New Fabrics

Finished up inventory this afternoon, now that was a task.  We took the Christmas fabric off the shelves to make room for some new fabrics.  The pictures don't do justice to any of these but here are some of the new fabrics. 

The first is Hug Me by Clothworks, wouldn't this make great pillowcases?

Next is a new line by Nothcott called Heard it through the Grapevine.  Jane is going to make a wonderful spring quilt as you go table runner out of these.  I can't wait to see it.

Lastly is new fabric by Moda called Sukura.  This reminds me of Washington DC in the spring with all the Cherry Blossoms.  In Sukura we have jelly rolls, layer cakes and several bolts of yardage. 

Quilts of Kindness #6

We are now up to six quilts collected for the Quilts of Kindness effort.  This beautiful quilt was dropped off by Nan yesterday.  

The little sashing makes this striking and lots of wonderful fabrics in the quilt, the picture doesn't do it justice.  

Quilts of Kindness 4 and 5

Two more quilts were dropped off today for our Quilts of Kindness effort.  Quilt #4 was made by Mary.  I love the way the white between the scrappy strips set this off.

Quilt #5 is a beautiful hand quilted scrap quilt donated by Jennifer.  What wonderful work.  

Thank you ladies, I am sure that they will be very appreciated by their recipients.  

26 Quilts of Kindness (Quilts #2 and #3)

Two quilts were dropped off today for our 26 Quilts of Kindness effort.  The first is a small child's quilt made and donated by Ann.

The second is a strippy quilt made by Sue.

Thanks ladies for your wonderful donations.

26 Quilts of Kindness (Quilt #1)

I sent out this via email earlier today....

26 Quilts of Kindness

I love the effort that is taking off for people to do 26 acts of kindness in honor and memory of the 26 adults and children that perished at Sandy Hook Elementary.   Quilters are kind and loving people and always jump in to help when a tragedy or crisis strikes and I know that our fellow quilters in New England are probably hard at work already to make and give quilts to families and survivors in their community.

As part of the 26 Acts of Kindness effort I would like Olde Towne Stitchery to act as a collection point to collect 26 quilts from quilters in our area to give to our local charities in honor of Sandy Hook. 

If you would like to participate in the 26 Quilts of Kindness event, just drop off a finished kids or adult quilt at the shop. There is no time limit; we will accept them until we accumulate 26 quilts.  I will post pictures on the shop blog www.oldetownestitchery.blogspot.com  as they are received and once we reach 26 quilts they will be delivered to local charities.  Adult lap (maximum twin size) quilts will be delivered to St. Mary’s Hospice House and the Charlotte Hall Veteran’s Home, and children’s quilts will be delivered to St. Mary’s Hospital and to Project Linus. 

I found a childs quilt at home that I had made and never sold or given away so this will be the start to this effort.  This Neon Cats quilt will be Quilt #1 of the 26 Quilts of Kindness.

Quick Tip

A quick tip... if you are lucky enough to receive flowers (I got a beautiful bouquet yesterday at my husband's retirement ceremony) keep the little plastic containers on the ends of the flowers that hold small amounts of water.  They have a hole in the top and are terrific for putting all your broken needles and bent pins in.  Then when the container is full you can put the whole thing in the trash and not risk poking yourself.

The Winner

The winner of our goodie basket was Pat Steiber.  Congratulations Pat, hope she enjoys every.  The basket continued to grow a bit as time went on.

Here is another sample for the upcoming beginning quilting class.  Always nice to show something in a couple of different color ways especially for the beginning quilter that may not be able to picture how something might look in a different color.

Many techniques will be learned on this little quilt, rotary cutting and pressing, 1/4 seams, how to measure for borders and corner stones and many others.

New Classes

We have been working on figuring out January and early February class schedules and many of them have now been posted on our website http://oldetownestitchery.com  One of the classes is a new revised Beginning Quilting class.  We have designed it so that someone can try out quilting and see if it is for them without a huge time or money committtment.  

