Just two girls & a quilt shop

Thanks so much!

2010-12-24T19:12:00.001-05:00

Thank you all so very much for your support of my work in Ghana! I would not have been able to do this without it! If you would like to receive direct emails from me please send me and email at toritha37@gmail.com and I will add you to my list. You can also keep track through my facebook page, the amekor foundation’s facebook page and at www.amekor.org. As soon as I have my blog up and going I will let you know! We have a lot of work ahead of us and I am sure that it will be both harder and more rewarding than we can even imagine at this point. Please continue to keep me, John, and Yao in your thoughts and prayers as we embark on this amazing journey.

Some Big News!

2010-11-08T16:27:00.002-05:00

O.k. guys I have some really big news – I’m going to Ghana!

In January of 2011 I will leave to begin a 3 month teaching position in Avedo, in the Volta region of Ghana as a volunteer with the Amekor Foundation. Day after day the children of Avedo show up, eager to learn, to a school severely lacking supplies and resources. While at the school, I will be teaching English and basic typing skills. My most important goal while in Avedo is to show the children that they have not been forgotten, to make it clear that I believe in them. I believe that despite the odds, they will succeed. I know that my time there will provide them with the opportunity to know more, so that they may have more and do more.

In order for me to make this happen I have to raise some money. So on Thursday Nov. 11 I’m having a “Please buy my stuff because I am going to Ghana” sale! We will start setting things out in the parking lot by the shop at 8 a.m. If you can’t make it to the sale but would like to contribute to my trip you can send money to:

Tori Morris 182 Candlewood Dr. Danville, Ky 40422

Or log into your PayPal account, go to send money, and send it to my email address – toritha37@gmail.com

We’re back and we’ve been busy!

2010-09-07T12:38:00.001-04:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! Here’s a sneak peek at what we were up to -

You will have to stop by the shop to see where!

We also got in some really cute new fabric -

And some really awesome new pins -

See you guys soon!

See you on Tuesday!

2010-09-03T14:47:00.001-04:00

Les and I are taking a little break this weekend to celebrate Labor Day! The shop will be closed on Sat 9/4 and Mon 9/6. I hope you all enjoy your weekend immensely!

Honey I’m Home…..

2010-08-10T15:37:00.001-04:00

Just back from a vacation westward! It was wonderful!

The king and I had a wonderful time but we missed you all deerly.

I promise we were working really hard……….

2010-07-27T08:28:00.001-04:00

We are still in recovery mode from the retreat this past weekend, so i’ll be back soon with more details, but until then here’s a few pictures of the hard, hard work we were doing…..

Mystery Revealed!

2010-07-16T18:29:00.001-04:00

Here’s mine -

Here’s Joni’s -

And here’s Mary Ann’s, with some borders she was testing out -

I’ll post the other’s as soon as they bring them in! It was very, very hard to keep the quilt a secret for so long! Everyone’s turned out great! Thanks for trusting me on this one guys (minus the tree grumbling!)!

Pretty flowers, bacon cupcakes, and good friends!

2010-07-15T15:38:00.001-04:00

My birthday was a blast! And since then we’ve been busy, busy with retreat preparation, mystery quilt reveal (post on that tom.), and meetings for this and that.

Leslie picked beautiful flowers from her garden -

Sue (who does not bake!) made me delicious bacon, yes bacon, cupcakes -

They were like a full pancake breakfast with a side of bacon! Delicious!

And last but not least our lovely friend Sylvia stopped by to bring me my FAVORITE strawberry wine that she and her husband make themselves! It even has my picture on it, but i’ll show you that another day!

All in all a wonderful day and a big, even though belated, thank you to all of you who shared it with me!

Brass Band Brunch!

2010-06-10T17:44:00.001-04:00

Along with our regularly scheduled Garden Party Mystery Quilt class, I thought it would be fun to have a parade watching brunch! We have a front row seat on the parade route and who does love a lil’ coffee cake! Bring whatever you like, food, drink, show and tell, project to work on, etc.! We’ll provide the coffee and cake! We’d love to have your company!

Here we are last year at the parade!

Ms. Mahalia #2

2010-05-27T21:51:00.001-04:00

So Ms. Mahalia has undergone a few changes, she’s been spruced up a bit, since last we talked!

