Welcome 2010!

There is something I love about January 1st! Everything is possible! I hauled my exercise equipment out from the closet, and it is all ready for me- I can feel the extra weight melting off just looking at it! I cleaned out my dresser drawers- now I will look my best every single day! And, I went through my fabric, so I have just the right pieces on hand for ANY project I want to tackle! Out with the old, in with the new! That's our theme this year in the store, as well. We have so many new and different lines coming in this winter and spring, we're sure to keep you guessing as to what's next! While you're thinking of your New Year resolutions, remember the best investment you can make is yourself. How about a little quilting lesson for a friend who is interested? You may not know it all, but you know more than you think! Make this the year to invest in people- it yields a great return! Happy Stitching, Lisa and Katie

Santa Claus is Coming to Town!

Season's Greetings! Hope you have made out your list and checked it twice- it's time to get serious! Check out this darling apron! It's perfect for that special girl (or guy!) on your list. Quick and easy, it will be done before you can say Frosty the Snowman!
We have lots of quick to make, or already made!, gifts for you to help make your holiday gift-giving easier. Let us help! Of course, a gift certificate from H.Patches for your favorite quilter- tucked in a fun fat quarter!- is always welcome for the long winter months ahead. While Katie is busy playing Santa's helper, I'll be back soon with more gift ideas! Lisa Elf

The Beauty of Autumn

Happy Fall to All! And so we usher in the most favorite time of the year for so many! Here at Huckleberry Patches, as well as at your house I'm sure, fall means busy! However, it is a different kind of busy than summer's pace. I stop and take more time to reflect on the beauty around me... here in the mountains, you know your days outside are numbered! So every task, whether it's cleaning up the garden, raking leaves, or stacking wood is enjoyed as one more day clinging to nature around us. As quilters, we have the opportunity to bring a bit of the outside in with us to preserve. Our handdyed wools capture the look of that leaf you saw on your tree this week and couldn't quite get! Look at how they really "pop" on this gorgeous tabletopper. Enjoy the beauty of the moment around you, and start planning those projects for your home that will make you smile! P.S. Thank you for the comments on our last blog! They were so much fun to read.... congrats to our winner! Look for a new contest coming soon! Katie and Lisa

Sunflowers in the Patch

We are right in the middle of glorious summer! Katie is off visiting family and trying to avoid road construction, while I (Lisa) am, as always at this time of the year, hanging out at the lake! And while Katie is so good to take her handwork with her on vacation, all I have with me is my sunscreen, towel, and a new John Grisham novel! "Sunflowers" is just one of the many quilts we'll be showing you in the next couple months by our very talented good friend Lisa Bongean of Primitive Gatherings. If you're in the area, stop in and see our new collection of handdyed wools- you will be so inspired for your next project! Our August CONTEST is to answer the question: What do YOU love to do most in the summer? The deadline to enter is Saturday, August 22 at midnight, so get those comments coming! And, enjoy your summer... Katie and Lisa

Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you..... it seems like we've been singing that song all month long! First, Katie had the joy of celebrating her... hmmmm... how many years has it been?! She's got to be kidding, right?!! Anyway, Katie's day came and went, but the surprises and parties lasted a whole week! Way to go, Katie!!! But that's not Katie's baby picture, is it? Nope, that would be our other birthday this month.... drumroll please.... I'm so proud to introduce you to Kaleb Robert Lewis, born June 16th! Mama Kara (our middle daughter), hubby Jon, and Kaleb are all doing well and adjusting nicely. Craig and I dashed up to Seattle last weekend so we could see for ourselves just how precious he is! Of course, I had to have a project for the car trip- you'll see that soon, because it's almost done! Katie is busy getting ready to go out of town for a few days, and she ialso is busy stitching on a gorgeous new quilt I know you'll want to start this summer! Happy Stitching! Katie and Lisa

Getting caught up... sort of!

How time flies when you're having fun!! Spring has been a very busy time for me and Katie- Shop Hop, a wedding, fabric, and gardening! Shop Hop was so much fun this year, as the Hoppers had several extra days and hours to enjoy the shops. It made for a wonderful experience for all! Then, it was off to Seattle for my (Lisa's) daughter's wedding- outdoors, and beautiful blue skies! We are so delighted to welcome our new son-in-law to the family! Back at the shop, our buying strategy this spring is LOTS of smaller lines, and that means we have kept UPS very busy delivering everything from watermelons and flags to snowmen, of all things! So, on the gorgeous days, we are outside getting our gardens all cleaned up- whew!, and the nasty days are spent stitching up new fabric! Aren't we lucky to be quilters?!! Speaking of gardening, I thought I'd give you a glimpse of a finished quilt Katie started in the bleak of last winter- it just really makes you smile! Notice the clever border- this is a great trick when you're really torn between 2 border fabrics- use both! Gosh, I have way too many exclamation points- too much coffee!! Happy stitching, Lisa & Katie

Retreeeeat!!!

Since Katie and I didn't get a massage, we did the next best thing and went on a quilting retreat! Three glorious days of sewing, talking, laughing, and eating at the Salmon Rapids Lodge in Riggins, Idaho!! Our local group, the Pine Needle Quilters, host an annual gathering here every spring. It's always "bring your own projects", which means everybody relaxes and works at their own pace. Surprisingly enough, though, we get a LOT done! You'll see many pics in the next few weeks, as we get our quilts quilted and bound- but more on THAT particular topic next time! Oh, and yes, our picture is the view from our room... did I say glorious or what?!!! Happy Quilting...!