Fun spring inspiration

We hate to start off our weekly newsletter with not so good news but many of you are waiting for an update.  Remember late last year/early this year when we started taking pre-orders for the Moda sewing clocks?  We were told several times to expect shipment in April.  Well......it's April so we called Moda to check on the status of our shipment.  Oh my gosh!  Moda didn't get as many clocks as they ordered and some arrived damaged so after the big accounts got theirs there was not enough for the little guys.  We are so frustrated and disappointed.  We have expressed our disappointment but don't expect we will ever see any of our order.  If you pre-paid for your clock(s), Debby will refund your money.

On a happy note.....we still love Moda and will continue to carry their beautiful fabrics.

We feel like a little guppy compared to the big whale.

Debby has been in the springtime mood and created the cutest table runner.  Your $17.95 "Spring's Promise" runner includes the pattern, fabrics for the top and binding.  It finishes 12 1/2" x 33".

In keeping with a spring theme, we'd like to share some of the cutest needle threaders we've seen.  We've tried them and they work very well.  The hummingbird beak is the threader - when it's not in use it's covered with the protective plastic cover.  A thread cutter is included at the base of the head.  $2.95 each -- your choice of pink, green or blue.

Kay returned from a very fun teaching/trunk show experience at Pittsburg KS.  We love it when she comes home because as she unpacks she always organizes and spiffs up the shop.  She decided to hang Norma Whaley's "Sweet and Simple" quilt on our tall wall.  She sold out of books in Pittsburg but we have more on the way.  Let us know if we can reserve one for you.......yes.......we know we will get them.  $34

This week for our "when it's gone, it's gone" section we are featuring a cute wall hanging.  Your $12.95 "Best Things" kit includes the pattern, fabric and wool to make the sweet little wall hanging.  We have only one kit left so don't delay if you want it.

Hope we see you soon! Darlene and Debby

Great take along project

As we are writing this the temps are in the 80s but tomorrow we're expecting a cold front with possible freezing temps.  Of course, what we'll get is nothing compared to what our friends up north are expecting -- over a foot of snow and blustery winds. 

The first project we'd like to share is the perfect take along on a car ride to see the pretty trees project.  Your $18 "Faith Plants the Seed" kit includes the pattern which has been stamped on Sandcastle fabric, perle cotton for embroidery and a needle.  We framed ours in an 8" x 10" but the pattern includes instructions to make a 19" x 21" wall hanging. 

As many of you know, we often change a pattern.  This was definitely the case with the Itty Bitty Button Pictures pattern.  The pattern showed 6 small projects, each individually framed.  We thought it would be more practical to modify the pattern and create a wall hanging so that is what we did.  Our wall hanging finishes 16 1/2" x 17".  Your $26.95 kit for "Itty Bitty Buttons" includes the pattern with our changes, background cottons, wool for applique, borders, binding and all buttons needed to complete the project.

We know several of you are patiently waiting for your Nikko kit.  We contacted Rohni at Diamond Textiles yesterday and learned the fabrics are on schedule to be ready the beginning of May.  The quilt finishes 67" x 76".  Your $86.95 kit includes the pattern, fabrics for the top and binding.  If you would like to reserve a Nikko kit, e-mail info@sewgracefulquilting.com or call 479-372-7403.

Moda has been printing "Grunge" fabric for several years.  We resisted buying any because we thought it was too contemporary for our look; however, the Grunge line has expanded to include fabrics that work well with out primitive look.  If you're looking for Grunge fabric, please send an e-mail or give us a call and we'll be happy to see if we have what you're looking for.

This week for our "when it's gone, it's gone" section we are featuring a cute pillow.  Your $21.95 "Angels Gather" kit includes the pattern, fabric for the pillow top and backing fabric.  It finishes 18" x 18".  If you'd prefer to finish yours as a wall hanging you could use the backing fabric as binding.

Before we close we want to share a clear photo of our newest block of the month, The Ark with the buttons.  We're also including a collage showing a sample of the buttons you'll receive with this block of the month....a doggie bone, a dove and a darling cow bell.  For more info about the block of the month, please visit https://www.sewgracefulquilting.com/index.html.

Hope we see you soon!

Darlene and Debby

New button club block of the month

We are super excited to share our first bit of news with you.  As many of you know, we've offered Lynette Anderson's button club for the past several years.  We've been eagerly awaiting announcement of her new button club and were so excited to receive the e-mail.  Of course, we didn't think twice and signed our shop up.

As with all her button clubs, this is a mystery quilt.  She has given us a few snips to share.  The "Tree of Life" is a 5 month program beginning July 2019.  The quilt will be a combination of applique with cottons and a little wool, embroidery, yoyo's and hand painted buttons.  We will be using some of Lynette's fabrics and fabrics from other designers.  The approximate finished size is 32" x 36".

Each month you will receive the pattern, fabrics (and/or wool) to complete the block and a hand painted button.  Borders and binding will be included in the cost of the program.  Cost per month is $24.95 plus shipping.  Lynette uses Valdani 3 strand floss for all her embroidery and we are offering an optional thread kit containing 10 flosses for $36.

