Monday, March 4, 2013

New Swap!

There is a big push to be more "green" and we have many customers refuse our paper bags at the shop because they are accustomed to bringing their own bags to accommodate their purchases. Also, our bag classes are generally very popular at the shop --So... we thought why not swap bags? 

First keep in mind we don't mean purses and we don't mean bags designed to hold certain things like a laptops, Kindles or smart phones. We mean just a nice general bag- think tote bag or carry-all bag. Something with a wide opening top (with our without a closure) that you can load up with purchases, projects, toys, snacks, etc... And that you can wear over your shoulder!
Such as the Saturday Market Bag:
 Birdie Sling:
Large or Small Empress tote:
There are several other patterns at the shop that would be just the ticket as well (Mondo or Midi bag, Tuscany Tote are a few that come to mind) -- or explore the internet for free tutorials here are a few I found:
DIY Bag Lover Index ( note not all the bags on this link meet our needs but there are many that do)

Please turn in a bag (or bags) you made and wish to swap by:
April 30th, 2013 
at the shop with your name attached in some way (so that we can be sure you won't get your own bag back) and perhaps the name of the pattern you used or a tutorial that you followed. 

You may pick up your new bag starting :May 1st 

 You may mail your entry(entries) to us but you must pick your new bag up in person we will not mail it to you.
Remember, as with all swaps please give the quality you would like to receive! 
Reminder: You will not be getting your own bag back this is a swap!
To sweeten the deal each swapped bag earns an entry in a drawing for a $25 gift card to the shop. 
We can't wait to see what you make!

Thursday, February 28, 2013

New product for Ruffling!

Ruffles have long been one of my favorite embellishments on sewn items but oh such a pain-in-the-butt to make! 
Enter this new Clover product called Fuse 'n Gather:
 It is a one-sided fusible tape with basting stitches running through it to make your ruffling experience a hassle free one!
 You align it along the edge to be ruffled  * blue thread side up!* 
leaving a small tail at each end:
Iron carefully in place using medium heat and allow to cool. 
 Separate the threads  
 and knot the blue threads together on ONE end:
Then go to the other (unknotted) end and begin to gather your ruffle until you reach your desired length:
If your tape detaches anywhere just flatten it out and repress with the warm iron 
(thorough pressing and cooling time eliminate this problem!) 
Pin in place distributing the ruffle evenly and baste in place! 
Wah-lah! Easiest ruffle I have EVER made:
My apron turned out great and in less than 2 hours start to finish!  
 I give this product an A+ and I see more ruffles in my future!

Matryoshka doll fabric

Look what cute fabric we got from Riley Blake! 
And it even has a layer cake!
Love the diagonal stripe!

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Handy quilters!

Deb, Judy and Carolyn are all up in Salt Lake City attending the Handy Quilter Camp! Look at them blazing away! Way to go gals! Keep up the good work!








Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Honey, honey twister!

Look at this beautiful twister quilt pam made from the Honey, honey layer cake! Gorgeous!

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

New Quilters

These three ladies are in the Rail Fence class for New Quilters, taught by Margaret Persinger:
 Showing off some lovely colorful "rails"
 Stitching!
Pressing! 
Keep up the good work ladies! 
Here is Margaret herself working on her new sampler skillbuilder blocks!
Check out her mixture of prints and batiks:
Love it!



Saturday, February 9, 2013

Friday Free Sew Crew!

Standing room only this past Friday!
 Kathy working on Dessert Sky
 Alice measuring twice and cutting once!
 Conferencing amongst the quilters
 Marge's Dresden Star
 Mrs and Mr. Horton taking a moment to pose for us!
 More quilters!
 Mary with an almost finished!
 Log Cabin block done in Batiks by Terry! Very nice.
 Nancy working on Bali Wedding!
 Working away!
 Not 100% sure Nancy was sewing but she was having fun with friends!
Heads bent to the tasks at hand!