Yellow Bird Art

Just in case you stopped by....

2012-01-13T09:40:00.000-06:00

I noticed that we still get visitors on this site. Thanks so much for coming by! We still miss YBA terribly and all our wonderful customer/friends. Amy has moved to Madison, WI and is working at UW Hospital in Human Resources as a software trainer for Epic. It's one of the medical record keeping programs that's out there. She is still making things - sewing and making jewelry -and wishing she was making her living through quilting.

After what seemed an eternity, our country home sold, we moved to town ~ into the sweetest little 1896 house (which we were still rehabbing...) to live amid chaos and stacks of boxes for the past 4 months. Now that the construction dust has cleared, literally, all the rest of the furniture came out of storage and we're almost living in the house like normal (well, as normal as we've ever been) - meaning that there is furniture to sit on and we can find clean underwear everyday now!

And so, the point of this is that I'm finally, finally able to turn my energy back to my studio and living as a creative person. I've performed virtual CPR on my blog Summer Kitchen Quilts and I'd like to invite you to come on over and visit a bit. I'm starting a monthly post (2nd Friday of every month) about women who have truly inspired me by the way they live. It's so inspiring to get to know someone who has faced daunting challenges and not only overcome them, but triumphed over them in a meaningful way that changes their life in an amazingly positive way.

This month I want to introduce you to Sue Spargo . We met Sue when she came to Yellow Bird Art to teach workshops. Over the course of four years we came to know Sue not only as a teacher, but as a friend. Her life story is a real example of courage and creativity. Come on over, girlfriends!

Blessings ~
Angela

Last day of business

2010-05-15T18:45:00.000-05:00

Hey there all you sweet birds! Today was our last day of business. I want you all to know that I am going to miss you! You, my dear customers and friends, have absolutely, without a doubt, been the best part of having the shop. I have been richly blessed. Many of you have asked what mom and I are going to do after closing the shop...

What's Amy going to do?
The first thing I'm going to do is take some time off! I'm going to work in my garden, visit with friends and family, and just relax. I'm going to finish up some of my WIP's (Works In Process!) and get back to some hobbies I've been neglecting. I'm excited to get back to making jewelry- I'm working on a new line of jewelry that will be available in my etsy shop: www.etsy.com/shop/louieandbella. Yep, that's right, Louie & Bella is the name of my jewelry business, and the name of my new blog as well. I don't have anything posted yet, but hope to have a blog post, and some new jewelry up on etsy, next week. Come visit me and see what I'm up to at http://www.louieandbella.blogspot.com/.

What's Angela going to do?
Angela and George are currently trying to sell their gorgeous home in the country, outside of New Albin, IA. It's a wonderful farm (not a working farm though) in a valley with 2 spring fed ponds and it is so incredibly beautiful. I grew up there, so I may be a teensy biased, but if you look at the pictures on their website, you'll find that I'm right. :) Check it out at http://www.2861blairroad.com/. They've already found their new home- a little dream of a house in New Albin, IA, so they're waiting for for the right person to come along and fall in love with the farm in the valley.

And, as you read in the previous post, Angela is also very excited about her new little venture, Summer Kitchen Quilts. There is a lovely little summer kitchen at their new home in New Albin, which will be finished off once their country house sells, and will house her new little shop. However, she's going to begin teaching some classes out at the country house starting Saturday, June 5. Her first class is a small crazy quilt evening bag of her own design. The class fee is inclusive, so food, drinks and every thing needed to make the project is included. Check out Angela's blog at http://www.summerkitchenquilts.blogspot.com/.

I also want to put in a good word for our longarm quilter, former Yellow Bird, and dear friend... Sue Elsbernd would be happy to use her longarm quilting skills to add the perfect finishing touch to your quilts. Her quilting service is called The Nimble Needle and her phone number is 563-737-2360. Many of you had seen her gorgeous quilting on our shop samples. She is a talented and conscientious quilter and she comes highly recommended from us.

Please support your local shops- quilt shops and others. Stop in, say hello, and pick a little something up. That's how they stay around. Sure, sometimes you can find great deals on the internet, but don't forget about the positive contribution local businesses make to your community- they employ local people, pay local taxes, and allow you to go shopping just down the street from your home. It's hard to have a girl's day out shopping on the internet, right? :)

Thank you for all of your support and love. It's been an honor and a privilege to know you, sew with you, and share in your projects, creative plans, and dreams, over the last 4 years.
xoxo,
Amy

It's a New Day!

2010-05-06T16:00:00.001-05:00

As Amy and the Birds have been wrapping up the closing of Yellow Bird Art, Amy and I have been asked about a gazillion times, "What are you doing to be doing?" And believe me, that question has been going through our minds almost constantly. I know Amy has several great options and some real nice job offers, but she's just focusing on closing YBA for the time being. I'm sure Amy will let ya'll know what's next in her life once Yellow Bird is closed.

At times I've felt that just continuing to remain upright and mobile was a good goal for myself. But I really, really love fabric and quilting, and sewing, and yarns and knitting, and crafting, and art and creating - and, oh yes, the customers. So after much discussion and soul searching, I'm beginning a new - very small - (emphasis on small) business.

Ta-Dah!!

Summer Kitchen Quilts

Jennie and Tammy at Old Drawing Board are busy creating a new graphic package for me and a new web site with a shopping cart. We probably won't be ready to open until mid summer, but I'll keep you updated

I'll be selling wonderful fabrics at prices you're going to just flip over! I will be primarily a web based business, but once we move to our new "old" house in New Albin, Iowa, I'll probably be open one day a week for those of you who must touch fabric. Now, I want to make sure you all understand, this isn't going to be a big fancy quilt shop. There won't be samples, or thousands of patterns or books or notions. I'm going to focus on small collections of high quality fabrics at low prices. I'll carry some basic threads, some sewing machine needles, my own collection of patterns (I'm going to be designing!) and some books IF I can find some great bargains for you.

But for right now, I'm going to offer some classes at my home out in the country. Our home is two restored log cabins (1860 & 1880), and a huge addition we built in 2000. I'll be offering a variety of creative classes in the next couple of months. To begin with, I'll be teaching a class for my Little Bag, pictured below.

This design is one of a collection of boutique bags I designed and made several years ago. The Little Bag retailed at $185.00 to $250.00 depending on the fabrics customers wanted and the amount and kinds of embellishments used. People have begged me to make the patterns public, and I've decided that now is a great time to do just that!

Now, you need to hop on over to my new blog: www.SummerKitchenQuilts.blogspot.com to get all the details on the classes I'll be offering and all the other information you need to sign up!

P.S. I'm about 40 minutes from Decorah, 90 minutes from Rochester, 50 minutes from LaCrosse, 15 minutes from New Albin, and 30 minutes from Waukon or Lansing.

posted by Angela

What a deal!

2010-04-14T21:15:00.002-05:00

Hey there all you cute birds! Everything in the shop is now 50% off. Get on in here!

Going Out of Business Sale Update

2010-04-06T01:13:00.000-05:00

Yes, we're still closing, but believe it or not, we still have lots of great things for you to pick up- gorgeous high quality fabric, wools, notions, patterns, and more, are all here at 40% off. You might even discover the perfect piece of furniture (old and new, but all with great character) or ready made quilt you've been looking for. Come on in and snap up the great deals!

We Still Have Plenty of Fabrics!

2010-02-09T17:36:00.001-06:00

Thanks to everyone who has come to the shop in the past week! Keep on coming! We've loads of great things for sale at 20% off the regular price.

Jacquard ribbons
Rick Rack of all Sizes
Velvet ribbons and ric rack
Rattail cords
Lace
Buttons, vintage & new
Beads & sequins
Art Girlz Charms
Needle Felting Tools
Wool Roving for Needle Felting
Hand dyed wool in pre-cut sizes
Sue Spargo Patterns and Books
Weeks Hand Dyed Embroidery Floss
Presencia Embroidery Floss
Punch Needle Patterns
Punch Needles & Hoops
Embroidery Patterns Books
Quilt Kits - samples are on the walls
Moda pre-cut fabrics
Lots & lots of Batiks!
A full color wall of fine quilting cottons
Lots of Lecien fabrics for quilts, garments, & kid's prints
Lots of quilting & general sewing notions
Retired Sample Quilts for Sale!
Retired Handbag Samples for Sale!

If you can't come to the shop, but would like to make a purchase, call Amy at 563-538-4350. She has been fillings lots of orders by phone during this sale! And we DO ship - just about anywhere.

REMINDER: NEW HOURS Closed Sunday & Monday! Open Tues, Weds, Fri & Sat 10-5. Open Thurs 10-7.

See you soon!

posted by Angela

Going Out of Business!

