Boughs of Holly

S.p.R.u.N.g Workshop - Saturday, April 14 2012

Seeew...both my mom and I have had our share of life situations this last month as my grandpa recently passed away a few weeks ago. This was my grandma's husband and my mom's dad. As our loyal followers know...my grandma passed away in December. So for my mom (who owns the Shoppe), this has been a double blow within one month. I had planned on sharing their story, as they were married on February 18, 1947...and would have celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversary, but I had to get through Super Bolt VII first. 

Seeew...in time. I suppose. 

By the way...it's getting to be that time again here at the Shoppe! The first of our popular workshops features four of your favorite designers (five if you count that Sweetwater has two designers)! This year we are pleased to welcome Debbie Busby of Wooden Spool Designs, the wonderful (and local) Kathy Schmitz (Kathy designs fabric collections for Moda), Karla Eisenbach and Lisa Burnett of Moda's very popular "Sweetwater" and the talented Bonnie Sullivan. Bonnie designs those soft Woolies Flannel for Maywood Studios, has a pattern design company, All Through The Night and is Kathy Schmitz's sister! How about that? 

Sign-ups are available now at www.hollyhillquiltshoppe.com or by calling us at 503-607-0600. The workshop includes instruction from all of our designers, supplies to complete your project, and a catered luncheon. We throw in a few surprises here and there too. There are no sewing machines needed and all you need to bring are your basic sewing supplies such as scissors, thread etc. 

Sorry for the short posts lately...but I am busy resetting our Shoppe. I will return and draw our winner of the Butterscotch & Rose Charm Pack later this week and post pictures of our Super Bolt VII event we recently had. A good time was had by all...and I have a few pictures to prove it. 

I'll be back with more soon. ~ Brian

One Moment...In Time.

Seeew...it just doesn't feel right to blog today.

There are no words. I feel like I knew her. Her voice is iconic. Another star, in which her private life, overshadowed her greatness. A legend whose talent we didn't appreciate maybe as much as we should have. Again...so ironic that we will now all listen to her songs. She never left my playlist. From cassette tape, to CD, to my Shoppe itunes....she will always be that one moment in time.

 

Super Bolt VII - "Strike. A. Pose." Jan. 31 through Feb. 5!

Seeew..."Strike. A. Pose." 

"If all else fails and you long to be...something better than you are today...I know a place where you can get away...it's called a QUILT SHOP...and here's what it's for... 

Come on..."SEEEW."

Let your body groove for some fabric! Hey...hey...hey!

Come on..."SEEEW"...

Let your body hustle to Holly...you know...you can do it. "SEEEW." 

Um...yeah...better let her do it. I don't have a cone bra to complete the ensemble.

 

This week we are celebrating all things...Madonna! I know...she isn't exactly the matronly image one would blend with quilting...but...whatev. I don't stand above anyone else. This icon and Queen of Pop is a seven time Grammy award winner and is about to release her 12th studio album. Yes, even in this "Gaga-Inspired World" the original pop music chameleon is still very much relevant that she was asked to be this year's entertainment during the Bridgestone Super Bowl XLVI Halftime Show! I of course, am ecstatic. After attending three of her most amazing concert experiences...I just might wet myself.  I brought the Mothership to Chicago to see one of the tours a few years back and...um...we were in the sixth row. On the floor. Next to her...CATWALK! I'm a tad bit obsessed. Oops. 

To celebrate all things Super Bowl, Madonna and of course our own, "Super Bolt VII" we are offering the following specials in-store (on-line begins nows) Tuesday, January 31 2012 through Sunday, February 5 2012! Hours will be 10am-5pm, Tues.-Sat. (both stores) and 10am-4pm on Sunday, February 5.

That's right...six days of SAVINGS!

It's our way of saying thank you to all of you...our loyal "Holly Berries" and customers. 

25% off regular priced bolt yardage (1yd minimum cut). A great savings on already the best original prices!

(On-Line Customers enter the code SB22012 in the Special Instructions Box at check-out. Your credit card will not be charged until we have printed our your order and processed it here at the Shoppe. Discount code is only valid on regular priced bolt yardage on-line. On-Line promo code is valid 1/29/12 through 2/5/12)

Large assortment of selected pre-cut 1/2yd cuts @ $3.00ea and pre-cut Fat Quarters @ $1.50 ea. (This offer is not available on-line)

Selected kits from 30% to 50% off! 

