Simple Friendships book has arrived

We're very excited our shipment of "Simple Friendships" by Jo Morton and Kim Diehl arrived.  We love everything about the book especially the feel of the paper the printer used on the cover.  There's just something soothing about running our fingers across silky smooth book covers......is it just us or do you feel the same way.....ok.....enough silliness. The book contains 14 quilts ranging from a table topper to wall hangings to lap quilts.  It also contains several pages with in depth general instructions.  128 pages  $28.99 If you reserved a copy and don't live locally, Debby is processing your order.  If you live in the local area, we have your copy safely tucked away in your folder.  If you'd like us to reserve a copy, please e-mail info@sewgracefulquilting.com and we'll hold your copy.

In addition to Jo and Kim's new book, we received our Quiltmania shipment.  We think this issue of Simply Vintage is particularly special.  If you're on automatic shipment for Simply Vintage, Debby is processing your order.  If you're not and want to be sure you don't miss an issue, e-mail us at info@sewgracefulquilting.com and we'll get you set up.  $17.99

You may have noticed we commented the Simply Vintage magazine is particularly special......that's because we have a project in the magazine.  Our quilt "Simply Joy" is featured.  We have kits available for $99.95 which include the fabric and wool to make the quilt. Photo courtesy of Quiltmania.

We also received our shipment of Simply Moderne.  It contains several projects we'd love to make with our primitive look -- let us know if we can help you choose fabric to "primitive up" any of the projects in the magazine.  $17.99 If you're on automatic for this magazine, we've got you covered.

"Jellies with Charm" is a Sew Graceful exclusive pattern.  We've made it in several fabric combinations and with each new quilt we proclaim that look is our favorite.  This time we think this is our all time favorite look.  We used fabrics from Barbara Brackman's Old Cambridge Pike line along with a few coordinating fabrics to make the quilt.  The quilt finishes 52" x 75".  Kits are $54.95 and include the pattern, fabrics to make the quilt top, and binding.

If you like to embroider you will love "All Those Simple Things".  It combines applique and embroidery to create an adorable wall hanging.  If you don't want an entire quilt, each block is very sweet on its own.  The pattern contains full size drawings with excellent layout diagrams.  $17.95  Kits are $46.95 and include fabric to make the quilt top and binding.  Stitchery stabilizer is available separately if you choose to stabilize your stitchery backgrounds.

Before we close we want to share some information about a 2-day beginning rug hooking workshop by Gene Shepherd.  The workshop is April 17 & 18 in Siloam Springs AR from 9:00-2:00 daily.  Your $80 registration fee includes pattern, wool, and hook. Registration and fee is due by March 13.  For more information, please contact Gail Edwards 477-381-6693 gledwar@cox.net After you learn the basics, we invite you to join us each Thursday at the shop.  Our local rug hookers stop in each Thursday to socialize and hook.  There's no fee and registration isn't required. Each Tuesday, we host local stitchers at the shop.  Anyone is welcome - no fee and no registration.  Come and enjoy the fellowship.

We are gearing up for the Quilter's Guild of Dallas show Mar 10-12.  If you're out of town and planning to attend the show and would like us to tuck in any special order(s), please let us know.  Information about the show can be found on the guild website http://quiltersguildofdallas.org/ We will be back next Thursday with new projects to inspire and motivate you.  See you soon. Darlene and Debby

Class schedule

Sometimes we oops and when we do we surely want to make it right......if you're participating in The Raven block of the month we owe you house roof fabric for block #5.  If you are keeping up with your blocks and need the roof now, we'll be happy to pop fabric in the mail now.  Please send an e-mail to info@sewgracefulquilting.com and we will get it right out.  If you're more of a "collector of blocks of the month for now", we will include the roof in your block in March. We have a few more openings in The Raven so if you'd like to join this fun project, please let us know.  The quilt finishes 87" x 87" and includes the pattern for the border (the original quilt didn't have a border).   Cost is $24.95 per month for 11 months.  The pattern is sold separately for $28.

