2020 $10 block of the month

We hope you've found some time to relax in an air conditioned area and do some stitching during the intense heat wave many have experienced.  The 80 degree temps we've had the past couple of days have felt very refreshing after a week of very hot temps with high humidity.

Despite the heat, Kay had a wonderful time at the show in Grove OK.  Unloading and loading in the air conditioning was definitely very welcome.....we know that driving on to the show floor is usually not possible and we don't expect it but sure are happy when the option is available.  Many commented they enjoy seeing the before and after photos so we thought we'd share the before show, during show and after show at the shop. 

We sold out of Bee Humble kits at the show but were able to get more magazines so made more kits.  Your $24.95 "Buzz" kit includes the magazine which contains the pattern and the tea towel.  We have the cute metal hanger available for an additional $3.95.

We are working on our 2020 $10 block of the month and are eager to share it with you.  "A Blackbird Gathering" is a combination of wool applique on cotton backgrounds along with some easy pieced blocks.  The quilt finishes 34 1/2" x 39 1/2".  At the end of 12 months, you'll have a quilt top, borders and binding.  The cost is $10 per month (plus shipping if you're out of town) for 12 months. The pattern which was in the 2017 issue of Simply Vintage magazine is sold separately for $17.99.  When you sign up, please let us know whether you need the magazine. We also are offering some optional items - let us know if you want us to include any (or all) with your first month's shipment.  Thread kit containing Valdani perle cotton #12 - We are still stitching our sample so can't give an exact cost but right now it looks like Month 1 will be $26, Month 3 - $2, Month 5 - $1, Month 7 - $2 (these are only estimates) Soft Fuse - $19.95 per roll Crazy Quilt Stitches Pocket reference guide - $4.95 (we refer to this guide for several stitches we included on the project) If you've done a block of the month with us before, just email info@sewgracefulquilting.com and we will get you on the list.  If you haven't done a block of the month with us, you'll need to call 479-372-7403 with your mailing address, e-mail, phone number and method of payment.  Debby processes the blocks of the month around the beginning of each month. The photo below shows the Blackbird Gathering quilt in progress.  Once rows are sewn together, scrappy borders will be added.

The fall issue of Woolworks magazine arrived.  Oh my goodness!  Such cute projects in this issue.  Let us know if we can reserve a copy for you.  $10.99

This week for our "when it's gone, it's gone" section, we have three out of print patterns by Robin Vizonne of Briar Root Primitives.  We have only one of each so once they're gone, we won't be able to get more.  Prices are shown in the upper right hand corner of each photo. To claim any (or all), please e-mail us at info@sewgracefulquilting.com.

We have a several new projects in the works and are super excited to share them in future newsletters.  See you soon. Darlene and Debby

How to mark stitching lines on wool

We don't plan to have a Christmas in July celebration like many shops do......it's just coincidental that we finished our sample of "1800 Saint Nick" by Sew Cherished in July.  Your $34.95 kit includes the pattern, the tea towel background and wool for applique.  The thread is sold separately; we'll be happy to put together a thread kit of Valdani perle cotton size 12 for you -- just let us know.  info@sewgracefulquilting.com or 479-372-7403

Quiltmania #132 arrived and is filled with projects to appeal to all skill levels.  If you're on autoship, Debby is processing your order.  If you're not on autoship and would like to be, email info@sewgracefulquilting.com or call 479-372-7403. $13.99

We are often asked the best way to mark stitching lines on wool.  We've tried many methods but our new favorite involves a product found in the paper goods aisle of your grocery store.  "Liberty" was the perfect piece to test out our newly found method.

We picked up a box of Press 'n Seal at our local grocery store.  That product along with an ink pen (some say to use a fine tipped Sharpie but we found it tended to smear) was all we needed.

You can approach marking the stitching lines one of two ways.  If you used a plastic overlay to help place your wool pieces on your background wool, lay a sheet of Press 'n Seal over the pattern and trace the stitching lines.  Then lay the Press 'n Seal on top of the wool piece.  Use your hand to press in place. If, like us, you just eye balled placement of the wool on the background, lay your Press 'n Seal on top of the wool piece and free hand the stitching lines.  Once you have the lines marked, press in place with your hand. Now you're ready to stitch on the drawn lines.  Your stitches should be slightly smaller than normal since you will be removing the Press 'n Seal from around the stitching and don't want to distort the stitching.

Once stitching is complete, carefully remove the Press 'n Seal.  Here's the finished product.

We free handed the embellishing stitches on our flowers but you could also use Press 'n Seal to mark any additional stitching if you feel uncomfortable about placement.

