Good Morning on this cold, cloudy Wednesday morning. Yesterday here at The Sampler was a fun work day for me as I learned a brand new technique, quick, easy and done in a short time. We carry Birch Creek Quilts patterns from Deb Madir in Edina and she has a new pattern called "Door Knobbers". They are little 8" pillows with ribbon hanging to put on your door knob, picture hangers, etc. Well, one slow evening I decided to put one together, you trace and fuse the design on wonder under, iron to the right side of your fabric do a little machine stitching and you are done. I only spent a little time at home to make my own little pillow for the stuffing. Just a small amount of time for stitching, ironing and then the best part came yesterday. I learned how to use the Swarovski Crystal applicator and the hotfix swarovski rhinestuds and crystal. As you can see by the pictures I have made two. Hmmm, what else can I "Glitz" for the holiday season.

This fall, I tried a new teaching experience. Mary Deeney was out of town with our shop owner Karol to Houston, so I did the fall "Mystery Strip Club". I chose a pattern called "Kitty, Kitty", using 2 1/2 inch strips, Mary and I chose a beautiful blue and cream fabric from the Elm Creek line. Then I made another one in my scrap fabrics from home in a different colorway. (My goal and I know yours also is to use up that stash so I can buy more the the new and beautiful fabrics). Well, here is a picture, it was quilted by Kars Quilting in Chanhassen, my quilt will be donated to Quilts of Valor, and the shop will keep one here for a year with the patterns. We have two kits left at $69.99 and the quilt size is 72 x 84. Come in to the shop and see the great buys for the holidays. Happy Thanksgiving, Cathy S.