Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Rug Braiding Workshop in February

We hope you had a nice holiday but fear some of you have had a terrible time of it.  What an odd weather situation the US has endured this past week -- everything from tornadoes and flooding to unseasonably hot weather to snow in places where snow is rarely seen.  Hopefully things will calm down in 2016.....can you believe it's already 2016?!  We say this every new year but doesn't it seem like just a few months ago we were concerned about Y2K.

We are very excited to let you know we've booked a class from a non-local teacher......we're excited but also kind of scared because having someone come from outside the area means additional expenses and lodging and travel.....but we know it's going to be fun.

Aileen Anderson of Bear Creek Rugs will be teaching her braided rug technique on Feb 18 & 19.  The class will last 2 days (9:00-3:00).  Lunch both days will be included in your $200 fee.  If you'd like to sign up, please call us at 479-372-7403 or e-mail at info@sewgracefulquilting.com

The photos below show examples of the technique that will be taught.  You will need to have a hooked piece in order to learn the technique.
Debby is working on preparing folders for all our block of the month participants....yes....even though you may live far away you get a folder.  We're happy to hold what you want and make a once a month mailing to save postage.  If you haven't contacted us with payment and/or shipping info, please give a call or e-mail so we can be sure you get your block of the month on time.

As a reminder, Wooly Sheep is our $10 block of the month and will begin in January.
While Kay vacationed in Florida for Christmas she stitched on Merrie Christmas by Buttermilk Basin.  We plan to offer this as a block of the month with a February start date.  Cost is $19.95 per month and includes the pattern with full size templates, background fabrics, wool for the applique, border and binding.  We have openings so if you're interested, please let us know.

If you are looking closely at the photo you may notice snowmen with no noses, an ornament without a top and a broom handle with no straw......that's because some critical pieces of wool were left in Arkansas.  Be assured your kit will have noses, tops, and brooms (insert smile here).
We will keep this short since many of you are making New Years preparations.  We'll be doing our same normal (somewhat boring) New Years activities and hitting the hay by 10:00.  The shop will be open regular hours today (Thurs) and Saturday.

See you soon.
Darlene and Debby

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Holiday Gift Items - Part 3

Today definitely feels much more like Christmas than last Thursday.  With just a week left until Christmas, we thought we'd offer some great last minute gifts.  These necklaces are all handmade in the U.S. and are unique -- you won't find them in the big box stores.  We've included a quarter in each photo to give you an idea of the pendant(s) size.

Since they are unique we won't be putting them on the website so we don't have to deal with selling out.  Please give us a call (479-372-7403) or e-mail (info@sewgracefulquilting.com) to reserve your choice. 
It's probably too late to get this next project finished in time for the holiday but if you start it now you'll be way ahead of the game for Christmas 2016.  It would also make a great gift for someone who likes the primitive Santa look.  "Slim Santa" finishes 18" so is the perfect size for a small nook in your house....it would also be the perfect size for decorating an RV for those who are brave enough to winter in the north or those who are eager to winter in the south.

Your $24.95 kit includes the pattern, flannel for the background, wool for the applique, and binding.  We chose a Moda flannel by Primitive Gatherings for the background.  If we had gobs of money and room we'd have every single bolt of Moda flannel on our shelves......we love it that much.
Of course, gift certificates make a wonderful gift.  They're available in any denomination and are a nice way to get your loved one something you know they'll adore.
We are having our 2016 planning meeting tomorrow but can't wait to tell you about a couple of blocks of the month we have on the schedule for next year.  Since so many of you asked for it, we couldn't resist so will be offering "Merrie Christmas" by Buttermilk Basin.  We chose Diamond Textiles backgrounds and wool for the applique.  We are waiting on a couple pieces of hand dyed wool and will be ready to start our sample.  The quilt finishes 42" x 42".

Our program will begin February and run for 9 months.  Cost is $19.95 per month for 9 months.  Each month you'll receive pattern with full size templates, background fabric, and wool.  During the 9th month you'll also receive border and binding fabric.  If you'd like to reserve a spot, give a call or e-mail.

