Just in time for July 4

The Quilters Trek Row by Row officially kicked off on June 21.  Unlike previous years, you do not have to physically visit the shop to participate.  You can do your shop hoping from the convenience of your home.  Visit https://rowbyrowexperience.com/ for all the details.

Each shop had to design 4 - 9" blocks using blue as the focal fabric.  We had our choice of setting options and chose to set our project together to make a darling wall hanging.  We are offering the kit which includes the pattern, fabrics for the blocks and stitchery stabilizer for $19.95.  Since some of you will probably choose to finish yours as a wall hanging, we also have the binding and backing kit available for $5.95.  We used Valdani perle cotton size 12 for our embroidery and have thread kits available for $10.  Finally, we have the Believe hanger available for $19.95.

Due to event rules we are not able to sell the pattern by itself. 

Since July 4 is just around the corner, we wanted to share a few of our favorite patriotic themed kits.  The first, Choose Ye Liberty, features wool applique on a pretty black homespun background.  Your $26.95 kit includes the pattern by 1894 Cottonwood House, wool for applique, fabrics for the top and binding. It finishes 19" x 19 1/2".

Bowl fillers and pincushions are very popular right now.  A bowl filler is basically several little pincushions or mini pillows which are placed in a bowl.  We made Stitch in Time as a pincushion but it can double as a cute bowl filler.  Your $14.95 kit includes the pattern, wool, button and backing fabric.

"Liberty" by Sew Cherished was designed to fit in one of the large metal trays but works equally well as a table topper.  Your $36.95 kit includes the pattern, wool for the project (the background is wool) and cotton backing fabric. Finishes 12" x 21".  The dimensions of the metal tray are 20" x 28" outside dimensions and 12" x 21" inside dimensions. Please call 479-372-7403 to order the tray.

We are almost out of Buttermilk Basin's "Wool" tea towel kits.  While supplies last you have your choice of the red stripe or blue stripe towel.  Your $16.95 kit includes the pattern, tea towel and wool for applique.

This week for our "when it's gone, it's gone" section, we are featuring a patriotic themed wall hanging.  Your $19.95 America kit includes the pattern, fabrics for the top, wool for applique, buttons and binding.  It finishes 13 1/2" x 13 1/2". We have 1 kit left.  E-mail info@sewgracefulquilting.com to claim your kit.

Recently we've had several small quilting groups who were doing their own shop hop/retreat event stop by the shop.  If your group would like your own private shopping experience, please let us know.  We will work with you and are happy to open the shop during a day when we are normally closed.  Please e-mail info@sewgracefulquilting.com or call or text 479-372-7403.

Hope to see you soon!

Darlene and Debby

Wool Bundles are on the way

Debby has been busy stitching and sewing two adorable projects we are sharing this week. The first, Mr Owl, finishes 14" x 16".  It's small enough to finish in time for fall decorating (which is just around the corner).  Your $17.95 kit includes the pattern, fabrics for the top, wool for applique, binding and backing fabric.  If you'd like us to put together a thread kit containing the Valdani perle cotton we used, let us know when you place your order.  We designed the next project as a baby quilt but we think it would be equally loved by a toddler, a teenager or anyone who is young at heart.  The quilt is made using a layer cake which means it is super easy to piece.  Your $46.95 kit for The Jungle includes the pattern, fabrics for the top and binding. We'll be happy to help you select a backing fabric for the quilt.  Just let us know if we can help.  We are super excited to share the next few items with you.  For a long time, we've asked our Moda man Jon to please beg Moda to offer wool bundles. We are going to pat ourselves on the back and think that's why we are able to offer wool bundles to you. Since we aren't sure of the response to these bundles, we are going to place our order for them after everyone has had a chance to read the newsletter.  We'll place our order Jun 22. Please keep in mind these bundles contain wool which has not been washed and felted; however, we will be happy to share info about how we felt our wool so you can take care of that. Bright Fat Quarter bundle containing 12 fat quarters - $113.99 Bright 1/2 yard bundle containing 12 - 1/2 yard pieces - $227.99 Warm Fat Quarter Bundle containing 12 fat quarters - $113.99 Warm 1/2 yard bundle contains 12 - 1/2 yard pieces - $227.99 We are also able to order 1 yard wool bundles which include 12 - 1 yard cuts of wool.  One yard bundles are $455.99. This week for our "when it's gone, it's gone" section, we are featuring a cute primitive table runner.  Your $24.95 Heart and Home kit includes the pattern, fabrics for the top, wool for applique and binding.  It finishes 12" x 26". Please note the fabrics in your kit may not be an exact match to the photo.  E-mail info@sewgracefulquilting.com to claim your kit.

