Friends for Christmas block of the month

Kay had a great time at the show in Wichita last week.  She came home with dozens of photos of quilts to share with us.....we can see why she returned full of energy and inspiration after seeing so many pretty quilts.  Several people stopped by the booth asking where we plan to be the next few months so we thought we'd share our schedule for the remainder of the year.
Edmond OK - Aug 3 & 4
Pittsburg KS - Aug 31 & Sep 1
Benton AR - Sep 21 & 22
Fort Scott KS - Oct 19 - 21
Kay will be presenting a wool trunk show at the Little Rock Guild Oct 8

We are super excited to share our newest block of the month, Friends for Christmas by Lynette Anderson.  Our version uses primarily Jo Morton fabrics which give it a rich timeless look.  The block of the month will start this August and run for 7 months.

Each month you'll receive a pattern with full size templates, fabric for the block and buttons for eyes (if applicable).  During the 7th month, you'll receive border fabrics and binding.  Cost is $26.95 per month (plus shipping if you're not stopping by the shop to pick up your block).

To sign up give Darlene a call at 479-372-7403.  She will need your mailing address, phone number, e-mail address and method of payment.

Our newest kit, Star of Wonder, was a huge hit in Wichita.  Your $15.95 kit includes the pattern, background fabric and wool for applique.  We framed ours in an 8" x 10" frame as suggested by the designer and couldn't be happier with the result. We stitched our piece with Valdani perle cotton #12.  Let us know if we can put together a thread kit for you.

The summer issue of Punch Needle & primitive Stitcher magazine is packed full of projects to appeal to a wide variety of readers.  This issue contains 15 projects as well as the usual article spotlighting a shop.  $8.99........if you do the math you'll find that's only 59 cents per design......what a deal!

We are working on more new samples to inspire you.  We'll be back next week.  See you soon!

Darlene and Debby

We are crazy about snowmen!

It's been so hot lately that we thought it would be fun to think cool thoughts this week......so this newsletter is filled with kits featuring snowmen.  We must admit these are just a few of the many snowman kits we have available.  We kinda have a thing for snowmen!

"Here I am Lord" is our newest kit.  It finishes 13" x 14 1/2".  Your $19.95 kit includes the pattern, fabrics for the top, wool for applique, binding, backing fabric and snowflake buttons.  If you'd prefer to use your own materials, the pattern is available for $8.

"Rosie" is mostly pieced with a little applique.  Jane H made our sample and used Soft Fuse and a blanket stitch for the applique.  Your $29.95 kit includes the pattern, all fabrics for the top and binding.  It finishes 18" x 24".  The pattern also includes a larger version snowman (25" x 36") - we'll be happy to put together fabrics if you'd prefer to make the larger version. If you'd prefer to use your own supplies, the pattern is available for $9.50.

"Snow Buttons" by Little Red Button Company is absolutely too adorable.  It finishes 10" x 12".  Your $24.95 kit includes the pattern, fabrics for the top, binding, buttons and backing fabric.  If you'd prefer to use your own supplies, the pattern with buttons is available for $12.95.

Lynette Anderson's "Snowball Fun" was super fun to make.  It features fabrics by Primitive Gatherings along with wool applique.  The quilt finishes 43" x 52" so is a nice wall hanging size.  Your $64.95 kit includes the pattern, fabrics for the top, wool for applique and binding.

The final piece we want to share this week is "O Deer" which was designed by Erin Bush.  Your $33.95 kit includes the pattern, fabrics for the top, wool for applique, binding and darling hand painted Lynette Anderson button.  It finishes 14" x 14" and fits nicely on an Ackfeld stand.

Row by Row begins today and runs through Sep 4.  You must physically visit each shop to get your free pattern (or to purchase a kit).  Once the program ends, the patterns and kits go into hibernation for approximately a month.  After hibernation, we are able to mail kits. For a complete list of participating shops and more information, visit https://rowbyrowexperience.com/

Kay is all set up at the Common Threads Quilt show in Wichita KS.  She "convinced" her sweet husband to accompany her so if you see a strange man in the Sew Graceful booth, it's just Mike pitching in to help our small business.  The show is June 21-23, 10:00-5:00 at the Century II Expo Hall.  Visit http://wichitaquiltshow.com/ for additional information.

