I LOVE Big Butt-ons!

We had a great time at the WSQ Quilt show in Spokane. It is a lot of work, though, and am still recuperating. When we got back, I decided that it was as good of a time as any to rearrange the entire store. As a result the "sale" shelf is newly restocked and overflowing with lots more fabric marked down to $3.99 per yard. Stop by and see what you can't live without!

Skies are low and grey, the wind is blowing golden cottonwood & aspen leaves across the wet roads, Hallowe'en is a few short days away and the full on onslaught of holiday commercials will begin as soon as the last election results are final. For sewing crafters and quilters it is time to gather or favorite tools, a couple of books loaded on our IPods or CD players and head to our sewing machines. Yes! This is my favorite time of year. I love the autumnal colors, the holiday preparations, "whose coming to your house?" discussions , and the inevitable "what are you making for Christmas?" questions. This year, (don't tell) I think I am making handbags. I love the new patterns with the big grommets, I love the handles, and I love Big Buttons! In fact, I like the buttons so much I just stocked some JHB buttons. Most of them are big--suitable for bags or jackets, but I do have a funky few that are smaller, including some tiny black ones that make wonderful "eyes" for snowmen or other critters.

New fabrics are in, too, along with apron patterns. Bags and aprons are two standby gift ideas, but don't forget about table runners, placemats, pillows and lap quilts. With the pre-cut "homemade rolls" or kits that have the strips/squares already cut for you, gift making takes less time than before. You can open the kit and get right to the fun part!

Remember, Saturday, November 13, we will have a free Demonstration Day on Christmas Stocking kits. I have the Accuquilt dies to cut out the stockings (and batting) as well as dies for the shapes to applique onto the stockings--or other holiday decorations such as wall hanging/banners and table toppers or placemats. Precut kits will be available and 10% off on Nov. 13 only! One fun Christmas idea is to use the stockings as your gift bag!

Until next time, enjoy the harvest season!

Ready, set, SEW!

For all practical purposes, summer is over in northern Idaho. Don't spend time lamenting, however, start planning your fall and winter sewing projects! Every year once school is back in session, I start thinking about classes--taking them and giving them. I have some good ones planned.



Start off quick and easy and make Karen Montgomery's Easy Stripe Table Runner. This is a 5 seam table runner made with a border print. You will be amazed at how classy this looks. You will need a copy of the pattern, and a border print fabric. A 60 degree triangle is optional. I'll show you how to make it with or without. Class is Saturday September 18--door is open at 8:30--start sewing by 9 and be out of the door by noon with at least one runner top done! I'll have coffee and muffins.We continue with fast and fun projects on Oct 2 with my latest pattern, Company at the Cabin. You can do either the table runner or the placemats. The kit is 15% off if you take the class--all your strips are pre-cut in the kit. Same time line as on Sept. 18. Start early, end by noon or so. Classes are $15.00 each OR sign up for both for $25.00. Take both classes and have at least two Christmas gifts ready to wrap.



Take a break from classes the weekend of October 15, 16, & 17 and plan on visiting the WSQ show at the Spokane Fairgrounds. I am amazed every year at the quality of quilts displayed. Lots of demos and vendors. We will be there!

If you are wanting to learn to use the Millennium Long arm machine, I have a class scheduled for October 29 at 1 PM. From now until Christmas I have a special on purchasing time on the machine. Buy a 20 hour card for $200. Minimum rental time is 2 hours. Class required to be able to rent the machine. Give me a call or email (245-6656 or TheMissus@mrs-sewnsew.com) if you want details!

For those of you ready to take on a more challenging quilt, there is the Broken Star quilt class starting October 5. We will meet every other Tuesday evening for three classes. The book, More Favorite Traditional Quilts Made Easy by Jo Parrott is required for the class. I made this quilt ten years ago from a pattern in Quiltmaker magazine. I feel a bit more prepared to make it now, and many of you have requested a class, so let's do it!

Greetings Quilters!

Summer time is racing by. A couple weeks ago I had a fun loving quilt group from California join us at Mrs. Sew-n-Sew's for an all day workshop. While the heat was burning up the outside, we were in the shop laughing and cutting, sewing and learning new techniques. The "Twisted Threads" gals had requested a class making my Christmas Gingerbread Houses. Of course, I had to make a new sample, and add more stuff to it. The result was better than the first and we had a wonderful day stitching and talking, and eating.

