Shoveling snow & Freebie Friday

Sorry I'm so late getting the Freebie Friday post up. We've been outside shoveling snow and taking care of critters.

The snow is absolutely gorgeous. It's also very wet and heavy so things take a lot longer. Since the post is going up so late we'll just have Freebie Friday extend to Saturday too.

This is a Fat 1/8th pack and you get one Free with the purchase of a book or books from our store - today (what's left of it) and tomorrow. The only exception is our book Special this month, Garden Dance. So browse through the books, pick one out and get some really neat Moda fabric to play with.

Well - SHE loves the snow! And payment options.....

It's snowing again!!!!

This is Cutler. She's a Siberian Husky puppy that we're puppy sitting for a friend until he gets his fence built. She doesn't mind the snow at all. I think she wonders why we all go in the house instead of staying outside and playing. She comes in because we're inside but she'd much rather play in the snow.

She is beautiful. Her eyes are blue and her fur is soft like a bunny's. And she has enough energy to run and pull a sled all day long - every day. Fills me with joy just to watch her run. Tires me out too.

Inside, where things are warm enough for people, I'm designing new quilts and thinking of spring.

We're having a sale on Basket Patch - regularly $149.95 - this week only $100.00. (We need some space on our shelves.) It has soft, gentle colors - some blues the same blue as Cutler's eyes. And flowers - I am so ready for flowers. I'm not ready for mowing the grass yet but maybe for some crocus.

Now for the payment options part. Most of you know that at the moment we can't take credit cards. We were the object of some credit card fraud (orders using someone else's credit card) and the Credit Card processesor that we had at the time (First Data - a big one) didn't bother to tell us that they really weren't set up for internet orders. Their security system just didn't have the checks it needed. So until we get everything straightened out - and it's like working with a bowl of spagetti - we can't take credit cards.

We've built a new store where you can check out with Paypal or Google. You don't have to have an account with them - it's good if you do, but even if you don't, you can use your credit card on their site which is secure.

If you're a member of one of our clubs we can't just charge your card and ship your order. What we can do is invoice you through Paypal or if you've had issues with Paypal we can invoice you through Google.com. They both have secure sites where your credit card information is safe. Or, of course, you can always opt to send a check. We can either send you an email that the Club is due to ship or if you're a long time customer, we'll just ship it and you can pay us. Just let us know how you want to be invoiced.

And since Tara quit with no warning (and no training of her replacement) we're kind of fumbling around in the dark. Max (Byron) has been working hard to figure things out and to see if there's anything to be done about the credit card situation. Every time he thinks things are figured out, something else comes up. Our priority right now is to get you your kits and products as quickly and as safely as possible.

Day 22 Moda Lissa

Be sure and check out Lissa's blog for the full story.

From Lissa's Blog:

20 questions

Here is a list of 20 questions from the moda designers pillow talk blog hop. Just in case you did not read all the posts, here is a link to each of them in no particular order. Cotton Way, Thimbleblossoms, Fig Tree Quilts, Laundry Basket Quilts, Deb Strain, Sandy Gervais, Barbara Brackman, Jan Patek, Kate Spain, Kathy Schmitz, Bunny Hill Designs,Aneela Hoey, Blackbird Designs, Me and My Sister,

Kansas Troubles, Lauren and Jessi Jung, Polly Minick and Laurie Simpson, American Jane, Sweetwater, Oliver + S, Primitive Gatherings

I believe the comments are closed on many of the posts but still stop by and follow them, add them to your blog roll, add them to twitter or whatever makes you remember to check out this talented group of ladies on a regular basis.

Yes I am going to give a prize to the winner, BUT I am not going to tell you what it is. You will have to trust me and want it really bad.

We've learned over the years that she always has something up her sleeve - and it's always good. Thanks for a great Blog Hop, Lissa!

Day 21 - Edyta and her awesome batiks

I've had the pleasure of having a booth next to Edyta (pronounced with a "k" in there) at a couple of Markets. This is one of the most dynamic people I have ever met. She has unbounded enthusiasim (sp?) and energy for her husband and kids, for her work, for her life.

Do hop on over to her blog and hear about her pillow.

