We hope you had a wonderful Christmas with family and friends.  This past year has been a whirlwind for us, just starting out as a new quilt shop in London.  We thoroughly enjoyed your visits, talking about 'stuff', watching the faces of those taking classes and seeing smiles and hearing laughter coming from the classroom, helping to sort out quilty problems...  Personally, I have made many new valued friends - laughed with some, consoled others.  Quilting does indeed bring people together.  We can uphold each other as we go through difficult times.  We can enjoy each other's company over coffee or tea, sharing family joys, hearing about quilty travels, discovering new tools and techniques.  Thank you all for making 2012 a memorable one for us.  To quote an old...er...older song, we are family.  Each member of the family is important.  Each has their own function in the group.  Each is at their own level of experience and skill.  And each member needs encouragement to grow in that experience and skill so that others, as well as themselves, may benefit.  Wonderful friendships ensue. 

So here's a little taste of 2013 to come - A Year To Crow About is one of the Blocks of the Month programs (fabrics arrived just before Christmas); new classes, including applique, paper-piecing, English paper-piecing, and a class that crosses wedding and cathedral windows techniques...  that's just a hint of what's to come.  New clubs and sewing projects are a'comin', too.  I'm getting excited just thinking about all of this.  So now your job is to recover from the recent festivities (I know, New Year's is around the corner and you'll need to recover from those festivities as well.  ;) ) and prepare for a new year of quilting and  sewing projects.  The latter part of the shop name (& More) will become more evident in our offerings in 2013. 

Take care and Keep on Quilting!

This is an alert.  For those of you looking online for fabric glue sticks, please avoid lapelstick.com as there is a trojan virus attached to the website.  This glue stick is popular and we will try to bring it in but please do avoid clicking on their website. 

Christmas Fabric Sale Continues
All Christmas fabric on the bolt will continue to be 75% off until December 29, 2012.  More savings still available!

The winner of the Kona Giveaway is Barb S., and the winner of the Silver/Crystal necklace is Alma M.  Congratulations to you both.

Many thanks to everyone who helped make this, our first Christmas Sale event, a tremendous success. 

Have a safe and wonderful weekend.

What's new at Cornerstone Quilts?  Check out our new feature above.  We'll try to show as many photos of new products as we can.  Don't forget our Christmas Sale next week!  See you soon!

OUR CHRISTMAS SALE! 
December 11-15th
ALL Christmas fabrics - 75% off!
Everything else in the shop is 35% off!
Free Kona giveaway!
Find the 'ruby', 'emerald' and 'sapphire' and enter to win a gorgeous silver/crystal necklace.
I almost forgot....delicious munchies....gee, how could I forget that!
(All uncut fabrics:  minimum 1/2 m)

Well, found the camera cable! Now we can show you pictures and thought we'd start with the shop. Enjoy!

New Class:  (nope, this is not the big announcement)

The Quick Grid Christmas Wreath that has been on display in the shop has garnered quite a bit of attention, and a number of you have asked for a class.  Soooooo, a class has been set for Friday, December 14th, from Noon to 4:00 pm.  Space is limited so sign up early.  More details under 'Class Schedule'.

Psssst....the big announcement is coming.

Just a note to let you all know that photos will be arriving shortly.  When new products/fabric collections come in, you'll be able to see them here.

We are pleased to announce a new service at the shop.  Do you have a dull rotary cutting blade?  Our new Blade Sharpening Service is here to help, at a fraction of what it costs to buy brand new blades.  Bring in your dull blades, and we'll give them a new lease on life, so to speak.  Of course, some blades may be badly damaged with deep nicks or warping - in this case, we would recommend new ones be obtained. 

We are planning to offer not one, but two Block of the Month programs, beginning January 2013.  More information to come.

A new Christmas Gift Registry has been created.  Let us know what quilty things you would like for Christmas this year from family and friends, tell them you are registered at Cornerstone Quilts & More, and let us do the rest.  Free gift wrapping, too!

Wow!  What a quilt show this past weekend!  Weren't those quilts wonderful?!  Thank you to all who came by our booth.  This was our best show ever.

More fabrics have come in - this is so exciting.  A new line of Christmas (did I just say that?!) fabrics, reminiscent of earlier days.
New batiks that created quite a stir at the show. 

