September Album of the Month

Create a sweet and snuggly gift for that special little someone. This darling book features stimulating colors, taggies to tug on, and shapes to learn! Plus it's machine washable! Hurry into the Rexburg store for your kit today!
Designed by Maureen Wilson

Shop Hop Starts Today!

2010 Shop Hop
"Tracks on the Trail"

Join us for our annual Shop Hop starting today and ending Saturday, May 15th. Twelve stores in Idaho and Wyoming have joined together to present this fun event!

Here's how it works:

• When you visit the first shop, purchase a passport for $1. As you travel from shop to shop, your passport will be stamped.
• When you visit all 12 stores, you will qualify to be entered into the Grand Prize Drawing--a Quilt Retreat for you and 7 of your friends at Teton Patchworks (includes meals and a one-day class).
• Visit 10 shops and be eligible for a gift basket worth $250 plus a $25 gift certificate from each store.
• Visit 7 shops and be eligible for gift baskets worth $100.

Each store has designed a quilt block and made a quilt using the same 12-block pattern and their own fabrics. Be sure to check them out as you travel around. As you visit each shop, you will receive a free block pattern. Collect all 12 to complete a quilt.

Participating stores:

Porter's, Rexburg, ID
Porter's, Idaho Falls, ID
Quilted Heart, Rexburg, ID
Abbott's, Rigby, ID
The Quilt Shoppe, Rigby, ID
Blackbird Haven, Idaho Falls, ID
Madsen's Ben Franklin, Idaho Falls, ID
Sierra's, Pocatello, ID
Sages Creek Quilt Co., Pocatello, ID
High Country Quilting, Driggs, ID
Stitch 'n Time, Jackson, WY
Heritage Quilts & Fabric Shoppe, Pinedale, WY

Quilt Week Coming Up!

Join us next week for our annual Quilt Week celebration!

Come see the beautiful quilts on display and take advantage of special deals all week long. You won't want to miss the demos on Saturday, March 20th, going on in every department.

It's not too late to bring a quilt in for display and receive a $10 gift card for participating. The deadline is tonight at closing time (7:00 p.m. Rexburg; 9:00 p.m. Idaho Falls).
See you there!

Floating Frame Project

This beautiful project, designed by Maureen Wilson, features photos, patterned papers, metal embellishments, and fabric.

This frame has four layers of glass. The first is a protective layer, the second has photos, the third has embellishments, and the fourth has fabric squares. This close up shot might give you a better idea:

To make one of your own, follow these simple steps:

1. If you want to make a grid like the one shown, cut all your photos, papers, and fabrics to 2 inch squares (or use a 2 inch punch).
   
2. Next remove the layers of glass from the frame.
   
3. Use a dry erase marker to draw a grid on one sheet of glass. Then layer a sheet of glass on top of it so it’s easy to get perfect placement for all your squares. Attach your photos with glue dots.
   
4. Repeat for each layer.
   
5. When you’re finished, wash the marker off and use that sheet for the top protective layer.
   

This floating frame makes an eye catching display and is a beautiful way to showcase your favorite photos.

2nd Saturday Reminder

Don't forget about 2nd Saturday coming up on January 9th.
Those of you involved with Fabric with start at 8:00 a.m.
Those interested in Scrapbooking will start at 8:30 a.m. This way if you want to participate in both, you can!

If you need a refresher on January's assignment, click here.

See you there!

A Final Look at our New Year's Celebration!

2010 is only two days away and we are ready to celebrate with a big crafting event at Porter's!

What: New Year's Day Celebration
When: January 1st from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Where: Rexburg and Idaho Falls stores
Bring: Basic tools, snacks, a friend, and a smile. :)

Here is a recap of the projects we will be making in each department:

In scrapbooking, you can make three 1-page layouts and an 8x8 calendar for only $15!

In our beading department, you can make a one-of-a-kind convertible necklace. Choose your own beads and we will help you put it together.

We will be kicking off our Block-of-the-Month programs in our fabric department. Choose one of the quilts shown above or both!

Please join us! There will be demos and prizes throughout the day. We can't wait to see you there!

Block of the Month Program

Join us on New Year's Day where we will be kicking off our block of the month programs in the Fabric Department. You can choose one of the projects shown below or do both. We are excited to show you how the rulers from Marti Michelle work to make her quilt a breeze!

New Year's Day Celebration
January 1st from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Rexburg and Idaho Falls stores

New Year's Day at Porter's!

