First Break of the day . . . .

and I'm not complaining!  I just finished lunch - priorities and all.

It's been a wonderful show so far with plenty of people.  First thing this morning I met Carrie from A Passion for Applique.  It was wonderful to meet her finally.

The show will continue until 5:00 today and then all day tomorrow from 9 until 5.  Hope to see you there!

Blessings, Cathi

Statesville, North Carolina . . . . .

Tomorrow and Friday are the next big show days for me.  I have been in the kitchen again for the last week (again) but this time with two pots.  Here is a portion of what I did to get ready. . . .

Here is the blurb that they sent us to share with all. . . . 

Our third annual Quilting and Needle Art Extravaganza in Statesville, NC. will be this Friday and Saturday, Jan. 28 and 29, 2011 at the Statesville Civic Center, 300 South Center St.  

Quilting and creativity will rock.  

The hours are 9 am – 5 pm.  Admission is $5.00.  The weather promises to be great, none of the snowy problems that we had last year.

We’ve been busy cutting fabric and making kits.  The bakery has been busy making goodies and Mayo’s has a fabulous lunch selection ready.  Plan to spend the day.  Knitters, be sure and bring your yarn samples if you need to select buttons.  

We’ll have 41 shops there to inspire you to sew, knit, button, paint, quilt and just about any thing else that you can do with needle and thread.  If you are in the market for a new machine, there will be several sewing machine and long arm quilting machine dealers on site.  

You can compare without driving all over town.

If you don’t like a crowd, then come to the show about 2 pm.  The crowd starts to thin out and you can shop with plenty of room.

Sometimes the parking lot at the CC can fill up.  Go to http://quiltersgallery.net/the-quilting-and-needle-art-extravaganza-parking-map-and-hotel-info/ and you can print a map of the other public parking lots in Statesville.

Lastly, thank you for supporting small businesses.  Your business is important to us and allows us to do what we love.

Hope to see you there!  I'll be in Booth #21 on the back wall!

Blessings, Cathi
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Christmas Quiltalong starts soon! . . . . .

I'm a few days behind Sue posting this (bad blogger, Cathi) but I'd like to introduce you to 
 this year's Christmas Quiltalong!

First, notice there is a new page that I created just under my header called 2011 Christmas Quiltalong.  Click on that tab and you will find all the basic information.  During the year, all the important stuff will be located on that tab.  Much easier for those of you playing along to find things, we think.

In the meantime, here is a drawing of the BOM quilt that Sue and I promised with the fabric requirements.  Start collecting your fabrics now!

Scatty Christmas Stars

Quilt size: 50” x 62 ½”

Finished block size: 9” x 9”

Fabric requirements:

Star blocks:

Blue for star backgrounds:  1 ¼ yds

Light yellow for stars: ¾ yd

Dark yellow for stars: ¾ yd

Connector blocks:

Red: 2 ½ yds 

Green: ¾ yd

Border 1 and cornerstones for Border 2:

Dark yellow: ½ yd

Border 2:

Red: 1 yd

Binding:

Blue: ½ yard

designed on EQ7 by Sue Abrey (Quilt Times blog)

and Cathi Gainey (Shakerwood Quilts blog) for Christmas Quilt Along – 2011

Instructions will be supplied each month for 6 months to make the star blocks.  That will be followed by one month to make the connector blocks and the remaining months will cover the assembly of the center and adding the borders.  Hopefully, you can finish the top during the October Quiltalong which gives time to quilt it and have it finished by Christmas.

Blessings, Cathi
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It's never too early for Christmas quilting! . . . . .

Are you ready for Christmas?

Got all your quilty presents planned, made, wrapped and ready to give?

No?

Well we can help 'cause it’s back.

From February to November

On the 2^nd Saturday of each month.

This year I will be joining Sue from Quilt Times in taking turns to host the days.

Now, you know us, there will be some fun and games along the way and sometimes prizes too.

There will also be a free quilt pattern for those taking part, and if you quilt-along with us, you could have a new quilt finished in time for Christmas !!

Blessings, Cathi
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Grace . . . . .

I've seen Grace "gracing" several blogs over the past few months.  Thought I would show mine.  I think this is my first official finish for 2011. Whoo Hoo!!

She is a pattern by Cheri Payne and available on her website, Quilts by Cheri, page 5.  I also sell it in my booth when I vend.  If I EVER get around to updating my website, I'll put her on there.  Cheri is my favorite pattern designer.  I love being able to mix cotton pieced backgrounds with wool applique.  And Cheri's patterns are perfect for that.

ps. Look for big announcement tomorrow!

Blessings, Cathi
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