I want to address the Jo Morton Club “thing” that I have been struggling with the past few months.  I had decided not to officially have these meetings any longer and not to carry her line of fabric.  The reason for the fabric part of this decision was that there was a new group coming out every five minutes and our shop was going in a new direction and we were needing to order more fabrics from other sources.  Money is always the bottom line.  There were other reasons.   I am not a good “rule” person and there were too many rules in this club to make me feel comfortable.  At my present age, I have decided that if it isn’t fun, I’m not doing it if at all possible.  This applies to most everything except paying taxes.  I can’t find a way around that one.  And in case you are wondering why I don’t include dying along with taxes it is because I can’t think of anything more fun than meeting Jesus.  But back to the Jo thing.  We now have all of the Cocoa Express group of Jo’s line and will probably be getting more.  As for the meeting part, if anyone would like to continue to meet, please call me and let me know.  If we do form a group , the agenda will be different.  We will meet to work on pieces we have not finished or new patterns using Jo’s fabrics,  start a new pattern (Jo’s or not) using her fabrics or working on whatever we want using the fabrics we want to use along with Jo’s fabric line.  I have met Jo and she is a lovely person.  You would have to look far and wide to find fabrics to compete with hers.  Her fabrics are lovely–very lovely.  I just don’t want to be told what I can and cannot use in a piece that I am making.  If any of you want to be in this group and want to only use her patterns and fabrics, knock yourself out.  Quilting should be creative and fun and an individual journey.  This is just my opinion.  We may call this group the Jo Mortonish Club or The We Love You,But….Club or The Whatever Club or not have it at all.   This is my playhouse and I should be able to decide what happens here.  I want fun and creativity to happen at Las Colchas.  Let me know what you think.

Some of this goes along with a quote I read on Denyse Schmidt’s facebook page.  It reads Denyse Schmidt Quilts “Work done with anxiety about results is far inferior to work done without such anxiety, in the calm of self-surrender.” – Bhagavad Gita.  We worry so much about if we are doing things right or if other people will like what we are choosing.  I include myself in this group.  But I often think of how wonderful children are in their freedom to put clothes together that don’t “match” or color outside the line, etc. until we start telling them how it should be.  The lucky ones hold on to their creativity and free spirit.  We had a customer in the shop that may have been one of those free spirits.  She was dressed “differently” and I had to tell her how much I loved her style.  It was fun and joyful and she seemed so focused on her finds (wool, buttons, ribbons, flannels)  and who she is inside.  I am working on this very thing.  I have a little ways to go……but, I am on my way.   Francine

CASITAS

The new picture at the top of this blog is a little quilt that my good friend Pat made while out in the country some time ago.  I have been going over to sew with Pat at ’303′, as she refers to her home, for a few days now.  We have been working on a Mystery Quilt that we did not get to work on when it was offered.  It was entirely my fault.  You see, my eye “exploded” and Pat was kind enough to drive me home from where we were to attend the retreat.  She is that kind of friend…..a good one.  Pat has a charming house that is always decorated in the most casual way with the treasures she has found or made during her lifetime.  She shares this home with the most handsome, charming man, Jeff.  We are now half-way done with the quilt.  We work in the tiniest sewing room that is full of fun things and talk about many, many things.  The times I have spent with Pat are some of the most wonderful ever.  We have taken several trips together and we are looking forward to our next trip next month.  We never finish anything on these trips, but we laugh until we are in tears.  We eat together and pray together and share with each other.  This blog is about how much I love Pat.

Francine

We have the most wonderful classses coming up and I hope you will not miss the opportunity to not only learn something new, but to share some time with other wonderful ladies that enjoy quilting and other handwork. I have been thinking about time lately and have decided not to let opportunities go by. Today is June 1st and I can’t believe it. See what I mean? I am now trying to decide if I want to spend the money to stay at a lovely hotel in Houston during Quilt Market. I am leaning towards doing it. I want to have that memory when I can no longer travel for whatever reason. Tell me your thoughts on this.

This is my beginning….Have an amazing day!

Francine

Blessed are they that give, blessed are they that receive – especially fabric. Blessings, the newest fabric line from Brannock and Patek, will have you counting yours! Rich deep colors mingle with fresh, muted tones in florals paisleys and prints. Get them fast, these fabrics are a blessed event indeed. – Jan

Sk# 2000 AB

Sk# 2000 13

Judy with her project

Joyce with her April project

Pat and her April project

  Didn’t all the ladies do a great job!!

