What's New at PSQ Week of July 4, 2011

Hi all!  What a week I've had.  As I mentioned a few weeks ago, my laptop was dying a slow and painful death.  The left "clicker" had fallen off, the only way you could view the screen was if I left it open no more than 45 degrees (try that sometime - it's fun!) and in the final days the power cord AND battery had died (yes, you're right, without one or the other - NO POWER).  The good news was that I had purchased the warranty on the laptop, the bad news was the warranty was set to expire at the end of June (and it was the first of June).  So...I spent one week transferring files, setting up my email and doing all the other prep work I needed to ensure PSQ (and I) kept functioning while they had my laptop for an estimated 2-3 weeks!

I sent my laptop off and after 2 1/2 weeks (with periodic emails telling me "We're working on it and all is fine!), I got the phone call.  "Mrs. Deering we have deemed that your laptop is BEYOND REPAIR!"  Uh, what!  The good news is...they told me to head to my nearest Best Buy and they would hand me a brand new lap top.  The bad news is...I spent the last week uploading all the stuff that I pulled off my old computer (which in the words of the folks at Best Buy had been "junked out").  Not too hard until you realize just how many things you have on your computer with passwords.  Oh yes, I have spent the better part of the last week trying to remember all my passwords so I can...get on facebook, my blog, twitter, my bank, my payroll service and the list goes on and on.

As of today I think I have FINALLY managed to get my new computer back to normal (with the exception of my printer at the shop which does not like the new lap top and so far will not play nicely with each other!).  But I have faith that my best friend's husband will pull his computer geek magic and make it all work.  Because, let's be honest, some of this stuff has to be achieved by magic, right? 

So...I'm now typing away on my new laptop (with the screen fully open - my lower back appreciates that!) and I'm finally technologically available to tell you all that's new at PSQ this week!

PSQ Seeks World Domination
Okay, we don't really want World Domination but we'd take a little national recognition if offered!  So...I am submitting our annual nomination for Prairie Shop Quilts to be considered as a Top Ten Shop in Quilt Sampler magazine and I need your help.  Now that we are utilizing Twitter, Facebook and have our own blog site, I'd like to show that we have lots of followers.  I'm not looking for Ashton Kusher numbers but...if you are already signed up with one of these social networking sites, we'd love to have you sign up to receive our Tweets, "friend" us on Facebook and check out our blog.  If you do anyone of these options before August 1, we will give you 10% off your ENTIRE purchase (excluding sale items, gift certificates and class fees) on the day you come in and tell us that you joined PSQ in our social networking world.  Now, we will be utilizing the honor system since I can't be glued to my computer 24 hours a day making a list of all who have joined, but I trust you all to be honest and I really appreciate your help.

Thanks for your continued support of PSQ!  We LOVE our customers!

Batavia Quilt and Textile Show - Bigger Than Ever!
Thank you ALL so much for submitting your entries for the Batavia Quilt and Textile Show.  We put out the call and you answered.  By July 1st they had to start turning quilters away because we had hit our capacity.  I can't wait to see all the fabulous quilts and textiles you all have contributed to make this, our fifth annual Quilt show, the biggest and best ever!

Next Friday evening, following the first day of the Quilt Show, join us for an evening presentation.  Make sure to get your tickets soon for Chris Moline, AQS certified appraiser who will give a presentation and trunk show titled "A Collector's Diary". For more information on the show and the Friday night program click here or contact the nice folks at the Batavia Depot Museum at 630-406-5274.  I know they are also looking for volunteers (code for you get to touch and stare at all the pretty quilts!), contact Carla or Chris at the number above.

 Products to Help You Get Your Quilt Ready for the Show!
And now that the applications are all in, you have to get those quilts labeled and put sleeves on them, right?  Well, don't panic, we have two products to make your life easier.  First to get those labels on quick and neat, try Printed Treasures - a paper backed fabric that goes right into your printer and allows you to print customized labels (in color if you have a color printer). Then simply fuse the label down or hand sew it to the back of your quilt.  If you aren't too wordy (but you should include the name of the quilt, your name and the date finished at the very least!), you can print 2 or 3 labels on one sheet of Printed Treasures.

 For the sleeves, try our "Hang Ups" pre-made sleeves.  They come in a box with 3 yards of pre-made sleeves.  You can cut them to the width of your quilt (or I cut mine into smaller sections and attach it in three places along the back). You can hand sew the sleeves on OR if you are short on time like me...pin them on with safety pins.  Easy on, easy off!  Love it!

