June 19, 2009

It is feeling like summer in Wisconsin,  The one thing I hate the most humidity is at it's worst today!  I hope this is not what we have to look forward to all summer long.  The one thing I do love the most about summer is the Patriotic home gear and we do have some really great reproduction pieces that really celebrate our heritage.  We probably have some of the best fabrics we have ever had the prints are very classic and rich and we have had great fun coming up with interesting ways to use them.  You will be seeing a new table topper next week that I know you will love and you can really put it together in less than a day.  This spells quick hostess gift and a great new table topper for your holiday entertaining.  I really like this next project we are calling "The Soldiers Quilt".  Today we are all touched in some way either with an immediate family  member or a close friend we know that is in the our country's  military.  We think this little quilt would make a perfect gift and a great way to show our support for your loved one.  We used Marcus Brothers new American Patriot fabric line and I will be able to show you photos next week. Right now I'm going to give you a look at some of the new home gear you will see if you visit anytime soon.

This is a picture of our newest angel, you can also see our new Honest Abe and George Washington framed prints in the group of pictures, our new houses, carved stars, flag ribbon, and many other really fun good things  you will really enjoy.  Don't forget about "The Flag Day Farm" designer quilt we did up this spring.  Neutral looks great in every decor and really help show off color it's classic and being a panel it goes together fast.  You just let your long arm quilter do her magic it really is a beautiful quilt and you can buy it with or without backing fabric.  Have a wonderful summer weekend!

I bet you have been thinking about and doing some  gardening at your houses this past weekend.  It is really easy to be consumed and carried away by the beautiful plants that are available kind of like fabric.  I picked up some for my outside urn now the trick will be to keep them alive.  I do not necessarily have a green thumb so I tend to use a lot of silk florals in my house they are made to look so real these days you can hardly tell.   We are so excited over this new quilt called "Gettysburg Sun".   The fabrics in this quilt just could not be more perfect for the season and at $54.00 a kit, and an  overall size of 29" x 36" what better way could you possibly  welcome our summer days?   I thought you might like to see the new Fruit Salad Watermelon pincushions.  We have kits available and the pattern sells for $9.00.  The pattern includes a great big old strawberry pattern too.  I like the idea of a bowl full.  Notice the urn with the lavender and the old reproduction gardeners planting screen in the photo at the top left of this page.  We have some great silks in the shop as well as other gardening folkart you might enjoy.  The quilt pictured is "Herb Baskets" from Country Threads we have this kitted.  We have some great folkart bird houses and several different lanterns that you are seeing being used everywhere in all the catalogs .  The lanterns are great for indoor or outdoor entertaining you may be doing over the summer.  Glass domes have been popular, urns are also a good choice and the white tulips, lavender, rosemary, paper whites, and clover look great anywhere.   In this picture you can see Emma's quilt hanging, the soft plaids and stripes make a great girl quilt and the nice thing about this is the patchwork is a panel we just added the borders to give it a polished finished pieced look.  If you have a grand daughter going off to college in the fall this would be perfect.  We have Michael's quilt for a guy in rich dark browns too.  We just got in Marcus Brothers new Regency and basics today.  Yummy for sure!  To your left you will see "Gentle Grace" our newest Worn &Loved  quilt it measures out to 72" x 84".  We are cutting the kits this week, the cost is $130.00 for the kit and the pattern is $8.00.  

There is one other quilt I have neglected to get a good photo of for you.  Gwen made up this quilt and the pattern is packaged with the kit as it comes to you via the Quilters Newsletter.  Barbara Brackman is the designer and it is called "Civil War Crossing", the quilt measures 68 x 78 and the kit is $93.00.  If you love the great old bubblegum pinks this is a quilt you will enjoy piecing.

It's a new Schnibbles pattern from Miss Rosie called Tuffets.  You will love how Suzanne used the Marcus Brothers Indigo and Honey fabrics when she sewed them together.    They are all really stunning I think you will need a bowl full for sure.  The Treenware tray pitured would work great and sells for $41.50.   Think what great gifts they would make for your quilting friends.   These are going to make you twitter for sure.  It could surely be a great Happy Mother's Day too. and the little love handle scissors would also be a good choice.  The kits sell for $25.95 and include the pattern, backing everything you need.  The scissors sell for $12.00.

