Wednesday, January 27, 2010

RACE FOR THE CURE is quickly approaching

Hey everyone,


It's nearly that time of year! The Columbus area Komen Race for the Cure is scheduled for May 15, 2010. We are in the process of setting up our team for this year so watch for more information on registering for our team. This is a fun, exciting, and very worthwhile event and you know that the cause is very near and dear to my heart. My family has recently been touched again with the fear and scariness of the "C" word so this year will really have special meaning. I really need people to come out and walk this year because I am not going to be able to walk. The day of the walk is the same day as Jordann's college graduation ceremony. I know the team will be good and strong without me. T shirts will be good and ready, and I know you guys will have a great time. Save me a space for next year! We will keep you posted once the Active website is up and running for registration.





Just in!






More Favorite Traditional Quilts Made Easy


by Jo Parrott






Jo Parrott gives quilters what they love: old-time favorites! Her no-template solution makes traditional quilt designs a snap.
  • Choose from seven impressive projects plus two bonus projects; designs include A Storm at Sea, Broken Star, Geese in Flight, and more


  • Find rotary-cutting and piecing shortcuts you can't live without


  • Create the appeal of established patterns at the speed of modern techniques


Spectacular Rectangles 12 Quilts from a Simple Shape



by Ilene Bartos





Here's a book of traditional quilting ideas—with a twist! You'll find Log Cabin blocks, chevrons, stacked Chinese Coins, and more, yet they don't look like the same old patterns. By focusing on rectangular blocks, Ilene Bartos has created 12 refreshing designs. Easy enough for confident beginners, these quilts offer plenty of appeal for advanced quilters as well.


Simple Strategies for Block-Swap Quilts


by Lynn Roddy Brown


It’s hard to resist a block swap! If you’ve ever wondered what to do with all those blocks you’ve collected in guild swaps, online trades, or at antique shops, this book has the answers. You’ll find plenty of options—including cutting lists for making individual quilts if you don’t have a collection of blocks.




  • Find step-by-step instructions for creating 15 scrap quilts


  • Get tips for starting a successful block swap, including suggested block sizes, fabric choices, and more


  • Increase your creative options with the alternate layout suggestion in each project





NEW Block of the Month coming soon!





We have already ordered the book, "Wool Crazy" by JoAnn Mullaly. This book contains patterns and instructions for a 60" x 60" wool crazy quilt. We will hold a class on this on (possibly) the third Thursday of each month. Class fees will be $7.25 per month and the book is $24.95. Stay tuned for more info...




Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Spring is right around the corner!


Hey everyone!


Can you believe we are half way through January. Spring is right around the corner.

Everything at the shop is going well. We have been very busy and we are loving that!

Thank you!





Our blocks of the month have been really popular this year. In March we are starting a new one from Waltzing With Bears called Wild Flower. Deb is hosting a group to inspire you. Call the shop for details.






This weekend the Fat Quarter Guild (this is the guild that meets in our shop) is having their one day/all day retreat. I am so excited. I can't wait! I am taking UFO's for home and the shop. I sure hope I get something finished.


Last night I visited with the Marion Ohio Guild with Diana Forrester. We had a presentation on The Guild In The Granery. It is really fun to see the quilters and their projects. We are all alike, kind, generous, way too much enthusiasm and never enough time to sew everything we want to sew. Same story, different guild... lol


KyleAnn's Learn-How-to-Knit class will begin in February - Tuesdays, Feb. 2 and 9, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. In this two-session class, you will make a scarf and learn how to cast-on (get the stitches on the needle), knit, purl, and bind off (get the scarf off the needles). You need two (2) balls of a bulky yarn, like Lion Brand's Jiffy Thick and Quick (available from places like JoAnn's and sometimes Michaels). Needles are available from the instructor for $8. Registration required. Class fee is $15`.


This week we received the C & T autoship books and I am in the middle of logging in 10 new bolts of color wall fabric.

Just in!



Jane Dávila's Surface Design Essentials

Explore Paints, Mediums, Inks & Pencils • 15 Techniques for Fabrics & More

by Jane Davila



The Must-Have Reference Tool For Surface Design Success
• Create your own hand-painted designs on fabrics, paper, and more
• Expert advice from popular art quilter and surface design teacher Jane Dávila
• Learn the basics of mixing paints and see how easy it is to create your own effects
• Includes 7 projects and an inspirational fiber art gallery
• Discover the secrets of using mediums
• Create fun designs with found objects
• Lay-flat format makes referencing instructions easy
• Add new dimension to your quilts and fiber art



This is your license to play! Whether you're a quilter, a textile artist, or you dabble in mixed media, you're going to love this tool. When you can't find the exact fabric you need, make it yourself!