See ya’ll next month.

Michael Miller Flannels

Now wouldn’t these make a wonderful quilt for a young girl or the young at heart!

Charleston V

Just Arrived!! 

Quilters can’t get enough of these clear, beautifully toned pinks with coordinating browns, a new version of a classic from Judie Rothermel. 

Peddler's Pack Blue

Peddler's Pack Pink

Winterthur

Newsletter

May 2009

Weekend Sampler

 Our Weekend Sampler is off and running.  We meet the 4^th Saturday at 10:00 am and the proceeding Friday at 10:00 am and 5:30 pm.  This year we have chosen a pattern called Southern Stars and the fabrics will be scrappy Civil War fabrics

 Stop by the shop to see three months of blocks

Southern Stars Block # 1 May 2009

Friday,  May 22, 2009

10:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Saturday,  May 23, 2009

10:00 a.m.

Crazy Quilted Patriotic Eagle Wallhanging

Patriotic Crazy Quilted Wallhanging Class

Teacher:  Carol Bayless

May 30, 2009

10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Class Fee $20

Kit Fee $25

  This is an original design of Carol’s that was inspired by the center Eagle.  She crazy pieced the border and then used one embroidery stitch but changed thread colors to give the project just the right touch.

This is a must class!

Featherweight 101

Teacher:  Jeanne Strottner

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

10:00 am until 12:00 pm

Class Fee: $20

Do you own a Singer Featherweight or are you thinking about getting one?  Well, this class is a MUST!  Jeanne has quite a bit of experience with these beauties and she’ll be passing on all her tips & tricks.  This class is designed so that you may properly care for your machine, both mechanically and cosmetically, in order to keep it purring for many years to come and maintain it’s value.  You may treat this class as a lecture/demo or as a hands on experience.  Please be prepared to jot down plenty of notes.  Bring an old towel with your machine.

 Appliqué Classes with Maria

 Have you ever appliquéd?  If you are a beginner or an intermediate appliquér you have a wonderful chance to improve your skills with Maria’s classes.

 Maria Connelly has taught appliqué in our shop for over 10 years.  She is one of the BEST appliqué teachers in San Antonio.  She will be holding classes on the 2^nd Wednesday of each month from 1:30 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. and the 2^nd and 3^rd Saturday from 10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.  She has designed classes for the beginner, intermediate and advanced appliqué student.  Each class is $15 and we will have project kits available for $5 each. 

If you are interested in the class, please call the shop to reserve your spot.  Maria will not be in the shop if she does not have students scheduled.

June 10, 2009

1:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

June 13, 2009

10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.

June 20, 2009

10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.

Sewing 101 Bags

Sewing 101 Apron

Sewing 101

 We are so excited to announce this class to all of you!!  We are happy to offer a basic sewing class which will include how to care for your sewing machine, how to read a pattern, measure and cut fabric for the projects. You will also practice a good seam and even put in a zipper.  Many of our customers never learned how to sew in school and we are hoping this class will empower you to make everyday projects in colors, textures and designs of your choice.

 We will be constructing a very cute apron, a Dinner Party Grocery Tote and zippered kit bag.  Come by the shop to see our Samples.

 Class Fee:  $130

1. Class size is limited so register  early (quality not quantity).  You will take home several finished projects and       lots of knowledge and confidence.

 Dates:          Friday, May 29, 2009

                        10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

                        Saturday, June 6, 2009

                         10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

         What to bring:

          Sewing Machine

          Sewing machine feet, electric cord, machine manual,  bobbins, needles Thread- we suggest grey or natural

          Fabric scissors

          6” x 12” ruler

          Rotary Cutter

          Rotary Cutter mat

          20” large square ruler

          Straight pins

          #2 pencil

 We will provide a delicious lunch, snacks, beverages and kits for the projects and two wonderful books.

 If you any reason you are unable to attend your workshop, you will receive a 50% refund.

 Food and Drink

A small refrigerator and   microwave are available in our kitchen.

Snowman and Reindeer Bluework Block of the Month

Snowman and Reindeer Bluework BOM

 

 

 

 $8.00 per month
Month #1 and # 2 are ready for pick up.

Enjoy stitching up 12 blocks featuring Snowmen and Friends with antlers and feathers throughout the year – one each month! Make a cozy quilt for chilly winter days.  BlueWork Embroidery stitched in Precencia perle #8  is the perfect color for icy snowmen and so much FUN to stitch.

