a few of my favorite things.........

Yes, it's that time of year again.  Time to rejoice in all the good that has been bestowed upon us and to celebrate these blessings with family and friends.  That said, it is, unfortunately, one of the most hectic times of the year.  We are all trying our best to find ways to show our friends and family just how much we love and appreciate them.  Often this means running about like "madmen" trying to find that perfect thing whatever that may be....electronic gadgets, jewelry, bikes, dolls, spa treatment (yes please)....so, I am always in awe of those who take the extra time to make something themselves.  Even if it is just a card...or a simple gift that is specially wrapped.  I think when you have to stop and sit quietly to make something, you bring that person closer to you in the process.  You think about them, you feel joy that you are making something for them and this joy is absorbed into the gift.  I know, sounds a bit corny, but that is what the magic of the holiday season is about.

Fortunately for us here at the store, we get to see these special creative people every day.  So much is going on it's difficult to talk about any of it in detail, so I thought I'd share pics of a few of my favorites things (you know, the picture/thousand word thing..)  So, here it goes:

 New staff member Vicky just made the sweetest knitting needle case using a fabric from Melody Miller's "Ruby Star Rising", Amy Butler's "Sun Spots" for the lining and wrapping it all up with a sweet lacy cotton trim.  Love it!

The kids are very busy creating in our classes and workshops.  I'm always surprised how often their projects are gifts for someone special to them (brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts, friends...)  And not just during the holidays.  Pretty amazing don't you think?  

The above photo is of two of Jennifer's workshop students who made fab pillowcases as gifts for family members.  Great job Paige and Erin!!!!

So many beautiful fabrics have rolled into the store. Here are a few of my faves:

   Amy Butler's latest collection: "Lark"

I think this is my favorite of all her collections thus far.

Great designs, beautiful colors!

Heather Ross's "far, far, away lll" very sweet.

The one above with the little owl stealing the underpants

is stealing everyone's hearts around here.

"Modernology" by Art Gallery Fabrics.  Fresh and fabulous!

For all of you who already LOVE Lotta Jansdotter,

she has a debut collection with Windham Fabrics.  Yippie!!! 

Can not resist posting this one again.

I absolutely adore this funny elephant-in-his-cups
print by Michael Miller

Nancy Keyes and Joan McAnulty have made all kinds of

uniquely beautiful handcrafted items which are for sale in the store.

Shibori scarves by Nancy Keyes.

Hand dyed and knit hat by Joan McAnulty

and many, many other fabulous hand crafted items.

I wish I could put everything on this one post...

all the great things that need to be shared....
There's more to come soon.

Don't forget...
if you are looking for a gift for someone creative
a gift certificate can be used towards anything in the store,
including classes.

Most of all...enjoy this holiday season.

And best wishes for the New Year!

Mary and Margaret

 

September Song...

Ah!  I love the September air.  Clears the head and makes me feel ready to roll up my sleeves and get started on new projects.  So, what's up?  Weeelllll, around here classes come back in full force.

Lots of new fabrics and yarns are rolling in too.

Some of my favorite things of the moment are:

Designer Rolls from Kaffe Fassett

Delicious!  grab, sew.....soak in the beauty of Kaffe's fabrics!

"Garden" by Wooster and Prince

 

Fabulous new organic cottons from the Robert Kaufman

Good Life Collection

Also from Robert Kaufman...

"Appleville" by Suzy Ultman

This is the most adorable fabric!

Chock full of cute little vignettes.

Frame them, embellish bags, kids quilts, clothes...

so many possibilities!


On a more romantic note...
love this beautiful collection from From Robyn Pandolph
"Desired Things"

 

New Yarns

Fave of the moment around here is

"Flicker" from Berroco

This unbelievably lofty and luxurious baby alpaca
chainette is infused with super soft glittering strands.

Perfect for those crispy Fall days.


Home Decorating
Lots of new special purchase fabrics have arrived.
These are up to 50% off regular retails prices!

So, lots going on here...

Hope to see you all soon!


m & m

Happy Campers!

July has come and gone...and summer's end is near.

Jennifer Ziehl Vacca's first season of summer classes was

a great success.  The students were mostly beginner sewers.

It was amazing to see how fast they learned
and the incredible array of things they created...bags, belts,
skirts, pillowcases and even a quilt!

 Now we're gearing up for Fall...very busy time of year.

Lot's of new classes are being offered

and more will be added throughout the season.

Check out the current listings on our website:

http://franklinmillstore.com/craft_classes.html

We also have plenty of new things to inspire your creativity...

...a new shipment of fabulous Home Decorating remnants

has just arrived.  Fabrics that normally sell for $30-$80 per yd

are just $6.98-$8.98.  No excuse not to get those

projects started with these prices.

New books are in too...full of
 great ideas, helpful hints and instructions.

As always, lots of fabulous new fabrics
keep rolling in. New collections from
Michael Miller, Alexander Henry,
Robert Kaufman, Kaffe Fassett,
Anna Maria Horner, Tina Givens,
Valori Wells, Amy Butler, and many more...

Lastly, I want to thank everyone
who participated in our Summer Giveaway.
Loved hearing what all of you crafty people are creating...
or dreaming of creating.  Congratulations to all the winners:
Jodi Meenan, Beverly Chipko, Jennifer Flint MacLean,
Maureen O'Reilly, Meredith Clarkin Olbrys,
Mary Ellen Cusack, Joy Bettencourt, Julie Madden
and Shellie Moniz!

Yeah!!!!

Enjoy these last summer days.  Hope to see you all soon!

M & M