2014 Block of the Month Programs

 

 Connections by Chris Hoover of Whirligig Designs.

Constructed with  the Terrace Collection by Lunn Studios for Robert Kaufman Fabrics.

This unique quilt features the use of Easy Angle and Companion Angle rulers for ease in cutting & is pieced using traditional piecing methods.
During this 12-month program, you will receive the patterns and fabrics to make the quilt top including borders and binding.
Finished quilt size is 104" x 104"
Accepting Registrations Now. Block of the Month will begin Late January 2014
A Non-refundable $24.95 Registration fee and $24.95/month for 12 months
  NOTE: Once enrolled, you are committed to complete the Block of the Month Program.

Fall 2013 Classes

We finally got the class schedule all completed. It's been typed, proofed, retyped, proofed again, so it will head to the printer tomorrow just in time for our Class Registration Open House with Meet & Greet the Teacher this Saturday October 19th from 1pm - 3:30pm
I've updated the website with all the class information; I still have a few pictures to take & add them. All the information is there on the site so make sure to check out the class section to get an idea of what the teachers have planned for you.
Make sure you get into the shop to register as these classes are going to fill up fast.
We have several new teachers that have joined us this summer, a couple new one's this fall & we will be welcoming back several of our teachers that are lucky enough to escape the summer heat here in the Valley.
The new names you will see are: Marti French, Sona Johnson, and Regina Hedgecock. We will welcoming back: Denise Gebing and  Mardi Norwood.
We welcomed two new staff members this summer; Terri Overton and Fran Dill. Fran will also be teaching some classes for us. We sadly sent off to Vermont Sharon Wilmans, her husband obtained a new position which took them off to Vermont. We hear from Sharon about the lovely fall colors she has been seeing and the museums she has been visiting.

In November we are hosting another National Teacher through Arizona Quilter's Guild; Karla Alexander will be teaching in the shop on Sunday November 10th, Make sure you check the Arizona Quilter's Guilds website to get all the details of the classes Karla will be teaching and to register for those classes. It's very exciting to be working with AQG and having the pleasure of meeting these talented quilting instructors.

Well it's time to finish up my computer work. Until next time; Happy Quilting

It's Passport Time!

   Rally in the Valley 

2013 Shop Hop

hosted by the Maricopa County Quilt Shop Association
Friday September 20th - 
                              Saturday September 28th 

Passports can be purchased beginning Friday August 9th
Cost $5.00 each
You may purchase one or more passports.

you will receive a Rally in the Vally flier that includes 
shop hop information
List of the 14 quilt shops to visit 
with shops basic information 
A map to assist you in navigating your shop hop journey
2013 Limited Quilt Block Charm.


Don't Delay purchase your passport early

Mom & Me Apron Class

Nancy & Kayla spent some one on one time together & made these really cute aprons.

This was Kayla's first time sewing & she is a "natural"! They both did a Great job on their aprons. 

We have another Mom/Gram & Me class coming up Monday July 15th. This class you will be making an elastic waist skirt. Don't miss out on this opportunity to spend some one on one time with your special girl before they head off to school. 

Kathy & A Quilter's Oasis Staff

Off to Pine for our Quilt Retreat

It's been so long since I have blogged. It's been pretty hectic at the shop. We have gotten the expansion completed,  the notion & pattern walls are organized. The large new classroom has been being put to good use. Our UPS & FED EX drivers have been dropping off LOTS & LOTS of new fabric. Batiks, Florals, & it's definitely looking like Fall & Christmas with shelves full of these beautiful fabrics. There are so many that I can't post pictures of all of them. Guess you'll just have to come in & see for yourself.
With the temperature outside hitting those triple digits it is the perfect time to be stitchin'.
Speaking of stitchin' the Staff & are are headed up to Breath of Life Retreat Center in Pine for our annual Staff Retreat. This is such a special time, we get to just have all kinds of fun doing what we love; Quilting. I plan on working on a couple shop samples, one of which is the quilt for this years Shop Hop.
The shop will be CLOSED Friday June 28th & Saturday June 29th so all the staff members are able to attend.
We will be back in the shop Monday morning at 9:30am.
Monday we are hosting a community event for constructing Arctic Scarves for our women veterans.These are what most of you know as Cool Ties, these will help the ladies stay a bit cooler in our high temperatures. The scarf kits will be provided so come on in, sew a few scarves, help a veteran & stay cool in our air conditioned classroom. The event is going to be all day Monday July 1, 2013 from 10am - 4pm. Show your support for these veterans.

Closed in Observance of Independence Day
The shop will be CLOSED Thursday July 4th

Happy Quilting
Kathy & A Quilter's Oasis Staff

Expansion Progress

Let me introduce you to Jerry, the contractor responsible for the new appearance of the shop & the wonderful new classroom space. He's hard at work making sure that the french door will fit perfectly for the classroom entrance. 
He's always smiling and has a great sense of humor. (he has too to work around all of us quilters)
   

Yesterday he broke through the existing wall separating our current space & the new one.

