Quiltmania inspiration

 

We're back after a fun-filled vacation.  We took a road trip to visit The Ark in Williamstown, KY.  Of course, our navigational skills are somewhat lacking so we ended up seeing more of the beautiful countryside than anticipated but it made for trip memories.  We are happy to be home and feel invigorated and inspired. While we were gone, Kay worked her magic at the shop.  She reworked several displays.  We'll share one overall photo and invite you to visit our Instagram (sewgracefulquilting) or Facebook (Sew Graceful Quilting) pages to see more inspiration.  If you spot something you'd like more info about, please e-mail info@sewgracefulquilting.com. Our shipment of Quiltmania magazines arrived.  The new Simply Vintage (#42) contains 17 projects including one by one of our favorite designers, Dawn Heese.  We are including pictures of three of our favorite projects contained in this issue.  $18.99 If you're on auto ship for any Quiltmania magazine, Debby will be processing your order today.   We also received the regular Quiltmania magazine (#148).  This issue contains 7 projects including the darling bunny quilt, Hopping down the Bunny Trail, pictured below.  $14.99 Our shipment of Simply Moderne magazines is on the way and should arrive by early next week.  We love it when we know the person who made the cover of a magazine.  Our sweet friend Wendy Sheppard designed and pieced the cover quilt, Love Letters.  Even more exciting is the fact that it was quilted by Darlene of Sew Graceful Quilting.  This issue of Simply Moderne contains 10 projects.  It was hard to choose just a couple to spotlight but we've included photos of two really fun quilts below.   $18.99 Speaking of Wendy......she had an absolutely phenomenal Instagram account containing thousands of photos.  Some mean person hijacked her account, and she lost all her photos and hard work.  If you're an Instagram user, please consider following Wendy on her new account ivory_spring2.   This week for our "when it's gone, it's gone" section we are featuring our last few kits for Love is Patient.  The kit includes the pattern, fabric for the top, Valdani perle cotton #12 for stitching, backing fabric, binding and specialty rick rack.  15 1/2" x 20" - $24.95 Please e-mail info@sewgracefulquilting.com to reserve. This week for our Sample Sale, we are featuring a 13" x 24 1/2" wall hanging designed by Norma Whaley.  Kay used a Diamond Textile fabric for the background and hand stitched wool applique.  Count Sheep - $45 plus shipping.  Please e-mail info@sewgracefulquilting.com to reserve. Darlene is very excited to be vending at the Cassville show this weekend.  The show is sponsored by the Ozark Country Quilters and will be held Friday, April 1 (9-6) and Sat, April 2 (9-4) at Crowder College, 4020 N Main in Cassville.  Admission is $5 (children under 12 are free).

Debby and Darlene

Lynette Anderson's Say it with Flowers block of the month

 

As a reminder, we will be closed next week (March 20-30) so we can celebrate spring break with our family.  We're planning a road trip and can't wait to visit some quilt shops and antique stores along the way.  Of course, we won't pass up local bakeries either! Look at the 4-leaf clover we spotted during one of our walks -- it's sure to be a lucky day for us. We are very excited to be a part of Lynette Anderson's new button club, Say it with Flowers.  The quilt is a mystery, but we know it will be 4 parts, each with a hand painted button.  The quilt finishes approximately 25" square.  We plan to use an assortment of Lynette's Corner of the Woods fabrics along with some of our fabric for the quilt.  This block of the month will begin June 1.   Each month for 4 months you'll receive the pattern, a hand painted button and fabric for the monthly installment.  During the 4th month, you'll receive binding for the quilt in addition to your monthly shipment.  Cost is $28 per month plus shipping.   Lynette selected 10 gorgeous 6-ply hand dyed Valdani embroidery flosses for the project.  We have this available for an additional $39.    We are changing how we handle our blocks of the month.  To secure your spot, you must pre-pay for the first month.  In return, we will waive the shipping for the first month.  If you want the block of the month only, cost for the first month is $28.  If you would like to include the Valdani thread pack, cost for the first month is $67.   Subsequent months will be $28 plus shipping.   Please e-mail info@sewgracefulquilting.com to sign up.  You also may call Darlene at 479-372-7403 to sign up.   We received our shipment of Pam Buda's line, Cheddar and Coal.   It's been a while since we have seen such a beautiful selection of black, rust, cheddar and cream.  We can't figure out how to make a collage of the fabrics so are sharing a photo of a jelly roll to give you a feel for the richness of the line.  Each fat quarter bundle contains 24 fat quarters - $72 plus shipping.   If you'd like a 1/2-yard bundle, a yard bundle or yardage of specific colorways, please e-mail info@sewgracefulquiting.com and we will do our best to accommodate.   This week for our "when it's gone, it's gone" section we are featuring our last few kits for Lynette Anderson's Tree of Life.  The quilt is a combination of applique with cottons and a little wool, embroidery, yoyos 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".  Kit includes the pattern, hand painted buttons, wool, fabrics to make the quilt top and binding.  $124.95 Please e-mail info@sewgracefulquilting.com to reserve. This week for our Sample Sale, we are featuring a 12 1/2" x 19" table mat designed by 1894 Cottonwood House.  Kay used a nice Army green background wool and wool for the quirky hens.  The edge is finished with blanket stitching.  Hens in a Row - $60 plus shipping.  Please e-mail info@sewgracefulquilting.com to reserve.

