One month into 2016

Wow...where did January go?  We did get some store clean-up accomplished along with year-end inventory, but we still have a long way to go on the path to organization!  A little bit of sewing mixed into the daily chore routine seems like a good balance right?

If you've admired this quilt in the past that features the contemporary color combination of yellow, black and grey - we are getting ready to retire it, and have 2 kits left, 25% off if you'd like to grab one up for a quick finish.  It makes a healthy throw size project so a versatile option for gifting or freshening up your decor.  Quilt features the Cosmopolitan line from Benartex.  

Cosmopolitan Black Tulip

And we just received a new shipment of wool felt - perfect for valentines projects and we've added some spring colors too.  This felt heart garland is a quick option and you can find the tutorial here on Betz White's website.

Our other recent projects include this fresh version of the Charming Fractions quilt - a fat quarter friendly and multi-size project.  Just goes to show what a difference the fabric makes - this is the same pattern we used to feature our australian fabric collection.

Melbourne fabrics 

And for some new fabric - we have a bit more than what is showing here as always but these are a few of the new groups we've added to the shelves.  We also have charm packs available for this mixologie group so if you like a variety of geometrics this is a great collection.

Mixologie by Studio M for Moda

Isabella by Jo Morton for Andover Fabrics 

Margo's Mignonettes by Margo Krager for Andover Fabrics

New Fabric and samples

We needed something bright and fresh to contrast with these drizzly grey days, I think this quilt fits the bill!  The project is from a great fat quarter friendly pattern by Abbey Lane Quilts and we featured several of the prints from Lotta Jansdotter's "Lucky" line with Windham Fabrics.

Lotta meets Sergeant Pepper 

As we retire the Christmas decor, we are moving things around and rearranging some of the wall displays.  More is on the way, and we hope you're ready for some spring sewing soon.  Here is a new grouping from Windham Fabrics, Drift Away.  We haven't had too many mermaids featured on fabric lately, and I think the seahorse is a first for us.

Drift Away

And a quick update, the Pies & Tarts quilt really is growing!  That's 8 x 10 blocks now in case you've been keeping track.  I know it's slow, but it is steadily getting bigger.  Not sure how much longer I'll be at this one, but maybe it is easier to keep going then tackle the next phase as I'm thinking it might need to be hand-quilted.  Hmmm.

Pies & Tarts wip

Here is a sampling of some recent reproduction fabrics that we just added to the mix - these are from Barbara Brackman's latest line with Moda.  We didn't get too many and the colors in the photo are a bit off from the real thing - you'll have to check them out in person!

Old Cambridge Pike by Barbara Brackman for Moda

We hope you'll stop by soon to see some of our latest fabric additions and new samples!

Happy Sewing!

Konig Workshop Details

Finally....the details you've been waiting for!  Don't wait ~ you'll want to run down to the shop, sign up on our website OR give us a phone call and we'll happily register you for the upcoming applique workshop with Carolyn Konig.  That will be two full days of stitching and creating...hope you are excited to learn some tips from Carolyn!

The project for the workshop is the Waddington Charm quilt, from Carolyn's book "Creating Heirlooms: One Stitch at a Time". The centerpiece of this quilt is the medallion, which combines applique, english paper piecing, and hand embroidery. Below is Carolyn's description about the design source for her quilt:

"The embroidery in the original exquisite British medallion coverlet was wrought in wool and silk thread. In the center, the maker stitched "Ann Stevenson 1734" but the actual coverlet wasn't completed until 1820-1840- a common practice of the day. Families often saved pieces of embroidery and incorporated them into later needlework projects."

Included in the price of the class is a lecture "Reproduction Quilting and Design Techniques" on Friday evening April 29th at 5:30pm.  Reservations are required, call or come in to register.  If you would still like to attend the lecture, but are not registering for the class, there is a $10.00 fee.

For details and to register online, visit our website: Two Thimbles Events

Waddington Charm Workshop

Saturday, April 30th AND Sunday, May 1st

10:00 am-4:30 pm

Cost: $200 for two-day workshop

Learning and Creating

We have some great ideas in the works - if you've been thinking about improving your skills or learning some new tricks to keep the creativity flowing, you'll want to consider some of these offerings:  

English Paper Piecing 101 with Jane Buys

Friday, January 15th from 9:30 am to 11:30 am

Cost: $25.00 

Learn paper piecing techniques with this introductory class!

