I was reading in the local paper that the Avon Food Pantry was stressed right now and tried to think of how we as a quilt shop can help. I sent out a previous notice but would like to reprint it for those of you who may have missed it.

Bring in atleast 2 non-perishable food items and receive clearance fabrics for $4/yard. (1 yard minimum cut). All food items will be donated to the Avon Food Pantry.

Q: Okay, but are there lots to choose from? A: Over 350 bolts have been clearanced.

Q: Yes, but is it ugly fabric? A: Do we ever have ugly fabric? Its mostly end of lines, odds and ends, orphan bolts and maybe a few of 'what were we thinking'. But great quality.

Q: Why do I have to donate food?? A: With the holiday season coming the local food pantrys are being stressed, we wanted to be able to help them out.

Q: Why would you mark the fabric with such a low price? A: To make room for, what else, more fabric!!

Okay, holidays are coming and lets face it, our family needs some hints about what to get us. No more socks and cutsie sweaters with big reindeer heads on them. Get us something we can really use! I am telling you to go through your sewing room, sewing closet or sewing basket and see if you have these items on your shelf and if not, put them on your holiday list!!

1. 20 1/2" square up ruler. Lets face it, most of us make blocks larger than 12" and need something to help us square up those bigger blocks!

2. Rotating mat from Olfa. We all know how difficult it is cutting blocks and turning them and keeping them straight and lined up. This is the perfect tool and will actually rotate so you don't have to pick up the fabric. $36.99 retail.

3. Quilt pounce. Come in and see this one demo'd. For those of you who are thinking of saving money and quilting the quilts yourself, you need this tool. Its a chalk powder in a rub on container that marks your tops perfectly everytime. We even have the refills. Made a mistake and want to change it? No problem, a hot iron will make it disappear! $15.99 retail.

4. Fabric calculator. For those of you who are not as math minded! It not only calculates block yardage but backing and binding too, a really neat tool to carry with you. Small enough to fit in your purse. $49.99 retail.

5. The ultimate gift. The gift of quilting your own quilts with an HQ 16. We not only have the frames which allows you to use your own home machine for less than $700 but also the new Simply Sixteen which for less than $4500 can get you started in your own small business or just saving money by quilting things yourself.

We know how difficult with our very busy lives to get everything done! So we decided to help you out this holiday season and are now open Sundays 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. With plenty of parking and fantastic new arrivals, we look forward to helping you with your next project.