Awesome Judy Niemeyer!

Judy Niemeyer
Arizona Cactus Table Topper
&
The Cactus Flower Tablerunner

If you are a regular at the shop, you have seen the monthly trunk shows of Judy Niemeyer that have been rotating through.  They are incredible works of art.
You also remember that in January, Jody and I took a 3 day seminar with her in Toledo, Ohio learning paper piecing techniques. She is a fantastic teacher and her patterns are amazing!.

I wanted to become certified because I LOVE paper piecing!!  Judy's quilts are stunning, but it is her method that really strikes a cord with me.  The organization and step by "stepped-ness" of her patterns tickles my fancy!!

Judy Niemeyer, Pepperdish, in the shop now.

From May 29th-June 5th, I will be in Kalispell, Montana becoming a Certified shop. 

What does this mean for you?  Being a "Certified Shop" allows me to offer you Judy's, "Technique of the Month".  In 2012, it was her famous Glacier Star.  Beginning in Jan 2013, her new "Technique of the Month" is the Mariner's Compass. 

Same quilt shown so many ways it is hard to pick a favorite.  I hope to come home from the retreat with my top completely pieced.  

What colors will mine be, you ask?

A Mariner's Compass in colors that are 

soooo very Florida!

Make sure you watch for more photos while I'm piecing the top in Montana:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Crafty-Threads-LLC/173359149383565

Crafty Threads: Why a Quilt shop?

CRAFTY THREADS, LLC

I get asked this all the time and the answer is easy, you.  My customers are the best and are so supportive.

When I pieced my first quilt in 1990 while pregnant with my daughter, there was no bigger plan.  My life has been a series of opportunities like many of you: Electronic Engineer in the US Air Force, Customer Service for several insurance companies, Postal letter carrier, Financial Advisor and Senior Staff accountant for Raymond James, and Honeywell test board creator.

Every opportunity teaches you things about yourself and I learned to, "do what you love and love what you do".

Having once owned/operated Libra Tax Service, a bookkeeping and tax business from my home, opening another small business seemed right.

My husband and I started Crafty Threads in 2005 as a Custom Embroidery service.  In 2008 I expanded to include longarm quilting services.  Again, you were so supportive that I started researching opening a brick and mortar quilt shop.

This research included a 3-day Shop Hop on the East Coast of Florida with my friend Cindi C.  We hopped along scoping out shops, looking at layouts and sizes, and talking to shop owners.  Quilters are so sharing, and the owners didn't disappoint as they offered ideas about what to do and what not to do.

It was quickly apparent this meant doing it my way and being different.  There is soooooo much fabric available, as well as, books and patterns.  There is no reason to 'copy' the ideas of another shop.

Crafty Threads Quilt Shop opened in August of 2010 offering what none of the other local shops were offering:  In-house Longarm Quilting, Cuddle, which is Minky on steroids, hand dyed wool, and a large variety of 108" wide backings.

Every job has its down side and I really don't like being in the back doing paperwork because it takes time away from talking to the customers, and I still REALLY enjoy longarm quilting.

It is all worth it though when I get to enjoy my 2 favorite things about owning a quilt shop:

2.  Shopping! Meeting with the fabric reps to buy new fabrics, or shopping at the distributors in search of new patterns, books, and notions to bring you.

1.  Share in the Camaraderie of Quilters!  You bring in some of the best ideas for new items and that allows me to go find it so I can share it with other quilters.

I tell my customers that they are always welcome to come in just to pet the fabric, fondle the wool, or gaze at the shop samples.  You can get your fabric fix without feeling obligated to buy something.

One of our customers wrote on Facebook that we were like the 'Cheers' of quilt shops:

"Everyone knows your name and we're always glad you came"

We ALWAYS are and can't wait to see you again.

Crafty Threads LLC. 12230 Race Track Rd. Tampa FL 33626.

Hours: Mon-Fri: 10-6 open til 9 on Tuesdays! Sat: 10-3 Sun: 11-4

(813) 855-3066

Last Day at Market.

All I can say is WOW!!!  We saw sooooo many really, really, neat, new things here in Utah.  We head back to Florida early tomorrow morning - pray there are no snow storms in Denver tomorrow!!

I took closer photos of some of the quilts on exhibit.  Someday I want to grow up to be a quilter like these quilters - amazing!!

 We got everything packed, some of it shipped and are ready to head for home.  See you in the shop on Tuesday and Wednesday, then I'm off on vacation with my hubby!

I posted some more photos on facebook too!  Thanks for all the great comments there!  Keep 6/11 (Saturday) open for a special event at the shop.  You won't want to miss it!

Hugs!
Barb

2nd Day in SLC - 1st day the "Market" is Open

Let's see if Blogger cooperates tonight!!!

We spent some time today in the booth that carries "Cuddle".  These were on the floor (yes, rugs) in their booth - too cool, or what??

Anyone recognize this guy???

Or how about this guy?

I will post the rest of the photos from today on Facebook.  Remember, you don't have to have a Facebook account to see any of the content on Crafty Threads Facebook page!! 

If you can't quite tell what is in a photo - don't worry, we are planning an "after market" review in the shop.  We will showcase samples of some of the FANTASTIC things we've purchased at market.  So far, we have only seen about half the booths, so tons of more walking tomorrow.

I mentioned on the video that I thought the aisles started at 700 or 800 with 2800 being the last aisle - well, I was wrong - it starts at 100!!!!  That means 28 aisles of vendor booths - Woo Hoo!!!!

Gotta go rest up for tomorrow!

Miss you all, but we are having a BLAST!

Pictures to Share

Did you know Crafty Threads and Happy Apple Quilts create custom T-Shirt quilts?

Friday night "You Sew, Girl" (really called Stitch and Bitch) had 2 big finishes this past week!!

Kaylee pieced, quilted, and binded (bound? - you know, put the binding on) this fantastic flannel quilt all on her new Janome 6600.  Congrats Kaylee - you rock!

Sheila finished this pretty pink double wedding ring by putting some fluffy soft "cuddle" on the back and adding varigated yarn ties.  I used to tease Sheila about never having seen her actually sewing - she made me eat my words!!  High five and snoopy happy dance for Sheila.  I heard that the baby smiled when she got her new "blankie"!!

Oh, here's one with Sheila...

We have a blast sewing together every other Friday at the shop - stop by and see us some time!

Happy Birthday to my "baby".

My daughter is no longer a teenager - she turned 20 today.  Although I can't be old enough to have a 20 year old daughter - just kidding! 

Happy Birthday Stefi-manda!!  I'm am so proud to be your mom - you are an awesome inspiration to those around you and a great mom to Brooke.  Keep up the good work and keep on smiling!

Love,
Mom

Stacy Michell was here!

First she shared her trunk show...

Then she taught her 2 for 1 Hula Lesson on Friday...

And came back again on Sunday for another class!!

What a great weekend!  We are already talking about when she can come back down to teach again.  Thank you to everyone who came to see Stacy!