We arrived in a cool and wet Portland safe and sound.  Looks like the weather will be cool but that's perfect shopping weather.  We will keep you updated via our blog (you can access it by going to our website and clicking on Blog) and our Facebook page (Sew Graceful Quilting).  We've got our vendor list for both Sample Spree and market, our comfortable walking shoes, and credit card so are ready.  Kay will be minding the store for us while we're gone.

Quiltmania #95 arrived today.  Our dad dropped them by the shop and Kay will put your copy in your folder if you're local and process the mail outs.  

This issue contains 2 projects designed by Kay.  We have kits available for both.  Let us know if we can reserve one (or both). 

We also have a photo of Lynette Anderson's "Love Letters" block of the month.  We are choosing fabrics for this project and will start stitching soon.  This block of the month will probably start late summer, early fall - let us know if you'd like to be put on the list for information as it becomes available.  We don't have pricing yet but as soon as we know, we'll let you know.  We realize the photo is a bit grainy but we'll have a better one as soon as we can photo the quilt in the booth.

During my down time this weekend, I'm going to finish stitching this piece.  It's designed by Primitive Gatherings (we changed the pattern but will include enough fabric in the kit in case you want to make yours as large as Lisa made hers).  We will have kits available very soon.

As a reminder, our After Market Party will NOT be the first weekend after market like it has been in the past.  With Memorial Day that weekend, we decided we'd postpone one weekend and throw the party on Saturday JUN 1.  As a special treat, Carolyn Nixon (the author of Memories of Christmas Past and most recently Butterfly Fields) will join us for the party.  She will bring models from her new book, Butterfly Fields. 

Hope to see you Tuesday for Buggy Barn.  Bring whatever you're working on and plan to spend the day. 

Darlene and Debby

Sew Graceful Quilting, 14094 Pleasant Ridge Road, Rogers 479-372-7403 (open Tues, Thurs, Sat 9:00-3:00; other hours by appointment)

http://www.sewgracefulquilting.com 

Anticipation is building as we prepare for our trip to Portland for spring quilt market.  The spring market is smaller than the annual fall market in Houston, but we really enjoy the spring one because they're held throughout the US.  That means designers who might not be able to attend the Houston market (can you say horribly expensive to have a booth at market?) can attend a spring market held close to their home.  As always, we will keep our eyes open for the hidden treasures at market.  If there's a special item you'd like us to find, please let us know.

Meg of Crabapple Hill must be sleep deprived about now.  She's releasing 23.....yes 23 new designs at market.  One we think is especially adorable is her Gingerbread Square pattern.  If this is an indication of what she's got up her sleeve, we think we'll be bringing lots of her patterns home with us!

Lisa Bongean of Primitive Gatherings will have several new projects, including her new book "Flannel Gatherings".......oooooohhhh.....just the title sounds exciting.  Here's more of Lisa's new offerings to get you inspired. 

Summer Sampler

Dashing Through the Snow

Redware Crow Tablemat

Of course, new fabric will be around every corner, new samples, inspiration everywhere.  We can't wait to go but can't wait to get back and share with you.  Our After Market Party will be Saturday, Jun 8.  Remember, we decided to postpone it one week because Memorial Day falls on the weekend when it's normally scheduled.  

In addition to being long arm quilters and owning Sew Graceful, we are also pattern designers.  Our newest pattern, Flowers for Christy, has been very well received.  We sometimes forget not everyone has the luxury of visiting the shop and forget to share our designs.  Let us know if we can reserve a kit and/or pattern for you.

Notice the Dresden flowers?  They're super simple with the Easy Dresden tool.  At $7.50, we think it's one of the best kept tool secrets in the quilting world.   We've included templates for the flowers in the pattern but the tool makes making them oh so easy.

This cute table topper was made with Moda mini candy squares (they're those wonderful 2 1/2" square stacks of fabric that are almost too pretty to take apart and use).

The pattern is is Moda's Candy book, available for $3.95.  We've heard rumers Moda will have a new candy book at market.....we'll let you know.

.........ok.........looking at our 2 pitifully poor quality photos of our projects makes us realize we really need to take a photography course........

See you soon with some market photos (good quality we hope!)

Darlene and Debby

Sew Graceful Quilting, 14094 Pleasant Ridge Road, Rogers 479-373-7403 (open Tues, Thurs, Sat 9:00-3:00; other hours by appointment)

http://www.sewgracefulquilting.com 

We've been itching to share some exciting news but had to keep our lips buttoned until now.  Kay submitted a couple of projects to Quiltmania and both were accepted for issue #95.  The French edition of the magazine is out, but we are patiently waiting for the English edition to arrive.  We've received orders from Europe for both projects in the magazine so thought we should let you know about the kits in case you want to get one with the original fabrics. 

The first, Postcards from Home, finishes 52" x 52".  You'll notice it's an applique quilt (bet that surprises you!) with nice large shapes.  The background fabric is a wonderful holiday postcard print.  Here's the quilt before it was quilted -- we can hardly wait to see how Carol and her staff at Quiltmania photographed the quilt.

