Now isn't this a beautiful picture. Wait, it not a picture is the new fabric from Robert Kauffman honoring the Boy Scouts of America.

Along with this fabric we have some great coordinates and the colors are just luscious.

This fabric just arrived at the store last week and the response has been phenomenal.

Well, it is that time of the year again. No, wait it is not Christmas (even though is that time of the year too) it is inventory time. UYK and double YUK.

To celebrate this mmmmm I don't know how to describe "event" we will be having our annual pre-inventory sale with the biggest discount of the year. What and when? It will be held this Saturday December 19th, 2009 and we will have a special pass if you arrive at the store between 7:00am and 9:00am and the discount at that time will be 40% off regular price items total purchase after 9:00am during and Saturday and Sunday you will then get 30% off. This discount does not includes batting, 50% off marked fabric, and a selection of items that will be at the sewing/class tables since they are items that have just arrived to the store. These items will be for sale but not on sale. Get it? I hope so.

If you have any questions please call me at the shop at 260-565-4438 or email me at mary@quiltsngifts.net

Buck a Block is finished and on display so you can see what a fun quilt that has come to be also Civil War is getting done and as we get a block done we have been constructing and you can see the progress. We still have space for both of these block of the month and you can either call the shop or email me.

Remember to get those pillowcases to the store or if you deliver them to let us know how many so we can add them to the count. Right now we are at 244. YEAH!!!!!

Well my web friends time has come to say until next time. Remember the reason for the season and please take care, mary

MMMMMM, girl scouts cookies...Yummmm.. My favorite shortbread.
Yes, this fantastic fabric just arrived at the store. Girl Scouts and waiting for arrival on Friday is Boy Scouts.
This is just the fabric to do that special quilt for that boy or girl that are in the world of scouting.
Just stop by and take a look.
Starting next Thursday December 10, 2009 Quilts n Gifts in Bluffton, Indiana will have new hours for Thursday's and that is we will open at our regular time but we will have extended hours until 8:00pm. You can shop, bring your machine and sew or just keep me company.
This will also be a great time to go over block of the month and instead of having one day a month you will have 4 and sometimes 5 days a month but remember you can stop at anytime and we will help you.
Remember your love ones that they can get you a gift certificate from Quilts n Gifts here in Bluffton, Indiana at any denomination that they want. Great present and you do not have to do the exchange lines at the mall. :)
We still have some space for the Civil Way block of the month so call us and reserve yours today. Our phones are 260-565-4438 and 260-273-2611 or can email me at mary@quiltsngifts.net The price per month is $23.95 and if you pre pay you will get 15% off that is an equivalent of one and half month fees off.
Also we still have space for Buck a Block and Thimbleberries. For Thimbleberries we are doing the midnight color way (which is almost sold out) and dusk. Which one do you want?
Well my friends until next time around the web quilting frame, take care, mary

Space the final frontier. Isn't this fabric just awesome and the coordinates are just as much fun and the quilt that can be made it is just fantastic. Voyage to the hemisphere of quilting.
Hi my friends, as you can see I am very excited about this collection. It is a great one and for sure it will make a great quilt for a young or adult boy/man. Ok girls too but in our house the space and Star Trek etc was more for the male figures of the family.
As you can see it has been a long time since I have posted but life was hectic but in the circle of life everything is coming to normality again. Thank you for your patience.
Now, what is going on.....lots and lots....
First of all Sweet Toni our long arm Gammill Statler stitcher quilting machine is in and working and working. Quilts are getting completed and they are just beautiful.
Fabrics are coming in and we are working new samples for a refreshement in our walls.
Our blocks of the month are getting full but if you have not signed up yet give us a call and join the fun. We are currently working in putting together the Civil War, Buck a Block, Thimbleberries and Cobblestone Lane. They are just out of this world.
We already have the designer for next year 4th Annual Quilters Reunion and not only she is a pattern designer but also a fabric designer for one of the best fabric companies in the industry. We are very excited about it.
Remember the sewing area is open for you to come in anytime you want and finish some of those Christmas projects because we do not have dishwasher, washer, dryer going that we have to take care....so the only thing to take care is our machines and sew sew sew till our hearts content. There is no charge for you to come in but we recommend you call in order for you to reserve your spot.
In a couple of days we will be celebrating Thanksgiving. A day with very deep feelings, a day to give thanks for what we have we had and who we are. In our family we have lots to be thankful this year but also we will give thanks for friends like you.
The store will be closed on Thanksgiving day but we will open at 8:00am on Friday and we will have 25% off regular price Christmas fabrics and 30% off regular price fall fabrics. Also, finish the bolt any bolt that is regular price will be 25%off. We will also add more bolts to our 50% off table and maybe one or maybe two more items on sale.
So stop by and feel the fabrics.
Well my friends until next time (defintely will not be this long) around the web quilting frame and thanks for your friendship, mary

Good afternoon my friends, one question, Isn't this a beauty? I really think so. What is this? This is a have to have one of a kind block of the month. This block of the month is a great combination of Marcus Brothers fabrics and designer Judy Rothermel and partnering with Homestead Hearth.

This quilt is a 150 year commemoration of the American Civil War to be celebrated in 2011. This is a 12 month program. It is a very detailed quilt showcasing 48 different fabrics. Each of the blocks represents a major battle fought during the war. Finished size of this quilt is 100" x 112".

