Do you design patterns?

Hey Everyone!

Happy Holidays!

If you design patterns for quiltmaking and craft sewing, then PatternSpot is the place for you! Sign up for the Designer eNewsletter at patternspot.com to be part of this exciting, online pattern marketplace coming soon.  It is a great opportunity for you  to earn additional income and gain exposure for your designs! You decide what to sell; you set the price; you are incharge!

Not a designer but love to make quilts and fabric crafts? Then PetternSport is also the pace for you. Sign up for the Shopper eNewsletter at patternspot.com to get the latest news about this exciting, online pattern marketplace coming soon.  Search by designer, by project, by skill level - so easy and fun to decide what you'll make next!

Have you seen  the new 120-degree ruler by Creative Grids? We have a pattern for a table topper or tree skirt by Far Flung Quilts that uses this great new tool.

Coming soon!

!Quilt Fiesta!

Surprising Designs from Mexican Tiles

by Cheryl Lynch

Reflecting the beauty of the Talavera ceramic tiles of Puebla, Mexico, these stunning quilts invite you to a celebration of color and design. Each eye-catching fusible-appliqué quilt includes a photo of the original tile that inspired it. You’ll learn to translate a tile’s solid colors into a vibrant quilt design.


•Choose from 10 decorative projects, including quilts, place mats, a bed runner, and more
•Mix and match blocks to expand the creative possibilities
•Add unique touches such as prairie points, rickrack, and dimensional elements

The Civil War Sewing Circle

Quilts and Sewing Accessories Inspired by the Era

by Kathleen Tracy

 Kathleen Tracy, popular author of Prairie Children and Their Quilts and Remembering Adelia, has outdone herself with this combination of lovely projects and fascinating historical tidbits. Patterned after quilts made during the Civil War era, this collection is ideal for nineteenth-century reproduction fabrics.

•Choose from 16 easy projects, including large and small quilts, plus a pincushion, sewing box, and needle case

•Learn how women's efforts during the Civil War era led to increased civil and political involvement among women

•See historical photos and read eloquent excerpts from letters written to and from soldiers during the Civil War 

Scrap-Basket Sensations 

More Great Quilts from 2 1/2" Strips

by Kim Brackett

Kim Brackett is back with more of her masterful designs! If you enjoyed the popular Scrap-Basket Surprises, you’ll love this all-new collection of eye-catching quilts. Designed for 2 1/2" strips, each project is perfect for convenient precut bundles—or for cutting strips from your stash.


•Enjoy a varied assortment of fabrics, from soft pastels to rich country colors to contemporary batiks
•Choose from 18 exciting quilts—a great value
•Find concise, clear instructions appropriate for all skill levels


Stop in and say Hello!

Mary and the Staff of Always In Stitches

We're making changes!

We're beginning our "new look!" Some of the shelves have already been moved to their new "homes" in various nooks and we are making room for the new downstairs classroom. Last week we received 200 bolts of fabric and soon we will be getting batiks from Moda Kota and some Moda Crackle.

If you are a Civil War fan and haven't seen the new book, A Path to the Civil War, by Sarah Maxwell and Dolores Smith, be sure to come in and check it out, along with our new Civil War fabrics.

A Path to the Civil War: Aurelia's Journey Quilt

by Sarah Maxwell & Dolores Smith

2011 marks the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War. And while conflict over slavery is generally presumed to be the cause, many issues across the nation fueled tensions that ultimately led to war. During this volatile period in American history, did women turn to their quiltmaking to take their minds off these troubling topics?


When Dolores Smith and Sarah Maxwell of Homestead Hearth found a mid-1800s antique sampler quilt, they could easily imagine the quiltmaker, Aurelia (pronounced oar-LEE-uh) Bevins of Broome, New York, did just that. Undoubtedly pieced over a long period of time based on the large number of varied fabrics it contains, it’s easy to imagine that Aurelia worked on this project off and on for many years as she witnessed a country heading toward war with itself.