If you'd prefer to use your own supplies, the pattern cost is $28.
We listen to you and since many of you asked us to run "Camp Runamuk" again as a block of the month, we are going to do so.  The backgrounds are a combination of Diamond Textiles and Kamla homespun fabrics and the applique is wool.  The quilt finishes 48" x 56"

This program also begins February and will run for 12 months.  Cost is $19.95 per month and includes pattern with full size templates, background fabrics, and wool.  During the 12th month, you'll receive borders and binding fabrics.  Let us know if we can reserve a spot for you.

If you'd prefer to use your own supplies, the pattern is available for $22.
We will be closed Christmas Eve (next Thursday), Christmas Day and the day after Christmas.  With Christmas falling on a Friday, we thought we'd reward ourselves with a long weekend.  We hope you have a nice holiday and that you get to spend some time doing what you most enjoy.

For planning purposes, we will be open regular hours during the New Years holiday.

                       

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Holiday Gift Ideas Part 2

With this beautiful weather, it's hard to believe we are nearing the middle of December.  We actually saw a couple of trees with buds on them the other day.  Yikes!  Mother Nature is all crazy.

Last week we shared some holiday gift giving ideas and want to continue in that vein this week.  Before we get started we'd like to let you know you can refer to past issues of our newsletter by simply going to our blog.  http://sewgraceful.blogspot.com/

The "Joy" tea towel would make a great gift for that special someone who has everything.  It's easy enough you could easily finish it in time for gift giving, but it would also make a fun kit.  Your $18.95 kit includes the Buttermilk Basin pattern, toweling to make the towel, wool for applique, buttons, and bells.  Kits are all cut - patterns should arrive by Monday.
Most of you probably already know this about us but we'll say it for those who don't know.  We don't just sell a product because everyone else is selling it; nor do we claim to like something because we goofed and accidentally bought it and need to unload it.  Everything we sell we have used and liked.  We've been searching for the perfect iron after we stopped selling Rowenta travel irons because of so many defects.  To be fair, we did contact Rowenta and were told the travel iron is not designed for long-term use.  It's designed as a light duty iron.

The Clover Wedge Iron is exactly what we have been looking for.  It's perfect for class or travel.  It has a nice wide handle which makes it easy to maneuver, a narrow tip which is wonderful for the invisible machine applique technique, and a large temperature dial.  It doesn't have a steam option but does include a small spray bottle.  Cost is $49.95 and worth every penny in our opinion.
Our Christmas Greeting table runner is quick, easy, and festive.  Your $24.95 kit includes the pattern, fabrics for the top, and binding.  It finishes 23" x 42 1/2".
We are working on our 2016 schedule and planning projects for next year.  If there's a designer you love please let us know.  We're always looking for unique projects.  We plan to do a lot more of our own designs in 2016.  One day we were redesigning a commercial pattern and a nice customer commented "Why don't you just design your own since you always change the pattern?"  We think that's a great idea.

Hope you have a great week.  We'll be back next week with some gift items that will help you round out your shopping list.  See you soon.
Darlene and Debby

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Holiday gift ideas - part 1

We hope your Thanksgiving holiday was as nice as ours.  In just a few short weeks we will be celebrating the Christmas holiday.  Since there's so few shopping days between now and then we thought we'd help you with your shopping by sharing items we think would make great gifts.

If you have someone on your list who you'd love to make happy all year long, how about enrolling them in a block of the month program?  We have several available but the most economical option would be Blackwork Sheep.  It's only $10 a month for 12 months.  For a few dollars more each month, you can add the thread kit.  What a nice way to let your loved one know you're thinking of them all year long.


