Happy New Year!

We'll be open on Saturday -- part of our End of the Year Sale -- Here's what you can find:

• 15% off all Fabric - including Jo Morton, Amy Butler and Kaffe Fassett
• 60% off Christmas kits and patterns
  
• $4/yard clearance fabric, including black and white and Christmas
  
• 60% off Punchneedle patterns
• 50% off all Lynette Anderson kits and patterns
• 50% off Need'l Love Threads books and Simplies patterns
  
• Selected fat quarters - $1.50 each
  
• 35% off apparel patterns (including bags and totes)
  
• 35% off Ribbon
  
• 35% off Towels
• 35% off Buttons
  
• 20% off Yarn
  
• 25% off Clover Knitting Needles
  

More info on the website! Be sure and check out our new class schedule and new block-of-the-month programs!

FabShop 5-Day Inventory Blowout Sale!

Day after Christmas kicks off our 5-Day Inventory Blowout Sale!

Lots of great fabrics in the "Last Chance Sales" department on the website, www.therabbitslair.com, for $4/yard! Great prices on selected books, patterns and kits. Christmas kits will be 60% off!

For those friends who prefer to shop in the store -- come in and get the same great deals!

Merry Christmas to Everyone and Enjoy your Holiday with Family and Friends!

Only Because of His Grace,
Mary Elizabeth

It's A Hoot!

New Fabrics for our "happy" department -- "It's a Hoot" by MoMo for Moda Fabrics. You'll love the colors and fun designs in this group.

As a child growing up in Japan, MoMo often found herself retreating into the caverns of her imagination. It was only natural for this talented young artist to eventually grace the world of graphic design. As she set out to redecorate the world with her patterns, colorful fantasies and childhood musings spilled out in a Technicolor landscape filled with imaginary places and graphic interpretations of the world in her head. MoMo’s designs are bold and colorful with a flare for the surreal, her feet firmly planted on the ground and her head in the clouds.

We wonder what you'll create with these prints -- quilt, bag, clothing, something to redecorate your world?

Virtual Trunk Show from marie-madeline visit!

If you couldn't come in to the shop last Saturday - here's the next best thing. Be sure and watch for their next visit!
More pictures those lovely Long ladies took on Saturday; posted on their blog for marie-madeline studio. Enjoy!

marie-madeline studio Visit!

This last Saturday, the Long ladies of marie-madeline studio visited The Rabbit's Lair with their wonderful creations! We wanted to share some of the skirts and a bag that are currently on display in the shop, and invite you to come in and be inspired by them. The girls were wonderful models and everyone loved seeing their work in person.

Getting Ready for Amy!

Amy Barickman's coming to town tomorrow -- It's all about her new book, "Vintage Notions." Come see how she was inspired to create this fabulous book and how it will add grace and fun to your life. Her presentation and trunk show starts at 5:30. Call the shop to sign up -- you don't want to miss out! Check out her website and blog at www.amybarickman.com for more info!

She sent ahead LOTS of models from her patterns -- they'll be here another week so stop in and see. LOTS of inspiration, LOTS of fun and LOTS of wonderful fabrics to help you create.

"Soul Blossoms" Is Here!

The long-awaited new collection by Amy Butler for Westminster Fabrics -- "Soul Blossoms" -- is here! All of you Amy Butler fans will want it for your collection, your next quilt, your next bag or clothing.

In addition, Amy's website features a new quilt design - "Sunshine Quilt" - that can be downloaded under the "free pattern" section of her website. Check it out at www.amybutlerdesign.com.

"Twister" Demo Tomorrow!

Tomorrow - Saturday, December 4 - Becky Cogan will be visiting from Independence, MO and demonstrated her new favorite tool -- "Twister" helps you make these darling pinwheel blocks quickly and easily. Come in and let her show you how much fun it is!

While you're there, check out our specials this week -- wool and anything Christmas!

We're very excited at The Rabbit's Lair -- Amy Barickman will be here next week -- Thursday, Dec. 9 at 5:30 pm --for a Trunk Show and Presentation on her new book, "Vintage Notions!"







Come and see how Amy's newest endeavor, her book "Vintage Notions: An Inspirational Guide to Needlework, Cooking, Sewing, Fashion and Fun," will inspire the joy of sewing and domestic arts as an avenue for entrepreneurial spirit. "Vintage Notions," a three-year labor of love for Barickman, is filled with creative ideas, practical advice, vintage fabrics and samples of authentic handiwork, with illustrations of fashion and dress, that celebrate the rich heritage of Mary Brooks Picken and The Women's Institute circa 1930’s. Through stories of success, triumphs over adversity and connecting with the personal journeys of the women that came before us, "Vintage Notions" will inspire you to find personal creative fulfillment, independence and self-esteem through your creative work. This lecture will focus on tracing Amy’s journey researching the historical life of Mary Brooks Picken, will include selections of vintage memorabilia from The Women’s Institute, samples of vintage textiles and handiwork from Amy’s extensive personal collections and samples of fashions created from the patterns featured in the book. The event is free if you purchase her book from The Rabbit's Lair -- otherwise it is $10!

