The Scissor Guy

The shop is super happy to announce that we have our very own scissor sharpening guy, Mack!!!

His birth certificate says Brian, but he doesn't answer to that.  He is a Murray City Firefighter (sorry ladies he is taken) and sharpens scissors on his days off.  He is very mechanical and can fix anything he touches. 

The scissor scoop - He will sharpen and tune up scissors.  $10 for one pair or $15 for two pair.  He will have them done while you wait, or if he is super busy by the end of the day, so get there early.  He can also do pinking shear for a slightly higher fee.  Tune up??  He can take out any nicks in the cutting edge, lubricate the joint, balance the blades for easier cutting and so much more.  He has been playing with mine all weekend and trust me it is well worth it!!!

Mack will be in the shop classroom this Saturday (February 4th) from 10 to 3 (but will stay later if the demand is there)  He only accepts cash so make sure you have some on hand. $10 of one or $15 for two.

If you can't make it in on Saturday you can contact 801-831-6833 to see if there is a time you can drop them off to him to tune up at home and get back to you a few days later.

Pam Kitty Morning Fabrics are here!!

I am giddy with excitement!!!  Our Lakehouse Pam Kitty Morning fabrics arrived today!!!  And, oh boy did they arrive lots and lots of it!! Can I just say "I LOVE her!!"  I kind of stalk her, she is like the really cool kid at school that you want to hang with but your not quite cool enough.    Lakehouse is a favorite at Material Girls. We have been waiting patiently for this to arrive.  I want to sew something with it right now!!  We were so busy at the shop tonight I couldn't even cut myself any of it!   I hope I can sleep tonight, and of course I will be dreaming of all the things I will be making with this.  

See ya soon!

Nadine

Ty Pennington

Ty Pennington's new line "Impressions" arrived.  This is Ty's second line of fabric for Free Spirit.   In 3 color ways  grape/orange, navy/turquoise, and green/brown.  With big medallions, a unique plaid, and Ty's  trendy style will have you wanting to create something fun!!  We have the entire line so hurry in and get yours today!
Nadine

Time to finish this quilt!

I have had this quilt top laying around my sewing room for ever!!  Today I decided I better do something with it.    I can't decide if I should make it bigger, like King size or just throw a border on it and call it done at lap/twin size.  This was actually going to be a quilt for Shelby when she turned 12, yikes she is now 20.  She doesn't love the fabric.  I made it in 30's which I love but she doesn't.  I have a love of anything done with 30's fabric.  I am out of the pink fabric for the setting squares so I would have to use something else.  Hmmm, I am going to have to ponder this one.  What would you guys do??
Nadine

Scrap necklace tutorial

Today's tutorial is brought to you by Pinterest...are any of you surprised?
First I have to apologize for the picture.  I have lost my camera so this is stolen from my facebook mobile uploads.  If the camera appears I will update it to a better picture

Items needed
-scraps of material

I used 1/2 inch by width of fabric for my necklaces.  The thicker the strip the more chunky your braid will be.
You need three strips for each necklace.
Sew three short ends together.
Braid - I hooked mine onto the edge of a table with an alligator clip so I could pull my braid tight.
When all braided sew the other ends together so your braid doesn't come undone
Repeat this 2 more times for the other 6 strips.

I draped the three necklaces around my neck to get the length I wanted and pinned each one.
Sew together where you have pinned.
You can then join all three together with a quick stitch or leave them separate.

Oh the possibilities.  I used three colors, all the same for each necklace, but I have seen necklaces that are all different and they are adorable as well.

Thanks everyone

Wow, thanks for all the kind words this weekend.  Shelby announced to the world (practically) that I had been on a diet, and had lost 30 lbs.  Its true,  I turn 50 (yikes!) this year and decided it was time to get myself healthy and stronger.  I made a vow  that I would go in for all my "gee, your getting old" tests,  Colonoscopy, mammogram, you know the test that we all should get at a certain age but, put off.  I am trying to walk everyday, (I hate to exercise,) so I bought myself a pedometer and walk 10,000 steps a day.  This has been a journey and had its ups and downs.  Losing weight and eating healthy is a lifestyle change,  and yes, every once in a while I fall off and eat everything in sight.  I am human!!  So, here is to another 20lbs.  and all those fun Dr.'s appointments!!