I’m quite pleased with how she’s turned out and am so excited to start sharing her with all of you! She’s on the quilting machine as I type so come by next week to see her make her debut in the shop!

This is the quilts’ namesake singing two of my absolute favorite songs -

Introducing Mrs. Mahalia

2010-05-05T10:53:00.001-04:00

Our newest addition! A big bold quilt with a big bold name! For everyone who is finishing up the row or mystery quilt in the next months or anyone who is itching to start something new! It will be one of our next monthly classes. We are not exactly sure when the Mrs. Mahalia class will start meeting, but will keep you posted here, facebook, and through email!

Where I’ve been

2010-05-04T15:26:00.001-04:00

Jazzfest!

Spent a long weekend in Mississippi and New Orleans with my lovely friend ginny!

There was good food -

Good music -

(Pearl Jam)

(That’s a tiny Van Morrison)

Good company -

(Lauren)

(Scott)

(Ginny)

And Pretty things -

I hope everyone had a lovely weekend, despite the rainfall, and i’ll be back soon with some new projects we have going on at the shop!

A peek at my week….

2010-04-23T23:17:00.001-04:00

Hope yours was just as grand! I’m working on two new projects to start up this summer and a really really really cute owl block!

I’ll post the owl tomorrow!

Pretty Bird, Pretty Bird

2010-04-15T12:14:00.001-04:00

So here’s a funny little fact – I’m terrified of birds. I’m not sure what i think they will do to me, but when i see one coming near i get sweating and feel like crying all at once. Just thinking about the big bird houses you walk through at zoos makes my stomach lurch. The funny part is that i love looking at birds. I think they’re gorgeous. I love them on fabric, on clothes, in pictures, i special ordered my computer to have birds on it and i even used to go to the annual bird watch with the Audubon society (we used binoculars, so we were never that close). So that’s why Les made these birds for me.

Along with the orange one at the top, they make three little wall hangings for my hallway! She embroidered them on the new 830 but the designs can be used on other machines too. The coolest part is that the applique is built into the designs! The machine stops and tells you when to add the fabric, where to add it, and what size it should be! They’ll be hanging out in the classroom for a bit if you’d like to see them!

Cute, Cute, and more Cute!

2010-04-06T11:57:00.001-04:00

And they’re pretty useful too!

First up are these coffee/tea cup/pincushions!

Next is this awesome tote bag! Not only does it coordinate with cups but it has pockets inside and closes with a magnetic snap!

I know we all could use a bit more organization, especially in our sewing areas and especially if its cute like these!

We’re busy in the back today working on a quilt we’re donating to CASA. Many of you made blocks for it at the last retreat, so ill be back soon with some pictures soon! Come by and say Hi!

No Foolin’!

2010-04-01T18:32:00.001-04:00

This was AMAZING! Our friend Kelly brought us 4 different cupcakes to try and wow were they yummy! The cake was good but the star was the icing. This picture doesn’t do it justice. It was at least 3 inches tall!This was the creamsicle and we also had a mellow cream, merry margarita, and midnight magic. They came from Gigi’s Cupcakes in Lexington. I definitely recommend everyone stop and try one next time they’re in Lexington!

More Retreat!

2010-03-21T10:46:00.001-04:00

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

Retreat! Retreat! Retreat!

2010-03-20T11:03:00.001-04:00

Fresh homemade bagels and a weekend of Quilting with lovely ladies (and one boy)!

My favorite part

2010-03-09T18:42:00.001-05:00

My favorite part of any class we have at the shop is seeing how different people interpret the same quilt. Some even use the same fabrics and yet their quilts hardly resemble each other. I bet you can guess whose quilt is whose just by looking!

These are all from the Row of the Month class that we had this past Saturday. The Garden Party Mystery Quilt is coming up this Saturday and I can’t wait until we finish that one up! Until the end I’m the only one who knows what the quilt really looks like and I’m so excited about how everyone’s is coming along!

I think that everyone should go see Alice in Wonderland in 3D! I saw it this weekend and it was AMAZING! So pretty and just the right amount of fairy tale and creepy!

Hello Again!

