Quilt Therapy

Mystery Quilt Monday

2012-03-05T11:58:00.000-08:00

We are so excited to start our first project for Mystery Quilt Monday! Every Monday we will post another step for that particular project. Projects may be small or large or anything in between (hint: we'll start out small for the first project). A picture of the completed project will be posted after the final step. We hope you will follow along each week and post pictures of your completed projects as well. The number of steps will vary with each project, but Step 1 will always be fabric requirements, and Step 2 will be cutting instructions. If you have any questions about any of the steps, please feel free to contact me by email at FabricsUnlimited@hotmail.com (put Mystery Quilt in the subject line) or call me toll free at 800-827-9389.

So follow along with us and have fun!
Click here for Step 1

Sheri Lilienthal
Fabrics Unlimited
155 Shady Lane
Stateline, NV 89449
775-588-3211
http://www.fabricsunlimited.net/

Great Handi Quilter Offer!!

2012-02-23T21:34:00.000-08:00

Handi Quilter is offering a great promotion on their quilting machines, but hurry, because the offer expires on February 29 (must ship by March 16). Let Fabrics Unlimited help you choose the right machine to suit your needs. We have a Fusion 24 and Sweet 16 in our Quilt Studio, so come see us to try them out!

Fabrics Unlimited Quilt Studio is located at 256D Kingsbury Grade, Stateline, NV 89449 (down in front of our quilt shop). 775-588-3211. We're here Monday thru Saturday 10am-5pm. Offer good in continental US only.

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM FABRICS UNLIMITED !!

2011-12-31T22:10:00.000-08:00

NEW YEAR'S DAY SALE-A-BRATION!!
Join us online or in the shop for our annual New Year's Day SALE-a-Bration, our biggest sale of the year!

Sunday, January 1, 2012
Store Hours 11:00am-2:00pm (or until the last person leaves)
Shop Online 24 Hours at http://www.fabricsunlimited.net/

FABRIC SPECIALS

Deal 1

$1 off per yard on all regular priced fabric (tulle not included). Minimum 1 yard cuts

Deal 2

Quilt Back Special - 20% off minimum 4 continuous yards from the same bolt

Deal 3

30% off Specially Marked Christmas Fabrics - Minimum 1 yard cuts

Take an EXTRA 10% if you finish the bolt!!

Only 1 discount per fabric; no other discounts apply

THREAD SPECIAL

Aurifil 50wt Cotton 1422 Yards

Regular $10.59 per spool

Buy 2 assorted colors get 3rd color 1/2 off!

ISACORD Poly Embroidery 40wt

Regular $5.99 per spool

Buy 2 assorted colors get 3rd color 1/2 off!

BOOKS & PATTERNS

Buy 3 Books at regular price get 1 FREE!

Buy 5 Patterns at regular price get 1 FREE!

(free item will be the lowest price item)

All specials subject to stock on hand. No special orders. No other discounts or coupons apply during
New Year's Day SALE-a-BRATION

NOTE: For online shopping, the special prices will not show up in your shopping cart, but discounts will be applied prior to charging your credit card.

STUFF MY STOCKING DAY 6

2011-12-13T17:53:00.000-08:00

STUFF MY STOCKING
DAY 6

It is DAY 6 of STUFF MY STOCKING at FABRICS UNLIMITED! This is the 6th of 8 special offers - one each day from now until December 16th for a special discounted item

To take advantage of the special discount, all you have to do is click here or send an email to FabricsUnlimited@hotmail.com and tell us to STUFF MY STOCKING. Be sure to include your full name, phone number, and the day.

You can choose all of the STUFF MY STOCKING specials or pick & choose only the daily specials you want. Remember, you will receive an email each evening notifying you of the next day's special. That day's STUFF MY STOCKING special is good until midnight. (ie Day 6 STUFF MY STOCKING special below is good until midnight tomorrow night (12/14/11). Supplies are limited, so don't wait!

Day 4 is sold out, but we have a few specials left for Days 1,2,3,& 5 if you would like to add them to your list. Just specify any of these days in your email! If you have forgotten what the specials are, they are listed on previous posts on our Blog.

