Quilters and their sicknesses

Just read this on another message board and thought I'd copy/paste it: 


A recent study indicated that fabric gives off certain Pheromones that actually hypnotize women and cause them to purchase unreasonable amounts. When stored in large quantities in enclosed spaces, the Pheromones (in the fabric) cases memory loss and induces the nesting syndrome (similar to the one squirrels have before the onset of winter i.e. storing food). Therefore perpetuating their species and not having a population loss due to their kind being cut into pieces and mixed with others. 

Sound tests have also reveled that these fabrics emit a very high pitched sound, heard only by a select few, a breed of women known as "quilters." When played backwards on an LP, the sounds are heard as chants, "buy me, cut me and sew me." 

In order to overcome the so called "feeding frenzy effect" that these fabrics cause, one must wear a face mask when entering a storage facility and use ear plugs to avoid being pulled into their grip. One must laugh, however, at the sight of customers in a quilt fabric store, with WWII army gas masks and headphones! Studies have also indicated that aliens have inhabited the earth, helping to spread the effects that these fabrics have on the human population. They are called Quilt Fabric Store Clerks. 



It's also been experienced that these same Pheromones cause a pathological need to hide these fabric purchases when taken home (or at least blend them into the existing stash), and when asked by significant other if the fabric is new, the reply is "I've had it for awhile." 

To "FIX" this sickness.... check out our friends at DJ's DISCOUNT FABRICS ...   you can find them on the internet at www.djsdiscountfabrics.com .  Diane is a sponsor for our retreat, and a new fabric store on the web ... so go check her out!  And tell her that you saw her on CIRCLE OF FRIENDS RETREAT BLOG!

Have a great week and happy sewing!

WE HAVE A SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FOR THE CIRCLE OF FRIENDS RETREAT!!!

I went on a long country drive today ... it was a country drive, but with a purpose.  The scenery was SO beautiful!  The red bud trees and the dogwood trees are both in full bloom, and just breath taking as I drive through the country roads, over looking the hills and hollers, with the dog woods peeking out everywhere.  The other wooded areas are just starting to leaf, so they are pretty sparse, but then there are the dogwoods showing their beauty when nothing else is able to.  So as you drive, you have white dogwoods, a few pink, and then the beautiful shades of pink and purple from the redbud trees... I LOVE the Spring in the Ozarks!

So I drive a bit towards Table Rock Lake ... out to Cape Fair which is the BASS Capital of the US ... That's what the sign says :)  I cross over the lake, looking at the relaxed fishermen enjoying their day out on their bass boats ... I come to the small town of Cape Fair... drive a little bit more ... then, there it is!

It's a quilt shop in the middle of this small town ... and it's called THE QUILTED COW!  I had gone to a quilt show a few weeks earlier, where I met up and WORKED with our buddy Rainbow ... and I had talked with the gals from the Quilted Cow! 

So I drove and met up with the owner, Jennifer.  She is SO EXCITED y'all are coming to retreat!  She will have a vendor booth at the Ozark Piecemaker's Quilt Show when we go on Saturday ... 

but she is SO EXCITED, that she wants to do something special!!!

So... for those of you coming into Branson early, Jennifer would like to invite you to come to her shop, The Quilted Cow, and have lunch on her!  She'll be serving a light lunch of chicken salad, tuna, or egg salad, along with chips, goodies, sweets, and drinks. 

She'll also be having a GIVEAWAY while you're there!  There will be free patterns, door prizes (you must be present to win), AND she will also have a drawing for a GIFT CERTIFICATE that can be used on her website! 

You do NOT have to be present to win the gift certificate!  You just have to register in her shop while you're there for lunch!  

The hours for this fun is 10am to 2pm on Thursday, September 20th.  That will give you PLENTY of time to enjoy the Ozark beauty (about 30 minutes from Branson), have lunch, do a little pre-shopping at her store, and then make it back in time for Early Bird Fat Quarter Bingo and the Early Bird Dinner at Andy Williams Moon River Grill!  