You will also learn how The Rabbit's Lair plans to use this beautiful book in monthly meetings for creative inspiration. Call the shop at 479.636.3385 now to sign up -- you won't want to miss this special opportunity.

Only Because of His Grace,
Mary Elizabeth

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! As a "gift of gratitude" to our loyal customers, we're open early Friday and Saturday for our "Early Bird Sale." You can find out all about it in the latest newsletter on our website, www.therabbitslair.com. The special sale also is available to those who shop online -- in the comfort of your home!

In addition, we'll have selected items marked down 25% to 50% -- the early birds get the first pick!

Shown is a cozy quilt in the shop -- "Scrappy Patch" is made from brushed woven fabrics by the "Hooked on Fats II" pattern by Pacific Patchwork.

Enjoy your day -- then come in and see us this weekend!

Only Because of His Grace,
Mary Elizabeth

Secret Wool Sale!

Come in and ask about our "Secret Wool Sale" starting today -- 25% off! Think of how many projects you can make!

Wool Week!

We've been busy this week organizing the wool department. We have a great new system for storing "scraps" so you can find just the small pieces you need for your wool applique. Of course, we still have LOTS of large pieces (and LOTS new) for hooking and backgrounds. Plus, we love to make up kits. Here's one you could start and have ready for your Thanksgiving table center piece next week -- Autumn's Glory.

Everyone is also glad to welcome Clarice back! Her yarn department and followers have missed her -- and so has everyone else who walks through the door and hears her cheery greeting!

Keep watching the webstore, it seems like we're adding new stuff all the time!

Only Because of His Grace,
Mary Elizabeth

New Class Date - Snap Happy Bag!

Just added another session for the popular Snap Happy Bag with David -- this will be a great little bag to make for all your stitching friends on your Christmas list! With David's help, you will easily finish during class. Call the shop or sign up on the website now!

Purple Passion!

This gorgeous purple quilt is what you'll see in our entry right now -- but I like to change things around so it may not last for long! We are passionate about purple around here, as well as many other things. This design is a pattern from Sew Graceful Quilting.

Some say we have a split personality -- bright and wild and dark and primitive. It's true! How fortunate are we to have so many wonderful designs, fabrics and ideas to inspire us. Come in soon and see what's new from Market!

Quilt Market Was Awesome!

Wow! I had a short but wonderful trip to Houston for Fall Quilt Market! Saw lots of new ideas to bring back and share with you. Here is a picture taken in the Westminster Fabric booth with Kaffe Fassett and Brandon Mably. I know Clarice wishes she had been there to take in the experience. Of course, we will continue to bring in his newest fabrics and books.

Now is the perfect time to come in the shop and see "What's New." We'll also keep you updated weekly as new patterns, fabrics, classes are added to our growing inventory!

Have a great weekend!
Only Because of His Grace,
Mary Elizabeth

New Block of the Month - Garden Gatherings

Here's a picture of Mom (Clarice) and me in front of the new block of the month we'll be starting SOON! It is called "Garden Gatherings" by Cozy Quarters and the wool applique is on fabric backgrounds. Wow! It is gorgeous! We've had so many comments on it already! We'll send out a newsletter to let you know when it is time to sign up, and will post info to the website if you can't make it in.

I just got an email today, telling us we are featured on the home page for Meet NWA -- check it out to see more of our new location, especially if you haven't been in yet. http://meetnwa.com/content/154

We appreciate you --

Only Because of His Grace,
Mary Elizabeth

Braided Rug Class with Helen Jeffrey is this Friday and Saturday, October 29 & 30!
Helen Jeffrey of Ozark, Missouri, will be here to share her love of wool and braided rugs!
Braiding is a wonderful way to finish and frame your hooked rugs, chair mats, table runners, bench mats, stair treads and gifts. In this retreat you will learn braiding, butting (joining the ends of the braids) and lacing (attaching braid). If you have preconceptions that this technique is complicated or requires too many tools and equipment, Helen’s technique is simple, inexpensive and it eliminates tools and equipment. The class cost includes the wool you need to make your own rug. There are a few places left, so call the shop to sign up now!