Quilter's Favorites—Pieced Points & Stars
A Collection of 19 Radiant Projects for All Skill Levels


Enjoy a Spectacular Variety of Pieced Patterns from Your Favorite C&T Authors.

19 projects that feature points, peaks or spikes

• Second volume in our Editors' Pick series of popular quilt designs

• Contains both traditional and paper-piecing patterns-something for all skill levels

• Includes some out of print projects that you can't get anywhere else




So many projects to choose from! Enjoy a spectacular variety of pieced patterns from your favorite C&T authors, including Alex Anderson, Piece O' Cake Designs, Jean Wells, and Carol Doak. Whether you like One-Block Quilts, Mariner's Compass Stars, or New York Beauties, this book is sure to peak your curiosity!


Tile Quilt Revival
Reinventing a Forgotten Form
by Bobbi Finley, Carol Gilham Jones

Versatile Appliqué Quilts Inspired by 19th Century Tile Quilts

• A contemporary take on a charming quilting tradition

• Use your favorite appliqué technique-needle turn, machine appliqué, or fused

• 6 projects teach you about designing and constructing various styles of tile quilts, from traditional to contemporary.

• Includes a fascinating history of tile quilts, plus photo galleries of both historic and contemporary quilts

• Big blocks of 10" x 10" or even 15" x 15" are great for bold contemporary fabrics

• Easy "grouted" designs let you show off curves and irregular shapes

• Great way to use many different fabrics, scraps too!

• Choose solid or pieced backgrounds to enhance your "tiles"




Inspired by nineteenth-century tile quilts, these projects work beautifully with today's colorful, contemporary fabrics, but they retain that folk-art style that makes them so much fun to sew and show off.





Fabric to Dye For
Create 72 Hand-Dyed Colors for Your Stash • 5 Fused Quilt Projects
by Frieda Anderson



Create A Rainbow Of Color From Just 4 Basic Dyes

• Step-by-step instructions for everything from preparing your work area, to mixing the dyes, to washing and drying your hand-dyed fabrics

• Create a rainbow of colors using 4 basic dyes: red, blue, yellow, and black

• 5 easy-to-follow charts for dyes, colors, and gradations

• Easy-to-implement dye formulas use standard measurements like cups and spoonfuls instead of grams and ounces

• 5 bonus fused quilt projects

• Learn to create resist patterns on newly dyed fabric

• Discover how to thicken dye to create interesting and creative effects and painted designs

• Get thrifty and save even more money by producing mystery fabric with left-over dye

• Create small batches or large batches-the choice is yours

• Hand-dyed fabric is friendly on the budget since it costs less than pre-dyed fabric




Tired of going to the fabric store only to discover the colors you need aren't in stock? Always wanted to try hand dyeing your own fabric but found it too intimidating? Now you can put those worries aside and create beautiful colors to fit your every whim. And the best part is there are no confusing, complicated formulas to follow.

Here are some of the new books coming over the next few months:


It's a Wrap II
Sewing New Shapes, Exploring New Techniques

by Susan Breier




Start with simple clothesline, wrap it with fabric strips, and coil it into a work of art! Susan Breier’s previous book, It’s a Wrap, inspired crafters around the world to wrap, coil, and sew. This exciting collection offers over 20 fresh projects and introduces new shapes, including the triangle, heart, and figure eight.



Create unique items and learn to embellish them with beads, buttons, yarns, coils, and dimensional flowers. It’s easy! Appropriate for all skill levels, these projects can be sewn on a regular machine. Step-bystep photos and instructions clearly show the structure and details.




Better Together

Two-Block Designs for Dynamic Quilts

by Karen Sievert



Create a few quilt blocks, put them together, and stand back for exciting results! The individual blocks are striking, but it’s the quilt settings that create sheer magic. Easier than they look, each of these 10 projects features either one repeating block or two alternating blocks. Where the blocks intersect, the lines blur from one block to the next, creating gorgeous and unexpected designs.




