New pieced quilt

This week we are pleased to share something we've been working on for quite some time.....we didn't mean for it to take so long but life has a way of changing and taking unexpected curves that throw monkey wrenches in plans. "Community Sampler" is our newest block of the month.  As you can see, it's a pieced quilt.  We've been wanting to offer more pieced quilts for those who aren't as crazy about applique as us.  We used a combination of Edyta Sitar's Hearts Content and Howard Marcus' Collection Community fabrics to make the quilt.  It is our design and finishes 84" x 84".  The block of the month includes the pattern, fabric to make the top, and binding.  Cost is $19.95 per month for 12 months.  If you'd prefer to get everything all at once, the cost is $239.40. We plan to start this block of the month in April.  Please call (479-372-7403) or e-mail (info@sewgracefulquilting.com) to reserve your spot. While we're on the topic of things in the works and super secrets......we are very excited to share some news we've been bursting to share for over a year.  Jo Morton is now designing with Moda fabrics.  We learned of her move over a year ago but assured her that her secret was safe with us -- it was her news to share, not ours. Our Moda man said Jo's first line should be shown at spring market in May.  We also understand she will continue her Little Women's Club.  We realize many of you participated in the program in the past and grew tired of it so we are apprehensive about offering the program since it requires a financial and time commitment.  If you would be interested in participating in a Little Women's Club, let us know.  If the interest is there we'd love to offer it. Pictured below are previous club offerings to give you an idea of what the club is about in case you're not familiar with it. We have openings in our Anderson's Farm button of the month program.  Unfortunately, we don't know what the finished quilt will look like (it's a mystery) but if you're familiar with Lynette Anderson you know it's going to be very sweet. Finished size is approximately 34" x 48".  We have two options:  #1 - hand painted button and pattern for $16.95 or #2 - hand painted button, pattern, and fabric for $19.95.  The program runs for 10 months. Kay has stitched the first month and is eagerly awaiting arrival of block 2.  If you're participating in this program and would like us to add the thread and/or stabilizer please let us know.  Debby will process blocks of the month around March 10. Our shipment of the spring issue of Simply Vintage arrived yesterday.  We can't say enough about how much we enjoy each issue of the magazine.  If you're on automatic to receive a copy, Debby will get your order processed.  If you'd like to be sure you don't miss an issue, please let us know and we'll add you to the list.  Price is $17.99.   We're very excited our friend Robin made the cover of the magazine again.  We have kits available for her "The Bluebird Sings".  The kit includes the background fabrics, wool for applique, and binding.  The quilt finishes 20" x 20".  You'll need the Simply Vintage magazine for the pattern - kit cost is $25.95. Debby recently finished a project we're sure you're going to love.  Her "Little Critter Purse" is so cute that we all want to stop everything and make one.  She said the instructions are very clear -- and the zipper isn't hard to install using the pattern instructions.  The bag finishes 4" x 6" so is the perfect size for sewing notions or make up or drawing supplies for the grandkids or just about anything. Your $19.95 kit includes the pattern, fabric for the bag, wool for applique (you could substitute fabric if desired) and the sports zipper.......yep, no having to hunt the zipper -- we supply it for you. Since this is getting rather long, we will close.  We have a busy week next week preparing for the Dallas quilt show.  The show will be held at the Dallas Market Hall, NW corner of I35E & Market Center Blvd, March 11-13.  Hours on the 11th and 12th are 10-5 and hours on the 13th are 12-5.  For more info you can check out the guild website at http://quiltersguildofdallas.org/ We'll share other shows and events as the time gets closer to the event.  See you soon. Darlene and Debby

Our first hooking class was wonderful

Our first class we referred to as "an out of town teacher, we have to arrange lodging, and gosh we are nervous we'll meet our expenses" went very well.  Don't all these rugs looks beautiful with the addition of the braided edge?  We expect we will see many more rugs finished with this technique.