Come on down and check it out - be seeing you.

T-minus 1 day and counting for the London Friendship Quilters Guild "Harvest of Quilts 2012" Quilt Show at Rowntree United Church.  We set up the booth this morning.  Wow!  So many things to bring and not enough table space.  It's like setting up a small shop.  We LUUUVVV the products from Laundry Basket Quilts - check out our laundry basket at the show.  The primitive bolts will be there, too.  Lotsa stuff - lotsa fun.  Gorgeous quilts on display.  Raffles - Toonie Table - Tea Room.  This is the last entry post before the show.

NEW shipment of fabrics arrived today. 
Berry Crisp Tonga Batiks, bolts, jellies and charms from Timeless Treasures; Urbanista from Studio e; black & white 'tattoo'; soft pink, blue and cream dots.  Haven't forgotten those of you who love florals:  multi-garden and -berries, cream daffodils, yellow wild garden, green iris, red daisies, hydrangeas, antique and green floral soft stripes. 

T-minus 2 days and counting to the London Friendship Quilters Guild Quilt Show at Rowntree United Church at the corner of Cheapside and Elliott (wheelchair accessible).  Everything at our booth is 20% off.  See you soon. 

My apologies to those of you who visited the shop this past week only to find it closed due to illness.  The nasty tummy bug hit me big time Monday night.  Just another reminder to wash the hands, wash the hands, wash the hands, especially before eating something.  If the virus is on your hands and you pop something into the ole maw, you have a pretty good chance of getting symptoms and I'll stop there.

We are gearing up for the London Friendship Quilt Guild Quilt Show on Friday and Saturday, October 26 & 27th (Friday, 10 am to 8pm; Saturday 10 am to 4pm).  The shop will be closed the morning of Thursday, October 25, to allow us to set up our booth.  Lots of new products brought in for this show and beyond - great Christmas gift inspirations (or for yourself - why not!).  Everything at our booth will be 20% off so there will be bargoonies galore.  Hope to see you there.

3 NEW CLASSES added to the schedule.  Learn Machine Quilting, the Hunter Star Table Runner and Crown Jewels quilt/wallhanging.

NEWS FLASH:
New products received yesterday include a new spiffy Creative Grids display rack with new rulers including the LazyAngle ruler, the multisize curved corner cutter ruler, the straight out of line ruler, the curves for rectangles and curves for squares rulers, the Quilt in a Day flying geese rulers (1 1/2 x 3" and 3x6" small and 2x4" and 4x8" large), the Quilt in a Day Mini Ruler Set for 1x2" and 2x4" mini-geese and 3/4"x1 1/2" and 1 1/2"x3" mini-geese plus a 2 1/2" fussy cut),and Quilting Girl socks in black, new quilt puzzles, the Custom Sealing Iron (featured on many quilt shows), "Leaving Riverton" - a novel by Jodi Barrows, more Laundry Basket Quilt products, including notecards, journals, calendars; more 2013 calendars: The Art of the Quilt, Award Winning Quilts and Thimbleberries; new kits by Pat Sloan, new books, the Quilt Label Collective, Vol 1 & II (label design software), 2 new Kona colours (wine and charcoal) and new Anthology batiks.  Whew!  Fabrics and rulers and books - oh my!

Stay tuned next week for an announcement of a themed quilt contest with a $300 gift certificate first prize.

NEWS COMING AT 3PM FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12th.

LAUNDRY BASKET QUILTS  with Edyta Sitar:
We now have 15 patterns on hand - gorgeous patterns.  Come and check them out!

MUSTANG MEADOWS has just arrived!  Do you like horses?  Know anyone who likes horses?  This collection is absolutely wonderful.   Wallhangings, pillowcases, hmmm....

ACCUQUILT products will soon arrive.  Stay tuned for more info.

THANKSGIVING SHOP HOURS:
Friday:  10 am to 5 pm
Saturday:  10 am to 2 pm
Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving weekend!

Thanks to all who helped make our Blowout Sale a huge success.  Many of you said you enjoyed talking to other quilters while waiting for the cutting table, exchanging ideas and upcoming projects.  The winners of the two draws for a free bolt of Kona Cotton Solid fabric were AS in London and JK in Sarnia.  Congratulations ladies!  Their favourite colours were Tulip and Eggshell.  I'm sure they will create a lot of wonderful projects with their chosen colours. 

