Month # 8 Stars in a Row
I am a few day late with the November’s Block but here it is just the same. Don’t Forget that December’s Meeting is Friday, December 19, 2008 at 10:00 am and 5:30 pm. We will also gather again on Saturday, December 20, 2008 at 10:00 am. On Saturday it will be a pick up and go but you still have to be here at 10:00 am. See ya then.
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The Las Colchas staff would like to invite everyone to join us in celebrating this wonderful holiday. We have created an alter in the shop and would like for our customers to bring in a picture of a loved one who has passed on to place on our table. Because of “critters”, we are unable to leave favorite foods for their spirits to enjoy overnight. We are providing the address for the Yale University web site that explains this holiday which is on of the most celebrated holidays in Mexico. It is our hope that sharing this custom will deepen your understanding of this beloved tradition. You are welcomed to take photographs of the alter, if desired.
Altar de Muertos–Day of the Dead Altar
El Día de los Muertos, or The Day of the Dead, is one of the most celebrated holidays in Mexico. It is the time of the year that the deceased return to earth to visit their relatives and loved ones. For the living, this is an opportunity to honor those who have passed on. The annual reunion takes place on November 1st with deceased children, and November 2nd with the adults. Altars are left overnight so that the spirits can enjoy the feast, and then on November 3rd the rest of the family enjoys the offerings.
The celebration of El Dia de los Muertos varies from region to region but one common feature is the construction of an altar. Traditionally, one altar is set up for each loved one. Each altar consists of marigolds —their distinct smell and vibrant color help guide the spirit home—, and traditional food —e.g., tamales (corn cakes wrapped in corn husks), and pan de muerto (day of the dead bread). The altar is then personalized with pictures of the deceased person, favorite foods and drinks, and other things the person enjoyed while on earth. More flowers, fruit, bright colored paper, and candles are added for decorative purposes.
Like much of Mexican traditions, El Día de los Muertos is a mixture of European and pre-Hispanic customs, mainly All Saints Day and indigenous homage to the Gods. In urban regions the altar is usually decorated with skulls made of sugar. In agriculturally based regions cornhusks and banana leafs may be used to decorate the altar instead of flowers. Regions with heavy indigenous populations tend to include idols of Mayan and Aztec Gods.
This unique tradition reveals important elements of Mexican culture: love and respect for our ancestors; celebration of the continuity of life; strengthening family relationships; promotion of community solidarity; and, ultimately, finding humor in death.
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Here is October Weekend Sampler Block Easy Ways
Easy Ways
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Here is your block from September’s Weekend Sampler
Shadow Box
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Las Colchas
October 2008 Newsletter
Here is what’s New in the shop.
New Books
Carrie Hall
Carrie Hall’s Sampler, Favorite Blocks from a Classic Pattern Collection, by Barbara Brackman. $14.95
Pattern expert Barbara Brackman has selected some of her favorite designs featured in the 1935 classic book by Carrie iHall and Rose Kretsinger, The Romance of the Patchwork Quilt in America. The result is Carrie Hall’s Sampler, which combines traditional appliqué blocks and pieced accents into a stunning sampler. Barbara designed the updated quilt as a Block of the Month quilt for the Kaw Valley Quilters Guild. Also included are design interpretations stitched by guild members.
501 Rotary Cut Quilt Blocks
501 Rotary Cut Quilt Blocks by Judy Hopkins $29.95
Welcome to the ultimate quilt block reference book! Best-selling author Judy Hopkins combines blocks from her popular Around the Block series into one handy volume.
Features complete instructions for making 501 pieced blocks.
Each of the blocks is offered in six different sizes, resulting in more that 3,000 different block possibilities .
Get the master compilation of the successful books Around the Block with Judy Hopkins, Around the Block Again, and Once More around the Block
A Dust Garden Grows
A Dusty Garden Grows, by Terri Clothier Thompson $25.95
It was a time when huge clouds of dust blew through the streets and sifted through the cracks in frame houses. Economic hardship was an unwelcome guest at many a table. But through it all, women tended their gardens and cherished their flowers. Revisit the “Dirty Thirties” with noted quilt historian Terry Clothier Thompson, as she pays tribute to the women who endured these trying times.
