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Valentine's Day Sale
This year has really moved quickly. I can't believe it is already February. We are trying to catch up from Janet being out. If I counted correctly, we have about 40 more boxes to open and process. Since Janet is back we hope to be caught up shortly.
Also are working on opening a new store front that will primarily feature threads and have a classroom space. We are currently setting up the displays and hope to have the county inspection soon. Hopefully, the space will be open sometime in March.
Since Janet has been out, she has not updated the price increases for Aurifil and Valdani threads. On January 1st, both of these companies increased the price of their products.
Aurifil's 1422 yard spool is now $15.95 and the cone (6452 yards) is now $59.50.
The Valdani pearl cotton is now $5.97 per ball.
She will be updating the prices next week, so if you need some threads now would be a good time to buy before she makes the changes.
Cuddle
We have received a new shipment of Cuddle and have lots of new colors. Be sure to check out the new selection.
National Embroidery Month
February is National Embroidery Month.
Take a moment to appreciate the art of decorating fabric with needle and thread, has a vast and varied history, and still maintains a strong following of crafters today. It seems as though almost everything in the world of fashion is embroidered and many quilters now use embroidery to create their own quilt label.
Valentine's Day Sale
Starting on Tuesday, February 14th until Wednesday, February 22nd use the coupon code "heart23" for an additional 15% off your order. (Will not work on contract items.)
Since Janet has marked down a lot of fabrics another 15% is really a steal.
Shipping Update
The Post Office changed shipping prices earlier this month. They have discontinued the use of Regional Flat Rate boxes which allowed our rates to remain low. We have not increased our shipping rates, but more of our shipments will be going out UPS due to the cost of shipping via the USPS. This may also increase the delivery times by one or two days.
New Quilt Along
Note from Aurifil:
We all love a good Quilt Along and there is something particularly special about one that heralds and supports a bit of quilty history. Today, we are delighted to announce the kickoff of the Harrisonburg “Spitzer Sisters” Quilt Along. Hosted by Pat Sloan in partner with Wendy Sheppard, Benartex, and the Virginia Quilt Museum, this QAL introduces a new pattern inspired by “Ducks in a Pond” (circa 1890) by Ellen Rebecca Spitzer.
THE QUILT:
A little over a year ago the Virginia Quilt Museum shared a photo of “Ducks in a Pond” by Ellen Rebecca Spitzer. The quilt had become of part of the museum’s permanent collection in 1997 when Mary Spitzer Etter of Harrisonburg, VA donated her family’s entire quilt collection. The collection contains 27 quilts, most of which were made by Mary’s aunts, the Spitzer Sisters– Sarah Josephine Spitzer (Walters), Margaret Melinda Spitzer (Jones), and Ellen Rebecca Spitzer. Of the quilts completed by the Spitzer sisters, there is a single initial embroidered on the front of quilt to mark who made each quilt.
The blocks of “Ducks in a Pond” were pieced in many colors using a variety of fabrics. It is finished with cotton batting and a muslin backing and is heavily quilted in a cross hatch design. A lavender “E” is embroidered in the corner to indicate that the quilt was made by Ellen.
THE ORIGIN OF THE QUILT ALONG– PAT & WENDY:
Shortly after the quilt was shared, Pat Sloan (below left) & Wendy Sheppard (below right) began excitedly texting each other with all sorts of ideas. Both long time Virginians, the two were enamored with the quilt and after some conversation decided that it would make a wonderful Quilt Along.
They wrote to Alicia Thomas, Executive Director of the Virginia Quilt museum, to propose doing the quilt along with a pattern that could be sold to benefit the museum. She, of course, said yes!
THE PATTERN:Wendy re-created the pattern from photos of the original quilt and called it Harrisonburg in honor of the quilt’s history and for the location of the Virginia Quilt Museum.
Harrisonburg is currently an exclusive release only available at the Virginia Quilt Museum. All proceeds from pattern sales for the duration of the quilt along and for a limited time after will benefit the Virginia Quilt Museum. Grab your copy via the button below!
Harrisonburg-digital-pattern-by-Wendy-Sheppard
THE QUILT ALONG:
— Runs from February 14, 2023 through April 11, 2023. New posts available on Tuesdays @12pmEST.
— Schedule: 1 row/week, then border, then wrap-up
— Pattern Required
— Aurifil Thread encouraged
— Finished Quilt Size: 78″ x 93″
— Pat Sloan’s videos are an integral part of the QAL. They will be posted in the weekly articles, but you can also catch them on her YouTube channel.