Join us on New Year's Day at Porter's for shopping and crafting! The store will be open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. We have some great classes planned for you in our scrapbooking, fabric, and bead departments.

Here's a sneak peek at what's in store for all you paper crafters out there:

For only $15, you will receive an exclusive paper pad from My Mind's Eye and the supplies to make three 1-page layouts as well as an 8x8 calendar. It's a great bargain that retails at over $30! Space is limited, so sign up today.

Stay tuned for a more in-depth look at these projects as well as a peek at what's going on in the other departments that day. Hope to see you there!

Porter's is on YouTube!

If you've ever wondered how to make a row-by-row Minkee blanket or how to pour a tile board, look no further. Porter's is now on YouTube! Check out our great how-to videos here!

Porter's YouTube Channel

Check us out in Quilt Magazine!

We are excited to share the article in the June/July 2009 Quilt Magazine that features our Rexburg store!

(click to enlarge)

Here's what the article says:

"Almost as soon as there was a Rexburg, Idaho (c. 1890) there was a Porter's. Chuck Porter's grandfather bought the newspaper in 1907 and opened three businesses in the big brick building downtown. Rexburg was a wild frontier town, a place of sawmills and rustlers. The railroad came in, and farmers began to grow grain.

When fabric manager Pat Wodskow arrived at Porter's in 1987, cloth was already in stock. Now she presides over 2,500 bolts of high-quality quilting fabric, sells patterns and notions, and teaches aspiring quilters. "There's very little we don't have," Pat says. "We stock gorgeous fabrics. I tell people: it takes the same 100 hours to make a quilt out of really good fabric than out of poor, and do you want your quilt to last, or not?"

Since Rexburg is in a traingle between Yellowstone and Jackson Hole, vacationers drop by. It's pure fun to wander from one connected storefront to the next, with history under your feet."

Shop Hop is Coming Soon!

Join us for Shop Hop this year as we embrace winter throughout spring with "Snowman on the Trail." The 5th Annual Shop Hop starts Friday, April 24 and ends Saturday, May 9. Twelve shops in Wyoming and Idaho have joined together to present a fabulous and fun event! At the first shop, purchase a passport and as you travel from shop to shop have the passport stamped. Visit all 12 shops and qualify for the Grand Prize Drawing -- a Quilt Retreat for 8 at Teton Patchworks including a one-day class, meals, a gift basket and some serious quilt therapy! Visit 10 shops and be eligible for a second prize gift basket and a $25 gift certificate from each shop. Visit 7 shops and be eligible for a fabulous gift basket (several gift baskets are valued at $250 or more).

Each shop has designed a quilt block and made a quilt using the same 12 block pattern. But each store's quilt will be unique since they have used their own featured fabrics. As you visit the shops, you will receive a free block pattern at each store. Also this year, each shop has designed a snowman block which will be featured in their quilt. A kit for the snowman block will be available for purchase, so you can collect 12 free block patterns and 12 snowman kits!

Here's a list of the participating stores:

Porter's Book & Variety, Rexburg, ID
Porter's Craft & Frame, Idaho Falls, ID
Stitch 'n Time, Jackson, WY
Heritage Quilts & Fabric Shoppe, Pinedale, WY
High Country Quilting, Driggs, ID
Quilted Heart, Rexburg, ID
Abbott's, Rigby, ID
The Quilt Shoppe, Rigby Idaho
Blackbird Haven, Idaho Falls, ID
Madsen's Ben Franklin, Idaho Falls, ID
Sierra's, Pocatello, ID
Sages Creek Quilt Co., Pocatello, ID

See you on the trail!

Reflections From a Female Entrepreneur

Ms. Butterick

My daughter-in-law, Megan, received a sewing machine for Christmas this year. I think we have unleashed the next "Ms. Butterick!" (Remember the sewing pattern company)? She has made a few Minkee blankets, but is hooked on making small purses. After a quick zipper lesson from Pat in the Rexburg store, she is a whiz! Megan embellishes with rhinestones, rickrack, beads, and buttons. She is using the Amy Butler "Stash & Dash Bags" pattern. Of course, her mom-in-law is keeping her supplied with all the new fabric that Theresa and Dorothy are buying for the stores. Go Meg!

These bags were all made by Megan from the same pattern. She has just changed their looks by choosing different fabrics and adding little embellishments like ribbon and colored zippers.

Don't be afraid to add a funky lining!

Notice the fun little "Handmade by..." tag sewn inside? So fun!

