Witches, pincushions, and books

We had a wonderful birthday party Saturday.  Thanks to everyone who stopped by to help us celebrate.  We are looking forward to many more birthdays. Several people e-mailed and asked for photos of the shop.  Below is the photo collage we posted of our display by the front door.  We will snap some more pictures this week and try to remember to include them in next weeks' newsletter.

The response to our version of Buttermilk Basin's Merrie Christmas block of the month surprised us.  We have sold out of the program and don't even have the borders on the quilt yet.  We are taking a waiting list and once we reach our magic number we will do a second cutting.  If you would like to be put on the waiting list, please e-mail (info@sewgracefulquilting.com) or call us 479-372-7403. Cost per month is $19.95. This is for everything needed to make the top and binding. No finishing kit is required. This program runs 9 months.  The quilt backgrounds are Diamond Textiles and appliques are wool (many of which are hand dyed).  We plan to add a small burgundy inner border and use the plaid fabric that's used in the quilt for the outer border.  We feel like the plaid will give the quilt an elegant finish.  The quilt finishes 42" x 42". Here's a photo of the quilt in progress......hopefully we will have a chance to sew on borders this week.

Meg of Crabapple Hill is creating the cutest Halloween quilt.  If you use Instagram, you should consider following her (she's meghawkey1) as she shows closeups of many of her projects.  Meg uses crayons to tint her embroidery pieces so each piece is simple embroidery which you color -- it's a lot of fun. Several of you purchased Block 1 of The Mystery of the Salem Quilt Guild and we're sure you are probably waiting for Block 2. If so, we have the patterns in stock and will be happy to hold or mail one to you.  $10 for Block 2.

We can order more Block 1 if you would like one.  $10

If you're looking for a quick and easy project, these pincushions are for you.  They'd be a great beginner project for someone new to wool applique or to piecing.  The pattern contains instructions to make all 3 pincushions - rather than confuse everything we decided to sell the pattern separately ($8).......

.......and each kit separately.  Each kit is $4.95 and includes the fabric and/or wool for the front; the back is included for each pincushion; the key for the Old Crow is also included in the crow kit. Bee Happy

Olde Crow

Spool

We are taking preorders for two brand new Quiltmania books.  They're so new we don't have pricing or delivery dates yet.  Linda Collins' new book, Treasures from the Barn, contains over 15 projects.  Linda is an Australian designer who hosts an annual event showcasing beautiful quilts.  If you're interested in reading about what she's up to her blog address is http://quiltsinthebarnaus.blogspot.com/

The other new book is by Brigitte Giblin and is entitled Feathering the Nest 2.  If this book is as good as her first one, we are in for a real treat. It contains over 12 projects. Cover quilts on both of these books are absolutely gorgeous.  If you'd like to reserve either (or both) books, let us know.

If you're free on Tuesday or Thursday, we'd love to have you join the stitching group on Tuesday and/or the rug hooking group on Thursday.  Both groups meet at the shop -- no reservation required, no fee, no by-laws. We have several more new things to share but will save some for next week.  Hope you have a great week and find some quiet time just for you. Darlene and Debby