How do you get to Calico Gals? We have seen some interesting vehicles around the Syracuse store this summer as the landscaping and parking lot get some finishing touches.

So that's how they do that!

We like to keep a few guys hanging around outside – just for eye candy, but lately they have been working very hard…

...when they aren't too busy posing for the camera!

It was definitely worth all of the noise and dust and inconvenience.

Before the grass, shrubs, flowers and sprinklers: guys with a plan.

Just a few weeks later... wow!

Taste of Summer

The patio wasn’t ready yet and the weather didn’t cooperate, but the Taste of Summer event went on as planned. In addition to a smorgasbord of wonderful summer class offerings, the Calico Gals Executive Chef made an appearance!

Pat, Gay's husband, cooking dogs for the gals

Here, there and everywhere

I have done quite a bit of vending this summer, including a gig at Long Lake with Melonie, Lynn and Wenda. One evening we did a lecture and trunk show for the attendees of the Adirondack Quilt Camp. Can you tell which night was ours?

Hint: we aren't the African Quilts or the Common Threads.

Last weekend was the last of our summer vending. We attended a great show in Skaneateles by the Thumbstall Quilt Guild. The quilts were amazing and the “Don’t Touch the Quilts” sign got a lot of attention. Each was made by a guild member as part of a challenge. I’ll leave you with a few photos. No further comments needed!

It’s always a great trip to Quilt Market and this spring in Minneapolis was no exception. It is fun to meet up with friends that I only see once or twice a year. I enjoy business classes (really) so I schedule a few of those. The restaurants, the city, the quilting celebrities – it’s all good. But the BEST part is the shopping! The crowd at the opening shopping event, Sample Spree, was insane! I quickly tired of the mob, stepped back, raised my camera over my head and took these shots.

Sample Spree - really a spree!

Hey - I want that!

The girl in green is Emilynn, daughter of our friend from Quiltsmart, Mattie Henderson. Their booth was hoppin'!

Who else?

So…  it was just me and Eleanor Burns hanging out in the Babylock booth. Eleanor always quips that she “quilts with her credit card.” She admitted to me that she LOVES the Crown Jewel, had no idea how easy (and fun) it is to use and is thinking of adding one to her studio. You saw it here first!

Easy enough for a "beginner."

Who else?

Mark Lipinski seemed to be everywhere in Minneapolis. That guy can fill a room with his personality alone! We shared an iced latte and an elevator at the Hyatt. (OK – I really am becoming a shameless name dropper!) I don’t have a picture to prove it, but I did jump over to Mark’s blog to get his take on Quilt Market. I found this photo, but you will have to read for yourself why he is coveting something from Syracuse.

Soon to be a valuable collectible.

What else?

When I got around to shopping for the store, I found that there is a whole lot more than quilts at Quilt Market. In fact, the biggest trend in sewing right now is garments! At Calico Gals we enjoy many adorable patterns for children’s clothing. This dress was irresistible in the Fig Tree & Co. booth. Joanna Figueroa’s fabrics and patterns are very popular, but her husband, Eric, was more proud to point out the model in the posters.

Their daughter sold me! The patterns are on the way to Calico Gals.

Back home.

I have only been home a couple of days, but the boxes are coming in. Just give us a minute to slap on the tags and you can have your own Sample Spree!

Check out this crowd in the front of the new Calico Gals Harborview store in Oswego.

Did they hear about the new quilt shop?

If you are planning a spree at Calico Gals Harborview, consider coming after 4 pm on a Thursday, so you can enjoy the local Farmers Market. I came home with a bag that included fresh asparagus and homemade oatmeal bread. Lots of folks stopped in to see the new quilt shop, too.

Just because…

Yes – there are quilts at Quilt Market! This was a beauty! Enjoy!

"Crocus" by Maggie Weiss from Evanston, Illinois.

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 hosts an annual Quilt Camp in February at Christ the King Retreat House. 50 gals joined us this year for the Farm Gals retreat. Everyone went home with a handful of flower seeds and the challenge to “grow their own discount” for the Reunion Party on May 2nd. The rules were: “Bring in flowers for a 20% discount, just stalks – 10%, no green thumb – 5%. Creative cheating welcome!” Many people took advantage of the “creative cheating” clause.

Kathy K. was flower gal for the day. Of course she earned 20% off!

There were two REAL green thumbs in the group who actually grew flowers!

Congratulations Mildred and Ruth! You did it!

After lunch and show-and-tell of camp quilts, the party members received tickets to the Plank Road quilt show, so they took off for Clay and more quilts, laughs and shopping. Thanks to Calico Gal, Lynn, for a great party. Keep watching, she has many more fun events planned for the summer.

