Feather Your Nest

New class schedule for November/December

2011-11-17T17:18:00.000-08:00

Give the gift of sewing this year!

Sign up with friends or family for a fun holiday outing.

Feather Your Nest Adult Sewing Classes

Our sewing classes are designed for adults (18 and older)
with basic sewing skills and some knowledge of how to
operate a sewing machine, unless otherwise specified.

You must pre-select your fabrics prior to class,

and pre-wash your fabrics for any clothing classes.

Some classes may require prep work to be done at home.

All classes include use of our sewing machines if needed and all tools.

Supplies are extra unless otherwise noted, you do receive 10% off all fabrics and

patterns purchased for a class when you sign up, or bring your own fabrics.

We require minimum of 2 students to hold a class.

All class fees must be paid in advance to reserve your spot.

Full refund if we cancel the class, no refund if student

cancels less than 7 days prior to class date.

Supplies are additional unless noted otherwise.

Call or stop in to register 614-834-3392.

Get Sewing 101! Learn to Sew $35 (includes pattern and supplies)

Mondays, December 5 and 12 6-8 pm or

Wednesdays, December 7 and 14 1-3 pm
Mondays, January 23 and 30 6-8 pm
Wednesdays, January 18 and 25 1-3 pm

Spend 2 sessions learning the basics of a sewing machine, sewing terminology,
how to select fabrics and interfacings, and finally cut out and sew a Valori Wells
Little Wallet. This class will give you the knowledge and confidence to move on
and take any of our beyond beginner project based classes.
Use one of our sewing machines or bring your own.

Private Sewing Lessons - $10 an hour

Want individual attention from one of our patient teachers to learn how to sew or

tackle a special project like binding a quilt or installing a zipper with one-on-one instruction?
Then this is for you! Call us to schedule a time that fits your schedule.

“Make & Mingle” - $20 a session

Saturday, Jan 7 10 am - 1:00 pm

Saturday, Feb 11 10 am - 1:00 pm
Sit with like minded sewists and enjoy a few hours of uninterupted sewing time.
Bring any project you need help with and we will have an experienced seamstress
available to answer questions. No specific class instruction, but a guiding hand to
help you along. You must register in advance.

"Sleep Well" Pajama Pants $30 class fee

Thursdays, January 5 and 12 6-8:00 pm

Just in time for chilly winter nights, this is a great class for someone
wanting to learn basic garment construction. Let Hilda teach you how
easy these are in this popular class, and you’ll be whipping up a pair
for everyday of the week and for everyone you know - including
the men in your life!

Little Glam Bag - $30 (includes supplies)

Sunday, February 5 12-4:00 pm

This cute wristlet bag has lots of design options, pieced patchwork
or pick just one or two of your favorite fat quarters.
This will become your go-to quick and easy handmade gift for all
your family and friends. Great for makeup, a quick trip out, or
holding smaller items inside a larger bag.

The West Linn Bag by Loft Creations $30 class fee

Saturday, February 25 10:00 - 2:00 pm

This modern versatile bag is great for daytripping, grocery shopping,

or an evening out. You will want to make more than one and changing

the fabrics and colors will give the bag a new look each time.

Learn basic bag construction and piecing techniques.

The Twirl Skirt by Valori Wells $25 class fee (includes pattern)

Thursday December 15 12:00 - 3:00 pm
(also includes free supplies in Flurry collection for 12/15 date)
or
Sunday, December 18 12:00 - 3:00 pm

Sew many of you have expressed an interest in learning to sew for your
daughters and grandaughters and this skirt is the PERFECT first project.
Girly and cute, it's a simple gathered skirt with a twirly flounce and an
easy elastic waist.

Saturday Market Bag $30 class fee

Saturday, January 14 and 21 10-1:00

Heather Bailey's super cute (check out the bow!) Saturday Market bag is perfect
for shopping or carrying your knitting or just about anything else in this roomy
expandable bag. For the beyond beginner student who is familiar with machine
and basic sewing skills but wants to learn basic bag construction techniques.

New Leaf Folding Totes $35 class fee (includes lunch)

Monday, January 16 10-3:00

Do you have Martin Luther King day off? Spend it with us making this tuck-away
set of shopping totes with storage sash - each reusable tote folds into a compact
wallet for easy storage. Skip the plastic on your next grocery run and shop in these
handy, earth-friendly beautiful totes. We will order pizza in for lunch to keep your
strength up for a fun day of sewing!

Heirloom Quilt $40 class fee

Sundays, January 22 and 29 12-3:00

We loved this modern quilt by Joel Dewberry, showcasing his new
Heirloom collection, so much that we duplicated it exactly for our
class sample. We have pre-cut kits for you to duplicate also, or
choose your own fabrics. This is a just beyond beginner class for
someone who has a basic knowledge of sewing and wants to learn
quick quilt piecing techniques. Free use of our tools.

WWC - another great issue!

2011-08-25T14:54:00.000-07:00

I soooo look forward to this magazine each time it's published. This issue features another one of our favorite designers, Heather Bailey! We've been able to meet her at Quilt Market in the past and she was so genuine and sweet. She has a new collection of home dec fabrics coming out, Garden District, and we already have plans for recovering a couch in one of them. They are GORGEOUS! I also just love being able to glimpse at other's creative spaces - mine is neither glamorous or nearly as tidy but one can always dream a little =)

and I'm really going to have to make a trip out to Arizona and find out why SOOOOOO many creative people come from that state!

New classes added for August and September!

2011-07-19T17:28:00.000-07:00

Feather Your Nest Adult Sewing Classes

Our sewing classes are designed for adults (16 and older) with basic sewing skills and

some knowledge of how to operate a sewing machine, unless otherwise specified.

You must pre-select your fabrics prior to class, and pre-wash your fabrics for
any clothing classes. Some classes may require prep work to be done at home.
All classes include use of our sewing machines if needed and all tools.

We require minimum of 2 students to hold a class.