Please note: There may be additional on-line specials that are available by ordering on-line only. 

Then on Sunday, February 5...get ready to "Strike. A. Pose!" Listen for Madonna's "Vogue" in the Shoppe, find a football and get ready...to "Strike. A. Pose." It's your chance to win some fabulous prizes as only Hollyhill Quilt Shoppe & Mercantile can provide.

Um...what does he mean..."Strike. A. Pose?" Well, the only way to find out...is to join us for the biggest "Super Bolt" party around town!

Now...it's your turn. Tell me, what is your favorite Madonna song? And it doesn't hurt to tell me why. I do tend to like essays. Kidding! Leave me a comment below and you could win....this!

Here's to plenty of inspiration as you stop in this week and save whether you are shopping on our website, or here in the Shoppe! Don't forget to dress comfortably on Sunday, February 5! You just might be asked to "Strike. A. Pose."   Brian

COMMENTS ARE CLOSED FOR THIS POST. THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED SOON.

Letters & Numbers

Seeew...I heart hand-written letters. As a 7th grader, I can remember passing notes in the hall...to my then...."crush." We would fold up the note in multiple triangle folds in some kind of weird oragami and include phrases such as "2 Good 2 Be = 4 Gotten." Relax. It was perfectly innocent. I wasn't giving up a throne or anything. I wore an acid washed denim jacket (this was the 80's when Tiffany reigned supreme in malls nationwide), jelly bracelets and put my collar up. Today I would probably embellish that jacket with my "bedazzler." Later on, I would learn to cherish the many weekly hand written letters from my grandma when I moved to Orlando in my 20's. She would always include one of her luscious recipes and I treasure them to this day. After she passed away last month, I pulled the letters out and re-read every one. It made me feel a thousand times better. She had seeew much to say.

There is something about the written word on paper. Forget email. You can't pull up an old email and feel as powerful a connection as you can with the hand written word. Within those etchings that grace a page, there is history, passion, connection and...yes, sometimes a scandal. A scandal much like the...oh I don't know....the greatest romance of the 20th century? 

"I've read that you've kept a collection of letters." 

  

I am very much looking forward to Madonna's W./E. Can you imagine being in love with someone who gives up the throne for you? Talk about PRESSURE! The public can be extremely fickle when it comes to the spotlight. We put people, places and things on pedestals and when any one of them do not meet our expectations, we begin to tear down. Build up...to tear down with rumors and negativity without knowing the facts. 

But here's a fact for you...consider "Boughs of Holly" my bi-weekly love letter...to you. And just know that the reason it takes me seeew long is because I am using this! 

And here is another fact. Whether it is a traditional print such as the new "Etchings" collection by 3 Sisters or a retro print such as "Hometown" by Sweetwater....let's be clear....letters, numbers, and the color grey (in a varitey of color combinations) are "in."  Don't believe me? 

I love grey. It's one of those neutral colors that can be combined with a variety of other colors. Pictured above is our "Market Tote" bag sample using the twill fabrics from the "Hometown" collection that my mom selected. In case you didn't know, last year the gals from Sweetwater asked their blog readers to submit their hometown for the trio's "secret project" (which we now know was Hometown). The end result was fabric (both cotton and twill) with 1000 cities...making up their blog reader's hometown! I see two of mine...Portland and Orlando! Can you see yours? The collection has colors with names like Stop Sign Red, Sky Blue and Bicycle Yellow. 

Here's a project (below) that the "Mothership" is putting together using these four fabrics. I love the blue and grey combination. The project is from Sweetwater's "Simple Home" book which is available now and has plenty of projects to make every room in your house feel like a home with handmade items! It's a sensuous book and be watching for an upcoming special announcement when I have some of the projects back and photographed. 

Of course, it's not only blue that can go with grey. Here's a peak at my famous 1/2yd bouquets filled with the Stop Sign Red and Bicycle Yellow. Love.

