Stitching News From Jan Vaine

Here's what's new in April ...

Hope you are well! It's been a busy month of back-to-back classes for me, with more to come. Here's what's going on ...

Tea & Stitches-Our Guest Speaker

I'm thrilled to welcome Susan Ache to Tea & Stitches in April! Susan is a renowned quilter/cross stitcher. She quilts for Moda, and was included the book in "Moda All Stars: Scraps Made Simple." More recently, she was the April "cover girl" for American Patchwork & Quilting! Susan will speak at our Saturday afternoon tea. We can't wait to hear her stories!

We're planning a great retreat! Stitching tips and techniques, new products, exciting new gifts, and more. Still some spaces left. I hope you'll join us!

Info and registration

Upcoming Classes at Cinnamon's

Accordion Pouch, by Shabby Fabrics. This is a sweet and simple accordion pouch for your sewing tools and notions, or for makeup or other uses! A great gift. Finish in one class period, 10am to 3:30pm on May 5.

It's not on Cinnamon's calendar yet, so call (904) 374-0532 to register.

Info and registration

Spring Travels

Savannah. My sister Jo travels with me when I teach, and is indispensable! Before we headed off to two back-to-back teaching engagements, we had a chance to run up to QuiltCon 2017 in Savannah.

Best of Show, bling, by Katherine Jones, Chigwell, Tasmania, Australia. It's foundation paper pieced from solid fabrics. Her inspiration ... a princess-cut diamond. Every girl's best friend!

Daytona Beach. I shared a photo from my lovely teaching experience at AQS Quilt Week in last month's newsletter. Jo and I had a chance to visit the quilt show before heading home. Here's one of my favorites on display.

Lazy Afternoon by Hiroko Miyama and Masanobu Miyama, Chofu City, Tokyo, Japan.

Galveston Bay. Our delightful hostesses for Applique Away on Galveston Bay. What a privilege it was to have taught at their conference. Details of next year's event coming soon on their website. You'll enjoy your time there!

The quilt behind them is one of the most exquisite embellished quilts I've ever seen. The artist is Cynthia Williford of Houston, TX. Her block patterns were created by her son Harold, and are available on CD. Visit her website for pix and contact info.

Featured Pattern

This month, the featured Graham Cracker Collection pattern at Cinnamon's Quilt Shoppe is Graham's Travel Caddy. It's a great way to travel with your hand-stitching projects. The front is embellished with a simple appliqué design. Inside are pockets galore, plus thread holders, a needle book and pincushion. Stop by Cinnamon's to see the finished product, or check it out online.

More Info

For Your Quilting Library

One of my fellow teachers in Galveston was Deb Tirico. Have you seen her newest book, A New Dimension in Wool Applique? She uses classic Baltimore album blocks and translates them into exciting dimensional wool applique for table rugs, cushions, pincushions and a sewing kit. She teaches a technique called needle slanting that adds dimension to your wool applique. A book worthy for your bookshelf.

Stitching Companions

This section is your reward for reading all the way to the end!

This month, it's a photo of Mom and Dad's new puppy, Noelle, who spent a few days with us on her way from Perry, Florida, to their home in Pennsylvania. Can you spot her on the rug? She's quite tiny, but proved to be a very great curiosity to Doogan!

In Closing

Have a blessed Easter. Stay stitching!

STAY CONNECTED:

Graham Cracker Collection | 904-725-7499 | [email protected]