Have you got your Tonga Treats?

Batik Lovers - you need to get these!
We have Tonga Treats from Timeless Treasures in 2.5" strips, 5" Charms, 10" Squares and 6 packs!
Go to our pre-cuts page to shop: Tonga Treats

Tonga Treats - 6 Pack - Bird of Paradise

Tonga Treats - 6 Pack - Pinata

Tonga Treats - 6 Pack - Sunburst

Patterns by Elizabeth Hartman

We love the gorgeous new patterns by popular blogger and author Elizabeth Hartman that have just come into the store. Preppy the Whale and Fancy Fox are simply adorable and Aviatrix is stunning!

These beautiful modern quilt patterns come as a full color booklet with detailed instructions including tips for fabric selection!

Click here to purchase: New Patterns by Elizabeth Hartman

New Kit ... Go For the Gold!

The 2010 Olympics are just around the corner and the Country is a-buzz with preparation! Show your patriotism by making this striking Winter Sports Themed Flannel Quilt. All fabric is from Northcott and the pattern "Go For the Gold" is by local designer Jean Boyd. The finished quilt measures 45" x 47".The kit includes the pattern and all fabric for the top and binding. Co-ordinating pillowcase kits are available for 14.99. Click here to purchase the Go For The Gold Quilt Kit and here to purchase the Go For The Gold Pillowcase Kit

Cambridge Square

Cambridge Square from Northcott

Black and tan is the hottest colour combo not just in quilting but home decor and clothing as well! We have received the Cambridge Square collection from Northcott and it is extremely versatile. This would be great for a throw, tablewears and how about for use in Crab Apple Hill's Over the River Pattern?If blackwork isn't your thing you could grab one of our new redwork patterns from RJR - there is an animal themed one and a floral themed one ... use as is or embroider them for an old-timed look!

Landscape Workshop

A few weeks ago we were fortunate enough to have Gordana Brelih teach a landscape quilt workshop at the store. It was a wonderful exploration into the world of "art quilting" and the results were tremendous! Here are a few pictures!

Cheryl, Gordana and Erica

I'm sure the magpie won't be happy about this picture but that wistful gaze is so characteristic of her that I find the picture very endearing! Gordana looks Mah-vellous!

Often times people are intimidated by art quilting and non-traditional techniques ... here are some of the students' landscapes ...I'm sure you will agree that they are all lovely. Even if art quilting isn't something you intend to persue I recommend a one day workshop just to explore your own creativity! These landscapes were all completed during class ... Enjoy!

Weekly Order Brings Buckets of New Goodies!

This week's order was huge and filled with lots of new goodies to tempt you!

Skillbuilder Mastery - For Quilting by Machine
The newest in the skillbuilder series is in the store. It adds to the machine quilting the learning process by helping the novice select, transfer and create designs. Along with tips and suggestions, it contains templates and continuous line designs for square triangle, star and octagon shapes. Three colorful quilt samplers illustrate quilted designs.

The essential planner for keeping quilt lovers on track! Never miss an appointment or quilt event when you record your schedule in the Quilt Art 2009 Engagement Calendar. Fifty-four beautiful quilts grace the pages of this desk calendar to keep you inspired all through the year. Buy it now and get the early bird price of only $12.99!

Next up is Six Halves Make a Whole Christmas. It features 6 Christmas projects (including stockings and a tree skirt) each made with 6 half yard pieces.

If you want to try a quick and easy project that starts with 10" squares how about Big Blocks, Big Quilt.

I love the The X Bag...big enough to use as a tote with great style too!

For all the knitters we have a Swift Wood Umbrella and Yarn Ball Winder in the shop for you to use when you buy a skein ... or you can purchase them to bring home...hubbies take note these make terrific Christmas and Birthday gifts for the knitter who has everything!

Stay tuned...tomorrow we'll show you the new fabric...about 50 bolts in total!

What do you think?

We are considering trying out something totally new at Sew Sisters...a knitting nook! Before we jump in we want to know what you think! We have brought in a gorgeous grouping of yarn -- all imported from Italy. The quality is outstanding ... and there is quite a lovely selection ranging from haute couture...to Marino Wool double knits...to Mohair/Marino/Angola blends and more. We are introducing the line at a very low price just to see if you are interested! All yarn is in the store now and priced at 40% off the suggested retail price. Visit us during the Stock up for Summer Sale (This Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday) and receive an additional 25% off! Please let us know by comment, phone call or in person whether yarn and knitting supplies are something you would like to see in the shop ... we really value your opinion!

Also, submissions for the Ugly Fabric Challenge are due in the store Friday ... but do pop in Saturday if you can't make it Friday. We will be hanging the entries on Friday and then everyone will have a chance to vote on their favourite. Next Thursday at 1 pm we will announce all the winners and award the prizes! We have a good number of entries already but we are hoping for even more... if you have the fabric try to get something finished! There are lots of goodies for participants so please do enter a submission. Haven't started yet? Why not whip up a quick quilt for Project Linus?