What's that in the background? Ohhhhhhh....do you want to see it? Remember how I said "House" patterns were in earlier? 

It's called "The Neighborhood" and it uses one (1) Moda Layer Cake. We of course used "Hometown" and we have kits available by clicking here which include everything you need to make the project as shown. At just 43"x48", the project makes a sensuous wall hanging or delightful throw. Our quilter Monica did a fantastic job with the quilting as always. I can see this being done in quite a few styles...Christmas comes to mind. But what do I know...I'm just the stock boy. 

What about this? Do you like? 

It's called "Lighthouse" and guess what...it uses a Jelly Roll! Talk about a nice simple pattern that anyone could make! It's always good to have "simple" when you want to make something with immediate satisfaction. We have kits available by clicking here.

Next up.... "Intersection" which also uses a Moda Layer Cake. Did you know that the layer cakes have 42 pre-cut 10" squares? Keep in mind that prints are sometimes doubled up if the collection does not have 42 prints in it. Just a little knowledge from yours truly...to you. I personally love the "Intersection" quilt out of all of them. It's a versatile pattern and like "The Neighborhood" it can translate well to quite a few other styles! And that's what makes a great pattern. 

Do you like Oil Cloth? Oil Cloth can be used to make bags, aprons, chair cushions and placemats. The possibilities are endless. We have a variety of Oil Cloth throughout the Shoppe so be sure to ask our gals the next time you are in. Or...ask me. I'll give you a tour. I love these two prints from Cosmo Cricket's "Circa 1934."  Remember...numbers and letters are in! 

Here are the cottons. Love these prints!

If you visit the Shoppe, you'll find Sweetwater and our other retro styled fabric over in Thoroughly Modern Holly. This  section of our Shoppe is located outside of the main Shoppe and down the hall of our building. It is open from 12pm-5pm, Tues. through Friday and on Saturday from 10am-5pm. During Special Events, it is open 10am-5pm each day of the event. You can also find all of the items discussed today on our website.

Here's to some creative inspiration! ~ Brian

"Party At Our Place" - Monday, January 2, 2012

Seeew...Happy New Year everyone! I know, I know...I questioned my attire as well, but it turns out it was the talk of the town. It beats the "ratty flannel shirt" (Scotch & Soda) I have been rumored to wear. If you live in a cave...that's not me...but the beloved Lady Gaga preparing to drop the ball on Times Square. She looks stunning in that Versace doesn't she? The best I've got is a baseball cap. Perhaps I should look into some fancy hats to wear out to those....FANCY night clubs! 

I find the selection of Gaga to drop the ball to be a perfect fit for welcoming in 2012. She stands for strength, passion, courage, and most of all...love. Afterall, her lyrics to Born This Way remind us, "There's nothin' wrong with lovin' who you are...cause he made you perfectly." It's seeew easy for people to look at the outside and judge but beneath the surface always lies something far greater. 

Anyway, you will definitely want to join us at the "Shoppe" on Monday, January  2 for our "Party At Our Place" as we ring in the New Year...Hollyhill style with a nice lil' surprise for ya'll.  Oh...and a little bit of my music selection of course. We will be checking ID's at the door...so um, don't bring your "Fake I.D."....."Hey I've been drivin' all over this town...lookin for a quilt shop with a party to get down..." 

 

Maybe bring your favorite pair of dancing boots? Ha ha ha ha ha. 

Alright...getting back to those holiday fabric collections! I will confess, I did some adjusting to the last post. Seeew...be sure to re-read "We've Saved The Best For Last" too and look at the collections, "Joy" and "Sharing the Joy." I know. I know. Joy is huge this year. We are all bringin' in some Joy!  Just re-read the last post and you'll see the new additions. I decided I would move all of the traditional styled fabrics to one post and the more whimsical in the other. Seeew...en-JOY. Ha ha ha ha ha.

Holiday Medley by Kansas Troubles Quilters. I tend to be a Traditionalist when it comes to the colors of the holidays and have a fondness for the color palette of Kansas Troubles Quilters. The palette brings back memories of a particular Christmas with my grandma at her Tennessee home. I wasn't really sure how Santa would find us that year, but somehow it turned out to be one of our most magical holidays ever. That's the wonderful thing about quilts...the memories that are attached. 

