Fun Facts

One more milestone was recently accomplished in the closing of Bear Patch -- we had our final employee Christmas party!  I know, it's bittersweet, but I think it was possibly the most fun party we have had!  It was a potluck at the store after business hours.  Normally, we go out to eat, but since we had just had a fabulous dinner at our retirement party for Debbie and Laurel, we opted to just stay at the store and share our own specialities.  Wow!  Good food, too much to even fit on our cutting table buffet line!  Desserts had to occupy a separate space!  We were all seated at our classroom tables, which is a place of familiarity and good memories for us.  We had much more lively dinner conversation than if we were out in public at a real restaurant.  People clearly wanted to enjoy this last full gathering.

From left to right:  Jeanne T., Linda P., Sharon L., Barb E., Carol F., Pam H., Diane H., Kristina T.,
Laurel R., Sarah A., Linda E., Debbie E., Tammy B., Sophie V. and Karen L.
Missing: Beth H., Marlene M., Sue S.   Others attending but not pictured: Jordan F., Laurie L. and Bob E.

We all brought toys, food, toiletries, socks and underwear to donate to charity.  We have a customer donation spot for charity, too, and have already contributed more than 100 pounds of items to the local food shelf, plus cash donations, too!  And literally hundreds of toys, which are going to make
Christmas day a whole lot happier for some lucky little ones!  Thank you to our very generous customers who have already donated, and we are continuing to collect until December 14 so there is still time for you to participate!
We played a numbers game that really kept us all guessing.  Barb, our wonderful bookkeeper, had combed through some of the store records and challenged us all to put our brains to the test in a guessing game.  She separated some of the most frequently purchased items in our database and we were pretty surprised at the quantity of some of them!  Plus, these numbers are just for the past 5 years!  It would not have been possible to capture all of these items for 21 years because the early years were non-computerized.  So to keep it simple, she just captured the totals for 2014 to the present.  Here are a few of the stats:

Fat Quarters - this was the highest quantity of all items.  For the uninitiated, a fat quarter is not a body part.  It is a piece of fabric measuring 18" x 22" and is the equivalent of 1/4 yard of fabric.  Our total number sold isn't even a true total, because we do give away a lot of fat quarters for retreat groups, bus groups, shop hops, etc.  Our total sold was 44,416 fat quarters over 5 years!  That equals 11,104 yards of fabric!  I wanted to put that number into a quantity I could relate to, so I figured that many bolts have about 12 yards of fabric when they come to us.  Maybe more, maybe less, but I'm going with 12.  That equals 925 bolts of fabric used for fat quarters over 5 years!  That means there are a whole lot of fat quarters leaving Bear Patch every year!  Are any of them in your stash?

Cosmo floss - this item is a Japanese made embroidery floss.  The parent company is actually Lecien, and they make a lot more than embroidery floss.  It is called a 6-strand floss and is sold on a little skein wrapped with paper loops, much like the DMC brand of floss.  We have a large group of hand embroidery enthusiasts shopping and meeting at Bear Patch.  They love this floss and feel it is superior to DMC in the quality and feel of the product.  Over the last 5 years, we have sold 17,668 little skeins of Cosmo!  Each skein holds 8 meters (8.7 yards).  That equals 153,711 yards of floss!  To clarify just how much thread that is, imagine if you tied all that thread together.  And then tie one end to the goal post arm of a football field.  Now run to the other end 1,537 times.  That's how much Cosmo floss we have sold since 2014!  Amazing!  And think how short of breath we would be from just running the length of the field once!

Aurifil thread - we all knew this would be one of the top-selling items in the store.  We love our Aurifil thread, and we preach the wisdom of using the best thread you can afford to buy for your precious sewing projects.  This is an Italian-based company with a mission to make the best thread ever!  They have an American headquarters in Chicago, in addition to their original establishment in Milan, Italy.  Anyway, here are the stats:  7,049 spools of Aurifil sold in 5 years.  These are the large spools of thread, and this is a combination of the 2 most-used weights of thread, the 40 and 50 weight spools.  The 50 wt spool outruns the other by a long run, so I am using that spool as the basis for my calculations.  Those spools each hold a lot of thread, 1,300 meters (1,422 yards) to be exact.  Multiplied out, we have 10,023,678 yards of thread!  There are 1,760 yards of thread in 1 mile.  This equals 5,695 miles of thread that we have sold in 5 years!  Now, let's tie all of that thread together on a giant spool and go on an exotic vacation to Istanbul.  Fasten the giant spool to the plane (I'm sure we could duct tape it on there somehow but getting it through security might make the people behind us a little testy!) and string that along from the plane for the entire flight from MSP airport to Istanbul.  That is 5,489 miles (12-14 hours fly time with 1 stop to pee), and we will arrive with still 200 yards of thread to spare.  How about that!?  That kind of blows my mind!  Yes, we all really really love our Aurifil thread!

