New Yoko Saito book

Judging by the large number of out of state license plates we've seen, many people are visiting the area for the annual NW Arkansas craft fairs.  If you're visiting, we hope you'll make plans to fit a stop at Sew Graceful Quilting in your shopping weekend.  As a reminder, we are open extended hours this week:   Thursday (Oct 18) 9:00-3:00, Friday (Oct 19) 9:00-1:00 and Saturday (Oct 20) 9:00-3:00.

We have been huge fans of Yoko Saito's work for many years.  Her use of textured fabrics in subdued tones are right up our alley.  We were super excited to learn Martingale publishing has released a history of her quilting life.  The book is beautifully photographed with dozens of photos of her superb patchwork and applique creations.  The book does not contain any patterns but the photos will certainly inspire you to create.

We are putting together our order for "Yoko Saito Through the Years" and will be happy to include a book for you.  The book is hard cover, 144 pages, $36.99.

We have one pattern set of Yoko's mystery quilt pattern.  You'll receive 3 issues of Quiltmania which contain the entire pattern.  $29.95

Just in time for the Halloween season is our version of "Eek!".  We changed the pattern a bit and added jumbo rick rack.  Your $21.95 kit includes the pattern with our changes, background cotton, wool for applique, rick rack and binding.  Finishes 14 1/2" x 17 1/2"

Another fun Halloween themed piece is "Candy Corn" by Cheri Payne.  Cheri passed away earlier this year so the pattern is out of print.  Your $36.95 kit includes the pattern, fabrics for paper pieced blocks, wool for applique, borders and binding.

Kay is on her way to Fort Scott for the quilt show.  She's bringing lots of samples as well as several samples to sell.  Below are photos of some of the goodies that are for sale.  If you spot something you'd like us to reserve for you, e-mail or call 479-372-7403 and she can pull it and set it aside for you.

See you soon! Darlene and Debby

New lap app shipment arrived

It seems like cooler weather has arrived and is here to stay for a while.  We're pretty excited about the cooler temperatures.  The weather for our final vending event of 2018 should be perfect.  Kay will be packing soon for the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta Oct 19-21 https://www.pioneerharvestfiesta.com/ so please let us know if you'd like her to bring something specific NLT Oct 16.

If you are like us, we aren't familiar with Kansas so did a quick check of mileage.  Fort Scott is 126 miles from Rogers, 115 from Springfield, 153 from Wichita and 170 from Tulsa -- all easy drives and well worth the trip.

The area craft fairs are also Oct 18-21 in NW Arkansas.  We will be open Thursday (Oct 18) 9:00-3:00, Friday (Oct 19) 9:00-1:00 and Saturday (Oct 20) 9:00-3:00.  We hope you'll make plans to fit a stop at Sew Graceful Quilting in your shopping weekend.

Our $10 block of the month is coming along nicely.  Here's an updated photo.  We officially began taking sign ups last week -- if you told Kay at a show you want to join the block of the month, please send us an e-mail.  We didn't start taking sign ups officially until last week so your name isn't on the list.  Sorry for any inconvenience. For details about the block of the month, please visit our website https://www.sewgracefulquilting.com/

We received a new shipment of Lap Apps.  The base measures 8" x 12" to allow it to sit comfortably on your lap.  It includes 3 thread storage spindles and a very strong magnet to hold needles.  It can be adjusted in multiple directions.  The padded cover is 100% cotton and contains a pocket for scissors.  A sewing pattern to make a replacement cover is also included. Let us know which fabric cover you'd like us to reserve for you.  Kay will have them at the show next week which will save on shipping costs.  $69.95

Buttons - Scissors - Dots - Spools

Lynette Wash - Lynette Needles - Honeycomb - Buttons

As we were putting away samples from our last event, we realized we are down to one copy of several books.  First come, first served - send us an e-mail to let us know which title(s) you'd like us to reserve. Another Nice Mix by Gerry Kimmel $20 or Buttonwood Farm by Maggie Bonanomi $24.95

Flannel Gatherings by Lisa Bongean $25.00 or Jo's Floral Album by Jo Morton $14.99

Our kit this week is a Sew Graceful exclusive, Welcome Winter Door Hanger.  It features fabric by Bunny Hill Designs and includes a small amount of wool applique.  Your $24.95 kit includes the pattern, fabrics for the top, binding and adorable snowman button nose  21" x 39"

Kay is planning to bring several quilts (and whatever else we decide to let go) to Fort Scott to sell. It's not too early to start thinking about holiday gift giving.

See you soon!

Darlene and Debby

New Diamond Textile fabrics and new $10 block of the month

We have a lot to share this week so will get right to it.  It's been a long time since we bought an entire line of any fabric.  When we saw Diamond Textiles' two newest lines we instantly fell in love......so much that we bought both lines.  We are taking preorders for fat quarter and 1/2 yard bundles (if you'd like full yard bundles we're happy to cut that too).