If you are a current customer with a credit card on file, you may e-mail (info@sewgracefulquilting.com) to sign up.  If you are a new customer, please call 479-372-7403 to sign up.  We'll need your mailing address, e-mail, phone number and payment info. 

Last week we promised a clearer photo of our newest block of the month, The Ark.....next week we will have the quilt with buttons sewn on.....we are in the process of hand sewing the binding.  The quilt is a combination of cotton and wool with embroidery.  We have added buttons which will be included with your block of the month.  The quilt finishes 34" x 41". The block of the month program begins May, 2019 and runs for 10 months.  Each month you'll receive fabric and wool to make a block.  During the 10th month you'll receive fabrics for the sashing, borders, binding and buttons.  Cost is $12.95 per month plus shipping.  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. If you are a current customer with a credit card on file, you may e-mail (info@sewgracefulquilting.com) to sign up.  If you are a new customer, please call 479-372-7403 to sign up.  We'll need your mailing address, e-mail, phone number and payment info.

We love decorating with wall hangings that can be kept up throughout the year.  "Bird on a Vine" is a great example of such a quilt.  It finishes 18 1/2" x 18 1/2".  Your $26.95 kit includes the pattern, fabrics for the top, wool for applique and binding.

Another timeless piece is "Count your Blessings" by Lynette Anderson.  You may look at the photo below and think wow that doesn't look like Lynette at all.......that's because we changed the fabrics and added wool......we love changing things.  Your $24.95 kit includes the pattern, stitchery background with stabilizer, wool for applique, borders, binding and the hand painted moon button.  It finishes 9 1/2" x 14". Notice our sample has been hand quilted with Valdani perle cotton size 12 -- not everything has to be machine quilted.

This week for our "when it's gone, it's gone" section we are featuring a quilt by Cheri Payne.  Some of you may be familiar with Cheri and her very primitive style.  She passed away just over a year ago so all her patterns are now out of print.  We have a few kits left of her "Church Cat".  Your $38.95 kit includes the out of print pattern, background cotton, wool for applique, borders, binding and buttons for eyes (buttons will vary). Some fabrics may vary slightly from photo.  The quilt finishes 18" x 31". We do not have the pattern available separately.

Next week Debby will be out of the shop so Kay will be filling in with Darlene.  Goodness gracious there is no telling what will be created with those two pulling fabrics.
Hope we see you soon!

Darlene and Debby

New block of the month

Kay had a great time at the show in Pigeon Forge TN last week.  Welcome to all the new newsletter subscribers who signed up at the show.  We're glad you chose to join us.  We send out a short weekly newsletter every Thursday to keep you informed of what we're up to.  If you decide you don't want to receive it, simply click on "Unsubscribe" at the bottom of the newsletter and your name will be removed.

Since many of you couldn't visit the show, we thought we'd share some photos of the booth.  If you spy something you want more info about, please e-mail (info@sewgracefulquilting.com) or call 479-372-7403. 

We debuted our newest block of the month at the show.  We'll have a photo of the entire quilt next week.....we haven't finished unpacking yet.  In the interim, we are taking sign ups for "The Ark" quilt.  It's a combination of cotton and wool with embroidery.  We have added buttons which will be included with your block of the month.  The quilt finishes 34" x 41". The block of the month program begins May 1 and runs for 10 months.  Each month you'll receive fabric and wool to make a block.  During the 10th month you'll receive fabrics for the sashing, borders, binding and buttons.  Cost is $12.95 per month plus shipping.  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. If you are a current customer with a credit card on file, you may e-mail (info@sewgracefulquilting.com) to sign up.  If you are a new customer, please call 479-372-7403 to sign up.  We'll need your mailing address, e-mail, phone number and payment info.

Another new quilt we showed at Pigeon Forge was Misty Garden.  Lots of people commented how calming the quilt seemed.  The quilt is simple piecing with a little wool applique thrown in to give added dimension.  If you're not a wool person and would prefer cotton applique, we will be happy to trade out the wool for cotton.  Your $76.95 kit includes the pattern, fabrics for the top, wool for applique, borders and binding.  Misty Garden finishes 51" x 65".

This week for our "when it's gone, it's gone" section we are featuring three booklets by Lynette Anderson.  When Lynette began designing, she self published several booklets.  These are all out of print.  Please e-mail info@sewgracefulquilting.com or call 479-372-7403 to place your order. All my Bears book contains instructions to make the darling bear themed quilt shown on the cover.  $27.50

"An Angel's Wish" contains 10 projects.  Booklet size is 9 3/4" x 9 3/4"  $22.

"Sunflower Stitching" contains 8 projects.  $25

If you're in the area for the 16th annual Spring Fling Shop Hop we invite you to hop over and visit us Thursday or Saturday from 9:00-3:00.  Below is a flyer with participating shops and more info.

Another exciting local event we'd like to share is the Tomorrow's Heirlooms XVII Quilt Show which will be held April 5 (9:00-6:00) and April 6 (9:00-4:00) at the ENCORE Event Center, 1106 N Old Missouri Road, Springdale AR (note the new location).  The show will feature Susan Cleveland as a guest speaker.  She will also conduct workshops during the show.  For more info, visit https://quiltguildnwa.edublogs.org/. If you're in the area for the show, we invite you to stop by our shop on Thursday or Saturday.

