Some great travel projects

First off we owe you guys a special big thank you.  Thank you for being so loyal to our shop.  The response to the Moda clocks was overwhelming.  We had far more requests than we had clocks which made us sad but it warmed our hearts to see how many of you patiently waited to purchase from us.

Kay spent some time last week reorganizing and rearranging the shop.  Since many of you can't jump in your car to visit, we like to keep you updated via photos in the newsletter.

If you spot something you want more info about, send us an e-mail (info@sewgracefulquilting.com)

We are so pleased with how Lynette Anderson's newest block of the month, Tree of Life, is coming along.  We are a bit tardy in sharing pictures because the first fabric Kay chose for the bird just didn't work.....you know the feeling when you just know something is perfect but it flops once you try it. This is a 5 month block of the month beginning July 2019.  It is a mostly cotton applique with a little wool applique.  We also know Lynette will have us piece 30 - 4" log cabin blocks.  Cost is $24.95 per month (plus shipping if you're not local) which includes the pattern, hand painted button, all fabrics for the top, borders and binding.  No finishing kit is required. We have a few recommended items: The background is a beautiful woven fabric from Diamond Textiles.  Since it's woven and you will be adding cotton, wool and embroidery, we recommend stabilizer.  You'll need 1 1/2 yards of stabilizer- $7.43. Jenna Kimball Foxglove Cottage Redwork/Embroidery needles size 10.  $3.25 a tube Brown pigma pen $2.95 Thread pack containing 10 balls of Valdani 3-strand embroidery floss $36 Optional items: Fray check $4.95 Soft Fuse $10 per pack or $19.95 per roll Apliquick tools $42.95 Hugs and Kisses applique paper $19.95 Roxanne Glue $10.95

The bird isn't completely stitched yet as we are waiting on a couple threads to arrive.

We know many of you are planning summer vacations.  The next few items are perfect for hours spent traveling.  The background is preprinted so you don't have the hassle of finding your light box and transferring the design.  We'll be happy to put together a thread kit for any of them - just let us know when you place your order.  Each is $19.95 which includes the pattern printed on muslin. Follow Your Heart

Secret of Love

Hearts Return

Simple Joys

Lately we have had a hard time finding reproduction fabric at Moda.  Many of their fabrics are pretty but not our look.  When we saw Betsy Chutchain's "Susanna's Scrapbag 1830-1875", we knew we could make something pretty and practical with it. The "Vintage Runner" is super easy to make and can function as a wall hanging or a table topper.  Your $21.95 kit includes the pattern, fabrics for the top and binding.  It finishes 17 1/2" x 45".

This week for our "when it's gone, it's gone" section, we have a pincushion kit.  Fabrics in the kit may vary slightly from our sample.  The pattern is included and contains patterns for 5 additional pincushions (let us know if you'd like us to make a kit for all of them). We have 1 left - $15.95 for the pattern and kit.  Please e-mail (info@sewgracefulquilting.com) and we will get the kit in the mail to you (or put in your folder if you're local).

Several of you were disappointed we won't be at the Kansas City Regional Quilt Festival this week; however, we were invited to a show hosted by the Jubilee Quilters' Guild in Bartlesville OK.  The Bartlesville show is next week and back to back shows are nearly impossible for us to handle. We hope you'll make plans to visit us Friday or Saturday, June 21 or 22.  The show will be held at the Washington County Fairgrounds, 1109 North Delaware Street, Dewey OK from 9:30-4:00 both days.  For more info, visit the guild Facebook page by searching Bartlesville Jubilee Quilters.

See you soon.

Darlene and Debby

Our Row by Row block is revealed

Remember the Moda clock situation we told you about several weeks ago?  Well.......we arrived home recently to find a box from Moda.  Apparently someone found a few extra clocks in the warehouse and knew we wanted some so sent what they had.  So, we now have 25 to share.  Since we threw away the paperwork from the first reservations (thinking we'd never see a clock on our doorstep), the only way we can think to handle this is first come, first served.

Please e-mail (no phone calls) info@sewgracefulquilting.com and let us know which style you'd prefer (aqua or sewing theme).  If you haven't ordered from us before, we will need your name, mailing address and phone number.  We'll call you for payment info.  We received 19 of the aqua style and only 6 of the sewing theme one.  Each is $19.95

Just a reminder....Christmas is 6 months away -- these would make great gifts for anyone, especially a sewing buddy.