And Edyta was going to be last, but certainly not least, on our Designer Blog Hop but now we hear that our fearless Marketing Leader Moda Lissa is going to have that honor tomorrow. Yay!

Day 20 of Pillow Talk - Lisa Bonegan - Wow it's about that red quilt!

We're off to church in Kansas City and that pretty well takes care of the day for me. But before I left I wanted to be sure the remind you to visit Lisa's Blog. You'll want to see what she has in store for you and check out her giveaway.

Is that red quilt not awesome? Wow! I love red quilts!

A little welcome respite

It's supposed to rain here tomorrow but yesterday and today were a welcome taste of what's to come. I did get to spend about half an hour in the garden but the rest of the day has been in the office trying to make heads nor tails of things.

It's been a long time since I did the office work and most everything has changed. I really am wondering if the good Lord is telling me that's it's time to slack off a little at 66 and mainly stick to wholesale. As much as I enjoy the kits, they do take lots of energy. For now, though, I'll leave things as they are. Max (Byron) and Tori and I so far have been able to manage.

I did miss posting yesterday though I found time to read Barbara Brackman's Blog. I had no idea you could do all that stuff with Photoshop. Well, I kind of knew you could but still don't know how. Great left brain that woman has. And besides also having an awesome right brain, she is a kind person and good friend to those of us who need left brain help. (She helped me set up my blog to begin with.) You really need to hop on over and see what she has for you.

This is Deb Strain's pillow. Besides creating beautiful things, Deb Strain is one of the nicest people I know. And I hate to use the word "sweet" but she is. And she has all sorts of giveaways so be sure to visit and say "hi".

And tomorrow be sure to visit Sandy Klop of American Jane. I hope I gave you the right link. She's supposed to be on the Moda blog. It's great to be able to catch up with everyone in between Markets. Makes me look forward to seeing them again even more.

Dreaming of Dogwoods Sale and Back to the Drawing Board for the FF BOM for 2011

This is the Featured Fabric Quilt for 2011. The finished size will be 82" x 98. Usually, I make the Featured Fabric Quilt out of the line that is shipping to the stores in March. This year it's Lilac Hill. I had planned on doing at least the top two rows out of that line.

The best laid plans of Mice and Men (or women, in this case). When I went to order the fabric - it's gone - oversold by a lot. And apparently there aren't any plans to reorder. I understand, by the time it got here we'd be doing pumpkins - and pumpkins usually aren't lilac.

So I'm regrouping. This year the quilt (usually my only really big quilt) is going to be a BOM out of necessity. I have been shopping up at the Moda store and using some prints and my beloved homespuns, I am conjuring up an awesome (even if I do say so myself) quilt. The blocks will go out each month. Cost per block will be $22.50 - which includes shipping and handling in the contiguous US. I know that's pricey but fabric has gone up quite a bit. The border and sashing will ship together somewhere in the middle. I have to get enough of it done to make sure what I want.

You can preorder by calling (816-632-7632) or emailing Byron (janpatekquilts@yahoo.com). I'll only kit a limited number but we will have a waiting list in case some people from last year drop off.

The weather is warmish and the snow is almost gone. That means, however that the ground is soggy and muddy. And the day today is really grey. I suppose days like these make us really appreciate the spring weather that's ahead. I, for one, am ready for it now. Hearts are coming down and this quilt is going up in the back hall.

So we're having a "Dreaming of Dogwoods" sale starting today and ending next Tuesday. The kit for this little quilt is $34.95 for a week only. Grab one to lighten up you life and your psyche.

And don't forget it's Day 16 of Moda's Designer Pillow Talk Blog Hop. Sweetwater always has some awesome fabric and their theme today is Sweet a6 - clever, huh. Hop on over and see what they have in store for you.

Day 14 - My friend Sandy Gervais

Happy Valentines Day.

First you must, must must hop on over to my friends Sandy's blog and see her paintbox pillow. Sandy has been designing fabric 1 Market longer than Linda and I. We have become good friends setting up and taking down booths and admiring each other's work. That said, I'm not quite sure I believe that she paints those little pictures with her toes. Yep, she said she did.

