Notes from The Hen House

 

Notes from The Hen House

November…..
UPDATE FROM THE HEN HOUSE of Charlotte…..
How may we help you today…?
 
Holiday Open House
Saturday, November 15th
There will be “Deer” hidden throughout the store for you to “hunt” down a special discount for the day plus a few make-n-take projects for $5 each.
 

Kari Smith-Rudesail will be here 10:00 – 1:00 for meet, greet & talking Longarm quilting, Kari will also be doing a demo with the Pineapple Ruler.
There will be some “Yummies” from Evelyn Bay’s, and a coupon or 2 from local restaurants to use during your visit.

 ~~~~~While you’re in town; don’t forget to check out the specials being offered at Bella Grande & The Yarn Garden.~~~~~

 
Friday, November 28th….Day after Thanksgiving…..we invite you to start your morning at the Yarn Garden (they get up earlier than we do), then stop in for our specials that start at 9:30 and run through the day.
 
SMALL BUSINESS Saturday, November 29th, we will be offering some discounts throughout the day.   
 
Hexie-holics…
Saturday, November 1st & December 6th, 1:00-?
&
Thursday, November 20th & December 18th 10:00 – ? …Check out what English Paper Piecing is all about, it’s not just hexagons! 

A traditional form of piecing has made its way into the 21st century with some amazing design opportunities. We have a large selection of Paper Piecing papers to get you started on a new adventure.

Linda Brandell is having a great time with EPP.    
 
“Whatnots Club”        
Meeting times are September through February. Held on the first Saturday mornings and the Monday evenings following the first Saturday.  
Contact the shop for details.

 

Small Quilts Group
Wednesday, November 5th, 10:00-?
Small or miniature quilt projects are worked on while sharing your day with others.
 
Dorset Buttons
Thursday, November 6th, 10:00 – 1:00
$25 (includes supplies)
Learn to make Dorset Buttons with Elise. Back in the day, before mass production, buttons were made from slices of bone. In this class you will learn how to make a simple Dorset Button.
 
Christmas Stocking
Saturday, November 8th, 1:00 – 5:00 $25
Bring in your scraps or use some of ours to make a stocking for yourself or as a gift.
Call or stop in for details and sign up.
 
Beginning Quilting
“Turning Twenty”
Monday, November 11th, 6:00 – 8:00 pm $30
Kari will show you what you can do with 20 fat quarters to get you started on your quilting journey.
Come in prior to class to pick out your fat quarters.
 
Stitched by Hand
Tuesday, November 11th & 25th, December 9th & 23rd, 9:30 – Noon
Basic hand piecing and applique techniques are among the skills shared during these sessions. Please join us if you are interested in learning or would just like to share the morning with us. Debby Kenney – group leader/instructor. Fee: $5
 
Punch Needle Group
Friday, November 14th & December 12th 10:00 – ? ~.
Come work on your punch needle projects.
Please contact the store ahead beforehand to schedule instructional time.
 
 Hand Embroidery
Part 3, Monday, November 17th, 10 – noon
 
 
Third Thursday, November 20th, Open late 5:30 – 8:00
 
Machine Quilting $25
Monday, November 10th 6-9
Or
Thursday November 20th 6-9
Come learn how to do machine quilting on your machine with Kari.
Come in or call the store to add your name to the list.
 
Stop in and see some of the beautiful stitches you can do to enhance your projects.
 
Wednesday Woolies
November 26th, 10-?
Most of those who normally attend will be home cooking, but we will still be here. We invite you to come have some down time and enjoy an early piece of Pumpkin Pie with us.
 
Hand Crank Sewing Machine Group
Saturday, November 22nd & December 27th, 10:00 – ?
See & experience the fun that happens when the “Crankers” are in the Loft.
 
We currently have 2 Hand Crank machines in the shop that are for sale.
 
Longarm Quilting
We are a drop of site for Kari Smith-Ruedisale / “O Sew Fine Custom Quilting”.
Your quilt batting can be purchased here at The Hen House.  She may be reached at 517-256-4339 or krudyquilts@gmail.com. Her web site is www.kariquilts.com
 
 
 “Modern” Wonky Log Cabin
Saturday, November 22nd10:00-4:00 ~ $30
Spend a day stitching with Kari as she shows what can happen when you bring textures, prints and solids together to make this fun quilt.