2010-02-03T12:16:00.000-06:00

It has been a very difficult year at Yellow Bird Art. Between the economy and the fierce competition for a limited customer base with other quilt shops in the area (there are 18 quilt shops in a 60 mile radius!), we finally decided that we just couldn't keep on. We've heard from many customers who've owned a small business in the past, and they all said the same thing. You just become weary after a while of trying to wait out the economy, or thinking up some new promotion or event that will bring customers in the front door - and then have them buy enough of what you're selling to keep the vendors, utilities and rent paid, the shelves stocked with inspirational goods, and the employees employed. Please understand that we are not bitter or angry, just sad. During challenging economic times, this is something that happens to some businesses, and we're certainly not the only quilt shop to go out of business right now. Of course, hindsight always provides alternative endings if only you'd done this or that differently, but honestly Amy and I think we did the best we could.  There are so many people suffering in the world that we are always conscious of the multitude of blessings we've received during our four years of Yellow Bird Art. Naturally a winning lottery ticket, or finding that danged missing trust fund might have made a huge difference!

The thing that has been most difficult in making the decision to close is that we truly love running a quilt shop. Being able to spend your day in such a lively collection of colors and patterns is absolutely a dream come true. However the very best part of owning a quilt shop has been the opportunity to encourage, assist, and/or teach our patrons and then viewing the most amazing works of creativity that resulted. Getting to know our customers personally has been the greatest gift of all. It has been an honor to be your friends and cheering squad. Amy and I both deeply believe that everyone of us has a beautiful gift of creativity and our mission in owning Yellow Bird Art has been to support you in your quest of finding your own gift and developing it! When any of you came through the front door while we were occupied with normal shopkeeping tasks, you often apologized for "interrupting" our work. I think we always told you that you were never interrupting - YOU were and still ARE the only reason we opened the store! We know over the course of the 4 years that Yellow Bird Art has been open that we've occasionally made some incredibly dopey mistakes, but we've always aspired to make sure they were corrected to your satisfaction - at least that was our sincere intention.

SO...... as of today all our fabrics, patterns, notions, books, kits, needle felting and embroidery supplies are 20% off regular price. Fabrics require a 1/2 yard minimum cut. (Consignment items like the fused glass jewelry and hand dyed silk scarves are not on sale.) All our shop samples are for sale at prices much less than what it would cost to purchase the fabrics, batting and quilting - we did not include the cost of sewing labor - so these are a huge bargain. Our BabyLock sewing machines are 30% off MSRP.  If you purchase one of our demonstration sewing machines, we'll add an additional discount which depends on the machine you purchase. All of our shelving, display items, and antique or vintage furniture is on sale as well. The marked prices on those items are firm, and the items will be available when the shop closes or when we no longer need them. Our Accucut Studio fabric die cutter and an extensive collection of dies are for sale. The Accucut has been lightly used over the past year, and the majority of the dies have never been used. This would be an awesome purchase for a guild. Did you know that you can precision cut the fabric for three quilts in less than an hour using the Accucut? You can call Amy at 563-538-4350 if you have questions about any of the items for sale.

Now, I know this may be an unusual request, but we hope many of you think of us as friends. If we've earned a place in your heart, and your budget allows, I'd like to ask you to visit Yellow Bird Art soon and bless us with your patronage. Our goal is simply to get out of the business being able to honorably pay off all our financial obligations. As a mom, I'd love to know that Amy could conclude her life at Yellow Bird with a modest fund that will enable her to make this difficult transition in her life. We know there are LOTS of quilt shop options available for you - many with great collections of all the newest fabrics available. But we still have beautiful fabrics for quilts, bags and garments in stock at great prices and we really need your help - we just can't do this without YOU! I know we all love finding the super shopping bargain. Who doesn't love buying something at 70% off the retail price? But Yellow Bird Art is just a locally owned teensy business, not a natiional corporate entity with deep pockets, and every dollar that comes into the shop goes to other small businesses owned by real people who are depending on our ability to pay their bill so they can pay their bills and so on and on it goes. This type of honesty is surely not a normal business practice, but then we've always been more interested in making real heartfelt contact with our customers, not just being interested in how much each sale brought in!

We would be remiss if we didn't mention all the wonderful women who have worked at Yellow Bird Art. Each woman brought her unique talents, creativity, strengths and insights that enriched our working environment and made it a joy to come to work each day. We've had so much fun at work with our "birds"! We've missed each one who has moved on to other life interests, and will miss those we currently work with. Our deepest thanks to Sue, Deb M., Deb B., Marsha, Kathy, Sandy, Barb, Eileen, Kristina, Carolyn, Peggy and Joan for sharing your lives with us and being a part of Yellow Bird Art.

We have NEW HOURS! We are now closed Sunday and Monday (although you'll find us at the shop for the next 2 Mondays). We are open 10 - 5 on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, and 10 - 7pm on Thursday. We are always glad to be open earlier or later if you have a group that would like to come at a time outside normal operating hours.

We will be mailing only one postcard about our "Going out of Business" Sale. To learn about sale updates, or new shop news, check our website, blog, or sign up for our E-newsletter at our website: http://www.yellowbirdart.com/,
We will be putting together some super fabric bundles and other specials for those of you who can't come into the shop, so please check our blog out soon again!

P.S. We don't know when we will be closing the shop yet - we're just working our way through this day by day!

Posted by Angela

Merry Christmas, dear friends!

2009-12-20T14:41:00.000-06:00

We wish a wonderful holiday season to you all!

We will be closed December 24 & 25, and December 31 & January 1.

Well, of course, it makes all the sense in the world!

2009-12-20T14:36:00.000-06:00

Yes, that's right - in the cherry linen closet in my bathroom. Doesn't everyone stash their portable electronic devices in with their ace bandages, back braces, neck braces, wrist braces (I'm telling you, those old bumper stickers that said that getting old wasn't for the sissy in us, wasn't kidding!) and all the stuff to take long soaking whirlpool baths to ease all the body pains (the getting old part again)? The tip for me was thinking about the last time I charged the camera - in the bathroom. With water. Brilliant, eh?

So lanadunk, e-mail me with your snail address and I'll get your little collection of Amy Butler fabrics out to you before Christmas! And, because I'm a total softie, and there were only 4 of you who left comments, I'm going to send a little something special to you three from my private stash. Ask Amy - she loves going through my fabrics at home - there's some really good stuff there! Please e-mail me with your addresses at: angela@yellowbirdart.com

Hugs to all the birds out there!
Angela and Amy

The Dog Ate my Camera!

2009-12-18T12:49:00.000-06:00

Well, the dogs (that's Oliver to the left and Tillie to the right) didn't eat the camera, but it has been AWOL for months. I mean months! As age, and I know this is very sad, has impared my ability to immediately recall where I put anthing at home, I've attempted to keep items in the same place, and to always, always put things away where they belong when I'm done with them. Well, this plan ungloriously crashed and burned when it came to the camera. After wandering through the house looking and looking until I thought I was going a bit bonkers, I came up with a plan.

I cleaned my desktop off - the camera could have been buried under a pile of papers. I moved into the dining room and looked through the drawers of the small commode where we keep table runners and flower vases. I searched the small cabinet where I normally store decorative seasonal items, the large cabinet where we display our teapot collection......

We've had a number of open houses - our house is for sale - so I was racking my poor brain trying to figure out where I might have tucked the camera away in a last minute fly through the house!

I checked out the oak cabinet in the living room, my little drop front secretary in the corner of the living room....

Keep in mind that I had already done surface searches throughout the house. I pulled up all the cushions on chairs and couches, looked under beds and all the furniture. I think I crawled throughout the entire house before I conducted the cabinet searches. When I opened up any of the cabinets, I had to pull all the contents out, go through them and reorganize everything. Just to make sure I hadn't accidently covered up the camera with a stack of other junk.

My last two stops were the red bedside cabinet in our bedroom, and the cherry linen closet in my bathroom.

Good news .... I found the camera! But which cabinet?

Be the first reader of our sad little neglected blog to correctly guess which cabinet the camera was hiding in (only one guess per reader) and win a little four pack of Amy Butler fat quarters! I'll be posting the winner on Sunday (the 20th of Dec) morning.

And the Winners Are!

2009-12-01T11:39:00.000-06:00

The winners of our e-mail sign up contest are:
Diane K (butler-bremer.com)
and
Sara (whimwinkle)
You both have a $25.00 gift certificate coming!
Please e-mail angela@yellowbirdart.com with your snail mail address and we'll get those gift certificates in the mail to you!
Thanks for helping enlarge our e-mail address base!

Angela, Amy and the Birds

Laura Wasilowski Visits Yellow Bird Art

2009-07-07T17:11:00.004-05:00

Just look at those happy faces! We took two photos outside after our workshop with Laura - one so you can see everyone who attended, and the other so you could see the art quilts. They were all marvelous..

We had such a fabulous time when Laura Wasilowski of ArtFabrik came to visit in June. Laura hand dyes the most amazing cotton fabrics and threads, as well as designing imaginative and whimsical patterns. We had a class of 13 students, one of whom was a lovely young lady who accompanied her mother. The photos below show the gals making the parts of their wallhanging quilts.

