New from French General!

Newly arrived in the shop -- "Rouenneries Deux" by French General!

Here's the designer's description of this line --
"After spending many summers in France looking for the perfect French red, I finally found a collection of old prints that represented what rural life looked like in the 18th and 19th centuries. Based on our first collection of 'Rouenneries,' this group of lovely prints is inspired by the red florals that were printed in Rouenneries, France, in the 18th Century. Old French red, faded cranberry and natural linen colors all make up a collection that is a perfect combination to create a French-inspired quilt."

Whether you use only these in a quilt, or mix them with some of your favorite reds and creams, the finished quilt will be stunning!

New Classes for the New Year!

We've added lots of new classes and clubs to the website for your enjoyment in the New Year! Machine and hand techniques both, knitting classes to be held in our NEW location right around the corner!

That's right, we've moved all the Yarn to 116 South First Street (the Poor Richard's Building) and will be expanding that inventory to feature the finest yarns we can find. All our knitting and crochet classes and clubs will meet there.

Take a look and see what suits your fancy! Click here to see them on the website.

We've been having lots of fun making "Jelly Roll" Quilts -- Toni will be teaching this easy quilt (perfect for beginners, as the strips are already cut, you just start sewing) tomorrow, Saturday, January 14 from 9:30 to 2:30. We have a wonderful assortment of jelly rolls to choose from -- you will love making this for you or a friend!

Then on Sunday Danielle will begin her first session of Beginning Knitting at RL2 from 1:00 to 2:30 pm. This will be a great way to celebrate our new second location. We'll also have a Grand Opening for RL2 on Monday, January 16 with resumption of "Knit Nite" -- every Monday from 5:30 to 7:30 pm (free to those who purchase supplies from us).

We'll feature more clubs and classes in the future!

Happy New Year!

Join the Fun -- Blog Hop Party!

We're joining the party -- why don't you?

Between December 10 and 17th, leave a comment here and we'll draw the name of a lucky winner for a "Snow Crazy" kit! This block-of-the-month quilt kit with all fabrics and patterns features snowman embroidery and crazy quilt piecing and you will love working on it during the winter months!




Here's the link to participate: Blog Hop Party

If you're a blogger -- join the fun!

If you want to find a list of bloggers participating, you will find a list posted on the above link on December 10.

Have Fun!

Cozy Fun with Fleece & Flannel!

Wow -- we just got in LOTS of bolts of fleece and flannel from Westminster and Free Spirit! Just in time for cold weather, these fabrics will make great throws, clothing and toys!

Because we bought these at a special price, we can pass our savings on to you! Regularly $11.99/yard, we have these marked at $8.49/yard, or if you buy 5 yards of any one, it will be $6.99/yard. You can see them all online on our webstore under "Flannel and Fleece Specials." These are collections from some of our favorite designers -- Valori Wells, Anna Maria Horner, Erin McMorris, Annette Tatum, Brandon Mably and Eleanor Grosch. All bright and fun designs for the young and young at heart!

We love using flannel in ragtime quilts -- and here's a quick way to make a fleece throw:

• Use 2 yards of fleece for the front and 2 yards for the back
• Trim fleece pieces to exactly the same size
• Cut a 4" square from each corner
• Every 1" along the sides, cut 4" into the fabric
• Tie knots in every other "fringe" all the way around
• Flip and tie the other fringes.
  

Enjoy!

Kathy's Cowl -- with Berroco Link Yarn!

We're sharing this from Berroco Yarn's newsletter --

Kathie, one of Berroco's most versatile employees, was recently experimenting with new ways to use Berroco Link™, our jumbo-sized multicolored wool blend. She ended up creating an adorable cowl that requires no special skill other than tying a few knots. It's a perfect last-minute gift idea, and a great project for children. Since there's enough yarn in a hank to make two cowls, it's also economical. For two cowls, all you'll need is one hank of Link and about 36" of scrap yarn in a matching color.

Here's how to make your own version of Kathie's Cowl:

1. Wrap Link 9 or 10 times around two stationary objects placed approx. 28"–32" apart (such as the arms of a chair, or someone's hands). Cut the yarn and knot the ends together, without removing it.
2. Cut two 9" pieces of scrap yarn. Tie one piece around all strands of Link in same place as the knot. Tie the second piece around all strands of Link at the opposite end of the cowl.
3. To wear, place the cowl around your neck with one tie in the back. Loop the front half around your neck again, so that both ties are at the back.

See all the colors of Link -- http://www.berroco.com/shade_cards/link_sh.html

Jo's Little Women Club

We're in the next to the last month of our current Jo's Little Women Club. Part 10 had eight projects -- different sizes but all small quilts made in Jo Morton's fabric for Andover Fabrics. Our online club sends a pattern each month to members, and a fabric kit is available for optional purchase.

The next group of small quilt designs will be Part 11. These patterns are available only to club members and are designed by Jo specifically for the club. We will begin Club 11 in February of 2012.

Keep watching the website for full information!

Quilt Sharing

Do you have a quilt you'd like to know more about? The Rogers Historical Museum is hosting "Quilt Sharing" day on November 17 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

You may bring your quilt that day and have our resident "quilt detectives" Rheba Ford and Alice McElwain uncover answers to your questions. Rheba and Alice and both students of quilt history and quiltmaking and they would love to see your treasures!

You can make a reservation by calling The Rabbit's Lair at 479.636.3385 -- Tell your friends about this great opportunity!