Sew Whats Buzzing


Chautauqua Quilt Show
I just returned from a wonderful weekend at the Chautauqua Quilt Show in New York.  We were surrounded by beautiful scenery and beautiful quilts!  I feel blessed that I met some quilters  that I now can call friend. Here are a few of my favorite quilts that I saw. I wish I could have seen them all.
 This dimensional quilt was unbelievable!  It looked like you could just reach out and pick the blocks right off of the fabric!

I loved the quilting on this Log Cabin Star.

The applique was just beautiful on this quilt

And here is Pam, hard at work in our booth.

Stay tuned for the next Buzz

Sew What's Buzzing?   

The Batting Buzz

I just returned home from a wonderful weekend in Maryland.  My nephew got married and what fun we had!  While I was there I squeezed out a few minutes to visit an adorable little quilt shop.  The owner and I had a great time sharing quilting stories and product ideas.  She showed me a placemat sample that I was really excited about!  Remember, I'm a quilter.  It can be a large or small project,  they are all great!

Have you ever used Soft and Stable batting? If you haven't, it's time to give it a try.   Most of us know it as a great product to use in purse construction but there are many other uses for this that work  great!   Try it in your next placemat  project. I was amazed
 at how professional the finished product looked and felt!  It works great with a  simple "quilt as you go" technique or  try it with your favorite pattern.  My wheels are turning.  I can't wait to use it  in some of my other projects.  Thanks to my new quilting friend in Maryland for this great tip!

As always, stay tuned for the next buzz... 

Sew What's Buzzing....

One Mans Trash is Another Mans Treasure, 

 or Should I Say Women's Treasure.

My sister has quite a fetish for collecting chairs.  Her husband tells me she could "seat the world".  One day while browsing a local thrift shop she happened upon these solid oak chairs with "lovely" plastic covered seats. 

 Now remember,  beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. 

         

But one look at these chairs and  she  saw great potential. 

What these chairs needed was a face lift,  (don't we all), and a little pop of color.  So her quest for the perfect fabric choice began and Moda came to the rescue.  From their Wintergreen collection, this pretty little print was just what she needed. 

And here is the finished product.  With a little TLC, a staple gun and some really great fabric these chairs turned into quite a treasure.  And the best part was the price tag!

Chairs from a thrift store + great fabric = a home run score!

If you have tired kitchen or dining chairs give it a try!  Most seats are easy to remove with a simple screwdriver and the fabric is easy to apply with a carpenters staple gun. 

 Stay tuned for the next buzz.....

Sew What's Buzzing?  

Why a Quilt Shop?

Welcome to Cotton Creation's Sew What's Buzzing Blog.  I'm Joni, and I am the owner of Cotton Creations Quilt Shop. "Sew" why a quilt shop?  And my answer is, why not? In case you don't know me let me tell you a little about who I am. I live outside of Clarion, PA in the country with my husband Terry.  I have two children Megan and Chase, a son -in- law Deven  and a  beautiful little  granddaughter who is the light of my life, Madison.  I am the proud mother of a little toy poodle named Tucker who I have tried to teach to sew, unsuccessfully. 

  The sewing "bug" bit me when I was  twelve years old and taking home economics class.  One sewing class and I was hooked!  I  couldn't get enough of  fabric, needle and thread!  If you are into sewing or quilting, and I know you are, you know what I mean.  "Sew", I have been sewing most of my life.  Looking back, I have to laugh just a little, I made western shirts for my husband (we live in the east)  and brightly colored clothing for the children so I wouldn't lose them in a crowd. Many, many garments through the years were stitched.  As the years passed  my interest has expanded to home dec and quilting.

 

I have worked in the retail  jewelry industry for over 25 years specializing in window display which was a great way for me to exercise my creativity.  I then worked for a quilt shop for 10 years.  I  love every minute of "petting fabric",(I know you do it too),  and helping quilters choose colors for their  sewing and quilting projects. I get such delight in meeting and talking with people that have  the same love of sewing as I do.  

In 2011 the shop owner decided to close her doors and move out of state.  The opportunity  presented itself for me to open my own  quilt shop.   I felt it was a perfect fit.   Cotton Creations was born and my dream had come true! 

In my shop I carry quality quilting fabrics along with all the fun things like notions, books, patterns and thread.  As you will see on the website I also carry some great accessories like scarf sets and matching pendants and earrings.   I can't quite get away from my jewelry days, besides, we all deserve  a little "bling" in our lives. 

Thank you for visiting my blog.  I am new at this so please be patient with me as I start this new journey. ..

and stay tuned for the next buzz.