They predicted it several times and it finally came.  Our ice storm kept me at home and it was a chance to do a bit of sewing.  I have been having so much fun making pieced fabric balls from Jinny Beyer's new book, Patchwork Puzzle Balls. 

The book is described as, "Thirteen fun and easy designs for soft, beautiful balls - ranging from simple spheres to playful soccer balls to beautifully embellished decorative accents.  Pretty, playful and quick to make, fabric balls are great for indoor games, for home-dec, for holiday ornaments, or as soft and cuddly toys for baby".  I want to tell you making fabric balls is addicting!!  Those who attended the workshops with Jinny Beyer will remember the samples she showed.

Those who buy their Patchwork Puzzle Balls book from Scarborough Flair will be able to make one on March 19th - National Quilting Day - for free.  See the class descriptions for details.

Just came in -

• a CD for PC&Mac: Hand Piecing with Jinny Beyer.  It's a one-on-one tutorial you're sure to love.  Private lessons with Jinny!
  
• Patchwork Notebook, a beautiful quilting journal book. 

We are steadily adding new products and fabric collections to the Online Store, and remember, if you don't see what you're looking for, you can call or e-mail to request an item.  Of course, you're always welcome to come in the Shop to say 'hi' and check them out, too.

I  have been in contact with Jinny Beyer several times recently and we are just not able to work out workshop dates this year.  She has many, many commitments already made and is unable to fit in any more.  Maybe later.

Super Bowl Sunday on February 6th will be here before you know it.  I have a fun idea.  Go through your 100% cotton fabrics (your stash) and pull out any and all  that no longer grab your attention (the ugly ones).  Pieces can be from 1/4 yard to as large as you have in the piece. Please make sure your pieces are good quality 100% cotton and do not have chunks cut out of them. 

Gather them together and take them to Scarborough Flair  to be weighed in anytime between January 28th and February 4th.  You will get a coupon that allows you to go thru on Super Bowl Sunday (noon - 3:30 p.m.) what has been brought in and take home for free the same number of pounds that you brought in.  I am hoping for a great turnout and a big recycling of fabrics.  Remember what you are tired of looking at may be just what someone else is wanting very badly.  If there is any fabric left over it will go on sale February 7th - 10th at $1.00 per yard with the proceeds going to Snow-Cap.  Any fabrics not sold will be donated to charity. 

While going through your fabrics pull out the scraps - oddball shaped left-over pieces that you no longer want and put them in zip lock bags.  Bring these bags with you.  We will sell these bags full of pieces at a very cheap price with proceeds also going to Snow-Cap.  Now get busy, find your "uglies", mark your calendar for delivery to Scarborough Flair, then come get a whole new bunch of fabric on Super Bowl Sunday.  Questions?  Just phone the Shop or send an e-mail. 
Doesn't this sound like fun?

Of course, you are welcome to come by the Shop on Super Bowl Sunday even if you are not participating.  Come see what you missed!  We will be selling merchandise as well.
 

We would like to invite you to participate in our Spring Fling Shop Hop March 30 - April 2.  We will be offering the patterns for a row quilt with a Spring theme.  Each shop will have a sample made in its own fabrics so you will see five different versions using the same patterns.  Flyers with participating shops, prizes, times, etc. are available at the Shop.


                                                        
WINTER/SPRING CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

STARBURST DESIGN ....................................................... Marje Rhine

Paper piecing is a very popular technique for piecing sometimes complex quilt designs with ease and accuracy.  But aren't there some things about paper-piecing that you don't like?  Like finding out a patch is too small after sewing it onto the block....or ripping out all that paper....or dealing with the bulk of seams while paper-piecing!  Come learn Marje Rhine's new Painless Paper-piecing techniques which you can apply to any paper-piecing project you wish.  In class you will work on her original Starburst design (pattern supplied) to get started on a lap quilt (54" x 60") or wall quilt (36" x 36').  Click here to see a picture of the quilt at http://www.picturetrail.com/mgrhine under the Class Samples Album.  Some precutting required.

Saturday, February 12   10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. ....................... $35

You won't want to miss these shows & events:

• February 6 - Super Bowl Swap, at the Shop
  
• March 3 thru 6 - Sew Expo 2005, Puyallup, WA. 
       Pamphlets available at the Shop.
  
• March 19 - National Quilting Day, free class at the Shop. 
  
• March 30 thru April 2 - Spring Fling Shop Hop
  
• April 7 thru 9 - Clark County Quilt Show, Vancouver, WA . 
        Eleanor Roosevelt School, same location as the last few years.
  
  

 Here's a yummy (easy!) recipe shared with me by my good friend Marge.  She brought it back from the east coast last Fall.  I made them for our annual Christmas brunch and everyone liked them.  They are so easy to make and they can be frozen for later use.

TinaTips: Sometimes you can use the wrong side of a fabric when you can't find the color you need face up.   Have you ever used a thread for sewing that is too light and shows thru?  Take a permanent fine point marker in the right color to blend and carefully  "color" the threads that show thru.