You want to join us for this wonderful quilt of the month. How? just email me at shop at quiltsngifts@adamswells.com or call the store at 260-565-4438 or my cell at 260-273-2611 and reserve your kit today. This quilt includes all of the fabric for the top and binding plus the patterns for all 12 months. Price a month is $23.95 but if pre paid you will get 15% off the full price. Will you mail if I join? The answer is definite yes! and you decide if you want to priority or first class mail. So let's get together and honor those who fought the Civil War.

The date is finally here. October 22nd. is the day that "Sweet Toni" will be a permanent resident of our store. For those of you that do not know who is Sweet Toni, that is our Gammill Statler stitcher long arm machine.

Remember Friday October 16th. the Shades of Fall shop hop will start. Passports are free and they are waiting for you at the store. There will be 13 participating stores. Friday October 16th store will be open until 7:00pm and the rest of the days of the hop stores will be opened until 6:00pm. Quilts n Gifts in Bluffton, Indiana will be opened on Sunday from 12 to 4 for your shopping convenience. There will be special promotions for all of you shop hoppers.

So, my friends what do I have to say......join us for our Civil War block of the month, come over and see our new long arm machine and hopefully we will be able to help and serve you and last but not least join us at the hop.

Until next week around the web quilting frame. Please take care and see you soon, mary

Mystery

Every quilter loves a mystery and that is why Lynnette Jensen owner and designer for Thimbleberries Designs along with RJR Fabrics have designed this wonderful mystery quilt.

Lynnette introduces a fun Mystery Quilt that is going to keep you guessing at least 5 of the 6 months that this program is going to be. The Jelly Beans Mystery Quilt is fun, colorful and even a beginner can do it.

It officially begins at our store on October 15th. and for the next 5 months after the 15th of the month you can stop by and get your packet for that month. Wait!!! what I am listening, You do not live close to Bluffton and is wondering if we will mail this mystery to you every month, Well sure we will.

Price for this mystery is $13.99 a month and that included the patterns, fabric for top and binding. For those of you that would like us to mail it please add $4.95 so we send it priority mail and you will get it fast.

You can stop by the shop or call us at 260-565-4438 or my email at mary@quiltsngifts.net or quiltsngifts@adamswells.com ok you want to call me on my cell? that is ok too the number is 260-273-2611. So stop by, call, or email and sign up today. Enrollment is limited but the mystery begins.

Before I move on, Isn't that poster cool and neat. Susan did it.

In a few weeks you can say hi to Sweet Toni (Toni is my mom's name). Who is Sweet Toni? well she is the new addition to our store. Sweet Toni is our new long arm Gammill Statler quilting machine. Yes, we have added this new service to all of you here at Quilts n Gifts LLC in Bluffton, Indiana. We are very excited about this and we have been on intense training to be ready when the machine comes home.

Tina has joined our staff as one of the primary quilters for the statler (Iam the other one) and Susan and her designing expertise will be here also to help you with the major decision as to what to do to enhance that beautiful quilt of yours.

Ha! I know you are wondering where in the world is Mary going to put that big machine? Answer to that, stop by and see the remodeling done to the shop so sweet Toni can join us. I have come to the realization that there are more muscles, joints and parts of my body that have sleeping for awhile and I woke them up moving furniture, racks and even laying carpet. Ouch the next couple of days I have not been able to move but thanks to Advil, Aleve etc. I am moving now. Life is sweet.

We have received quite a few new fabric lines and they are just yummy, happy and groovy.

Well my friends, until next time around the web quilting frame, please take care and see you here at the shop soon.

Don't forget to stop by or call or email so we can sign you up for the Mystery Quilt, mary

Coming soon: Buck A Block, Civil War and Thimbleberries block of the month information.

Do you remember when we used the words like funky, groovy, cool and we said hello waving our hand with the peace sign :) well as I was with my sales rep the other day this fabric just jumped at me and said " I am calm, cool and collected" :) and I thought we have to have it. So, here is a couple of the fabrics from this collection from Michael Miller named Feeling Groovy. Ahhh the memories if only we were this spamrt and experienced when we were that age. Want to go back? No way, but still remember those days. Do you?

We are in the process of doing a quilt/throw using these fabrics accented with medium to deep purple, jet brown and lime green and a brand new pattern from Atkinson's Design. After working very hard in a kind of difficult quilt this is fun and relaxing and you know that all of us need one of those sometimes and on top of that the pattern is easy and fantastic instructions.

This Friday the Stateline Shop Hop begins. It is a great hop with a $450.00 grand prize winner that consists of a $50.00 gift certificate from each of the 9 participating shops. Do the math, 9 stores times $50.00 equals $450.00 to spend and no strings attached. Oh you are so lucky!!!!

If you have not stopped by the shop lately, boy oh boy, do we have a surprise for you. Our facelift is going according to plan and is looking wonderful. Reactions? Wow, it is wonderful, it looks so big, there is so much light now, over all, positive just super positive and for that we are all grateful and thankful for my husband Al to come up with this idea. Thanks, Al.

Now, wea re receiving new fabrics at least 3 times a week now since we are celebrating September is National Quilting Month and today Mary is going to sew, sew, sew all day. Oh! that is super sweet and no calories to fight with.

