The Sampler: A Quilt Shop & More

A Beautiful Quilt Made by Polly North

2010-09-21T04:39:00.000-07:00

This quilt, from the book Bella Bella Quilts by Norah McMeeking, was made by our very talented staff member Polly North. She made it as a gift for her brother. He shared a picture of the quilt hanging in its well deserved place of honor.

Quilt Expo in Madison, Wisconsin

2010-09-12T03:59:00.001-07:00

We had a wonderful time in our booth at Quilt Expo. This quilt show is put on by Nancy Zieman

and Wisconsin Public Television. The show features many quilts and special exhibits and of course all those terrific vendors for your shopping pleasure. One of our new items for the show was Kaffe Fassett's new book, Quilts En Provence. It is a beautiful book, so be sure to stop by the shop to take a look.

Look what our beginning quilters are doing!

2010-07-23T15:36:00.000-07:00

The Beginning Quilting class at The Samper is fantastic. Diane Entrikin leads beginners on their journey into the world of quilting. She has a great pattern and the quilters learn lots of basic tips and tricks. We hope to encourage many more beginners to challenge themselves and take the plunge into all that quilting has to offer.

Kids' Quilt Camp At The Sampler

2010-07-20T03:20:00.000-07:00

Last week The Sampler held a week long Kids' Quilt Camp. Under the direction of Cathy Guy, four young girls cut, stitched and designed some beautiful quilt creations.

Emme Jubara, Ellie Tremain, Claire Robbins and Leah Richter were always busy during the week long class. They learned the basics of quilting. We are sure there are many quilting projects in their futures.

The girls were thrilled to complete (or almost complete) their quilts. The last day brought smiles all around.

Sno-Daze Quilt

2010-06-30T04:51:00.000-07:00

The Quilt Minnesota Shop Hop is about a month away. We are busy preparing for all the fun. Here is the quilt Mary Deeney designed for the shop using many of the Quilt Minnesota fabrics. The quilt is called "Sno-Daze". She recalls a week long event in high school called Sno-Daze, this quilt is a way of remembering those fun events. The quilting is beautiful. You must see all the wonderful custom quilting that was done by Patti Marrin of PM Quilt Design. The Quilt Minnesota fabrics are available at The Sampler for pre-order and will be available for purchase when the shop hop starts on July 30th. A pattern for this quilt will also be available at the start of the shop hop. If you have any questions stop by the shop or call us at 952-934-5307.

Great New Fabrics

2010-06-24T03:36:00.001-07:00

We are so excited about all the new fabrics that have come in lately. Last week the shop received over 50 bolts of new fabrics. Brandon Mably, Michael Miller, Liberty fabrics, just to name a few. We are already working on projects using some of these fabrics. We will keep you posted on the progress. Be sure to stop by The Sampler and see these fabulous fabrics. There are endless possiblities when you have fabulous fabrics to work with.

Back From the Minnesota Quilter's Annual Quilt Show

2010-06-24T03:26:00.000-07:00

The Minnesota Quilter's Annual quilt show, held in St. Cloud this year was great. Here are a few pictures of The Sampler's booth at the show. Congratulations to The Chaska Area Quilt Guild(especially Tracy and Audrey) on the first place ribbon for the guild's raffle quilt, and to Lori Allison on her first place ribbon for her quilt. Great job everyone.

International Quilt Festival in Chicago

2010-04-20T03:37:00.000-07:00

Here is the Sampler's booth at the International Quilt Festival's spring show in Chicago. Karol and Mary spent four wonderful days greeting customers and selling everything Kaffe Fassett. The booth looked fabulous, with several never before seen quilts on display. One of the quilts was still being worked on at 10pm the night before.

Waiting for the Kaffe Fassett book signing.

Liza Pryor Lucy, Karol, Kaffe Fassett and Mary having a great time at the book signing.

Kaffe and Liza's new book, Simple Shapes, Spectacular Quilts is a wonderful book. Customers loved it, we had none left by the end of the show.

Kaffe came by the next day to go shopping with the class the he was teaching. What could be more fun then to go fabric shopping with Kaffe Fassett.