We'll be back next week.  See you soon!

Darlene and Debby

Block of the Month update

We have a lot to share this week so will jump right into it.  First, we want to update the status of our blocks of the month programs.  Several are almost full......we will not be doing any additional cuttings on any of these programs so once they're gone, they're gone.

To reserve your spot, email info@sewgracefulquilting.com.  If you're not a current customer, we will follow up to get your mailing address (if you're not local) and payment info.

Mary's Farmhouse - 4 spots left

Each month for 12 months you'll receive a pattern, background fabrics and wool for applique (the cream backgrounds are cotton). If an embellishment is required, it will also be included. During the 12th month, you'll receive binding in addition to the regular monthly kit. No finishing kit is required.

Cost per month is $10 plus shipping.

Optional but recommended items include thread pack, Soft Fuse, needles and brown pigma pen.

The quilt finishes approximately 36" x 36".

Midnight Silhouette by Blackbird Designs - 6 spots left Each month for 11 months you'll receive a fabric packet to make pieced stars or a portion of the applique.  Binding will be included with your 11th month block.  No finishing kit is required. Cost per month is $19.95 plus shipping. The pattern is sold separately for $12.95. The quilt finishes 68" x 84".

Christmas Tree Skirt - 1 opening left (2nd cutting) The photo below shows the original tree skirt we made.  Some of the fabrics are out of print so we have made substitutions.  This program runs for 9 months. Each month you'll receive a pattern, wool for applique, black wool for applique background and flannel or homespun fabric for the background. At the end of the program, you'll have all the fabric to make the quilt top and binding.  We modified the pattern and added a manger scene - your kit will include pattern and material for the manger scene. Cost per month is $19.95 plus shipping.

Simply Vintage by Blackbird Designs - 12 openings left This program runs 9 months.  Cost is for background fabrics, wool for applique borders and binding. No finishing kit is required. This program runs 9 months. Cost per month is $26.95. The pattern is available in Blackbird Designs' "Simply Vintage" book and is sold separately for $26.95. We have reduced the template sizes and you will be responsible for reducing your templates (we will provide the percentage amount of reduction). We also have made changes to the pattern and will provide those changes to you. The quilt backgrounds are all Diamond Textiles cottons and the applique is wool. Quilt finishes 59" x 59".

Before we move from the block of the month topic, we want to share Patricia DeCerbo's Mary's Farmhouse blocks.  She's added a lot of embroidery and some of her own wool to make the quilt her own.  We absolutely love what she's doing.

The summer issue of Simply Vintage arrived this week.  As always, it's packed full of inspiration.  $17.99 If you're on auto ship, Debby processed your order Tuesday so your magazine should be arriving shortly.  If you're not on auto ship and would like to be, send an e-mail to info@sewgracefulquilting.com or call Darlene at 479-372-7403.

Quiltmania's Simply Moderne magazine also arrived.  Although we aren't modern pattern quilters, we love to challenge ourselves and translate a modern quilt into a primitive look.  $17.99

A couple of years ago Kay had the brilliant idea of making Heart to Hand's "My Kitty Cat Says" quilt and offering it as a block of the month.  One thing led to another and she recently discovered the blocks she had made.  She decided to go another route and finished the blocks she had made into pillows, a book bag, a pin cushion and a table mat. She's written finishing instructions in case you prefer to make individual items.  The quilt pattern with the alternative finishing is $9.95.  Incidentally, the pattern is no longer available so once we sell our stock we will not be able to get additional patterns. The first photo below shows the quilt; the second photo shows the individually finished items.  Moral of the story -- it's OK to change your mind during your quilting journey.

Kay will be packing for the Common Threads Quilt show soon.  Please let us know NLT Jun 15 if there is an item(s) you'd like Kay to bring.  The show is June 21-23, 10:00-5:00 at the Century II Expo Hall in Wichita KS.  Visit http://wichitaquiltshow.com/ for additional information.

