The Fat Quarter Blog

Our first Week at Mammoth Lakes

2012-05-20T04:49:08Z

Hi All!

We Arrived May 10th in Mammoth Lakes, California to begin our 2012 summer season at Crystal Crag Lodge on Lake Mary. Our first impression -- One of the most beautiful and wonderful places on earth! Love the town, love the lodge, love the lakes, love it all!

Here's the lodge. There's plenty of snow still on the ground, even in mid May, but this is actually one of the mildest years they've had in a while. There are 23 cabins of varying sizes and shapes, a main lodge and three RV spots right next to a stream for the crew.

Here's a view from about a mile up the road. We're standing atop a series of waterfalls that drop into these two lakes... beautiful view from here!

Here's a view of Lake Mary from our dock, right across the road from the lodge. The water is still and clear.

Another view of the main lodge with a few cabins in the distance.

Back in town at "The Village" here's Isabel, dreaming of the trout she plans to catch this summer!

Hope this finds you all well and we hope you're finishing projects! More to come from here soon!

TFQQS Summer 2012 Update!

2012-05-03T22:35:01Z

Hi All,

First of all, we want to thank you all for your support, prayers, and cheering as we completed the new studio! It's up and running and we're having a great time working and visiting with many of you who have stopped by! We've caught up now on unfinished workload as Diana is finishing up a quilt now and Tom has been working hard to get the remainder of your machines done!

As for this summer's plans, I know we said we were planning to stay home and grow our garden -- however -- somehow we knew deep down that we couldn't, and shouldn't sit still too long! Our call to wander came just recently as the owner of a lakefront resort in Mammoth Lakes, California called us to ask if we'd consider working there this summer. To make a long story short, we're off on another work camping adventure and we're very excited!

We'll be traveling to Lake Mary at Mammoth Lakes, California this month to begin work at the Crystal Crag Lodge (http://www.crystalcrag.com/) to work with two other couples. As the web site says:

Crystal Crag Lodge was originally built in 1927. Nestled among the trees right alongside beautiful Lake Mary at an elevation of 9000 feet are the 23 cabins of Crystal Crag Lodge, a most exceptional place. Since the 1920’s our guests have been coming back year after year to enjoy our breathtaking beauty, crystal clear air and water, amazing wilderness scenery, countless hiking and biking trails, some of the best trout fishing in the Eastern Sierra, and the relaxing and friendly atmosphere of Crystal Crag Lodge. Our rustic cabins are fully-equipped, including fireplaces with firewood, decks with barbecues, kitchens with utensils and dishes, and bedrooms and bathrooms stocked with towels and linens. Many cabins have incredible views of the lake and the mountains, and of course our staff of friendly hosts will meet all your needs.

So, rather than working at a compground, we'll be working at a resort with cabins, though we will be staying on site in our fifth-wheel.

Here's a picture of Lake Mary:

and here's one from the dock of the lodge:

We'll be returning to the studio to work on our quilts along with your long arm quilting projects, embroidery labels and sewing machines on or about October 15th so mark your calendars now! We're also planning to have a new fabric line or two available at that time! And as always, if you have questions about your machines, long arm quilting or would like to just say hi, give us a call on our cell phone at (208) 599-5939.

We'll keep you posted of our progress as we begin this latest chapter of adventure!

Take care and we'll see you all soon!

Tom and Diana

Trip to Gooding/Wendell

2012-04-19T02:55:39Z

Hello Everyone,

We are going to be in Gooding/Wendell tomorrow morning. If you need a sewing machine, serger or quilt picked up please call to let us know. We are happy to meet you or stop by your house.

We will have our cell phone with us. 208-599-5939

Diana and Tom

Tuesday Trip to Gooding/Wendell

2012-04-10T03:12:27Z

Hi All,

We'll be in Gooding and Wendell tomorrow, (April 10), dropping off and picking up sewing machines and quilts! Let us know if we need to stop by your place to pick up machines or quilts, or if you need needles, etc! You can e-mail or call us at 208-599-5939 or 208-599-4231.

See you soon!

Tom and Diana

P.S. The drywall is now up and the first coat of mud is applied to the studio! We're less than a seek away from completion! Photos to follow soon...

The Fat Quarter Quilt Studio Progress Report!

2012-03-29T03:43:08Z

Hi All,

Thanks to everyone for your comments and support during our recent construction project! As promised, here is a photo montage update!

Also a quick note to let you know we will be dropping off and picking up sewing machines in Mountain Home this Friday, March 30th so give us a call if you need to be added to our pick up route, or you need titanium needles, etc.

Diana now has dedicated temporary space for her long-arm and it is up and running so let us know as well if you need quilting... she should be caught up and ready for new quilts withing the week (or so).

