1507 Kaliste Saloom Rd. Suite A

Lafayette, Louisiana 70508

337-408-3730

www.thebornequilter.com                 

The Evolution of a Quilt Shop (Who knows what chapter this is)

Never, in my wildest dreams did I ever think that I would be sitting down with my sister and mother, two ladies who are accomplished seamstresses, asking them if they knew anything about a long arm quilting machine.  To make my dreams even more unimaginable, never did I ever think that I would be the one explaining to them what it is, how it works and how totally cool it is.  Well, that’s what happened one month ago when the next chapter in the evolution of The Borne Quilter began to be written.

Folks, we are excited to announce that The Borne Quilter is now an authorized factory representative for the newest long arm quilting machine from Handi Quilter, the Avanté, an 18” long arm quilting machine.  On a recent trip to the Dallas Quilt Show (another chapter in my personal evolution in this business) Renee “test drove” all makes and models of machines from a variety of manufacturers and fell in love with the Avanté and the folks at Handi Quilter.  We are pleased to offer this top of the line machine for sale at a price that is amazing, especially when compared to other similar machines.  

We are also offering our shop machine for rental so that those of you who have a closet full of quilt tops can now do what you have been putting off doing – completing them!  So, come in and take a “test drive” of your own on our machine.

For more information on the Avanté click on this link, www.thebornequilter.com/longarm/, and it will take you directly to the appropriate page of our website. Also, if you want more detailed information on Handi Quilter, as well as the Avanté you can visit Handi Quilter’s website at www.handiquilter.com 

JUST IN CASE YOU THINK I'M KIDDING--

Our very own Avante!

Operated by the Ex-Dame Commander, herself!

 CLASSES/EVENTS

The website has been updated on currently offered classes.  Check it out at www.thebornequilter.com/classes/.

Some of the highlights are the ever popular Intermediate Machine Piecing starting on May 29 and running for 4 consecutive Saturdays.

The highly anticipated T-Shirt Quilt Class will finally happen (yea!) on Saturday, May 22, as a one-day class, from 9:30-5:00.  We currently have a nice list of interested folks, but if there is enough demand out there for a class on Friday, May 21, it can be arranged.  So, if you are interested, don't delay in letting us know. Those of you who have already signed up but have not yet paid, "show me the money" as soon as possible to reserve your spot.

The Borne Quilter will be making a presentation on May 4 at 6:30 at the South Regional Branch of the Lafayette Parish Public Library entitled "Quilts:  An Historical Retrospective".  We'd love to see you there and anyone else who you think might enjoy this.

Finally, Jessie Comeaux, with Morning Star Quilted Creations, will be at the shop on May 15, 2010 from 1:00-4:00 to take orders and discuss with you her long arm quilting services offered through The Borne Quilter.  If you have the need for her services, feel free to stop by and visit with her.

NEW FABRIC (MORE OR LESS)

Sports and Guys

Normally I give Renee grief over her purchases of novelty fabrics.  I don't really know why.  Maybe it's because I don't give her grief over any other things - or maybe not!  Anyway, a few days ago I walked into the shop and noticed my most favorite woman of the moment (every woman who enters the shop and especially those who make a purchase has had that honor bestowed on her at one time or another, by the way) purchasing some novelty fabric to make a quilt for her husband.  That made me start to look around--to see what fabric I would like for Renee to use to make a quilt for me (yea, right!)--and here's a sampling of what I found:

We've got just about every major sport covered with these and they are pretty colorful, especially the soccer balls--

These are what that most favorite woman of the moment was purchasing when I came into the shop the other day---

Renee has recently informed me that she needs new shelves built - not sure where she is going to put them.  Maybe the person who these were purchased for can lend me a tool (or hand) or two.

Semi-Novelty

I consider these to be a cross between novelty and just down right colorful fabrics.  Maybe that's why I like them - colorful. Just wish I knew what those colors were.  I also like the name of the collection - "The Cat's Meow".  Maybe they also caught my attention because they are located on one of the top shelves and right in my eyesight, unlike some of our vertically challenged friends.

Definitely Not Novelty

Gosh, I hope you like this next fabric line, as Renee bought the entire line - all 15 bolts in it---oh, well, at least its not novelty fabric!  It's called "Morris Mania", as in William Morris, the reknowned 19th century textile designer (come on, now, you remember him, don't you?). Brand spanking new and really nice. Rather than putting all 15 individual bolts in this newsletter, here's the best I am willing to do at this time of the day---

This is what they look like on the shelf.

Here's a few samples.

 You can see the entire line of this fabric which, as indicated, we have in the shop, at http://www.fabricfreedom.co.uk/morrismania.html      

Patterns

I just took a walk around the shop to see what else caught my eye.  It is truly amazing to me what you folks can make from scratch, with a little help from a good pattern.  I must say, the selection of patterns which my entrepreneurial bride has in the shop is impressive, at least to me.  If you have not taken a look at them lately, now might be a good time to do so.  I thought about putting some pictures of some of them in this newsletter, but I did not know where to begin. 

Besides, it's just about time for me to gather my lovely bride of 33+ years and go to the Festival International!

Sew + Quilt = Create!

Keith