All class fees must be paid in advance to reserve your spot.

Full refund if we cancel the class,

No refunds will be made if student cancels less than 7 days prior to class date.

Supplies are additional unless noted otherwise.
Call or stop in to register 614-834-3392.

Get Sewing! Private Sewing Lessons

$10 an hour Schedule a time that fits your schedule Mon-Fri 11-7:00 pm

Want individual attention from one of our patient teachers to learn how to sew or tackle a special project one-on-one? Then this is for you!

“Get Sewing!” Design Your Own Class

Have 3-5 friends that want to get together for a girls day or night out? Host a unique bridal/baby shower or birthday bash? You pick the project from one of our patterns and we’ll schedule a time just for you. Bring snacks and beverages and make it a real party! Class fee depends on project selected.

Available times: Sunday afternoons 1-4 pm or Mon-Fri 6-9 pm

“Make & Mingles”

Saturday, 8/27 or Saturday, 9/24   10-1:00 pm      $15 class fee

Bring any project you need help with finishing or getting started and we will have an experienced seamstress available to answer questions and help you along with your sewing project. You must register in advance and let us know a little about your project.

Let’s Get Quilting!

                                                  ”Texas Two Step” by Atkinson Designs (shown here)
                                                             - Sunday, 8/14, 8/21    1:00-4:00

“Flurry” by Kate Spain (sample being quilted!)

- Sunday, 9/11, 9/18 1:00-4:00

$45 class fee - free use of our quilting tools

Learn the quick rotary cutting and piecing techniques of quilting in our beginner quilting classes. We use simple patterns that go together quickly, so you will finish piecing a lap size quilt in this class, or be well on your way to a larger version. Requires basic sewing and machine skills.

"Sleep Well" Pajama Pants

Thurs. 8/25 or Sat. 9/10 1:00-4:00 pm $20 class fee

Just in time for chilly fall nights, this is a great class for someone wanting to learn basic garment construction. Let Hilda teach you how easy these are, and you’ll be whipping them out for everyone you know! A great “Off To College” Mother-Daughter class!

Flag Bunting

Sat. 8/13 or Thurs. 8/18 10-1:00 pm $20 class fee

You’ve seen these ADORABLE flag buntings in magazines and decorating the shoppe. Now come make your own version to use for any special occasion.
Personalize with a child’s name or spell out any special message of your choosing.

Fabric Flowers

Thurs. 8/11 or Fri. 8/26 1-3:00 pm $15 class fee

Fabric flowers are all the rage in fashion now as embellishments for hair, clothing,
handbags and home decor! Let us teach you a few of our favorite techniques.
Choose fabrics from our scrap bag or bring your own. Class for those 13 and older.

Amy Butler Barcelona Skirt

Wednesday, 9/21 , 9/28 6-8:00 pm $25 class fee

This is one of our most popular clothing patterns! This A-line skirt is great for the confident beginner wanting to learn how to read a pattern and do basic garment construction, including installing an invisible zipper. So easy you’ll want to design a different one for every day of the week!

Easy Breezy Backsack by Lizzie B Cre8tive

Wednesday, 8/10, 8/17 6-8:00 pm $25 class fee

This is a great backsack perfect for back to school! Check out our sample in the new LouLouThi fabrics! You choose your 3 favorite fabrics to complete yours. Thinking about handmade xmas gifts? All your friends will want one of these!

Grommet Hipster by Indygo Junction

Monday, 8/22, 8/29 6-8:00 pm $25 class fee

This stylish urban patchwork bag goes together quickly. A great small bag perfect for shopping or travel. This class is for the confident beginner who has completed a basic tote or handbag.

Spice Market Tote by Amy Butler

Monday, 9/12 , 9/19 6-8 pm $25 class fee

A fabulous new pattern by Amy Butler! Perfect for a day at the farmers market
or off to yoga class or the gym. This tote comes in 2 different sizes, and is a good project for the beginner with basic sewing skills.

Amy Butler Rossette Pillow

Saturday, 8/20 or Saturday, 9/17 1-4 pm $20 class fee

Everyone loves our Rosette pillows, so much so, they keep talking us into selling them our samples!

Come learn the tricks to making your own version of this adorable pillow.

Barefoot in the Park Quilt

Sunday, October 9 and 16 from 1:00 - 4:00 $60 class fee

This is a rare treat when we get to have the actual pattern designer also teach the class! Join Stephanie, from Loft Creations, to make this beautiful 2 sided quilt. See her sample in Amy Butler fabrics and purchase a precut kit to duplicate, or, this is a perfect scrappy quilt.
This class is for the confident beginner. You will learn to do applique as well as set in
corner triangles in this class. Good "next class" after taking one of our "Get Quilting" classes.

Check out these great pics from Paris!

2010-09-12T04:38:00.000-07:00

This is from the blog of the curator of Peacock Park Design - Gina Galvin. Peacock has been one of our vendors for close to three years now. She has a great eye and perfectly captured the beauty of Paris...makes me want to go back again now...really bad!

We went a few years back, before we opened Feather Your Nest, so a trip back now would be with a different eye. And more time would be spent in Paris...we were only there about a day and a half.
I would definitely want to hit the flea markets there! How fun to find originals of all the things we make and sell reproductions of here. So take a fun little tour through Gina's eyes - make sure your volume is turned up and enjoy = ) http://www.peacockparkdesign.blogspot.com/

Flower Power

2010-08-24T19:06:00.000-07:00

My maiden name is Flowers so I've always enjoyed the term "Flower Power". Enjoy this bit of flower power from Liberty of London.

It's here! It's here!

2010-08-06T19:01:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite publications! I eagerly await each new issue of this "magazine" which is really a book-zine. Published by Somerset Studios, it showcases artists and their workspaces and many of them share what inspires them and how they started their artistic way of life.