Yesterday we had our staff and their spouses at home for a barbecue and a thank you for all of their help and support. We had a wonderful time and yes, the calories came too but we ignore those calories and had a great time.

Well my friends the sewing machine is screaming at me to go back and keep on sewing what I was doing before the blog screamed at me and said "Hey our friends out there want to hear from you come on down share and time with them" so I said; you are right time to stop here and spend some time with our cyber friends because they are very special.

So my friends see you later around the web quilting frame. Stop by and see us because you will be happy you did . Take care, mary

Komfort Kids that is what this picture of the new fabric from Avlyn Fabrics and designed by Patrick Lose is, all about giving comfort to those children in need and that is why this fabric is designed with children and Project Linus in mind.
We are very proud at Quilts n Gifts in Bluffton, Indiana to be the drop off site for Project Linus for Northern Indiana. Peggy and all the group of volunteers do a wonderful job keeping this mission of love going. Before we opened the store I used to go and volunteer but now the time is tight so the best I can be is to support and offer our store as the drop off site.
What can you do for your local chapter of Project Linus? Very simply, give a little bit of yourself to bring some comfort to needy children. First of all find where they meet and offer an hour or two if that is all you can give (something is better than nothing) or use those fabrics that are back in the drawer and put together a quilt for a child. You do not have to do fancy quilting if you don't want just a stitch in the ditch or just plain knot it and BAM it is done.
You must remember; fabrics must be new fabrics from a non smoking environment and no embelishments on your quilts. These quilts go to children of all ages and safety must come to a priority along with a clean non smoke quilt.
Just join the fun and be part of a wonderful organization like Project Linus. After all if a fabric company and a designer can do something for Project Linus so we can do it too.
Now, to the store. Remember this Saturday we will having the gentleman to sharpen scissors, rotary blades etc. We will be having a small sale that is 25% off of all regular price fabrics that have some red in it or is red. Like one of our store friends just said it is a RED HOT SALE. That is Saturday only.
Also this Saturday from 3 to 7 and Sunday from 11 to 4 the classroom will be open for all of you that are doing block of the month and are running a little bit behind. It is catch up time with friends. You are up to date but still want to come in...it is ok too....just call me to reserve your space even though the classroom is growing it is not up to par yet. Hopefully by Saturday.
Well, my friends I need to go and get my hair dry and finish getting ready to go to the store and say HELLO to all of you. Until next time around the web quilting frame, mary

Good morning my friends, I hope so far you have had a wonderful and safe Labor Day weekend. I am home today (so far) and for those of you who knows me and my lack of sleep I want to let you know that I slept until 6:00am today. That is a record since I went to bed at 8:00pm. That is 10 hours when the most I sleep is an average of 5 to 6 hours. Feels good though. Now let's stop talking about my sleep because I know you are wondering what is the picture this time.

Well,,,, I Farmgirl got to do what a Farmgirl got to do. That is the phrase that caught my eye on this new and wonderful panel from Andover Fabrics that we just received in the store but wait there are wonderful coordinates and free pattern on Andover's website to be downloaded that will complete this awesome wall hanging. Me? I am in the process to start cutting out the pictures from the panel and start this project. Stop by the shop and see it because after all, we got to do what we got to do.

Some of you are wondering where is the update from last week. Answer? in my head. It was a very busy week with work, new things happening, and to top it all I had to get ready for the Auburn quilt show. It is hard to do vending back to back weekends. It is the unpacking from one to start packing for the other but that is all done and now I will leave for the store in a little while to unload the car and get everything back on its place. Maybe that is why I slept 10 hours.

The Auburn show was very nice and beautiful quilts. It was great group of stores and we had a great time. Margaret did a wonderful job coordinating the vendors and keeping us informed of everything that was going on. Thank you Margaret.

At the shop Susan was the master of the key and did a great job keeping the store going and to top it all she went with me Friday night for set up at Auburn. Needless to say going to Auburn we were talking and laughing (we still had energy) coming home it was at sometimes quiet since we both were very tired but kept each other awake. Thank Susan it could not have been done without your help.

2010 Thimblerries club samples fabrcis are in the store along with a pictures of the quilt. There are three colors way but we opted for 2 of the colors since you can see the details of the quilt better using these colors (my opinion). We already have some friends signed up for the 2010 Thimbleberries block of the month quilt that will start in January of 2010 and you have the choice to pick from the color way of your choice. Stop by, look at the colors and say this is my pick and I am in.

Since we are featuring Andover Fabrics on our blog today, I want to thank Andover for doing such a beautiful quilt on their block of the month for this year with the Tea Time Quilt. Looking forward to next year.

Well my friends time to say until next time (I promised at least one more blog talk this week) around the web quilting frame. Please take care and be careful on this last weekend of "summer" Labor Day weekend and see you soon at the shop, mary

Good morning friends, I want to talk to you about this book. The name is Ruthie Anne and is a book publised by Sweet Treasures. Wow! I must be super honest and say the truth is this book really impressed me to the extent that Tina did our store sample in a couple of days.

Our store sample was done using pastels reproduction fabrics and is soft and sweet. Also, this book is jelly roll friendly but it does not stops there, you can also use yardage or scraps. Yes, those scraps from our stash that we do not have the heart to throw away because we are going to use them sometime. Well, this is the time.

In this book they show you variations to the quilt and also shows you in different color combinations so you are not limited to pastels you can also go brights, darks, batiks in other words the sky is the limit.