"Liberty" kits are still available.  Your $36.95 kit includes the pattern, wool (background and applique are wool) and cotton backing fabric.  The finished piece will fit in a large metal tray.  Please call the shop at 479-372-7403 for pricing and shipping info on the tray.  The mat finishes 12" x 21".

This week for our "when it's gone, it's gone" section, we have a kit designed by Lynette Anderson.  "Bunny Garden" finishes 12" x 13".   Your $29.95 kit includes the pattern, hand painted button, stitchery stabilizer, fabrics for the top and binding.  We have only 1 kit left and won't be making more.

It's too hot to work in the yard so why not grab a quilting friend or two and head over to Grove OK for the 39th annual Grand Lake 'O the Cherokees Quilt show.  The show will be held at the Grove Civic Center, 1702 S Main Street, July 19 (9:00-6:00) and July 20 (9:00-5:00).   Kay will be minding the booth and has several new projects to share including a sneak peek at our 2020 $10 block of the month quilt in progress. Darlene and Debby

3rd installment of the Sewing Accessory Set

It's hard to believe the 4th has come and gone.  We spent a nice morning on the 4th enjoying the wildflowers that seem to flourish with all the rain we've received lately.  Hopefully your holiday was a nice and peaceful. 

The fall issue of Primitive Quilts & Projects magazine is on the way.  It contains the 3rd installment of Kay's set of stitching accessories.  Your $19.95 "My Thoughts Journal" includes the composition book, fabric and wool needed to cover the composition book.  The pattern is not included in the kit but may be found in the fall issue of Primitive Quilts magazine. To place your order, you may visit our website https://www.sewgracefulquilting.com/, email (info@sewgracefulquilting.com) or call 479-372-7403.

Kits are still available for parts 1 & 2 of the stitching accessory series. "My Sewing Accessory Case" - $46.95 - includes the mother of pearl thread rings and 2 needle minders.

"My Sewing Box and Scissors Keeper" - $29.95 - the box and scissors are not included (scissors are available for purchase on our website).

Kay is preparing for a busy week next week with a trunk show and workshop on Monday at the Table Rock Quilt Guild in Kimberling City MO followed by vending at the Grand Lake 'O the Cherokees Quilt Guild show in Grove OK July 19 & 20.  When people see our blocks of the month in person at shows, it's not unusual that they sign up.....so......if you've been on the fence about whether to sign up we wanted to let you know we are getting close to selling out on all our blocks of the month. We won't go over all the details on each program but invite you to visit our website https://www.sewgracefulquilting.com/ for details.  As a reminder, we do not charge a sign up fee nor do we require you to purchase a finishing kit.  Once you complete the program, you'll have the entire quilt top and binding. Simply Vintage - cotton background with wool applique

Fairytale Cottage - cotton background with wool applique (tabs along the top & bottom are included) Please excuse the photo -- apparently we forgot to snap a photo of the finished quilt....but you get the idea.

The Ark - cotton background with wool applique (all buttons are included)

Tree of Life - cotton background with cotton applique (hand painted buttons are included).  This is a mystery quilt.  Some of you are probably leery of getting a mystery quilt but we're including a photo of the first two months to give you an idea where the quilt seems to be headed. Each month you'll make 7-8 log cabin blocks which will become the quilt border.

Thanks to Sharon P for making samples of the most darling sheep we've ever seen.  "Lazy Ewe" by Threads that Bind contains patterns for all three sheep.  Your $34.95 kit includes the pattern, wool to make all three sheep, a sprig of lavender, rusty bell and butterfly button. If you'd prefer to use your own supplies, the pattern is available for $15.

This week for our "when it's gone, it's gone" section, we have our last copy of Robin Vizonne's book "Peculiar Primitives".  It contains 12 projects including the adorable wall hanging pictured on the back cover of the book.  $25.95

On July 17 Kay will be packing for the Grove show.  If you'd like her to bring a specific item(s) for you, please let us know by July 16.  She's happy to be your personal shopper.

Hope you're staying cool in this hot, humid weather.  See you soon.

Darlene and Debby

Photos from the Bartlesville show

Kay had a wonderful time visiting with everyone at the Bartlesville show.  She shared lots of photos of beautiful quilts so even though we didn't get to visit the show, we feel inspired to create.  Each show is different but somehow she manages to transform a blank space into a beautiful creation.  The first photo below shows the before (4 tables and poles) and the subsequent photos show what happened in the span of three hours. 

The quilt generating the most interest at the show was our newest quilt, Jellies with Charm.  The quilt is made using William Morris inspired fabrics from Moda.  Our friend JoAnn C made the sample and we love how it looks.  Your $62.95 kit includes the pattern, fabrics for the top, borders and binding.  If you'd like to order a Jellies with Charm kit, you can go to our website https://www.sewgracefulquilting.com/, e-mail (info@sewgracefulquilting.com) or call 479-372-7403.

