Think spring

Darlene and Kay are back from a very inspiring visit to Dallas where they met lots of very nice quilters and saw amazing quilts.  Lots of new readers signed up for the weekly newsletter - welcome to you all. This week we thought we'd get you in the mood for spring by sharing a couple of spring projects. The "Simply Flowers" pincushion would be a darling way to let a friend know you're thinking of him or her during this spring season.  It's quick to stitch and unique because it's our very own pattern.  Your $8.95 kit includes the pattern, wool for background and applique, tape measure ribbon, and buttons (colors will vary).

"Daffodil Delight" is a perfect spring pick me up project.  We reduced the pattern by 50% (you'll need to reduce your pattern also).  Your $36.95 kit includes the pattern, background fabric, wool for the applique, and binding.  Finishes 13" x 19 1/2"

While we were in Dallas we picked up the newest Quiltmania titles.  If you pre-ordered a copy, Kay will be processing your order today.  If you didn't and would like a copy, let us know.  We picked up a few extra. Feathering the Nest 2 by Brigitte Giblin $45.95

Treasures from the Barn by Linda Collins, $45.95

Ratsburg Road Quilts and the stories they tell by Linda Koenig $45.95

We're excited to share information about a quilt show that's just up the road in Eureka Springs, AR.  The show is sponsored by the Eureka! Quilters Guild and will be held May 6 and 7 at the Inn of the Ozarks Convention Center, Hwy 62.  Hours are 9-4 both days and admission is $5.  For more info about the guild and show you can visit their website at http://www.iloveeurekasprings.com/event/eureka-quilters-guild-quilt-show/

If you've been keeping up with Debby's husband, Ken and his battle with cancer, read on.  If not, we will visit with you again next Thursday. It's been a while since we gave you an update on Debby's husband. Unfortunately, the optimism expressed by his doctor in September was short lived. His cancer has returned and spread; he's currently in the hospital with acute respiratory failure. He is undergoing chemo but the outcome is very uncertain. We appreciate your keeping our family in your thoughts and prayers. We know many of you have walked this very sad path and can relate to the turmoil we are feeling. See you soon. Darlene and Debby

Yoko Saito books

What a whirlwind of a week it's been!  The winding path we mentioned last week seems to have become a circle where we feel as though we are chasing our tail.  Because of some unexpected family commitments, we are a day behind on processing blocks of the month.  If you don't receive your package this week, it'll arrive next week.  Thanks for your patience and understanding. Last week we told you about Yoko Saito's book "Past and Present".  We sold the copies we had in record time.  Unfortunately, the book is no longer available; however, we contacted Yoko and found she has a dozen copies available.  You'll have to order from Japan but wanted to pass along this information in case you just can't live without a copy.  Since so many of you expressed interest in Yoko's book, we thought we'd feature more of her in print books this week.  All books are written in English and are beautifully photographed. "Houses, Houses, Houses" includes 34 projects in 113 pages.  You will learn how to design your own house block.  Projects includes handbags, pouches, carry-all, tissue case, pencil case, and more.  Cost is $34.95.   "Yoko Saito's Scandinavian Quilts" contains 27 projects in 129 pages.  The projects include quilts, handbags, soft toys, kitchen items, and accessories.   Cost is $34.95. "Japanese Quilting Piece by Piece" contains 29 individual projects in 152 pages.  The book contains concise instructions with detailed diagrams.  A large packet of fold out patterns is included.  $26.95 Yoko has a new embroidery book with a mid-April release date.  "138 Original Applique Designs" contains 20 projects in 232 pages.  Our friend Priscilla at Stitch Publications translates Yoko's books into English. The original version of this book is selling on the secondary market for over $124.....but you can have a copy containing everything that was in the original book for only $42.95. If you'd like to preorder the book, please e-mail (info@sewgracefulquilting.com) or call (479-372-7403).  We are putting together an order for more Yoko books.  If you'd like to order any title(s) shown below, please let us know by next Tuesday.  We'll place the order then. "Strolling along Paths of Green" - $34.95 - 33 projects in 113 pages "Floral Bouquet Quilts" - $34.95 - 29 projects in 112 pages "12 Original Embroidery Designs" - $42.95 - 20 projects in 120 pages "Japanese Taupe Color Theory" - $37.95 - 37 projects in 147 pages "Woolwork" - $32.95 - 34 projects in 96 pages "Bags for Everyday Use" - $34.95 - 21 projects in 112 pages "House Warming Patchwork" and "New Classic Patchwork" - both are $27.95 each. We can't close without sharing a new project with you.  One of our friends, Shirley C, referred us to this pattern.  When we saw it we knew we just had to make it.  It's a large pincushion (7 1/2") so will surely hold all your pins.  We think it would also make a sweet accent pillow.  Your $29.95 kit includes the pattern, wool, and background cotton. The first photo shows the kit pincushion; the second photo shows the pattern (which you will see includes several other adorably cute pincushions).  The pattern is included in your kit. Since this is getting rather long, we will close.  Darlene and Kay are at the Dallas quilt show.  The show will be held at the Dallas Market Hall, NW corner of I35E & Market Center Blvd, March 11-13.  Hours on the 11th and 12th are 10-5 and hours on the 13th are 12-5.  For more info you can check out the guild website at http://quiltersguildofdallas.org/ Debby will have the store open regular hours -- it's a little bare with many samples gone......but we are quite sure the quilters in Dallas will be happy to see what we've brought.  See you soon. Darlene and Debby