 

3 Sister's "Sentiments"....um...Gorgeous! Vintage! Vintage! I think the "Mothership" will be all over this one (below)! And I wouldn't be surprised if this collection is a catalyst for some big "change" next holiday. Heck...we dropped a farmhouse in the middle of "Kansas" this year (The Kansas Troubles Section of our Shoppe)...I don't think resting on our laurels is ever possible. 

Of course, I cannot forget the beloved Holly Taylor! Their new collection for 2012 is entitled, "Christmas Spirit" and just looking at these luscious traditional holiday colors puts me in the spirit of giving for an entirely new year. The fabric collections from Holly Taylor are a yearly tradition here at the "Shoppe." We here in the Northwest (and I imagine Minnesota) have a thing for pine. I could go on and on and on and on...about this collection. I'm building a cabin and that quilt will go on my bed upstairs in the seventh room on the left ......BA HA HA HA HA HA. Kidding. 

Last but not least...."Merry Medley" by Sandy Gervais. I just realized that we now have two collections with "Joy" (see previous post) and two collections with "Medley." Oh boy. Is "Medley" the new "Joy?"  "Medley To The World!" ....Um..."May the season bring you peace, love and Medley!" Um yeah. I don't think that's going to work for me but I am loving this all new look for Sandy Gervais! "Merry Medley" invites you to celebrate all of your favorite holiday delights including plum pudding, candy canes and whimsical Christmas bells. The ebony, deep red and luscious pine green create a  classic and timeless look.

 Sandy always has a creative pattern to use up her panels...check out the projects below. The placements are made from the panel sections of the panel. The panel also includes handmade gift tags that you can actually create to use on presents to your loved ones! And um....look at that tree! It's made from Charm Packs! 

 

Seeew there you have it! Between my previous post and this one, there are ten of the 2012 holiday collections that potentially could end up in the Shoppe. Leave a comment in either this post or the previous post and let me know what you think!  Keep in mind I haven't shown you any of the adorable Halloween collections...but let's save that for an upcoming post. My mom and I will be looking at these collections on Wednesday! 

Coming up, I will be announcing the winners of our Holiday Gift Basket (I haven't forgotten) and showing you what's coming to Thoroughly Modern Holly this year! 

Wishing you much passion, strength, courage...and love in this...our New Year! ~Brian

P.S. Keep reading below to see more of the 2012 Holiday Collections! Remember, these collections do not arrive until the Summer of 2012. 

We've Saved The Best For Last! Monday, January 2 2012

Seeew...first and foremost...my Mom and I would like to thank everyone who sent messages of support here on "Boughs of Holly" during our recent loss. I still have not discussed it much, but trust me...reading many of your messages provided the comfort that was needed. We truly do have one great support system out there! Perhaps when the season comes to an end, I will share some of my greatest memories of my Grandma. 

I spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day preparing our Holiday Clearance Sale which is happening now at both "Hollyhill" and "Pickleweed." I've included many selected patterns, kits, pre-cuts, fabrics and gifts at great prices of up to 50% off! Our hours for each of our stores this week are 10am-5pm through Friday, December 30. We will be closed on Saturday, December 31 and Sunday, January 1, 2012 to celebrate the New Year with our families. But...guess what? We always save the best for last! We will have a special opening on Monday, January 2 to celebrate the New Year with you from 10am-5pm...seeew be sure to join us! Pickleweed will also be open for its final encore of specials before it closes to conclude another holiday season. Then...the "Mothership", my dad, Stephen (from Pickleweed...no, he's not me and he's not my brother) and I are off on some work related travel seeew...Christmas will remain up for another few weeks. 

P.S. I would just like all of you to know that..."I've been workin...seeew hard...I'm punchin' my card...eight hours...for what?" *Sigh*...I know, you can't hear me...hit it Blake!

 

Little does one know but I secretly get "down" to this when the lights in the Shoppe go out. It just means I like to keep it interesting.  Everybody....cut loose...Footloose! I like peeps who like to laugh and have a good time because life is too short! Seeew shake your Charm Pack...your Layer Cake...smile...and do not...be afraid!

