Country Quilts and BearsOctober 9, 2013
Scheduled Classes and Updates
Fall Frolic
Christmas Mystery
New Store Hours
The Shop Challenge
Facebook!
Hand Applique Class
Hand Quilting Class
Spring Fever Quilt Class
Begining Paper Piecing Class
Quilted Jackets
Little Bow Ties Quilt Class
Beginning Bear Class
Louise's Bag Class
Basket and Placemat Class
Mug Tool Skirt Class
Beginning Quilting Class
Sew Together Bag Class
Quilted Wallet Class
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Country Quilts and Bears
Fall Frolic, Batik Blowout, A Nod to the Pumpkin and Fall Classes! 

Greetings! 
Shop Announcements

Fall Frolic, Batik Blowout, A Nod to the Pumpkin, and Doughnuts!

 
We've had a few days to settle down and catch our breath after the Jacksonville Quilt Fest and now it's time to move on to the next project - our Fall Frolic!!  On Friday, October 11th and Saturday, October 12th we will be celebrating fall and hopefully some cooler temperatures and less humidity!  All our batiks in the store will be 30% off!!  Yes, you read that correctly, 30% off!  In addition to that marvelous discount, we are celebrating all things Pumpkin!  If you find a non-batik fabric you like that has orange or rust in it, you will get 30% off that, too!  We are calling that our "Nod to the Pumpkin" sale.    

Marilyn is hosting Thanksgiving for her family this year and she has decided to enlist her customers to help!  No, you don't have to go stuff her turkey, but she would like it if you brought in a copy of your favorite pumpkin recipe.  If she selects your recipe to prepare for her family on Thanksgiving Day, you will get to choose TWO free yards of fabric! 

In addition to all this fun, there will be fresh doughnuts and apple cider

 So, lets's recap:

 

~~ Batik Blowout - 30% off all batiks in the store!

~~Nod to the Pumpkin Sale - 30% off all fabric containing orange or rust!

~~Pumpkin Recipe Search - bring in your favorite pumpkin recipe and if it wins, you get 2 yards of fabric of your choice, free!

~~Fun, Fall, Frolic, Cider and Doughnuts!  What more could you ask for?

 

While you're here, please take note the Christmas 2013 fabrics are now on full display.  You still have plenty of time to create gifts for those special people on your list, so start sewing now!  

   

 

Time is starting to run short for Halloween sewing but it only takes an evening to make a pillowcase, so pick up a yard or two and make your little gremlins a special non-sugary treat!   Wait!  We might as well put all Halloween fabrics and patterns on sale, too! 

 Take a 30% discount of all Halloween fabrics and patterns!    


 As if we didn't have enough for you to do this weekend, we want to remind you to check out our Bone Yard - we have plenty of bolts of fabric there for $4.50 a yard.  Great bones - good backs!!!  

Christmas Mystery Quilt Class

Save the Dates!

It's that time of year where our thoughts naturally move towards the holidays.  For us, here at Country Quilts and Bears, that immediately leads us to thinking about our Annual Christmas Mystery.  Our two dates this year are Thursday, December  5th, and Saturday, December 7th. The class begins at 9 a.m. both days. It's a "full house" for us each year so make sure your name is on the list, as we will begin to cut kits in the very near future.   

 In case you don't know about our Christmas Mystery Class, this is the 11th year of fun, prizes and food!  We completely cut the quilt for each participant so that your time is devoted entirely to sewing and in most instances (unless you are a Chatty Cathy) your quilt top will be completed by the time you go home. Everyone brings a snacky finger food and this year Marilyn and John will provide tea sandwiches.   If you aren't on the list already, call today to reserve your spot - hurry though, it's near full already!  

 
New Store Hours Beginning Wednesday, October 23rd
It has come to our attention that it might be a bit difficult for the quilter that works 9 to 5 to make it to our store within our current business hours.  As a result we have decided to stay open until 6:00 p.m. on Wednesdays beginning Wednesday, October 23rd. We are hoping this will be helpful and will better accommodate our working quilters!
 
 
It's Shop Challenge Time!  
NOTE:  Just a quick reminder to those participating in the Shop Challenge this year - there is only about one month to go before you must hand in your completed project.  They are due in the shop November 15th, so finish them up, ladies!!  The prize money awaits!
It's challenge time again!  For the first time ever we have chosen a Civil War grouping for our challenge.  So, to all of our Civil War groupies, this challenge is for you!  To our quilters who have held back from dipping your toe in the Civil War waters, maybe this is the time for you to do so.  And lastly, to all of you bright and light girls out there, maybe the real challenge this year is to turn these fabrics into a light and bright fiesta! 

