New textures and fibers oh my!

For those projects that need something a little different...we have some interesting options for specialty fabrics. Raw silk by the yard, wool, wool blends, linen blends...as well as smaller bits and pieces of silks, velveteen and wool felts, among others. We just put out a rainbow of new hand-dyed sueded flannels as part of our display of specialty fabrics (with fat quarters ready to go!).  These flannels have a twill weave rather than a standard cross weave, and are perfect for wool applique backgrounds!  

                                

Some of the new flannels...

                               

...even more colors!

textured linen like cotton fabric

Speaking of interesting fibers...here's a new kit for a sweet little pouch from Fiber on a Whim. It uses hand-dyed osnaburg a bit of fun stitching and creative curved piecing.  

  

We are also carrying a new product (for us!) called kraft-tex paper fabric. It can be used for a variety of different projects and can be printed on, sewn through, and even washed. It would work great in a tote, wallet, or journal cover.

Happy Stitching!

New Classes...Just in Time for Fall!

We're excited to offer new classes with some of our local talented quilters - these could be perfect for the advanced beginner looking for a fun project...or someone looking to get a head start on fall hand sewing projects or creative gift ideas for someone special.

Whacky Holiday - featuring cover girl artist Tonya Alexander! Tonya recently had this pattern published in the American Patchwork and Quilting magazine (featured on the cover!?!) and we're really looking forward to having her teach for us. The pattern features one main repeated block (showing off novelty prints really well!) and a focal pieced pumpkin with (fusible) appliqued accents. One of the great things about this pattern is that it is incredibly versatile- you could switch the pumpkin for a turkey, heart, or festive package...really, anything you wanted! This would also be a great design for an I spy quilt.

Used with permission from American Patchwork & Quilting® magazine. ©2013 Meredith Corporation. All rights reserved.


The class will be held on Sunday September 22 from 12-4pm. The class fee is $40 and includes project instructions. During the class there will be time for both discussion and work- and depending on your speed and style, you'll leave with some or most of the blocks done. This is a great project to use up some scraps as well as learn some new techniques. The pattern is very well suited to using panel blocks or fussy cut squares...and you could mix it up with a different layout: a table runner, door hanging, or throw pillow would look awfully sweet done up in these blocks.

Here are a couple of alternate versions...the first is a so-very-fall themed table topper, and the second uses the focal block as a pillow but you could certainly scale it up and create a holiday quilt!

Festive Turkey Topper

Package Pillow

Creative Stitching with Suz Litzsinger this fall! The first class, From Imagination to Decoration, is all about working with trims, embroidery, and ornamentations. This class can be taken independently, without continuing on in the series.  We're offering two dates for this one, Tuesday October 22nd from 5:30pm-8:30pm, OR Sunday November 3rd from 1:00pm-4:00pm. The cost is $25.00. The second part of the class is creating either the Oh Sew Sweet Sewing Box, or the Notepad Cover.

The Oh Sew Sweet Sewing Box class will be held on Sunday November 17th from 12:00-4:00pm. The cost is $25.00, and includes the precut box shapes. The sewing box is perfect for your trims, spools of thread, or your stitchery supplies.  This class is all about hand sewing!

The Notepad Cover class will teach you how to create a cute cover for a small 5x7 inch notepad. These notepad covers make great quick gifts for the list lover in your life. Class will be held on Sunday November 24th from 12:00-4:00pm, the cost is $20.00.  This project is completed by machine.

 If you're interested in either of these projects, make sure to sign up for part 2 at the same time you  sign up for From Imagination to Decoration class, so you have access to the pattern for the project of your choice!

Happy Stitching!

Lots of New Fabric!

Ready for a new project?? Of course you are...and we have lots of new lines to help you out!

Summit Rose by Paula Barnes

Here are just a few from the collection Summit Rose from Paula Barnes...there are a few missing from the photo that we are carrying in the store. This collection features a strong red and black border stripe, and some silver grey prints that we haven't seen alot of.  We have a project in mind for this grouping, so stay tuned for that! We've got fat quarters, as well as bundles available.