It has been awhile since you have seen some new quilt candy so before it is all sold out I'm going to show you some new quilts we took to Quilt Festival.  First my favorite, "George".  I look at this quilt and know it will be an heirloom someday.  This quilt is 64 x 66 and the kit sells for $110.00.  The pattern is ours and sells for $8.50.  He is very handsome.  You can see our "Reach for the Stars" on the bed. Do you know it is the poison green fabric that makes this quilt so good.  The drab old stars are also good but that green is awesome.  This quilt is 66 x 70.  It is also one of our pattern and it sells for $8.50, and the kit is $78.00.

Another very popular quilt is Savannah we did this quilt up in a soft, subtle palette that can be put pretty much anywhere.  It is a great size 80 x 107, the pattern is a Bonnie Blue and sells for $12.00, the kit is $132.00.    You will notice I have Maggie's White Flower pillow done and sitting on the bed, we have kits for $16.95 you will love the fabric I used in this kit.  This is a pattern from "With These Hand".  There are so many patterns I want to make up from this book I better get going because her new book will be out in September 2009.  If you have not gotten this book yet it is one of the best and only $25.95.  The last quilt pattern I'm going to put up today is again one of ours, it sells for $9.50 and we named it "I Declare" because it has the Declaration of Independence as a focal in the middle.  The wall quilt size is 44 x 44  or you could use it as a table topper depending on your space as a bonus we have added a great flag table runner in the same pattern.  We only have a few runner kits left but we have made more quilt kits up this week.  The kit is $35.00.

I promised I would bring you some new Spring Home Gear to think about this week.  I have been working on new vignettes in the shop so here's some new eye candy I think you might find of interest.   The little quilt in the background is the Windham Sampler I have told you about over the past few weeks and it is finally done.  It is 33"x 40" has the ever popular gray blues and browns in it and the kit sells for$51.00.  The pattern is $8.00.  This is a great companion to our Union Sampler pictured on this page you may want to think about them both.  You will also notice one of our new Bethany Lowe pieces of folkart .  Easter Egg Delivery is a wonderful piece and has been popular, the cost is $70.00.  If you do an old Easter tree you will love the beeswax ornies, there is a rabbit, old chick and lamb, the cost is$3.25.  The girls have loved the Meadow Birds Transferware.  The platter is $28.50 and the bowl is $45.00. both pieces are dishwasher safe great and could be just perfect serving pieces for spring and summer gatherings.  I think the subtle soft blue is a bit unique.  I'm going to point out the unique raised serving tray the bowl is sitting on.  It is very sturdy but looks like old twigs and it also has an old bird that you can't see but trust me it is there and you will like it.   I feel the selling point on this item is the idea of it being raised and you are doing a buffet luncheon it will just be perfect.  The cost is$41.25.  This year you are going to be seeing domes used in every capacity, to showcase folkart and serving.  We have three sizes of the galvanized serving pedestals from 7 - 9 inches and ranging from $25.00 - $35.00.  The glass domes come in all shapes and sizes and range in price from $22.50 to $52.00.  I have to tell you we have a beautiful pedestal cream serving bowl for $45.00 that I can just see you getting a lot of use out of.  The one you see pictured is full of match boxes I was so excited to find these as I have bee buying ones like them from Pottery Barn for several years.  They look so nice sitting out and have  long sticks so you so don't get burnt.  The boxes have very cool covers, old olive branches, bird nests, and old letters.  The cost is only$3.25 and I think it is also a nice little hostess gift.  That is all I for this week. 

