Talk about a Quilting Revelation!

Last week was a Quilting Revelation for me. Gary and I traveled to southern Oregon so that I could take two classes from Karen McTavish. Friday, I excitedly joined 5 other women in a lovely quilting studio and learned the secrets of making Victorian Feathers (tall and skinny, tall and skinny!) After an evening strolling through a chilly Ashland to view the "First Friday" art exhibits (including aerial silk dancers at the Black Sheep Pub!) I arose on Saturday morning eager to join in the McTavishing class. It was eye opening for me to get to talk with women who approach "quilting" from the long arm artists point of view, rather from a quilt shop owner/piecing teacher point of view. The short cut lessons and "hands on" instruction are immeasurably better than reading about how to do a technique. Being certified to teach these techniques is an added bonus. Of course, I am practicing up a bit before I offer any classes.

Don't forget that Tuesday, January 18 I will make Step 2 of the mystery quilt available. Just stop by to pick up your copy. The first Valley Piecemaker's Quilt Show planning meeting will be 2 PM on January 20, here at Mrs. Sew-n-Sew's Quilt Shop. All club members are welcome to take part in the meeting. We encourage everyone to volunteer for some aspect of the quilt show and make it the best one ever--and that would be an accomplishment, since they have been great shows. Theresa Plank and I are the co-chairs this year, and since we both have businesses to run, we need all the help we can get!

Wanda finshed piecing my "Critters in the Corner" quilt while I was gone last week. It is pretty cute! Don't have time to quilt it just yet, but hope to get it done before the January 22 class. Let me know if you want to take the class. It is a quick, easy, beginner level quilt.

The "Pie in the Sky" class from Kim Diehl's latest book is scheduled for February 5. Lunch is going to be soup and pie, so plan on a full day. I need to know soon so that I can order books, if you are planning to attend. Remember, you can use fabric from your stash to create this scrappy quilt. February 6, Super BOLT Sunday, we open at 10 AM for our big sale. Mark your calendars.

Stay warm and dry, set aside time to quilt!

In Stitches,

Nona

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!

A is For Apron, B is for Bag

Have you felt the nip in the air once the sun goes down? And rain--it poured at our house Labor Day. The tops of the cottonwood trees are changing color and kids are back in school, all indications that sewing season is in full swing. Watching kids walk past the shop window with their new backpacks made me wonder if they were learning "A is for Apron, and B is for Bag." That is what I am thinking with all the lovely new fabrics and patterns. Aprons and bags have been especially popular this summer. The "retro" look is definately in fashion, both in fabrics and the design of aprons. Big and "funky" probably best describes some of the bag patterns. Whatever your personal style, we likely have a pattern to suit. For those of you looking ahead to Christmas, aprons and bags make much appreciated gifts.

I hope the majority of you made it to the Valley Piecemakers' Quilt show this past weekend. What a lot of magnificent projects! I wasn't on the Quilt Show committee this year, but I did see a lot of customers and field some phone calls. If you were able to make it to the quilt show, chances are you noticed Barb Mayfield demonstrating her APQS Millennium long arm machine. Want to know a secret? Gary and I are working on the logistics of purchasing one of those machines! It is our hope that within 4-6 weeks we will have one set up and a schedule of classes to teach people how to use it. Gary and I both plan on learning long arm quilting and eventually offering our services, as well as having the machine available to rent here in the shop. Details will be forthcoming, as soon as I know them! In the meantime, let me know if you would be interested in taking a class and learning how to quilt your own projects.