Boughs of Holly

Happy Mother's Day!

 

A Morris Dance Nine Patch Quilt.

 Seeew...

It wouldn't be right if I let Mother's Day go by without some dancing to this tribute! It's my favorite iconic "mother" of the silver screen! Joan Crawford. I can't help but gravitate toward this montage each year. The dramatic faces combined with "Mama Mia" make for some good stuff. Get up from that sewing machine and shake that Charm Pack! And uh... if you need to organize your wire hangers or scrub a bathroom floor...feel free! No judgement from me...the girls will be cleaning chandeliers tomorrow night seeew um...let that OCD out!

 

 BA HA HA HA HA HA. Oh-the-drama of it all! Love. 

Anyway, the "Mothership" was able to remain home today and enjoy the simplicity of life. I hear she's even been sewing up some cute little projects in her sewing room. I'll be joining her later. Not really to sew but you know...chat it up...snack. Gnaw on a cube of cheese. Prick my finger on a spinning wheel. Clearly I'm stressed. 

A few people have asked me about the term, "Mothership." Well...if you're new here, just know I don't like creating sentences with phrases like, "My mom did this...my mom did that." It's just...odd for me. Calling her "Jan" also freaks me out. I've never called her by her name. Add to it that we've had many customers refer to us as the "Cadillac"or "Mothership" of Quilt shops, I thought, "Why not?" Seeew, the next best thing was to give her an identity...and she doesn't mind at all. So there you have it...the origins of the "Mothership."

*Sigh* I have lots to do in preparation for this week. In fact, see that spot of beige in the upper left in the picture below? It needs something and I've been stumped as to what to do with it! I don't do displays when the Shoppe is open anymore seeew I use this time to think and try 100 different things before I make up my mind. Our staff member Nancy tries to offer assistance whenever possible, but much like Joan Crawford, I flip over Fat Quarters. "No more FAT QUARTERS...EVER!" Seriously, sometimes when we go to move a display we open a drawer and it's like..."really?"  Must we have 18,000 Fat Quarters at any one time? Good for all of you...but for me I'm counting them in my sleep. 

As a little gift to all of you, I finally found the pattern for the Morris Dance Nine Patch Quilt shown on our table. I know. You can thank me later. Since I have no control over Pinterest and what people place on it from my blog, I know I will get emails and I more than likely will have forgotten the name! Seeew it's a good reminder for me too! It's a fabulous versatile pattern that can be done in many looks.

On top of everything else this week, we got four new quilt tops back that are just waiting to be quilted! Here are two of my new favorites....

Trailing Stars (the blue one) using a pattern by Planted Seed Designs with fabrics from Minick & Simpson's Independence Trail and the new Chateau Rouge (red) quilt using fabrics from the collection of the same name by French General! 

So yes, we've been busy around here. The boys from Laurel Hedge, who created that wonderful Christmas forest this last holiday season...stopped by to jump start the Summer by adding new plants and flowers to the front porch (love them) and we've been inside creating a few new displays! I'm still here though! Still kickin' it. Breathing. All of the above. 

 

 

If you are traveling for the International Quilt Market this week here in Portland, Oregon...WELCOME! Oregon is a beautiful state and we hope that you get to enjoy the beautiful weather we've had. If not...oops. Sorry.

The Shoppe has extended hours this week and one day in which we will be closed seeew that our staff may attend Quilt Market with us....

Tuesday, May 14 10am-6pm PST 
Wednesday, May 15 10am-6pm PST
Thursday, May 16 10am-6pm PST 

Friday, May 17 CLOSED 
Saturday, May 18 10am-5pm
Sunday, May 19 12pm-4pm
Monday, May 20 10am-4pm

Alright...off to work I go! Lots to do! Remember...we've got this surprise gift to unwrap too! All will be revealed when things calm down a bit!

~ Brian

Summertime -The Quilts of Fig Tree Quilts

Seeew...

Let's just say my office here at the Shoppe is not really an ideal "creative space." My office is located underneath the main staircase and next to the men's restroom. Need I say more?  During the day I hear lots of stomping from the stairs to the second floor of the building and at night I get, singing, whistling, and the sounds of a continual flush from the restroom. Odd that I rarely hear the sound of running water in the sink. You know what that means, right?

Someone isn't washing their hands. 

Seeew....to avoid all of the distractions in my mind, I took off to the beach! Concentration isn't exactly my forte lately. 

It turns out everyone loved this....

It's the Beach Boardwalk variation of Joanna Figueroa's "Boardwalk" pattern. The corals and french blues of this quilt took me back to a 1940's seaside resort complete with the chime of a passing bicycle. I think I even hear Billie Holiday!