New pieced quilt

This week we are pleased to share something we've been working on for quite some time.....we didn't mean for it to take so long but life has a way of changing and taking unexpected curves that throw monkey wrenches in plans. "Community Sampler" is our newest block of the month.  As you can see, it's a pieced quilt.  We've been wanting to offer more pieced quilts for those who aren't as crazy about applique as us.  We used a combination of Edyta Sitar's Hearts Content and Howard Marcus' Collection Community fabrics to make the quilt.  It is our design and finishes 84" x 84".  The block of the month includes the pattern, fabric to make the top, and binding.  Cost is $19.95 per month for 12 months.  If you'd prefer to get everything all at once, the cost is $239.40. We plan to start this block of the month in April.  Please call (479-372-7403) or e-mail (info@sewgracefulquilting.com) to reserve your spot. While we're on the topic of things in the works and super secrets......we are very excited to share some news we've been bursting to share for over a year.  Jo Morton is now designing with Moda fabrics.  We learned of her move over a year ago but assured her that her secret was safe with us -- it was her news to share, not ours. Our Moda man said Jo's first line should be shown at spring market in May.  We also understand she will continue her Little Women's Club.  We realize many of you participated in the program in the past and grew tired of it so we are apprehensive about offering the program since it requires a financial and time commitment.  If you would be interested in participating in a Little Women's Club, let us know.  If the interest is there we'd love to offer it. Pictured below are previous club offerings to give you an idea of what the club is about in case you're not familiar with it. We have openings in our Anderson's Farm button of the month program.  Unfortunately, we don't know what the finished quilt will look like (it's a mystery) but if you're familiar with Lynette Anderson you know it's going to be very sweet. Finished size is approximately 34" x 48".  We have two options:  #1 - hand painted button and pattern for $16.95 or #2 - hand painted button, pattern, and fabric for $19.95.  The program runs for 10 months. Kay has stitched the first month and is eagerly awaiting arrival of block 2.  If you're participating in this program and would like us to add the thread and/or stabilizer please let us know.  Debby will process blocks of the month around March 10. Our shipment of the spring issue of Simply Vintage arrived yesterday.  We can't say enough about how much we enjoy each issue of the magazine.  If you're on automatic to receive a copy, Debby will get your order processed.  If you'd like to be sure you don't miss an issue, please let us know and we'll add you to the list.  Price is $17.99.   We're very excited our friend Robin made the cover of the magazine again.  We have kits available for her "The Bluebird Sings".  The kit includes the background fabrics, wool for applique, and binding.  The quilt finishes 20" x 20".  You'll need the Simply Vintage magazine for the pattern - kit cost is $25.95. Debby recently finished a project we're sure you're going to love.  Her "Little Critter Purse" is so cute that we all want to stop everything and make one.  She said the instructions are very clear -- and the zipper isn't hard to install using the pattern instructions.  The bag finishes 4" x 6" so is the perfect size for sewing notions or make up or drawing supplies for the grandkids or just about anything. Your $19.95 kit includes the pattern, fabric for the bag, wool for applique (you could substitute fabric if desired) and the sports zipper.......yep, no having to hunt the zipper -- we supply it for you. Since this is getting rather long, we will close.  We have a busy week next week preparing for the Dallas quilt show.  The show will be held at the Dallas Market Hall, NW corner of I35E & Market Center Blvd, March 11-13.  Hours on the 11th and 12th are 10-5 and hours on the 13th are 12-5.  For more info you can check out the guild website at http://quiltersguildofdallas.org/ We'll share other shows and events as the time gets closer to the event.  See you soon. Darlene and Debby

Our first hooking class was wonderful

Our first class we referred to as "an out of town teacher, we have to arrange lodging, and gosh we are nervous we'll meet our expenses" went very well.  Don't all these rugs looks beautiful with the addition of the braided edge?  We expect we will see many more rugs finished with this technique.

We'd like to share a couple of quick and easy projects by Bits & Pieces by Joan.  When we visit quilt market we always make a stop by Joan's booth and always leave her booth several dollars poorer but many patterns richer. Although this piece is called "Spring Angel" we think it could be displayed throughout the year.  Our piece is framed but the piece could easily be finished as a small wall hanging.  It finishes 5" x 12" and your $14.95 kit includes the pattern, background cotton, and wool for applique.  We'll be happy to put together a Valdani thread kit for the project if you'd like. On a side note -- isn't that egg tree just the cutest thing?!  Another great find at one of the many local thrift stores.......sorry.....it's not for sale.

"Wildflowers" is another Bits by Joan design.  Wouldn't it be a sweet companion to the spring angel?  It also can be framed or finished as a wall hanging.  Your $14.95 kit includes the pattern, background fabric (we used a really neat Diamond Textile woven), wool for applique, and buttons (buttons may vary).

We recently learned Yoko Saito's book "Past and Present" is out of print.  It is a hard backed book filled with breath taking designs published by Quiltmania.  We have only a handful of books and once they're gone, they're gone.  Cost is $56.95.  Since we have so few copies, we aren't going to put the book on the web so we don't oversell.  If you want a copy, please e-mail (info@sewgracefulquilting.com) or call (479-372-7403) quickly.  Limit one per customer.

We'll be back next Thursday with more new projects to inspire you.  Until then we hope you have a great week. Darlene and Debby