All good things must come to an end.
Be sure and stop by the shop during the Twin Cities Shop Hop

April 29, 30, and May 1. We will have lots of new quilts and great fabric. New classes are now being added for the summer. Check out our website for more information. http://www.the-sampler.com/

Pillowcase Mania at The Sampler

2010-03-21T13:20:00.000-07:00

As part of American Patchwork and Quiltings 1 Million Pillowcase Challenge we have been making and collecting pillowcases that will be donated to local charities at the end of this yearlong project. Customers and staff have been busy creating wonderful pillowcases. This week we have collected hundreds of pillowcases. What do you get when you combine 4 friends, food, fabrics and a lot of fun? 82 pillowcases! This 3 day process even involved the Boy Scouts. Thanks Julie, Kim, Jenny and Maria for this great effort. Also this week members of the local Binkie Patrol donated 20 pillowcases with the promise of more to come.

On Saturday, March 20th The Sampler hosted a Pillowcase Sewing Day. A dozen customers took up our challenge and transformed our classroom into pillowcase heaven.

Thanks to Valerie, Monica, Mattie and Katie and their moms' and grandma, and Kelly, Maggie, Julie, Marlys, Sandy, and Mary for making the day a wonderful experience and successful sewing day. Congratulation to Mary Stoner, who made 10 pillowcases over the course of the day! We will be planning more fun sew-ins throughout the year so stay tuned. For more information about the 1Million Pillowcase Challenge you can contact The Sampler at 952-934-5307.

Christopher Straub Speaks at The Sampler

2010-03-17T03:37:00.000-07:00

On Friday, March 12 over 30 lucky customers heard Christopher Straub of Project Runway fame speak about his experience on the show, how he was chosen to be on the show and what he is designing now. The question and answer period lasted a couple of hours. Christopher answered all those fun questions about Project Runway. Two of Christopher's handbags were given away to lucky attendees.

Claudia Clark Myers at The Sampler

2010-03-08T04:44:00.000-08:00

We were thrilled to have award winning quilter, designer and author, Claudia Clark Myers share her talents with a group of quilters on Sunday, March 7. The quilters spent a day learning new techniques and being inspired by some of Claudia's beautiful quilts.

Claudia taught some great paper piecing techniques. Everyone had time to practice and achieve some great results.

Claudia shared many of the quilts from her new book.
Everyone had a wonderful time and we look forward to having more quilting events like this one at the Sampler.

Coming up Friday March 12 Christopher Straub of Project Runway fame will be speaking at the Sampler. Visit our website www.the-sampler.com for details.

Excited New Quilters

2010-02-24T03:43:00.000-08:00

Our Beginning Quilt class just finished up their sessions with teacher Diane Entrikin. We wanted to show off their accomplishments. They had a lot of fun and are ready to start on their next quilting project.

Be sure to watch for new classes and events coming soon to the Sampler. We are especially thrilled to have Christopher Straub of Project Runway fame coming to speak at the shop on Friday, March 12. Check out our new website www.the-sampler.com for details.

What we're talking about at the Sampler this month!

2010-02-12T03:58:00.000-08:00

The Carousel Lap Quilt
From: Cozy Modern Quilts book
Here is just a sample of what this quilt looks like. It is fast becoming a customer favorite. The rich colors and great textures bring this quilt alive.

Here is another quilt filled with texture. The Seashell fabric is from Westminster Fabrics by Phillip Jacobs. It looks great combined with Kaffe Fassett fabrics. The pattern is called Midnight Garden.

And speaking of texture....We are very excited about the fabrics from Art of Possibility Studio, designed by George Mendoza for Free Spirit Fabrics. Art of Possibity
Studios represent physically disabled artists. Find out more at their website.
http://www.aopstudios.com/ We have a sample, quilted beautifully by Shannon Atwill, hanging at the shop. Mary Deeney quilted the one on the left for her son's apartment.

What we've been up to lately

2009-09-17T04:47:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed our twelve days of fun at the Minnesota State Fair. The weather was perfect and we met many new quilters and sewers. Immediatly after the fair was over Karol and I were off to Madison, WI for the Quilt Expo put on by Wisconsin Public Television and Nancy Zieman Productions. This is a wonderful show and well worth the 4 1/2 hour drive. You would think we would want to take a break...not at the Sampler. Our fall newsletter is out and classes are filling fast. In October the Sampler will be celebrating 25 years in business. We have many special events planned (25 days of fun) so check out our website, http://www.the-sampler.com/ or call for a newsletter, 952-934-5307. New merchandise is lining the shelves and new samples are up to inspire you. We are excited to announce we now carry original hand dyed fabrics by Diane Swallen. You will not be able to resist these beautiful fabrics. I can't wait to put them into a special project.