I could go on with more, but I won't because, although fascinating, this is enough numbers for today!  The next 2 most frequently sold items are our 14" zippers from Atkinson Designs (6,747) and Isacord thread (6,313 spools).  How many of all these items are at home in your stash?!

Still Shopping??

For round 2 of our gift ideas, we have a few more featured items:

Another excellent gift choice is something simple and basic--quality thread!  To the untrained eye, our little box of Aurifil thread might seem unimportant.  Not so!  This little assortment is like a treasure chest to many of us!  These colors shown were chosen to compliment the 2016 Quilt Minnesota fabrics, and we still have some of those pieces left.  Just imagine how impressive it would be to gift a bundle of those fat quarters along with the thread box!  The price on the thread and box is $30, and fat quarters can be added for $2.50 each.

Here's a treasure chest of a different sort - a collection of beautiful and useful scissors from       .  They are packaged in a special velvet lined wooden box.  Several of these scissors have distinct and unique uses, and probably not something everyone already owns.  $79.99 brings a lot of fine shine to the sewing room!

Have you seen the light?  The Slimline Light?

This is a fabulous new LED table light that I can truthfully say is now a necessity in my sewing room!  It illuminates either my sewing area or my cutting area, depending on which way I turn it.  It's clamped to the counter top, but an additional round weighted base could be purchased. 

 The light is $180 and the optional base is $43.

Aging eyes will say "thank you"!

We do love our tote bags and project bags in many shapes and sizes, why not tote in style with one of our Bear Patch bags!  Those pictured range in price from $17.50 to $25.00.  Better yet, give the gift of a bag filled with fabric!

A lot of times, we have customers who want to present a gift that looks and feels like a real live quilt!  Here's a very easy answer that doesn't involve a lot of time and effort for either the gifter or the giftee--  the Jelly Jive pattern ($3.50) plus a strip roll ($38-$44 each) plus fabric for binding and backing if you choose to include that.  We have made this pattern numerous times and it's a great couch quilt size (50" x 59 1/2").  We have a large assortment of strip rolls for you to choose from, this is one of the brighter choices, but there are many others.

Looking for a stocking stuffer?  These pretty little tins are both useful and decorative.  Even better when they are filled with needles, pins, clips, M&M's, etc!

Another good idea -- take advantage of some of the pre-cuts we have in stock packaged with a book of patterns to use those pre-cuts!  Pre-cuts come to us from the fabric companies cut in some standard sizes.  They are coordinated sets from a designer group of fabrics, and are die-cut and packaged for us.  That makes it so easy for you to use!

Of course, you can always play it safe and get the gift that pleases all!  Our gift cards can be written for any amount you choose, they never expire, and the balance can be carried forward until it is used up.  Load it up with a good chunk of change and see the smiles on Christmas day!

And finally, a frozen rainbow over White Bear Lake this morning--not for sale because it's priceless!

Don't wait too long for your shopping, we are closed on Christmas Eve Day so we don't want any disappointed husbands knocking on the door on the 24th!  We are open regular hours between now and then (Mon-Wed 9-9, Thur-Sat 9-5, Sunday 12-4).

Call us at 651-429-1039 if you have any questions.

Changin' and Rearrangin'

A few more store improvements have appeared within our walls.  In some previous posts, I shared pictures of work-in-progress.  See, it's not just our quilts that are a work in progress!

The large old box shelves that housed our batting supply have been removed.  Carpenter Bob built some much improved cubby box shelves for our batting in another spot.

In place of the old batting storage, we have a nice new clean wall and all our our thread has been moved across the store to that spot.  

This is just a few feet away from all of the hand embroidery threads, so it can now be called the "Thread Department".  

Some of these stackable thread shelving units will still undergo some changes, as we get new units and get our selection more organized.  We love the Mettler and Aurifil brands!