 He wanted to let us know how he was progressing on the expansion.

I couldn't help but check out how the new space looked. Wait till you see how big the new shop is going to be! 

 Jerry wanted to give us some good photos to share with everyone. So Annette, Sharon & I had some fun; we got to be in both spaces at the same time! Note we couldn't get our toes all pointed in unison. The customers that were shopping had a good laugh.  

            Immediately after our photo opportunity, Jerry got right back to  
            demolition.

  



Demising (separating) wall is down!! Jerry admiring his great work!

Jerry removing some stubborn drywall. 
Now for the dust to settle, thank goodness for the plastic keeping the dust away from the fabric! 
Today (Wednesday May 1st) Jerry got all the drywall taped & prepped for texture. 
Now I get ready to prime the remaining dark blue paint. 
Electrician, paint, & carpet are all scheduled. 

 


Here comes the staff & my turn to work... prime & paint! 

Will share some more pictures soon. 

Kathy & the Oasis Staff

Jerry too!   

City of Mesa Building Permit

The architect; Patrick and the contractor; Jerry went to the City of Mesa, Monday afternoon.
It's official the building permit was obtained!
Thanks to Patrick for all his wonderful architectural work, the official plans and Jerry with his building knowledge.
The WORK HAS BEGUN!
Jerry was in first thing Tuesday morning & had the metal studs already in place by the time I got to the shop (at 9 am). We had our planning session & things got MOVING!!!
The table placement was drawn on the floor, the electrical plug placement was planned, the french door for the classroom was moved in (thanks Patrice for helping your hubby), and a tentative schedule was made. Boy do I, we ( I do have a few mice in my pocket) have LOTS to do in the next few weeks.
Sharon, Annette, Terri, and I got fabric bolts moved (many of which are now stored in the back for my jeep & Terri's car).
So when you come in don't freak out that we have empty shelves (or fabric on the floor EEK), we have to prepare for Jerry to knock the BIG hole in the wall to join the new space.
I posted a picture of the inspection/permit on facebook yesterday but don't have any pics yet to post here on the blog. I'll try to get a couple pictures taken today so I can share them.
Well better get myself to work so I can get some more bolts moved off that wall. One thing positive about moving all that fabric is I'm getting some exercise (weight lifting).

Have a wonderful day & have some fun stitching for me, I think it's going to be a bit before my machine & I can bond.

Kathy

Our Demolition Crew at Work

Kathy, Sandy, & Sharon prepping for demolition of the walls in the suite we will be expanding into.

 The Quilting Girls (Quilter's Oasis Staff) have definitely Gone Wild! We traded in our rulers, rotary cutters, & sewing machines for drills, hammers, sledgehammers and saws.

Our wonderful demolition supervisor, Bud loaned us the correct tools, and some much needed direction.









Judy yielding a power saw. Now I know why she can rotary cut so fast.
Sandy swinging that sledgehammer. 

 Michele & Sandy busting holes.

 

 That's me busting up that drywall! Feels good to finally get moving on the renovation project.

 Bud finishing up the demolition, cutting all those large pieces of wood & drywall into manageable

pieces so Bob (hubby) & I can load them up to take to the dump.

Thanks to the Girls Gone Wild Bunch (my staff) & especially to Bud for all his hard work.

ABCD Quilting Class with Designer & Author Kim Fauth

Kim Fauth, author & designer giving eager students some basic instructions on her ABCD quilt block construction.

 

 Kim providing some one on one instruction to students.

 Sharing multiple samples of the versatility of the ABCD quilt block technique.

 Kim provided assistance to students to make sure they were successful.  

Kim & Sandy plan a design lay-out with the ABCD blocks Sandy constructed.

Melissa & Pat stayed busy constructing their quilt blocks.

 Hugette & Dianne were model students constructing their quilt blocks.

Hugette & Kim spend a little time "playing"  with the blocks Hugette constructed.

I just love those bright cheerful colors.

Pearl places her quilt blocks on the design wall to visualize the pattern her blocks will create.

These fabrics sure are elegant. 

Pat also spent some time designing with the blocks she constructed in class.

Ladies what a fabulous job you all did. 

Thanks for attending this special class with Kim.

Looking forward to seeing your blocks assembled.

Remember Kim expects a photo of your quilt emailed to her.

Thanks to Kim Fauth and her sister Sue for a very fun and educational class.

Looking forward to the next two classes she will be teaching.

Western Caribbean Quilting Cruise

Back from an absolutely fantastic week on the Mariner of the Seas cruise ship.
What a way to travel!!

Here are the 75 women, our 4 teachers,

Stitchin' Heaven Travel Staff: Deb, Clay & Rachel.
We had such a good time. I don't know where to start.

The Food..... lots and lots and lots of delicious entrees, and the desserts!!