We'll be back next week with some cool projects to inspire you.  See you soon!

Darlene and Debby

Travel projects

What an odd spring we've had!  April made it into the record books because of record setting cold and now it appears May will be in the records books as the second hottest May on record.  All the nice 3/4 sleeve blouses we'd moved into our summer closet have been pushed to the back to make room for sleeveless blouses. This week we'd like to share a project that's perfect for summer travels.  E-I-E-I-O by Bits by Joan is the perfect take along project.  We prepped our project and took it along on our vacation.  Your $15.95 kit includes the pattern, background cotton, wool for applique (including the black wool background), binding and backing fabric. We have ours displayed on a rotating metal stand which is available separately for $48.95.  We're including several photos to show the stand clearly.  As you're putting together your summer stitching travel kit, why not include a tube of Roxanne Glue Baste It in the new Dip and Dab Bottle. It's the perfect travel size (.12 ounce) and contains the same great Roxanne's glue as in the large bottle.  It's 100% water-soluble, dries in minutes, holds firmly until you want to loosen it, and does not feel stiff when dry. Contains no dyes or waxes or harmful chemicals and is pH neutral. Best of all, the bottle is refillable.  $3.25 per tube Many of you know we love to design our own projects.  In this and future newsletters, we will feature some of our designs.  The first project we want to feature is Kay's "Wild Coxcomb" pattern.  Your $74.95 kit includes the pattern, all fabric to make the quilt top, borders and binding.  The quilt finishes 60" x 60".  If you'd prefer to use your own fabrics, the pattern is available for $12. Some fabrics in the kit will differ from the original quilt.  Originally we used a primitive muslin fabric but due to quality concerns, we substituted Primitive Gatherings' primitive muslin and are very happy with the results. Wild Coxcomb was the first pattern approved for inclusion in Primitive Quilts & Projects magazine.  Since then, Kay has had many projects published in the magazine. If you'd like a kit (or pattern), you can visit our website https://www.sewgracefulquilting.com/, e-mail (info@sewgracefulquilting.com) or call 479-372-7403.  Kay will also have kits and patterns at the shows in Tulsa and Wichita. Don't forget about the Green Country Quilters Guild show Friday and Saturday (Jun 1-2), 10:00-5:00 at the Tulsa (OK) Fairgrounds, River Spirit Expo Center, 4145 E 21st Street.  Admission is $10 for adults; free parking.  Kay packed some new samples and can't wait to share them with you. For more info, visit http://www.greencountryquiltersguild.com/

We'll be back next week with more to inspire you.  See you soon! Darlene and Debby

No Jo Shirtings arrived

We're ba-a-a-a-ck!  We had a wonderfully relaxing vacation and feel rejuvenated and inspired.  We have to admit we were a bit apprehensive about going technology free but loved it.  We're back and ready to take your calls.

We are so excited to be participating in the Row by Row Experience again this year.  Basically, Row by Row is a worldwide shop hop with no passport and no fee.  From June 21-Sep 4 visit participating shops to get your free pattern.  While you're visiting, you may want to purchase a block kit, license plate and assorted other Row by Row goodies.  For more info, visit https://rowbyrowexperience.com/

If you've participated in the past, you'll notice our block size is different than in the past.  This year, shops have a variety of block sizes from which to choose.  We chose 18" x 18".

Since you must visit each shop, we are unable to mail kits until after the hibernation period (sometime later this year). 

Many of you are likely finalizing summer travel plans.  The Birdhouse Kit would make a nice project to pack.  Your $14.95 kit includes the pattern, wool, buttons and darling wooden frame.  The wooden buttons and frame are from a company in France.....we are no longer able to get these kits so once they're gone, they're gone. These would make cute Christmas gifts for your stitching friends.

We received our shipment of Jo Morton's "Jo's Shirtings" fabric.  We bought the entire line because good shirtings are hard to find.  We have fat quarter bundles available for $109.95 (32 fat quarters).  If you'd prefer a 1/2 yard bundle, let us know soon -- we're happy for an excuse to play with this beautiful fabric.