One of our favorite primitive designers, Briar Roots, has stopped designing for now.  We hope Robin will jump back into the designing world soon.  If you're looking for something different for yourself or a friend, how about making a stump doll?  According to Robin, stump dolls were often made in the 18th and 19th centuries.  The legs were left off since fabric was very precious and adding the legs wasn't really necessary. Your $14.95 "Penny" kit includes the pattern, fabric, wool and vintage buttons.  She measures 8 1/2" tall x 6 1/2" wide.

Kay brought along her Morgan lap stand to the quilt show and many people commented how handy it would be for embroidery, punch needle, cross stitch or hand quilting.  We are currently out of stock on the stands but have more on the way.  Please e-mail (info@sewgracefulquilting.com) or call 479-372-7403 and we will reserve a set for you when they arrive. The Morgan no-slip hoops have a unique feature, a tongue and groove configuration which holds the fabric securely in place.  There is no movement of the project until the outer ring is loosened.  This lap stand is collapsible -- 3 rings (7", 10" and 14") and supporting rods which space the hoops 4 1/2" apart.  $74.95  for the set of 3 hoops and supporting legs.

Some of you may recall we posted a photo a few weeks ago and there was a big blank space on the wall.  We are pleased to show that the space has been filled with Jan Patek's "Oh My Stars" quilt (the quilt in the center of the photo below).  The quilt finishes 31" x 57".  Kits include the pattern, fabrics for the top, borders and binding.  We've packaged the kit in one of our large project bags.  $42.95

This week for our "when it's gone, it's gone" section, we have a very nice book published by Quiltmania.  "Ratsburg Road Quilts and the Stories They Tell" by Linda Koenig contains 16 projects including what inspired each quilt.  200 pages  $45.95

See you soon.

Darlene and Debby

New display stands

Happy almost first day of summer!  With all the rain we've experienced lately it feels more like early spring than the last day of spring. If you're a college baseball fan, you've undoubtedly had lots of hours to enjoy handwork as the tournament progressed this week.

We received our shipment of Simply Vintage and Simply Moderne magazines.  As usual, we were not disappointed.  Simply Vintage contains 19 projects with a variety of techniques.  If you're on auto ship for the magazine, Debby has processed your order.  Your magazine should arrive shortly.  $17.99

We have a few past issues of Simply Vintage.  If you're interested, check out our website https://www.sewgracefulquilting.com/

We are absolutely in love with the cover quilt on Simply Moderne.  How adorable are those fish?!  This issue contains 14 articles and is well worth the cover price.  Again, if you're on auto ship, your magazine is on the way to your mailbox.  $17.99 We also have past issues of this magazine.  Check out our website https://www.sewgracefulquilting.com/ for more info.

Debby has been busy designing a cute table runner using Primitive Gatherings' new line.  Your $17.95 Shooting Star kit includes fabric for the top, border and binding.  It finishes 12" x 33". This is the second in her seasonal table runner series.  The first, Spring's Promise is shown below.  It's available on our website https://www.sewgracefulquilting.com/ or by calling 479-372-7403.

The sentiment stitched on the next piece makes us smile every time we look at it....."Friendship is sewn with love and measured in kindness".....how true is that. Your $12.95 "Friendship" kit includes the pattern, fabrics for the top, binding and backing.  It finishes 5" x 7" so could be framed but we opted to display ours on our new display stand.  The stand comes with tiny clothespins but we opted for the nice sturdy clips (as shown).  Your stand will include 2 clothespins and also 2 clips.  The stand breaks apart so can be easily shipped.  $18.95

We are working on our sample of Sew Cherished's "Liberty".  Your $39.95  kit includes the pattern, wool for the project (the background is wool) and cotton backing fabric.  It finishes 12" x 21".  The first photo shows our sample in progress; the second photo shows what it will ultimately look like.

This week for our "when it's gone, it's gone" section, we have a very nice book published by Quiltmania.  "Take an Element" by Margaret Sampson-George contains 19 projects in our favorite quilting style -- applique, of course.  Margaret takes antique quilts and recreates them using contemporary fabrics.  216 pages  $45.95

By the time some of you read this, Kay will be on her way to enjoy the company of quilters at the quilt show hosted by the Jubilee Quilters' Guild in Bartlesville OK.  The show will be held at the Washington County Fairgrounds, 1109 North Delaware Street, Dewey OK from 9:30-4:00 Friday and Saturday.  For more info, visit the guild Facebook page by searching Bartlesville Jubilee Quilters.

See you soon.

Darlene and Debby