It' Not Too Late To Make A Few More Gifts!

Today is December 15...it's foggy, rainy and not at all like a normal December day in Duluth, MN. But, it's 43 degrees and a perfect day to work indoors.  I'm working on lots of new ideas and projects for 2015 - our new schedule will start just after the first of the year.  Do you have anything in particular that you would LOVE to see offered at Kelly J's??  I am always open to ideas, so please share!  

Hey, It's not too late to whip up a few more Christmas gifts...a couple of ideas that are always a hit; our "Super Simple Pillowcase"...Kelly J's "Center Stage" 10 minute table runner...."Infinity Scarf" using our ultra-plush 'Rose Cuddle'.  Stop into the store; we'll be thrilled to help you choose just the right fabric & we'll include a free pattern, too!

Well, time to get on track. "Times are a-changin" and I will try to change with them.  This Sunday is our "Holiday Open House" and we will have lots of Christmas project kits available, a free demo on our quick and easy Mitered Placemat; our simple technique can be used for "Quick Cuddle & Flannel Blankies" too! Enjoy hot apple cider and treats while you shop for gifts to make or give.

Quilts & Cookies!

 Our block of the month event has started with a lot of success! 

Our morning group!

We're calling it "Quilts & Cookies"....the fabric is "Christmas Traditions" from Quilting Treasures ~ each month's installment has instructions for two pieced blocks, a little bit of history about the tradition of the Christmas tree through the centuries and a recipe for a special cookie.

  Participating members get a chance to taste the cookie featured each month and if they finish their two blocks the next month's kit is discounted.  Everyone involved loved making the first set of blocks and are eager to start the next set.  Check back to see their progress! By our October meeting they should have all 6 blocks finished and be ready to pick up the finishing kit to make our own throw pattern for the holiday season.  In Novemeber we plan to have a cookie exchange ~ we'll share the fun with you, right here!

The "end of the day" group

Quilt Minnesota 2011 is winding down, only 4 days left.  The turn out has broken last year's record...every year we have more participating!  Thanks to everyone that visited and I hope you take advantage of our "Come Back to Kelly J's" discount coupon that was in your free block bag! 

Those of you that couldn't join the Minnesota Shop Hop, (even if you did do the statewide shop hop) don't miss our "Fall Into Quilting" Bus Tour Shop Hop September 30 & October 1....2 days, 7 shops, food, fun & fabric! 

The bus is filling up, so don't wait too long.  Only $129 for the bus, hotel, breakfast the day you leave and dinner the night you return ~ you are sure to have a great time!!

These baby Barn Swallows are just about ready to leave the nest!  Every summer we have a pair a swallows build their nest right above our lower level entrance.  It's so much fun watching them come & go, feeding their new babies, see the chicks grow and then leave the nest!  Stop up today or tomorrow to see them for yourself....they are easy to see from the top of our stairs.  The Minnesota Shop Hop 2011 starts this Friday and I don't think they will still be here, but we will have other fun things for you to see!

"Ready To Start Flying!"

I am currently trying to "churn out" more samples for the shop hop.  This is a picture of the sample I am just about to finish...  "Latte" Rose Cuddle (it's a really soft, cuddly fabric sort of like Mikee) with a pieced inner border using nearly all of the exclusive Quilt Minnesota fabrics...I plan to back it with one of this year's fabrics, use high loft batting and tie it!  It should make an adorable throw for the cabin, camper or car. 

Pieced & Ready to Quilt!

I will post the finished project...then you can let me know what you think. More projects to come ~ my 'thinking cap' is on and the wheels aren't just turning they're spinning!!

My First Day Blogging!



"Good Sports"



Okay, here it goes...I'm jumping into the world of 'blogging'! 

No two days in the store are ever the same, so with this blog,

we'll try to keep you in the loop! 

Please bear with me, I am no technology-whiz and this will be learning experience to be sure! 



Last weekend was our "Christmas In July" celebration! 

Our 2-day sale was very successful and we had great turn out of loyal Kelly J's clients show up in the pajamas! They all received a 25% discount for showing up in they're bedtime attire!  Annette & Ann really got into the spirit of the event!

On Saturday, Santa arrived!  Vacationing in the Duluth area, he was kind enough to spend a few hours visiting with customers and a few future customers! Santa even got a kiss from one of our more appreciative customers...hey, Barb, what's he bringing you for Christmas this year?

 

Kathy (left), from Denver, visiting us & Santa! 



Santa Arrived At Kelly J's!



 

 

It might be hard to believe, but we are already selling out of many of our Christmas fabrics...many went this weekend.  Waiting until it feels like Christmas will be too late; so don't wait!





Santa Gets A Kiss!