2010-03-08T10:49:00.001-05:00

So it’s been awhile, but we’ve been very busy in the absence! Leslie went to her annual week with Kaye England and came back lots of fun new patterns and a gorgeous sample that will get you ready for spring! We have the quarterly retreat coming up March 19, 20, & 21. I’ve been picking the fabrics and cutting the kits the past couple of weeks and they are so so pretty! We have 2 spots left so if you’re interested call the shop for details! We’ve also been decorating a room at the Decorator’s Showcase house put on by The Business and Professional Women of Danville. Local businesses pick a room, this year in a cute yellow house on the corner of Lexington Ave. and Maple Ave., to outfit with items from their shops. We got a super cute room just off the master bedroom with a wall of windows and even a secret door behind a bookshelf! Here’s some pictures of our room -

And a sneak peek at Myrtle’s Market’s room -

He’s too funny! If you haven’t been to Myrtle’s yet you are really missing out!

You can check out our rooms and other’s next Sat. 10-6 or Sun. 1-5. It’s $10 to go through the house and the proceeds go towards a scholarship for a local girl who is interested in pursuing business. For any questions or tickets you can call Mimi Becker @ 236-2876.

The weather is amazing today and i hope you all are able to enjoy it. Even if you have to been inside, open the shades, maybe even the window, and get some fresh air and soak up the sun! Talk to you soon!

A lesson in never say never….

2010-02-11T14:50:00.001-05:00

So here’s a little bit of something I’ve been working on -

I know, white background, curved piecing, template cutting, all things i said i would never do, but it was too cute not to try! It’s a new Denyse Schmidt pattern we’re getting in the shop, and honestly it’s pretty easy and quite enjoyable to make. They’re big 22” blocks that go together fast. The big pieces also mean it’s pretty forgiving, i layered my fabrics to cut several layers at a time with scissors/a rotary cutter and while they were far from perfect they sewed up just great! I had thought i would only make one but now I’m feeling inspired to keep going!

*Don’t forget Garden Party Mystery quilt meets this Sat. @ 10 a.m.

The Wilderness Road

2010-02-09T16:55:00.001-05:00

From this:

To this:

Jason McKinley, a local photographer/rock climber/Alaskan fisherman/tree trimmer, took the inspiration photo at the top while in the Canadian Rockies. He was kind enough to let us pass his photo along to local artist David Farmer, who was then kind enough to paint us the amazing picture at the bottom. We are so lucky to know such talented and generous people.

You can check out some more of Jason’s pictures here, and if you’d like your own David Farmer original to live at your home he’s the artist in resident at the Community Arts Center here in town.

Hope everyone can snuggle up and enjoy this blustery evening! Maybe a little Lost will help -

Because he’s too cute not to share!

2010-02-04T18:31:00.001-05:00

Lil’ Oliver came to visit us again on Tuesday and I kinda wish he was still here! Even though it’s a bit harder to sew, it is totally worth it, just look at that face! I got to meet him just after he was born and I swear he could have been Elvis’ love child! He had just as much shiny dark hair and had the lip curl down only hours after he was born! If had been born just 2 days earlier, on the king’s bday, we probably would be calling him lil’ Elvis instead of Oliver!

Don’t forget Row of the Month meets this Sat. Bring 20ish fabrics. Also if you have any ideas for what you may like for strips between your rows bring them to audition. You may want to bring all your other rows as well. See you all soon!

Ta Dah!

2010-02-02T10:57:00.001-05:00

Here’s the finished quilt that the Girl Scouts made on their visit to us a couple of weeks ago!

They did such a great job, but the giving doesn’t end there! They would also like to present the children’s home with some yummy Girl Scout cookies along with the quilt. This is where you guys can help out! Anyone interested in buying some cookies to donate can contact Suzanne Farmer @ 1-859-329-1214. She’ll be at the Row of the Month class this Sat. so you can get your order in at class!

Class Pictures are Posted!

2010-01-27T12:17:00.001-05:00

Hey guys! I just loaded the pictures of upcoming classes to the flickr account. Just click the button on the left and it will take you there!They are just little peeks at the projects, so you’ll have to stop by the shop to see the whole thing! Hope you guys are enjoying the sunshine today!!

To wash the rainy day blues away!

2010-01-22T11:19:00.001-05:00

We just unpacked a dozen bolts of new kaffe/phillip jacobs fabrics! Hurry over to the shop before they’re all snatched up!

Cuties!

2010-01-21T15:42:00.001-05:00

We had a store full of them yesterday afternoon!