But before you go, today only 15% off of Lilly Heart's Throw or Wallhanging while supplies last.

Day 12 - Minick & Simpson & Playing Possum

First - you have simply got to hop over to the Minick/Simpson blog and see Laurie's bed. I swear, I always love to read her blog. Usually I end up chuckling and feeling like it's a better day when I finish and today is no exception. And of course, I love their fabric.

Back in Missouri, it's Saturday - washday - the sun is out and the snow should be gone (except for the giant hills) by the end of the week. Oh whew! Good ole groundhog. I'm sure we'll get another blast of winter but for now - whew!

This isn't a groundhog but he (or she) has been visiting since it got very cold. One morning when I opened the chickenhouse, there it was, curled up asleep in one of the chicken nests. Apparently it had been hiding the night before when I shut up the house. It's probably the same possum that has been eating cat food on the deck. I had checked with my brother Jim (he a vet) who told me they don't carry rabies so that worry was gone. BUT before shutting the house up that night - it was still asleep - I googled possums to find out what they eat - besides cat food. Apparently they mostly eat mice, snakes and insects - fine with me. It probably came in to catch the mice that always follow the grain. It was a lot warmer than outside so he stayed.

It's been here about a week. It's asleep when I gather the eggs at night and asleep when I fill the feeders and waterer in the morning. Don't tell Pep but I put a little cat food out for it :)

On a totally different note, Happy Birthday to Mr. Lincoln. And since this is the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War, I'm making (with a lot of help from Tori) a homespun quilt using Lincoln's Platform blocks. It's coming along splendidly. The piecing is easy and the visuals are - wow. Wait until you see it. We'll probably kit it.

More clothes to hang and a quilt to make.

FREEBIE FRIDAY - Free Fabric

We've started carrying some fabrics by the yard (all Moda fabrics, of course). The Homespuns are due any day but we do have a selection of prints on hand. Check out the category Fabric Prints (this is the red page) in the store.

To celebrate, and since it's Freebie Friday we're giving away a free yard of the fabric of your choice to the first ten orders of one of the following books.

Bird in Hand

Homespun Hearth

Garden Spirit

Say It With Flowers

Pokeberry Quilt

Together Again

Twixt Garden Gates

Young at Heart

The Free Fabric Deal will be posted on the " Specials" page at 11:00 CST and it's a "first come, first served" deal. Check out the books and fabric and get ready for 11:00.

And after you've shopped, be sure to hop on over to Me and My Sister's blog and see the quilt they have in store for you. Their post certainly reflects their humor and will make you smile. They are always so much fun at Market with their sparkling ideas and good cheer. And if you didn't get to Camille's blog yesterday (sorry, Camille, I was teaching and it takes all of my energy) you need to go sign up for a chance at even more free fabric, see her pillow and the pictures of her new baby. And the rest of the family - big brothers and husbands are important too.

"Love Is" Sale starts today and Day 9 of Pillow Talk - Kathy Schmitz - Wow!

Our "Love Is" Sale starts today (and runs through next Tuesday). So, for a week

"Heartsong" here is 30% off.

So is "Love Is"

Our "5 Hearts" kit is 15% off

and all patterns with a heart in them are buy 1, get 1 free.

(All prices on the "Specials" page reflect the sale price.) So hop on over and grab some Valentine kits because after all, Love Is something we need year round.

And speaking of hopping, you need to hop over to Kathy Schmitz' blog and see what she has in store for you.

Kate Spain - Master Plumber & Breadmaker - Day 8

You really must hop on over to Kate's blog and read all about her. She is a very interesting person who seems to be able to tackle almost anything - sinks, faucets and bread. By the way, Kate, my husband makes bread to relax too. His sourdough starter has been in the fridge "since the dinosaurs roamed" and makes the best bread in the world. Jake and Zoie spend most weekends with us and the first thing Jake does when he gets here is make toast out of Pop's bread. And while you're at Kate's be sure to register for her Jelly Roll.

We were all wowed at Market when she told us that these were her first quilts. Her pillow is darling.

And speaking of pillows - We have a pillow winner!

Kay who is a vet tech - please email your information to janpatekquilts@yahoo.com and we'll mail you a pillow kit.

