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

Farmyard Fun

Our vacation is right around the corner.  As we mentioned in our newsletter last week, we will be on a no technology devices vacation beginning May 11 and ending May 21.  We decided to completely get away and relax so will leave all our technology devices at home.  During that time, please e-mail info@sewgracefulquilting.com as we won't be answering calls.

Kay will have the shop open and will check e-mail while we're gone so feel free to stop in for a chat or place an on line order.  She will also be making daily runs to the post office so your packages will arrive on time.

Several years ago we worked with Lynette Anderson on a very cute project.  Lynette did the stitching and Kay did the piecing for "Stitched Farm".  The quilt features 8 stitchery scenes and easy piecing.  It finishes 42" x 48".  This is a great take along on vacation sort of project.  The pattern is $26 and includes full size templates.  We'll be happy to put together a kit for the project using Diamond Textiles. 

While we're on the subject of farms....we have some adorable farm themed wooden buttons.  Barnyard Hens is a set of  5 buttons - $9.00.

Grandad's Farm includes an adorable sheep, horse, cow, pig, chicken and rooster.  $13.50

We have kits ready for Cheri Payne's "Church Cat".  Your $38.95 kit includes the pattern, background fabrics, wool for applique, border, binding and buttons for the cat eyes.  Some fabrics will vary slightly from the sample and buttons are different in each kit.

This pre-vacation planning is holding true to many of our previous vacations......we thought we had an uneventful week but one thing led to another and the week is suddenly filled with "have to do before we leave tasks".   We bet many of you can relate.......back to packing.... Debby & Darlene

Some quick spring projects

Everywhere we look we see signs of spring - lawn mowing has begun, irises are blooming and the pretty yellow canary birds have returned.  If you're like us, we always get a burst of spring energy and the desire to start a new project this time of year.  This week we're sharing a couple of projects that will satisfy your itch to stitch and not require lots of time.

Debby designed a cute and quick to stitch project:  Farm Treats.  Your $16.95 kit includes the pattern, background fabric, wool for applique and binding (the binding is red which we think is a perfect finish).  It finishes 10" x 18". 

"Pinwheel Garden" is another quick project composed of half square triangles and some easy embroidery.  It finishes 11" x 13".  Your $24.95 kit includes the pattern, fabrics for the top, borders, binding and buttons.  The border contains embroidery and the sweetest small buttons.

It's probably not a secret how much we love unusual buttons and embellishments.  We found the cutest wooden tags from a company in France.  Unfortunately, we aren't able to get more so once these are gone, they're gone.  Each tag measures 1" x 1 3/4" and costs $2.80. Email (info@sewgracefulquilting.com) and let us know if you'd like "Made with Love" or "Love to Sew" or both.  Since we have limited amounts we won't be putting these on our website.

Spring quilt market is right around the corner but we decided to skip it this year......instead we are taking a vacation beginning May 11 and ending May 21.  We decided to completely get away and relax so will leave all our technology gadgets at home.  During that time, please e-mail info@sewgracefulquilting.com as we won't be answering calls. Kay will have the shop open and will check e-mail regularly.

See you soon!

Debby & Darlene