Although everyone used the same pattern, the individual art quilts ended up being very different because each person had her own vision for what her quilt should look like. Isn't that exactly what's supposed to happen in a great workshop??

Laura was a wonderful teacher, and we all had such a great time. Be sure to take classes where ever your local quilt shop is located. You'll learn new skills, meet lovely new friends, and help support your local shop! One of our goals as a shop is to bring in great national teachers. You'll find the information at our blog or check our website - www.yellowbirdart.com

You can also sign up for our e-mail newsletter at the website. We don't hammer you with constant e-mails (we've heard complaints about some e-retailers), but only when there's important news to share! That's a birdy promise.

Birdy hearts to you all!

Angela

The Birds are Back!

2009-07-06T17:25:00.009-05:00

Where have we been? Well, since our sale, we had a terrific workshop with Laura Wasilowski (more on this tomorrow), then we closed for a week of frantic painting, redecorating, rearranging, opened for business the following Monday, then got ready for an auction of fabrics and things that needed to find new homes, held the auction last Wednesday evening, and then I think we passed out! Reactions to the new shop layout have been very positive - there's so much room now. And we have incredible lighting in the shop now! I'll post photos later this week.

What this post is really about is Virginia Robertson. She's coming for three days this week, and on Friday, July 10, she is giving a FREE lecture and trunk show at Lansing Community Center at 10 am. The lecture is "If Monet Were A Quilter", and Virginia will discuss how color can be used mostly effectively in quilts, and how color can influence the "feeling" of a quilt. Don't miss this opportunity to meet an amazing quilter who's been influential in the world of American quilting for 29 years. Virginia's quilts for the lecture and trunk show arrived last Friday, and all I can tell you is that it will be worth the drive to come on over to Lansing for this event!

Friday afternoon (12 - 5pm) Virginia is teaching the class "Grandma's Button Jars". We still have room in this class! The cost is $25.00 for the class and a kit fee of $22.50 to Virginia for the fabrics, ribbons, trims and buttons for the jar lids. The kit will make about 6 jars - find some cute ones and give us a call to sign up!

Saturday, Virginia will be teaching "New Twist on an Old Favorite - Wedding Ring". Don't think about the old way of making a Wedding Ring quilt - many customers have told us either they only made one, and never again - or that it was just too difficult of a quilt pattern to even consider making. Don't worry, Virginia has taken the technical part of this quilt and simplified it for us all. Just look at these beautiful samples she sent us. She will teach several different quilt techniques and you'll be on your way to a fabulous new quilt. We have a couple of places open in the class, and we'd love to fill it up! The class is Saturday, July 11 from 10 - 5 and costs $48.00.On Sunday, Virginia teaches "Strip Club", although there won't be any partially clad men running around the shop! We'll be using 2 1/2" strips to make one of five different quilts. The quilts are all absolutely charming, and again Virginia will be demonstrating shortcuts for the techniques needed. She says that most folks leave the class with their small quilt top completed or well on its way. Please don't feel that these classes are too difficult for you as Virginia teaches to all levels of quilters. One of the great thing about taking classes is having the opportunity to learn from a great teacher, and also learning and sharing from the new quilting friends you'll meet in class. There are a few spots left in the "Strip Club" that we'd like to see filled. It isn't everyday that you get the opportunity to take classes from a really great teacher!

Last, but not least..... if you won a gift from us, but it hasn't come, please, please let us know! Sometimes things don't get where they are supposed to go, and if your gift didn't make it to your house, we want to fix that!

Birdy hearts to you all -

posted by Angela

Phew!

2009-06-15T13:11:00.003-05:00

We had a HUGE sale last week. We're not sure at this point just how many bolts of fabric went out of the shop, but we can tell you that it was a lot! There are stacks and stacks and stacks of empty bolts outside the back door. Getting inside the shop is sort of like going through an obstacle course. Thank you to all our wonderful customers who came and shopped, then shopped some more, and then came back yet another day to shop more.
That's Deb with our customer who won the "most repeat visits during the sale" prize, and perhaps "spent the most $$$ during the sale" prize. Speaking of prizes..... Today, yes today, we're getting the prizes in the mail to everyone who won at our last drawing. We didn't forget! We've been overwhelmed the past weeks, and today was truly the first day we have had to address getting your goodies out to you. If there are no interruptions, our big plan is to get them to the post office today. Thanks for hanging in there!

This is us on Saturday after the last customer had left the shop. We were exhausted, fried, crispy, toast, whipped, our dogs were screaming and our backs out after 3 + weeks of non-stop work getting ready for our shop re-do.

Please note, we are closed throughout this week to have time to change over the shop. We know we told many of you that, "yes, of course, we'll remain open after the sale". We seemed to have the idea that we could do a gazillion things at once and still deliver the customer service you deserve. Then we realized that birds do not preen their feathers while in flight, and they most certainly don't moult during flight! So we're taking a week to re-feather the nest and we'll re-open next Monday, June 22 at 10 am.

Birdy hearts to you all,
Angela

Our Web Site!

2009-06-08T07:27:00.002-05:00

We're Sorry! Silly to not have a link to the web site.
Here it is:
www.YellowBirdArt.com
Come on over and do a little shopping!

Birdy Hearts to you all -
Angela

On-Line SALE!

2009-06-07T12:13:00.004-05:00

As part of our big sale, we're offering on-line specials as well! We don't want you to miss out on the fun just because you can't get here! We’re excited to offer a different daily special each day now through Thursday! Each daily special runs from 12am through 11:59pm on the specified day, and on that day only. Sale fabrics have a 1 yard minimum cut.

Sunday, June 7: 20% off fabrics listed under the Oriental Fabrics - Alexander Henry Fabrics shopping category
Monday, June 8: 25% off fabrics listed under the Black and White shopping category
Tuesday, June 9: 25% off fabrics listed under the Oriental Fabrics - In The Beginning Fabrics shopping category
Wednesday, June 10: 10% off fabrics listed under the Children's Novelty Fabrics shopping category plus free shipping
Thursday, June 11: 15% off any kit (excludes Block of the Month)

Go ahead and place your online order and we will process the discount when we process your order manually here in the shop.

Happy shopping!

It's a HUGE SALE!

2009-06-06T10:17:00.007-05:00

It's huge. It's big. It's awesome. It's the most extensive sale we've ever held!

Amy and I came home from Quilt Market with new ideas for Yellow Bird Art - great ideas - we hope you'll agree when it's all unveiled. We scoured all the crooks and nannys of the shop for all those wonderful little things we had been storing "for later". I bet each one of you know exactly what I'm talking about. You're all storing things "for later" too! So we decided to clean house to make room for all the wonderful new things that will be arriving in the next couple of months.

Believe it or not, this entire wall of fabrics is on sale. Gotta tell you that getting up the courage to put an "X" on the ends of those bolts was hard to do. We love so many of them! But reality in retail is that you have to move the old out before you can have any new things.In the past we rarely have put any oriental fabrics on sale, but this time we narrowed our eyes down to squinty little eyes and decided that some of these fabrics have just been "bad dates" for us. You know the "how to tell if he's into you" sort of dating advice that's part of the singles' thinking these days? Well, we decided to think of our fabrics as "dates", and asked the question, "So, what have you done for me lately?". Gotta tell 'ya, some of our beloved fabrics have been very bad, bad dates and have stood us up for all practical purposes! So, they're outta here!!
This is our lovely Marsha in her little birdy apron, just waiting for customers! Some of you live a driveable distance away from Yellow Bird Art, so I'm going to encourage you, urge you to fill up that car and get your little bodies over here right now!

The sale runs from 10-5 Saturday through Thursday (including Sunday).

Today everything on sale is -20%

Sunday -30%

Monday -40%

Tuesday -50%

Wednesday -60%

Thursday -70%

Items on sale are: fabrics, kits, ribbons, trims, threads, books, patterns, notions, and heavens - I just can't name it all. When you come in, you need to look for the X on items. If it is marked with a X, then it's on sale!

HURRY ON OVER!

In the Studio II

2009-06-01T21:45:00.005-05:00

I have a small collection of items pinned to the wall by my sewing machine - its sort of an inspirational place. There's a photo of Amy and my oldest daughter, Penny, taken on a bloody hot day at Times Square, a small art quilt I began in a class with Susan Shie, photos of two of my favorite pets taken by a friend just before I had back surgery (so they could come to the hospital with me - little did we know that our hospital encourages you to bring the pet in to visit the patient!), a little oriental hanky folded into a kimono shape and other little things that bring joy to my day, and also inspire me to continue working on this dream of running a quilt shop that inspires others as well. Boy that's probably one good run-on sentence! The adjacent photo is of the top drawer of my sewing desk. It is often left open, and its where my most often used items are stashed. I've found that consciously making a place for the things I use in my studio and then always, yes always, returning the thing to its assigned place makes my sewing life so much easier. By nature I'm a stacker, and that just doesn't work well when you're working on a project with some sort of deadline, and you can't find the thingamajiggy no matter which pile you search in. It takes a lot of self-monitoring for me to do this, but the agony of the search, and then the periodic - let's just throw a grenade in there! - cleaning out takes too much time. Besides I end up in the living room wild eyed, hair on end, and completely irrational, just sure that DH has appropriated my seam ripper for some unholy oily wrench and hammer man-job out in his studio. Which he never, ever does....... It keeps the holy bonds of matrimony much less of tempest if I keep my studio organized.

