Let's get ready for summer

The unofficial start of summer arrived Monday with Memorial Day.  We hope you had a quiet holiday.....our idea of a nice holiday these days is getting some stitching time as we visit with family and friends.  We know many of you are dealing with the aftermath of tornadoes and on going flooding.  You're definitely in our hearts.

Last week we mentioned we would share news of a new block of the month this week.  We are super excited to be offering Maggie Bonanomi's "Village Green" as a block of the month.  Maggie's quilt was stitched entirely of wool but we plan to use Diamond Textiles as our backgrounds, wool for applique and eliminate the points along the edge.  Ours will be bound the traditional way.  We aren't taking sign ups yet since we haven't even started ours but wanted to make you aware of the news.

Once we receive our shipment of wool, we will get started on this beauty.  Watch future newsletters for updates. 

Our newest block of the month, The Ark, is almost sold out.  If you've been on the fence about whether to join, don't wait too long.  We have no plans to offer a second cutting of this block of the month.  The cost is $12.95 per month for 10 months plus shipping.  The quilt is a combination of cotton and wool with embroidery. During the 10th month, you'll receive buttons, sashing, borders and binding.  No finishing kit is required.  The quilt finishes 34" x 41". The pattern must be purchased the first month for $22.50. We also have an optional thread kit containing Valdani perle cotton size 12 for an additional charge per month. To sign up please call 479-372-7403.

Next week we will have updated news about Lynette Anderson's newest block of the month, Tree of Life.  Kay is putting together the sample and......well......let's just say it is absolutely adorable..... Our shipment of aqua project pouches finally arrived.  If you ordered one and haven't received yours, please let us know ASAP.  Our distributor received 1200 and has only 5 left so we may not be able to place a reorder any time soon.  $21.50

The first project we want to share this week is super easy and fun to make.  It makes a great table cover for a summer picnic, a nice wall hanging, a cute baby quilt or a great quilt to throw on the ground as you enjoy summer activities......oh......and you could use it as a quilt on a bed..... Your $44.95 "Patriotic Summer" kit includes the pattern, fabrics for the top, borders and binding.  Finishes 46" x 56".  Backing is available separately for $9.95 per yard.

In keeping with a summer theme, we'd like to share "God Bless America".  Your $19.95 kit includes the pattern, fabrics for the top, wool for applique, binding, backing fabric and buttons.  Finishes 10" x 10".

This week for our "when it's gone, it's gone" section, we'd like to offer Buttermilk Basin's newest book, The Best of Buttermilk Basin.  It's packed with all sorts of Staci's creations.  80 pages $26.99

We hope all you stay safe during this rocky spring weather season.  Hope to see you soon.

Darlene and Debby

After Market Report

We had a great time at spring quilt market.  We came home with all sorts of ideas for new and exciting projects.  Below are some of our favorite booths......most of which will be shipping patterns to us.

Threads that Bind had both new wool applique and punch needle patterns.  Of course, we absolutely could not resist buying at Shawn's booth.....

Joan at Little Bits by Joan is always so much fun.  Her bubbly personality keeps us smiling.  We know many were disappointed when the manufacturer changed the backing of the frames she uses to frame her little bits.  She now has a new improved frame which includes a fold out stand -- we have a case on order.  We also have most of her new patterns on the way to us.

It was hard to choose our favorites in the Heart to Hand booth....we wanted everything.  We have a long list of Kathi's patterns to get made.

Dawn at Sew Cherished always has lots to entice us.  We definitely will be making her newest Santa pattern.  We've already chose the fabric and know what wool we will be using - now to find the time to make it all happen.....

Lauren at Simply Put is shipping a large order to us this week.  We have made lots of her projects and love how quick and easy they are to stitch.

Blackberry Primitives probably had to mop up lots of drool as their booth was absolutely gorgeous.  We're so excited to be able to easily get Maggie Bonanomi patterns from them.  Watch for lots of Maggie projects coming soon......we'll have exciting news to share next week about a block of the month we'll be offering using a Maggie B pattern.