If you didn't win and would like a pillow kit, as soon as the homespuns are here, we'll have some for sale. You can preorder by emailing us or watch the Home Page. I'll post the kits when they're here.

And a Layer Cake winner.

Sarah whose husband has a CPAP too, if you'd email us your info, we'll send you a Lilac Hill Layer Cake.

When the Lilac Hill precuts arrive, I have a fun surprise involving a Petit Four so watch the blog for news.

Tomorrow we go to Kathy Schmitz' blog. I'm lucky enough to have an awesome bulldog necklace she made. I can't wait - but then I guess I'll have to :)

Kansas Troubles - Home from the cruise just in time for Day 7

And just in time to have missed the great blizzard of 2011. Here's one of the perks of that snowstorm- Gabriels and Lilly's snowman. I just love the mouth. And the eyes aren't coal - they're walnuts still in the hulls.

I love Lynn's pillow and all of the symbolism. You simply must hop over to her blog to see it and read all about it. If you missed the retreats they used to give, you truly have missed a great time.

Tomorrow we off to see Kate Spain. Have just met her at the last few Markets and she seems to be a truly nice person. That seems to be a trait of the Moda designers. Maybe Cheryl won't hire you unless you're nice as well as a good designer. :)

Fun in the snow and Day 6 - Fig Tree

Here's what's went on at our house yesterday afternoon - or rather, outside our house. Gabriel and Lilly really like riding the intertubes. Their dad drove around and around the barn while Shannon sat on the tailgate and watched in case anything went wrong. It didn't. What fun!

Today I have to have a short post because I'm needed outside soon to take snowman pictures.

I thought I'd post the list again just so I don't have to go down so far to see what's going on with Pillow Talk. (Wasn't Bonnie's Tote awesome?)

Feb 6th Joanna from Fig Tree has it all buttoned up.
Feb 7th Kansas Troubles will amaze us all with her warmth and hospitality.
Feb 8th Find out what Kate Spain has to share. Any pillow talk secrets?
Feb 9th Kathy Schmitz has something wonderful stitched for you.
Feb 10th Camille Roskelley wants some pillow time (sleep) after having a new baby in the household.
Feb 11th Me and My Sister will energize you with the creativity oozing out of every orifice of their body.
Feb 12th Hear what these two retired librarians (Minick and Simpson) have to show and tell.
Feb 13th Liesl from Oliver+s has been so busy creating fun stuff.
Feb 14th Sandy Gervais, the queen of hearts, is featured today.
Feb 15th Lauren and Jessi Jung , one of our mother and daughter teams.
Feb 16th Sweetwater is so-o-o-o inspiring.
Feb 17th Visit this noted historian who probably can tell you when pillows were invented.
Feb 18th Deb Strain has just joined the blog world. Stop by to see her creations.
Feb 19th Join American Jane back here to talk about her design inspiration.
Feb 20th Primitive Gatherings is joining in on the fun as our newest moda designer.

And you need to hop on over to Fig Tree and download the really cool "sit upons" designed for her daughter's Girl Scout project. So cool.

Day 5 of Pillow Talk - Bonnie of Cotton Way

Bonnie - you know, Camille's mother, if you use her raising kids name. That's how I was always known - Kelly's mother, Max's mother - Brian's mother :) Bonnie of Bonnie and Camille design team to use her grownup kids name. And her pillow is really nice - beautiful colors as usual.

Here's a sneak peek at the pillow but you have to hop over to her blog to hear all about it and her. And to see her Giveaway. It's great.

And tomorrow we go to Fig Tree. Come join us!

Day 4 of Pillow Talk and FREEBIE FRIDAY!

It's Freebie Friday! - Yay!.

Today we're giving away - FREE - any pattern you want with the purchase of any precut.

(You don't have to get one of these, I just thought these looked appealing to all of us snowbound folks). Just put the name of the pattern you want in the "comments" section when you check out. This offer excludes only the 4 newest patterns, Trip Around the Cabin, Gabriel's Ark, 3 Cabins and the Bicycle Quilt.

