Spring Quilt Market, Part 2

We love these!  Felted wool balls in all colors and sizes, ready to use in projects!  We'll be having fun and wonder what creative ideas you'll come up with!

Here are some decorating trees -- great idea for Christmas too!

Or you can make some great flowers --necklace -- bracelet --

And how about this -- some colorful balls at the end of a knitted scarf!

You'll be hearing more about projects using these fun felted balls! 

We were excited to meet the mother/daughter design team for Frond Designs!  We have this fabric group posted on the website for preorder and can't wait for it to come into the shop next month!

Look how they covered canvas pouches with fabric and grew some beautiful flowers -- a unique alternative to window boxes!

Wow -- here's another beautiful shot featuring this fabric collection --

We'll soon be adding needlepoint designs to the inventory of RL2 -- we loved these pillows made from kits!

We thought about Shana and those grandmothers out there who love to make one-of-a-kind clothing when we saw these patterns by Doohickey Designs:

Here's an up close look at the sweet embroidery in the wall quilt:

Keep watching for more in a couple of days! 

We'll post to the website as new items are received in the shop!

Only Because of His Grace,
Mary Elizabeth

Spring Quilt Market

We just got back from our adventures at International Quilt Market in Kansas City!  Yes, it is really international, with our favorite designers from Australia and other countries in attendance.  We were really excited to see what new fabrics and designs we would find, and will be able to only give a glimpse into all that is available!  Keep watching for more -- here, on our website, and on our Facebook page!

The day before Market begins, we attended "Schoolhouse" -- this is a time to get a preview of what is to come!

Renee Nanneman of Need'l Love -- showing projects from her soon-to-be-released book, Garden Gate Threads --

Beautiful pillow designed by Lesa Dailey --

"Rosebud Faire Stars"

And pieced with some of Renee's new Fall collections -- "Twister Pumpkin" by Becky Cogan.

A little later it was time for Jo Morton's presentation -- She, too, has a book coming soon with some wonderful red and white quilts using her "Variety" fabric collection --

Some new designs in laminate fabric --

And a quilt (no pattern available -- just for fun!) Jo created with her fabrics and the panel from the John Hewson "Winterthur" collection.

The next day, the exhibits opened, and our first stop was the Andover area and a visit to Jo's booth, where we found Jo and friends Mary Ann and Cindy, showing everyone the new projects that will be in the next book and some individual patterns. 

And next door was Need'l Love booth --

 

with Renee and Amy ready to welcome visitors through the Garden Gate! 

Across the aisle in Andover's booth was the latest free-to-use designed by Candy Hargrove using Jo's "Alexandria" collection -- 

We have lots more to show you -- just a few of our favorites at a time!  

Only Because of His Grace,

Mary Elizabeth 

It's Spring at The Rabbit's Lair and RL2!

Wow!  Spring came fast this year!  We are bursting at the seams with new fabric and yarn!  

 

 As you come in the door, you'll be greeted with new jelly rolls, charm packs and layer cakes from Moda, Westminster and Anthology -- beautiful colors to greet the season! 

Strawberry Season!  How cute are these "Sweet Treat" pincushions? 

Just in the door -- Amy Butler's "Gypsy Caravan" -- beautiful as always! 

 
 In the yarn shop, we have lots of beautiful yarns, and samples and classes to inspire you! 

 The "Wren" sweater" -- made with Yearling by Juniper Moon Farm.  

Find out more in the shop about our first ever Knitting Camp! July 20, 21 and 22 -- more details on the website!  


'Til next week --
Only Because of His Grace, 
Mary Elizabeth
 
 

"Curious Nature" by Parson Gray

"Curious Nature" is the first collection of fabric from Parson Gray - the brand guise of artist David Butler (husband of fabric designer Amy Butler).

The collection is a folk modern interpretation of natural elements. It weaves together a balance of sophisticated hand-drawn patterns inspired by Japanese indigo and mid-century fine art. The palette is grounded in richly muted nature tones evoking clear night skies, deep forest and dark ocean balanced by bone ivory and oyster grays.

Parson Gray's "Curious Nature" is being interpreted to fabric by Free Spirit in both quilting/fashion and larger prints on Home Decor weight cotton sateen.

Come in the shop and see this wonderful collection -- Download the quilt design on Free Spirit's website by clicking here.

"Bella Bliss" Is Here!

Here's what Renee has to say about her newest collection to arrive in the shop:
"Bella Bliss is a color dream come true...the large scale floral 'mother' of the group was reproduced from a beautiful antique piece of red French bark cloth."
The 22-piece collection is used in another version of her "Rose Maison" pattern:


There are 22 pieces in this collection, and they are all used in the above pattern, along with some "Itsy Bits."

I was so glad to get to see Renee at the retreat this weekend at the Lake of the Ozarks; little did I know that when I saw a stack of "Bella Bliss" it would arrive at the shop today! Now we'll get to see what wonderful things you will create from it!

Only Because of His Grace,
Mary Elizabeth

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!