Contact the store to get your name on the class list & for supply list.
 

Wool Block of the Month
Starting in January we will be using a Lori Smith applique pattern called Cynthia’s Garden.
Lori’s pattern uses Batiks with needle turn applique. We will be using wool on wool with assorted cotton colors as background for the wool block.
 
Marilyn, one of our customers, brought in her beautiful blocks for show-n-tell. She used a tone on tone cotton with pastel wools. It’s been enjoyable to watch her progress.
Please come in or call the store to put your name on the list.
 
Fun projects & samples are being planned/worked on for 2015…..
 
Don’t forget to turn your clocks back on Saturday night! 

We are an eclectic shop with options to empower your creative possibilities.
 
We invite you to stop in anytime to chat, sit and stitch with us.
We wish you Happy Stitches…..
 
THANK YOU!!!        From all of us at The Hen House

Notes from The Hen House

October UPDATE FROM THE HEN HOUSE of Charlotte…..
Thank you to everyone that shared their quilts for our first “VintagePatched Pieces” quilt show. We had a great display of loved quilts; a few being over 100 years old. 

How may we help you today…?
 

“Whatnots Club”
Saturday, October 4^th, 10-noon or Monday, October 6th, 5:30 – 7:30
 “Whatnots” are small quilt patterns designed for quilt shops using fabric lines by Kim Diehl. You will make 6 – 7 small quilts.

Meeting times are September through February. Held on the first Saturday mornings and the Monday evenings following the first Saturday. Please contact the shop for details and to sign up.

 

Stitched by Hand
Tuesday’s October 14^th & 28th, 9:30 – Noon 
Basic hand piecing and applique techniques are among the skills shared during these sessions. Please join us if you are interested in learning or would just like to share the morning with us. Debby Kenney – group leader/instructor. Fee: $5
 
Friday, October 10th, 10:00 – ? ~ Punch Needle Group.
Come work on your punch needle projects.
To schedule instructional time please contact the store for details.
 
Hexie-holics… 
Saturday, October 4^th, 1:00-? & Thursday, October 16th, 10:00 – ? …
Check out what English Paper Piecing is all about, it’s not just hexagons! A traditional form of piecing has made its way into the 21^st century with some amazing design opportunities.
We have a large selection of Paper Piecing papers to get you started on a new adventure.
 
Third Thursday, October 16th, Open late 5:30 – 8:00
Bring in a project you want to work on or check out some fun ideas for projects you might want to try. There will also be a few sales throughout the store. Bella Grandwill also open that evening.
 
Dorsett Buttons 
October 8^th, 10:00 – Noon Or October 22^nd, 6:00 – 8:00 $25 (includes supplies)
Learn to make Dorsett Buttons. Back in the day, before mass production, buttons were made from slices of bone. In England, these buttons became their own art form. In this class you will learn how to make a simple Dorsett Button.
 
Hand Embroidery
Mondays, October 20^th & 27^th, 10:00 – Noon, $25
Start a small crazy pieced wool project & learn hand embroidery stitches with Julie.
 
Wednesday Woolies
Wednesday, October 22nd, 10:00 – ? 
Explore the enjoyment of working with wool. Hand Applique and Rug Hooking are among the projects participants work on throughout the day.
 
Hand Crank Sewing Machine Group 
Saturday, October 25^th, 10:00 – ? 
See & experience the fun that happens when the “Crankers” are in the Coop.
We will be having a “retirement” party for Nancy during the day.
 
We currently have 3 Hand Crank machines in the shop that are for sale. 

National Weaving & Spinning Week
October 6^th thru 12^th
We invite you to come in with your loom or spinning wheel to share your fiber art throughout the week.

Beginning Weaving
October 4^th thru November 8^th 10:00 – Noon $75
Have you wanted to learn how to weave….? Here is your opportunity to learn the basics of weaving on a 4-Harness tabletop loom. Equipment and supplies are included in the cost.
Contact Leslie at 663-0357 or rivloom@sbcglobal.net or… call the Hen House for more details.