Nadine

Last day of the Sale!!

There is still time to make it to our Fantastic Sale.  Going on until Saturday Jan. 21.  We are open from 10 am - 8pm.  All regular price merchandise is 30% off.  It's a sale you don't want to miss!!
Nadine

Washi Tape

Okay, I admit, I might have a slight problem.  Tape? Really?  I found this tape on Pinterest.  It's called Washi Japanese masking tape.   Sheesh!!  I am not sure exactly what I am going to do with it yet but, I am sure I will figure something out.  Oh, and I had to have that cute little tape dispenser too.  I will keep you posted on what sort of projects I come up with.  If any of you have suggestions,  let me know.

Nadine

Pantone's Spring Colors for 2012

Do you ever wonder what colors are "in"?  Well, wonder no more my friends.   If you don't know about Pantone colors then you have been missing out.  This color rating system sets the colors for home dec, clothing,  fabric and more.  This years color of the year is Tango Tangerine.  I actually love all the colors for Spring 2012.  Whats your favorite?  Solar Power yellow,  Bellflower,  Sodalite Blue, Margarita,  Sweet Lilac,  Cockatoo,  Driftwood,  or Starfish.
RAINBOW
Nadine

Aurifil thread designer of the month

I am so excited about this!!!  Aurifil thread is showcasing their 12 wt handwork thread and have asked these amazing women to design something every month.  I must admit I was unaware of this thread, so I am excited to try it out.  Gosh! where have I been right?  Go check it out I am sure you won't be disappointed.
Nadine

It's a celebration SALE!!

 If you haven't noticed my mom has been MIA (missing in action) from the shop lately.  No, she isn't sick,  she hasn't organized the entire house, she hasn't finished all of her works in progress, but....., she has lost 30 pounds!!!!  She has been walking and eating so healthy.   I am so proud of her.  So, in her honor I am celebrating!!!  (I love it when I am in charge!)   she will also be in the shop more because I have taken over the making of the schedule.   Her loss is your gain ladies!!  Sale starts Thursday Jan. 19th and ends Saturday Jan. 21.  10-8pm  30% off all regular priced merchandise!! (that means everything ladies)
*Sale fat quarters $1.00
*All weeks Dye works floss 50% off
Lots added to our clearance section, plus take $1.00 per yard.
*Buy 5 regular priced fat quarters get 2 free!
*All punch needle patterns $3.00shelby!
PS. I will be adding merchandise to our clearance daily!

I spy jar tutorial

Recently we had an event in my family that my husband wanted our son to witness, but at the same time it was a formal event so he needed to stay quiet and not show off his 18 month old lungs.  This did the trick.

I spy jar

What you need
bottle with a screw on lid - I used a nalgene water bottle
small toys or objects - I put 12 in.
poly fill beads - found in the doll making section at my local craft store.
teflon tape

wash out the bottle and let dry
lay out toys and take a picture- print picture and laminate if desired
layer beads and toys
screw on lid tightly - My husband wrapped the threads in teflon tape (found in the plumbing section of home depot) This keeps the lid from unscrewing easily.  An adult can unscrew it with force.

Let them shake all they want or give them the picture and tell them to find certain objects.  The beads are quiet so this works as a quiet book alternative.

For the toys I found that the quarter machine toys and party favor toys are the perfect size.  I did add a Lego man to each bottle just because my little one loves Legos.  You can easily make this gender neutral or specific.

Heart Pillow Tutorial

I should be sewing but instead I am cruising through the web, checking all my favorite blogs and of course Pinterest.  I love this pillow and thought I would share it with you.  It is from Craft Sew Create.  What a great name for a blog!  We are getting close to Valentine's Day, so here is a new project for you!
Nadine

Beginning bags Class

Have you been wanting to get into the bag craze, but are a little hesitant?  This is your chance.  We have a bag class on January 31, Tuesday.  We have chosen to kick things off with the Amy Butler Birdie Sling.  But if you have another bag you want to work on feel free to sign up and bring that project instead.  Either way you can pick Chriss's, the bag lady, brain.  (that is me, I feel weird referring to myself in third person)

Call the shop for exact time (cause I can't remember) and price.  