With this said and done we are moving on now. Today is Sunday and went to church and now I am home and guess what? I am staying home all day, at least that is the plan. Yes, I need a day at home and this is the day. Iam going to impress my husband and cook dinner, do some cleaning and then sewing.

Yard work? no way it is cold outside. Is this early fall like October weather or is it August. I am confused. We are wondering what kind of winter are we going to have since summer has been a few days here and there since it has been over all a very cool and comfortable summer.

So what are we going to do today? Open those windows a little bit to let the fresh air in and sew. sew, sew. Will you join me?

Well to sew I go. Take care and see you all at the shop and around the web quilting frame, see you soon, mary

Good evening my friends. Yes, It is 9:35pm and I am here blogging with my friends. It does not get any better than that.

Isn't that fabric just plain old yummy. That is one of the different prints from the fabric line called Kiwi from Timeless Treasures. Talking about a fun group this is it.

Today I just received the packet from Thimbleberries for the 2010 club. I tell you the fabric and quilt are super nice. I was thinking of saying no to next year but the answer after seeing the fabrics is plain old YES.

I have in the store pictures and samples of the different fabrics.

Today a friend game me a piece of paper and I think I will share with you. Warning!!! you are going to laugh with this one. So here it is.

Quilters Tranquilizers

Directions: Take one as needed.....hint they are M & M's

Yellow......soothes nerves when you want to buy fabric and the quilt shop is closed.

Blue....calms tense muscles when your fabric stash looks a little low.

Red....reduces frustations when you can't find the right fabric.

Brown....relieves panic attacks when you can't find another place to hide your fabric.

Orange...Minimizes depression if you can't afford more fabric.

Green....cures the urge to buy more fabric.

Author anonymous

I needed some red today since I am working on the sample for the Stateline Shop Hop that is starting on the 25th of September and everything I put together one just does not work. Question? why I can always find the right combinations for you but I cannot make up my mind when I am trying to put some things together. I am going to find it tomorrow morning first thing I am going to do. There I said it now I am going to do it.

Well my friends it is almost 10:00pm and I am still going like the bunny that keeps going and going and going. So see you soon around the web quilt frame, please take care and see you soon, mary

Good afternoon friends, this is one of the quilts from Open Gates Design.

On this quilt you see the quilt and then a great close up picture of this great quilt and wonderful combination of colors. The shadow effect created by the very well coordinated colors was just stunning.

On this quilt the theme is very somber but on the same token extremely elegant. If you have a print (large) that you want to show without joining this quilt is for you. As you can see there is (really 2) a long strip where you can show your nice print and with coordinating fabrics you can have the talk of the town quilt. Needless to say, this one is one of the quilts that we are planning to get started. Finally the fabrics has been chosen and it will be a stunner.

Remember on September 12th, we will be having a Mr. Lehman in the store and he will be sharpening your scissors and rotary cut blades. He is super reasonable on his prices and he can sharpen the scissors while you wait.

The Stateline Quilt Shop Hop begins in September too. There will be 9 fantastic participating stores with awesome prizes. The hop starts on September 25th until October 3rd. with extended hours and Quilts n Gifts in Bluffton, Indiana will be open on Sunday from 12:00pm to 4:00pm.

I will be listing the shops on my next post but get those calendars out and start writing those dates on the calendar because this is one you do not want to miss. I will be working on the feature quilt this week. What a bummer!!!! I have to sew :)

On this our last picture that will be posted from Sunday we see a group of friends talking and having a wonderful time. As you can see those walls are covered with wonderful quilts.

When I said that I would like your input as to whom to have next year, I really mean it. Please email me at mary@quiltsngifts.net or you can call the shop at 260-565-4438 or my cell 260-273-2611. Your input is greatly appreciated.

Well my friends back to work I go, please take care and remember, you are special.

Until next time around the web quilting frame, your friend, mary

Good afternoon friends, well here we are posting pictures of the wonderful afternoon we had last Sunday. In this picture we have a couple of friends registering. As you can see there are quilts on the side of the hallway but there were more on the other side too. In other words, you were greated with quilts.


It was one of those times when you walk into a

room and you cannot stop smiling because it was an ambience of friendship and laughter all the






time. We had quite a friends that has been to all three of the reunions and cannot wait now for #4.


On this next picture we see a group of friends concentrating and learning about the wonderful rulers that Monique Dillard from Open Gates Design, our featured designer for this year, the Fit to be Geese, Mini Fit to be Geese and Fit to be Square.A flying geese never been easier. thanks Monique you just saved me taken headache medicine.
Standing right in front of this wonderful quilt we

find Monique. This quilt is one of her very favorites and it became one of mine too. Needless to say, I am already planning the colors that I am going to use to do this quilt.
Tomorrow I will add more pictures so you can see around the room that is covered with quilts to the extent that they had to be folded in half in order to place all of the quilts. Nice and sweet but I will also give you some close up pictures of the quilts so you can admire the wonderful quilting work and selection of fabrics.
On our feedback sheets we asked about the event like once a year or every other year and the results were every year so I will very hard to make this possible. The dates will have to change since Appleseed Quilt Guild from Fort Wayne will be having their magnificent show around those dates and we are part of the stores that will be vendors. If you have a suggestion as to whom would you like to see please let me know. You can email me at mary@quiltsngifts.net or call the shop at 260-565-4438 or my cell at 260-273-2611.
Belive it or not I have been trying to do this post now for almost 5 hours on and off and I think that this is the best I can make it. Remember computer savy I am not but that will not stop me from sharing some time with all of you and sharing pictures and friendship.
Please take care and see you soon, mary

Good morning my friends, here are the first set of pictures from our wonderful weekend of Quilters Reunion.