She has LOTS of fabrics, patterns, everything a quilter could want, and they even do long arm quilting in the back room!  She's got a GREAT set-up, a friendly store and I think y'all will really enjoy yourselves if you visit her.  What a GREAT WAY to start off the retreat!

So think it over ... if you're driving in, might be worth it to come a little early.  If you're already planning on coming early, then it will give you a little added fun!  And if you're coming from the south, you can stop in on your way into Branson!

And HUBBYs ARE WELCOME!  For lunch and shopping!

She says they usually congregate in the back room with the MAN doing the long arm quilting!  They have a blast, she says!

I'll be asking about it later on as it gets closer, just to see what kinda of numbers we may have that want to do this ... just so she has enough food.  She's VERY excited y'all are coming!  So if you get a chance, stop by her QUILTED COW WEBSITE at www.thequiltedcow.com or LIKE them on facebook!  You'll like Jennifer, and you'll love her shop! 

More Robins ... More Eye Candy !

Here's some MORE beauties that are entered in the Row Robin now going on ... I can't WAIT to see the finished tops and surprise each of the quilters with their quilts ... will be SO SO SEW very beautiful !  Hope you enjoy !

DJ Brown

DJ Brown

Fishing Widow

Lisa P8

Lake Quilter

Headie Lamar

A New Year Brings LOTS of Happenings!

HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone!  I am so thankful 2012 is here!  This year will bring lots of fun, frolic and friendships to the 2012 Circle of Friends Retreat in Branson!!!

This month is when all the juggling for registration ends ... you MUST have your registration fees in by January 31st for you to be able to come have fun with us in Branson... and we would SURE hate for anyone to miss out on the fun! 

Also along with that, I have a renewed sense of getting the word out... so look for more updates and info as time passes on ... so let's recap about last year and what's happened so far.

Registration has started for Circle of Friends ... it's the 6th annual, you know :)  If you are called up from the waiting list, go to the REGISTRATION tab to get your sign up form!

The hotel has been set, and quilters are making arrangements for their stay.  We will be staying at the beautiful Thousand Hills Resort.  It's just off the heart of the Branson strip, down by Andy Williams Moon River Theatre.  There are plenty of restaurants around, lots of shopping you can walk to, many entertainment theatres just up the road, and lots of fun to be had!  If you haven't made your hotel arrangements yet, go to the LODGING tab on how to do that!

For those of you driving to the retreat, go to the TRAVEL tab to see a chart on mileage and how far it is to Branson from where you live!  Many gals are teaming up to ride together for a fun trip across the country! :)

If flying is your choice, the airlines that service this area should be putting out their schedules for September real soon... so keep your eyes open for that!  The airlines into Branson have opened up more flight availability from different cities so I'll be posting more info as it gets here!

Have you sent off for your BRANSON INFO PACKET YET ?  The good folks over at the Branson Chamber and Visitors Bureau put this together every year, and it's filled with all the info you may want to know about and do while you're in Branson!  You can find it at  http://www.explorebranson.com/ and they will mail it to you for free!

We look FORWARD to meeting up with all y'all in Branson next September!!!  IF you have any problems or concerns, about registration for the retreat, please leave me a message with your email, and I will get back with you.

HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone!  THIS is the year of the 6th Annual HGTV CIRCLE OF FRIENDS RETREAT ... bringing it home to Branson!

The Quilters Commandments

Here's some fun ... Quilters ALWAYS love stash!  It's part of their DNA I think.  AND they love to sew, share experiences, laugh ... and eat!  So here's some fun ... Let's hear it for QUILTERS !!!
      1.      Thou shalt Not Covet your best friend's Stash!

      2.      Thou shalt not point out missing points.

3.      Thou shalt not rotary cut whilst tired.

4.      Thou shalt read directions BEFORE cutting!

5.      Thou shalt obey the copyright laws.

6.      Thou shalt not make suggestions about how you would have done it differently when a friend shows you her newly completed quilt.

7.      Thou shalt measure twice, cut once.

8.      Thou shalt honor thy quilts by giving them only in love and not out of a sense of obligation.

9.      Thou shalt share your quilting tips with others!

10.  Thou shalt ALWAYS close the cover on the rotary blade between cuts.

11.  Thou shalt always feel honored to help a beginner.

12.  Thou shalt not be anally-retentive about being perfect. The corollary: thou shalt observe the "Galloping Horse at 10 Miles Away" rule for judging perfection.

