Classes, Calendars and Other Cool Stuff

Wow, hasn't March flown by?? I am so ready for spring and warm weather. I would also love to get my sewing room cleaned and straightened out (Do you think it is going to happen?). 

We have some really cool new things in the shop this week. For those of you who, like KyleAnn, can't  function without a calendar, check out the new Threads of Time 2011 Engagement Calendar by Blackbird Designs.

Alma Allen of Blackbird Designs has put together this beautiful engagement calendar that features photographs that she took of everyday sewing items.

From Alma: "Some pleasures never fade with the passage of time. Small tarnished thimbles, old balls of thread, celluloid tape measures, needle cases and lace-making bobbins spangled with old trader beads are treasured finds. Collecting everyday items has been a real joy for me. As you record your days in this calendar I hope you find joy in these small things too. May your days be filled with bits of ribbon, jars of buttons and glorious silk threads."

Calendar features a different page spread for all 52 weeks of 2011, each paired with a beautiful photograph taken by Alma of her stunning collection.

And for those who want a darling wall calendar, check out She's Sew Silly! Mrs. bobbins' 2011 Calendar.

Aaah, Mrs. Bobbins. You’ve gotta love her. She’s quirky. She’s fun. And as much as you might not like to admit it, she kind of reminds you of, well, you!

Quilting is her passion. It’s often the first thing she thinks about when she goes to bed at night, and the first thing she thinks about when she wakes up in the morning. She literally eats (she makes quilt cookies!), breathes and lives quilting!

This calendar showcases 12 favorite Mrs. Bobbins cartoons from the past year. You’ll see how Mrs. Bobbins celebrates her holidays. You’ll also learn how Mr. Bobbins – her DH – can get himself into a bit of quilty trouble.

Whether she’s being chased by bees or bluffing at the quilt show, you’ll get to enjoy Mrs. Bobbins the whole year through!

Prefer a cushion when you sit to sew? Welllllll, check out The Gypsy Sit Upon. Sit comfortably for hours while quilting, sewing, reading, driving, and more.

Softly inflated flexible disc prevents fatigue and reduces pressure on the tailbone.

Helps relieve lower back pain, strengthens core muscles, and improves posture.

Nubby texture allows cooling air flow, and promotes improved blood circulation.

Durable purple rubberized material remains soft and pliable. One size fits all!
 
You'd think that after the retreat that the shop would be real quiet.  NOT!  We've been quite busy - thank you very much! And what with the upcoming Race for the Cure, area quilt shows, and shop hops - wow! We are getting new fabric in nearly every day and just can't keep it on the shelves! (Thank you,  thank you, thank you!)  So you really want to stop in often to see what's new before it disappears.  (see retreat pictures below)
 

Classes are going well. Patty's Complete Quilting class is nearly finished for this session and the follow-up class, Start Quilting Sampler, will begin soon. 
 
For those interested in hand-applique, THIS SATURDAY (at 1:00 pm) is a beginning applique class (2-part class) Call the shop now to register.  Be sure you leave your phone number and/or email address for the instructor to contact you before class.  Part 2 is April 10.  Supplies list: Background fabric: 16" x 14-1/2"; vinyl (approximately same size); fabrics  for leaves,  ghreads  to match; permanent marker and fabric markers, freezer paper, sandpaper board is a help, paper scissors, small sharp pointed scissors, small applique pins plus a few large ones, any  flexible needle (the thinner the better),  round toothpicks.
 
KyleAnn's sock class is nearly finished - it's so exciting to see those socks nearing completion and "modelling."  The next knitting class is a learn-how-to-knit class that will teach not only beginners how to get started but, for those ready for 'the next step' will showcase a different stitch motif each week.  Details are not yet worked out, but will be at least a 7-week session.
 
Applique Club and EQ6 Club are going strong, but there's always room for more.
 
We will  try to focus on a class at least once a month and hopefully more often.
 
 

Happy Spring to You! Stop in and Say Hi!

Mary