Waterwheel House Quilt Shop

Jammin' July

Hope everyone is having a great Summer!  In Vermont it has been hot, hot, hot...but no complaints here.

We have been getting in the best fabric over the last few weeks so I will share some pictures with you.  Our newest patterns are wonderful. I can't wait to share them with you as well.  We have bundled fat quarters in our latest lines, and who doesn't love fat quarters?  Oh, and I am officially hooked on "Sashiko Embroidery" from Japan. We have 6 new patterns and 4 colors of "Sashiko Thread now in stock. So easy and fun, quite addicting I must say!

Fabric First!

A personal favorite, I am a sucker for Holly Holderman's Lakehouse Drygoods fabric lines and this one is no exception.  Annie's Farmstand I and II.  20 fat quarters are bundled for a fantastic "Turning 20" quilt which I plan to make. 

The seed pack fabric is so charming!  Love the black colorway too.

   
Another shot.  We also have the Basket Panel in 2 colorways.  I did make an "Afternoon Delight" quilt with the baskets.  Which you can find on our Flickr Page

 
Judith made this "Veranda Bag"(pattern by Penny Sturgess for Quilts Illustrated) using "Annie's Farmstand" "Totes On Bolts" fabric panels.  3 panels make this bag.  Love the plaid fabric covered button and the nice shape of this bag.  Here is the inside with all the pockets using the seed packet fabric...

Great job, Jude.

New from Alexander Henry...hard to get but worth the wait!

New shipment of "Heath" from Alexander Henry is here, plus this new dotted sweetheart called "Down Town Dot".  Heath makes a wonderful background for all kinds of patterns, especially with Kona Solids.  What would you do with this fabric?  Please, let me know!  Make a comment on this post and enter to win  4 half yards of this fab fabric!  Winner picked at random, deadline for entry is Sunday, July 17th at 6pm.  Winner will be announced on my "Facebook" page on Monday, July 18th.  Click Here to reach this page.  If you haven't been on this page before you can "Like" our WWHQS facebook page and be eligible to win more giveaways!

Judith's plans for the "Heath" fabric in the brown, is to make a "Take 5" quilt for her new, not yet arrived, GrandBaby.  She chose "Monkey Bizness" From Alexander Henry, a rust "Dimples" from Andover and from Valori Wells, "Nest" in twig.  The Take 5 pattern uses 5/8ths of a yard of 5 fabrics.  Fast and Fun.  We have kits available.

Pattern is $7.  Call for kit price.  802-824-5700.

Also from Alexander Henry...Nicole's Prints, "Sew Much Fun".  Can you see the "Down Town Dot" in this fabric.  I want a "Lilly Apron" by Busy Bee Quilt Designs, made in this fabric.   You can see examples of this apron on This page

"Wrenly", by Valori Wells.

I am still quilting my "PDQ" (pattern by Swirly Girls)  quilt. The "Wrenly" fabric line makes a simple pattern, heavenly.

Spiffy little Wrenly Bundle...7 fq $21

Speaking of celestial...

"Hip Happy" by Lizzie B Creative for Quilting Treasures is a delightful fabric for the young and young at heart.

Aqua and Red from Michael Miller Fabrics.

We created this bundle with some great additions.  7 fq for $21.

I could not resist this flannel from Robert Kaufman Fabrics. So "Vermonty"!  Black Bears, Moose, Deer, Chickadees, pinecones and fall leaves in manly colors!

"Pine Ridge".  A great panel plus coordinates.  The fish and fishing flies are my favorite.  This is the softest flannel at a great price.  $12.15 per yard!

Our Fall fabrics are from Robert Kaufman and I adore the metallic touches.  Here is "Shades Of The Season"

So rich.  Sunflowers, fall leaves and a great striped fabric, yay!

We put together a Fall Bundle as well.

This is a mix of Quilting Treasures and Timeless Treasures fq's.  $24 for 8 fat quarters.

Patterns, Patterns, Patterns....

Judith, our official "Bag Lady" made this mini messenger bag using this pattern in "Honey Child" fabrics by Jennifer Paganelli.

Love the inside too...

Cool pockets!

We have been waiting for this pattern by Serendipity Studio.  Meg is sewing up a sample (in her size of course) using the newest "Mum" print by Philip Jacobs for Westminster Fibers, with a "Dot" Kaffe Fassett for the trim. Will post the pic as soon as it is finished.  Love the Kimono styling.  This dress can be made in several lengths and can be sized from xs to xxl!

Here is the latest pattern by Tula Pink, "Snow Globes"

This pattern uses her latest fabric line "Prince Charming" which, of course we have in stock.

The following patterns use the new "Lazy Angle" ruler by Creative Grids.  You can go to their website and watch a tutorial video on how to use this handy ruler.  Click on This Link 

 

"Tea Garden" by "Lazy Girl"

These are all really fun and quick.

Now for "Sashiko" Japanese Embroidery

We have these colors of specialty thread and these 6 patterns in stock.  You do not use a hoop with this simple embroidery technique. This makes these projects totally portable.  You can stitch up a storm anywhere, anytime!

