English Paper Piecing

Have you got spring fever?  Ready for some color in your world and a new sewing skill?  Jane is teaching an introductory class to english paper piecing and she has certainly got plenty of tips and experience to share.  Jane has completed several quilts with a variety of shapes and has really worked to refine the process to help ensure fabulous results.  There is no end to the design options and paper piecing shapes that have come on the heels of the La Passcagalia Millefiori craze.  This little quilt of Jane's, below, is perfect for an early spring - it features some glorious peppered cottons and 1/2 inch hexagon shapes!  Not your Grandma's flower garden for sure. This is the last chance to sign up - we hope you can make the date, because once you get a taste of EPP, you'll be hooked!

Friday, March 10th 10am - 12pm

Sign Up

And if you're looking for some bright color to combat the winter blues - these ombres might just do the trick?!

Gelato Ombre Elite fabrics

Boho Fusion Floral

Mixed Bag

Lots more fun stuff coming in - we have some coated laminates in neutral dots and fun geometrics for a change and a few new knits as well.  The Delilah TOM program is underway so we'll be getting some blocks up on the wall soon...what are you working on in between the snowstorms?!

English Paper Piecing Classes and New Fabrics

Upcoming English Paper Piecing Classes

English Paper Piecing 101 with Jane Buys

Learn English paper piecing techniques in this introductory class! We 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.). Other topics to be covered include fabric considerations, various methods of basting papers, and finishing techniques. 

You'll have a chance 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.

Friday, May 20th

10 am-Noon

Class Fee: $25.00

English Paper Piecing Re-Imagined with Jane Buys

Design and create an English Paper Pieced (EPP) one-of-a-kind quilt inspired by a vintage or other unique choice in this six month class. Prerequisite for this session is the EPP 101 or waiver based on EPP prior experience. Find a picture or inspiration source and prepare to create your version with help throughout the course on fabric selections, including color and value discussions while enhancing your EPP skills. Build your creative skills and enjoy some company at the same time!

Every 3rd Tuesday of the month for six months (October 2016-April 2017, skipping December)

12:30 pm-2:30 pm

Class Fee: $60.00

We are enjoying the extra daylight, and thinking how many more sewing projects can we fit into that  bonus of daylight that deceptively makes me think the day is much longer than it really is!  And to go with extra free time, we have some fabulous spring wearable fabrics showing up along with some new quilting cottons.  For example, the Art Gallery chambray denim and this new double gauze from Cotton + Steel.  We have a couple of other new gauze prints - perfect for swaddling a new baby or cute summer outfits!   We'll be adding more pictures soon...but you'll want to come in and check these out in person, as always, the feel of the fabric and the colors in person are always better! 

Cozy Cowl
Tutorial at Purl Soho

Cotton and Steel Cat Lady Double Gauze

The Denim Studio by AGF

You may have been seeing items from the denim on social media - it really isn't heavy weight denim at all, but a great soft denim that is the weight of a cotton yarn woven chambray.  Great for pillows, totes and of course some great shirts and dresses!  We'd love to see some Sue Spargo stitchery in these too, which feature her free log cabin variation block.

Woodland by Robert Kaufman Fabrics

Studio Stash Yarn Dyes by Robert Kaufman Fabrics

Hungry Animal by Quilting Treasures

Gardening by Dinara Mirtalipova

Our National Parks by Quilting Treasures

We have alot of great new fabrics, so if you're out of ideas and need some fresh choices, stop in and gather up a few fabrics for spring!

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!

EPP 101

Join Us for English Paper Piecing 101 with Jane Buys

Learn paper piecing techniques with this introductory class!

Tuesday, August 25th from 10:00am -12:00pm

Cost: $25.00 

Sign up online or in the shop

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 on 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.

Anticipating 2015

This Pies n' Tarts work-in-progress is coming along...it is a slow process, perfect for savoring the luxury of time for hand-stitching.  It is growing row by row and I 've got a few few more tarts to applique down and another few circles ready to put onto blocks.  Watch for more in 2015!

Pies n' Tarts

We're making Sewing Socials a monthly event here at Two Thimbles, if you find a First Friday that works for your schedule sign up and plan to spend the day sewing with us!

                    

Something to look forward to - put this on your must do project list for 2015!  

Tree of Life Palampore Panel

By Mary Koval for Windham Fabrics

This reproduction is an excellent example of a typical Palampore hand painted in England ca. 1775.  It combines a complex and elaborate design depicting a wide variety of plants, flowers and birds. The “tree of life” motif is typical of most palampores and is used as a symbol to celebrate birth, marriage and special occasions.

For more information: http://www.windhamfabrics.net/php/fabricshop/fabricshop.php?a=sc&Category=779

Panel Size: 50” x 90”

Price: $49.95

Anticipated arrival April 2015

Reserve yours today! $10.00 deposit (non-refundable)

You can call or stop by the shop ...or place your reservation through our  website.

English Paper Piecing 101

Join Us for English Paper Piecing 101 with Jane Buys

Learn paper piecing techniques with this introductory class!

Tuesday, July 15th OR Saturday, July 19th from 10:00am -12:30pm

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 on 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.

Sign up at the shop or on our website

Jane's winter fabric challenge project

Jane's fussy flowers

This class would make a great refresher or a review for a novice too - we hope to be getting a patchwork of the crosses project underway and this class would be great to provide the tools to think about tackling that project.  Jane has lots of tips from her experience that will put you miles ahead right at the starting line!