In this issue, one of my all time favorite artists graces the cover - Amy Butler! I've had the good fortune to have met her a couple of times and each time I'm awe-struck. I don't know why. She's gracious and sincere and very unassuming. When we saw her at Quilt Market last fall, she actually asked ME if she could take a picture with ME in my embellished shirt that we had used her LOVE fabrics on. Very cool =)

This particular issue has a lot of the artists that we carry in our shoppe. Amy Barickman, we carry her Indigo Junction patterns (got to meet and take a seminar with her too) Wendy Addison licenses her items through Midwest of Cannon Falls and we carry a lot of her reproductions especially at Christmas, Kelly Rae Roberts - love her collage art and we're considering bringing in her prints (what do you all think?), Camille Roskelley is the artist behind Thimble Blossoms, a line of really cute and simple to make quilt patterns and she also designs fabrics for Moda, and many of the other artists featured I've followed for years - via blogs and websites and magazines. To be able to see the spaces that they create and to read their background stories is very inspiring. Check it out - I think you will love it too!

Shop Local

2010-07-25T04:41:00.000-07:00

We are just back from Atlanta GA, which is one of the places that hosts a big trade show for shop owners. It's where we order our merchandise. Many, many showrooms of many many different styles and prices. The first time you attend one, it's verrry overwhelming. As the years go on, you learn your way around, what floors and vendors carry what you might be looking for, where the new independent artists are showing their stuff...

Before we go, we get a lot of comments about it being "fun" or a vacation and we also hear a lot of "whoo boy, you get to SHOP for a living?!" but let me tell you it's EXHAUSTING. and stressful. Floor after floor, showroom after showroom, rep after rep telling you this is absolutely their BEST seller. It's going to FLY off your shelves. Looking at hundreds of products and trying to decide on the perfect items for our customers. Will they love it? Are they willing to pay enough for it for us to make a decent profit on it? The minimum is 24 of one thing, do we have 24 customers that will want to pay full price for that?

It'a almost like gambling...we hand them our credit cards and order and pre-pay for the merchandise and hope that it's the "right stuff" and we can sell it at full price...not just 50% off after Christmas...

So many independent retailers have closed their doors in the last couple of years. Long time retailers with fabulous shoppes. Many that you might read about in magazines like Romantic Homes or Better Homes and Gardesn. Just not enough customers that support them year round to stay in business. It does seem to get harder and harder each year. Many customers shop the independent stores to touch and feel the items, then search the internet or ebay for the cheapest price. Customers love to come in and "experience" the independent retailer - their displays, their friendly shopkeepers, sample the foods or lotions, get a little shopper-tainment for the day. Brick and mortar stores have so much more costs and overhead that internet only stores just don't have. So, in the end, sometimes, the internet stores can price the same merchandise cheaper. It's truly what is bringing an end to so many independent retailers.

Feather Your Nest is a family owned and operated shoppe. We try hard to offer those items that you just can't find anywhere else or on the internet. Like our handmade items, our rehabbed furniture pieces, and more. We are supported by some great vendors, like Vera Bradley, who don't undercut their independent retailers by offering lower prices on their internet site. We have great customers that do support us year round. We hope that you remember to shop local first. Support the independents retailers out there. Pay a couple dollars more for an item to keep those independent shoppes around. If we don't, won't life be so much more boring when we can only shop through a computer monitor?

another new class just in time for fall

2010-07-16T19:15:00.000-07:00

Another great new class we've added to our schedule...

This pattern by Sew Liberated can be made as a dress or a tunic and is great with leggings for fall. Sew it now and be ready for back to school !

Taught by Sara, our super patient instructor, she will walk you through this basic construction tunic and gives lots of hints for personalizing it to you own style. Check out her sample in the shoppe.

Two class project - Saturday, Aug 14th and 21st 9:00 - 12:00

$40 class fee - supplies are additional.

New classes!

2010-07-16T18:18:00.001-07:00

This book by Anna Maria Horner has the cutest projects in it! Join us as we make a couple of our favorite projects from this wonderful book designed for expectant moms, their babies, and families.

Cute As a Button Booties - these cuties are on the cover - you will want to make multiples of these for your own babies or gifts for others.

Quick Change Trousers - These are so cute and reversable, perfect for little girls or boys, and are beautiful made in Anna's voiles for fall or in Little Folks soft flannels for winter

We have a new fall schedule out now for classes from August - September. We've added some new ones, and some fan favorite repeats. Stop in the shoppe to pick up your copy!

vintage finds

2010-05-18T16:38:00.001-07:00

only the green ladders are left - others are all sold!

Turquoise tin panel - SOLD!

dove grey chest of drawers - SOLD!
Vintage sewing drawers - all SOLD!

Aqua chest- SOLD! Birdcage - SOLD!

LOVE signs (both of them) - SOLD !

We got to spend 2 days at the Springfield Extravaganza this past weekend and it's so much fun to see what all the dealers have to offer - everything from flowers to farming equipment. But mixed in with the "flea" stuff twice yearly are dealers that are artists. We look foward to this in the spring and the fall because it's when these artists come out that we like to buy from to sell in the shoppe. They rehab and repurpose vintage and architectual salvage into new art. They rehab and repaint vintage furniture and make it into a one of a kind piece. They spend months looking for cool pieces that they bring to the shows to sell.

I think this is just so cool - I'm not an Ikea or Target or Pottery Barn kind of girl. These places just mimic the look of real urban country pieces. The dealers we buy from are giving us the real thing. A piece of history made current. A one of a kind item that can't be duplicated or bought later - you have to get it when you see it. We always bring back truckloads and we make lots of new contacts with different artists/dealers so we can offer you all this cool stuff for your own homes. It's really hard to part with it ourselves sometimes... some stuff just never makes it from the truck to the shoppe...some things we hang onto as display pieces for awhile before we part with it.

I think we did a good job this time bringing back some really fun vintage garden pieces, a little industrial (we seem to have a "thing" for metal stools and chairs and tool boxes and drawers...)

we bought a whole lot from one of our favorite dealers, Rhubarb Reign. One of our longtime dealer friends, GreenOak Antiques, brought us a few of their "new" repurposed vintage items too. The pictures in this post are just a small sample of what's new in the shoppe. Come see us!

finally here!