Here is a peek at some of the new samples we have been working on.
And the Sampler wouldn't be the same without something new from Kaffe Fasset. We just received his new book, Quilt Romance. It is a beautiful book, full of great quilts.
There are also some great deals on Bernina sewing machines coming up that will be hard to resist. Stop by and talk with Tracy or Sandy about getting a new sewing machine before winter rolls in. Don't forget we service all sewing machines right in the store. Rick is a certified technician and takes care of all makes and models. See you at the Sampler......Mary

Wow!

2009-08-17T03:37:00.000-07:00

The Sampler is transforming into a wonderful world of color. The new fabrics keep getting better and better. One of my favorites is this fun bright green and blue collection. I had a customer in recently who is going to make a baby quilt out of these fabrics. How much fun is that.

This blue and white collection is gorgeous and would be a great addition to anyone's stash. You will love the new Philip Jacobs and Kaffe Fassett fabrics that are now on the shelves. Here is a small taste. I know you will love them. One of our favorite designers, Lori Allison has shared a great idea with us using these fabrics. She the perfect Philip Jacobs fabric and turned it into a very fashionable shower curtain. She was nice enough to provide us with the instructions. If you are interested in the instructions please contact the shop. I know my bathroom could use a facelift and plan on using Lori's idea very soon. Thanks Lori for sharing. We are busy preparing for the Minnesota State Fair. Be sure to stop by our booth in the Creative Activities Building Annex. We will have the new Clover bow maker for you to check out, along with quilt kits, apron kits, and much more. Of course there will be great deals on Bernina sewing machines that you won't want to miss. Tracy and Sandy will be around to give you all the details.

We keep adding new classes for the fall. Our newsletter will be ready this week. Check out our website for details. http://www.the-sampler.com/ or call us at 952-934-5307. We can also be reached by email: sampler@the-sampler.com

Welcome to the Quilt Minnesota Shop Hop

2009-07-30T04:25:00.001-07:00

We are looking forward to seeing everyone during the Quilt Minnesota Shop Hop. Cathy Guy has outdone herself this year with a wonderful quilt made from this years fabric. Patterns will be available as well as a limited number of kits. We also have some small projects available including a tablerunner and a checkerboard! If the Minnesota fabrics and projects aren't enough to tempt you just wait until you see the new Westminster fabrics that are now in stock. We have some fabulous Kaffe Fassestt, Philip Jacobs and Brandon Mably fabrics. Be sure and stop by during the shop hop and pick up your free block pattern and 5" square of the Minnesota fabric. Happy Hopping, Mary

New Look

2009-07-20T03:21:00.000-07:00

We've made a few changes at the Sampler. We have designed a space especially for the next generation of sewers/quilters. This space is full of fun fabrics, terrific ideas, books and much more. We have also included the best Bernina sewing machines for the beginning sewer.
You are now greeted by a wonderful display of new quilts and fabrics. Take a look at all that color. The quilt you see is made from a gradated fabric and black fabric. It is really something to see. We have also started to put together a machine embroidery area. The thread has been moved and soon all the other essentials for embroidery will be together. In the midst of these changes the quilt shop goes on as usual. New fabrics, books, patterns and notions keep coming in. We are gearing up for Quilt Minnesota which starts July 31st. I think you will love the projects and quilts we have put together with the Quilt Minnesota fabric. Be sure and come in to see our new look and shop the new fabrics and ideas.

Summertime fun!

2009-06-10T03:36:00.000-07:00

Lots of new fabrics have started to roll in to the Sampler. Check out these great decorator weight fabrics. This fabric would work for clothing as well as tote bags. You will also find a nice selection of the laminated fabrics everyone is wild about. We have a wonderful new tote bag pattern designed by our Bernina Manager and quilt designer Tracy Trevethan. The pattern works great with the laminated fabrics. We also received a line of brights that would work for great in quilts or clothing for little girls. Make sure you check out the new class list which includes a couple classes on clothing for little girls. Summer may have only begun but Christmas fabrics have started to arrive at the Sampler. Come in to see this fun line of fabrics from In The Beginning. We also have a book of patterns to use with these fabrics.

We have some fun events coming up this summer. Starting with the annual 4th of July Quilt Show. We are taking registrations now. There is a $150 gift certificate given for viewer favorite quilt.