A little color adds a lot of wow!

Remember the photo of that striped wall in the Harborview store? Here it is after just one coat of beautiful blue (LaFonda Deep Blue 4011-7 to be exact).

Wow! Big improvement! Love that color!

I didn’t crop out the ceiling and lights because they are new and also look wonderful. Looking front, you can see more ceiling, lights and color. This time we brought in the same green from the Syracuse store (Prairie Bush 6003-4B, in case you wondered).

Fresh paint, but more work to be done.

So what is up with that floor? It is getting a total re-do of course! New carpet in the store and polished hardwood on the store-front window floors are scheduled for installation this week. The electrician has added more outlets for sewing machines. Before long, we’ll be moving in!

In the meantime…

It’s time to Fling! Spring Fling, of course! The third annual mini shop hop is happening this weekend – Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Grab a friend or two and head out to Calico Gals, Mission Rose Quiltery and Patchwork Plus Quilt Shop. You can pick up the $15 passport at any store. Your rewards will be refreshments, demos, pattern and fabric for springy projects and chances to win prizes! Make a purchase in each shop and receive a bonus clip-on zipper notion bag and flowery fat quarter. I had fun choosing the clipart and designing the ad this year. My inspiration comes from pccrafter.

Do you recognize Mary, Judy and me?

Just because:

This beautiful project was done by Candy Tucker, a local Calico Gal.

A tribute to a special grandmother

Candy describes her creative process: “I was looking for a way to display my grandmother’s beautiful pin, so it wouldn’t languish in a drawer for years and years. When I saw the pink Fairy Frost fabric, I knew it was the one for this project.  She loved the color pink (as do my mother and I).  I printed the photo on fabric (Printed Treasures)and sewed it on, then added the pin with a bow made of pink velvet ribbon. I dyed the lace the right color by soaking it in a pot of coffee (which my grandmother drank all day, every day).  Then I added a pink tinge with a water soluable crayon. After lots of free motion quilting (on a Babylock!) and hand beading, the piece was ready for a backing. I chose an ecru fabric with roses on it because she loved roses and always had a big flower bed full of them by her front door. My grandmother was a special woman who appreciated my creative nature even when no one else did. I hope that somehow she can see this piece and feel that I did justice to her memory.”

Thanks, Candy. We enjoy and appreciate your creativity, too.

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

Kathy and Marcia enjoying the party at the Taste of Spring.

The Gals have been working up some classes, ideas and projects to get you dancing, too. The spring newsletter was mailed last week and the Taste of Spring event was loads of fun. Hop over to the Calico Gals website if you need a copy of the news or just want an update on the classes and calendar. Here’s something that just missed publication:

Chunky Elizabeth by Joan Ford

Wow – this is a pretty quilt! It works up fast with big, beautiful pieces and the binding is big and chunky, too. The fabric is from Alex Anderson’s newest line: Elizabeth Anne. This feminine quilt would make a perfect gift for Mother’s Day or someone special. The kit includes the pattern and all fabric for the top and binding.

The picture in the newsletter of Wenda’s Bugle Boy quilt did not do it justice, so I have included a bit of the piecing here. The stars turn out perfectly when using the new Square in a Square 4-Patch ruler. Learn to make the stars and the 4-patch blocks in the class on May 19th. Wenda chose fabric from the Remember Abe fabric line to give her quilt a feel of the 1800′s.

Bugle Boy in blue.

Wenda does beautiful quilting, but she also enjoys fun crafty projects. She is always bringing in new bags, pincushions, jewelry and other little darlings to show us. This time, we all went crazy (dancing again) for the Little Charmers baby blanket and matching block toy. She used the super-soft Minkee fabric, flannel and Texture Magic to create the cuddliest projects for big and little babies. Sign up for the class on May 3rd and learn to “magically texturize” fabric. We are pre-cutting squares of Minkee to make it easy.

Just add baby for instant cuddles.

If all of that doesn’t get you thinking of spring – then the Itty Bitty Blooms quilt will cure any winter blues. This table-topper starts with a charm pack or pick up the complete kit with everything for the project. Sign up for Kathy’s class on June 8th and you’ll save 15% on the supplies and learn some great tips on piecing triangles and stitching circle appliques on your machine.

Spring? I'm thinking summer!

Just Because…

I was sorting through my pictures today and found a bunch of cool shots of interesting quilts that I have seen at Quilt Market, quilt shows and in the store. Why am I so selfish when I could be sharing these beauties with you? So, here is the first in the new series of photos I call “Just Because.” It was on display at Fall Quilt Market in Houston when I snapped the pic. See you dancing with the gals!