This has been a pretty exciting week for us as we have one of our samplers from the shop featured in the April Country Living magazine.  This is a true folkart sampler and when I stitched it I new it was one I would never grow tired of.  I love those kind of samplers and when Sarah called me from Country Living last fall to ask about it I was delighted she chose our shop because we carry a great selection of Folkart handwork patterns, and home decor.  This is a great opportunity for us and I hope it will drive new folks to our website and acquaint  them with our services and style.  We are offering the "Alphabet Sampler"  to you kitted on either 30 count hand dyed linen, packaged with over dyed Weeks threads, the pattern and a needle for $30.00.  ****

FYI:  On 3-16-09 it was brought to our attention that we need 3 Caper threads, that 2 were not going to be enough enough, so we are adding this to all new orders.  The threads are $2.00 so you will notice a change in the amount you are being charged.  I'm sorry for this inconvenience, I stitched this back in 99 and if I did need more caper I have long forgotten it, we were trusting the pattern directions.  So call if you need more caper we will have to charge you the thread cost but ship it NC..

The store just keeps getting better every week as more and more spring merchandise arrives.  This week we have two new quilts I think you are going to love.  We have finally been able to finish "Reach for the Stars" which was our 4th and last quilt in our 25 series. It is so perfect for your spring decor we have to pinch ourselves.  This quilt is 66" x 70", the kit sells for $78.00 and the the pattern is $8.50.  I can't wait for you to see it.  Next our Gwen finished "Country Lanes", it is 54"x 54".  The kit is $75.00 and the pattern is $8.00.  I can't think of any better looking quilt for Easter, it is stunning and looks like colored eggs.  Lastly you will be thrilled with our new Beach House Fat Quarter pack these were our favorites, only 6 fabrics for $16.00.   Enjoy a photo of our egg shaped Rabbit Boards, they are only $10.00 and look  really old.  The spring flowers are blooming everywhere there are eggs under glass domes Spring is definitely right around the corner.  What a fresh breath of springtime this is for us.  I'm kind of one of those girls that love beautiful plants but can't seem to keep them alive so our colorful and green accents are just right and fit my busy crazy schedule.

Spring is coming even though it seems to keep snowing.  The good thing is it doesn't last too long, today it is 40 degrees and tomorrow it will rain and they are predicting snow again.  In the meantime the shop is beginning to make the welcome transformation most of us are longing for with  green wispy foliage, rabbits, eggs, urns, and paper whites.  We have also gotten in several great new lamps, with beautiful linen fabric shades.  If you have been looking for new lighting options you may want to stop by to see what's new.  Our newest spring quilt is called "Herb Baskets".   The pattern is from Country Threads it sells for $8.00 .   We are really thrilled over the kit, we used a great Japanese fabric for the border, it is priced at $86.00.  This quilt is a nice size to display at 52" x 64".   You can also see our last 25 quilt called "Reach for the Stars" hanging but we are still waiting for our green fabric to come in to complete the kits so with a little luck we will be seeing it very soon.  The little board eggs with rabbits on them are really fun and have been selling like crazy because the price is so right @ $10.00. I've already ordered more. You might be in the market for a new old looking sewing box, you can see ours has 9 drawers that could hold lots of threads and needfuls.  This was shown in the last Country Living, the cost is $110.00.  You can see one of our urns, it is light weight and very easy to handle and looks so great with lavender.  The quilt is Belle Meade.  I hope you enjoy a little spring and can plan a get-away soon.    

"My Heart Is True"  is the newest Blackbird Designs book for stitchers.  We love it and have already ordered linens to stitch models.  The book is full of small, simple designs and Barb and Alma have embraced and introduce you to a new designer from Milan Italy, Nicoletta Farrauto.  I know right now that this is going to be a book your will treasure, the color photos are so peaceful and inspiring. I am picturing several projects so you can get a good feel for the book you will want to own.  I think it could just be a Happy Valentine's Day to you!  The cost is$24.00.  This is a Flock of Birds stitched on Weeks 28 count gingham linen, light grey/straw you are also going to love  Garden Gems Pinkeep box, the Humble Pinkeep is so simple but so precious, and the Friends with You project book would be fun to make.

Look what's new this week!!  Our "Union Sampler" wall quilt  is all done, it is 33 x 40,  and we love it.  I think the scallop border is the frosting that sets off the 12  5" pieced blocks.  The kit sells for $46.50. The pattern is a Clothesline Quilts pattern and is $8.00.  I think you will enjoy the piecing and these cold days we have been having are great sewing days. Coming soon a companion called the  "Windham Sampler" in teals, beige and browns.  You may want to do both because the blocks are totally different in the 2nd quilt.

