When they're gone, they're gone

We've been using some of our self isolation time to do some cleaning and organizing in our warehouses at the shop.  This week we are sharing some of the results of that endeavor.  We ran across sets of blocks of the month we offered several years ago.  Please e-mail info@sewgracefulquilting.com if you'd like either (or both) kits.  No phone calls please.

The first, Friendship's Garden, was our first block of the month program.  We remember the feelings of excitement mixed with a bit of worry when we hung that first quilt.  We were excited because we were about to embark on what seemed to be a fun journey but we were also apprehensive because we weren't sure whether people would be as excited as us.  In hindsight, we had nothing to worry about.

Your Friendship's Garden kit includes the out of print book by Blackbird Designs, fabrics to complete the quilt top, binding and 8 yards of backing fabric.  The quilt finishes 86" x 86".  $389.95

The second treasure we discovered was a complete set of Jan Patek's Cabin in the Pines block of the month.  The quilt finishes 76" x 76".  Kit includes the pattern, fabrics for the quilt top and binding.  Backing is not included; however, we will be happy to help you select a backing fabric for an additional $9.95 per yard.

When we vend we always bring 1/2 yard cuts of Diamond Textile fabrics.  Since vending for the foreseeable future is in limbo, we thought it would be fun to bundle what we have cut and offer 1/2 yard fabric bundles.  Each bundle contains 2 1/2 yards and is $26.95.  Since these are one of a kind bundles, please e-mail info@sewgracefulquilting.com or call 479-372-7403 to place your order.  When ordering, please specify the bundle number. As you're scrolling through these, you probably notice some bundle numbers are missing......somehow we apparently forgot to get photos of them all.  We'll include the rest of the bundles next week.

This week we have more beautiful creations to share.  If you don't see your quilt in the newsletter this week, don't worry.....we will share it in a future newsletter. We have another quilt by Patty Nelson to share.  She finished her Fairytale Cottages quilt.  This was our $10 block of the month for 2019.  If you're interested in making your own, we have a few kits left.  $141.95.  E-mail info@sewgracefulquilting.com or call Darlene at 479-372-7403 if you'd like to place an order.

We have a couple projects from Pam Mobley to share.  The first is “My Garden” by Heart to Hand designed by Kathi Campbell.  The applique is wool and backgrounds are cotton.  We enjoy using cotton backgrounds with wool because the cotton adds interest to the quilt.  This was also a block of the month we offered several years ago.  Unfortunately, it is sold out.

Pam also finished a beautiful fall pillow.  She said "This is Norma Whaley’s Timeless Tradition’s pattern called Autumn Time that I finished last week with all my spare time that I now have."  We love all the special stitches Pam added to the wool applique.  The stitches add so much to the pillow.

Donna Koster sent us a photo of an adorable quilt she finished featuring one of our favorite applique designs -- snowmen.  We especially like the snowman juggling.

Carol Schwartz sent a photo of a super neat bowl she made using used clothesline cording.  She said "I cut 1" strips of left over material from the quilts I made over the years. Just wrap the strips as you sew using the large zig zag stitch. They are fun to make and the design is left up to you."  We have seen bowls using this technique before but have never seen them embellished so beautifully.

Please keep sending photos of your projects - they can be works in progress or finished items.  We love sharing and inspiring others and judging by the feedback we have received, you enjoy seeing what others are doing. We are still available to meet you at the shop if you need some supplies or to drop off (or pick up a quilt).  Please call or text Darlene at 479-372-7403. Darlene and Debby

A pretty organizing tool

We hope our newsletter this week finds you doing well and making the most of this period of isolation.  We know many people are taking advantage of the opportunity to reorganize their sewing room.  The first item we want to share this week may help you in that endeavor.

Yazzii bags are not only practical but are very well made.  The petite organizer is 5" x 6.6" x 2.6" when closed so is the perfect size to carry on its own or tuck in a larger stitching bag.  It has six zippered compartments with see-through panels.  It's ideal for storing stitching supplies but also can be used for toiletries, medication, cosmetics and jewelry. We have teal, navy, red, purple and green in stock and may be able to order fuschia or black if you'd like (our distributor has only a few fuschia, green and black in stock).  $29.95 each

Debby recently finished the sweetest spring pillow.  If you aren't a "pillow on the couch" type of person, you could add a nice ribbon hanger and make an adorable hanger for a door knob.  Your $27.95 kit for "Let Your Heart Sing" includes the pattern, preprinted bird panel, fabric and wool to make the pillow, buttons and lace edging.  Finishes 12" x 13".

If you're a big fan of intricate piecing and applique, you probably heard the news that Di Ford passed away after a battle with cancer.  We have been admirers of her work for many years.  With her passing, her books will become more and more difficult to find.  We are able to still get copies of her first book with Quiltmania, Primarily Quilts.  It contains 16 projects beautifully illustrated and photographed.  $49.95 We will put together an order for her book early next week, so please let us know soon if you'd like to reserve a copy.  Please e-mail info@sewgracefulquilting.com and we'll reserve a copy for you.

