Happy Earth Day!!

Yes, today is Earth Day. I remember being a Girl scout and going to an empty lot to clean up and collect aluminum cans to recycle for Earth Day. Today, I do my part in lots of tiny ways every day. Paper rather than plastic, or better yet a fabric bag, re-using plastic before I recycle it, sending empty bolt holders and boxes to the recycle center, walking to work when the weather permits and my favorite way to recycle, scrap quilts. These can range from traditional to very contemporary. Recycled materials can be a big part of your quilts if you think about it. Even the elegant Crazy quilts are chock full of re cycle and reuse possibilities. Old and found beads and buttons, bits of trims and fabrics and more can all be used. (while I am on the subject, Crazy Quilt Club meets this Saturday- from 10-1!! now for three hours)

I want to say thank you to those of you who acted quickly and have already donated nine patch blocks for Sean Murphy. We will be having a sew in at Apple Blossom Festival on May 10. You can come in and make a block. I will have volunteers on hand to help and instruct if needed, bring a friend who would like to learn a versatile and basic quilt block. We will have some machines, and fabrics. It's an opportunity to bring joy to a sick young man, teach a friend to quilt, and use up some scraps. We have plenty but if you want to donate feel free. I am even working on a tutorial video for the web so you can get the demo at home too.

This Saturday, the Crazy Quilters will be happy to know that the new Bead Gravies are the special. These mixes of glass beads are designed for the needleworker who needs a few of many kinds of beads that coordinate in color. They are wonderful and will be a regular part of our inventory. You will love these if you are hungry for some sparkle on your quilts. They are 10% off.

There are lots of events coming, The Peach Basket workshop is all day on Wednesday. We have the baskets, be sure that you have quilted your one yard of fabric ahead of time. Bring a lunch, or use one of our local eateries, I have menus for many of them so you can call ahead to order if you want.

The Magic Vine workshop is going to be fabulous. See the sample in the photo!! This is a wall hanging, but the book has instructions for everything from a three block runner to a queen size bed quilt. Lots of wonderful options allow you to really make this one your own while keeping the feeling of the project. Diane Johnson will help you achieve this creative and wonderful project. The dates are May 19, June 2,and June 16, from 10-1. Come on in for materials lists and to get registered. If you want to scallop the border for this piece or any other, take the scalloped binding workshop with Nancy Schakleton on May 14. Shaped bindings are easier than you might think and once you know how you will add them to many designs. Enjoy the beatiful weather and walk somehwere today, then go use some scraps in honor fo Earth Day. See you soon.