Blog | Stitchin' Post

Marcia Derse's Basketweave

Look what just hit the shelves!

Marcia Derse's new fabric collection Basketweave.

This collection features a wonderful mix of patterns and visual texture. Marcia says that she draws on natural elements around her. I just love her interpretation of these forms. Look at the patterns called fences, staples, reeds and picnic basket. Each one is just an essence of the form yet combined with the color and texture evokes so much more.

Fence pattern (above)

Staples pattern (above)

Chevron pattern (above)

Picnic Basket (above)

The girls in the shop love to use Marcia's fabric because of its surface design quality and color play in each design. These colors, forms and visual textures work well in contemporary quilts. We like to say the Marcia plays well with others...like Kaffe, Brandon and Martha Nagley, not to mention batiks.

 

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

 

Free Event this Friday!

You are invited to a special event this Friday afternoon!

Dear Jane Show and Tell
with the always fun and entertaining
Ann Richardson!
3-5 pm
(refreshments will be served)

Ann is welcoming back alumni of the Dear Jane Club to share progress made on their Dear Jane Quilts.  Everyone is welcome to attend this free event and be inspired by the precision piecing that goes into these tiny 4 1/2" blocks.  Come be amazed!

Take a look at our Facebook album to see a sample
of the talented work of these dedicated quilters
then plan on being here this Friday!

 
Be there, or be a 4 1/2" square! ~Tamra

New Block of the Month Clubs starting this month!

We had a fantastic Preview Party last weekend!  Thanks to everyone who came by the store to register for fall classes (and to wish me a happy birthday...Love you all!) 

One of the most talked about quilts of the day was Lawry's new "Hidden Stars" quilt. 
This is Lawry's new Saturday Sampler BOM Club, which starts September 10th. 

Club members will receive fabric for the star blocks and the alternate squares (the 6 big squares through the center of the quilt.)  Club members personalize their quilts by providing fabric for the block backgrounds, fabric for the sashings (shown as blue stripes in the sample above), fabric for setting triangles and for borders.

Club members may choose from two different styles of fabric: 

                  Contemporary                 or                      Batik

Meeting dates are on the 2nd Saturday of each month:
Sept 10, Oct 8, Nov 12, Dec 10, 2011
Jan 14, Feb 11, Mar 10, Apr14 and May 12, 2012
  (8:30 to 9:15 am)

 

Other clubs starting in September include:

Folk Art Cat BOM Club with Jackie Erickson
2nd Mondays (1 to 3 pm)
Session 1- Sept 12, Oct 10, Nov 14
Session 2- Dec 12, Jan 9, Feb 13
Session 3- Mar 12, Apr 9, May 14

Heirloom Block of the Month Club with Jackie Erickson
2nd Mondays (4 to 6 pm)
Session 1- Sept 12, Oct 10, Nov 14
Session 2- Dec 12, Jan 9, Feb 13
Session 3- Mar 12, Apr 9, May 14

(picture is from pattern cover, different reproduction fabrics will be included in club packets)

 

Lucky Charms Club with Tamra Dumolt
3rd Tuesdays (9 am to Noon)
Session 1- Sept 20, Oct 18, Nov 15
Session 2-Dec 20, Jan 17, Feb 21
Session 3- Mar 20, Apr 17, May 15

The special excitement of Autumn in the air, as we get back into the classroom and share memories of Summer with our friends.  We hope to see you soon!  ~Tamra

If you like NY Beauty, you'll love High Desert Paprika!

Annette will be teaching "High Desert Paprika" class which begins April 30 and finishes May 14. This spectacular block is from the pattern designed by Valori Wells for the 2007 Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show raffle quilt, and has been a best-seller for quite some time. Now you have the opportunity to design your own color palette for this radiant beauty...this is one class you won't want to miss.

By the way, have you seen the 2011 Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show Raffle Quilt? Everyone wants to be the winner...treat yourself to some raffle tickets today, and with a little luck, perhaps this quilt could find a permanent home with you!   

Batik Beauties...

This week we spent some time reorganizing the batik wall....

We have Purples and Pinks...          Reds and Golds...            Greens and Blues...         

    

If color isn't your thing, we have beautiful neutrals, too!   Where else can you find so many batiks in Central Oregon?

***Don't forget***

Central Oregon Shop Hop~ April 28th, 29th, 30th, and May 1st

Can't make it to the store?  Try one of our Batik Rolls!