HAPPY SCRAPPERS CLUB

Our scrap club met a week or so ago. We all made six of these blocks to exchange with each other....they'll make a nice tablerunner, or perhaps I'll build on it to make a quilt!

Aren't these bowls cute? One member of the scrap club, Chris Schroeder, made these bowls for the rest of the group! She's going to demo them at our next meeting...what a great way to use up those little strips that are too small for log cabins!

MORE TIME TO QUILT!!

This is what the shop looks like this week. Oh, and did I mention it is -7 this morning? Well, we know it is March and it won't last much longer. PLUS, it does make us stay inside and quilt! Yesterday I finished Step 3 of our Mystery Quilt and was able to start on a quilt for my niece's wedding. I'll post the mystery quilt step this weekend, and I'll show you the wedding quilt when there's more to show....it's just strip sets right now!

CHRISTMAS TREE PATTERN NOW AVAILABLE!!

Okay, I know it is March and we're all dying for spring to make its appearance. I find I'm magnetically drawn to the seed packets now appearing everywhere from the gas station to the grocery store....

But in retail, of course, we must work months ahead. So for spring market we are introducing several Christmas patterns. Here is the first one!

The pattern's name is Christmas Tree and it is based on artwork by Paris Bottman. Hope you like it! Patterns are available now, and kits should be available in a week or so. Give us a call (toll free 888-245-5718) or visit our website http://www.bigforkbaycottonco.com/ if you would like to place an order.

SHOP HOP IS UNDERWAY!

The Northwest Montana Shop Hop began last week, and continues through March 15th. Despite the big snowstorm last week, we have seen many people come through. People are enjoying the treasure hunt, which, if completed, makes them eligible to win a $25 gift certificate in the store. In addition, there is the April Fool's Challenge: Pick up a specific fat quarter in each shop, create a small quilt with those fabrics, and turn it in to any of the seven shops. Viewers will vote on the favorite in each shop. The seven winners will each win a $25 gift certificate to each store. Here's the first entry in our shop!

PEGGY JEBAVY'S PUGCASSO

Look at this cute version of Pugcasso, by David King. This pattern was our first by David King, and was all by itself for a season, trying hard to get along with Toni Whitney's wildlife and Debi Hubbs' chickens and crows. Now we have four pups in the litter, but since he was our first, he'll always have a special spot in our hearts. Check him out, along with Sebastian the Jack Russell Terrier, Butch the Black Lab, and Sundance the Golden Retriever on our website... www.bigforkbaycottonco.com.

MYSTERY QUILT UPDATE

As many of you know, we started a Mystery Quilt last month. Here are some photos of Step 1....I just love all the different fabric choices! You can see that some are scrappy, some aren't. They are going to make fabulous quilts. It's not too late to join us....we're only through Step 2. Just send an email to lynn@bigforkbaycottonco.com and I'll get you up to speed with Steps 1 and 2. Step 3 will come out on March 14th. I can tell you now that it is a very quick step....it will allow plenty of time to get caught up!

SEWING & STICHERY EXPO THIS WEEKEND

If you live in the Northwest, you may want to check out the Sewing & Stitchery Expo being held this weekend in Puyallup, Washington. According to their website, they are the largest sewing show in the nation! This is not just about quilting....but also includes fashion sewing, home dec, needlework, knitting, embroidery, beading, and much more. There are over 200 vendors! The show starts February 26, and ends March 1. Check out their website, www.sewexpo.com for more info. Visit Bear Thread Designs' booth to see many of our quilts....Pugcasso, Debi Hubbs' Chickens, Toni Whitney's Horse Series and Wildlife Series, and Ty Livingston's series of whimsical wildlife. While you're there, say hello to our own Traci Suzanne Marvel and Jane Anderson.