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

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!

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

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

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

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