The Quilt Shoppe

Quit Market Houston 2011

2011-11-01T07:17:00.000-07:00

Once again Quit Market has come and gone, however ALL the new fabrics are beyond FANTASTIC! I did receive an invitation from my BFF (I don't think Anna knows that we are BFF's, maybe) Anna Griffin to her Private Partay in Houston, credentials required! Alas, I was unable to attend as I stayed in Stuville to mind the Shoppe as Tula and Cam galavanted off to Houston. Tula did bring back a gift, one of Anna's newest lines, The Pinelope Collection fat quarter bundle, Yum, Yum! Notice the PINelope! Sewing theme! Super Chic Anna! Anyway, as usual her fabrics are elegant, timeless and I just love them. Another of Anna Griffins new lines is The Fleur Rouge. IWe are in the process of building a new home for the Twinkie Princesses and I am thinking The Fleur Rouge dining room! So here are some pics for you to drool over. Shipping begins the first of the year!

Operation Re-"Guilding" Joplin Thank You!

2011-07-11T19:40:00.000-07:00

May I begin by saying that I could never imagine or try to begin to feel the pain, loss and suffering that someone experiences having gone through a tragedy such as the recent tornado that devastated Joplin, Missouri. I do know that when I found myself in the center of the devastation I had to help in some way. As I was actually enroute to Quitman, Texas to visit Stitchin Heaven, Deb Lutrells Quilt Shop along with 27 other Quilt Shop Owners to brainstorm for 3 days that an audience awaited my arrival and that they were a powerful group that could come up with an amazing way to help. I was correct! Within hours we had come up with as Susan Allen of The Quilt Asylum in McKinney, Texas coined it, a plan to "Re-Guild" Joplin. The concept was to actually obtain from Vendors and customers the items needed to "outfit" a Passionate Quilter, someone who had just lost everything, and I do mean everything. How could they begin to heal when they did not even possess the thread it would take to try to piece their lives back together.
We told our vendors that we did not need 5 rotary cutters, we need 100 rotary cutters, 100 cutting mats, cases of thread, needles, batting and fabrics, yards and yards of fabrics. We asked out customers to "share" their stash that we have heard over the years is so extensive they could open a quilt shop. Boxes began arriving, more and more boxes. The UPS man asked what was going on. New Sewing machines still in their box's came rolling in. Boxes of New books and patterns for their Guild Library. Initially we began cataloging all the items in each box. This soon became too extensive of a task.

Unfortunately, and I say this with a sigh, the intention of a few good people will often try to be exploited, twisted and abused. So as of this posting we are no longer accepting Items. We have accumulated enough items not only to Re-Guild Joplin, we could possibly open a very nice Quilt Shop, and if the Guild wants to they can. The items that we have gathered from the most amazing people on earth (you all know who you are) will be delivered to no less than an officer of the guild in person. We will then help "the quild" via its officers divide evenly amongst it members the collected items. The purpose being totally accounted for and the delivery of the items being logged and authenticated by the original group that came up with the concept back in mid June. Great Job Ladies!

Sneek Peek Pre-QuiltMarket

2011-05-04T21:57:00.000-07:00

Now is the time to stop by The Quilt Shoppe to see Tula in action! Tula and her crew are working madly on her booth preparing for the amazing "Prince Charming". More pics at www.tulapink.com For lots of fun follow us on Twitter twitter.com/#!/katrunyan Quilt Market travels in the Spring and will be held in Salt Lake City, Utah beginning next week. We will depart on Tuesday, arriving in time for School House sessions with Tula on Thursday, are you signed up? Her booth #2246 is next to "The Vintage Spool" our dearest friend Verna Mosquera and of course the most amazing and talented Tina Givens, love you Verna and Tina! For anyone attending please come by the Freespirit/Westminster Booth #2246. Free Stuff? See "The Prince" in person! If your not attending we will bring back the Prince Charming Booth and recreate it at The Quilt Shoppe for everyone to enjoy. So hope to see you at market or back at home where we will be napping! Of course The Quilt Shoppe will remain open thanks to the Beyond Amazing "Double Dream Hands" Whitney and meet our newest addition Jenny. An official welcome in the next blog as she deserves a blog dedicated to just Jenny.