We are disappointed to report two more shows we had scheduled for the fall have been cancelled.  The Woolkeepers event in September and the Belle Point Guild in Fort Smith in October have both been cancelled but both event organizers have plans to reschedule for 2021. As we make kits this year, we are making extra kits in anticipation of visiting many quilt shows in 2021.  We may unofficially designate 2021 as "The Year of the Biggest and Best Quilt Shows".....sounds like a good plan to us. We are open our normal hours; however, if you'd like to arrange curbside pick up please don't hesitate to e-mail info@sewgracefulquilting.com or call or text 479-372-7403 to make arrangements. Darlene and Debby

Yoko Saito books

As we are writing this Wednesday afternoon it is very windy, cloudy and the temperature is cool enough we are wearing a jacket.  What wild weather!

We want to start off this week's newsletter with the tea towel of the month.  If you're on auto ship for the towel kits, Debby will get your order processed.  Your $11.95 kit includes the pattern and tea towel.  If you'd like a thread kit of Valdani perle cotton size 12, please let us know when you place your order.

https://www.sewgracefulquilting.com/index.html

You may have noticed in recent newsletters we've featured several new books.  Since spring quilt market was cancelled we are receiving updates of new items (and many of those new items are books).  We were very excited to see a new Yoko Saito release, Captivating Quilt Projects.  We are taking pre-orders for the book and will place our order Sunday. The book contains 70 new patterns from the master quilt makers of Yoko Saito's famed Quilt Party quilt making school and quilt shop. It includes traditional patchwork quilts, adorable puppy place mats, and exquisitely appliquéd bags.  104 pages $32.95 https://www.sewgracefulquilting.com/index.html

While we're on the subject of Yoko Saito, we'd like to share another of her books that is often overlooked.  We think it's because the project the editor chose for the cover of the book is definitely not representative of the beauty inside the book.....we'll let you be the judge of that. "Woolwork" contains 27 projects including the wool bracelets shown on the cover.  Inside you'll also find patterns for Seasonal Quilt, Linus' Wall Quilt (our favorite) and Childhood Memories Quilt.  96 pages $32.95 We checked with our vendor and found that only 8 copies of the book are currently available so don't wait to place your order for this treasure.  We will be placing a Yoko Saito order on Sunday. https://www.sewgracefulquilting.com/index.html

We know many are going through their stash and using what they have on hand in anticipation of a big shopping spree this summer.  If you're like many, you may find you are lacking neutral fabrics.  If that's the case, we recommend Kansas Troubles' mini jelly roll.  Each roll contains 20 - 2.5" x width of the fabric strips of Kansas Toubles' neutral fabrics. Lynne chose her favorite neutrals in 2019 and Moda continues to offer them in jelly rolls.  $19.95 https://www.sewgracefulquilting.com/index.html

This week for our "when it's gone, it's gone" section, we are featuring a kit for a table runner using Kansas Troubles' fabrics.  Your Paisley Party kit includes the pattern, fabrics for the top, binding and backing fabric.  $32.95 We have only 1 kit left.  E-mail info@sewgracefulquilting.com to claim your kit.

We received notification that the quilt show held in Pittsburg, Kansas in conjunction with the Little Balkans Festival Sep 4-6 has been cancelled.

As we make kits this year, we are making extra kits in anticipation of visiting many quilt shows in 2021.  We may unofficially designate 2021 as "The Year of the Biggest and Best Quilt Shows".....sounds like a good plan to us.

We are open our normal hours; however, if you'd like to arrange curbside pick up please don't hesitate to e-mail info@sewgracefulquilting.com or call or text 479-372-7403 to make arrangements.

Darlene and Debby

Quilter's Project Bag

We have been having some problems with our website.  If you are having problems getting on our website, please call 479-372-7403 or e-mail info@sewgracefulquilting.com to place your order.  We hope to have the issue fixed soon.

If you're on social media much you probably have noticed a lot of new items.  That is because spring quilt market was to be held mid-May.  We have heard rumors of a virtual market for shop owners but haven't seen anything specific about it.  In the interim, we will be content to follow up with our favorite designers to bring you news of new things.

Kathy Cardiff released her new book "Harvest Garden" which contains 16 projects.  The book includes wall hangings, table mats, pillows, a zip bag, and sewing notions.  80 pages $27.99

We also received Quiltmania's newest magazine, #137.  Because of the virus, the magazine will not be available at any of the big national retailers.  We expect this issue to sell out quickly so don't delay if you want a copy.  $14.99

Our friend Wendy Sheppard's recent blog post got us so excited about the Quilter' Project Bag that we had to do some research on the bag.  The bag has a front external horizontal zipper across the cover of the bag for your keys, phone and other personal items. Inside the bag there are four sleeves and total of 19 pockets, 18 of them see-through as well as a pen or tool storage section.  The bag measures 13" x 10 1/2" x 5". We are taking orders for bags.  Available colors are teal, pink, green, navy or purple.  Please e-mail info@sewgracefulquilting.com or call 479-372-7403 with your choice(s).  $107.95 Visit Wendy's blog https://ivoryspring.wordpress.com/ for photos showing the bag being used by a real person.