Add more fun to your quilt with 14 special buttons that highlight each block.  We have these at $21.50.  The cute buttons are from Just Another Button Company and add just the final touch to your needlework.

35″ x 45″ finished quilt

$8.00 per month
Month #1 and # 2 are ready for pick up.

New Books

Super Simple Quilts $9.95

Super Simple Quilts

       With Alexander Anderson & Liz Aneloski

        *9 all new Super Simple quilt projects offer 3 fun                             designs in 3 sizes and 3 colorful fabric styles: New             Retro, Floral and Graphic

        *Only supply list is all you need for all nine quilts- buy                       the fabric first, then decide which quilt to make

        *Easy strips, squares, and triangles make piecing a                  breeze

        *Great as gifts or charity quilts

Christmas at Home

Christmas at Home

$19.99

       By Christina DeArmond, Eula Lang and Kaye Spitzli

Christmas memories tug at everyones’s heartstrings.  Our talented trio, Of One Mind, is back with delightful new designs to create for your holiday traditions.  They share their own heartland holiday memories and even some favorite recipes.

Featured are two keepsake quilts that combine pieced blocks with embroidered blocks.  Those embroidered patterns are also featured on 2 smaller projects with easy but striking piecing for lovely tree skirts or table toppers.  You’ll also find a striking Christmas tree wallhanging it could become your own virtual tree!

 Dress up your home with these rich quilts, table runners and tree skirts-you’ll want to make them all.

Geese in the Rose Garden

Geese in the Rose Garden

  $14.99

       By Dawn Heese

The timeless charm of pieced geese-themed blocks meets the classic beauty of appliquéd rose blocks in the featured quilt.  Combining her love of machine piecing and had appliqué, quilt designer Dawn Hesse pays homage to these beloved quilt patterns of the past.  A perfect project for appliquer’s and piecers alike, this striking sampler of 12 blocks features sixe rose appliqué designs and six variations on the pieced geese block, such as Flying Geese and Goose in the Pond.  Also included are two companion projects-a wallhanging-sized quilt and pillowcase-that showcase the versatility of some of the blocks. 

St Louis Stars

St. Louis

Stars $24.99

        By Toby Lischko

Award-winning quilt maker, designer and teacher Toby Lischko has a motto: “Quilting should be fun!”  In St. Loius, she shows you how to construct the 8 point block us mirrors to find unique designs, and fussy cut using step by step directions so that anyone can succeed at quilt making. 

 You’ll find something to pique your interest, with projects ranging from simple four-block patterns to king size quilts.  Toby also provides instructions for making your own templates and a coloring page for creating your own designs.

My Stars

My Stars

  $22.99

       Patterns from The Kansas City Star Volume 1

In 1928, The Kansas City Star newspaper began printing traditionsal quilt patterns that would become world famous and remain favorites for generations to come.  The patterns were a feature in The Star until 1961.  By the time the last one ran, more that 1000 had been printed.

 More recently, Kansas City Star Quilts was formed to continue this quilting tradition.  But Star Quilts had never put together a complete volume of all of the blocks.  So In August 2007, it launched a program called My Star Collection.  Each week, a redraft of an old pattern is offered to My Star Collection subscribers.  This program will continue until all the old patterns are redrafted.

This book includes 25 of the first patterns offered to My Star subscribers.  Each includes fabric requirements, templates and assembly instructions, as well as the original caption printed in the newspaper. 

 So whether you plan to stitch these famous old blocks or are a collector, sit back and enjoy the heritage of quilting.  And clear a spot on your shelf, because eventually Kansas City Star Quilts will chronicle them all.  This is just the beginning.

 Whimsyland   $26.99

Whimsyland

        By Liz & Beth Hawkins

 You’re Invited!

        When:  Any time you feel the urge to be inspired and be                              creative.

        Where:  Turn these beautiful pages and find out.

       Maybe it’s the quick and easy “Stick it To Me     Baby” pin cushion, or one of the fabulous small quilts, “Be         Inspried!” or “Laugh a Good Laugh.”  There’s something for       everyone in Whimsyland.

 Let the smell of warm butter, brown sugar and chocolate waft through your home as you make a batch of their favorite cookies.  Then pop in some tunes from their jazzy playlist while you stitch the fantastical “Whimsyland” Quilt.  Liz and Beth hope this book will remind you to smile and laugh often, be inspired and inspire other, and above all…always, always Be Cre8ive!