13.  Thou shalt always have UFO's to brighten your life.

14.  Thou shalt always budget so that fabric is a priority.

15.  Thou shalt always measure for borders through the center of the quilt to the opposite raw edges.

16.  Thou shalt always have at least three quilting projects going.

17.  Thou shalt NOT turn up thy nose at another's restoration project, no matter how dirty or smelly. Remember, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder". A family quilt WILL BE a beautiful heirloom to them once again, when completed.

18.  Thou shalt do charity quilts with pleasure of giving.

19.  Thou shalt change the needle in the machine when it's so dull it won't penetrate the fabric.

20.  Thou shalt always practice safe rotary cutting; cutting with the rotary blade going away from your body.

21.  Thou shalt make it such that every stitch is made with love.

22.  Thou shalt follow thine inspirations, no matter what anyone says.

23.  Thou shalt support thine Local Fabric Store.

24.  Thou shalt use thine scraps to make quilts for charity, so that those less fortunate may know the joy of sleeping beneath a quilt.

25.  Thou shalt spread The Word to youth and elders alike, converting all you can to The Way of Quilting.

26.  Thou shalt oil thy sewing machine.

27.  Thou shalt use paper scissors for paper and fabric scissors for fabric.

28.  Thou shalt share all knowledge with other quilters.

29.  Thou shalt understand that there is an exception to every quilting rule.

30.  Thou shalt give thyself permission to be unique, creative, and innovative.

31.  Thou shalt understand that there is no such thing as an ugly quilt.

32.  Thou shalt not skimp on buying many quality quilting fabrics, as they are the pallet of thine art.

33.  Thou shalt not deny a cat a nap on any quilt or pile of fabric.

34.  Thou shalt not sit on a quilt, as thou might poppeth thy stitching.

35.  Thou shalt always label thy quilts.

36.  Thou shalt challenge thyself to trying something different.

37.  Thou shalt enjoy the process.

38.  Thou shalt not neglect thy friends and family by being over-ambitious in quilting. Too much, anyway.

39.  Thou shalt not fault thy husband for not knowing a selvage from a bias, especially if he is supplying the stash cash.

40.  Thou shalt change the machine needle often.

41.  Thou shalt not count anything under a yard as "fabric on hand" when asked why the stash is building.

42.  Thou shalt not impersonate the Quilt Police.

43.  As ye sew, so shalt ye rip. (OK, not a law but certainly worth remembering.)

44.  Thou shalt honor your deepest creative impulse and express your true vision.

45.  Thou shalt challenge yourself and others to try new colors, styles, skills that we may learn from each other.

46.  Thou shalt not presew a seam without thread in the bobbin.

47.  Thou shalt not show jealousy towards others' quilts or quilting abilities.

48.  Thou shalt "press", not "iron".

49.  Thou shalt be creative in hiding the size of your stash.

50.  Thou shalt plan your quilt well so thou can relax and enjoy the making of the quilt.

51.  Thou shalt practice/warm up your hand and/or machine quilting before making a pitiful mess.

52.  Thou shalt put down your work and go to sleep shortly after your eyes have crossed.

53.  Thou shalt not make obscene gestures at the quilt police. Learn the rules, then adapt them to suit yourself.

54.  Thou shalt cherish the love and satisfaction in every stitch.

55.  Thou shalt not horde UFOS, as they become NFOS (never finished objects), but thou shalt give them away to someone who will finish them for charity quilts.

56.  Thou shalt feed thy family at least one(1) home cooked meal a week while trying to get that quilt done for the show.

57.  Thou shalt stop quilting at least once a month and wave thy duster around (it only needs 5 minutes).

58.  Thou shalt keep a quilt journal to remember where thy quilts have gone.

59.  Thou shalt learn new and creative ways to say "Oh no, honey. That fabric isn't new. I've had it a long time...."

60.  Thou shalt not answer a compliment with "Oh it's easy". Especially one from thy son-in-laws who cannot imagine putting all those pieces together.