And while I'm here I thought I'd announce the winner of our drawing for the Petit Four collection from Moda. Tara was finally able to get here to man the computer to find the Club rosters. So if you joined one of our clubs last month, you had a chance to win. Our winner is Jan Reliford, so Jan, Tara will be sending out your Petit Fours today. We had an extra Lilac Hill Turnover sent by Moda so we did a 2nd prize drawing and it was won by Maria Mignon. Congrats, ladies, and have hope you have fun with the fabric.

It's Day 4 of the Pillow Talk Blog Hop and Bunny Hill has posted already. She's an early riser too. Her pillow is darling and her post is hilarious. I really want one of her giveaways. Hop on over and say "hi" and get in the drawing. Tomorrow we go to Cotton Way - what fun!

Day 3 - My day on the Pillow Talk Blog Hop - February 3rd

Welcome to Day 3 of the Moda Pillow Talk Blog Hop.

Wasn't my friend Alma's pillow awesome? To say nothing of Barb's Basket quilt. I just love their Antique Fair fabric line.

Since Linda and I had 2 fabric lines (Classic Wovens and Lilac Hill) come out around Fall Market, I decided to do 2 pillows. Actually, I took flat pillows to the schoolhouse - I did get the tops done in time but they weren't pillows yet. The pillows were supposed to be about who we are - a way Lissa conjured up to get us to talk about ourselves - pretty clever and a lot easier on us too.

I am, and always have been, about home and family. I live in the country in a house on top of a hill, have a patient, loving husband of 41 years, 3 grown children, 9 grandchildren to keep me happy in my old age, 2 dogs and numerous cats. And chickens, we can't forget the chickens. I have always thought that quilting is women's art form - a practical art form that keeps our homes and the people we love warm.

Therefore, both pillows had to have houses.

This first pillow is Crabapple Farm, made out of our Lilac Hill fabric line. The pattern will be featured in the April issue of Primitive Quilting and Projects magazine. I'm sure the picture will be much better there - it's kind of glarey here. Since I can't give you the pattern, I'm substituting a Layer Cake of Lilac Hill. Make a comment, any old comment, and add Lilac Hill and we'll put you in the drawing for the Layer Cake. And be sure to watch the blog when the Lilac Hill precuts ship (no-I don't know when, wish I did) for a free pattern and giveaway on Lilac Hill Petit Fours.

We'll also have a Free pattern in a kit for a little quilt using the Petit Fours, a Charm Bundle and a Layer Cake.

Coming Soon to your Nearest Blog - this one :)!

The second pillow is made out of our Classics Wovens line.

Homespuns have always been a favorite of both Linda and I. We love the texture and how they absorb the light - somewhat like wool.

Download Now!

Click on the Download Now to download the pattern for the pillow. (And if you can't get it to download - some people are having problems - please come back later) My son's friend set up the download system. She works nights. As soon as she wakes up, she'll fix it so us nonleftbrain people can work it.) If you leave a comment, any old comment, and add Classic Wovens, we'll put you in the drawing for a pillow kit. If you put both Lilac Hill and Classic Wovens, you'll be in both drawings. Put the one you would prefer first. We'll draw a name Monday for both. We will have a few pillow kits for sale after Monday too ($19.95) if you don't win and want a kit.

In the past I haven't sold yardage of fabrics, just kits, but I have decided to carry the Classic Wovens. They really are our favorites. They're due in any day now so watch for them in our store.

Now for a couple of the questions.

What is a little known fact about yourself? This really is my hair color - the dark I mean. For some reason, I have very little grey in my hair at this stage. When I started getting a little grey, I had red streaks put in for camoflauge - so you wouldn't notice the grey. My sister Nancy, who is 5 years younger than me, has beautiful silver hair and has for years. I think she stole all my silver.

Do you sleep in a nightgown or pj's? I sleep in a bed - with pillows, sheets, a wool blanket and 2 quilts. If you get my meaning.

What do you do to relax? I applique and listen to music. The repetitive movement of the sewing is very relaxing.

Early to bed or all-nighter? Early - really early, around 8:30 or 9. But I wake up at 5:00.

How many nights have you or your spouse slept on the couch?

OK - now we have a pretty big bedroom. In the corner by my side of the bed is Bully's kennel. That's where he sleeps. He is obviously a bulldog. They snore. He does.