Just Sing... Sing a Song by Tom Russell from Katy, Texas

Through the generosity of Baby Lock, Calico Gals was able to host the Great Sewing Machine Give-Away during the month of January. 817 people stopped by to enter the drawing, but there is only one winner and she is Kathy Gresham! Kathy came by the very day she got the call to have a “Sew-and-Go” lesson with Nina and pick up her new Audrey sewing machine. Kathy was a winner because Audrey is the perfect machine to take anywhere. Check out the details on the Baby Lock site.

Sew-and-Go with Nina. Thanks, Baby Lock! Congratulations, Kathy!

February is a winning month, too. Any day in February when you spend at least $25at Calico Gals, you can take a free spool of YLI Soft Touch thread home. You choose the color. Just go and sew!

Calico Gals is pleased to announce the addition of our very first Calico Guy. Bruce Barden (that’s right – Pastor Bruce – Kathy B’s husband) has joined the team as our on-site sewing machine technician. Last summer we sent Bruce to St. Louis for Baby Lock training and in January he took off to New Jersey for intense Elna training. He learned to take our machines apart and put them back together – an important detail. Elna published a report and guess who had a photo in it!

Calico Guy, Bruce, learning the ropes and threads.

Fabric Quiz

In days past, if you wanted a licensed print, you had to settle for chain store fabrics. Not any more! Quilting Treasures – the folks who brought us the Wizard of Oz collections – has secured the licenses to many well-known designs. Do you recognize any of these?

That's right, Jim Shore! His quilty animals look great on cotton.

OK – how about this one?

Did you guess Warren Kimble? Americana, of course.

One more – this is an easy one. Here’s a hint: QT has the license from Hasbro. Wouldn’t this fabric make great boxer shorts?

Don't spend it all in one place!

To see more of these fun fabrics, you have two options: Calico Gals new store or the Quilting Treasures website. Hey – why not both?

Go and sew

The best thing to do in the winter is hibernate with your needle and thread. No argument there. But occasionally we get the chance to take off and go somewhere else to enjoy our stitching. In January, Joan and I drove way up north into the mountains for a quilting retreat with some good friends at Minnowbrook Conference Center. I admit to being easily distracted, but the scenery is so beautiful! What do you think?

Blue Mountain Lake

Yes – there was a good amount of sewing and laughing, too. Just getting us ready for our next retreat at Christ the King Retreat House. The Farm Gals Quilt Camp will be held February 20-22. There are still a few openings. Take a look at the class photos on Facebook and then give us a call. We’ll get you in!

We hoped that our friends would follow us over to the new store and we hoped that new people would find us, but we had no idea the number would be so great! Everyday, folks stop in just to see what is going on in that new building. And if we thought that all the quilters in Syracuse already knew about Calico Gals… well let’s just say that we have been humbled. Welcome, everyone!

A friend named MoonShine stopped in to say hi this week.

"Shine" is shopping too!

Shine’s owner, Debbie Butler-Miller not only raises and shows beautiful dogs, she creates quilts of beautiful dogs. This quilt was created as a gift in memory of a much loved Golden Retriever. You can see more of Debbie’s work on her website.

Quilter Debbie with Ollie

Marcia! Gay! What are you doing with that hammer?!

Careful with that thing!

We’ve been coming up with all kinds of excuses as to why there are so few quilts hanging on the walls in the new store… we are still unpacking… we don’t have a ladder yet… etc… etc. All valid concerns, but the real reason is that I have been hesitating to put nails or anything into the new walls. Gay and Marcia took matters (aka hammers) into their own hands this week. We are hosting an amazing trunk show from Sue Spargo and those quilts could have been created for our walls. Look!

See what I mean!

You can look at the photo, but nothing can match the real thing. The quilts, bags, pillows, runners and more are made of a clever mix of wool and cotton. Sue combines piecing, applique and embellishing to create her own unique style. Stop in to see the show before January 1st. We have the fabrics, books and patterns, too.

She’s famous!

Kathy. Just making the world a happier place.

Calico Gal, Kathy B, keeps us in stitches in and out of the store. If you have ever stopped in on a Wednesday or Thursday, you know what I mean. I found out this week that she was moonlighting in the mall, wrapping Christmas gifts. How do I know this? It is all over the internet – as reported by TV guy, Matt Mulcahy. Read all about it on Matt’s blog.

Your newsletter was mailed this week!

And if you don’t subscribe or you like to see it on your computer – hop on over to Calico Gals website. Go down to the bottom of the page where you can download the whole thing for your printing and viewing pleasure.