 

We look forward ever year to seeing your creative projects and this year is no different!  

 

**And just so you know, Becky was trying to make a challenge entry using the pseudonym, Rebecca Midas.  I caught her.  Epic fail.  As can be expected, now she won't talk to me.  It might have something to do with her having laryngitis, but I think it's has more to do with the disqualification...  you decide. 

 

Country Quilts and Bears Challenge Rules

1.  Must use some of each of the four challenge fabrics.

2.  Can include up to four more fabrics.

3.  Please create smaller items.  No large quilts.

4.  Must have personal quilting either hand or machine.  No professional longarm quilting.

5.  Embellishments are allowed.

6.  Your entry must be returned to Country Quilts by November 15, 2013.

7.  Entries will be on display so customers can vote for their favorite from November 15, 2013 through December 15, 2013.

8.  Winners will be announced and prizes awarded December 16, 2013.

1st Place:    $75.00 Gift Certificate

2nd Place:  $50.00 Gift Certificate

3rd Place:  $25.00 Gift Certificate

"Like" us on facebook!  
We have entered the world of social media.  Come on by and like our facebook page!  We will be posting class photos, shop events, and new stock items on our wall as these things occur.  Can't wait to see you there!  Click the link below to go to our wall:
 
 
Country Quilts and Bears Facebook Page
   
 
Late Summer and Early Fall Classes
Beginning and Intermediate Applique with Carol Clarke
Clarke Applique

 This course is designed to teach and refine your needle turn applique techniques. Both beginners and intermediates are welcome.  You can choose your own patterns and or use the class samples. This is an ongoing class.

The fee is $20 per class. Class is held from 10 - 2.  Carol currently has two classes scheduled for the fall and early winter. 

  

 

Saturday, October 12th, focus on the butterfly

Saturday, November 9th

focus on leaves and grapes.

10-2:00   $20

 

 

Hand Quilting with Diane Hosman
Hand Quilting D Hosman

The domestic art of hand quilting is back in vogue and in full swing. More and more people are expressing a desire to finish off their pieced and appliqued quilt tops with beautiful hand stitches. Join us in small classes where you learn the values of fabric, needles, thread, hoops, and thimbles.

You'll also learn how to avoid carpel tunnel syndrome while quilting.

One of the many pleasures of hand quilting is the peacefulness that takes over when the fingers begin to move in a quiet rhythm. Come join us in the resurrection of this gentle art. If you have had any doubts about this hand-craft, please remember we all started with big, uneven stitches, but we had to start somewhere!  

Saturday, November 16th

.  10:00-2:00. $30.00.

Supply list available at the shop.

Spring Fever with Susan Freebery

This quilt is a marvelous SCRAP BUSTER!!!  Susan made the shop sample entirely from her stash - even the backing is pieced!   You will not believe how fast this works up and how the craziest of fabrics end up looking great together.  This is a wonderful gift for a teenager or even a wedding gift as a picnic blanket.  It would make a fun baby quilt if made smaller or even a fun throw for a shut-it.  The options are limitless with this wonderful Buggy Barn method for stacking and cutting to expedite the whole process.  There aren't even seams to match while making the flowers!   Sign up today for this fun and thrifty quilt class!  Book required.  

 

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Saturday, October 12th

10:00-3:00. $30.00.

Supply list and book available at the shop.

Beginning Paper Piecing with Lynn Woods 

.For the October 12th class, Lynn will be teaching the Halloween Witch or any pattern of your choice.  This Halloween project is a free pattern and doesn't require a book or pattern be purchased!  

 

Learn to piece with absolute accuracy from a master paper piecer!    

 

Call today to hold your spot!

 

 

.  Saturday, October 12th

10:00-2:00. $20.00.

Supply list available at the shop.

Quilted Jackets with Marian Smith
Marian Jacket

The Northerners are back at Country Quilts and Bears and they are looking for Marian's popular Sweatshirt Class!

Here it is.  If you've made one, come on back and make another.  If you've never made one, come in and have fun making a jacket that you will wear out the door at the end of the second session.

If you are interested, you will need one UNWASHED sweatshirt with set-in sleeves that is one size bigger than you normally would wear.  These sweatshirts are a bit difficult to find, so be on the lookout for yours before class!

