Lipinski Mania!

Well everyone in the GTA has been all abuzz because Mark Lipinski is in town! Check out his blog for the agenda ... you might still be able to catch him! As soon as we were invited to Tea With Mark up at Northcott I knew that I wanted to bring him a great big thank you gift!

Mark has contributed so much to the world of quilting that it is just amazing. He is a designer, writer, publisher and all-round cause célèbre! I asked Cheryl Smith if she would accept a commission to make a jester for Mark and she was thrilled with the plan. Cheryl and I are both big fans of Mark's writing and outlook. Cheryl came up with the unbelievable Marquis de Pickle .

Mark loved the doll as much as I did. We had a great afternoon listening to Mark's stories ... I think I was blushing the whole time but my cheeks are still aching from smiling so hard. Of course before we left we had filled the cart with more of Mark's Krakow line ... the colours just shout spring and I have a great in-store plan for them so stay tuned ... tomorrow I will write all about our first ever Easter Egg Hunt which will take place on April 11th.

New Mark Lipinski and Quilter's Panel

We have some of Mark Lipinski's latest fabric collection: Krakow. Mark Lipinski’s newest line was inspired by his collection of Polish pottery. The colors are modern and fresh. Mark refers to them as “quiltlicious”. The designs are bold and full of character, as is their designer. Each design will stand-alone in simple quilts, home décor, and garments. In combination, the designs create a very special effect.
Also new this week is this adorable panel from Jody Houghton. Her inspiration is simple and meaningful; quilters are a sisterhood - a sisterhood founded by Faith, Hope and Charity. It is only 8.99. Northcott has a free pattern download to use with it too: The Sisterhood of Quilters

Mark Lipinski's In the House!

We have been waiting and waiting and waiting but Mark Lipinski's new Line Califon is finally here. We love both colorways equally. The patterns and designs are bead and embellishment "friendly" so they are just waiting for your finishing touches.

Califon - Black and White Fat Quarters

We are trying to decide what to make with them and my mind is spinning with ideas - a bag? a quilt? something flashy for the house...here are some links to what other people are up to with it...
Jean Boyd has been making her trademark picture frames using the black and white run.

Mark's got a great bag made with the yellow and blue line coming up in his magazine and there is a sneak preview on his blog!

Pati Carey of Northcott made a show stopping quilt in the blue and yellow.

Now let's see what we can come up with!

Califon - Bright Fat Quarters

For those of you who aren't familiar with Mark Lipinski. Mark is the “the bad boy of quilting” and is a media phenom! Mark conceived and developed an innovative magazine for quilters named Mark Lipinski's Quilter's Home, which is published byCKMedia and is available on newsstands and by subscription. He is also a designer, teacher, quiltmaker and much talked about public speaker!

More Yarn, A Few New Bolts, Another Class...All In All a Busy Day!

This has turned into a bit of a hectic week...mostly caused by the yarn chaos! I have started adding it online and I am very pleased to announce that most of it is 40% off the suggested retail price.

Today I added a great super-soft eyelash yarn called Amsterdam (pictured above) which comes in five sumptuous colors. There are also two lightweight yarns suitable for summer projects : Kikki which is an Aran Fiber and Skipper which is an Egyptian Cotton made in Italy and comes in 7 colors. My mom is busy making it into dischcloths so we might have a picture of one soon!After playing with yarn for half the morning I zipped out to Northcott and picked up some of their wonderful Papillon solids and found these two great In The Beginning Fabrics ... both are only $9.99/metre. Beige Butterfly Background

Pale Purple Butterflies

Northcott has lots and lots of wonderful new lines of fabric coming soon including Califon designed by Mark Lipinski!

Zipped back to the store in time for Ann to teach the first in her Summer School Series.

Every Wednesday Ann will be hosting a two hour techniques class. Each two hour session is only $12.50. This is a great chance for you to sharpen your skills in a small group setting. Each class will be offered once during the afternoon and once in the evening.
Coming up in the next few weeks are:

Needle Turn Appliqué
Date: May 28th 1 -3

Binding - Beyond the Basics
Dates: June 25th 1 – 3

Paper Piecing
Dates: June 4th 1 – 3

Rotary Cutting Skills
Dates: June 11th 1 - 3

Mitering Borders
Dates: June 18th 1 – 3 OR June 25th Time: 6:30 – 8:30

You can find the full roster of classes here: http://www.sew-sisters.com/classes.htm