Fun from The UK!

2011-03-17T19:33:00.000-07:00

Every now and then someone comes into your path that just makes you smile! Enter Katy Jones aka "Imagingermonkey" on Twitter.
Yes, that is a Tula Pink original tattoo on her fore arm of the Full Moon Forest Owl. It is totally beautiful and Katy wears it so well.
This pic was taken in Houston at International Quilt Market. Tula is signing her arm in Hot Tula Pink of course! Katy mentioned she wanted to get a "Parisville" tattoo...we can't wait to see that one! You kids from the UK are soooo fun and super chic!

And the Winner is.....

2011-02-23T20:06:00.000-08:00

First, I have to say that I will now give greater thought to my blog. Had I known anyone was actually reading it I would have somehow changed the content to something more interesting. Now the pressure is really on, so I have decided to post at least one picture from the life and times of Tula Pinks mum "a hint as to the winner" and life at The Quilt Shoppe that has never been posted anywhere else. Lets call it a "behind the scenes" peek. With my handy dandy iPhone and a little zoom I can usually get some pretty interesting stuff. The photo I have uploaded here is Tula and her most Amazing Ninja Quilter, Angela Walters discussing and designing the quilting of Tula's next line of fabric and newest patterns due to premier in Salt Lake City in May 2011. Its all hushy hushy stuff! Tula never reads my blog so I think I am safe for now. If I fall off the face of the earth never to be seen again check the wood chipper!
Oh yeah, back to the reason of tonights blog...the winner of a complete set of Tula Pink Patterns and a bottle of Asti goes to...

rderrett www.blogger.com/profile/01907479419118988919

Talk to me about the "Tula Pink Turtle Tattoo" I have definitely found a new blog to follow myself. I would like to offer you a choice of a bottle of Asti which I have to ship to the UK or maybe some Tula Pink fabric. I have a secret stash that you may like. Let me know, Enjoy the patterns and thanks for following!
Congrats!!
Kathy

Just a Quick Question...

2011-01-23T20:51:00.000-08:00

I just have to know, does anyone really read these blogs? I am taking a poll which will last 30 days. Everyone that comments will have the chance to win a full set of Tula Pink Patterns, and a bottle of Martini and Rossi Asti Spumante! That is 10 patterns in all. I will announce the winner which will be chosen randomly on February 23rd. Comments will not be judged on humor and wit, however they are so much more fun to read. Pass the word, and prove me wrong.

Happy New Year! Cliche, I know!

2010-12-31T22:08:00.000-08:00

Wow, it's amazing how fast this year has passed and what a year it has been!

We saw Tula Pink make the move to FreeSpirit/Westminster Fibers and anxiously awaited her new line...Parisville, which we have just heard is totally SOLD OUT at FreeSpirit, but not to fret they are going to reprint! Thank you #TulaTroops! Laminates, M&M's, First time booth at Houston International Quilt Market, Crazy "Marie Antionette" ship heads (currently on display at The Quilt Shoppe), a new super hot Tula Pink trailer for quilt guild travels and 8 New Quilt Patterns! And that is only the Tula Pink stuff!

Angela Walters became OUR VERY OWN in house Machine Quilter! The Quilting Gods are definitely looking down on us! Several of you have already picked up quilts she has done for you and raved at how magnificent they turned out. Be sure to get your name on her list. She is doing a "whole cloth quilt" for me personally in a Cotton Lawn cloth that will go on display as soon as it is done. I purchased 4 bolts of the new/latest/hot fabric...Cotton Lawn. All I can say is it is so beautiful. A little pricey but sooooo worth it.

I just updated ALL our billboards as well as added 2 new billboards, both on I36 near Hiawatha and Chillicothe. They are pink and white polka dot...you can't miss them, a total of 6 huge Lamar/Waitt billboards! We added the super exciting "Kids Safe Zone" play area which is probably a bigger hit than free fabric, well maybe not! The actual play house should be done soon. Super Cute. I still can't believe it took me 4 years to think of a "kid safe play area" Brain Freeze or age, not sure!

