Wednesday, February 17, 2016

A Visit from our Jon our Moda Man

Welcome to all the new subscribers.  We appreciate your inviting us into your home every Thursday.

If we were betting people, we would have bet a lot of money that we'd have a very brutal winter.  Fortunately we didn't place any bets as we spotted these buds during a recent walk.  Spring can't be far away with mature buds like this!
Our Moda man visited us Tuesday afternoon.  It's always so exciting to see everything he brings.....and so difficult to choose what we want to buy.  Our eyes are much bigger than our budget so we have hard choices.

We chose several from Edyta's Sitar's (Laundry Basket) Blue Barn line.  We tried to get a nice variety of print sizes.  The fabric won't ship until July so we'll have plenty of time to cook up some fun projects. 
Since several of you asked, we will be offering Blackbird Designs' "The Raven" as a block of the month.  We chose several prints from Blackbird's Wild Orchid line to use in the quilt.  The fabrics are much prettier than the swatches pictured below.....imagine rich blacks, golden oranges, and subtle purple.  It'll be so hard to wait for the pattern and fabric to arrive!

We're taking sign ups now for the block of the month/kit.  Just give us an e-mail (info@sewgracefulquilting.com) or call (479-372-7403) and we'll get you on the list.

As a reminder, any project we offer as a block of the month can be sent all at once if you'd prefer.
 
Here's our Moda man, Jon.....and Darlene trying on some spiffy new glasses to help determine fabric value.  We decided we wouldn't use the glasses but had fun playing with them.  Now you know the guy who brings us so many great fabrics.
While we didn't buy any new Kansas Troubles fabrics during Jon's visit, we were reminded of a cute table runner kit.  Our Heart and Home kit uses Kansas Troubles' Clara's Garden line for the center piecing.  The outer applique is wool.  Your $24.95 kit includes the pattern, background fabric, wool for applique, a mini-charm pack of Clara's Garden, and binding.  Finished size is 12" x 26".

The embroidery says "May your heart and home be filled with peace".
We'd hoped to show you our progress on Lynette Anderson's Mystery pattern but are waiting on Valdani thread to arrive from Canada.  It should be here soon and Kay will get it stitched.  We are using the 3-strand floss; if you'd like us to reserve a set for you please let us know.
Our first class taught by an out of town teacher begins today.  We're sure the butterflies flittering in our tummies will subside as soon as class gets underway.

We have several new things on the horizon and hope to share them soon.  Sometimes we feel like our horizon keeps moving....but it keeps life interesting.  Hope your horizon is clear and sunny.

See you soon.

Darlene and Debby and Kay (who is counting the hours until her applique workshops in Galveston)

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Witches, pincushions, and books

We had a wonderful birthday party Saturday.  Thanks to everyone who stopped by to help us celebrate.  We are looking forward to many more birthdays.

Several people e-mailed and asked for photos of the shop.  Below is the photo collage we posted of our display by the front door.  We will snap some more pictures this week and try to remember to include them in next weeks' newsletter.
The response to our version of Buttermilk Basin's Merrie Christmas block of the month surprised us.  We have sold out of the program and don't even have the borders on the quilt yet.  We are taking a waiting list and once we reach our magic number we will do a second cutting.  If you would like to be put on the waiting list, please e-mail (info@sewgracefulquilting.com) or call us 479-372-7403.

Cost per month is $19.95. This is for everything needed to make the top and binding. No finishing kit is required. This program runs 9 months.  The quilt backgrounds are Diamond Textiles and appliques are wool (many of which are hand dyed).  We plan to add a small burgundy inner border and use the plaid fabric that's used in the quilt for the outer border.  We feel like the plaid will give the quilt an elegant finish.  The quilt finishes 42" x 42".

Here's a photo of the quilt in progress......hopefully we will have a chance to sew on borders this week. 
Meg of Crabapple Hill is creating the cutest Halloween quilt.  If you use Instagram, you should consider following her (she's meghawkey1) as she shows closeups of many of her projects.  Meg uses crayons to tint her embroidery pieces so each piece is simple embroidery which you color -- it's a lot of fun.

Several of you purchased Block 1 of The Mystery of the Salem Quilt Guild and we're sure you are probably waiting for Block 2. If so, we have the patterns in stock and will be happy to hold or mail one to you.  $10 for Block 2. 
We can order more Block 1 if you would like one.  $10
If you're looking for a quick and easy project, these pincushions are for you.  They'd be a great beginner project for someone new to wool applique or to piecing.  The pattern contains instructions to make all 3 pincushions - rather than confuse everything we decided to sell the pattern separately ($8).......
.......and each kit separately.  Each kit is $4.95 and includes the fabric and/or wool for the front; the back is included for each pincushion; the key for the Old Crow is also included in the crow kit.

Bee Happy
Olde Crow
Spool
We are taking preorders for two brand new Quiltmania books.  They're so new we don't have pricing or delivery dates yet.  Linda Collins' new book, Treasures from the Barn, contains over 15 projects.  Linda is an Australian designer who hosts an annual event showcasing beautiful quilts.  If you're interested in reading about what she's up to her blog address is http://quiltsinthebarnaus.blogspot.com/
The other new book is by Brigitte Giblin and is entitled Feathering the Nest 2.  If this book is as good as her first one, we are in for a real treat. It contains over 12 projects.

Cover quilts on both of these books are absolutely gorgeous.  If you'd like to reserve either (or both) books, let us know. 
If you're free on Tuesday or Thursday, we'd love to have you join the stitching group on Tuesday and/or the rug hooking group on Thursday.  Both groups meet at the shop -- no reservation required, no fee, no by-laws.

We have several more new things to share but will save some for next week.  Hope you have a great week and find some quiet time just for you.

Darlene and Debby

Bed of Roses

We hope you'll be able to join us to celebrate 5 years.  Our party is Saturday, Jan 30, 9:00-3:00.  We'll have refreshments, some merchandise on sale, and door prize drawings.  We are selling some of our samples too.  We'll also have several new projects to share.

Without getting mushy and teary eyed, we have to say we wouldn't be where we are today without your support.  Whether you are a local friend or one from far away, we appreciate you.  Thank you to everyone who takes the time to offer a kind word and an 'attaboy when we are having a sad day.  We are looking forward to many more years of creating and inspiring you.
We have a couple of projects to share this week.  Spring cleaning is just around the corner.....why not get a jump on a new look for your bedroom?  The "Bed of Roses" quilt will give your bed a fresh look.  The quilt finishes 74" x 85"; however, it can easily be made larger with another row of blocks and/or larger borders.  We have the kits cut but have purposely not cut a few borders in case someone wants a larger quilt.  The kit cost is $110.95 which includes the pattern, fabric to make the 74" x 85" size, and binding.  If you'd prefer to use your own fabrics, the pattern is $9.
Kay also designed a coordinating pillow, "1805 Pillow".  It finishes 19" x 40".  Kits include the pattern, fabric for the pillow top, binding, and backing fabric.  Kit cost $34.95.  If you're prefer to use your own fabrics, the pattern is $9.
Here's a photo to help you visualize what your new bed ensemble will look like.
We will keep this short as we have tons to get ready for Saturday.  Hope to see you soon.

Darlene and Debby