61.  Thou shalt be creative in hiding the size of your stash.

62.  Thou shalt ensure that all thine creations go to a loving home.

63.  Thou shalt not pass judgment on those who use thine quilts in ways other than what you intended.

64.  Thou shalt remember, "Done is better than Perfect".

65.  Thou shalt honor thy stash by having SEX often.(note for the uninitiated: SEX = "Stash Enhancing eXpeditions")

66.  Thou shalt refuse to allow the Quilt Police into your sewing room.

67.  Thou shalt not agonize so much over planning thine quilt that thou canst not enjoy the quilt-making process.

68.  Thou shalt remember that stars in the sky are merely circles with no points, and as such, stars in quilts do not require points.
(hey, if ya don't believe me, look at Van Gogh's Starry Night, not a single blooming point in that painting!)

69.  Thou shalt not criticize the quilter, lest she become wrathful and poke you with a seam ripper!

70.  Thou shalt pick up all pins that have been dropped so that thy dearest family members don't step on them. 

71.  Thou shalt not use the selvages in any quilt.

72.  Thou shalt jointh all the swaps thee little heart desires.

73.  Thou shalt giveth freely any good quilting tips.

74.  Thou shalt not be too critical of oneself. Perfection can only be aspired to, never attained.

75.  Thou shalt practice moderation in all areas of thine life--except quilting!

76.  Thou shalt always have at least 4 ideas on your "my next quilt will be" list....

77.  Thou shalt build an ark, and thou shalt fill it with two bolts each of every colourway of every pattern of every fabric line of every man

78.  ufacturer.

79.  Thou shalt keep your collection of quilting books smaller than that of the local library.

80.  Thou shalt finish all swaps and be in the mail by the deadline. 

81.  Thou shalt swap only 'good' fabric.

82.  Thou shalt use at least one 'ugly' in a quilt top, thee will be surprised at the look.

83.  Thou shalt not make a quilt without making a note of where the pattern came from.

Quilters and Stash !!!

Quilters go to great lengths to acquire and build their stash ... some have small stashes, because they like it that way, or because of storage restrictions.  And some have complete rooms full that would rival most fabric stores.  And they go to extreme measures in obtaining their stash and keeping it "their little secret".  Some husbands just don't understand our NEED for stash... it's like their tool collection, or miniature toys or whatever else they collect ... for my DHubby, it's fishin poles and equipment.  And I, being the understanding wife, totally cooperate with his needing to build his collection ... I'm a giver like that !  And over the years, he has learned to accept my need for stash, and sometimes I see this bewildered look in his eyes like "how did she get so much... and HOW does she fit it all in here?"

Well, we quilters get very creative in how we don't flaunt our purchases in front of our hubby's... some (I won't mention my name), has been known to put it in grocery bags and bring it in with the food.  And I just kinda take a little side trip to the sewing room to drop it off before hitting the kitchen!  He knows when I go for some "retail therapy", and that's all well and good.  He never says a thing... but I just don't want him to know how MUCH therapy I really need :)

When my daughter & Precious moved out of our home, at first I was bummed... then I saw a sewing room!  then somehow my stash took over the room, and I was forced to then move my stash into my guest room so I would have enough room to sew.  Then we remodeled our home for my mom to move in, and our bedroom got moved into the finished basement, and mom took over the master bedroom.

When she left to move back to Calif, I was kinda bummed ... but then I saw a BIGGER sewing room!  AND it (for now) handles my stash !  So my guest room is again a guest room, my old room became my office, and the master bedroom of the house with the huge walk in closet now houses my stash and equipment.  I decided I was wasting the bathtub, so I put a piece of plywood across it, and house tubs of my kona fabrics and storage supplies.

I am indeed a blessed woman... Steve keeps wondering why I didn't just take over the whole bottom of the house ... because I like windows and I like looking out at the birdies and the flowers ... but honey, your man cave would fit a long arm just perfect!

How do YOU house your stash?  How do you obtain it?  How do you get it in the house?  LET'S TALK STASH!  And then there's the friends who try to raid it !