Classes
New Applique Sampler
Saturdays, July 9 and 16 from 1 pm to 3 pm; Saturday, July 23 from 10 am to 12 pm; Saturdays, September 10 and 24 from 10 am to 12 pm; and Saturday, September 17 from 2 pm to 4 pm
Learn the more advanced techniques of needle turn applique while creating a beautiful sampler quilt.  Be amazed at what you can do!  Must have taken pre-requisite Applique Primer class.
Class Fee: $78
Instructor: Leanne Hurley
Level: Beginner

The Basics
Sundays, July 10, 24, and 31, August 7, 14 and 21 from 12 pm to 4 pm
Learn the basic techniques of quilting that will give each student a solid foundation to use as a spring board to more complicated projects.  Students will make a sampler quilt of 16 different blocks while learning numerous techniques and building a wealth of quilting knowledge.  Students who take this class will have learned the skills to tackle just about any quilting technique.  The Basics is an excellent opportunity to start at the beginning no matter how long you've been quilting.
Class Fee: $135
Instructor:  Barbara Rippel
Level:  Beginner

Anything Goes
Thursdays, July 14, August 11 September 8 from 6 pm to 8 pm
Are you stuck on a project?  Almost done but just don't know how to finish it?  Have a new technique you want to try but just don't know how to start?  Well, we have the class for you because at "Anything Goes"...Anything Goes and instructor Barbara Rippel will teach you how to get started, get going and get it done!  Sign up and bring whatever quilt project you have and want to complete and get it done.
Class Fee: $20
Instructor:  Barbara Rippel
Level:  Any Level

Binding 101
Thursdays, July 14, August 11 September 8 from 6 pm to 8 pm
Your top is pieced, the borders are added, the quilt is quilted...now what?  We will cover the basics of binding in this three hour class.  We will cover how to trim the quilt for binding, how to make straight grain and bias binding and how to attach the binding to the quilt with perfect mitered corners.  Extras include that wonderful flange of fabric under the binding that adds so much punch.  We are hoping that after this class binding may be your favorite part of the quilt making process.
Class Fee: $24
Instructor:  Connie Pomering
Level:  Beginner

First Star
Saturday, July 23 from 1 pm to48 pm
When you wish upon a star!!  Now you can do more that dream about making a sensational star quilt!  Learn how traditional designs come together using rotary cutting and strip piecing methods without set-seams to make a dazzling star quilt.  The possibilities for this quilt are endless just by changing the layout and color selections.  Come to the class and see how easy it is and soon you'll be snuggling under the stars!
Class Fee: $21
Instructor:  Janet Blazekovich
Level:  Beginner

I hope you all had a wonderful Fourth.  We enoyed our annual viewing of the fabulous but, alas, historically skewed musical "1776" and partook of our favorite Independence Day treat 'smores - yummy!  This weekend we'll be celebrating Amelia's 12th birthday with two parties (friends and family).  How my little baby got to be 12 and so tall, I'll never figure out!  Time flies!  Have a great weekend, stop in and say hi this weekend and don't forget to join us in the Social Media revolution - John Adams and Benjamin Franklin's little revolution had nothing on us!

Happy Quilting!
Bonita

Prairie Shop Quilts
"Quilting With a Mission"
1911 West Wilson Street
Batavia, Illinois 60510
630-406-0237
info@prairieshopquilts.com
www.prairieshopquilts.com
BLOG prairieshopquilts.blogspot.com

And check us out on Facebook

Hours
Monday through Friday - 10 am to 6 pm
THURSDAYS OPEN UNTIL 8 pm
Saturdays - 10 am to 5 pm
Sundays - Noon to 4 pm

What's New Week of June 26

Hi all!  Did you ever have one of those days when you had a list of "Things to Do"?  Well, today (my "Day Off" - she writes with a giggle) involved about 6 errands and the Long Arm quilting of a King Size quilt, writing the email and processing payroll.  By 2 pm I had finished all 6 errands (plus one extra I threw in for good measure), the quilt was more than half way quilted and I was getting cocky.  By my figuring, I would have the quilt, email and payroll done by 7 and I'd have the whole evening to watch re-runs of "Bones"!

Well, as we all know, just when we think we've got it all together, Fate steps in and trips us!  I won't go into the details but with literally HALF a row of quilting left, I got a call from the shop and....long story short, it is now nearly 8 pm and I'm just sitting down to write the email, payroll isn't done (but it will be to all my staff who just gasped!!) and I'm trying to eat my dinner as I type away so...I would say I'm going to keep the email short and sweet but the ship has already sailed on that one.