The Nikko Geo line has such a nice array of lights, mediums and darks.  It'll work well for piecing, applique or clothing.  If you'd like yardage of any specific print, please let us know.  Each bundle contains 40 prints - fat quarter bundle is $110 and a half yard bundle is $199.

The Kent Chambray line is going to be absolutely wonderful as backgrounds for wool applique.  If you like the modern quilt look, this line is versatile enough to fit into that category.  We'll be happy to cut yardage for this line - just let us know what you need.  Bundles contain 21 prints.  Fat quarter bundles are $58 and half yard bundles are $104.

As many of you know we have offered a $10 a month block of the month every year since we've been in business.  Backgrounds are always cotton and wool is applique.  Our program is quite simple -- you pay $10 a month (plus shipping if you're not able to pick up at the shop) for 12 months.  At the end of 12 months, you'll have a quilt top with borders (if applicable) and binding.  We don't ever charge a sign up fee; nor do we require a finishing kit. We also offer a thread kit of Valdani perle cotton size 12 thread.  Prices vary but usually average around an additional $4 a month.....we will have more info on pricing as soon as we complete stitching our sample. This year we are super excited to be offering "The Fairytale Cottages".  The quilt finishes 25 1/4" x 34 1/4".  You'll also receive fabric and wool for the darling tabs which are placed along the top and bottom.  All background fabrics are Diamond Textile fabrics and wool is applique (the tabs in rows 2 & 5 are cotton).  You'll also receive stitchery stabilizer for the back of your blocks since there's quite a bit of embroidery on the quilt. The pattern must be purchased separately.  You can go ahead and buy it on our website https://www.sewgracefulquilting.com/index.html or let us know when you sign up for the program and we'll include it with your first month shipment.  Pattern cost is $21.95 -- the pattern includes full size templates.

Here's the start of our quilt.  You'll have to use quite a bit of imagination but this will give you a feel for our color palette.

It's rare for us to receive a book and immediately comment we must make every last project in this book......Bonnie Sullivan's new book "All for Fall:  Whimsical Wool Projects and Warm Quilts" was such a book.  Every single project in the book is wonderful.  The book contains a variety of projects including lap quilts, pillows and runners.  80 pages $26.99 Let us know if we can reserve a copy for you.

Perhaps you're itching to start stitching Christmas themed projects.  "Follow me to Bethlehem" is an oval table runner measuring 10 1/2" x 33 1/2".  The background is flannel, wool is applique and binding is Diamond Textiles brushed cotton.  A few pieces of wool will vary from the photo but are a close match. Kits are $36.95.  If you'd prefer to use your own supplies, the pattern is available for $10.50.

We hope your month is off to a wonderful start.  We know changing leaves are right around the corner and can't wait to let Mother Nature inspire us even more.

See you soon!

New Quiltmania magazines and a fun fall project

Things are back to normal on the business side of the shop as Debby has returned from vacation.  She's been processing the auto ship orders for the Quiltmania magazines.  All three magazine titles arrived at one time so we've spent several hours browsing through and being inspired to want to make everything.

The fall issues of all 3 magazines tend to sell out so if you're not on auto ship, please let us know soon if you'd like us to reserve a copy for you.

Simply Vintage #28 features 21 projects ranging from a hooked rug to wool applique to embroidery to a stuffed mohair bear. $17.99

We adore the quilt on the cover of Quiltmania #127.  The magazine contains instructions for 7 projects as well as photos from the Sydney Quilt Show, the Vermont Quilt Festival and the International Dubai Quilt Show.  $13.99

Simply Moderne #14 contains instructions for 13 projects.  The cover quilt is very interesting -- we would probably shrink the pattern and do it in wool....just because a pattern uses contemporary fabrics doesn't mean it won't look great in our primitive look.  $17.99

To celebrate the first day of fall this weekend, we have made more kits of one of our favorite fall projects......ok.......we know we refer to many projects as our favorite project but we just can't help ourselves!  "Autumn Time" by Norma of Timeless Traditions is so pretty it is almost a shame to pack it up after fall.  We have 2 versions available:  one version contains wool to make the ruffle; the other version contains fabric to make a binding finish instead of a ruffle. Your $36.95 kit includes the pattern, assorted background cotton fabrics, outer border fabric, wool for applique, backing cotton and either binding fabric or wool for the outer ruffle.  The pillow finishes 12" x 22" Please note some fabrics and wools will vary from the photo but they will be similar matches.