Also on July 18th the Minnesota Road Show is coming to the Sampler. There will be demonstrations of techniques from 6 different Minnesota designers. This is an all day event which includes lunch, door prizes and lots of great information. All for $20. More information can be found on our website

www.the-sampler.com. The Quilt Minnesota Shop Hop will be starting July 31st. The fabrics for this year are in the shop. We are taking preorders and will have it cut and ready for you on the 31st. Be sure to check out all the bus options for the shop hop. This year there are many opportunities to get to more shops. Check out www.quiltminnesota.com for more

information. Have a fun start to your summer and be sure to stop by and see us at the Sampler.

Spring is here!

2009-04-30T03:30:00.000-07:00

Karol and I are just back from being vendors at two fantastic quilt shows, the International Quilt Festival in Chicago and The American Quilters Society show in Paducah, KY. We had a great time talking to quilters from all over the world. Both shows are wonderful and should be on every quilters to do list. If you would like to see pictures of the quilts from the shows go to http://www.americanquilter.com/ and http://www.quilts.com/ .

The picture on the left is our booth at the show in Chicago and the one on the right is our booth in Paducah. Now that we are back we are gearing up for the Twin City Shop Hop. That starts April 30th. We love seeing all the quilters who come out for this event. Join us Thursday and Friday from 9-9 and Saturday from 9-5. We have great new demostrations for you to watch, new products on the shelves and new quilts hanging everywhere. Hope to see you, Mary

Something for everyone

2009-02-18T03:45:00.000-08:00

Recently we received a shipment of fabulous new fabrics from some of our favorite designers, Amy Butler, Philip Jacobs and Martha Negley. We can't wait to start using these wonderful fabrics in new projects. Here is a taste of the some of the new fabrics.
As you may know Wendy Fedie is no longer our Bernina manager. She didn't actually retire, she will be filling in in the Bernina department and teaching a class or two. Tracy Trevethan has joined us as the Bernina manager. She is no stranger to the Sampler, having worked here several years ago. Tracy is an accomplished quilter, teacher, and pattern designer. She is very familiar with Bernina sewing machines and will be able to answer all your questions. Look at the fun terry cloth slippers she embroidered the other day.

The Amazing Sewing Race began in January. We started in California and are now in Nevada. Everyone will be busy doing card trick blocks this month. Our small project this month was a fun punchcard holder. There is still time to join the race. The patterns are easy and the show and tell is fabulous. There is always something new at the Sampler, stop by and see us soon. Check our our website, http://www.the-sampler.com/ for all the latest. Mary

CUSTOMER QUILT

2009-02-05T09:54:00.000-08:00

Polly taught the Bella Bella quilt class last year and one of her students recently sent a picture of her completed quilt. She loves it and has it hanging in her newly remodeled and redecorated living room. We love it too and congratulate her on a speedy completion. Polly will be teaching Bella Bella again this summer so be sure to check our website, www.the-sampler.com , for the class schedule as we get closer to that time.

Applique Fun at The Sampler

2009-02-05T06:09:00.000-08:00

Two Wednesday's a month a group of customers meet at the Sampler to enjoy the art of hand applique. We call it Applique Antics. They work on their own projects and get questions answers by the staff. Linda Sander began this quilt in a William Morris applique class at The Sampler. It is now finished and hangs in her home. We love show and tell and love Linda's quilt. If you are interested in a hand applique class or in the Applique Antics gatherings check out our website http://www.the-sampler.com/ for dates and times. Mary

2009-01-07T05:06:00.000-08:00

Greeting you at the front entrance to the Sampler is a beautiful heart quilt called For The Love designed by Kay M. Capps Cross and made by Polly North . You will also find a great display full of valentine treats ready to stitch up for that special someone. A fun new fabric called Just Desserts arrived in time to make up some tasty nonfattening treats for your sweetheart. Cathy Stiele made up a darling tablerunner using this fabric. It's a must see. My favorite new addition is a fabric called Hot Flash by Free Spirit. This is a crazy fabric with lots of bright, fun colors. I'm excited to see what projects come out of this fabric line.
On another note, our winter class list is out and there are many new classes and events for you to look into, including a Stash Blaster club, Exploring Curved Piecing, Little Charmers Jumper, and Free Motion Feather Machine Quilting to name a few. Also there is still time to join us in the Amazing Sewing Race North America. We have something special planned every month. Check out our website http://www.the-sampler.com/ or stop by the shop for more information. Keep on quilting, Mary

SEW RED

2008-12-17T14:01:00.000-08:00

Luxurious silk dupioni in sixteen luscious colors of red makes this quilt irresistible. You must come in to see our sample. I used my Bernina 1300MDC to serge the seams which prevented raveling. Wool batting gives a small amount of loft to the quilt and Rainbows varigated thread gives additional interest. Kit includes 16 silk Dupioni fat quarters and will make 56" x 56" quilt top. Pattern used - "In and Out" by Blue Underground. Kit cost - $87.99 (For every Kit sold, a donation will be made to the American Heart Association.)

