Our version of The Raven quilt

We are a little behind in welcoming all the new readers to our weekly newsletter.  We pop in for a visit every Thursday and try to keep our newsletters short but filled with things to inspire you.  If you ever decide you'd prefer we go away, you can unsubscribe by using the link at the bottom of the newsletter. We've had some fun 4-legged visitors to the shop lately.  Mr Turtle greeted us in the parking lot early one morning followed by baby deer the next morning.  We know deer babies grow into flower nibbling machines but we'll take it a day at a time and enjoy them.

Kay is working on The Raven quilt by Blackbird Designs.  It probably comes as no surprise to you that we are changing things.  Here's the quilt as designed by Barb and Alma.

Here's the first 3 blocks of Kay's version.  You'll have to use your imagination as the blocks are works in progress.  The house block will have a tree with lots of beautiful green leaves and vines.  All backgrounds are Diamond Textiles fabrics.  She's also 90% sure she will add a border. We know many shops are offering this project as a block of the month.  We also know many of you signed up for our block of the month without knowing what direction we were headed.  If you're on the list and would prefer to make the quilt with fabrics used by Alma, we're happy to remove your name from our list.  We haven't started cutting kits so it's no problem. Now that you've seen the direction we're headed if you would like to be put on our block of the month list, send us an e-mail (info@sewgracefulquilting.com) or call 479-372-7403.  We anticipate starting this block of the month in September.

The 4th of July means family gatherings for many which often means a cookout following by a slice of ice cold watermelon.  We thought it would be fun to spotlight our Simply Watermelon pincushion kit this week.  Your $8.95 kit includes the pattern, background fabric (yours will vary from ours -- most kits now have a nice star print in them), wool, and the cute bee button.

If you like small piecing, you'll love our next project.  "Little Red Eight" finishes 18" x 20".  Kay made the sample and said it was actually pretty fun (small piecing is not on her "Yay I get to play with teeny pieces of fabric" list).  Your kit includes a charm pack which will allow you lots of options for your fabric placement.  Kit is $28.95 and includes the pattern, fabrics for the top, binding, and two different button packs.

Kathy Schmitz' book "Stitches from the Garden" arrived.  Below are photos of the book cover and some of the projects from the book. We are working to process the pre-orders but have a few extra.  If you'd like us to reserve a copy, let us know.  $24.99

We hope to be able to share a really wonderful new pattern with you next week -- we're still working out details and have our fingers crossed everything will fall into place. We hope you have a nice holiday weekend.  We will be open regular hours on Saturday. See you soon. Darlene and Debby