Huckleberry Patches

"Quilting Season"

2010-02-22T19:06:00.004-07:00

It's that glorious time we call "quilting season"! We are completely immersed in about a dozen projects right now, and loving every minute of it! How about you? What are you working on right now? Leave a comment on your current project, and you'll be entered into our latest drawing! Enter as many times as you like, as long as you are starting a new project! Our contest will end on St. Paddy's Day, so good luck and happy stitching! P.S. Katie is allowed to enter this one, so get your game on girls!!!

Welcome 2010!

2010-01-01T16:21:00.003-07:00

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!

2009-12-11T11:31:00.004-07:00

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

2009-10-03T08:09:00.003-06:00

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

2009-08-03T08:08:00.003-06:00

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

2009-06-24T16:46:00.002-06:00

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!

2009-05-16T08:25:00.003-06:00

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!!!

2009-03-30T20:53:00.003-06:00

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...!

Spring Cleaning... H Patches Style!

2009-03-11T20:22:00.002-06:00

Once again, it's that restless time of year. Spring in the mountains! Katie often goes on a trip, Lisa to the hot springs...basically denial, but this year we put our noses (and arms!) to the grindstone and pulled off a major redo of the shop! We're still putting final touches on some displays, but we think you'll like our new look! We have LOTS of new fabric and patterns, and more coming in every month, so check back often to see what we're doing next. Our picture features our "Heritage Quilt" from the Collection For A Cause. Thank you for supporting ovarian cancer research with your purchase of this fabric! Your task this week is to figure out which corner of the shop the collection wound up in! Come in and see for yourself! In the meantime, I think Katie and I are ready for a massage...ahhhh!

2009-02-08T18:21:00.002-07:00

Thanks to all who responded to our fun little contest! Lots of yummy food ideas, but our winner is... drum roll, please... Bev Williams! Katie showed her true Idaho roots when she told me her most favorite munchie was french fries! Congrats, Bev! We're giving you a yard of fabric of your choice in the store- have fun picking! While Katie is compiling fun facts on me (Lisa!), I thought I'd remind everyone that Valentine's Day is this Saturday. Tell your sweetheart you'd like something from the quilt shop, in lieu of chocolates! Much less fattening! Happy Stitching, Lisa & Katie P.S. "In dreams and in love there are no impossibilities."

Choo Choo, 2009 Comin' Through!

2009-01-06T18:45:00.002-07:00

Happy New Year! Sorry for the tardiness of our post... I (Lisa) got a new computer and spent much of the holidays transferring info, while Katie was off to snowy Colorado to be with grandkids, who are growing up waaay too fast! As I considered what to share with you this month, I thought, why not share a little bit about Katie?! (My turn will be next time!) The best way to describe Katie would be "renaissance woman". It seems there is nothing she cannot do well, if she decides to do it! Our wonderful shop is only part time for this amazingly talented lady!! She also loves to paint (that's her adorable choo choo!), cross stitch, and garden. When she is in the mood, she likes to cook absolutely scrumptious yummies! She is an avid reader and loves to go for walks. Her two kitties, Nip & Tuck, are the bane and blessing of her life! Her favorite colors are burgandy and black, and her most favorite food is.....hey, let's see how many of you know Katie well enough to guess correctly! I have a fun prize for the first blogger to get it right, so let's hear from you! No fair asking Katie- her lips are sealed! Happy guessing and happy stitching!

Perfect Pumpkins

2008-10-25T12:10:00.003-06:00

Autumn! What a gorgeous time of year! Change is in the air, and every warm, sunny day is honored for its beauty! Our attentions turn toward home and hearth- is it any wonder that more home decorating is done now than at any other time of the year? It seems to resonate with nature itself; our nesting instinct kicks in for the long winter ahead. Beautiful touches around your home are easy to do and will warm your heart as the days get chillier. This sweet candle mat can easily be done to enjoy for the rest of the season. The rich, pumpkin colored wools really "pop" against the black wool background, and would make a perfect centerpiece for your fall dinners. Happy Stitching! Katie and Lisa

Thimbleberries Harvest Party

2008-09-29T21:22:00.002-06:00

Just a little reminder of our upcoming Harvest Party: Saturday, October 12 at 11:30 a.m. Don't forget to bring your Fall Treat Bag, (don't forget the treat inside!!) and your Challenge Tablerunner (if you chose to make one). I've included a sneak peek of my little treat bag. This is a fun and easy design by Crabapple Hill, and someone at the party is going to get to take one of these cuties home! Inspiration is right outside your front door, as our fall colors continue to get more and more brilliant. So, take a few moments away from your canning and wood stacking, and make something fun that will last for several seasons to come! See you soon! Katie and Lisa

Back to School Night!

2008-09-14T13:36:00.002-06:00

September brings fond memories of new school clothes, books, crayons and pencils. There is a tangible excitement in the air of being with friends and learning something new. Well, who says you can't start over?! We are getting very excited about our own brand new "school" here at the shop. Mark your calendars for Monday, Sept. 22 at 4:45 pm for Applique 101. Come for a light supper and learn why you are missing out on some beautiful quilts because you "don't do that kind of thing!" We will be exploring LOTS of different ways to do applique- YOU pick the project and the technique you're comfortable with as we go along! This is open to "kindergartener" as well as "senior"- just bring a pair of small scissors. We hope to see you there, and remember- don't be late for school! Happy Stitching, Katie and Lisa

Summer Olympics- Go USA!!!

