Wrapping things up...

We have some loose ends we need to post about, so this is a bunch of mixed up topics and now you can't say we don't save the best for last?  We are working hard on getting caught up...not sure just what on, but always something right?   Here are two gorgeous examples of the Lincoln's Sampler challenge project - we didn't have a strong finish for this challenge, but perhaps these two examples will prompt those of you who are stalled out to get 'er done!!  The layout change on this first one really changes up the quilt we think!  Thank-you Judy and Evelyn for jobs well done and sharing your quilts!!

We have a couple of overdue winner's to talk about....from the Tri-County quilt tour event, Nancy Peck  got a whole handful of gift certificates - who hooo!!   And (drum roll here please....) our Two Thimbles gift certificate winner is Louise Murphy and we'll sneak a picture of her soon shopping for something she really needs!  Congratulations and thank you for attending the Quilt Tour event...we've got a great theme planned for next year, so creative ideas are starting to be tossed around for our project.  

We have a couple of photo updates from the workshop in March with Mary Elizabeth Kinch - one little completed project and some big progress with some little pieces.  What fun projects!

Evelyn Outside Her Box

We think that Laurie is well on her way to joining the SPA (that is Small Pieces Aficionado) Society!  Check out some other great completed small pieces work here.  

Laurie's Peel 1/4 done!

 And the most requested recipe from the workshop...Bob makes these for me, I mean our workshops, and although the recipe works just fine, I found that having a cook deliver them works pretty well and they taste great too....Can't beat that!  We'll have to make these a staple at any of our future events so that may just be reason enough to sign up for classes and sew-ins!  If you click at the bottom of the photo, the receipe will enlarge and you'll be all set to head to the kitchen.  

Bob's molasses cookies

And last in our round of housekeeping items, we finally have a completed Thimble SIX quilt pattern from our anniversary sew along last year.  Which means we are also close to rolling out a new anniversary quilt, and this time, you won't have to wait for a pattern - I found the perfect one waiting on the shelf!  So watch for a new little quilt soon.

Thimble 6 pattern cover

Hope you are enjoying our moments of sunshine!  And just a reminder, we are closed on Sundays for the rest of the summer ~ Enjoy some sewing time!

March Wrap-up

Make This Year Count - Tri-County Quilt Tour 2013

We are done playing hopscotch, the quilt tour is over for this year, and we hope that everyone enjoyed the event.  Our weather is certainly improving so if you didn't venture out last week due to snow, sleet, hail, torrential rain...you name it, now is the time - looks like dry weather for a few more days!  

We have made progress on the Hallowe'en  1904 quilt - and we still have a few kits left if you are interested.  Leslie Hnosko quilted it  beautifully and we love it!!  Here are a couple of pictures of individual blocks and a full quilt below.  

The project is from a Blackbird Designs pattern and the quilt finishes up at 90 inches square - so not a small project, but fairly large blocks to assemble - we offer it allocated into 5 monthly kits so that helps distribute the work over a bit of time....it's never too late to be thinking of fall!

Hallowe'en 1904 finished quilt!

 

We've added another date for the scrap lecture - Thursday April 25th - same time, 11:00-1:00.  Please let us know if that fits your schedule and you'd like to sign up!  

The picture on the left features a strip quilt, the pattern is from one of the books we've been promoting for using up scraps - More Layer Cake, Jelly Roll & Charm Quilts by Pam & Nicky Lintott. We have found several versatile patterns in this book so recommend it for your collection!  This quilt was made from leftover strips - just odds n' ends from various projects - sure makes a nice bonus project!

We are taking sign-ups for the June 1st and 2nd workshops with Mary Elizabeth Kinch - both projects are included in the book below - Sunday will focus on foundation piecing the pumpkin peel shown on the cover of this book!  Fun with scraps, any style of fabric you like and a great time!  Our website should have details posted soon and you can always stop in or give us a call!  

Upcoming June Workshops

Happy Spring!

Thinking Spring?

Just arrived with the sunshine today - and hopes that spring flowers are on their way - a lovely lavender floral group "Rebecca" designed by Mary Koval for Windham Fabrics.

And for those of us lucky enough to be irish, there is no time like the present to whip up a little something green to ensure your good luck.  We have a fun group of stonehenge and a couple of other festive shamrock pieces to consider.

We are busy getting ready for the upcoming Quilt Tour  (March 20-23rd) - and since spring appears to be on the way today at least - the theme "A Year in Quilts" - and our assigned month of March is all coming together.  And... we are feeling lucky that our quilt is going to be back from the quilter soon...

