Friday, December 29, 2017

Favorite Finishes of 2017

SIt is the last weekend of 2017 already! On Tuesday I mentioned that I would share some of our favorite finishes of the year, so scroll through the pictures of Carrie’s, Esther’s and my favorite quilts and bags. 
First up Carrie. She made a quilt for a friend that moved here from Scotland this past year. She used the fabric collection called With Glowing Hearts. Carrie also did a Panda Quilt but believe it or not, neither of us happen to have a picture of it! She also really loves the two lunch kits she made and had a very hard time choosing which to use for school and which to display in the store. I can see why they both turned out so well!
S
SEsther has several favourites. Two quilts that she made for gifts made the top of the list. The black and pink quilt was a super fun one that she made as a wedding gift for our ski coach in Florida. The other quilt us d the digital prints by Hoffman and was a gift for her cousin’s son who stayed with her last year. These digital panels are so fun and there is so many different ones to choose from now.
S
She made a Penny Inn Wallet this spring and it definitely has been put to good use. In fact it is pretty much worn through! 


S
One of my favourite quilts that I made this year is probably the one made using the Strippy Stars Ruler, in fact it is one of two that I couldn’t even put up for sale. The Keys To My Heart quilt and the collage quilts I did also top the list
S
My favourite bag has to be the Range backpack that I finished this weekend.
We all have more quilts and bags that we love but I can only add so many pictures. Check out the gallery for pictures of more of our quilts, or come in store to see the latest ones!
S
SAs the year draws to a close it is also the time that everyone sets goals for themselves, making lists of things that they want to accomplish and tasks that need to be tackled. Do you make any quilting resolutions? Maybe you want to learn a new technique, finish a project thats been sitting around for awhile, clean up those scraps, or make a quilt just for yourself.This past year I pushed myself to try new techniques, rulers, patterns and color schemes. I worked out of my box many times, and though it was hard at first, it became easier and looking back I have grown as a quilter so much. Quilts I never thought I would be able to do, I have done or am currently working on. I only hope that I can learn and grow more in 2018. 
 Remember we are now closed until Wednesday, January 3. All of us at Chicken Feed Quilts wish you a Happy New Year, and thank you for your business in 2017. Your support is incredible and you make our jobs so much fun!
Until next year,
Kayla

Tuesday, December 26, 2017

Highlights of 2017

SAs the end of the year approaches it seems to be the norm to look back over the year and reflect on what has all happened. 
A lot has happened at Chicken Feed Quilts since last December. Our computer system was set up last year during the Christmas break and though it has taken us all some time to adjust to it and it still beats us some days we do love it most days. 
I started writing this blog last January and so far it has been going well. It has been a great way for us to communicate with you without spamming your email and Facebook pages.  
In the spring we held our annual clear out sale and it was very well attended. 
S
Rob from Trendtex Fabrics Cake for a visit in April and did a couple information sessions on Hoffman Batiks. These sessions were very interesting and I for one gained a vast amount of knowledge. Which reminds me that we should plan another of these information sessions maybe on a different topic. 
S
In May we welcomed Martha Penner to Chicken Feed Quilts for two days of demos on paper piecing the Judy Niemeyer way. This resulted in both a one day class on the Cactus Flower table runner and a 6 month technique of the month class to make the Vintage  Rose. 

S
We attended Quilt Festival in Lethbridge in June as a vendor and had so much fun.

S
In July our store was in the Candy Parade in Coaldale. While making a float for the parade was tricky we succeeded in putting one together and even won first place in our category! 
S
July also brought us Lynn Hagmeier from Kansas Troubles who came for a few workshops and a trunk show. It was so great to meet her and learn about her techniques and the stories behind each of her quilts. 
The annual Shop Hop in September was another highlight. It was once again well attended and we love seeing so many quilters in one weekend!
S
October and November brought around some huge changes in our store in the way of a massive remodel. We removed walls, changed lighting and floors, repainted and reorganized. We are loving our new space and from your feedback we gather that you love it too! 
With the new year only a week away I can’t even begin to imagine what will happen at Chicken Feed Quilts in the next 365 days. 
Check back on Friday to see a post full of our favourite projects from this past year, as well as some of the ones we hope to accomplish. 
Kayla