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!

 

 

 

 

Three New Classes coming!

Brooke came in today and dropped off class samples for two great bags! One is the Professional Tote by Creative Thumble and the other is the Syliva Bag by Serendipity.

Learn to make the PROFESSIONAL TOTE by Creative Thimble in this 2-part class: Wednesdays, September 29 and October 6 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Class fee is $40.

and then learn to make the SYLVIA SLING BAG by Serendipity on Wednesday, October 27 from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Class fee is $25.



LEARN TO KNIT AND MORE by KyleAnn
In this 8-week class, learn the basics: cast-on, knit, purl, bind-off PLUS garter stitch, stockinette stitch, cables, lace, and 3 other motifs plus how to read instructions. This class is designed for those who have never knit before to those who want to expand beyond the basics. Materials needed include:  3 skeins worsted weight (medium, #4) yarn, stitch/row markers, yarn needle, cable needle; optional: stitch/row counter. Needles available from the instructor for $10.

Stop in and say hello!

Two posts in one day!!!!

Just a REMINDER - the "Wool Crazy" group is meeting 12:30 - 3:30 THIS Sunday (August 15)!!

AND, we are offering a new bag class by Patty Estadt - Desk Deli Tote by Quilts Illustrated (designed by Penny Sturges) on August 17th and 31st (6:00 - 8:00 p.m.).. This tote is approximately 11" wide at its widest point by 8" tall by 5" deep and can be made with fat quarters or fabric yardage - your choice.  Call the shop or come in to register for this class.

Looks like it's going to rain again!

What do you do on hot humid days when it looks like rain? You sew, of course!  To help you out, the coupon at the bottom of the page is 15% off any item that's not already on sale/clearance or a gift item. If you need inspiration, we have several new books in (a few are featured below) and you won't want to forget all the books on the second floor (just not room for everything on the first floor!) And despite the recent shop hop and this morning's quilt guild bus, we have a great selection of fabric, including some great seasonal and novelty lines.

Circles: Floral Applique in the Round

 by Bea Oglesby

Bea is back with classic applique designs with a new twist - the flowers she loves stitched in vivid contemporary fabrics. All are worked in round shapes. Her inspiration was coats of arms from the days of our founding fathers, influenced by their European ancestors.

Inside you'll find 30 full-size designs in 8" circles. Instructions are included to make a spectacular quilt containing all 30 designs. There's advice from Bea about choosing colors, applique tips and more. Also included is a gallery of even more ideas, including enlarging the designs to make pillows and wallhangings.

Sew Into Sports: Quilts for the Fans in Your Life

by Barbara Brackman

Sports themed quilts - we all want to make them. Whether it's for a favorite soccer player or a fundraiser, you'll find what you need for your favorite sports fanatic here.

Barbara has designed eight projects for all kinds of sports fans: basketball, football, bowling, soccer, baseball... plus signature quilts for basketball stars, baseball team members and more.

Also included are ideas for working with strong patterns, bright team colors and sports-theme fabrics. And you'll enjoy lively sports photos from today and times past.

  

Under the Stars

by Cherie Ralston

It looks as though Cherie Ralston reached into a Kansas summer’s night sky, brought down a handful of stars and tossed them onto her quilts. These warm and comfy star quilts are softened with touches of nature and brilliantly easy to make.


Cherie brings you seven heavenly quilts for every season and mood. Appliquéd borders of leaves and berries soften the edges of the pieced stars. While away an evening making one of the four small projects for a cherished friend or family member.

Clear, concise instructions on how to do invisible machine applique and make perfectly round berries are an added bonus for the quilter.


Like Mother, Like Daughter: Two Generations of Quilts

by Karen & Erin Witt

The love of quilting has long been a common thread between mother and daughter quilt designers Karen and Erin Witt, the creative duo behind Reproduction Quilts. But like many quilters of different generations, their expressions of the craft take decidedly different forms. Karen favors the classic beauty of traditional and antique quilts, relishing every step of the process. Daughter Erin, on the other hand, loves the fresh look of contemporary-style projects that can be quickly constructed.


With their shared passion for quilting, Karen and Erin take on five different design challenges—each creating their own unique version of pieced basket quilts, quilts from one block design, quick quilts with a twist, appliqué quilts, and six-sided designs such as hexagons and snowball blocks.

Whether you love quilts reminiscent of bygone days or those with a more modern flair, there’s something for every generation in this book of 10 diverse projects. You’ll find everything from an exquisite hexagon quilt inspired by antique mosaic quilts to a stylish appliqué wall hanging dressed in trendy high-heeled shoe silhouettes and fashion fabrics.

Karen and Erin also share their techniques for documenting your quilts with creative labels using designs from your quilt, rubber stamps, and digital photographs.

 Stop in and say hello!, Stay Cool!

Did you hear that storm last night?

That storm was quite something. Very noisy! Incredible light show. But lots of rain to refresh lawns, flowers, and crops. Reminded me of the small Calendar Quilts by Kim Schaefer, like June's luscious watermelon and the picnic ants and August's honey bees buzzing around darling flowers. We are currently putting together kits for September (delicious apples!) and October (adorable pumpkin). Lots of quilt "themes" are affected by rain - think of all those floral prints, the star blocks, even pinwheels. Come in and get refreshed with these great wall-hangings and other quick projects.

Shop Hop was great! A lot of people enjoyed visiting the shop and discussing other shops they had seen. Remember to come in and use your Shop Hop coupon. It is now valid! It's good for 25% off one item or one cut of fabric!

We have two great kits from the book Happy Hauntings. One is the BOO! kit, which features three 6" x 10" quilts that spell the word "BOO!" The other is a cute witch, saying "What did you call me?" This wall-hanging is 24" x 30".

Nearly all the August Block of the Month kits are ready, and we are working on the one from Quilted Devotions. As usual, we have some great new books that are "must sees". Be sure to look at them when you pick up your BOM.