Gail Pan's new book "Changing Seasons" has all of us excited, especially Debby.  Many of you will feel like her when you see the book -- she can't decide what to stitch first because everything in the book is so cute.  The book contains small quilts, framed art and patterns for seven embroidered banners.  The quilt pictured on the front cover contains an inset that can be changed out with the seasons.  64 pages  $23.99 You may order by visiting our website https://www.sewgracefulquilting.com/, by e-mailing (info@sewgracefulquilting.com) or calling 479-372-7403.

Our sweet friend Jane H did a great job making the sample for Jan Patek's "O My Stars" quilt.  Your $42.95 kit includes the pattern, fabrics for the top, borders and binding.  We've packaged the kit in one of our large project bags. Jane used the blanket stitch on her machine for the applique.  This quilt lends itself to the blanket stitch to give it a nice primitive look. The quilt finishes 31" x 57" so is a nice wall hanging size.  It would also be pretty displayed on the foot of a bed.  If you're looking for a larger throw, two kits will give you a 57" x 62" throw -- a perfect size to send to college with that special grandchild.

As you're making your summer travel plans, don't forget to include a stop at our shop to pick up your complementary Row by Row pattern.  The fun begins June 21. The theme this year is Taste the Experience, and we're so excited to see what everyone thinks of our creation.  We have kits for "Visions of Gingerbread".  Kits ($19.95) include the pattern, fabrics for the top and buttons for eyes.  We finished ours as a wall hanging and have a backing/binding kit available for an additional $5.  We can't ship patterns or kits until the program ends later this year but we're happy to hold a kit (or two or three) for you.

This week for our "when it's gone, it's gone" section, we'd like to share some darling hand painted buttons.  They're made in France and not available to us any longer. The Love Nest package includes 4 birdhouse buttons.  $4.95 per pack

The Heart assortment contains 8 wooden heart buttons.  $2.95 per pack

See you soon.

Darlene and Debby

Let's get ready for summer

The unofficial start of summer arrived Monday with Memorial Day.  We hope you had a quiet holiday.....our idea of a nice holiday these days is getting some stitching time as we visit with family and friends.  We know many of you are dealing with the aftermath of tornadoes and on going flooding.  You're definitely in our hearts.

Last week we mentioned we would share news of a new block of the month this week.  We are super excited to be offering Maggie Bonanomi's "Village Green" as a block of the month.  Maggie's quilt was stitched entirely of wool but we plan to use Diamond Textiles as our backgrounds, wool for applique and eliminate the points along the edge.  Ours will be bound the traditional way.  We aren't taking sign ups yet since we haven't even started ours but wanted to make you aware of the news.

Once we receive our shipment of wool, we will get started on this beauty.  Watch future newsletters for updates. 

Our newest block of the month, The Ark, is almost sold out.  If you've been on the fence about whether to join, don't wait too long.  We have no plans to offer a second cutting of this block of the month.  The cost is $12.95 per month for 10 months plus shipping.  The quilt is a combination of cotton and wool with embroidery. During the 10th month, you'll receive buttons, sashing, borders and binding.  No finishing kit is required.  The quilt finishes 34" x 41". The pattern must be purchased the first month for $22.50. We also have an optional thread kit containing Valdani perle cotton size 12 for an additional charge per month. To sign up please call 479-372-7403.

Next week we will have updated news about Lynette Anderson's newest block of the month, Tree of Life.  Kay is putting together the sample and......well......let's just say it is absolutely adorable..... Our shipment of aqua project pouches finally arrived.  If you ordered one and haven't received yours, please let us know ASAP.  Our distributor received 1200 and has only 5 left so we may not be able to place a reorder any time soon.  $21.50

The first project we want to share this week is super easy and fun to make.  It makes a great table cover for a summer picnic, a nice wall hanging, a cute baby quilt or a great quilt to throw on the ground as you enjoy summer activities......oh......and you could use it as a quilt on a bed..... Your $44.95 "Patriotic Summer" kit includes the pattern, fabrics for the top, borders and binding.  Finishes 46" x 56".  Backing is available separately for $9.95 per yard.

In keeping with a summer theme, we'd like to share "God Bless America".  Your $19.95 kit includes the pattern, fabrics for the top, wool for applique, binding, backing fabric and buttons.  Finishes 10" x 10".

This week for our "when it's gone, it's gone" section, we'd like to offer Buttermilk Basin's newest book, The Best of Buttermilk Basin.  It's packed with all sorts of Staci's creations.  80 pages $26.99

We hope all you stay safe during this rocky spring weather season.  Hope to see you soon.

