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New Items
Helpful Hints
Classes & Events
Info on Fabric Prices
I don't send out a lot of newsletters, but it has been awhile. I lost about two weeks when I vended at the Oklahoma City Winter Quilt Show. We are back at it, and wanted to let you know about some of the new things here at The Enchanted Quilt:
She is back--Maxine that is. The woman we all love and sometimes wish we could get by with saying what is on our minds, like she does. This is the newest pieces, and I like these better than the last. We're going to make another apron from this and can't wait to get it started. We sold out of the last group so quickly, so don't procrastinate on ordering, because it will be gone before you know it. We hve four pieces, two panels and two coordinates in fuschia and bright blue. www.theenchantedquilt.com/shop/Fabric/Novelty.htm
Take a look at our Chic-N-Stix. What a hoot they are. They are looking for a sewing room to call home. www.theenchantedquilt.com/shop/Novelty/p/ChicNStix-Pincushions-sku-3832.htm Many of you have seen this pattern in the various quilt magazines, and we are having trouble keeping it in stock. Another shippment has arrived as well as the 2.5" strips from Northcott's Stonehedge line. www.theenchantedquilt.com/shop/Patterns/Quilt-Patterns/Various-Designers/p/Smokey-River-by-Whirligig-Designs-sku-3785.htm
Check out the kit as well. www.theenchantedquilt.com/shop/Kits/p/Smokey-River-Quilt-Kit.htm
HELPFUL HINT: If you like making the potato bags; make sure you use cotton thread to stitch it, and make sure the bag doesn't touch the sides of the microwave when in use. We wouldn't want to burn our potatoes.
We are starting a series of technique classes. They are reasonably priced at $5 a class. These are hands on classes, not demos. We feel people learn better with a hands on class. Bring your machine, sewing accessories, new needle and thread. We will supply you with fabrics to practice on. These will be on going classes and will rotate throughout the year.www.theenchantedquilt.com/calendar.htm We are going to be starting two new sessions for our beginning quilt making. 16 Hour courses starting from the beginning through completion of a baby sized quilt. Tuesday evenings or Friday days.
Don't forget the deadline for the BOM is approaching-March 5, 2011 This is a 6 month BOM. $25 set up fee, you get two blocks per month for $15. This includes your borders and binding. Great value.
We will be starting our Saturday Sampler, Quilt Au Chocolat, in May. Sign up fee is $25. We will meet (about 30 minutes) the 1st. Saturday of every month. We may cover info on that month's block, a new gadget or event that will be coming up. Show up with your completed block and receive the next month's block FREE. This is a 13 month program and you have your choice of two colorways--pink & chocolate brown or creams & chocolate brown (white chocolate). Sounds yummy without the calories!Stay tuned for the QFL starting in April. More info soon. This is going to be so much fun. I'm so excited.
Price of Fabric
Let's talk about fabric prices. I know that this is a sensitive subject, but I wanted to give you some information about why prices are increasing. This was the main subject at Market this past fall; I felt sympathy for the fabric distributors because they took lots of grief over the increasing prices. First, know that cotton is a commodity and all commodities are increasing in price. The dollar has weakened, as our national debt has risen. Quality fabrics are printed in Japan and Korea, and the dollar has weakened by approximately 20% to these countries' currencies. Also, there is a worldwide cotton shortage caused by flooding in Pakistan, heavy rain in China and hail in west Texas. India has stopped exportation of cotton, and China is restricting cotton exportation. The entire world is competing for the cotton. It also seems that some speculators are holding out for better pricing. I have a customer that grows cotton, and she indicated that they have NEVER gotten this high of a price per bale of cotton. On top of the price of cotton, we have also had to deal with increasing shipping costs and they continue to go up. I recently read an article in the New York Times that fashion designers are looking to start using synthetics in their clothing lines again. I know this doesn't solve the issue, but by giving you some facts it may help you understand.
Over the last 10 years look at the following price increases:
A Loaf of Bread 284%
New Car 65%
First Class Stamp 76%
1 lb. Ground Beef 270%
Premium Cotton Fabric 33%
It may not make you feel any better, but our fabrics that we love hasn't gone up as much as we thought. I have heard lots of folks say, "I'm not buying anything until I use my stash." or "I just can't afford these prices." We are going to try to help you by moving some of our slower moving fabrics into our back room. We will have a $5.99 group and a $3.99 group. We will try to keep some fabrics on these sale shelves. When we sell these, we will move more to the sale area. This will help those on a very fixed budget, as well as help me move out some of the slower moving fabrics in order to bring in new lines. This will also give you high quality quilt shop fabrics at better than "chain" store prices.
As a side note, other countries' fabric prices are double ours. I met some folks from New Zealand at Market, their prices for fabric are $23 a meter (39")! WOW!
(The statistics and information above was accumulated from several sources. Jim Salinas' article written for quilt shop owners. Jim has approximately 40 years in the fabric industry. He was with Hancock Fabrics, Cloth World, Michaels and is currently with Moda fabrics. Some information was obtained from the New York Times)
Till next time....happy quilting.
3401 Kemp Blvd., Suite M Hours: Tues-Fri 10-5:30
Wichita Falls, TX 76308 Sat 10-5
940-689-0990 Sun & Mon Closed
CONTACT US
info@theenchantedquilt.com
(940) 689-0990
(940) 689-0990
1813 9th. St.Wichita Falls, TX 76301
LITTLE ABOUT US
THE ENCHANTED QUILT is located in north Texas about 20 miles from the Oklahoma border. We love our customers and want our shop to be a place that is fun and enjoyable. Thus, "The Enchanted Quilt is Where Magic is Made From Fabric and Friends.".
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