Some highlights include the 40% off Christmas fabric sale until January 2nd. I am not going to brag about the huge selection because there are only about 15 bolts left. They are good ones and the sale is irresistible if you love Christmas fabric.

Also want to invite you to the Calico Gals annual taste of Winter Event, noon to 4pm, on January 3rd. This is where the teachers make and serve soup. Lots of it! A whole smorgasbord of delicious soups to celebrate the whole smorgasbord of exciting classes being offered this winter. Stop in and get a taste of both!

Our classroom isn’t quite big enough… let’s cut a hole in the wall!

Incredible as it seems, Bob, our landlord agreed to do it. Doug, the contractor, ordered the lumber (although I did hear a comment about the paint not even being dry). Cut through the new wall? We were still nervous about pounding a nail. But the idea of a new classroom was too tempting. I got really brave and played graffiti artist.

At first we could hear Mark sawing and pounding and then we could actually see the saw come through the wall. Melonie encouraged the work with a plate of homemade cookies. Within minutes we had a window large enough to pass the plate through.

Mike just happens to stop by in time for cookies.

So that's what we look like from the other side...

Mark worked quickly and soon we had a large opening that he replaced with beautiful new classroom doors.

In reflection, this was a good idea!

But you really want to know is what is on the other side! Yes it is a classroom, with many outlets and great lighting. Want to see? Stop over for a tour and we will open the doors for you. In the meantime, the painters and carpet guys will be back. They probably missed Melonie’s cookies too.

Not to be outdone, the outside of the new barn got a little addition this week.

"Hey, Doug and Mark, what are you guys doing out there?"

"Hey Janet, it looks like Bob built the building to go with your sign!"

Wow! Bruce brought the sign over from the old barn to see if it would work in the very specific space on the new building. We had that sign made 5 years ago! It is perfect in color, size and shape for the spot under the lights. It really looks great at night. I just keep driving by to look at it.

Cool.

If the sign on the front and the new classroom-in-progress isn’t enough to tempt you by this week, maybe the mention of all of the new fabric deliveries will get you out. Better yet, send a loved one to check it out and pick up a gift certificate to tuck in your stocking!

Calico Gals is the place to be and this week lots of people agreed! The Gals hosted three local quilt guilds on three different days. The guilds brought their members and lots more people stopped in to see what the excitement was all about.

On Monday, Candlelight Quilt Guild showed up with homemade chili and cookies. Gotta love it! Elizabeth Balderrama and Sharon Jarvis hosted the table where Elizabeth was proudly showing the current issue of Quick Quilts. Yes – that was her quilt on the cover! Congratulations to the team at Seams Like a Dream Quilt Designs.

Elizabeth and Sharon "wrap it up" at the Candlelight Gathering

On Tuesday, the Towpath Quilt Guild showed up in force! They were also enjoying 2 days of workshops with Barbara Persing and Mary Hoover, the popular designers of 4th &6th Designs. We were thrilled to see Barbara and Mary stop in to our new store. (Guess what… they liked it… a lot!) And we like them… a lot! They took a few minutes away from stacking bolts on the counter to autograph their books.

Barbara and Mary - just say hi!

Not to be outdone, the Plank Road guild members descended on Wednesday, with Charlotte Angotti in tow. What? You don’t know Charlotte? She fills the room with fun and laughter wherever she goes! Visiting from Myrtle Beach for 2 days and teaching at the guild, Charlotte climbed over boxes and settled into a rocking chair in our loft. We discussed the possibility of turning the loft from box storage into a stitching lounge. (What do you think about that?) I couldn’t get enough of Charlotte, so I accepted the invitation to meet her and the guild gals at The Retreat in Liverpool for dinner. Good food and great friends – can it get any better?

Charlotte, Shirley, Linda and June - wait for me!

Meanwhile, back at the store… Joan Ford was teaching one of her Project Therapy classes. When you join this group, you become part of Joan’s design process for her Scrap Therapy patterns. Everyone in the class is a pattern tester and Joan values the feedback that results. Barb Sunderlage, from Brewer Quilting and Sewing Supplies, “dropped in” from Chicago to take Joan’s class. Brewer is the exclusive distributor of the Scrap Therapy program and they love Joan as much as we do!

Barb and Joan choosing fabric for the Project Therapy class.

Let me ask you this…

What is your favorite part of Calico Gals new store? Everyone seems to have an opinion, so let’s hear them! We will take some pics to share. Here is the first one: Kathy B’s favorite thing in the new barn is the toilet paper holders. Here’s a great shot of her demonstrating just how wonderful they are. Thanks, Kathy, for your valuable comments!

Kathy, in her Spooktacular garb, shows off our TP.