Home Sweet Home is a wool applique project. on a beautiful flannel background.  It finishes 17" x 36".  Your kit includes the fabric to make the entire pillow as well as the wool.  You will need to provide your pillow form but you can find it at most department stores. 

The patterns for both projects can be found in Quiltmania issue #95.  We were able to get more than our alloted amount of the magazine so let us know if we can reserve a copy for you. 

It's May so time for a new pincushion of the month.  The dogwood flower is a sign of spring in our part of the country so we thought it would be appropriate for May.  Your $8.95 kit includes the pattern, wool, cotton backing and beads.

After Market Party -- you may have noticed we've been a bit low key about our party.  Since our first market, we've had our party the first Saturday after quilt market.  It was a date you could bank on; however, this party will be JUN 1.  We are delaying it for 2 reasons.  #1 - the first Saturday after market is Memorial Day weekend and that's a time people are usually busy with family and #2 (the more important reason) - Carolyn Nixon will be here with all her samples from her new book, "Butterfly Fields".  She'll be happy to sign your copy of the new book or her past book, "Memories of Christmas Past". 

So.....mark your calendar for the Sew Graceful After Market Party, Saturday, Jun 1.  There's no charge and no reservation required.  If you've been to our past parties you know we will have refreshments but they'll be pretty much the same as in the past---whatever the bakery has.

Bundle up today and see you soon!

Darlene and Debby

Sew Graceful Quilting, 14094 Pleasant Ridge Road, Rogers 479-372-7403 (open Tues, Thurs, Sat 9:00-3:00; other hours by appointment)

http://www.sewgracefulquilting.com

What's up with this crazy weather?  Just when it looks like spring has arrived, winter moves back in again.  Of course, we'll probably be wishing for cool weather in a few months.  Since it's too cold to work out in the garden, you may as well stay inside and sew.

We've been planning our programs for the remainder of the year and are so excited to let you know about our newest block of the month.  As many of you know, Kay makes Lynette Anderson's free to use pattern that supports her fabric lines that show at quilt market in the spring and fall.  Darlene takes the quilt top and works her magic and turns it into a piece of art.  A couple of months ago we were treated when we received a package from Lynette with a top that needed a border.  Kay added the border and Darlene quilted it.  We knew we just HAD to offer it as a block of the month but couldn't say anything because it was super secret but......the secret's out......look at the quilt on the left side of this photo -- the one with the houses (photo courtesy of Lynette Anderson).

The quilt, Love Letters, is 9 blocks and finishes 60" x 60".  We adore everything Lynette creates so it was difficult to decide exactly what we wanted to offer ..... but we think we made the right choice ...... what do you think?  

Many people are looking for a quick and easy project to give as a gift.  The next project, Jesus Knows Me, is a super quick and easy project.  It finishes 8" x 11".  Your $10.95 kit includes the pattern, fabric from Barbara Brackman's Metropolitan Fair to make the top, binding, and backing.  

Mother's Day is just around the corner (May 12).  You've got time to stitch your mom this pretty piece.  The stitching is done on sandcastle fabric.  Sandcastle looks prequilted and is a little heavier than regular cotton which means it could be difficult to transfer your design......

.........unless you use Transfer Eze.  If you haven't heard of this product, be sure to ask about it next time you're in the shop.  Basically, it's a product which allows transfer onto any fabric but it's especially handy when transfering to dark fabrics, heavy fabrics, or wool.  We'll be happy to give you a demo.

We received our shipment of Primitive Gatherings' new snowman collection.  We wanted all the pieces in the line but much of it looked the same so we opted for fewer bolts so we can buy more of other lines.  Debby's husband built more new shelves just in time for our trip to spring market in Portland.  Wonder if he realizes how much fabric new shelves can hold? 

See you soon!

Darlene and Debby

Sew Graceful Quilting, 14094 Pleasant Ridge Road, Rogers 479-372-7403 (open Tues, Thurs, Sat 9:00-3:00; other hours by appointment)

http://www.sewgracefulquilting.com 

First, we'd like to extend a welcome to all our new readers who signed up during the Q.U.I.L.T. show last week.  To read previous newsletters simply click the link at the bottom of this newsletter.  Once you're at our website, click the Newsletter tab. 

Our copies of the summer issue Primitive Quilts and Projects arrived yesterday.  We're thrilled with how nice Kay's "Butternut" quilt looks in the magazine.  The quilt is made entirely with homespun fabrics so is guaranteed to be soft and snuggly.  The quilt finishes 60 1/2" x 74 1/2".  Kits will be available in a couple of days.  We are waiting on the arrival of 3 fabrics to finish the kits and have been assured they've been put on a quick plane......you know us.....we want to make your kit perfect.  If you preordered the magazine, we've got it in your folder - if you're on the ship list, we'll get it in the mail to you.

Please note the quilt is not scalloped.  Kay took this photo before it was quilted and the fence behind shadowed through.