2008-08-16T12:00:00.002-06:00

Katie and I have been looking forward to the Olympics for some time. However, being quilters, the most pressing questions were not about the athletes, but more along the lines of, "What handwork do I want to work on during the 24/7 coverage for 17 days?!!" We are both serious sports fans - from the couch, of course! - so the question was a big one. Timing is everything! Handwork, whether it be wool or embroidery, like our darling "Country Kitchen" sample, is perfect for picking up or putting down at a tense moment's notice - AND you are not in danger of sewing 80 half-square triangles together incorrectly while engrossed in a good beach volleyball rally!! With handwork, there is NO danger of missing one of Michael Phelps' heartstopping finishes! And, we have found handwork to be incredibly soothing. After watching American gymnasts Nastia and Shawn finish first and second at midnight, who could go right to sleep after that performance?!! So, with 8 days still to go, it's not too late to pick up some handwork and make something sweet you'll enjoy for many more Olympic seasons to come. Go USA!!!

Which came first... the flowers or the quilt???

2008-06-26T20:02:00.002-06:00

Of course, all the talk in the shop this week is, "How does your garden grow?", which got us to wondering.... where do your best ideas for quilts come from? Are they from your garden? Many quilters are also avid gardeners, and up here in snow country that is no easy task! But, it is worth the extra effort, as we often draw inspiration from the amazing colors nature offers us in our gardens- as well as our gorgeous blue summer sky, bright yellow dandelions, and green aspens fluttering in the breeze. Who can help but be inspired?! Katie has started some wonderful garden blocks by designer Sue Spargo. Her inspiration came from a late winter trip to Arizona, so it is very safe to say the blocks came before her flowers- long before! We'd love to hear what makes you run to your sewing rooms with beautiful quilts in your head! Happy stitching AND gardening, Katie & Lisa

Our Talented Gals!

2008-06-16T18:45:00.004-06:00

What a delightful time we had on Saturday! The weather cooperated perfectly, and the quilts shone like jewels in the sun! The quilt shown here is an original design made by Joyce Alexander. Darling! Thank you, thank you, thank you, ladies- you truly outdid yourselves! And, wasn't the food yummy?! We thought we'd take a minute and share all of our shop "groups" with you. We hope you'll join us for one this summer! "Wild 'n Wooly Women" is a fun-loving and creative group that meets the 3rd Wednesday each month at 1:00- they love the wool! "Sew & Sews" is a talented group that meets the 1st and 4th Thursday of every month at 1:00- handwork of all kinds is the focus here! Our fun and friendly Thimbleberries group meets the 2nd Saturday every month at 11:30 to pick up patterns, kits- and socialize, of course! And, coming soon, our newest gathering will focus on hand applique- made easy! Stop in the next time you're in town, and see what we're stitching!

Thimbleberries Club Picnic

2008-06-11T22:10:00.002-06:00

Our Thimbleberries Club meeting is rapidly approaching, so it's time to give our members some specifics. We're meeting this Saturday at the shop, at 11:00 a.m. for a good, old-fashioned picnic! We're going casual and relaxed, so wear a comfy pair of jeans- you might spill some BBQ sauce on them! Yum! Also, please bring your completed challenge project, as we will be voting on them. I think we are all in for a huge treat! Katie and I have been given some sneak peeks- wow, you gals are SO talented! So, come celebrate Flag Day at Huckleberry Patches and be inspired! See you there!

To Market, to Market to buy a.....lot!!!

2008-05-27T20:23:00.003-06:00

We are back from the Portland Spring Quilt Market, where we had a wonderful time finding all kinds of exciting new projects for the store- and you! We are happy to report that quilting is alive and well, with a record number of attendees, as well as vendors. Whew! Check out Mary Engelbreit's new fabric line at right- we saw SO many darling samples made up with this bright and cheerful fabric! Come see our samples ASAP!!! We were glad to see all of our favorites there: Crabapple Hill, Mountain Patchwork, All Through the Night, Wooden Spool, Kansas Troubles, and Bareroots all have fun and fresh patterns- you'll be seeing lots of them in the store already! We were especially excited to see brand new designers particularly featuring wool: `Ewe-nique Creations, Lily Anna Stitches, and Cozy Quarters, to name just a few. We have also picked up a large selection of gift items from Honey and Me- so primitive and cute! Finally, we'll be giving you some teasers about our newest kit- a Mystery Quilt!!! We'll be giving out more info in June, but we just have to say... you're gonna LOVE it!!! Hope to see you soon, Katie & Lisa

Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-10T19:00:00.003-06:00

As shop owners, Katie and I get to see some wonderful projects moms make! Kids, hubbies, sisters, friends- all are given to generously by loving hands. A handmade gift says "You are special to me" in a way nothing else does. So to moms everywhere- enjoy your day! You deserve it! In honor of family, Katie has stitched up this sweet wool penny rug called Home is Where the Heart is. We think it will be a great summer project, whether you're relaxing on the porch or driving on vacation. We won't guarantee it will make you forget the price of gasoline, but it WILL make you smile between pit stops! Kits are available- just call the shop to order. Happy Stitching, Katie and Lisa

Welcome to Huckleberry Patches!

2008-05-09T14:38:00.002-06:00

We're happy you're visiting our new site! Check this blog often to view our latest projects and get the latest news!!!