Gifts to give and receive!

Can you believe it's already the holiday season? Now that radio stations are playing Christmas music ... time for some quick thinking about gifts if you're just getting started or just finalizing plans. We've got some new things to play with...

Ruffle fabric is our new favorite...it just sounds fun, doesn't it? Whip up a quick scarf- we've got kits ready, and some styles just take one seam and you're done! Baby booties, a fun skirt, adorable leggings for a little girl...the possibilities are endless!!

Pillowcases are always a great option for kids and adults. We've got some kits made in holiday theme, sports, outer space, and a few flowery fun options. If you've never done French seams before, you'll love how crisp these look when finished, and they are a snap to make!

For the reader in your life, an e-reader cover might be just the thing. These covers can be adjusted to fit Nooks, Kindles, and other e-readers. You can choose the right fabrics to fit the style of the recipient, and there is even instructions for a pockets inside to hold reading glasses. We made ours up in chalkboard fabric, perfect for a student or teacher!

One of the many exciting finds at Quilt Market was new oilcloth in funky new colors and styles. We've got red and white polka dots and a black-and-white floral design. Garden chair covers, messenger bags...lots of great ideas!

Chalk cloth is a similar product - except you can write on it with chalk! Placemats to keep the kids busy at holiday dinner? Samples coming soon!

Fat quarter bundles and needle packs make great stocking stuffers. We'd love to help you cross some gift shopping off your list, and talk about all our new treasures...so come see us soon!

Happy Stitching

Tree of Paradise

The blocks in this vintage quilt go by many names, including Tree of Paradise and Tree of Temptation. It's an appropriate choice following our half square triangle event, don't you think? The blocks are approx. 20 inches square, and combine 2" half-square triangles units with solid squares. This is a two color quilt, combining tan and cream. It has a layout of 4 blocks by 4 blocks, with simple sashing and posts. The quilting is double lines, and this quilt was hand pieced and quilted, with machine binding. Enjoy!

Happy Stitching!

Trading Fabric, Trading Ideas

The first Two Thimbles Half-Square Triangle Exchange was a great success - everyone seemed to have a lot of fun! We had nearly two dozen participants, and the number of half-square triangle units that people traded ranged from 28 (the result of one foundation paper) to over 500. There were over 3700 units traded overall. That's a lot of little bits! Some quilters kept some of their units for themselves and traded the rest, and others left things to fate and exchanged everything they had! We put the "currency" out on a couple of tables, did a little math, and let the frenzy begin. The classroom was pretty quiet with all the counting and concentration - you didn't want to lose your place!

Everyone came out with a good variety of half-square triangles to make into a scrappy project. We had some half-square project ideas out on display, combined with Edyta's book and hopefully there was enough inspiration to get started! Below are some pictures of the event, for those of you who couldn't make it!

We received some positive feedback about the variety of the squares, and everyone is excited to do it again! We plan to hold another Civil War-themed trading event in Spring 2012- watch for details!

Ready to talk Turkey?...

This seems to be the truth at Two Thimbles, anyway. These two birds may not be exactly the same but they definitely share that 'fabulous' trait that we strive for.

We added some frayed edges to November's Calendar quilt to give it some dimension, and we're pretty excited about how it turned out! The border applique pieces are bright fall colors and we toned it down to warm homespuns for the turkey himself. Pretty fun for a Thanksgiving decoration!

Our owl pincushion is more subdued, but just as darling. We've got kits for this little wool creature - the pattern is from Bunny Hill Designs and we used some newer winter-toned wools and a few Civil War prints as accents. Of course, we had to use the inspiration of the outdoors for our photo shoot- those fall colors fit in just right, don't you think?

Happy Stitching!

Daily Grind...and a Party!

Are you a coffee enthusiast, or do you know someone who is? Then you know how important that daily cup can be. This fabric line, called Daily Grind from Quilting Treasures, is a cute little reminder to take pleasure from the little things, like the first cup of coffee! We've got some retro coffee pots, sweet little cup and saucer combos, and a plethora of coordinates. Flowers, beans, plaids, and dots... in primary colors with a chocolate splash. New tea towels, anyone? Or better yet...a barista apron?

Speaking of 'little reminders', an important event is coming up...the first ever Two Thimbles Half- Square Triangle Exchange! We've had this sign posted for a bit and now is the time for the fun to begin. We've chosen Civil War fabrics as the theme, and many of you bought our little 'cinnamon sticks' (based on Edyta Sitar's ideas from her book Friendship Triangles) or some half-square triangle paper and made lots and lots...of little bits! Now all that hard work will finally pay off...

Tuesday November 8th

beginning at 11:00 - til we're done!

We'll have some fun as we trade triangles and we'll offer some inspiring ideas for triangles - just in case you end up with a few too many! You can bring your trading 'currency' on the day of the event, but it would be even better if you can bring them early so we can get organized beforehand. You don't have to be present to participate, but who wants to miss out on a Two Thimbles party?

Please let us know if you plan to attend so we can try to prepare for possible chaos (and fun!)...