Well, now we have quite a bit of open shelf space.  Hmm...  What shall we bring in to fill those shelves?  Primitives are coming.  How can I not bring in primitive fabrics when my employee, Janet, is crazy about them and keeps asking me 'when are the primitives coming in'?  We will have fun deciding which bolts to bring in.  Actually, she has already given me a list of fabrics that would be a good addition to the shop.  Way to go, Janet!

Dino Roar was immensely popular!  A lap-size sample is in the shop.  This is an easy quilt to make as the sample will show.

BIG BLOWOUT SALE
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
9 AM TO 6 PM
Up to 75% off on select fabrics, and that's just a start.  Another Kona Solid Giveaway and many more surprises.  Come and stock up for your Fall/Winter projects. 
Discounts cannot be combined.  Minimum cuts may apply.
Discounts not applicable to purchase of Gift Certificates, or class registration fees.

DINO ROAR IS IN!  I know many of you have been enquiring as to when this collection will come in.  It is here - it is adorable!  Two patterns are available as well, 'Bedrock' in two sizes, Baby Quilt 40x52" or Lap/Twin 56x76", and 'Dino Maze' in two sizes, Toddler Bed Quilt 50x59" or Twin 68x92".  

Also just in today, new flannel colours:  soft yellow, mint green and a delicious dark red.

'Falling Leaves', a Stonehenge collection of black with gold leaves, is on order and should be arriving soon.  Will let you know when it arrives. 

'IT'S MY PARTY' BLOWOUT SALE!
Thursday, September 27th - up to 75% OFF select fabrics.  Older fabrics will no longer be seen after this event.   Mark this date for your very own shopping party. 


 

BLOWOUT SALE COMING SOON!   The more fabrics we clear out, the more new fabrics we can bring in.   Watch for details.

INTRODUCTION TO QUILTING
An afternoon 4 week course begins September 11 (Sept. 11, 18, 25,Oct. 2) from 12 noon to 4pm, or an evening 5 week course begins September 12 (Sept. 12, 19, 26, Oct. 3, 10) from 6pm to 9pm.  This course is being offered to those who wish to learn the terminology, basic techniques for piecing, how to safely use rotary cutting equipment.  You will create a sampler wallhanging (or table mat):  Fee $100.00 for the course.  If you do not have a sewing machine to bring, you may use one of ours for the entire course for a small fee.  You can see the sampler at the shop.  A materials list may be picked up at the time of registration. 

More classes to be announced by schedule in the near future.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE SHOP WILL BE CLOSED SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1st.  It will re-open Tuesday, September 4th with our new hours:
Tuesday to Thursday, 10 am to 5 pm
Friday, 10 am to 6 pm
Saturday, 10 am to 4pm

Have a wonderful Labour Day Weekend!

Fabrics and patterns and books - oh my!  It has now gotten to the point where, when I see a courier drive up, my heart quickens and the mind rushes with ideas for the products they're about to bring in.  Add new notions to that list as well.  I can't believe September is next week.  So much to do - so little time.  (Where have I heard that before!)  Class samples are starting to come in.  The class sample for beginner quilters (those who have never quilted before or who want a refresher in the basics) is here, as well as the Quilt-As-You-Go sample and Fat Quarter Fun sample.  More class samples will be up soon for you to see.  Stay tuned - more info to come.

The front door to the shop is wide open, letting in delectable breezes that just make me want to set a chair outside and do some handwork - either that or curl up under the counter and catch a few zzzzs.  Weather like this is sooooo relaxing.  Hope all of you are enjoying these cooler, less humid days.  I know I am. 

So here's another delectable breeze that just came in this morning.  Moda's Over the Rainbow precuts:  2 colourways of Jelly Rolls and Charm Packs*.  To celebrate this long-awaited arrival, they will be added to the Sale of the Week this week at 20% off, along with Kona solids.  So let the breezes whisk you out to enjoy the day.

*More on the way.  

Just arrived from 'Paris':  The Eiffel Tower/Flower along with Tea for Two.  Two bolts of really cool designs featuring the Tower and a delectable tea in Paris theme.  So many possibilities here. 

