precuts = love

These precut fabrics arrived in my shop this week.  And who wouldn't love finding one of these wrapped up under their tree this Sunday!

Good Fortune jelly roll (2 1/2" strips) from Kate Spain 

Reunion charm pack (5" squares) by Sweetwater 

Sassy charm pack (5" squares) by Sandy Gervais 

A Stitch in Color fat eights by Malia Dubrowsky

craft days

 I have just added 2 new classes to my schedule for next week that I wanted to be sure that you knew about.  Both classes are made especially for your kids.  I wanted to help keep them busy during their first week of winter vacation.  And to help parents keep to their budget, each class is $10. plus $5. for supplies.

Rag Wreath

Tuesday, Dec. 20

10:30 am - 12 pm

Fabric Ornaments

Thursday, Dec. 22

10:30 am - 12 pm

I will also have a few cookies for them to munch on while they are here!  This will be a fun time for your crafty kids, ages 6 and up.  Just call Sew Katie Jean to sign them up, 209-3930.

shop sale

This weeks fabric sale features Dazzle by Melissa Averinos from Andover Fabrics.  I first fell in love with this collection when I saw all of these beautiful citrus colors together.  I then made this super fast and fun string quilt using the orange fabric for my middle strip.  I even added 3 other bolts to this sale that I used in this dazzling quilt!

Dazzle Collection

20% Off

Monday, Dec. 12 - Saturday, Dec. 17

To see more of this collection, look here and here.

my latest

OK, can there ever be too much of a good thing?  Well, I don't think so.  Especially when it is fabric related.  So I have to share with you this latest bit of quilting from the Children at Play collection.

Something for the boys.  This quilt only took me 2 days to finish. It could have been done quicker, but you know how life gets in the way of our sewing!  I modified the pattern #001 from Zan Taylor Designs, just a bit.

I did it in the quilt-as-you-go style.  And sewed my binding on totally by machine. I actually missed sewing it by hand.  But it was finished sooner.  I think I set a new record for myself!  How do you like to put on your binding?

sewing day

I was inspired by looking up pictures to inspire you using the Sarah Jane fabrics.  So this is what I have made so far...

A sweet apron, using my all time favorite fabric in this collection.  Not really a practical color for an apron, since I do use it to wipe my hands on while I cook, but super cute none the less.

Two pillowcases behind my mannequin (which I named Bridget).  And a sweet posy pin using my fabric scraps and a vintage button.

And here is the bottom portion of a simple quilt for a baby boy.  I am doing the quilt as you go technique and should finish sewing it this week.  I also have a bit of vintage navy ric rac that I will be sewing on, the perfect touch!  I cut up extras of this fabric as a kit - if you're interested.


What have you been working on this week?

sharing

I wanted to share with you a few things that I found on flickr and Pinterest, from the Sarah Jane, Children at Play fabric line.  You can visit both of those sites and search for these Sarah Jane images.  I hope they inspire you to sew!

 All Sarah Jane fabric is 20% off until Saturday, December 10.

in shop sale

20% Off fabric from Sarah Jane Studios - Children at Play collection from Michael Miller.

Sale Dates: Monday, December 5 - Saturday, December 10

make your own

I adore this bag and this sweet fabric!  It has 6 pockets inside to make storage of your keys, phone, camera, sunglasses (yes, it's 71 degrees here today!) all easy to find.  Plus there are two sizes of the pattern a tote and a mini version. Cute mini!


Make your own version of the Bow Tucks bag tomorrow, at Sew Katie Jean of course!

Saturday, December 3

10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. / $30.00 class

taught by: Becky Rogers

Then stay in town for the parade starting at 4:30, and the Christmas tree lighting to follow.  Doesn't it sound like a charming day!

new news

This is a new quilt that I want you to see.  It's called The Big EZ.  My new friend, Kathy Hilton, came in one day with this surprise quilt for me!  Just my colors, how did she know.  It is now hanging by my cutting table and everyone loves it.  Plus, this pattern with a class will be scheduled soon.  Thank you Kathy!

You can also see that I finished this table runner.  It has been waiting for the binding for almost 3 months.  And in true quilters fashion, I always have at least 3 projects waiting to be finished.  Now you can pick up this pattern called Waffle Time with this fabric from Kaye England as a kit.  I am in love with this traditional pattern and rich colors.  You will be seeing more of her fabrics arriving as I build up this collection.

And thank you to everyone who came by my shop on Black Friday!  I had a great day catching up with everyone that took advantage of my first big sale day.

after thanksgiving sale

Here it is, my first BIG sale.  My first Black Friday sale.   The local sewers and quilters have made me feel so welcome that I want to share the gratitude with you.  I am doing this as my way of saying "Thank You" to all of you that have been so supportive of my shop opening in Lincoln.