Longarm Quilting
We are a drop of site for Kari Smith-Ruedisale / “O Sew Fine Custom Quilting”.
Your quilt batting can be purchased here at The Hen House.  She may be reached at 517-256-4339 or krudyquilts@gmail.com. Her web site is www.kariquilts.com
 

“Modern” Wonky Log Cabin taught by Kari Smith-Ruedisale
Saturday October 11^th, 10:00-4:00 ~ $35
Spend a day stitching with Kari as she shows what can happen when you bring textures, prints and solids together to make this fun quilt.
Contact the store for supply list.

 

Notes from The Hen House

   
 SEPTEMBER UPDATE FROM THE HEN HOUSE of Charlotte…..
We hope you’ve enjoyed a wonderful summer…..!
Thank You!!! to all who visited during the Row by Row Experience.
 
The week of September 2^nd thru 6^th, (it’s also the week of Frontier Days in Charlotte) we are planning a “VintagePatched Pieces” quilt show here in the shop. These will not be “Quilt Show” quilts, but the vintage quilts, pieced tops and blocks that have been handed down through the years.
 
Please be advised that on Saturday some downtown streets will be blocked off starting at 9:00 am and will continue until after the parade. There are also many activities going on downtown and throughout the city during the week.
 
Saturday September 6^th and Sunday September 7^th, we will be at the Cal-Co Quilters’ Guild, Quilt Show located in Marshall. NEW LOCATION… Calhoun County Fairgrounds, Merchants Building, 720 Fair Street, Marshall, MI. 
 
 “Whatnots Club”.  “Whatnots” are small quilts designed for quilt shops with fabric lines by Kim Diehl. Each club will have 6 – 7 quilts.
 

  The first 2 samples:

        .           
Meeting times are September through January, held on the first Saturday mornings (September will be 2^nd Saturday, September 13^th) and the Monday evenings following the first Saturday.  Please contact the shop for details and to sign up.

 
Monday September 8^th, 10:00 ~ Rug Hooking

Monday, September 8^th, 5:30 – 7:30 – “Whatnots Club”
 
Tuesday’s September 9^th and 30^th, 9:30 – Noon ~ Stitched by Hand. Basic hand piecing and applique techniques are among the skills shared during these sessions. Please join us if you are interested in learning or would just like to share the morning with us. Debby Kenney – group leader/instructor. Fee: $5
 
Thursday, September 11th, Patriot Day Sale ~ All Red, White, or Blue fabrics 15% off.
 
Friday, September 12^th, 10:00 – ? ~ Punch Needle Group. Come work on your punch needle projects. If you would like to set up instructional time please contact the store for details.
 
Saturday, September 13^th, 10:00 – Noon ~ Whatnots Club
 
Saturday, September 13^th, 1:00 – 3:00 ~ Hexie-holics… See what English Paper Piecing is all about, it’s not just hexagons! Projects that have been done are amazing!
 
Thursday, September 18^th, 10:00 – ? Hexie-holics… English Paper Piecing…. It’s not just hexagons! Some of the Lucy Boston blocks that members have been working on are Fantastic!
 
Thursday, September 18^th, 5:30 – 8:00 ~ Bring in a project you want to work on.
We have some fun ideas for projects you might want to try.
 

 Tuesday, September 23rd, 2:00 – 4:00 Dorsett Buttons ~ Learn to make Dorsett Buttons. Back in the day, before mass production, buttons were made from slices of bone. In England, these buttons became their own art form. In this class you will learn how to make simple Dorsett Buttons.

Wednesday September 24^th, 10:00 – ? Wednesday Woolies ~ Explore the enjoyment of working with wool. Hand Applique and Rug Hooking are among the projects participants work on throughout the day.
 
Saturday, September 26^th, 10:00 – ? Hand Crank Sewing Machine group (they do allow vintage machines with “tails”) will be in the Coop. Stop in and experience the fun.

We currently have 2 Hand Crank machines in the shop that are for sale.
 

Monday, September 28^th, 5:30 ~ Steve Cooper will be in to offer suggestions with general sewing machine maintenance. Very informative! Cost is $5
 
October 6^th thru 12^th is National Weaving & Spinning week, we will have spinners and weavers demonstrating throughout the week.