We will be back with a couple of weeks with details of our adventure.   Debby and Darlene

Appli-fuse Mat

 

As we are writing this newsletter, we are bracing for yet another winter storm.  Hopefully the forecasters missed this one and we sail along with no freezing rain or sleet.  We've noticed an influx of robins so are hoping spring temperatures are just around the corner. This week we are sharing a really cute wool applique project which reminds us of early spring.  Henny Penny was designed by Maggie Bonanomi and has that wonderfully primitive feel we enjoy so much.  Your $38.95 "Henny Penny" kit includes the pattern, background cottons, wool for applique, binding AND backing fabric.  It finishes 11 1/2" x 33".   We are always looking for new tools to make our quilting life easier.  When Kay saw the Appli-fuse Mat she asked us to order one so she could give it a test.  She said it is not only very useful for the intended purpose but also works well as a non-slip appliquick mat.  It is the perfect surface for fusing, ironing and gluing.   The Appli-Fuse Mat is made of a silicone and glass fiber material that is heat resistant up to 500 degrees F.  For fusible applique (both wool and cotton), place the applique design under the mat. Since the mat is transparent, the cut applique shapes can be placed perfectly. Since it is heat resistant, multiple layers can be placed simultaneously and pressed with a hot iron. The layered appliques can then be picked up as one piece and placed on the background fabric. The mat is slightly tacky so the pieces won’t migrate when positioned. The mat also works well when using a glue gun since it can withstand temperatures up to 500 degrees F.  It also works well as a non-slip mat when using the Appliquick method.  Any globs of glue will flake off easily and protect the table underneath. Clean the mat with soap and water or place it in the dishwasher. The mat is available in multiple sizes: 12" x 12" - $19.99, 12" x 18" - $29.99, 17" x 24" - $37.99, and 14" x 43" - $59.99.  We are placing an order for mats next week so please e-mail info@sewgracefulquilting.com with your size choice(s).  You may also pre-order via https://www.sewgracefulquilting.com/  This week for our "when it's gone, it's gone" section we are featuring our last kit for Hen House.  Your $24.95 kit includes the pattern, cotton fabrics for applique, background fabric, borders and binding.  Hanger is not included.  Finishes 20" x 20" Please e-mail info@sewgracefulquilting.com to reserve. This week for our Sample Sale, we are featuring a darling spring project stitched by Darlene.  "Easter Parade" was designed by Lily Anna Stitches.  The background and applique are wool; binding and backing fabric are cotton.  15" x 15".  $55 plus shipping Please e-mail info@sewgracefulquilting.com to reserve. .......please excuse the somewhat whonky photo......we were at the shop scurrying to get a quick snapshot before the winter weather arrives.

Hope to see you soon. Debby and Darlene

A new Kathy Schmitz hexagon wall hanging

We have a lot to share this week so will jump right in.  Be sure to read all the way to the bottom of the newsletter as we are adding a new feature.   We are pretty sure many can relate to the next thought we'd like to share.......have you ever committed to something with full intentions of following through but when the time came to prepare realized you had over committed?  Last year when we submitted our application to vend at the quilt show in Dallas in March we felt comfortable we'd be able to go.  Unfortunately, with family commitments pulling us in several directions we are going to have to cancel our booth at the show.  We're disappointed and know many of you feel the same.   But all is not lost in the Dallas area -- Kay and her sister plan to vend for the shop at the Plano TX show Aug 12 and 13.  So mark your calendars and make your lists.  For more info about the show visit https://www.qgplano.org/quilt-show/plano-quilt-show/ Our shipment of Quiltmania magazines arrived a couple week ago and we forgot to mention them in the newsletter.  The magazine contains patterns for 7 projects, including the first installment of the mystery quilt by Irene Blanck of Focus on Quilts.  $14.99   The next project has to be one of our favorites.  Debby chose 42 embroidery designs from Kathy Schmitz' book "Tiny Treasures" and created an adorable wall hanging.  Your $39.95 kit includes the book, fabrics for the top and binding.  You will need to purchase 1" hexis.  We have both the traditional paper hexis available for $4.25 or the Hugs and Kisses fusible hexis for $8.50.  Debby highly recommends the fusibile hexis for this project.    The book contains 72 miniature embroidery designs.  Each design is only 1 1/2" wide so they're the perfect size for 1" hexies.  The book also contains a pattern for a 16" x 20" framed piece (using 65 of the designs), a full color thread guide and a stitch guide. 1" iron on templates - $8.50 for 100 Non-fusible traditional paper pieces - $4.25 for 100 If you'd prefer to use your own supplies, the book is available for $17. Sometimes in these times when hustle and bustle seem to be the key words, we need a reminder to stop and smell the roses.  The "He Restores" wall hanging reminds us to take a deep breath and slow down.  Your $24.95 kit includes the pattern, fabrics for the top, binding, wool for applique, backing fabric and small flower buttons.  Quilt finishes 14" x 19 1/4"  This week for our "when it's gone, it's gone" section we are featuring the last of our P. S. Don't Forget kits.  Your $26.95 kit includes the pattern, fabrics for the top, borders, binding and backing fabric.  Finishes 16" x 20".  If you'd prefer to use your own supplies, the pattern is available for $10.  If you'd like a ball of Valdani perle cotton size 12 for the embroidery, please let us know when you place your order. Please e-mail info@sewgracefulquilting.com to place your order. Our newest newsletter section will feature one or two of our samples for sale.  The sample area is bursting at the seams.  If you'd like to claim one of our samples, please e-mail info@sewgracefulquilting.com. Weedz the Cat was designed by Robin Vizonne of Briar Roots Designs.  Robin no longer designs so this is a one-of-a-kind out of print piece.  Darlene used wool for the applique and a mixture of Diamond Textile homespuns and printed cottons for the background.  The sprigs of flowering weeds included in the pocket is also included.  It finishes 20 1/2" x 20 1/2".  Price is $50 plus shipping.   Doggie Feet finishes 12" x 16 1/2".  The center is hand embroidered on Sandcastle fabric.  Price is $45 plus shipping.

Hope to see you soon. Debby and Darlene