This introduction to English paper piecing techniques will review a variety of methods and products that can be used to create all kinds of hand pieced projects (tote bags, wall-hangings, quilts, etc.).  Will review fabric considerations (such as value and fussy cutting motifs), various methods of basting papers as well as finishing techniques and ideas for a variety of projects.  

You'll have a chance to try these methods and sample a variety of product options - plus get some construction tips from an expert!  We'll provide 1 inch hexagons to get you started  OR if you have a particular project or paper piecing shape that you want to work with, please bring it and you can get some personalized instruction too.

Sunday Stitch with Suz Litzsinger

Spend a couple of hours to learn a new technique and expand your sewing skills. Suz will share ideas and tips for how to include some extra fun in your creations! Beginning in February and continuing until the end of the year, each month will have a different focus.  These will often fall on the last Sunday of the month, but will vary on occasion.  Let us know if you want a complete list of topics and dates and we'll provide the details.

Each class will be from noon until 2 pm, with an optional third hour from 2 pm to 3 pm. The class time will include a demonstration and sharing of ideas along with an opportunity for some hands-on practice. Supplemental kits may be available, depending on the topic, and some classes will require a sewing machine.

Join the fun, come for one or make it a monthly routine!

Cost: $25.00 per session OR

$20 per session for 3 or more sessions

Here's a look at the first three sessions :

February 28th- Huck Toweling

Create a tea towel with Swedish Weaving.

March 20th- Prairie Points and Scallops

Learn more about these techniques; easy methods and examples of how to use them (like on the top edge of the Gypsy Bag shown above!).

April 24th- Beading Basics

Discussion of beads, threads, and needles. Hands-on practice of simple beading stitches.

Modern Mini Foundation Paper Piecing Class with Leslie Hnosko

Lombard Street

Lantern Lane

Churndash Court

Have you wanted to refine your skills at paper foundation piecing or is this technique on your list of goals?  We're offering three different sessions, each focusing on one of the foundation paper-pieced mini quilts shown above featuring patterns by Sassafras Lane. Build your skills while working toward finishing one of these beautiful quilts. The patterns and foundation papers for the featured mini quilt are included in the class fee.  These are set up to progress in level of difficulty and also provide some chance to work on color and value placement depending on your fabric choices.  A great opportunity to play with color combinations and create a special work of art.  

Classes are offered on the 2nd Friday or the 3rd Saturday of the month, March through May. Sign up for one, or sign up for all three for a discounted price! 

Cost: $35 per session, or $90 for all three

Session 1- Lombard Street 

Friday, March 11th         10 am-2 pm

OR

Saturday, March 19th     1 pm-5pm

Session 2- Lantern Lane 

Friday, April 8th              10 am-2 pm

OR

Saturday, April 16th        1 pm-5 pm

Session 3- Churndash Court 

Friday, May 13th              10 am-2 pm

OR

Saturday, May 21st           1 pm-5 pm

And if you are ready for some fast fun projects these shoe bags are a great gift for anyone who travels, or totes shoes to the gym or office - we added some fancy ribbon to a couple of our versions to make them extra special.  Fabric choices are endless!  

  

Shoe Bag
Free Tutorial at Betz White

And this embroidered linen ribbon is perfect for a sachet - a great option for your favorite valentines or a treat for yourself!  We have alot of great ribbon choices to embellish projects and create something unique.  

Lavender Sachets

Happy Stitching!

January Sale

Accumulate Discounts Each Week to Use During the Final Week of January

Each week we will roll out a new category of selected sale items, and when you spend at least $20 on the weekly featured items you will earn a stamp for that week. You may only earn one stamp per week.

Each stamp is worth 10% off your total purchase during the last week of January (24th-30th), for up to 30% off your total!  (some exclusions will apply)   Here's what you can expect to see on sale each week...

