New Year = New Projects!!

This colorful quilt is the block of the month sample. It is done with Thangles, a strip pieced paper foundation for half square triangles. This technique stabilizes the bias and makes it possible to strip piece loads of triangles with very little effort, and great accuracy. Although it doesn't look like it, a confident beginner can complete this project. The one shown is full sized, and you have an option to make a queen size also. The blocks use the 1.75 size Thangles, and the basic color is minty green and white. The block surrounds, alternate squares and border fabric are part of the finishing kit and come in Wisteria, Pink or Blue, The finishing kits will be available in February. All three colorways have the same border fabric print, just differing in color , It is amazing how a simple change in color can alter the look. I apologise for the photographs, the colors are not exactly right, but you will get the idea and I had to photograph before the rapidly disappearing light was gone. This program is a Buck a Block series. As long as you show your work on the previous months block, the next one is only one dollar. There are full details on the website, or come by in person to sign up.

We also have a great Scrap Therapy workshop called Bloomin Steps Starting on the ninth. If you haven't taken a cutting workshop and want to sign up for this project, please contact the shoppe for information regarding pre class preparation.

Blockbusters, the Art Quilt Group will begin 2009 with a new meeting time, Still on the second Tuesday, but now from 10 am-noon, instead of the evening hours we used to have. You will need to bring a machine for the first meeting - the project should take two sessions unless we get into some very heavy embellishments. For a full materials list please e-mail or stop by. I had planned to have a guest speaker, but his schedule got over booked and so we will see him another time. The handstitchers are also starting a new project, from the Window Boxes book, again please e-mail if you want a supply list.

For Creativity Central, a call for entries!! In early February, I will be hanging a show of customer work that I hope will be an annual event called "Done!!" It will include any fiber project that has been completed during the past year. I am telling you all about it now so that you may have a deadline to work for. The value of having a goal like putting it up for an event can help you finish. Watch for the project sheet on proper bindings to help you out also. A good finish can make or break the piece. It is worth doing right. Finishing work all the way allows you to clear your mind and work on the next thing without extra baggage. So get those UFO projects out of the closet, finish them and get ready for a new year with lots of new wonderful projects. Details on the show will be posted when dates are finalized.