The Raven quilt is coming along

Sometimes we have to stop and wonder just where the summer months went.  It seems like just a few weeks ago the kids got out for summer break; they return to school next week.  The start of school brings back happy memories of a new beginning, of new clothes and the wonderful smell of new school supplies. With the start of school, the holiday season can't be far off. Since the holiday season is right around the corner, we thought we'd share something that would make a nice gift for both quilters who piece and those who applique.  A stiletto is very useful to help guide fabric to the feed dogs on the machine.  If you do any invisible machine applique, you'll find a stiletto useful to tuck in any piece of fabric that's become unruly. Each stiletto card below has a number in the upper right corner (beginning with 1 on the left and continuing to 8).  Please order your choice by emailing (info@sewgracefulquilting.com) or calling 479-372-7403 and referring to the number.  Each is only $12 -- we can easily reorder so if you need gifts for all your friends just let us know.

Many of you are eagerly awaiting photos of our version of "The Raven" by Blackbird Designs.  Kay has the center blocks well underway and is designing the border.  The blocks finish at 20" square.  We are using a Jo Morton fabric for sashing between the blocks.  Jo fabric won't ship until later this month so we're in limbo for sewing the blocks together.  We need to add berries to several blocks and a star on block 2 appears to be missing (oops!).  Kay will get those things taken care of soon. We expect the border will finish around 9 1/2" which will make the quilt roughly 87" x 87".  Sorry to be so elusive but we are designing as we work on the project.  Cost is $24.95 per month for 11 months.  We anticipate starting this block of the month in October. Unfortunately, the majority of the fabric we used is sold out so we will have fewer openings than we expected (hoped).  If you're on the list, you're fine.  If you're not on the list but would like to be, please e-mail (info@sewgracefulquilting.com) or call (479) 372-7403.

Here's a couple close up photos of blocks to give you another view.

We're very excited about Yoko Saito's new book, Yoko Saito's Quilts & Projects from my Favorite Fabrics.  The book contains 28 projects including quilts and bags.  112 pages, $34.95 We expect delivery by Aug 24 and are taking pre-orders now.  Let us know if we can reserve a copy for you.

If you were disappointed to miss out Buttermilk Basin's "Give Thanks" kits, you'll be pleased to know we have cut more kits.  Your $79.95 kit includes the pattern, background fabrics, wool for applique, borders, and binding.  If you'd prefer to use your own fabrics, the pattern is $28. We took a quick photo as Kay loaded the suitcases for her trip to Hot Springs Village......please excuse the wonky angle......it felt like 110 degrees outside so we didn't take great pains to get a perfect shot.

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