Log Cabin Christmas Trees?
 

Just before Christmas I was in a LQS when I spotted a beautiful log cabin quilt hanging on the wall. It had little Christmas trees on it and I thought it was gorgeous. I asked the store owner what it was and if she had the pattern for me to buy. She got all pouty (her usual mode- why I don't shop there often)and said it was from an Eleanor Burns book which she'd sold out of and that she was mad because everyone bought the pattern but didn't sign up for the class! She walked off and wouldn't give me any more help. (See why I don't like to shop there?)

Does anyone have any idea of what this pattern might be or even if it is by Eleanor Burns? I figured y'all would be much more helpful than the shop witch!

Just Googled Eleanor Burns log cabin Christmas tree and got this
http://www.amazon.com/Log-Cabin-Chri...22705291Sounds like a good reason to shop online if she is the only shop around

Good grief. I wonder if she was the one teaching the class!

Too bad store owners that act like that would only know what a turnoff that is for customers. I stopped going to a quilt shop because of it.....no matter how far the others are...it's worth going elsewhere. Good luck finding the book.

This is the link above ... corrected
http://www.amazon.com/Log-Cabin-Chri.../dp/0922705291

Is this the one you are looking for?

However, you mentioned trees, so I am wondering if there were several of these in the quilt? or if it is something else?

Perhaps if you were to say where you saw the quilt others from that locale might know the specific pattern. (city and/or state/province/etc. if you don't want to say the LQS name)

Pouty store owner! LOL. Why do small shop owners think everyone will just shove money in their pockets because the door is open? I can't begin to tell you have many 'store owners' I have told "I won't give you any of my money for anything you sell because of your attitude, justified or not. I'll buy online where there is no attitude."

Here is the pattern for sale: http://www.quiltinaday.com/shoponlin...play.asp?i=667 for $6.95 brand new.

Okay, I wouldn't shop there EVER!!! This shop would never see me or my debit card ever again!!!

Is it this one?
http://www.amazon.com/Bears-Woods-Bu...dp/092270595X/

I went to a LQS once in another town, about 30 minutes away because we only have Walmart here. I saw a quilt on the wall and liked the pattern. Because I can get as many patterns as I will ever need online for free, I rarely buy one. Anyway, I was taking notes about the quilt so I could try it at home and boy did I get some dirty looks from the clerks. No one said anything, but I felt really creepy. Must be a no-no to do that. Haven't been back there, maybe if I wait another year they won't remember me.

I just take a quick pic with my phone and go on looking. They don't like it, but there's no sign that says "no pictures." If a store owner was that rude, I would never go there again, after I went one last time to tell her why I wasn't coming back.

I went into my favorite LQS one time and there was a quilt that was hung half on the wall, half on the ceiling. There wasn't a pattern available but it was pretty straightforward so I knew I could figure it out. One of the staff actually got out a ladder and climbed up to measure the blocks, sashing, and borders for me! He (yes, a "he"!) even got out some paper and helped me figure out the yardage I needed. I took a picture with my phone at his suggestion! Now that is just one of a million reasons why this is my FAVORITE LQS!!!

Talk about shooting herself in the foot. This is SO sad, but too common in quilt shop owners who are more hobbyists than business people; they are unable/unwilling to think outside the box. A customer in the store is valuable for so many reasons, not just the money in their hands.
They can tell you what customers are looking for so you can consider adding that to your inventory.
They can let you know the time of day that is the busiest on a given day.
You can determine which of your employees make the most fabric sales/the most books sales/are good with color selection/helpful for beginners/are most asked for by customers, etc.
You can figure the age/gender/skill level/and spending patterns of your customer base.
They can help you determine which classes are most requested.
Cars out front attract other customers into the store.
And on and on......
When a shop owner behaves as the ones you all have described here, it tells me they are already stressed, scared, and probably in over their head. It's hard to turn things around at this point without a major change of attitude and professional business help, such as from FabShopNet's Laurie Harsh. (And. no, I don't have any connection with her.)

Jan in VA

ditto to JanInVA ........... and add a dose of insecurity

You'd think they would help you if only to help you pick out fabrics that make a sale...pattern or not...

The log cabin trees are easy to make. I made many of them about 25 yrs. ago and gave them as gifts. They were a big hit. I hope you find the pattern you want. Some are so easy you don't even need a pattern. Can just tell by the picture what to do.

Here is another variation of a log cabin Christmas Tree, named OTannenbaum.pdf. It is a free download.
http://www.mccallsquilting.com/patte....html?idx=7023

IMHO I feel that one is a far nicer one than the Eleanor Burns tree.

Certainly the shop owner should not have behaved in this manner. Sounds like she needs to find a way to bring more customers into her store with more than just classes being offered. I am so fortunate to live in an area that has wonderful quilt shops. The one in my town, Grandma's Attic, is so special. I love all the people who work there and they are always so helpful and friendly. The LQS are having a difficult time because the prices of fabric have gone through the roof and people are looking for the best prices possible. While the online stores may have slightly lower prices, you aren't going to get the personalized service available in your LQS, if it is a good one.

