More New Fabric Has Arrived!

Can you believe that Shop Hop is right around the corner? Be sure to mark you calendar, if you haven't already, for the Summer Shop Hop - July 21-30. Here is a sample of our Shop Hop Project - it'll be  great to see what everyone else is offering, too.

There will be 10 shops participating again, with the introduction of a "new face" on the Quilt Spree Shop Hop scene:

Always in Stitches - Grove City
Aunt Bee's Quilts & More - Mt. Vernon
Calico Cupboard - Pataskala
Creations SewClever - Chillicothe
Fabric Shack - Waynesville
The  Glass Thimble - Columbus
Good Wives Co.- Marion
Paw Patch Quilt Shop - Mt. Vernon
Quilt Beginnings East - Columbus
Quilt Beginnings North - Dublin
QuiltTrends - Columbus

Watch for more information on bus trips, purchasing passports, and Super Saturday (May 11, 2011)!

Here is a sampling of the great Bali Batiks from Benartek that just arrived.

We have even more batiks that have arrived in the last week or so -- come in and see them!

In addition to all the beautiful batiks that are now in the shop, we recently received some new fabrics from Moda and StudioE:

This is "Oasis" by 3 Sisters for Moda -- beautifully soft, "spring-y" colors with names like linen, mud mask, pink champagne and more ... get ready for warmer weather with these gorgeous fabrics.  You won't believe what a beautiful hand they have!

Check out "Peaceful Planet" and "Girly Girl" fabrics from StudioE -- we've combined both lines here as they work beautifully together.

We've got lots of new Fat Quarters and FQ Bundles for you as well, from all of the new lines that have come in recently.

And finally -- browse the pages of the latest edition of "Sew It All" -- fresh new projects that aren't necessarily quilt-related, but most definitely fun.

Stop in and say hello!

Mary, Kyle and the rest of the staff



Did you miss these two classes?

If so, you have another chance!!!

The Cottage Garden Table Runner class is being offered on Saturdays, April 30 and May 14 at 1:00-3:00 pm. You will learn new applique techniques, both adhering and sewing! If you haven't tried strip-piecing yet, we will be doing that as well. Class fee is $20.

If you missed the class on the Welcome Wagon Door Hanger, you have another chance on Saturday, May 28, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Techniques taught in this class include hand applique, yo-yos, and stem stitch (embroidery). The majority of this adorable hanger can be completed in class! Class  fee is $10.

In case you haven't noticed, Mary isn't in the store this morning, which makes it real dangerous.  (SMILE!) Don't forget to go to the website and review the great classes that are currently scheduled. Also remember to read the previous blog post with this week's coupon!

Have a great sewing weekend - at least the sun is shining!!!!!

Kyle and the two other employees who are working (and are behaving themselves)

Sick of Winter? We have the cure!

Hey Everyone,

Still waiting for Spring!

We have many, many new classes coming up! You should have received an email by now directing you to our website for the detailed class list. Coming SOON . . . . . . . .

Learn to Knit - and MORE!
This 8-week class begins Saturday (Feb 12) at 10:00. For those who have never touched knitting needles before AND those who want more - you will learn the basics: cast-on, knit, purl, bind-off PLUS garter stitch, stockinette stitch, cables, lace, 3 other motifs and how to read instructions. Class fee is $50. Supplies needed: 3 skeins worsted weight yarn (medium, #4), stitch/row markers, yarn needle, cable needle. Optional: stitch/row counter. Needles available from the instructor for $11.00.

Mystery Night
We still have some seats left for Saturday night's mystery. We will be "visiting" Alaska! This month's selection is an easier quilt, selected for those who have either never done a mystery, are not yet real confident in their quilt making, or who just want a relaxing, quick but lovely quilt. Contact the shop right away to sign up for this class, especially if you want to purchase a kit. There is a small fee for cutting your cut if you don't want to take class time to cut.

 

Welcome Wagon Door Hanger by Kim Diehl

Date for this class: Saturday February 12th – 1:00pm – 3:00 pm

Instructor: Becky Morey

Skill Level: Beginner

Cost $10

Make Yoyo’s to decorate this is a cute little project.

BEGINNING MACHINE APPLIQUE

Date(s): Sundays, February 13th & 27th – 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

OR Tuesdays, March 15th & 29th –

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Instructor: Patty Estadt

Skill Level: Beginner

Cost: $20

If you want to learn how to create machine appliqué projects, this is the class for you! In the first class you will learn to use fusible web to create the appliqué blocks. The second class will focus on machine stitching the appliqué edges to create the blocks.

REVERSE APPLIQUE

Date: Saturday, February 19, 2011 – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

Instructor: Naomi O’Harra

Skill Level: Advanced Beginner

Cost: $45.00

Create unique dimensional looks with this classic technique, using Teri Tope’s “Applique in Reverse” book.

Naomi will show you how to create a beautiful coneflower wall hanging, providing the foundation for you to go on to more advanced projects like table runners, pillows, tote bags and quilts. Teri’s and Naomi’s flair for bold color and dramatic fabrics will encourage the artist in you.