30% Off all Fabric from 9 am - 10 am

20% Off all Fabric from 10 am - 4 pm

50% Off Halloween Fabric

10% Off all Books and Patterns

Buy 3 Fat Quarters - Get 1 Free

20% Off Kits

10% Off  Jelly Rolls and Charms

Sign up and pay for a class, receive a free Moda needle case (while supplies last)
p.s. These sale prices are good only for Friday, Nov. 25.

Store Hours for the Thanksgiving Holidays:

Wednesday, Nov. 23 - Closed

Thursday, Nov. 24 - Closed

Friday, Nov. 25 / 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 26 / 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

vintage sewing

My friend Jan went and helped her mom with her yard sale last month.  Jan knows what I like and I asked her to keep an eye out for me.  And just look at this bit of wonderfulness that she brought into my shop!

It is a big spool of thread and a small sewing machine.  Aren't they cute together!  I love how the wooden spool is aged so nicely.  And the sewing machine is hand cranked with little suction cups on the feet for a bit of stability.  I wonder if it was a successful design.  A Genero Product.

I love that she had the instruction book too. Made in Long Beach, California.  Don't you just love it!  Thanks Jan, you are the best.


p.s. both spool and sewing machine are about 6" high, with the spool of thread being a bit taller.

on monday

Starting this Monday, November 14, when you come to see me at my shop, you will be getting a little demo.  Each week there will be something new and fun for you to learn.  It might be something small or something big. I promise you will love it.

You also might find it to be the perfect little thing for you to make for Christmas.  A stocking stuffer, a hostess or an office gift.  I will also make a little kit for you to purchase.  If you like the demo, buy a kit and make your own.  Sew with love.

love this

Do you love Atkinson Designs?  Terry Atkinson makes these quilt patterns so easy for us to sew up and it can be modern or traditional.  Her patterns are always complete and always easy to follow for even the newest of quilters.


Here is what she says about Urban Cabin:
Whether you live in an apartment in the city or a house in the woods, this log cabin variation will add a dash of color to your home.  Make the basic version using your favorite large prints, or choose the strippy version for smaller prints.

Plus one of our teachers, Melody Lake, is making up one of these quilts for the shop now.  She is using the Little Apples fabric by Aneela Hoey.  Can't wait to see it!  Then a new class will soon be on it's way.

stacked coins

These placemats are made using just a few quarter yards of Ruby by Bonnie & Camille. Looks just like something I would pick out, doesn't it...

Well, this is a class that you can take at Sew Katie Jean!  Coming up this Saturday.  The Stacked Coins pattern can be done on a larger scale for a quilt.  But is perfect sewing one up, placemat size, if you don't have the time right now for a bigger project.

Saturday, November 12

Stacked Coins Placemat

10:30 am - 12:30 pm / $25.00

Teacher:  Rebecca Hunt-Maples

call to reserve your spot: {916} 209-3930

funky chicken

It's a table runner, silly!  Make one with a chicken, a lady bug, or leave it plain.  Just make it with some fabulous fabric, of course.

with the lady bug applique

or the chicken applique

This is a Quilt-As-You-Go, table runner pattern.  So when you come to class with all of your fabric pre-cut, you will go home with a completed project.

Friday, November 4

10:30 am - 12:30 pm

Teacher: Debbie Holland of Lady Bug Lace

sewing teachers

I have been very fortunate in my new business to meet so many neat ladies.  Who are talented, fun, and generous.  One of those ladies is Sue.

Sue taught this fun class on making Christmas Tree Napkins.  The trick is all in the fold.  And they each came out so sweet.  I never tire of learning to make something new!

And Sue showed us a cute way to add a gold bell at the top of our napkins as a way to give them as a gift.  Another nice touch!


You can visit Sue this next Saturday, for her Annual Christmas Boutique.  She is one crafty lady!

Saturday, November 5

1763 Andover Lane, Lincoln

10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

missing houston

I have been to Quilt Market in Houston at least twice before opening my own shop.  This is the first time though that I have really, really, really missed being there!

There is so much inspiration and good will every where you look!  The quilting community is so generous.  And that is what I am missing.  The creative energy and being with my sister Mary (and Judith) just makes it the best little vacation ever.

I can hardly wait to read everyone's blog to catch up on all that's exciting and new!

a binder and a ruby

Christmas Binder

Saturday, October 22

10:30 - 12:30 p.m.

This class is just around the corner!  You can make yours using any fabric of your choice.  It will be just right for planning your holiday menus or shopping lists.  Give it to your favorite scrap book friend to fill it up with fun, fabulous photos.  You can make yours using any fabric of your choice.  Cover it in a zebra print with gold and blue accents for the LHS student.