We are gradually increasing our black and white selection.  So, two new black and white prints, one is white polka dots on black background and the other a small white floral on black have been received today. 

This week:  Kona solid coloured fabrics are 20% off. 

I have to apologize for the lack of photos on this site.  Am trying to rectify this.  Hopefully, will be able to find the cable that connects the camera to the computer for uploading the photos.  Or maybe it's time to invest in a better camera.  We'll see, soon enough.  :)

Today and tomorrow, Friday and Saturday, August 17-18, we have a special 5 month anniversary sale going - 30% off everything in the shop.  Can't believe it has been 5 months since we opened on March 17th.  Time flies when you're having fun, they say. 

Check out next week's featured sale!

The Kona Cotton Solid stand just came in the door.  Now we have a distinct display rack that will hold all of our Kona solids, and then some.  Looks fantastic!  Thanks, Dave!

Christmas - I love it.  Can't get enough of Christmas.  Yes, I hear the groans.  Well, for those who groaned, look away from your screen.  We've just received a new collection of Christmas fabrics called 'Away in a Manger'.  Now you can look back at your screen -we also received two winter-themed collections called 'Winter Magic' and 'Frosty Friends'.  Also a new panel called 'Teddy's Christmas Eve' is here - absolutely adorable.  There is nothing wrong in making a winter-themed quilt or wallhanging or table accessories that can be used all winter long.  Hmmm....bottle totes, tea or coffee cozies, egg cozies (yep - eggs deserve cuddling [not curdling], too), silverware caddies in groups of 6-8 or individually, placemats, tablerunners, bedrunners, sofarunners, ornaments, garlands, fireplace mantel covers...endless possibilities.  Some of the above will be offered in upcoming classes.  The class schedule is coming along nicely and will be published soon.

The Stonehenge Woodland collection is here in all 3 colourways!  To check out these wonderful fabrics, go to the Northcott website
http://www.northcott.net -patterns are available as well for this collection.  Then you can check them out in person at the shop.

We are currently setting up our teaching schedule for the Fall season (Sept.-Dec.).  If there is a particular class you would like to take at the shop, let us know.  Many of you have indicated that you would like to take a beginner's how-to-quilt class - it will be offered in September.  Other beginner classes will be offered as well.  And we certainly haven't forgotten everyone else.  We hope you will like our class offerings and have a ton of fun creating in class and making new friends.

For those of you who are looking forward to painting/dyeing classes that were to be offered towards the end of August, hangeth thou in there - we're waiting for our PFD (prepared for dyeing) fabrics to come in from Kona. 

Congratulations to J.T. who won our Kona Giveaway with colour #1145, Forest.  Thank you to all who participated.   And thank you to all who helped make this 3-day sale event a huge success.  Until next time....enjoy the remaining summer days, stay cool, and keep on quilting. 

Today is the last day of our Christmas in July sale event.  50% off Christmas fabrics and 40% off everything else in the shop!  Come and save on your Christmas projects or get inspired for future projects.  London's own Jill Buckley is featured in 'Zentangle, Fabric Arts, Quilting, Embroidery', by Suzanne McNeill.  Amazing book - amazing artists and artistry.  See you soon.

We're having fun on Day 2 of the Christmas in July (Julaugust?) 3-day sale event. 

Birthday Bash Signup begins today.   At your next visit, if you wish to participate (see first posting), bring your ID and then every time you visit the shop during your birthday month, you'll receive 10% off.

Christmas in July commences Tuesday, July 31st and runs to Thursday, August 2nd, from 10 am to 4 pm.  Wear something Christmasy and receive a free gift.  Choose your discount at the cash register from 10% to 40% off.  Kona Giveaway - choose your favourite solid colour and you may win a full bolt of that colour.  Three spools of Superior Razzle Dazzle thread have been hidden in plain view throughout the shop - can you find them?  Refreshments in the classroom.  Samples of Christmas projects on display.  New fabrics.  New books.  Something for everyone.  See you soon.

Unfortunately, due to illness, Christmas in July has been pushed back a week to July 31-Aug 2.  We are sorry if this has caused any inconvenience.  More information to come later this week.