Gary & I just returned from a beautiful weekend in Eureka, Montana. It was our first time being vendors at the Eureka Outdoor Quilt Show. What an awe inspiring setting! We were impressed by the beauty AND the incredible organization AND of course, the quilts. We met a bunch of new quilting friends. We found out that among quilters there is a universal love of batik fabrics and the convience of quilt kits. Our "Company at the Cabin" table runner and placemat kits were going like hotcakes! Fortunately, I had Wanda cutting more while we were gone, so we have kits aplenty.

We still have a few weeks before beginning to think of frosty mornings and dreary weather. Enjoy the outdoors and plan what you want to make this fall. Stop by for inspiration. We have lots of new fabric.

By George, I think I've Got it!

Just a reminder that we are in the midst of our month long anniversary celebration. Take advantage of your personal sale day this month only.Come in and sign up for our mailing list with your mailing and e-mail addresses and walk thru the shop with your list and save on your entire purchase. One personal sale day per person.

I just finished quilting the Hospice Raffle quilt for 2010. The quilt was pieced by members of the Valley Piecemakers of St. Maries/Benewah county. It is a beautiful scrappy quilt in reds and ecrus. While I am not yet where I want to be with my long arm quilting ability, I am getting better and better. I confess that I am quite pleased with the results on this quilt. Take a look at the photos and judge for yourself.

We still have room in the Shadow Applique Calendar class with Becky Clark. The class will be May 15 at 10 AM. Come in and look at the samples. And don't forget the "Learn to Sew" class starting May 12. We now have sewing machines available for use in our classes, so don't let the dread of packing up your own machine stop you from coming and taking a class. I'm afraid the Double Wedding Ring quilt class with Dana Kinder is now full. If you had your heart set on taking that class and just haven't gotten around to signing up, then please call & let me know and I will put you down on a list & try and get another class scheduled soon.

There has been a big demand for the kits from the "California Dreamin'" quilt featured in Fabric Trends Spring 2010 issue. I have fabric back ordered for more kits. There are still kits available for the "Animals on Parade" quilt featured in the same magazine and for the "How Much is That Doggie in the Window." Purchase either of those kits, and receive a free issue of the Fabric Trends Spring 2010 magazine.

New fabrics are due in again in the next couple weeks. Be looking for "Sweet Liberty" designed by Pat Sloan for P & B Textiles. I have a new table runner designed for use with that fabric. Who doesn't need a new patriotic themed table runner for the summer months?

That is all for now--Have a wonderful mother's day, whether or not you have children, we all have mothers!

Mrs. Sew-n-Sew's 10th Anniversary

Can you believe that May marks the 10 year mark since Nona and Gary started Mrs. Sew-n-Sew's Quilt Shop? We can hardly grasp that ourselves. How exhilarating to reach such a milestone. We are grateful for all the people, fabric, ideas and stories that have come through our doors in that time.
May 1st kicks off our month long anniversary celebration.
Firstly, bring in your Top Ten List of reasons to shop at Mrs. Sew-n-Sew's Quilt Shop and put them in the drawing for a basket full of quilting goodies, to be drawn on May 29.
The next thing is "Pick Your Own Sale Day." Choose any regular business day in May and come in and SAVE. You will have the option to shop at your leisure and enjoy 10% off storewide, or pick up a quick 10 fat quarters for $10.00. If you enjoy making quilts with the jelly rolls, or 2 1/2 inch wide strips, pick up scrappy jelly rolls for $10.00 each. Select flannels will be 50% off. Packaged batting is 15% off. This is just the beginning. Here is what you need to do:

1. Come to Mrs. Sew-n-Sew's Quilt Shop during regular business hours.
2. Sign in with your mailing address and email (if you have one).
3. Pick up the printed flyer outlining all the sale prices.
4. Shop and Save!
(One shopping sale day per customer, this lasts from May 1 through May 29, 2010. Of course the best selection will be early in the month.)

