Country Quilts and Bears

January 29, 2014

Scheduled Classes and Updates

Facebook!

End of Month Sale!

Elsa and Anna!

Beginning Quilt Class

Carol's Hand Applique Class

Becky's Hand Applique Class

Whatnot Club!

Sweatshirt Jacket Class

Origami Jacket

Kaleidoscope Quilt

French Braid Hexie Quilt

Bonnie Hunter Mystery Work Group

Wooly Wonderfulness Class

Hand Quilting Class

Beginning Free Motion

Postage Stamp Class

Quick Links

Our Website

~Country Quilts and Bears~

Are You Ready For the Shop Challenge!

Shop Announcements

A Message from Marilyn

Hello Everyone!

Now that the "dust" has settled, only memories of Christmas 2014 remain. The New Year is upon us and already we're gearing up for a tremendously busy year.

The quilt shows are in progress around the state and we will be vendoring at several of them. Within the shop the Kim Diehl "Whatnots Club" is very well attended and we just received the second line of Kim Diehl fabric titled "Heritage Hollow". We have the full line of 28 bolts as well as the 12 companion light pieces, also designed by Kim Diehl, called Butter Churn.

The Wooly Wonderfulness class is also filling up the shop every month and gaining in popularity. Susan and her group of Wooly Women are starting a wool patch project and also a large project implementing all their new stitches.

Additionally, this summer we are joining in on the Row by Row Experience fun. This year's theme is water (great for a Florida shop!) and we just can't wait until you all see the State License Plate we designed!

We haven't forgotten about our annual Christmas Mystery quilt classes. The planning wheels are turning - the pattern and the colors have been chosen and now we're ordering all the necessary bolts. And speaking of the Christmas Mystery, we have 4 kits left from the most recent Mystery, 2014, and they are for sale at $55 each. Each kit is complete with directions and the necessary templates. If for any reason you missed out on last years class, you still have a chance to obtain one!

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She's Baaaaaack!

Marion Smith from Minnesota is back in town and it's just in time as the temperature is dropping. Marion's jackets will feel perfect for Florida and keep those chills away. Come by the shop and see her display of jackets. See below for details...

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~Kim Diehl Simple Whatnots Club~

The new Kim Diehl Classes are underway Friday, February 13th, and Saturday, February 14th. Jump in anytime and have fun sewing a keepsake! And remember, we have the entire second line of Kim Diehl's newest fabric, Heritage Hollow, in stock.

See below for more details...

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~Wooly Wonderfulness~

Susan's Wooly Wonderfulness classes are gaining in popularity. The February class is Wednesday, February 18th. This month the Wooly Ladies are going to continue to work on their wool patches and we shall discuss and begin our "Big Projects." A vote might even be taken regarding the Big Projects. If you haven't had an opportunity to join the ranks of Susan's Wooly Ladies, this would be a great month to do so! See below for more details...

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~Beginning Quilting~

For the "Want-To-Be-Quilters", Becky is forming a 4 week beginners quilt class starting on Monday, February 23rd. See below for more details...

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~Elizabeth Dackson - Free Motion Quilting~

Recently we had a wonderful guest teacher, Elizabeth Dackson. She taught Beginning Free Motion Quilting. The class was so successful we've scheduled a second class for March 7th. She gave a wealth of information and everyone went away pleased. Don't miss this class if you have any intentions of trying free motion quilting on your own in the future! See below for more details...

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Country Quilts and Bears

Shop Challenge 2015

As promised.....

This year's challenge is different than ALL previous challenges. Change can be good! Instead of a fabric challenge, this year the challenge is using the new Hickory Nut Templates. We have three sizes to choose from. Use your creativity to design an item of your choice.

If you do not know what Hickory Nuts are, come into the store to find out. They are displayed on the front counter with samples showing how to use them. If you smile nicely, we may even do a demo for you...!

We look forward to displaying all of the creative pieces in the shop during the month of September. In order to have time to get them hung by September 1st, please bring them to the shop, completed, by August 25th, 2015.

Entries will be on display from September 1, 2015 - September 30, 2015.