"Belle Meade" is our new quilt kit.  We are all in love with Belle.  It surely is all of  the fabrics we used that compliment the pattern but the border fabric used on the setting triangles is the homerun.  It is just the perfect fabric for this quilt.   We love to use a signature fabric to make our  quilts special.   The pattern is by Bonnie Blue and sells for $10.00.  Belle is 70 x70 and the kit is $140.00.  The size of this quilt gives you options for hanging and using it as a table topper.  I love the warmth you feel as you look at this quilt and just imagine using it as a table topper, setting your table with antique or new creme or brown dishes and using one of our new Green centerpiece ideas we will be showing for Spring.  It is a good thing.

Can you believe it?  It is 2009 and the days are already flying by us.  This week we have a couple of new projects we are marketing..  First  a really neat little wall quilt which we will frame as soon as it gets back from the quilter.  Please note it is not in the frame yet is quilted.  It is approximately 17 x 21, I used wool instead of doing needle turn applique and we all think it turned out just great and it went together in an evening. The kit is priced at $32.00 and the book with the pattern is 12.00.    There are several neat little Valentine gifts that you can also make in this book.  We hope to get a couple done up by next week to show off.  This is "Pinney and Pa", the pattern is $9.00 and the kit makes a 82" x 82" quilt the kit sells for $143.50.  This is such a great quilt and the colors are perfect for the season but pink and brown is one of those color combinations that is always good.  You will find a wonderful splash of a fresh lemon grass color that is the zinger we love in this quilt.  Selma made this quilt and said it went together quite easily.

Baby Lil  is back from the quilter and getting bound.  Our pattern is revised and ready to go as well. The kit is $62.55 and the pattern sells for $8.50.

 As you will see from the photo the quilt is gender friendly and will go into any decor.   The pattern is a square in a square.  If you need a great quilt that looks old and cherished I think this might be the quilt you have been looking for.  We did a simple cross hatch to finish it and I think it works well with the pattern.

On my weekly email this week I talk about a great new quilt that is easy to make up called "Hotcakes" it's made out of warm, snuggly flannel plaids we ordered at market.  We love the look, it is throw that would be perfect in any family room, den, or dorm because the colors are just right.  It is not bright at all.  We do like to keep our college kids warm and it's definitely winter so the timing is right!  You might just be able to still get it made up before Christmas!!  HO! HO! HO!

I'm going to put up a few more Christmas photos that will reference my weekly email.  I really have love the little balsam fir trees we have in the shop and it seems every time I open a magazine I see them being used in the holiday homes.  They are beautiful on tables, on mantles, clustered together by the front door really just anywhere.  I like putting them in urns, baskets, boxes the possibilities are endless and they look wonderful on the kitchen counter, by the fireplace, in a bath or on there own. I really love our Juniper garlands and wreaths, there is nothing like beautiful greens for the holidays.  Today they look so real all you need is a Christmas Tree candle and people think they are real.  Time to trim the house.  I'm just going to put up a few photos so you can visualize the trees, check out Country Living magazine for December, they used two on a holiday table and the  Pottery Barn wish books along with many others are also showing them this year.   The large trees are 25inches and sell for $52.00, the small trees are 10 inches and sell for $26.00.  It is time to deck the halls I thought this might be something you might want to consider.

  Just a little preview from Blackbird's newest release "When The Cold Wind Blows".  The house that was photographed was Ginger Schraders and just by luck there was a new dusting of snow the day it was done.  If you love Blackbirds style this is a book you will want to own for $25.95.  I'm already looking at several of the quilts and dreaming of some wonderful wool projects. The book has beautiful holiday quilts ideas personally the one called Holly and Mistletoe is one of my favorites.