The shop will be closed this week.  If you require supplies, please feel free to go to any of the other quilt shops in the area.

CHRISTMAS IN JULY - JULY 24-26TH, 10 am to 4 pm There will be many opportunities to save with the fun discounts offered during this celebration. Different refreshments each day - surprising discounts each day. Just think, July 24 will be like Christmas Eve, July 25 will be like Christmas Day and the 26th will be like Boxing Day.

Three, yes, three shipments just came in this morning!  Am I excited?  You betcha!  Stephanie Brandenburg's Daydreams III is here!  A new Block of the Month called Reflections (based on the Red Rooster fabric of the same name) is here in the turquoise, yellow, gray colourway.  A sample of the quilt will be made before this program is offered.  Also, new books and real cool quilt themed shopping bags big enough to hold the books and fabrics and.....whatever your heart desires.  Yes, chocolate fits in the bag very nicely.

Stay cool and keep on quilting! 

New Christmas fabrics have arrived.  22 colours of Kona solids are on their way!  Minky fabric is on the way!  (Yes, Minky - fun classes are coming up with this fabric in mind.)   Stephanie Brandenburg fabric is on the way!  These shipments should be received early next week. 

Plans are progressing for Christmas in July.  Stay tuned, as they say.

Keep on quilting.

Reminder:   Quilt guild members may now receive a 15% discount on their purchases upon presentation of a valid guild membership card.

Hope you all had a great Canada Day celebration.  Even though we were on vacation last week, it was a very busy and sometimes a very difficult time (family health issues).  But we're back in full swing, ready to meet your quilting needs.  Hope you stay cool this week (it's easier to quilt that way and don't forget the chocolate).
Keep on quilting.

The shop is now closed for holidays and will re-open July 10th.  Have a great Canada Day weekend (...and keep on quilting).

The winner of the Kona Cotton Solid Giveaway was the person who chose Colour 146, Glacier.  Congratulations!

SURPRISE KONA GIVEAWAY
Choose your favourite Kona Cotton Solid colour, fill out a ballot and you might win a full bolt of that colour!!!  During the June 30th Canada Day Sale only!

CANADA DAY SALE
We are having a storewide sale Saturday, June 30th, 10 am to 4 pm  -  35% off everything (in-stock items only) in the store, excluding gift certificates and Northcott fabrics.  All Northcott fabrics will be 50% off.  What a steal of a deal!  Pssst:  the chocolate is free.  Keep on quilting.

Big news Friday afternoon.  Check back after 4pm.

New products arrived today as you can see in the list on the right.

Five pair of the most adorable socks came in today and within 15 minutes of putting them on display, 4 pair sold.  They have a picture of a gal sitting in a chair handquilting a quilt with the words 'Quilting Girl' imprinted below.  Will be bringing in a lot more of these - great stocking stuffers.  Hmmm... Christmas in July (July 24-26)... hmmm....

More batiks arrived.  More fabrics ordered - more to come.  I know 'more' is a four-letter word but it's a good word in this instance. 

We want to stock what you need.  Let us know - send an email.  Want more batiks?  Let us know.  Want more florals?  Let us know.  Want more orientals?  Let us know.  Whatever it is - let us know. 

Many of you have asked for more batiks and we are working on that.  Kona solids will be coming soon, as well.   

Have you heard?  Quilter's Newsletter is creating an online TV show (10-15 mins in length) and it's free!  Weekly episodes will begin in July.  The August series guest stars Patrick Lose.  Check mccallsquilting.com for more information.

Sorry, folks.  We had indicated that all books and patterns were 15% off this week.  Actually, they're 25% off.  Saturday will be a higher discount, not just for books and patterns, but everything in the shop will qualify. Check back Friday afternoon for more news.

Stephanie Brandenberg fabric is coming to the shop soon.  We just love her work.  Will let you know when it arrives. 

Frond Design Studios are coming up with really fascinating fabrics, created by different designers under the Frond label.  Quilters reap the benefits.  Keep on quilting.

Consignment Corner will not be open as of July 1st - we will let you know the next launch date as soon as possible.  Thank you for your patience.
Keep on quilting. 

GIFT CERTIFICATES NOW AVAILABLE.

Denominations of $25, $50, or $100 are available.  If you're not sure what type of gift to give the quilter in your life, consider a gift certificate.  

