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April 2001

Hello everyone, and hope you are all well and have had several great holidays since I last wrote to you. I've been feeling guilty for quite some time now, since I'm fully aware that I said I'd do a post-Houston Quilt Show newsletter. When I arrived back from the States, I not only brought back lots of fabric (YAY!), but a nasty flu-bug as well (BOO). I spent most of the next week in bed, and when I emerged from under the duvet, I was already behind on preparations for all my Christmas bazaars. Yikes!! And I also know that we promised you loads of photos of new products, which my web designer has PROMISED to do within the next week. You see, he is just too good at what he does, and is therefore in great demand by web-needies everywhere! And also, I don't pay him anything for my site! A flirty smile used to be enough, but I'm a bit long in the tooth for that now, and it takes rather too much poly-filler these days to achieve that flirty girl look. (HAH!!in my dreams!) So I'll just have to be patient and hope he gets everything on the site soon! (He has been doing a lot of things behind the scenes which you won't see, but which make things go easier, and they've taken a long time.)

So, back to Houston. WOW!! It was fabulous! I saw tons of fantastic fabric, great patterns, splendid gifts and the most wonderful selection of quilts. I have ordered a wide range of little quilt prints (some framed, some just mounted) quilt earrings and brooches, and tiny 1" fridge magnet quilt blocks from a print maker from Nova Scotia. They are little gems, and I know you'll love them!

I also ordered some new patterns and lots of Rusty tin angel wings, hearts and stars. I have new quilters' cookbooks, new designs of Rebecca Barker and Diane Phalen cards and mugs. The highlight of the Show for me was meeting two designers whose work we've all admired: Diane Phalen and Judy Severson. They are both as kind and generous of spirit in person as you would imagine, and we will miss Judy's work a great deal. She has decided to return to teaching and writing, and so her prints and cards are no longer being produced. I managed to secure a final order which I'm saving for Malvern!

I've ordered lots of wire hangers, with some new designs, and have found a FABulous trio of country cross stitch designers! They all create the sweetest country and primitive-inspired patterns, and I'm sure you'll love them as much as I do! And for those of you who love the Country Stencils range, I've ordered a complete Garden Collection! There are so many different individual blooms and herbs that you'll be creating new things all summer! Of course, I still have loads of quilt and Christmas stencils, as well as the sweet little mini-stencils. And it simply wouldn't be the same without bags of tiny pegs! So I've ordered lots more of those for you.

However! Houston is not the only place to produce great products! I'm always on the lookout for UK sources, and went to a HUGE Trade show at the NEC in Birmingham. It was a bit like a giant boot sale, where you had to trudge through loads of tat but did find some real gems! I found a lovely couple who rescue old bobbins and shuttles from northern mills and turn them into gift items. I've ordered some circular sewing thread spindle-thingies with a central handle, complete with thread and scissors. The real beauty is the wood, which has a lovely old patina you just don't get with new wood -- they'll make lovely gifts for sewing/quilting friends, or just a treat for yourself! (shall I keep one for me, or sell them all?) I also went to Stitches (sewing trade show at the NEC)(oh, my poor feet!) and found some MORE fabulous things to tempt you!

I've also got lots more CHICKEN Earrings!! They were such a hit at previous shows that I've ordered lots more as well as matching brooches. They are featured in this month's Patchwork and Quilting magazine on the New To Us page with a chance to win a pair. The same Devon designer also makes quilt brooches and earrings and has come up with a new smaller design of earring. Of course, I'll also be making lots more of my intricate little thimble brooches and magnets. (note: some of the badge backs were not put on properly at Malvern last year or were too stiff, so if you've had a problem with yours, PLEASE bring it to me and I'll replace/repair it for you, free of course!)

I've booked our spaces for Malvern, Ascot and Harrogate, and we've increased our stand size for the first two shows, but kept it the same for Harrogate since it was fine. We are in the Marquee at Malvern again (great lighting) and almost in the same location at Ascot (in the Pavilion next to Facades, the Quilt Cupboard couple). We will also be appearing at lots of smaller venues between now and May, so if you'd like us to come to your Guild or Quilt Group meeting, then just contact me to discuss your requirements! I have so enjoyed meeting all of you when I'm out at a show, and it's always really nice to put a face to a name and a phone conversation! And speaking of major shows and smiling faces, I would like to say a big THANK YOU to Rachel Houltram for all her help at shows and her relentless stitching behind the scenes. I would find it very difficult indeed without her, not to mention how she makes me laugh!

Did you see us in Popular Patchwork for February, when we're mentioned as the supplier for accessories on a Triple-Heart mini-quilt by Needlework Designer Lesley Brankin. If you miss it, don't worry, because I'll have copies of the pattern at future shows. We were also in Classic Stitches as supplier for wire hangers by the same designer on a lovely little spring
wall quilt. Remember to look out for those Cheeky Chicken Earrings in the New to Us section of Patchwork and Quilting magazine this month, where you can send off to win a pair!

I'm sure there's more I could write, but I'll save some things for next time! So, thanks for your patience, we really appreciate your business, and be sure to come and see us!

Take care and happy Sewing!
Lynn