I am bringing a binder that my son gave up on using for his class work.  And this is a peek of some of the gorgeous fabric that I want to use.

Here's what Moda has to say about Ruby by Bonnie and Camille:


Ruby is a small town girl with big dreams, and even bigger style. She works at the town ice cream parlor in her favorite red polka dot dress and can be found doing the jitterbug with her best girlfriends at the Country Diner on the weekends. This cheery line is full of Ruby’s favorites, in red and aqua, retro flowers, vintage prints and pretty little scallops.

If you are interested in signing up just call Sew Katie Jean: 916.209.3930 to reserve your spot at the sewing table.

12 days of Christmas

Christmas is coming! It will always be here sooner than you think.  With this in mind, I am scheduling classes to get you ready for the holiday season of gift giving.  So I have set up a table in my shop to not only show you the classes, but to give you an idea of what you can make on your own.

My next upcoming class will be making these Christmas Tree Napkins.  They only use two 1/2 yards of fabric.  I think they would be cute with a little bit of ric rac added or some pom pom's!  You make four napkins, which are then perfect to be given as a hostess gift, or to be set out on your own sweet table at Christmas.  Plus, it is a perfect excuse to get out of the house during the day, instead of doing whatever other chores you might have.

Tuesday, October 18

10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. / $10

yellow brick road

Last Tuesday, my friend Melody Lake, taught a class on the classic Yellow Brick Road Quilt pattern by Atkinson Designs.  We chose this sweet fabric from Cosmo Cricket, by Andover.  And you can also see the traditional yellow and blue combo on the cover of the Atkinson pattern.

This is the fabulous fabric combination that one of our students made in our class.  She picked a range from Robert Kauffman and a great Kona solid.  We were so lucky that night to see 4 different fabric choices from each student.  Each one so different.  I don't know why I didn't take more pictures for you!

art quilts

I have never made an art quilt.  But I am always in awe of the talent and amazing creative spirit that is embodied in these true pieces of art.


When I came across this article in the December issue of Quilter's Newsletter, I knew that it had to be shared with you.  This is the Lost Heroes Art Quilt.

It commemorates the  more than 5,000 service members who died in the wars against Afghanistan and Iraq.  At least one person from each state is represented in this quilt.

 

The quilt features a black and white photo of the fallen soldier, as a child.  Then a vintage cloth G.I. Joe jacket is stitched in place.

Like so many art quilts, there are smaller details lovingly sewn in by hand.  And this quilt is made to remember these soldiers and their dreams and personal goals for life.  Made, "so that our heroes will not be forgotten".


Please visit  Lost Heroes Art Quilt for more information and where you can see it on display.

upcoming classes

This week is going to be a perfect time to come in to the shop and sign up for a class.  My calender is filling up for October.  And there is plenty there for you to sign up for.

Trick or Treat Bag

Tuesday, October 4

6 p.m. - 8 p.m. / $25.00

This is a fun class for any age of student, or mother/daughter.  You will learn to make this versatile lined bag, and then you can make it again any size you like.  It also  works well after Halloween as a book bag.

Yellow Brick Road Quilt

Thursday, October 6

6 p.m. - 8 p.m. / $30.00

This quilt is simply made using fat quarters, and is the perfect quilt to make using some of your favorite fabrics you might have been hanging on to.  You will be making the quilt top in this class.  The teacher will also be going over free motion quilting and binding basics.

FREE Sew Days

Every Wednesday

10:30 a.m.- 2 p.m.

If you would just like to get out and sew with plenty of space to work and meet new friends, then please come in for a FREE Sew Day.  Beginning this Wednesday, October 5, you are invited to come to my shop, every Wednesday, with your project to sit and sew.  It is also a perfect time to ask others for help or hints if you need them.  I hope to see you soon!

little apples

Look what just arrived in my shop this week.  Little Apples from Aneela Hoey.  She is such a great fabric designer!  I met her at Quilt Market last spring and she was giving everyone fake tattoos of the girl in the red coat.  I loved that idea!  At my shop you can have a fake Hello Kitty tattoo :)

You can see why I love her fabric so much!  Just my colors.  Moda always has the best booths at Market and make them so fun to visit.  Don't you just love this quilt hanging behind Aneela?  Looks like one I would love to make. 

Aneela also has some whimsical embroidery.  I  personally love the doll and doll blanket.  Even though I don't play dolls any more (except when asked), they look so irresistible to sew up!

And finally!  You are invited to come by my shop this week for my Grand Opening celebration. Beginning Friday, Sept. 23, 24, and 25th.  It will be 3 days of FOOD, FUN, and FABRICS!  Plus lots of giveaways, and a free sewing class all day on Saturday.  I'll see you there!