Spring is here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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