Nevertheless, I'll get it all done (sleep is overrated)...here's what's new at PSQ this week!
Quilts of Valor this Tuesday
Each month, PSQ welcomes a wonderful group of ladies who cut, press and sew quilts for soldiers returning from service.  This month, the Quilts of Valor Sew In will take place this Tuesday, July 5 beginning at 10 am and running until about 2 pm.  Many hands make quick work and result in lots of quilts.  Bring your sewing machine (or don't and instead help to cut and press) and join us for this wonderful cause.  We need all the help we can get to keep up with the number of returning soldiers.  Stop in and help us make a difference.

Northern IL Quilt Fest Shop Hop Starts Friday
This summer the collar counties of Northern IL are hosting a three month long Quilt Fest and Shop Hop (and they've welcomed a few of us quilt shops a little bit farther south to join in too!)  We have passports available now for the hop that will starts tomorrow, Friday, July 1 and runs through September 30.  We have our gift basket set out so stop in a see what you could win.

There are 22 participating shop AND when you visit a shop and get your passport stamped, you get 15% of all regularly priced items (excluding class fees and gift certificates) at the shop that day.  So, to get all the details, a list of participating shops and a list of all the great prizes including a Bernina 350 PE sewing machine and travel tote clink on this link to the passport siterepository.s3.amazonaws.com/00875201106230633148577.pdf or stop in the shop and pick one up.  Lots of fun and lots of time to visit lots of shops.  Excellent!  There are also several quilt related events happening in conjunction with the fest all summer long so click here for more information on that, toowww.northernillinoisquiltfest.com

Fabric
Prince Charming by Free Spirit Fabrics - This fabric line is fresh and crisp in gorgeous shades of coral, green, blue, teal, pink and more.  The fabric designs are bold and graphic and would make a perfect quilt for a tween or teen. 

Kaffe Fassett Collection - We just got in more bolts of the wonderful Kaffe Fasset line of fabrics.  Kaffe fabrics are known for their deep rich colors, bold designs and modern looks.  They play nicely with other fabrics and work fabulously together (even though they are very different in color and feel).   Check them out but be forewarned, once you try them, you'll want more and more!  And, that's okay!

Magazine
The Quilt Life with Alex Anderson and Ricky Timms - This is one of the most beautifully printed quilting magazines out there.  This issue's cover is gorgeous with a fabulous tomato quilt in red, yellow, black and white.  Inside there is a great article on how to make your best lone star ever.  There is an article (with stunning photos) of a quilt show at the Park Avenue Armory in New York City that featured 651 red and white quilts.  And, another feature that brings nationally known quilter, Paula Nadelstern and her piecing genius to you through an informative question and answer session.  The Quilt Life is not your ordinary quilt magazine but, in my opinion it's an extraordinary quilt magazine that belongs in your quilting library.

Kits/Samples
Xanadu from Blue Underground Studios - The ladies at Blue Underground Studios continue to create one fabulous and unique quilt pattern after another.  When I saw one of their newest releases, Xanadu, I knew we had to make a sample from our gorgeous batiks.  And, I was right.  Check out this gorgeous, bright and beautiful quilt that is good size (a large lap/twin) that is easy to assemble and so appealing.  We have kits (but they are going fast so we're busy cutting more!).  

Scrabble Jack by Happy Hollows - Last week I told you about all the great Christmas kits we had gotten in.  Well, I didn't want you to think that I had forgotten about Halloween.  Check out "Scrabble Jack" - a fanciful, patchwork Jack O Lantern that is stitched together quickly and easily using the fusible grid method.  "Scrabble" like tiles serve as his teeth and spell out Happy Halloween.  So cute and a wonderful addition to your Halloween decorations.  




