Challenge or Opportunity?

Are you in transition between projects just like the weather?  Itching to start something new, but not sure what?  We have a blank canvas of opportunity for you!  

This is a 24 x 44 inch panel - you can break it down or use it all....you can make a quilt or a handkerchief...embellish it or combine with your favorite fabrics, you get to create something unique!   You could make a gift for a friend or something great for your sewing room - a pillow or banner would a fun variation.  You have to use at least either one full section of the panel (12 inches) OR the equivalent amount if combining portions together.  Couldn't be easier right?  

Here's the drill:  Stop by and pick up your panel, there is a $5.00 fee to participate (which includes the panel)...and go home and stitch up something fun!  Entries are due May 23rd for display during June here at the shop and the best part, of course, prizes will be awarded for participation.

Hope to see you soon!

April Classes

This versatile tote bag project is alot of fun - you can create a variety of sizes and embellish them for an over the top look!  We have a great large size tote on display from batik log cabin blocks - so you can easily make this project your own.  We have fabulous ribbons in stock that can switch up plain fabric into something special without alot of labor too.  This class is coming up on Saturday April 2nd, you can register on line or come in to the shop we have a couple of bags on display and you'll get inspired to make a few of these! 

Gypsy Carry-all

We have one spot left in the umbrella class - so if you've been waiting for the sun to come out before deciding on this project - don't wait too much longer!  Details are on the website and you'll still have a chance or two to use it, I promise.   Saturday April 9th!

Sunday Stitch with Suz Litzsinger: Beading Basics

Join us for a full day of bead lore, there is so much to learn! Class will start with a discussion of the different types of beads, their best uses, and types of needles and thread. Then try out some skills and learn different ways of stitching on a small sampler that can later be used as a needle case or adornment for another project. A $5.00 kit fee will cover your sampler base, beads, thread, needles, and more. You just need to bring sharp scissors and good eyes (or a light if that will help you).

Sunday, April 24th 
Noon-3 pm

Class Fee: $25.00

And yes - some spring florals (with butterflies) and fun bright fabrics continue to roll in!  

Butterfly Garden by Dena Designs

Flock Together by Kathy Doughty

Color Daze by Laundry Basket Quilts

New Cotton + Steel

Fat Quarter Fabulousness

Happy Spring and I hope you enjoy some family, friends and sewing time this weekend.  We'll be closed on Easter Sunday! 

HOT Rolls

We have a variety of Moda Jelly Rolls on special for $25.00 each, while supplies last! There are several of some collections and only a few of others.  Get them while they're hot!  

And since we're talking about rolls - here is a festive easter table topper - of course any flavor of Kona solid works well with these chocolate bunnies.  This is a fun new pattern we're stocking - you can create a variety of sizes from placemat to centerpiece and showcase a great focal fabric if you want.  The pattern is by Tiger Lily Press, called Anything Goes.  

And this fun one I couldn't say no to - it's got a campfire, tent, moon and mouse, and of course fits the low volume and fussy cutting requirements if you're working on something specific this just might blend right in.  

Brighter days!

Are you taking advantage of the added daylight?!  More importantly for us, the opportunity to dry out after some serious wind and rain this past week is making everything a bit lighter and brighter - kind of like this Kona Highlight - the 2016 color of the year.   You may just want to take a moment and check your stash, this color hasn't been seen before in too many fabrics!

Kona Cotton Solids 2016 Color of the Year- Highlight
Learn more at Robert Kaufman Fabrics

We've got alot of spring florals collected at the front of the shop - a bit of a brighter feeling with some fresh window displays and our front area gussied up with a fabric chandelier we created with fused fabric....and a few gazillion circles!  Great for a fresh look and easy to do if you are planning a special event and need a splash of color.  

The work-in-progress has come back from a fabulous quilting finish by Nikki - we love to have quilts come back all fresh and gorgeous!  We still have a few customers working on this Block of the Month project - and we still have a couple of kits left if you have been on the fence about it.  Paper foundation piecing guarantees you'll get some perfect points on this New York Beauty variation from the pattern Almond Country by Sewn into the Fabric.  

This fun animal print coordinates with the "Super Panel" - it's a larger panel than you'll typically see and you can add a border or two and end up with a twin or toddler size bed quilt in no time. The panel measures 47 x 70, and Windham Fabrics has several free project patterns to work from for inspiration.  

Animal ABC's by Whistler Studios

And we have more fun prints arriving almost daily it seems - this one features animals we don't see too often and would a great feature fabric or addition to an eye spy project.

Serengeti Beasties by Clothworks

And of course - some basics for the 1800's fabric collection.  We have several fabrics mixing into the shelves - but here are a few from the recent Sampler collection.

Sampler by Julie Hendricksen

New Skills, New Fabric

Are you staring at a blank canvas trying to channel some free-motion quilting skills?  How about trying out this great black & white large scale print from Alison Glass print from the Abacus line - you can quilt inside the shapes, outline stitch or focus on the background.  A great way to get your quilting mojo back on track without the intimidation of a blank canvas staring you in the face!  

We have some great new collections - in lots of spring colors to combat the rainy days we've been having.  Here are just a few of our latest and greatest fabrics.  Do you have any projects that come to mind for these collections?   

Fibs and Fables by Anna Maria Horner

Nature Walk by Michael Miller

Michael Miller Prints

Flying Colors by Momo for Moda

The photo below is the display from quilt market last October - featuring the Mostly Manor collection by Victoria Findlay Wolfe.  Lots of different pattern scale and colors to choose from, a few with metallic elements to add some pizzazz too.  

Mostly Manor by Victoria Findlay Wolfe

Spring is sprung with all these soft florals and brighter colors - daylight savings is on the calendar for next Sunday - and we'll have some variable hours on Saturday the 12th.  The annual Saint Patrick's parade will be queuing up in the parking lot so give us a call to check our hours if you plan to stop by.

Spring fever

Tomorrow is another First Friday Finish sewing day here at Two Thimbles - join Sharon for some quality sewing time, consultation and hands-on help if you need it.  Call or reserve a spot online if you need some dedicated sewing time away from distractions and obligations at home.  And if you needed some distraction...

We can't decide whether to focus on all things Green for St. Patrick's, or go straight to the chocolate and easter eggs?  Is there time to decorate and do some special baking for both?!

We have two kits left of the eggroll table runner we created that is like the one featured on the cover of Quilts and More from a couple of years ago - we made our chicks out of wool for added texture.  If you want a fun and bright spring project - this would be a fun finish - these last 2 kits are available at 20% off!  

And if you wanted a bit more spring time inspiration - the latest Quiltmania book, Feathering the Nest 2 by Brigitte Giblin has arrived and we have a few copies available still!  It is pretty spectacular showcasing a variety of projects and great color palettes.