Village Fabric Shoppe

Snow closing proceedures

2012-01-20T13:42:00.002-05:00

This blog is moving, It is now attached to the website at www.villagefabricshoppe.com In the meantime, store policy is that if the Red Hook Schools are closed or delayed we will reschedule class. If class is on the weekend, we will post on the new blog, and try to call or email those on the list - so be sure that if you are planning on attending we have your name, phone and email on the list.

Rail Fence

2012-01-13T10:59:00.002-05:00

This blog will soon be closing, the new one is attached to the revamped website at www.villagefabricshoppe.com Please check in there for updates to club pages, workshop supply lists and more. If you like what you see please bookmark us, subscribe to the blog, or find Diana Louie on facebook and friend her. The blog is networked there so weekly updates will show up on her wall.

In the meantime, The Rail Fence workshop will begin on Tuesday, the seventeenth, from 10-1. There is still room for you to sign up so please do.

Starting up 2012

2012-01-06T14:47:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow is the very first meeting of the New Block of the Month, Beautiful Valley, and I am so excited. We have a really nice group and it promises to be the most fun one we have done yet. Coloring and stitching by hand are so relaxing and good for stress relief I could have called this one Beautiful Therapy. If you want to join us show up tomorrow at 9 am and we can get you in. For only $10.00 per session, we are a whole lot cheaper than real Therapy too. Just for the record I am not a licensed therapist, but I am a certified Art Teacher, and truthfully that is close.

The Handstitchers will meet on Tuesday and work on finishing things, and on Thursday, Heartstrings workshop has its first session. Please refer to the workshops tab for supply lists and be ready for class with the correct items.

Lastly, but perhaps most significantly, our new website has gone live. This one says much more about who we are and what we do than the older, outdated one. I can update this myself so you will not have to deal with incorrect information any more. In the process of doing this Internet work, I have been able to also incorporate a blog at the same address. Yes, it does mean that this one will be transferred over fairly soon, and you may need to resubscribe with the new URL, but I believe that this transition will be better for all of us. www.villagefabricshoppe.com is the ONE address you need. Once there, pages for all our activities, workshops, clubs and events are listed for you to simply click on, and we will be developing more as we need to. The blog is there too, listed as weekly blog, and you can subscribe there just like you did to this one, you can leave comments, check on things like snow closings and keep up with what is new. The blog posts are networked to facebook too, so you can get the updates that way if it is better for you. Here's to lots of great new things is 2012

Are you ready for 2012?

2011-12-30T13:09:00.003-05:00

It is going to be an exciting year! Lots of new things going on, not least of which is the New Block of the Month beginning on January 7. More on that in a minute, but I thought I'd show you some of the new buttons that have come in, isn't that sheep cute? For scale the real wood button is an inch across, and they are sitting on a crazy quilt from the 1950's that I have been stabilizing for a customer. It has some really fun fabrics in it, but only one seam is embroidered. The customer has some additional blocks, so the maker may have intended to do more. I don't know why it was not finished.

Ok, back to the new programs, Beautiful Valley, our new BOM, begins Saturday January 7, at 9 am. If you have already signed up, you will be getting an email reminder and overview, if not, you still can join us, a quick phone call or email will put you on the list, we can take care of the rest when you come in. There is more information on the whole project on the Beautiful Valley page here.

Other new and exciting things are in store for you in 2012 too: We have a series of pillow cover projects that focus on machine quilting patterns, and a selection of fabric and stitch "Therapy" projects over the course of the year. The hand stitcher's Club has decided that the second Tuesday of the month is a better time for all of them, and so, the first Tuesday is available for a new program, Art Play Days. These are just hints, over the next few weeks I will introduce these programs in more detail but for now, there is lots of information on the pages here, spend some time and drop us a email or call to reserve your place. Happy New Year!!

Holiday Happenings

2011-12-22T16:45:00.007-05:00

The Holidays are upon us, Hanukkah has begun, we have gotten through the longest night of the year, and Christmas is only days away. I finished the last homemade gift last night, are you done yet? We will be closed from the 24th to the 27th. I am sure that you will all want to know that from the 28th-31st, all holiday merchandise and dated materials like calendars and show guides are 30% off, so if you get a gift certificate, you may want to get here then, not to mention that I have some great new books, and a shipment of fun buttons, some practical, some not, but really cute.

Did you see the article in the Almanac yesterday about the Red Hook Quilt? ( page 18, I found my copy inside the Kingston Times) The top is now finished and will be shipped to our quilter next week. I will put a good photo on the appropriate page as soon as I take one. Dear Hubby will help since he shoots artwork all the time. I am pleased with the outcome and can't wait to see what the quilting will do for it.

The new workshops for January are also listed, Rail Fence is a great followup to Lets Get Started, or a quick project for a more experience quilter. If you haven't played with this pattern, you should. Heartstrings, is a pillow slip that uses fancy but simple to do machine quilting, and of course since it is January, the New Block of the month will begin, on the seventh to be exact. Also, the handstitchers club has voted to move our regular meetings from the first to the second Tuesday of each month. There is more information on all of this on the workshops page.

Have a blessed holiday.

Interview

2011-12-16T10:05:00.002-05:00

The big news today is that I have been interviewed by Ann Hutton of Ulster County Publishing. She photographed the Red Hook Bicentennial Quilt and asked me all about the project. The article should run Thursday ( the 22nd ) in the Arts and Entertainment sections of the Ulster county papers. It was an unexpected bright spot in a hectic day. Since I live and work in Dutchess County, I will have to go out of my way to see a copy of the paper in question. If any of you subscribe, can you save me the article? I thank you in advance.

The Art Explorers Club met on Tuesday, and we decided to prepare entries for the new Readers Challenge form Quilting Arts Magazine. Details are in the new issue, and paraphrased on the art quilt page here. Our next meeting will be in March, and just a few days before the online submissions for that challenge are due. We will go over just how to photograph and submit, if you really do it is your choice. We will have a few days over the next months where the classroom will be reserved for Art Explorers, and I am working on a pair of very Art centered courses in the Spring. If you haven't already, subscribe to this blog, or like us on facebook where we are networked to be informed of these kinds of events.

This coming Tuesday, the 20th, we have a needle felting workshop. In the space of this class, you will embellish a soft finished article and complete the project, which can easily be a great holiday gift. We used a scarf from the dollar store and added flowers, leaves and swirls. We have a needle felting kit available that has 3 colors of wool, and the tools. You can also bring your own if you have them, this is a quick, fun, easy project that can even use up your leftover wool yarn from last years knitting projects!! Please join us.

We will be closed on the 24th and 27th. Happy Holidays!!

Open Late tonight!! Sale!!

2011-12-09T12:24:00.002-05:00

Winterfest in Red Hook looks like it will be having good weather even if cold. Come join the festivities and stop by the shoppe to get warm and take advantage of our sales. ( We have a direct view of the tree to be lit from our front windows )

Books, DVD's, Kits and selected gift items are 25% off Today only!
Register for the new Block of the Month while you are visiting too and get even more discounts.

The Art Explorer's Club will have its quarterly session on Tuesday, from 1-4, and Thursday is a Happy Endings Day, so check the appropraite tabs for more details and We will see you tonight

WinterFest Sale and extended hours!

2011-12-02T11:33:00.003-05:00

Next Friday, Dec. 9, the Town of Red Hook will hold its annual Winter fest Celebration. This year, the tree they are lighting is right across the street from the shoppe. We will have a great view, and be warm no matter what the temps!! I don't run many sales, but this seems to be a really good time to do so, so books, DVDs and Kits will be 25% off. In addition, I will do a key tag drawing at 7 pm. You will win one book of your choice. So fill those key tags at the sale, get some holiday shopping done for your quilty friends, and possibly win a book for yourself too!

While you are visiting, bring a decorated thread spool for our new garland and any you will receive one dollar off any single fabric cut, including fat quarters. Sorry but one per customer per visit.

There is still time to pay in full for the whole year, on our new Block of the Month. That gives you a substantial discount, and if you have done that you may purchase the Newly Arrived set of 12 Inktense Pencils at 10% off. This is the preferred coloring tool for the picture blocks.

Tomorrow, our 2011 BOM will meet for the final time, If you want to quilt it, bring your machine, and your walking foot. This project has been a blast, thank you to all of you who participated. Please also bring with you any bonus projects you have done, so we may photograph it.

Hand stitchers will make some fabric Poinsettias on Tuesday, supply lists are on the handstitchers tab.

See you soon.

Early and late

2011-11-23T11:43:00.002-05:00

Yes I know this week's post is early, but with the Shoppe closed it makes sense to get this out to you today, so I am Early. However, I am late in telling you that the December schedule of workshops has been posted too. Yes I know that it is a busy and expensive time of year, but you MUST take some time for yourself or insanity can set in fast. Plus much of our schedule for this month is about finishing things in time for gifting. Please check out the workshops and club tabs for all the details but the outline is below. Call, or email to reserve a spot.

Crazy Quilt Starters, Nov 30 & Dec 7
Magic Garden final meeting, Dec. 3
Handstitchers Club, fabric Poinsettias, December 6
Art Explorers Club December 13
Happy Ending Day, December 15
Pictorial Needle Felting December 20
Drawstring bag, kids class, December 29

I have also posted photos of Beautiful Valley, next years Block of the month, and the buildings all ready to be put together for the Bicentennial Quilt.

Turkey Day and Crazy Quilting

2011-11-18T11:42:00.003-05:00

Can you believe that Thanksgiving is nearly here? The shoppe will be closed Thursday- Saturday for the holiday. ( Nov 24-26 ) We will be working on the Bicentennial Quilt on Tuesday and Wednesday. The photo is the block for St Paul's Church. We will be getting the blocks set and the borders put on, all the blocks are done, I will post a new photo or two each week so you can see.

Tomorrow is the Crazy Quilt Meeting and holiday Tea. This has become an annual event for this fun group. If you have been curious about Crazy Quilts or embellishments and have not been able to attend the Saturday meetings of this group, we have a starter workshop for Crazy Quilts on the schedule. It is two sessions, Nov 30 & Dec 7, from 1-4. We even have a limited number of starter kits available. Crazy quilts are wonderful ways to save mementos, ephemera and even photos in a way that keeps them in view, enjoyed and out from under the bed. Crazy quilting can compliment the nostalgia of the holiday season perfectly, and many consider the hand work a wonderful antidote to the hectic shopping and preparations that can take over our lives. Join us for a quilting adventure you will love!! See the workshops tab for a supply list and more info.

Flying Cameras?

2011-11-11T09:56:00.003-05:00

Does anyone have a good, cheap digital camera suggestion? SO many things I wanted to post photos of and the batteries are gone again on the shoppe camera. If seems that I need to replace them almost every time I use it. Nearly threw it across the room because of course I don't have spares here.

I have the embroidery finished on Beautiful Valley, the Block of the Month for 2012. I wanted to show you but the camera wont even eke out enough battery power to take a single photo this morning. You'll just have to see it when you visit for the Redwork Demo tomorrow at 11 am. The pattern sheet and demo are both free, the materials pack is $3.00 -- still a bargain. While you are here you can also see the 14 blocks for the Bicentennial Quilt for Red Hook. ( another thing I want to photograph!) We had a sewing day yesterday and got all of them trimmed, and sashed. They are looking great, now we hope to get them put together during the next week or so.

I want to remind you that the Quilt as you Go Placemat workshop is this coming Thursday. If you are planning on attending please be sure you let us know and check the supply list on the workshop tab. There is some pre cutting needed so that we can get right to the meat of the workshop.

Don't forget to Thank a Veteran today!!

This year's ornament

2011-11-05T11:53:00.002-04:00

The newest Redwork is here!! The project instructions and pattern for the latest design are available at the shoppe. This is number seven in the free project series, and only available during November 2011. This tree is adorned by two winter birds, and stands under a bright star. If you like a bit of sparkle, you could add a bead at the center of the star, or use a star shaped button. On Saturday November 12, at 11 am, I will be doing a free demonstration of redwork if you need a refresher. We have materials kits available so you can work right along with the demo.

November 10 is a Bicentennial Quilt Sewing Day, and, the Quilt As You Go placemats workshop is also coming up soon. These are really nice looking, quick to make and you will finish a pair ( or a table runner ) in class, except for the binding, and we will discuss some quick ways to do that too. Use Holiday colors, or match your kitchen, they are great either way, Because who wants to work really hard for a placemat? Placemats like these can even use fat quarters for the back, I warn you they are addictive. See the workshops tab for more info and supplies.

Happy Halloween

2011-10-28T11:26:00.005-04:00

The trick or treaters from the local nursery school have begun arriving. I will be spending the next few days immersed in candy, costumes and black and orange. Halloween is fun, a time to let your hair down and enjoy a few moments of child-like pretending, and if there is some candy corn thrown in I am really happy. Tomorrow, there is a parade here in town for the kids to march, and trick or treat. I hope I can find the Witch hat I made a few years back from that stunning batik. I bet my daughter knows where it is.

Halloween also means that we are ready for a new Red Work Ornament. Tuesday it becomes available. This free project sheet is my annual Thank you to my loyal customers and all who shop here. If you are joining us for Handstitchers Club on Tuesday you can pick up yours then.

Have a safe and Happy Halloween!!!!!

Are You Red-dy

2011-10-21T13:12:00.003-04:00

Ok sorry for the attempted joke in this post title, but are you Ready? The new Redwork Ornament Free Pattern will be out on November First. This is number seven in the series, and I think it is my favorite of all of them. You can only get it by visiting the store during the month of November. Once it is done, it is done. That is last year's one in the photo.

A few other announcements for you, Crazy Quilt Club meets tomorrow ( Oct.22, 10-1 ) and the Fall Sweat Shirt Jacket Class unanimously agreed to move the second half of class to October 28, 10-1. Handstitchers club and the Block of the Month meetings are also coming up quite soon, so if you are involved please check the appropriate pages here for supply lists.

Lastly, a link to a free pattern for a Spiderweb quilt!! Halloween is nearly apon us, and this is one of my all time favorite quilt blocks, for one of my favorite holidays. This is on Bonnie Hunter's website, enjoy!! http://www.quiltville.co,/spiderweb.shtml

Yuck More Rain!!

2011-10-14T14:44:00.003-04:00

The weekend was nice though, for us, the show went very well. Sold many books, and got lots of new people for the email list, Welcome to everyone!! and the new thread lines seem to be a hit too!! I am tired, but it was worth it. And the quilts in the show were exceptional, thought the quality across the board was high, loved to see lots of handwork, and some stunning color combinations too.

As fall settles in, the weather is getting cooler and it is time to start shopping. Please remember your local shops when getting ready for the "holiday crazies" as my DH says. We have a number of gift items, and even some simple kits that could get someone started on a wonderful creative journey. If you prefer to make it yourself we also have some patterns that could cover your list and still give you time for gingerbread. Watch for the quilt as you go place mat/ table runner workshop we are planning in November. We should have the dates by next week's post.

It is a good time, also, before the winter dark arrives to try something new. If Crazy Quilting is something you have been curious about, then our Crazy Quilting workshop with Diane Johnson is just the thing. Learn all the basics, make a small wall quilt or pillow and fall in love with all the fun you can have with threads, fabrics, trims and buttons. It will run on November 30 and December 7 from 1-4. We even have kits that have all the materials you need, with their colors all worked out already for you if you find that part to be a challenge.

Visit us at the Quilt Show

2011-10-07T10:21:00.003-04:00

We will be closing early this afternoon, and be closed tomorrow, Sat Oct 8, but don't worry, nothing is wrong. We will simply be vending at the Dutchess Heritage Quilt Show. A little bird has told me that it is a great show!! Our booth will have some exciting new things so when you are done checking out the exhibited quilts you can come by and get even more inspiration. I will be doing some small demos throughout the show to introduce you to some of my favorite new products. Inktense pencils, a watercolor pencil that dries permanent on fabric, Razzle threads, a rayon perle thread for hand work, couching and bobbin work, and Tutti, a 50 weight cotton variegated machine thread. I will also be unveiling the Block of the Month that will start in January. It is an exclusive design, available only through this program, and you will love it.

We have several events next week at the shoppe that I need to remind you of also, Wednesday is the Cardinal workshop. This pieced and fused bird makes a holiday pillow or wall hanging that you can leave in view all winter. Please let us know asap if you are planning on attending, we need two more students to run this workshop, that we brought back by request. If you missed it last year and asked us about it, don't miss it again, this will be the last chance.

On Thursday, the classroom will be in use by the Quilters of the bicentennial quilt, as we trim, sash and begin to assemble the picture blocks.

On Friday, the falling leaves sweatshirt jacket workshop begins. We will custom make our leaves using Paintstiks, stencils and rubbing plates in this first part of the project. Be sure to check the supply list so that you have all that you need, as there are a few unusual supplies for a sewing class.

Have a wonderful Holiday Weekend and I'll see you at the show!!!

Let's get Started!!

2011-09-30T10:27:00.003-04:00

Registration for Let's get Started!, closes at 5 pm. tomorrow and there is room for only one more quilter, don't miss out on this fantastic beginner/refresher course that will make every single quilt you do easier. Those lucky quilters who have already joined this course are busy choosing fabrics and preparing to bring all their fun supplies. ( for more guidance, see the page on this blog or visit us before class ) Can't wait to get started!

Tuesday is our handstitchers club meeting, and we will be concentrating on ergonomic hand quilting. Please bring a marked and basted project, a hoop and thimble, betweens needles, hand quilting thread and small snips. I love this process and know that you will too. Now that the weather will be getting cooler at night, it is time to rock stitch and stay cosy.

Lastly, but not least, A reminder of the First Dutchess Heritage Quilt Show. We will be there vending, with two new thread lines, some new books and several show special deals. Be sure to stop by our booth. Because we will be there, we will be closed on October 8. I am still looking for a vehicle to help transport goods home on Sunday. Please let us know if you can help.

Gearing up

2011-09-23T11:02:00.002-04:00

The other night, at the First Dutchess Guild meeting, it was all about gearing up, for the show in a few weeks, for this years art challenges, for a good year of exciting guild activities. It seems that this time of year there is alot of that kind of thought. We are gearing up for the Let's Get Started course to begin on October 4, Please remember that even if your name is on the list, registration payment is the only thing that guarantees your spot. This is a great way to learn or review quilting skills like accurate cutting , achieving and maintaining an accurate seam, how to work with triangles, and match intersections. Get a friend who wants to learn to quilt and sign up with her, if we need to we will create another section.

We are also gearing up to vend at the First Dutchess Heritage Quilt show mentioned earlier. It promises to be a good show, and I will be there, with some pieces entered, and lots of goodies in the Village Fabric Shoppe Booth. I am however looking for a second vehicle to help get some of it there Friday Night, and (hopefully empty) display racks home Sunday Night. My Husband is usually my second transport vehicle, but he will be in LA that whole weekend. If you live near the shop and will be picking up your quilt entry after the show Sunday anyway, can you take something back to Red Hook for me? I need to know ahead of time who will be helping due to security measures, and to know what I can realistically transport to and from the site. My little car doesn't do well with display racks ( and I will have two new lines of fun threads to introduce at the show!! )

Fall excitements

2011-09-16T09:58:00.004-04:00

We have 18 pillowcases to donate to flood victims. Special Thanks to Mary Anna for being here nearly all day with her serger for nice finished inside edges, and for taking the pillowcases home to wash and press. They will be distributed during next week. Thank you to all who helped.