The quilts, Dust Bowl Days and Dust Bowl Days Are Over, reflect a backyard plot of flowers. Sunbonnet Sue, Dresden Plate, scrappy quilt typical of the 30’s are included in this garden patch of quilts.
Embroidered Quilts
Embroidered Quilts, From Hands and Hearts,
by Christina DeArmond, Eula Lang and Kaye Spitzli $25.95
Inspired by antique redwork, the Of One Mind designers have created 7 lovely new quilts and 3 fun projects showcasing embroidery. You’ll find designs for floral motifs, months of the year, butterflies, vintage daisies-even proverbs.
Also included are clear embroidery instructions and a brief history of embroidery. These designs will put you in the mood to stitch.
Circuit Rider
The Circuit Rider’s Quilt, An Album Quilt Honoring a Beloved Minister, by Jenifer Dick $25.95
This early album-style quilt pays homage to Reverend George C. Wavel of Eastern Ohio, an early circuit rider. It was in appreciation of his efforts that women from his circuit joined together in 1862 to make a presentation quilt for him when he relocated. The original quilt, now housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, includes 42 appliqued, album-style blocks, each lovingly inscribed by the maker.
In this book, quilt instructor and author Jenifer Dick shows you how to recreate this 19th Century treasure. In addition, you’ll find original patterns for other quilts and smaller projects to help you make your own unique 21 Century quilts based on these beautiful and timeless blocks.
Scraps & Shirttails
Scraps & Shirttails: Reuse, Re-purpose, Recycle!
The Art of “Quilting Green” by Bonnie K. Hunter $25.95
Come celebrate the relationship between quilting thrifty and quilting green with well known scrap quiltmaker Bonnie K. Hunter!
Quiltmakers have always known how to reuse, re-purpose and recycle their fabrics to make warm, functional quilts. Today, in our abundant world, being green isn’t just about being thrifty, it’s about keeping an eye on the world around us, doing everything we a quilters can to help sustain it.
From reusing fabrics in our stashes, re-purposing thrift store fabrics and recycling cotton clothing from our own closets to learning how to shop the local quilt store for green products, Bonnie steps us through the entire process.
Learn how to make 12 new earth friendly quilts plus a bonus shopping bag as Bonnie shares with us her secrets to quilting green!
Caring for your Quilt
Caring for Your Quilts, Textile Conservation, Repair and Storage by Hallye Bone $10.50
Should you quilt that top you found at the estate sale? Is it possible to get that nasty stain out of your favorite quilt? Hallye Bone of St. Loius, Missouri answers those questions and more. She packs a wealth of information on how to care for your beloved textiles in this handy little volume.
You’ll find tips on storing, laundering, airing and displaying your quilts. Hallye tells how to make much needed repairs on worn binding, appliqué and pieced areas, even on holes that go completely through the quilt. Whether you’re a quilter or a collector, you’ll want this book at your fingertips.
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Here is month # 3’s block
Month #3 Water Wheel
Here is month # 4’s Block
Month #4 FireCrackers
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What’s Happening at LAS COLCHAS
August 2008
Trick or Treat Block of the Month
Announcing our Newest Block of the Month Program TRICK OR TREAT, by Jan Patek. This is a Six month Halloween Quilt. We will start in October 2008 and finish in March 2009. The price each month is $18. This includes the booklet, fabric for the top, and binding. Space is filling up fast, so call or stop by and sign up soon.
Weekend Sampler Reminder!!!!
Just wanted to remind everyone that this month has 5 Saturdays, so our Weekend Sampler will meet on the 4th Saturday, August 23, 2008 at 10:00 am and the preceeding Friday, August 22, 2008 at 10:00 am and 5:30 pm. Mark your calendars so you don’t miss it.
Embroidery Club
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Time: 10:00 am until 12:00 pm
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.
Appliqué Classes with Maria
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Saturday, August 16, 2008
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 Tuesday 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.
Las Colchas now has a Blog!!!!!!!!!
www.lascolchas.wordpress.com
Wow what a wonderful tool this is for us. We can post pictures of new fabrics, books, patterns, quilt kits and much more for you. You can also communicate with us and other Las Colchas quilters. Check us out and let us know you visited. We update items as they come in.