DAY 6 STUFF MY STOCKING SPECIAL OFFER

QUILT SAFE CURVED BASTING PINS - 300ct.

Size 1 Curved Basting Pins are easier to insert and close, and hold quilt layers securely so they do not shift. Place pins 2" - 5" apart, depending on the thickness of the batting. Pins come in a handy storage box, too!

RETAIL VALUE $22.98

PLUS

KWIK KLIP TOOL

End sore fingers, reduce basting time, and end bunching! Using Kwik Klip™, safety pins close effortlessly, preventing broken nails, stuck fingers and the familiar painful indentations in fingers caused by closing hundreds of safety pins. The unique handle design helps those with arthritic hands to baste without pain. Also removes safety pins faster and easier. Perfect companion to the Curved Basting Pins!

RETAIL VALUE $8.99

STUFF MY STOCKING SPECIAL VALUE $26.95

Remember, to add this special value to your stocking, just click here or send us an email by midnight tomorrow night (12/14/11). Be sure to include your full name, phone number, and the day.

STUFF MY STOCKING DAY 5

2011-12-12T19:15:00.000-08:00

It is DAY 5 of STUFF MY STOCKING at FABRICS UNLIMITED! This is the 5th of 8 special offers - one each day from now until December 16th for a special discounted item.

To take advantage of the special discount, all you have to do is click here or send an email to FabricsUnlimited@hotmail.com and tell us to STUFF MY STOCKING. Be sure to include your full name, phone number, and the day.

You can choose all of the STUFF MY STOCKING specials or pick & choose only the daily specials you want. Remember, you will receive an email each evening notifying you of the next day's special. That day's STUFF MY STOCKING special is good until midnight. (ie Day 5 STUFF MY STOCKING special below is good until midnight tomorrow night (12/13/11). Supplies are limited, so don't wait!

DAY 5 STUFF MY STOCKING SPECIAL OFFER

Nifty Notions Cut for the Cure Ruler 7" x 14"

Cut strips up to 7" wide and 14" long. Designed by Kaye England, these rulers read right to left and left to right and have perfect sight lines. But perhaps most important of all, a portion of the proceeds from each ruler goes to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Retail Value $13.95

PLUS
Invisi-Grip by Omnigrid

Invisi-grip is a clear, non-slip material that is applied to the underside of rulers and templates. It helps keep your ruler and/or template from moving when you are cutting with your rotary cutter. It is applied without adhesive to the back of your ruler and is easily removable without leaving any residue.

12-1/2" x 1yd package. Retail Value $7.49

STUFF MY STOCKING SPECIAL OFFER $18.95

STUFF MY STOCKING DAY 4 SOLD OUT

2011-12-12T11:01:00.000-08:00

SOLD OUT
It is DAY 4 of STUFF MY STOCKING at FABRICS UNLIMITED! This is the 4th of 8 special offers - one each day from now until December 16th for a special discounted item.

To take advantage of the special discount, all you have to do is click here or send an email to FabricsUnlimited@hotmail.com and tell us to STUFF MY STOCKING. Be sure to include your full name, phone number, and the day.

You can choose all of the STUFF MY STOCKING specials or pick & choose only the daily specials you want. Remember, you will receive an email each evening notifying you of the next day's special. That day's STUFF MY STOCKING special is good until midnight. (ie Day 4 STUFF MY STOCKING special below is good until midnight tonight (12/12/11).

DAY 4 STUFF MY STOCKING SPECIAL

LIL TWISTER TEMPLATE

Tool for making pinwheels easy! Includes template, instruction, and pattern for Table Topper. Uses 5" squares. Quick, easy, and fun to make!

RETAIL VALUE $11.50

PLUS

CHARM PACK (our choice)

Approximately 40 pre-cut 5" squares. Perfect companion for the Lil Twister Template!

RETAIL VALUE TO $9.95

STUFF MY STOCKING SPECIAL OFFER $17.95
SOLD OUT

STUFF MY STOCKING DAY 3 IS COMING!!