 
Classes to be announced: Machine Quilting, Beginning Quilting, Wool Applique/Hand Embroidery, Smocking, Harness Loom Weaving, Rigid Heddle Weaving, Spinning, Shuttle Tatting, Needle Tatting.

Here is a sneak peek at the Wool Block of the Month that will start in January using a Lori Smith pattern.

Beginning in September we will be a drop of site for Kari Smith-Ruedisale / “O Sew Fine Custom Quilting”. Your quilt batting can be purchase here at The Hen House. Please call the shop for details.
 
Elise has been working very hard to keep the website up to date…..
Jo Morton’s line of “Melodies” plus some of “Castlewood” by Jan Patek, new books, wool and fabrics continue to come in, along with a few new Red Button patterns, with kits now available.

Sharing a finished quilt.
 
We wish you Happy Stitches & extend a heartfelt Thank You for helping us carry on the tradition.
….. Carolyn, Elise, Linda, Ronda, Debby & Mr. Buttons.

Who is Mr. Buttons?! 

 

Notes from The Hen House

…How can we help you today….?
 
Row by Row continues through September 2^nd, (we will be closed on Labor Day). 

We’ve had a wonderful time seeing familiar and meeting new faces this past month.

There are 84 Quilt Shops in Michigan along with hundreds in other states & Canada.

All row patterns are free when you visit a participating shop. Stop into the shop for the list or check out the Row by Row official page for details. There is also a Facebookpage. Our row sample is made up as a runner or wall hanging. Kits are available in the shop for $15. Due to the great interest in our kit; we’ve had to substitute wool for the velvet. 

Uh-oh! Looks like we may have made a tiny mistake. If you were here on the Row by Row and purchased our kit July 28th-31st, please check your kit to make sure that you have everything you need. Give us a call if you are missing any pieces or were short and wool. So sorry about this! We will be glad to replace the shorted pieces free of charge. 

Your travel dates for “The Journey Continues” Shop Hop with Everlasting Stitches in Holt are  August 1^st and 2^{nd .}  Each shop will have 3 blocks for you to collect. Shop Hop hours are 9:30-5:30. Tickets are available for $5.
 
The week of September 2^nd thru 6^th, (it’s also the week of Frontier Days in Charlotte) we are planning a “Patched Pieces” quilt show here in the shop.. These will not be “Quilt Show” quilts, but the vintage quilts, pieced tops and blocks that have been handed down through the years. If you have one you’d like to share & display contact the shop to let us know. We will also be accepting items for 2 local charities during the week. We will also have a few spinners and weavers in to show off their skills.

 “Whatnots Club” will start in September.  Debby has the first sample done. Meeting times are September through January, held on the first Saturday mornings(September will be 2^nd Saturday, September 13^th) and the Monday evenings following the first Saturday. Please contact the shop for details and to sign up.

August 9^th & 23rd Area weavers with portable looms and Spinning group will be meeting, come join or watch the groups as they play with Fiber

Thursday, August 21^st from 5-8. Fabulous Fat Friendly Frolic.  You’ll need at least 2contrasting Fat Quarters, a rotary cutter, cutting mat, ruler and sewing machine to startyour own 1 of a kind scrap quilt. We will be slicing, sewing and re-slicing to make them unique. Cost is $15.

Saturday, August 16th , 10:30 – 4:00. Fabulous Fat Friendly Frolic. All day adventure in slicing contrasting Fat Quarters to make your own one of a kind scrap quilt. Cost is $15.

Saturday, August 23^rd , 10-5 ~ Saturday Crankers will be in with their awesome machines. Come check out the fun.

Monday, August 25^th, 5:30 ~   Steve Cooper will be in to offer suggestions with general sewing machine maintenance. Cost is $5
October 6^th thru 12^th is National Weaving & Spinning week, we will have spinners and weavers demonstrating throughout the week.

Monday, September 28^th, 5:30 ~ Steve Cooper will be in to offer suggestions with general sewing machine maintenance. Cost is $5
We invite you to come and check out all the new fabrics; they are coordinating nicely with the reproduction fabrics and wool! Come sit, stitch and enjoy the space with us. You might even catch Nancy in the shop.