Next Saturday the 24th is Hardscrabble Day here in Red Hook. Due to the extra traffic this causes, the Crazy Quilt Club will begin early and run from 9:30 -12:30. They will be continuing on the woollen mitten project.

A quick reminder that the deadline for entry for the Dutchess Heritage Quilt show is September 22. Forms can be downloaded and all details found at www.DHQuiltshow.org The Village Fabric Shoppe will be vending, so stop by and say Hello. We also have raffle tickets now in the store for the Raflle Quilt, and Dollar off Admission coupons which are only available Until Oct 7.

Lastly, I want to share my excitement that the Let's Get Started ! Course is filling fast, be sure to officially register so you don't lose your spot. Classes Start October 4.

Fall Events

2011-09-09T14:06:00.003-04:00

Well, since I last wrote here, the building repairs on the interior of the building have finally begun. I am happy to say that my office is usable again, which also means that the gallery space will soon be cleared and ready for an exhibit. I am hoping that many of you art quilt explorers will bring Landscape pieces to the reveal on Tuesday evening the 13th. Please let us know if you are attending.

Tomorrow (Sat, 9/10/11 all day) we are having a sew in to make pillowcases for local flood victims. Come on down and join the fun for a good cause, bring a beginning sewer to learn how to make a three seam project, or take the opportunity to clean out your stash by making a few cases and dropping them off to us. If you know someone and wish to make and give a case directly to them, Just let us know so we can update the count. Small acts of kindness make a big difference when the world dumps too much rain on your home.

Our fall schedule is getting filled, new project workshops have been listed, and we are proud to introduce a beginner or refresher quilt making course called Let's Get Started! Based on a Bonnie Hunter pattern, and using "Green" fabric choices, this is designed to help you learn and/or review many of the basics, from good cutting and accurate seam allowances, to working with triangles, and yes even binding, this is a step by step exploration that turns into a twin size quilt. See the tab for lots more information. I have been having a great time with this pattern, and can see that I will be making more of these in lots of different color combinations.

We have some good project workshops too, the Holiday Cardinal wall hanging that was so much fun last year it is being reprised for this season in case you missed it, We have a fall themed sweatshirt jacket, and a fabric book cover that can be adapted to so many gift occasions you will want to whip up a dozen! We have a few more possible projects, but I will have to wait to tell you more until we have dates set. Bookmark this site, find us on Facebook, or subscribe so you wont miss a single announcement, and tell your friends to do it too. Join us for some great projects- you'll be glad you did!!

Watermarks

2011-09-02T15:36:00.002-04:00

Usually a watermark is a barely visible label in quality paper or photographs that is a mark of ownership or manufacture. This week, for way too much of the East Coast, the term Watermark has taken on another meaning. The roof leakage here has not done any structural damage and we can happily continue to be open - However, the drop ceiling in our gallery space is still wet and so our "Get a Closer Look" show has been cancelled. I do want to congratulate all of you who entered pieces at the fair, and especially to those who earned ribbons. I understand this year had some fierce competition. You should all be proud.

Our Winter Hours return on Tuesday, 10-5, Tues- Sat. Not so for several other shops in the area and our best wishes go out to everyone who is having troubles due to water marks. In an effort to help, we will have a Pillowcase Sewing Day, next Saturday, September 10 all day. The pillowcases created will be targeted for local flood victims. We have some fabrics, but feel free to bring from your stash. A basic case takes a 3/4 yard piece and a 1/4 yard piece. Please join us to help those of our neighbors who need us right now.

The Bicentennial Quilt meeting is on Wednesday, at 12:30. We have a few blocks yet to be turned in, and then we can begin sewing them together. The quilt in progress will be on Display in our front window on Hardscrabble Day, Sept 24. Please stop by and take a look.

On Tuesday the 13th, at 7 pm the Art Explorers Club will have its quarterly get together. The theme we have been exploring is landscape and if you bring a finished landscape quilt to show and share the meeting only costs you one dollar. Other who may wish to attend pay regular club price at $10.00. Please register ahead so we have an accurate head count and idea of how much wall space we will need to reserve for the landscapes. For more on this meeting check the art quilts tab above.

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All Labels: New Quilt Some of the new samples

What a long strange trip its been..

2011-08-26T12:08:00.003-04:00

This past week that is. First, Monday the fridge dies, while trying to get one that matches the other appliances that can be delivered before Sept 29 ( can you imagine living in a house with a kid without a fridge till then? ) - that salesman was obviously a bachelor. Then the earthquake, which I really thought was the roofers working on the building having a problem, and now a pending hurricane. In the face of all of these disasters, I find that once damages have been checked and found minimal, the simple elemental pieces of life bring an increased satisfaction. For me one of these is hand stitching. I have been working on hand applique for the 2012 Red Hook Quilt, and also getting ready for quilt marking and basting for hand quilting with the handstitchers at the September 6 meeting. If you would like to join us and learn to add beauty and longer life to your quilt then check the handstitchers page for a supply list and join us. The BOM will also be doing handwork (on September 3) but they will be beading on quilts. The supply list for that is on the BOM page. Remember that even if you are not part of that group, you can attend and learn the technique, just let us know you are planning on being there. Keep safe and dry, and have that hand stitching project ready in case we lose power!!

DC Fair and a Thread Question

2011-08-19T10:22:00.002-04:00

This coming week includes the Dutchess County Fair. The Needlework section is naturally my favorite part, although there is much to have fun with. I want to thank everyone who has helped with fair, from behind the scenes or by entering something. As usual, our gallery space is open for after the fair for anyone who would like to hang their work in a protected space that dedicated stitchers can get closer to. The needlework at the fair needs to be protected from cotton candy and residue from the animal barns, so it sometimes happens that the detailed and fine workmanship is difficult to see. The customers who visit the gallery here present no such dangers. If you win a ribbon you can even leave it attached. This year we will offer a viewers choice award too. That will be calculated on September 10, so be sure to see them and cast your vote before then.

Before I let you all go and get ready for the fair, I want to ask a question about thread. I am considering bringing in a new thread from Wonderfil. They make some stunning kinds and choosing just one is really hard. I already have the Deco Bob, an 80 weight polyester for the bobbin, that is also fantastic for invisible hand applique, and rayon assortments that are just delicious for decorative work by machine. I am trying to decide between a display rack of Tutti, a variegated 50 weight cotton for hand and machine, or Razzle, an 8 weight rayon Perle. I have used it for bobbin work and hand embroidery with beautiful results. Please let me know which thread you would rather I stock by leaving a comment, emailing, posting to my wall on Facebook or visiting the shoppe.

A Beautiful Day!

2011-08-12T11:55:00.002-04:00

The weather is glorious this morning, and the cool fall evenings are coming soon. I have a sense of the world beginning to breathe again after all the oppressive heat and unrest. Isn't it amazing what a beautiful sunny day can do?

If you haven't gotten outside with your camera to take a photo for the Local Landscape workshop yet, today is a good day to do it. The lighting is just right. I have a nice shot I took up at Clermont that I had planned to use to demo, until I saw my sisters photos of her recent honeymoon. They went to Laguna Beach and Cabo san Lucas. She took some shots of the Pacific Coast that are just stunning and will translate really well to textile. I think I will have to add some Angelina fibers for the sparkle of the sun on the water. I know that the Pacific Coast isn't exactly local for us, but it is for someone, and those views will hold a special place for her and her new hubby for a long time. So, yes you could use that photo from your favorite vacation spot too. Class begins this Wednesday, so please let me know you are coming!

You can now sign up to have this blog sent directly to your email each time I update it, simply enter your address in the space at the right and it will be just like when I used to send weekly emails. Now there is no reason to miss anything - feel free to foward it to your friends too.

We have no official sign ups for the coiling workshop, we will postpone until the fall weather cools everyone off. In the meantime check out the book, in stock now, for some great inspirations.

We had a meeting for the 2012 Bicentennial Quilt yesterday, please continue to work on your blocks and return them to us as soon as they are finished. When they are all returned we can begin our next step. There is more information posted, click on the 2012 tab above.

All Coiled up!

2011-08-05T10:31:00.003-04:00

On Tuesday August 16, our own, Diane Johnson will be leading you through the coiling technique from Its a Wrap, and It's a Wrap 2. This fun technique uses the zig zag stitch on your machine to connect coils of fabric wrapped cording (or cotton clothesline ) in a modern adaptation of an ancient basket making technique. We will create a bowl or purse in this workshop but the applications are limited only by your imagination. You could make something for everyone on your holiday list - if you start now, you could totally avoid the holiday rush the week after Thanksgiving.

If, like me, you get inspired by our beautiful Hudson Valley, one of our landscape workshops would be right up your alley. On August 10, get out your smocks and come paint landscape fabrics with us. This is so much easier than you would think and you will never again have to search out just the right "sky" or Rocks fabric. Hand painted fabrics are also great to use for shaded floral appliques. The paint helps the turned edge to hold its crease and not fray, and careful cutting of flower petals can give you amazing results obtainable no other way. Later this month we will also be running "Local Landscapes", a workshop on translating your photographs to quilt patterns using your favorite techniques. It is so satisfying to work from a significant photo and get the results you envision. We will help you get there, but more on that workshop next week.

We have a meeting for the Red Hook Bicentennial 2012 quilt on Thursday the 11th, at 12:30. Please bring your blocks, even if they are not finished yet. We will be choosing some fabrics for their settings and hopefully distributing the last few blocks yet to be worked on. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to get involved with this project.

Lastly for now I want to share some photos of our last day of Art Camp for Grownups, this year we made altered books. As you can see from the shot of the table, we used all sorts of fun techniques and materials that normally don't show up in a quilt project, paper punches, rubber stamps, paper cutters, embossing powders, what else can you spot on our table? Whatever fun tools we used, the books are beautiful aren't they? Watch for a new session of altered books this winter. It was too much fun not to do it again.

Good things are happening here!!

2011-07-29T09:58:00.003-04:00

Crazy Thunderstorms aside, this has been a pretty good week. The center medallion for the 2012 Red Hook Quilt has been designed and brought up to size. It is ready to begin. If you would like to help with this project, there are several buildings still available, Maizeland, Montgomery Place, The Red Hook Hotel, and Red Hook Central School ( Now LAMS) Even if you don't have alot of experience, the classroom is reserved on Thursdays from 12:30-4:30 for this project. I am here to help. The embroidery is simple stem stitch, and using freezer paper to transfer the applique patterns for the buildings is accurate and helps to stabilize the work as you proceed to stitch. Anyone can join us.

If this isn't the project for you, we have some other good things coming up. Check the August schedule for a cool coiled bowl or purse, and several landscape themed workshops that will help you create the landscape quilt that you have been dreaming of.

As our month begins, the BOM will meet Saturday, the sixth, and do both the July block and the August block. We will continue to play with paintstiks by request, and talk about gathered embellishments like yo yos, ruching and ruffles. I have the butterfly shaped Yo Yo maker as classroom equipment so you can play. In the right colors it also is a beautiful Sweet Pea Blossom.

Handstitchers Club is meeting on Tuesday, and we will make that cute bumble bee. His body is a gold colored upholstery fabric remnant, his wings are lutradur. He is sitting on a piece of hand painted "sky" fabric from the landscape fabric painting class. In September we will begin hand quilting. Many of you will have the Texas Star to quilt but you are welcome to bring any other project. More details of our work with hand quilting are on the handstitchers page. All are welcome.

Please get signed up for your August workshops today. Remember, our classroom has great light and is air conditioned!!

Air Conditioning is a big plus!

2011-07-22T14:48:00.004-04:00

Today the heat is oppressive. Thank goodness for air conditioning. I hope you are all staying cool while stitching your Bicentennial Blocks. The four Red Hooks have been finished and returned, I am excited!! I had the chance to speak directly with the bicentennial committee this week and they are excited too. This celebration is going to be great, lots of activities are planned, but I wont say more until they decide to unveil it all. I can tell you that this quilt project is rolling along very well now. There are a few more applique/embroidery blocks still available if you want to help with this phase, see the list on the red hook 2012 page for more information.

In the meantime, the August schedule has been posted, - good things for a hot summer. The final installment of the strips and strings series, and some landscape workshops to get you going for the Art Explorers Club get together this September. I'll post some photos after I get the samples in. There are some club date changes due to the fair too, so you may want to check those pages. I will remind you that our classroom is air conditioned, and that it is available as long as we have no workshops going that day, so you can come and chill with your stitching.

Lastly for now, as you ready your work for the fair I will extend our annual invitation to all those who enter, to continue to exhibit your piece in the weeks following the fair here at the Village Fabric Shoppe. We are the closest quilt shop to the fairgrounds and you can drop off your piece right after the fair, ribbons and all. We like to have this extended needlework show so that those who wish to get a closer look can do so in a safe for the quilts environment. Generally we have them on display through Labor Day Weekend.

Stay Cool!

Creative control

2011-07-15T14:13:00.003-04:00

This past weekend, I was privileged to go backstage at Radio City Music Hall, less than an hour before a performance of Zarkana by Cirque de Soliel. It was much like any other backstage, but Radio City is a Historic landmark, and small for a theater with that many seats.( almost 6 thousand) I was really impressed by the inventive use of the available space. The paired down costume shop didn't seem to be missing anything, but at that time, and with a department head who was really busy I didn't get to be as nosy as I wanted. I am told that they do all their own dying and even occasionally weave their own cloth in the service of the creative vision. The workmanship was fantastic even up really close, but when you have those resources and full control from start to finish you should be able to create something wonderful. The performance was inspiring too. See it if you can, the only other place they can take these riggings is another theater in Moscow that has the same stage setup. To take this anywhere else they have to re make all the riggings for the acrobats.

How does this relate to quilting? I could take many lessons from Cirque, but for today, I love the thought of having total control over your own creative output. More and more I have been using hand painted (by me) fabric, and with very few exceptions I do my own quilting. Coming in August we have a workshop on fabric painting for landscapes and backgrounds. You may find, as I did that there is nothing like using that one of a kind fabric you have created yourself to make a project As the deadlines for the DC Fair approach and many of you are finishing projects I want to encourage you to keep control of your vision and try your hand at quilting your project yourself. We have many resources and some wonderful threads to make it unique. Don't let someone else make those choices for you.

We have also added our final Strips and Strings workshop to the summer schedule. Wrapped Fabric Coil Basket, will have you making home decor and organizational items for everyone on your holiday list. See our workshops page for more details. I will post a photo as soon as Diane brings in the sample.

SALE

2011-07-08T10:47:00.002-04:00

Friday and Saturday, July 8 & 9, with any other purchase, Piece of Cake Books are 30% off. This is in honor of Becky Goldsmith coming to my quilt guild's show this October. She stepped in when the first speaker we had planned for had to cancel. Becky is a Gem, and her books are great. Get one this weekend and get excited, she is teaching a workshop too!!

Those of you who follow regularly will know that my sister got married on the Fourth, she and I both ended up in tears when I presented her with the quilt I had made. I gave it to them the night before. We had beautiful weather, and the event went off without a hitch. She was a beautiful and elegant bride.

I have a few blocks for the 2012 Red Hook Quilt yet to be given out, and the classroom will be open every Thursday from 12:30-4:30 specifically for work on this project. We also have the Altered book beginning next week and kids classes get underway this afternoon. There is still room in both. Remember, we are air conditioned, and your spouse can't bug you when you are working here!! Sign up today, and watch for some more great summer projects coming in August.

Fourth of July

2011-07-01T14:16:00.002-04:00

I have been working on the light box all morning today to get the patterns ready for next weeks Bicentennial Quilt Meeting. They are going to be great. I had hoped to get all 16 needed patterns ready, but it is going to be close. We will be closed on July 5, the fourth is Monday, which is part of out usual weekend. Even though the weekend usually affords me some good studio time, there is a wedding in my family on the fourth, and we need to travel to and from. I am looking forward to it. Things will be busy when we get back. Here is a quick reminder of the July Events that you should check out. They all have room for you to sign up.

July 7, 12:30 - Bicentennial Quilt Meetings
July 8, 3-4 Fabric Fun Elementary level begins
July 9 - 10-1 Rescheduled Crazy Quilt Club Meeting
July 11 - 6:30-9:30 Crochet with fabric workshop
July 12, 3- 4 Gears and blossoms Pillow Middle School project
July 13, - 11-1 Altered Book Quilt Journal begins
July 23, Crazy Quilt Club

One more thing you may like, I have just found out that Becky Goldsmith from Piece-O- Cake Designs will be the special guest at the First Dutchess Heritage Quilt Show this Columbus Day Weekend. In honor of that, and all the other things to celebrate, next weekend the 8 & 9 of July I will run a special sale. With any other purchase you can take 30% off Piece of Cake Books and pattern packs. ( and a few selected additional titles ) So enjoy your holiday weekend and join us here the following one for a really good sale, - and some photos of the wedding if you are interested.

Giving.

2011-06-24T11:52:00.004-04:00

Quilters tend to be giving people. Many dedicated stitchers got their start making a baby quilt to give as a gift. Many make quilts for soldiers, disaster victims and shelter residents. But beware of gifting a treasured quilt to an unappreciative recipient. There are many out there who have been brought up on the Bed in a Bag concept and don't understand the true value of a handmade quilt. It is up to the giver to educate the recipient of the true value of such a gift. Over many years of giving handmade gifts I have learned who on my gift list truly understands the value of the things I make. I have two weddings to attend in the next two weeks, and both these couples understand. The shoppe will be closed tomorrow June 25, and again on July 5 so I can attend these weddings.

I have to admit that I have been a bit distracted by all the wedding plans, ( my daughter and I are in the wedding party for one of them ) but I am really excited about the summer workshops. They are creative, light hearted and fun, whether you want to join us for the Quilt Journal altered book, or the crocheted table mat, or to bring the kids in for a kids workshop. All the details are on the various pages of this blog, and reserving your spot is as easy as making a phone call or stopping by. Give yourself a gift and sign up. Its going to be a great summer.

Commemorative Quilting

2011-06-18T09:40:00.003-04:00

Quilts are often made to commemorate significant events. I have made a number of pieces lately that fit this category, and am currently working on developing the applique patterns for the Red Hook 2012 quilt in honor of the Bicentennial. It will contain applique and embroidery images of historic buildings in the township of Red Hook, and signatures. There are all sorts of events being planned, but as you may imagine, the quilt is underway now so it can be finished in time to display all year. The block arrangement is done and the buildings are being patterned now. If you are interested in helping with this project, from doing applique blocks, to helping piece, to helping collect signatures or quilting and binding, please join us at the meeting on July 7, at 12:30. Applique block materials will be available at that time. As this is being paid for by volunteer funds, we are also collecting red cotton fabric donations for the block framing and signature border. Those you can drop off any time.