Next up are CLASSES! May 1 is Long Arm Demo Day on the APQS Millenium machine. If you are undecided about taking the long arm class, this is the day to come in and "test drive" the machine. I have a little more experience under my belt now (about 75 quilts so far!) and I am a bit more confident in showing off what "Millie" can do. I will have her loaded up with muslin so you can try your hand at long arm quilting.
If you think you would like to quilt your own quilts, you will have an opportunity to learn how to use the long arm machine on May 8. Long Arm Machine Quilting Class is $50.Be sure to take advantage of this! Long arm quilting takes practice, so take the class then bring your charity quilts, comfort quilts, Quilts of Valor and quilt them for only $5.00 per hour during May (3 hour minimum rental.)
If you aren't even quilting yet, or know a young person that would like to learn to sew, there will be a two session, "I Can't Believe I am Sewing" class, May 12 and May 19. I will have three sewing machines available for use. The class is $30.00 and includes a book. We will begin at the very beginning, learning about how to properly use and maintain a sewing machine. The second session we will make a pillow case. Kits will be available for purchase at a discount for class members. Students must be at least 12 years old.
Have you been in and looked at the Shadow Applique Calendar Holders that Becky Clark made? If not, come on in and take a peek at the samples. Becky will be teaching a class on how to make the calendar holder on May 15. Class fee is $20 if you have a copy of the Quiltmaker Magazine from Jan/Feb 2010. If you have that issue, be sure to bring it with you. The fee is $25.00 if you do not have a copy of the magazine.
I know how you all love the Double Wedding Ring quilt design. A customer came in and showed me one she was making from a class at "A Heart Like Yours Quilt Shoppe" in Spokane Valley. The arcs are made and machine appliqued onto the blocks--NO CURVED SEAMS needed! I was impressed and got the name of the teacher, Dana Kinder, and she has agreed to come teach the class on May 22. The class size is limited to six. Fee for the class is $30. and you must also purchase the acrylic template set, which is $15.00. I already have two signed up, so call or email me soon to take advantage of this class. I will also be getting names of those interested in Dana coming back to teach a Lone Star Christmas tree skirt class later in the summer.
If you haven't noticed, we have a quilt in the window from Spring 2010 Fabric Trends magazine. I designed the quilt using Jim Shore's Animals on Parade fabric line from Quilting Treasures. I still have a few kits left and will discount them 10% from now until May 29, and include the magazine free! That is a savings of $15.98! Don't spend too much time thinking about that one!
Enjoy the lovely spring weather. The longer hours of daylight mean more evening sewing time.

New year, new Class calendar

Where did January go? Seems like I was rushing to get Christmas things in the mail just a few days ago, and all the sudden, January is nearly history.

I have been preoccupied since Christmas finishing up the directions for my latest quilt, "How Much is That Doggie in the Window?" The quilt is beginner friendly, but each block is different, so it was like writing instructions for 12 quilts! I will be featuring it in an ad in Fabric Trends magazine, Spring 2010 issue. If you haven't seen it, drop by and take a look.

Speaking of Fabric Trends, Spring 2010 issue, I will have a quilt design in that magazine. It features Jim Shore's "Animal Parade" fabric, by Quilting Treasures. I had fun making the quilt in a short amount of time.

Like most of us, I have been enjoying the milder winter, even though I miss the beautiful snowy landscape. Clear roads, however, make it easier to get out and go--maybe take a class!

Now that I am finally getting around to doing a newsletter/calendar, I have to start with February! First off, is the Super Bolt Sunday sale on Feb. 7, starting at 11 AM and running until 5 PM. I'm not giving away ALL the sales info, but I will say, if you need to stock up on thread, now would be the time! Also, I need to make room on the shelves, so any bolts with 5 yards or less, will be deeply discounted. Next up, on Feb. 13, is another opportunity to learn how to use the APQS Millenium Long Arm Quilting machine to quilt your own quilts. The initial investment for the class can save you hundreds of dollars in the long run if you are the kind of quilter that turns out a lot of quilts. By the time the second half of February rolls around, we are all ready for a hint of spring and a little pampering. Indulge yourself with a catered meal, massage and a quilt class all in one day. On February 21, starting at 1 PM, you can get all that and more. The quilt is one I designed and is call "Weaving Western" although yours does not have to have western themed fabrics. This quilt works up quickly, with some simple tricks and techniques that may be new to you. Class space is limited to 6, the cost is $50.00 per person and kits will be available.

February 27, Sandy Berg will be here to teach a class on making her pattern, "Bag 'em and Go." Sandy has designed a wonderful bag for taking to classes or on retreats. It features pockets that hold rulers and squares, and ironing surface and lots of room for projects. The class is from 10 AM until 4 PM and is a bargin at $25.00. See the sample when you sign up. March 3 will be the first class date of another beginner's class. If you have friends or family that have admired your quilting and would like to learn to do it themselves, clue them in to the date so they can sign up.

If you are looking forward to summer, or just like patriotic type fabrics, We just got in Moda's "Nautical and Nice." Thee is still time to make your sweetie a Valentine's pillowcase, or a table runner out of suitable fabrics.