A new Jo Morton fabric is always exciting! This one is called Savannah - we aren't carrying the full collection this time but we have 17 bolts to provide a complete color grouping - and a few additional new bolts from the Madison Manor group....and lots of older classics to choose from. Fat quarters are ready to go for this grouping!

As a change of pace from the darker reproduction tones...here is a lovely new grouping of yellow and grey. The photo doesn't do the colors justice...you'll have to come see these for yourself. We have a little fat quarter bundle ready to go, as an inspiration for your next project...?

Happy Stitching!

Land of Lincoln Sampler Program

End of summer and beginning of fall is a perfect time to start thinking about cozy lap quilts…here’s one to get you started! This design from Carol Hopkins, called Land of Lincoln Sampler, features 13 unique nine inch pieced blocks alternated with simple rail fence setting blocks.  The completed quilt finishes at 60 inches square, but you can always add more blocks and make a larger project!

Pick up the pattern and starter kit (includes six fat quarters to create your first few blocks) for $26.95. Complete any four sampler blocks of your choosing by September 30th, and receive a free strip set to make two setting blocks! Dig into your stash or purchase fat quarter bundles...Complete all sampler blocks by November 30th and receive a discount on your border fabric.

Best part is…you’ll get to show off your finished quilt here at Two Thimbles in February. This is a great way to improve piecing accuracy, use up some scraps or dig into your fat quarter stash if you have one... and you’ll come out with a pretty, scrappy new project!

We've got starter kits and patterns ready to go, as well as fat quarter bundles to supplement your stash...so let us know if you want to sign up next time you come in! You can also participate through the mail, so contact us if that is your preference.

 

Our sample is still in progress, but we have some completed blocks hanging in the classroom and on the display board pictured above. Stay tuned for more progress on the finished product...

Happy Stitching!

Catch-Up from the Sew-In

Here are some photos from our retreat at the end of July. Projects got worked on, chocolate got eaten...we'd say it was a success all around!

show and tell!

the food table...for when quilters needed a break!

 Creative minds at work...

...keeping each other on track!

Pieced blocks from the block challenge

 Kari won our block drawing...congrats!

It was a long day of quilting and visiting...and it sounds like everyone had a great time (and even got some projects finished up!)   We won't name names, in order to protect the guilty - but we did manage to give out a few awards too.  Thanks to everyone who attended- we'll keep you posted on plans for the next one!

  

Happy Stitching!

Pincushion - Sewing Case and new projects

Time for a new pincushion! Well, not exactly a pin cushion, but something to coordinate with all those pin cushions you've collected?!  We went with some lovely French General fabrics to show off this hexagon sewing case from Fig Tree. It has just enough room for your stitching supplies...a little pair of scissors, a pack of needles and a spool of thread or two would tuck right in with some room to spare. There's a little pocket inside as well. We have some fat quarters ready to go, as well as the pattern and a bit of fusible fleece for sale if you don't have some in your stash.

Don't forget, the T-shirt class is coming up soon and we have lots of room left- you can find sample photos here!  We are just getting started with some fun fall projects...and finishing up some summer projects too....and we are working on some great new fall class ideas so keep an eye on our website for upcoming classes.  

Spooky fun fabrics!

Janey Jumper summer fun!

Just enough ruffles on this project?  This particular pattern features a few style variations and size ranges so you can use the pattern multiple times and create a new look each time!

Blueberry Skies Table Runner

This table runner starts with a square panel print - certainly a versatile method to create an easy block style quilt in a unique color palette.  We think a table runner like this and some blueberry muffins, or bottle of wine would make a great thank-you gift for someone special!


Happy Stitching!

New Fabric and then some!

Steam Punk 

Rainy Days

Fall Colors

We have lots of great fabric arriving daily - fall colors are starting to appear, but we still have some fun brights and lights .....yellow and grey combinations are popular as well as vibrant oranges and corals.  And for those of you who actually do execute those holiday projects before the last minute...a variety of styles and color combinations are starting to fill our shelves.  

We hope you are ready for some inspiration and new projects....