Quilter's Project Bag

We have been having some problems with our website.  If you are having problems getting on our website, please call 479-372-7403 or e-mail info@sewgracefulquilting.com to place your order.  We hope to have the issue fixed soon.

If you're on social media much you probably have noticed a lot of new items.  That is because spring quilt market was to be held mid-May.  We have heard rumors of a virtual market for shop owners but haven't seen anything specific about it.  In the interim, we will be content to follow up with our favorite designers to bring you news of new things.

Kathy Cardiff released her new book "Harvest Garden" which contains 16 projects.  The book includes wall hangings, table mats, pillows, a zip bag, and sewing notions.  80 pages $27.99

We also received Quiltmania's newest magazine, #137.  Because of the virus, the magazine will not be available at any of the big national retailers.  We expect this issue to sell out quickly so don't delay if you want a copy.  $14.99

Our friend Wendy Sheppard's recent blog post got us so excited about the Quilter' Project Bag that we had to do some research on the bag.  The bag has a front external horizontal zipper across the cover of the bag for your keys, phone and other personal items. Inside the bag there are four sleeves and total of 19 pockets, 18 of them see-through as well as a pen or tool storage section.  The bag measures 13" x 10 1/2" x 5". We are taking orders for bags.  Available colors are teal, pink, green, navy or purple.  Please e-mail info@sewgracefulquilting.com or call 479-372-7403 with your choice(s).  $107.95 Visit Wendy's blog https://ivoryspring.wordpress.com/ for photos showing the bag being used by a real person.

Our newest pattern, Vintage Pinwheels, is available.  We used charm squares from Betsy Chutchain's "Harriet's Handwork" line of fabric from Moda.  Your $44.95 kit includes the pattern, fabrics for the top, borders and binding.  The quilt finishes 46" x 46".

This week we are sharing the last of our Show and Share photos.  Of course, we love to see what you're working on and share it to inspire others. Carol Schwartz shared a photo of a project that was in Primitive Quilts and Projects magazine.  Carol writes "I did substitute the center with a tree other than the eagle."  Carol has the same attitude as us - it's OK to change a pattern to make it fit our tastes.

Speaking of changing things.  April Layher shared a photo of her Churning 14 quilt.  She writes "Thought you might like to see my churning 14 too in blues and cheddars. Bought the pattern at your shop. Of course not quilted yet. Lol" Oh my goodness!  We absolutely love the blue and cheddar combo!

In keeping with our changing things theme, we want to share Pam Mobley's version of Bee Proud.  She increased the inner border size and added lots of pretty flowers to her piece.  We love the addition of the cute bee button!

We will be back next week with information about this summer's Row by Row program.  There are several changes to the program.  We also have our piece ready for quilting and can't wait to share it with you.

Darlene and Debby

Spring is here!

We have lots to share this week so are going to jump right in and start sharing.

First is a darling pillow Debby recently finished.  Your $24.95 kit for Spring Garden Redwork includes the pattern (which contains patterns for the pillow, a wall hanging, door knob hanger and bookmarks), fabric for the stitchery, backing fabric for the pillow and 3 decorative buttons.  The pillow finishes 12" x 23".  If you'd prefer to use your own materials, the pattern is available for $10.

We are reworking samples and discovered we have two kits left for Chelsea's Garden, a beautiful quilt designed by Blackbird Designs.  The pattern is found in the book "You're Invited" by Blackbird Designs. The quilt finishes 51" x 68". We have 1 kit for the quilt kit and book - $93.95.  We have 1 kit for the quilt top only (no book is included) - $68.95.  Please e-mail info@sewgracefulquilting and let us know which kit you would like. We do not have the book available for purchase by itself.