We'd like to share a couple of quick and easy projects by Bits & Pieces by Joan.  When we visit quilt market we always make a stop by Joan's booth and always leave her booth several dollars poorer but many patterns richer. Although this piece is called "Spring Angel" we think it could be displayed throughout the year.  Our piece is framed but the piece could easily be finished as a small wall hanging.  It finishes 5" x 12" and your $14.95 kit includes the pattern, background cotton, and wool for applique.  We'll be happy to put together a Valdani thread kit for the project if you'd like. On a side note -- isn't that egg tree just the cutest thing?!  Another great find at one of the many local thrift stores.......sorry.....it's not for sale.

"Wildflowers" is another Bits by Joan design.  Wouldn't it be a sweet companion to the spring angel?  It also can be framed or finished as a wall hanging.  Your $14.95 kit includes the pattern, background fabric (we used a really neat Diamond Textile woven), wool for applique, and buttons (buttons may vary).

We recently learned Yoko Saito's book "Past and Present" is out of print.  It is a hard backed book filled with breath taking designs published by Quiltmania.  We have only a handful of books and once they're gone, they're gone.  Cost is $56.95.  Since we have so few copies, we aren't going to put the book on the web so we don't oversell.  If you want a copy, please e-mail (info@sewgracefulquilting.com) or call (479-372-7403) quickly.  Limit one per customer.

We'll be back next Thursday with more new projects to inspire you.  Until then we hope you have a great week. Darlene and Debby

A Visit from our Jon our Moda Man

Welcome to all the new subscribers.  We appreciate your inviting us into your home every Thursday. If we were betting people, we would have bet a lot of money that we'd have a very brutal winter.  Fortunately we didn't place any bets as we spotted these buds during a recent walk.  Spring can't be far away with mature buds like this! Our Moda man visited us Tuesday afternoon.  It's always so exciting to see everything he brings.....and so difficult to choose what we want to buy.  Our eyes are much bigger than our budget so we have hard choices. We chose several from Edyta's Sitar's (Laundry Basket) Blue Barn line.  We tried to get a nice variety of print sizes.  The fabric won't ship until July so we'll have plenty of time to cook up some fun projects.  Since several of you asked, we will be offering Blackbird Designs' "The Raven" as a block of the month.  We chose several prints from Blackbird's Wild Orchid line to use in the quilt.  The fabrics are much prettier than the swatches pictured below.....imagine rich blacks, golden oranges, and subtle purple.  It'll be so hard to wait for the pattern and fabric to arrive! We're taking sign ups now for the block of the month/kit.  Just give us an e-mail (info@sewgracefulquilting.com) or call (479-372-7403) and we'll get you on the list. As a reminder, any project we offer as a block of the month can be sent all at once if you'd prefer.   Here's our Moda man, Jon.....and Darlene trying on some spiffy new glasses to help determine fabric value.  We decided we wouldn't use the glasses but had fun playing with them.  Now you know the guy who brings us so many great fabrics. While we didn't buy any new Kansas Troubles fabrics during Jon's visit, we were reminded of a cute table runner kit.  Our Heart and Home kit uses Kansas Troubles' Clara's Garden line for the center piecing.  The outer applique is wool.  Your $24.95 kit includes the pattern, background fabric, wool for applique, a mini-charm pack of Clara's Garden, and binding.  Finished size is 12" x 26". The embroidery says "May your heart and home be filled with peace". We'd hoped to show you our progress on Lynette Anderson's Mystery pattern but are waiting on Valdani thread to arrive from Canada.  It should be here soon and Kay will get it stitched.  We are using the 3-strand floss; if you'd like us to reserve a set for you please let us know. Our first class taught by an out of town teacher begins today.  We're sure the butterflies flittering in our tummies will subside as soon as class gets underway. We have several new things on the horizon and hope to share them soon.  Sometimes we feel like our horizon keeps moving....but it keeps life interesting.  Hope your horizon is clear and sunny. See you soon. Darlene and Debby and Kay (who is counting the hours until her applique workshops in Galveston)

Witches, pincushions, and books

We had a wonderful birthday party Saturday.  Thanks to everyone who stopped by to help us celebrate.  We are looking forward to many more birthdays. Several people e-mailed and asked for photos of the shop.  Below is the photo collage we posted of our display by the front door.  We will snap some more pictures this week and try to remember to include them in next weeks' newsletter.