2011-12-10T17:14:00.000-08:00

December 11 is DAY 3 of STUFF MY STOCKING at FABRICS UNLIMITED! This is the 3rd of 8 special offers - one each day from now until December 16th for a special discounted item.

To take advantage of the special discount, all you have to do is click here or send an email to FabricsUnlimited@hotmail.com and tell us to STUFF MY STOCKING. Be sure to include your full name, phone number, and the day.

You can choose all of the STUFF MY STOCKING specials or pick & choose only the daily specials you want. Remember, you will receive an email each evening notifying you of the next day's special. That day's STUFF MY STOCKING special is good until midnight. (ie Day 3 STUFF MY STOCKING special below is good until midnight tomorrow night (12/11/11).

DAY 3 STUFF MY STOCKING OFFER

Clover Wonder Clips

A great alternative to pins, especially when working with heavy weight fabrics, piles, and vinyls. Wonder Clips can hold layered sections of sewing projects such as handle connectors to handbags and piping without distortion. It holds quilt binding while sewing and it is easy to see and easy to find when dropped on the floor. Clip base is flat for easy feeding to presser foot, and is marked with 1/4" (7mm) and 1/2" (12mm) seam allowance markings. Works well with Sergers!

Retail Value $6.95 (pkg of 10)

PLUS

Spool of Aurifil Cotton 50wt Thread (1422 yards) Our color choice
Retail Value $11.00

STUFF MY STOCKING SPECIAL VALUE $15.29

DAY 2 - STUFF MY STOCKING

2011-12-09T17:36:00.000-08:00

Cooking so many cupcakes, you'll need a nice oven mitt to pull them from the oven - so why not a cupcake oven mitt?! Quick, easy and very functional. Finished size 10" x 8". The kit includes the batting and fabric you need to make these cuties.

Retail Value $18.95

STUFF MY STOCKING SPECIAL VALUE $15.95

Includes Pattern + 2 Kits

Click here or go to FabricsUnlimited@hotmail.com and tell us that you want us to

STUFF MY STOCKING!

STUFF MY STOCKING

2011-12-08T15:54:00.000-08:00

Announcing our STUFF MY STOCKING program at Fabrics Unlimited, starting tomorrow, December 9, 2011.

We will offer a different item or group of items each day through December 16 at a discounted price for you to stuff your stocking. We will send a new email each day with the special item(s) of the day. You are free to choose only the daily specials that you would like to have. The special deal for each of the items is only available until midnight each day, so be sure to check your email every day.

To take advantage of the special price, all you need to do is call, come in, or click where indicated in the email and give us your name and phone number, and we'll place the item in your "stocking" here at the shop. On or after December 16, stop in the shop and pick up your loot...or better yet, send a Santa!

Not in the area? No problem! We'll be happy to ship to you on December 16 (shipping charges will be added).

This is the perfect way to purchase the perfect gifts for your special friends or get what YOU want for Christmas and save $$$, too! You know that your family wants you to have just what you want, so COME ON and JOIN THE FUN and tell them you are doing the shopping for them!

Day 1 STUFF MY STOCKING special is listed below!

DAY 1

STUFF MY STOCKING SPECIAL VALUE

Clean your machine and get it ready for the New Year!

Zoom Spout Sewing Machine Oil + Double End Lint Brush

Retail Value $5.04

STUFF MY STOCKING SPECIAL VALUE $4.29

click here to send an email to FabricsUnlimited@hotmail.com or call 775-588-3211 by midnight tomorrow (Dec 9) and tell us to "STUFF MY STOCKING!"

Don't forget to include your FULL NAME and Phone Number with area code.

Art Quilt Tahoe 2011 Recap

2011-11-28T15:55:00.000-08:00

I'm a little behind on posting about Art Quilt Tahoe 2011, which was held Nov 6-11 at Zephyr Point Presbyterian Conference Center located on the south shore of beautiful Lake Tahoe. This year marks the 5th year that Fabrics Unlimited was selected as the official quilt shop vendor for this fabulous Fiber Artist Retreat. We got to rub shoulders with sought-after fiber artists Libby Lehman, Jane Dunnewold, Laura Wasilowski, Sue Benner, Rosalie Dace, Velda Newman, Sue Cavanaugh, Valerie Goodwin, and also some of the most talented art quiters around.

