Two Years and Counting!!!

(A/K/A a SALE is around the corner)

In this issue:

Thanks...        

Another Thanks...

Handi Quilter Update

Newest Fabric

Applique' Block of Month

Shop Hop and Bus Tours

GSQA Quilt Show

L'il Old Krotz Springs Quilters Guild

Apollo 13...

Sale Teaser

THANKS!

Well, folks, can you believe it?  It’s been almost two years since The Borne Quilter opened its doors.  Yes, that’s right, June 17, 2010 will be our 2^nd Anniversary.  All Renee and I can say are two things – WOW and THANKS!  Actually, I am the one who is saying WOW, as Renee was correct---I hate it when that happens, which is daily!--- It was built and you did come!

That’s where the THANKS comes into play.  Thanks to all of you, not only for your patronage, but also for becoming our friends.  I really do look forward to spending time at the shop on Friday afternoons and Saturdays, not to mention sending these newsletters out to my ever growing fan club!

 ANOTHER THANKS -- BUT NO APOLOGY

As those of you who have followed the adventures of The Borne Quilter through these newsletters know, I have a tendency to, shall we say, bring my own sense of humor to the table.  In doing so, those who I care about the most sometimes just have to grin and bear it when they are "pieced" into the storyline.  So, on this, our soon to be 2^nd anniversary, a very big THANKS to our staff, Janie, Denise, Diane and Julie (the newest kid on the block--sorry, no picture of Julie, and she's probably thankful for that in light of this picture!).  Their commitments to us have been an integral part of how we got to where we are today.  No apologies will be issued, however, as I am sure they'll be part of the "color wall" in future newsletters--maybe even this one!

UPDATE ON THE HANDI QUILTER LONG ARM QUILTING MACHINE

 Renee has had numerous inquiries into when our newest addition to the shop, the Handi Quilter Avante' Longarm Quilting Machine, will be available for hourly rental.  The short answer is very, very soon.  The longer answer is we are attending a training session  on June 11 in Dallas and shortly after that training classes will be offered to those of you who want to rent the use of the machine to do your own quilting.

Once you attend the training class, you will then be able to rent the machine for $15/hr., with a minimum charge of 1 hour.  After the first hour, the rental rate will by charged by the quarter hour.  By the time the end of June rolls around, we should have the first training class scheduled.

By the way, remember that The Borne Quilter is also a factory authorized representative for the the Avante', which means that you do not have to go any further than The Borne Quilter to get one for your very own.  Renee has just sold the first one, so she is now an "old pro" at it.  She really makes it painless - well, as painless as spending money can be.

SOME OF MY MOST FAVORITE NEWEST FABRIC

Sometimes I wonder what makes me tick - most people always wonder. Several of you have wondered what I look like.  Here's one of my better poses. I know, which one am I, right?

Anyway, the way that I usually see new fabric which Renee has in the shop is while someone is cutting/folding fat quarters, on which I am rapidly becoming an expert by the way.  You see, by the time the fabric gets on the shelves I am blinded by the excellent craftsmanship that went into building the shelves on which it is displayed and I lose sight of the fabric.  So, here is what caught my eye over the past couple of weeks before they hit the shelf. 

Boring Blenders - but COLORFUL and cheap (oops,INEXPENSIVE!)--$5.99/yd:

Here's a little more excitement, for the Big Cat in you:

I am really trying to get you folks to make your favorite guy a quilt - Delores, you did good!!  So, try these on for size for your freshwater fisherman:

And how about these for your salty guy:

 I think that I have a new most favorite lady in my life------  MAXINE!  Don't you think she's got her act together?

 Yes, this is a panel.  Add a border, binding, batting and backing (see, I really have learned a lot) and then rent the Handi Quilter (or better yet buy one!) and you or someone special can bond with Maxine!

Here's some other bolts in the line. A woman after my own heart - blah, blah...

Until recently, I had two reasons to want to go to California - my daughter/son-in-law and the wine country- and not necessarily in that order!  In light of these fabrics, it looks like Claire and Joe better find another reason for me to go over there (after they get a dishwasher, right Claire?--inside joke, folks).

