So! Mary is not in the shop today, and she left Karen and KyleAnn in charge (is that a big mistake, or what!?) LOL While arranging books, we got to looking at some of the lonely books - single copies, I mean - and then were thinking about June being such a big wedding month. Everyone thinks about brides, weddings, photos, romantic getaways, honeymoons, "something borrowed, something blue, something old, something new." Well what about all those singles who aren't getting married, may not even be interested in getting married. So why not pair up with one of these poor lonely, single books so they won't be so miserable. I mean, look at some of these titles who are suffering because all their "friends/mates" are GONE! Come in and get one, and then get a second one half off. Of course, this story would then have a very happy ending and everyone will live happily ever after. (Limited to titles that could convince Mary that they are related somehow to dating and/or the single life!)
Sweet Romance by Blackbird Designs
This Blackbird Designs booklet features two quilts: Sweet Romance and Sweetheart. Hearts and flowers abound in the quilts and use pretty pinks and floral prints. Both quilts use the Sweet Romance Moda fabric line by Blackbird Designs – or get creative and choose your own fabric!
Booklet includes easy illustrated instructions along with full-size templates. Sweet Romance measures 64 inches square and Sweetheart measures 72 inches square.
Sweet-16s (Brights; Darks) by Suzanne McNeill
Enjoy this beautiful array of breathtaking quilts designed to stimulate your imagination and entice the eye with pattern and color. With Sweet-16s Brights Suzanne McNeill shows you what can be done with these versatile fat 1/16 pieces.
Quilting Party! by Linda Chang Teufel
A quilting party is a fantastic activity for all kinds of groups – friends, families, neighbors, quilt guilds, charity groups, co-workers and even children. The beauty of the Quilting Party concept is that anyone can do it!
Teufel’s quilting parties involve cutting a photo into squares, then each person gets one square of the photo, enlarges it and copies it onto fabric. Depending on the skill level of the participants, blocks can be completed by sewing or simply by painting, or drawing with fabric markers. The finished blocks are assembled to get a fun and funky quilt!
A quilting party can be held with a large group of participants in one space and completed in one day or can be done across the miles overa period of months, Teufel’s book includes examples of projects completed both ways and illustrates just how versatile this type of project can be.
An experienced quilting teacher, Teufel clearly and concisely explains the best techniques for creating a group quilt and seeing the project through from start to finish. Teufel has thoughtfully organized Quilting Party! into two color-coded sections, one with instructions for the “Director” and one with instructions for “Participants.” There are step-by-step instructions for organizing a group, gathering supplies, directions on the techniques for quilters and non-sewers, easy finishing methods and lots of ideas!
Featuring The Swirl, The Half Clamshell, Free-Form Curves, and Strips ‘n Circles
A new
Twist on Strips 'n Curves by Louisa L. Smith
■Start with basic strip piecing, add easy gentle curved edges, and prepare to be amazed!
■Louisa introduces four design concepts: two template-based and two template-free, all with step-by-step instructions.
■New techniques with old templates!
Whether you own Louisa's 2001 best-selling Strips ‘n Curves, or you're new to the world of combining curved-edge and strip piecing, you'll love the fresh ideas and fabulous inspiration in this book.
Learn her four new techniques: Half Clamshell, Free-Form Curves, Strips ‘n Circles, and The Swirl. Then try them in four complete project quilts! Lots of step-by-step photos and clear instructions ensure your success. And wait until you see the gallery! Ideas for home decor, garments, and quilts, quilts, quilts!
Strippin' Time - Project of the Month by J Jane Mitchell and Patsy Padgett
Do you long for small projects that are easy to accomplish and look fabulous when finished? Then sit down, relax, and turn the page.
Quilters love to make practical things that spruce up their sewing areas. This book is chock-ful of great projects... place mats, aprons, table runners, wall hangings and carry-alls. There is even a colorful cover for your ironing board. With a nifty project for every month of the year, your creativity will keep on flowing.
Quilter's Happy Hour by Lori Buhler
Here's a toast to a fast and fun technique for easy curved piecing that's sure to make quilting hours "happy hours."
Use machine-stitched applique to create complex-looking curved designs in a snap. Choose from 11 colorful quilts, each inspired by a delicious happy hour drink .
Quilts for Men from Crib to Dorm to Den, a Landauer Book
This book makes it simple to create a quilt for all the important men in your life. A wide variety of projects includes everything from wallhangings to throws to full-size quilts in traditional and contemporary designs. Step-by-step instructions accompanied by full-color diagrams will guide you through each project. Applique and piecing techniques are combined for beautiful one-of-a-kind quilts that are sure to become your man's favorite. 12 projects, full-color photos, color options provided.
OhSewEasy
life style by Valori Wells & Carolyn Spencer
Get Organized with Easy, Stylish Projects for Home and Family
• Organize your life and personalize your home with these 20 projects in today's hot fabrics and colors - it's Oh Sew Easy®!
• Projects include pillows, mail and toy organizers, totes, and more for kitchen, bath, parties, and around town
• Basic sewing techniques are all you need to give your surroundings that personal touch
• Great as gifts for baby or wedding showers, house warmings, or for hostess gifts
Bring some style to your corner of the world. These fun projects are easy enough for beginners to make in a day or a weekend. From sassy aprons to travel totes to picnic napkins, you'll love the way they dress up your life and make your stuff easier to organize. Make one of these useful accessories today and use or give it tomorrow.
Companions by Whimsicals
This book contains several patterns - quilts, table runners, wall hangings, ect.
and, of course, when you start talking about dating, life styles, and companionship, you may just ...
Open a Can of Worms by Debbie Caffrey
While scheming about how to control smaller pieces of fabrics in the stash, I began to get side tracked about multiple fabric quilts, friendship quilts, and the popularity of charm square trading. All of these ideas have come together in this book, Open a Can of Worms, which is based upon 2 1/2" wide strips.
This book shows how many different ways you can dice a worm (a strip of fabric) to create fast and fun quilts. There are a few strip-pieced projects, but there are many more that use triangles and trapezoids for some fantastic, traditional quilts. Some quilts require setting pieces, such as sashing and borders, or a control background fabric, but aside from that, all pieces are cut from a collection of 2 1/2" wide strips.
It is a wonderful base for classes, teaching a variety of skills and techniques, including use of the Omnigrid 96 & 98 triangles. The triangle tools replace the need for templates.
You will be amazed at how much fabric this "stash cleaner" book will generate. While using what is on hand, quilters will want to add new fabrics to the old to liven up the quilt. Think about the amount of fabric required for backgrounds, sashing, borders, and backings!
And then, of course, there will be the need for batting, thread, triangle tools, new rotary cutter blades, and machine quilting services.
On another note, Applique Club is cancelled for the rest of May, due to the holiday, AND the shop will not be open on Memorial Day.
OK, remember now, DON'T TELL MARY WE WROTE THIS BLOG!!!
KyleAnn and Karen
Just in - new from Crab-apple Hill - Vintage Postcard. It's a pillow! Stitch (embroider) this 19" x 14" postcard pillow and you can personalize the card with your own handwritten message or use the vintage one provided. It would also look great framed!
KyleAnn is beginning another new knitting class, introducing lace knitting with the easier-than-it-looks Peggy Shawl by HeartStrings Fiber Arts. You need 1000 yards of #1, #2 or #3 (preferably #1 or #2) yarn. Pattern purchase required (either from instructor or your favorite local yarn shop); US Size 7 (4.5 mm) circular needle available from instructor. Stitch markers also used in this project. Class begins on Tuesday, July 13 @ 6:00. Stop at the shop for details.
CHRISTMAS WITH POSSIBILITIES
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