The week was filled with cutting, painting, silk screening, fusing, dying, foiling, discharging, thread painting, stitching, and more. Every lunch and dinner was followed by a presentation from a member of the faculty about their work. This year marked the 13th year of Art Quilt Tahoe under the leadership of Judy Bernard, and at least one student was in attendance who had been to all of them. There were familiar faces as well as new students this year.

I was particularly happy to see the return of Sheila Frampton-Cooper from Southern California. This was her 2nd year at AQT, but those of us who saw her work last year recognized her amazing talent. Sure enough, Sheila took first place in her division at Houston Quilt Festival this year. No surprise there! I predict you will be seeing alot more of her work in magazines, galleries, and quilt shows. Be sure to check out her website at http://zoombaby.com/.

Sheila Frampton-Cooper

Tuesday night featured a Champagne Shopping Spree and Chocolate Fantasy at Fabrics Unlimited, complete with a chocolate fountain. Wednesday night presented a challenge competition. Each class selected a team leader, who selected as many teammates as she wanted. The challenge was to create a 12" block using 6 of some pretty ugly fabrics they were given and any embellishment technique they wanted to use. And did I mention that this was timed? They had an hour to create their masterpiece.The competitors were given a preview of the fabrics they had to use, so there was alot of planning and plotting during the day leading up to the competition. Eight teams in all, everyone had a great time. The judges were the employees at the facility so insure no favoritism in judging. Sue Benner's team was the winning team and received a $250 gift certificate from Fabrics Unlimited. There was also a People's Choice award, which went to Libby Lehman's team. Here are some pictures of the competition.

Cheryl Olson - Jane Dunnewold's Team leader

Driving Miss Daisy Away - Laura Wasilowski's Team Project

Libby Lehman's Team

Rosalie Dace and Team

Velda Newman's Team Project

Velda Newman's Team


The winning piece from Sue Benner's Team


Valerie Goodwin's Team


People's Choice - Libby Lehman's Team

Thursday afternoon was the "walkabout" where everyone visited all the workshops to see the projects. It's amazing what the students do in a relatively short amount of time. Everyone had a good time, and many registered for AQT 2012 before leaving to go home.

The list of instructors for 2012 is amazing as always...Libby Lehman, Jane Dunnewold, Jane Sassaman, Paula Nadelstern, Velda Newman, Sue Benner, Lenore Crawford, Susan Shie, Katie Pasquini Masopust, Carol Shinn. Go to www.artquilttahoe.com for more info and to sign up. Some of these classes are already filling up, so don't wait too long!

More pictures!

Cheryl Olson's project in Jane Dunnewold Class

Velda Newman's Zinnia Quilt

Student Work from Jane Dunnewold Class in Surface Design

Student's Quilt

Laura Wasilowski

Student's Work

Velda Newman and Laura Wasilowski

Sue Benner and Libby Lehman Dancing


Student work in Sue Benner's Class

Can't wait until AQT 2012? Check out our Art Quilt Supplies at www.FabricsUnlimited.net to help you get started with Art Quilting!

Sheri Lilienthal
Fabrics Unlimited
155 Shady Lane
Stateline, NV 89449
775-588-3211
www.FabricsUnlimited.net

Fabrics Unlimited's New Quilt Studio

2011-10-12T13:07:00.000-07:00

We are very happy to announce the grand opening of our new Quilt Studio, located in the building just next to our shop! This addition is in line with our goal of providing a full service quilting and sewing experience in the Tahoe Basin and beyond. Paula T is our very talented and creative Long Arm Quilter, and she is anxious to help you finish your quilts with beautiful machine quilting designs.

The new machines arrived at the Quilt Studio in lots and lots of boxes via the UPS BIG truck. It just so happens that the UPS driver is also a long arm quilter, so she was almost as excited as we were!! Here are some pictures of the big day...

The BIG UPS Truck

They're Here!!

UPS Driver is also a quilter!

Couldn't fit thru the walkway, so Jerry and driver got to carry each box.