Wendy Fedie, Bernina Manager

Out with the old and in with the new

2008-12-10T03:31:00.000-08:00

Here at the Sampler we are making room for the new fabrics we bought at fall market. Take a look at these wonderful new Kaffe Fassett fabrics that came in the other day. I can't wait to see what we do with them. The colors and textures are wonderful. Karol has a great idea for one of the prints, so stay tuned.

I had to try out a new tool from market called the Puff Quilting Clip set. Many of you may remember these quilts from years past. This tools make it easier and also gives you other options for dimensional folded squares. Here's what I did. Everyone wants it for a seat cushion. I think they are too much fun.

We have also been busy putting new 2 1/2" bundles togethers. Look at these great colors. These bundles are just looking for the right quilt and would make great gifts.

Be on the lookout for our new newsletter. We are in the process of putting new classes together, along with the old favorites. The Amazing Sewing Race is back. It starts in January and we are traveling throughout North America. We have lots of fun new events planned for 2009, be sure to check it out.

To make room for all the new things we have added additional markdowns to our sale fabrics and Christmas items. Its a great time to stock up on those quilt backings. If you have any questions about anything here call us at (952) 934-5307 or send an email to sampler @qwestoffice.net. Check out our website for all the lastest fabrics, kits, patterns and classes, http://www.the-sampler.com/ Happy stitching, Mary

2008-11-19T08:46:00.000-08:00

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.

New fabrics, new travels, new patterns!

2008-10-02T05:07:00.000-07:00

We have been having a great time unpacking the much anticipated new Amy Butler fabrics. We are so excited about it and can hardly wait to come up with some new projects. We have all 42 pieces in the line, along with three solid fabrics. Come in and see all these beautiful fabrics. Karol is on the move again. She will be leaving for the American Quilters Society show in Des Moines, Iowa on Monday. The show starts on Wednesday, Oct. 8th and runs through Saturday Oct. 11. We'd love to have you stop by our booth. We have lots of new patterns in the shop. A fun one we came up with uses yo yo's. They are fun table accessories that come together in no time. All you need is a beautiful focus fabric and some coordinating fabrics. There is a cute little table mat that goes alone with this table scarf. The pattern is $8.59. Call us at 952-934-5307 or email us at sampler@qwestoffice.net Keep on stitching, Mary

Quilt Shows and More

2008-09-16T05:06:00.000-07:00

Karol and I just returned from the Quilt Expo in Madison, WI. This is a wonderful show and should be on everyone's list of quilt shows to attend. We debuted two new quilts at the show. "Fan Dance" was made by Polly North. This is a beautiful quilt with a black background and fans made from Kaffe Fassest fabrics. The other new quilt is designed by Lori Allison called "Fruit Cake". It is a personal favorite of mine. I love the combination of reds and greens. The addition of the prairie points gives this quilt a special finish. Both patterns can be found at the shop. You can call us at 952) 934-5307 or email us at sampler@qwestoffice.net. Be sure to visit our website http://www.the-sampler.com/ for all the latest fabrics, patterns and kits. You can also find information on all the upcoming classes for fall. I am especially looking forward to the new Amazing Sewing Race-North America starting in January 2009. Happy stitching, Mary

SWITZERLAND TRIP

2008-08-26T05:37:00.000-07:00

We returned home last night after a wonderful week in Switzerland. Karol and I were fortunate to be among 150 dealers from the United States to earn a trip to Switzerland to see the Bernina factory and the new 830 sewing machine. We saw first hand the quality and pride that goes into the design and manufacturing of every Bernina sewing machine. We spent a full day in the Bernina Creative Sewing Center working on the incredible, new, HUGE Bernina 830. We can't wait to show it to you. Please join us for "A Date with 8" on September 8, from 6:08 to 8:08, so we can share with you everything we have learned about the new Bernina 8 Series machines - the 830 and 820. We will have Swiss chocolate (of coarse), travel photos, a presentation on how the 8 Series machines were conceived and designed and then we will demostrate the machine features. Call the store to reserve your place (952-934-5307.) We also learned that because we earned the Swiss trip, we would receive our floor model demo machine in late September rather than November like the rest of the US dealers.
Wendy Fedie, Bernina Manager