Most of the time, not always, I'm the person who sews the garments and handbags for samples for the quilt shop. I'm making the adorable Lily Top by Pink Fig out of Sandy Henderson's collection by Michael Miller. Its going to be an amazing little outfit!

Then I thought I'd include a photo of the progress on the Bitty Dog pincushions by Bunny Hill.

I wasn't too sure if I should include it - it looks sort of like some sort of doggy dismemberment park. Speaking of which - I have the little grey herringbone Bitty Dog all ready for the permanent attachment of his teeny hind legs, and mystery of mysteries, one of the little hind legs has gone AWOL!Now, I searched the basket I had all the Bitty Dog parts in several times (I usually do hand work in the living room in the evening with my husband watching TV - only educational things of course, or movies of significant value....... are you laughing yet?). I took the cushion out of my recliner and dug around in the places you don't actually want to put your hand after owning a piece of furniture for 6 years, and only turned up lots of crumbs of mystery food, loose change, and the lovely surprise of a missing earring! Still no grey herringbone rear leg for the grey bitty dog. A bitty mystery. If you find it when you're cleaning under your couch cushions, send it on home, ok?

Birdy hearts to you all!

Angela

In the Studio I

2009-06-01T02:06:00.003-05:00

I don't know about you, but I love seeing other folk's sewing spaces. I was fortunate that we had the space available after adding an addition to our house for me to have a nicely sized space just for sewing. I think I've used every bit of space that I can.

My ironing and cutting area are directly across from my sewing machine. My iron is a Rowenta steam generator, and let me tell you that this iron is amazing! It gets hot, something you may have noticed is sadly lacking in many irons, and the amount of steam you can generate takes wrinkles out immediately. Friends who hate ironing have fallen in love with this iron just because its so efficient.

I've been working on wool pincushions from the Bunny Hill pattern collection. Here's the first of three Bitty Dog pincushions. I'm also working on the Bitty Kitty and the Bitty Bird pincushions. We absolutely love pincushions!

Look for more photos of samples I'm making for Yellow Bird Art in tomorrow's post.

Birdy hearts to you all!

Angela

www.YellowBirdArt.com

New Things are Happening!

2009-05-28T07:21:00.003-05:00

Yup, it going to be a big deal! Amy and I came back from Quilt Market with a new and better vision for Yellow Bird Art! So, we're going to say "goodbye" to loads of selected fabrics, books, patterns, trims, kits, threads...... You're going to love this sale! We are making room for marvelous new lines of fabrics, notions, books and patterns. We can't reveal all the details now because we want it to be a fantastic surprise for our customers.

And to clarify, we are not going out of business, and we are not moving! So mark your calendars, and gather the girlfriends, and get ready to fly on in to Yellow Bird Art on June 6!

Birdy Hearts to you all!
Angela

And the Winners are: !

2009-05-26T07:32:00.002-05:00

Contratulations to the winners of our drawing!
Pam, Quilt Mom, e4e Sarah & Clare all won the combination of two patterns and the two fabric cuts.
Cottage Quilter won the collection of batik charms and the pre-fused appliques.
Kami won the four Kona Bay fat quarters.
Kathie won the four Prints Charming fat quarters.
Quilt Smiles won the lovely hand crafted soap.
Tracy won the kit for my "to Market to Market" tote bag.
Maria won my newest pattern, "Gotta Fly Bag", and a few goodies to go along with it.

I sent e-mails to everyone who had an e-mail addy last night, but if you didn't hear from me, please e-mail me your mailing addy at either:
angela@yellowbirdart.com or
alblair@sgwb.coop

I'm very sincerely thanking each one of you for your thoughtful answers to our question!
Birdy Hearts to you all,
Angela

Still time to leave a comment!

2009-05-25T13:18:00.004-05:00

You ladies are all making me a bit misty eyed. The suggestions for a great quilt shop are awesome! Amy and I were inspired when we got home from Quilt Market, but you're all helping shape what our shop is going to be like in the future! Really. We have been planning a big re-do of the shop to make it even better for our customers, and your thoughts have given us a wealth of ideas. Thank you all so much - truly and deeply! I thought I'd put up a photo of Amy that won't make her want to choke me. I think it was from around Christmas.

I'll list the winners of the drawing tomorrow morning!

Birdy Hearts to you all!

Anglea

Winners! & New Stuff to Give Away

2009-05-23T14:14:00.007-05:00

These photos are just random shots of Quilt Market on Sunday. Sunday is relatively quiet, and if we had know this, we would have waited to do most of our ordering on Sunday. Friday and Saturday are a crushing madhouse, but then I'm not too keen on crowds. Friday we walk the show with our show catalog in hand, checking the booths we want to come back to on Saturday or Sunday. It did seem to me that there were more exhibitors last fall in Houston. All I know for sure is that by the time you've walked through all the exhibits on Friday you think your legs and feet are going to fall off. Or swell up and become giant watermelons. We were dreaming and wishing for a massage person to show up!

It was obvious that buyers had a million different ways to shop market. We just had a general list of things we needed or wanted, and then a list of things we hoped we'd find at Market, and then we ended up ordering fabrics that just knocked us out. More on this in another post.

Coming home from Quilt Market is quite the experience. First you attempt to sleep straight through for about 24 hours, or as long as your household will let you. Then you try to remember all the things you did order, then you fall to your knees and thank God that you did not order all the things you saw that you loved and really, really wanted. Wanted in a bad way! Then you slap yourself around a bit and get real about just how much money you do have in your budget for new purchases. Where is the trust fund when you need it? Is this too much to ask?

Moda and Indygo Junction had the most amazing booths - those folks have the display thing worked out! The imagination and creativity that went into the display of most vendors' booths was WOW! We took notes and photos, but you know how that goes. You look through everything later when you're home and you'd think you'd been on a bender while you were taking the notes and photos because that's about how much sense it makes!

Now for the FREE STUFF! Here are two new patterns, and two precut quilt blocks that will be given to four lucky quilters!

Next we have a set of 40 charm blocks of batiks with six pre-fused appliques. We bought an Accucut Studio and a mess of dies - what a difference accurate cutting makes in assembling a quilt. And I have to tell you, our customers LOVE the pre-fused appliques.

The next gift is this 4 pack of Kona Bay oriental fat quarters. This collection just came in, and we are all weak knees over it. Wonderful details, and the metallic gold! Gotta love it. We should have the fabric posted on our web site http://www.yellowbirdart.com/ in the next couple of weeks. We have a fabulous high school gal, Christina, who scans all our fabrics. Normally we only get her three or four hours a week, so sometimes there's a bit of delay before fabrics get posted to the web, but hooray, school is almost out and she'll be able to work more often!

The next two goodies are a four pack of Prints Charming's amazing poplin fat quarters with that incredible citron color. Which, by the way is one of the colors, along with grey, for the year - learned that in a class at Market! Next is a lovely handcrafted bar of the most wonderful soap you'll ever use. A friend of the Bird makes these hand moulded bars of soap that have just the loveliest scents and they lather up so beautifully. Your skin feels so smooth after using these soaps.

The last two gifts are my designs. The first is a "To Market, to Market" tote bag kit. The kit includes my pattern, the fabric and webbing to make the tote. I really try to design bags that are really functional. This tote can take a lot of use and you can machine launder it.

The last freebie is a copy of my newest pattern, the "Gotta Fly" handbag. I designed this bag for a bus shop hop we participated in a month ago. So far, the reports back have been good. The bag has a great exterior pocket, two generous interior pockets, and my favorite, a strap with a slider so you can use the bag as a handbag, or let the strap out to wear the bag.

So if I counted correctly, there are 10, yes 10! give aways! Here's how to get in on the fun. Send us a comment telling us what a great quilt shop should be like. Then since there are 10 prizes, I'd like to ask you to send a link for the blog to 10 of your quilting/sewing friends. We're working on building the traffic to our blog and website, and you are the key to this!
Since this is a holiday weekend, I won't draw the 10 winners until Monday, May 25 at 7pm, central time.
Congratulations to Jeanne for winning the drawing for the Lecien fabrics! We were in the mood for a bit more fun, so we also drew Carmi's name for a pack of the Lecien fabrics as well. We're girls who know what good clean fabric fun is all about!

Winners should e-mail me your mailing addys at angela@YellowBirdArt.com

Have a great weekend!

Angela

Be Sure to Check us out Tomorrow!