Now on to the Studio:

I believe we left you last looking at four partial walls and that was about it. Well, we have made progress! I surprise even myself as I look back at how far we've come in such a short time! This first photo shows me wondering if we'll ever get everything done! Do note that the wall framing and initial rafters are in, so we must be doing something right!

This photo shows the rafters and trusses in place with sheathing on and ready for roofing! Funny thing about this roof. 15 years ago, I had no problems jumping up on the roof to repair tiles and such. This time I was much more hesitant and cautious for some reason... so it took me much longer! The old window hole on the left will be sealed and sided over. The hole on the right will house a new window.

Here's a view from the inside showing the attic crawl space being installed. Our roll of batting will eventually hang from the ceiling and recess into this space up above so we can simply lower it on a pulley system when someone needs batting!

Back outside now and the roofing has begun! I like to lay roofing -- for about the first 1/2 hour... The next 72 hours of roofing, however, were murder! I think I scraped most of the skin off all my knuckles in the process!

Will the roofing never end?! Don't be fooled by the smile... I'm actually gritting my teeth! I will spare you the photos where I was layed out face first trying to keep from sliding off the pitch of the roof by making contact with as much body surface as possible, thus increasing friction, all-the-while trying to hold shingles and drive nails!

Which finally brings us to the here and now! The roof is on, the nice victorian era door which has been sitting in the back of the garage waiting all these years for a purpose is finally installed, and the windows are in. It's all sealed up and ready for siding! Isabel came up with the design for the door overhang, suspended by chain from above as not to require 2 big support posts right in front of the door. Nice work Isabel! Notice our night dropped Mexican Fighting Rooster in the foreground along with one of our Buff Orpington Ladies inspecting the work and wondering when we will finally start cleaning up their foraging area.

Now that it's weatherproof, sealed up and secure, we're starting to move some furniture items in to create more space in the house. Next on the list is wiring, insulation and drywall!

In the mean time, let us know if there is something you need. With some of the furniture moving, we are now able to find most everything that was hidden for a few weeks!

One last note to leave you with this week. We had gone back and forth regarding the embroidery machine, but in the end we decided to keep it so we can continue to use it for projects! This being said, let us know if you decide you need embroidered quilt labels or other embroidery projects!

You are all in our prayers last week, this week, and next!

Hope to see you somewhere soon. Until then,

It's off to the hardware store -- again!

Tom and Diana

We are back home

2012-03-20T22:33:18Z

Hello Everyone,

We are back home and ready to work on your machine. Please call if you need a pick up, drop off or home servicing of your sewing machine, longarm or serger.

208-599-5939

Diana and Tom

Race Weekend!!!

2012-03-13T04:11:30Z

Hi All,

The fun at the race track started to peak as the weekend approached! But first, we take a few minutes out to enjoy the strip! Here's Isabel at her favorite gaming spot inside Circus Circus: The quarter pusher!

After just a few minutes she amassed over 1,000 tickets!

Which she quickly cashed in for this bling!! A nice tiger hat/mitten combo and a gumball machine.

Luckily, she remembered to pay the "Mom Tax" by treating Mom to a mountain of Tootsie Rolls paid for with her leftover tickets.

Is this a content kid, or what? A bunch of new toys, an ICEE, and a pretzel!

and just across the way, mom makes another quick 20-bucks by playing her new favorite slot machine. I don't know how she does it, but every time she sits down at a machine she makes money! SO far, she's paying our way!

We stepped out onto the strip to watch the NASCAR Hauler Parade

The parade was great and lasted about 20-30 minutes while every hauler passed by an blew their horns. Here's the highlight of the night:

Go Jimmie!

And Speaking of, we figured our first stop on Sunday should be to check in with the crew in the garage to make sure the car would be ready

Meanwhile, Isabel was meeting with Ms Sprint

and she was trying to meet with Danica. Unfortunately this was as close as she would get this weekend

She also had a chance to get a close look at what she says will be her car someday! The Dodge Challenger.

Back to the garage to check in with the competition. Here's a picture of the NASCAR haulers and all of Carl's gear. Not sure why he left his tires and stuff here...

and back in Jimmie's garage, Junior has come over to discuss race strategy with Jimmie and Chad.

Roaming around the garage area, we saw this mechanic really getting into his work!

Sunday finally arrived so Isabel and I climbed on top of the RV to get the ultimate NASCAR view from the infield!

The field is lining up in turn 3!

Fast forward toward the end of the race--Isabel and I head to the winner's circle. Since it's the Kobalt 400, she gets a complimentary foam rubber hammer!

and soon after, the winner of the weekend, Tony Stewart pulled in and climbed out

Here's his car, back at the garage after the celebration.