Unpacking the boxes.

Guess what's inside this one?

Here she is!!

Mark is starting to build the table for the Fusion 24 Long Arm Machine

Whoo Hoo!!!

We hope you will join us for our official Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting coming up this Saturday, October 15 from 10am-5pm. Ribbon Cutting is at 10:30am. There will be food, prizes, and demos. So please stop by the Quilt Studio at 256D Kingsbury Grade, Stateline, NV (right in front of our shop) for a demonstration and try out one of the machines. For those who are not ready to purchase but still want to quilt their own quilts, machines will be available for rent.

Paula will also be teaching free-motion quilting classes on your home sewing machine as well as classes on the quilting machines at the Quilt Studio.

Please call for more info toll free 1-800-827-9389.

Hand Applique Retreat with Sandra Mollon October 9-14, 2011Zephyr Point Presbyterian Conference CenterLake Tahoe, NV

2011-08-13T17:47:00.000-07:00

We are so lucky to have Sandra Mollon coming to Lake Tahoe for a hand applique retreat at Zephyr Point Presbyterian Conference Center. Sandra is truly gifted and has made some beautiful award winning applique quilts. The thing that puts Sandra's quilts "over the top" is her creative embellishments. She uses inks, beads, hand dyed fabrics, and hand dyed silk ribbons.

I had the good fortune of attending one of Sandra's retreats in June. Anyone who knows me knows that I've never been a fan of hand work. (In fact, when I told one of my friends that I was going to the retreat, her response was "Who are you and what have you done with Sheri!") So I went to the retreat so that I could learn some of her embellishment techniques and figured I'd just have to sit through the hand applique part. To my surprise, I loved it all...including the hand applique! Sandra is a great teacher and is able to give attention to all skill levels so that the beginners don't feel overwhelmed, and the advanced quilters don't get bored.

I encourage you to go to Sandra's website (www.sandramollonquilts.com) and take a look at her work. She appliques everything from landscapes to intricate Baltimore Album quilts. Below are images of some of her work.

Sandra's next quilt retreat up in Lake Tahoe is October 9-14, 2011 at Zephyr Point Presbyterian Conference Center, which is located on the south shore of beautiful Lake Tahoe. Cost is $625, (about half the price of Asilomar) and includes tuition, gift bags, lodging (double occupancy), all meals beginning with Dinner on Sunday through Breakfast on Friday. Single occupancy rooms are available at a slightly higher rate. For more information or to register, call Sheri Lilienthal at Fabrics Unlimited, 1-800-827-9389 Mon-Sat 10am-5pm. As a bonus, you can get a $50 discount on the fees if you sign up and refer a friend who also signs up. Payment plans are available upon request. Space is limited, though, so be sure to sign up soon!

Happy Quilting & Sewing!

Sheri

Bias Quilt Binding vs Straight Quilt Binding

2011-07-25T11:26:00.000-07:00

I recently learned that one of my quilting friends always uses bias binding on her quilts. Now I know that you must use binding whenever you are binding a curved edge, but I wondered why go to the trouble of making bias binding for straight edges? And don't you use more fabric for a bias binding? My friend told me that she was told that bias binding lasts longer than straight binding. Being a "research-a-holic" (is that even a word?), I went to the internet and researched bias vs straight bindings. To my surprise, I found out a couple of things.

1. Bias binding does wear better than straight binding. This is because the bias has stretch and flow and moves at the edge. Straight binding has only a couple of threads at the very edge and will wear out faster. So if your quilt will get lots of use, the bias binding may be the way to go. If you are doing a wallhanging, straight binding should serve you well unless you have curved edges.

2. Bias binding does not require more fabric. It takes the same number of square inches of fabric for both types of binding. It seems to take more for bias because you are cutting straight strips across the width of the fabric for straight binding while bias strips are cut out of a square.

Whichever method you use, I encourage you to use a folded binding rather than flat. Folded binding is when you cut a strip of fabric (usually 2 1/4" - 2 1/2") and then fold it in half lengthwise, sew it to the front of your quilt matching the raw edges of your quilt and raw edges of the binding, then fold the binding over to the back of the quilt and hand stitch. This gives you a double layer of fabric for your binding. Flat binding is only a single layer and really won't last long.