Dolores and Sarah show you step-by-step, using today’s quiltmaking techniques, how you can recreate this 44-block sampler treasure. Written in block-of-the-month style, you can construct a few blocks at a time as you work to complete this project throughout 10 months. As you stitch your own Journey quilt, reflect on the journey Aurelia took as she witnessed the events leading to the war between the states.

Peg is in the process of updating the web site (Thanks, Peg!) and we hope to have web sales soon. Be sure to check in later on to see all the changes. We are also in the process of putting together a class schedule.

You can see some of the changes when you come to out Holiday Open House on December 19 from 12:30 - 4:00 p.m. You will meet the NEW Always in Stitches "Partners" and check out our new "discount fabric loft" and hear all about our exciting plans. And as always, we will have Make it - Take its, yummy food and good friends!

Other new books . . .

Redwork Winter Twitterings

by Pearl Louise Krush

Combine simple embroidery stitches; red embroidery floss; red and white fabrics; and soon you will have created the sweet designs in this book. Whether you start with a whimsical quilt or one of the other smaller projects; these twittering friends are sure to bring a smile to your face. With Redwork basics and six fun to make and use projects; this book will have to creating unique and whimsical designs in no time!

Count On It

from Art to Heart

Celebrate the year by counting each day of the month or enjoy the anticipation of counting down to your favorite holidays. Decorate for birthdays with a Birthday Quilt displaying their age or count down to their special day. Add a Happy Birthday Garland, the names are interchangeable! Give a welcome to a holiday or party with a pot stake banner.


If you like Kansas Troubles, here are swatches from the Perennial line Moda will be sending in January. Scroll on down to see February's Buttercup swatches.

  

 

Here are some swathes from the Buttercup line from Fig tree coming in February.



Stop in and say Hello! and have a great Holiday!

Mary

We're still here!

Hi everyone,
 Can you believe it's been three months since we posted? Sorry, we've been a bit distracted. Look for some exciting news about the shop to come soon. Since we are an Book autoship shop with all of the major distributors we have had lots of new books that have come in ( or that are on the way) that we haven't been able to post to the blog. So here are just a few that just arrived . . .

Elly Sienkiewicz's Beloved Baltimore Album Quilts

25 Blocks • 12 Quilts • Embellishment Techniques
by Elly Sienkiewicz with Mary Tozer

Baltimore's Daughters - the Joy of Friendship Albums

• 25 classic 8" blocks from your favorite Baltimore album expert
• Appliqué basics plus special techniques for appliqué and embellishment
• Over 120 quiltmakers contributed to the quilts in the gallery
• Details for the setting of Elly's Happiness Journey quilt

Featuring quilts from the 2010 Quilt's Inc. exhibit, Baltimore Album Review II: Baltimore's Daughters - Friends Stitch Past to Future. Celebrate the return of classic Baltimore patterns! These smaller blocks make for easier, more portable quilt projects that you and yours will cherish for years to come.

The Ultimate Appliqué Guidebook

150 Patterns, Hand & Machine Techniques, History, Step-by-step Instructions, Keys to Design & Inspiration

by Annie Smith

Everything you need to succeed with appliqué

• 150 appliqué design elements-flowers, leaves, stems, vases, birds, bugs, and flourishes
• Mix and match to design your own beautiful appliquéd blocks, quilts, and wearables
• Layflat binding makes it easy to trace your favorite patterns
• Includes 3 projects to get started, ranging from basic to complex

This complete source book guides you every step of the way in how to design your own appliqué patterns. Learn where to find new inspiration, read more about the history of appliqué, and build your skills in both hand and machine techniques. You'll revel in your new-found freedom to make your appliqué projects uniquely your own!




The Practical Guide to Patchwork

New Basics for the Modern Quiltmaker
by Elizabeth Hartman

Quilting Basics with Modern Flair

• 12 quilt projects for beginners, confident beginners, and intermediates
• Explore different options for each project-make it with just two colors or scrappy, make it vintage or mod, make it soft or playful.
• Alternate colorways included with each project show you how swapping out fabrics can change the look of the same block.
• Learn how to cut, piece, appliqué, machine quilt, bind, and finish.
• Pick up helpful tips and tricks to stay organized and master the methods.