These pictures are from the Saturday workshop. We had 14 ladies having a lot of fun and learning Monique Dillard from Open Gates Design technique using the Fit to be Geese ruler and what a great way to do the flying geese. Just too sweet. Needless to say we all learned and if you are around the shop we will be more than happy to show you too.

On the first picture (upper left side) we see two of our friends talking and exchanging ideas about fabric. On the second picture we can see Monique (she is at the side of the table all by herself with a pink top) talking and ready to explain the Fit to be Geese technique.

On the third picture we see a couple of friends busy cutting. Yes, on our next workshop we will precut fabrics and on the last picture we see a finished block.

What was the most interesting is that we had 14 friends and we did not have one block that was the same fabric from another person. In other words, 14 friends 14 different fabrics used and that made this so great because we displayed the blocks as they were finished and it was absolutely awesome.

Tomorrow we will post pictures about the Sunday luncheon. We had a comment sheet and we asked if you wanted this event to be a once a year event or every other year and the poll was 97% voted for once a year. What does this tell me? I have to get busy and start looking for a wonderful designer for next year. Do you have a name or suggestion who will you want to see? Please email, stop by or call me since that will help me a lot. Our phone number is 260-565-4438 email at quiltsngifts@adamswells.com or mary@quiltsngifts.net Thank you for your help.

We just received some wonderful fabrics here at the shop. We have some great Timeless
Treasures dinosaurs fabric and a line called Lotus that is driving me insane because I really want to do a sample with that fabric.

Tailgate time!!!!!! We just received IU and Purdue table cloth vinyl with a soft flannel on the back (by the yard) so you can make your very own table cloth for the football season almost ready to start. Wether we wanted it or not fall season is upon us and we have to get ready and start those Christmas presents and fall decorations going.

One last thing, on September 12th, we will be having a gentleman here in the store and he will be sharpening scissors and rotary cutter blades at a very reasonably price. He will be here from 10:00am until 1:00pm. In other words, let's get those rotary cutter blades and scissors ready for quilting season time. Me? quilting season is all the time. :)

Well my friends until next time around the web quilting frame. Please take care and see you all soon, mary

Good afternoon my friends, as you can see I am running late on doing our blog but that is because there are major reasons why and that I will explain in a little bit.


The first two pictures that you will see are friends working on our Helpful Wednesday day.


We are very proud to say that we had two new quilters yesterday on our group.


What is Helpful Wednesday? This is the day we reserve just for you to stop in the shop and we will help you with any questions or techniques that you have. This is a complete free service for all of you. We also have Helpful Saturday on the

first Saturday of the month. Does that means that I cannot stop by any other time to get help?

Absolutely not!!! You can stop in anytime you want but on those days I can guarantee you almost a one on one help.
Customer service is our number one priority and this is another way for us to say THANK YOU for your friendship here at Quilts n Gifts in Bluffton, Indiana.

Can I come as many times as I want? YES, can I request a special class or technique? YES, do I have to call for reservation? No, but sometimes is advisable in order for us to make sure we have enough room for everybody.Can I stay the whole

day and sew? Definitely YES. If you are planning in an all day or you have to have a special need (like food) you have the option of bringing your own food (we have a refrigerator and microwave you can use) or we can order out. Will we see you on a Helpful Wednesday? I hope.

What in the world are you doing now? Mary. Well, I am just taking the picture but Tina and Jeannette are working on getting the door prizes for Sunday and Saturday events for Third Quilters Reunion weekend.
I just talked to Monique, our featured designer this year, and she is ready to meet all of you and spend some quality time with all of you.
Monique will also be having special door prizes for attendees.
I tell you this year I think will be the best yet. WHY? because our designer is a wonderful person, we have some wonderful door prizes and because of YOU. You make this event the best. Take care and I will be posting pictures from Saturday and Sunday.
I hope you all have a great day and see you soon at the shop, take care, mary
PS: we did not eat all of the Teddy Graham cookies from the box in the picture.

The Quilt is In

Good morning my friends it is Sunday almost afternoon and today is our Sunday to be open. Yes! the quilt from Open Gates Design is in the store now. We just received it and it is beautiful.

As of today Sunday we only 10 spaces available for next Sunday's luncheon. You still have until Wednesday when we will not be able to accept anymore reservations from that day on and tickets will not be available at the door since food will be prepared according to the number of attendees. So, if you have not made your reservation yet, hurry up because time is running out. Call us at 260-565-4438 or my cell at 260-273-2611 or email at mary@quiltsngifts.net

Guess what? I have been looking around here in the store and decided we need a new look at least on the fabrics. So, with many fabrics still on the way to us, we are redesigning and reshuffling the fabrics and with this job we are adding fabrics to our finish the bolt for 25% off regular price and to our 50% off marked price table. So stop by because there are a whole bunch of great savings in patterns and books and gift items too.

Now tell me you are not smiling now. Yes this is another one of those medium size panels that we have here in your store.