Another event that is often associated with quilts is a wedding. I have three over the next three weekends, two of which are receiving quilted gifts. Obviously for my sister, there is a bed quilt, but for the other, a canvas mounted wall piece in a style I have been calling Significant Ephemera. In the case of a wedding, it includes a photo transfer of the invitation, trimmed out with the bridal colors and hearts, quilted and embroidered and mounted. For non quilters, it is just as significant as a bed quilt, and can be hung with a simple picture hook. (Unfortunately Blogger isn't letting me upload any photos right now.) Every time I have given one of these it has been met with joy. I am now taking commissions on these style pieces. I will post more details after I get through all these weddings and when Blogger lets me post photos again.

The Shoppe will be closed ( due to some of the weddings ) on June 25, and July 5. The Crazy Quilt Club meeting for June is cancelled, they will meet on July 9. The Block of the Month meeting for July is cancelled, we will resume with two blocks, and more paintstiks fun in August. Please join us for the Altered Book Quilt Journal workshop this July. Get the young people in your life involved with fabric and keep them busy over the summer with one of our kids and teens classes. Space is still available, but filling quickly. Check the page tabs at the top for more information.

Curiosity

2011-06-10T09:39:00.003-04:00

Last night one of the classic movie channels had giant insect night. They played several atomic age sci fi movies featuring huge bugs puzzling scientists and terrorizing innocent victims. These black and white films now look quaint and sometimes downright funny to out 21st century eyes. But they were created out of an age full of curiosity about and the scientific exploration of atomic power. Scientific curiosity led the way for all sorts of unusual experiments in reality, and lots of crazy ones leading to giant insects in Hollywood's version of reality. Our world really is richer for it.

Curiosity and the very open ended question , What if....? can lead you to lots of interesting quilt discoveries too - no matter whether you prefer the way out version or the more conservative one. Out a a thread color, what if I use this other one with more contrast? what if I use a bit of this bright green? what is I take this print I love and dip it in paint or dye or even tea to coordinate better with my current project? As adults, we sometimes need to be reminded to ask the What if question. Most young kids do it all on their own, which is why we will have so much fun with the kids workshops over the summer. I will tell you more about that when it is all finalized, but I want to encourage you to join us for the Quilt Journal Altered Book that will begin on July 13. This liberating project is designed to hold your answers to some of these what if questions, and keep organized the things you want to play with in the future. A quilt journal can be kept as a record of what you have done, a place to keep all those ideas in order, and being a work of art in itself, you are much more likely to keep it in plain sight so you don't lose the pages you pulled out of that magazine. This is your chance to make the perfect quilting book for you, because you have chosen each thing in it to support your personal set of quilt ideals.

This Monday begins the knitted purse workshop. There will be numbers, yardages, width of strips to cut, size of knitting needles, number of stitches to cast on - you get the idea. Your Altered Quilt Journal is the perfect place to record all of them so you can go back to it easily when it is time to make holiday gifts. There is still room in both the knitting workshop and the altered book, so please call to reserve your spot. Supply lists are on the workshops tab of this blog. Stay curious!!

Sharing Enthusiasm

2011-06-03T10:21:00.003-04:00

Last week I wrote a longer than I expected post about the process of creative work. This week, after thinking about it some more, I have come to the conclusion that the process of being creative can be helped along in no small measure when you share your enthusiasm. Whether you drool over the newest quilt book or magazine with a friend, get together with a group or guild for support, take a workshop, show your work to those at your job, or even stitch in the waiting room and strike up a conversation with a stranger, sharing your enthusiasm helps keep it strong. The more open and sharing you are of what you are working on, the more you label yourself as creative, and so do others. This lends an air of importance, to your activity and helps to give you a gentle push to continue working. Building an audience of admirers this way is great for the ego and maybe even the pocketbook if they are willing to buy your work. I'm not saying that you should push yourself and work on anyone and everyone, but that you should not be afraid to work in public when the media allows, and miss the chance to explain your technique, color choices, and more to someone who shows interest. Your work is part of who you are, don't be shy about it. Keeping a project with you to work on in spare moments wherever you are is good time management too.

Many of techniques we use as quilters can be portable. During the summer months I can think of nothing more pleasant than sitting on the beach or poolside with a cold drink, some good music and a great project to stitch. The lighting is awesome!! Popular take along projects we can get you set up for include English paper piecing, Red work, embroidery, Applique, and yes even knitting or crocheting with fabric. The final adjustments are in on times for the Knitted Purse. The course will be 2 meetings, June 13, 10-1 & June 27, 10-12. There are a few spots still available so call to register. The supply list is on the workshops page of this blog.

There is room also in the Kool Kaleidoscope workshop beginning Thursday the 9th. If you are planning on attending Hand Stitchers this Tuesday, Bring your Bug making things for our houseplant protectors. Based on the butterfly and dragonfly in Countryside Softies, ours perch atop wires so they appear to fly around your houseplants or flower arrangement. I have body and wing patterns, wire, and even some wool if you want. Of course if you would rather not Bug Out with us you can bring whatever other handwork project you want. See you then.

Desire, Skills and Discipline

2011-05-26T10:23:00.005-04:00

I read an article online this morning that was talking about creativity. The author distilled it down to three elements, Ideas, Skills and Discipline. This seems like an over-simplification on a subject that has been studied in many context for decades. However, there is a bit of truth there. As a former Art Teacher with an extensive background, I would make one change to this trio, I would replace Ideas with Desire. Here is why, If you WANT to, you can acquire the skills and techniques needed for your medium, and with discipline you can learn to really be in control of it - this is what lets true creativity blossom.
Desire is slippery, there may be reasons why you want to do something, but in the end it doesn't matter. But desire is what gets you started, you want to make a quilt, you want to learn to use your sewing machine, you want to make something with your hands, you want to play with color and fabric, whatever it is that you want to make, your desire will cause you to need some skills. If you LOVE the potential result, you you will persevere.
Skills are important so that what you want can actually be made. If you don't learn to wind a bobbin on your machine you wont be able to sew with it. You must learn things, every thing that you can about what it is you desire. If it is quilting, find all the capabilities of your machine or hand sewing skills, learn about fabrics, colors, threads and any other thing that might be useful to the art. Then take the skills that support your desire and perfect them as much as possible. This learning and perfecting of skills is where discipline comes in.
Discipline is needed to overcome the inevitable onset of the deadly disease known as "Icant syndrome" Any time you are learning a new skill there can be a bit of fear and frustration to overcome. No matter if you are a total beginner, or have decades of experience, learning something new can be a challenge. Mistakes and less than perfect results happen to everybody, and plenty often. Discipline is the inner strength and faith that you can indeed master this skill or find a way to make it work. It is the thing that leads you to persist and try again, or take workshops, buy books and ask friends for help.
If you honestly have these three components of creativity, Desire, Skills and Discipline, and practice them regularly, the ideas happen all by themselves. Start with the desire to be creative and the rest can be learned. So come in and take a workshop with us, pick out a new book, or join one of our clubs and lets get creative!!

Remember that all our workshops are listed under the tab at the top of this page, sign up now!!
Our Block of the Month will be stencilling with Paintsticks on June 4, Join us there too!
Summer Hours begin May 31, 11-5 Tues- Fri, 10-5 Sat.

Sign Up for June workshops now for a discount!!

2011-05-20T12:32:00.004-04:00

The June schedule is posted in full on the workshop page of the blog. Please check them out and remember that if you pay registration before June First, you can take 10% off supplies for the workshop. We already have sign ups for several classes, so you don't want to wait.

Although he early registration date has passed for Coloring Book Applique, there is still room. If you are having trouble choosing your pattern, I will have copies of the sample design I will be demonstrating with. I love this concept and have used it many times. The photo is a quilt I made using the Tucks and Textures sashing from the workshop that I taught by that name, and I used an applique design that I knew I loved, but would never actually do as traditional applique, or even with fusible. I have already shown you all examples of coloring book applique as whole cloth, inserted in a Crazy Quilt, and now as a block design. This one session workshop is on May 25, 10-1. You don't need to bring a machine. If the rainy weather continues that is a BIG plus.

A few announcements:

Summer Hours will begin on May 31.
11 - 5 Tues - Friday 10-5 Saturdays

Show entry forms and information for the First Dutchess Heritage Quilt Show are now available on their website. http://www.dhquiltshow.org/

Crazy Quilt Club will meet on May 28 at the usual time.

Inspiring journeys

2011-05-13T16:23:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow (Saturday), Kathy Turan will be visiting us with a trunk show and discussion of how she developed her unique style of art quilts. She will begin at one pm, and since it is supposed to rain, you wont have to feel guilty about not gardening. I know that I have talked about this alot, but I can't wait to hear her speak about her quilt journey. Creative people always have interesting stories, and it is a treat to hear the artist talk about it in person. I know you will enjoy the afternoon, and I hope it brings you inspiration as well.

The next workshop getting ready to start is "Coloring Book Applique", on May 25, 10-1. We have so many interesting media available to play with as quilters. The simple, therapeutic and fun activity that you thought you were too old to enjoy can now help you create beautiful quilt blocks in the most complex applique patterns - with ease! Our grandmothers sometimes used regular crayons, but those are not wash fast, I highly suggest you try the new Inktense pencils - they are wash fast and easy to use - and most like the coloring we did in Kindergarten. Wait till you see what I am doing with the William Morris pattern using this technique!

While thinking about the stories that are attached to quilts, quilters, and creative people, there is a post on my personal blog about sketchbooks and how they can document the creative journey. http://fiberspider.blogspot.com There is also a new movie about quilters getting ready for the big show, check out the preview. it made me remember that even the great ones go through the same doubts and technical trials that you and I face with each new quilt. http://www.stitchedfilm.com

Free Trunk Show - don't miss it

2011-05-06T11:09:00.007-04:00

On May 14th, K Velis Turan will be doing a free lecture and trunk show here at the shoppe. I am so excited for you to get to see her work up close and find out more about her quilting journey. Her current work has graced the cover of Quilting Arts Magazine, and. uses Screen printing and free motion quilting, but she started in a more traditinal manner, and it promises to be an enlightening afternoon for everyone. No reservations are needed but you may want to get here early to claim a good seat.

The Crazy Quilt Tea last weekend in honor of the royal wedding was great fun. My photos of the ladies in their hats and gloves came out too dark to publish, but here is one of the wedding themed decorations that helped create a fun and festive atmosphere.

There is a workshop beginning next week that I want to remind you of. On Tuesday evening, Square Roots Handpiecing Course. There is information on both of these, including supply sheets on the workshops page of this blog. Just click on the word workshops at the top. This stunning star is being worked by hand by Connie H, in our Handstitchers Club. You will be surprised at how fast you can develop the skills to do something like this with thread, needle, scissors and fabric. Sign up for Square Roots to get started, or join our club and enrich your life with this enjoyable process.

For those of you planning to attend the Knitting with fabric strips workshop, it has been moved to June 15, 10-1 & June 29, 10-12. My apologies for the schedule change. Find a friend and sign up for this one together, you will love it and have fun too.

Stitching Personality

2011-04-29T10:36:00.005-04:00

I can't believe another week has gone by already. I've been doing a lot of stitching, Had a great time making the owl from Countryside Softies. Hand stitched softies have personalities you just wont find on any other toy. The handstitchers club will begin this owl project on Tuesday. She was fun to make, and uses little bits of things, so you may have what you need in your scrap box. The body pieces do need to be a slightly stretchy fabric. I didn't have a felted wool sweater like the book suggested, but I used some leftover polar fleece (purple) and it worked fine. You could probably use an old t-shirt too, doubled if it is thin. The rest is all felt and fabric scraps. Don't forget to bring some stuffing. Again, I used leftovers, this time batting leftovers. Worked just great. The full list of supplies is on the handstitchers page.

Handstitchers club is the first of our May events. Please get signed up for the workshops you want to take this month. Having a great new project to work on makes the rain much easier to bear. The Knitted Purse has plenty of room, and the new evening time (starting May 9, 6:30 ) should be helpful to those of you who work. We know that many of you love to knit, and even more want to learn how. If you do and you also don't want to get hooked into another addictive hobby, this is a way to learn to knit without needing to start another stash. Using strips of fabric instead of yarn gives a wonderful texture to the finished object, and will have you looking at your fabrics - even the ugly ones - in a whole new way. The only thing a quilter really needs to add is a pair of knitting needles. Everything else to knit with fabric is probably already in your project bag. I know you will love this.

Please also mark your calendars for the trunk show and discussion by K Velis Turan, on her quilted artwork. Her star is on the rise and you will be bale to say you met her when. She was recently the Featured quilter and speaker at the Colors of Life Quilt Show, in Ravenna, and her work has been on the cover of Quilting Arts Magazine. She is creative and and fun, even if you don't make art quilts, you will love to hear her talk about her work. Come find out how she went beyond traditional techniques and developed her signature style using printmaking to create whole cloth quilts. I can't think of a better way to spend a Saturday afternooon,( May 14, 1 pm ) and it's even free. See you then.

Happy Easter

2011-04-21T09:56:00.002-04:00

As a reminder, we will be closed Friday and Saturday this weekend for Easter. I will be a few hours away spending some time with the family, and making more preparations for my baby sister's wedding this summer. Yes of course I am making her a quilt. Can't say more because she reads this sometimes.

Next Saturday we have Crazy Quilt Club, and coming early in May, new dates for Knitting with Fabric for a Strippy Purse, and the Square Roots Hand Piecing Course. You have about a week to sign up early and get the Early Bird Discount on any of these workshops. There is more info including schedule, cost and supply lists for you if you click on the workshops tab at the top of the page. You wont want to miss any of these fun projects. The full schedule for May is there, as are some descriptions of events farther into summer. Dates for those will be posted as soon as they are finalized. It is all there in case you didn't get the April Email.

I had lots of trouble sending out the monthly email, so if you have friends who usually get it but didn't have them send me a message and I will update their info. Feel free to share with anyone new who might be interested too. This blog is networked on Face book, so you can get the feed there too. I want it to be easy for you to keep up with us, so I am constantly adding new ways for you to connect. Face book is new to me still, and I find more friends just about every day, if you are on FB, be sure you find me. With gas costs going up and up, being able to see our schedule and samples with supply lists at home is a great option, as long as you come in when you need supplies, or on class day.

Happy Easter!, Happy Passover, Happy Spring, and Mostly -- Happy Stitching!!!!

Summer workshops for inspriation

2011-04-15T14:54:00.006-04:00

Closed April 22 & 23 for Easter

It is tax day, but mine are done and taken care of so I am happy today and not all stressed out like I often am on April 15th. Hope you all are in good shape that way too. I have a few good ideas for you on what to do with your refund when you get it. There are some great new fabrics and books in, and new workshops are now open for registration. If you register and pay before the first of the month in which it starts you get a discount on supplies. Many of the summer offerings are now finalized and listed on the workshops page. From the Strips and Strings series, to Square Roots hand piecing course, to the Quilters Journal Altered book for Art Camp, we have lots of exciting things for you. Take a look and get signed up for some summer inspiration.

If like me, you didn't get a refund, or already got it and spent it, we have a special free event on MAY 14. at one pm

K Velis Turan

will present a lecture and trunk show

of her work.

She creates Art by using a process of deconstructed screen printing on fabric and then quilting it. She will share with us her journey as a quilter and Artist. She has been on the cover of Quilting Arts Magazine, is the featured speaker at the Colors of Life Quilt Show in Ravena this weekend, and has shown in several Art Galleries with her wonderful work. You wont want to miss her.

I want to remind you that the sock bunny workshop will happen Wednesday the 20th at 10 am. We still have a seat or two available, grab a friend and join us. These little friends are hard to resist but easy and fun to make.

The Knitted Purse has a new schedule, it is now going to run on May 9, from 6:30-9:30 and May 23 from 6:30-8:30. We hope this makes it easier for those of you who work to take the workshop. Now that the sun is up till a decent hour, evening workshops are well- easier. Plus, there is more parking available when the bank across the street is closed. Those of you who had already signed up are still on the list, but if you haven't yet called or come in to take care of that detail, please do so.

Bali Watercolors just arrived!!

2011-04-08T11:57:00.004-04:00

In a rainbow of rich hues! They are a good value and great for so many projects, including the knitted purse. Batik fabrics are colored all the way through so you have no pale white edges that might show in a stripy project. We have a whole series of fun things to do with fabric strips that will run over the next few months. You wont want to miss any of them. I will let you know the dates as we finalize them. For some more detail, check the workshops tab at the top of the page. You may notice that each of the clubs now has its own tab too, making it really simple to get exactly the information that you need. Just click on the thing that you want to know more about. Cool huh?

K. Velis Turan is having a show of her quilted art called " Urban Landscapes " at the Guggenheim Pavilion in Rensalierville NY, through April 29. The phone number of the Pavilion is (518) 797-5100 for more information. Kathy is going to be here at the Village Fabric Shoppe on May 14th, one pm, to give us a discussion and trunk show of her art. She has recently graced the cover of Quilting Arts Magazine and should provide us with a great free afternoon of inspirations. Please mark your calendars and plan on attending.

You should have plenty of time to finish your sock bunny with our workshop on the 20th, in time for Easter. Please be sure to let us know you are attending, and don't forget to bring your sock!!

As a reminder, we will be closed on the 22nd and 23rd.

New items in stock

2011-04-01T10:41:00.004-04:00

With last weekends big events now over ( Super Saturday and three big quilt shows in NYC ) it feels good to be able to get going on projects again. New background fabrics from RJR have arrived, as have Bead Gravies. So many of us miss our bead shop being down the street, I will now be regularly stocking these assortments of color coordinated small beads. I am also really happy to announce that I have new colors of Silk Ribbon from YLI. It feels like we waited a long time for them, but I think it was worth the wait. We have also received the new shipment of Allie Aller's Crazy Quilt Book. If you pre ordered a copy I have it behind the register.

Please join us for the Knitted Purse workshop. There are so many of you that sew, and also knit or want to, that this workshop should fill quickly. The process of knitting with fabric strips in this pattern results in a wonderful texture and a nice sturdy structure. Diane has tips on cutting and joining lots of strips, and I promise that you will never look at a skinny strip of fabric the same way. There is more information on the workshops page.

Tomorrow is the Magic Garden Block of the Month. We will talk about using patterns designed for fusing to do hand applique, I will show you a method I developed for turned edge fusing - for when you need a bit more dimension, and playtime will be all about tucks and textures. You will want to bring a sewing machine. Here is a photo of our blossom for this month.

Handstitchers is on Tuesday, we will continue with the Texas Star project, most of us are now working on the borders. You may bring any project you are working on.

The following week, on Tuesday, we have the Art Club. We will use the Zentangle concept to design a quilt. Bring some paper, pens, pencils and a positive outlook. We will also be discussing where we would like to take this club over the summer months. If you have a project, techniques, or concepts that you would really like to explore, this is a great chance to make yourself heard and get some guidance.

Still waiting for spring

2011-03-25T10:59:00.002-04:00

As I look out the window, there are flurries again. Now this is really cruel, there is also blue sky. The clouds are white and fluffy, and there is sunshine. I had to go outside to look and be sure it wasn't some other thing drifting around, like - dare I imagine it- flower petals? I knew it couldn't really be, but I had to check anyway. So we are still waiting for spring. On that note, the Huckleberry Pie class that was postponed due to weather will run instead on this Wednesday, March 30. Block of the Month will meet on April 2, and we will talk about using tucks and pleats fro texture, and I will show you a turned edge applique technique that gives a bit more dimension than a standard fusing method. This is really cool and something I came up with myself, so you can get it no where else. Remember that if you just want to come for a single meeting and play it is $25.00 You may want a sewing machine for the tucks and pleats. See the Block of the month tab at the top of this page to get more information.