This "feel" must have resonated within seeew many of you because um...it is now sold out.

Seeew uh...why you showin' it, Brian? 

I know. I can hear you now. I'm showing it because it's pretty!!!

It is the very definition of servin' up some quilted "realness!" I also drove to the Mothership's beachside cottage to take 50 plus pictures of it specifically for "Boughs of Holly" seeew like...I went the extra mile - I might as well post the picture! Right?  

But never fear, we've got patterns!

Props to Melissa's quilting! It truly does sparkle and I'll definitely leave it displayed for awhile as helllooo....we just got it back! That's the biggest challenge when making samples, the amount of time it spends out of the Shoppe vs. the time it is in the Shoppe. 

On a side note, we have finished quilt samples that have been retired from the Shoppe available on our website for purchase. These samples are in excellent condition and feature custom quilting by Melissa and/or Monica. Seeew...if you have loved some of the quilts we've shown on "Boughs of Holly" over the years, you may want to take a peak. I'm always adding something for your viewing pleasure. 

This is our "Strawberry Stems Quilt" featuring fabrics from Fig Tree's Strawberry Fields collection. It is just the perfect quilt for Summer and it makes me happy. Did you know that there are three different variations inside the pattern in which you can lay it out? I always love a pattern that offers seeew much versatility. For our sample, we decided to use the "butterfly" effect. One up. One down. One up. One down. See that?

The quilt is made with a Jelly Roll. Jelly Rolls (should you need a refresher) are (42) 2-1/2" strips from an entire Moda fabric collection. If you are fearful of fabric selection, working with any of the pre-cuts is always a great way to put those fears aside and one sure way to have a beautiful final result with your special project! 

Here are two more quilts which use the Jelly Roll...

Dresden Fancy...(which is offered as a kit in two different border options) 

And Jelly Girl...

The "Log Cabin" can be considered to be one of the most traditional of all quilt blocks. This next quilt is the "Sparkling Diamond" version of the "My Log Cabin" pattern by Fig Tree Quilts. It was made from a Honey Bun (1-1/2" pre-cut strips) and a Charm Pack (5"pre-cut squares) of Fig Tree's "Butterscotch & Roses" collection. Of course, this is in addition to the background and border (both inner and outer) fabrics. The Honey Bun definitely makes it seeew much easier as again, the pre-cutting is done for you. However, this pattern is perfect for stash-busting and works great with a variety of 1/8yd cuts. We have kits available for purchase, but I have a feeling this one will soon sell out. 

Whenever the "Mothership" likes something a lot, she does an alternate colorway. Since Joanna included three different settings for this log cabin block in her pattern, we also made two different quilts of the "Birds In Flight" variation. One features fabrics from Minick & Simpson while the other features brighter fabrics from Sandy Klop of American Jane. 

Here is the Birds In Flight Kit using Charlevoix by Minick & Simpson....

And here is the version using a variety of fabrics from American Jane (we do not have kits of this version)....

Which one is your favorite? 

Alright, as you know, we are heavily involved with a very special project. I guess you could call it our little "secret." It is a project that I am ever-seeew very excited about as it has everything to do with "Boughs of Holly." Seriously, you have no idea how excited I am to tell you! She is really outdoing herself but since I know she is meticulous in what she does, I've promised I would not give a date until she tells me to! I'm also preparing our Shoppe for additional visitors we may have during the International Quilt Market here in Portland starting May 15, 2013! It's been four/five years since the "Market" for retailers, designers, and fabric manufacturers was held here in Portland, seeew we look forward to seeing you all once again! 

I must get busy, but...here's a little gift from us to you. Oh what could we have planned inside? 

Be back soon!

Brian

Little Black Dress & Mama Said Sew!

 

Seeew...

The  "Mothership" and I have been heavily invested in a mega-sized project since January (which is why I've been absent from the blog-o-sphere). This project has special meaning to me as it relates to all-things "Boughs of Holly." We love giving everyone a quality experience in which to shop from and I have a feeling this will be spectacular when finished! Stay tuned or follow us on Facebook for more clues!  In the meantime, we are looking forward to meeting seeew many of you from around the world this May when the International Quilt Market for retailers, fabric and pattern designers arrives in Portland! 

I've been absent for such a long time, I thought I would take you on an Escapade of some quilting realness...in fact - "as I was walkin' by...saw you standin' there with a smile! I thought you'd like to hang for awhile"...seeew get up from that sewing machine and work it out! 

 

On your next visit to the Shoppe...."don't hold back and just have a good time!" Say hello (because we are always going to say hello to you), let loose, tap your feet...sway to the left and to the right...that's all I ask! If you're not...I'm going to suspect something is up, and that you don't read the blog. 