There are several jackets to choose from so come into the shop and choose yours today.  She's even added two new jackets to her repertoire so stop by to see the Hexie Jacket and the new Origami Jacket.  We will then give you the supply list for the one you want to make.

For $30 you can come in on ANY two Thursdays, from 10:00 to 2:00, until the spring.  It takes two sessions to make your jacket. 

Little Bow Ties with Linda Simons 
Join the  little bow tie craze! 
Learn great sewing and design techniques so your two inch bow ties go together perfectly to make this stunning quilt. 
           Warning:  this is not a quilt-in-a-day project, but we'll complete a block or two to get you started!

 

 

.  Saturday, October 19th

10:00-3:00   $40.00.

Supply list available at the shop.

Pattern included in class price.

Beginning Bear with Francy Gordon
 
Learn basic Teddy Bear making skills and have a fun day with Francy Gordon.  

Chocolate will be provided. 

Wednesday, October 23rd or 

Saturday, November 9th

9 - 4:00

$40 plus kit 

Call Francy for details

727-460-6203

 

 

Louise's Bag with Carol Hemmingsen
 

If you are looking for the ultimate tote, "Louise's Bag" will certainly fit the bill!  The bag is not too big, and not too small - it's just the right size.  Louise's Bag has large zipper pockets (one on the front and one on the back) offering security, roomy pockets on each side able to hold keys, cell phones, etc., and additional pockets inside.  This bag is an organizer's dream.  Construction is easy and, best of all, the zipper installations are absolutely painless - no need for a zipper foot!  

 

 Friday, October 25th  10:00- 3:30

Supply list is on the back of pattern which is available at the shop.

Pre-cutting of fabric is required.

One session. $35.00 

Baskets and Placemats with Susan Freebery
Rope Place Mat
 

On Saturday, October 26th come join us at the shop to wrap, wind, and sew fabric strips into fantastic baskets, containers, place mats, rugs, purses or trivets.  Create all those things using cotton clothesline and strips of fabric from your stash or yardage that you cut into strips.  This is a fun, easy and rewarding class and you will leave with a basket you are proud to call your own using fabrics you already have in your stash!    

How about making one from that left over fabric from a baby quilt and it can then be used to hold loose items in the nursery.  Or how about starting early to prepare for Christmas 2013?  These projects make marvelous gifts when given, full or empty!

Susan Basket 

 

 Stop at the shop to see the samples and get your supply list.

Saturday, October 26th, 10:00-3:00  $25

Mug - Tool Skirt with Pam Evans
 

Mug - Tool Skirt

Everyone needs a container for all the loose little tools on their desk or work table. This quick and easy Tool Skirt is a great way to coral them. Take a couple of hours, 2 Fat Quarters and an old "ugly" mug...  HEY Presto - A great Gift!    

 

Stop at the shop to see the samples and get your supply list.

Pattern instructions included in class fee.  

 

Saturday, October 26th  10:30 - 3:00

One session. $25.00 

Beginning Quilting with Becky Madasz
Becky Roni Beginning Quilt
 

This class will take you from fabric selection to binding your projects with the beautiful sample shown to the right. 

 

This is a four session class with the dates listed below.  

 

Cost of all four classes $40

10 - 2:00

Book required.  

 

Supply list available at the shop.

Wednesday, October 30th

Wednesday, November 6th

Wednesday, November 13th

Wednesday, November 20th

Sew Together Bag with Pam Evans
 

Oh My !!! It looks so complicated BUT taken step by step - Easy as PIE!  It's a great tool kit, project bag - OH OH - jewelry, make-up shall I go on?  It's great size includes 3 zipped pockets, 4 "open" areas and handles to grab for fast getaways!     

Stop at the shop to see the samples and get your material list.  Some pre-course cutting encouraged.

Pattern required

Saturday, November 2nd

10:30 - 4:00

One session. $25.00

Lots of Pockets Wallet with Pam Evans
 
 

Have fun sewing this stylish wallet with lots of pockets and slots for your cash and credit cards.  It's an easy day and you will want to make more for giving.

  

Stop at the shop and see the sample and get your material list and cutting information.

Some pre-course cutting encouraged.  

Pattern included in class fee.  

One session. $25.00

10:30 - 3:00

Saturday, November 16th

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Country Quilts and Bears is open Monday through Saturday, 10:00 to 4:00. 
 
Sincerely,
Marilyn Humphries
Country Quilts and Bears
1983 Drew Street
Clearwater, FL 33765
727-461-4171
www.CountryQuiltsandBears.Blogspot.com