Arts and Crafts Sampler Block of the Month

Starting April 2012, the Arts and Crafts Sampler Block of the Month offers you an opportunity to bring Australian designer Michele Hill's fabric collection, Morris Meadows, to your quilting table. Inspired by the work of legendary artist and textile designer William Morris, the  collection features gorgeous floral and border prints with rich tonals that accentuate the floral applique blocks in Michele's quilt designs. The collection is brought to us by In the Beginning Fabrics. 

Arts and Crafts Sampler by Michele Hill

Whether you enjoy machine or hand applique techniques the Arts and Crafts Sampler is sure to become a family heirloom. What's more, if you or your family decorated your home with Morris's wallpaper or furnishings, this quilt will certainly add to your lovely collection. 


During this 10-month Block of the Month program, you will receive all the patterns and fabrics needed to complete the quilt top including binding. The finished quilt measures 60 1/2" x 72 1/2". 

There is a $25 non-refundable start-up fee, then only $24.95 per month plus 3.50 shipping and handling (within Canada) for each kit. If you pay for the whole program up front we will waive the registration fee. Please just let us know in the comments box when you check out that this is what you would like to do. 

This program will begin in April, 2012. Sign up on our website.

Flannels are Arriving and an Ode to Miss Kitty Cucumber

Flannel season is coming upon us and we are starting to get our new flannels in the store. Today we put up Doodle Bugs which comes to us from Northcott...to my way of thinking Northcott makes absolutely the finest quality flannel on the market. This grouping is in terrific bright pastels and are suitable for girls of all ages ... tonnes of co-ordinates and they are only $9.99/metre (8.99 per yard).

Oh how I love Miss Kitty Cucumber. As far as I know, the first run of Kitty Cucumber fabric came out about 10 years ago and I was immediately smitten by her charm. In the Beginning fabrics has brought her back along with a whole host of charming co-ordinates! We have a large selection of them in stock now and the best part they are only $9.99/metre ($8.99/yd).

According to the Smithsonian:

Kitty Cucumber (a cat character) first appeared in 1985, in a die-cut booklet produced by B. Shackman & Company, Inc. This firm has sold toys and printed materials since 1898. The Victorian-style Kitty's name was invented by the daughter of the president of the company for a favorite doll. Her mother designed the Kitty Cucumber now used on a variety of products, such as books, paper dolls, and art work.

This lovely pattern is available to download free of charge from In The Beginning!

If kiddie fabric isn't your thing ... we also have some new blenders and tone on tones as well as a few metallic prints that are absolutely killer! We hope you will check them out!

More Yarn, A Few New Bolts, Another Class...All In All a Busy Day!

This has turned into a bit of a hectic week...mostly caused by the yarn chaos! I have started adding it online and I am very pleased to announce that most of it is 40% off the suggested retail price.

Today I added a great super-soft eyelash yarn called Amsterdam (pictured above) which comes in five sumptuous colors. There are also two lightweight yarns suitable for summer projects : Kikki which is an Aran Fiber and Skipper which is an Egyptian Cotton made in Italy and comes in 7 colors. My mom is busy making it into dischcloths so we might have a picture of one soon!After playing with yarn for half the morning I zipped out to Northcott and picked up some of their wonderful Papillon solids and found these two great In The Beginning Fabrics ... both are only $9.99/metre. Beige Butterfly Background

Pale Purple Butterflies

Northcott has lots and lots of wonderful new lines of fabric coming soon including Califon designed by Mark Lipinski!

Zipped back to the store in time for Ann to teach the first in her Summer School Series.

Every Wednesday Ann will be hosting a two hour techniques class. Each two hour session is only $12.50. This is a great chance for you to sharpen your skills in a small group setting. Each class will be offered once during the afternoon and once in the evening.
Coming up in the next few weeks are:

Needle Turn Appliqué
Date: May 28th 1 -3

Binding - Beyond the Basics
Dates: June 25th 1 – 3

Paper Piecing
Dates: June 4th 1 – 3

Rotary Cutting Skills
Dates: June 11th 1 - 3

Mitering Borders
Dates: June 18th 1 – 3 OR June 25th Time: 6:30 – 8:30

You can find the full roster of classes here: http://www.sew-sisters.com/classes.htm