Beautiful Blooms and Tisket a Tasket have been cancelled for lack of enrollment. My apologies if you were planning to attend either, but our instructors work hard to prepare for class. If we don't know about a week ahead that we have at least 4, we cannot run it. While I am on this subject, let you know that on the other side of this, if you have small group that wants to do a particular project we can usually help out, we have a bunch of things we run as classes on demand that we can schedule especially for you. We also do private instruction, See the appropriate tabs above.

I also want you to know that there is a super exhibit this weekend in NYC, over 600 red and white quilts are on display at the historic Armory. It is the biggest showing of quilts ever in the city, and I have a link to give you a small taste. Unfortunately, I cannot attend, but would love to hear about it if any of you get there. http://www.americanflokartmuseum.org Being that we are in Red Hook, and our Bicentennial is coming in 2012, this is a great source of inspiration. The plans for the commemorative quilt are coming along, and we will be looking for sewing volunteers soon. We may even have a few open sewing days here at the shoppe. Details will get posted here as they unfold.

Are you ready for Spring?

2011-03-18T10:45:00.003-04:00

Finally!!!, Sunday is the first day of Spring. I have started the seeds for my garden, have begun to slowly put away the winter clothes, and am getting ready for an exciting set of projects this April. Framed is a great use for a new and unique product, Texture Magic. The project is actually a photo frame for an 8" x 10" print, but the part that gets me going is the incredible ruching effect you get using the Texture Magic. The sample on the workshops page was done with fabrics from a single line, but you can use any combination of scraps. You could take this workshop and claim to be doing Spring Cleaning by using up scrap!

Another wonderful project that can help with Spring is the Knitted Purse - as a new accessory. This adorable bag is knitted from fabric strips - either cut from all one fabric, or scrapppy (so more Spring Cleaning). I have bamboo needles that are great for knitting fabric strips. You know how those strips multiply, and I know how hard it is to toss them to the round file, Once you realize how much fun you can have and what great projects they can make, you will look at them in a whole new way. You know you love to knit, you know you love fabric, now you can indulge both passions at once!

Keep saving those skinny strips, over the next few months we will be teaching workshops on several ways to use them and get great projects that you will love to use in your home.

You have until Tuesday, March 22 to sign up for Beautiful Blooms. Puppy Love workshop will not be running, but check our workshops page for other great projects, and our club scene page for an update on what is happening there. Clubs are open to anyone, any skill level. If you have not attended before call or stop by to let us know you are planning to attend.

Bring on the Green!

2011-03-11T12:14:00.004-05:00

Batting, that is. I love the Dream Green batting. I have used it in a number of projects, and worked with it both by hand and machine with no troubles. You can quilt up to 10 inches apart, and it still stands up to super dense micro stippling. It really is one of the most versatile battings I have used. I have even used it in place of acrylic felt in a small piece where the very light green color was perfect. It is green because it is made from recycled soda bottles. ( It is good to keep them from floating around our oceans for millennia by finding ways to recycle them ) So by using it you are not only using a quality product to make something warm to keep your fuel bills down, you are helping keep our planet cleaner. To entice you to try it, on St Patrick's Day ( Thursday, March 17 ) it is 10% off. I have it on 60" wide bolts, regularly $5.00 per yard.

Also this week Huckleberry Pie workshop begins. Please be sure you are prepared, the supply list is on the workshops page. Our "Improv" workshop will not be running.

Registration deadline for Beautiful Blooms is March 19. This fun whimsical project will have you feeling like Spring in no time - especially with one of our "Super Charm Packs" They contain one dozen super charms or 10" squares in cheerful 1930's reproduction prints.

The Art Club did a great job and discovered a new form of expression with their Zentangles at our meeting Tuesday, Here is one example I'd like to share. Enjoy, and don't forget to register for class before it's too late!!

Are you ready for Mardi Gras?

2011-03-04T12:11:00.004-05:00

Tuesday March 8 is the day known in some circles as Fat Tuesday. Around here, we know it as Fat Quarter Tuesday. For the past few years, we have enjoyed the excesses of the day as quilters. As long as you wear some beads when you come to the shoppe, Pre cut Fat quarters can be yours for only a dollar each. With the rising cost of cotton, this is a deal not to be passed over. Don't forget to wear some beads, but as with fat quarters, it is way more fun to wear lots.

Tomorrow Sat March 5, , Magic Garden will meet at 9 am. At this March Meeting, we will look at Big Stitch Quilting, and I will Demo the benefits of using MistyFuse. You will love the soft feel of fabrics fused with this product. Jamie Fingal also did a demo with this with some help for Bonnie McCaffery, and this is the link to the video.
http://www.bonniemccaffeery.com/vidcastrs/056.html
As a reminder, if you are not a BOM member, you can still attend the meeting for a fee of $25.00. This includes the demos and open classroom time all day with our templates and basic materials.

Coming up next week, on Tuesday the Art Club will explore Zentangles. Yes it looks like we are finally going to be able to meet and have some good clean fun with this wonderful process.

I also want to remind you that Huckleberry Pie and Improv workshops are due to start soon. Please be sure to sign up and pay your registration. If we don't have enough paid registrations a week before the class is due to start we have to cancel. Don't let the project you want slip away. You can go to my personal blog to see a post about a possible application of Improv style piecing if you are curious. http://fiberspider.blogspot.com/

And yes, this post is a day earlier than ususal. Saturday posts are getting harder to fit in, so I have made the executive decision to move the regular post day to Friday. It gives you a bit more lead time to get set for the coming week and allows those of you who check this blog from work to do so before you leave for the weekend. ( Come on, you know you do! ) Have a great weekend and see you for Mardi Gras!!

Spring into Color

2011-02-26T14:52:00.003-05:00

We have begun to be inspired by Spring. I have noticed much more bird activity in my yard, and the general feeling is much more energetic lately. Losing the late Winter Blahs is good. One thing that has helped is that it is still daylight when I go home from work now. Another thing that helps is that the new spring things are coming really soon to the shoppe. Currently I have been enjoying reading "The Quilter's Color Club" by Christine E Barnes. This very practical look at color for quilters not only has great photographs, but ways for you to experiment with your own stash without having to donate a bunch of fabrics to the cause. I found the explanations of why things work or not to be illuminating- sorry about the pun. There are actual projects too, and they are wonderful, I am considering possibly doing a workshop on one of them. All this thinking about color is helping to banish the now dingy snow from my thoughts and replacing it with lots of colorful new project ideas.

One of my all time favorite quilts is Corona 2, Solar Eclipse, by Carol Fallert. It is a masterful design and it uses color to create a truly stunning visual statement. Carol has just recently put up a series of photographs on flickr that documents the process of its construction. It is a rare treat to get to see the decision making process that goes into such artwork. This is a quilt that I have studied and analysed, and I still was surprised to find that the back is pieced too!! This piece won the best of show purchase award the first time it was shown, so it has not travelled as much as you would think, and you would never know that the back is stunning in its own right. I hope that this link works for you, it is really long.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/breyerpatch/sets/72157625998890775/
If it doesn't work, google Breyerpatch studios to get to her website, or ask me when you come in for handstitchers on Tuesday, or the Block of the Month on Saturday. For the BOM, we will look at Mistyfuse, a different kind of fusible web, and Mock Sashiko stitching. If you want to, bring hand embroidery things to play around with it. I'll have some things for you, but if you want specific colors bring them. You may also want a pair of small scissors. See you all soon.

What a tease!!

2011-02-19T12:29:00.003-05:00

Wow, yesterday was a wonderful day, warmth, sun, and an open screen door!! Spring can't be too far away. The birds have been noisy and I am seeing alot more activity from the local wildlife. It is an exciting thought. The schedule for March is on the workshops page, with supply lists and photos. If you reserve your space in class before March First, you can take 10% off any of the supplies on the list for your class.

This Saturday, the 26th after Crazy Quilt Club, is the Tisket a Tasket block, using a fusible interfacing to prepare the turned edges. This is a wonderful method that can be sewn by hand or machine, and if you love applique, a method you should definitely know. These cheery little birds will bring some smiles and the hope for some warm weather. Let us know when you sign up if you need the pattern.

You can check the workshops page for more detail on March events or the Club scene page for updates on club projects, simply by clicking the links on the right. Then be sure to notify us that you plan to attend so we can reserve your space and you can get the discount! It is time to stop hibernating and get some new color and energy into our lives. See you really soon.

Back on Schedule

2011-02-12T16:22:00.006-05:00

We had our Block of the Month meeting earlier today, and it was so much fun!! We are back on schedule and we did colorwashing fabrics using Liqutex Acrylic paint. With the emphasis on getting fabric and color formations that will accent our flower blocks. It only requires very basic skills - can you hold a paintbrush, and mostly not spill a cup of water? If you answered yes, you can do it!!! It felt great to mess around with some beautiful color. In the next week or so I will put up the rest of the playtime activities we will do with Magic Garden. You have until the end of February to sign up for it as a block of the month, for $5.00 a month, including block kits and playtime. We can catch you up easily at this point.

The Crazy Quilt Wall Pocket class that was scheduled to begin this Thursday is being postponed until late Spring. We didn't have enough enrollment. After the way this winter has gone, I don't blame anyone for being afraid to commit to a schedule. If you had been planning to come and not informed me due to weather related fears I am sorry. If you are interested in a workshop please tell me as soon as you can, if you are on the list - even with a question mark, I can give you a heads up if things get snowy or some weird thing happens. There is also an early bird discount, If you get on the list before the first of the month the class starts in, you can take ten percent off the supplies on the list for that class. The dates for March are being finalized and will be up asap, on the workshops page on this blog.

Lastly, but not least, I want to tell you all about the new thread, DecoBob by Wonderfil. It is 80 weight polyester, and comes in a great range of colors. It was designed as a bobbin thread to work in the bobbin when doing satin stitching and other machine embroidery. It is great for that use, it is amazing how much a bobbin will hold, but that isn't all. I have used it for invisible quilting by machine both in the ditch and otherwise, in top and bottom. It is really thin and all you see is the texture if your colors even sort of match. I will now never use invisible monofilament again. I have also talked to several quilters who do hand applique and are using it instead of silk. I am told it handles the same, and I know it is much more economical. I will have it with me at the First Dutchess Quilters Guild Meeting Wednesday night, or you can get it at the shoppe when you come in to sign up for a Spring Workshop. It is really great stuff.

How much more??

2011-02-04T16:53:00.003-05:00

I know I am posting a bit early, but with more weather coming in for tomorrow, several of you have already told me you aren't coming to the BOM. If the weather is crummy none of us want to try to get here by 9. Our meeting is officially moved to next Saturday, Feb. 12, at ONE, to accommodate the Wiltwyck meeting. We will be color washing fabrics using acrylic paint. super fun, really easy, and addictive. The BOM page here has more details.

While I have your attention, if the weather they are predicting for Tuesday comes in too, handstitchers and art explorers will both be cancelled until next month. How do you know? Standard procedure is that if Red Hook Schools are closed or delayed we call off class. Hopefully the Triple Dip workshop for Thursday will not be affected by snow.

If you need a fix of nice bright colors come on in, but drive carefully. Many of the Spring samples are rolling in so I have lots of inspiration for you.

What, no snow?? -ha!!!!!!

2011-01-29T17:24:00.004-05:00

So much for no snow. Hand stitchers is postponned until next Tuesday. We will meet in conjunction with the Art Group. You may choose if you would like to Zentangle or handstitch. See you then.

How did that happen? Town has finally cleared the piles of it from the curbs and corners. It looks like we might just get through the weekend without any more. Tuesday is February first, so you have until Monday to tell me officially which workshops you want to take this month in order to get the supply discount. Email, comment here or leave a phone message, wouldn't it be good to take a workshop and see some friends, and spend time away from the home you have been snowbound in?
This week is handstitchers, and the BOM on Saturday. It is not too late to join us. This month special technique is color washing with paint to alter the colors of fabric. It can make stunning tie dye and batik effects, or be much more subtle and simply provide a bit of shading for the petals of a flower. Bring some fabrics, and your paints if you have them, but the classroom set will be available. You may want some small deli containers with lids to carry wet fabric home in. Often the hardest part of this process is letting everything dry. If you tend to be messy wear old clothes.
Next Tuesday, the Art group will be playing with Zentangles. This style of patterning is very addictive. You need the most minimal materials, no artistic talent, and just a few minutes of time. Bring a piece of paper, a pencil with a point, and a thin black marker ( I use a micron ) That is it. These designs are beautiful and have so many applications to textile work, quilting and stitching that I think everyone should try it. If you can't wait for the class, check out http://www.zentangle.com/ the back issues of the newsletter have some tangles stepped out for you to copy from and play with.
Lastly, I want to put out some teasers that we are working on for this Spring ( Yes isn't it good to think about Spring? ) We may have a special guest speaker who will totally inspire you. "Improv" is a semi free form piecing quilt that uses oodles of odd scraps. The sample in the book uses only plaid scraps, I used greens and earth colors from the William Morris quilt, and you could pick the scraps from any project to keep things coordinated, or be really random. This method is related to string quilts, scrap quilts of all kinds, and even Crazy Quilts.
I have been playing with a product called Texture Magic that we will use in a project called Framed, which will probably run in April. We are also looking to do a strip pieced or made from striped fabric kaleidoscope that just about anyone can do. I am hoping to begin the kids after school program this spring also.
If you read regularly, you may remember me mentioning the Red Hook Bicentennial Quilt Project. I am chief designer, and will be looking for sewers this summer. We will also be running some special events that will lead up to the celebration in 2012. As we work out the details I will keep you all posted.

Perfect Quilting weather

2011-01-22T15:13:00.004-05:00

Yes, I do enjoy snow days most of the time. On one of ours this week, my daughter and I made Mix and Match Monsters so I could play around with the idea for a kids workshop series. I am looking to get it going this spring, for 4 - 6 grade level kids. My daughter had no trouble with the green monster, She named him Grrrr! I made the Yellow one, and we had some trouble finding a name that fits his personality. I am now opening the discussison to you, and the person who leaves the best name suggestion in the comments on this post will win a free sample spool of Wonderfil Rayon thread.

On another snow day, I played with Texture Magic. This fabric shrinks under steam. You sew it to piecework or other fabric as if you were quilting, then steam press it and the shrinking fabric does its thing leaving the cotton with a wonderful texture that is permanent. The textured fabric then cuts and sews like normal. I hope to have the project finished by next weeks post when I will put up a photo. In the meantime here is Grrr.

These snow filled days that are beautiful to look at but dangerous to drive in are the perfect days to get to that pile of UFOs and get one or two of them done. Then you have the perfect excuse to treat yourself to one of the new workshops for February. Don't forget to get signed up. I have posted photos of the Wall Pocket, and the block for Tisket a Tasket, plus a teaser or two for March workshops on the workshops page. Check them out and when you comment with a name for the yellow monster you can tell me which ones you want to take.

February is Sweet!!

2011-01-15T14:40:00.005-05:00

The new events for February are posted on the workshops page. As I get photos I will add them, the samples from Diane will be dropped off to me this Thursday so I can shoot them. I am really excited about the things coming up. We haven't had a crazy quilt project outside of the club in a long time, wait till you see it. Tisket a Tasket applique will begin again, and we have the Disappearing Nine patch done with a Scrap Therapy flavor.

Our handstitchers club is continuing the Texas Star, and the Art Explorers Club will try out Zentangles. The Block of the Month will be playing with color washing with acrylic paints This is how the border fabric on the sample was created. There is also a free project that will be given only at the meeting, called Sweet.

Information on each of these is on the relevant page, just click in the right hand column.

Since we have only the February Schedule ready, we will not be doing an open house. Instead, if you reserve your spot in one of our workshops by the first of February, you can take 10% off the items on the supply list for that workshop. You can reserve by phone, email, blog comment, facebook ( friend me as Diana Louie ) or in person. I hope that this makes it easier for us all. I do have hard copy of the schedule in shoppe.

If you are curious about Zentangles, check out the webiste, www.zentangle.com They are relaxing, fun to look at, simple to do, and addictive. I'll try to put up some of mine next week.

Cardinal block workshop This Saturday

2011-01-08T16:17:00.003-05:00

The Cardinal is one of my favorite birds, the female that lives in our yard has been named Carly by my daughter. We hardly ever see her bright red mate, so I imagine that he is here at the shoppe in our sample, keeping an eye on me. This block has several setting options, and you may even find yourself getting a jump on next years holiday sewing. There is more information on the workshop on the workshops page here. We have a few people signed up, but without a few more, not yet enough to run the class. I hate to disappoint any of you. The block will be done before you leave class, so it is a good one to get you back in the swing without making a big commitment to a new project. Please come take this workshop.

The Art Quilt Club will meet on Tuesday to discuss how the quilting design impacts the whole look of the piece.

On Thursday, at 11 am we will have a short meeting about the Red Hook Bicentennial Quilt. If you are interested in this project you are welcome to join us.

If you are going to be in Albany and like to look at quilts, there is a show at The Social Art Gallery You can get a peek at the quilts at http://www.fcscapitalregion.org/en/fcscapitalregion/The_Threads_That_Connect_Us_Exhibition_p3135.html

Nancy Eha, my favorite Beader has been interviewed by Bonnie McCaffery, and she demonstrates the Beaded Lazy Daisy Stitch. If you like embellishment or beads check it out at http://www.bonniemccafffery.com/vidcasts/054.html
I think that stitch would be fun to add to some of the Block of the month blossoms. It's never too late to join in this one, the project is off to a great start but it will be even more exciting when more of you get involved.

Feel free to contact us by phone, email, or better yet come visit. See You Soon.

Schedule change due to weather

2011-01-07T13:26:00.004-05:00

It has been snowing here since this morning and in order to allow you all time to dig out and get here safely, the kickoff meeting for Magic Garden , our Block of the Month for 2011, has been moved from 9 am to 1 pm. There were two conflicts that prevent us from doing it next Saturday so this is hopefully a solution that will work. If you cannot make it and wish to sign up please come by any time this month and I will get you started. Here is a photo of this month's block. It is fused on the background, awaiting some stitching. If you are curious, the Caterpillar on the stem above it is made from tiny Yo Yos. You can see the entire piece on the Magic Garden Page. Yes it is still a work in progress, but just like a real garden, it will continue to grow and evolve as the year proceeds. There are bonus projects nearly every month too, so dig out drive carefully and join us in our sunny Magic Garden.

Happy New Year!!

2010-12-31T12:20:00.003-05:00

2010 has flown by. 2011 probably will too. It seems every year goes faster than the previous one. In an effort to streamline my efforts so that I can concentrate on the things I am really good at and love, I am making a few changes in our online presence as of the first of the year that you all should know about. I will continue to post on this blog weekly, but I will only send emails once a month. (probably in about the middle of the month ) Please bookmark this blog, or follow, or subscribe, depending on how you get your Internet so you will simply be notified when an update is made. I have also added a page here for upcoming workshops, and as I get into it, there will be photos and supply lists for about the next month. I figure that if you are checking this site regularly, it is easier than going to the actual website, plus I can put up more photos here. This blog should be your first source for information on the Village Fabric Shoppe and its activities. The weekly special has not been something you have all been taking advantage of, so I am discontinuing it, and will offer other occasional incentives to those of you who are on the email list.