This small wall hanging or pillow topper will be made while learning to cut, iron and sew a perfect seam.  Techniques of strip piecing, borders and cornerstones will be taught. 

We are also adding two youth classes for age 9 and above, in addition to classes on how to sew curves, techniques for squaring up a finished quilt and binding, a free Jelly roll class (with purchase) and favorites like machine quilting and photo transfer are both back on the schedule. 

Charm Square Tote Bag

This summer when the Moda rep was in the shop my daughter fell in love with the Cuzco fabrics and wanted me to make her something when the fabric came in.  She does not need another quilt at college so made this little tote bag the other day using 1 charm square package and 1/2 yard (part of lining and handles) of coordinating for a fun and quick to make gift.

On Loan

Northcott Fabrics recently loaned us both of these quilts to display since we have the fabric lines in the shop.

This first quilt is made using the whole Freckles line.  It is beautiful and the quilting on it is just amazing.  I look at it every day wishing I could do work like that.  

The second quilt is made from the Stonehenge panel and Stars and Stripes QOV line of fabrics.

I like the way a panel was made into such a wonder quilt.  I might have to start looking at my panels differently.  

New in the Shop

Yesterday I spent time putting all the Moda Give Thanks (fall) pre-cuts and yardage in the discount room and in its place moving out the new Moda fabric.  This is called Cuzco and we have the charm packs, jelly rolls and some yardage.

Very pretty with bright clear colors.   Since my daughter was in the shop the day the Moda rep came and LOVED this fabric I think I am going to spend part of today sewing together charm squares to make her a tote bag.

We also have left out our display table of gifty items set up for the open house this past saturday.  If you are still in need for a gift for your quilt guild Christmas party, quilting friend or just a gift to yourself come in and check them out.

Recent News

I can't believe I have not updated the blog in a month.  Chalk it up to a couple of busy weekends of brownie sewing classes, the holiday and being sick the last couple of weeks.

Two weekends in a row we hosted a total of four classes of browines learning to sew.  They made either a pillow case or a simple tote bag and had a great time.  I think several of them have added a sewing machine to their Christmas list.

Both the free Christmas tree napkin class and the table top Christmas tree were well received and people left with completed projects.  

Upcoming events include Leonardtown's first Friday festivities tomorrow night from 5:00 to 8:00 with Christmas fabric on sale and an all day open house on saturday with homemade refreshments, gift items displayed and a special coupon sale.

New in the shop are some additional bolts of batiks, Moda's Morris Apprentice (pre-cuts and a few bolts), red and white fabric by Northcott and my favorite a bolt of ABC fabric that is also like an eye spy fabric.  Each block you search to see how many items in the block start with that letter.  For example the P block has a Pig, in Pajamas eating Pancakes.

Free Classes with Purchase

We are going to be offering two free classes with purchase on Friday, November 30th.    One class will be making these cute and easy Christmas tree napkins.  Purchasing 2/3 yard each of two different fabrics will give you 4 napkins.   What a great addition to your holiday table or to make a set as a Christmas gift.

No need to bring a sewing machine you can use one of ours for this quick to make gift, just bring your scissors and thread.

The second class I don't have a picture of at the moment but will be making a cute Christmas tree using a foam cone as a base.   There will be a kit fee of $4 to $5 to cover the cost of the materials.  Again no sewing machine required just come and spend an hour making a holiday decoration.

Pre-registration will be required to ensure we have room for everyone.  Details will follow in the next email I send out.

Show and Tell

Flo took the molded leaf bowl class this past Saturday and this was her result.  I love the scrap fabrics she used in it and the way the stem is curled.

I bet that several of her family members will end up with these for Christmas.

Great job Flo!

Batik Sale

These are wonderful Bali batiks that just arrived at the shop.   The problem is that they only should have arrived a few bolts at a time over a three month period because of shelf space.