2010-05-05T18:09:00.000-07:00

We've been waiting a long time for these two long overdue beauties! The first one is one of two new patterns in the shoppe by Heather Bailey - the Saturday Market Bag - I'm currently working up the sample for this one. Heather's patterns are just a joy to work with, and the bow on the front of this bag is just too cute - you'll want to make and use this bag for more than just market shopping...

The second one is the latest book by Anna Maria Horner - Handmade Beginnings - written while she was expecting her youngest son Roman - the latest of 6! Superwoman is all I can say!

This book has beautiful photography that gives you a peek into her life and takes you on the journey from pregnancy through welcoming the baby home. It's jam packed with projects for mama and baby, as well as family and the nest! My favorites are the Cute-as-a-Button Booties, Quick Change Trousers, and Pretty-as-a-Picture dress which feature her Little Folks voiles collection. At 24.95 that's only about a $1 a pattern! Great Mothers Day gift for the expectant mother or grandmother-to-be seamstesses in your life.

Get Sewing!

2010-03-29T19:37:00.000-07:00

A couple new classes we've added to our spring quarter class schedule:

This little number by one of our favorite designers, Anna Maria Horner, is perfect for her new line of silky cotton voiles. Light lunch and snacks will be provided as we spend the day finishing this cute little dress - perfect for wearing to all those summer weddings and showers we all attend this time of year. A slightly beyond beginner class but a good start to learning clothing construction techniques with Sara, one of our new instructors!

Saturday, June 5th 10:00 - 4:00

Class fee is $45 and includes the pattern - fabric is additional.

This new class we've added to our spring class schedule, is a brand new design by Anna Maria Horner. This little beauty is called the Sidewalk Satchel, and has a modern sweeping curve and is finished with sculptured flowers on a magnetic closure. Pick your own favorites from our Little Folks voile fabrics to create what is sure to become your favorite summer handbag.

This class is scheduled on Saturday, June 14th from 10:00 - 4:00

Class fee is $50 and includes all supplies and light lunch/snacks

These are two of our recent "graduates" from our Get Sewing series for adult beginner sewers. The "Get Sewing" series is three 2 hour sessions, where you learn the basics of a sewing machine and sewing terminology, how to select fabrics, layout and cut a pattern, use fusible interfacing, and you will complete the class by creating your very own Hazel Hipsters like the ones these gals are modeling and a Little Wallet too. The next series starts Saturday, April 10, 17, & 24 from 10-12:00. Class fee is $60 and includes all supplies.

Some other new classes you might enjoy....

Amy Butler Rosette Pillow - one of our most requested classes...we just can't show you the sample because our customers keep talking us into selling our sample!

Saturday, April 17 1-4:00 $40 class fee includes all supplies

Portabellopixie Pleated Market Tote - we did Sandi Henderson's Market Tote in our last schedule and this is the second tote included in her two-for-one pattern. Our sample is done in the bright So St. Croix fabrics but you pick your own fabrics to create this one of a kind bag.

Saturday, May 22 12:00-4:00 $40 class fee includes all supplies.

We have also scheduled a Fat Quarter quilt class for each month. Each of these large block quilts are comprised of fat quarters and allow you to use many different fabrics for a modern, more urban looking quilt. These are not your grandmas quilts! Fun and fast, you will complete throw/twin size quilt top in less than 6 hours. Each quilt class is scheduled for two Sunday afternoons from 1:00-4:00

$35 class fee includes pattern, fabric purchase is additional or bring your own stash of fats.

Fat Friday - Sunday, April 11 & 25

5 & Dime - Sunday, May 2 & 16

Fat Quarter Frolic - Sunday, June 13 & 27

You can pick up a complete spring creative sewing class schedule at the shoppe. This quarter's creative sewing class schedule is filled with beginner and slightly advanced classes in a variety of handbag, clothing and quilt classes. By request, we've scheduled most of our classes on Friday evenings and Saturday/Sunday afternoons to fit your busy schedules. Join us for a relaxing session of sewing and you will be amazed at what YOU can create!

Where do shopkeepers shop?

2010-03-28T14:24:00.000-07:00

I'm asked all the time if my home looks like the shoppe. Funny thing is, my home is probably a little sparse as far as decorating goes - with everything I've got going on, no time to clean it so I keep it kind of bare I guess... I get to enjoy everything we have at the shoppe everyday so don't need to have it all at home. And if I take it home I can't sell it...that's the shopkeeper in me.

I do have my own favorite places to shop beside Feather Your Nest. Some shopkeepers get a little "weird" when they know another shopowner is in their shop. We can be a little "territorial" about our best lines and products. So I LOVE to shop independents like mine, but rarely let it be known that I own a shoppe myself.

So, here's my list of favorite shoppes and I hope you stop by and shop them too... there are so few of us independents left and it would be sad to see any of my favorites leave. Interestingly, these are all women owned and family operated shoppes just like ours.

#1 on my list - GreenOak Antiques in Rochester Indiana. Ann & Steve have taught me a lot about shopkeeping and we buy most of our vintage items from them. It's kind of a drive though...but if you are ever out that way it's kind of like Anthropologie meet Sanford & Son. You never know what to expect, so much fun, they have TONS of STUFF and it's definitely worth the drive

#2 Anthropologie. I know, I know this is a technically a chain, but it's run like an independent and their displays are awe inspiring. You wouldn't know it was a chain if you didn't know...kinda pricey...but lovely to look at. My daughters love it there too so we splurge occasionally there. One of the best compliments I got recently was to be told that we were one of our customers "little Anthropologie" LOVE that place so had to include it on my list.