Finally, I want to thank all the women up at the Moraine Quilter's Guild for inviting us up to visit them today! It was lovely meeting you all and I really am very grateful for the opportunity! A special thank you to OJ - for all her hard work - so often we forget to thank the people who volunteer their time so I want to give a big hand to her! I hope to see you all again soon!

I'm off to work on my own Ugly Fabric Challenge! I've really got to hunker down and get to work so far all I have is a plan -- with only 2 days left! I'm not much of a procrastinator but with the Creativ Festival and a general frenzy of activity in the store and with the family --- time really got away from me! Gulp...wish me luck!

More Pictures of the New Fabric

As promised...I am loading up the new fabrics as fast as I can...this is an adorable line from Avlyn called Fun in the Sun. Lots of great primary blenders to liven up kids quilts...some adorable novelties and a great run of dotted prints that would be terrific as backgrounds! They are all only 8.99! Click here to purchase them online... Fun in the Sun

If you are looking for a great kid's quilt project to use them in, Irene Dewar will be teaching a Puzzle Quilt in the shop on May 20, 2008 from10 - 4. The pattern is included in the cost which is only $35 for the day. Great for a confident Beginner to Intermediate quilter.

Irene promises that each puzzle piece is unique, and uniquely yours. The final reveal will show that no two quilts will be the same. Choose conversation prints and you will have the added bonus of an “I Spy” quilt for that special someone. Let the fun and games begin with this simply charming project.

Just a reminder that the deadline for submissions of the UGLY fabric challenge projects is getting closer and closer...submissions need to be in by May 9th - they will be hung and available for viewing and voting from May 9th - May 15th when prizes will be awarded at 1 p.m. If you haven't done anything with your fabric yet...why not whip up a quick quilt for Project Linus ... the kids need the quilts and it would put the fabric to good use...they don't need to be fancy!

There will be prizes galore...

• Viewer’s Choice!
• Best Quilt!
• Best Project (Not a Quilt)!
• Prize to the person who used the most of their fabric
• Most Original Idea
• 5 prizes to be drawn randomly from the entries
  

Oodles and Oodles of New Fabric!

We had 6 huge boxes of fabric delivered today! Lots and lots of bargains priced at 8.99/metre (8.09) per yard ... and some new ones priced at 5.99/metre (5.46/yard). There are lots of great kids prints ... such as the nice blenders below from Avlyn...some summer prints and new panels. There are also lots of jewel toned blenders, some gorgeous browns and greys and a bright floral line called Dutch Treat ... more pictures to follow!

Kids Brights from Avlyn! Click here to purchase ....
5 FQs only 9.99...yardage also available!

DVD Rentals ... New Titles

Did you know that we have a DVD rental service? All titles are $5 for 7 days. We just received quite a few new titles...

Everything you need to know for gorgeous landscape quilts. Share Joyce's best ideas-when and where it's convenient for you! Techniques and embellishments anyone can do-even beginners. You'll love Joyce's friendly, encouraging style.

Set of the American Quitlers Society DVDs - this is a great little tv program with lots of projects, featured quilters and history segments. Now that we don't get quilting programming in Ontario this is a really nice series to play in your studio while you sew!

Covers everything once the quilt top is complete. As always, the camera angle and close-ups provide the viewer with the clearest details and enables them to see what Ricky sees while quilting.

By far the most popular series of DVDs in stock: DVD Free Motion Fun With Vines and Leaves Volume 2.

Great Big Thank You to All Our Friends in Rouge Valley

Last night Sandy and I had the pleasure of visiting Rouge Valley Quilter's Guild. I have been down to a meeting with them before and they are a feisty and fun lot of gals! Oh how I wish it weren't such a long haul for me or I would be there every month to enjoy the fun. I want to thank all the members who gave us such a warm welcome and also to those who shopped at our booth - we really appreciate it!.

If any readers are in East Toronto or the Pickering area I encourage to visit one of the guild meetings. The General Meeting is held on the fourth Tuesday of every month from September to May (except December) from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. The meetings are held at St. Joseph's Church Hall - 200 Morrish Road, Scarborough. The meeting includes Guest Speakers, block of the month, display of member's quilts and access to the Guild's library of over 500 books on quilting. Coffee, tea and cookies are provided. Please remember to "lug-a-mug". Rouge Valley welcomes all quilters...especially beginners!

Thanks Again ladies!

2 Special Promotions -- Craft and Crib Batts & Cute Totes

We have an extraordinary price on Warm and Natural crib and craft size batts right now.

The Craft Batts which are 100% cotton measure 34in x 45in and are perfect for handbags and wallhangings. The craft batts are only $3.99
while supplies last!

The Crib batting measures 45" x 60" and is only... $4.99

while supplies last!

Warm and natural batts have 100% cotton fibers that are punched with hundreds of needles through a thin base material to prevent tearing, shifting or migrating. Warm & Natural's cottons flexibility makes it ideal for both inside and outside use. Quilt or tie up to 10in apart. While I'm on the subject of Warm and Natural batting...we sell it by the metre for only $13.99 ... Fabricland's price is 23.99/metre. If you buy the bolt you get 30% off so you cost works out to $9.79 metre (18.5 metres per bolt $181.11).