The response to our version of Buttermilk Basin's Merrie Christmas block of the month surprised us.  We have sold out of the program and don't even have the borders on the quilt yet.  We are taking a waiting list and once we reach our magic number we will do a second cutting.  If you would like to be put on the waiting list, please e-mail (info@sewgracefulquilting.com) or call us 479-372-7403. Cost per month is $19.95. This is for everything needed to make the top and binding. No finishing kit is required. This program runs 9 months.  The quilt backgrounds are Diamond Textiles and appliques are wool (many of which are hand dyed).  We plan to add a small burgundy inner border and use the plaid fabric that's used in the quilt for the outer border.  We feel like the plaid will give the quilt an elegant finish.  The quilt finishes 42" x 42". Here's a photo of the quilt in progress......hopefully we will have a chance to sew on borders this week.

Meg of Crabapple Hill is creating the cutest Halloween quilt.  If you use Instagram, you should consider following her (she's meghawkey1) as she shows closeups of many of her projects.  Meg uses crayons to tint her embroidery pieces so each piece is simple embroidery which you color -- it's a lot of fun. Several of you purchased Block 1 of The Mystery of the Salem Quilt Guild and we're sure you are probably waiting for Block 2. If so, we have the patterns in stock and will be happy to hold or mail one to you.  $10 for Block 2.

We can order more Block 1 if you would like one.  $10

If you're looking for a quick and easy project, these pincushions are for you.  They'd be a great beginner project for someone new to wool applique or to piecing.  The pattern contains instructions to make all 3 pincushions - rather than confuse everything we decided to sell the pattern separately ($8).......

.......and each kit separately.  Each kit is $4.95 and includes the fabric and/or wool for the front; the back is included for each pincushion; the key for the Old Crow is also included in the crow kit. Bee Happy

Olde Crow

Spool

We are taking preorders for two brand new Quiltmania books.  They're so new we don't have pricing or delivery dates yet.  Linda Collins' new book, Treasures from the Barn, contains over 15 projects.  Linda is an Australian designer who hosts an annual event showcasing beautiful quilts.  If you're interested in reading about what she's up to her blog address is http://quiltsinthebarnaus.blogspot.com/

The other new book is by Brigitte Giblin and is entitled Feathering the Nest 2.  If this book is as good as her first one, we are in for a real treat. It contains over 12 projects. Cover quilts on both of these books are absolutely gorgeous.  If you'd like to reserve either (or both) books, let us know.

If you're free on Tuesday or Thursday, we'd love to have you join the stitching group on Tuesday and/or the rug hooking group on Thursday.  Both groups meet at the shop -- no reservation required, no fee, no by-laws. We have several more new things to share but will save some for next week.  Hope you have a great week and find some quiet time just for you. Darlene and Debby

Bed of Roses

We hope you'll be able to join us to celebrate 5 years.  Our party is Saturday, Jan 30, 9:00-3:00.  We'll have refreshments, some merchandise on sale, and door prize drawings.  We are selling some of our samples too.  We'll also have several new projects to share. Without getting mushy and teary eyed, we have to say we wouldn't be where we are today without your support.  Whether you are a local friend or one from far away, we appreciate you.  Thank you to everyone who takes the time to offer a kind word and an 'attaboy when we are having a sad day.  We are looking forward to many more years of creating and inspiring you.

We have a couple of projects to share this week.  Spring cleaning is just around the corner.....why not get a jump on a new look for your bedroom?  The "Bed of Roses" quilt will give your bed a fresh look.  The quilt finishes 74" x 85"; however, it can easily be made larger with another row of blocks and/or larger borders.  We have the kits cut but have purposely not cut a few borders in case someone wants a larger quilt.  The kit cost is $110.95 which includes the pattern, fabric to make the 74" x 85" size, and binding.  If you'd prefer to use your own fabrics, the pattern is $9.

Kay also designed a coordinating pillow, "1805 Pillow".  It finishes 19" x 40".  Kits include the pattern, fabric for the pillow top, binding, and backing fabric.  Kit cost $34.95.  If you're prefer to use your own fabrics, the pattern is $9.

Here's a photo to help you visualize what your new bed ensemble will look like.

We will keep this short as we have tons to get ready for Saturday.  Hope to see you soon. Darlene and Debby