Hope our weather holds beyond this long weekend for our Canadian friends...well into next weekend for our Memorial Day long weekend.  Enjoy your extra time with family and friends and maybe a bit of stitching!

Just a reminder - the Memorial Day parade will tie up Cornwall Avenue and our parking lot on Saturday the 24th - so we'll be closed for a few hours that morning and open late in the afternoon once the traffic has cleared.  Sorry for the inconvenience.

New and Exciting!

Never too early to start planning your Christmas projects, right? It's a nice thought, anyway! We've stocked up with some of the latest holidays prints and spruced up the Christmas corner...there are a LOT of gorgeous lines! This first one is called Blitzen by BasicGrey for Moda; we've carried lines from them before and they always seem to use the most in-style colors and prints. Don't you just love the grunge prints that work great as blenders? This would make a beautiful holiday throw or apron...they mix just great with lines from previous' years.

This fun print is called Christmas Kitties from Hoffman...don't you just see that as a fussy-cut stocking? Or a pillowcase-that's definitely a quick gift. We have a few more from that grouping, in an aqua colorway (snowflakes and sparkles)...come take a look!

This is our newest little quilt, and we're calling it Crimson Pinwheels...could be a really fun Christmas table topper. With that little bit of cheddar and yellow it could work any time of the year...as long as you like red and green! The pattern is called Puzzles with Nana, from Carol Hopkins Designs, and it finishes at a little over 20 inches square, and we have kits ready to go!

Speaking of new things...we've started carrying DMC Pearl Cotton in a couple different colors (great for big stitch quilting!), as well as a few more varieties of precut papers for English paper-piecing (tumblers, honeycombs, and a few sizes of hexagons, to name a few). Just in case you needed another project to take with you on your summer travels...

Happy Stitching!

Sneak Preview

It's always fun to be surprised by new fabric that arrives in the store every week. This is a combination of a couple new lines from Marcia Derse- one is called Line 5 and the other is Modern Textures. We've JUST put these out, and this is only a couple of the 8 new bolts - you'll have to come see the rest! There are a variety of prints from circles to crosshatch, and the colors range from raspberry to chocolate brown to mossy green.

The group below is from a new line from Quilting Treasures, called Animal Magic. There is a darling panel and fun coordinates, in deep indigos and bright oranges with some teal thrown in - could be great for that baby quilt that you've been putting off making, waiting for the perfect fabrics?

About a week ago we held an English Paper Piecing demonstration class that was a lot of fun! There was a little movie-watching and lots of hands-on experimenting. Keep watching our blog if you missed out, we may hold this one again in the future!

Suz Litzsinger taught a Crazy Quilt class here a few days ago, and although we missed out on picture taking opportunities, I can tell you that there were some crazy designs going on! Everyone seemed to have a great time.

Happy Stitching!

Stories in Cloth recap

It's always such fun to take chances and come up with your own designs, isn't it? We had a great group of stitchers here on Saturday, working on small hand applique projects during a class taught by Kellie Sammon. Participants shared thoughts, ideas, and creative inspirations as they created their own works of art. There was a lot of laughter and chatting as these quilters got a good start on their own 'Stories in Cloth', and Kellie was a fantastic inspiration. Thanks for a great class, Kellie!

Hard at work!

Sharing thoughts

One stitcher's work in progress...

Fun with scraps

Apparently February is 'class month'...we've got English Paper Piecing techniques with Lee on Friday, and Crazy Quilting in the 21st Century with Suz Litzsinger coming up on Saturday. Still room if you want to be a last minute participant. Looking forward to new projects!

Happy Stitching!

New Classes

Well, we kicked off the Prairie Women Sewing Circle today and it was a lot of fun! Busy too... so busy that we forgot to snap some pictures, so we'll have to do that next time! There was some discussion on English paper piecing and a few other techniques, some reading-aloud, and lots of show-and-tell. Looking forward to next time! Now, speaking of classes, we have a few others coming up that we're pretty excited about...

Big Stitch Quilting Overview is a two-hour introduction to this liberated style of hand quilting. This style has been around for a very long time and started out as a way to produce quilts quickly so they could be put to use; quilters took large stitches to finish a project fast. The large stitches were originally called utility stitches or long stitches. As quilting became a more publicized art, the technique gained awareness and the term 'Big Stitch' was coined by quilter Jo Walters in the later part of the twentieth century. A pair of Australian quilters and owners of the Sydney shop Material Obsession are helping to modernize the technique.

In the class, we'll go over tools and tips for Big Stitch quilting as well as the history associated with the technique. Below are some examples...let us know if you are interested in signing up or would like more information! The class will be held on Saturday February 25th or Friday March 16th from 11-1, so you have a couple options to fit your schedule!

Another class on the schedule is an intro to English Paper Piecing. We'll spend some time talking about tips and products that make this a really great (and portable!) technique. The class fee includes a kit for a simple pincushion to get you started. We're holding this class on Friday, February 10th from 11-1. Should be a lot of fun! The Prairie Women group worked on some hexagons today for a project down the road, and it seems that some of them might just be hooked...Below is an example of a paper-pieced design. Let us know if you'd like to sign up and learn more about this technique!

Don't forget...our newest class schedule is posted on our website!

Happy Stitching!