Well let's just say I didn't stay on my diet. 

I did use the stairs on the ship to help burn some of the calories I consumed.

The quilting projects are well let's just say in various states of "unfinished".

Yep, 3 more UFOs to get done.

Laura Simpson shared her School Girl Glen Pattern with us. 

I have all the stars made, just need to sew rows together, add sashing & borders.

Cyndi and I adopted this for our vacation slogan.

It's absolutely true. 

 The Promenade Deck of the ship. LOTS of shopping available.

 My quilting cruise table mates; L - R ( Vicki, Monica, & Cyndi)

Thanks girls for all the fun. 

 As usual Barb and Mary of Me and My Sister Designs kept our class laughing.

Love those two girls. 

 The first excursion in Roatan Honduras "Extreme Zip-Line"!! 

Hanging from a harness in the middle of the Honduran jungle. WAHOO!!

 After our zip line adventure we had to clean up & go formal for dinner.

I GOT GIRLYFIED and loved it. Had on those 4 inch stilettos & didn't trip once!!

 The private island in Belize we went snorkeling at.

Our guide Desiree found a "brittle starfish" and i got to hold it.

I cannot tell you how absolutely beautiful the water is. The color is indescribable.

 Horsebacking riding in Cozumel seeing Mayan ruins.

Our horses weren't very cooperative. I think I needed to speak Spanish to mine.

She had an absolute mind of her own. 

The beautiful beach area we had the most delicious fajitas.

I'll share the picture of me holding some island critters later.

 Here is the last quilt "Lincoln" by Miss Rosie

That we were to make. 

Again, I have the 9 of the 15 stars made. 

 

This is Dana & she was kind enough to fill in for Carrie Nelson.

Dana was lots of fun and her smile is absolutely contagious.

We missed Carrie & hope her mom is on the mend.

Thank you to my wonderful staff for covering for me, to Stitchin' Heaven Travel for arranging this wonderful vacation and to my stateroom mate, Cyndi for inviting me.

I had a wonderful, fabulous time.

Hope you all enjoy seeing a bit of my vacation.

Now back to work to catch up on all the paperwork.. 

Vacations over. 

Visit Your Local Quilt Shop

A very BIG thank you to everyone that came into the shop today, to show your support.
What a fantastic bunch of customers A Quilter's Oasis has.
The staff & I are so thankful to all of you that show your support to the business & to this wonderful hobby "Quilting".
We were so busy that I know I missed saying "hello" to some of you.
Thanks again for sharing your time, your talent, & your quilting projects with us.
Kathy & the Oasis Staff

February - April 2013 Class Schedule

February - April 2013 Class Schedule is completed & on our website!
Printed copy will be in the store on Tuesday January 22nd.
The teachers have really been busy preparing for this session.
Linda Schoeppach is hosting a mystery quilt called "Buy the Yard". Join her as she unravels the clues for this quilt, Begins Feb. 7th.
In March we are happy to have a visiting designer/author of a brand new piecing technique. Kim Fauth will be teaching her ABCD quilting technique.
Kim will be offering her class on Thursday March 7th & Saturday March 9th.
Sign up early as spots won't last long.

 Allie will be teaching the Lemoyne Star using Deb Tucker's fantastic tool; Rapid Fire Lemoyne Star.
If you have stayed away from the Lemoyne Star because of those "Y" seams, no worry there isn't a "Y" seam to be found using this tool.
Linda Burch & Linda Hopkins will share their love of embellishing with bead embroidery & bobbin work with silk ribbon.
Judy & Mardi have got fun bags to share with you.
By request Denise will be teaching Anita's Arrowhead, Ranchers Daughter & Trees again.
Want to learn EQ7? Mary will be teaching the basic class & the follow up Beyond Basics.
There are LOTS more classes so visit the website & see for yourself.
www.aquiltersoasis.com (click on classes for detailed information) 
Don't miss out on any of the learning opportunities. Come in & register to insure your spot.

Saturday Soriee'

This stunning Block Of the Month features the Gallery in Red and Blue fabrics by 
Faye Burgos for Marcus Fabrics. Constructed with traditional blocks using these romantic red and white or blue and white prints you will fall in love with this quilt.
Finished quilt size is 80” x 101”. 

Accepting Registrations now. Choose either colorway or if your ambitious do both. 

A Non-refundable $24.95 Registration fee 
and $24.95 a month for 9 months.

Once enrolled, you are committed to complete the Block of the Month Program.

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2013 Phoenix Quilt, Craft, and Sewing Festival Tickets

We are selling 

Discounted Tickets

 $7.00 CASH ONLY

Limited Supply on Sale Now 

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Come join us as we celebrate Local Quilt Shop Day 

Thursday January 24, 2013.

Free Demo's from 2pm - 4pm in our Classroom.

15% Discount on ONE regularly priced item.

(one cut of fabric is one item)