Friday, January 24, 2014

Just Arrived: Napa Tonga Batiks from Timeless Treasures

There are 20 beautiful Napa batiks in this collection and include beautiful colors in purple and creams:



They are available in yardage and precuts


This collection includes a beautiful quilt kit:
Wine Country Sunset
By Cheryl Rose Creations
Finished size: 90" x 90"
Available here: Wine Country Sunset



Retired engineer husband with too much time on his hands:


Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Sarah's Irish Chain Quilt

In 2012 we had an "Abbi May's Exclusive Quilt" Kit Caroline's Chain


This soft and romantic quilt is made with fabrics inspired by Jennifer Chiaverin's.
The original kit used the fabrics: Carolines Collection and these are out of stock
We kitted it with her new fabric collection Sarah's Collection


Sarah's Irish Chain Quilt (we made a sample to show you the new look)

It has the same look and feel with all the pretty pink and green fabrics!
Finished size: 91" x 111"
Blocks are 10" square.
Skill level: Easy
Free Pattern: Carolines Chain
Fabric: approx: 13 7/8 yards for top, borders and binding
Available here: Sarah's Irish Chain







Saturday, January 11, 2014

Meet the fabric designer / Author: Jennifer Chiaverini


Best selling author and quiltmaker, Jennifer Chiaverini, tells us the story behind Sarah‘s Collection. “In the first Elm Creek Quilt novel, Sarah McClure is hired to help master quilter Sylvia Bergstrom Compson prepare her ancestral estate for sale. After quilting lessons become the foundation for a blossoming friendship between the two women, Sarah proposes turning Elm Creek Manor into a retreat for quilters – and Elm Creek Quilt Camp was born. The rose fabrics are reminiscent of the beautiful rose gardens on the estate grounds, where Sarah and Sylvia share many significant moments. The Bachelor's Puzzle print is a nod to one of the blocks from Sarah's first quilt, a sampler she makes under Sylvia‘s guidance. The delicate paisley pattern was inspired by the paisley fabric Sarah chooses as a signature print for her sampler. I associate Sarah‘s Collection with my reader's guide to the series, An Elm Creek Quilts Companion: New Fiction, Traditions, Quilts, and Favorite Moments from the Beloved Series. The new book includes an exclusive short story inspired by questions from real readers of the series.”

In addition to the rose designs in Sarah‘s Collection, there's a border stripe, a windowpane check, and a tiny floral that works perfectly as a texture. This collection is sure to please quilters who love to sew with floral fabrics in pretty pinks and sage greens in traditional quilts, home décor projects, and apparel. For inspiration, see Jennifer‘s Loyal Union Sampler from Elm Creek Quilts, a treasure trove of traditional blocks. Read more about Jennifer‘s Elm Creek Quilt novels and her new book releases at her website: www.elmcreek.net.

Friday, January 3, 2014

Pillowcases for Charity: 4th graders + 5 quilters = 24


Fourth graders from Fruitport MI did with the help of 5 volunteers with sewing machines and pre-pinned fabric.

We each took one student at a time and mentored them on the basics of using a sewing machine:

and how to use an iron:

They were delighted to see what happens when you "birthed" a pillowcase:


Here they are.... all 24 of the students and their finished pillowcases
ready to give to a special organization.












It's never to late for you to do something special for charity. 


This is something you could do with your kids, grandkids or group in an afternoon.
Use our free easy pattern and these fabric requirments:
3/4 yard main body
1/4 yard cuffed edge fabric
(We eliminated the 2" accent strip to make it easier to pin and sew)