Then beside me is my DH, Pep, who has sleep anpnea (he has a machine now but before he got it - he snored.) Here he is with Quinn.

In the corner by Pep's side of the bed was Fuggles kennel. Fuggles was Pep's mastiff. Mastiffs snore.

So - here I am sleeping in my bed in the middle of the night.

Bully is snoring.

Pep is snoring.

Fuggles is snoring.

I - fully awake by now, pick up my pillow and my quilts and go to the living room couch where it is blessedly quiet. :)

Be sure to go visit Ann at Bunny Hill tomorrow. Her talk at Market had us all laughing.

Dreaming of Summer Nights

I really think it's amost time for summer now. Well, maybe not quite. But we can dream. This is my very simple "Summer Nights" quilt - baskets and stars and space. It's one of the quilt projects in our Across the Wide Missouri book.

If you order the quilt kit Feb. 2nd-Feb.9th you can get the book for 1/2 price. Email (jpquilts@cameron.net) or call (816-632-7632) Tara to order.

This is my Gabriel's Ark quilt. We've had some request to kit it. The homespuns are due any minute now so we're taking preorders for kits. The cost is $74.95 + S&H. If you'd like one, let Tara know.

Wasn't Aneela's pillow for the Blog Hop cute? My oldest son's house is done in clear colors and he has a daughter who is just as active as Aneela's. Since I've started making something for the younger grandchildren each Christmas I'm on the lookout for different fabrics.

Alma and Barb (Blackbird Designs) are next on the Blog Hop. Their stuff is always awesome. You need to hop on over and check it out.

Pep shoveled the walk and a path on the front porch to the door. I waded through knee high snow to the barn and bird feeders. Now I get to spend the day designing and stitching. There are some nice things about winter.

Tomorrow is my day for the Blog Hop. See you then.

Moda Designer Blog Hop starts today in the UK with Aneela Hoey

Borrowed from Moda's Blog.

Just one of the questions the moda designers will be answering during the blog hop.....

How many nights
have you or
your
spouse spent on the couch?

This will also give you the opportunity to follow all of their blogs, join them on twitter or just be entertained.

Beginning February 1, zip over to the UK to hear from Aneela Hoey.
Feb 2. Visit the charming ladies from Blackbird Designs.
Feb 3 Jan Patek is sure to entertain.
Feb 4th Hop on over to Anne Sutton and visit Bunny Hill Designs.
Feb 5th Cotton Way will be featuring some of her wonderful projects.
Feb 6th Joanna from Fig Tree has it all buttoned up.
Feb 7th Kansas Troubles will amaze us all with her warmth and hospitality.
Feb 8th Find out what Kate Spain has to share. Any pillow talk secrets?
Feb 9th Kathy Schmitz has something wonderful stitched for you.
Feb 10th Camille Roskelley wants some pillow time (sleep) after having a new baby in the household.
Feb 11th Me and My Sister will energize you with the creativity oozing out of every orifice of their body.
Feb 12th Hear what these two retired librarians (Minick and Simpson) have to show and tell.
Feb 13th Liesl from Oliver+s has been so busy creating fun stuff.
Feb 14th Sandy Gervais, the queen of hearts, is featured today.
Feb 15th Lauren and Jessi Jung , one of our mother and daughter teams.
Feb 16th Sweetwater is so-o-o-o inspiring.
Feb 17th Visit this noted historian who probably can tell you when pillows were invented.
Feb 18th Deb Strain has just joined the blog world. Stop by to see her creations.
Feb 19th Join American Jane back here to talk about her design inspiration.
Feb 20th Primitive Gatherings is joining in on the fun as our newest moda designer.
Keep your calendar open just in case we have a few more people designers joining our pillow talk.

I hope you enjoy their playful humor, casual anecdotes, and stories from childhoodas they speak through their pillow and design. (especially while being pressured to do so! )

I'll try to get the link to each designer's blog each day and link it to the button on the right. This is going to be fun. It's really neat to see the huge variety of talent in quilting - so many different options. My oldest son has a house full of clear colors and I have a new grandaughter - lets see - which fabrics.........?????