Wendy has already created one version of the quilt using all of her navy and cream scraps (over 300 total!) for a stunning scrappy version like the original. Pat has plans to stitch hers up during the QAL using fabrics from Sleepover, her new Benartex line. Of course, both designers are working with their Aurifil thread sets.
Wendy Sheppard's Version
Pat Sloan's Version
Sleepovers by Pat Sloan
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***************This is for the guys *************
Ok guys, it is that time of year again. The “holiday’ of extortion is almost upon us. Yep – that one –“Valentine's Day”. You can continue to pay tribute to the cabal (big flower, big candy, big gift), or you can rebel. No, I do not mean get her nothing - just something that will not die, give her diabetes, nor require a second mortgage.
Apparently, the day had possibilities. Then they just ruined it.
Apparently, the day had possibilities. Then they just ruined it.
The lover's holiday has its beginnings in the 4th century B.C. in Rome. The Romans held an annual lottery wherein young men would draw a young woman's name from a box. The couple would be assigned to each other the entire year for entertainment and pleasure. This celebration, traditionally held on February 15, also included banquets, dancing and foot races run in the nude.
Around A.D. 496, early church fathers sought an end to the pagan practice, but knew better than to upset the citizens by removing the lottery completely.
Instead, they had teenagers pull the names of saints from the box. The teen was supposed to spend the year emulating that saint's life as much as possible.
Now, I don't know about you but naked marathons sound like a lot more fun. St. Valentine was chosen as the patron saint of the new event, and young Roman men resorted to courting females by sending handwritten notes delivered on February 14. I'm for back to basics. Maybe instead of saying Happy Valentine's Day we should embrace the old custom and just say LET'S GET NAKED!
In more modern times the day has evolved into legalized and expected extortion with everyone profiting immensely, save for the poor sap that has a wife or girlfriend.
I am not really sure where Cupid falls into this, but I can attest he has not evolved. The guy is blind! Maybe he is diabetic - I mean he is sorta fat. He is just shooting arrows everywhere. Forget about all the ex girlfriends, and busted relationships. What about the really strange stuff you can't otherwise explain. Like chocolate syrup on fried fish, bananas and steak ( this is really quiet good - well at least the steak is!) garlic and chocolate - the list is endless. No, I haven't tried all of these - I just know people who "LOVE" these combinations.
I know Cupid is over 40. I got my first glasses at 40. I am sure they would improve his aim.
Back to the Present.
So guys, just a few pointers here – and no – just don’t ask how I know.
Flowers –
1. Cost – Roses cost 10 times what they do any other time during the year. Well, you could visit the graveyard. After all, these people will not be smelling them anymore. Right?
Bad idea!
The selection is limited – most are artificial – think plastic. Not too many women like plastic flowers.
Besides, I would venture to say most HR people will probably tell you Grave Robbing and Grave Desecration are not attributes most employers are going to value and it is not something you would probably want to mention on that on line dating site profile either.
Now, you could dig up Mrs. Smith’s (your neighbor) heirloom Mr. Lincoln rose bush. Alas, there is still that technicality – it is against the law. Theft by taking, trespassing, and property damage – I doubt even Judge Judy will entertain “I did it for love” defense. And the really bad thing – you don’t even get to keep the roses!
2. Flowers are going to die. From a guy’s perspective this is a bad investment. Now, years ago, I tried to broker a deal with virtual flowers and essential oils. You know a GIF on her computer screen of blooming flowers which triggered a blast of essential oil from a USB connected atomizer. I am sure it was so revolutionary – hey it lasted as long as the computer did - Big Flower and Big Candy just squashed it.
You could buy her a live plant or a dog – they all theoretically live longer than cut flowers, but she may blame you for giving her something she has to look after.
And then of course, there is still that dying thing. The dog may live to be 20 and she may love it to death, (pardon the pun), but someway, somehow the sorrow and pain she feels at the dog's passing is your fault. After all, if you had not given the dog to her, well she would not be feeling this sadness.
Candy (Chocolate) –
1. Those heart shaped boxes cost a lot for the amount of chocolate you get. Plus you never get very many of the good pieces. Now, you could just give her last years Halloween candy. After all, last November you only paid 15 cents for 50 marshmallow skulls.
Bad idea!
Something about hearts – women like hearts. Dont believe me - This year, a popular breakfast spot is rolling out a "heart shaped biscuit". (Less food for more money - man - that really makes me feel loved!)
