Prairie Women Catch-Up

As promised... here is what the Prairie Women, who meet every third Tuesday, have been working on since the beginning of the year! It's been fun to see the progress that everyone has made on their projects.. and the variations that some participants have chosen. Pictured below are Pam Buda's versions of the projects (Pam is the creator of the program and her business, Heartspun Quilts).

Some of our store samples were made in color and fabric choice similar to Pam's; others took a different spin. Here are our versions. Enjoy!

Month 1: Contrary Wife. There is also an option to create a larger version of this quilt, as well as a non-applique version. Ok - this photo is really about the sunshine - we were lucky that day!

Month 2: Windy Hill Farm. For another look- this quilt could be really striking using bright solids.

Month 3: Lockridge Mill. This turned out to be the perfect project for that sashing fabric...

Month 4: A Light in the Window. These were definitely some tiny pieces...but rust and yellow is always a great color combination.

There are two more months in the program; and some room in the afternoon session if you are inspired and would like to catch up. We also have the pattern set available for purchase separately, if Tuesdays aren't a good day for you. Something to think about...

Happy Stitching!

In Between Projects

We have wrapped up the Tri-County Quilt Tour although we still have our quilt on display for anyone who missed the chance to participate...and we're starting several projects and finishing a few others. Does that sound like anyone you know?!

I've been hearing reports of UFO's, progress made, new projects slipped in and lots of willingness to find a little something bright and spring-like to work on until the weather decides to be serious about improving.

This new grouping from Windham Fabrics is called Prairie Crossing.

This lovely new book from Carol Hopkins has a wonderful collection of small quilt patterns in traditional block designs. It's definitely worth taking a look if you haven't already! We've carried patterns by this artist, and have several designs hanging in the shop.
The Prairie Women Sewing Circle group meets this Tuesday. Stay tuned for an update on all the great projects that this group has been working on- we'll post pictures soon!

Happy Stitching!

Getting Ready for Spring!

Time for a new pincushion! This month it's all about hats. Brightly colored hats, dark and elegant hats, you name it...don't you just love the April pincushion? We've called it 'Too Many Hats' and the pattern comes from a company called The Quilted Fish. We did two colorways; one in modern white and grey with feathers for embellishment; and a second in a darker, more subdued combination of black and brown, with vintage bead millinary findings to decorate. Kits coming shortly!

Remember how we mentioned ruffle fabric on the last post? Here are some samples- how cute did they turn out?!? Perfect for this *lovely* weather we've been having (it's so hit or miss, but we have had a couple of days of sunshine). This scarf shows off vertical ruffles rather than horizontal, and I think it displays the pattern so beautifully, don't you agree?

We've gotten a lot of comments and exclamations over the sparkly Peeps fabric- here are some fresh ideas on how to use it, just before Easter! A fabric basket, a treat sack, or a super-simple bookmark (that's a relatively new book that's showing off the bookmark, it has some really cute ideas!). These could be perfect for last minute basket stuffers...

Just a reminder, we'll be closed for Easter Sunday. Hoping for good, sunny egg-hunting weather! Or chocolate easter eggs...

Happy Stitching!

Time to Play Catch-Up

Finally catching our breath and catching up after the Quilt Tour...what fun! It sounded like many of you had a good time collecting patterns and charms, and we certainly had gorgeous driving weather for a few days, didn't we?

Now it's back to business as usual...and as usual, we've got new fun stuff to show off!

First, this line from Lotta Jansdotter, for Windham Fabrics, features mod designs and bold color choices. It'd be great in a quilt featuring big blocks- you may see one hanging in the shop one of these days, so stay tuned for inspiration! So many projects, so little time...

On a more subdued but just as striking note...this line is called Morris & Company, designed by Barbara Brackman for Moda. It features a William Morris style, and we have two colorways- one has bolder chocolate brown and rust mixed in, while the other is more blended in tones of green and blue. They would certainly play well together in a quilt, and we've put together a sample featuring the bolder colorway.

This is a new line from Andover, called IQSC-Delectable Mountains (short for International Quilt Study Center). There are some great reds, browns, and blues mixed in- the picture doesn't really do the colors justice, so you'll have to come see for yourself!

Remember ruffle fabric? We got some new prints in! One is a light pink with white polka dots, one is a yellow floral, and the third is a muted aqua. Too fun! We are still waiting on some super-cute samples, so pictured below are our previous colors, to give you an idea of what you can do with ruffle fabric. Scarves have been very popular, and are sooo easy to put together. We're thinking a little yellow floral spring skirt, or ruffle pants out of pink polka dot. Lots of ideas! You really have to see ruffle fabric in person to get an idea of how much fun it could be made up into something cute!

Here's hoping this rain will stop long enough for spring to begin- I think it's time, don't you? Spring always means bright colors and fun new projects...

Happy Stitching!

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!

Strawberry Fields

Time for a new pincushion! These scrumptious little strawberries are made from hand-dyed silk velvet and silk ribbon 'leaves', dotted with shimmery beads. Each kit makes 4, so you can make one for yourself and a few for gifts! There are a couple of different color options to choose from, ranging from deep purple to bright pink. We've carried these kits before, as well as a few products from this company, including some of the silk ribbon you'll find in the kits- it makes great embellishment for little art projects.

It's also time for another Civil War Half Square Triangle Exchange! We did one of these back in November, and it was a lot of fun ... lots of trading of little bits of fabric and good ideas! This exchange is based off of Edyta Sitar's ideas in her book Friendship Triangles. The concept is to use Edyta's special half-square triangle foundation paper to make half-square triangle units from Civil War fabrics - we're offering 'cinnamon sticks' which include paper and fabric for one set, and an additional paper to coordinate with fabrics from your stash. Drop completed units here at the store sometime before the exchange. On the big day, come in and collect as many units as you made, and go home with the makings of a scrappy new project! We can even do the trading for you if you aren't able to come to the exchange.

Here is a picture of our setup last November- it took a little concentration to pick only a few units from each cup, but it was worth in the amount of variation that this process created.

This exchange will take place on Monday, March 12th from 11 am to 1 pm. Please call or stop by if you have any questions!

Happy Stitching!