We have posted pictures of all the items we talked about in this newsletter, so you can see what things look like.
New Books!!!!
We just received two new Books from Kansas City Star.
With These Hands,
by Maggie Bonanomi
Inspired by antiques of days gone by, hand-stitched household items fill this book. Maggie works in primitive hand appliqué, rug-hooking and cross stitch, using natural fibers: wool, velvets, linen. Included are projects for varied use in your home: 7 for the living room, 4 for the bedroom, and 13 for the sewing room. Maggie also shares tips about her exquisite sense of color. This is Francine’s Favorite New book. She wants to make everything in it!!!!
We Gather Together,
by Jan Patek
Pumpkins have never lasted so long or looked as good as they do on these soft, comfy quilts. Toss in a mix of leaves, crows, cats and stars and you have a lively harvest of autumn quilts to snuggle under before Old Man Winter knocks on your door. Designed by Jan Patek, Cameron, Missouri, these primitive quilts will warm your heart as well as your home.
Meadowsweet Home, 
by Need’l Love
Whether redecorating a favorite room or an entire home, we all look for special touches that make our homes uniquely our own. Sometimes we make a clean sweep or simply change one piece of furniture. Let the creative ideas and amazing colors from Need’l Love help you define the look and feel of your home. Remember… it’s all in the details!
A Year Of Paper Piecing
By Beverly A Maxvill
Ideal for paper-piecing enthusiasts! Feature all 12 seasonal blocks in a queen-size calendar quilt or showcase them one at a time on the clever interchangeable-block wall hanging. Fun block designs include a snowman, turkey, heart and roses, teapot, and wreaths.
Each 12” x 12” block is spacious enough for quilting and embellishments
A paper piecing guide will help you every step of the way.
Country-Fresh Quilts
Traditional Blocks with Floral Accents
By Deanne Eisenman
Pair easy patchwork with a dash of floral applique, and viola—you have a gorgeous table runner, wall hanging, pillow, or lap quilt.
Get small and large versions of five designs—wall hanging plus table runner, wall hanging plus pillow or lap quilt plus pillow—11 projects in all.
Find new settings for traditional blocks and enhance them with easy applique.
Perfect for beginning to advance quilters
Crazy Quilt Christmas Tree
Attention Crazy Quilters!!!!!
Announcing Carol Bayless’s newest Crazy Quilt Project, Crazy Quilted Christmas Tree
Carol will teach this Class on Thursday, September 4, 2008, from 12:00 pm until 3:00 pm and Saturday, September 6, 2008, from 10:00 until 1:00pm. Class fee is $30 and a kit will be available, price yet to be determined.
Kangaroo Pouch Bag
Kangaroo Pouch Bag
We are welcoming a new teacher to our shop. Her name is Sandy Arispe. Sandy has created a wonderful silk ribbon embellished bag. The outside pocket is removable from the bag so you can use it as a clutch. Sandy will teach this wonderful bag in two parts. The first class you will learn some crazy quilt piecing and basic silk ribbon stiches, then at the second class you will learn how to construct the rest of the bag. We have a wonderful model in the shop. Stop by and see the Kangaroo Pouch Bag.
Class Dates: Part I Saturday, August 30, 2008
Part II Saturday, September 6, 2008
Time: 1:30 pm until 3:30 pm
Class Fee: $40
Kits: $22
Jo’s Little Women Club
We will be starting Club #7 on Saturday, August 23, 2008. We are always looking for new faces to join us for an afternoon of stitching, fellowship, food and fun. The fee to join the club is to purchase a tower of 35 Jo’s fat quarters, which is $87.50. Then each month there is a $5 fee. If you have any questions please call the shop.
Until next time, keep stitching.
Your Las Colchas Staff
August Weekend Sampler’s Block # 5 Lightening
Month #5 Lightening
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The latest issue of our favorite quilt magazine is here!!!
Quiltmania
This issue has many beautiful Historical quilts, The European Quilt Championship quilts, and many other gorgeous photographs. There are 8 fun projects to make.
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Here is Month # 2 Secondary Star
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Here is our first month’s block. Primary Pinwheel
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