Quilting Designs from the Past

Quilting Designs from the Past  $29.95

        By Jenny Carr Kinney

         Make your quilts look like Antiques with authentic period Quilting                Designs.

        **Over 300 hisorically accurate quilting designs, organized into 4 time periods to make it easy to find the right designs for your         quilt.

         **Essential reference quide for anyone interested in vintage and        antique quilts

         ** Designs for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced

        ** Use for hand or machine quilting

The Graceful Garden   $26.99

The Graceful Garden

        By Denise Sheehan

Enjoy relaxing stroll through this Jacobean inspired graceful garden with appliqué artist Denise Sheehan.  Beautiful flowers, meandering branches, whirligigs, courtyard steps and more await you.

The Graceful Garden is a block of the month quilt featuring appliqué blocks with embroidered accents and complementary pieced blocks inspired by the art of the 17^th Century.  This fantasy garden’s many details—emulating the Jacobean era—are all created with 21^st Century quiltmaking techniques including starch method appliqué and rotary cutting instructions. 

Also learn how to make five additional projects including a pieced vanity chair cover and a sweet pincushion—to fill your house with Jacobean style!

Stitch Magazine Spring 2009

Stitch Magazine  $7.99

 22 inspiring Sewing Projects of Spring

Bright Ideas

5 One of a Kind Pillows

4 – Get pretty easy dresses you can sew in a weekend

Sew Fresh Mix & Match florals and prints

Stitch your style embellish with thread

Plus Liberty Reigns inside London’s favorite fabric company

The Sew It Book

 The Sew-It Book $19.99

        Things to Make with needle and Thread and Odds and Ends

        Reissued by Amy Barickman of Indygo Juction and The Vintage Workshop  Original Text by Rachel Taft Dixon

New Kits

New Town Farm

New Town Farm by Williamsburg

        Price: $45                          49” square

        Kit includes fabric for top, binding and pattern

Crazy quilts were all the rage in the late 19th century – combining odd shaped pieces with pictorial elements and embroidered details. Sometimes these quilts employed a tile technique with each appliquéd piece separated from its neighbor by a narrow band of white muslin ground fabric showing through, resembling the grout between broken ceramic tiles. The effect is one of vitality within an organized framework. Popular motifs of the period reflected the fashionable interests in nature and animals.

The New Town Farm Collection is inspired by a single “tile” quilt dating from 1880-1920, now in Colonial Williamsburg’s collections. Individual elements were extracted from the overall pattern to create a rich assortment of complementary fabric designs. With beautiful designs, enticing colors, and timeless appeal, these fabrics will help quilters create their own piece of history.

Garden Song Pillow Kit or Table Runner

        From When the Cold Wind Blow by Barb Adams & Alma Allen

This is a wonderful handwork wool appliqué project.  All you need to add to our kit the batting and thread. You can either make a pillow or table runner out of this kit.  Stop by and see our sample.

1. Price:  $35.00   Size: 24” x 9”

Announcing our Newest addition to Las Colchas’ inventory. 

Wool Thread From Sue Spargo!!!!!

We have a large variety of colors.  Each spool is $7, with approximately 350 meter of thread on each spool.  If you love to wool appliqué, this is a wonderful addition to your stash.  See our blog for a sample of the colors we have.

Classic Florals Tablerunner Kit

Price: $75.00

Kit includes wool for top, wool roving, felting needle, book and backing

This wonderful Kindred Spirits pattern has come alive with the rich wools Francine has chosen.  The wool appliqué is simple and the details are done with Needle Felting wool roving on the Flowers. 

Building Block Quilt Kit

Building Blocks Quilt Kit  $120.00

This was 2008′s Weekend Sampler Quilt.  If you were not able to participate in last years Weekend Sampler, you still have a chance to make this wonderful quilt.  We have 5 full kits.  Each kit has a pattern, the fabric for each block, sashing and border fabric.   Our quilt finished at appox. 69″ x 89″

Just let us know if you would like one.

What fun was had by all. We wanted to say thank you to all who came through our shop this past weekend.

A drawing was held for 12 gift baskets and a Grand Prize Basket.