To try and make room to put at least some of these fabrics out, all batiks on the shelves and these new ones currently in the class room will be on sale monday and tuesday (Nov 5 and 6) at 20% off.

Free Pillow Case Class

These are the results of the free pillow case class.  Two turtle pillow cases ready to be mailed off to San Diego and two fall pillow cases that will end up in a college dorm.

 The pillow cases make a great Christmas gift or you can even use it instead of wrapping paper by putting a package inside and tie it up with a pretty ribbon.  You are giving two gifts in one and being green at the same time.

Win This Basket

New promotion going on until December 15th.  Each time you sign up and pay for a class or make a purchase of at least $25.00 enter your name to win this basket.  Included are five patterns, 7 P&B Suede fat quarters, Stonehenge chips, basting pins, fabric grips, rotary cutting blade, steam a steam 2 and a cute chicken pin cushion.

Picking Colors

A lot of people (myself included at times) have a hard time picking out several fabrics that will go together.  Thought I would pass on some of the methods I use.

The first and easiest method is to pick a bolt of fabric off the shelf.  It doesn't even need to be a fabric you are going to use in your quilt.  Just a bolt that you love the colors used.   Then you use the color dots on the selvage picking fabrics as close to the colors of the dots that you can.  The designers have already done all the work for you in putting together colors that work together.

Another idea a lady told me about years ago was to wear a piece of clothing to the fabric store that you loved all the colors in.  You won't have color dots but you can match colors of fabric to your shirt, skirt or handbag.  Again all the work has been done for you by the designer.   A vase, a note card or even a small landscape are all good sources to help you pick fabrics.

My favorite method lately is to use pre-cuts since they are already coordinated for you and then pull in a few blenders that look good with the whole line.

If anyone has any other great ideas be sure and pass them along.

On the Shelf

Moda's Gypsy Girl layer cakes, charms and yardage is now on the shelf.

Just in time for a few layer cake class (free with purchase) next friday morning.  Just come in the shop, purchase a layer cake and register for this fun class.

Also remember that today (Saturday October 13th) is double punch day on your yard card for full yards purchased.

What's New!!

When you order fabric from Moda you usually get the pre-cuts in first, followed by the yardage.  New pre-cuts are tucked away for now until the yardage arrives but just received two Moda sets.  One is called Gypsy Girl and is nice bright colors and the other is Morris Apprentice created by Barbara Brackman that is darker and more subdued colors.  Both are very nice and will be out on the shelves soon.

In addition Halloween fabric is now discounted 20%.  All the jelly rolls are gone but we still have layer cakes and yardage.

Last item is quilt tops.  We have many quilt tops that were made as class samples or samples to showcase a specific pattern or fabric line.  We have way to many to take the time to get quilted and bound so we have been measuring them so we can start offering them for sale for you to finish up.   They all include the binding that has already been made up and a couple of them even include backing fabric that has already been cut.   Keep an eye out in the store as I try and figure how how to display these tops, or if you are interested come in and ask me and I will be glad to show you what is available.

Discount Room

In the last couple of days approximately 20 bolts of fabric and some layer cakes have been added to the discount room to make room for more new fabrics.  Come in and take a look.

Another Customer Show and Tell

Kathy and I took the Spicy Spiral table runner class from Jane a couple of weeks ago.  Kathy brought hers into show me yesterday.  Such an elegant table runner for Christmas.  She must have liked the class because she is talking about making another one of these.

Looks Like a Fun Class

This quilt is called Interlude and will be taught by Barbara.  She said that anyone that can sew a good 1/4 inch seam can make this quilt, so great for a confident beginner to someone that has been quilting for years.  It is made by slicing into a large square and adding long strips between, slicing it the other way and inserting more strips.  That way it looks like you used lots of small pieces but didn't.  I still can't figure out how it then all lines up but I am intrigued by the pattern and love the way her sample turned out.  Batiks are always my favorite!

