Tuesday, 26 November 2013

Hoffman fabrics & More...

The  new Bali Tiles by Hoffman Fabrics...


Hoffman Fabrics have something new- Bali Tiles!  They are 12 inch wide batiks with 10 strips in a package.  Four 'tiles' or medallions on a strip.  These 3 are from 'Volcano'.  



Mrs P's has 3 different ones, Volcano- hanging in the shop, Splash and Seaholly. 


Mrs Pugsley's also has Hoffman Bali Pops- 2&1/2 inch strips & Bali Crackers- 5x5 squares in these 3 colour ways and more.  




Also coming soon to Mrs Pugsley's Emporium in Hoffman batiks is McKenna Ryan's Snow-Buds. This is an appliqué program that involves Snowmen and Hoffman batiks!  I'll keep you posted on this program, as I have requested it, but I don't have it in the shop yet. 



Don't forget, Mrs Pugsley's Emporium has gift certificates available.  They are in $10, $20, $25 and $100 amounts.  If you have a different amount in mind- let me know via email & I will get that specific amount ready for you to pick up.  They will be available on the website soon 




Wednesday, 13 November 2013

Christmas Tree Update....

The tree has left Halifax- but is not bound for Amherst!  Gasp! 

It's travelling via the ferry at Digby to NB and then on to the United States.  

This could be why I've never seen the tree to date. Instead of looking for the tree on the highway, I'll have lunch and be back to work about 2 pm. 

Sorry for the confusion- I really did want to see the tree!



Closed for a Christmas Tree?...


Mrs P's will be closed for lunch today between 12:15 and 1:30 pm today.  A bit earlier than usual today.  There is a part of our Nova Scotia history passing by on the highway today.  

In the Halifax Herald, they have done a great article on this years Nova Scotia Christmas Tree to Boston.  For those that are not aware,  Nova Scotia sends a tree every year in thanks to the people of Boston for their help in the aftermass of the Halifax Explosion.  

" Christmas Tree for Boston Begins its Journey"  on the Halifax herald site should get you the story, or you can try the link below.  


The tree is leaving today from Halifax around 10:30 am and as Amherst on the way to Boston, my Dad and I are going to see if we can see it as it speeds by on the highway.  So, yes, I'm off for 'lunch' around 12:15 to 1:30pm- but really, I'm out looking a really big, special Christmas tree!

We live in our communities- but we have to participate in our communities to make them 'ours'.  Today, I'm going to try to participate in a Nova Scotia tradition. A very small wave from me to a special tree on a big yellow truck on its way to Boston.   And truth is, I'll probably wipe away a tear too.  

What are you doing today?




Friday, 8 November 2013

Fun in the Sun...

Make someone's day with...


Soho Chic by Sandy Gervais for Moda...

When I look at the charm packs, jelly rolls and layer cakes of the complete line, I see violet, deep turquoise, a splash of green and some calming creams.  There is also, a lush, dark brown. Together, they are fun loving and would be great for adding a splash of colour to any room on a dreary day.  

I also have 3 fabrics on the bolt to assist with borders or sashings as may be needed. 

I only used about 1/2 of my jelly roll with a metre of extra red to make The Quilt Top { see previous posts } and 2 metres of the wide border- of which, I only used 1/2 the width.  It went together easily and without a lot if fuss- if you are wondering what would be easy to do....

News Flash....

             More Chubbies have arrived!  

Chubbies are my name for these 2 metre cuts that I get from my wholesaler.  I do not get to pick and choose- they are what they are!  For all of the people- like myself- that are afraid to 'let go'- it can be a very exhilarating yet scary thing to buy 'blindly'.  It's the element of chance and provides really great fabric at just $14.95 a 2 metre cut for you to buy.  

It's 10:30 am here; I just looked around and realized- I forgot to turn my lights on! Duh!  That's one of the fun parts about the building I am located in- great natural light- on nice days.  Night and dreary days are challenging though, because of the height of the ceiling.  With every upside, usually there's a down side.   Although, I heard on CBC radio the other day that Amherst is perfectly positioned for passive solar collection , which I translated to lots of nice days! 






Wednesday, 6 November 2013

Retro, Modern or Traditional ...

On one hand...

                                                  Joy of Life by Hoffman Fabric

What an aptly named fabric!  It just swirls and curls with enthusiasm.


Sweet flowers by Hoffman are seen above and below with Joy of Life.


It's a gorgeous collection of fabric.  It's very mod with 1960 swirls yet so modern with the beautiful rich colours. 

On the other hand...

                In stock yardage of 'Sweet Pea' a Kansas Troubles Quilters fabric by Moda

                      Also in stock, jelly rolls, layer cakes and charm square pre-packs

The pre- packs allow you to have a small 'dab' of all the fabric in the line.

For a smaller project, consider the charm pack.  


Here,  12 charm squares (5" squares) are laid out with 3 high & 4 long.   It would make a nice placemat with a coordinating fabric on the back and a different one for a binding.  One charm pack would make a maximum of 3 placemats with 4 of the 5" squares left over.  Or look at making 2 placemats , and with the remaining 16 squares, a table runner... Lots of possibilities and fun with a charm pack for $12.95.



Thursday, 31 October 2013

Trick or Treat!...

 Happy Halloween from Mrs P's!

Trick...
Sorry this is late...the 1st post didn't work. Goblins must have attached themselves to the post!

Your comments are being delayed in posting as I turned on the anonymous feature- my Montreal Sister had requested this!   

Treat...
Today, to my surprise, I have BLACK poly cotton batting and BLACK fusible batting.  I've priced them at the same prices as the white... $ 9.95/m for each. The poly cotton is 96 inches wide.







Wednesday, 30 October 2013

The Quilt continues...


Thought I'd do a quick update on The Quilt...

          
     

As the quilt top is done...I had to pick batting & backing. 

I chose wool as the batting.  I have made a potholder with 100% cotton batting and I found it 'flat' or not much loft afterwards- but it may not be the batting...I kept ironing it. :) Apparently, that a no-no!  

The backing was a surprise.  I had my choice of 2 wide widths- off white or white.  I laid them on the quilt top and I was drawn back to the white every time.  With the tans and beiges I figured off white would 'look' the best.  It looked okay, but I really liked the white.  I think it's important that if you are taking your time to 'make' something- that you put your personality or preferences in it.  Don't be afraid to throw that something 'extra' in there.  Chances are if you like it, others will too.  

The white also had the 'hand' or feel that I liked. Cool and crisp but soft too.  Our five senses are what give is our experiences.  Touch is often forgot about, but watch near a display of towels or other fabrics & we often reach out and touch- the colour may have drawn us to a display but the feel of them makes us stay there...



I laid the top out, then I made sure the batting fit and also the backing.  

Now to find the space to get it flipped arpund and still flat to pin it ( baste it). This could take awhile as I have a perfect spot but I need to clean a lot of stuff off to get to the flat surface.  

I'll keep you updated on the quilting adventure!