We have exciting news about a new button club from Lynette Anderson.  We know many of you were disappointed to miss out on the previous club, Anderson's Farm.  The new club, Seaside Town, looks like it's even more adorable.  As with the previous club, the quilt is a secret.  We've seen a few sneak peeks and are sharing them with you.  We know the quilt will be a combination of applique, embroidery, piecing, English paper piecing, and bias stems.  It will finish approximately 34" x 44". We plan to use a combination of Lynette's fabrics and other designer fabrics (as we did with Anderson's Farm). The program will begin in April 2017 and run for 12 months.  Cost per month is $22.95 which includes the pattern, hand painted button and fabric to make the block.  You will receive fabric for the entire quilt top and binding (we are not offering the option for the pattern and button only). We will also offer a thread kit and stitchery stabilizer.  Valdani personnel are working on the thread kits so we don't have a cost yet. We have a very limited number of spots so if you know you want to join, please e-mail us quickly (info@sewgracefulquilting.com).

As we promised last week, we have class information to share.  If you're interested in taking a class, simply e-mail info@sewgracefulquilting.com and we'll get you on the list.  You'll receive a supply list shortly before the class meets. We realize our schedule may not match your schedule.  If you want to take a class and the dates don't work for you, let us know and we'll see what we can do to accommodate you.  Also, we are open to coming to your guild or group to teach.  E-mail us info@sewgracefulquilting.com and we'll see what we can do. Fill your Heart wool applique - You will learn how to mark stitching lines on dark fabric, how to stitch stems, and several embroidery stitches.  The piece will fit in a 16" x 20" frame.  Class fee $20 (kit is required and sold separately).  Weds Mar 20 10:00-12:00 OR Fri Apr 7 10:00-12:00

Itty Bitty Pocket - You will learn how to construct the stitching bag and scissor case.  Class fee $25 (kit is required and sold separately).  Mon Mar 6 9:30-12:00 OR Fri Apr 14 9:30-12:00

Invisible Machine Applique - You will learn how to prepare applique shapes for machine applique.  You must have a sewing machine with an adjustable zigzag option and must be familiar with the operation of your machine.  Class fee $35 (kit is included).  Weds Mar 22 12:30-3:30 OR Weds Apr 26 9:00-12:00 Please note the kit you will receive will not have the exact fabrics as pictured below.  This sample was made about 5 years ago and the fabrics are no longer in print.

Needle Punch - You will learn how to transfer a design to fabric, how to thread your needle punch, and how to correctly needle punch.  We will also discuss finishing options for your finished project.  $20 (kit and needle punch is required and sold separately; hoop will be provided).  Weds Mar 15 10:00-12:00 OR Fri Apr 7 1:00-3:00

Beginning Wool Applique - We will discuss methods of adhering wool to your background with an emphasis on the use of Soft Fuse.  We will demonstrate the blanket stitch, backstitch, and stem stitch and allow you to practice the stitches.  $30 (your choice of Sew Graceful pincushion kit is included in the class fee).  Friday Mar 31 10:00-12:00 OR Weds Apr 12 10:00-12:00

Beginning Quilting - This class is offered on an appointment basis only.  If you are interested, please e-mail and we will schedule a date.

My Sewing Box - You will learn how to stuff a wool applique shape as it is being stitched, how to begin and end thread when blanket stitching the outer edge, and how to adhere your appliqued piece to a sewing box.  $20 (kit is required and sold separately - kit includes the sewing box).  Monday, Mar 20 10:00-12:00 OR Fri Apr 14 1:00-3:00

We will be back next Thursday with new projects to inspire and motivate you.  See you soon. Darlene and Debby

Shop photos

We have several new projects to share this week but we'd like to begin by sharing some photos of our shop after Kay reworked the front area.  We love how she displayed the Pretty Petals quilt (our 2017 $10 block of the month) among punch needle, wool, and cotton projects.  We have openings and invite you to read more about it at our website Sew Graceful

"Spooky Hollow" looks beautiful hanging above all that scrumptious Valdani perle cotton.  We have openings in the Spooky Hollow block of the month ($19.95 per month for 9 months plus $20 for the pattern).  If you'd prefer to buy the kit all at once, we have everything cut and packaged ($179.55 plus $20 for the pattern).

