a blast. Just ask Melonie and Beth.

Got milk?

Nina Dukette, the Calico Gals Sewing Machine Department Manager and I flew out to St. Louis last weekend for the annual dealers’ conference sponsored by Tacony Corp and Baby Lock Sewing Machines. It’s 3 days of classes that cover everything from new products to marketing to merchandising. I love it – especially the business classes. Nina really likes the hands-on sewing seminars and I have to admit, I enjoyed them, too! We stayed at the Hyatt, right across the street from the Gateway Arch. That was a bit of a distraction for me. I took the following photo from one of my classrooms.

Gateway Arch beckons

I have proof that I was able to focus. Check out this leaf:

Stippled leaf

It was a great class taught by Eileen Roche, the designer of the innovative Stipple! technique. In less than three hours, I had appliqued, quilted and pieced a three block tablerunner. Eileen has videos on her website, if you want to see it in action. Nina took the same class, so she has a tablerunner, too. Stop by the shop to see our samples in person! This dynamic quilt was made with the same technique:

Wouldn't this be great in those bold contemporary fabrics?

Now, take a close look at the next sample. How do you think I did that one?

Hand or machine stitched?

If you guessed machine, you were right. This is a sample from the new Baby Lock Sashiko machine. It is the first of it’s kind and it is truly incredible. This machine uses only a bobbin – no top thread at all. This is another one you will want to take a look at – first on the Baby Lock website and then in person at Calico Gals. We asked them to ship one to us right away. Yes – you can sit down and try it. You have to!

Ok – I’ll  stop being a show-off and show you something Nina made. Isn’t this cute? Yes, we had fun sewing!

Nina's tag

If you are wondering why you never heard about our Embroidery Club, it’s because we don’t have one. YET. When we get into that new barn, we will get it going. We don’t want to be carrying those heavy machines up and down the stairs. Of course, that won’t be a problem in the new barn because the classroom is on the ground floor!

Back to St. Louis… It was Nina’s birthday while we there, so we celebrated with Sandy Pirdy. Remember Sandy from Creekside Fabrics? From Summer Sewing Spa? Oh… that Sandy! We walked to a restaurant called:

Believe it or not, it was pronounced “Calico’s.” The food was delicious. Just take a look at these happy gals sharing a piece of birthday cake that they couldn’t finish together!

We came home with lots of new ideas to get going in the old barn and carry on to the new barn. I plan to stop by the construction site and get some new photos this week. In the meantime, I’ll leave you with another builder’s inspiration.

Always look up.

]]> http://calicogals.com/index.php/2009/09/to-st-louis-and-back/feed/ 0 http://calicogals.com/index.php/2009/08/lots-happening-around-here/ http://calicogals.com/index.php/2009/08/lots-happening-around-here/#comments Tue, 25 Aug 2009 13:51:00 +0000 Janet - Calico Gals store owner, gabby gal, newsletter editor, occasional piecer http://calicogals.com/?p=708 Wow! My first blog post was a hit! Thanks for the comments and feedback. That’s what I need to keep me motivated to write more.

First things first…

I know, you want to see more pictures of the new barn. Well, although there has been lots of action over there, not too much of it is cosmetic. I guess they have to work on the inside of the inside before we can get to the fun stuff. So here goes… how do you like the light switches?

Nice, huh? It may not be too pretty right now, but the gals are looking forward to turning on the lights in one place.

And check this out – Exit signs! Brand new in the box.

Not that I think you will ever want to leave the new store, but just in case, you will know which way to go.

OK, on to something else very important: plumbing. There are two very nice and spacious restrooms planned for the new store, but this week they looked like this:

Stay tuned. I promise this will get better.

Now for something that is a little more fun – choosing carpet. I ordered several samples in several colors. This is how they looked laying on the floor:

You have to agree this is a very important decision. I thought about it for a while. I walked around them and walked around on them. I picked them up and turned them over. I discussed my options with Steve, the carpet guy. Then I invited the electricians to share their thoughts. Doug and his team from Doug’s Electric were very careful with their opinions. Obviously they have been well trained in the art of helping-a-woman-pick-colors. So finally, I did what I had to do… I ordered 12 more samples. (Sorry Steve). I’ll get back to you on the carpet choice.

In the meantime…

This is summer and the Calico Gals have been traveling all over the place. Nina and her husband Paul took a wonderful trip to visit Nina’s sister in Alaska. While there, they took a side trip to British Columbia where this photo was taken.

Wild animals? Beautiful scenery? Great location for a quilt shop? We may never know.

Last week Joan and I attended a quilting retreat at Great Camp Sagamore in the Adirondacks. This beautiful “camp” was the former summer lodge of the Vanderbilt family. I brought my stuff and was given my own little barn to set up a mini Calico Gals studio and quilt shop. How fun! I love history and was thrilled to find one of the original ironing boards used by the Vanderbilt’s staff in my barn. It was just perfect to showcase Joan’s Holiday Spirit Checkerboard Tablerunner.

I also took many photos of the breathtaking scenery. We enjoyed every minute and if you ever get the chance, take the drive up and attend the historical tour. See all of the details at the Great Camp Sagamore website.

When Lynn returns from her travels to Myrtle Beach she promises to post about Summer Sewing Spa and the first staff meeting in the new barn. You will want to get her perspective!

Janet