I am going to put a few pictures in of our Boxwood and Berries Gathering this past week.  It was sooooo- great and we did have a folk-artist dream team with Maggie and Stacy!!  The bonus for me was a wonderful class.  We are very blessed by our customer base and this weekend really brought that front and center.  Our students came all the way from Michigan, Illinois, Missouri, Idaho, Montana, and Stacy is from Indianapolis, Indiana, and Maggie is from Lexington, Missouri.  2 of our students are missing from this photo.    The next photos are from the With These Hands Trunk show Maggie shared with us on Friday evening and it is already on route to International Quilt Festival in Houston.  Plans are already on the table for next year and I think after this year you will want to start planning your getaway with us right away.  Watch events for details.  Stacy introduced her new book "A Simply Early Christmas", it is quite adorable full of stitcheries, recipes and decorating ideas.  22 pages and the cost is $20.00.  I think you will want to get yours ordered right away.

We have had the big reveal of the 3rd quilt in our 25 series.    "Chain of Friendships" is my favorite of them all.  I think you will feel the same way about it when you see it.  Vickie is the designer, she has sewn it, quilted it and wrote our pattern.  She has done us all proud!!!  It seemed like this day was so far away when the year began and here we are only 2 days away.  There are limited numbers on this kit, we have made 48 and many have been reserved so if you like it call us right away.  Remember you can win some great prizes, we have some great deals on fabric, quilt kits, and frames  and we will have another model sale in the garage on Saturday too.

I promised to add a few new pictures of Halloween and Fall gear last week but just have not gotten to it yet but think you might enjoy seeing a few of the neat new stuff I mentioned.  There are many great candles this year, Trick or Treat Blocks to tuck on shelves, wreaths, Jack-o-lanterns, pumpkins, quilts to make, wool projects,, punch needle that you will really enjoy and several new cross stitch patterns to add some spice to you fall decor.  We think this little cross stitch called Tricks & Treats is pretty fun it is a With Thy Needle pattern and sells for $9.00.  We also just got a new La D Da  in called "Something wicked"  It is a great old witches shoe, she also has another new one we will want to get done up called "All Our Troubles".  These patterns are $8.00 and will be in the shopping cart this week.  Still waiting on a few other new offerings so check back for more new goodies. 

 Boughs of Pomegranates is one of our favorite new quilts it uses several Japanese prints and  has a great deal of wool appliqué' handwork.  It's pretty stunning, I hope you love it.  Suzanne finished "Abigail's Gowns" and "Hookers Hat-patch".  What  sweet Carol Hopkins patterns these are.  We used the Marcus Vicksburg fabrics for Abigail and a great shop mix was used on Hookers.  The kit for Abigail's Gowns retails for $35.00 and The kit for Hookers Hat-patch sells for $48.50. The patterns are $8.00.  These are great reproduction patterns done up in our reproductions fabrics.     

We finally have the Lori Smith #9 you frame it kits finished. Binding is included for $32.95.  The pattern is $9.00.  This is going to be a wonderful set of small quilts to tuck about and use for the holidays.  Greenery and berries are just what it's calling for and you can have them framed and finished in time to impress your guests.

"Dutch Treat" is a new quilt we have just gotten back from the quilter.  The pattern is an Open Gate pattern designed by Monique Dillard and it uses a great Fit to be Square ruler that has also been designed by Monique.  We love this quilt!  We used Windham's Williamsburg fabric line, the kit is $132.00, pattern $8.00, and the ruler is under $20.00.  This quilt measures 62" x 79", it's definitely a good thing if you love the reproduction prints!

Girls Night out is done!!!  We love the Halloween prints especially the gold witches and traditional colors in this years quilt.    The pattern we used is a pattern  from Evelyn Sloppy's 40 fabulous quilts book.  The book is a bible, we use it often, and these days to get 40 great quilts in one book for $29.95 is a value you can't ignore.  Our kit is $90.00 and includes the binding.  It is 63"x 84".  Grab your booms girls and let's get sewing so it is ready for the season.

We just got another *NEW book this one is from Need'l Love Company, it is not a thread book but a really good quilt book with handwork and necessaries from thread designers.  Maggie even has a neat design in it.  The book is called "Meadow Sweet Home", it sells for $25.00 and I know you will find it well worth it.  We have also fat quartered up the new Vicksburg prints. Yummy! Our  fat quarter bundle has 1-1/2 yards of fabric and sells for $26.00.  You will be seeing these fabrics in a new Carol Hopkins quilt kit called Abigail's Gowns.  New Jo Morton book expected yet this week.  It is really GOOD!!!  Watch for a picture and information.