Hope we see you soon!

Darlene and Debby

New Diamond Textile fabric is on the way

In keeping with our thought that spring is just around the corner, we want to share our newest pattern "Garden Bunny".  Your $16.95 kit includes the pattern, blue wool for the sky, wool for applique, background cotton, buttons (flower button colors will vary with each kit) and backing fabric.  It finishes 6 1/2" x 6 1/2" so fits perfectly on an Ackfeld table stand.  We have the stands available for $19.95. 

We are super excited about Diamond Textiles' new line, Nikko Indigo Granite.  Rohni sent us fabric samples and when we saw them we absolutely positively couldn't resist buying the entire line.  The fabric will ship late March and in the interim we are taking preorders for fat quarter, 1/2 yard bundles and 1 yard bundles.  If you like shades of charcoal and indigo, you will be like us and fall in love with every last fabric in the line. Each bundle contains 30 fabrics -- fat quarter bundles are $82.50, 1/2 yard bundles are $150 and 1 yard bundles $300.  You can place your order on line by visiting https://www.sewgracefulquilting.com/.  You may also e-mail (info@sewgracefulquilting.com) or call 479-372-7403 to place your order. The photos below show a sampling of the line.  To see the entire line and close up photos of each fabric, visit http://www.diamondtextilesusa.com/.  Once you're at the site, click on Collections, then click on Nikko Indigo Granite on the sidebar on the left side of the page.

We are also taking pre-orders for Quiltmania's newest book, Labors of Love.  Over 20 years ago in Australia a group of ladies with a love of quilting began meeting.  Di Ford often led teaching workshops with the group.  In 2018, the Secret Sisters along with several other well known quilters including Petra Prins decided to recreate antique quilts from Jane Lury's book.  "Labors of Love" is the result. The book includes patterns for 12 quilts.  234 pages.  We expect shipment by mid April.  $62.95

We are finally getting around to adding items to our "Quilts for Sale" tab on our website.  Our web developer added the tab last year but time got away from us.  With spring cleaning, we are finding treasures to add.  We'll keep you updated as we add items. Below is a just one of the items you'll see if you visit https://www.sewgracefulquilting.com/index.html  Be sure to click on the small thumbnail photos below the main item photo for close up details.

This week for our "when it's gone, it's gone" section we are featuring a couple of preprinted panels by All Through the Night.  Each is $12 and includes the pattern which is stamped on the striped fabric pictured.  You will need to supply your own wool and threads.  Please e-mail info@sewgracefulquilting.com or call 479-372-7403 with you choice.

If you're in the eastern Tennessee area, why not make plans to stop by the quilt show in Pigeon Forge March 20-23.  For more info, visit https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/quiltfest  Kay will be in booth 45. Hope we see you soon! Darlene and Debby

New spring kits

Mother Nature certainly played a trick on us this past week.  We thought the snow we got Sunday was all we'd get so were very surprised to wake up to enough snow on Monday to close schools.....this Saturday we are supposed to be in the 60s with possible storms.  What a roller coaster!

Several of you have called and emailed inquiring about whether we will be at the Dallas show this weekend.  Unfortunately, we will miss it this year.  We applied for a spot at the show in Pigeon Forge, TN (March 20-23) but were denied.  We don't know what happened but about a month later we received an invitation to the show.  Since we've never been to a show in TN, we felt we should accept.  We are a very small shop with a staff of 3 (5 if you include our mother and Kay's sister who helps behind the scenes) and doing two shows in a span of two weeks would be too much for us.

Since spring is right around the corner, we want to share a couple of really sweet projects sure to get you in the mood for warmer weather.  When we saw the pattern for "Common Threads" we knew we wanted to change it.  Your $26.95 kit includes the design stamped on sandcastle fabric, a Moda mini charm pack, binding, Valdani perle cotton threads, a needle, backing fabric and binding.  It finishes 8" x 12".

The cute hanger is also available for $10.45.  We think it's the perfect complement to our piece. 

If you'd prefer to stitch and finish the design as the designer intended, the pattern which contains the prestamped sandcastle background fabric, threads and a needle is available for $16.  Please note, our changes to the pattern and fabrics are not included.

"Bunny Garden" by Lynette Anderson is such a darling spring piece.  Your $36.95 kit includes Lynette's pattern, fabrics for the top, stitchery background, binding and buttons.  It finishes 12 1/2" x 14" and fits perfectly on an Ackfeld table stand.  The stand is available separately for $26.95.

This week for our "when it's gone, it's gone" section we are featuring a pattern by Buttermilk Basin.  Your $16.95 kit includes the pattern, a tea towel and wool for applique.  We have only a few kits left -- let us know if you'd prefer red or blue striping on the towel.   Please e-mail info@sewgracefulquilting.com or call 479-372-7403 with your color choice and we'll get your order processed.

We'll be back next week with one of our designs to share.  It's super cute.  Hope we see you soon!

Darlene and Debby