2009-05-22T17:14:00.002-05:00

Just a reminder - check tomorrow's post. I've been working from home this week and am going in tomorrow to work with our Stash Master's group (if you have a stash, come on over!). Amy has all the goodies at work, so I'll take photos of tomorrow's give aways then and post tomorrow afternoon. Also for those of you wanting the Lecien fabrics, you'll find them on our website in a couple of weeks (we have a secure shopping cart) www.YellowBirdArt.com

Angela

More Spring Quilt Market News

2009-05-22T08:00:00.008-05:00

Quilt Market can be an overwhelming experience. Booth numbers ran from 103 to 2653. That's a huge amount of product to look at, even when large merchandisers have more than one booth. For example Moda had 24 booth spaces, and even though the products were from one company, the amount of new fabrics was mind boggling. The photo below is a display of the new Indygo Junction clothing patterns. The samples were smashing, but we also loved the way they put the displays together! Garments were featured in many of the booths, and it could be that garment construction is making a comeback.

Another trend we noticed was fabric designed for home decor. Amy and I were spending a gloriously inspiring moment resting on the setee in the Vicki Payne booth. Vicki designs for Free Spirit Fabrics, and we'd love to carry some of her fabrics. This last sumptious display is by Serendipity Studio. The pattern covers from this pattern maker don't begin to illustrate how beautiful this clothing and the bags really are. We noticed over and over again that many of the clothes, bags and quilts we saw were far more interesting and lovely than the photos of the items on the pattern covers. Just goes to show 'ya - you really can't always judge the book by it's cover!

If you didn't get to comment on yesterday's post for a chance to win that fabulous fat quarter of fabric, you can make a comment today to win this cute little packet of 4 fat quarters of Lecien fabrics from Japan. Now we know this isn't our usual bright, wild and crazy fabric, but we love the silky hand and detailed attention to the smallest prints that make Lecien fabrics so incredible.
So, make a comment - send the link to your sewing friends and get them in on this great chance to win some truly fabulous fabric!

posted by Angela

Home from Spring Quilt Market

2009-05-21T11:01:00.009-05:00

Quilt Market...... What an amazing experience. You see more fabric, more patterns, more notions, trims and other quilt related goodies than your poor little brain can comprehend. We think that's why its 3 days long! And tired..., we can tell you about tired. You'll notice in most of the pictures of us that our eyes look puffy and squinty. That's surely from not enough sleep. Not nearly enough sleep.

This is a picture of Amy on the first day of market. We were all just tuckered out from the drive, and 6am came a bit earlier than what we were emotionally prepared for. She'll probably want to kill me for showing you this photo, but what good is a mother if she can't make you want to pull your hair out from time to time.We decided this time to have our pictures taken with the "famous" quilt designers we met at Market. We think the quilt patterns from "Lizzie B Cre8ive" are marvelous. The designers are sister's in law - both named Elizabeth, with the nickname of Lizzie. The quilts they design are bright, happy and whimsical. We'll be adding more of their quilt patterns at the shop, so be looking out for them. In case you don't recognize her, our newest employee, Deb Blackburn, is on the far right. I'm sure you'll immediately recognize these two famous Amys. The tall really thin Amy is, of course, Amy Butler. She had lots of new patterns, loads of new fabrics. We felt a little bit like throwing ourselves prostrate at her feet and begging for the creative thinking blessing. If such a blessing doesn't exist, we're all in favor of creating it! By the way, we have no idea how the vendors all managed to look so fabulous all the time. Mostly we felt exhilerated while incredibly tired, schulmpy, hot and messy. We don't know what happened to all the make-up we put on every morning - it managed to vanish by about 2pm each day.Here we are at Sue Spargo's booth. She's designed a fantastic collection of new pillows. We'll be adding these patterns to our existing group of Sue Spargo patterns. Sue was her usual kind and sweet self. She just returned home from a 4 week visit teaching in quilt shops in New Zealand and Australia. That's Kathy, Sue's helper, on the right. Amy and Deb decided to remove themselves from photos for a bit. Something to do with squinty, puffy eyes, I think.

I'll be posting more photos from market for the next several days, so keep checking out our blog. And, to encourage comments, please comment on this post - we'll have a drawing for a little fabric goody we picked up at market from those of you who comment on this post! And be nice and share this post with your friends. (psst.... it's a fat quarter from a glorious collection!) Oh, I should let you know that on Saturday I'm going to be posting a bunch of quilt market goodies that we're going to give away to those who comment on the Saturday post!!

posted by Angela

Stenciling your way to Happiness!

2009-05-11T14:13:00.009-05:00

We've got such exciting news at Yellow Bird Art! We're now carrying a huge selection of stencils from Diane Ericson as well as her instructional DVD of fabric stenciling techniques. Last Sunday, Deb Blackburn - a NEW EMPLOYEE! at Yellow Bird was visiting and we spent delightful hours in my studio learning how to stencil fabrics. We've known Deb since just about when we opened Yellow Bird Art. She's one of those multi-talented women - worked helping build houses for a contractor, repaired bicycles, worked in retail mall shops, managed another quilt shop for almost two years. She gardens, flies a hot air balloon with her husband Sam, felts, knits, quilts, beads, has a degree in psychology - often helpful in stressful retail situations - and in general has a positive upbeat outlook on life. We're so lucky to have her join the staff!

Stenciling is such an elegant way to embellish fabrics that are already wonderful as you see in this small Kona Bay sample. Deb thought it would be nice to add just a small metallic accent, and it did make the fabric even more lucious.

This is another sample using the Architectural Elements stencil, which has 7 different stencil designs that can be combined in so many different ways. Again, another Kona Bay fabric with just a little new zip of metallic gold!

The fabric on the top was stenciled with the Calla Lily stencil and the fabric on the bottom with the Bugs stencil. We used Jacquard Luminere fabric paints. You end up using the smallest amount of paints and the hand of the fabric remains soft and pliable.

Now, this would be a photo of Amy and me on our way to the Rochester, MN quilt guild www.qsrochester.org to provide the afternoon and evening programs. I think Amy was ignoring me. Amy gave a great lecture on using large scale prints in quilts, and my evening lecture and demonstration was on using stencils and fabric paint to embellish fabric.

We'll all be back in the car and on our way to Pittsburgh for the Spring Quilt Market tomorrow. Deb is coming along with us - she has great ideas and has been to market before, so we know that her new ideas will help us bring back the best of market for you! Be on the lookout for a postcard announcing our post-market party so you can see all the new goodies we round up.

posted by Angela

Come See Us This Weekend!

2009-04-23T08:11:00.008-05:00

We're vending this weekend at West Union, Iowa. Barn Quilts of Fayette County is sponsoring their 1st Annual Quilt Show at the North Fayette High School. Hours are 9 - 7 on Saturday and 10 - 4 on Sunday. Debbie Bowles of Maple Island Quilts is holding a workshop on Saturday and giving a lecture Saturday evening. This is going to be a great event!

So if you love fabrics like these two samples from Sandy Henderson

OR, these two fabrics from Island Batiks, you'll want to come visit us!

We'll be bringing along some Show Specials that you won't want to miss such as our *NEW* Gotta Go Carryout. This is a themed collection of 5 one yard cuts packaged up in a large crystal clear carryout container that you'll find many uses for once the fabric is long gone. The Gotta Go Carryouts retail for the fabulous price of $25.55, and we'll be showing a limited number, so the Early Bird is going to get the best of the best!

AS A BLOG TEST, THE FIRST 10 FOLKS WHO COME TO THE QUILT FESTIVAL IN WEST UNION, and TELL US THEY READ OUR BLOG, WILL GET A FREE FAT QUARTER!

GET ON THE BUS!

2009-04-22T10:08:00.006-05:00

It's not too late! There's still room! Maybe you missed the big news that we're participating in a shop hop. Not just any hop. The Bag Lady Express Bus Hop on May 1st and 2nd - that's next week! We have just a few seats left open on our bus, and you don't want to miss this great adventure. Really, we are not kidding. All the shops involved have been working for months to make this a shop hop you won't want to miss!

For ONLY $99.00 you'll have motorcoach transportation, one night's stay (double occupancy), all your meals and great fun. You'll visit 8 terrific quilt shops in 3 states, six of which have been Top 10 shops! Is this a Bargain to beat bargains, or what?

Lansing, Iowa Yellow Bird Art http://www.yellowbirdart.com/

Cresco, Iowa Pine Needle Quilt Shop http://www.pnqs.net/

Rochester, Mn Quilting Cupboard http://www.thequiltingcupboard.com/

Rogers, Mn Quilted Treasures http://www.quiltedtreasures.net/

Eau Claire, Wi The Calico Shoppe http://www.calicoshoppe.com/

Waunakee, Wi Mill House Quilts http://www.millhousequilts.com/

Janesville, Wi Life's a Stitch http://www.lasquiltshoppe.com/

Spring Green, Wi Country Sampler http://www.sgcountrysampler.com/

In addition, you'll receive a FREE pattern of a bag designed especially for this hop - the Gotta Fly Bag.So, call us today at 563-538-4350. Don't hesitate, and don't miss the bus!