#3 Urban Farmhouse. located in Thornville, kindof out of the way, but only a 20 minute drive straight out east Rt 204 from Pickerington. She is vintagey and eclectic. We carry some of the same lines so I guess it's only natural I would love her shoppe too. I always find something there that I love. Our teal couch that we are "foster parenting" at the shoppe for my oldest daughter came from there, as well as alot of the vintagey display pieces we use and some of my oldest's bedroom furniture. Great prices and more awe inspiring displays too. Did a little shopping there this weekend for the easter bunny :-) this is a must see place.

#4 SoBo Style. located in Clintonville this shop is vintage meets modern style too. We've bought furniture from her too and just love her style. and there is a really great little "antique/thrift" store about a block south down the street that I have no idea the name of but the owner is always singing and it's another great place to find some little item to take home with us too. She loves Amy Butler so this is another place that overlaps FYN's style too.

#5 Pink Moon Cupcakery in Powell - not technically a retail shoppe, BUT, the best cupcakes!

There are many others but these are my favorites and the ones that I frequent over and over.
If you are a fan of FYN, you won't be disappointed by these indie shoppes either.

Amy Butler laminated cottons

2010-02-23T14:01:00.001-08:00

Just in...Amy Butler laminated fabrics! 54 inches wide in her Love collection - perfect for raincoats, totes, table coverings .... $18.99 a yard

Flannels and Tshirts for Ta Ta's

2010-02-21T15:25:00.000-08:00

What do you think of these fabrics? Pretty, pretty, pretty huh? Mmmhhmmm.
They are from Sandi Henderson's Meadowsweet collection. We saw it at Quilt Market in the fall. I haven't ordered yet. I have lusted after them though. I need more space. She is a Michael Miller designer. There are a few other designers collections from Michael Miller I'm lusting after too ..Patty Young, Paula Prass, Laura Gunn... I need more space. I want them all

So we're putting our flannels on sale. I love flannels too. Quilts from flannels are the best. So I went a little crazy at Quilt Market ordering flannels. I couldn't choose or edit my choices so I got a lot. A few too many for a fabric shoppe our size I think. They are hogging a lot of bolt space right now. So we have them at 40% off right now. A customer of ours was in and said she made her baby crib sheets out of the Little Folks flannels. Scrumptious! I want sheets out of these! Whenever I cut yardage from this collection I just have to rub a little against my cheek. Your babies cheeks would love them too. Here's a tutorial http://www.michaelm illerfabrics.com/blog/Fitted_Crib_Sheet_Tutorial.pdf

A couple yards of fabric and a little bit of elastic and you have the perfect project to make for all those baby showers we all seem to attend in the spring and summer.

On another note, my sister-in-law, Anita, is a breast cancer survivor. She does a walkathon for breast cancer research in the summer. She lives in Illinois and this past Christmas, after she saw the embellished t-shirts and hoodies that we sell in the shoppe, was inspired to duplicate our designs and sell t-shirts herself to help raise the money that is required to participate in this walk. A few thousands of $$. She, along with her daughter Kate, set up a Facebook page - Tshirts for Ta Tas - to promote this effort and will be selling hers locally to raise funds for the breast cancer walk. So, to help her out, from now through June, we will donate 20% of the sales of our

t-shirts to the T-shirts for Ta Ta's effort too. Now, I just need to get going and get some more made so we can all help make a difference in the fight against breast cancer!

So St. Croix has arrived

2010-02-11T18:56:00.000-08:00

This is a quilt created by Scott Hansen of http://www.bluenickelstudios.com/

Just a little sample of the newest fabric to arrive today - "So St. Croix" by Jennifer Paganelli of Sis Boom. Check out her blog to see some of the creations already coming out of this collection...
http://www.jenniferpaganelli.typepad.com/

Yummy new fabrics have arrived!

2010-02-07T05:00:00.000-08:00

Just in this week in the creative nest, "Dolce" by Tanya Whelan and the entire collection of "Olivia's Holiday" by Tina Givens! 50 more bolts of fabric-luciousness!

I kind of glossed over the Olivia collection when doing orders in the fall because, with Holiday in the name, it sounded like a Christmas collection and I didn't even give it a look...then I happened upon it again when I was actually ordering Christmas fabrics (yes, we have to choose and order NOW for next Christmas ack!) and whooaaa...it's not a Christmas holiday collection, it's more like a summer holiday...with saturated colors and a slightly batikey look to it.

I was elated to find out I could still get it...that we hadn't missed out on this fantastic collection. Fabric collections, like our Vera and seasonal decor, are limited productions and also sell out. So you have to get it while the getting is good. As a customer, if you're like me, you also hoard it for those "someday" projects...

will post pictures later when the shoppe photog gets some taken...or maybe I'll give it a shot myself...or you could just stop in and drool over it in person...

a really Super Bolt Sale!

2010-02-02T17:05:00.000-08:00

This one is for all the football widows out there.... to celebrate the end of football season...
we are having a Super Bolt Sale! Now, if you google "Super Bolt Sale" you will see many fabric stores across the country have this same sale this same time of year, I mean, how often can we cleverly use the word "bolt" like this :-)

At FYN though, we are pretty competitive and always like to go a little over the top, so our Super Bolt event is even more SUPER than most...

Buy 1-5 yards of fabric, get 20% off, buy 6-10 yards, get 30% off, and 11 or more yards, 40% off!
Now that's really SUPER right? Kickoff for our Super Bolt Sale is Thursday, February 4th from 5:00-8:00 pm at our monthly Girls Night Out, and continues until the "final whistle blows" on Sunday, February 7 at 5:00 pm. Just in time to get home and see the real Super Bowl event...

This is the perfect kind of sale for buying really pretty fabrics for those quilt backs that take 4+ yards, or just for building your fabric stash!

cute valentines table topper

2010-01-26T03:47:00.000-08:00

One of our customers and a designer of the Hazel hipster pattern we carry in the Creative Nest, Trish Preston, has a really cute tutorial on her blog here www.twopeasinapoddesigns.com using our Rouenneries and Authentic fabric collections. Enjoy!