These are the patterns which average about 12" by 12" and are printed on Japanese fabric with ink that washes out.  You get a printed panel attached to a plain fabric.  You can use the unprinted side for the back of a pillow.  The panels are also great for the front of a tote bag, the back of a denim jacket or the center of a quilt, of course!

Dragonflies  Don't worry the pictures are in English.  There are many great tutorials online that show you how to stitch.  Just search for Sashiko Embroidery and you will find a bunch.

I'm stitching this one up myself.  Very traditional pattern.

Adorable, for a baby quilt or blanket or ???

 
Lovely

This one is printed on lilac fabric.  Most are on white or navy.

Another more traditonal Sashiko pattern.  It is most common to stitch on white or navy fabric with white, navy or other hues of blue thread.  We have on order more colors of this special thread for those more "colorful" among us! ;)

Phew..well I better not go on.  One can only absorb so much yummy stuff at one time.  We have received all of our new Christmas fabric, but you will have to stay tuned for that post.

As Always,

Happy Sewing!

 

May Sewing & Quilting Classes

             Here is our line up of classes and events for May, 2011.

Sunday, May 1 or Sunday May 22nd-  Paper Piecing Workshop  Learn the secrets of Paper Piecing  also known as "Foundation Piecing"  The most complicated quilt blocks are usually paper pieced.  Think "Mariner's Compass" or any block with lots of points and tiny pieces.  Paper piecing makes these blocks a snap.  $25 plus materials.  1-4 pm

Example, projects will vary.

Every Tuesday is Open Sewing  Sew with friends and meet new ones.  $5  10:30-3:30.   No Instructor 

Wednesday, May 4th or Wednesday, May 18th- Totally Awesome Tote Bag This pattern from "For The Love of Fabric" by Karen West  is a winner.  A sturdy tote, measuring 14"x17" makes a great quick gift.  It has a large outer pocket and inner pocket.  We have 2 kit versions or you can pick your own fabric.  10:30-3:30 pm.  $25 plus kit fee or materials list.

  Kit One

Kit Two

Saturday May 7th or Friday May 20th-Paint Stix on Fabric/ Rubbing Plates - Learn how to use these fabulous oil pastels made expecially for fabric by Cedar Canyon.  This class will focus on "rubbing plates" and color blending.  You will create blocks for a wall hanging, pillow, pocket for a bag or quilt.  10:30-12:30 pm.  $15 plus materials and book fee.  Suitable for ages 10 and up.

This is a Holiday version using the "Holiday" rubbing plates.  You have other image options such as leaves, flowers and or curves.

Garden Rubbing Plates/Wall hanging

Sunday, May 8th- My First Table Runner- Introduction to quilting.-  Learn the basics of piecing a quilt top.    You will focus on pressing, cutting, pinning and piecing a small table runner.  Ages 10 and up.  1-4 pm.  $20 plus tools and  $15 Kit fee.

Easy Peasy Table Runner/ Placemats are not included in this class

Wednesday, May 11th-  "Mumbo Gumbo" a pattern by "Pie In The Sky Quilts"-  This is a fabulous stash buster quilts that will use up a lot of scraps.  It is so-oooo simple and fun!  Finished size is 63"x84", you can add borders to make it bigger.  10:30- 3:30 pm.  $30 plus materials list.  This is suitable for a confident beginner.

Thursday, May 12, or Saturday, May 21- Improvisational Quilting Class-  Learn how to piece a block without a pattern.  This is an intuitive process and tons of fun!  This is a class not to be confused with our Improv Club.  You will learn several improvisational techniques.  10:30-12:30.  $20 plus a $10 materials fee.

Saturday, May 14th- $5 Club/Sold Out  10:30 am  and our "Solids Challenge Party"    11:30-1:30 pm.   We will still be open for regular business today but we will be hosting a pot luck luncheon for our Challengers who participated in our quilt contest where sewers had to use only solid fabrics and 2 1/2 " strips.  We will be displaying all the quilts on the porch!  Come and see  our talented customer's interpretations of this Challenge!

Sunday, May 15th- 1 Yard Shopping Totebag - Make a quick snazzy tote using just 1 yard of fabric!  1-4 pm $25.

Thursday, May 19th -  Free Motion Quilting Techniques - This is an introductory class to Free Motion Quilting.  You must bring in a sewing machine with a darning foot and that has a feature to lower the feed dogs.  1-3pm  $20 plus materials list and book purchase.

  Wednesday, May 25th- Springfield Sews/Sold Out - 10:30-3:30

Thursday, May 26th- Fusible Applique Wall Hanging-  Learn the secrets of machine applique.  Recreate the quilt designed by Shelley for the 2011 Shop Hop, "Kaffe's Flower Shop".  10:30-3:30 pm $25 plus kit fee or materials list.  Bring a Lunch.

Kaffe's Flower Shop

Friday, May 27th-  Improv Club/Sold Out   10:30-12:30

Hand Applique and Embroidery Club-1:30-3:30- $25 registration fee and $5 per session.  Join Judith and Shelley and work on any hand sewing project.  Share ideas and techniques.  Tea and cookies served!  A relaxing afternoon of sewing and conversation.  This club meets the last Friday of every month.