Socks Class with Danielle!

As the weather gets cooler, you know you will love wearing warm, wonderful, hand knit socks! Danielle will be teaching a three session class on knitting these. The dates are Saturdays, November 6, 13 and 20th from 9:30 to 11:30. All the information is in the class section of the website. Come for the class and then go to lunch for more fun!

Only Because of His Grace,
Mary Elizabeth

Finishing things!

It has been so long since I finished anything I am not sure if I can stand it! I am having a hard time taking care of my office work! I saw this great rug at Elizabeth's doctors office and I told David about it, so it cut the fabrics (so that is why it is color cordinated) and I had a blast piecing, quilting and binding it! And then I got to give it to Elizabeth and she has carried it with her for 2 days!

Thanks for letting me share!

Only Because of His Grace,

Mary Elizabeth

Zippers and Piping Oh My

We are gearing up for Groovy Girls next Friday Night and get ready to teach how to use piping and zippers! Oh My!

If you are interested you might want to call and reserve your spot - only 12 spots in the Club!

We have the knowledge and the products to make you go wow!

Come in and learn how to use a piping tool and how to put in a zipper!!

Oh what fun we are going to have!

We have also just gotten in some great brights and dots! Check out our newsletter and updated class schedule!

Only Because of His Grace,

Mary

Getting our calendars updated! Do you know where your calendar is?

As I am taking Beginning Sewing, Knitting and Crocheting I am over whelmed with all the projects I want to do! In discussing this issue with my friend Andria she made me realize that I needed to have a night a month (at least one for now) to hang out with fun girls and get some things done that I want to do!!! So, we are introducing the Groovy Girls Sewing Club! It is for any type of fabric or fiber art that you might want to do! All the info is on our website now!

I am amazed at how many things I can get excited about in this industry! I will end with a new sample mom just finished! It is called a "cow"!

This weeks specials are 15% off all olfa products - all of them and purchase 6 FQ and get 1 free! AND you get your buyers card punched!!! Yippee!

God Rocks!

Only Because of His Grace!

Mary Elizabeth

A Wild Week of Traveling with Clarice (mama bear)

Things to remember to take on a road trip! Your camera - check --- whoops forgot the memory card - left it in the computer!

This is a fun new pattern we are working on!

Hello! Clarice and I just returned from our adventures in Kansas ans Missouri and we had a great time! We went from one extreme to another in teachers and shops! Yes, I am going to tell you!

This is some super fun yarn I found at The Studio!

We begin our trip by going by The Studio in Kansas City! What an awesome yarn and needle point shop! It was my first experience in a real knitting shop since we have begun to carry yard! Wow! So many colors, weights, textures!! And of course I had to purchase some and yes, I actually knitted some up!! You can contact The Studio at http://www.thestudiokc.com/!

We then stopped by my brothers house (Hotel Moore!) and had a great dinner, played with the little girls and off to Jo Morton Trunk Show! This was my first time to see Jo in person and hear her lecture! Wow! She has a lot of small quilts! Wow! And and another Wow! It was awesome to hear why she washes her fabric! (and not just because she has Asama!) because when you iron it and use steam it will not affect it as much! I found her to be very precise in all that she does and very little is by the seat of her pants! I found out what a great book she writes, it really is well written on how to do the detailed items... i.e. which way to iron the seams, how to make a nice seam, how to applique! Now, did Clarice and I get our quilt top done? Or did we get a block done? Neither! By the time we practiced our back basting applique and worked to put together a block and of course spent time at the Prairie Point shop .... our block is in the Coming Home! and it is not finished! You can find out more about Prairie Point at http://www.prairiepoint.com/ . I think what I liked best about Jo's teaching style is she is very kind and very passionate about the fact that there is room enough for all quilters. We all have choices, and even if we do not do it her way, it is OK!!

This is what Clarice and I attempted to make! And there was one lady who was well on her way to sashing it when the class was over!!

That night after our class we went to Quilter's Station in Lee Summit for the Primitives Trunk Show! We were thoroughly entertained by Jennifer Keltner from American Patchwork and all the other publications she is in charge of! Besides being very funny, she is full of great tips! We also got to see allot of the quilts that will be coming in the future issues of the magazines! You will want to check out this month's magazine and see what you can do with a bun warmer!

We took a class with Renee Plains of Liberty Star which you see that I am teaching in September! I have attached a picture of what we made, ours will be the same technique but with a different design on the front! It is a sweet sweet keeping journal! We all the supplies on order and will be making our sample for you to see soon!

