Back by popular demand, the classroom is open to anyone who needs to use the cutting table or design walls or if you just want to sew amongst friends.  The classroom is available from 11 am to 4 pm on Tuesdays. 

  

In addition, we are going to be offering demos on some Tuesdays. 11 am to 3 pm.  In March they are:

  

Reversible Purse:  Jenny Smith (3/15)

Turning Corners on Binding:  Jean McDonald (3/22)

New in the Shop

 

Home Away From Home by Anita Phillips for Wilmington Prints is this season's camping-themed collection.  Everything from camper trailers to outhouses!

 

Luminarius by Jo Morton for Andover Fabrics is in both brown and black colorways!  Just in the door, Toasties by Jo Morton.  Hot off the press!

 

More beautiful batiks by Hoffman have also arrived in the last couple of weeks.

 

Lots of new stuff to see, fondle, and own!

Oh my gosh.  If you thought you loved wool or were interested in working with it before, wait until you see the new kits and yardage from Wooly Lady!  Beautiful, bright, sunny colors--perfect for a spring/summer project! 

Fabric Donations for a Cause

 

Spring cleaning time is almost upon us!  If reorganzing your stash is on your to-do list, please consider collecting some of those fabrics that have just never fit into any project and donating them to the ladies at the Catholic Church in Cle Elum who make quilts for wounded soldiers.  Debbie got the ball rolling with several large boxes of yardage.  What can you find to donate?  You may bring your donations to the shop and I will make sure they get to the quilters!

  

Ellensburg wood artist Pat McPhillips stole one of his wife's quilt books and began creating beautiful wood boxes with an inlaid quilt block on the top of each.   I have several examples of his artwork available for purchase in the shop.  These would make a perfect gift for the quilter who has everything!

What's Up With Cotton Prices?

There have been questions lately about cotton prices.  I would like to share information I received through our subscription to American Retail Quilter.

  

There are many factors contributing to the rising price of cotton fabrics.  Cotton is traded as a commodity like silver, gold, and oil, among many others.  Short supply and high demand are causing the current and future prices of that commodity to rise.  The price of raw cotton had remained stable for the past five years.  Between 2005 and 2010 the price of cotton only varied by $.032/lb.  In early December 2010 the price was $1.25/lb and by January 2011 it went up to $1.52/lb.  Some cotton sources are offering $2.00/lb for immediate delivery. 

  

Due to these and other factors wholesale prices began to increase significantly in the last two years.  And that is why you are seeing it reflected in the retail cost per yard.  I have and will continue to do everything I can to keep my prices as reasonable as possible.

March is the month that marks the beginning of Retreat Season at The Crazy Quilt Shop and Hummingbird Inn.  Thanks to all of you who have gotten your reservations in early...some of you for your third or fourth retreat.  I appreciate you!  And for those who have yet to make a date for some quilting R&R, there are a few weekend dates available, as well as some mid-week dates.  Call or write soon if you want to start or continue your Crazy Quilt Shop Retreat tradition!

  

Sincerely,

  

Nancy Bronk

Proprietress

509-649-3777

www.thecrazyquiltshop.com