Fun & Done!
Learn how to quilt and bind as you go with the Easy Diamond pattern and create a finished quilt. Fun & Done designs are fast, easy, and done entirely by machine. You can purchase your template and pattern at the first class.  Date(s) Sunday, February 20, 2011 and Sunday March 6th – 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Instructor: KyleAnn Williams
Skill Level: Beginner
Cost $20

Rather stay home and sew? The check out these new books!

Scraps & Shirttails II

Continuing the Art of Quilting Green

by Bonnie K. Hunter

In Scraps & Shirttails, Bonnie Hunter showed us the relationship between quilting green and quilting thrifty. Now she’s back for a second round of quilting green in Scraps & Shirttails II.

Quiltmakers have always known how to reuse, re-purpose and recycle their stashes to make warm and functional quilts. Today, those concepts take on a whole new meaning for quilters who find it important to help make our world a little greener.

This long-awaited sequel continues the art of quilting green with 13 new projects that help you reuse, re-purpose and recycle your scraps into beautiful quilts.

SIMPLY CHARMING

Small Scrap Quilts of Yesteryear

by Tara Lynn Darr

Scraps - we all have those bits and pieces left over from other quilting projects. Put them to use in these little patchwork quilts reminiscent of bygone days. You don’t need a lot of fabric to create these tiny treasures.

Using her overflowing scrap bag, quilt designer Tara Lynn Darr has created 20 classic projects inspired by patterns of the past. From simple one-patch and nine-patch blocks to dazzling stars and pieced basket blocks, she shows you how to make the most of your leftovers.

All the projects can be made with 5” charm squares or smaller. Tara also shares her time-tested tips for working on small quilts. With these projects and a little imagination, you’ll whittle down that stash of scraps in no time!

BOOK OF DAYS

Create your own primitive book full of days

by Maggie Bonanomi

Maggie Bonanomi designed a Book of Days that can be used as a calendar, scrapbook, journal – now you can make one too. Maggie’s version is filled with photos of her favorite seasonal surroundings, quotes, and hand-drawn art. She shares how she made her book and ways you can tailor yours to fit your whims – to make a book for yourself or as the perfect gift: a book of days to remember and treasure. Inside you’ll find instructions for putting a book together and lots of inspiration for filling the pages.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KANSAS!

A Sampler Quilt Celebrating 150 Years on the Prairie

by Linda Frost

Just in time for the 2011 Kansas Sesquicentennial, quilt artist Linda Frost presents a 14-block sampler that celebrates the wonders and quirks of her native Kansas. The blocks represent familiar themes for any fan of the prairie – wind, wheat, tornadoes, road signs that make you feel like you’re on the road to nowhere... Linda’s designs convey a sense of the pioneer spirit along with the good natured humor that is part of life in the Midwest.

FLOWER DANCE
Beautiful Applique Using No-Fail Techniques
by Hallye Bone

Hallye Bone has planted a garden in fabric on her vibrant quilt, Flower Dance. With her 10 steps to No-fail Appliqué and 30 flower patterns, you can do all of them or just pick a few. Embroidery enhances this appliqué.


By following Hallye’s steps you’ll learn how to master leaf points, put personality into each flower, embellish with embroidery, perfect circular appliqué shapes, make speedy stems, and use the blind-hem appliqué stitch.

Additional projects include charming aprons, pillowcases, a table runner, a shopping tote, and a redwork throw. Hallye teaches and lectures about quilts, and repairs and appraises quilted heirlooms.

 

Have a great week and weekend!

Mary, Kyle and the Gang!

Spring?? Are you there?

I am ready for Spring, Well maybe not spring because I really enjoy winter evenings by the fireplace listening to my husband snore, but at least I am ready to get rid of the ice in the parking lot, and the crazy gas bills.

We have been very busy at the shop, working on new samples, getting in new fabrics, still moving fabrics around and waiting on customers. It is good to see everyone so excited about the continued success of the shop. We are very excited.

We just got in a handful of bolts of fabric from the Oasis  line by Three Sisters from Moda . I think it is really pretty and would love to make an apron or a summer skirt out of some of the fabric.

I am currently working on the starry night blocks of the month. We are doing two colorways, one is patriotic and one is in beautiful Michael Miller Krystals. I will post some pictures soon.


Have a great Weekend! Stay Warm!

Mary

Where does time go?

Okay, so it has been awhile since we posted. Kyle and I were trying to post every Wednesday and then we decided that Peg would like to do this and we are having trouble transitioning.
We are working like crazy at the shop, getting stuff moved around, getting new samples done, getting blocks of the month done, designing the shop hop project. We really are having fun but it seems a little hectic.

Here are some of the good books that we recently received.

This reminds me alot of the Lori Smith quilts. Laura Henthorne is thinking about doing a quilt of the month club that will meet on Saturdays. We will keep you posted.

This is a new paper piecing book from Alex Anderson. I am going to offer a beginning paper peicing class using this book.

More Later!, Thanks for stopping by! 

Mary

P.s... expect to hear from us more frequently as Peg and I are going to work on this together. 

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