We are taking orders for Dawn Heese's new book published by Quiltmania, Flowering Folk Art.  The book includes patterns in Dawn's typical style including quilts, table runners, cushions and other needlework of varying difficulty.  As a bonus, Dawn shares her needle turn appliqué, wool appliqué and punch needle techniques.  We expect shipment around late June and will process your order as soon as we receive our shipment.  $48.95

Summer is right around the corner so it's the perfect time to work on a fun little piece.  Your $16.95 kit for Bee Proud includes the pattern, fabrics for the top, wool for applique, binding and backing fabric.  We will be happy to put together a thread kit containing Valdani perle cotton #12.  Just let us know you'd like a thread kit when you place your order.

We have received many comments about our Show and Share section of the newsletter and have several more to share this week. Vicki Lemme sent us a photo of her Spring has Sprung quilt.  What fun this quilt must have been to make.  Notice how she added rick rack in the border.

We absolutely love how Bev Lough modified a kit she purchased from us.  She writes: "This is a kit I purchased from you. I needed to make it bigger to fit the window frame made for me by a friend.  I added strips to the top and bottom and then added the loops to slip over the curtain rod. I am going to make another one for the friend who made the frame."

Carol Schwartz sent us a photo of a very pretty rug she recently finished using a jelly roll she bought from us.  We love how it turned out. One of these days we must try to make one - every time we are at a quilt show and see one in a booth we have to stop and admire it.

Linda Leedy shared a photo of a pretty quilt she recently finished.  We are sharing what she wrote because some of you may feel the same way.  "Attached is a picture of the Christmas quilt I recently made and got back from the quilter.  The pattern is called River Log Cabin.  I made it after watching a tutorial posted by Jenny from the Missouri Star Quilt Company.  I am a beginner quilter and found the pattern to be easy and fun.  Please note that I cut down the size of the quilt from what was shown in the tutorial.  One of the reds I used was some fabric that I purchased from you for another project.  (I may have to get some more of that fabric since I stole it from my first project.).  I have to tell you that I have enjoyed seeing pictures of your customers' quilts and I hope to be the excellent quilter (one day) they all appear to be.  Thanks for sharing and I hope to see you in June." Linda - we were all beginners at one time.  You are well on your way to being able to tackle anything.

As a reminder, the shop is open Tues, Thurs and Sat 9:00-3:00.  Hope to see you soon.

Darlene and Debby

Updated shop pics

In anticipation of our reopening the shop Tuesday, May 12, we did a bit of reorganizing.  We hadn't planned to rework the entire shop but one thing led to another and another.....and pretty soon we had moved lots of things.  We understand many are staying home so wanted to share photos.  If you spot something you would like more information about, please let us know. 

It's a good thing we have several quilt racks because our walls are almost full!

Debby finished the tea towel of the month for June, "Here Comes the Sun".  Several days this week we've asked ourselves that question - just where is the sun?!  If you're on automatic to receive the tea towel, Debby will be processing your order shortly.  If you're not and would like to be, please e-mail info@sewgracefulquilting.com and we'll get you set up.  Kit for the pattern and tea towel is $11.95.  If you'd like us to put together a thread kit, let us know when you place your order.

We're happy to share Kay's newest pattern, Stepping Stones.  Your $64.95 kit includes the pattern, Moda's Porcelain layer cake designed by 3 Sisters and coordinating border and binding prints.  The quilt finishes 58" x 64".  We've included a photo of the completed quilt and a couple of close up photos which show the border and binding fabric clearly.

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. Lillie Eaton sent us a photo of her "Sleigh Bells" quilt designed by Jan Patek.  We love how she combined a variety of fabrics to create this quilt.

Pam Mobley shared a photo of another quilt designed by Jan Patek, It's a Wonderful Life.  Pam writes "This is one of my first appliqué quilts.  I keep it hanging in my sewing room all year long.  I purchased It from the Rabbits Lair and Darlene helped me pick out the backing and quilted it for me . So this goes back  a few years." Isn't it fun to look at quilts we made years ago and think about what was happening in our life during that time?