Try a fresh, relaxed approach to making quilts with this new "go-to" book. The bright aesthetic and clear, simple instructions guide beginners and intermediates alike through the entire process of creating fun and useful quilts that they'll be proud to call their own.

Scandinavian Stitches

21 Playful Projects with Seasonal Flair
by Kajsa Wikman

Every Season Brings a New Reason to Quilt and Sew!

• 21 whimsical projects include quilts, softies, pillows, and ornaments
• Find new inspiration in the seasons of Scandinavia
• A fresh, modern take on folk art for decorating and gifting
• Easy to make by hand or machine - scrap-friendly, too!

"The first flowers of spring, the smell of the sea, the warm colors of the maple leaves..." inspire Kajsa to stitch, sew, and share. Each season is a new beginning and a great reason to take on a new project. Her bright, colorful designs are sure to make you smile.

and how fun is this! . . . . .

Piece O' Cake Designs Playing Cards

Deal Me In!

• A great gift for the quilt-lover in your life
• Quality playing cards with "easy deal" edges
• Your favorite Piece O' Cake designers, Becky & Linda, are the Jokers!
• Featuring applique bird and flower designs from My Whimsical Quilt Garden

COMING IN DECEMBER . . .

Fancy to Frugal

Authentic Quilt Patterns from the ’30s

by Kay Connors, Karen Earlywine

Create the nostalgic heirloom quilts you’ve always dreamed of! This follow-up to the popular Link to the ’30s offers 10 authentic patterns from the 1930s. True to the era, with intricate hand-quilting patterns incorporated into every project, the quilts are nothing less than exquisite. You’ll learn a variety of techniques as you feature the reproduction fabric you love in quilts to be treasured for generations.

Word Play Quilts
Easy Techniques from the UnRuly Quilter

by Tonya Ricucci

Want your next quilt to send a special message? Now you can spell it out with no tracing, no templates, no paper-piecing, no appliqué, and no precise measuring! Inspired by renowned quiltmaker Gwen Marston (who wrote the foreword), Tonya presents a terrific technique for free-pieced letters. It’s your chance to break rules, mismatch, go wonky, and enjoy yourself!

• Boost your ability to piece without a pattern—this easy technique is very forgiving
• Discover fabulous, whimsical ways to give letters and words a featured role in your quilts
• Find three practice projects and loads of quilt samples to instruct and inspire

Stack the Deck Revisited

Updated Patterns from Stack the Deck!

by Karla Alexander

Thousands of quilters around the world have discovered Karla Alexander’s Stack the Deck technique, and the overwhelming response is—they love it! In this volume, quilters will be thrilled to find much-loved patterns from her now-out-of-print first book, Stack the Deck! Each pattern has been remade in today’s exciting fabrics, and several of the original designs have been modified slightly for a fresh new look. With these 11 fun projects, Karla opens up even more possibilities for her popular stack-slice-and-shuffle method.

 

 

Quilt Blocks Across America

 Appliqué Patterns for 50 States & Washington, DC • Mix & Match to Create Lasting Memories
by Debra Gabel

 

Where ya' been?

• Each postage-stamp-inspired design reflects the unique qualities of these United States
• Raw-edge fusible appliqué makes the layered patterns quick and easy to complete
• 6-inch quilt blocks can be enlarged to any size via the included pattern CD
• Make a fun souvenir block for your home state, plus every state you've visited

Quilt a travelogue of your adventures across the country! Every state is represented in a realistic landscape that shows off the state flowers, animals, landmarks, and the scenery that make each place so special. These appliqué designs are a great way to use favorite fabrics from your stash and treasured scraps to sew up vacation memories.

Quick Little Landscape Quilts

24 Easy Techniques to Create a Masterpiece

by Joyce R. Becker

Everyone Can Enjoy the Panoramic View!

• This book is tailored to the quilter who wants to try more artistic styles
• Release your inner artist-try something new without a big commitment
• Use your vacation photos to inspire and personalize your landscape

Let the fabric do the work! Joyce shows you uncomplicated ways to work with landscape-themed fabrics to make a quilted wallhanging you'll be proud to show off. Quickly build an eye-catching scene using her popular techniques for painting, fusing, embellishing, and embroidering.

