Fun and Funky in February

Scrapmania!

Cheryl Smith the creative force of Magpie Artworks is teaching two fun and funky workshops this month.

The first is a quick and easy scrap quilt called Scrapmania. With quirky blocks set askew this modern quilt will help you bust your stash in no time.

Date: Saturday, February 21, 2009
Time: 10:00am - 4:00pm

At the end of the month Cheryl will host a workshop in which you can make Amy Butler's Birdie Sling. This gorgeous modern tote bag is suitable for the gym or just about town. The Birdie Sling is immensely popular with teenagers and twenty-somethings.

Date: Saturday, February 28, 2009
Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

If you are looking for some handwork this winter...Cheryl will also be teaching a two day hand embroidery sampler class. You will learn many new embroidery stitches as you make an exquisite sampler.

Date: Thursday February 19th and 26th

Time: 1:00 - 4:00

Print this coupon out and register for class before the 14th and receive a $10.00 gift certificate to spend on anything in the store.

Thread Painting & A Little Bling Bling!

Jeannie Jenkins taught Thread Painting at the store on Saturday and it was a huge success. The new Quilting Arts Magazine came in and has a feature on...you guessed it... Thread Painting! It is a fabulous publication and well worth a look-see the next time you are in!

Also if you want something inexpensive to pick up your spirits a bit ... we just got in some adorable little tape measures and sewing kits and they are all done up with rhinestones. There are skulls, kitties, butterflies and guitars...too cute! Priced at only 1.99 why not grab a few for your sewing friends too?

Bling not your thing? We also got these cute little collector tins full of pins...there are four different ones to choose from and they are only $4.99.

Finally I found a great how-to video to help you with your puff quilts - enjoy! If you have trouble viewing it in the blog here is the direct link: http://www.jumpcut.com/view?id=276EC4F8ACD511DD90B5000423CF385C

Jelly Rolls & Charms Packs...On Special!

We have a great promotion on in the store. All charm packs and jelly rolls are on sale for between 25% and 40% off!

There are tonnes to choose from ... and all your favourites... Kansas Trouble, Thimbleberries, Three Sisters, Moda Marbles and a lot more!

In the Kansas Trouble Wildflowers line we have the layer cakes (10" squares), charm packs (5" squares) and the jelly rolls (2.5" strips). It is a gorgous grouping in shades of navy, burgundy, dark green and tan. A very upscale country look!

We have 3 colorways of Moda Marbles Jelly Rolls- these are great for blending with the patterned collections! Choose between the warm collection (pictured - that blends with Thimbleberries and Kansas Trouble), brights and pastels! They are only $30!

In Total there are 20 different ones to choose from! We also have lots of patterns and books to give you great ideas for using these precut groupings!

I was just talking with our Moda sales rep and she told me that the price on the jelly rolls has risen dramatically - due to manufacturing costs and the falling Canadian dollar. The new collections are retailing at Cdn$60.00 per jelly roll so this is a great chance to pick up a few at much better prices ($30 - $34).

Puff Quilting ... Everything Old is New Again!

Work in Progress!

Well Clover has done it again...coming up with a new gizmo to make an old fashioned quilting technique fun, easy and up to date. This time they have come up with a great system to make biscuit or puff quilts!

Biscuit quilts are made of puffy little individual pillows sewn together and have been popular for generations!

The Clover Puff Quilting Set contains templates and 4 clips that anchor neat little box pleats in place on the sides of your biscuits. What I love in the set is the handy syringe...it works both as a turning tool and as a stuffing tool and it is well worth the price of the set!

I have been working by hand so one set of clips has been fine for me but if you plan on using your machine you might want a set of extra clips.

I have been working on this sweet little changing pad using 1930s reproduction fabrics! My only complaint is that the template given makes eensy little biscuits even though it is the "large" size. I know the clips and stuffing tool will work equally well with larger biscuits so I am going to work out my own template that will make a finished square somewhere around 3 - 4 inches!

Free Block of the Month from Bunny Hill!

My Snowman Basket done in 100% wool
on a flannel background!

A Tisket A Tasket Anne Sutton of Bunny Hill Designs is starting an adorable basket themed block of the month and it is absolutely free! I was captivated by Cottons 'n Wool wool felt version. This one was done on a flannel background. I have been itching to start a wool felt project so this seemed like just the right opportunity! I used 100% wool felt from National Non-Wovens, DMC floss and a Timeless Treasures mottled tan flannel for the background.

New Mark Lipinski and Quilter's Panel

We have some of Mark Lipinski's latest fabric collection: Krakow. Mark Lipinski’s newest line was inspired by his collection of Polish pottery. The colors are modern and fresh. Mark refers to them as “quiltlicious”. The designs are bold and full of character, as is their designer. Each design will stand-alone in simple quilts, home décor, and garments. In combination, the designs create a very special effect.
Also new this week is this adorable panel from Jody Houghton. Her inspiration is simple and meaningful; quilters are a sisterhood - a sisterhood founded by Faith, Hope and Charity. It is only 8.99. Northcott has a free pattern download to use with it too: The Sisterhood of Quilters

Buck A Block Is Ready!

The next round of Buck a Block is ready in the store! This time around the theme is Caribbean Sunset. The quilt is made using Thangles and beautiful Princess Mirah Batiks in shades of hot pink and orange.

Any customer who would like to participate is welcome (this program is for in store shoppers only). Yes, you really do get everything you need to make a pieced block each month for only $1, including the fabric and the pattern!

To join, you must purchase a starter kit that includes a pack of 1.75” Thangles and a storage box from the shop for $7.00. This purchase will provide you with all the Thangles you need to complete all 12 quilt blocks – with plenty to spare.To make the program as convenient as possible, you may visit the shop on any day of the month you choose to pick up your $1 block kit. If you can’t come in during a particular month(s) you must purchase the missed block kit(s) for $3 to once again be eligible for the $1 block kits.