With the new challenge, comes new rules. Here they are:

1. Your projects may be sewn by hand or machine or a combination of both.

2. You may use quilters cotton, wool, denim, corduroy, silk or any other fabric you choose. There are no fabric restrictions.

3. Your project can be anything quilt related.

4. Embellishments are allowed and encouraged.

5. Projects must be made using at least one of the three sizes of Hickory Nut Templates.

The public votes based on eye appeal.

One vote per person.

Winner will be announced and prizes awarded October 1, 2015.

1st Place: $75 Gift Certificate

2nd Place: $50 Gift Certificate

3rd Place: $25 Gift Certificate

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Gabby Quilts for Friends

Book 1 of the "Little Sewers Series"

...One chilly morning, Gabby realizes that she needs something warm for the winter ahead. A quilt is just the answer! But when Bear, Goose, and Sheep all have different ideas for the quilt, things get complicated. With love and imagination, Gabby stitches and sews for weeks. Can she make a quilt that will please each of her friends?...

As many of you know we are carrying Book 1 one of the Little Sewers Series and now we will be carrying the fabric panel to make the doll or bear as well! This talented author, Michael McCormick, has also created a greeting card that all quilters will love. With Christmas looming large, we think you will find these books and accessories to be a marvelous gift idea for the wee ones in our lives. Especially those that are familiar with quilting.

"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

End of the Month End of the Bolt
Can you believe it - now January is almost over! This month, as we typically do, we are offering you the opportunity to pick up some excellent buys at the End of the Month, End of the Bolt Sale. This month it will be Friday, January 30th and Saturday, January 31st. Buy the remaining fabric on the bolt and receive a wonderful 30% discount!

Anna and Elsa Have Returned

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Brrrrrr!

The cool winds from the north feel so good to us Floridians! Well, some of us... Anyway, yesterday, along with cooler weather, we received word that several bolts of Disney's Frozen panels are in route to our shop! They will be here by the middle of next week. We also have the "Sisters Forever" pattern, which gives you a wonderfully creative way to use the Frozen sisters panel. We also received several bolts of fabric from the Frozen line to support the Sisters Panel. These fabrics will make a fabulous gift for your little girls. The demand for anything Frozen is tremendous, so don't delay!

