The Gabby Gals Blog

News: Bag Your Booty!

Posted on December 9th, 2011, by Lisa, the Web Gal

It’s a Booty-ful Deal

Illustration of Santa with the words Bag Your Booty

Beginning Monday, December 12, and lasting through Friday, December 16, Calico Gals will have a new “Booty Deal” each day. You will get the details in a daily email or on the Gals’ Facebook page.

If you find it irresistable and just have to have it, call the gals (or send an email) and say, “Bag My Booty!” That’s right – the deal will go into a Booty Bag with your name on it. In addition, Calico Gals will add a little surprise “Booty Freebie” to your bag, just for the fun of it.

The first time you call, the gals will take your credit card number and keep it securely. They may not have to use it if Santa stops in on Saturday the 17th or Sunday the 18th to pay for your booty and pick it up. Oh my goodness! Santa’s shopping is done! You will receive a bag of booty that you like, with a few extra surprises thrown in!

If Santa (or an elf) can’t make it in over the weekend, the gals will charge your card on Monday, December 19, and hold your bag for you. You still get the booty and the surprises!

You can play in Oswego too. All Booty Bags are filled in Syracuse, but we will deliver them to the Oswego store.

The Booty Deals are limited to the stock on hand, so call or email early if you want to bag your booty!

Calico Gals Presents Quilt Camp 2012

Photo of a couple dancing at a school dance

February 18 – 20, 2012, at Christ the King Retreat Center, Syracuse

Join the gals at the 11th annual retreat. Only $359 per person includes all meals, private room, classes, free sew, lots of stuff to make you laugh, and memories to last a lifetime.

Call 315-445-0617 for more information. Hold your spot with a $100 deposit.

The picture at right is Janet’s clue to this year’s theme. What can it be? Sock hops? Australia? Scientology?!!!

The Perfect Gift for the Beginner

Photo of the Babylock BL9 sewing machine

The Babylock BL9 makes the perfect gift for the beginner sewer. This machine is reliable and durable, with a variety of stitches and adjustable stitch lengths, plus a free arm to easily reach hard-to-sew-areas.

War of 1812 Quilt Challenge

Photo of an early 19th century quilt

Silk, Wool and Cotton Quilt from the Winterthur collections, Provenance, Pennsylvania, made between 1817 and 1830

The year 2012 marks the bicentennial of the War of 1812, much of which was fought just to the north of us. The Great Lakes Seaway Trail is sponsoring a quilt contest to commemorate the bicentennial. Make a quilt in the style of 1812 and see it displayed in the Great Lakes Seaway Trail Quilt Show in Sacketts Harbor, scheduled for March 17 and 18, 2012. Visit the Seaway Trails’ website and the War of 1812 Quilt Challenge blog for more information.

News: Black Friday Specials

Posted on November 19th, 2011, by Lisa, the Web Gal

It’s that time again!

First the turkey, then the shopping! Come into Calico Gals for a break and a deal.

Take a break with the gals on Coffee Break Friday

Photo of mug of coffee with form in the shape of a heart

Syracuse and Oswego, November 25th, aka Black Friday, aka The Day After Thanksgiving, 10 am – 5 pm

If the shopping gets crazy or you just want out of the house, stop by Calico Gals for a refreshing break. Enjoy a snack and a cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa. Relax a bit and make a free craft project. Go home with ideas for fun projects to create before or after the holidays.

Vote for your favorite handmade coffee cozy as created by Calico Gals staff members, and enter to win a $25 Calico Gals gift certificate.

Christmas & Holiday Fabric Sale

Illustration of Christmas tree balls and pine boughs decorating the word Sale

Starting Saturday, November 26

Janet has already ordered new fabric for next year and needs to move out the 2011 bolts. That means, savings for you! Beginning Saturday, November 26, take 25% off, and the price will go down every week.

There are still beautiful fabrics from which to choose, but they will go fast as the price drops each week. Do you need some quick holiday ideas? Ask to see the demo on the Ten Minute Tablerunner. It’s a free handout in both stores. Be sure to check out the Calico Gals Facebook Page for more free projects and videos. The hotpads project is especially good!

Are your wishes on the list?

Is there anything special you would like to find in your stocking this season? Make it easy on everyone (especially Santa) and fill out a card in Calico Gals’ Wish List box. The gals can help you choose your favorites, and when Santa’s elves come in, the gals can point them in the right direction.

A Chunky Beauty

Photo of chunky style quilt designed by Joan Ford in green and blue

It’s the perfect quilt for camps, that special guy in your life, and anyone who loves nature. “Chunky Majesty” is Joan Ford’s newest creation. When she brought it into the store, all the gals wanted to keep it! Fast and fun, this one is definitely “finish-able” in time for gift giving.

Calico Gals has packaged together Joan’s pattern and the Mountain Majesty fabric making it easy to grab, go and sew. Just $60 includes the chunky binding, too! Stop in either store for the Majesty kit or any of the other Chunky offerings.

Upcoming classes in Syracuse

Sew Fun for Kids: Fleece Hats with Nancy Graham and Nina Dukette

Syracuse, Sunday, November 20
12:30 – 3:30 pm

If you have a kid who loves to sew, bring them in for a class! Nancy and Nina share their love of sewing with children ages 10 and up who want to learn. This month, they will be making cozy fleece hats for themselves or for gifts. Call the Syracuse store to register 315-445-0617. Fee: $20

Quilter’s Project Notebook with Marilyn Urciuoli

Image of quilters notebook in green and black

Syracuse, 2 Wednesdays, November 30th and December 7th, 5:30 – 8:30 pm or December 7th and Dec. 14th, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Are you tired of carrying your appliqué projects
in a plastic bag? Make this beautiful notebook and keep everything organized! Learn Marilyn’s techniques for sewing in zippers, working with plastic, basic sewing construction and binding. The notebook is complete with a needle case, place for your scissors, optional bead blanket or tool pockets, small zippered pockets for threads and needle packages, a large pocket for appliqué pieces/fabrics and a large open pocket for the pattern.Travel in style, knowing
all your supplies and project pieces are at hand. Fee: $40

  • Calico Gals
  • Janet Lutz, Owner
  • 3906 New Court Ave.
  • Syracuse, NY 13206
  • 315-445-0617
  • Mon - Sat: 10 am - 5 pm
  • Sun: 12 pm - 4 pm
  • Calico Gals Harborview
  • Janet Lutz, Owner
  • 199 West 1st St.
  • Oswego, NY 13126
  • 315-343-0272
  • Mon - Sat: 10 am - 5 pm
  • Sun: 12 pm - 4 pm