In the introduction of her "Wool Applique" book, Kathi Campbell writes "Maybe you have been doing wool applique for years, maybe you just got started, or maybe you have been wanting to start.....This booklet encompasses the basic tools, fibers and techniques used.....".  This 12 page booklet is a great resource.  If you're thinking of holiday gift giving, we suggest this booklet, a wool applique kit, package of needles and a set of Valdani perle cotton bobbins. $5.95 for the booklet

By the time you read this Kay will be on her way to the Saline County Quilters' Guild show in Benton AR -- please note the show is in Benton, not Bentonville.  The show will be held at the Benton Event Center, 17322 I30 North on Sep 21 & 22 from 9:00-4:00 both days.  For more info visit http://quilttalk.org/.

See you soon!

Darlene and Debby

Lots of Stix projects

Could it be the cooler weather or perhaps it's the change in foliage that has us feeling like fall is just around the corner......or maybe it's the Saturday afternoon college football games.....or the quick glance at the calendar which shows the official start of fall as Sep 23.  Whatever it is, we are in the mood for stitching and sewing!

This week we want to share some fun kits from Front Porch Quilts.  These are all super easy and quick to stitch and finish.  The designer created them to be displayed on a "Stix" which is an 8", 10" or 12" metal stand.  Stix are a fun way to add height and dimension to a display.  Each is $4.95.

We have also seen these kits finished as pincushions, eyeglass holders and bowl fillers.  They'd make great Christmas gifts for friends and family.

Each finishes 3 1/2" x 7".  Kits include the pattern, background fabric, wool for applique and backing fabric.  Some kits also contain buttons.

Here's a photo of the Stix so you can visualize how these might be displayed.

Cotton Tails - $12.95

Blitzen - $12.95  Darlene's son was quick to point out he actually should be named Rudolph rather than Blitzen......and we agree.

A Winter's Morning - $12.95

Frosty - $15.95

Pumpkins - $15.95 Stix - $4.95 (sold separately)

Vintage Garden - $15.95

Watermelon - $15.95

Last but not least, we'd like to share an oldie but goodie kit - Kay designed Pumpkin Spice several years ago and it continues to be a customer favorite.  Orange fabrics set against black prints create an eye catching fall project.  Your $35.95 kit includes the pattern, fabrics for the quilt top (it is all cotton) and binding.  It finishes 31 1/2" x 31 1/2". If you'd prefer to use your own fabrics, the pattern is available for $9.

Debby is taking a few days vacation and we can't wait to see what she comes home with.  See you soon!

Darlene and Debby

New fall needle punch magazine is here

Kay is back from another very fun quilt show.  She will return to Pittsburg Monday, April 15, 2019, for a trunk show and teaching event.  If you'd like more info about the event, please e-mail lbqguild@gmail.com.

Below are photos of the booth at the show.  As you can see, if there's a blank space Kay pretty much fills it with something.......

For those of you who are anticipating our next vending event, mark your calendars for Sep 21 & 22.  Kay will be at the Saine County Quilters' Guild show in Benton AR (that's near Little Rock).  For more info, visit http://quilttalk.org/

Several people were disappointed at the show when Kay ran out of the "Two Santas" table runner kit.  You can see the entire table runner if you look at the top photo above, right side above the cardinal quilt.  We are also including a photo from the pattern below. Your $32.95 kit includes the Quiltmania magazine which contains the pattern, background cotton and applique materials (the leaves in the center are wool and the remainder is cotton).  It finishes 11" x 42". If you'd prefer to use your own materials, the magazine is available for $13.99.

We absolutely adore what Bonnie Sullivan is doing with her preprinted panels.  All you have to do is add a little wool and embroidery.  "The Stocking were Hung" can be framed in a standard 8" x 10" frame or bound like ours.  Ours finishes 10" x 11 1/2". Your $17.95 kit includes the preprinted background fabric, wool, binding and backing fabric.  If you'd like us to put together a thread kit, please let us know when you place your order. The kit doesn't include any buttons -- the small red berries are printed on the fabric.  Debby simply stitched an "X" over them to give the impression of a button.

Here's a photo of the preprinted background fabric.  Courtesy of All Thru the Night.

Needle punch is gaining popularity.  We are working to get more samples made.....but it's so difficult to choose what to punch.  Punch Needle & Primitive Stitcher is the first needlework magazine created exclusively for primitive punch needle and cross stitch enthusiasts.  The fall issue contains 17 projects.  The photo below shows a few of our favorite punch needle projects.  The magazine also has several super cute primitive cross stitch projects. If you're not interested in needle punch, think out of the box -- enlarge the pattern and create a wool applique project. Let us know if we can reserve your copy.  $8.99

We're always so excited when people take our kit and change it to become their own.  When Debbie Walker bought our E-I-E-I-O kit she knew she had the perfect frame for it.  The only "problem" was the frame was a little longer than the pattern.  The photo on the left shows our version; the photo on the right shows Debbie's version (note the little E-I-E-I-O applique below the hay bale). If you would like to make your own version, the E-I-E-I-O kit is available for $15.95.

We'll be back next Thursday with some new designs from Front Porch Designs.  See you soon!

Darlene and Debby