The Art of Quilts Postcard Collection—Nature

The Beauty of Nature

• 30 high-quality images of gorgeous nature-themed art quilts, collected from the works of C&T authors
• Scenic landscapes, charming seascapes and more are dramatically expressed in fabric
• Suitable for mailing or framing-the perfect gift for any nature lover

Stop in and say Hello!

Mary

It's beautiful today!

Quite a storm in Grove City last night - but not everywhere in Grove City. The damage seemed to be centered around the Columbus Street/Hoover Road area, extending a few blocks in either direction. And that was it! Like a mini-tornado. But the cooler temperatures makes me want to be a "tornado" in my sewing/craft room and with my stash. Even got a phone call here at the shop from someone who is going to re-organize and straighten their own stash. But I need inspiration - go to our facebook page and tell us what you might do to organize your stash.

This Sunday is the 3rd Sunday of the month - If you are "Wool Crazy" then don't forget to come at 12:30 to work on your projects and ooh/aah at each others'.

We have a new "lil twister" pattern in, and we are making kits for it. You will want to see this one. It's an adorable wall hanging of a Christmas wreath made 'twister style'.

Also, Arts in the Alley is rapidly approaching! Saturday, September 18 from 10 to 8 and Sunday, September 19 from 11 to 5 are the hours. Yes! We will be open! And Yes! We will have an Arts in the Alley special. Don't forget to come in and see us while you are in the downtown area. Also remember to see all the beautiful quilts displayed at St. John's Lutheran Church on Columbus Street. Hours for the quilt show are Saturday, 10-9 and Sunday, 12-4:30. You may vote for People's Choice Awared from 11:00 a.m. Saturday until 1:00 p.m. Sunday.

It's time for a new calendar!

KyleAnn here. I don't know about you, but I am already scheduling appointments for next year (like the dentist, annual check-up, etc.) and I need a calendar to keep track of them. While I have a planner I carry in my purse, I keep one on the wall so my Mr. Wonderful and I see at a glance who has to be where and when. Utilitarian calendars are ok, but pictures of beautiful quilts hanging on the wall are even better. To help you "beautify" your planning. . . .

Award-Winning Quilts 2011 Calendar

Featuring Quilts from the International Quilt Association

Enjoy a year-round celebration of quiltmaking! This extraordinary calendar features 13 award-winning quilts from the 2009 “Quilts: A World of Beauty” juried show. Noted designers include Caryl Bryer Fallert, Karen Stone, Robbi Joy Eklow, and many more.

 

That Patchwork Place Quilt Calendar 2011

Feast your eyes on a dozen gorgeous quilts specially selected from America’s Best-Loved Quilt Books! Included is a pullout booklet with complete step-by-step instructions for each project—all at a great low price!

•Discover projects from popular designers such as Kim Diehl, Cynthia Tomaszewski, Sally Schneider, and Karla Alexander
•Explore scrappy quilts, folk-art styles, fusible applique, patchwork borders, and more
•Indulge in fabrics ranging from bold brights to nostalgic reproduction prints

and look at all the new books that just came in . . . . .

Star Struck Quilts

Dazzling Diamonds & Traditional Blocks • 13 Skill-Building Projects
by Barbara Cline


Mix and Match Blocks and Center Stars for up to 27 Different Quilts

• Create 9 shimmering star quilts to adorn the walls of your home
• Mix and match these 9 stars with classic quilt blocks to create up to 27 bed-sized quilts, too
• Build your star-making skills-start out with simple patterns and move to more complex patterns as you learn
• Create delightful stars out of diamonds
• Create different designs by simply changing the color and/or size of the diamonds
• Learn to create perfect 8-point centers that lie flat
• Learn to take advantage of a fabric's design or motif with fussy cutting

This book includes complete instructions for 9 wall hangings, which can then be transformed into 27 bed-sized quilts. Barbara shares many valuable life lessons and shows you how to achieve the fine workmanship found in the quilts made in her Mennonite community.