Arlene Kirby writes "I’m 500 miles away from Sew Graceful Quilting, but enjoy your newsletters and seeing you at quilt shows. I picked up this kit and several others when I got to visit your shop in person several years ago while we were on vacation. Finished it with all the “home time” I’ve spent this last month due to the Coronavirus. Love your kits! Wish I lived closer to take some classes!" Hopefully we will be back to our regular vending schedule next year so we can inspire lots of people!

We absolutely love how Mardi Crandall changed the look of our 2019 $10 block of the month, Fairytale Cottages.  She writes "Thank you so much for your guidance and patience as I worked on my first ever wool appliqué project. You gave me confidence to make some changes to suit my own color choices and switch around the blocks to tell the story of changing seasons. I so enjoyed doing your block of the month quilt.  I am also enjoying seeing it hang in my home!" We would never have thought about changing the quilt to reflect the seasons -- great job Mardi!

Carol Schwartz sent us a photo of a paper mache box she covered.  She writes "I covered the box with the wool you sent me. I designed the top and added the polyfil in the lid to give it some interest. I added the horse button I had bought from you when I still lived there. It was perfect!!  You remember how I like homes in my quilts so I extended it to my round box." Notice all the specialty stitches Carol added to the top -- we especially like how she used patchwork to cover the box bottom.

We have more to share next week.  Hope to see you soon.

Darlene and Debby

More bundles

We have decided to reopen the shop beginning May 12 with regular hours Tues, Thurs and Sat 9:00-3:00.  We prefer you wear a mask when visiting; however, wearing one is not mandatory.  We have been busy and have several new projects to share when you stop by.  We've also done some reorganizing and hope you'll make plans to stop by starting May 12.

One other administrative bit of news - Darlene is buying a new long arm quilting machine and is selling her old one.  If you would like more information, please call or text Darlene at 479-372-7403.

The response to the Diamond Textile 1/2 yard bundles we shared in our newsletter last week was much greater than we anticipated.  As you may remember, a few bundles didn't get photographed and we promised to share them this week.  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.

We received two beautiful books published by Quiltmania.  Quiltmania is known for their beautifully photographed and well illustrated books.  Susan Smith's book "Somewhat in the Middle" contains 16 projects including full size quilts, crib quilts, coverlets.  We want to make every project in the book.  $49.95

Reiko Kato's "In Love with Mother's Dreams" contains 37 clever and adorable projects, varying from mini cushions to wall hangings to decorative projects.  She and her students combine appliqué, piecing, embroidery, lace, buttons and much more.  $49.95

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 sent a photo of her completed "Churning Fourteen" quilt.  She writes "I bought this kit “Churning Fourteen” from your shop and just finished it today. I will admit, I was scratching my head wondering if the pattern was correct, but it was! Thank you for your help when I called."

We have a couple projects from Pam Mobley to share.  The first is a beautiful version of our Simply 9 pattern.  Pam writes "This is Darlene’s popular Simply Nine quilt pattern.  I made a queen size quilt using grays and a splash of soft blues thanks to Darlene’s help."

Pam also made a bee skep pillow using a pattern from Cottage Threads.  Pam says the pillow is a perfect complement to the bee items she collects and displays in the spring and summer.

I bet many of you can relate to what Judith Miller wrote when she shared a photo of this pretty quilt.  "I have been trying to clean out my 30's fabric. This quilt is a start. I just made up squares until it was finished. Still got 30's material."

Carol Schwartz sent a photo of a darling table topper from Primitive Quilts and Projects magazine.

Rose didn't share a photo of a quilt but we just have to share what she wrote.  "Just a quick note to let you know how much I love your newsletter.  Once we all open up again will be in your store.  During the day I stay in what my husband calls the QuiltenHilton.  At night I do hand work on some kits I purchased from you.  You all stay safe, stay well and above all good business."

We will share more next Thursday.

Darlene and Debby