The following are the 13 winners

GRAND PRIZE: Ray Larsen — Kerrville
Other Prize Basket Winners:
Janet Griffith — San Antonio
Cathy Wallace — San Antonio
Michelle Gress — Schertz
Robert Williams — Brownwood
James Spurg — Elmendorf
David Spence — Liberty
Youeida Garza — San Antonio
Gena Leur — Victoria
Mary Overby — Austin
Barbara Barnes — Schertz
Stephanie Cady — San Antonio
Andi Barrows — Cibolo

Congratulations to all the winners

Also Announcing our
10 – $25 Gift Certificate Winners

Lynda Butler, Corpus Christi, TX
Storm Allison, San Antonio, TX
Leslie Young, San Antonio, TX
Leticia Mazur, San Antonio, TX
Jane Moore, Pipe Creek, TX
B. Dimitt, Conroe, TX
Mary Evans, Millerview, TX
Rachel Kelly, Schertz, TX
Nola Carter, San Antonio, TX
Jackie Harrison, Kerrville, TX

Don’t Forget to mark you calendars for Shop Hop 2010

Thursday, April, 15 through Sunday, 18, 2010

Same times same places.

2009 Block of the Months

We will be starting several new BOM early on this year. Stop by the shop and see the flyers.

Snowman & Reindeer Bluework

Snowman & Reindeer Bluework Quilt $8 per month
35” x 45”
We are offering another Hand Embroidery BOM, Snowman and Reindeer. The pattern comes from Bird Brain Designs. This is a BLUEWORK project. The cost of this program is $8 each month and you will receive 12 embroidery blocks with background fabric, pearl cotton, French fuse, sashing fabric, cornerstone fabric, backing fabric and binding. We will start this in March 2009

As Time Goes By

As Time goes by $25 each month
24” x 27”
We are so excited to announce a new wool wall hanging project. This is a 13 month program. Month 1 you will receive a kit to make the small Quilt Background pattern.
Then for the next 12 months you will receive a kit to make a wool block that you can change with each month of the calendar. For example: January is Frosty the snowman, February is a Heart and so on.

If you have never attempted wool appliqué, then this is your chance to get started. These projects are made for the beginners, so anyone can do this. And what is so great about wool appliqué is there is no needle turn to sew down. Come on in and see the patterns so you and join us for a year of wooly fun.

Southern Stars

New Weekend Sampler: Southern Stars
60” x 72 3/4”
Announcing our New Weekend Sampler, Southern Stars by Pacific Patchwork

In April of 2009 we will be starting our NEW Weekend Sampler, Southern Stars. Our quilt will be done in all Civil War fabrics, with a Bonnie Blue background and a Sturbridge Village Classic fabric for the border. Stop by the shop and see the pattern we have selected. We are so excited to get started with this project.

Here is how our Weekend Sampler works. The first month (April 2009) you will pay $15 and receive the pattern and the first block. Make this block and bring the block with you when you come to the May gathering to receive your next block for FREE. If you do not get your block made or are unable to attend the meeting you will pay $5 for the next block.

We will be offering three different Weekend Sampler gathering times that you can attend. They will be held on the 4th Saturday of each Month at 10:00 and the preceding Friday, at 10:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m…

Don’t forget to ask to see the pattern the next time you are in the shop.

New Fabrics

Sturbridge Village IV

Marcus continues to preserve America’s quilting traditions with its fourth group of traditional Sturbridge-inspired prints by Judie Rothermel.

Civil War VI
By Nancy Gere from Windham Fabrics

This collection is an authentic representation of the motifs and colors of textiles from this important historical era. Rich reds, blues, browns, and cream in period florals, stripes and small prints are reflective of the fabrics used for the quilts and crafts that were created to raise monies as both Union and Confederate women rallied to the war effort.

As the women of the North held craft fairs and bazaars to gather funds, Southern women sold their quilts to help buy desperately needed gunboats and, in fact, raised enough money to pay for three of them. Later, as defeats became more frequent, the proceeds were re-directed to medical supplies for the soldiers, while Northern women revised their sewing efforts to accommodate military cots and bedding packs.

Pink Chocolate
By Nancy Gere from Windham Fabrics

Pink Chocolate? What an odd, but delicious combination.

The origin of chocolate brown used as a predominant color in printed fabric appeared with regularity in the nineteenth century. The color was worn by widows who had passed out of the stage of mourning, when they were expected to wear only black. The patterns used in these “mourning browns” were simple calicos, and not like the more stylized designs featured in this collection.