Over where the thread racks used to be, Bob has built and installed some more shelving for fabrics.  The picture below was taken before even more units were added to that wall.  Our dream is to have the right balance of shelving and bolts so none of the bolts have to be on the floor!  Never gonna' happen!  And we would be so sad if it did!

We have some new space created for our extra-wide Cuddle fabric bolts--  it's 88-90" wide, so makes a fabulous back for many quilts and doesn't need a seam!

And on the flip side of that shelf unit we have--

All of our wonderful cozy Cuddle bolts (58-60")!

Most of the Cuddle that we sell is destined to be quilt backs, but there are lots of other things that you can make with this soft plush fabric.  Click on this link to the numerous free patterns on the website that use Cuddle fabric.

Here's something else fun for you--

A group of new Moda Grunge fabrics on our shelves!

Come in to see the wonderful shades and tones at your fingertips!

How Much Thread?

I kinda' like a little trivia now and then.

Here's a fun fact:

On December 9th, our Stocking Stuffer of the day was a great deal on Aurifil thread.

You might remember it.

It was an offer to buy 2, get 1 free.

Well, that sort of thing always brings the thread lovers out of the woodwork!

Now that the dust has settled, and numbers have been tallied,

 I am pleased to announce that

on December 9, 2013,

 537 spools of Aurifil were purchased at Bear Patch!

Woohoo!

That's a whole lot of thread!

There are 1422 yards of thread on each spool.

That totals 763, 614 yards.

2,290,842 feet.

433.9 miles.

Approximately the distance from Bear Patch to Kansas City.

If Dorothy had wanted to find Bear Patch instead of the Land of Oz,

 she could have simply followed the Aurifil thread instead of the Yellow Brick Road!

It even works in the song...

"Follow the Aurifil thread.  Follow the Aurifil thread."

Now let's see what we can sew with all of that thread!

Day 9--December 10--Aurifil Thread

"Stuff My Stocking"

Day 9--December 10--Aurifil Thread

Regularly priced at $11.95 per spool
Today you can order 3 for the price of 2!

 $35.85

Sale $23.90

We will hand pick our favorite assorted neutral colors for you.

 

We love our Aurifil thread!  It is my thread of choice now.  It is very smooth, fine and low lint, which makes my machine happy.  Don't let the higher price tag put you off--I figured out the price per yard on Aurifil vs. other standard brands, and it is the same or cheaper than others.  There is just a lot more wound on that spool.  

 

 

Over on the Aurifil website, I found some cute projects for Christmas ornaments with links to their directions.  These were contributed last year by quilt designers around the country.  Check it out!

Please remember--these 3 Aurifil spools do not qualify for stamps on your Aurifil Thread Club card!  If you don't have a Thread Club card, you can start one with the purchase of any regularly priced spool.  Once you have purchased 6 spools you get another one FREE!

Here's how it works: 

You can respond in one of these 3 ways---Call us at 651-429-1039(during business hours), stop in the store, or respond to our e-mail and say "Stuff my Stocking" if you are interested in that item.  If you are not on our email list, you can sign up on the website homepage, right in the middle of the page.

When you order your first item we will need to gather some information from you:
your full name
address
phone number
valid credit card number with expiration and security code
However, if you e-mail us, please do not send that information in your message. We will call you back at the number you provide to get the information. Each person must have a credit card number to participate this year. Credit card information will be kept in a secure place and will be destroyed  after you are billed. You will be billed one time only, at the end of the event. Items can be shipped (excluding liquids) for the amount of the postage, no handling fee.

You may pick and choose the items you would like to order. Each special will be offered for 24 hours only. You will need to respond by midnight if sending an e-mail or by end of the business day if calling (hours listed below). Some items will be limited in number. We will gather your items and pack them in a gift bag. You or your Santa may pick up your items beginning December 17.  No sooner, please!

Very important--Don't forget we are closed December 24-25-26. 

Our Annual "End of the Year" Sale will begin on December 27.

Bear Patch Quilting Co.     2199 4th Street     White Bear Lake, MN  55110

651-429-1039      info@bearpatchquilting.com

Mon.-Thurs. 9am-9pm   Fri.-Sat. 9am-5pm  Sun. 12-4pm

Day 9 - Aurifil Thread

The 12 Days of Christmas

Day 9

Aurifil cotton thread -- buy 2 spools for $11.95 each, get 1 free!