Megan added beautiful brown ribbon to the outside of this purse and sewed it with a decorative stitch. She has also created a similar bag and attached the ribbon as a handle (not shown).

Let your imagination run wild and see what fun items you can create with this versatile "Stash and Dash" pattern!

Table Runner Project

Bring a little spring into your home with this beautiful table runner made using Moda's Wildflower Serenade II Layer Cake.

Layer Cakes are collections of 10" x 10" squares of fabric. Made by Moda Fabrics, they are similar to a charm pack but at a larger size. They are available by collection and typically include 42 pieces of fabric, though the number may vary.

If you need help with any of your sewing and quilting projects, the experts in our fabric departments can help!

Quilt Week Starts Today!

Today marks the beginning of Quilt Week! Be sure to stop in to take advantage of our great sale prices. (Click here to see the current ad). We have many gorgeous quilts on display throughout the fabric department which have been made by talented area quilters.

On Saturday, March 21st, there will be a great lineup of demonstrations. Check out the schedule at the bottom of the ad for times.

We hope you join us for a fabulous week of quilting!

Second Saturday is Tomorrow!

This Second Saturday, we want you to think green! In honor of St. Patrick's Day, all fabric with green is 25% off. This is only one deal of many that is kicking off Quilt Week starting March 16th. To see the full ad, click here.

In Scrapbooking, to tie in with Quilt Week, we will be learning great ways to use fabric on a layout. Candi will show you a neat trick to easily die cut fabric.

Be sure to join us Saturday morning in our Fabric and Scrapbooking departments at 8:00 a.m. to learn the latest tips and tricks and to share your creative work and ideas with others.

Minkee Baby Blanket

Check out the latest creation from Porters great associates! This Minkee baby blanket is so fun and easy, anyone can do it. It is tied, not quilted. So if you can sew a straight line you can make this beautiful blanket.

Warning: Minkee is the softest, cuddliest fabric around. We are not responsible for the addictive nature of this fabric. If you are addicted to soft and cuddly, please do not touch the Minkee.

New Flannel Line!

In the fabric department at Porter's, we have new fabrics arriving daily. One of our greatest new lines is "Tracking White Tail Deer" by Granola Girl Designs. It is a beautiful flannel featuring deer and other outdoor prints. We have featured it in a Turning Twenty Quilt, a Quarter Quilt and a Cuddly Throw made with the feature panel.

We have kits for all of these quilts, and right now they are 25% off! These are the ideal gift for the man in your life or just to decorate your cabin or home. Nothing says comfort like a flannel quilt!

Don't forget, all flannel is $2 off per yard everyday!

Beautiful New Moda Fabrics in Stock!

In our fabric department, we just received a shipment from Moda. These wonderful new fabrics are perfect for those spring and summer projects.The "Sultry" collection by Basic Grey is a beautiful new line for all kinds of projects in the newest popular colors. This fabric can be used in quilts, aprons, bags or even girl's pajama pants.


We also used some of of these fabrics to create beautiful message centers from canvas, cork, and metal boards.

"Zippity Doo Dah" designed by Sandy Gervais is a new fun fabric in fashion forward reds, blues and creams.

Check out the table runner we have made. There is also a wall hanging panel to go with it for summer celebrations.

Don't miss out! Buy yours today!

Barnwood Frame Projects

We have a large variety of barn wood frames in stock and lots of ideas you can use them for. Here are just a few projects you could create:

First, choose a barn wood frame.

Then choose some fabric, ribbon, and metal embellishments.

This ribbon board was created by covering a piece of foam or mat board with a thin layer of quilt batting and then fabric. Next, place strips of ribbons across the board and attach brads where the rows intersect. Attach some metal stars across the top and metal star hooks along the bottom.

For this project, cover a piece of mat board with fabric and attach the large star hooks with screws . Cut the prongs off two large brads and glue them over the heads of the screws. Finish with a small barn wood frame.

To complete the ensemble, simply tie a torn strip of matching fabric around a piece of cork board and frame it. Quick and easy!

Start Thinking About March 2nd Saturday

The Second Saturday theme for March is going to require some thinking on your part. What is it that brings you comfort in your life? Is it food, a worn pair of jeans, or a good night's sleep? Let's be specific and examine some of the corners in our minds.

When I think of comfort, I immediately think of a child with a soft warm blanket. So we will be working with fabric and the different techniques that can be used with it on your scrapbooking projects.

So don't forget to mark your calendars for March 14th at 8:00 a.m. and start thinking "Comfort!"