Dawn Heese of Linen Closet has designed her first fabric line with Diamond Textiles.  We were honored to be asked to make a couple of samples using her fabrics.  We chose to make a couple of our patterns - Simply 9 and Feathered Friends.  Watch for kits coming soon.

Dawn's use of her new fabric line, A Common Thread, was wonderful.  Based on demand, we are considering offering her applique quilt (the one below her booth name plate) as a block of the month. What do you think?  Would you be interested in joining along?

We have Dawn's fabric available for shipment now.  We are offering fat quarter bundles ($41.25), half yard bundles ($75.00) or yard bundles ($149.25).  You may order via our website https://www.sewgracefulquilting.com/ or by e-mailing (info@sewgracefulquilting.com) or calling 479-374-7403.  We also have yardage available for $9.95 per yard.  We haven't received clear images so we can update our website so you'll have to call to place your order for yardage.

We brought back Lisa Bongean's Valdani thread inventory booklet.  This is a great way to keep track of your Valdani threads.  The booklet is spiral bound so it's easy to flip through quickly.  It contains all the Valdani threads colors and weights.  $10

Since this is getting long, we won't have our "when it's gone, it's gone" section this week.  We'll be back next week with more to share.  See you soon!

Darlene and Debby

Whimsical cat wall hanging

By the time most of you read this newsletter, Darlene and Kay will be on their way to spring quilt market in Kansas City.  While markets have changed over the years and many of our favorite designers no longer have a booth at market, it's still fun to find new designers.  They will keep Facebook and Instagram updated so be sure to check the Sew Graceful account periodically.  Kay will also keep her Instagram account updated - kayharmon01 (that's zero one).

We have another whimsical kit to share this week.  Your "Cats Have" kit includes the pattern, background fabric, cotton for applique, borders, binding, backing fabric and 3 mini buttons for the tips of the crown.  The kit is only $19.95.  You may order via our website https://www.sewgracefulquilting.com/index.html or by e-mail info@sewgracefulquilting.com.  You're welcome to call to place your order but keep in mind the show floor is quite noisy so it may be a day or so before Darlene is able to listen to your message. 

The current issue of Quiltmania magazine (#131) arrived.  It contains 7 patterns including the 3rd installment of Jen Kingwell's mystery quilt.  It also includes photos from shows in Houston and Tokyo and an article about Tone Finnanger, the designer behind the brand Tilda.  If you're on auto ship, Debby has processed your order.  If you're not and would like to be, please e-mail info@sewgracefulquilting.com and we'll get you set up.  $13.99

Tracy Souza's new book "Stitched so Sweet" contains easy to stitch seasonal patterns in embroidery, applique and patchwork.  Any of the embroidery patterns could easily be converted to wool applique.  They also could be enlarged and appliqued using cottons to make adorable lap throws.  64 pages $20.99

This week for our "when it's gone, it's gone" section we are featuring two great stitching reference guides.  A to Z of Embroidery Stitches 2 contains over 145 embroidery stitches,  $19.95

A to Z of Crewel Embroidery is another great stitching reference guide.  It is helpful whether you're just starting out in the world of needlework or whether you're a seasoned stitcher.  $19.95

We will be back next Thursday with more to inspire you.  See you soon!

Darlene and Debby

Last minute Mother's Day gift ideas

What a lot of rain we've had lately.  Other than rainy days causing us to want to take a nap, we enjoy staying inside and creating.  One project we've been working on is our Row by Row project.  If you're not familiar with the program click https://rowbyrowexperience.com/ to read about it.  In a nutshell, each shop creates a project based on a theme and visitors hop from shop to shop to collect patterns and/or kits.  Kick off is June 21.  The theme this year is "Taste the Experience"......wonder what we will create.....

Mother's Day is right around the corner so we thought we'd share some great last minute gift ideas for mom -- they'll also make great gifts for yourself or your stitching buddies (Christmas is only 7 months away).

Kelmscott Designs' needle minders are not only pretty but practical.  They include a magnet which holds your needles in place.  No more dropping needles on the floor.

