The More the Mary-er!

If we had to list the one question that comes up more than any other, it would be this:

"What classes do you have for the beginning quilter?"

The truth is ... we have always had and will always have a plethora of such classes. But this time around we think we hit upon the perfect combination to take you from amateur status to pro in three perfect classes. You will also come away with a quilt that looks suspiciously like the one in the photo above ... a quilt that you have crafted personally from start to finish. Pay attention because the first of these is coming up this week and you need to be a-dialin'. Uh ... read first, then dial.

On this Thursday the 25th from 6-9 in the evening, Mary F. will teach Part One where you will learn rotary cutting, 1/4" seams, piecing and how to follow a pattern.

On Thursday, April 8th from 6-9, Mary L. will teach Part Two where you will learn how to assemble the quilt sandwich and learn some free-motion quilting.

On Thursday, April 22nd from 6-9, Mary S. will teach Part Three where you will learn how to bind your quilt and make a label for it.

Now that's a lot of learnin' and a lot of Mary(s) and a lot of fun.

You may now begin dialing.
(602-553-8350)

Iwana Keeps her Promise!

Here for your viewing pleasure are pictures of the new fabrics, as promised from the email today. (Not on our email list? Shame on you. Give us a call and correct that this instant!) Pictured above is "My Mind's Eye" by Riley Blake Designs. I swear this has been in the store less than a week. I realize you wouldn't know that because ...

... yep, Stephanie has already put together this boffo, bright quilt which is no longer just in her mind's eye -- it's alive and well for all to see.

These happy bolts are also from Riley Blake -- "Rainy Days and Mondays" to be exact. And contrary to popular belief they will never "get you down."*

Last but not least are these luscious beauties from Studio e, called "Gabrielle". You need to cut some of these up. Then, you'll have your work cut out for you.

* This is a reference to a Carpenter's song from the mid-70's. If you are too young to see that, then please give up your seat to someone who does.

Let's get Take-Out tonight!!

These elegant, creative, and unusual cards can be yours to give (or keep, seriously, you might want to keep some) when ...

you combine your magical Bernina embroidery machine with this combo from Embroidery Take-Out.

Let's be honest, pizza in a cardboard box or some cold chow-mein noodles could never do this much for your social standing or your self esteem.

Bee Ribboned

Step #1: Pick some ribbons ... any ribbons from the BC Tower O' Ribbons.

Step #2: Sign up for Diane's B-Ribboned BC Bag this Friday, March 12 from 10-2.

Step #3: Gloat.

Definitely worth more than two in a bush ...

Take a look at this book!

It's not just any book. It's Renee Plains' new book ... hot off the presses and on our book racks.

Renee is a local designer who is known, well, just about everywhere. Her work is authentic and comforting and for beginners and long-timers alike.

And please ... birds ... don't you just love 'em??

If the Quilt Police do exist, they need to hear about this ...

Oh my goodness! Some people (that would be Mary L. and Claudia D., respectively) have been busy little bees this last week. Both of them chose to whip up some goodies using the aforementioned "Gerta" fabric by Marcia Derse. Both of them get A's for fine craftsmanship and ... speeding tickets for putting the [sewing machine] pedal to the metal.

Do these people never sleep? You may recognize Mary's pattern as the same one in her O My Stars! quilt (to be taught on April 10th from 10-2) and since Claudia is stepping in for her friend Sandee to teach the Zip 'n Go Tote Bag this Saturday from 10-4, she decided to make her own sample. I would be more angry/jealous if they weren't both so darned cute.

Hmmph.

Brightening my spirits are these lovely batiks from Avlyn. In just one cut of fabric you get several different options. The possibilities for using them are endless and I have no doubt that someone from the store will do just that.

Check back in a couple of minutes.

Sunglasses: Optional

Here, as promised is the entire line of "Gerta" by Marcia Derse (for Troy's Riverwoods Collection) in all of it's glory.

The colors ... the simple yet intriguing patterns ... the fabriliciousness of it all ...

You know you want some.

Go ahead and just admit it.

What's green and black and bright all over?

Is there anything more exciting than completing your very first quilt?! I don't think so. Just ask Lovella, Staff Extraordinaire who came to us quite unaware of how to sew at all and now she has this delightful green and black beauty to show for all her hours of learning and perserverance and ...

... JOY. Seriously, you cannot deny the absolute joy on her face and just want to absorb some for yourself.

Oh, go ahead. Lovella has quite enough to spread around. Now take some time to reflect upon your first quilt and drop us a comment about it so that we can feel some of your joy too.

Aaah ... first love. Ain't it grand??

Through the Looking Glass

In the email a couple of weeks ago, I asked you to drive by the store and see our fabulous new window decor. Since then I have worried that traffic jams may have been instigated as a result of my advice. In the name of highway safety, I offer forth this picture.

Diane's daughter Allison did all the exquisite art work ... including designing a font just for us. And that's just part of what we mean by "State of the art FUN!"

Feel free to come in and participate in the revelrie on the other side of the glass.

With love,

Iwana

We're Baaaaaaaaccccckkk!!!!

Please get over the fact that this is not only two years past our last post, but also in an entirely separate decade. We're over it and you can be too. But we want the word out that we are hip and happenin' and we are a blogging machine. The picture above is of a sewing machine, just in case you were confused.

We sell sewing machines and a whole lot of other magical stuff.

Stop by and see us in the store and please stop by our blog and leave us a comment. We love, love, love your comments. We live for your comments.

We are sorry we took so long to join this party. Now ... let's celebrate!

Love, Iwana