In terms of projects for the new year, we are busy designing the commemorative quilt for Red Hook's Bicentennial celebration, which is in 2012. I will need some volunteers to help with the sewing and quilting as we progress, so if you are interested please let me know and I will get you on the list. I have a few related promotions in the works that I am getting really excited about, but more on those when the plans are firmed up.

There is still time to join the Block of the Month for 2011, I have worked to keep it very versatile, inexpensive, and super fun. I guarantee you will make something you love, have fun doing it, and learn a few new things in the process. Our first meeting is on January 8, at 9 am. You will get way more than your moneys worth. This goes for our clubs too, see the Club Scene page for more details.

I have also finally given in and joined face book. Find me under Diana Louie, and friend me. As we ring in the new year, please find the time to work on something you enjoy doing, and we will be here to support that in whatever way you need. From supplies, to workshops, to the simple answer to the odd question, to large tables to baste on and save your back, my job is to help you achieve your quilted goals. Lets make 2011 the best year yet.
Before you close this window, check the upcoming workshops and Block of the Month pages for updates.

The year is nearly done

2010-12-24T17:09:00.002-05:00

This year went by very fast. January should be a good month, we have a new and super fun block of the month that is perhaps the most versatile and useful set of patterns we have done yet. For more information click on the Magic Garden tab on the right. We also have Scrappy Stars beginning on the 6th, second half on the 20th, 1-3:30. We also have the Cardinal Wall hanging on Saturday the 15th. They are both great workshops by Diane Johnson, and I know you will enjoy either or both. Filling the post holiday lull with a new workshop on a cool project is a great way to begin the year.

In the week between Christmas and New Years ( we will be closed on the first ) all Holiday merchandise is 25% off. Books, patterns, fabrics, even threads and thread assortments in the holiday theme. We will also have a machine ready all week for you to stop by and help us make pillowcases for the Million Pillowcase Challenge. I have a number of pre cut donated fabrics ready to go and would like to get them finished. It only takes about 15 minutes and you will be doing a good deed. See you soon.

Free pattern!!

2010-12-18T13:27:00.007-05:00

You know those little boxes with the curved top and bottom?, they are called pillow boxes because of their shape and they are really easy to make from old greeting cards. I have been doing this for small gifts on and off for years, and as a holiday gift to you I will forward you the file with the pattern and instructions if you leave a comment on this blog. These are some that I whipped up last night so I could have a few to show you. My family wouldn't let me use any of this years holiday cards yet, so these were ones we got for our anniversary. They are so simple to do, and green too, they are made from "found material", are re usable, and you don't have to add any more wrapping paper to have a pleasant looking gift. They are wonderful for when cash or a gift card are the perfect thing, They hold jewelry, the keys to a new car, gold coins, or a piece or two of homemade fudge to say thank you when the gesture is more important than a true gift, or any number of wonderful little treasures. If you make a template from the pattern they take about five minutes to make.

While on the subject of cards, and small quick gifts, this week cards are the feature item. We will be closed Friday and Saturday ( 24th & 25th ), but for the rest of the week, all kinds of cards in our inventory are 10% off. This means playing cards, blank cards, inspiration cards, and postcard sets. They are all full of inspiring quilt images, but would make a good present for non quilters too, the postcard sets are particularly stunning.

Don't forget to sign up for our January workshops, Scrappy Stars, Cardinal wall hanging, and of course the new Block of the Month. It only takes a minute to sign up, and will give you a great incentive to start off the new year with some creativity and a bit of time for yourself. After the Holidays, we all need a little "me" time and I can think of no better way to get it than dive into a fun new project. ( I have talked about this on my personal blog if you want to know what I have set up for 2011 ) You could even comment on this post and ask me to add you to the registration list for your chosen workshop.

Leaving a comment is easy if you haven't done it before, click on the words, "post a comment", and write your message. Follow the simple prompts to get it to publish. Just don't leave an anonymous comment or I wont have your email t0 send the file to. Can't wait to hear from you all.

Snow Cancellation policy and more

2010-12-11T14:52:00.002-05:00

We all had a pleasant time doing Redwork this morning at the Free Demonstration. Next Saturday I will do another, this time on Penny Rugs. This is a great way to do something productive but relaxing and calm in this crazy rush of holiday preparations. With this in mind, the special is 10% off woolfelt, and homespuns. Hopefully you will gain some inspiration, at the demo I will show you a super quick penny rug pincushion or sachet that you can whip up in no time. Its a great project for youngsters too, as woolfelt does not ravel. The pincushion ( or pillow for her favorite doll ) might just be the perfect project to keep ready in the cupboard for the first snow day.

Since we have seen our first flurries, let me remind you that if there is a snow cancellation or delay for Red Hook Central Schools workshops at the Village Fabric Shoppe will be postponed. New dates will be announced asap here on the blog, our answering machine, and if you have left an email at registration, by email. Please call ahead when visiting on those days as it is sometimes hard to get in to work, we would hate to have you come out in the snow to find us not yet open cause I couldn't get out my driveway.

This Tuesday Art Club will meet and discuss using panels, pillow squares and other hard to cut up fabric types. Last month we spoke about working from Photographs, and I have a link for you to check out. First Dutchess Quilt Guild has a subgroup that is doing Art Quit Challenges. For this one we were all given the same photograph and the prescribed size for the finished piece. My piece is at the shoppe, and a post on my personal blog about the doing. The results for the group were revealed at the meeting the other night and the organizer has posted all the photos on her blog. http://wildwomanglamgirl.blogspot.com/2010/12/first-dutchess-quilters-art-quilt.html They are great and both more varied and more similar than I expected. What do you think? Leave a comment here to let me know.

Lastly a reminder that we will be closed on the 24th and 25th, and on January first, so Magic Garden, our Blossom of the month will begin on the 8th. Can't wait for that!!!!

Free Demonstration this Saturday

2010-12-04T14:36:00.003-05:00

This Saturday, Dec 11, at 11 am, I will be demonstrating how to do Red work. There are copies of this Fall's Annual red work ornament pattern and kits available too. If you haven't done it, or at least not in a long time, Red work is based on the stem stitch - one of the most versatile hand embroidery stitches out there. Traditionally done in -- you guessed it, red, modern red work designs can be done in any color. The ornament can be done quickly, totally be hand, and is portable enough to carry in your purse while in progress. You could still make several for this holiday season. I will demo penny rugs on the 18th, and give you more information on that in next weeks post. These demos are a small way to say thank you for being my customers and friends.

The photo is the new block of the month for 2011. ( hanging where those shelves used to be behind the register ) It has lots of flower power, and can use a variety of techniques. ( You can choose your favorite or try them all ) The border fabric was hand painted, and yes I will show you how in February, the hardest part is waiting for it to dry!!! I know I am talking about this project alot, but I am so excited by the nearly endless possibilities that I just can't stop. I even had my daughter use the same templates to cut out paper snowflakes for the front windows!! Please sign up so I can make preparations for the correct numbers of kits. After last years truly intense project this one is very light hearted and easygoing.

This Tuesday is handstitchers club. We will continue working on the Texas Star, but in response to discussions from last months meeting, I will bring samples of hand made laces that I have worked. From needle lace, to bobbin lace and tatting, it is all in my lace notebook, and if the spirit moves us we can even try out a few techniques in the coming months. At least you will have a grounding in the various structures that distinguish hand from machine made laces. Should be an interesting discussion, feel free to join us just to listen if the subject intrigues you. We meet Tuesday, Dec 7, 10-12, $10.00

Lastly, but not least, the new threads are in. Wonderfil is Wonderful!! To get you excited, this weekend, the Rayon Theme packs are 10% off. These rayon threads are in coordinated packs of 10 spools and are just delicious. They look great under the tree or poking out of a stocking. I don't know too may stitchers who wouldn't be thrilled to get a box of beautiful colors, they're a great holiday treat that wont go to your hips, and still make your mouth water. They handle wonderfully and would be great to add a bit of shimmer to just about any project. Come on in to check them out, or see them at handstitchers, or at the Demo!! See you soon.

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-24T10:36:00.007-05:00

Before I go farther, a reminder that we are closed Thanksgiving Weekend, and that the Cardinal wall hanging is coming on December 4.

As promised, here is a photo of the block from the BOM for 2011. The fabrics in this are reproductions I had in my stash. I used the stunning new threads from Wonderfil for the zig zags in the machine applique. Yes, it is turned edge too.

While I have your attention let me tell you some of the benefits of signing up for this project. When the new BOM gets chosen each year, we decide on something quite different from the previous year, in color, design, and difficulty levels. It keeps things new and novel for all of us. It is also part of our philosophy to choose something that allows for and encourages you to bring your own personality and visions to the project. Lastly we try to create a program that you cannot get anywhere else. in other words, You wont be able to download the pattern for free two years from now because the fabric company has sold out on all the matching kits. The Village Fabric Shoppe is the ONLY place you can get all of it for a whole year.

Now, this BOM specifically, uses the book Fusible Magic, by Nancy Johnson-Srebro. The photo shows it in my bright front window, and you can see bits of the commercial templates surrounding it. There is a classroom set of these for you to use during class. The block kits will be distributed during class and you may use the fabrics to experiment with the new techniques as you make each block right in our classroom, or you can take them home and work there. We have worked hard to keep the costs down ( Class, including block kit, is only $5.00 per month) so that everyone can come in and enjoy some time experimenting with all the new things that quilters have to play with in our classroom. There is so much versatility in this that there are bonus projects and new ways to apply these designs to other projects nearly every month. In addition, I have worked out several setting options, from our colorful garden that will keep things cheerful through the grey winter, to a much more traditional sampler style setting that makes up to a full size bed quilt.

Just to prove the versatility of this mix and match design, here is the center for a Round Robin that I have sent on its way, using the motifs from this project in a Flower Power sort of way. They are fused, raw edge appliqued by machine, and set on a very bright piece of fabric that I painted in a workshop many years ago. Now isn't it amazing that both the block at the top of this post and this project are from the very same set of motifs in the same book? Get signed up today, you wont want to miss a single minute of this project.

Inspiration, and sale continues

2010-11-20T15:41:00.003-05:00

Can you believe that Thanksgiving is apon us? We will be closed Thursday, Friday and Saturday. However, to say thank you to you my valued customers I have extended the Pattern Clearance sale for Tuesday and Wednesday. There are still some really great patterns on the wall.

I will use the space made available on the wall by this sale for the new Wonderfil Threads. I am very excited to have these. The rayons are stunning and i have had no trouble with them at all, even is a fussy machine with an old needle and sewing through freezer paper on the backs of the appliques. The zig zags were done with a bronze color that honestly looks almost metallic. The shine is bringing out the magpie in me. The block is the one we will do in August as we work our new Block of the month. This sample is done in machine applique, with the rayons I already told you about, in reproduction fabrics from my stash, centered in a unbleached muslin background. This combination gives a classic look that goes well in a colonial or country decor. I guarantee that no matter what your tastes, this block of the month will keep your winter bright and cheerful, and full of inspiration. ( the batteries died in the camera so I will show you a photo in the next post )

Once we are past Thanksgiving, and into the Holiday season, we have the Cardinal Block workshop on December 4. In class you will make the cardinal, and can finish it into a pillow size piece with a scrappy border that is Diane's version, or one of the published versions, set with log cabins, or nine patch blocks. Yes, you still can get it done for THIS holiday, and you can leave it up all winter too.

Lastly for now, I want to share with you some inspiration, SAQA has put their new portfolio on their website in digital format. These are members who are actively showing in galleries and quilt shows. They are some of the top people in the Art Quilt World. The pieces show great craftsmanship, strong design and composition and incredible use of color. check it out. http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/saqa/portfolio17/#/1/OnPage If this link takes a while, you can also google SAQA and there is a button on the left of the homepage for portfolio 17. Enjoy!!!

Do I have a sale for you!!

2010-11-13T14:43:00.003-05:00

But first, Please let us know if you will be needing a kit for the Winter Felt Folk workshop on Thursday evening. The kit has chenille stems, acorn caps, "head beads",and wool fleece for the hair. ( cost $1.00 )
I have a few links to share too, first, photos of the winners from IQA Houston are posted at http://www.quilts.org/winners.html Be prepared to drool. Then go to http://bonniemccaffery/vidcasts.com/052.html to see how Peacock Paisley was done. Except for the teeny tiny size of the peacock she demonstrates, we will use this technique for construction of the blocks for Magic Garden, our BOM for 2011. From there we will expand and add lots more to your quilting tool box. With lots of smaller bonus projects and classroom sets of materials for embellishments, Our BOM will be the most fun you have had making things since kindergarten.

Now for the sale. You can stop holding your breath. Patterns from the pattern wall are on sale, Nov 19-24 for three for ten!! This is our normal schedule for a weekend special, plus the two days we will be open the week before Thanksgiving. There are some really wonderful patterns for jackets, traditional quilts, art quilts, totes and runners, and lots of techniques, from piecing and applique to chenille, felting and paper piecing. If you want to try it, buy it, at this price there is no guilt if you don't get to it right away. There are also some that would make nice gifts, just in case you have to get something done right away. The sale is on the patterns on the pegboard and in the clearance box only, excluding Scrap Therapy. This is to prepare the space for something really exciting that will be arriving very soon. I'll tell you about it while you are here picking out your patterns.

Now taking Registrations- Please

2010-11-06T12:35:00.008-04:00

Last week I told you about the Winter Felt Folk workshop. In response, I heard from Salley Mavor, the author of the book!! She said it sounded like a fun class, so if the author thinks its great, you'd better not miss it. Your Little People can be put on pin backs, hung on the tree, look great on wreaths and in centerpieces, and more. Once you make one, you will want to make a whole crowd. They are super fun and easy enough for just about anyone. Give a copy of the book and some supplies to your favorite crafter for a great holiday treat, you could even make one before you give the gift, to use on the wrapping instead of a bow.

There are many of you out there who are checking your calendars for upcoming workshops- including Winter Felt Folk. Please let us know asap if you are planning to attend. We need to know to plan accordingly. There is sometimes pre class homework, or fabrics that need to be pre-washed or cut to size before class, and although I try really hard, I cannot yet send out that sort of information psychically. It is not a big deal to call, email, or simply tell us when you are shopping anyway. We have had a class postponed because we didn't think anyone was coming, and found out later that we were wrong and we had students but no teacher. Not good for any of us.

This weekend, the special is 10% off of Fusible Magic, the book for 2011 Block of the Month. I have the sample of Magic Garden nearly finished. Come see it and get signed up! This is going to be so much fun!! There are a hundred blocks in the book, with more possible. The set of basic shapes makes so many fun designs, our twelve are all floral and a bit retro. The sample I made has a bunch of embellishment and is definitely meant to hang on a wall, but with just a little modification and fewer beads the very same kits make a more traditional sampler. This is so versatile that there is really something for everyone. Class sets of surface design materials and templates allow you to experiment if you want to without investing in a new thing until after you have tried it out. There are additional small project directions at nearly every meeting. Get the book on sale this weekend and sign up early. We are going to keep our winter bright and cheerful with this one!!

The Art Club will meet on Tuesday, we are discussing working from Photographs. Bring one if you want, you will need it printed, it's too hard to work with it in your phone. I will have some to demo with, but using one you have taken yourself is so much better from copyrite and expression standards. You will need some paper including trace if you have it and pencils, coloring materials are really helpful here too but optional. Of course if there is something else you are working on bring it. See you then.

November treats!!

2010-10-30T09:30:00.004-04:00

I hope that everyone had a safe and fun Halloween. Time to put away the costumes and plastic pumpkins till next year. Now the holiday rush begins in earnest. If you haven't started your gift making, now is a good time. The new Red work Ornament is out, Handstitchers can pick up a copy at the meeting on Tuesday.

We have two great projects coming up that wont sap your energy, or take too much time from the holiday preparations. Both are good for your soul too. First is Hand quilting. On November 12, 6:30 pm. This activity is so relaxing and easy to learn that everyone should try it. It does take practice to get perfect stitches, but it is so easy to pick up and work on a hand quilting project in spare moments that you will have it down pat in no time. This is one of my favorite activities for a cold fall or winter evening. You can bring a project from your UFO pile, Make a pillow like our sample, or even use a pre printed panel to practice on. I have kits of a really cute Christmas table runner from Thimbleberries. Contact us for more information.

If you don't want to do it yourself, I have a quilt in the window right now that is being raffled off to benefit the Elmendorph Inn. It was made by a local lady and beautifully hand quilted by another woman. The drawing is November 6, so if you want tickets you need to come in and get them ASAP.

The second wonderfully fun workshop this month is Winter Felt Folk. These "little People" will steal your heart and bring you smiles every time. This time around we are using holiday color combinations so they can bring you joy all season. Sally Mavor originally wrote this book several years ago, and it is now available as a re print. If you missed it the first time get yours at the shop now, and if you got yours last time, don't miss the workshop this time!! To get you inspired, The book is 10% off as the special this weekend ( Nov 5 & 6 ) and here is a link to Sally Mavor's website. http://www.weefolkstudio.com/ Our workshop is Nov 18, 6:30. Don't forget to get your wool felt early enough to wash it to soften it. Once you have played with this felt, you won't ever want to use those craft squares again.

Don't eat all the candy leftovers all at once, and join us for some real treats, no tricks!!

Happy Halloween

2010-10-23T14:41:00.003-04:00

Yes it is here, Halloween is this coming weekend, but there is still time to make a costume if you need to. The Two Hour "T" Tunic is great. There is a purple one in the shoppe window right now that my daughter needed when we went to Dragon Con in Atlanta. It makes a great base for many costumes from the magical and mythical to the historical. If you need instructions come in for a quick visit and I can help you lay it out on our big tables and you can sew it in about two hours. If you make one of these please forward us a photo so we can show it off. - Actually, that goes for any costume you create, or the results of any of our workshops. I can help you photograph if you bring it in to the shoppe.

Since for many, All Hallows Eve also signals the time to start making holiday gifts , this week the special is on the Tis the Season book by Mount Redoubt. This collection of seasonal wall banners and table runners has a great pumpkin, two stunning Christmas runners, and spring and summer designs as well. These are beautiful decor for you or gifts for others. This weekend only, the book can be yours for only $15.00, ( regularly 24). It is all done with fusible machine applique making them quick enough that you will want to make them all.

This week, Nancy's UFO class is moved to Thursday, and Thursday is also the day of the Purse workshop. That begins at 6:30. We are also gearing up for the handstitchers to really get into the Texas Star on Nov. 2. Happy Halloween - may your spirit be filled with imagination.

FInding time for the things that are good for you

2010-10-16T14:34:00.005-04:00

The full schedule for Fall Winter is now an the website, and in hard copy at the store. This time around, I think that just about everything that could go wrong with that could. It took four trips to the printers, from mistakes they made, to machines breaking down and parts not arriving. So please spend a few minutes checking out the new lineup either on the web or at the store.
It is very important to me that you can all find something on the schedule that you want to participate in, at a time you can do so. It not only is good for the store, it is really good for you. Time to do things that you enjoy, things that challenge you a little, and working with your hands in a tactile medium have all been proven to help bolster self esteem, keep the brain from aging, and increase all manner of positive energies that can actually improve your immune function--- so if you take a class you will feel good, stay sane, and help prevent the Flu. So sign up right away!!!