Darlene and Debby

After Market Report

We had a great time at spring quilt market.  We came home with all sorts of ideas for new and exciting projects.  Below are some of our favorite booths......most of which will be shipping patterns to us.

Threads that Bind had both new wool applique and punch needle patterns.  Of course, we absolutely could not resist buying at Shawn's booth.....

Joan at Little Bits by Joan is always so much fun.  Her bubbly personality keeps us smiling.  We know many were disappointed when the manufacturer changed the backing of the frames she uses to frame her little bits.  She now has a new improved frame which includes a fold out stand -- we have a case on order.  We also have most of her new patterns on the way to us.

It was hard to choose our favorites in the Heart to Hand booth....we wanted everything.  We have a long list of Kathi's patterns to get made.

Dawn at Sew Cherished always has lots to entice us.  We definitely will be making her newest Santa pattern.  We've already chose the fabric and know what wool we will be using - now to find the time to make it all happen.....

Lauren at Simply Put is shipping a large order to us this week.  We have made lots of her projects and love how quick and easy they are to stitch.

Blackberry Primitives probably had to mop up lots of drool as their booth was absolutely gorgeous.  We're so excited to be able to easily get Maggie Bonanomi patterns from them.  Watch for lots of Maggie projects coming soon......we'll have exciting news to share next week about a block of the month we'll be offering using a Maggie B pattern.

Dawn Heese of Linen Closet has designed her first fabric line with Diamond Textiles.  We were honored to be asked to make a couple of samples using her fabrics.  We chose to make a couple of our patterns - Simply 9 and Feathered Friends.  Watch for kits coming soon.

Dawn's use of her new fabric line, A Common Thread, was wonderful.  Based on demand, we are considering offering her applique quilt (the one below her booth name plate) as a block of the month. What do you think?  Would you be interested in joining along?

We have Dawn's fabric available for shipment now.  We are offering fat quarter bundles ($41.25), half yard bundles ($75.00) or yard bundles ($149.25).  You may order via our website https://www.sewgracefulquilting.com/ or by e-mailing (info@sewgracefulquilting.com) or calling 479-374-7403.  We also have yardage available for $9.95 per yard.  We haven't received clear images so we can update our website so you'll have to call to place your order for yardage.

We brought back Lisa Bongean's Valdani thread inventory booklet.  This is a great way to keep track of your Valdani threads.  The booklet is spiral bound so it's easy to flip through quickly.  It contains all the Valdani threads colors and weights.  $10

Since this is getting long, we won't have our "when it's gone, it's gone" section this week.  We'll be back next week with more to share.  See you soon!

Darlene and Debby

Whimsical cat wall hanging

By the time most of you read this newsletter, Darlene and Kay will be on their way to spring quilt market in Kansas City.  While markets have changed over the years and many of our favorite designers no longer have a booth at market, it's still fun to find new designers.  They will keep Facebook and Instagram updated so be sure to check the Sew Graceful account periodically.  Kay will also keep her Instagram account updated - kayharmon01 (that's zero one).

We have another whimsical kit to share this week.  Your "Cats Have" kit includes the pattern, background fabric, cotton for applique, borders, binding, backing fabric and 3 mini buttons for the tips of the crown.  The kit is only $19.95.  You may order via our website https://www.sewgracefulquilting.com/index.html or by e-mail info@sewgracefulquilting.com.  You're welcome to call to place your order but keep in mind the show floor is quite noisy so it may be a day or so before Darlene is able to listen to your message. 

The current issue of Quiltmania magazine (#131) arrived.  It contains 7 patterns including the 3rd installment of Jen Kingwell's mystery quilt.  It also includes photos from shows in Houston and Tokyo and an article about Tone Finnanger, the designer behind the brand Tilda.  If you're on auto ship, Debby has processed your order.  If you're not and would like to be, please e-mail info@sewgracefulquilting.com and we'll get you set up.  $13.99

Tracy Souza's new book "Stitched so Sweet" contains easy to stitch seasonal patterns in embroidery, applique and patchwork.  Any of the embroidery patterns could easily be converted to wool applique.  They also could be enlarged and appliqued using cottons to make adorable lap throws.  64 pages $20.99

This week for our "when it's gone, it's gone" section we are featuring two great stitching reference guides.  A to Z of Embroidery Stitches 2 contains over 145 embroidery stitches,  $19.95

A to Z of Crewel Embroidery is another great stitching reference guide.  It is helpful whether you're just starting out in the world of needlework or whether you're a seasoned stitcher.  $19.95

We will be back next Thursday with more to inspire you.  See you soon!

Darlene and Debby