  • Projects are primarily lap-sized, requiring a smaller investment of time and fabric

  • Quilters of all skill levels can create eye-catching projects

  • Styles are traditional and elegant, great for gift giving and home decor



Quilted Devotions

24 Biblical Blocks

by Lisa Cogar



Inspired by well-loved Bible stories, this is a sampler quilt of many colors—and many possibilities! Choose from a bounty of 24 gorgeous blocks, including rotary-cut, template, and paper-pieced designs, that you can mix and match as desired. Find traditional blocks, such as Jacob’s Ladder and Bethlehem Star, as well as original blocks specially designed by the author.

For even more options, there's also a wall quilt and a lovely gallery featuring alternate settings and more. Includes full-sized templates and clear instructions to help you every step of the way


I think we might do this as a block of the month.

Creative Mixed Media

Paint Print Stitch Stamp Embellish

by Sherrill Kahn



The popular author of Creative Embellishments is back with even more exciting ideas to explore! Packed with inspiration, this book offers 16 creative techniques to try with paper and fabric. Discover out-of-the-ordinary uses for everyday items such as baby wraps, hair gel, and shower mats! Play with new techniques and materials; then follow Sherrill’s guidelines on design and composition to create a stunning work of art.



Master techniques that range from stamping and paper embossing to working with stencils, digital images, glue batik, and much more
  • Browse the stunning galleries—there’s one for each technique

  • Learn to ask “What if?” and produce your own symphony of line, color, texture, and value



Stop in and say hello!
Have a great weekend!
Mary

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

What's New in 2010

Hey everyone!

We seem to struggle with getting a class listing together. Thank You for your patience. One of our goals is to get better at this in 2010. Below we have listed most of our class offerings. If there is something that you would like to see on our class listing please email us or call the shop and we will make sure it is available for you. KyleAnn is putting together another beginning knitting class. It will be held on Tuesday evenings. Call the shop or email us if you are interested.


March is approaching quickly! We still have a couple of seats available for the Spring retreat. The dates are March 12, 13 & 14 at the Drury Inn on Stringtown Road. The Cost is $335.00 for single occupancy and $290 for multiple occupancy. Great gift bags, prizes through-out the retreat. Most meals are included (lunches on your own, but nice free breakfast bar and plenty of snacks thoroughout the day). Mystery quilt available. Mini classes through-out the retreat. Lots of fun! Call the shop SOON to work out a payment plan.



NEW CLASSES TO START THE NEW YEAR

Complete Quilting for Beginners
In five classes Patty will guide you through the entire process from fabric selection, rotary cutting, and piecing to quilting and binding a 54-inch square lap quilt.
Day: Tuesday
Mar 9, 16, 23, 30, Apr 13,
6-8 pm
$40.00

Start Quilting Sampler
This class is the next step after Complete Quilting for Beginners. You will learn more about fabric selection and will practice accurate rotary cutting and piecing. Create classic blocks and assemble them into a 40-inch sampler top with borders.
Day: Thursday
Jan 21, 28 Feb. 4, 25 Mar 4,18,
6-8 pm
$40.00


Fun and Done
Fun & Done - Choose the Fun & Done pattern you like best and learn how to assemble and quilt as you go to create a finished quilt. These designs are fast and easy and done entirely by machine.
Day: Tuesday
Jan 26 & Feb 16,
6-8 pm
$20.00

T-Shirt Quilt
Collect memorable t-shirts and combine them into a memory quilt that can go along to college. Choose the size to make based on how many t-shirts you collect.
Day: Tuesday
Feb 9 & 23,
6-8 p.m.
$20.00

New Girl Bag
This hipster bag pattern by Tammy Tadd Design is a useful size and has great pockets and an easy magnetic closure. The sample was made with fusible fleece and all one fabric for the outside. The first class will cover cutting and quilting the fabric. The bag will be assembled during the second class.
Day: Sunday
Feb 21, 28,
1 - 3 p.m.
$20.00

Beginning Machine Quilting
Learn to layer and mark quilts. Make samples of straight line and free motion quilting.
Day: Sunday
Jan 30
noon - 4 p.m.
OR
Sun April 11,
noon - 4 p.m.
$20.00


Partners In Quilting (Mommy and Me)
This class is for a team of two. (mother daughter/son, grandma/grandchild etc, 2 friends, sisters, brothers)Pattern is so simple from Super Simple Quilts # 2 by Alex Anderson and Liz Aneloski.
Day:Saturday
January 23 12 - 3 and Saturday January 30
12 - 3
$25 covers both participants.