This one is Winter Joy from Clothworks. They are just beautiful and the coordinates fabrics are to die for.

Well, the music is going and the fabric is screaming at me asking where are you going to move me. So, I will go now and start moving more fabric but one thing I have to say it is looking nice and Andy Williams singing is just too good to be true.

Talk to you later around the web quilting frame, take care my friends, mary

Good afternoon my friends, ok, who said I was 15 years old? I don't know but yesterday I could have fooled anybody since I was taking pictures of new fabrics, panels etc. I built a section with a backdrop and all and then got on the floor to take pictures and to top it all I decided to walk on my knees. I know you can tell that Susan was not working yesterday because she would have been in my case and not let me do those dumb stuff. Thanks Susan for taking care of me. Today, I am paying all that with interest since I feel every single year I have and more to come. Anyway enough of complaining, one thing for sure some nice pictures were taken and we will share with all of you.

The picture to the left is a small panel from Clothworks and is super nice. Rich colors of reds, browns, taupe and it is a very happy Gingerbread Panel. The coordinates to this panel are just as

wonderful as the panel by itself.

Ok, now I know that you are wondering what is the quilt to the left and who is holding it up. Well, this is the pattern that will be released nationally with our Quilters Reunion next weekend here in Bluffton, Indiana.

At the time of this picture it was when Monique (our guest designer for this year) from Open Gates Design passed the quilt to us as the banner quilt for our reunion.

Wait a minute....you don't know about this yet? Yes, Sunday August 16th here in Bluffton, Indiana to be held at Timber Ridge Country Club will be our Third Annual Quilters Reunion. Doors open at 11:00am and lunch will be served at

12:30pm and Monique will take the honor to be our guest speaker and share with us more than 50 quilts at 1:30pm.

Also, Monique will be having demonstrations and a book signing segment. Price is $30.00 for the whole day and yes it does include the lunch. We still have 11 seats available.

Oh my! did I forget to tell you that every friend that is with us on this great day goes home with a wonderful gift. Yes, all attendants will have a door prize.

So come on down and join the fun.

You can call us at 260-565-4438 or my cell at 260-273-2611 or stop by the store for your reservation. You can also email at mary@quiltsngifts.net

Oops, wait a minute. The new issue of Quilts and More magazine just arrived. Nice fall projects on the cover.

Well my friends now is time to go back to work since Iam planning of rearranging so I will see you around the blog quilting frame in a day or so. Please take care and talk to you soon, mary

Wednesday-Information Highway day.

Friends I am in the process of writing the update but had to stop since I place a reference to this page and I thought I had to do the blog first. In a few minutes I will go back to finish the update and send it to all of you. You are not part of our weekly update? Just email me and I will be more than happy to sign you up. It is free like most of the classes in our store. Email at quiltsngifts@adamswells.com or thru our website at www.quiltsngifts.net

Well my friends here you have two pictures, not one but two and that is because we are rolling on information highway today.

So lets's start with the red, white and blue quilt at the left.

Susan and I designed this quilt to be part of one of our block of the month but we have a problem...it needs a name. So we are asking for you to come up with a name and email to mary@quiltsngifts.net or stop by the shop and drop the name of the quilt plus your name and phone number. Why the phone or email? because if your name is selected you will receive a $50.00 gift certificate from the shop as a thank you for helping us.

We are already accepting friends to join us on your block of the month that will start in December of 2009 (that is the red, white and blue that we are talking about) and with that it will come with a new twist to what a block of a month is. Questions? just call or email us and we will share all of the details with you. This pattern cannot be duplicated or copied. Thanks.

With a week and half to go our 3rd. Annual Quilters Reunion will be here so I decided to share another of Monique Dillard from Open Gates Design (our featured designer for this year). Monique will be bringing 50 to 60 quilts to share with all of us. We still have 11 tickets available for Sunday August 16th. If you do not have your ticket yet but want to join the fun just call me at 260-565-4438 that is our shop number and make your reservations today.

Well, I better go back to the update since I am almost done writing and then I have to add the names to our group. I hope you have a wonderful day and if there is anything we can do to help, or if you have an idea, feeback or suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact us. After all, we are here for you. Store number 260-565-4438. email mary@quiltsngifts.net or quiltsngifts@adamswells.com cell 260-273-2611 anytime.

See you around the quilting frame, mary

It is Monday!!!

Good afternoon friends, Ladies and Gentlemen Start Your Engines!!! It is Monday afternoon and we are roaring to go. Are you? Ok, I will explain about this panel that we are featuring today.

This is the Monster truck panel by Avlyn and is great for that little guy in your family. There are coordinates fabrics to match this great panel.

Now, how was your weekend? We had a great time babysitting and when we got home Mary was sleeping before 8:00pm I guess I was a little bit tired but felt wonderful being with our family.

We are still receiving fabrics two to three times a week and we are taking pictures to post here on our blog and slowly but surely they are getting posted on our website too.

You know it takes time to do this and sometimes I rather be sewing but I cannot forget my web friends.

We are in the process of getting our class list ready for fall and winter but this Wednesday we are having our Make It and Take It class for the quilt as you go table runner. This is a free class YES Free but you need to have a sewing machine, quilting tools and fabrics. The pattern is supplied to you for free on this class too.