What's With This Weather!?

2009-04-21T11:03:00.013-05:00

Normally we think of ourselves as the "glass is half full" sort of gals. But we have to confess that this "spring??" weather has put us into a downright peevish sort of mind. We were excited a couple of day ago to see our little daffodils blooming, but today think we need to begin knitting little wooly hats for their glorious yellow heads. It's danged cold here with a wind out of the north that cuts to the bone! We need cheering up. And to top it all, Amy has been struggling with a sinus infection, and I'm dancing with a sinus infection and bronchitis. We need serious cheering up! I went back to bed this morning after breakfast and immediately had the company of the two rat terriers. Oliver was practically sitting on my head competing with Tillie, who was laying on my stomach, for attention.This is a photo of Oliver in one of his "I need more Petting than you can possibly give in This Lifetime" modes.And this is Miss Tillie, looking like the sweet, comforting, angel of a dog that she is. Actually, she was just getting ready to turn into a growling snapping little beastie, protecting her Petting Time from the encroachment of Any Other Animal in the house.

So, back to getting cheered up.... Here's a new collection of amazing fabrics from Prints Charming - two lovely Australian designers. While we still love traditional fabrics and the quilts made from them, it is a shot of energy to use these bright prints. And, they make up wonderful garments as well. I'm working on an Indygo Junction apron pattern in some of these new prints. I promise to show the final product when finished!

Another lovely little delight is these handcrafted soaps by one of our friends, Carol. Carol and her husband have "retired" and craft these amazing soaps which are wonderfully scented, a delight to use and seem to last forever. We don't know where they find the molds for the soaps, but we love them all! Carol restocks us regularily restocks us. We can put together a lovely gift basket for a favorite quilting friend, or maybe for you. To cheer you up on this blustery NE Iowa day!

Meet Marcia!

2009-04-20T10:08:00.007-05:00

There's a new Bird fluttering around at Yellow Bird Art on Saturdays! Meet Marcia, who's been a customer at the Bird, I think, since we opened. How cute is this woman?? She is bright, enthusiastic and a bit of a "rebel" quilter. You'll find Marcia to be highly knowledgeable, friendly, and a great help to you at Yellow Bird!
Just look at this amazing new collection of oriental fabrics from Kona Bay fabrics. Kona Bay is well know for the lovely hand of their cottons and their amazing designs. The colors are luscious and perfect for spring and summer. All the prints retail for $9.50 a yard. We should have them scanned and on our web site by the end of this week, but you can always call if you see a print you just have to have now!

Fabric, oh Fabric!

2009-04-19T15:58:00.010-05:00

We've been incredibly affected by Spring Fever at Yellow Bird! We get so bored with our store layout from time to time, and then we usually just begin moving things around with a vague idea of what we're shooting for. We most likely won't win any prizes for interior design with our "let's just see how this looks" methods, especially since that means we're moving hundreds and hundreds of bolts of fabrics around as well. So, if it doesn't look fabulous, we're committed to hauling the hundreds and hundreds of bolts around to some other location. Our new line of Kokka Fabrics from Japan have lightened our spirits with their marvelous soft pallet. Notice the Sew Baby top and pants for the best dressed little princess on the block!Bless her heart, Sue, has been busy making new displays for our hand-dyed wool fabrics and moved them to the front of the shop, where we're sure they're going to receive lots of attention. If you're a wool lover, you'll love our wool, and our prices. Fat Quarters are $12.00, Fat Eights are $6.00, and Fat Sixteenths are $3.50. Call the shop at 563-538-4350 if you are looking for a specific color you need.

Sue has also been tackling our huge collection of ribbons and giving them a new home at the store. We carry the largest selection of ribbons and trims in the area, including vintage ribbons, and many ribbons from France. Our goal is that you think of Yellow Bird Art first when you think about embellishments.

Firing of Cannons! Fireworks! A Parade!

2009-04-13T19:25:00.004-05:00

Thank you for all of your great Name That Bag contest entries! You all are so creative- you blew us away. It was VERY hard to choose a winner, but we finally settled on Connie's suggestion- "Gotta Fly Bag". Here is what she said, "Since you are Yellow Bird and the bag looks like one that you just "gotta fly" with out the door and off to exciting places." Congratulations Connie! Your fabric bundle will be on the way shortly!

Meet the Art Birds

2009-03-26T09:07:00.006-05:00

A year ago we ran a Beginning Art Quilts class which was a great success. The gals had so much fun they didn't want to stop! So we formed a monthly Art Quilt club that ended up being named the Art Birds. Each month the members teach each other a new technique and show off the wonderful new pieces of art cloth they've made. It is incredibly inspiring! In February they spent the day working on stamping and stenciling fabrics.

The emphasis was on simply learning new techniques, not creating a specific end product. The group finds this both challenging and liberating at the same time! As quilters in general, it seems that we too often get caught up in the mentality of having to account for all the materials and time we invest in our avocation. Meaning we think everything thing we touch needs to end up in some sort of quilted product. But, the way to grow and develop as any style of quilter involves being willing to take chances on new things - experimenting. The photo on the left demonstrates this. Joan was working on layering images on her fabric. The question frequently asked is, "Well, what are you going to use if for?" The answer should be "I'm using it to learn something new." Take a chance today. Try something new, and don't plan to use whatever it is for anything other than learning!

posted by Angela

Win This Fabric

2009-03-19T17:19:00.005-05:00

Yup - here it is, a nifty little bundle of 8 beautiful 100% cotton oriental fabrics. Each fabric piece is about 6 1/2" x 9 1/2" - just enough to have a little fun! Read the next post to learn how to win!

Name That Bag!

2009-03-19T14:27:00.004-05:00

I can't think of a name for our new handbag! Help us come up with a great name and win a collection of 8 Oriental Fabrics. E-mail us at amy@yellowbirdart.com with your name suggestions. Our highly intelligent staff of good-looking, incredibly talented, and fun loving quilters will choose the name. The contest will end at midnight on the last day of March. The winner will be notified by the firing of canons, fireworks and a parade. Just kidding... We'll let you know by e-mail!
posted by Angela

Our Own Pattern Design!

2009-03-19T13:20:00.008-05:00

It's a first! Ever since Amy and I opened Yellow Bird Art we discussed designing our own patterns. Ten years ago I designed and made one of a kind handbags that I sold at art fairs and our NE Iowa Studio Tour. Then fate intervened and I couldn't design or spend time sewing. Well, I'm back! I love designing - thinking through the construction issues is my favorite part. Well, except maybe for picking fabrics, trims and buttons. And watching the drawing come into physical reality!

Yellow Bird Art is participating in a spring bus tour on May 1 and 2 called the Bag Lady Express. The tours will visit primarily Top 10 quilt shops in Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin. It is a terrific opportunity to visit some of the best quilt shops in the Midwest! I figured since it was a Bag Lady trip that I could design a new handbag for the tour participants.

The bag is about 19" at it's widest and about 16" H, not including the strap. There is a large exterior front pocket, and two roomy pockets inside. The front pocket and top band are secured with magnetic snaps. The handle, which I'm very pleased with, uses a slider so that you can shorten the strap to carry the bag like a handbag, or lengthen the strap to carry the bag from your shoulder, or across your chest so you can be hands-free. The front pocket features foundation pieced fabrics and is trimmed with beaded ribbon from India. The top band is Matka silk for some nice texture and the button is an awesome vintage button I found at my secret button source.

All the ladies who go on the trip will receive a FREE copy of this pattern. I would guess that shops will have kits to sell also. You'll be able to purchase the pattern from Yellow Bird Art after the bus tour is over. I know we have 41 excited participants signed up already, so if you've been hesitating, hurry and give us a call. You can go to http://yellowbirdart.com/ to get more details about the tour!

The Dog we Loved

2009-03-17T12:48:00.001-05:00

And they break your heart...

2009-03-17T12:00:00.003-05:00

Diego loved life. He was the most enthusiastic, optimistic and joyful dog I've ever lived with. He'd had a rough start in life - Amy and I found him living in filthy conditions at the Eccentric Dog Man's collection of dogs. We cajoled and begged until the Eccentric Dog Man said we could buy him for $75.00. Diego began living with Amy, but it became apparent after several months that the long hours Amy puts in at Yellow Bird Art and Diego's deep need for consistent affection and training wasn't working for either of them. So, he came home to live with me. Our shepherd mix, BD (beautiful dog, another rescue from the Eccentric Dog Man) immediately took on Diego as though she were his dog nanny. He was housebroken within a week because he watched the other three dogs. BD spent endless hours playing with Diego and working off all that incredible Jack Russel energy. She disciplined him when he went too far and he had the nip scars on the top of his head to show for it. The hours of silly dog play filled our home with joy.