By Chance from Laps for Fats
This is a great beginners or just beyond beginners class. Book is Laps from Fats by Good Intentions.
Day: Saturday
February 13
11:00 - 3:00 PM
$20.00


Twister
Twister's are new tools that have simplified an old technique with easy to follow instructions. With two sizes available, you can choose to use charm packs or layer cakes for your quilt project. The sky is the limit for projects that you can create with the Twister tool!
Day:Sunday
January 24
12:00 - 4:00 PM
$20.00


GROUPS, CLUBS AND GET TOGETHERS
First Tuesday of the Month

James Stitching Sisters - 10:00 - 4:00 PM
Bring your basic sewing supplies and machine (we have a couple, call and reserve one)
The James provides the fabric and fun.


First Thursday Evening
Celebrate Handwork Stitch-in: First Thursday night of month
6-8p.m., $5.00 class fee.
Current project: Ring in the New by Kathy Schmitz
Upcoming Project: Snowmen Alphabet by Crabapple Hill Second Thursday Daytime

Block of the month Sew In
Get together and sew the block of the month together 11 - 2 (Free)

Mystery Night
Second Saturday - 4:00 - Midnight
Travel with us to a different state each month. $55.00 includes your dinner and fabric for the inside of your quilt (borders not included). This is a fun evening and it fills up quickly. RSVP required. (March mystery will be during our spring retreat held at the Drury Inn)

Wool Blocks of the Month
Second Saturday of the Month
STARTING IN MARCH: Wallflower Quilt by Waltzing with Bears
Wool on Cotton piecing.
March, April, May & June Second Saturdays, 10: 30 am- 12:30, $5.00 class fee.
Blocks are simple and the class is going to try to finish three blocks a month. Kits will be available.

Mary's note - We are finally starting this BOM, sorry for the delay in getting this off the ground.

Finish It Friday Night
Third Friday of the month - FREE!
Anytime between 10:00 AM - Midnight.
Come and use our machines and tools. Holly is the hostess and she is fun!

EQ Club
Third Sunday of the month - Beginning in January. 12:30 - 3:00
This is the only way you are going to keep up with this software. Come and join us to learn something every month about this software.

Hand Applique Club
Last Saturday of the month 11 - 1:00 Deb Rammelsberg is going help lead this class. Come and be inspired to get your hand projects completed.



Monday, January 4, 2010

Happy New Year!

Hey Everyone, Happy New Year!

It is hard to believe that a new year is starting! I am really looking forward to a new year, a new start, a new time and renewed effort to get my sewing room cleaned up and organized and to get some quality quilting done. Wish me luck in my endeavors!


My Christmas and New Years was lovely! This was the first year I wasn't running around like my head was chopped off. Not sure why, but I liked it! I ate myself silly and had fun with my friends and family. I am a huge sports fan and very much a Buckeye fan so I enjoyed the game on New Years Day. I also enjoy the NFL and am looking forward to the playoff games.


At the shop we are very excited about 2010. In March we are having our first offsite retreat. It is going to be at the Drury Inn on Stringtown Road. For those of you who are not familiar with the area it is right down the street about a mile. We have a lot of things planned for the weekend and it should really be fun! Spaces are filling up quickly, so be sure to come in with your deposit to hold your spot. Total is due by February 1!


We have lots of new fabrics, patterns and books coming in over the next few weeks. We have a handful of new classes and clubs and a number of "blocks of the months" starting this month. Below, from left is the BOM in black, cream and caramel; BOM in pastel batiks; and the "I Believe" series by Nancy Halvorsen.






Check out (below) books that will be coming in soon!


Spectacular Rectangles

12 Quilts from a Simple Shape

by Ilene Bartos


Here's a book of traditional quilting ideas—with a twist! You'll find Log Cabin blocks, chevrons, stacked Chinese Coins, and more, yet they don't look like the same old patterns. By focusing on rectangular blocks, Ilene Bartos has created 12 refreshing designs. Easy enough for confident beginners, these quilts offer plenty of appeal for advanced quilters as well.


Another Season of Beautiful Blooms

Appliquéd Quilts and Cushions

by Susan Taylor Propst



Inspired by the breathtaking gardens and countryside of England and Europe, this book brings fresh floral designs to appliqué enthusiasts. Susan Taylor Propst has outdone herself with the variety of color combinations in this follow-up to her top-selling Beautiful Blooms.