This past Tuesday, the Art Club worked on designs using words as inspiration. It just so happens that I found this blog site from a challenge group that had done just they and are mounting an exhibition. They formed pairs, who then chose a word and both of them made a small quilt based on the word. The different interpretations are quite interesting. Check it out at http://fiberarteast.blogspot.com/2010/09/paired-words-challenge.html.

This weekend is Crazy Quilt Club, and Nancy's UFO group on Wednesday, and coming up really soon, the last of our Holiday Head start projects, the Stylish Go Anywhere Purse. ( Oct 28, 6:30, $18.00)) Please let me know asap if you are planning on attending the Tisket a Tasket applique. If too many of you can't make it we will have to postpone. Call or email with a confirm or cancel for your class spot if you have been coming all along.

In the midst of all that, ( and the sheep and wool festival at the fairgrounds and my sister's engagement party) I am hoping to paint another wall tonight. I am so eager to get all this painting done so I can begin re filling the shelves. It looks so much bigger and brighter with the new fixture plan and color. Yes, the stock is a littler lower, but I don't want brand new fabric bolts to get infused with wet paint fumes. Although this process is feeling long, I know the shop needs it and yes, I am making time for this painting thing because it is good for the shop. As soon as the painting is done a bunch of new stuff will come in and the whole store will feel brand new. I'll let you know here as new stock comes in. I know you are just as eager as I am.

Reserve your place in class!!

2010-10-09T15:29:00.004-04:00

This week at the shoppe we have events every single day!! Art Club on Tuesday, UFO day with Nancy on Wednesday, The fabric bowl workshop Thursday evening, and Scottie Dogs on Friday Morning. Please call to reserve your spot, at the current time there is room in everything, but we need to know you are coming. You can email, or call if you need to, but the best thing to do is to come in so we can get you set up with supplies, show you the samples in the cloth, and help you choose fabrics if you need.

Last week I posted the schedule for October, we have finalized dates for the rest - through January- and it is at the printers, so Hard Copy of the full schedule will be at the Shoppe for next week, and on the website asap. I am very excited about the new Block of the Month for 2011, called Magic Garden. It is based on the book called Fusible Magic by Nancy Johnson-Srebro. I will post a photo as soon as the top is done. You can see it in progress in our classroom on the design wall as I get it finished. I am having a wonderful time doing it, and especially if this winter is as grey as last was, this project is just the thing to keep us going in the storms. The individual units of the blocks are interchangeable, and easy to applique with fusible or by hand or machine. Our version is a whimsical flower garden landscape, but the designs work just as well as traditional blocks, with sashing and border to set it all off. I am getting obsessed with these shapes, the possibilities are endless, and if you come to the monthly meetings you will get lots of bonus projects that use the same basic shapes. Its just too much fun!!!

This Friday and Saturday, the special is on Bowl Templates. Once you have made a bowl in class, you will find that these handy tracers make the cutting even easier, and with built in options making every one you do personalized will be so much fun. You'll have one for everyone on your gift list before you know it. Take 20% off the selling price - 25% if you show me what you made in class!! Happy Fall Stitching!

October Schedule

2010-10-02T15:52:00.004-04:00

Here is the schedule of events for October.

Texas Star by Hand
Join our hand stitchers club in October as we begin this stunning quilt. It will take as many monthly meetings as we need, and we will hand quilt feathers ( with Trap unto if you feel brave ) as the icing on the cake. The pattern has a five point pieced star and a circular braided border. Hand stitching can bring a relaxation and peace of mind that few other activities can, - and the by product is a great quilt!!! First Tuesdays, 10-12 $10.00 per meeting.

Fabric Bowl
You'll be BOWLed over by how much fun these are to make. Like potato chips- bet ya can't make just one!! Join us to get a Head Start on your holiday gift making and decorating. Thursday October 14, 6:30-9:30, Diane Johnson, $18.00

Scottie Dogs
This adorable block uses a fusible Interfacing method of appliqué that gives you the look of hand work. It can be made very scrappy or more coordinated, and makes a great "boy" quilt too, Pull out all your thirties fabrics, or plaid scraps and let your project go to the dogs!!!
Friday, October 15 & 22, 10-1, $32.00
** If you haven't taken the Scrap Therapy Cutting workshop, please make arrangements with Diana for a Quickie session. **

Stylish Go Anywhere Purse
This not too big, not too little purse is so quick to make and fun to personalize you may want to make one for every "girl" on your list. The button hides the Velcro closure, so no need to make a buttonhole, and the inside pockets can be sized to hold all the stuff you need it to, from pens to cell phones to keys. Thursday October 28, 6:30 - 9:30 Diane Johnson $18.00

UFO Days with Nancy
Many of you have taken workshops with Nancy for one of her larger quilts and need to get them finished. Nancy has agreed to be here every Wednesday in October and November to help you pick it up where you left off and get it done. Wednesdays, October and November, 1-4 $18.00 per session.

Since I don't have the rest of the schedule ready- still finalizing dates, we are not doing a registration week yet, but if you come in Friday or Saturday and pay the registration fee for your workshop, I will give you 20% off the supplies for that class as the special. The Scottie Dogs quilt and the Texas Star require patterns, I have supply lists for all of it, in fact the supply list for the Texas Star is on the club supplies blog. I hope to be painting all weekend, so come on in and get signed up for a fall project, and see the transformation of our store interior!!

Fall activities

2010-09-27T12:06:00.005-04:00

Hardscrabble Day was fun, the weather was lovely, and now it feels as Fall is truly apon us. We should have the new schedule ready by next week. I will put October Events here in my next post, but in the meantime I want to remind you that the Bowl and Purse workshops from the Holiday Headstart Program are coming up soon. These are fun and addictive projects that make great gifts for all of your friends and family, not just the stitchers!!

This Saturday is a very important meeting of the Block of the Month Group. We will be discussing, and I will demonstrate some techniques for adding the knotwork elements. If you have been keeping up you will be ready for this step and I have a number of options to share with you. I have figured out yardages and running lengths needed for each size project using each technique, so you will want to be sure to get this handout.

The Following Tuesday is handstitchers, we will be working on the Texas Star. I have sent the files for English Paper Piecing this project out to our regular members, but if you want to join us and use this very accurate method to put it together let me know. The pieces can also be hand pieced in the traditional manner. It is all straight line piecing, and the few set in seams are nice and wide - so not tricky by hand. It is your choice of techniques. The supply list is online at www.Clubsupplies-VFS.blogspot.com

Lastly, I am re-vamping my personal blog, DianaArtQuilts will be closing very soon and the new one, fiberspider.blogspot.com will soon house a full gallery of my art quilts and a regular accounting of pieces I am working on and musings on my Art and the issues that affect the creative lifestyle. To help you develop your own creative lifestyle, the special for the first weekend of October is 10% off all blank books. Even if you simply use it for taking notes in workshops, these beautiful books with recycled paper and a section of graph paper in the back, will lend importance and beauty to your notes and doodles. The paper is strong enough to glue in swatches too!! Come on in and get one for yourself!!!

Attention to Detail and Design

2010-09-18T15:37:00.007-04:00

Attention to Detail often makes the difference between a good quilt and a great one. Did you tie off the thread ends, are your stitches even, are the corners of your binding mitered well? This is the stuff that the Quilt Police love to examine. The problem is that good design and color choices is just as important and too many people are afraid to trust their own instincts and tastes. When the quiltmaking process gets lost in those details and the joy of color, pattern and an exciting fabric is missing, then people lose the urge to quilt. Now that Fall weather is upon us and the school year is underway, there will be many of us looking for a new quilt project. I urge you strongly to use quality fabric and materials and to choose colors and designs that you love. If you meet those conditions, you will want to pay close attention to the details for you will be making something that really fits who you are. To help on that front, this weekend, the special is 15% off all fabrics by the yard. Come in and get some of that fabric you have been loving before it is all gone, and add it to something you have been meaning to finish, or start something new. We have some great workshops on the Fall/Winter Schedule that could be just the thing. I should have a complete list ( if not all the dates set ) by Hardscrabble Day on Saturday.

Remember, it is fine to get obsessed with the details if you love the design and colors. I wonder what this guy loves about his materials. You wont believe this level of obsessive detail. http://kronikle.kidrobot.com/pencil-tip-micro-sculptures-by-dalton-ghetti/ He must have great lighting, lots of time and a good magnifier. Happy stitching!!

Schedule Changes

2010-09-11T15:59:00.002-04:00

Before we get to fun stuff, I have to let you know about a few schedule changes that will hopefully let more of you attend some of the Holiday Head start project workshops. The Fabric Bowl workshop will now be on October 14, from 6:30-9:30. The Stylish Go Anywhere Purse will also be moved, to October 28, from 6:30-9:30. Both workshops are $18.00 and you will have it done at the end of class. The Takeout Box on Tuesday, and Chicken Scratch on Friday will stay as originally scheduled. I have to honestly warn you that all these quick projects will have you making lots of them, and the more of them you make, the quicker they go.

I also need to remind you that Crazy Quilt Club is one week early, on September 18, and the Tisket a Tasket Applique project for September is postponed until October. Art Club will meet as scheduled on Tuesday. You will need blendable coloring materials as we will be working on making a color wheel.

Those of you working with us on Kelmscott, from William Morris in Applique need to let me know your plans for the next two sections of the quilt. September is the last of the flower blocks, and the quilt could be constructed and finished at this point, but if you want to add the cording as in the book, or the leaves border as on my wall hanging sample I will need to know. There are a few ways to attach the cording, and the leaves can be done with the scraps from the blocks so instead of offering a kit for October and November, you will simply be given a big discount on the needed fabrics for your chosen options. We will discuss in more detail at the October meeting. In the meantime, I found this post on The Textile Blog, about a wonderful William Morris design. The information here is great, and I had to share this bit of inspiration with you. The link should be click able. http://thetextlieblog.blogspot.com/2010/09/william-morris-and-snakeshead.html

The special for this weekend, as the weather gets cooler, is 40% off patterns for jackets, vests or any other wearable. Happy Stitching!!

September Events

2010-08-30T15:54:00.002-04:00

It's September already, and back to school finally!! This past week was really busy, with painting the store interior, the DC Fair, and getting ready for my trip and back to school, but this September will be a great one. As usual, any of you that had needlework at the fair are invited to bring your piece to VFS to hang there for the month of September. You may leave your ribbons on!! This has been very popular in the past as it allows you to show your work with your name visible, and to actually see the work at a distance that you can see the stitching. I should also remind you that if it was done ( even in part ) at a workshop or in one of our clubs it qualifies for the class example program. After letting it hang for a while you get a discount of 20% off your total purchase when you pick it up. It is just a way to say Thank You for sharing.

We will be closed this Thursday- Saturday over Labor Day Weekend. When we come back we will be on regular hours again. There is no special as we are closed over the weekend, but on Sept 10 & 11, are Buy 4 get one free!! They are so useful for holiday gifts, and on the supply lists for all the holiday headstart projects that have supply lists!!! That brings me to the September schedule, listed in full below. Note the BOM is a week late and Crazy Quilt Club is a week early.

Holiday Head Start Week Sept 14-17
Tuesday, Chinese Takeout Box Sewing Kit
Wednesday - Fabric Bowl
Thursday - Stylish Go-Anywhere Purse.
Friday - Chicken Scratch Bookmark or Fob
All Workshops from 1-4, $18.00 each.

A Tisket a Tasket Appliqué Workshops
Block 10, our choice for this month , will focus on freezer paper for creating the shapes (and again, a bit of wool). This block may be done by hand or machine. September 18th All levels, 1:30 – 4:30 $18.00

Winter Houses
This is the last of the Seasons Houses. This evening scene features singing snowmen with a row of houses. Join us for a holiday wall hanging or finish your year with this winter row!! September 22 & October 6, 1-4,Nancy Shakleton, $36.00

This Months Club Dates:
Art Club - September 14 - constructing and using a color wheel
Block of the Month - September 11
Crazy Quilt Club - Sept 18 - Date Change
Hand Stitchers - September 7 Beginning of Texas Star

Too Much Fun!!!

2010-08-21T15:43:00.003-04:00

The Pillowcase Party was a great success, we now have 138!!! From 8 to eighty and more, very few customers who came in yesterday didn't stay long enough to make a pillowcase. My sincerest Thanks go out to everyone who participated. Special thanks go out to Diane, Deeanna, Jane and Gail for hanging out all day and helping keep things running smoothly. My Dear Daughter also gets recognition for serenading us with her lovely Flute Music. We all had Too Much Fun!! Watch for another event this Fall, and keep bringing in those cases.

This week we have Whoo's There, fabric collage for Kids, or the young at heart, on Thursday, and on Saturday, Crazy Quilt Club in the morning and Tisket a Tasket in the afternoon. A Tisket, A Tasket appliqué class that day will feature needle turn appliqué – probably the most versatile and certainly the most popular technique among the best appliqué artists, like Robin Pandolph and Becky Goldsmith and Linda Jenkins of Piece O’ Cake designs. This is one you shouldn’t miss!

A reminder that the fair is this week too. Check out the needlework section . Let anyone showing interest know that they can do it, and share the joy. Sometimes all it takes is a word of encouragement for a new quilter to get started. Our own Diane will be volunteering there on Tuesday and First Dutchess Quilt Guild will have a booth there as well. Those of you who have needlework on display please remember that as always I will gladly show any piece that was in the fair in our gallery space. We started doing this so the dedicated stitchers could get a closer look and it has been our most popular show every year we do it. Just bring in your piece (with your ribbon on it if you want ) and I will hang it for the month of September.

Lastly, as I am nearly ready to paint the main section of the store interior, I don't want to move any more than I have to, so if you finish a bolt of fabric on Friday or Saturday ( 27th & 28th ) you can take 25% off the entire piece of fabric. This is a great time to stock up on backgrounds, borders and backs!! Check the colors in your stash and coordinate, or just pick up the last bit of that fabric you fell in love with before it is all gone.

happy stitching!!

Pillowcases!!!

2010-08-14T14:55:00.004-04:00

This coming Friday is our Pillowcase Party. The goal is to have 25 more pillowcases made that day. I have promotional goodies and grab bag prizes while supplies last for those who finish and donate a pillowcase. I will also have some light refreshments. If you have a friend who always says she would love to learn to sew, bring her in!! This is a great way to get more people interested in sewing, do something good for our community, and have a fun time while we are at it. The special is on books, so the new sewers can go home with inspiration and instructions in hand, 10% off all books. If you sign up ahead of time and volunteer at this event an hour or more you will be given and extra discount too. Call or email and let me know.

This is a busy week, besides the Pillowcases, Tuesday is the Beautiful Binding workshop, and Wednesday is the second half of Lemon Blueberry. I also want you to mark your calendars, VFS will be closed Sept 2,3,&4. This means that the William Morris Block of the Month meeting will be moved to September 11.

In September we will be working on the last flower block and reviewing the skills needed to finish. Both October and November are optional kits so you will need to let me know if you are going to purchase them so I don't cut more kits than needed. October will cover the knot work block surrounds, ( you'll need to do 25 for the Queen size) and in November we will add the leaf border for those doing the wall hanging size. December is the big reveal and a party. Please come in and pick up the August Block Kit if you have not yet done so.

Nostalgia

2010-08-09T17:15:00.002-04:00

That seems to be the theme today, looking back with Rose Colored Glasses. That is fine with me, brings to mind beautiful but "well Loved" quilts that I have known and collected. One of the patterns that regularly brings on this feeling for many is Sunbonnet Sue. This Thursday we have a workshop on her, and with the accurate reproductions ( and a few vintage feed sack pieces) available at VFS, you can easily capture that nostalgic feeling. Give us a call and we can hold your spot and get you set for class.

The other nostalgic thing on my mind today is the many happy hours as a child that I spent playing Candyland with my sisters. Even after I thought I had outgrown it, my 14 years younger sister still loved it. I think we wore out a few boards. I have been thinking about it because we now have a wonderful set of three fabrics printed with the Candyland game board ( a panel) , and sets of the characters and a wonderful scatter print of candies on a red background. Together, they make up a great quick baby quilt, a perfect toddler drag around, or even a napping quilt for the kindergartner starting their school career. These fun coordinates are 10% off on Friday and Saturday, and will make up into a quilt faster than Ice cream Mountain will melt in this heat.

Before I close this post, I want to ask if any of you would be willing to volunteer to be a helper at the Pillowcase Party on August 20. All you need to do is be on hand to help any non-sewers that may participate with the simple act of sewing a straight seam or two to complete a pillowcase for the Million Pillowcase Challenge. There are all sorts of goodies (edible and not edible) that will be there for you all, even a few door prizes!! I have donated fabrics cut and ready, and have already received about a hundred cases. If you can't participate that day, you can still make a pillowcase from the directions at www.allpeoplequilt.com and drop it off to us. I'd love to get another 50 or so before I pack them to deliver to the various charities. Keep up the good work.

Lemon Blueberry

2010-07-31T15:39:00.002-04:00

A perfect summer quilt, Lemon Blueberry begins on Wednesday. The block is a variant of a traditional wheel, with a few piecing shortcuts to make it easier and faster even a confident beginner can do this. Use lots of fabrics from two contrasting color families to give it a contemporary feel. We still have room, call to reserve a spot. This one has the WOW! factor.

I have supply lists for handstitchers fall project, Art quilters August session, and the August session of Tisket a Tasket at clubsupplies-vfs.blogspot.com If you are interested in any of these groups now is a good time to step in and try it out. We make great projects and have fun doing it.

The special for our first full weekend in August is on Pre printed interfacing by Quiltsmart. These are wonderful for making quick quilts and gifts because the technique is easy. This product is used for the Sunbonnet Sue workshop coming later this month, so you might want to stock up. They make lots of other patterns too, blocks available include Hunters Star, Scrap Therapy Grids, Scottie dogs, Grandmother's Flower Garden, and even a few kits. You may take 10% off all the Quiltsmart products this Friday and Saturday. ( the Scottie Dogs may make an appearance on the next schedule - they are too cute, and can make a great BOY quilt in some fun plaids )

video revisit, August Schedule

2010-07-25T16:04:00.000-04:00

Several of you told me the video link I posted about last week wasn't working. I think it was too long and wrapped around, so try this direct to the Bonnie McCaffery home page, then click to vidcasts and the one I posted will come up first for the rest of this month. Many of the others are great too so feel free to browse. Both the Lutradur and the TAP have sold out but I have already ordered more so let me know if you would like me to hold a package for you when the come in. I have been playing with the TAP, and the image quality is great, plus you can print in black and white, then color -- it not only saves expensive printer ink, but lets you totally customize. Too much fun!!! http://www.bonniemccaffery.com

Here is the full schedule of August, mark your calendars and reserve your space in our air conditioned classroom asap.