Look what just can in the door today!!  Maggie's Book is here and it is so wonderful I can't imagine anyone that would not want to own it.  We are so pleased on the cover you will see the wall mural Maggie painted in our 2nd Story and the beautiful runner on the fireplace the shop girls had Maggie make up for me for my Christmas present.  Wow!!! Then I look inside and see a wonderful tribute from Maggie.  I have encouraged Maggie to share  her talent it is rare, unique and from her heart!!  I don't think it can get any better than that.  We love Maggie's style, it fits us and her club is a testament to her popularity in our shop.  The book has 19 primitive projects for your home and just so you know the photography was done in her home.  What a treat!  I present for your approval

"With these hands"!

Don't you just love this bird pillow?  I'm sure we will have to kit these for the shop once I get a chance to study them a little more.  The cost of the book is$25.95. and we will ship it out to you right away.    We also got in the newest Blackbird Designs book called "In Full Bloom" today.  It is another must have book and the cost is also $25.00.   With all of this good stuff going on we have been screaming with glee all day long and it's only Monday.  I can finally sit down and just start to go through them so it will be a late night but oh so satisfying to take in two of my favorite designers best efforts.  I can't wait to hear from you.  We will put up more pictures this week from both books.

We also have a Stone and Thread Punch Needle Trunk Show in until August 4th.  I think you will enjoy seeing the creative ways you can finish your projects.

Selma has the Summit Square quilt all bound.  I couldn't wait to share a photo of this beauty.  It is a queen size quilt and truthfully we do not do too many this size but customers are always asking us to so here it is.  The thing about this quilt again is the warm fabric choices in turkey reds, tans, browns and blacks.  We used a new Jo Morton Yorktown print for the outside border that just completes this quilt.  It has a black background with all over stylized tan stars.  What a beauty!  The kit sells for $171.50 and the pattern is $8.50.

 Let me see where to start I need to give you some great new eye candy.   I will try and picture just a few new patterns that might be of interest that have come in over the past week and also tell you we just got in the new Andover Jo Morton Toast fabrics and Windham's Coverlet 2 .  Primitivebettys is a new cross stitch company.  I have pictured the Blue Tulip, 1836 Spring Tyme Sampler and Friends Sampler.  The Friends Sampler is our newest Primitive Club offering.  Patterns sell for $10.00.

  Stacy Nash also has new designs, Emma & her Pony Sewing Roll, Tulip Sewing Book, Early Style Alphabet Pillow Pinkeep, and Letters Scissor Pouch.  You will also notice some adorable heart scissors in the heart pouch that will be coming in this next week along with a cute little scissor called the Putford.  We will try to get them both pictured so you can see them.   Stacy's patterns are also $10.00.

We do love all of the new fabrics that have come in and I will get them pictured for you to look at by next week. The Toast fabric line has 16 sku's  and we will be putting them into fat quarter packs and if you would like we will do a 1/2 yard pack just call us and it will be done.  We are also excited over the Coverlet fabric line.  If you loved the quilt we did with the first line last year for our open house I know you will be just as excited over this one so watch our site for details.   If you were not one of the lucky ones to get this neat quilt you will have anther chance.

  Linda from Chessie and Me has a great new summer sampler.  It is called "Where Stitching Leads" and is in her designer series packaged with the linen for $18.00.

  We are liking a new Punch Needle pattern from With they Needle and Thread called "Flag Day".  It uses the Valdani 3 strand ovdyed threads and the printed pattern sells for $12.00.  We are also going to have the primitive paddles made up so you can finish  yours like the model.  If you are in the market for a new Market Tote bag we think we have found the perfect pattern for you it is 16 1/2 h x 14 1/2 w and the pattern is $8.00.  We may just decide to offer this tote as a class.  If you are interested please give us a call.  Virginia Cole's galloping pony studio patterns are pretty exciting.  We have her new 4 books and 2  of her individual patterns.  Quilt Study is a collage of miniature pieced quilt art.  This piece is framed uses the quilt study blocks, and vintage papers and photos.  The pattern is $10.00 and the books are all $15.00.   Oh Christmastime, My Quilting Friends, Hey Nonny Nonny, and Family Days are the four book titles and each book has about of the neatest projects you could ever imagine.

