12 Days of Christmas in July Blog Hop

Since the internet has been working well tonight at the campground, I did a bit of blog reading. I realize I'm a few days late in finding this 12 Days of Christmas in July Blog Hop, but I'm sure you won't mind! Lots of interesting projects to see. In fact, you might find the perfect one for your next fall project.

Enjoy!!

Atlantic Fabrics, part two

Here's a few more photos from Atlantic Fabrics in Truro, NS. Trust me, there are lots of fabric bolts to choose from but my focus was Christmas in July and other theme displays.

Atlantic Fabrics, Truro, NS

On Monday, I visited Atlantic Fabrics, Truro, Nova Scotia. I must say, the staff was very friendly! Thanks for the interest you showed when I explained why I wanted to take photos around the shop! As you know, whenever I travel, I like to post about the shops I visit. This fabric shop is located in a very well lit building. That's important when you are shopping for fabrics and yarns. When you walk in the door, you feel welcome.

Christmas in July is the focus at the moment. They have several displays showing the newest Christmas prints, books and patterns. Summer and animal themes were also visible. The shop has everything you need to start a quilt, knit a sweater, embroider a cloth, make a bag . . .

Have a look around:  (I'll post a few more photos soon)

Christmas in July

It's very difficult to get your mind thinking about Christmas in the middle of July! However, the Forth Worth Fabric Studio, is doing just that. Here are just a sample of what is to come during July. Check back with them to see more.

• Frosty Cabin Tree Skirt Tutorial
• Christmas Pillow
• Poinsettia Table Topper

Here are a few other interesting things to do for Christmas:

• The Night Before Christmas Samplers
• Quilters Guide to Holiday Projects   
• Christmas Stockings
• Christmas Once a Month

Enjoy!

Pine Needles Sewing Centre, Cedar Rapids

During my recent trip to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, I discovered a marvellous quilt shop, Pine Needles Sewing Centre. This shop carries the line of Bernia Sewing Machines, fantastic bolts of fabrics, lots of notions, patterns, quilt batting, interfacing, the complete line of Aurifil and YLI threads, kits, books, magazines - everything you need for sewing and quilting. It is a sewer's / quilter's paradise!

The store, itself, is very modern (I forgot to take a photo of the outside) with two floors. Instead of one large cutting table there are several cutting stations throughout the building. The lighting is fantastic. Every nook and corner is well lit and the products presented so that you want to stop, see and touch everything. I'm sure I missed a great deal. While at the checkout, I saw several items other ladies had that I hadn't seen.

Fabric collections were presented with books and / or patterns highlighting the fabric. In many cases, quilts, table runners or sewing projects, made from some of the fabrics, were on display. The
Christmas in July display table greeted everyone who entered the shop. I noticed lots of beautiful Batiks, geometrics, dots, stripes, from the show Downtown  Abbey, The Cat in the Hat, Christmas, Halloween, Autumn, Children and Baby and much more. You will just have to check them out!

The staff is very friendly and helpful.

It's easy to see that the shop is owned by a person passionate about sewing and quilting. All the quilts on display are owned by the shop and there are a lot of them. All proceeds from the sale of these quilts are given to charity.

Needless to say, I was impressed!
First batch of photos:

 

Welcome Summer!

It's 8:00 here in St. John's, Newfoundland. I just opened my patio door to a beautiful 20C and wonderful sunshine - awe, Summer! I hope it lasts. Those of you living on the mainland and further south may be a bit puzzled over this but we live in the middle of the great North Atlantic and sometimes the weather is a bit crazy. It isn't often that we can sit outside at such an early hour.

I know I should be thinking cool thoughts and passing on some wonderful summer projects (I did do some of that yesterday), however, Freebies for Crafters just posted the latest freebie, Winter Seeds Table Topper. It is a very simple patchwork with machine applique. I think the shape was what caught my eye. This table topper is part of the Christmas Once a Month featured by the Crafty Quilter. Check them out! By using bright, summery fabrics you can change the Winter Seeds table topper into a Summer Surprise or Summer Delight! Have fun making up your own title for your table topper.
Enjoy!

Make It In March

I decided to post some Christmas in July ideas for the month of March! It seems I'm always a bit late posting for various holidays. This time, I consider myself the early bird for gift ideas to make for Christmas. I probably won't have time to make anything this early but some of you might be searching for gifts to make.

100 Holiday Crafts

Whimsicals Threads (ideas)
Christmas Projects
Free Christmas Quilt Patterns
Christmas Ornament Tutorial
Felt Ornaments
Wee Folk Art free patterns
Wonky Whimsical Christmas Tree
Festive Felt Christmas Trees

Of course, here's a few links from my previous posts for Christmas stuff:
Here, Here, and Here
Enjoy!