From Spain with Love

11 Quilts Celebrate Mediterranean Color

by Roberta Cardew  

Take A Captivating Trip Through Southern Spain

• 11 simple yet stunning quilt projects-perfect for any quilter, even beginners
• See Spanish life through Roberta's eyes, as she tells the stories behind each quilt with lush photography
• Projects are inspired by the flowers, foods, and colors of Spain's vibrant landscapes
• Includes 6 delicious Spanish-inspired recipes
• Bring unity to a quilt with a well-planned border
• Create quilts in endless variations of one or two colors.

In this virtual trip to Spain, you'll learn how to make exquisitely easy quilts with all the warmth of the Mediterranean culture. Master the art of using color with the color lessons in each project. These patterns are scrap-friendly too, so delve into your stash!

Flying Colors

Design Quilts with Freeform Shapes & Flying Geese • 5 Paper-Pieced Projects, Full-Size Foundations
by Gail Garber 

 

Let Your Imagination Take Flight!

• Gail teaches you step-by-step techniques to create your own unique quilt designs, or to make any of the 5 bonus projects
• Draft shapes such as Flying Geese, triangles, and diamonds to fill strips of fabric that weave in and out of your design
• Easy paper-piecing instructions help you make all your designs more accurate, from landscapes to radiating sunlight to flowing ribbons
• Full-size foundation patterns included, plus a gallery of quilts made by Gail and her students

Learn how to make intriguing quilts with techniques for how to use free-form strips and shapes to create dimension, illusion, and flow. There's no limit to the designs you can invent!

Kaleidoscope Quilts—The Workbook

Create One-Block Masterpieces • New Step-by-Step Instructions • 12 Projects
by Paula Nadelstern  

 

The Magic is Revealed!

• From the award-winning and best-selling author, Paula Nadelstern
• Twelve projects-each one makes an artistic 20" square kaleidoscope block
• Intoducing 22.5° wedges (her narrowest wedges yet!) to increase the beauty and intricacy of each kaleidoscopic pattern
• Includes a gallery of the quilts from Paula's exhibit at the Museum of American Folk Art, plus candid shots of the opening reception
• Never before have there been this many of Paula's kaleidoscope projects in one book!

This collection of kaleidoscope blocks made a stunning display on museum walls; now you can make them for your own walls too! In this workbook, you'll go “behind the seams” to learn Paula's design approach and fabric selection process, as well as her drafting and construction methods. Includes patterns you can follow for all 12 one-block quilts!

Blocks to Diamonds

Kaleidoscope Star Quilts from Traditional Blocks
by Cheryl Malkowski 

 

Reach for the Stars!

• Learn Cheryl's technique for transforming traditional square quilt blocks into exciting, new diamond shapes.
• Beginner-friendly star designs make Y-seams easy to learn
• Create quilts that stand out from the rest!
• Inspirational quilt gallery
• Step-by-step how-to photos and illustrations detail the process
• Paperless paper piecing, no more hassle with tiny bits of paper stuck in seams

12 Projects, Easy Techniques. Dazzle your friends with your own unique kaleidoscope quilts. You'll be inspired to mix and match fabrics and colors in new ways. 

 

 

It's back-to-school time, too! Columbus City and Southwestern (and others) started school today. It's not too late to make a neat lunch bag for that favorite student. Or spoil yourself and make a stylish lunchbag to carry that healthy lunch to work or play. 

 

Lunch Bags!

25 Handmade Sacks & Wraps to Sew Today
Contributions by: Design Collective  

 

Brown Bag it in Style

• Projects include sandwich wraps, baggies, bicycle bags, and totes
• Quick and easy to make with basic sewing techniques; everyone in your family will want one!
• Customize the outside with your favorite fabrics and insulate the inside. You can waterproof it with laminated cotton, oilcloth, nylon, or vinyl.
• Projects are fun, functional, and reusable-make your sack lunches even greener!
• Bags can be washed in your dishwasher or washing machine

Today's hottest designers share their sewing savvy with 25 projects, from a simple sandwich wrap to a sophisticated shoulder bag. Why shouldn't your lunch bag match your personal wardrobe and eco-conscious lifestyle? 

Stop in and say hello!