Each of nine designs includes a full-sized block pattern and instructions for both a pillow and a wall-hanging--in two different colorways--providing 18 projects in all. The projects are manageable in size, and the cushions fit commonly available pillow forms. Featuring petunias, tulips, lilies, and more, every artistic design stands on its own.



More Favorite Traditional Quilts Made Easy

by Jo Parrott



Jo Parrott gives quilters what they love: old-time favorites! Her no-template solution makes traditional quilt designs a snap.


  • Choose from seven impressive projects plus two bonus projects; designs include A Storm at Sea, Broken Star, Geese in Flight, and more

  • Find rotary-cutting and piecing shortcuts you can't live without

  • Create the appeal of established patterns at the speed of modern techniques

Tile Quilt Revival
Reinventing a Forgotten Form
Authors: Bobbi Finley, Carol Gilham Jones



Versatile Appliqué Quilts Inspired by 19th Century Tile Quilts

• A contemporary take on a charming quilting tradition

• Use your favorite appliqué technique-needle turn, machine appliqué, or fused

• 6 projects teach you about designing and constructing various styles of tile quilts, from traditional to contemporary.

• Includes a fascinating history of tile quilts, plus photo galleries of both historic and contemporary quilts

• Big blocks of 10" x 10" or even 15" x 15" are great for bold contemporary fabrics

• Easy "grouted" designs let you show off curves and irregular shapes

• Great way to use many different fabrics, scraps too!

• Choose solid or pieced backgrounds to enhance your "tiles"Inspired by nineteenth-century tile quilts, these projects work beautifully with today's colorful, contemporary fabrics, but they retain that folk-art style that makes them so much fun to sew and show off.






Fabric to Dye For
Create 72 Hand-Dyed Colors for Your Stash • 5 Fused Quilt Projects
Author: Frieda Anderson


Create A Rainbow Of Color From Just 4 Basic Dyes

• Step-by-step instructions for everything from preparing your work area, to mixing the dyes, to washing and drying your hand-dyed fabrics

• Create a rainbow of colors using 4 basic dyes: red, blue, yellow, and black

• 5 easy-to-follow charts for dyes, colors, and gradations

• Easy-to-implement dye formulas use standard measurements like cups and spoonfuls instead of grams and ounces

• 5 bonus fused quilt projects

• Learn to create resist patterns on newly dyed fabric

• Discover how to thicken dye to create interesting and creative effects and painted designs

• Get thrifty and save even more money by producing mystery fabric with left-over dye

• Create small batches or large batches-the choice is yours

• Hand-dyed fabric is friendly on the budget since it costs less than pre-dyed fabric


Tired of going to the fabric store only to discover the colors you need aren't in stock? Always wanted to try hand dyeing your own fabric but found it too intimidating? Now you can put those worries aside and create beautiful colors to fit your every whim. And the best part is there are no confusing, complicated formulas to follow.



Quilter's Favorites—Pieced Points & Stars
A Collection of 19 Radiant Projects for All Skill Levels


Enjoy a Spectacular Variety of Pieced Patterns from Your Favorite C&T Authors.

• 19 projects that feature points, peaks or spikes

• Second volume in our Editors' Pick series of popular quilt designs

• Contains both traditional and paper-piecing patterns-something for all skill levels

• Includes some out of print projects that you can't get anywhere else


So many projects to choose from! Enjoy a spectacular variety of pieced patterns from your favorite C&T authors, including Alex Anderson, Piece O' Cake Designs, Jean Wells, and Carol Doak. Whether you like One-Block Quilts, Mariner's Compass Stars, or New York Beauties, this book is sure to peak your curiosity!


Jane Dávila's Surface Design Essentials
Explore Paints, Mediums, Inks & Pencils • 15 Techniques for Fabrics & More
Author: Jane Davila

The Must-Have Reference Tool For Surface Design Success

• Create your own hand-painted designs on fabrics, paper, and more

• Expert advice from popular art quilter and surface design teacher Jane Dávila

• Learn the basics of mixing paints and see how easy it is to create your own effects

• Includes 7 projects and an inspirational fiber art gallery

• Discover the secrets of using mediums

• Create fun designs with found objects

• Lay-flat format makes referencing instructions easy

• Add new dimension to your quilts and fiber art


This is your license to play! Whether you're a quilter, a textile artist, or you dabble in mixed media, you're going to love this tool. When you can't find the exact fabric you need, make it yourself!





Stop in and say Hello! Stay warm!

Mary