Saturday, May 28th- Paintstix on Fabric- Stenciling Techniques  - Using special negative and positive shapes these stencils make unusual patterns.  You can make wall hangings, table runners, bags, pillows and much more.  Paintstix ,after drying, are heat set with an iron and the fabric is then washable!  10:30-12:30 pm  $15 plus materials and book purchase.

Sunday, May 29th- Finishing Your Quilt- Bring in your finished quilt top and learn to layer,quilt and bind your quilt.  (Bring in a small wall hanging or table runner)  1-4 pm $25.

Please register early by calling the shop or stopping by.  Classes are the best way to improve your sewing and quilting skills!  In a class you can get answers to your quilting questions!  We hope you find a date and time that works for you!  Join us in our beautiful classroom and bring a friend or 2 or 3!  Call if you have any questions.  We also offer private lessons for $25 per hour.

Happy Sewing,

Shelley

 

 

More March Magic

Whew....  What a busy week.  We have enjoyed being part of The Vermont Shop Hop that will end this Sunday at 3 PM.  We have met so many quilters coming from all over the State. For many it has been their first visit to the Waterwheel House.  It has been a real pleasure!

I had some time today to photograph some of our newest additions to the shop. 

New Fabric

Art Class from Michael Miller

Colored Pencils!  And look what Judith made...

This is the "Awsome Tote Bag" from  For The Love of Fabric.

Inside lining is the "Splat" fabric and the pocket is the "Art Class Fabric".

What a perfect bag for any artist or scholar, young or old (Like me!)

Also from Michael Miller..."Bicycles" in quilter's cotton and...

Laminate! 

"Rockin Rooster" and "Minie Hana" in purple and fuschia- What a combo!

Beautiful watercolored roosters!  Think, aprons, bags, placemats, table runners...

Alexander Henry, New Arrivals

Griffith  Park Butterfly, Dot and Leaf.

Love these grayed down colors.  I am working on a surprise quilt with these fabrics!  So stay tuned and check back.

Also from Alexander Henry-

Meiji Mumm in Indigo and...

Nora Neko in light blue and indigo.  What a treat...sophisticated kitties!  They are so hard to find!

Meg is making me a vest from one of our Kwik Sew Patterns.  I will be modeling it soon!

I am so excited to introduce to the shop a new line of ribbon.  Imported from Italy, Fettuccia, 100% tightly woven cotton in lucious colors!  We are using it in everything from wearables to quilts.

Fettuccia means "ribbon" in Italian!

Here is a close up of this wonderful stuff!  I have been waiting to add ribbon to our inventory but couldn't find anything special enough for my customers.  Now here it is!  TA DA!

We have been making wool easter bags with this ribbon trim and will be having an Easter workshop in April.  Look for our April Class Schedule coming out next weekend.

New Books...

Everything you ever wanted to know about quilting on your home sewing machine.  This is the 4th edition and is considered the ultimate "Bible" for learning how to machine quilt.  By Harriet Hargrave,  Heirloom Machine Quilting.

Quilts, Baby by linda Kopp.  This book offers piecing, patchwork and embroidery in some of the hippest designs for baby I have yet to see.  Here is a peek inside the book...

How Adorable!

Nursery Stitch is another winner by Rebecca Shreeve.  More hand embroidery combinations for baby stuff to make.  An inside peek...

This Quilt is amazingly cute!  And look at this...

Awwwwww!!!

And we have been waiting for this to be released.  By Liesl Gibson of Oliver& S, Little Things To Sew.  Look inside...

Can't wait to make a little town for my grandbaby Andy.

This is a wonderful addition to any stitcher's library.  By Alicial Paulson,  Embroidery Companion.  This is her second book, she also wrote Stitched in Time.  We are so into hand work .  The Spring and Summer months bring on the wonderful weather to stitch outdoors!  We will be ready!

Speaking of hand stitching...I love cross stitch and this book contains small projects made into greeting cards!  Joan Elliott's Cross Stitch Greeting Cards.

Ever heard of "Zentangle"?  It is the meditative art of doodling.  Zentangle is said to increase relaxation, improve focus and enhance creativity.  What more could a quilter ask for?  Suzanne McNeill has compiled projects that combine fabric arts, quilting and embroidery.  Very unique! 

A few new patterns...

This makes a large quilt and is similar to another Swirly Girls Pattern "Perfect Ten".  This is great for larger prints and bold patterned fabrics.

Also by Swirly Girls- Summer Romance.  This pattern uses large pieces to make this a quick and easy quilt to whip up.  The photo on the pattern is not the best, but we will be making a vibrant sample soon enough for your viewing pleasure!

The "About Town Bag" and the proper size grommets!  This pattern uses our fabric from Fig Tree, " Breakfast At Tiffany's.  We have several new quilt patterns using this fabric line as well.  I am working on a "Snail's Trail" quilt called "Parasols".  I will post a pic when it is finished.

In the meantime, thank you to all of our new customers who helped to make our Shop Hop a success,  And to all of our "regulars"  thanks to you as well!

Hope to see you soon!  Happy Sewing!

Shelley

 You can call the shop to order any of our new goodies.  802-824-5700