Remember you can call us at 260-565-4438 or email us at mary@quiltsngifts.net or quiltsngifts@adamswells.com we are only a phone call or email away.

We have been asked as to when are we going to start our PMS nights again (Pizza, Munchies and Sewing) see it is not that bad and the answer is: we will start in September again. I will post the night that we are meeting so you can call and claim your space.

Well friends we are having Thimbleberries club tomorrow, therefore, I need to go and start getting the fabrics ready. So, until next time around the blog quilting frame. take care, mary

First Day of August

Yes, today is the first day of August, where and how fast is this year going? In only 12 days kids will be back in school and we can more or less safely can say "the end of summer is almost here."
But with August comes our reunion time. The quilt feature on today's blog is one of Monique's quilts from Open Gates Design our featured designer on this year reunion. Wow, I just received an email from Monique letting me know the date of arrival etc. and she just told me that she is bringing 50 to 60 quilts to be displayed, talked about what inspired her to design that quilt, and for all of us to say ahhhhhhh ohhhhhh that is really pretty.
So, I am pretty excited to see these quilts since, even though, I have seen a lot of her quilts during market time I most likely have some that have never seen and cannot wait.
Have you signed up for our luncheon on Sunday August 16th yet? No? Please don't wait too much longer since we only have 14 spaces available as of today. So call me today here at the store 260-565-4438 or my cell at 260-273-2611 and make this reservation because, this one you do not want to miss.
A Sunday with quilting friends, quilts, fabrics and the conversation, quilts. Do not get better than that. Waiting for your call.
Now, let's see what are we are going to do this weekend. This Sunday I am off from the store but I will be working hard since Al and I have been asked to babysit two of our grandchildren so we are doing it. We have to be on the road by 5:30am YES that early on your day off, so we can get there on time. Then I have to play, go shopping and take them for lunch and then we are taking a nap. I will need one by that time. It is going to be a lot of fun since we don't get to see them that often so it is always a special treat when we see them. Ok, it is special when we see all of our grandchildren.
Sometimes this next week I will have to go to Fort Wayne to find something for August 16th. and I am asking our oldest granddaughter to drive me there.
She just got her permit so we are going to cruise to Fort Wayne.
Well, it is past 9 in the morning and that means I have to go back to work but don't forget to call me and make your reservations for Sunday August 16th. You will not regret it if you call.
See you later blogging around the quilting frame,,,,,,,,,mary

Good morning my friends, the fabrics to the left is a closer look to the fabrics used on the pattern that I shared with you the day before yesterday, or better yet, on the post right below this one. I hope you like it and gives you a better idea of what the fabrics and color way looks like. We are starting to cut and assemble kits today.

Mmmmm, I just went camera crazy. I just took a whole bunch of pictures to share with you thru our postings here in our blog. If you could see me a little while ago I bet you were wondering if I was working for the Bluffton News Banner (our wonderful newspaper) as a photographer instead of shop owner but one thing for sure and that is, you will get pictures on most of our postings.

There are quite a few new events and programs coming up and I listed them all in our weekly newsletter. If you do not receive our newsletter you can email me at mary@quiltsngifts.net and I will sign you up and then you become one of our friends around the quilting frame.

We just joined quilters bloggers so to our new friends you can also see us at facebook under Quilts n Gifts or at www.quiltsngifts.net our website.

We have added the first Saturday of the month (as well as every Wednesday of the month) as Helpful Saturday BUT that does not mean that you cannot come at any time to the store for help and assistance because YOU CAN and is free of charge. For our new friends, what does that mean? You can come in that day (or any day) and ask for help, assistance or a lesson on a specific project that you want to learn or need help with. The only reason we point those days is because we have extra help in the store, therefore, it makes it easier for us and you to have a one on one help. Again, you can come in anytime and remember there is no charge.

Now, I have to stop talking and get to work. See you soon here in the store. Please take care my friends and don't forget to share a smile.

Good morning my friends. This is a fabric I want to share with you. It arrived in the store yesterday. This is the autumn spice collection from Clothsworks. As you can see you can download the pattern for free from the Clothsworks website. Rich colors of greens, reds, yellow, purple a wonderful border and a stunning panel completes this quilt. Yes, I am in the process of putting this piece together.

On a lighter note, in case you did not read yesterday post. We are in the process of a major over haul here in the store, therefore, we have added fabrics to our 50% off table, we have added more patterns, kits, gift items etc. to 50% off with an extra 10% off at the time you check out.

We are doing our fall clean up early and you are getting the savings. This sale will run until this Saturday August 1st. at time of closing.

We are also adding the first Saturday of the month as Helpful Saturday like all of our Wednesday's. No, that does not mean that you cannot ask for help any other time. You can ask for help (free of charge) anytime you are in the store. You are our number #1 priority and reason for us to be here. Thank you.

Now, time to work. Enjoy your Tuesday.

Clearance Week

Yes, this week starting today we will have an extra 10% off already marked down items and that includes our 50% marked down fabric. That includes patterns, books, kits, fabrics, gift items and anything else I find as I set up this clearance sale week.
New merchandise is starting to roll in and we need space so you get the savings.
See you at the shop this week. I know there is no picture on this posting but I promise I will have pictures later. After all, the idea just hit my head and I thought I need to share it with you right away.