2. It is not logical – just true. For every ounce she gains – she will blame you. God forbid she should be diagnosed with diabetes – your Valentine Candy was definitely the cause. She might even accuse you of trying to poison her with “sugar” for a slow agonizing death.
3. Yes, you could buy her "sugarless" chocolates, but you best read the label. Most "sugarless" chocolates contain soribtol or manitol - read laxative here.
"Bet you can't eat just one" really does apply here. Spending the night on the toilet - well - probably not her idea of a romantic evening. Guess who is going to catch the blame for this one - YOU.
"Bet you can't eat just one" really does apply here. Spending the night on the toilet - well - probably not her idea of a romantic evening. Guess who is going to catch the blame for this one - YOU.
Maybe you should just skip the candy this year.
Fancy Dinner -
Well most upscale restaurants have "special holiday pricing". Read that as EXPENSIVE! I mean chicken is chicken. Right? Why does it cost 30% more on February 14th? Oh, maybe its that heart shaped paper napkin ring or possibly the red candle on the table!
Since one of the daughters spent some time as a server - and yes I have great respect for all that work in service industries, but it is no different than any other job - people like to have fun. Best be careful eating out on Valentine's Day. Say, your server does not feel the tip you left was equitable.
That special Valentines Day Dessert - that you did not know about or order - may contain a plastic engagement ring. Definitely embarrassing if it is your girlfriend, mistress, etc. But if it is your wife, then the plastic ring is just going to confirm what she already knows - YOU ARE CHEAP!
Sex - Really?! You can't actually believe that! Right? Tequila shots out of her navel ain't happening - that' only in the movies.
The best you can hope for - Tell your wife -
"I have already set this up. For Valentine's Day we will go out for a romantic dinner and partake of a hot love triangle".
You will probable get something like,
"I will go to dinner but I am not doing anything freaky."
Take her to an all you can eat pizza house. Its dinner. Its affordable. You love pizza. Its hot. It is served in triangles. Enjoy! It is as close as you will ever get to a threesome!
Fancy Dinner -
Well most upscale restaurants have "special holiday pricing". Read that as EXPENSIVE! I mean chicken is chicken. Right? Why does it cost 30% more on February 14th? Oh, maybe its that heart shaped paper napkin ring or possibly the red candle on the table!
Since one of the daughters spent some time as a server - and yes I have great respect for all that work in service industries, but it is no different than any other job - people like to have fun. Best be careful eating out on Valentine's Day. Say, your server does not feel the tip you left was equitable.
That special Valentines Day Dessert - that you did not know about or order - may contain a plastic engagement ring. Definitely embarrassing if it is your girlfriend, mistress, etc. But if it is your wife, then the plastic ring is just going to confirm what she already knows - YOU ARE CHEAP!
Sex - Really?! You can't actually believe that! Right? Tequila shots out of her navel ain't happening - that' only in the movies.
The best you can hope for - Tell your wife -
"I have already set this up. For Valentine's Day we will go out for a romantic dinner and partake of a hot love triangle".
You will probable get something like,
"I will go to dinner but I am not doing anything freaky."
Take her to an all you can eat pizza house. Its dinner. Its affordable. You love pizza. Its hot. It is served in triangles. Enjoy! It is as close as you will ever get to a threesome!
Big Gift –
Dude, you need to realize what we as guys think is a great wonderful gift is not even in the same ballpark as what women value. It is a waste of time trying to understand them.
She may feel sad because a 5th grader has 8 more valentines than her. Who knows?
Or her thought process - " But it is so romantic to get a Valentine with no stamp - no name - just pushed under your door."
Don't know about you, but if I am in prison, the last thing I want pushed under my cell door is an anonymous Valentine's Day card!
Sometimes I wonder if Divorce Lawyers mail out scented Valentine Day cards on February 14th just to drum up business!
Horror story here - Feb 13 couple laying in bed about to go to sleep.
Man: "Tomorrow is Valentine's Day. What do you want to do?"
Woman: "I wish I was still six"
Next day man arose early, made her a nice big bowl of Lucky Charms, and then took her to Six Flags theme park. What a day!
He put her on every ride in the park; the Death Slide, the Wall of Fear, the
Screaming Monster Roller Coaster, everything there was. Five hours later they staggered
out of the theme park. Her head was reeling and her stomach felt upside down.
He then took her to a McDonald's where he ordered her a Happy Meal with
extra fries and a chocolate shake.