All in all, it was another awesome NASCAR weekend.

I just wish this picture would have been of Jimmie or Carl since that's who we put money on at the casino!

Luckily for Isabel, this wasn't the end of the excitement! Stay tuned for details of our surprise side trips following Las Vegas!

New Camping Spot and the Calm Before the Storm!

2012-03-06T01:55:37Z

Hi All,

We moved to our final camping spot Sunday Afternoon in the infield this year. Here's Diana checking out the neighbors and Isabel supervising move-in.

Here's our new across the street neighbors. Notice that this picture was taken Monday mid-day as the Sprint Cup trucks started to arrive from Phoenix.

Here's the view from our backyard down the backstretch toward turn 2

A few of the die-hard fans started arriving today at Noon on the dot, as soon as the gates opened.

Even the gulls are fighting for a good spot!

During our morning walk, I couldn't help but realize we were enjoying the calm before the storm. Here's a view of turn 4.

Most of the Nationwide Series Haulers arrived Sunday.

We took a chance to head downtown to the Venetian for a stroll around our old stomping grounds (of sorts).

Isabel enjoyed a Limon Cello gellato in the mall!

and a quick mention that we are feeling slightly guilty for leaving Sadie at home during this trip, but we're glad that we did now because we know she wouldn't have enjoyed the infield experience. I was looking back at a few pictures of her and found one of her early puppy sleeping poses.

Here's a picture of her at the house from just a few weeks ago. I have a feeling she's probably doing the same thing right now since we're gone.

More Updates to come...

Las Vegas!

2012-03-03T20:03:36Z

Hi All,

Made it safe and sound to Las Vegas Motor Speedway! No snow on the way down so the drive was a breeze this year! Here's the new view from our living room for this week...

We'll update you again at our next stop! Have fun!!

Tom, Diana and Isabel

Sewing Machine Pick Up and Delivery Today!

2012-02-28T16:36:47Z

Hi All,

We'll be out and about today picking up and delivering sewing machines in Glenns Ferry, Hagerman, Wendell, Gooding and points in between. If you need us to pick up your sewing machine for service, need needles or have other questions, call us at 599-5939 or 599-4231 and we'll add you to the schedule!

Hope you all can find time this week to quilt and sew!

Tom and Diana

P.S. The first few sheets of roofing sheathing are on the studio! Won't be long now!

Life at The Fat Quarter Quilt Studio

2012-02-28T03:38:44Z

Hello Everyone,

It has been a busy time here at The Fat Quarter Quilt Studio. We have been working hard to create a studio out of our 106 year old garage. I will be posting photos at the end of this blog to share the progress. We will be a bit delayed due to our need to be in Las Vegas to work the Nascar race. We will be gone for approximately 2 weeks starting March 2nd. We have started on the roof but forgot to take photos today. We will continue to post more photos so keep checking back.

Diana and Tom

The Final Week at the Shop!

2012-02-15T02:22:57Z

Hi Everyone,

We're down to the final week in the store and we still have quite a few fabric bolts left on the shelf! We also have notions, thread, a few books, etc! This is the last chance to get a great deal! $4/yd for 44" cotton, $6/yd for batiks, $11/yd for 108" wide backing fabric and everything else is 50% off or more! and now even the furniture is on sale so come to see what we have to offer!

We're open this week Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm each day.

Our shipment of titanium needles have arrived! Stop in to claim your pack! We have them for your home machines in sizes 12 and 14.

And just as a reminder, even after the store is closed, we will continue to offer sewing machine service and repair, embroidery, and long arm quilting services from our home studio in Glenns Ferry. Call us at (208) 599-5939 for details. We offer pick up/delivery service and we can service machines right in your home if need be!

Thanks and see you all soon!

2 Weeks Left

2012-02-06T01:37:07Z

We still have lots of great fabric(including Batiks), books, patterns and notions on sale but only 2 weeks left before we are closed.

Hours: Wed-Sat 10:00 am-5:00 pm

We found a wonderful loving home for the lost lab puppy.

Diana

Found!

2012-01-29T18:16:57Z

Just an update here to let you all know we were able to find a great new home for the puppy! She will now be living in Twin Falls in her new home with a great family. Many thanks to everyone who helped get the word out!

Tom

_____________________________________________________________________

Hi All,

You all know we're softies when it comes to animals. We were driving East on I-84 a few days ago heading for the shop when we came across a lab mix puppy who we think had been dumped. She was in traffic trying to stop semi's and cars so we pulled over. She ran right over and flopped down on her back so I could scratch her belly! She didn't have a collar, no homes around, and she was thin and dehydrated. Needless to say, we are now foster parents looking for someone who can give her a good home. She is very gentle and loving and is very good with our 2 other dogs, 3 cats and children. Let us know if you can help!