We are betting you like needle cases as much as us.  We have one in each stitching bag, one by each of our favorite stitching spots, one in the car.....you get the idea.  Debby designed a darling, yet practical case.  It includes a pocket for the tiny scissors that are included in the kit.  Your $9.95 Penny Pocket kit includes the pattern and everything you need to make the case (a vintage button is also included).  We are also including a pair of small scissors.  Although the scissors are small, they're surprisingly sharp.  We love the fact that the sheath is attached because we are the world's worst when it comes to misplacing scissors sheaths.

Each kit is different so you can buy several for friends and each will be unique.


We also have extra scissors if you'd like to tuck a pair in a special someone's stocking.  They would also look cute tied to a gift bag.  At only $2.75 a pair, you can afford to buy several.

Assorted colors:  pink, yellow, and green.......sorry they don't make them in our dirty primitive colors but we can make do with bright in this case.


If you're looking for a unique gift, we have only one "My Psalms" kit left.  The backgrounds are cotton and the applique is wool.  This is our design so you can be sure it's not something your friend has in his or her stash.  The quilt finishes 42" x 42".  Your $62.95 kit includes the pattern, all fabric and wool to make the top, and binding.  Since we have only one kit, first come, first served -- e-mail us at info@sewgracefulquilting to reserve your kit.


Our shipment of Simply Moderne from Quiltmania arrived last week.  As is usual with Quiltmania publications, it's a beautiful magazine.  14 projects for $17.99


We also received our shipment of Simply Vintage but sold out as soon as the boxes were unpacked.  If you missed out and would like to reserve a copy, please let us know.  We have more on the way.  21 projects for $17.99


We have lots more to share but know you probably need to get back to your activities.  We'll be back next week with more gift ideas.

See you soon!

Darlene and Debby

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Thanks to everyone who stopped by Saturday for our Holiday Open House.  We had a great time and were excited to see so many of you inspired by our creations.  We enjoy putting together projects to make you smile......speaking of smile......this project is sure to bring a smile to your face.

It finishes 6" x 6" so is the perfect size for the Ackfeld table stand.  Your $18.95 Happy Snowman kit includes the pattern with our changes, all wool for the front, cotton backing, the gold star and the darling rusty bell above the door.  The stand is sold separately for $19.95.  If you live out of the area and would like a stand, please call or email us.  The stands do not fold so we have to figure postage manually so we keep them off our website.
We are calling the piece above Happy Snowman.  The pattern is actually called Stitched Ornament Set but since we didn't make the ornaments we thought it would be confusing to call the piece an ornament.  Here's the pattern you'll receive.  As you can see, you'll get patterns for 6 darling ornaments.  We'll be happy to put together kits for those.  Just let us know.

If you'd prefer to use your own materials, the patterns are available for $10.
Another new piece is our Angels Gather Here pillow.  Debby stitched it and changed the pattern (bet you're surprised by that).  Your $21.95 kit includes the pattern and all fabrics needed to make the pillow.  The pillow finishes 18" x 18".

Both the Happy Snowman and Angels Gather Here pillow could be made in time for Christmas gift giving.  If you're already finished with gifts for this year, why not start thinking about next year?  Ordering is easy -- just click on this link http://www.sewgracefulquilting.com/
We are very excited to share news about Jo Morton.  If you're not familiar with her, she is not only a wonderfully nice person but also a very talented quilter.  She worked with Martingale publishing to put together 13 patterns from past Jo's Little Women Clubs into a beautifully photographed book.  It contains instructions for making all the projects as well as tips on using small quilts in your home.  80 pages $24.99

"Jo's Little Favorites" will be available mid-January.  We are taking pre-orders now.  Let us know if we can reserve a copy for you. 
If you love snowmen as much as us, you won't want to miss Snowmen in the Coop.  It contains 14 projects featuring snowmen.  At only $22 for the book, that's only $1.57 per project.  You can't beat that especially if you love snowmen.  52 pages

If you'd like to reserve a copy, give us a call or e-mail.  If you'd like to place an order, follow the link and click on the New tab.  http://www.sewgracefulquilting.com/
We will be open regular hours next Tuesday and Saturday.  Closed Thanksgiving day.  See you soon.

Darlene and Debby