August Events
Lemon-Blueberry Quilt
Just in time for blueberry season, This two color (plus) stunner will richly flavor your summer. Learn how effective pinning and pressing can give you perfect points and intersections. This wonderful block can give the illusion of circles without curves and without diamonds. August 4 & 18, 1-4 pm, Nancy Shakleton, $36.00

Sunbonnet Sue and Over-all Sam
These kids are quilting classics! Whether you’re decorating a nursery or just want to make a really special quilt, we’ll help you with a quick and easy technique for the appliqué plus lots of fun and creative ideas for the embellishment. Sue and Sam would look great in 1930’s repros or any country style fabric you’d like. We know you’ll love these two as much as we do!
All levels, August 12th, , 12:30 – 4:30 Diane Johnson, $18.00

Beautiful Binding
This subject gets glossed over in so many workshops we thought it was time to set things straight. Learn what those picky judges look for in a binding and why. Then find out how to make yours wonderful. Once you know how to do it right, you may find yourself winning more ribbons!!!! You need to have a project ready to bind.- perhaps even a placemat from the Great Grids workshop. August 17, 1-4:00 $18.00 Diana Louie

Pillowcase Party
Learn how to make a basic pillowcase using the Hot Dog method. Just show up with a few friends and choose from our pre cut pieces of fabric. As you move from station to station you will create a bed sized Pillowcase and learn how to repeat this on your own. This is a perfect way to ease into sewing with a machine. If you donate your effort to the Million Pillowcase Challenge, the lesson if FREE. Lets see how many we can get done in a day!! All levels Ongoing all day, 11-5. ( if you keep your pillowcase it will cost you $10.00) August 20

Who's There? Fabric Collage for Kids
Owls will perch happily on this 12 inch pillow slip. Fused construction means this is as easy as tracing. cutting and ironing. With basic hand stitched accents even the adults will love this project. Let the kids have the fun and they will learn valuable skills and a love of fabric and threads that will enrich their whole lives. Safe behavior around irons, scissors and needle and thread will be emphasized. Ages 7 & up.

August 26, 1-3, $15.00 including materials
please call ahead to reserve your child a spot
IT A Tisket a Tasket Appliqué Workshop
August 28th , block 9 will feature needle turn appliqué (and a bit of wool!) and we’ll continue practicing those stitches. 1:30-4:30, $18.00

This Months Club Dates:
Art Club - August 10
Block of the Month - August 7
Crazy Quilt Club - August 28
Hand Stitchers - August 3

This Friday and Saturday, patterns are 30% off. Includes clearance patterns!!

New Toys

2010-07-19T15:31:00.000-04:00

There are lots of events this week, Fall Houses on Wednesday, Crazy Quilt Club on Saturday, and Tisket a Tasket applique also on Saturday. You should also check your project lists, and your calendar, to make sure you can join us for the UFO Picnic on July 29. When you call to register, it is very helpful for Diane if you let us know what project you will be working on so she can bring proper materials.

I found this wonderful web cast using TAP, (Transfer Artist Paper) and Lutradur. I am playing with both of these products and they are the special this Friday and Saturday, at 10% off. When you come in, ask to see and feel the samples. This is great fun and can allow you to all sorts of images onto fabric and other surfaces for your unique projects. The TAP is easy to use and fully washable, you can draw right on it or run it through an ink jet printer with images from your camera or scanner. Really fun! Check out this video for more fun with both TAP and Lutradur. http://bonniemccaffery.com/vidcasts/o48.html New technologies make for some fun new kinds of art materials to play with.

Five Years

2010-07-12T11:57:00.000-04:00

This weekend, It will be Five Years that I have owned VFS. Time really flies. In the last five years, my daughter has become a lovely young girl, she was a pre-schooler when I took over the shoppe, the economy has tanked out, my husbands art career has taken off, and I have kept very busy-- The Shoppe has changed its look, its logo and gotten more artistic. Hard to believe that five years has gone by already, but with times the way they are, this feels like a really large accomplishment. I will be doing a key tag drawing on Saturday to celebrate, and to encourage you to fill yours and get in the running for this goodie bag worth more than $50.00, all in store fabrics ( yardage, Fat quarters, packs, and even decorator remnants ) are 20% off on Friday and Saturday. I will do the drawing at 4 pm on Saturday, so get that key tag filled before then.

This week, the Art Quilt Club will meet 10-12, on Tuesday and continue working with our custom designed blocks. Bring your design from last session, pencils, rulers, markers, and paper scissors. We will work with multiples, discuss and experiment with ways to arrange color and value for specific effects, and I will do a quick demo of using a computer program to make the process a bit quicker. See you then.

July Events

2010-07-03T16:51:00.000-04:00

I hope that you are all having a great holiday weekend. With the sunny and hot weather it definitely feels like summer out there. The Shoppe is fully air conditioned for those of you who need a cool place to sew. This month there are lots of cool classes, I posted the months full schedule below. A quick reminder that we will be closing early on Saturday the tenth at 3:30 due to my husbands art opening that evening in Manhattan. In honor of this Art event, all the sketchbooks and canvas books are 20% off. Keeping a journal is one of the best ways to keep creativity alive in your day to day life. Whether your art form is in fabric or on panels it is a great way to keep your thoughts and ideas from disappearing into the ether. I will be posting on my art blog in the next few days about a sketchbook project I am involved in too. If you haven't checked that out before then here is the address. DianaArtQuilts.blogspot.com Come on in to get set up with materials and anything else you will need to get ready for a workshop, finish something for your Dutchess County Fair entry, or start a new sketchbook.

July Events
Closed July 3, Closed early - 3:30 pm, July 10.

Just 4 Fun Summer Quilt
We will cut piece layer and tie this light weight summer quilt. The only thing you need to know is that you want to make this quilt. Most of the work will be completed in class and the fee even includes one of our Just 4 Fun fabric Kits. Sewing machine required. July 6, 13, 20 & 27, 7pm-9:30, $100.00, Diana Louie

Fall Houses
The pumpkins and stenciled fall leaves make this super fun, Join us for just this row, or add to your larger four seasons quilt. July 7 & 21, 1-4 pm, Nancy Shakleton $36.00

A Tisket, A Tasket Appliqué Workshops
We’ve been having so much fun creating the wonderful basket blocks and learning new forms of appliqué. Feel free to join the fun at any time – you don’t have to have taken the previous classes!” In the next three sessions, we’ll explore different hand appliqué techniques. (If you haven’t already downloaded the patterns, contact Diana at the shop.) These blocks are loaded with charm and are small enough that they make a great take-along project and can be easily completed in time for the next month. July 24th, we’ll work on block 8 using heat resistant Mylar to prepare our shapes and then work on perfecting nice, invisible stitches – not as hard as you think with tips from Diane! Block 8, July 24, 1:30-4:30 $18.00

Picnic in the Park UFO Day
Start with a clean slate for fall or complete your Dutchess County Fair entries – finishing those UFO’s will be “a picnic in the park” with Diane’s ready advice! And speaking of picnics, bring your lunch and we’ll supply the iced tea and lemonade plus brownies for dessert. What better way to spend a vacation day!
All levels, July 29th, 10 - 4 $36.00

This Months Club Dates:
Art Club - July 13
Block of the Month - July 10, Date Change
Crazy Quilt Club - July 24
Hand Stitchers - July 6

Fireworks!!

2010-06-26T16:08:00.000-04:00

Can you believe that it is Independence Day already? As I watch the light drizzle of rain I find myself wishing for good weather for the fireworks displays. The volume, the sulfur smell and the sense of wonder that a special burst elicits brings out my inner child without fail. Luckily there are usually several places we can see a good show.

I am ready to Oooooh and Aahh and if you are too, I have a link to an online demonstration that will bring on just that. Sharon Schamber has put up a workshop on drawing quilting designs, These feathers are fabulous. I will warn you, it is nearly an hour and a half long, but worth it. www.sharonschambernetwork.com/Classes/AllPremiumClasses/Play/TabId/95/SeriesId/147/Spotlight-Class-Designing-For-The-Quilting-Process.aspx If you ever wondered how a top quilter comes up with her ideas, or love fancy feathers, you will enjoy it. I found it fascinating to watch, she shows you every line drawn, erased and re-worked, and explains each step.

For the Holiday weekend we will be closed Saturday the third, and while we are on the subject, we will close at 3:30 on the tenth. Please mark your calendars. On Friday the second, I will be putting out for sale a selection of decorator remnants. small pieces ( under a half yard) are $3.00 each, larger pieces will be labelled with yardage and price, nothing over $20.00. Some is upholstery weight, some silks and fancies, including yardages. Just the thing for dining chairs, Throw pillows, bags, valences for a window, sky's the limit. All kinds of colors patterns and styles too.

One more reminder, the Block of the Month will meet on July 10, not this Saturday due to the holiday. Enjoy the fireworks.

Dimensional Applique Fun

2010-06-19T15:39:00.000-04:00

This coming Saturday, June 26, Diane will show you some dimensional applique techniques as we continue to have fun with the Tisket a Tasket series. These blocks are ideal for learning a new technique, as they are small, cute and can stand alone. Even if you haven't tried any of the others you can join us. Send us an email and we will send you the pattern.

There is also Crazy Quilt Club on Saturday, the second half of Art Camp, and Great Grids on Wednesday. Check the website for more details on any of these.

The Dutchess County Fair is coming soon, if you plan on entering you will need to get your entry forms in by August First. Your piece doesn't need to be fully finished by then, just the entry. I heartily encourage each of you to consider entering. Why make all these beautiful things if you don't want to share them. Don't be selfish, let everyone see!!! There is one thing I need to mention in this regard though, read the entry requirements carefully so you enter the proper category and meet all requirements. I do keep a print copy at the shoppe if you can't pull it up on their website. http://www.dutchessfair.com/

As the local schools are finishing this week, the special is 20% off kid friendly kits, we have them for hair clips, Hackey sacks, and embroidered spirit pins as well as sets of pre cut squares for the beginner quilter. Pick up a few kits and you will be ready for the inevitable rainy day!! Happy Summer!!

Art Camp is Here!!

2010-06-12T15:42:00.000-04:00

I can't wait till this Tuesday. Art Camp for Grownups begins, and we are going to make such beautiful things. Day one, we will paint backgrounds, sky and clouds, and begin to understand what our paint colors can do. Day two we will stamp and stencil, exploring how repeated motifs can be added. The third day is all about printing, using found objects and other techniques to add both textures and large images, or both, and our final day explores ways to use your unique fabrics and really show them off with work that only you can create as well as revisiting any technique you want to play with some more. We still have room for one or two more so show up and we can set you up. For inspiration, check out the post on this blog by Wen Redmond about the fabrics she just created. www.fiberartgoddess.blogspot.com Fabrics that end up that beautiful don't need anything but a frame.

I also want to thank all of you who have donated pillowcases. I have received from Wiltwyck quilters, loyal customers, and even a Home Economics teacher who had her students do them for extra credit. I currently have at least 50 - today's donations have not been counted yet. The Pillowcase Party we have scheduled is for August 20, so mark that day on your calendars, it will be a good time and for a worthy cause as well. We will even have prizes!! So if you can, join us.

For Father's Day weekend, all plaid fabrics are 20% off.

June Events

2010-06-05T15:44:00.000-04:00

Next week is busy, Registration June 8-12, with paid registration take 20% off class supplies this week only. The entire new schedule is on the website, We will have a great summer here, Sunbonnet Sue, Just 4 fun beginner class, kids classes, Art Camp, more seasonal houses, applique technique sampler, the Holiday Head start program, and even a pillowcase party are all on the schedule. Our air conditioned classroom is a great place to spend a hot day.

I also want to let you all know that anyone who has a piece in the Quilts in The Valley show this weekend, ( Wiltwyck Guild Show ) can bring in the judges comment sheet on June 12 and take 25% off their purchases that day. Entering the local shows supports the guilds and all the charity work they do, helps educate the public about what quilts are and can be, and is a great way to share this lovely thing that you spent time and energy to make. The judges comments can help you understand what is great about your piece, and what technique you may want to work on improving. ( Of course you could even win a ribbon and that is a wonderful feeling. ) It is a difficult job for the judges to decide how to give out those ribbons, and I believe that just entering is enough to deserve a reward. So bring in those comment sheets and the quilt if you want, and you can have a discount.

Art Club members will need paper or sketchbook, pencils, eraser, ruler, fine black marker, and colored pencils or crayons for Tuesdays meeting. I will have some colors too. The second half of the In the Pocket Tote is Friday. Beyond that, the June Schedule is below, sign up before things fill.

June Events
Take 20% off class supplies with paid registration
only during Registration Week - June 8- 12!!
Art Camp for Grownups
This year we will concentrate on paint effects on fabric. From beautiful background washes and sky and water fabrics, to printing, stamping and stenciling, You will be ready for any project with your own custom made fabrics. Fun for all levels- no sewing June 15,17, 22, & 24 , 11-1 $48.00 Diana Louie.

Great Grids and Perky Plaids
Do you want to Quilt your own quilts, but don't know where to start? Are those tops piling up? Grids are the classic overall design and make great background designs for fancywork too. Come learn how to make great grids and even some perky plaids. This no marking method will have you finishing all your tops in time for the fair!! If you don't have a top ready layer some fat quarters for a pair of placemats and get a jump on holiday gifts!! , June 23, 12:30-3:30, $18.00, Diana Louie

This Months Club Dates:
Art Club - June 8
Block of the Month - June 5
Crazy Quilt Club - June 26
Hand Stitchers - June 1

Summer and schedule

2010-05-29T13:53:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone is enjoying their Memorial Day Weekend. This is the traditional first weekend of the tourist season, and when I was growing up, the weekend that the local beach started charging to drive through the toll booth. Although I have traded the white hot sand of the ocean beach for the concrete poolside, this holiday still kicks off summer. If you have children in your life, you know that in summer, the schedule changes, so too here at the shoppe. Beginning Tuesday, June first, our hours are 11-5 Tuesday-Friday, and 10-5 on Saturday.

Tuesday is handstitchers, which will meet at the regular time and continue English Paper Piecing. If you are interested, we can easily show you the technique and get you started. We are having a great time with this and many of us have elected to work on a larger scale project. Everyone is doing a different pattern and it is very exciting to see them all.

Thursday is the second half of the NY Beauty workshop. Hopefully one or two of the class members will let me take a photo or two to share, these are coming along great.

Today is the opening of the Nancy Crow exhibit at the Schweinfurth Art Center, and it is a rare chance to see an almost retrospective show of her work, here in NY. www.schweinfurthartcenter.org/exhibits/2010/nancycrowpress.html is the link to the site, If you want more click on the Press release link and you can read a bio, and artist statement and more. This weekend coming ( June 5 & 6), is the Wiltwyck Quilt Guild Show, Quilts in the Valley. Don't miss it. www.wiltwyckquilters.org for more information.

The new schedule should be back from the printers in a day or two, and it should all be up on the website very soon. In the meantime, Registration week is June 8-12, and our first event of the summer is Art Camp. June 15, 17, 22, & 24, 11-1 with free studio time till closing. I will post more next week.

Lastly, the special for the weekend of June 4 & 5 is on Themed button packs. These usually sell for up to $6.00, but this weekend the sale price is $3.00. They might just inspire you. Enjoy!!

summer hours

2010-05-22T15:18:00.000-04:00

As a reminder, we go to summer hours on Memorial Day, Saturdays stay 10-5, but Tues-Friday we will be open 11-5. This happens each year so that I may accommodate the different summer schedule of my family. Clubs that usually meet at 10 am will continue at their normal times as I can make arrangements once or twice a month. Thank you all for understanding.

The tote bag in the photo is "In the Pocket". It is a Scrap Therapy project, and you may make it, or the wall quilt called "Fly Away" Both use a wonderful flying geese technique and have room to embellish with paintsticks. The lady bug on the bag was done with a commercial stencil and paintsticks. I will have it at class if you want to use the same stencil. The details of the bag are wonderful, grommets to hold the straps, the beaded strap is really comfortable, and there are pockets on both sides, inside and outside, hence the name. Class starts Friday May 28, at 11 am. Call or email to reserve a spot. I can even email you the supply list.

For Memorial Day weekend, the special is 10% off all reproduction fabrics by the yard. Civil war era, Thirties, all of them. Since it is a weekend for remembrances, it just makes sense. You will want to come by anyway to see my newest old quilt. It is a string quilt that is really unusual in that it is two sided. It contains lots of gingham, and a good amount of soft purple. A really fun piece that was made by the same hand as the last batch of quilts that I rescued. I have a few more bits of information on her life too. Have a great weekend and I will see you soon!!

New York Beauty

2010-05-15T15:12:00.000-04:00

While I know this isn't the best photo, This is a really great quilt. NY Beauty is a versatile block that looks good in traditional color schemes, batiks, bright jewel tones, and even in all neutrals. There as many ways to set the basic block as there are ways to color it too. This is a block that anyone can enjoy, no matter what their taste in fabrics. With the pre printed foundation, any sewer with a base knowledge of quilt making and the inclination can make this quilt. I am telling you all this because the workshop starts this Thursday, May 20, and we can fit in a few more. I can even email you the supply list if you want. You could even simply pick a focus fabric and go to your stash for the colors for the points- but why pass up the chance to buy a new piece or two of fabric. You Know you really want to.

Another big thing this week is that I will be the speaker at the First Dutchess Quilt Guild on Wednesday. I will present a short lecture entitled, The History of the Art Quilt, from Victoria to Today. I will have some of my pieces there for some in the cloth inspiration, but the majority of the lecture is supported by a PowerPoint presentation. There is no charge for guests, and I know that the evening will be exciting. We are having the reveal of the Seed Packet Challenge too. You probably have seen my version at the shoppe for the last month or so. If you need more information and directions the guild website is www.firstdutchessquilter.org I would love to see you there!!

And as we approach the weekend, Crazy Quilt Club and Tisket a Tasket are on Saturday. If you need the pattern I can email it to you. Diane will actually have her machine with her to show you some ways to get the most out of your decorative stitches. With that in mind, Stabilizers are the special, both water soluble and tear away versions. 10% off goes a long way with these items, and you wont believe the difference it can make in your work.

Beginner classes and more

2010-05-08T15:52:00.000-04:00

The weather held for Apple Blossom Festival. It appears that everyone had a good time. Several people came in to enquire about beginner level workshops, and so I am glad to announce that I will be doing a workshop for total beginners using the Just 4 Fun pattern. If anyone you know wants to begin quilting, this four patch project is a great way to help them get started. As soon as summer dates are finalized I will be able to post it all.

This Tuesday, Art Club will meet and continue our experimentation with the cut squares and asymmetrical designs. Please bring last month's project with you for comparison and discussion. The cutting list is on the club supplies blog, To get there, click on club scene to the right in the column, then supplies is in bold.

The following week, Batik Garden Path workshops begins, and NY Beauty with Diane Johnson also starts. NY beauty is filling fast so please get registered asap. Crazy Quilt Club and Tisket a Tasket are both on the 22nd.