We have two bus trips planned again for this year, destinations to be announced in January, late January. They will be better than ever, trust me, really, seriously, trust me!

Now all the buzz about the price of cotton. Well, frankly its going to go through the roof, however as I am always thinking of protecting my wonderful customers/friends I would like to say that I just finished (before the clock struck 12:00 midnight) placing a ton of fabric orders before the price increase!!!!!!! The cutoff was midnight Dec 31st. So we are in good shape!

I also want to take the time to mention that you will want to follow us on "Twitter". I will be doing Friday giveaways, making $$saving announcements and keeping you all up to speed regarding everything about The Quilt Shoppe, Tula Pink and all things Quilty. My "Twitter" name is "Katrunyan". There is a link on our website, just click there, the rest is super easy. You may also want to follow "TulaPink" as well, she tends to give sneak peeks of her new fabric lines.

Its almost 1:00 a.m. Happy New Everyone, you have all been a part of making this past year a huge success. I love you all and hope that I can continue to inspire your creativity and talents! The Twinkies wake up at 5:00 a.m. so I better get some sleep.
WE ARE OPEN NEW YEARS DAY! TODAY!

See you soon,
Kathy

PARISVILLE has Arrived!

2010-12-08T21:15:00.001-08:00

Need I say more?

I finally got to Ride the Bus!

2010-11-23T22:24:00.000-08:00

HOW FUN! All this time I was staying behind at the Shoppe playing hostess to the 10-13 other bus loads of wonderful ladies while my awesome "Rock Star Bus" rolled down the road. Well, those days are over for sure. I (we) just returned from our "Make Up" trip to Belleville and Hiawatha with a mystery shop thrown in for good measure. We all had the best time! The Prizes were amazing, I picked them out myself, Tula joined us as well as an added bonus. Raechelle, our intern from Missouri Western Art Department also came and was super inspired...we may have another designer on our hands! A few of the ladies on the bus had not been on any type of quilting adventure before but I did see them carrying our large bags of fabric! We may have had a few conversions on this trip.
Thank you ladies for a super fun time, I soooooo look forward to....Kentucky in May!
Happy Quilting!
Kathy

The Real Scoop!

2010-11-08T19:02:00.000-08:00

Hello to all,

There is nothing like exciting news that has everyone in a buzz! Hearing it straight from the source is even better because you get the straight story.
So, straight from me to you...

Marie, my partner of 7 years and Linda Courtney, my "queenquilter" are opening their own shop. I can now make the changes that I have wanted to make for some time now. So here are the changes...

*The shoppe name is "The Quilt Shoppe" the country expressions portion will fall away
*I will be increasing our inventory drastically, both in fabrics and notions now that we have the room.
* Our signage and billboards will be updated and fresh new colors will brighten the horizon!
*I am adding a "child safe zone" play area inside the shoppe that Tula Pink will be designing...Tula was commissioned to design the Orlando Magic Children's Play Area in the Orlando Magic Arena in yes, Orlando, Florida! It is awesome!
*I have invited "celebrity" teachers to do workshops and classes for the 2011 year. Watch the calendar!
*We will have two Amazing Bus Trips as usual as well as we have contracted with Heartland Trailways to provide buses for all quilt shops participating in our trips guaranteeing US the Rockstar Black Executive Limo Bus! Our contract is now bigger than MU's...grin, grin!
*We have new staff to introduce which calls for a party!
Whitney Wilson
Morgan Hovenga
Raeshelle Ragan, Interning from Missouri Western University Art Department

AND ANNOUNCING THE ARRIVAL OF:
ANGELA WALTERS!
Premier Longarm Artist/Quilter
http://quiltingismytherapy.com/

We all know Angela for being Tula Pink's exclusive quilter for the past 4 years. You have seen her amazing work on quilts in the shoppe such as the "Cartwheel" Quilt that was on the bed as you come in the door, and many quilts displayed on our walls. Angela has been featured in KC Studio Magazine. She has won numerous awards for her quilting and will be on full display with several quilts at this fall's International Quilt Market when Tula Pink premiers...
"PARISVILLE"

Angela is a founding member of the Kansas City Modern Quilt Guild as well as members of The Starlight Quilt Guild and Nighttime Needlers Quilt Guild. It is an honor and a privilege to have Angela join The Quilt Shoppe!
Her quilting machines will arrive at The Quilt Shoppe by November 1st.
To book her services or get a quote on quilting please call The Quilt Shoppe @ 816-669-3490

As always...We look forward to seeing you in "The New Quilt Shoppe" soon!
Kathy and Tula

Keep Calm and Carry On!