Thanks!

Only 18 days left!

2012-01-29T18:10:22Z

Hi all,

As January comes to a close, we are about to begin our last 18 days in the shop! Unbelievably, we still have a lot of fabric and notions available at great prices! We've also dug through the back room and found quite a few notions that we forgot we had so they are now out for sale as well!

Titanium needles are on the way! I will post another blog message when we receive them and can offer them for sale... which brings up --

Due to overwhelming demand (and a few threats!) we will continue to offer sewing machine service/cleaning/repair! Tom has a workshop at our home in Glenns Ferry so you can either drop machines off at the house (and maybe stay for a cup of coffee?) or call us to arrange pick up from your home. We will be making regular trips to Wendell, Gooding, Jerome, Twin Falls, and surrounding communities so we can pick up and deliver!

Many of you are also asking us about in-home machine service as well, so we will be offering that service as well! Do you have a machine in a cabinet? A long arm that you can't move? Or just don't have the time to bring your machine over? Just call us at (208) 599-5939 and we'll come to you to provide machine service in your home!

Diana will also continue to offer long arm quilting out of our home. Please call us to discuss options and pricing.

And finally, as the transition continues we will be combining our quilt shop blog and adventure blog into one fantastic blog to keep our family and friends informed as to where we're at and what we're doing. Feel free to visit our adventure blog at http://fifthwheelcamping.blogspot.com/. When the shop closes on the 18th, we will move everything onto that blog.

See you all soon!

Tom and Diana

Fat Quarter Clearance Sale!

2012-01-24T21:02:13Z

Hello Everyone,

We have returned from our travels.

Due to rising wholesale costs and a desire to travel some more we have decided to close the Fat Quarter Quilt Shop.

Everything in the shop is marked at cost or below. We no longer accept checks, debit or credit cards. We only accept cash.

Hurry in for the best selection. Our last day will be Feb. 18th or until it is all gone.

We are sorry to disappoint our loyal customers and we appreciate all of your support over the last 5 years.

We will continue to service sewing machines and sergers from our home in Glenns Ferry. Diana will continue to provide long arm quilting services as well.

44" wide cottons are $4/yard

Batiks are $6/yard

Wide Backings are $11/yard

Notions are 50% off

Sincerely,

Tom, Diana and Isabel

The Fat Quarter Quilt Shop

208-599-5939

Hours:Wed.-Sat. 10-5

Clearance Sale!

2012-01-13T05:34:07Z

Hello Everyone,

We are having a store wide clearance sale. Batiks $6/yard, 44" cottons $4/yd, all notions,books and patterns on sale for cost or less. Hurry in before it is all gone.

Hours: Wed.-Sat. 10-5

Diana and Tom

We're Back!!!

2012-01-06T20:03:39Z

Hi All,

As rumored, we are back in town! And as you can imagine, there is a lot to do to get the shop ready for opening day. We're happy to announce that things are moving right along and we will re-open the shop Wednesday, January 11th at 10 am! We'll start out being open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 am to 5 pm and go from there. We can't wait to see you all so we can catch up! See you soon!!!

Hello

2011-12-01T23:00:14Z

We hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. We were able to go to Tulsa, Ok and spend the day with Tom's brother and his parents. It was a nice relaxing day and the smoked turkey was wonderful.

We have been in Coffeyville, Kansas working for Amazon.com since October 1st.

We have been working hard filling your orders and walking,walking and more walking. We walk between 15-20 miles a night and work 4-5 nights a week. We work either 10 or 11 hour shifts.

We will be back to open the shop during the week of January 9th. We will post the exact day soon but we need time to put everything back on the shelves.

We wish everyone a very merry Christmas and hope you get to spend time with family.

Diana, Tom, Isabel and Sadie

Coming Home!

2011-09-06T22:07:06Z

Hello Everyone,

We hope everyone has had an enjoyable summer. We have had a great time working at Peninsula Family Camping this summer. We have been able to enjoy loads of family time with daily long walks for Sadie and many fishing trips for Isabel. Isabel officially won our family fishing competition. We lost track of the many fish she caught. She caught this huge crappie.
It was 1 1/2 lbs and around 15"-20" in length.

Although Sadie entered the race by catching a few as well. Too bad you never have a camera at the right moment.

We will be on our way home soon with our expected arrival in Idaho on September 19th.

We will be home for approximately one week. We have decided to spend a few additional months working for Amazon.com in Coffeyville, Kansas.

We plan to return to the quilt shop in January. We have not worked out all the details yet but we will return with new ideas and a new schedule.

Please don't hesitate to keep your emails coming and let us know what you are up to.
We look forward to seeing everyone soon.

Diana, Tom, Isabel and Sadie