One Good Turn Deserves Another

As many of you know Sew Sisters makes and collects dozens of pillows for donations to Animal Shelters in the area. In the store we keep a small fabric bag hanging under the cutting table and whenever we have scraps we stuff them in. When the bag is full we sew it shut and voila - a little pillow. My dad brings them to a variety of different places (including the Etobicoke Humane Society, The Guelph Veterinary Hospital, and North York Animal Control) where they are used inside the animals' cages. There is a particular need for smallish pillows suitable for cats. We also collect the bags that you have made and deliver them for you.



We have a phenomenal person who comes in the store from time to time named Carin. Carin is a real firecracker: besides being a mother of 4 little ones she runs a charity called Margaret's Hope Chest Carin dropped off a huge rubbermaid tub stuffed with pillows she had made for donation to animal shelters. She did a great job and even decorated some of them with little appliques of hearts and bones - so sweet.

This is just a handful of the pillows brought in yesterday.

Margaret's Hope Chest- is a quilting non-profit organization birthed out of the tragic murder of Carin's 81-year old grandma Margaret Herrema. Their website http://www.margaretshopechest.com/ is a great place for more information about what they do. Carin's sense of community involvement is one that I admire tremendously. I hope that you will take a few minutes to read about Margaret's Hope Chest as inspiration for how uplifting charitable service can be. If you have a few hours maybe you could make a quilt for this worthy cause!

Creative Dollmaking with Cheryl Smith

This weekend Cheryl Smith from Magpie Artworks will be conducting a three day doll-making workshop. In the work shop Cheryl will guide you through creating an exquisite art doll. We have conducted these workshops several times and everyone has come away with a doll that they couldn't believe they made themselves. From face painting to costuming ... from body construction to finger turning Cheryl will guide you step by step all the way! We have one spot left so if you have been considering it there is still room for you. Please call the store to register 416 633-8800

If you can't make the workshop we also have Magpie Artworks doll pattern line. These three outstanding doll patterns are available for $14.99 each.

Click here to purchase
Silas

Click here to purchase
Sheilagh the Jester

Click here to purchase
Agatha

Scrap Block Mania Tablerunner

As promised today we are sharing a free pattern for a tablerunner that uses two packages of fabric from our Scrap Block Mania (aka Not Quite a Block of the Month Program) and Thangles.

Fabric Requirements
2 Packages Of Scrap Block Mania (available from our website)
1 yd Fabric for backing and binding
14" x 50" batting
2" finished Thangles

Assembly Directions
Make 16 blocks according to the directions in the Scrap Block Mania Package.

Center Square Tablerunner

Lay the blocks out in a pleasing pattern. We used four blocks to make a center square pattern.

Daddy's Ties Tablerunner

From the backing and binding fabric you will need three 2.5" strips of fabric and to piece a backing that measures at least 13.5" x 49.5"





Quilt as Desired.
Bind the Tablerunner.
Voila! You are Done!

Scrap Block Mania (aka Not Quite A Block of the Month Program

We have a great program running in the store that we call...Not Quite A Block of the Month... although it is actually Scrap Block Mania from Thangles. Here's how it works... when you are in the store grab one of the baggies of fabric. Each one contains 10 2.5” strips of fabric. That’s enough fabric to make 8 split nine patch blocks. The blocks can be made and used in a variety of ways (much like log cabin blocks).

We have two colorways available ... Thimbleberries and 1930s reproductions. You can buy one this month, one next month, then skip three months and join in again. You can scoop up 3 at a time or 5 or 10 ... whatever you like. This program has no rules and no commitments so you can come and go from the program as you please!If you like…you can just collect the strips and use them in all your favourite Jelly Roll Patterns! Just eight bags are the same as a jelly roll and cost less!

Each month we will have new fabrics all ready for you to collect in each colorway! Each package is only $4.49 and that gives you the fabric and pattern to make 8 blocks. Stay tuned because in January we will be introducing a civil war colorway!

The Scrapmania baggies are now available online! Just click on the pictures above to purchase them online! Stay tuned tomorrow because I will be putting up a free table runner pattern that uses just two packages - so you can make a tablerunner for only $9.00 - coolio!

Cute Little Sewing Accessory

I'm back from a little trip to the good ol' USA where I picked up a van full of fabrics, notions, books and other goodies. Here are two adorable sewing themed fabrics. Why not grab a thread catcher pattern and make up a few for your quilting friends for Christmas? Thread Catchers are the most useful things ever invented -- they are a little trash bag that you can rest on your table or arm chair by a weighted pin cushion. I couldn't live without mine!




Sewing Machines


Kittty Cat Helpers


Thread Catcher

Sweet Summer Memories Kit

Sweet Summer Memories Quilt

If you love the look of cottage or shabby chic then this lovely kit is just right for you. It features soft pink and green florals and uses the very easy Take '5' pattern that really can be made in a day. The kit contains all the fabric needed for the top (including border fabric) and binding. It is 67 x 84 finished and the cost is only 79.99 so it offers tremendous value. Click here to purchase online:
Sweet Summer Memories Quilt

Mini Fingertip Rotary Cutter

Here's a super coolio new notion - especially useful for people who do applique and fine handwork. This tiny rotary blade glides smoothly wherever your finger is pointing. It easily cuts the thinnest & most delicate fabric or papers without skipping or tearing. Hold the cutter similar to how you hold a pencil. This item is disposable, blades cannot be replaced. Click on the picture to purchase online.

Japanese Taupes from Yoko Saito

We have several new taupes in from Japan. These were designed by Yoko Saito for Lecien. I also now have some of our Japanese language books up on line!

Christmas Stitchery Kit

Merry Christmas Stitchery Kit

A Fourth in our series of Itty Bitty Stitchery Kits .. this one with a Christmas theme ... only $9.99. Click on the picture to purchase online.

Japanese Goodies Now Online

I have added some of our Japanese imported goods online ... there will be more to come!



I put up several Yoko Saito books as well as a handful of fabrics; we have more in stock and I will be adding more to the site. I have some moeof Yoko Saito's Centennary Prints coming in soon so will get them up quickly!