Then it was off to a movie, popcorn, a soda pop, and her favorite candy -
M&M's. What a fabulous adventure! Finally she wobbled home with her. She collapsed into bed exhausted. He leaned over his significant other with a big smile and lovingly asked, "Well Dear, what was it like being six again??"
Her eyes slowly opened and her expression suddenly changed.
"Idiot! I was talking about my dress size!"
She may feel sad because a 5th grader has 8 more valentines than her. Who knows?
Or her thought process - " But it is so romantic to get a Valentine with no stamp - no name - just pushed under your door."
Don't know about you, but if I am in prison, the last thing I want pushed under my cell door is an anonymous Valentine's Day card!
Sometimes I wonder if Divorce Lawyers mail out scented Valentine Day cards on February 14th just to drum up business!
Horror story here - Feb 13 couple laying in bed about to go to sleep.
Man: "Tomorrow is Valentine's Day. What do you want to do?"
Woman: "I wish I was still six"
Next day man arose early, made her a nice big bowl of Lucky Charms, and then took her to Six Flags theme park. What a day!
He put her on every ride in the park; the Death Slide, the Wall of Fear, the
Screaming Monster Roller Coaster, everything there was. Five hours later they staggered
out of the theme park. Her head was reeling and her stomach felt upside down.
He then took her to a McDonald's where he ordered her a Happy Meal with
extra fries and a chocolate shake.
Then it was off to a movie, popcorn, a soda pop, and her favorite candy -
M&M's. What a fabulous adventure! Finally she wobbled home with her. She collapsed into bed exhausted. He leaned over his significant other with a big smile and lovingly asked, "Well Dear, what was it like being six again??"
Her eyes slowly opened and her expression suddenly changed.
"Idiot! I was talking about my dress size!"
Guys, feel like you can't win for losing?! Feel like everyone sees you coming?!
Perplexed? What to do? All the traditional things have risks and limitations. How can something go sooo sideways? Being a guy can really be tough at times, but fear not. There is a solution.
Now, I can not prove this, but I believe God inspired some poor sap – had to be a guy - in just this predicament to invent the perfect gift - THE GIFT CERTIFICATE.
If she likes fabric – and I know she does - or you would not be reading this – we have a great selection of just about any kind of print she wants.
Our flowers never die and our hearts are always fresh and colorful. And although our fabrics do not carry the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association Seal, I have yet to know of any of our candy prints causing anyone to gain an ounce or having an A1C over 7.
The best thing is you will not have to take out a 2nd mortgage to get her that special gift.
With a Gift Certificate from Thread Bear Fabrics, she is free to make her own choices – to get something she really wants.
No more faux, “Oh how nice”.
Instead you will get a genuine “Oh, I like this!”
Come into the shop (515 Sawnee Corners Blvd, Cumming, GA), call us on the phone (770-781-0001), or visit us online (threadbearfabrics.com). Easy peasy! Any of these will score you a Great Valentine’s Day Present - a Thread Bear Fabrics Gift Certificate.
Oh, by the way, you are probably still going to have to "spring" for dinner - I mean everybody still has to eat, right?
I hear this year, Waffle House is pulling out the all the stops for Valentine's Day - white table cloths, flowers, and reservations.
Now, "ya just gotta" admit, there is just something "romantic" about a red velvet pecan waffle and bacon! I mean, really! Who doesn't "LOVE" bacon?
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**********For The Ladies:
Since it is Valentine's Day, just bit free advice in the "love and marriage" department:
When your husband and / or significant other is giving you "constructive criticism" like
"YOU SHOULD REALLY LEARN TO EMBRACE YOUR MISTAKES"
Just hug him!
Happy Quilting,
Janet + Randy
********************************************
**********For The Ladies:
Since it is Valentine's Day, just bit free advice in the "love and marriage" department:
When your husband and / or significant other is giving you "constructive criticism" like
"YOU SHOULD REALLY LEARN TO EMBRACE YOUR MISTAKES"
Just hug him!
Happy Quilting,
Janet + Randy
www.threadbearfabrics.com
CONTACT US
info@threadbearfabrics.com
770-781-0001
770-781-0001
515 Sawnee Corners BlvdSte 500 Cumming, GA 30040
STORE HOURS
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
10:30 am - 4:30 pm
Wednesday
10:30 am - 4:30 pm
Thursday
10:30 am - 4:30 pm
Friday
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Saturday
10:30 am - 4:30 pm
Sunday
Closed