Stitching News From Jan Vaine

Here's what's new in October ...

It's October! I hope you've recovered from the unbelievable weather we've been having this year. We battened down the hatches and stayed put in Jacksonville when Hurricane Irma blew through last month, and were fortunate to suffer no more than a loss of power and some yard debris. Shortly after, I rushed off to Baltimore for a presentation at the Baltimore Applique Society, followed by a visit with Mom and Dad in Pittsburgh that did my heart good! Fall Tea & Stitches is around the corner. And I'm thrilled to announce an exciting new venue for Spring Tea & Stitches in April 2018. Here's what's happening ...

Join Me in Amelia Island

I'm looking forward to Spring Tea & Stitches, which will take place April 12-15, 2018, at Hoyt House Bed & Breakfast in Amelia Island, Florida. It will be a lovely getaway and an unforgettable stitching experience!

Registration opens October 11. Space is limited.

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A Baltimore Reunion

I had a wonderful time presenting at the Baltimore Applique Society in September. The energy and enthusiasm for all things Baltimore is contagious! It was a pleasure to meet so many new friends, and to meet up with old friends and family members. An especially joyful reunion for me - my dear friend Elly Sienkiewicz, a brilliant artist and author who launched the Baltimore Album quilt revival 30 years ago and is always an inspiration to me!

Mark Your Calendars

Simply Charming. Learn everything you need to know to make this small, sweet quilt. Cut, stitch and applique the fan blades, embellish the completed fans and stitch the bird in the center. Fridays, Nov. 10, Dec. 8 and Jan. 12.

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Gerber Daisies. One of my favorite blocks from Spring Tapestry. It's a great way to practice ribbonwork and embroidery techniques, and you'll have a sweet block for framing. Friday, Nov. 10.

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Featured Product - Thread Kits

I've always loved Valdani threads, and am still honored that the company has created thread kits to complement three of my quilt patterns -- Fan Favorite, Spring Tapestry and Sisters' Garden. On Valdani's website, all three kits are available in Perle Cotton 8 and 12; Spring Tapestry is also available in 3-strand cotton floss for punchneedle. Stop in to see the kits at Cinnamon's Quilt Shoppe this month, or view the colors online.

For Your Quilting Library

While designing and working with my Bambi panel for this week's Fall Tea & Stitches retreat, I looked for inspiration for fabric flowers in Kumiko Sudo's books. "Fantasies & Flowers, Origami in Fabric for Quilters" is one of my favorites. The book offers 30 flower designs with step-by-step instructions and full-size templates. It includes many beautiful flowers, but I particularly love the snapdragons as they double for beautiful rose buds. May you too find inspiration within the pages of this book!

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Stitching Companions

Our four sweet stitching companions weathered the hurricane with us. Sophia hid under the bed, but the others slept through the high winds and rain. Nevertheless, they were all exhausted the next day. Here's one of our "morning after" photos.

In Closing

Wishing you fine stitching weather, and friends to share it with. As always stay stitching!

STAY CONNECTED:

Graham Cracker Collection | 904-725-7499 | grahamcrackercollection@gmail.com