Winter Classes and New Products

Beginning Quilt Class with Becky Madasz
~~~ This class will take you from fabric selection to binding your projects with the beautiful sample shown above. You choose your own colorway and fabrics. 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. Monday, February 23rd Monday, March 2nd Monday, March 9th Monday, March 16th

Beginning and Intermediate Applique with Carol Clarke

Carol's Applique Club

and Beginning and Intermediate Hand Applique Class!

Carol teaches applique on the 2nd Saturday of each month. She now has several quite advanced students along with her beginners. Consequently, the idea has developed to divide her class into two groups.

The advanced group, hence the name "Carol's Club", will come to sew and kibitz while Carol proceeds teaching beginning and intermediate applique. Fun for all!

The Beginning and Intermediate Applique is designed to teach and refine your needle turn applique techniques. You can choose your own patterns and/or use the class samples.

This is an ongoing class.

Carol's Club is $10 per class and the beginning and intermediate applique is $20 per class.

Saturday, February 14th

Saturday, March 14th

**NOTE - NEW TIME!!!**

12:00 to 3:00

Beginning Applique with Becky Madasz

Learn from one of the best! Becky will teach you her method of hand applique and it will begin with selecting the right fabrics and designs, as well as marking the pieces for cutting, the proper needles and threads to use, as well as first hand needle turn instructions... This class will meet the second Wednesday of each month and will go from 10:00 to 2:00. It's an ongoing class and you can hop in at any time.

Wednesday, February 11th

Wednesday, March 11th

$20 per class

Kim Diehl's Simple Whatnots Club with Becky and Linda

Henry Glass Fabrics and Kim Diehl have teamed up to bring you a new club featuring miniature quilts stitched from Kim Diehl's newest fabric line, Heritage Hollow. Each month you will receive a pattern to complete a miniature quilt.
Starting in October, the group will meet the 2nd Friday or the 2nd Saturday of each month. Becky Madasz will teach on Fridays, and Linda Zebrowski will teach on Saturdays.

WHAT IS IT?

It's a 6 month program. Each month club members receive a new pattern of Kim Diehl's that is not yet on the market.

At the club meeting, patterns will be distributed. Helpful hints will be given by teachers, Becky or Linda. AND a delightful baked treat along with coffee or tea. YUM!

WHEN IS IT?

Friday, February 13th

Saturday, February 14th

Friday, March 13th

Saturday, March 14th

Supply list available at the shop.

10:00 to 12:00

$10

Sweatshirt Jackets with Marian Smith

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 (Wal-Mart currently has a large supply of these sweatshirts, so get one before they are gone!). 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 (light weight) Origami Jacket. We will then give you the supply list for the one you want to make.

Quilted Sweatshirt Jacket

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. Sessions begin Thursday, February 5th.

Origami Jacket with Marian Smith
Lightweight Origami Jacket Quick and easy, it requires 7 fat quarters. From beginning to end, it can be finished in three hours. Marian Smith is the instructor. Saturday, March 28th 10 - 1:00 $20

Kaleidoscope Pinwheel Quilt with Marian Smith
For accurate beginners - lap size quilt. No templates required. Layer cake or 40 - 10" squares required. Great layer cake or scrap quilt! Come have fun and learn a new technique with Marian! Saturday, February 21st 10 - 12:00 $15.00

French Braid Hexie Quilt with Marian Smith
This wonderful quilt is made using the 10" half hexie ruler/template, one layer cake OR 40 10" scrappy squares and 3 yards for background, borders and binding. A quick and easy weekend project using a layer cake scraps! Tuesday, March 10th 10" half hexie template required 10 - 12:00 $15.00

Bonnie Hunter's Mystery Quilt Sit and Sew

Hop in anytime! Come once or come to all the classes.

It's free!!!

**IT'S TIME TO FINISH UP!! THE BIG REVEAL HAS OCCURRED AND IT'S TIME TO FINISH OUR QUILTS. ONLY TWO WORK SESSIONS LEFT**

We have been asked by several quilters if they could meet here at Country Quilts and Bears, once a week, and work on their Bonnie Hunter's Grand Illusion Winter Mystery. Marilyn decided there would be no problem having a work day set aside for anyone who is interested in doing this. We think it will be fun to come together and work on another of Bonnie Hunter's Mystery Quilts! See below for more information:

There is no charge for this "sit and sew". You simply need to call and reserve a place. Ask to be added to the "Bonnie Hunter Mystery Sit and Sew".
You must print the clues (patterns) from Bonnie Hunter's website yourself. You will find them on her website, along with all the information you will need to get your fabric ready before it begins. Click here for the details from Bonnie Hunter herself!
The "sit and sew" will be from 10:00 - 2:00 each time we meet. The first clue is scheduled to be given out by Bonnie Hunter on Friday, November 28th and then every Friday after that until it is complete. Our first session won't be until December 13th because of our big Thanksgiving sale on November 29th and then the following week's Country Quilts and Bears Christmas Mystery classes.
We are expecting this group to gather on Saturdays and the occasional Wednesday, depending on the class schedules at the shop. Watch the website and our facebook page for the exact dates. As of right now the schedule is as follows:

Saturday, January 31st