Our pin cushion this month features this pattern from Indygo Junction, and these little wool felt projects are pretty quick to stitch up once you narrow down your color choices.  We have the pattern available for purchase and will add some additional wool felt to our collection this month.

Time to Tour!

So hopefully everyone has their quilting buddies assembled and a full tank of gas ... tomorrow is the first day of the Tri-County Quilt Tour 2012, "Sew Northwest"! All the shops have had their quilts hung for almost a week, and maybe you've gotten a chance to preview a few. The participating shops cover 91 miles from Bothell to Lynden. Here at Two Thimbles, we went with a Crops of the Northwest theme for our quilt "Harvest What You Sew". Did you get that from our hint last week? We've even got some educational handouts if you are interested in finding out more!

The event will run through Saturday, and each shop will have a free pattern for you to pick up as well as a unique charm with a $10 purchase! There will be a few items on sale as well, so this is definitely an event you won't want to miss. It's worth your time to see all the creative ways that each store took the theme and blocks and made a gorgeous quilt. So hopefully we'll see you this week!

Happy Stitching!

Quilt Tour 2012

It's almost that time again...time for the 2012 Tri-County Quilt Tour! This year, 13 shops are participating. Each designed a block interpreting the theme "Sew Northwest", then all shops used all the blocks to make a unique quilt, using any style or fabric choice. Quilts will be hung March 15th, so you can even take a sneak peek if you want!

The actual event will take place March 21-24 from 9 am to 6 pm. Each shopper will receive a free block pattern from each shop they visit... and this year we've added an additional charm giveaway with a minimum purchase. Plan a day with your friends and make that weekend a 'fabric' weekend, because you won't want to miss this event!

Hmm...What is red and green and purple all over? Hint: We're 'sow' excited for you to see this quilt! Find out on the 21st...

Happy Stitching!

For a Good Cause

Do you remember the Two Thimbles quilt from the 2010 Quilt Tour? The event had a nautical theme, and it was a lot of fun creating this playful quilt, pictured below, using all the fun block patterns from our local quilt shops.

Well, we're working on finding a new home for the quilt! The Friends of the Ferndale Library are holding a quilt raffle to benefit the New Ferndale Library Project. The raffle will be held at the Pioneer Pavilion at 2007 Cherry Street in Ferndale, from May 8th to July 30th. Visit this link for more information on the event.

This is a great cause, and as it seems that quilters are often book-lovers, what a great way to combine two passions!

On another note, the Gwen Marston workshops this past weekend were definitely a success! There were a lot of new ideas and inspiration, and everyone seemed to have a great time. Look for pictures soon!

Happy Stitching!

We're thinking birds...

Another Quilt Tour is over! We have had a busy couple of days, handing out block patterns and showing off our bird nest quilt- we're excited about how it turned out! Hopefully all our local quilters have had a chance to check out all 14 shops and gotten some inspiration from all the amazing quilts on display. Below is a picture of our quilt, in case you missed it:

Now for some store updates- this new line from Moda is called Dominique II, and it features deep red, chocolate brown, and black, with a bird and leaf motif (Birds are a popular theme these days, aren't they?). We've kitted up some tablerunners for a great housewarming gift or addition to your dining room.

Bright colors, a scroll motif, and roosters- we say it's a perfect combination! This line from Henry Glass & Co., called Early Riser, already has some fans in the quilters who've come to visit the shop this week. Apron, anyone? We are thinking tablerunner, tote bag, or even throw quilt...there are tons of possibilities.

We hope you enjoyed the Quilt Tour and will have fun creating some bird nest blocks to show off.

Happy Stitching!

Christmas in April

Why start thinking about Christmas when it's only March, you ask? Well, one reason is because the weather seems to be changing seasons on us daily (isn't it springtime yet?). But a more exciting reason is the new holiday Block of the Month program at Two Thimbles. This monthly club will start up in April and finish up in November, just in time for the holidays!

The finished product is a 62" x 62", a good sized wall-hanging or throw, perfect for a holiday gift or decoration. The club will meet the first Friday of each month from 1-4 pm for instruction and sewing time. The cost is $24.95 per month and includes the pattern and fabric for that month. Please call or email if you'd like more information- we're looking forward to get this club underway!

On another note, our quilt is on display for the upcoming Tri-County Quilt Tour 2011: "Birds of a Feather". This annual event consists of 14 local shops, each of which designs a block then makes up their own version of the quilt using the blocks of all the participating stores. The result is 14 fabulous quilts, all of which are completely unique. We took a modern approach to ours- you'll have to stop in and see for yourself!

Happy Stitching!