I wouldn't shop there period!... If our LQS acted like that they probably wouldn't be in business. Luckily our LQS owner and her husband are wonderful, as well as, all of their staff. Sorry your LQS is different. I go to classes there from time to time. I attend BOM there every month and take my Mother with me. If they have sold out of something they are good about ordering it for you, if possible.
Perhaps someone should send her a note!
Penny

I have problems with getting attitude from ANY small business shop, in any forum! I take my truck 2.5 hours away, because the local service center has staff with vicious attitude toward their customers! That said, I drive 2 hours to the closest LQS and even if I'm NOT in town for that purpose, I drop in. The attitude of the owner and all the clerks is upbeat, helpful and they make me laugh! They have classes, all times of night and day, during which the "teacher" has been wonderful. I think the attitudes start at the top and "roll" down! Support the nearest friendly LQS, and if you know anyone connected to the not so hot one, you might point out the issue and why you can't shop there! This person may not care (not in business for much longer) or she may not be aware that she is driving away customers! Just because I spend $10 on thread today, may mean next trip, I'll spend $100 on fabric (or more, as we all KNOW!) I'm a scrappy quilter, so I always visit the Fat Quarter boxes! (it was because of the attitude AND support system that I purchased my HV Sapphire from this shop! not just a $100 sale, for sure!)

I love seeing all the ideas for your Log Cabin Christmas tree. Not sure if I'll ever concentrate long enough to make one, but there are SO many options for designs, out of a "simple" square! Just as much fun as the Drunkard's Path options! Crayons and graph paper at the ready!

I love this one!

I feel so fortunate. My small local quilt shop owner is the nicest, most helpful person you could ask for. She mostly has the shop alone unless her husband is there to spell her on occasion. I might have to wait a bit to get my fabric cut, but you just don't mind as it is so pleasant a place to shop.

I have actually made both the Christmas Tree and the Wreath and they are both easy and really cute I wouldn't shop at that store either.

Personally, I would not want to see ANY quilt shop go out of business. But that's just what'll happen to her if she continues on this nasty path of self-destruction. I have, in the past, spoken to shop owners about their off-putting attitude. I've been met with reactions from both ends of the scale - apologies and nasty come-backs. One shop owner told me if I was too sensitive and couldn't handle an occasional bad attitude, I wasn't welcome in her store!!! REALLY? (that store is now E-M-P-T-Y)

I used to drive for over 45 minutes to get to the only quilt shop close to me. That stopped because the owner was moody and a grump too. Who needs the attitude when her prices are already much higher than sources online???? That's part of the reason why small quilt shops don't survive, I believe. Attitude and high prices.

I have only had one bad experience with a store. I was given an old Viking computerized sewing machine. So I took it to the nearest dealer to ask for help on how to use it. They never had time for me. They had time to try to sew me a new one but no help on the old one. There's another LQS nearby that her business has increased so much she had to move to a new building with lots more space. She and her staff are so helpful and I have bought several machines from her. The only difference is that she will charge for classes on how to use a machine if you did not buy from her. If you buy from her the classes (just the "how to" on machine usages) are free. When I bought my serger there, half the people in the class had machines they bought somewhere else and we were treated all the same. Now that's customer service!

The book is called "Quilt in a Day, Bears in the Woods Quilt" and was designed by Sue Bouchard for Eleanor Burns. The first printing was in October 1997. The quilt has a log cabin star in the middle, trees all around with Bear Paw block in each corner and the whole quilt is surrounded with flying geese. Message me if you can't find it.

If the above link shows the tree wanted, the pattern is very simple.
First row----------a solid white log cabin, two green/white log cabins and one more solid white.
Second row-----------1/2 of a solid white log cabin (would have to be cut a bit more than half to allow for extra seam), green/white log cabin, a solid green log cabin, green/white log cabin and another 1/2+ solid white log cabin (can't be the leftover of the first one, since it needs to be a bit more)
Third row---------green/white log, 2 solid green logs, green/white log.
Fourth row--- solid white log, 2 green/white logs, solid white log.


And you could always continue that pattern, increasing each row one block and make a bigger one. the last base might just add more whites to either end.

If you find a small green print with small red and yellow patterns, you'd have your tree decorated. Decide the approximate size the wall hanging should be and then make each block about a 1/4 that size.

I love my LQS. I take classes there but haven't bought a lot of fabric there. I plan to buy there but just been busy with embroidery and garment sewing. The owner and employees are wonderful, very helpful, knowledgeable and down right sweet people. Shop is in Columbus, GA sew if this way, check them out... sewmuchfunincolumbus on Veterans Parkway....I am not getting paid to brag on them...

"maybe if I wait another year they won't remember me." Wear a wig or hat next time if you have to go back beore a year and don't take notes, just make phone calls (but really take pics with your phone). LOL Take care.

Both patterns are really neat. So sorry about your LQS person. What a shame to act like that and drive customers away!

And she'll still be in business 10 years from now, the one won't.

I Googled Eleanorburns.com and they have a lot of information about their books and such. I think you will find it there or call the 800 number.

I would not give my business to anyone who treated me like that.

That is so sad that the shop owner was so disinterested. I think she needs a course in dealing with people. I, personally, have no tolerance for that. I just take my business elsewhere.

I wouldn't shop there either!

Well like they say...attitude is everything!! If I get a bad attitude from a shop or store, I usually never go back. We have so many choices and that includes online. Our local quilt shop in Armstrong B.C. Is a great shop. If you ladies ever come up north it's worth a visit. She'll even put the coffee on!

[ATTACH=CONFIG]388157[/ATTACH]I obviously like Log Cabin Christmas trees also. I made this a couple years ago and can't wait to hang it at Christmas time. AND I am making a commitment to get it down tomorrow....LOL...all the other decorations have been put away for a couple weeks.[ATTACH=CONFIG]388157[/ATTACH]

Sorry I am having problems getting this picture posted.