Just spent the morning with a vendor and oh my my, I was a bad girl, which is good for you - bought lots of stuff for the shop.  Will let you know as it arrives. 

We are looking for teachers!  If you have experience teaching a quilt class or technique or other quilt-related topic, and are interested in teaching for this shop, please let us know. 

Keep on quilting.

Store Closure Notice:
We will be closed the first week of July (July 3-7) and will re-open July 10th.  Not only to have a little vacation, but also to get ready for Christmas in July on the 24th to the 26th.  More information to come.  Keep on quilting.

It looks like it is going to be a scorcher of a week, so stay as cool as possible and hydrated - we can't have you fainting at the sewing machine!
You will note that a few additions have been made to our lineup on the right.  The weekly sales announcement is at the top right, along with new product announcements.  As well, a Community Corner is added where you can share tips, ideas and suggestions with everyone.
Thank you for your patience as we get our blogging underway. 

Goderich Quilt Show

We were at the Goderich Quilt Show on June 15 & 16th.  The quilts were amazing - the talent there was quite obvious.  The Goderich guild members were very friendly and really wanted everyone to have a good time.  And the strawberry shortcake was to die for!  Thank you to everyone who made it such a great success.

            Welcome to the first newsletter of Cornerstone Quilts & More!   First, let me thank those of you who made our Opening Day on March 17^th a great success.  It was wonderful reconnecting with old friends and making new ones.  Quilters are very special people.  We are creators of not only a source of comfort and love but also art when we make our quilts and, more often than not, these quilts are given away to friends, family or charities.  I’m seeing an increase in charity quilts and find this exciting as it moves our craft more into the public eye and at the same time, the funds they raise benefit humankind. 

            We are still in the process of stocking the shelves.  If there is something you need and we don’t have it on hand, please let us know and we will either bring it in for you or, if time is an issue, we will refer you to a shop in the area that does carry it.

Things to come:

Ø Classes: most will be conducted in the Fall but special fabric dyeing and painting classes are being developed for late summer. Dates to be announced.

 Ø  The Thimble Clinic begins in the Fall.  You will have the chance to try out different styles and sizes of thimbles in order to find one that fits you just right.

Ø  Birthday Bash:  A discount granted during your birthday month, effective August 1^st, 2012.  You can come in any time, as frequently as you like, and receive 10% off all your purchases* at each visit.  You can register the next time you drop by the shop.  Please bring identification with birthdate when you register.

Ø  Quilt Guild Membership Discounts:  Present your valid guild membership card and receive 15% off your purchases.*  Begins July 1^st, 2012.

Ø  New products will be announced as they come in.  Check the blog regularly.

Ø  Rotating weekly sales are already in effect.  Continue to check the blog to see what is on sale and when. 

Ø  Christmas in July – July 24-26.  Watch for the snow!

Ø  Quilting Bees swarm here for those who love to handquilt and socialize.  Fair warning:  chocolate is involved.   Begins in the Fall.

Ø  Various monthly technique groups will be introduced in the Fall.

Ø  Consignment Corner begins July 1st.

*Discounts are not to be combined (if two discounts are offered within the same time frame the higher discount will apply); also excludes sales items and Consignment Corner.

 o0o

            Fall classes will be held for quilters of all skill levels, beginning the second week of September.

            You wouldn’t believe how many people have come into the shop looking for finished quilts to purchase.  It broke my heart to tell them we did not have any on hand.  So, Consignment Corner arrives on July 1^st.  We will accept your finished quilts or quilted items, on consignment (20% commission fee), so if making a little extra cash appeals to you, come on in and we’ll discuss the arrangements.  You set the price and we will collect and remit all applicable taxes on your behalf.  A cheque will be sent to you, minus commission, upon the sale of your quilt or quilted item.  Store discounts will not apply to Consignment Corner items.  If the quilter wishes to assign a sale price to their creation, it will be their responsibility to do so.

                  Come and see us at the Goderich Quilters Guild Quilt Show, June 15-16th at the Arena.

            Cornerstone Quilts & More is your community quilt shop.  We want to hear your comments and suggestions. 

            We hope you enjoy Summer with family and friends.


                                                                              Judy