This week we have more beautiful creations to share.  If you don't see your quilt in the newsletter this week, don't worry.....we will share it in a future newsletter. Patty Nelson shared a darling pinwheel baby quilt.  It is a free pattern from Moda.  She said the lighting makes some of the quilt look beige, but it is a white background.  We especially like the 3D triangles around the center of the quilt. We'll be sharing more of Patty's work in future newsletters.

Pam Mobley has been very busy.  We have several of her finishes to share.  This week we are sharing "Honey Hill Farm".  This was designed by Dawn Heese and published in the Summer 2018 issue of Primitive Quilts and Projects magazine.   We helped Pam select fabric and wool for the project and would be happy to do the same for you.

Donna Koster is working on a stunning quilt in shades of blue and brown.  We can't wait to see the finished quilt.

Carol Schwartz recently finished a beautiful American flag wall hanging using a pattern by Shabby Fabric.  She said she was able to use up some of her red and beige fabric.

The words on Vicki Lemme's quilt ring true for us during this somewhat stressful and confusing time in our history.  We love how she combined shades of butter yellow and taupe with navy to create a beautiful quilt.

Kay has several projects in various stages of completion.  She asked us to share a couple blocks from her "Warm Wishes" quilt.  We will have kits available as soon as she finishes the sample.  If you'd like to reserve a kit, please e-mail info@sewgracefulquilting.com.

Please keep sending photos of your projects - they can be works in progress or finished items.  We love sharing and inspiring others and judging by the feedback we have received, you enjoy seeing what others are doing. We are still available to meet you at the shop if you need some supplies or to drop off (or pick up a quilt).  Please call or text Darlene at 479-372-7403. Darlene and Debby

More show and share

What a roller coaster of weather we have had in our area.  One day last week we enjoyed record breaking heat and woke to below freezing temperatures just a few days later.  The budding trees and flowers don't seem to mind the extremes.  We've noticed several mama deer in the vicinity of the shop and are hopeful we will soon see fawns enjoying our green lawn.....so long as they don't munch our flowers.

As we learn of cancellations, we will pass them on to you.  The Airing of the Quilts event which was scheduled for May 1-2 in Greenwood AR has been cancelled.  The Green Country Quilters Guild show in Tulsa OK which was scheduled for May 29-30 has been cancelled.  The Common Threads Show in Wichita KS scheduled for June 25-27 is cancelled.

We received notification from Quiltmania that due to the coronavirus they will not be able to ship magazines to the big box stores in the US.  If you are used to getting your Quiltmania magazines at stores such as JoAnn Fabrics or Barnes & Noble you will not be able to get them for the forseable.  The good news is that shipments to the Mom and Pop stores (our personal favorite place to purchase Quiltmania magazines) will not be affected.  If you'd like us to reserve Quiltmania #137 which will ship in about a month, please e-mail info@sewgracefulquilting.com.

Meanwhile, we have a few copies left of the current issue of Simply Moderne #20.  $18.99

Gardening is becoming a new hobby with many as we navigate this new way of life.  The May tea towel of the month will be a perfect addition to your home whether you garden in your mind (like us) or actually get out and work the soil.  Your Fresh Picked kit includes the pattern and tea towel.  $11.95 We will be happy to put together a kit of the Valdani perle cotton threads we used.  When you place your order let us know if you'd like us to add the thread kit.

Our new kit "Welcome" is a fun project.  We changed the pattern a bit and added sheep.  The background is flannel and the remainder is wool.  Your $44.95 kit includes the pattern, background flannel, wool and binding.  Finishes 18" x 28".

We have received many favorable comments about our weekly show and share.  if you don't see your quilt in the newsletter next week, don't worry.....we will share it in a future newsletter. Carol Kick wrote us to say she is trying to clean out her stash/kits so she can buy more when we can get back to shopping.  We have heard several people say the same thing.  Her quilt Country Quilt Show was a kit by Coy Quarters.

Becky Harkey purchased a Nikko kit.  She wrote us to say I am sending you a picture of “what it was supposed to look like” and what I did thinking i didn’t need to re-read the pattern.... Kay designed the Nikko kit and when we forwarded her Becky's photos her comment was "I love her layout -- why didn't I think of that." We do have a few Nikko kits available on our website.  The layer cakes used in the kit are out of stock so once these kits are gone, we aren't sure we will be able to make more kits.  https://www.sewgracefulquilting.com/

Judy Jensen is using her stay at home time to create the most darling woodland quilt.  She said this pattern takes much concentration so it's a good time to do it.  The pattern is Fancy Forest by Elizabeth Hartman. By the way, if you'd like to create your own forest of animals we are able to get the pattern for you.  $24

Pam Mobley sent us several photos which we will be sharing the next few weeks.  First up is "Cabin in the Pines" by Jan Patek.  This was a block of the month we offered several years ago.  If you've made this quilt, you probably remember getting those Y seams to line up was a challenge but Pam did a great job sewing her top together and Darlene did a beautiful job quilting it.