Happy Quilting!

Sheri Lilienthal
Fabrics Unlimited
http://www.fabricsunlimited.net/

4th Annual Outdoor Quilt Show

2011-07-18T11:30:00.000-07:00

Jerry and I are happy to report that our 4th Annual Outdoor Quilt Show was a huge success! Thanks to all who attended, and a very special and heartfelt thank you to all of the volunteers who helped with setup, cleanup, and everything in between, including Margaret and Ralph James, Cathy and Dave Huffman, Cindy Flores, Nelly and Brian Peterson, Andee Wetenkamp, Judy Crawford, Dawn Pohlman, Annette and Jeff Kelley, Jean and Don Netzer, Karen Tucker, Terri Sherman, Lisa Bernardini, Sandy Weber, Jo Graden and her honey John, Bobbi Rosenberger, Bobbi Cole, Scott Cook, and my beautiful daughter, Julie Roberts, who dropped everything to drive up from Southern California to help when she found out I broke my ankle last week. I apologize if your name is not on the list above, as I know there were others who helped make the show a success. We are very blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful people. We also appreciate the visit by "Fran Dresher" (aka Bethany Owen who stars in her 1 woman show at the Horizon Casino). Finally, thanks to everyone who allowed us the honor of displaying their quilts and projects. It wouldn't be a quilt show without the quilts. (You probably ought to get started pretty soon on your projects for next year's show!!)

A Word About Frixion Gel Pens for Marking Quilts

2011-05-18T17:06:00.000-07:00

Just returned from Quilt Market in Salt Lake City. One of the hot new items was the Pilot Frixion Gel Pens for marking quilts because you can iron away the marks. However, if you look closely, the advertising says that the marks turn clear when heated to over 140 degrees. "Turning clear" is not the same thing as "comes out of the fabric". The fine print also says that the marks reappear at temperatures below 14 degrees.

I consulted with an award winning machine quilter, and she had already tested the pens. She ironed them away, stuck the fabric in the fridge, and the marks came back. Re-ironed the marks away, stuck the fabric in the fridge, and the marks still came back. She also tried washing out the marks, but they still keep coming back. Now if you live in the heat of the desert, the marks are less likely to come back than if you live in Minnesota or even up here in Lake Tahoe where 14 degrees is not uncommon in the winter.

Keep in mind that these pens were not originally designed to use on fabric. They are great fun to use on paper. Something else to consider is what the marks may do to your quilt over time. Remember, we make our quilts to last a long time. So if the marks are really still there, just "turn clear", is that really what you want on your heirloom quilt?

I would love to hear what you think of this product..

New Classes at Fabrics Unlimited

2011-05-05T17:29:00.000-07:00

It has finally stopped snowing, so come up to see us in beautiful Lake Tahoe. We have a variety of new classes scheduled in May. Take a look!

Beginning Quilting (6 weeks) Begins Tues, 5/10 from 9am-1pm
Quick Start Beginning Quilting (1 day) Wed, 5/18 from 8am-4pm - lunch included
Beginning Sewing I - Pillowcase Sat, 5/21 from 2pm-5pm (Ages 16+)
Beginning Free Motion Quilting with Jill Schumacher Wed, 5/25 from 10am-4pm - lunch included
Fat Quarters Anonymous 4th Sat Monthly beginning 5/28 from 9am-3pm
Party with Patrick - 4th Wed Monthly 6pm-9pm

Call, come in, or sign up on line. 15% discount on class supplies purchased in the shop.

Also, AMGEN Tour starts Sunday, May 15 in Lake Tahoe for bike enthusiasts. If you are planning to come up here via Hwy 50 from the Sacramento area, be aware that Cal Trans is closing Hwy 50 for 2 weeks at Echo Summit (the really scary cliff area) on May 11 (yes, 4 days before the start of the tour!). Check out www.way2tahoe.com for updates and detour information.