We also got in the most adorable little tote bags. They have lots of pockets for all your gear and are quite roomy. Great to store your projects in while you work on them! They come in teal, navy and purple and are only $3.99 !

Sewing Day...And A Creative Muse

Today was a statutory holiday and I had the chance to sew all day! I can't remember the last time that happened. I finished up my Fuschia Fishies Quilt that I started in a class with Irene Dewar using her Hunter's Star Pattern. This quilt is really a lesson in value. I chose two very dramatic prints but in the end they weren't contrasty enough to really work well together...as you can see the star pattern is all but lost. Oh well...live and learn!

The picture is a bit wonky but if you look on the left side you will see one of Cheryl Smith's wonderful dolls looking down over it. Cheryl will be teaching a doll workshop here coming up next week...



Cheryl is a renowned artisan who's work has been featured at the Moose Show as well as the One of a Kind Show. It is well worth a visit to her website to examine her Gallery of Work.

In the creative Dollmaking workshop you will be invited to come and explore the fantasy world of doll making. Learn simple yet effective ways to needle sculpt and paint the face, make the body and bring her to life. Stitch her and adorn her with baubles, beads and trinkets. Lots of handwork!

We still have a couple of spots left in class!

Dates: Saturday, March 29 and April 12
Time: 10:00 - 4:00 Fee: $85

Attention All Chocoholics

We just got in the most adorable panel! Hard to see online but each of the little squares has a hilarious little chocoholics saying...

"Warning Chocolholic in Residence"

"Chocolate Comes with a Price...Control Top Panty Hose"

"If you have melted chocolate on your hands you are eating it too slowly".

Here is the link to buy it online...Make Mine Chocolate Panel

Here is the co-ordinate with all sorts of bonbons on a pink background!

Also new this week is double sided minkee - it is so thick and soft you won't believe it ...just add binding and you will have a baby blankie that is sure to become a favorite!

Pebbles - The Coolest New Notion Since the Sidewinder

Notion junkies take note! We just got in the new John James Pebbles! What are pebbles you must be asking?

Pebbles are designed to store the finest quality hand sewing needles safely, making them instantly visible and easily accessible in sewing box, craft bag, top drawer and even handbag. Each needle style is offered in its own elegant and distinctive color Pebble for quick identification.

We have the sharps and betweens in stock and ready for you to scoop up:

Needles - John James Pebbles Sharps





Needles - John James Pebbles Betweens

Spring Fever - Sew Sisters are Paying Your Tax all Week!

I checked the weather forecast this morning and I couldn't believe my eyes - 7 degrees on Wednesday? Is spring finally on its way? I might have a touch of spring fever but I have decided to pay the tax for you all week. Just print out this blog entry and bring it in the store - or order anything online and type Spring Fever in the message line when you check out and I will pay your PST and GST/. This offer is valid until Saturday at 5 pm.

We have an adorable new book in the store called Copy Cat Quilts. First published in the 1980's, this award-winning pattern has been updated with contemporary quilting techniques. Feature kitties in a bed quilt, a wall hanging, and pillows, and cuddle up with a furry feline doll. Find tips on working with textured fabrics like Minkee and chenille.

Quilt As You Go - Bust that Stash!

Since pioneer times string quilting AND quilt as you go techniques have been used to make quick and easy quilts from scraps. Irene Dewar will be teaching these unbelievably easy techniques to produce a stunning quilts. Plan your colours or do some stash busting and make it completely scrappy the choice is up to you! This project is easy enough to be your very first quilt but it is very popular with experienced quilters because it is such a quick and easy way to use scraps and make a gorgeous quilt!

Class Dates: Sunday April 6th and Sunday April 27th (10 - 4)

Cost: $65.00

Project Linus Day

Yesterday we had our first community service day and made quilts for Project Linus. We had a lot of fun and were very productive! Here is Sandy holding up one of our finished popcorn quilts... We have 5 quilts to donate and quite a few blocks made up as well.

Sea Turtles Kit

Our all time best selling kit...Riding the Waves is back in Stock. The kit contains all fabric including backing and binding as well as the pattern and it is only $24.99.

Japanese Taupes & Sashiko

We have been receiving new merchandise all week .. infact hundreds of new bolts of fabric! I will try to do some extra posting this week to show you all the new goodies!



Perhaps most exciting are all the new items coming in from Japan. We have a beautiful range of taupes - the prints are ethereal and the fabric is gorgeous quality. You can click on the pictures to purchase them...

We have also brought in some Japanese language pattern books such as this outstanding book by Yoko Saito...We are also now stocking Quilts Japan!Here are some of our wide range of sashiko supplies that include, thread, patterns, needles, books and preprinted panels...and fabric of course!
Are you looking for an interesting Japanese themed project to try this spring? Why not join us for Japanese flower pounding on Saturday May 10th or Japanese folded flowers on June 4th?