Later in the century, brown as a color in printed fabric started moving to the forefront of European fashion. The idea is perhaps copied from hard to find Indian hand painted cottons. In the early to mid 1800′s these Indian fabrics using rich colors painted on top of dark grounds were rarely seen in Europe. However, as a result of these beautiful imported fabrics, it is then that we began to see brown combined with the lively colors of red and pink emerging as a trend in Europe.

Our Pink Chocolate Collection commemorates several of these stunning European designs c. 1875.

Old Glory IV
By Nancy Gere, from Windham Fabrics

Old Glory IV offers the best from Nancy’s personal collection of popular 1850s motifs on a palette of deep reds, blues and creams. These vintage Americana reproduction designs are a delight for reproduction fabric enthusiasts – they are a reflection of an era of intense growth – similar to what we’re currently experiencing during this tumultuous election year as we prepare for great economic and social changes.

With its “old” twist on some old favorites, including stars and stripes, and small patterns, the crowning “glory” of Old Glory IV are its oversized prints depicting George Washington, the eagle (printed for the American market to commemorate the eagle as our national symbol), and the graphic depiction of the Declaration of Independence, each a dramatic focal point for any project. Today, they serve as a reminder of the great freedoms of America and the solidarity of its people – a traditional theme that still hits home centuries later.

Tree Top Fancy
By Tina Givens from Free Spirit Fabrics

A perfect fusion of ‘Art Nouveau’, toile impersonation, modern design and exquisite color! Treetop Fancy is both delicate and strong with plenty of motion and scale fulfilling a complete collection.

New Books

Here’s my Heart from Need’l Love

Here's my Heart

This booklet is full of wonderful Valentine inspired projects. There are projects to do for friends and neighbors, Heart can dos and many more. If you are a Need’l Love fan this is a must have. List price is $18.00

The new Homemade

The new Homemade, sewing simple for contemporary style. Price: $24.95
By Cassie Barden
In an age of mass produced fashion, express your individual style! Create handmade projects for your wardrobe and home with only a small time commitment and basic sewing skills. Now you can make fun, useful accessories and gifts with the contemporary fabrics you love.
Choose from totes and bags, cases and covers, fashion accents, and home décor projects
Learn techniques you’ll use again and again, such as installing zippers, using fusible appliqué, and basic machine quilting
Mix and match the elements to make each design a one-of-a-kind masterpiece

Home Stuff

Home Stuff Price: $10.95
By Linda Lum BeBono

Q: I Love the new fabrics I see today, and I want to update the look of my home. But my free time is precious to me. Who has time to sew anymore?

A: You do. Skip the cooking tonight and call out for sushi. Then let Linda Lum DeBono’s urban designs inspires you to create a contemporary living environment. Today’s fuss-free attitude toward sewing keeps time on your side while you whip up home essentials in the color stories you crave. You’ll be amazed at what you accomplish before dinner arrives.

Quiltmania No. 69

Quiltmania No. 69 Price: $10.95

The latest issue of Quiltmania has arrived. This is a must to have. It has wonderful projects that we all want to do.

I can't believe I'm Quilting

I can’t believe I’m quilting Price: $11.95
By Pat Sloan

If you want to learn quilting or just improve your piecing skills, this is a wonderful book to have in your library. Pat teaches her secrets for paper piecing, curved piecing, easy Flying geese and more.

Block of the Month kits ready for pick up

The following Block of the Month Kits are ready for you to pick up.
Cake Walk Month # 11
Here Comes Santa Month # 10
Festival of Trees # 5
Black, White & Red All Over Month # 5
Trick or Treat Month # 5

We do have several of our Block of the Month participants that we haven’t seen in a few months and we hope to see you soon.

Appliqué Classes with Maria

Wednesday, February, 11 2009
1:30 pm until 4:00 pm

Saturday, February 21, 2009
1:30 pm until 4:00 pm

Have you ever appliquéd? If you are a beginner or an intermediate appliqué, you have a wonderful chance to improve your skills with Maria’s classes.
Maria Connelly has taught appliqué in our shop for over 10 years. She is one of the BEST appliqué teachers in San Antonio. She will be holding classes on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 1:30 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. and the 3rd Saturday from 1:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. She has designed classes for the beginner, intermediate and advanced appliqué student. Each class is $15 and we have project kits available for $5 each. If you are interested in the class please call the shop to reserve your spot. Maria will not be in the shop if she does not have students scheduled

Embroidery Club

Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Time: 10:00 am until 12:00 pm

Saturday, February 21, 2009
Time: 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.

