Stitchin' Post in Sisters

She'll have you in stitches!

This year during Customer Appreciation Days (April 19, 20 & 21) we have the privilege of inviting Laura Wasilowski of Artfabrik to be our featured instructor.  Laura is a contemporary quilt maker who has developed a whimsical style featuring hand-dyed fabrics, fusing techniques and embroidery embellishment. 

Laura has authored several books, including her newest Fanciful Stitches Colorful Quilts.  She also writes a blog and has a fantastic website, where she gives great information about how to make improvisational art pieces, helpful tips on fusing and wonderful "how-to" information about decorative hand stitching.  (Be sure to check out "Thread-u-cation" on her website; there you will find fabulous step-by-step photos & instructions for adding decorative stitch detailing!)

Click here to see Laura's impressive portfolio!

During her stay with us, Laura will be teaching two workshops:  Stitch After Fusing (top photo shown above) and Tiny Homes (bottom photo shown above.)  There are just a handful of spots left in each of these workshops.  Do not hesitate a moment longer...get your registration in ASAP!

On Saturday, April 21st (11 am), Laura will be giving a lecture/trunk show called "So Many Chickens, So Little Time:  Diary of a Serial Quilter."  With Laura's sense of humor, this is sure to be a morning filled with laughter!  The lecture is $10 and seating is limited.  Register online, or call the store (541-549-6061.)

I can't wait to meet Laura...hope to see you in our classroom! ~Tamra

 

"Small Wonders Challenge" fabric has arrived!

This year's "Small Wonders Challenge" is sponsored by Michael Miller Fabrics.  One of the six prize categories is the Michael Miller Challenge Award which requires that the Small Wonder Quilt must have some the selected fabric used in the quilt. (There are five other prize categories that do not require use of the challenge fabric.)

The challenge fabric has arrived (shown on top of stack) along with it's collection of companion fabrics called "Backyard Baby" by Patty Sloniger, winner of Michael Miller Fabric's Project Selvage Contest. 

VERY CUTE STUFF~ 
You better hurry to get yours...because it won't be here very long!

Jane Sassaman's "Early Birds" fabric is here!

This new spring floral fabric "Early Birds" from Jane Sassaman is bright and contemporary!  The fabric has bluebirds, strawberries, and lots of flowers from the garden!  This fabric would make very nice table settings of placemats & napkins, tablerunners, and pretty aprons. We also have mugs to match!

Did you see Valori on AM Northwest?

On January 23rd, AM Northwest (KATU Channel 2 in Portland, OR) kicked-off a five week Design Challenge contest. They invited four design students from the Art Institute of Portland into the studio and presented them with several fabrics to work with (including Val's new line "Karavan".) 

Click here to see the first segment.

 

Challenge #1~ The students must design a "new look" using at least three of the Westminster/Free Spirirt/Rowan fabrics provided.  This morning, our very own Valori Wells was invited to the AM Northwest Studio to be the "guest judge" on the panel of judges selecting the best new look.  

Click here to see Val on the judging panel!

 

You can also help pick the best design by casting a Viewer Vote on AM Northwest's Design Challenge website.  The voting period for Challenge #1 runs from Jan 27 through Noon on Feb 2nd. 

Click here to cast your vote!

 

The contest ends on Feb 27th and the Design Challenge winner will be announced on AM Northwest that morning (show airs between 9 and 10 am Pacific Time.)

I haven't gotten my "Quilter's Affair" confirmation...

Well, that's because they haven't been mailed out yet.  Lawry and Jackie have processed nearly 800 registration forms, they are gathering supply lists and stuffing envelopes.  Confirmation packets will be delivered to Sisters Post Office and mailed out Friday, Jan 20th. And look...

they're still smiling! 

 

2012 Employee Sew Day!

Monday was the best day ever at work!  We had Employee Sew Day...a day set aside to work on new samples to hang in the store.  It was SEW much fun!

 

Jackie had everything pre-cut and organized, and all we had to do was sit down and start sewing.  (I wish someone would pre-cut all my projects!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jean had lunch brought in by Tate & Tate Catering...
rosemary chicken wraps, fruit & cookies, mmm!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click here to see what we accomplished in one day!

Meet Marrell...

Marrell brought in a finished quilt top from $5 Club a few years back (possibly 2009-2010?)  This was a Block of the Month Club project.  Very bright and "springy."

Here is close-up of the detail work on one of the baskets:

Marrell plans to donate the quilt to the Women's Ministry Tea & Auction at her church in Redmond.  So generous~ beautiful work Marrell!

"The Affair of the Necklace"

 "Journeys" Art Quilters' Annual Exhibit
January 3 to February 28, 2012

Artists' Reception
January 6, 2012
4 to 6 pm

at Sisters Art Works
204 W Adams Ave in Sisters
(Mon-Fri 9 am to 4 pm, Sat 10 am to 2 pm)

 

    Don't miss this special exhibit featuring work from the "Journeys" Art Quilters.  Members were challenged to make a quilt (18" x 45") inspired by the necklace shown above.  There are twelve quilts in the exhibit flourshing with color, texture, embellishments and fantastic creativity!