Future Teachers in the making...

2010-01-25T19:28:00.000-08:00

My oldest daughter Cora (the one on your right) is a senior at The Ohio State University planning to become an early education (pre-K - 3rd grade) teacher. Saturday, she was accepted into the M.Ed program at The Ohio State University. This is a pretty significant accomplishment we are told - they only take 30 students and the masters program is ranked 16th in the country my husband tells me...he's into knowing and remembering and quoting those kind of statistics... so I'm banging our drums a little here and cheering for her.

Her sister, my youngest daughter Cait (on your left) is also attending OSU. She's a junior and is planning on teaching middle education (grades 4-9). I am soooo very proud of the two of them! I've always felt that teachers can have such an impact on a childs life. It's a noble, important and sometimes very under-valued profession, and it's fabulous to me that both of my children have chosen this career path.

I can still vividly remember MY favorite teachers, 2nd grade Miss Sims, and my fifth grade teacher Mrs. Henderson. Both such wonderful teachers that left such an impression on me - I can still recall the topics and projects that I did in those classes. I hope someday that my girls can be "that" kind of memorable teacher to their own students.

I know we have so many customers that are also teachers, so if you are one, give my own future teachers a high five the next time you are in! They've been working hard!

February and beyond...

2010-01-24T16:58:00.000-08:00

Some dates coming up that you will want to mark your calenders for in February and beyond...

Girls Night Out - February 4th 5-8 pm. always the first Thursday of the month. February 4th is our next one and we have a few surprises for a truly "sweet" February Girls Night Out. Our Girls Night Out events always include a really great sale of some kind, and also free gifts w/ purchase because what's a party without a treat bag to go home with?!

Fat Tuesday - Fat Tuesday is February 16th and we are going to have a special on our Fat Quarters to celebrate this day. What's a fat quarter you ask? It's a yard of fabric cut into four sections, 18" x the length of the bolt (20-22") instead of a skinny quarter, which is one fourth of a yard cut the length of the bolt, or 9" x 40-44" - giving you a fatter piece of fabric to work with. Ours will be Buy One Get One 50% off all of our pre-cut fat quarters on Fat Tuesday.

Saturday, April 3rd - BUNNY HOP FOR THE CURE - you've already started to ask about this annual event - always the Saturday before Easter, this ladies only egg hunt to support breast cancer research is an event not to miss. Limited to the first 100 to signup, we will start selling the Bunny Hop bags on March 1st.

Watch your email for announcements and specifics on our events coming up in February. Not on our email list? You are missing out on coupons, event notifications and many email only "secret" sales. Send us your email or stop in and sign up so you won't miss out!

Grey January Days

2010-01-20T15:59:00.000-08:00

When was the last time we saw sunshine here? Seems like forever and a day. ..and now, "they" are calling for sleet and freezing rain (isn't that the same thing) tommorow. Yuk.

At Feather Your Nest, we bring out our spring as soon as we clear away all the holiday. I don't think it's too early...it gives me a boost just seeing the spring colors and florals each day....even the feathery yellow chicks and birdsnests filled with faux robins eggs (that I can't seem to NOT buy each and every spring) give me a little boost of daily sunshine.

How about you? Does it give you a mental boost to see the spring items even when it's below freezing outside?

Goodbye to 2009!

2010-01-08T03:33:00.001-08:00

Well, yesterday marks the end of our 2009 holiday story. We bid goodbye with the first real snow storm of 2010 (hopefully the first and last!) but that didn't stop loads of bargain hunters from showing up. I mean, when you can get fabulous fabric at 50% off and holiday items at 80% off, neither snow nor sleet, nor long lines will can stop our wonderful customers!

So now we're left with a few things that we will donate to the local Cancer Thrift store located on Main St in Reynoldsburg. A box or two or three... This charity has become one of our favorites as my own Aunt Alice, a cancer survivor, volunteers her time there. If you have donations to make I suggest this place for you too. We tend to focus on breast cancer research donations and there are so many other cancers that afflict our friends and families that don't get the same kind of "notoriety" or funding so this organization donates to the fight against all cancers.

For Christmas this year, my oldest daughter decided to clean out and organize my craft/sewing room. Rooms, actually, as it had overflowed from our lower level room that was built just for me about 8 years ago, to an upstairs bedroom... one of my best Christmas presents ever! It was a little brutal as she forced me to part with a lot of things that were meant for projects "someday" (but somehow 8 years or so had passed since that "someday" had come and gone). Seeing all this "stuff" pulled out to be sorted through gave me feelings of myself showing up on in an episode of that tv show about "Hoarders" with my daughters standing by crying and saying "we didn't know it was THIS bad..."

So, those 20 something bags and boxes of craft supplies and fabrics went to another wonderful place called Blue Shoe Arts. This is a place located on Coonpath Rd in Lancaster where developmentally disabled adult artists create art that they also sell in their gallery and road shows. All kinds of art is created there so I'm sure that they will put our supplies to good use too. Again, if you have art supplies or fabrics to donate, this is another great place to do this.

So, a new year and a clean and ORGANIZED sewing room for me. Lots of space to create!
Thank you Cora and I promise to keep it under control!

And now a clean and organized shoppe for us too in twenty-ten. We will be closed from today, Friday Jan 8 through next Friday, Jan 15th as we clean and paint and spruce up our displays. We do this every year and it's a good process for us to keep things new and fresh for our customers. See you next Friday at 5 for our Verapalooza event!

Welcome to 2010!

2010-01-02T03:23:00.000-08:00

We are in the midst of our 12 Days After Christmas winter clearance event. All remaining holiday is 75% off and everything else (excluding Vera Bradley) is 30% off. Yes, 30% off all fabric and patterns and books too - you probably won't see this kind of storewide sale again in 2010... we do it just once a year to make room for all the new stuff we order at the January markets. We also have quite a few overstocked Vera items in our Vera Treasure Chest - great steals for you to grab up at 30-50% off!