 
Come take a look at the Handmade products we have that are made by local artisans. There are handmade soaps, artisan jewelry, handwoven rugs, towels, scarves; rovings and skeins of handspun yarns. We also have a selection of Michigan made skeins of Shepherds Wool.
Stop in and perhaps purchase that special gift for someone you know or for yourself
 
We hope you’ve been able to enjoy a safe and enjoyable Summer!
We wish you Happy Stitches &Thank You for helping us carry on the tradition.
….. Carolyn, Elise, Linda, Ronda, & Debby.

Notes from The Hen House

…How can we help you today….?
 
Row, Row…. Row by Row (sorry couldn’t resist), begins July 1^st and continues through Labor Day. There are 84 Quilt Shops in Michigan along with hundreds in other states. All row patterns are free when you visit a participating shop. Stop into the shop for the list or check out the Row by Row official page for details. There is also a Facebook page.

Our row sample is made up as a runner or wall hanging. Kits will be available in the shop for $15.

Your travel dates for “The Journey Continues” Shop Hop with Everlasting Stitches in Holt are  August 1^st and 2^{nd .}  Each shop will have 3 blocks for you to collect. Shop Hop hours are 9;30-5:30. Tickets are available for $5.
 
The week of September 2^nd thru 6^th, we are planning a Patched Pieces quilt show. (Also the week of Frontier Days in Charlotte). These will not be “Quilt Show” quilts, but the vintage quilts, pieced tops and blocks that have been handed down through the years. If you have one you’d like to share & display contact the shop to let us know. We will also be accepting items for the Siren shelter during the week.
 
Some of you have noticed subtle display changes in the past few months; in the past 4 weeks a few more have taken place.  One big change has been, an original doorway between the Hen House and the other half of the building (previously The Ski Loft) has been reopened to give us a larger area to hold classes and provide additional space for the products we can offer you. The various groups that meet at the shop are enjoying the extra elbow room. Come sit, stitch and enjoy the space with us.
 
We have received the new Kim Diehl fabrics called “Vintage Farmhouse”.  Some of the fabrics will be used for the “Whatnots Club” that will start in September.  The quilt samples are currently in progress. Meeting times are September through January, held first Saturday mornings (September will be 2^nd Saturday) and the following Monday evenings. Please contact the shop for details and to sign up.
 
A few new fabric options have been added for you in the way of Batiks, plus a line of fabric called Silvia’s Sonnets by P & B.  We are waiting for the next Jo Morton line to arrive and we will be getting in the line of American Made Brand fabric, all in wonderful solids sometime in July. The American Made Brand in Seattle, Washington, is all grown, spun, woven and dyed in the United States. We look forward to playing with the many color choices the line has to offer.
All the new fabrics are coordinating nicely with the reproduction fabrics and wool!
 
Saturday, July 12^th & 26^{th, 10-} . Area weavers with portable looms and a Spinning group will be meeting, come join or watch the groups as they play with Fiber

Thursday, July 17^th from 5-8. Fabulous Fat Friendly Frolic.  You’ll need at least 2 contrasting Fat Quarters, a rotary cutter, ruler and sewing machine to startyour own 1 of a kind scrap quilt. We will be slicing, sewing and re-slicing to make them unique. Cost is $15.

Saturday, August 21^st, 10:30 – 4:00. Fabulous Fat Friendly Frolic. All day adventure in slicing contrasting Fat Quarters to make your own one of a kind scrap quilt. Cost is $15.

Saturday, July 26^th, 10-5 ~ Saturday Crankers will be in with their awesome machines. Come check out the fun.

October 6^th thru 12^th is National Weaving & Spinning week, we will have spinners and weavers demonstrating throughout the week.
 
Come take a look at the Handmade products we have in the shop made by local artisans. There are handmade soaps, jewelry; handwoven rugs, towels, scarves; rovings and skeins of handspun yarns. Stop in and perhaps purchase that special gift for someone you know or for yourself.
 
The Hen House will be closed Friday, July 4^th through Sunday, July 6^th.

Hope your summer experiences are safe, enjoyable and fun!