Quilters Fun Day Continues

Hello my friends as you can see we had a great day. We had quite a few friends that took advantage of the garage sale. What was the question? Will you do it again? Well, sure we will. Quilts n Gifts will be the sponsor of this great day again.
Now, you have to understand that the day started with Robin bringing in 3 dozen of doughnuts in celebration of her birthday today and then my husband followed with cheese, crackers, diet coke and diet pepsi (you know after the doughnuts you have to watch the calories so you drink diet pop) and veggies with dip. It turned out to be a great time and camaraderie among quilting friends.
Tomorrow we will be posting the 3-D trees from the Figgy Pudding line of fabrics but for now see around the quilting frame. take care, mary

Quilters Fun Day and Doughnuts

Figgy Pudding

Figgy Pudding by Moda has arrived!

Mary's Bakery is filled with Figgy Pudding Layer Cakes, Turnovers, Honey Buns, and Jelly Rolls. We also have Charm Squares and 12 bolts of fabric.

The pattern can be seen at the Moda website under "free patterns". We will be working on ours this week and it is a super cool pattern. It is a 3-D piecing on the trees. We will have make it and take it free classes on this pattern. Call the shop for details. Shop number is 260-565-4438.

Now Where Did I Put the Phone?

"Susan, I can't find the phone, have you seen it?
I'll try calling it and see if we can hear it."
Yea, that's the phone in one of the containers packed ready to go to Berne tomorrow. Mary was transferring items from the containers from Marion into containers for Berne and packed the phone with them. It was quite fun trying to figure out where the muffled ring was coming from. If you called and we didn't answer it was probably because we couldn't hear it ring!
I guess that's what we get for trying to do too many things at once (like you don't!).

Another Day at Quilts n Gifts

Yes, here it is. About 2 weeks ago Tina and I were at the backroom of the store about 5 o'clock and I said "Hey we need to come up with a pattern" she responded "ok" and that is how this pattern came to live and the name of the pattern is "5 O'Clock Shadow". It is a charm pack friendly pattern. You can call us at 260-565-4438.

Oh wait! UPS truck just stopped in front of the store and is backing up....fabric is on the way. Yes, we just had a delivery of Moda Figgy Pudding fabric line. It is super cute and you can download a 3-D pattern from Moda that is a winner.

Susan is going to be doing the pattern on one of our Make It and Take It FREE classes that we offer here in the store.

Ok, this has been very serious so far, so to change the conversation It is raining finally. This is a very much needed rain since the other day we were working on the yard and Al said we needed to mow and I said, mow what? all we have is straw now until we get a good rain so hopefully he will have something to mow this weekend. Did you read that? He is mowing not me I will be at the shop because we will be having our Quilters Swap, trade day on Sunday. MMMMM, I missed another mowing day. I really wanted to mow and if you believe that I have an igloo to sell at the North Pole next door to Santa's house.

It is time for me to go back and finish the packing for the Berne Swiss Day Quilt Show. Elsie is going to be doing our booth at the quilt show so I can be at the store, therefore, off to work I go.

New Fabric

Mary's being a tease again!
She tells me to come write on the blog, then goes out and opens a new box of fabric. Of course the opening is accompanied with "Ooooos" and "aaaaaaaahs" and "this is sooo cute" and I can't wait to see what is out there.
Well, I couldn't wait. I had to go look. The new fabric is 30s reproductions small prints on white background. I'm already picking out a project for it!

Class Ideas

Help!!!!

We are often asked about classes we offer. Right now we don't have any. We need ideas! If you have a specific class you would like to see, let us know. We will schedule just about anything. If you and some friends want a private class, we will schedule that as well, just let Mary or me know.

We have some ideas floating in our heads, if we can only catch them and get them scheduled! It's too bad our brains work faster than our fingers! Sometimes the ideas even get mixed together they whirl so fast!

-- Susan

Website and Facebook

I forgot to tell you that we have a website now and that is www.quiltsngifts.net and you can also find us at Facebook under, what else? but Quilts n Gifts.
Well my friends new fabrics just came in and the box is screaming open me up.
I will update and keep you posted. talk to you soon.

Third Annual Quilters Reunion

Sunday August 16th, 2009 is our Third Annual Quilters Reunion to be held at Timber Ridge Country Club in Bluffton, Indiana. Our guest speaker this year is the nationally known designer Monique Dillard from Open Gates Design. It is a wonderful fun day and you can call us for reservations at 260-565-4438. Doors open at 11:00am lunch will be served at 12:30pm and Monique will be our guest speaker at 1:30pm. We will have everything decorated with fabrics, door prizes for all attendees and Monique will be doing demonstrations and a book signing. Now, that is a lot of fun. Call us and reserve your space.

Sunday the day for swapping

Ha, ha I know you are wondering what is this. Sunday set up time is 11:00am and the swapping starts at 12 until 4:00pm here at Quilts n Gifts in Bluffton, Indiana. If you have any questions, you can call us at 260-565-4438. What are we swapping? all of those fabrics and notions that we are still wondering what are we thinking when I bought it, those are the items. If you do not want to swap you can trade or you can sell it. This is your event and the store is not linked but is your sponsor.

We are here

Today is our first day of our new era. Susan and I (Mary) are starting our blog. What are we doing? We don't have a clue but we are having a lot of fun.
I hope you join us blogging and exchanging ideas and hints of our wonderful world of quilting and anything else that comes to mind.