Over the year and a half that Diego lived with us, we witnessed a wonderful dog emerging from whatever his past had been. He was the funniest dog I've ever met, and maybe one of the smartest. I only realized a couple of months ago that he had picked me as his human. He spent the night in his crate in our bedroom (he would zip into his crate when we called "time for bed"), and when George would get up in the morning he'd let Diego out of the crate and my sweet dog would leap onto the bed, wiggle under the covers and snuggle up close to my body for the next hour of sleep. He'd follow me all around the house, and when I was sitting he'd want to hop up onto my lap, or he'd lay on the floor with his nose pressed on top of my feet while I was on the computer. He just learned how to go up and down the steep stairs, and was so excited to zoom up the stairs in front of me and then position himself at my computer chair, waiting for me to catch up, all the while wagging his tail so fast that you couldn't see it, and his little butt wiggling back and forth on the floor.

Diego's faults were that he never gave up on chasing my two cats, and his determined love affair with vehicle tires. Yesterday about noon our young neighbors were heading out of the valley in their truck. They didn't see or hear Diego, they just heard a thump. I was working outside and I heard Diego's cry. As I was rushing towards their truck, Nate was running towards me as Hallie climbed down into the ditch. Diego was alive, and we put him of the front seat of my car, and I drove the quickest drive ever to Waukon. I could hear Diego's labored and gurgling breath all the way there. The vet quickly examined Diego, and put him in an oxygenated crate. X-rays showed no broken bones, so we were encouraged. George went to town and saw Diego twice - the vets said they were hopeful and were trying to get Diego calmed down enough to remove some of the fluids in his chest. Fifteen minutes before George got home, I got the phone call. Diego had just died from internal bleeding.

Something happened to me, being Diego's human, that hasn't been so deep and intense with all the other pets I've shared my life with. I think it was seeing this unsocialized dog come into his own, and to simply observe his incredible for enthusiasm for living. George and I spent the entire evening yesterday weeping and had a weeping night without much sleep. This morning we made a silent drive into Waukon to pick up Diego. He was in a big black plastic bag in a cardboard box. When we got out to the car I asked George to get Diego out of the box and bag. I wrapped him in his green blanket and held his body on the drive home. We both cried all the way home. Nate and Hallie met us and we walked out to the sand hill where we have buried the pets we've loved the past 25 years. George, Nate and Hallie dug the little grave deep. We placed him in his grave wrapped up in his green knit blanket and said a few words. He was a great little dog with a huge heart and we loved him deeply. We will miss him more than words can say.
- Angela

Sweet Diego

2009-03-17T10:25:00.004-05:00

I've never met a dog who made me laugh so much. On the day I took this picture, he'd managed to grab a spool of wool thread and mangle it completely- he was so satisfied with his creation and so proud. We were cracking up (although not thrilled that he'd chosen a $7 spool of thread).
Diego was smart, joyful, funny, and a great snuggler. We miss him.
- Amy

Itchin' to get stitchin'

2009-02-20T16:40:00.006-06:00

Hey- hi! Remember how I said I'd be back with photos? Here I am! With photos! Yay!

Ever since my friend Carmen showed me her Amy Butler Birdie Sling bag, I've been wanting to make one. really badly. Carmen's version is so cool- with a patchwork bag body and black velvet straps. I've been wandering around the shop for weeks coming up with different versions of my Birdie Sling. Here's what I think I've settled on (for today anyway):

This one will be for the shop, so I want to make another one that I can use Right Away (rather than borrowing it from the shop when I want to use it)! Kinda dorky to make 2 bags, but, a girl has needs. This girl needs a Birdie Sling in gray and metallic Lecien fabric to show off this spring!

Next up is my current favorite shop display. It's bright! fresh! fun! And it has Wee Wonderful's Big Footed Bunny and Space Man, and Melly N' Me's Binkie and Magoo Monkey, all sittin' on the top shelf. I'm pretty sure they party it up after the shop is closed and dark. That monkey looks like Trouble.

And, last, but most certainly not least- it's our longarm! Mom and I both wish we could have it painted bright yellow. That would be rockin'.

That's a table runner I'm finishing up tomorrow.

And that's it for today, kids! We're off to see Slumdog Millionaire. I'm excited, as we don't really get foreign movies at the theatres here in our rural area very often. And I'm gettin' popcorn. for sure.

Huh?

2009-02-12T15:57:00.004-06:00

Have I really not updated this blog since December? Oh my- I'm so sorry. I really truly have been thinking about it alot- gotta update! gotta update! Here's what happens though kids... I sit down to write something, and I sit there and sit there, and I write a couple sentences, and then I go back and edit, and edit some more, until I've been sitting there for ages and have only produced one teensy little boring sentence! I've decided to Get Over It. So here we are. I'll try not to be too boring, or too whatever...

So today, I want to tell you some Big News. It's kinda under wraps (but not really)- we got a long arm here at the shop! It's an APQS Millennium! I love the idea of finishing a quilt top and being able to quilt it right away and get it hung up in the shop- all like... voila! a new sample! But, oh my. There is a learning curve. This is one big machine. I'm not very good at it yet. I really give a huge shout out to my long arm quilting friends who've rocked our quilts over the last 3 1/2 years. Seriously girls- Kay (Kay Capps-Cross of Spring Grove, MN), Bobbi (Hugs and Stitches Quilting in West Salem, WI) and Carol (Carol Copsey of LaCrosse, ,WI)- you are amazing! You've always made our quilts look fantastic, and I knew talent and skill went into it, but NOW, I really know what you do! I hope I can be a teensy bit as good as you are someday!

I'll post pictures of the long arm soon. In the meantime, hugs to you my friends!!! Now, go sew something. Or something!

Sue Spargo Workshop

2008-12-22T12:11:00.003-06:00

We were excited to welcome Sue Spargo back for her third workshop at Yellow Bird Art, in October. We had a wonderful time making Sue's new Barrel Bag (the pattern isn't out yet, but look for it in the next month or two). The classroom was full of laughter and learning.

Deb and her Barrel Bag in progress.

Student work.
Carissa's bag.

The classroom.

Sue with her trunkshow.

Sue will be back next year, October 3 & 4. We'll be doing her Altered Textile Workshop. Students will applique some of the block ahead of time and then Sue will work with us to embellish with layers and teach about the use of ribbons, fabrics, velvets and wools to make each piece completely unique. The workshop is sure to be a great time and it's filling fast!

Quilts! Quilts! and MORE Quilts!

2008-12-04T13:56:00.011-06:00

OH my goodness... do we ever have a ton of quilts! With 3+ years of making shop samples under our belts, we've accumulated quite a collection of quilts! Too many, in fact! That's why we're having a silent quilt auction this Sunday, 12/14/08. Bidding begins at 1pm and ends at 3pm. If you're interested in placing a bid on any of the quilts or quilt tops in the photos, give us a call at 563-538-4350 and describe the quilt (or quilts) you're interested in- we'll give you more information and let you know what the minimum bid is. We're also having a fun holiday open house at the same time- you just can't beat holiday cookies and hot cider on a cold day.

The Mary Engelbreit top, Friends are Flowers in the Garden of Life, is a top only- that means it still needs batting, backing, quilting and binding.

The black/red/cream christmas quilt is a top.

The red and blue quilt is a top.

This purple/lavender oriental print quilt is really gorgeous- I'll be sad to see it go bye-bye.

This quilt, Super Stars, is quilted McTavish style in the cream background. Oh man, is it ever cool.

This one is a top.

Another top.

Oh, Desert Stars- you are so pretty.

Coming up in the next post- 2008 Sue Spargo workshop pictures!

We love spring! And art quilts too!

2008-05-22T15:06:00.008-05:00

We're back! Sorry about the long blog absence, dearies! We had the best of intentions for updating the blog more often, but, well... you know how that goes, right? May has been a time of reconnection in many areas as we say hello again to old friends: the sweet old rose outside my door that was saved from a friend's about-to-be-demolished-yard last summer is starting to come back with an abundance of burgundy leaves; the dear customer who's come back to town to enjoy another wonderful summer on the river; finding new life for old pattern favorites with gorgeous new fabrics. Stop in sometime and say hello!

This spring we were excited to display a selection of art quilts by our very talented friend, Carissa Brudos. Carissa finds time to create wonderful, textural art quilts, while working full time as an elementary school art teacher. Here are some of our favorites:

Carissa begins each piece with an original acrylic painting on canvas. She then cuts around the painted image and collages it onto the cotton background. The backgrounds are often layered with various fabrics and the entire piece is then heavily stitched.

She very generously suprised us with a gift of a Yellow Bird piece. It is SO gorgeous, and makes us happy every time we see it hanging in the shop!

Isn't she amazing? Thanks Carissa!

Cuteness We Can't Resist

2008-02-22T11:40:00.007-06:00

We're all ga-ga over the new Kokka children's print fabrics. They're 100% cotton upholstery weight fabric and they are seriously too cute. Take a look at this little girl bear... she is so sweet.

