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!

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.

Cutting Kits & Stacking Fabric

Happy mid-week, fellow quilters!

In spite of the weather predictions of a hot & sunny day, I am starting out by cutting kits for rag time flannel quilts. Many of you have made these warm, cuddly, kid friendly quilts. Most of us have complained over the endless clip, clip, clipping to get the curled flannel edges. Well, let me tell you--I have a die for my AccuQuilt Cutter that cuts the blocks with the edges already clipped. This is not cheating, by the way, it is simply smart quiltmaking. These kits are quick to make up. Kits for quick quilts are a natural for summer, when our sewing time has to be taken in fits and spirts.

Yesterday I received a big box of new fabric. I am so excited about the "Ethnic Echoes" by Blank Textiles in indigo. My secret is, I am planning on putting several projects on hold so I can make myself a summer dress and maybe a camp shirt or two out of these fabrics. The indigo blues are so cool and crisp looking for summer. Of course, my mind is playing with quilt patterns for this line as well. Check these out, because they will probably sell out as quickly as the "Pixie Patch" sunflower fabric. Another popular fabric, also by Blank, has been the "Barnyard" line, with goofy round eyed cows, chickens & pigs. Well, they added more to that line, and I just receive grinning horses, nervous looking sheep and a fresh bolt of the barnyard print. If you forgot to pick up a gift for a baby shower, come get a pre-cut kit out of "Barnyard" for my "2 Hour (More or Less)" baby quilt. We also have the kits pre-cut in the lap quilt size.

Gary & I will be leaving July 2 to go to Troy, Montana to be vendors at their quilt show, held July 3 & 4. We get home July 5 long enough to unload, then we will be gone for the entire following week, visiting our kids in Oregon & California. I plan on posting at least once or twice during our trip, so watch for something unexpected!

When we return I will be in full planning mode for my upcoming "Sizzling Summer Sunday Sew-In" class. I am holding a class on August 9 from 1 PM in the afternoon until 9 PM that evening. I will be teaching four different projects from my book, "Top This!" I tentatively plan on teaching: "Star Crystals" --a beginner level paper piecing class, "Bears in These Woods,""August Sunshine," and "Jack the Runner." The day will feature a catered supper, goodie bags with a gift certificate, door prizes & other special treats. The cost is $40.00 and I am limiting the class to ten people, so sign up SOON!

In stitches,

Nona

Mrs. Sew~n~Sew's