Modern Quilt Guild - Bellingham Chapter Begins!

Don't miss out on a chance to go modern...you can click on the photo (at the bottom) and you'll be able to enlarge the document and read the fine print.  We were excited to hear this group is starting up and pleased to provide the the initial meeting space....we have a suspicion that the group will quickly outgrow our classroom space, so come and see what it's all about on the 28th!

Happy Stitching!

Packing the shelves!

We are loading the shelves with lots of variety!  Fun and unique prints with a bit of a twist.  We have more to show off soon, and a really cute sample made from the Story Book collection - our charm packs for this group are flying out the door.  

Animal Flannel from Timeless Treasures

Oh my - what little monkey wouldn't look cute wrapped up in these prints?  Or, a shoe bag for travel, or PJ's for late night carousing?

Collections Circa 1852 by Howard Marcus for Moda

This is a gorgeous focal print, and some great carmel tans and browns.  For this group we just have a few key pieces and jelly rolls.

Farm to Fork from Windham Fabrics

Deviled eggs for Easter anyone?  I'm doing a few pot holders for grown up Easter baskets out of this egg print and a fun carrot print that we have...of course, there will be some Easter candy in the pocket of the potholder to make things right!

55/56" Paris Canvas

We had a similar print a while back - it was larger scale than this one, so if you missed out before, or want a print for a sophisticated book bag, this could be the one!

Brushed Cottons from Story Book by Kate & Birdie Paper Co. from Moda

Story Book 

We have some charm packs left - a clothesline of decorated onesies, and a simple star quilt like the one featured on Moda Bakeshop from this group.

Story Book

Farm Stand 

Perfect for a farmer's market tote, apron or picnic tablecloth!

Xanadu Digitally Printed Fabrics from P &B textiles

Toile Challenge projects

I hope you are wrapping up your toile challenge project and getting ready to see some interesting and unexpected entries from your fellow stitchers....we have ours done and on display.  I had a little help and had some hand quilting added to our sample.  My mom had this turned around in no time!  We're going to make some fabric bundles that feature some of these fabrics if you like the color palette,  so check for those next time you stop by.  

Baby Quilt from Kimsquiltingstudio 

We have added a couple of additional toile projects for inspiration - there are so many possibilities you can keep it simple with just a few fabrics, or add a bunch and go scrappy.  I hope you'll make time to create something unique and send all your friends down to pack the ballot box next month!

Toile Tote Available on Etsy

Here is our latest toile arrival - this isn't one we featured for the challenge, but it sure would be a fun project starter.

Washington State Toile from Clothworks

The entry deadline is April 27th...and more details if you need a refresher are posted on our website.

www.twothimbles.com

Happy stitching!

Christmas before July?

Spring has sprung and we are going to get a jump on the holidays...does that sound like something you promised yourself you'd do last year, say about December 15th?  Well, you don't have to wait until the weather turns chilly, you can join us for a little festive stitchery and get inspired to do a little bit of preparation ahead of the rush.  

We have 3 patterns in stock now, two of which we have featured as monthly pincushions.  These projects are versatile!  Stick to a red and white theme for that scandinavian flavor, or add some blue and gold and a few buttons for more of a folk-art color palette.  We'll have a few added patterns in stock before class, so you'll have some options to choose from.  

You'll leave class with a good start to your project, and have a chance to review or learn a few basic stitches to get you going.  You can stick to the basics, or add lots of extras depending on your preferences and skill set.  Thank-you Suz for doing such a great job with these ornaments and adding some features of your own!

Enjoy the spring weather...winter will be back soon enough!

Mary Elizabeth Kinch

In just over a week...we will be hosting two workshops with Mary Elizabeth Kinch.  We have had to wait a bit longer than anticipated to get Mary Elizabeth here from Toronto, but it is finally going to happen!  Call or stop by if you'd like to reserve a spot.  

The first workshop is "Small Quilts, Small Pieces." This workshop will teach you the beauty of small quilts; exciting color combinations, seam allowances, and the "chaos theory" of small quilting. This class is perfect for quilters of all experience levels, a place to learn new tricks, and add to your repertoire of abilities. The "Small Quilts, Small Pieces" workshop will take place Saturday April 12th, from 10:00-4:30.  Cost is $85.00.

Sunday April 13th is "Pumpkin Peel" day with Mary Elizabeth Kinch. Break out your scraps, and prepare to foundation paper piece a beautiful, unique quilt. The Pumpkin Peel is shown on the cover of Mary Elizabeth's book Small Pieces, Spectacular Quilts. Class will be held on April 13th, 2014 from 10:00-4:30, cost is $85.00. 

 

Pumpkin Peel

We just wrapped up another Tri-County quilt tour, and the weather cooperated, and it sounds like everyone enjoyed the displays and floral theme.  Here is a quick picture of our project  and we'll get some additional pictures coming soon.  We were hoping to feature some trilliums in bloom from the garden, but they seem to be lagging behind a bit this year.

trillium table topper

We have too many new fabrics and projects arriving and we need to get caught up with photos and stories and....there is always a new project to start or a few to finish....Enjoy the rainy sewing weather!

Rainy weather....

We can't imagine the Saint Patrick's day Parade without a bit of rain...here are a few new fabrics that keep us happy in wet weather too!  

Frog and Toad (flannel on the bottom of stack)

Hearty Good Wishes pot holder & mini charms in a jar!

Hearty Good Wishes precuts

Through in a few solids and warmer colors and we will soon be ready for spring.  The Tri-County Quilt Tour is right around the corner - our theme this year, A Bouquet of Quilt Shops, gives you a hint of what is to come.

In the Beginning solids

Pearl Bracelet basics

And here is another wool felt pincushion for March, featuring the pattern Windflower by American Homestead.  We've got some fun ideas for working with these patterns so watch for a couple of dates for a sit and stitch class to be posted soon.

March Windflower pincushion

Happy Stitching!

What's New

We are overloaded with new fabrics...we went all out for this great new collection from Moda - nice denim blue shades and marine motifs.  We have a fun variety of samples coming for this collection so watch for updates on the projects in the works...

Hearty Good Wishes by Janet Clare for Moda

Jazz Jam by Jane Dixon for Andover

Do you have a musician in the family that needs a quilt?  Of course, you could make a piano cover, like they did in the victorian days of crazy quilts - they have a special display at La Conner you should check out.  Sue Spargo has an amazing collection of quilts on display in La Conner as well  - from the fun fabric combinations and embellishing all the way through to some amazing quilting.  The display ends March 23rd so don't miss it!

New Batiks

Saint Patrick's Day ALERT:  we will be closed for a few hours on Saturday March 15th, while the parade crowd takes over Cornwall Avenue.

St Pat is coming!

Sphere by Zen Chic for Moda

Are you thinking about a low volume quilt?  You'll want to be sure and include a few of these pieces in your project.

We hope the snow has left for the season and we can get back to the routine of wet weather and quality sewing time!!

Happy Stitching!