Mystery Monday Sale

Today's mystery monday sale (ok not actually a mystery since I am posting it here) is buy 3 regularly priced fat quarters and get a 4th free today only!!

New Class

Have you ever seen some of McKenna Ryan's machine applique?  It is all wonderful with lots of detail.   Cindy is going to be offering a class from the Home Tweet Home series.  Either a traditional wall hanging with borders can be made or it can be stretched over a canvas like shown in this picture.

Since taking the picture crystals have been added to the centers of the flowers and it really made it pop.  Be sure and take a look at it the next time you are in the shop.

New In the Shop

New in the shop in the last week or so are Northcott Stonehenge Stars and Stripes FQ bundles.  Each bundle contains 10 Fat Quarters of the Stars and Stripes line plus one Patriotic Panel.  Enough fabric in this bundle to make a nice sized quilt.

Also just in the shop is one of Moda's newest releases of pre-cuts and yardage.  This new line is called Enchanted Gardens.  This picture can't do justice to the wonderful colors in this line.   Come in and take a look.

Fall Spiral

A little while ago I posted a picture of the stack of fat quarters I had picked out to all go together.  This is the  resulting project, I sat in on Jane's Spicy Spiral table runner class on monday and just finished the top stitching.  

The green pops a little more than I would have liked but I still love the results.

Remember if you are on our mailing list you received a coupon on the bottom of the last email good for 20% off any one regularly priced item (restrictions apply)  good today and tomorrow.

Monday Mystery Sale

Monday tends to be the slowest day at the shop, many of the shops in Leonardtown are not even open that day.   I decided to start a monday mystery sale to encourage more people to come in on mondays. 

Yesterday's sale was 20% off rotary cutters and replacement rotary blades.  Stop in next monday to see what the mystery sale will be. 

Shop Sample

One of the fun things I get to do at the shop is sew up some of the shop samples to showcase a pattern, a fabric line or both.  This is what I worked on this week between customers.  The pattern is called Sidelights and incorporates a printed panel into the quilt.  The fabric is the Northcott Stonehenge Christmas line. 

This was a fairly quick and easy quilt to do and I love the results. 

Picking Fabrics

Sometimes if a project calls for more than 5 or 6 fabrics I have a hard time making a decision even with a whole store to shop in.  I am going to be sitting in on the Spicy Spiral table runner class next week and needed 8 fat quarters.  I had no problem pulling 5 or 6 fall fabrics I like together but coming up with the 7th and 8th took me over an hour. 

This is my final selection and I still am not sure how it is going to turn out.

When the top is done I will be sure and post a picture.

Another New Class

The very talented Joyce McComas is going to be guest teaching at the shop this cute little winter cottage (Lollipop Lane) in October.  Wouldn't this look great hanging in your house not only during the holidays but all winter long?

I love the use of yo yos and rick rack as the decorations. 

New Class

This beautiful fall runner is a new class being offered this month on the 12th and the 25th.  Wouldn't this runner look great on your table for autumn? 

Check out our class scheduled on www.oldetownestitchery.com for class times.

Customer Recommendation

From time to time we special order items for customers or order things for the shop that customers have recommended.  A couple of customers recently recommended using Retayne Color Fixative on dark hand dyed fabrics or batiks so I now have a few bottles in the shop.

 Fabric dyes are much better than they used to be but from time to time there are certain ones that continue to bleed after the initial wash and you sure don't want that on a just finished quilt.  I am told that this product works great and is easy to use.   Have some black batik in the show now that I might just have to try it out on. 

I

Do You Recycle?

Do you recycle in your every day life?  I know we take bottles and cans to the recycle center, have turned old jeans into a picnic quilt and try to repurpose when we can. 

I have never tried "Green Batting" but decided to order a couple for the shop as many people have said they have tried and liked them.  These Quilters Dream Green Queen battings that just came in are made from recycled plastic bottles. 

