Threads that Bind kits

Can you believe it's already the first of August?  This year is flying by much too quickly.  The kids and grandkids will be heading off to school in just a few weeks -- August 13 for most of the kids in our area.  When school starts, we know fall is just around the corner.

One of our favorite booths at spring market was the Threads that Bind booth.....from the feedback we received from you it was one of your favs too.  A couple of weeks ago we shared Lazy Ewe.  We ran out of kits but have more in stock.  Your $34.95 kit includes patterns for all three sheep, wool to make sheep, a sprig of lavender, rusty bell and butterfly button.

Darlene recently finished "Happy Home".  We chose a beautiful Diamond Textile as our background.  Your $28.95 kit includes the pattern, background cotton, wool for applique, binding and backing fabric.  Finishes 12" x 12".  If you'd prefer to use your own materials, the pattern is available for $12. We found the adorable Home Tweet Home hanger and love how it pulls everything together.  The hanger is sold separately.  $17.95

We also finished a needlepunch sample from Threads that Bind.  "Pete and Penelope" comes prestamped on weaver's cloth so you can begin punching immediately.  Finishes 5 3/4" x 4" (we enlarged ours a bit to make it fit in the frame we had on hand).  $17 for the prestamped pattern We used Valdani perle cotton size 12 to punch ours and will be happy to put together a kit of threads we used - just let us know you'd like a thread kit when you place your order.

Kay had a blast making the Farmyard Pincushions designed by Lynette Anderson.  Your $19.95 kit includes the pattern for both pincushions and materials to make both pincushions (embroidery background, stitchery stabilizer, border, backing, wooden button and the button needed for the back of the pincushion).  You will need to supply your own pincushion filling and threads. Let us know if we can put together a thread kit for you.

This week for our "when it's gone, it's gone" section, we have a couple of books published by Quiltmania.  The books published by Quiltmania are beautifully photographed with easy to understand patterns and lots of illustrations.  Both books are by Willyne Hammerstein.  According to the editors, Willyne is known for her quilt designs which look like the Venetian crystal sulphurs called millefiori.  Looking at her quilts reminds us of the carefree days when we would spend hours looking through our kaleidoscope.  Millefiori Quilts 2 is 160 pages and contains 17 projects.  $45.95 Millefiori Quilts 3 is 164 pages and contains 18 projects.  $54 To claim either (or both) books, please e-mail us at info@sewgracefulquilting.com.

Next week we will share a photo of Blackbird Gathering, our 2020 $10 block of the month.  The borders have been added and we absolutely can't wait to share the finished quilt.

See you soon.

Darlene and Debby

2020 $10 block of the month

We hope you've found some time to relax in an air conditioned area and do some stitching during the intense heat wave many have experienced.  The 80 degree temps we've had the past couple of days have felt very refreshing after a week of very hot temps with high humidity.

Despite the heat, Kay had a wonderful time at the show in Grove OK.  Unloading and loading in the air conditioning was definitely very welcome.....we know that driving on to the show floor is usually not possible and we don't expect it but sure are happy when the option is available.  Many commented they enjoy seeing the before and after photos so we thought we'd share the before show, during show and after show at the shop. 

We sold out of Bee Humble kits at the show but were able to get more magazines so made more kits.  Your $24.95 "Buzz" kit includes the magazine which contains the pattern and the tea towel.  We have the cute metal hanger available for an additional $3.95.

We are working on our 2020 $10 block of the month and are eager to share it with you.  "A Blackbird Gathering" is a combination of wool applique on cotton backgrounds along with some easy pieced blocks.  The quilt finishes 34 1/2" x 39 1/2".  At the end of 12 months, you'll have a quilt top, borders and binding.  The cost is $10 per month (plus shipping if you're out of town) for 12 months. The pattern which was in the 2017 issue of Simply Vintage magazine is sold separately for $17.99.  When you sign up, please let us know whether you need the magazine. We also are offering some optional items - let us know if you want us to include any (or all) with your first month's shipment.  Thread kit containing Valdani perle cotton #12 - We are still stitching our sample so can't give an exact cost but right now it looks like Month 1 will be $26, Month 3 - $2, Month 5 - $1, Month 7 - $2 (these are only estimates) Soft Fuse - $19.95 per roll Crazy Quilt Stitches Pocket reference guide - $4.95 (we refer to this guide for several stitches we included on the project) If you've done a block of the month with us before, just email info@sewgracefulquilting.com and we will get you on the list.  If you haven't done a block of the month with us, you'll need to call 479-372-7403 with your mailing address, e-mail, phone number and method of payment.  Debby processes the blocks of the month around the beginning of each month. The photo below shows the Blackbird Gathering quilt in progress.  Once rows are sewn together, scrappy borders will be added.

The fall issue of Woolworks magazine arrived.  Oh my goodness!  Such cute projects in this issue.  Let us know if we can reserve a copy for you.  $10.99

This week for our "when it's gone, it's gone" section, we have three out of print patterns by Robin Vizonne of Briar Root Primitives.  We have only one of each so once they're gone, we won't be able to get more.  Prices are shown in the upper right hand corner of each photo. To claim any (or all), please e-mail us at info@sewgracefulquilting.com.