This is what many of you have been waiting for!  Our little Aurifil offer for the 12 Days of 2011 was perhaps the most popular of the year!  Of course, it did help that Mr. Aurifil, Alex Vironelli, gave us a shout-out to help spread the word!

This is the same hot-hot-hot deal as last year.  We have stockpiled oodles of our favorite neutral colors of 50 wt. cotton thread.  These are the big spools (1422 yds), no puny little spools for you!  Trust us to pick 3 of the best neutral shades for all your sewing needs.

If you haven't yet used Aurifil thread, this is the time to start!  It is the thread of choice for not only myself, but for anyone who tries it!  It just seems to be the finest quality cotton thread available to us.  There is plenty of good info on the Aurifil website to explain all of the specifics, and some really helpful video tutorials.

Please remember that the purchase of this deal does not apply toward stamps on your Aurifil Thread Club Card.  If you don't have a Thread Club Card, please ask about it the next time you purchase Aurifil so you can participate.

The Important Stuff

The first order for the 12 Days of Christmas requires your name, 

phone number and credit card number,

which we will hold and charge with the total amount 

at the conclusion of the 12 Days.

DO NOT email your credit card number.

Call us or we will call you.

Orders can be placed via email, phone (651-429-1039)

or in-person at the store during regular business hours.

Mon-Thurs 9-9,  Fri and Sat 9-5,  Sun 12-4.

Pick-up begins December 19 and ends December 23.  

No items may be picked up before 12/19.

Remember, we are closed December 24, 25 and 26.

Items can be shipped for the additional amount of postage.

No handling fee is charged.

Liquid and/or oversized items will not be shipped.

The items offered are in limited supply, so requests

are filled in the order received while supplies last.

Sign up for our email list, follow us on Facebook or come back here to our blog

to get up-to-date information every day.  If you are on the email list you will also enjoy a recipe each day!

Stay tuned for Day 10!

Pam

Stuff My Stocking - Day 2 - Thread

We are already into Day 2 of our 12 Days of Christmas. And due to some technical difficulties yesterday, we are extending our Day 1 offer through today, as well! We discovered that we had sent out 2 email messages within 24 hours (due to time zone details) and the second message was viewed as spam in some inboxes. Details, details! So if that applies to you, you can thank us for testing your spam filtration system because now you know that it works!

Now back to the fun! Day 2 Deal--
Aurifil thread!!

This really is your lucky day, because we rarely offer a discount on this product! We love our Aurifil thread, if you haven't already tried it, you need to! Trust me on this. Here are the reasons I like my Aurifil:

• low lint

• that means easy on your machine and less cleaning

• 40 wt for everyday sewing is fine but strong

• lower price per yard than other brands we carry

• lots of yards on those spools, when I finish one it is like a badge of honor. Save those empties to show off to your friends!

• lots of yards on your bobbin means less rewinding

• removeable end cap holds the thread tail in place so my thread drawer stays a little neater

• the Aurifil spokesman, Alex, is easy on the eyes. And Italian. We all know what that means!
  

Enough! Time to stuff your stocking! You will get 3 spools for the price of 2, which is $21. We will pick 3 of the most commonly used "piecing colors" for you, and you will be a happy quilter! Just contact us and tell us to "Stuff My Stocking". We will hold all of your "Stocking Stuff" until the end of our 12 Days of Christmas offers and enter one total charge to the credit card number that we will ask you for with your first order. Quantities may be limited on some items, just sayin', you don't want to dilly-dally on these offers. You can come into the store after Day 12 to pick up your lovely gift bag of items. Don't live nearby? We will be happy to ship to you, adding only the cost of postage. What a wonderful package to find on your doorstep!

To get this Aurifil offer, valid only today, you need to act quickly! Take your pick:

1. email the store (info@bearpatchquilting.com) and if you haven't already signed up for our email list please try it out by popping over to our website homepage and register your email address in the box in the middle of the page. You can always unsubscribe if you choose.
2. call the store (651-429-1039) during business hours : Mon-Thurs 9-9, Fri-Sat 9-5, Sun 12-4
3. best of all, come into the store! We have a great display of Christmas project and gift ideas, lots of kits for many of our window display items. Have a cup of coffee or tea, enjoy our Christmas carols, and have a chat!

Stay tuned for Day 3! Pam signing off now!