Our Accentuate The Positive quilt (pictured above) is currently a Shoppe favorite! Um...do you think it would have the same appeal if it was called, "Accentuate the Negative?" The fabrics featured are from the Little Black Dress collection by Basic Grey. Since I prefer to gnaw on a cube of cheese when stressed, I'm thinking a Little Black Dress isn't exactly going to be in my wardrobe. Um? Just an observation - Oh! I know what I was going to tell you...we also have the all-new Norma Jean quilt...which features a classic pinwheel. Get a good look before we have to say "Good-Bye Norma Jean!" - It's true. *Sings* ....the quilt kit sold out long before...the pattern ever did. 

I just might have to feature both of these quilts in an upcoming post. 

Next up...Mama Said Sew!

"Giiiirl...didn't your mama tell you to sew?" Well...if she did or didn't, we made sure we stocked up on this fabric and we have plenty to go around! 

Made with the Mama Said Sew collection, Mama's Strawberry Pie (below) conjures up memories of mama's home cooked strawberry pies! The red and white color combination makes me want to gather up a picnic basket right now! Mmmmm....mmmmm. It just says "happy." 

The Mama Said Sew collection is one of my all-time Sweetwater faves...just in case you haven't noticed. Some contemporary and modern prints are seeew...what's the word? Trendy. What's in today, will definitely be out tomorrow. However, you can't go wrong with the two color combos in this collection. Red and white quilts are timeless and classic. A black and white quilt stands the test of time and possibilities are limitless. And you don't have to be a fashion diva to know that Grey is the new neutral and has seeew much appeal!

This next quilt is particularly special to me as it's my third quilt that I was able to plan as a kit. I've always loved this pattern because of the gathered centers in the squares. Do you see that? It gives this quilt a dash of that - " lil' something unique." Melissa fancied it up with some casual quilting and I love. 

Ahhhhh....my number one rule of thumb ~ Color Outside the Lines. I can guarantee you that in life, there will always be someone who will try to tell you how you should live your life, run your business, and yes, tell you how to pick your fabric, press and piece. I say...ignore them and scribble if you want to! 

Have you noticed our Chevron lamps? I'm a little cray-cray for the Chevron...obsessed actually. What about you? Believe it or not, they are available for purchase and the shade is also available in blue. And because I know this picture will end up on Pinterest, I will simply add that Bitsy Button is only available as a pattern. The fabrics featured in the quilt were from a Sweetwater collection called "Authentic" back in 2009/2010. What can I say? I played a lot of the "Game of Memory" when I was a kid. 

And finally, the beach is calling with these two quilts using fabrics from Lucy's Crabshack. I just might have to drive out to the beach and throw these out on the sand! Kits are available for both. 

Picnic In the Park was made with one Jelly Roll (2-1/2" strips) .... 

And Lucy's Sugar Drop was made with one Layer Cake (10"x10" pre-cut squares) along with fabric for the background and binding. 

Ever since we brought our contemporary and children's prints back into the main Shoppe space, we've been having fun with our brights. In fact, we've just added two new collections, Comma by Zen Chic and Oink A Doodle Moo by Jenn Ski. These collections are available in yardage and Fat Quarters on our website. If I do not have the Fat Quarters available in certain collections on the website...I'll be workin it out and they will be soon! Seeew many hours in day. 

Alright...don't forget we will be open Sunday, May 19 from 12pm-4pm and Monday, May 20 from 10am-5pm. This is in addition to our regular scheduled hours. We are not regularly opened on Sunday & Monday, so be sure to come on out and enjoy! 

~Brian 

"Where inspiration lives and creativity begins"

 

Nasty Boy ~ Having Fun With Signs!

Seeew...

Give me a beat!

Uh-oh. Is someone getting...nasty?  

Sittin' in a quilt shop...thinkin' nasty thoughts..

Our small box signs make a great gift at your next quilting retreat. You can't beat the gift of laughter. "Norma Jean" is the quilt in the background.

 

 Better be a gentleman...before I show you what we've got...
 

That's right...let me show ya!
 

Nasty...nasty boy...workin' round the clock...uh

oh you nasty boy. 

Nasty...nasty boy...hangin' a few fun signs...

oh you nasty boy.

 

 

I don't like no nasty stare....don't like a nasty gasp!....

The only nasty thing I like...

is a nasty laugh....

 

Will this one do? Uh-huh...I know. 

Um...anybody know someone with "entitlement" issues? 

If you love our box signs we have them "all over the shop" and they can be ordered on our website. I should also note that in most cases we have more than one. Seeew, if you see one you like, just ask us and we will get one from our back stock. 