Mark your calendars... we will be closed Jan 10-15 for our shoppe makeover. We clean, sweep up buckets of glitter, repaint our walls and refresh our displays. Then it's party time again!
We will throw open our doors on Friday, Jan. 15 from 5-8 pm for our spring Verapalooza event. Lots of freebies, door prizes, and the reveal of the new 2010 spring Vera line.

There will also be lots of new sample projects on display in the Creative Nest and our class schedule for Jan-Mar will be available at Verapalooza too. If there is a class/project you've been wanting to try, drop me a line and I'll see if I can fit it into the class schedule this time. So many fabulous patterns and books to choose from it's always hard to narrow it down to just a few.

January is always always a fun and exciting time at Feather Your Nest- exhausting too - as box after box after box arrives to be opened and priced and displayed as our market purchases start flowing into the shoppe. Stop in soon to get the best steals of the season through Jan 6th and then check back in with us on January 15th to see all that is new!

Sew a little holiday cheer...

2009-12-21T04:19:00.001-08:00

These are a few of the new patterns that are inthe Creative Nest this week. Heather Bailey's Smarty Girl tote and Henrietta Turtle, and Portobellapixie's Market Bags are perfect projects that can be finished in only 2-3 hours. Squeeze in a little handmade love for someone on your gift list this year, or make a perfect project for those days off after Christmas. Would be beautiful made up in Heather's new Nicey Jane fabrics!

Secret Santa Days

2009-12-16T17:25:00.000-08:00

Starting Friday, Dec 18, we're offering our favorite customers pre post-holiday sales (is that a double negative?!) 50% OFF ALL HOLIDAY ITEMS! Hurry in to get first choice before all the really good stuff is all gone...the "public" won't know about this until after Christmas so our blog followers and mailing list folks get first choice and time to enjoy your purchases before Christmas instead of next year. Just whisper to us before you check out that you'd like the "Super Secret Santa Discount" - it's a secret just for our favorites!

We will be closing at 4:00 on Christmas Eve and reopen at 9 am Saturday, Dec 26th for our 12 Days After Christmas sale Dec 26 - Jan 6th. Our biggest sale of the year...holiday and everything else will be on sale for just 12 days.

We will close January 10th as we perform our annual "out with the old, in with the new" shoppe makeover and reopen Friday, January 15 with a brand new look for 2010!

2009-12-09T15:18:00.000-08:00

New designer felts from Heather Bailey have arrived! Just in time for making some adorable pin cushions (there is a new Henrietta Turtle pattern that also just arrived from HB!) or some of Heather's La Fleur Debris pins or hairclips.... We have these in the 5 pallete packs or in single sheets. These are NOT your stiff plasticy feeling felts that you get at JoAnns or craft stores. Oh no no no! These are wool and bamboo blends - very supple to work with and the colors are beautiful! Wonderful stocking stuffers or sweet little gifts for your sewing friends!

A little more love from Amy Butler...

2009-12-08T03:11:00.001-08:00

Now in, the new desktop collection by Amy Butler. Amy's describes it perfectly "exploding peony blossoms, tumbling roses, garden gates, rich paisleys, pop art bouquets all come together in a modern tapestry of luscious and highly creative desktop helpers". These are the perfect gift for that oraganized gal on your list - or even better for the unorganized ones!

This collection includes fabric address books, hard cover organizers, desktop planner w/ calender, listpad, sticky note set, 3 ring binder, file folders, desktop organizers w/ pencils.

"Folksy Flannel" by Anna Maria Horner

2009-12-05T05:12:00.000-08:00

Just had to share this shot of the Anna Maria Horner "Folksy Flannels". This weekend I will be putting together packets of fat quarters from this collection. If you know a sewer or quilter, take it from me, this is the PERFECT gift for Christmas!

"Nicey Jane" by Heather Bailey

2009-12-03T15:53:00.000-08:00

NICEY JANE has arrived!

2009-12-01T03:50:00.000-08:00

Bolts and bolts of it! MMM Beautiful!

Whew! What a weekend!

2009-11-30T03:43:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all who came out and supported our local independent shops this weekend. It's always fun to see all the old familiar faces as well as the new ones that came along as part of your family's Olde Pickerington Village Tour :-). We are fortunate to have such loyal and treasured fans of the shoppe. It's been so interesting to see some of our long time customers families grow. It makes me smile when I'm now wrapping up purchases to young women whom I remember not so long ago seeing them in the shoppe with their moms and hearing them being told "Don't touch!" Isn't it great to be able to touch it all now! Makes me feel a tad old too...

Speaking of children, this coming Friday evening December 4th from 5-9 pm is our annual Holiday in the Village event sponsored by the OPVBA (Olde Pickerington Village Business Association). Besides the city's Tree Lighting ceremony in the gazebo park at 7:30 pm, this years the childrens activities will be held at the Olde Creamery building (you know, the big brick rehabbed warehouse building) on Church St. From 5:30-7:30, St. Nicholas will be present to talk to the children about their Christmas wishes. Bring your own cameras for some photo ops or we will take a complimentary picture (one per family) for you. There will also be some free childrens crafts, and new this year, a holiday pony and cart ride for the kids right outside of the Olde Creamery.

Not forgetting all the "big" kids, Feather Your Nest will be hosting a Dessert Soiree. We are pulling out all the stops for a decadent night of candlelight and chocolate. This is also a perfect opportunity to bring your significant other out for a relaxing evening in the Village, have dinner at the Park Alley Tavern, and wink wink ...maybe show them exxactly what YOU would like to find under the Christmas tree this year from Feather Your Nest. See you there!

Happy Thanksgiving to all and to all a safe Black Friday!

2009-11-26T04:06:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving Day to a retailer is the starting line of the race through the busiest time of the year. Many indie stores will do 25%, or more, of their total yearly sales in this one months time before Christmas. Black Friday got it's name as the day when many retailers went from being in the "red" (a negative balance on their accounting books) to being in the "black" (a postive bank balance).

