Happy Earth Day

(and happy Jelly Bean Day)

I've always said that quilting is the perfect hobby.  Not only can artists and crafters alike express their need to create or have busy hands through the medium of fabric, but they serving a dual purpose while doing so.  Perhaps they are creating something utilitarian for their home, like a new bed cover, or celebrating a family milestone such as a new baby or wedding with a gift of a quilt. In such a disposable, big-box society, it is refreshing to create, give, and receive things that are made to last and to be cherished for generations.  We even use up our extra fabric for scrap quilts and charity pillow cases and blankets.  The early quilters used old clothes - they were the first to reuse and recycle.  
This Earth Day, let's celebrate our love of quilting as one of the early 'green' crafts.  (And eat jelly beans.)

On the subject of creating gifts and using leftover fabric, Tammie had one of her ever-popular Coiled Bowl classes yesterday and we saw some fabulous creations coming out of StitchCraft at the end of a cloudy Sunday afternoon (a perfect day for a class!)

Do You Like Green Eggs and Ham?

Do you like them, Sam I Am?

Would you eat them in a house?
Would you eat them with a mouse?

Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss was my FAVORITE book to read to my boys.  And to the classes that I substitute taught in.   Can you imagine my excitement when I saw that this literary gem was coming out as a themed fabric?!  Too cute!

Kaffe Fasset Collective Fabrics 2013

We received a shipment of the newest fabrics from Kaffe Fassett, Brandon Mably and Philip Jacobs.  They are so inspiring!  Some of the best designs we have seen (and there are not too many of the Kaffe collective fabrics that we don't like!)  In addition, we have added more shot cottons and stripes, influenced by his newest book, Shots and Stripes.

Planning to make the 'bowl' quilt in the book - looks like one of his paintings.  Do you have a Kaffe quilt that is on your 'to do' list?  Have you made one (and would you like to share your photo here?)

Take a virtual tour of StitchCraft!

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Home Sweet Home - $10 Block of the Month

We had a blast on our $10 Block of the Month Road Trip and we finally made it home! The year brought us around the USA, with each block representing a state. We had so much fun every month coming up with factoids about each "destination" and dressing up!

Congratulations to everyone who finished!! We have a few suggestions if you're wondering how to put yours together: 

• For the bright version, cut sashing at 2.5" and the border at 3".
• We set the neutral version on point. This requires you to make one additional block (13 total). We cut the sashing at 2.5". The corner triangles are 15.5" squares cut in half and the side triangles are a 20" square cut in quarters.

What better way to back your quilt than with this wonderful state fabric?! We have it in stock at StitchCraft.

For anyone in the recently-completed $10 BOM, here are close ups of Block 12:

Our next Ten Buck Block of the Month starts March 9, 2013 and will meet the second Saturday of each month. The design of the quilt will be a surprise to you - it is a sampler style quilt for confident beginners (and up!). Here's how it works - you pay $10 to start and if you keep up with us each month, that's all you pay! If you fall behind, you can pay $10 each time you miss a month. This year is going to be SWEET!!!! Sign up today by calling us at (561) 447-4147 or stopping by StitchCraft!

Your Best Machine Quilting

Do you wish you could quilt your own quilts rather than quilt by checkbook?  Do you wish you could make your machine quilting better?  Come join us at StitchCraft where Baby Lock educator Joan Clemons will be available to answer questions and share her wealth of quilting knowledge (and samples!)

Joan will have a hands-on lecture/demo on Friday and Saturday at 1:00.  No cost to attend - only an interest in quilting and sewing!  (and as you can see, there is financing available this Valentines/Presidents weekend!)  You'll fall in love with our machines!

Folkloric Blooms

We've been looking forward to this line, so we're happy to let you know that Sue Spargo's new fabric line for Robert Kaufman - Folkloric Blooms - is in stock at StitchCraft now! Designed in collaboration with her sister Wendy, the collection features Sue's signature "funky folky" style and incorporates bold geometrics inspired by the sisters' African roots. We just love the style and the rich colors! 

We also have a re-stock of Sue Spargo's latest book, "Creative Stitches." It's a great resource for new or experienced stitchers!