The Great Minnesota State Fair

2008-08-22T04:42:00.000-07:00

We want to invite you to come and see us at the Minnesota State Fair. As you know the fair serves up everything on a stick and we couldn't be left out. Create your own "Bernina Breeze" on a stick while trying out the Bernina 730, 440 and one of the sergers. We are also giving demos of the yo yo makers (there's a new jumbo size that I love) and Quiltsmarts cell phone bags and Smart bags. We have many fun panels, patterns and kits including the popular "Jingle banner". We are located in the Creative Activities Annex. Hope to see you there. Live from the fair, Mary

Quilt Minnesota Shop Hop

2008-08-06T03:33:00.000-07:00

We're having a wonderful time meeting quilters from around the state of Minnesota. Everyone loves the Quilt Minnesota fabrics and many are planning great quilts. We have designed a quilt called "Among the Pines" with the Quilt Minnesota fabrics. The pattern is available for $8.99 at the shop. We also put together our version of the Twin City area pattern using Kaffe Fassett fabrics. We have kits available, so call the Sampler at 952-934-5307 if you are interested in these quilts. You can email us at sampler@qwestoffice.net.
Keep on stitching, Mary

SIZE MATTERS

2008-07-23T08:12:00.000-07:00

I can't get the country western song, "Size Matters", by Joe Nichols out of my head after seeing the new Bernina 830 at Bernina University in Kansas City last Wednesday. I can't get the machine out of my head either. The BIG sewing area (12" from needle to head), and FAST speed (1100 stitches per minute for sewing and 1000 stitches per minute for embroidery) along with the HUGE bobbin (which holds 40-60% more thread than a standard bobbin) were enough for me to make a buying decision. But, there is so much more to love. You really need to check it out by going to the website devoted to this machine - - - http://www.bernina8series.com/. If you were unable to watch the global internet launch of the machine on July 21, you can still see the webcast on the website above. Or, come into the store and play with the Bernina 830 simulator that we have on our laptop. We have a sewing and embroidery sample for the machine as well as a bobbin. Here's what one of our customers said about the machine after watching the webcast - - - WOW!!!!! Is there anything they didn't think of? What grabbed my attention first - size of the sewing space, size of the embroidery field, better hoops, larger bobbin, auto threading. I love the idea of the not having to slide the mega hoop! Dual feed sounds like it might be a great feature for getting those quilting points to match exactly. After that it becomes a blur of wonderful features. Bernina wasn't kidding when they said it was a whole new sewing experience! And, of course, Bernina does it all with "THE" standard of excellence.

Wendy Fedie, Bernina Manager

Fun at the Amazing Sewing Race

2008-07-16T04:33:00.000-07:00

The Amazing Sewing Race started last February and is going strong. Our sewers/quilters have traveled to China, Canada, Egypt, Sweden and France. We are looking forward to traveling to more interesting destinations in the future. This month we were in France. We had show and tell from last months trip to Sweden. The colors were blue and yellow and the pattern was log cabin. We had some amazing variations. It's always fun to see what everyone comes up with. We were also lucky enough to have Pam Plocek bring in her quilt "Story Brooke Farm". She won the viewer choice ribbon and prize at the Sampler's annual 4th of July outdoor quilt show. Congratulations! We still have some of our France quilt kits available. It's beautiful and and makes you feel like you are walking through the french countryside. You can find this quilt and all the Amazing Race quilts at the Sampler. Call 952-937-5307 or email us at sampler@qwestoffice.net Keep on stitching, Mary

Santa found a friend

2008-07-09T05:50:00.001-07:00

I couldn't leave Santa without a friend. This cute snowman is from the same pattern as Santa (Indygo Junction $8.59) and uses the same size yo yo's. He is a lot of fun to make and makes a great companion for Santa. Polly created a wonderful Christmas sample that can be seen at the shop. She used the Be Colorful pattern Noel by Jacqueline de Jonge. Come in and see how it sparkles. The pattern can also be found on our website http://www.the-sampler.com/

On another note, we have received a truckload of new Kaffe Fassett fabrics and are getting inspired to come up with many new samples. I want one of each of them. All the fabrics can be found on our website or you can call us at 952-934-5307 or email us at sampler@qwestoffice.net Happy quilting. Mary

It's alway's time for the holidays!