Now, this next fabric, on its surface, probably does not do a lot for you.  However, it holds a very special place in my heart, in light of how I discovered it--bear with me for a few lines. 

Remember Janie, our most senior tenured staff member?  Janie and Renee and I go way back, like to our kids' soccer days.  In other words, Janie and I are tight, I mean real tight (right Janie?)  We are so tight that Janie gave me a private showing of this fabric - in the bathroom!  I'm serious. You see, this fabric glows in the dark and Janie showed it to me in the bathroom, in the dark, WITH THE DOOR CLOSED---and LOCKED! 

So, anyway, it really does glow in the dark and really is cool.  There's another one, too, that's even cooler, but the picture does not do it justice.  To see it, you'll just have to go to the bathroom, with Janie, the next time you're in the shop!

These next bolts of fabric have been "eyed" by some of you in the boxes before they were unpacked and reservations have already been placed.  They really are pretty cool and your favorite little girl will probably go bonkers over them.  The panel to the right, although not shown, includes the entire alphabet.

Here's a smattering of other new fabric (I cropped out the shelves so that you could focus on the fabric):

Applique' Block of the Month

(Disclaimer: I did not write this section, so it's pretty boring.)

  My Whimsical Quilt Garden is a delightful qppliqué quilt made with 20 bright and light-hearted blocks with a charming border.  The finished quilt measures 62” x 74”.

This BOM is an 11-month program which will give you all the fabrics for the quilt top, including the sashing, borders, and binding.  You will receive 2 blocks per month for 10 months and the finishing kit in month 11.

The cost for this BOM is $20.00 per month.  The pattern – My Whimsical Quilt Garden by Piece O’Cake Designs - is sold separately for $20.00.

Call or stop by the shop to reserve your set of My Whimsical Quilt Garden blocks today! (See, I told you I did not write it.)

 Shop Hop Announcement

The Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler! Shop Hop is around the corner - August 12-14, 2010. This is the shop hop involving:

1.  Fabric Krazy in Baton Rouge;

2.  Amelia's Quilt Shop in Baton Rouge;

3.  Mama's Quilt Shop in Independence;

4.  Bright Hopes in Mandeville;

5.  The Quilting Niche in Houma; and

6.  The Borne Quilter in Lafayette

 Although this shop hop has been around for a while, this will only be The Borne Quilter's second time participating in it.  Our first year was a lot of fun for all who participated.  I'm sure our second year will be the same.

More will be conveyed to you in the coming weeks regarding prizes and what not, but I wanted to let you know about the dates (August 12-14), plus something that we are offering to those of you who don't want to make the Lafayette, Baton Rouge, Independence, Mandeville, Houma, loop by yourselves or in a cramped vehicle. 

 HOW ABOUT A BUS TOUR TO ALL OF THE SHOPS?  Here is what is on the drawing board, assuming enough of you want to participate. 

Oh, okay, not good enough for you?

Will this do?  Yes, this is the real thing....

Leave Lafayette on Friday morning, August 12 to be in Baton Rouge by 9:00.  Shop at Amelia's and Fabric Krazy that morning/early afternoon.  Travel to Independence that afternoon to shop at Mama's.  Spend Friday night in Covington. 

Shop at Bright Hopes in Mandeville Saturday morning and then "hop on over" to The Quilting Niche in Houma.  End the trip back at The Borne Quilter (probably not hopping to high by then), where, hopefully, you'll have a little bit of money/limit on your credit cards left. 

Although the price is not yet written in stone, it looks like we can make it happen for approximately $125 per person, which would include the bus ride, hotel (double occupancy) and breakfast on Saturday morning.   I'm still working on lunch for Friday and Saturday and dinner on Friday.

Here's what we need to know - how many of you are interested in doing this?  We need to know by July 5 in light of bus and hotel commitments which we will need to make by then. 

So, if you are interested, let us know by either e-mailing (bornequilter@thebornequilter.com) or calling the shop (337-408-3730) as soon as possible.  You will need to pay by July 5.  If we do not have enough folks committed by then, you'll receive all of your money back, obviously.