B.T.W....we love the new colors of the Bella Solid Charm Packs!

A sensuous green!

And a luscious red...perfect for anytime of the year!

Now...for what I really want to show you! If you've followed us since the beginning of "Boughs of Holly" you'll recall that every January we are shown our Christmas & Holiday collections for the upcoming year. For me...I never grow tired of Christmas and it is for this reason we feature a Christmas section throughout the year! I kind of think...EVERYONE should have a holiday quilt or small project that becomes a holiday tradition. I know, I know. Call me Jovial Brian. Unrealistic Brian. The world is full of non-believers and such. I get it. But...check this out...it's a glimpse into our holiday collections for 2012! Leave a comment below and tell us which collections are your favorite!

Aneela Hoey's "Cherry Christmas." What an innocent little collection for those of us who are naughty. I can envision some cute pillowcases, stockings and an entire bedroom ensemble for those oh-seeew-hip young peeps that stagger in from time to time. Heck, I'd even decorate in these colors! 

Basic Grey's "Blitzen." Um...could you just die? What's not to love about little snowmen heads? These guys are super cute .I love the color combination...and I'm usually very traditional. I have this fabulous retro grey sofa this would enhance very well. Maybe the "Mothership" will see to it that we get something made from this ASAP. P.S. I'm not that demanding. 

Kate Spain's "Joy." The buzz word every holiday season is "Joy." Seriously, everybody wants some "Joy." Everytime we offer the word "Joy" in a set of word blocks...bam. Gone. It's usually "Joy"..."Believe"..."Peace" and then "Noel." Poor "Noel." I guess Noel isn't the first afterall. Um...get it? The "first Noel"....um yeah. Anyway Kate Spain's Joy is a whimsical delight with her shades of "Holly Berry" and "Wintermint." Gotta love a collection with a color titled, "Holly Berry." Don't you...my little "Holly Berries?" As you will see below the panel is precious and would be perfect for a scrapbook style children's quilt, placemats, gift bags and pillows! Um...get busy. Ha ha ha ha ha. 

And though we are not known for huge collections of this next type of fabric...get ready and hold onto your Charm Packs...because here are some...BATIKS! It's Laundry Basket Quilt's new Snow Days Batiks! Who says we are only florals? Tsk...Tsk. Those darn rumors. Don't ever put us in any kind of a box. You'll never get the lid on. I also might add...we've got a few of Edyta's other collections arriving in the Shoppe soon with some gorgeous quilts planned. 

Dear Mr. Claus by Cosmo Crickett! 

What is not to love about a fabric collection which has a color called "Eggnog?" Like...are you kidding me? I wasn't raised anywhere near this era, but when I was a little young thing in the 80's my grandma still had her little village houses with the plastic windows! Do you remember those? This collection takes me back to those simpler times and I can't help but think of the movie, "A Christmas Story!" Cosmo Crickett is one of Moda's newest designers and keep watching the "Thoroughly Modern Holly" section of our Shoppe for their collections!

Remember how I said earlier in the post that "Joy" is the most sought after word in holiday marketing? Well, feast your eyes on Deb Strain's "Share The Joy." 

That's right...lots and lots of "Joy." Joy To the World. Joy Behar. Joy liquid dishwashing detergent. Tis the season for "Joy!" And look...the fabric even has the word "Joy" on it. Go figure? I should mention that this collection also has a light and dark blue, but I'm partial to the white, red, green and black! As you may also observe...the collection is brimming with Snowmen.

If you saw our "Red Door" Quilt from Coach House Designs we have this year...um...check this out!

 

Alright....this concludes another "Magical Day" on "Boughs of Holly." I have much more to show, but it's time for me to "retire." My mom will be looking at our holiday collections this coming Wednesday, so leave a comment here on the blog and let us know which collection is your favorite! Traditionalists...never fear...there is more to show coming up!

Don't forget, we are closed on Saturday and Sunday to ring in the New Year! We will have a special opening on Monday, January 2 from 10am-5pm...so if you are local be sure to come on out and see us! 

Happy New Year and never let life pass you by! ~ Brian

Seeew....Pop Quiz....what are you going to do on New Years Eve? That's right...you're going to leave me a comment, now aren't ya?