Kay's "Scrap Happy" quilt is now hanging in the shop after being featured in the spring issue of Primitive Quilts and Projects magazine.  We have kits ($84.95) and magazines ($9.99) available.

If you've got a critical eye, you may have noticed a couple of very cute pieces hanging on our front door in the top photo above.  Debby created 2 wall hangings and a darling pillow using the Maywood snowman panel we recently received.  The applique is preprinted so you'll have these finished in a snap. Your kit will include instructions, fabrics for the top of both wall hangings, binding, and fabric for the pillow.  We have only a few Winter Trio kits left so don't delay in letting us know you'd like one.  $34.95

Another new project recently finished by our dear friend Jane H is "French Wrens".  It finishes 40" x 40" and features Jo Morton's Gratitude line of fabric.  Your $52.95 kit includes the pattern, all fabric to make the top, and binding.  We'll be happy to help you choose backing fabric for $9.95 per yard.

Our favorite guy in brown brought 3 large boxes from Moda.....sigh......our shipment of Jo Morton's new line, Reflections finally arrived.  We are cutting fat quarter bundles.  Let us know if we can reserve one for you by calling 479-372-7403 or e-mailing (info@sewgracefulquilting.com) $98.95 per bundle - 34 fat quarters.  It's a particularly wonderful line.......and will work well if you happen to have fabric left from Jo's first line with Moda.

We realize this is getting long and you're probably on sensory overload but we can't close without letting you know we received our shipment of fabrics for the Scraps of my Life kit.  Your $74.95 kit includes 160 - 5" squares of fabric and fabric for the borders.  All fabrics are from Diamond Textiles - the same fabrics Malgorzata used as she designed the quilt.  The pattern is available separately for $28. We are working on a sample and hope to have something to share with you very soon.

We hope to have a class schedule by next week.  We are finalizing a few things before we publish it.  Thanks for your patience.  See you soon. Darlene and Debby

Pitter patter

Thank you to everyone who stopped by the shop for our party on Saturday.  Also, thank you to those who called or e-mailed wishing us a happy birthday.....and to the person who called and sang happy birthday to us.......thank you.  We had a great time and are looking forward to another year of sharing what we love. We can't help but notice the trees are budding and tender vegetation is popping through the soil.  We've noticed lots of robins back in the area, bluebirds are looking for nesting boxes, and the woodpeckers can be heard almost daily.  Even though the calendar says it's the middle of winter, it feels like spring is just around the corner.

We're certain many of you can relate to the sentiment expressed on this cute wall hanging:  "Nothing makes a home complete without the pitter patter of doggie feet".  Your $19.95 kit includes the pre-stamped sandcastle fabric, perle cotton for the embroidery, a needle, all fabric to make the top, and binding.  Finishing is quick and easy (ours was quilted on a home sewing machine).

Is it just us or does it seem like the new book selection is wonderful this year?  We're sharing another book that looks like it'll be a winner.  Roseann Kermes' book "A Little Something" is scheduled for release by the end of May.  We are putting together an order and will be happy to reserve a copy for you. According to the website, the book contains cheerful little projects with detailed photos and clear instructions.  $19.99

Our philosophy is you can't have too many totes.....we have totes to carry our totes.....and still want more.  Kay recently finished this sewing pocket and said it's super easy to make.  Your $24.95 kit includes the pattern and all wool to make the project.  Let us know if we can reserve a "Cottage Clutch" kit for you. The photo below shows it closed (the left photo), the inside (upper right), and outside (lower right).

We are working on several new projects and hope to be able to share them soon.  We stay very busy but we love every minute we get to create.  See you soon. Darlene and Debby