 Speaking of Bus Tours

Ever been to the International Quilt Festival in Houston?  Never heard of it?  Here is a pretty succinct description, if I may say so myself---

 "It's an impressive array of more fabric than Carter's got pills, along with mostly crazy women, with a smattering of a few of the male species whose jaws remain on the floor, although I am not certain if it's because of the women or the fabric!" (Author: Unknown)

 Anyway, for those of you who have been to the Festival, you probably can't wait to go back, unless you just don't like the hassle of the drive.  For those of you who have not, you owe it to yourself to go at least once.   For all of you, we are in the process of organizing a bus trip to the Festival.  Here's the skinny on what is on the drawing board for that.

The Festival is over several days, including Friday, November 5 and Saturday, November 6.  On that Friday the "Krewe of Sew + Quilt = Create!" would leave Lafayette at the crack of dawn to be in Houston by 9:30 a.m. at the George Brown Convention Center where the entire day would be spent at the Festival.

Well, like I said, it's "around the corner" - not here yet, but coming soon.  We plan to celebrate our second anniversary on June 25 and June 26.  I know, one week late.  However, Claire and Joe (daughter and son-in-law) are going to be here the week before visiting from California.  There are very few things that a sale at The Borne Quilter takes a back seat to, with a visit from Claire and Joe trumping just about everything else. 

While the specifics of the Anniversary Sale are still in the works, I think we have the upper hand on it, as I am told that the theme for one's second anniversary is cotton.  I think we've got that one covered, don't you? Stay tuned for an appropriate announcement of our Cotton sale in the next week, or so.

 "Sew + Quilt = Create!"

Later (lots of later),

Keith

Just A Quickie

(GET YOUR MINDS OUT OF THE GUTTER!)

Well, last Saturday I spent the entire day at the shop, as Denise played “hookie” on us. The day started with my taking instructions from the boss and the day ended the same way – she instructed me, at 4:30, to use that “rolly thing” and cut 1 yard of fabric from 15 separate bolts.  About an hour later I was quite humbled!  Thankfully, there was a sale associated with my whispering sweet nothings at my bride (a very, very, low whisper, I might add).

Anyway, having been to a full day of training with her on how to listen to her at the shop, Renee has instructed me to get a short and concise newsletter out to my fan club – just humor me, folks!  So, here is what I have been instructed to convey to you – basically reminders of a few things on the horizon:

HAND APPLIQUE CLASS

 Thursday, May 27--------------10:00-1:00

HAND QUILTING CLASS

Thursday, May 27--------------2:00-5:00

INTERMEDIATE PIECING CLASS

Saturday, May 29--------------10:00-1:00

CHARITY QUILT SEWING

Now, this is a brand new thing for The Borne Quilter, although not new for those of you who are members of the local quilting guild, Quilter’s Guild Acadienne.  As it has in the past, the guild is getting ready to launch its most current Children in Need project.  Through this project, quilts are made for children in need and donated to local charities for distribution. This year the cutting, piecing, etc. will be taking place in the classroom of The Borne Quilter.  Hey, even the quilting can take place here in light of our new long arm quilting machine!

So, starting this month, and continuing on the last Saturday of each month, there will be a workshop, of sorts, where quilts for Children in Need will be made through the combined efforts of whoever wants to show up at the shop and contribute their talents to this effort. The initial work day, for lack of a better term, will take place on Saturday, May 29 from 2:00-5:00 at The Borne Quilter.  As indicated, the battle plan is to have monthly work days on the last Saturday of each month thereafter.

So, if you are interested in sharing your talents and time in this worthwhile project, “come on down”, as they say on the Price is Right! However, please call to reserve a spot, so to speak, so that we can have an idea of how many worker-bees we will need to accommodate.

SPEAKING OF QUILTER’S GUILD ACADIENNE

I’ve been asked to remind everyone that the monthly guild meeting is Tuesday, May 25, 2010. If you who have never been to one of the guild meetings but want to see what it is all about, it is held at First Christian Church at the corner of Congress and University in Lafayette.  I'm sure they'd love to have visitors.