It's finally almost here!  Remember after fall quilt market we mentioned the new Blackbird Designs book?  It was supposed to be ready in December, then in January, then, then.......well, it's finally almost ready.  We anticipate receiving it mid-May but have been assured it'll be worth the wait.  The feature quilt in "Tending the Garden" is a 9 block quilt (applique - our favorite) in 3 colorways.  It's always interesting to see the same quilt in a different colorway.  The 96 page book also includes rug hooking and cross stitch.  We'll be happy to reserve a copy for you.

We just cannot write a newsletter without sharing a project with you.  We've had this piece in the shop a while but neglected to share it with our newsletter readers.  "Peaceful Garden" by Hatched and Patched (an Australian based designer) is a combination of embroidery, applique, and piecing.  The wall hanging finishes 19" x 14".  Your $27.95 kit includes the pattern, fabric to make the top and binding.  The pattern is available separately for $14.

Here's a closeup of the center.

The Quiltmania spring special edition arrived Friday.  If you're in our automatic program, we've got yours in your folder and if you're in our mailing program, your copy is on the way.  It's another great issue.  We have a few copies left so let us know if we can reserve one for you.

Spring quilt market will be here before we know it.  Kay's working on a couple of quilts for Lynette Anderson (in between preparing for a huge estate sale).  As usual, we will go to market and have scheduled our after market party for May 25.  We're flying to Portland with at least one empty suitcase so we can bring lots of goodies back for our party.  If there's a designer or product or anything you'd like us to check out while we're at market, please let us know.  We have our agenda but your eyes and ears are helpful - wish we could take you with us!

See you soon.

Darlene and Debby

Sew Graceful Quilting, 14094 Pleasant Ridge Road, Rogers 479-372-7403 (open Tues, Thurs, Sat 9:00-3:00; other hours by appointment)

http://www.sewgracefulquilting.com 

First things first.  Quilt shows.....last week we told you about the one hosted by Quilters United in Learning Together (Q.U.I.L.T).  It's Friday and Saturday at the Benton County Fairgrounds, 7640 SW Regional Airport Blvd.  Friday hours are 9-6 and Saturday 9-4.  Free parking and vendors, of course.

We neglected to mention a 2nd, yes 2nd, show in the area.  The Muskogee Area Quilt Guild is holding their show Friday and Saturday at St Paul Methodist Church, 2130 W Okmulgee, Muskogee.  Hours are 9-4 both days.  The show is held annually in conjunction with the Azalea Festival at Honor Heights Park in Muskogee.  Oh yeah, vendors will be there too (at the show - not at Honor Heights Park)!  

Now to even more exciting news.  We WILL be able to get the new Quiltmania books from a US distributor rather than having to buy directly from France.  None of these titles are out yet but it shouldn't be too long.  If you'd like us to reserve a copy, please let us know. 

Many of you are familiar with the Australian designer Di Ford.  She's designed some of the most amazing drop dead gorgeous patterns -- Phebe comes to mind.  The problem with us getting her patterns is the postage cost from Australia - postage is almost as much as the cost of the pattern. 

So, that's one reason we were so excited to learn Di had written a book with Quiltmania.  We can get the book without the excessive postage costs.  Her book is entitled "Primarily Quilts, 19th Century Inspirations".  The cover looks inviting and hints have been dropped that Phebe just might be in the book!  Once we get the book, we are quite sure we will be doing several projects from it...... 

The next new Quiltmania book is authored by Petra Prins and An Moonen.  We've had the privilege of chatting with Petra several times at quilt markets while we all rested our weary bones.  She's a delightful lady.  Her book is entitled "Promenade in a Dutch Garden".  Petra is known for her scrappy quilts using the fabrics we love.  Another one we cannot wait for!

The third, and final, new Quiltmania book is one we told you about several newsletters ago.  "Quilts and Rugs" by Polly Minnick and Laurie Simpson appears to have a combination of both of our favorites:  quilts and rugs.  Judging by the popularity of their Indigyo Crossing line, many of you are drawn to blue and white quilts.   

......and as if that weren't enough Quiltmania excitement......the Spring Special Edition shipped on the 10th so it should arrive any day.  If you're on automatic, we'll hold or mail your copy.  If you're not on automatic and would like a copy, let us know.  These usually don't last long and once we sell out, rarely can we get a second shipment.

As always, let us know if we can reserve any (or all) these treasures for you.

Block of the month update.  We have only 1 opening left in Memories of Christmas Past and Tree Trimming Party.  If you've been on the fence about whether to join either (or both), don't delay.  We won't be doing a second cutting on either.

With getting ready for vending at the quilt show, we've been slightly delayed in mailing the April blocks of the month.  The last shipment will go out no later than Monday, Apr 15.  We realize most of you have other things to work on (insert smile here) but wanted to give you a heads up as to why your mailbox has been empty. 

The shop will be open regular hours Thursday and Saturday.  Darlene and Kay will be minding the booth at the show in Bentonville on Friday.  Hope to see you at one (or both) places!

Darlene and Debby

Sew Graceful Quilting, 14094 Pleasant Ridge Road, Rogers 479-372-7403 (open Tues, Thurs, Sat 9:00-3:00; other hours by appointment)

http://www.sewgracefulquilting.com