We have a several new projects in the works and are super excited to share them in future newsletters.  See you soon. Darlene and Debby

How to mark stitching lines on wool

We don't plan to have a Christmas in July celebration like many shops do......it's just coincidental that we finished our sample of "1800 Saint Nick" by Sew Cherished in July.  Your $34.95 kit includes the pattern, the tea towel background and wool for applique.  The thread is sold separately; we'll be happy to put together a thread kit of Valdani perle cotton size 12 for you -- just let us know.  info@sewgracefulquilting.com or 479-372-7403

Quiltmania #132 arrived and is filled with projects to appeal to all skill levels.  If you're on autoship, Debby is processing your order.  If you're not on autoship and would like to be, email info@sewgracefulquilting.com or call 479-372-7403. $13.99

We are often asked the best way to mark stitching lines on wool.  We've tried many methods but our new favorite involves a product found in the paper goods aisle of your grocery store.  "Liberty" was the perfect piece to test out our newly found method.

We picked up a box of Press 'n Seal at our local grocery store.  That product along with an ink pen (some say to use a fine tipped Sharpie but we found it tended to smear) was all we needed.

You can approach marking the stitching lines one of two ways.  If you used a plastic overlay to help place your wool pieces on your background wool, lay a sheet of Press 'n Seal over the pattern and trace the stitching lines.  Then lay the Press 'n Seal on top of the wool piece.  Use your hand to press in place. If, like us, you just eye balled placement of the wool on the background, lay your Press 'n Seal on top of the wool piece and free hand the stitching lines.  Once you have the lines marked, press in place with your hand. Now you're ready to stitch on the drawn lines.  Your stitches should be slightly smaller than normal since you will be removing the Press 'n Seal from around the stitching and don't want to distort the stitching.

Once stitching is complete, carefully remove the Press 'n Seal.  Here's the finished product.

We free handed the embellishing stitches on our flowers but you could also use Press 'n Seal to mark any additional stitching if you feel uncomfortable about placement.

"Liberty" kits are still available.  Your $36.95 kit includes the pattern, wool (background and applique are wool) and cotton backing fabric.  The finished piece will fit in a large metal tray.  Please call the shop at 479-372-7403 for pricing and shipping info on the tray.  The mat finishes 12" x 21".

This week for our "when it's gone, it's gone" section, we have a kit designed by Lynette Anderson.  "Bunny Garden" finishes 12" x 13".   Your $29.95 kit includes the pattern, hand painted button, stitchery stabilizer, fabrics for the top and binding.  We have only 1 kit left and won't be making more.

It's too hot to work in the yard so why not grab a quilting friend or two and head over to Grove OK for the 39th annual Grand Lake 'O the Cherokees Quilt show.  The show will be held at the Grove Civic Center, 1702 S Main Street, July 19 (9:00-6:00) and July 20 (9:00-5:00).   Kay will be minding the booth and has several new projects to share including a sneak peek at our 2020 $10 block of the month quilt in progress. Darlene and Debby

3rd installment of the Sewing Accessory Set

It's hard to believe the 4th has come and gone.  We spent a nice morning on the 4th enjoying the wildflowers that seem to flourish with all the rain we've received lately.  Hopefully your holiday was a nice and peaceful. 

The fall issue of Primitive Quilts & Projects magazine is on the way.  It contains the 3rd installment of Kay's set of stitching accessories.  Your $19.95 "My Thoughts Journal" includes the composition book, fabric and wool needed to cover the composition book.  The pattern is not included in the kit but may be found in the fall issue of Primitive Quilts magazine. To place your order, you may visit our website https://www.sewgracefulquilting.com/, email (info@sewgracefulquilting.com) or call 479-372-7403.

Kits are still available for parts 1 & 2 of the stitching accessory series. "My Sewing Accessory Case" - $46.95 - includes the mother of pearl thread rings and 2 needle minders.

"My Sewing Box and Scissors Keeper" - $29.95 - the box and scissors are not included (scissors are available for purchase on our website).

Kay is preparing for a busy week next week with a trunk show and workshop on Monday at the Table Rock Quilt Guild in Kimberling City MO followed by vending at the Grand Lake 'O the Cherokees Quilt Guild show in Grove OK July 19 & 20.  When people see our blocks of the month in person at shows, it's not unusual that they sign up.....so......if you've been on the fence about whether to sign up we wanted to let you know we are getting close to selling out on all our blocks of the month. We won't go over all the details on each program but invite you to visit our website https://www.sewgracefulquilting.com/ for details.  As a reminder, we do not charge a sign up fee nor do we require you to purchase a finishing kit.  Once you complete the program, you'll have the entire quilt top and binding. Simply Vintage - cotton background with wool applique

Fairytale Cottage - cotton background with wool applique (tabs along the top & bottom are included) Please excuse the photo -- apparently we forgot to snap a photo of the finished quilt....but you get the idea.

The Ark - cotton background with wool applique (all buttons are included)

Tree of Life - cotton background with cotton applique (hand painted buttons are included).  This is a mystery quilt.  Some of you are probably leery of getting a mystery quilt but we're including a photo of the first two months to give you an idea where the quilt seems to be headed. Each month you'll make 7-8 log cabin blocks which will become the quilt border.

Thanks to Sharon P for making samples of the most darling sheep we've ever seen.  "Lazy Ewe" by Threads that Bind contains patterns for all three sheep.  Your $34.95 kit includes the pattern, wool to make all three sheep, a sprig of lavender, rusty bell and butterfly button. If you'd prefer to use your own supplies, the pattern is available for $15.

This week for our "when it's gone, it's gone" section, we have our last copy of Robin Vizonne's book "Peculiar Primitives".  It contains 12 projects including the adorable wall hanging pictured on the back cover of the book.  $25.95

On July 17 Kay will be packing for the Grove show.  If you'd like her to bring a specific item(s) for you, please let us know by July 16.  She's happy to be your personal shopper.

Hope you're staying cool in this hot, humid weather.  See you soon.

Darlene and Debby