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.

Sizzlin Summer Sunday Sew-In Review

Boy, did we have fun on Sunday!

We had a terrific quilting class.

Everyone seemed to enjoy the food.

After a couple hours of cutting and sewing, we were all appreciative of the massage by Lauren Manfull.

We had both experienced and beginner quilters.

Lots of visiting and joking going on and the opportunity to see how different people view the same patterns.

Class participants were excited to find a "goodie bag" containing a book, a spool of Aurifil varigated thread and some wonderful hand cream. We are already talking about doing another class of this kind in late September or October.

Enjoy this glimpse of a very good quilting day!

In Stitches,
Nona
Mrs. Sew~n~Sew

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