Snow Day = Sew Day in Lake Tahoe

2011-02-18T09:30:00.000-08:00

Woke up today to 2 feet of new snow on top of the 3 feet we got in the past few days. The snow from earlier this week was light, which made it easier to shovel. However, last night's snow is heavy and wet. Jerry made a path from the front door to our truck at home so I could get out there and clean off the truck. Of course, when you clean 2 feet of snow off of your vehicle, it all goes on the freshly shoveled driveway, so you get to shovel some more.

All 4 doors of the truck were frozen shut, so after some pushing, pulling, hitting, and kicking, Jerry was able to get the front 2 doors open, but the back 2 doors remained adamant about staying frozen shut. Not to worry, however, they did indeed come open while we were driving to the shop. We then pulled into the Safeway parking lot to close them. Then they didn't want to close. They were sneaky, though. Jerry seemingly slammed the doors shut, got back in the car, but the "door open" warning light was on. We turned around and saw that the doors had come open again. Again, Jerry got out and slammed the doors shut. This little game only went on for a couple of times, they Jerry showed them who was boss.

Back out on the road toward the shop, we were apparently driving too slow for an anxious snow-boarder behind us. Evidently we were cutting into his boarding time. So he sped up and passed us, only to catch his wheels on the center berm (in South Lake Tahoe the snow is plowed toward the center of the highway...makes it hard to make a left turn during snowstorms, but there's always 1 brave soul who tries to cut a path in the berm with their little Subaru or the like, only to get stuck until someone helps them dig out...but I digress..)and then he did 2-1/2 spins from the center of the highway over to the side, got his car aimed in the right direction and sped off. Fortunately, he didn't hit anyone or roll over. Probably thought he was on an "E-Ticket Ride" at Disneyland (ok, I'm showing my age now).

Above are a couple of pictures taken from the window of our upstairs classroom toward the lake. It's still cloudy and snowy so you can't really make out the lake. The bottom photo is taken from inside the truck toward the front of our house.

So if your weather is anything like ours, today is a great day to stay inside and sew. However, if you find yourself in need of supplies or company, come on down to see us. The parking area and driveway are plowed, the heat is on, and the coffee is hot.

Happy Sewing!
Sheri

Shop Hop Survey

2011-02-10T17:52:00.000-08:00

We're in the planning stages of the Sierra 2 Sage Quilt Shop Hop coming up September 8-11, 2011 and want your opinion. We'd appreciate it if you would take a minute to answer the short survey below.

1. What type of shop hop project do you prefer?
a. Each participating shop makes a different quilt and sells fabric kits for it;
b. Each participating shop makes the same quilt design using different fabrics and sells fabric kits for it;
c. Each participating shop makes a sampler quilt with each shop in charge of a different block and a different finishing kit (ie, each shop uses all of the sampler blocks in their quilt but with unique layouts and DIFFERENT fabrics). Each shop would give away the pattern for their particular block and sell fabric kits for their entire quilt.
d. Each participating shop makes a sampler quilt with each shop in charge of a different block and different finishing kit as in "c" above, but all shops using the SAME fabrics. Each shop would give away the pattern for their particular block and sell fabric kits for their block and their finishing kit.
e. Project doesn't matter.
2. If you have attended our Sierra 2 Sage Shop Hop in the past, what can we do to improve your experience? (We changed the weekend to help eliminate the traffic issues of 2010)

3. If you have attended ANY shop hops, what was your favorite and least favorite experiences?

We appreciate you taking the time to respond to this short survey. Please feel free to give us your comments, as your opinion is very important to us and will help to make the upcoming Sierra 2 Sage Shop Hop experience the best ever!

You can respond to this blog or send us an email to info@fabricsunlimted.net. For more detail on dates and times of the 2011 Shop Hop, please visit the shop hop website at www.sierra2sageshophop.com. Thank you!!

NEW PARTY WITH PATRICK

2011-01-13T12:54:00.000-08:00

Party with Patrick is a monthly quilting club featuring exclusive fusible applique patterns designed by Patrick Lose. Instore meetings are the 4th Wednesday monthly from 6pm-9pm. Online members will receive the party packet at the first of each month.