Saturday, February 7th

We will have to skip a few Saturdays in January because of some large classes that are on the calendar, but we will resume Saturday, January 31st if everyone isn't done yet... hehehe...

10:00 - 2:00

You can hop in any time - we are a relaxed, fun group trying to get this wonderful quilt made! We are hoping that working in a group applies just enough peer pressure so that it doesn't become our next UFO!

Get out there and collect your paint chips so you can assemble your fabric! By the time we begin sewing this, we should all be done with our holiday "obligation" sewing. Let's sew something fun for ourselves. Maybe even start sewing for next Christmas...

Wooly Wonderfulness with Susan Freebery

On the third Wednesday of every month, Susan will be teaching a wool applique and stitching class. This class is geared to all skill levels and styles, ranging from the beginning wool appliquer to the advanced, and the very primitive to the modern style. We will begin with tracing and appliqueing methods for getting the wool onto wool, wool onto cotton, etc., and in each session there will be at least one new stitch being taught. Some of the wonderful stitches on the calendar are bouillon stitches, double cast on stitches, and the ever popular drizzle stitch.

You choose your own project or we can help you find one that suits you!

This will be an ongoing class and we will be focusing each month on different stitches and techniques, as well as focusing on the wool applique style ala` Sue Spargo. Students are encouraged to make any "big" project they wish, and again, it can be primitive to contemporary, embellished or simply blanket stitched down. Whatever style suits you! The class, as a whole, is now working on a Wool Patch Project where we all make a wool patch each month, learning specific stitches. These patches can be combined to make pillows, table runners, tote bags, wall hangings... that will be your choice. The sheep that is pictured above is our first patch. We titled her "The Original Wooly Woman".

This is an ongoing class and you can join us at any time.

Call the shop for the supply list or stop in to get it.

We will meet the third Wednesday of each month

Book required

Wednesday, February 18th

Wednesday, March 18th

10:00 to 2:00

$20

Hand Quilting with Diane 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!

Next session Saturday, February 7th

or Saturday, March 14th

10:00-2:00 $30.00

Supply list available at the shop.

Beginner Free Motion Quilting with Elizabeth Dackson

A SECOND CLASS HAS BEEN ADDED!! SEE BELOW FOR NEW DATE.

Beginning Free Motion Quilting
With Elizabeth Dackson
Quilter, Author, Teacher, Blogger
In this class with Elizabeth Dackson, you'll be working on several different free-motion quilting designs, practicing to master each. Free motion quilting is not only something you can do beautifully on your home sewing machine, but it can be a lot of fun too! She'll share many tips and tricks for making your free-motion experience a good one and walk you
through several different continuous line designs.
SUPPLIES:
~FMQ foot for your sewing machine - a darning foot, an open toe foot, or similar

~Several practice sandwiches already basted together. Fat Quarter size is pretty good to start with. I recommend bringing 4-6 to class to practice on (Un-basted sandwiches available at Country Quilts and Bears).

~Sewing machine in good, working condition
~Schmetz 90/14 Topstitch needles or similar
~100% cotton thread, like Aurifil 50 wt or Mettler threads
~Sharpie (or similar) for drawing quilting designs on paper
~Notebook to practice drawing quilting designs on paper
~Thread nippers/scissors
~Marking pen (for marking fabrics as needed in class)
~Quilting gloves (recommended, but not required - I prefer Machingers
NOTE: If you have an extension Table for your sewing machine, I strongly
recommend you bring it!

Elizabeth Dackson is a fabric addict and quilter. Her first quilting book, Becoming a Confident Quilter, was released in the fall of 2013 by Martingale & Co, chock full of tips, exercises, and skill-building quilt patterns. She designs quilt patterns found on her blog, Don't Call Me Betsy (www.dontcallmebetsy.com), as well as in various quilting publications. Elizabeth also enjoys teaching regularly and released her first class with Craftsy, Start Free Motion Quilting, in the spring of 2014. Her second Craftsy class will be released in November of 2014, and she's hard at work on her second book. She is the founder of the Tampa Modern Quilt Guild. Elizabeth also works as the Events Manager for the Modern Quilt Guild, after years planning medical education conferences prior to becoming a stay-at-home mom. She lives in Florida with her patient husband, inquisitive six year old son, and two dogs.

Beginner Free Motion Quilting

March 7th

10:00- 1:00
$30

Supply lists available at the shop as well.

Postage Stamp Class with Linda Simons
POSTAGE STAMP QUILT AKA Little Triple Four Patches with Linda Simons Wednesday, March 25th 10:00- 3:00 $40 Learn how to turn scrappy little four patches into your own postage stamp quilt. The class will include a discussion on organizing this big project, and step by step instruction as you sew triple four patch blocks that fit together perfectly. Supply lists available at the shop.

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Country Quilts and Bears is open Monday through Saturday, 10:00 to 4:00, Wednesdays 10:00 to 6:00.

Sincerely,

Marilyn Humphries

Country Quilts and Bears
1983 Drew Street
Clearwater, FL 33765
727-461-4171
www.CountryQuiltsandBears.Blogspot.com