The Main Street Cotton Shop News - October 2004
The evenings are cool, the days are crisp and fall is in the air. This time of the year, our thoughts turn to family gatherings to help celebrate the bountiful harvest and the winter holidays.  As quilters, we tend to plan ahead in order to have all the fun projects we want to do ready for giving and sharing.  This past week, we held our 11th annual Quilt Harvest Retreat.  Quilts, table runners, stockings and tree skirts were all started for upcoming family and friends celebrations.  One evening we held a fun Quilt Memories Party that really loosened everyone up.  Our “Dress the Pumpkin” event had us all laughing.  Classes are always fun and educational at retreat.  A great way to get to know one another and learn something new at the same time.  My Woolies class worked on stockings and treat bags, a fun project to fill with holiday treats and sweets.  Home Tour of Lynette’s house and trunk show is always so inspiring.  Lynette shared so many wonderful decorating ideas that can easily be done in your home. 

Thimbleberries newest pattern, Harvest Bounty, has arrived just in time for fall gatherings.  Done in the new Paint Box 2005 prints, this is a classic pattern that you will keep for years to come.  Along with Paint Box, the new Thimbleberries Club 4th Quarter fabrics are in.  Check out the signature pumpkin print and holiday wreath print, both are “must have’s” for your fabric stash.

With cool nights, out come the flannel quilts.  If you’re looking for a fast flannel, try the new Campfire Flannel Throw quilt. The new version is done in blue and everybody just loves it.  For the month of October, Campfire is on sale.  Regularly $79.95, now only $64.95, pattern included.  Don’t wait, supply is limited.  Are you looking for a quick project to make for fall?  Cranberry House in the Cranberry Harvest book is the perfect size for a corner that needs a new look for autumn.

Our featured quilt this month is the Village Patchwork quilt.  Draped over a couch, folded at the end of a bed or hung on the wall, what a lovely quilt to use all through the holidays and beyond.  The pattern is included in the kit.  Regularly $94.95,  you can order it for only $69.95 during October.  Order today so you can get started.  Think about your quilting friends. This would make a great gift at a super price.
One of our favorite “quick and easy” projects for the holidays is the Snow Gang table runner.  Available in the Holiday Quilts book, this cute runner can be sewn up in an afternoon.  During quilt retreat, Marilyn made an extra one and turned it into a pillowcase.  What a treat to come home for the holidays with a special pillowcase made just for you.
 
Next week, we have the Fall Favorites Top Shop Tour coming to both of our locations.  Women from all over the country (and Iceland) will be stopping at nine Minnesota and Wisconsin shops.  It’s so fun to visit with all these wonderful quilters.  This year, the women will have an opportunity to visit the Thimbleberries design studio and chat with Lynette.
 
The last two days have been picture perfect here.  The leaves are gently falling to the ground with a warm fall breeze and the colors are breathtaking.  I wish you could all come to visit.  The fresh air and autumnal colors definitely put me in the mood to redecorate and start another quilt.  Take a walk and enjoy the warm fall days and then get started.  Call, order online or email us if there is anything we can do to help make your quilting days fun.