Our newest pattern, Vintage Pinwheels, is available.  We used charm squares from Betsy Chutchain's "Harriet's Handwork" line of fabric from Moda.  Your $44.95 kit includes the pattern, fabrics for the top, borders and binding.  The quilt finishes 46" x 46".

This week we are sharing the last of our Show and Share photos.  Of course, we love to see what you're working on and share it to inspire others. Carol Schwartz shared a photo of a project that was in Primitive Quilts and Projects magazine.  Carol writes "I did substitute the center with a tree other than the eagle."  Carol has the same attitude as us - it's OK to change a pattern to make it fit our tastes.

Speaking of changing things.  April Layher shared a photo of her Churning 14 quilt.  She writes "Thought you might like to see my churning 14 too in blues and cheddars. Bought the pattern at your shop. Of course not quilted yet. Lol" Oh my goodness!  We absolutely love the blue and cheddar combo!

In keeping with our changing things theme, we want to share Pam Mobley's version of Bee Proud.  She increased the inner border size and added lots of pretty flowers to her piece.  We love the addition of the cute bee button!

We will be back next week with information about this summer's Row by Row program.  There are several changes to the program.  We also have our piece ready for quilting and can't wait to share it with you.

Darlene and Debby

Spring is here!

We have lots to share this week so are going to jump right in and start sharing.

First is a darling pillow Debby recently finished.  Your $24.95 kit for Spring Garden Redwork includes the pattern (which contains patterns for the pillow, a wall hanging, door knob hanger and bookmarks), fabric for the stitchery, backing fabric for the pillow and 3 decorative buttons.  The pillow finishes 12" x 23".  If you'd prefer to use your own materials, the pattern is available for $10.

We are reworking samples and discovered we have two kits left for Chelsea's Garden, a beautiful quilt designed by Blackbird Designs.  The pattern is found in the book "You're Invited" by Blackbird Designs. The quilt finishes 51" x 68". We have 1 kit for the quilt kit and book - $93.95.  We have 1 kit for the quilt top only (no book is included) - $68.95.  Please e-mail info@sewgracefulquilting and let us know which kit you would like. We do not have the book available for purchase by itself.

We are taking orders for Dawn Heese's new book published by Quiltmania, Flowering Folk Art.  The book includes patterns in Dawn's typical style including quilts, table runners, cushions and other needlework of varying difficulty.  As a bonus, Dawn shares her needle turn appliqué, wool appliqué and punch needle techniques.  We expect shipment around late June and will process your order as soon as we receive our shipment.  $48.95

Summer is right around the corner so it's the perfect time to work on a fun little piece.  Your $16.95 kit for Bee Proud includes the pattern, fabrics for the top, wool for applique, binding and backing fabric.  We will be happy to put together a thread kit containing Valdani perle cotton #12.  Just let us know you'd like a thread kit when you place your order.

We have received many comments about our Show and Share section of the newsletter and have several more to share this week. Vicki Lemme sent us a photo of her Spring has Sprung quilt.  What fun this quilt must have been to make.  Notice how she added rick rack in the border.

We absolutely love how Bev Lough modified a kit she purchased from us.  She writes: "This is a kit I purchased from you. I needed to make it bigger to fit the window frame made for me by a friend.  I added strips to the top and bottom and then added the loops to slip over the curtain rod. I am going to make another one for the friend who made the frame."

Carol Schwartz sent us a photo of a very pretty rug she recently finished using a jelly roll she bought from us.  We love how it turned out. One of these days we must try to make one - every time we are at a quilt show and see one in a booth we have to stop and admire it.

Linda Leedy shared a photo of a pretty quilt she recently finished.  We are sharing what she wrote because some of you may feel the same way.  "Attached is a picture of the Christmas quilt I recently made and got back from the quilter.  The pattern is called River Log Cabin.  I made it after watching a tutorial posted by Jenny from the Missouri Star Quilt Company.  I am a beginner quilter and found the pattern to be easy and fun.  Please note that I cut down the size of the quilt from what was shown in the tutorial.  One of the reds I used was some fabric that I purchased from you for another project.  (I may have to get some more of that fabric since I stole it from my first project.).  I have to tell you that I have enjoyed seeing pictures of your customers' quilts and I hope to be the excellent quilter (one day) they all appear to be.  Thanks for sharing and I hope to see you in June." Linda - we were all beginners at one time.  You are well on your way to being able to tackle anything.

As a reminder, the shop is open Tues, Thurs and Sat 9:00-3:00.  Hope to see you soon.

Darlene and Debby