Shop hop is close now!

We are approximately a month away from the 2011 Greater Atlanta Quilt Shop Hop and we have CHARMS….in the house!.  That is a play on words because the theme for the Shop Hop is A Quilter’s Tour Of Homes.  You will visit a castle, a haunted house, a schoolhouse, and a firehouse to name a few.  11 in all.  At each shop, you will receive a charm representing that destination, free with any $10 purchase or you may buy one or all for $3.  The charm bracelets, to hold your collection of fond memories, will be $5.  Here is a sneak peek.

If we do say so ourselves, we (the quilt shop owners) have designed an eye popping fabric for the 2011 Greater Atlanta Quilt Shop Hop.  It is a black background with all the sites and landmarks of Georgia that you can think of.  You can pre-order now, at any of the participating shops.  There is still availability.  Don’t wait until the actual Shop Hop if you are sure you want some.

Little Quilts has made a pillowcase and a wallet using the fabric along with a print and a batik.  See the Shop Hop fabric goes with just about anything.

Fabric Inspiration

The special edition "Georgia" shop hop fabric has been well received, and we've heard some great ideas from our customers for using this fabric when it becomes available...aprons, tote bags, pillowcases...the ideas are endless.

We've made up a couple of samples at Sweet Home Quilt Co. that we thought just might jump start your creativity, too.




First is our "Georgia" quilt using the special edition fabric as borders. This quilt idea would be great for a college student at a Georgia college using the college name, or perhaps as a keepsake quilt for a native Georgian.

The pattern and alphabet fonts are from Fat Quarter Fonts by Atkinson Designs. We used the 'no fuss applique' technique from the book for the letters. This is just one of the techniques we'll be featuring at the Quilter's Schoolhouse at Sweet Home Quilt Co. during Shop Hop.

Another fun idea is to use the special edition Georgia fabric as the focus fabric in one of your favorite quilt patterns...Just Can't Cut It by All Washed Up is a favorite that we use over and over at Sweet Home Quilt Co.


We had a little leftover fabric from cutting the quilt borders, and Mellie turned it into a cute tote bag using another of our favorite "go to" patterns, Charm Party Tote by Quilts Illustrated, along with the addition of a little black fabric for the lining and pocket flap. I'm searching for a big "Georgia-inspired" button to add to the pocket flap...maybe a peanut or a peach! Wouldn't you enjoy toting this along on a day trip?

I hope these samples give you some ideas for using your special edition Georgia fabric from the 2011 Shop Hop. The fabric is available for pre-order at all of the Atlanta Quilt Shop Hop shops. Be sure to order yours before it sells out!

Melisa
Sweet Home Quilt Co.
Conyers

Shop Hop is coming soon

We have been remiss in posting on this blog, but watch for blog posts to start coming fairly regularly. We are all working hard to get ready for you all.