More new quilts are  getting done this week.   A new favorite is Dandelion Days made out of Moda's  Fig Tree fabric line.  It is fresh as the summer day with grass green stripes and urban prints, soft dandelion yellows in twills and searscker stripes, and a wonderful earthy soft brown.  The quilt is 72" x 86" and the kit sells for $99.50.  The pattern is a rail fence with an hourglass at the intersections it is one of the shop girls designs and it sells for $8.50.  We also have great back packs and small zippered bags out of the same fabrics.  This quilt would make a great picnic quilt, you could fill your back pack with treats and enjoy a great lazy summer afternoon or put it on a little iron bed your summer porch.  This quilt was in the a  parade home and I just got a new picture for you and I will also give you a little close up.

You might be interested in our new Japanese fat quarter packs.  The colors and small fabric prints make these fabrics very appealing for your quilting projects.   the pack on the left is considered pack 1.  The fat quarter packs pictured each have 4 3/4 yards in them and they sell for $52.75.  We also have a 1 3/4 yard pack of just sweet little I need to have background prints that sells for $19.99.  The pack pictured on the right is pack number 2.     

We have just put together some wonderful patriotic projects.  "25 Vintage Summer Stars" is completed.  The quilt is 74" x 78", the kit is $124.00, and the pattern is one of ours and $8.50.  We really love this quilt and we feel it is a perfect summer project for a confident quilter.  This quilt would look just perfect on a summer porch or white iron bed.  By the way if you get Country Home magazine be sure to look at Polly Minnick's home featured in the July issue.  It's very patriotic and full of great photos and ideas for quilters, collectors and rug hookers.  Polly and her sister designed the Prairie Paisley fabric line for Moda  We have also come up with an absolutely great summer table topper idea using a navy Moda Prairie Paisley woven. Then we sewed our flag bunting on to the woven to create the drop on our topper.  We made ours to fit the neatest vintage Bistro table and chair set we are selling in the shop.  It is made out of recycled wood and has a great sturdy metal frame.  The table and 2 chairs are sold separately.  What a great table for your outdoor patio or sunroom.  We topped ours with some of our cream colored stoneware dishes, added the bird on the ball and we are ready for summer entertaining.

More new quilts have been added to the shop this past week.  Selma just finished "Burning the Midnight Oil" a pattern byPrimitives By Lynda.  It is a very dramatic quilt, only 59 x 59 and made mostly from Jo Morton's Jamestown fabrics.  The kit sells for $98.50 and the pattern is $10.00.

You will notice a great quilt hanging in the background that quilt is "Kay's Quilt" made entirely out of homespuns.  It is one of the neatest quilts and could be contemporary or I think it really goes well with antiques.  I hated to bring it back after I had it all washed and dried because it looked great in my house.  This quilt is 64 x 64, it is one of our patterns and the kit sells for $126.25.  This quilt was also in my daughters parade house this summer.  We are busy building more new quilts for summer so don't miss anything. 

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The "Civil War Dressing Gown" fabrics from Marcus (designed by Judie Rothermel) just arrived today.  We have made fat quarters from the ten different designs, the cost is $24.95. I also am loving several of the Blackbird "Madera" prints, we have found that we have been able to use them repeatedly in holiday quilts.  

 Below are a few of the quilt kits we currently have in the Country Sampler.

  The shop is always brimming with inspiration and all new products for the upcoming seasons. We will look forward to your visit!  An extra incentive please remember we have retreat rooms above the shop that sleep 7.  There are photos on our web-site of our Second Story call for availability.

Please look at our website and plan a destination visit.  Weekend with us at our 2nd Story and get as excited about quilting as we are.

Piece Out!!!

  Jeanne and The Sampler Staff