And this gingham with little bears picnicking? Adorable!

This one is part of a line called Carmel Town, and it's so funny. The text says things like "A burning hot fried eggs is especially delicious".

We can't wait to make up a little childrens outfit or diaper bag with these. Doncha need some too? We'll have all these Kokka fabrics availabe for sale on our website SOON!

New fabrics... YUM!

2008-02-22T11:22:00.005-06:00

We have amazing new japanese fabrics from Kokka in the shop. Amy can't keep her hands off them! We think she's in love.

Here's a sampling of the luciousness...
In the upper left corner is an upholstery weight cotton, then there's a lovely gauzy cotton print by designer Junko Onishi. The blue is linen and it's a gorgous panel by Nani Iro- it would make a great skirt or curtains. And then a cotton sateen print with a lush finish. Oh my!

Here's a close up of another upholstery weight cotton by Junko Onishi. There's a beautiful scattering of silver metallic on the red flower petals. It's delicious. really.

Amy whipped up Cindy Taylor Oates Slouchy Bag pattern in a fun upholstery weight Echino animal print.

In our next post we'll show you some of the Kokka children's novelty print fabrics.

Have a wonderful day!

2008-02-04T12:04:00.001-06:00

WOW! We are thrilled with the results of our first ever Quilt Challenge Contest! Last fall we issued a Bird themed challenge to our customers with the goal of helping you to stretch creatively. Each participant was required to purchase a pack of 5 fabrics and had to use some of each fabric in a quilt of their own design. We sold around 40 fabric packs and received 9 completed entries.

Now, let me assure you that the photos don't do the quilts justice. It's been a joy having the quilts hang in the shop for the last month and 1/2.

Without further ado... here are the entries and winners:

"Oriental Beaded Bird" by Mary Borreson of Sparta, WI. Mary won the $150 Viewer's Choice Award.

"Tweet Retreat" by Robin Watson of LaCrosse, WI. Robin won the $150 Bird's Choice Award.

"Three Brown Birds" by Beth Landas of Decorah, IA. Beth won a $75 Viewer's Choice Award.

"Golden Paradise" by Elizabeth McMullen of Richland Center, WI. Elizabeth won a $75 Viewer's Choice Award.

"Feathers, Fowl and Friendships" by Joyce Davis of Desoto, WI.

"Hoot" by Juanita Johnson of Sherman, TX.

"Peggy Rummel" by Robin Harmon of New Albin, IA.

"Tip of the Rooster Tail for the Big Birthday Year" by Marcia Washuta of Boscobel, WI.

"Korean Chickens" by Marilyn Zezulka of New Albin, IA.

Thank you to all of our Challenge participants!

Shop dogs!

2008-01-31T17:20:00.002-06:00

We thought you might like to know a little about some additional staff members here at Yellow Bird, Tillie and Diego.

This is Tillie (aka The Little Princess), on Amy's lap. Check out those ears! She loves pina coladas, getting caught in the rain... oops! I mean, food, naps, toys, children and walks. Many of you have been welcomed to Yellow Bird by Tillie- she takes her job as Greeter very seriously (unless is she otherwise occupied by one of her other loves as listed above).

And this is Diego (aka The Beast). He is, without a doubt, one of the cutest dogs we've ever met, and one of the naughiest as well. He doesn't mean to be naughty really, he just gets bored, and well... he can keep himself busy if left to his own devices, but we're usually not pleased with the results. He doesn't have an official job title yet... we're working on crafting one to fit his particular energetic, high energy personality.

They both love treats, and we have a box of milkbones in the classroom. Let us know if you'd like to make a new friend next time you're in!

The Learning Curve

2008-01-16T08:22:00.001-06:00

Well, if you read the previous post, you've no doubt formed the opinion that we don't have a clue what on earth we're doing. Well, it's not quite that bad, but we do tend to muck things up a bit as we learn..... Sound like anyone else you know? We've been on a bit of a handbag trip lately - thought you might enjoy seeing one of our new finds. Amy went to quilt market last summer, and found this delightful company called Goody, Goody. They make the most exquisite hand bags! The bags are made of silk with reinforced nylon bottoms and handles. All the bags feature hand crafted silk flowers, and they will just make you melt!

We do have a number of these bags in stock in different styles and colors, so give the shop a jingle if you're interested in giving one of these beauties a new home! You'll find our contact information on our web site http://www.yellowbirdart.com/

On the sew-it-yourself front, our newest love of a bag is Amy Butler's Frenchie Bag. We made up our shop sample in some of Kaffe Fassett's newest fabrics - always a shop favorite! The pattern is easy enough for even beginning beginners - if you can read and sew a relatively consistent seam, you'll be able to master this pattern. You'll find, of course, that you will become addicted to the ease of construction for this pattern, and will be making handbags to match this or that outfit, and naturally one for each of the girlfriends! Again, contact the shop, and we can get a bag kitted up and out in the post for you!

And a lovely new year.....

2008-01-08T12:50:00.001-06:00

Well, if you've found our blog and been wondering just what is going on since there hasn't been a post in a month.... All we can say is that time has been not flying, but zooming by. We promise to do better!

That's a photo of the birds at Yellow Bird Art... from left to right: my mom, Angela- in the store visiting- and her dog, Tillie, Barb, Sue, Sandy our assistant manager, and me. Bolts of new Kaffe Fassett fabrics have been arriving in what seems to be a steady stream. Our UPS delivery man, Kim, is beginning to think about taking up quilting, he's here so often!

One of our biggest projects as of late has been working on getting fabrics onto our web site, http://www.yellowbirdart.com/ for purchase. We'll have new Kaffe fabrics, new patterns & kits and some really unique gift items. We have stacks and stacks of more new fabrics to scan and send off for up-loading, so be sure to visit our web site often.

Quiet Day at the Quilt Shop

2007-12-08T19:34:00.001-06:00

Today was just a quiet day at Yellow Bird Art. There were a few customers, but mostly we were able to get a lot of the "behind the scenes" work done today. Not to say we don't love hearing the bell on the door announce a customer - we love our customers, even when they're just stopping by to say hello and visit for a minute. We selected fabrics and patterns for new shop samples, collected exciting new fabrics to feature at our web site - http://www.yellowbirdart.com/ -, finished our Winter 2007/2008 newsletter and got it off to the printer, and even got some sewing done for some samples of a new fabric line - Michael Miller's "Kitschy Chicky".

Another new line of fabrics that we're all crazy for is from Art Gallery Quilts. The samples we saw at Market were the actual art works. We fell in love with the extremely fine hand of the fabrics, and oh my, the art work was glorious. We ordered 5 colorways of the Kanji prints - you'll love them too, and a nice selection of a variety of other prints that we thought worked well together, and would also be great with Amy Butler's line of fabrics! We'll have these on our web site as a bundle. I've had wonderous thoughts of handbags, artwear, and of course quilts using these fabrics! All the "Birds" at the shop share our thoughts that there simply aren't enough hours in a day to make all the projects that are rolling around inside our minds.

One of the difficult parts of running a quilt shop is defining what the personality of your shop will be. We began the shop two years ago focusing on oriental fabrics, Kaffe Fasset's fabrics, batiks, and quite a few Moda lines. We also carried a nice collection of reproduction fabrics, and homespuns. Our thought was that the reproductions and homespuns represented the history of quilting...... and we believed that was important. Well, sometimes what you think customers will purchase, and what they do purchase are indeed two altogether different cats. Our workshop last weekend with Sue Spargo (www.suespargo.com) helped us clarify things a bit. Sue told us that when she first began her business, her father (an ex-businessman) told her that she needed to focus - clarify what she was doing - not to just do a bit of this and a bit of that. So, we decided to focus as well. After 18 months of debating on whether to keep or clear our reproductions, we decided to clear out the beloved reproductions and homespuns to make room for the fabrics our customers love, and buy. It is a business, after all.

We think many quilt shops happen because someone quilts, loves fabrics and quiltmaking, and somehow pulls together the resources to open a shop. Exciting, very exciting - gets the adrenalin going at the speed of light! Then you find out that its a business. And if you don't make the right business decisions, you're not going to be a business much longer. Amy and I have been working diligently this past year in learning how to DO business. It's not easy, and sometimes not much fun. Now, it is fun to buy new fabrics, find incredible new pattern designers, or a notion that will actually make quilt making or garment making more efficient or easier. But, you have to be able to pay for all those things - preferably on time. And there's just a huge list of things you need to pay, hopefully including yourself. Mind you, this is not whining - we both love our quilt shop, especially the customers who brighten our days with enthusiasm and creativity, and we're even learning to like the organizational process of business. It feels good to know you made a solid positive decision that's going to keep the doors open, so you can get more fabric, and see the expressions of joy on the faces of your customers as they see new colors and patterns in that silky piece of fabric! And then we all begin dreaming again of the fabulous new things we can do with those fabrics!