We are Groovy Girls!!

Groovy Girls Shannon, Gloria and Diane

Samples of the club's project

Today is the kick-off for our Groovy Girls Club--and these ladies are definitely in the groove with their special edition Cash & Carry bags! These are just some of the grooviest gals at Bear Patch today! They had a lot of fun in our morning class, learning how to neatly and easily insert a zipper into these tidy little totes. I use one for my camera and its download cord, it is just the right size.

Groovy Girl Suzanne

Groovy Girl Sherry

Don't worry, you, too, can be a Groovy Girl! We have Friday evening and Sunday afternoon openings in this once-a-month club. The first 6 months is covered in the $36 registration fee, and there are treats involved! The projects are all designed by Terry Atkinson, so you know they will be good! Call 651-429-1039 to reserve your spot!

Website facelift

Every now and then we all need to do something to spiff up our image, and that holds true for our website, too. Working with Like Sew Websites over the past few weeks, we have made some big changes in the look and feel of our entire website. We went "live" this week, timed to publish our list of classes for fall. This is going to be a move away from the traditional newsletter that Debbie has published 3 times a year for 13 years, and with that change comes a few growing pains. But it's all worth it if we can meet the needs of our customers and continue to expand our horizons. There are some great features that we have learned to use already, and more to explore. Please hop over and check it out--the address is one thing that has not changed: bearpatchquilting.com

If you haven't already done so, you might want to put your name on our email list.

Further Education

Bernina Barb and Laurel just returned from Chicago where we spent 2-1/2 days of Bernina V6 Embroidery Software advanced training. We were among about 65 shop owners and teachers learning more about the fabulous things this software can do. We also got to talk to Bernina people from all over the U.S. and learn some of the fun things they're doing with the V6 software. We learned so much and can't wait to share it with all of you! The hard part will be deciding where to start! That's Barb in the picture during one of our afternoon breaks.

Got Rick Rack?

Yes, we have rick rack! From jumbo to tiny in assorted colors, even this great button trim in 2 colors.

Rick rack (or ricrac) has made a comeback, and can be found in many patterns for aprons, accesories, quilts, etc. Stop in and see if we have the color you are looking for!

We Have Lots of PUL

Have you heard about this new product? Nothing fancy to look at, but a special fabric. PUL stands for Polyurethane Laminate. It is a waterproof fabric but not a glossy nor stiff texture like some laminates. It is backed with a soft knit fabric and is about 58" wide and $10.50/yd. Very effective for lining beach bags, lunch bags, baby bibs, etc. We have several patterns that call for PUL or could be converted to use it. This one is Lunch Bunch by Possibilities and includes little snack bags and a napkin along with the standard lunch sack.

Many more possibilities--stop in and check it out!

Quilts For Kids workday

We are setting up for a fun day of working on new little quilts for donation to local hospitals for the children that need a quiltie hug. Here is one of many that were brought today from the Northern Material Girls quilt guild from North St. Paul, MN. I love this one, made from a cut panel and stitched between the blocks with a feather stitch. I want this panel!!

More to come....

Quilt Minnesota 2010

Let the fun begin!

Today marks the start of the annual statewide quilt shop hop, running through August 15. We have several new quilts on display, including 2 designs available exclusively at Bear Patch. Above is Star Light by Emmaline Design. It is 72" square and kits are going fast. The pattern is available, and would also be great for charm packs that you might have collected. Our second exclusive design was created by Mary Herrschleb (MH Designs) and features hand embroidered blocks in a wallhanging quilt made of these great blue and white fabrics. It is also available as a kit. We do have yardage of the special edition prints by Holly Taylor for Moda, but supply is limited so don't delay! We have a special gift for each person bringing in a passport to be stamped and there are great prizes in store for visiting stores all over the state. Visit the main website for details. We also have special trunk shows on display, so don't miss out! Our hours: Monday-Thursday 9-9, Friday and Saturday 9-5, Sunday 12-5.