2008-06-25T04:35:00.000-07:00

It may be 88 degrees outside but my mind has been on santa lately. I couldn't resist this darling yo yo santa by Karen Kottke of Indygo Junction.Inc. The pattern is $8.59, and also includes a snowman and a reindeer. I had so much fun making him. The large and extra large yo yo makers make him a breeze to create. We have started to receive many wonderful new Christmas and holiday fabrics.

You will find Christmas fabrics from Hoffman (those beautiful cardinals are back), Moda, Benartex and Marcus Brothers. Come in and check out some great Christmas panels too. We would love to help you create that special holiday project. Call us at (952) 934-5307 or email us at sampler@qwestoffice.net for more information. Happy stitching, Mary Deeney

Stitchopoly

2008-06-17T12:21:00.000-07:00

Stitch-opoly, a new board game that will keep you in stitches! 2-5 Players: fellow quilter's, kids, grandkids, everyone will enjoy it. Take a break from your machine and roll the dice. Have fun. $29.95 The Sampler: 551 W 78th St. Chanhassen, MN 55317, 952-934-5307 Barbara

Karol's on the road again!

2008-06-16T03:31:00.001-07:00

The Sampler will be traveling to more quilt shows than ever before. Our first stop was the American Quilter's Society show in Paducah, KY. Karol and I had a great time. We met many new friends and quilters.
On June 15th we sent Karol off to Columbus, Ohio to the National Quilting Association show. Show dates are June 19-21. When Karol returns we will have a day to replenish supplies and get her ready for the Minnesota Quilter's show in Rochester, MN. Show dates are June 26-28. We will be sure to keep you up to date on the Sampler's whereabouts as the year goes on. But you can always find us at the shop in Chanhassen for all your quilting needs. Check out our website http://www.the-sampler.com/ for all the lastest news. Just a note: the quilt behind us is one of Lori Allison's newest creations called Big Star Flower. It is a beautiful quilt and we have made kits with all the great fabrics included. You can call 952-934-5307 for more information. Keep on quilting. Mary Deeney

Best Purchase I Made All Year

2008-06-13T08:06:00.000-07:00

That's right! I picked up this instructional DVD in late winter and couldn't believe the value for the money. For a mere $29.95 (less than the cost of a class) I got a 2+ hour video that I can watch again and again (and I have watched it again and again.) Patsy gives great tips and she demonstrates (on a domestic sewing machine, not a long arm) how to stitch 29 different designs, which she divides into families. She explains things in a way that makes it easy to duplicate her designs, in most cases, without marking anything on the fabric. I chose Fast and Free! - Volume 2 because I already knew the basics of machine quilting and had mastered stippling and meandering. I was looking for more creative alternatives for overall and background quilting designs. My machine quilting on my Bernina Artista 730 has improved as a result of watching this DVD . If you are a beginner to machine quilting I would suggest Volume 1. I have also seen Free Motion Fun with Vines & Leaves! Equally good. My next purchase will be Free Motion Fun with Feathers! We carry all four of these DVDs in the store. They are only $29.95 each, so give us a call and we will gladly send one (or all) to you. Our phone number is 952-934-5307. Or, email us, sampler@qwestoffice.net.

Wendy Fedie, Bernina Department Manager

Funky Stripes

2008-06-06T08:31:00.000-07:00

Funky Stripes by Allison Quilt Designs is not your grandmas quilt -- which makes it perfect for that teenager or young adult that you need to make a graduation or college dorm quilt for! It uses two or more "funky stripes" that you probably saw on the shelf and wondered "what's a quilter going to do with that?" and it uses some big prints. Start cutting and strip piecing a funky stripe to a big print, subcut into triangles, sew two triangles together, set on point and, in no time, you've got a spectacular quilt -- that doesn't look anything like grandma's quilts -- and your teen or young adult will go wacko over! You'll hear some original phrases like, "awesome"and my other favorite, "totally awesome."

Call any one of the ladies at The Sampler, tell them what size (lap or twin) and the colors you'd like in your Funky Stripes quilt and they will be happy to assemble a kit especially for you from the latest Kaffe Fassett fabrics. I might make mine red, orange & yellow!

Lori Allison, Pattern Designer