The special for the weekend of the 15th is 15% off all paper piecing books. This technique gives you great accuracy and allows for unusual angles, and smaller size pieces than are possible with other techniques. If you haven't tried it, Easy Machine paper piecing, or Show me how to Paper Piece might be just what you want. Come try it out. See you soon

Apple Blossoms and Mom

2010-05-01T15:28:00.000-04:00

This coming weekend is a busy one, Apple Blossom Festival here in Red Hook on Saturday, Mother's Day Sunday, Lets hope for some nice weather. Just like today would be great. If the weather is good for Apple Blossom Festival I usually sit out front with some hand quilting, It always gets people interested. The special for the weekend is 15% off all Alex Anderson books. She is one of our favorite Quilt Moms. She has introuduced many of us to quilting and even though her TV show is not on the air anymore, she is still there for us through the Web and a soon to be launched magazine. From the new addition of her "Start Quilting" to the Super Simple Quilts book series, to redwork, and applique, she has great quilts with great instructions, and has inspired many of us to make beautiful things. She deserves to be honored on Mother's Day for all the nuturing she does for emerging quilters and the inspirations she provides. Maybe you and Mom can make a quilt together using one of these books. Alex is one of those ladies who gets to be one of my extra Moms this weekend. Many of you also have provided me with inspiration, laughter, a well timed cup of coffee, and friendship, as well as being loyal customers and I want to Thank all of you.

Tuesday is handstitchers club, we will continue English Paper Piecing. Wednesday is the applique panel for Summer Houses, I am happy to announce that we have the new dates for NY Beauty. It will be on May 20 & June 3, both Thursdays, from 10-12:30. This version of the classic block is made on a pre-printed muslin foundation that controls the bias in those skinny points and in the curves. With those shapes firmly supported by the foundation, the piecing is no problem and everyone will marvel at your piecing skills. You wont have to tell them the secret- just say Thank You.

I also got in some new books, Rotary Cutting Revolution by Anita Grossman Solomon, Me and My Sewing Machine a Beginner's Guide by Kate Haxell, and my favorite of the bunch, Dancing with Thread by Ann Fahl. This last is a great guide to free motion quilting. The book is very visual,( lots of photos ) and packed with all sorts of answers to questions you might not even have thought to ask. She has included information on batting, threads and needles, how to set up your space, and a very handy troubleshooting chart that can save your hair from getting pulled out if you run into a snag. There are several projects in the back of the book that are designed specifically to help you practice your free motion on useful and beautiful pieces. You could always buy it for yourself and make Mom a gift from it. Enjoy!!

Spring Inspirations

2010-04-24T15:23:00.000-04:00

This past weekend was the American Quilters Society show in Paducah. This Kentucky town also houses the American Quilter's Society Museum, so if you can get there there is a wealth of quilt inspiration to be had. Currently, the Imagine Hope exhibition by Hollis Chateliane is in the museum. I have told you all about her work before, so I will tell you about the winners of the AQS Show. They are on view online at www.americanquilter.com Click on Shows and the winners list opens. There are full shots of all the major winners. Carol Fallerts quilt "On the Wings of a Dream" only recieved an Honorable mention, after winning a best in show in Houston. Even in one's home town (Carol lives in Paducah) the judging can go against you. The number of variables involved in who wins the ribbons is huge, if you enter shows always take the results with a grain of salt.

If the big shows are too far or overwhelming for you than put the local ones on your list of places to go. Every big quilter is a member of a local guild somewhere and you never know what amazing work you may get to see. The Northern Star show in Somers is this weekend, May first and second, check their website for all sorts of information and I will see you there on Sunday. www.northernstarquilters.com You may also want to mark your calendars for the Wiltwyck Guild show, Quilts in the Valley which will be June 5 & 6. I will give you their link when we are a bit closer to the show.

There is also an exhibit on at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London that is making a big splash in the quilt world, that if you can't get to see in person is well represented online. www.vam.ac.uk/collections/textiles/quilts-1700-2010

Here at the shoppe, I have some lovely old quilts on view in our gallery too. These were all made by the same lady, and are mostly scrap quilts, some containing lots of feedsacks and also mostly hand pieced and quilted. Having acquired these and some of her fabric stash - including a number of vintage feedsacks - I feel like I know her, even though I have not been able to speak to her. Many of you can check it out when you come in for the Kelmscott meeting on Saturday the first. It feels as if I haven't seen some of you for ages since we didn't meet in April. Your April Block Kits will be available at the May meeting.

For the first weekend in May, the special is ten percent off fusible web. Those of you doing the Kelmscott Quilt will love this, and I know that many of you have recently discovered how useful it is, so now you have the chance to stock up- I know you will use it up. See you soon.

New is fun, fun is good!!

2010-04-17T15:01:00.000-04:00

This week coming is chock full of fun stuff. Tuesday is Art Club, Wednesday, Summer Houses begins, Saturday is Crazy Quilt Club and Shadow Applique on Tisket a Tasket. With all these classes and the more than 2 dozen new fabrics that arrived here this week, I hope to see all of your smiling faces come through my doorway. If you need the supply list for Shadow applique, email and I will forward it and the pattern to you.

I want to direct your attention to the right hand side of this message, You will see some new page titles under that heading More Information. These are click able links to pages dedicated to one specific thing that is happening here at VFS. You can easily move back and forth among them and I hope that you will check them out. I am working on a gallery page for your projects as well. You just have to bring them in for the class example program and give me permission to post them.

This week the special is 10% off Everything but the Kitchen Sink fabric line by RJR. These super fun and cheerful 30's prints are perfect for the newest Scrap Therapy pattern, called Doggone Scrappy. It is a Scottie dog block with a postage stamp sashing. The wonderful people at Quiltsmart have a pre printed interfacing for the pillow turn applique method so it is super easy to get this pup to behave. I have a four block version that went together in a snap currently in the front window.

Lastly, I wanted to share a website with you that has a wealth of images from the International Quilt Festival, Chicago. Once you are at the site, click on Special Exhibits and you will have a weeks worth of inspiration. www.quilts.com/sqf10/enVivo Prepare to spend some time with this. I think it is supposed to be rainy most of the weekend so you wont have to feel guilty for not being in the garden. Once you are all inspired, come on in and between the new workshops getting started this week, and all the new fabrics, we can make your inspiration into a quilt. See you soon.

New Fabric

2010-04-09T12:04:00.000-04:00

There is nothing to get a quilter excited more easily than beautiful new fabric. The recent arrivals here are no exception, I am having a tough time settling down to only one thing to make with them. I just don't have the time to do more than one new project right now. The photo gives you a pretty good idea, although the colors may be a little off because of my poor photography skills.

This week we have the handstitchers club trying out English Paper Piecing. This very portable technique involves basting your fabrics over a paper foundation and whip-stitching the edges to join them. Tumbling blocks and Grandmother's Flower Garden are the most common patterns using this technique, but the possibilities are huge. If you would like to join us you will need scissors, hand needles & thread, a pin or two, and fabrics that you would like to use. We have pre-cut pieces to make a variety of traditional and more unique patterns available. If you all enjoy this it may be our summer project.

The Art Club will meet on Tuesday the 20th. Please click over to the link for supplies (under Club scene in the right hand column) to know what you will need to bring. Wednesday the 21st begins the summer session of Seasonal Houses. If you are new to this project please stop in ahead of time to pick up the template patterns. Shoe Fly is scheduled for the 22nd, and Saturday the 24th is Crazy Quilt Club and the Shadow Applique block from Tisket a Tasket. Let us know if you need the pattern.

The special for the weekend of the 17th is 10% off all colors Liquitex Acrylics and mediums. If you plan to embellish the seasonal houses project, make art quilts, or attend Art Camp this summer you will probably want some of these. We love them and you will too. See you soon.

Egg-cellent!!

2010-04-02T15:41:00.000-04:00

We have been enjoying this wonderful weather, and wish all of you a Happy Easter, Passover, or whatever you celebrate. When the weekend is this beautiful, it deserves a celebration. It has me thinking about vacations and so the special this weekend is on the Big Book, The Quilter's Travel Companion, normally $19.95 down to $12.00. It s a national directory of quilt shops that can have you collecting fabrics anywhere in the 50 states. Headed to California, Arizona, or even Alaska this summer?- you need this book, and this is a great price.

I want to remind you that the summer row of Seasonal Houses begins on the 21st, with Nancy and Shoe Fly Pie will start as scheduled with Diane on the 22nd. The photo is a detail of Shoe Fly Pie. Please get signed up if you want to take part in this wonderful project. It is fat quarter friendly, and uses Thangles for the triangles. This one is too good to miss.

I also want to let you know that I have some great new things from our Friends at C & T publishing. "My Whimsical Quilt Garden" is 20 applique blocks full of fun and spring energy, "One Block Wonders Cubed!" Helps you create a 3-D illusion using a technique similar to stack and whack, and "Quilted Symphony" will help you create dynamic and exciting wall hangings from your own designs, in simple and easy to follow steps. Yes you can!!!! Come check them out in person.

Lastly, I want to remind you all that you need to be nice to my family as they hold down the shoppe for me while I am out teaching for First Dutchess Quilters Guild on Saturday. Because of this the Block of the Month doing the Kelmscott quilt won't be meeting. We will meet next at our regular time in May. Your April Kits can be picked up any time in April, or at the May Meeting. See you then!!

April Schedule

2010-03-27T13:36:00.000-04:00

Good News, Diane is recovering well and we are back on schedule. The one change from our posted schedule is that the NY Beauty workshop will be postponed till June. When we have dates for that we will post it here.

We are running a Million Pillowcase Challenge Incentive during the Entire month of April. Go to your stash, pick out some fabrics that have been there too long, and make a pillowcase using one of the free patterns at http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/ and bring it in to donate. We will let you choose a free fat quarter as a thank you. ( One free fat quarter per person per day ) With this incentive you can clean up your stash of things you won't use, and begin to replace them with fabrics that make your heart sing. You will also be helping meet this challenge, and bring a bit of beauty and hope to someone who really needs to know that somebody out there cares. If you read this regularly you, know I think this is a great way to give to your community.

The April Schedule is as follows:

Closed Saturday April 3 - Happy Easter!!!!

Summer Houses +++
Get your BBQ ready, this second set of four houses are set for summer. Appliqué and embellishment add to the fun, including fireworks!! They can stand alone or be combined with the other seasons in a large quilt. A VFS exclusive Nancy Schakleton April 21 & May 5, 1-4 pm $36.00

Shoe Fly Pie
This quilt has so many great features: Thangles triangle units, a unique lattice and a wonderful pieced border! Pick a focus fabric for your border then grab some fat quarters to create a lovely, coordinated yet scrappy style quilt. Advanced beginner, Thursday, April 22, May 6 & 20, 10 – 12:30 $45.00 Diane Johnson

A Tisket, A Tasket Block of the Month Project
This time we will explore shadow applique using the May block from this charming pattern. Let Diana know ahead of time if you need a copy of this pattern or if you need us to e-mail you the supply list. April 24, 1:30 -4:30 (after Crazy Quilt Club) Diane Johnson $18.00

This Months Club Dates:
* many are moved with Easter being in the first weekend*
Art Club - April 20
Crazy Quilt Club - April 24
Hand Stitchers - April 13
Scrap Therapy Cutting - April 1

You may have noticed that there is no April Meeting for the Kelmscott BOM. With Easter the first weekend, it should be on the 10th, but I accidentally double booked myself and will be teaching a machine quilting workshop for the Super Saturday event for the First Dutchess Quilt Guild. I haven't yet figured out how to be in two places at once. My husband will be watching the shoppe, but running a workshop is more than he can do. I apologise for this mix up, but you can all still come in to pick up the April kits ( and the few of you who haven't picked up March) any time during April, and we will simply cover two topics at our May Meeting.

Lastly, I have to share this link with you, about the Quilt Show at London's Victoria and Albert Museum. I wish I could get there for this, some of these pieces haven't been shown to the public in a great long time. Enjoy. www.thedyershand.blogspot.com

Fabric Post Cards

2010-03-20T16:18:00.000-04:00

Unfortunately, I need to inform all of you that all classes and clubs hosted by Diane Johnson have to be postponed. She has had a medical emergency that resulted in a surgery on Thursday night. Watch this blog for updates on her recovery and re scheduling of the workshops. If you want to send her a card, you may mail them here and I will see that she gets them. Personally I think it would be fun for us and of course Diane if we send her fabric postcards. They are really easy to make, see below for a quick tutorial.

In the meantime, We do have part two of the spring houses on Wednesday, and part two of Star Gazing on Thursday.

Our special for the weekend is 10% off quiltsmart products. Pre printed interfacings for sunbonnet sue, full kits for grandmothers fans, circles in an assortment of sizes and even an eight pointed star. This printed fusible interfacing makes applique quicker, more accurate, and even portable if you decide to hand stitch. Sunbonnet Sue would be great with the new Everything but the Kitchen Sink fabrics from RJR. ( 30's Reproductions )

So now for the postcards -- I promise you will love making them!!

You need a piece of heavy interfacing or card stock at least 4 1/2 x 6 1/2 inches as the base.

The side you write on needs a space for the address and stamp, a 5 x 7 index card works just fine, or you can copy the format from a real postcard onto fabric or paper.

That is the business side, the fun side needs fabric scraps, and a simple design.

Use fusible or your favorite method of surface design to create the picture side of your postcard. Using fusible web, fuse it to the interfacing. If you want to stitch through it by machine do it after fusing. Then fuse the address side to the interfacing also (on the other side) trim the entire thing evenly to match the interfacing and use strips of scrap fabric to fuse on a thin binding, or use a serger or zig zag stitch to finish the edge. Have your postcard hand cancelled at the post office, and be sure that the stamps are well pressed on.

Now go make a few and have fun!!

Spring Clearance

2010-03-13T15:57:00.000-05:00

This past week was really busy and I am actually looking foward to a rainy weekend so I don't have to feel guilty for staying in and quilting. I might even get a pillowcase or two made for the million pillowcase challenge. I have a mess of fabrics in my stash at home that I know I will not use and someone will love them as pillowcases. There are a few new patterns at www.allpeoplequilt.com to try out too.

The Crazy Quilt Club will meet this coming Saturday March 20, yes, a week early. They will be starting a small amulet purse, just right to hold a special thimble. The concentration will be on the beaded fringe. Email us for a supply list.

Also this Saturday is the Spring Clearance Event. Select fabrics are marked down to $5.00 per yard (from as high as 9.50.) These include shirtings, reproductions, florals, and even a stripe or two. After this weekend, they will be gone and so will this super deal. Don't miss out.

Before I finish I want to remind you of two super workshops that are coming soon, New York Beauty, and Shoe Fly Pie. Diane Johnson is teaching both, and they both offer tips and shortcuts to make the projects both quicker and more accurate. New Your Beauty is done with a pre printed muslin foundation that stabilizes the bias making the skinny points and curves in this block much easier. The Shoe Fly Pie uses Thangles to create the half square triangle units for both blocks and border. Whichever project you choose to do first, you will be glad that you are quilting now, and not relying on cereal box templates like our fore mothers had to do. Check our website or visit for more info on the workshops, the notions they use, or even just for some inspiration. Happy St Patrick's Day, and Happy Spring!!!

Thinking Green!!

2010-03-06T18:26:00.000-05:00

This is a week full of snow day makeups. Spring Houses is Wednesday, with the second session on the 24th, and the Crazy Quilt Club will meet after the applique sampler on Saturday. We also have the Art Quilt Club at it's regular time on Tuesday. More on the art club in a bit but I want to tell you about a few things first.

I have gotten in a set of thirties prints by RJR called "Everything but the Kitchen Sink" They are super fun and just the right spring colors to get us all excited. I have twelve new bolts for you to enjoy. These are wonderful, and would make some great pillowcases fro the Million Pillowcase Challenge, or a scrap style quilt, or Dresden Plates, --OK I have to stop, I need to finish a few things first -- now where have I heard that before? But seriously, these are going to fly out of here so get some today.

I also want to let you know about a great resource for video help with lots of quilting activities. The free tutorials cover basting quilts, bindings, and one of my favorites, how to make an ironing board in any size of shape you want. Haven't you wished that your board was wider and maybe not tapered at the one end? Especially if you do alot of fusing, it is really handy to have a board that fits the whole project. http://www.sharonschambernetwork.com/ Sharon work is stunning, she has won several huge prizes and it is wonderful that she wants to share her knowledge. It is worth taking a look.

Lastly, with St Patrick's Day just around the corner, All the clover gizmos and gadgets in stock, including the Shamrock Shaped YoYo maker, are 20% off. All shapes of the Yoyo makers, puff quilting clips, and smocking stickers, All these fun new toys are for your arsenal of fabric activites. Super fun.

Ooops,! got so excited about the Clover toys, that I nearly forgot to let you know that our Art Quilt Club will be making some three dimensional Birds out of fabric scraps. All you need to bring is some hand sewing things, and a handful or two of stuffing. The Scrap box in the classroom will supply fabric, I will supply the optional wire for legs (yes they stand) and pattern. You can also embellish these with any kind of surface design you like, from embroidery and beads, to paint. If you want to get really colorful, bring some stuff to experiment with. Three dimensional fabric work is growing in popularity, it is not just for rag dolls anymore. The Art Quilt Club will return to its regular curriculum soon, but these birds are just too Springy and fun. See you on Tuesday!!

March Events

2010-03-01T10:26:00.000-05:00

Well, I hope the worst of winter is over. I know there are still some areas without power from this most recent pair of storms, but The Village Fabric Shoppe is all dug out and set to go for March. I am very ready for spring. I know I am not the only one craving the greening and blooming of Gardens, and the re opening of the local farm stands. To help us all out this weekend the special this weekend is on all books and patterns with flowers or gardens in the title. This includes the book for Shoe Fly Pie, titled Wild about Flowers. There are lots of choices, and it is my sincerest hope that they will help you through until the real flowers are blooming. If you want to jump into a new project, you have another chance at the Spring Houses workshop, it has been postponed twice due to weather, we are going to try again, and it is now scheduled for March 10 & 24, Also rescheduled is the Stenciling on Fabric Workshop, which will now be at 11am, Saturday March 6, After the William Morris group meets. Some of his designs would work as stencils, What a fun way to create a border for your Kelmscott quilt. The rest of the March Events are as follows:

Star Gazing Scrap Therapy +++
Join us to create this stellar quilt in one of two sizes, twin or lap. Choose to use two predominant colors or more random scraps for a chance to brush up on your use of value in quilt making. Diana Louie, March 11 & 25 10-1, $36.00. Prerequisite- Cutting workshop.

A Tisket, A Tasket Block of the Month Project
We’ll introduce this great block of the month project series with fusible appliqué and machine or hand stitching, a simple and quick way of getting a charming folk art appliqué look. If there’s interest, we’ll continue exploring other appliqué styles like shadow, needle turn, faced, etc. FREE pattern! www.bunnyhilldesigns.com check in the free section. All levels, Saturday, March 13th, 10 – 1. Diane Johnson $18.00

Hand Quilting +
Are you looking for a portable relaxing, and beautiful technique to add texture and linear designs to your pieced and appliquéd projects? Join Diana to explore hand quilting and its applications to your project. Bring a top to quilt, or concentrate on technique with a simple pillow design. Diana Louie, March 16 & 30, 7-9pm, $24.00

This Months Club Dates:
Art Club - March 9
Block of the Month - March 6
Crazy Quilt Club - March 20** One week early**
Hand Stitchers - March 2
Scrap Therapy Cutting - March 4

SIGN UP TODAY!! See you soon.