With additional storage in our backyard, we were able to clean out the classroom.  We invite you and your friends to stop by any time on Tues, Thurs or Sat to sit and stitch, sew, hook or just get away from the family.  We also have a regular size frig so you can bring your lunch. We're also happy to host your stitching group events any day of the week except Sunday.

Before we close, we'd like to share news about a couple of quilt shows where we will be vending in June.  The Green Country Quilters Guild show will be Jun 1-2, 10:00-5:00 at the Tulsa (OK) Fairgrounds, River Spirit Expo Center, 4145 E 21st Street.  Admission is $10 for adults; free parking. For more info, visit http://www.greencountryquiltersguild.com/ If you'd like us to bring something specific, please let us know by e-mailing (info@sewgracefulquilting.com) or calling 479-372-7403 NLT May 29.

Jun 21-23 we will be vending at the Common Threads Regional Quilt Show which will be held at the Century II Expo Hall, 225 W Douglas Ave, Wichita KS.  Hours are 10:00-5:00 each day.  For more info visit http://wichitaquiltshow.com/ If you would like us to bring a specific item, please let us know NLT June 18. Below is a photo of the opportunity quilt "Licorice and Lace".

We are working on lots of new samples and can't wait to share them.  We'll be back next week with more to inspire you.  See you soon! Darlene and Debby

New Maggie and Kathy books

Hi everyone!  It's Kay filling in for Darlene and Debby while they're on their no technology vacation.  I hope they're having a wonderful time - I have had a blast keeping the shop open.  I love to putter around among pretty fabric.

I reworked the display by the front counter and am excited to share photos.  As I rolled the tea towels my mind was busy thinking of ways to use them for future projects.  If you have an itch to decorate your own towels, they're available for $4.95 each.  E-mail info@sewgracefulquilting.com and I'll be happy to hold one (or more) for you.

The quilt on the second shelf (photo above) was designed by Darlene and Debby.  "Hopscotch" finishes 48" x 66" so is the perfect size to send with your college bound child or grandchild.  Your $54.95 kit includes the pattern, fabrics for the top, borders and binding.  The kit features French General fabric by Moda. The photo gives the impression the white fabric is super white; it's actually a creamy white with a small print.  I'll be happy to send closeup photos if you're interested.

Quiltmania #125 arrived.  It's packed with lots of inspiration including photos of winning quilts at both the prestigious Nihon exhibition in Japan and the Road to California show.  Since I am interested in antique fabric and Baltimore album style quilts, I found Barbara Brackman's article about prussian blue particularly interesting.  The magazine also contains instructions for 7 quilts (including part 3 of the on-going mystery quilt).  All that inspiration costs only $13.99. If you're on automatic shipment, Debby processed your order last week.  If you're not and would like to be sure you never miss an issue, send us an email and we'll get you set up.  If you'd prefer to purchase just this issue, let me know.  I run by the post office each day after I leave the shop so your magazine will go out quickly.

I checked our Moda orders and see two books we've been eagerly anticipating have been shipped.  They'll be ready for pick up on Tuesday, May 22.  If you requested shipment, Debby will work to get them shipped next week.  We ordered extra copies so let us know if you would like a copy. Maggie Bonanomi's book "Pure & Simple - 17 Primitive Projects Inspired by Seasons" looks absolutely wonderful.  I've created a collage of some of my favorite photos from the book -- it was hard to choose which to include.  As I look through photos from the book, I can see several projects created using the tea towels I rolled yesterday.  $27.99

Kathy Schmitz' book "Stitches from the Yuletide - Hand Embroidery to Celebrate the Season" contains projects sure to make you smile.  Although Kathy has embroidered each project, I think they would be equally darling converted to wool applique.  $25.99

Please let me know if I can reserve any of the items featured in this week's newsletter by e-mailing info@sewgracefulquilting.com.  Please include your phone number when e-mailing.  If I need payment info, I'll give you a call.

I hope you have a lovely week.
Kay