Susan Abram wrote us to say " Here is my long term project I’m trying to make progress on these days.   "Butterflies are Free" by Barb Adams from the In the Meadow book. Technique is all invisible appliqué by machine. All background fabrics from Sew Graceful Quilting. Most appliqué fabrics are Liberty of London quilting prints. I highly recommend the appliqué paper sold by Sew Graceful." What a fun quilt to make!  Once it's safe to gather together, Kay will be teaching the Invisible Machine Applique workshop.

Donna Koster shared a photo of a darling friendship quilt. She says "A small group of eight each made a basket block and we each received one and were to make them into a quilt.  I designed this and I machine quilted this.  It is my Friendship Basket Quilt." During this time of isolation, perhaps others might want to get a group together and make a friendship quilt.

Julie has been very busy.  She wrote us "I like everyone have boatloads of projects.   But the sampler has been getting the most love.  It started as the Farmers Wife quilt by Laurie Hird.  But then as I saw Splendid Sampler blocks I had to have a few of those and I wanted a few applique. So now it’s my Farmers Splendid Sampler.  81 blocks done 20 to go." We are looking forward to seeing the finished project.

Keep sending photos of your projects.  We love sharing and inspiring others!

We are still available to meet you at the shop if you need some supplies or to drop off (or pick up a quilt).  Please call or text Darlene at 479-372-7403.

Darlene and Debby

Virtual Show and Share Begins!

We were so pleased so many of you let us know you're excited about our virtual show and share each Thursday.  Keep those pics coming!  Remember that the project doesn't have to be complete -- your work in progress may inspire someone else to start a new project.

Please e-mail (info@sewgracefulquilting.com) photos of what you're working on and what you've finished (it doesn't have to be something you purchased from us).  Please include your name, the pattern name and designer (if you know that info -- we realize some of you may be working on projects you began years ago).

Before we get into the show and share photos, we want to share several projects that are a bit more detailed but perfect if you're like many of us and have more stitching time than in the past.  Kay made all of these samples except Fairytale Cottage using the Apliquick method.  If you're not familiar with the technique, YouTube has some great tutorials.  If you'd like to try the method, we have tools and paper available. 

Kits for the next 6 projects can be found by clicking on the Hand Made by Margott tab on our website.  https://www.sewgracefulquilting.com/index.html All Those Simple Things - 45 1/2" x 35 1/2" - pattern $17.95, kit $46.95 All cotton

Four Seasons - 30" diameter - pattern $22.95, kit $54.95 Cotton except for bunny, birds and bird body which are wool

Colonial Memories - 12" x 33" - kit $39.95 (includes pattern) Cotton with a little wool

Scraps of my Life - 47" x 51 1/2" - pattern $27.95, kit $74.95 All cotton

Pillowcase Collection - 9" x 17 1/2" - kit $39.95 (includes pattern) Applique is wool

Fairytale Cottages - 25 1/4" x 34 1/4" - Kit $141.95 (includes pattern). This is also available as a block of the month. Wool applique on cotton backgrounds

Drum roll please......here's this week's show and share.  We hope you enjoy it! After a trip last summer Carol Kick designed "Maine 2019".  Sigh.......I'm sure many of us are longing for a trip about now. We'll be sharing another of Carol's finished quilts in a future newsletter.

Kay Mason finished Friends for Christmas by Lynette Anderson.  This was a block of the month we offered.

Judith McCartan has been busy playing with her scraps.  She says "Not sure pattern has a name, got idea from a friend and it is also on Pinerest.  Great way to use up scrap material.  Going to be a gift to my pumpkin everything loving daughter for her birthday."

Masks are becoming our new way of life.  Shortly after we sent our newsletter last week we heard from one of our dear friends, Barbi McPhee.  We know many of you can relate to what she wrote so wanted to share some of her comments.  "Just read your new newsletter and thought I should share what I am doing.  I live at .... a retirement/assistant living/nursing home community.  The large staff is now masked and we residents will be required to in a couple of days.  As those are so hard to find - and we (residents particularly) would be taking commercial masks away from medical people ... has asked me to get the residents creating their own masks .  We know there are many residents who want to ‘do something’ to help in this strange new world we live in.  Now they can.  There are dozens of videos on the internet showing you how."  Pictured below are masks Darlene made for our family and Erin Radke modeling her masks.

Barbara Atwood included several of our favorite primitive motifs in the quilt she designed "Family Fun Flowers and Fun"

Patty Nelson's "Hope Blooms" designed by Brenda Riddle is the perfect quilt for the spring season.  It was machine appliqued and hand quilted.  We'll be sharing more of Patty's finished quilts in future newsletters.

We hope you'll take the time to send us photos.  We will continue our virtual show and share until we are able to get out.  So if you don't see your quilt in the newsletter next week, don't worry.....we will share it in a future newsletter. We are still available to meet you at the shop if you need some supplies or to drop off (or pick up a quilt).  Please call or text Darlene at 479-372-7403. Darlene and Debby