Your party packet includes:

1. A pattern for a project for the month with simple, easy-to-follow instructions to create things like place mats, door banners, table toppers, pillows, etc. Fabric kits will also be available for an additional charge.

2. At least two recipes for great snacks, light meals, and/or desserts.

3. A blank recipe card, designed by Patrick, that you can download and print as many times as you'd like for printing and sharing your own recipes.

4. An 8.5 x 11 piece of stationery, also designed by patrick in the theme of the month, for your personal use.

Click here for more info and to sign up! Here is a picture of the January project.

Patrick Lose Holiday Kits

2010-12-11T16:56:00.000-08:00

We had so much fun making these Patrick Lose holiday projects. Fusible applique, so they are quick and easy! Kits are available for both projects. Click on the link to order http://fabricsunlimited.net/paloki.html

3rd Annual Sierra 2 Sage Shop Hop Results

2010-10-12T13:24:00.000-07:00

We had a great Shop Hop, and would like to thank everyone who participated. The weather was great, too! Hoppers who came to Fabrics Unlimited enjoyed lots of shopping, great product demonstrations, doorprizes every 1/2 hour, and free hot dogs & water. Those who joined us on Saturday were also treated to a great performance by Mary, Queen of Scots, who showed off several of her handmade costumes and handed goodie bags to everyone as they left.

Save these dates for next year: September 8 -11, 2011. NOTE: This is a new weekend! You spoke...we listened. Many people commented on the traffic problem because of numerous other events in the region, so we have changed the dates for 2011 to coincide with Reno's Hot Air Balloon Races.

Fabrics Unlimited Open House and Quilt Show

2010-07-19T11:52:00.000-07:00

We set 2 records for our 3rd Annual Open House and Quilt Show on Saturday, July 17. Record number of attendees as well as a record number of quilts and projects! The weather was perfect for an outdoor quilt show. Just about everyone who attended enjoyed a free hot dog and bottle of water. There were product demonstrations, and even a "make & take" table featuring Shiva Paintstiks.

We would like to thank everyone who helped make this event such as success, including Rita & Katie Bailey, Cindy & Gene Flores, Her Majesty Mary Queen of Scots (aka Jo Graden), Cathy Huffman, Magaret James, Bonnie & Robert Lincoln, Bobbi Rosenberger, Karen Tucker, Sandy & Dennis Weber, and Andee & Gil Wetenkamp.

A big thank you also goes to everyone who let us display their projects, whether they were finished or not! We hope that even more of you will want to participate at next year's event, so be sure to save the date...Saturday, July 16, 2011. Remember...quilt tops are just as welcome as finished quilts!

Below are pictures that we took of the event. If anyone else has any that they would like to share, please post (or email them to us and we will post them for you).

Thanks again!!!

Best Ever Scrappy Quilt Class

2010-07-13T13:34:00.000-07:00

We had a blast at the Best Ever Scrappy Quilt Class taugh by Julie Flagg last Saturday at Fabrics Unlimited. What a great way to use up scraps and leftover binding. You can use pieces as small as 1-1/2" square....so that means you can't throw away ANYthing anymore!!

If you were unable to attend, we're scheduling another class during the 3rd week of August. As soon as we get a confirmed date, we'll post to our website, facebook, twitter, blog, and newsletter (isn't technology great!)

Upcoming Classes

2010-07-05T08:19:00.000-07:00

We still have limited space in some of our upcoming classes in July:

Best Ever Scrappy Quilt on Saturday, July 10 (click here for more info)

Quilt your Quilt Design Layout with Jill Schumacher, Tuesday, July 20 (click here for more info)

Beginning Quilting - 5 Saturday Sessions beginning July 24 (click here for more info)

Call, come in, or sign up on line. Hope to see you there!

Welcome to Our Blog!

2010-06-30T19:04:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Fabrics Unlimited's first blog post! We hope you will enjoy our postings and add us to your list of favorites.

We have a great class coming up on July 10 for one of our favorite scrappy quilts. This will be taught by Julie Flagg. We only have a couple of spots left for the July 10 class, but we will be happy to add your name to our interest list for Julie to repeat the class. Call, come in, or go online for more info and to sign up!