So, this year, remember to Shop Local! Shop Creative! Stop in that small shop in your local town that you pass by every day and check them out. You won't find metal detectors or crowd control devices, no pushing or shoving patrons in your small indie retailers on Black Friday. What you will find when you shop local is a more peaceful holiday shopping experience, a creative mix of merchandise that you can't find at a mall or big box store, happy smiling faces to greet you, actual shop owners and their family members ringing up and wrapping your gift purchases, and maybe even a cup of spiced cider to warm and refresh you.

A happy and peaceful Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

2009-11-22T16:23:00.000-08:00

Well, it's Christmas at Feather Your Nest! Our Start the Season gathering was a great success again - if you came, thank you! We don't always get around to each and every guest that evening but a heartfelt thank you goes out to all who patronize our shoppe for the holidays and throughout the year.

We have been busy restocking and putting out even more Christmas merchandise since then, and more gift items have started rolling in too. Tons of new scarves, lots of our embellished one of a kind American Apparel t'shirts and hoodies (new this year). We also have lots of jewelry in all price ranges for gift giving and for wearing to all the holiday parties coming up. We have the fall/winter Viva Bead colors in now... new Pickup Stick charms...more beaded coffee scoops and serving pieces.

and, even MORE FABRIC! the new Anna Maria Horner and Amy Butler flannels came in, and the French General fabrics from Moda will be here any day. Just in time for some holiday sewing. We think giving handmade items for Christmas is the perfect gift - very one of a kind, and from the heart and hands, not just the mall or from out in cyber space somewhere... and if you need a little inspiration or a little help - sign up for one of our classes. We have the most patient teachers so even if you've never sewn a thing since home ec in high school, you will become a successful seamstress with their guiding help. We have easy easy patterns for flannel pj pants, totes, aprons (the hot item for gifting and wearing this holiday season), pillows - and classes for making all of these great gift items. We even offer a U-Pick style class where you pick the pattern/project and we help you finish it! Your gift recipients will be amazed and awed at your talent!

Don't miss our Twilight Turkey event! We open for just 2 hours on Thanksgiving Day from 5-7 pm. Huge sale! No food, no drink, just shopping! See you there!

2009-10-06T17:46:00.000-07:00

Sooo much fabric has arrived! We are getting new cupboards to put it all in. until then, excuse the bolts stacked here, there and everywhere!

Some dates to remember:

Saturday, October 17 Vera Bradley Foundation Day. Get a free Hope Garden Zip Id or Card Case with any $50 or more Vera Bradley purchase. We will be donating 10% of net profits this day to the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer Research.

Wednesday, October 28th Witches Night Out and Haunted Village. Get your witch outfit on and head out to Olde Pickerington Village for a hauntingly good time. We will again be awarding a $100 gift certificate to Feather Your Nest to the Best Dressed Witch at 8 pm. You must be in costume to get in this night. There will be wicked sales and ghoulish food and fun!

Thursday, November 5th 5-8 pm Start The Season Holiday Preview Party
Our annual holiday party for our invited guests only - we will be closed this day and reopen at 5 pm with the first peek at all our holiday merchandise. The first 100 customers making a $20 or more purchase will also recieve a free holiday gift, which includes our annual snowflake ornament and other fabulous goodies.

Mark your calendars now - more info to follow

New Amy Butler has arrived!

2009-10-04T14:52:00.000-07:00

At the request of so many, I'm giving the blogging world a whirl... as you can see, I tried it a couple years ago and never kept it up but will try and post on a regular basis now that blogging has become so much a part of people's lives. I know I spent countless hours myself reading others.

The new Amy Butler LOVE collection arrived Friday - a little unexpected surprise! We ordered it all, sight unseen. Still have the home dec and flannels to arrive but hurry in if you are interested as some of the bolts are already getting a little thin.

We also have new Vera Bradley Winter Collection in stock - Paprika (my personal favorite is orange with aqua accents) Symphony in Hue - jewel tones and the runaway favorite of everyone else so far, and Imperial Toile which is a classy pattern in chocolate and cream with a little pink thrown in. We are ordering spring line next week - so I can tell you the patterns that will be
retired in January - Yellow Bird, Mod Floral Pink, Caffe Latte, Puccini, and Medierannean Blue.
The new colors are gorgeous but can't give all our secrets away just yet!

My oldest daughter Cora and I are off to Houston for Quilt Market this week - we'll get to see and order all the new fabric collections and patterns/books and maybe meet a few fabric "celebrities" - will try to take lots of pics and post them next week.

Our fall decor is front and center right now - the cooler temps have everyone in the buying mood it seems so hurry in for the best selection. We are planning our Witches Nite Out this year to coincide with the Pickerington Parks and Rec Haunted Village on Wed October 28th. The WNO will be from 7-9 pm and we'll again have lots of witchy food and drink, and a Best Witches Costume contest at 8 pm where the winner will receive a $100 FYN gift certificate. Last year was awesome and we really have to step up our own costumes this year - who knew we had such wickedly talented customers!

2007-11-04T12:25:00.000-08:00

Well, we just had our 7th annual Start the Season party and it was our biggest one yet - both in sales and the number of people attending. It's so fun to see everyone's reaction to the holiday items that we offer each year. The ringing of the cash register all evening is a good indication that you all are happy with the items that we chose too!

Today I spent the morning arranging and rearranging to fill the gaps left after our party - and that's a good thing! We're all a little tired and worn out already as it takes weeks to get everything unpacked and set up just right. We order our holiday items in January, they start arriving in July and we unpack, price, repack and store it all from then until our holiday event. It's a lot of work but we get a lot of joy out of seeing our favorite customers each year at this event.

So, tonight I'll be placing more orders to restock the items that are already sold out and bring in more gift items as I know you'll all be back for more over the next few months. Stop in soon - we can't wait to show you all the new stuff that is arriving.