Material and pattern are not included in class cost.

Winter Open House

It's time again for our "Winter Open House"  Lots of new quilts and displays up.  New class schedule, with a Monthly Pinterest inspired project.  Sales, and so much more!!  Friday January 13 and Saturday January 14th come join us for some wintery fun!!  We will be giving away 2~25 fat quarter packs.  So mark your calendars for this weekend ladies!!
Nadine & the girls

wreath tutorial

This wreath is a no sew project.  Super easy.  I did it during afternoon nap time.

What you need
A foam wreath
1 x 5 inch strips, lots of them. I used 2 charm packs cut into strips
small head pins
strip of felt for the back

Cut your strips, I used pinking shears so my edges had a little detail.
fold in half to make a loop
pin to the wreath. I pinned in rows and then filled in where it looked like a hole was
pin and pin and pin
Glue a piece of felt onto the back if desired.

You can probably glue the strips onto the wreath instead of pinning.

Lark by Amy Butler

You know how we love our Amy Butler fabrics at Material Girls.  Well, Lark is here for all of you who have been waiting for her newest line.  We have the entire line and some pre-cuts.    I love all of it and can't decide what I want to make with it.
Nadine

Anna Marie Horner's Loulouthi

I love Anna Marie Horner's new line Loulouthi.  It is a bright colorful line that leans itself towards all kinds of projects.  Bags, quilts, you name it and this fabric line fits.  We will have a couple of new projects up in the shop next week in this line so I will post pictures of them.  We have the entire line but it is going fast.  We are receiving so many new lines in the shop that I can't keep up with all the posts I need to do, to let you know what is "NEW".    

Have a great week!

Nadine

Thoughts and Prayers for Amy!!

I was shocked and deeply saddened when I heard that Amy from Kati Cupcake had been diagnosed with 5 brain tumors.  She has recently undergone the first of many surgical procedures.  Her family has put up this blog  to help out and keep us posted of her progress.  Amy, we love you!  You will be included in our thoughts and prayers.

Love,

The Material Girls

Amy Hamberlin of Kati Cupcake

A pleasant distraction with pennie pockets!

Moda Bake shop~designed by Happy Zombie

this is my creation off of Moda Bakeshop

Okay, I have a mountain full of projects to finish up and patterns that I should be writing but......,  I was cruising through Moda Bakeshop and came upon these cute little numbers designed by Monica of Happy Zombie (can I just say,  I love her).  Of course right off I started ticking off the people I could give them too!!  The cameo is Shelby's newest thing, she is into making resin flowers and what not.  Look for them to appear in the shop soon.
Hugs!
Nadine

Mug Rug Obsession

I am completely obsessed with Mug Rugs.   What is a mug rug, you ask?  Well, it is like a little tiny quilt, that you use to set your mug (cup, glass, can, keg or what ever you may call) it on.  In December my Yo-Yo Mama's group at the shop, exchanged them.  It was so much fun!!  I had a picture of everyones mug rug but for some reason I can't find it.  This is a paper pieced mug rug by Very Kerry Berry.  I bought it off her site.  I am also in to paper piecing right now.  Loving it!!  If you haven't done a mug rug, its time.
Enjoy!
Nadine

Wreath tutorial

We at MG hope your holidays were fabulous.

This tutorial is a 2 parter.  I was hoping to get done the second part in time, but the holidays were just to fun to ignore so here is the first part.

Cheap wreath.

Go to home depot and buy a length of pipe insulation it costs around $1 for six feet.  At my home depot it was in the isle with the furnace filters.  They are long grey foam tubes with a slit in them.  They come in six foot sections.  Gently bend the tube until you get the size wreath you want. Then cut and tape the ends together.  I used Scotch heavy duty packing tape.  You have a wreath for cheap.

Be aware there are different widths of the insulation.  The thinner ones work better for smaller wreaths, but the thicker ones work for larger wreaths.  if you want a 12" standard size go with thinner. The thicker one folded in on me.

next week I will finish the wreath.