You may order on line by visiting https://www.sewgracefulquilting.com/, by e-mailing info@sewgracefulquilting.com or calling 479-374-7403.

Crow with Star - $9.50

Sheep at Night - $9.50

Folkart Willow Tree - $9.50

Hibiscus - $9.50

Bee - $9.50

Buzz - $9.50

The first kit we'd like to share this week makes us smile every time we look at it.  "Hen House" is entirely cotton applique (we used Soft Fuse and a simple blanket stitch on ours).  Your $28.95 kit includes Simply Vintage magazine #28 (fall 2018) which contains the pattern by Edyta Sitar, fabrics for applique, background fabric, border, backing fabric and binding.  It finishes 20" x 20". Of course, the magazine contains additional projects.

Some of you can probably relate to the sentiment expressed on the second kit we'd like to share, "Voices".  Your $19.95 kit includes the pattern, fabrics for the top, borders, binding and backing fabric.  This is a very easy project to make even if you've never done applique before.  It finishes 9" x 18".

This week for our "when it's gone, it's gone" section we are featuring a Quiltmania book.  We love the quality of books published by Quiltmania.  The photography is absolutely stunning and directions are very well written with lots of illustrations.  Most books are written in both English and French (Quiltmania is a French company with offices in the US). The translated book title is "Quilted and Embroidered Fantasies".  It contains 20 projects combining quilting and embroidery.  304 pages $49.95

Spring quilt market is next week so Darlene and Kay will be off on an adventure.  Be sure to watch Facebook and Instagram as they post their adventures.

The shop will be open regular hours next week with Debby holding everything down.  See you soon!

Darlene and Debby

New Handmade by Margott patterns arrived

It's hard to believe May is already here and that it's time to start thinking about summer vacations and summer stitching.  The first project we want to share is one of our favorite summer pieces.  "Liberty" by Norma Whaley of Timeless Traditions.  We love how Norma pieced the backgrounds.  The red portion behind the pot is fabric and the remaining applique is wool.  Your $61.95 kit includes the pattern, fabrics for the top, borders, binding and wool for applique.  Finishes 25" x 50".....if you don't need a long table runner this makes a great wall hanging or throw for the end of a bed.

You can get your kit by visiting https://www.sewgracefulquilting.com/index.html or e-mailing (info@sewgracefulquilting.com) or calling 479-372-7403. 

We received three new patterns from Handmade by Margott.  We love all of them but our absolute favorite is "All about Wool" -- we know that surprises you!  Just look at that adorable bird in block #4.  The All about Wool pattern quilt finishes 49 1/2" x 49 1/2".  Pattern is $24.95 You can order any of Margott's patterns on our website https://www.sewgracefulquilting.com/index.html

"Botanical Quilt" finishes 51 1/2" x 47".  Notice the tabs along the upper and lower portion -- very unique.  $24.95

"The Sampler Quilt" looks like a fun one to make.  We think it would be equally pretty on a dark background...perhaps using the new Nikko Granite line.  Quilt finishes 68" x 68".  $24.95 On a side note -- if you ever want us to put together a kit of any pattern, let us know.  We love creating.

The summer issue of Wool Works magazine arrived.  It contains a nice variety of projects including a rug hooking pattern and a needle punch pattern.  Of course, any of the patterns could easily be converted from wool applique to a hooked rug and vice versa.  14 projects - $10.99

This week for our "when it's gone, it's gone" section we are featuring "Country Style Quilting" by Lynette Anderson.  We have only one copy left so please e-mail (info@sewgracefulquilting.com) if you'd like us to reserve it for you.  128 pages - $24.99

When we hear of quilting related events, we love to share them with you.  The tenth annual Airing of the Quilts is happening May 3 (9:00-5:00) and May 4 (9:00-4:00) at Bell Park, 1050 Bell Park Road in Greenwood AR.  According to the flyer this is a "Charming regional show displaying quilts in a striking setting with mountain views."  Admission is only $5.  For more info, call 479-883-0254 or 479-806-1081.

Hope we see you soon!

Darlene and Debby