If you’ve visited us lately you’ve probably met Miss Sofie, our youngest employee!

She and her girl scout troop came in for a couple of hours and sewed a quilt to give a young girl at Sunrise Children’s Home. They did such a great job and I’m pretty sure they had a good time too!

The quilt is almost done and i’ll post more pictures when it is. It was so nice to see a group so happy to be doing something for someone else. I think there are some budding sewers in the group as well!

If you’re free…..

2010-01-14T11:35:00.001-05:00

On Tuesdays starting Feb. 11th you may want to join us for the Rule you Rulers class. Here’s a corner of the quilt, it’s newly hung in the store, so stop by for a better view!

We’ll have more information on this class and all others coming soon!

Until then here’s a hilarious way to pass the time!

A Snow Day Smoothie!

2010-01-07T18:03:00.001-05:00

I’m snuggled up with a smoothie, some sewing, and some netflix!

Hope you all are enjoying your day as much as I am!

Chrysanthemum Bundt!

2010-01-06T09:22:00.001-05:00

I forgot to take any pictures before we dug in, so you’ll just have to trust me that it was pretty cute! I never knew bundt pans could be so fancy. You should check out all the different ones they have over at Amazon.com.I’m saving up for this one -

It would be a perfect pair with the Garden Party Mystery quilt classes! Eat flowers while we make flowers!

Speaking of the Mystery Quilt class it’s this Sat @ 10 a.m. Bring your pieces already cut out and extra fabrics if you’d like. Most everyone has time to cut out next months pieces during class.

If you’re browsing online and would like something fun to read check out this. It’s my aunt’s (scrabble tile lady) lil’ sis. She blogs about healthy eating, her cute baby,and exercise. She also has some pretty cool weekly giveaways and product reviews. If you stop by tell her i said HI!

Hope everyone has a wonderful day!

So Yummy!

2010-01-04T13:36:00.001-05:00

Brown cow cream top yogurt Maple flavor. Go get some and put in on your waffles! So so delicious! They sell it at Whole Foods and the co-op in Lexington!

Look at what the girls were up to at this months row class -

Pretty buttercups!

Hope everyone’s year is off to a great start!

Don’t forget !

2009-12-29T11:11:00.001-05:00

Hope you all had an wonderful Christmas! We sure did here!

Leslie got -

And I got -

I used mine to whip up some heavy whipping cream for a delicious pumpkin flan my friend Ginny made on her visit here. It worked like a charm. It was so so good, i added a little vanilla, powdered sugar, and just a few teaspoons of Wild Turkey’s American Honey,mmmmmm. Here’s the finished product -

We’re getting back into the groove after a few days to enjoy friends and family so stop by and say hi!

The Row of the Month meets this Sat. January 2nd at 10 a.m. It’s only 4 blocks but they’re pieced two different ways. Be sure to bring 20+ fabrics and a background or two to choose from! Can’t wait to see you all!

Merry Christmas Eve from the girls!

2009-12-24T17:24:00.001-05:00

Full of love, joy, quiche, bread, and wine and wishing the same to you all!

Because we were so so so good this year………

2009-12-23T16:41:00.001-05:00

We got a visit from

Gnelson the Gnome!!!!!!

You’re a lil’ jealous aren’t you.

Busy Busy Hands!

2009-12-22T10:41:00.001-05:00

Here’s a little peek into the classroom at the shop -

Lots and lots of quilt finishing and hat making going on! I had my first Christmas last night and gave these hats to my dad and two uncles, I really really wish i had remembered my camera. They were so funny! They spent the majority of the night see who could out hat who, one would turn his into robin hoods hat, the other the popes!

Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!

And yes that is a vintage pyrex bowl that i carry my yarn around in.

So so so pretty!

2009-12-18T10:43:00.001-05:00

Here’s a sneak peek at what Sherry made me for Christmas -

It’s amazing! I had no idea whatsoever that she was making it for me. It was such a lovely surprise! I’m going to make you come by the shop to see it!

Don’t forget my aunt will be here tomorrow 11-1 with her scrabble tiles!

p.s. Kim, i heard you helped provide the perfect fabric so many many thanks!!!

A few of my favorite things…..