Usually when you purchase items made with recycled goods they are just as expensive or more so because of the additional processing.  This is one case where you can be green and save money at the same time as these queens sized battings cost about 1/3 less than regular battings so give them a try and let us know how you like them. 

New Fabrics and Patterns

Just received a new line of Northcott Stonehenge fabric called Woodland.  Love the rich colors and especially like the one brown fabric that looks like the rings in a tree. 

Along with this line I purchased the sassy tote bag pattern pictured here and also a bed runner pattern that should arrive this week. 

Around a dozen additional bolts of fabrics were moved to the sale room this week so if you have not been in in awhile come in and check it out. 

More Projects

This was another customer project, made out of a pattern at the shop.  Beverlee's grandbaby is really going to be decked out in these cute little bibs.

Kids Summer Sewing/Quilting Programs

The last few weeks have flown by, hard to believe that all the kids are back in school (my own daughter off to her first year of college) and the weather is finally starting to cool off a bit. 

We had two weeks in a row of kids quilting/sewing camps at the shop this month.  It was so fun to see the girls so interested in sewing and trying so hard to do it correctly.  Seeing how much they enjoy it I am doubly sorry that the school systems have decided awhile back not to teach basic sewing anymore. 

Here is our last class very intense on their projects...

and here they are after completion of their tote bags.... didn't they turn out cute?

We have no further young peoples classes scheduled at this time but I am sure that Miss Jane  could be convinced to have a class sometime this winter if there was enough interest.

Customer Show and Tell

Cris came by with her finished table runner from the Easy Elegance class. Didn't it turn out beautiful? The most interesting part of this is that the gold fabric is only one fabric.  She used a gold stonehenge fabric and fussy cut the various parts to make it look like two different fabrics, what a unique idea.

This class is still being offered so if you are interested please check out our class schedule on www.oldetownestitchery.com for dates and times. 

Coupons

For those of you with smart phones (I still have a stone age cell phone) when we send out coupons via our emails you have the choice of either printing them and presenting them at the time of purchase, or showing it to us on your smart phone).  We will still know that you are opening our emails and hopefully reading them.

My daughter keeps telling me I need to get a better, faster, smarter phone but somehow she seems to use up all the family phone upgrades herself because she literally wears out a phone in less than two years!!!

Over the last two days we have added four additional classes to our class schedule so be sure and check out our website often for new items.

Class Schedules

Instead of posting a whole new class schedule in a month or so for fall we are going to be gradually adding new classes to the listing over the next several weeks so be sure to check out a hard copy of the classes next time you are in the shop or check for updates on our website www.oldetownestitchery.com. 

Several classes have been recently added including some basic classes including paper and hand piecing. 

In the next day will be adding information about an upcoming quilted jacket class that is going to be taught September 13th by Julia Gaff. 

Also in the next couple of weeks we will adding information on these classes:

 Fused Fall or Christmas wreath

 The biscuit basket

 Twister Wreath

and the YoYo Christmas Tree

With the kids going back to school very soon it will be time before we know it to start on all those fall and holiday projects for our own homes and for family gifts.What could be a greater gift than something you took your time and talents to make.

Kids Camp

Yesterday afternoon completed the week long intermediate kids quilting and sewing camp.   We only had two girls for this camp but they had a great time. Here are their quilt as you go table runners in process.  They had a wonderful time picking out all the bright colors and learning all the different techniques involved.  Just a few minutes before parents arrived for show and tell they finished the last few stitches in the bindings.

They made several other small projects during the week and here they are with their cute little bears!

They increased their skills, had agreat time and were a pleasure to have in the shop all week.

New Classes

JoAnne is going to be guest teaching a few of her standard classes and a couple of new ones over the next couple of months.  They have just been added to the class listing so if you are interested check out our website at www.oldetownestitchery.com or come by the shop. 

One class she is offering is these mesh bags that are great for the beach, the gym or as a book bag for back to school.

In addition several people have asked about the round folded star pot holder so that will be offered as well.