For those of you who sit at home all day eating “bon-bons” (my attempt at a joke, folks!) the morning meeting starts at 9:30.  For those of you who do not eat bon-bons but do not want to miss The Price is Right and for those of you who have other unimportant things to do, like go to work, the evening meeting starts at 6:30.

Although I was toying with the idea of attending one of the meetings, after making the above comments, I think I am going to wimp out, thank you very much.

CONCLUSION

After the above comments I feel like I need to conclude this Newsletter a little different than normal.  First,  a little history----when my sister (who is also my office manager) was in Europe a few years ago for vacation and I would send her business related e-mails, I would always sign off by saying “Later--Keith”.  One of my paralegals commented that was an odd way of signing off while she was so far away.  My response was that it was my way of expressing my LOVE for her.

So, with that said, folks, instead of SEW + QUILT = CREATE!,

LATER (LOTS OF LATER!)----Keith

Just A Quickie

Well, last Saturday I spent the entire day at the shop, as Denise played “hookie” on us.  The day started with my taking instructions from the boss and the day ended the same way – she instructed me, at 4:30, to use that “rolly thing” and cut 1 yard of fabric from 15 separate bolts.  About an hour later I was quite humbled!  Thankfully, there was a sale associated with my whispering sweet nothings at my bride (a very, very, low whisper, I might add).

Anyway, having been to a full day of training with her on how to listen to her at the shop, Renee has instructed me to get a short and concise newsletter out to my fan club – just humor me, folks!  So, here is what I have been instructed to convey to you – basically reminders of a few things on the horizon:

HAND APPLIQUE CLASS

Thursday, May 27--------------10:00-1:00

HAND QUILTING CLASS

Thursday, May 27--------------2:00-5:00

INTERMEDIATE PIECING CLASS

Saturday, May 29--------------10:00-1:00

CHARITY QUILT SEWING

Now, this is a brand new thing that the local quilting guild, Quilter’s Guild Acadienne, is getting off the ground and it sounds like a very exciting and fulfilling project.  Here’s the skinny on it.

Starting this month, and continuing on the last Saturday of each month, there will be a workshop, of sorts, where quilts for Children in Need will be made through the combined efforts of whoever wants to show up at the shop and contribute their talents to this effort.  As indicated, Quilter’s Guild Acadienne is sponsoring this ongoing event and a committee of the guild is selecting the children to whom the quilts will be donated.

The work day, for lack of a better term, will take place on Saturday, May 29 from 2:00-5:00 at The Borne Quilter.  As indicated, the battle plan is to have monthly work days on the last Saturday of each month thereafter.

So, if you are interested in sharing your talents and time in this worthwhile project, “come on down”, as they say on the Price is Right!

SPEAKING OF QUILTER’S GUILD ACADIENNE

I’ve been asked to remind everyone that the monthly guild meeting is Tuesday, May 25, 2010. 

For those of you who sit at home all day eating “bon-bons” (my attempt at a joke, folks!) the morning meeting starts at 9:30.  For those of you who do not eat bon-bons but do not want to miss The Price is Right and for those of you who have other unimportant things to do, like go to work, the evening meeting starts at 6:30.

Although I was toying with the idea of attending one of the meetings, after making the above comments, I think I am going to wimp out, thank you very much.  As a matter of fact, I may just tell Renee as soon as I hit the send button that I can not work for Denise this Saturday.  I feel confident that I can come up with some “wimpy” excuse.

CONCLUSION

After the above comments I feel like I need to conclude this Newsletter a little different than normal.  First,  a little history----when my sister (who is also my office manager) was in Europe a few years ago for vacation and I would send her business related e-mails, I would always sign off by saying “Later--Keith”.  When one of my paralegals commented that was an odd way to express my feelings for my sister, my response was that it was my way of expressing my love for her.

So, with that said, folks, instead of SEW + QUILT = CREATE!,

Later----Keith