2009-12-15T13:08:00.001-05:00

This little guy, who came to visit us yesterday

Our Oliver. His mom is Kelly, who many of you have met at a retreat (she gave the wonderful chair massages) or at the shop. We love both of them immensely and so its always a wonderful time when they come visit, even though my arms are sore from holding him soooooo much! I just couldn’t get enough!

And these beauties

Perfect for the knitter, quilter, or admirer of gorgeous things on your list. And you can’t ever have too many, i have 3+!

Gotta get back to quilting and crocheting to get everything done in time for Christmas!!

Love to you all!

From the Row of the Month class!

2009-12-08T11:16:00.001-05:00

A fun time was had by all! You can see how even making the same quilt, everyone’s own personality comes out in them! Can you guess which quilter belongs to each quilt?

What are you doing on Dec. 19?

2009-12-04T12:23:00.001-05:00

Well if you’re free stop by the shop! My aunt Tina will be here with her scrabble tile necklaces. They make a cute and unique gift for anyone who’s left on your list!

And since you’re coming by already let’s make it a big show and tell! Bring by what you’ve been working on and show it off! We all deserve a pat on the back!

Totally unquilty news……..

2009-12-02T15:54:00.001-05:00

My best friend Ginny

is getting married!!!!!

Here’s the happy couple, ginny and scott! I’m just so excited I have to spread the news!

p.s. the guy in the background is our friend Brad, and Scott always looks like that in pictures!

Good News!

2009-11-30T11:37:00.001-05:00

We have a few Handmade Holidays Pattern packs left!!! And since we heard from so many of you that were out of town but wanted to join us this weekend, we’ve extended the sale through this Saturday, Dec. 5th! So come on over anytime this week, purchase the pattern pack and then you’ll be entitled to 25% off all notions, 10% of all kits and all decorator weight fabric will only be $12 yd. We hope to see you all soon!

Thanksgiving Curry?

2009-11-27T18:41:00.001-05:00

Before:

After:

Hope your thanksgiving was as grand as mine!

Also be sure to stop by for Handmade Holidays 2009. Pattern packs are limited! Here’s another peek at what’s in the pack -

You’ll have to stop by to see what else we’ve got! Hurry before we run out of red velvet cake balls!!

See you soon!!

Sneak Peek!!!

2009-11-25T22:12:00.001-05:00

So here’s a sneak peek of one of the patterns in the Handmade Holidays pattern set, Stacking Pincushions! Pretty cute aren’t they? Just wait until you see all we’ve cooked up! Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving and we’ll see you this weekend!

We hope to see you Friday!!

2009-11-24T15:30:00.001-05:00

Look at these beauties!!

2009-11-19T16:18:00.001-05:00

Just off the truck! Come check ‘

Some things you may not know…….

2009-11-19T14:34:00.001-05:00

This is Nelson, our machine tech’s, favorite video. He also enjoys this site and a nice hot cup of earl grey tea.

Come by the shop and tell us what his favorite music video is and you’ll receive $10 off your next machine service!!

Oh and he’s a fan of wearing a kilt too!

Will Ferrell makes me smile!

2009-11-17T16:37:00.001-05:00

So I know the picture has nothing to do with this post but my camera is broken so I’m working my way through my photo library, cause a picture less post is kind of boring. I really would love a vintage baseball team for Christmas though, just in case anyone would want to make that happen………..

If you’d rather have lots of super cute fast and easy gifts to make everyone over a vintage baseball team, well we can definitely help out! Come visit us at the shop the weekend after thanksgiving (even Sunday) and see all the cute stuff that’s kept us busy at our machines the past few weeks! I’ll let you know all the details later but i can promise cookies and that Elf will be on repeat all weekend! Try this to get you into the holiday spirit!

p.s. I wouldn’t turn down a unicycle either. Hat included of course.

A Little Inspiration…….

2009-11-10T21:11:00.000-05:00

Aren’t these too cute!? Just in case anyone needs a little help getting in the mood for the Garden Party Mystery Quilt class that starts this Saturday. With the sun shining less and less these days I’m sure we could all use a reminder of Spring!

If you’d like to have one of these gorgeous reminders of your very own they are available here!

Hello there!

2009-11-04T16:43:00.001-05:00

Tori here, trying to give this blog a go! Keep visiting!

Until then, drop by the shop, mention the blog, and we’ll have a lil’ treat for you!!