2010-10-14T22:14:00.000-07:00

How ironic that this months Quilter of the Month is Linda. Today was her last day at The Quilt Shoppe.
It is my understanding that Marie will be giving me a letter of explanation as she and Linda are opening a shop in Cameron. I will pass this along upon receipt.
In the meantime as the title states...I am Keeping Calm and Carrying on!

Linda Courtney!

2010-10-02T05:00:00.000-07:00

We all know how dedicated Linda is to "The Quilt Shoppe"! Well, October is the month that we all let her know! I have always said that Linda is my right hand, left hand, my everything. I could not do what I do, nor would The Quilt Shoppe be what it is today without her! She is my "Queen Quilter". Those of you that have been on our infamous Bus Tours know that she is fun when fun is required, organized all the time, calm when the sea gets bumpy and comes off every bus smiling!
If you have never taken a class from Linda you are missing a great opportunity! Her quilting and sewing skills are excellent, she is a qualified Quilt appraiser and has made most of the sample quilts in the shoppe.
So, next time your in The Quilt Shoppe let her know just how much we all appreciate her!
Yeah......Linda!

Ruth Bishop & Maxine Winger!

2010-08-02T19:34:00.000-07:00

"Two" Quilters of the Month?? Nope just two amazing wonderful friends that share a love of quilting!! Ruth and Maxine could be labeled our "original" customers as they have been with us from the very first days in the oh so small and quaint Starlight building. We ironed on the floor, shared one cutting mat (among the entire class) and I think maybe just one rotary cutter. There are many stories over the years that we can share, yes we did accidentally sell one of Ruth's beautiful quilts to a customer traveling to California. Why this customer wanted a "Ruth Supersize" Flannel quilt is still a mystery, but boy did she get a good deal!! We convinced Maxine to applique, much to her chagrin, they have both done each and every "Quilt Block of the Month", Mystery Quilt and Charity drive we have come up with. Ruth and her husband George were even there when the twinkies were born. If you notice Ruth and Maxine even share one of the original parking blocks, which everyone wants to know how to get...it's a secret even to those who have them. Well, they now have the "Quilter of the Month" parking spot. We all love you both, appreciate it every time you come in just to chat or see what is "New", share your family stories and pick out your next project. You are both a vital part of the shoppe as much as anyone ever could be...Congratulations!!
P.S. maybe we should have "Quilter's of the Year"??

Verna Lee Carter!

2010-07-10T20:14:00.000-07:00

Verna Lee Carter
Yeah! Verna Lee has been a supporter of The Quilt Shoppe since its inception in 2004. When she isn't running Heartland Health (working in administration for the top dog) she is steadily quilting away on her next project for that soon to be born special baby, upcoming wedding for a niece, nephew, grandchild, friend, co-worker or just because she loves the fabrics and patterns. We thank you for your support over the years and the friendship that you have brought to the shop. Your generosity in community affairs, your donations and the time you have spent thinking of others is why we have chosen you as our "QUILTER OF THE MONTH". To purchase raffle ticket for Verna's most recent donation quilt please contact the shoppe. 816-669-3490

BOB TAYLOR

2010-06-09T21:09:00.000-07:00

YES! Our Quilter of the Month is Bob Taylor...a man! Bob, we love you, love your talent, skill, eye for color, and enthusiasm! Who doesn't love a quilter that comes into The Quilt Shoppe and says "what's the hardest thing you have", you show him the Bargello consisting of 10 million pieces, he likes it, selects his fabrics, has it done in a little over one week, it's fantastic AND its his first quilt! Men! You are in our hearts and an inspiration to all of us and all quilters or wanna be quilters! You continue to amaze us with every quilt!