Our last class at Primitives was with Maggie Bonanomi! Now this is where I know I have been to one extreme of teachers to the other extreme. Jo Morton is completely organized and even knows where her needles are and has them all prepared for each student! Maggie is much more like myself and is still working through the details and I believe her moto is "just make it work!" If you have not had the opportunity to take a class with Maggie and you want to learn wool applique the primitive way she is the girl! Her newest book is due to arrive this week!

After Maggie's class we went to Lawrence to visit The Yarn Barn and Sarah's Fabric Shop! I am still really confused about Lawrence, I lived there for 2 or so years, but I have no memory of anything I saw... I got spinal minajetis while I was there and I know I lost many chucks of memory of my life, but wow! to loose a whole town!! So, now I will remember The Yarn Barn and Sara's! Again it was a visit from one extreme shop to the other! Sarah's carries well over 9,000 bolts of fabric and it is organized, but it is not neat at all! It is just there... when you go to Quilter's Station with over 9,000 bolts of fabric, it is organized and extremely neat!! I loved Sarah's because she had so many of the oldies but goodies! We also picked up some of Amy Butler's Quilted Fabric, Kaffe Fassett's Rayon and some of Amy's decorator weight fabric! We are excited to begin making samples and getting these fabrics in! We want to know what you think of them also!

This is the Rayon from Kaffe! I got enough to make a skirt for myself and we have it on order for you!!

As always, we are pleased to your creative fabric and fiber center!

Only Because of His Grace,

Mary Elizabeth!

Yes, we have moved!

We are getting ready for our grand (re) opening and a large garage sale this coming week! Detailed info is on the website under events!! Here are some shots of the new store! Thank you Andrea for being our photographer!


We have lots of new classes on our website!

Moving in 3 Days! It is hard to believe!

I cant believe we are moving in less than 82 hours! Are we ready? Well, we are getting there! And I must say the staff is handling it all very well, considering I change the to do list every day!

Right now our Internet is down at the shop, so I am sending this from home! If you are far away and looking for something, please call us and we will tell you if we have it in stock and will gladly give you the sale price!

This week we are working hard to move as much out of the shop as we can!! We have begun the packing of items as we can, but many are having to go on sale big time! So here is the scoop!

• All notions left are 40% off and more!
• All patterns and books are on sale from 25% off and more!
• Lots and lots and lots of fabric is on sale! From $2.50 to $5 a yard! Lots and lots of fabric!
• All thread is on sale for 35% off!
• Kits on sale from 25% off to 50% off! Their are tons of them!!!
• Wool, yes you are reading it right --- and please don't call Kathleen and tell her! All wool that is out is on sale for 50% off.... yes, we have packed up most of the wool, but there is allot on sale --- all the applique 6x8 and 8x12 sizes are on sale!
• We have cleaned out the closets and found lots of treasures! Come and get them!

We will be closed July 1st - 4th and we will re-open on the 5th with new fabric, new yarn, new wool and new ideas!

We appreciate each one of you and look forward to showing off the new place on July 5th! Please understand it is under construction is why we do not take you over at this time!

Only Because of His Grace -

Mary

June? How did 1/2 the year pass and I am still not organized?

Dear Friends of Fabric and Fiber!

Well, new fabric is still arriving daily and I am not sure we will be able to keep all in the safe until we move our shop in July!! The Christmas fabrics and Halloween fabrics are here or on their way... New fabrics are coming from market! Clarice purchased some new yarns last week!

Blocks of the Month --- we are at just one spot left for Christmas Memories and 2 spots left for Warm Hearts --- so, if this is something you are interested in.... please let us know!

Status of the move?

• At this point we think we can take the majority of what we carry today except for the flannel --- we still have a good supply on hand if you want to take advantage of 25% OFF!


• We are working on what are the best patterns, books, notions and what nots to carry!


• And of course we want to carry as much fabric as possible!!!!

So, the move is making me clean out little holes in my office, closets....... It means we will have to have a garage sale in July..... so hear is the best kept secret! July 15th we will have a large sale at our current address of everything that does make the move! 9 to 4 (no early sales!) and no, of course I do not know what will be left!! But I did want to make sure you knew of the sale!

We appreciate your business and your friendship!

Only Because of His Grace!

Mary Elizabeth!

Amy Butler Yarn is on it's Way

In our usual fashion, we have pondered and thought, and asked and questioned and we still do not know a great deal, but we have pulled the trigger! We are going to carry yarn! We are starting off with a new line from Amy Butler! It will begin shipping in May and we will keep you updated!

Moving! Yes, you read it right!