I'm not seeew rude...

 I just want some respect.

Seeew use my name if you want me to respond...

'cause shop display is what I do, I'm always in control...

No, I'm not just a "Stockboy"

I'm Brian...
 

Mr. B if you're nasty! 

*Sigh* That was fun! I'm exhausted and I feel like I just got a workout! I clearly need to lay off the snacks. 

Alright, I've got two blog posts for you to read. Keep on reading the next one if you'd like to see some of our newest projects from Little Black Dress and Mama Said Sew! Oh and I'm excited to tell you that Comma by Zen Chic has arrived and is available in the Shoppe and on our website. 

See you soon! 

~Brian (Mr. B if you're nasty!)

Chicks Jubilee Kit

Seeew....

The "Shoppe" is servin' up some 'Easter Realness" this Spring! The "Mothership" created a few cute year 'round Easter displays to compliment our Bunny Hill selection of fabrics.  I'm not entirely sure what we've been feeding the livestock around here...but uh...isn't that chick adorbs? It's cute but classic at the same time. If you can't make it out to the Shoppe, you can purchase our Easter decor items at Hollyhill Quilt Shoppe on-line. 

I know I've been M.I.A. from the blog scene but I will let you know all about it later on! For now though I have got to show you our new Bunny Hill Designs Chick Jubilee Kit! 

Precious.com! This quilt is made from Moda's new Jubilee fabrics by Bunny Hill Designs.  The fabrics are seeew new, that our kit is available to pre-purchase now and will be available to ship in April! Yes, I know Easter is March 31, 2013 but I didn't have anything to do with the scheduling of this fabric. I love it though and it just gives me more reason to leave more holidays displayed in the Shoppe! We've got a few Pumpkin Pie kits and Raining Cats & Dogs kits left as well! 

The "Mothership" has had our Shoppe sample pieced by our talented  piecer Lisa Goodloe. I swear I give her nearly all of our applique quilts. Her applique is flawless. Amazing. You get the idea. I've included some below pictures of the blocks to give you a better peak! In piecing our Shoppe sample we discovered that the yardage amounts listed for some of the applique was a bit excessive. We have reduced those amounts in our kit so that you have just what you need, which brings a significant savings to you! 

Um...I like want to live here. How simple of a life? Let's go play "Hide & Peep" in our Easter-y front yard. 

"Take us home! Take us home!" P.S. You can't eat these.  Aren't they cute? We love our little Fuzzy Chicks. 

Um...hello? Isn't this a little backwards? Apparently I am suggesting that rabbits hatch from eggs. It's got my name all over it though! Someone has been busy with his be-dazzler! Glitter much? Love it. 

Things just keep getting more and more cute around here. This is our Raining Cats & Dogs sample...another precious.com alert! 

Alright, what do you think? Looks like Easter to me! Tell me in the comments below! You can also "Like" us over on Facebook to see all of the 'eggs-tra' things we do around the Shoppe and stay informed and get to know us better! 

Here's to a spring-filled Jubilee! ~ Brian

Let's Have A KiKi...

Seeew....

For those of you who missed it, we had a "KiKi" here at the Shoppe as part of our Super Bolt VIII festivities on Sunday, February 3 2013. This is how I like my events. With just a spoonful of sugar called...FUN! Everyone who turned out was in great spirits and there was laughter and smiles. We wouldn't have it any other way. 

Seeew...what exactly is a "KiKi?" Well my dears...it simply is a party for calming all your nerves. Of course during our "Kiki" we were spilling tea and dishing just desserts one may deserve in the form of fantastic prize giveaways such as Moda Jelly Rolls, Layer Cakes, Fat Quarter Bundles and more! Everyone who participated was a winner of something! 

I'm busy unpacking inventory, but I will be back with lots to show you very soon! Before I leave we did manage to find one video from Deb's iPhone of our "KiKi" as we near the end. You can see bits of the "KiKi" line of our participating customers circling around the Shoppe if you look closely. Sorry it's seeew blurry! I'll have to get a "Photog" (photographer) STAT for future developments.  We literally learned the moves two nights before and had just a bit of practice in the Shoppe. Oops. 

 

Again, really sorry for the blurry video. Rest assured this incident has been appropriately dealt with. It's kind of like when the photographer takes a picture of Anna Wintour's neck from the wrong angle. The light at the end of the tunnel is suddenly turned...off. BA HA HA HA HA HA. Kidding. Anna is the reigning editor-in-chief at Vogue and has been since 1988. Just an F.Y.I. Love her. 

I'll be back soon with more! In the meantime, inspire the difference out there! ~ Brian