January 3rd-9th: Close out patterns, books and Holiday items

January 10th-16th: Selected notions

January 17th-23rd: Featured kits and clearance fabric

There is still time to take advantage of this week's promotion - and we still have our Christmas Fabric on sale at 30% off through Saturday January 9th!  Stock up now for next years projects!

And if you're like some of us, itching to start a new project here are some fun fabrics we've been unwrapping! 

Check out these bold patterns - the possibilities are pretty amazing and maybe you've already signed up for the Riley Blake Fabric Challenge?  There will sure to be some great things coming from this group.  Riley Blake Fabric Challenge- The Modern Quilt Guild

Sashing Stash by Eleanor Dugan for Riley Blake Designs
Discover the possibilities at Sashing Stash

The mini charms for this collection, First Crush - will be perfect in the pixelated heart quilt like the on we stitched up last year.  Just in case you need to make another one to keep or give!

First Crush by Sweetwater for Moda 

Loire Valley by Karen Styles for Marcus Fabrics

New Year Resolutions and Classes

Make a plan to accomplish your New Year's resolutions, or if you're not that formal and instead choose to outline a few goals or set aside time for some calendar planning - either way you approach it, hopefully you're like us and somehow intend to fit in just a bit more sewing time this year?!  We have some great ideas coming and we'll be adding more options in the next few weeks as we finalize our plans.  Here are the details about a couple of upcoming activities.  

For those of you who have been thinking about or have already joined some of the UFO and Finish-a-long (FAL) programs, or perhaps the stash-busting challenge is more your style - there are so many online groups and local groups to participate with it's hard to find the time to get from participation to completion right?! We've included a few links to get the ball rolling if you're still unsure of what your plans are for 2016.

Pat Sloan- UFO Busting Plan 2016
All People Quilt- 2016 UFO Challenge
QuiltWorks- UFO Challenge Returns

Regardless of how you approach it, we're here to help with the challenging part - the follow-through!  Each month there will be the opportunity for some quality sewing time, and we'll have staff available to coach you to the finish line (more information below).

Friday Finishes with Sharon

First Friday of the month (Beginning February through June)
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Class Fee: $15.00

Join Sharon on the First Friday of the month for some quality sewing time.  Use our space, away from the distractions and obligations waiting at home to help you meet your New Year's goals, get those UFO's off your back and bust some stash!  You can finish it up, or catch up or just enjoy some dedicated sewing time.  You'll have access to design wall space, irons, and a cutting table along with hands-on help if you need it.  We'll be available for company and motivation as well as ideas and inspiration.  

Valentine Playtime with Suz Litzsinger

These aren't just for Valentines! They can go just about anywhere - as decorations on a tote, notebook, or pillow are all possibilities. How about a set of sachets or a cute needle case? These will also make perfect additions to the Gypsy Bag as shown above on the left (class coming in April).   Made on a base of wool blend felts you can also work in some fun woven fabrics as accents. Embellish with embroidery and the new favorite... sequins! Beads and buttons could really make them shine! The options are endless - Come join us for a creative session and learn a few new tricks along the way. We'll also show how to wrap an artist's canvas for a special piece of wall art!

Sunday, January 31st, 2016
12 noon to 4pm
Cost: $35.00 includes pattern; optional embellishment kit fee $10.00

Tuffet Class with Krista Moser

Create a one-of-a-kind tuffet for your home or as a gift for someone special! A great addition to a sewing room or dorm room... The tuffet measures 18 inches in diameter, with lots of options to personalize your project - you select the leg style and trims to fit your taste. Kits for the tuffet base (foam and plywood) are available for pre-order if desired ($40.00). Prep work and finishing touches will need to be completed at home before and after class but you'll be well on your way to completing your first tuffet by the end of class! Completion instructions will be provided during class.

Saturday, February 6th, 2016 10:00 am-4:00 pm 

OR

Friday, February 26th, 2016 10:00 am-4:00 pm

Class Fee: $45.00

In case you need a little inspiration, below here are just a couple of the beautiful finished tuffets from previous class participants!

Finished Tuffet by Barbara and John Schuster

Finished Tuffet by Leslie Hnosko

Hope you're getting organized and revving up your sewing machine for a great 2016!