On the third Wednesday of each month, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., we have reserved our classroom table for you to stitch with friends on your favorite embroidery project. If you are in need of motivation for finishing your Cake Walk or Santa BOM this is a great time to work on them. We will also have our staff on hand for you if you need some help with your stitches. As always, tea and coffee will be on.

We have also reserved the classroom on the Third Saturday of each month from
2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. These are free clubs so stop by and spend some stitching time with us.

Weekend Sampler Reminder!!!!

Just wanted to remind everyone about this month’s Weekend Sampler dates, we will meet on the 4th Saturday, February 28, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. and the preceding Friday, February 27, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.. If you attend our Friday morning session each month we have a small conflict. Friday, February 27, 2009, the University United Methodist Church Quilt Guild will be holding their Quilt Market that day. The shop will have a booth at this show, so if you are planning on attending the show please let us know and you can pick up your block there. The shop will be open and you could also pick up your block there as well, but you have to be at the shop at 10:00 am with January’s block in hand. Please call us and let us know what your preference will be, so we can make sure to take your block with us. You can also email us and let us know what you wish.

We will still hold the 5:30 pm session and the Saturday session as well at the shop.

Any questions concerning this please call the shop at 210-223-2405.

Upcoming Quilt Shows
We are so excited to announce that we will be attending the following Quilt Shows in the months of February and March 2009
Dates:

February 13 & 14, 2009 Coastal Bend Quilt & Needlework Quilt 2009 Show” Crazy for Quilts
Place: American Bank Center, Corpus Christie Texas (Convention Center)
Times: 10:00 until 5:00 pm
February 27, 2009 Pieces of our Lives Quilt Market,
University United Methodist Church Quilt Guild
Place: University United Methodist Church 5084 DeZavala Rd, San Antonio, TX
Time: 9:00 am until 4:00 pm Guest Speaker Sally Schneider speaks at 9:30 a.m.
March 6 & 7, 2009 Uvalde Piecemakers Quilt Guild Quilt Show
Place: Uvalde Adult Activity Center 250 East Main ST, Uvalde TX
Time: 9:00 am until 6:00 pm both days
Hope to see you there.
11th Annual Bluebonnet Patchwork Trail Shop Hop
Mark your Calendar Now!!!
*Extended Shop Hours
Thursday – Saturday 9:00 am until 8:00 pm
Sunday 10:00 am until 4:00 pm
*Challenge Block Contest-Pick up your fabric starting January 1, 2009 Great Prizes
*Grand Prize Merchandise Basket
*Jeep Collins Limited Edition Sterling Silver Shop Hop Charm
*Official Shop Hop Pin
*Individual Shop Drawing 10 – $25 Gift Certificates

Sewing 101

We are so excited to announce this class to all of you!! We are happy to offer a basic sewing class which will include how to care for your sewing machine, how to read a pattern, measure and cut fabric for the projects. You will also practice a good seam and even put in a zipper. Many of our customers never learned how to sew in school and we are hoping this class will empower you to make everyday projects in colors, textures and designs of your choice.

We will be constructing a very cute apron, a Dinner Party Grocery Tote and zippered kit bag. Come by the shop to see our Samples.

Class Fee: $130
Includes tuition, lunch and a goodie bag. Class size is limited so register early (quality not quantity). You will take home several finished projects and lots of knowledge and confidence.

Dates:
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
10:00 a.m. till 4:00 p.m.
Friday, April 3, 2009
10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
10:00 a.m. till 4:00 p.m.

What to bring:
Sewing Machine
Sewing machine feet, electric cord, machine manual, bobbins, needles
Thread- we suggest grey or natural
Fabric scissors
6” x 12” ruler
Rotary Cutter
Rotary Cutter mat
20” large square ruler
Straight pins
#2 pencil

We will provide a delicious lunch, snacks, beverages and kits for the projects and two wonderful books.

If you any reason you are unable to attend your workshop, you will receive a 50% refund.

Food and Drink
A delicious lunch will be provided for you. If you have special dietary needs, we suggest that you bring your own lunch. A small refrigerator and microwave are available in our kitchen.

Be sure to visit our blog where pictures of some of the items mentioned above will be posted.
www.lascolchas.wordpress.com

Until next time, keep stitching!