As charming as the bank building is, it has one thing we cant change - it has a small class room! Where we are going to move to the Stroud's building - 114 W. Walnut! The owner of that building is redoing it, and it has a great training area and great light! Our current plans are to move the first part of July!!

Mom and I are excited about this opportunity and we look forward to making a great shop for all our customers! We will be choosing paint colors this week and begin working on repairing and painting our current fixtures!

I just wanted our bloggers to be the first to know! As a special thank you, all of our library fabric is on sale for $6.50 during the month of April! Your special phrase is - 114 West Walnut!

Only Because of His Grace,
Mary

Customers are so amazing!

What a wild snow storm! 6" to 12" in most places on Sunday and completely gone today!! Wow! Only God can do that!!

I am so amazed how wonderful our customers are! One of our customers (her name is Dale, but don't tell her I am talking about her!) had asked for me to take a picture of Kay's newest creation "Christmas Memories" by Blackbird Designs.... Me? Get something done in a timely manner? No Way! So, I asked her to remind me if I did not do it! She did! Now how awesome is that!! Here some photo's of it! It will begin April 15th! Yes, we are celebrating that day! No need to be sad, it will happen again next year!!

I know when people come in and give us positive feedback, I give my honest answer of great employees, talented sample makers, and a great building... BUT, I need to say AWESOME customers!! Wow!

We have another customer very similar to Dale, yes this one has a boys name also! Michael! She is great to read our newsletters, listen to the radio station, and let me know when I made errors --- and she is really really nice about it!

So, from now on --- I have to say our customers is really what makes this shop awesome!

Thanks to all of you for supporting us!

Only Because of His Grace,

Mary Elizabeth!

Upcoming Events!

We have room for 1 more in our Beginning Sewing Class that starts this Thursday!

Spring Fling Shop Hop! This Thursday Friday and Saturday! We will be doing door prizes all 3 days!

Wool! Wool! and more Wool!

Janice Johnson has arrived from The Wooly Woolens Studio and she has brought her wool and patterns!

If you are wool person, this is a delightful time to see some beautiful examples of rug hooking and a great time to get some awesome wools! I am working hard not to just run in the training room and lay in the middle of the wool!

Tonight from 4 to 7 and Friday from 4 to 6 you may come in and see her beautiful work and purchase from her!

Enjoy!

Only Because of His Grace,

Mary E

Moda is back at The Lair!

Dear Friends,

I am amazed on a daily basis how much there is to do in running a quilt shop and how fast the time flies by! That has it's cons and pros! The pros are the customers and new fabrics coming quickly!

Moda is back and we are excited about it! Verna came in yesterday and is going very quickly! Darlene is hiding all the scraps because she cant bear to have the happy fabric gone! Garden Party by Blackbird Designs arrived yesterday! It is lovely!!

Valentines Day is on it's way, so my greetings to you is a 15% discount on any one item! The coupon is good today or tomorrow in the shop! Just wish The Lair a Hopping Valentines and you will get your discount!

Oh yes, the Kansas City Star books are in! If you like feed sacks, Renee Plains and fun these are the books for you!

As always, thank you for your friendship and business!!

A detailed newsletter will come out this weekend!

Only Because of His Grace,

Mary

Are you ready to come into the warmth of inspiration and glorious colors?

If you are ready to get out into the cold to come into The Rabbit's Lair we are ready for you!

Jo's Banner Day will be here to greet you along with samples from Jo's Little Women clubs of the past! We are gearing up for Jo's Little Women Club #9! Let us know if you are interested in this club for $35!

We have decided we cant wait for Superbowl Sunday to celebrate fabric and fun! This coming Saturday (Jan 16th) we are going to have our Superbowl Sale and we are going to stay home and watch the Superbowl this year (ok, so I am not going to watch it! I am going to hang out with Friends and stitch!). So, on the 16th we are offering the Big or Bitty Bag class for $45! The class includes a great teacher (Lela Gaither!), the pattern and the peltex 2 you need for the class!! We are offering a demo of a really cool flower pin made out of wool! Amanda Gaither will be here to allow you to make one! We will have all the supplies for you to use! We will also have our Fat Quarters and Flat Folds on sale!! It will be a $6.75 day! Purchase 3 (pre-cut) Fat Quarters for $2.25 and get the 4th one free! Flat Folds will be $6.75 a yard - and yes, you can purchase as little has a 1/2 yard of the flat fold! And then, if that is not enough... we will have treats, door prizes and lots of hugs for each one of you!

For you bloggers, we want to offer a special thank you!I will open at 7:30 Saturday morning and you can come and do your shopping first thing! We have lots of great Jo Morton flat folds!

Only Because of His Grace,

Mary Elizabeth