Classes
Hand Applique Primer
Saturday, July 2 from 1 pm to 3 pm and July 9 from 10 am to 12 pm
You've asked for it and now you've got it...a comprehensive course to learn everything there is to know about hand applique.  Instructore Leanne Hurley will walk you through the step by step process to learn needle-turn applique.  Each class will include terrific tips and tricks on how to handle points, inside and outside curves, bias strips and more.  Find out what tools work and don't work and get guidance from a true expert in the technique.  This class is the pre-requisite to the New Applique Sampler class.
Class Fee: $35 (includes kits)
Instructor:  Leanne Hurley
Level:  Beginner

New Applique Sampler
Saturdays, July 9 and 16 from 1 pm to 3 pm; Saturday, July 23 from 10 am to 12 pm; Saturdays, September 10 and 24 from 10 am to 12 pm; and Saturday, September 17 from 2 pm to 4 pm
Learn the more advanced techniques of needle turn applique while creating a beautiful sampler quilt.  Be amazed at what you can do!  Must have taken pre-requisite Applique Primer class.
Class Fee: $78
Instructor: Leanne Hurley
Level: Beginner

The Basics
Sundays, July 10, 24, and 31, August 7, 14 and 21 from 12 pm to 4 pm
Learn the basic techniques of quilting that will give each student a solid foundation to use as a spring board to more complicated projects.  Students will make a sampler quilt of 16 different blocks while learning numerous techniques and building a wealth of quilting knowledge.  Students who take this class will have learned the skills to tackle just about any quilting technique.  The Basics is an excellent opportunity to start at the beginning no matter how long you've been quilting.
Class Fee: $135
Instructor:  Barbara Rippel
Level:  Beginner

Have a wonderful long weekend and a Happy Fourth!  The Deerings will be enjoying our annual viewing of our favorite musical "1776".  Who knew our Founding Fathers were also fabulous singers!  Remember, PSQ will be closed on the Fourth but we're open all weekend and will re-open on Tuesday morning at 10 am.

Bonita

Prairie Shop Quilts
"Quilting With a Mission"
1911 West Wilson Street
Batavia, Illinois 60510
630-406-0237
info@prairieshopquilts.com
www.prairieshopquilts.com
BLOG prairieshopquilts.blogspot.com

And check us out on Facebook

Hours - CLOSED FOR THE FOURTH OF JULY
Monday through Friday - 10 am to 6 pm
THURSDAYS OPEN UNTIL 8 pm
Saturdays - 10 am to 5 pm
Sundays - Noon to 4 pm

What's New At PSQ Week of June 26

PSQ Summer Class Open House Continues
Now that you've had some time to look over the new Summer Class schedule, it's time to sign up for classes and have some fun at PSQ this summer.  And we're here to make it easy AND save you some money, too!  Now through Sunday, June 26 when you sign up for a class (or several) you can save 20% on your entire purchase (excluding gift certificates, class fees and sale items).  That's like having your very own SALE!  Sweet!

Our classroom is bright and air conditioned, each student has her own table and soft, comfy chair AND we have the best teachers anywhere!  We have a wide range of classes for all levels of quilters and as long as one person signs up for a class, it's a go!  No more buying your supplies then finding out the class was cancelled due to low attendance (like at some other shops).  And even when the open house discount is over, you always save 15% on your class supplies and on the day of your class you save 15% off your entire purchase.  Summer is the perfect time to take a class, meet some friends, learn a new technique (or two!) and make something beautiful!

And if you need another chance to check out the classes, here's a link to our newsletter siterepository.s3.amazonaws.com/00875201106060515008536.pdf

Batavia Quilt and Textile Show - Deadline Extended!
You still have time to submit your application for the Batavia Quilt and Textile Show this July 15 - 17.  The deadline to submit your application (and only your application - quilts aren't due until mid July!)  is now July 1.   Just go to www.bataviaquiltshow.com and click on the exhibitor application form.  Fill it out and drop it off at the shop (I'll take care of getting it to the right people for you) or you can drop the forms at the Batavia Depot Museum.  It's easy - no excuses!

And don't forget they will have a special display of Patriotic Themed quilts so pull out your red, white and blue quilts and show them off!  It's the patriotic thing to do!  Plus they are also looking for more vintage quilts so search your closets, attic and blanket chest for those vintage beauties you have tucked away.

To make it even easier, we have pre-made sleeves available for sale at PSQ.  Just trim the sleeve to fit the size of your quilt and sew (or safety pin) them on.  Easy Peasy!  Now, what are you waiting for?

Northern IL Quilt Fest Shop Hop
This summer the collar counties of Northern IL are hosting a three month long Quilt Fest and Shop Hop (and they've welcomed a few of us quilt shops a little bit farther south to join in too!)  We have passports available now for the hop that will run from July 1 through September 30.  There are 22 participating shop AND when you visit a shop and get your passport stamped, you get 15% of all regularly priced items (excluding class fees and gift certificates) at the shop that day.  So, to get all the details, a list of participating shops and a list of all the great prizes including a Bernina 350 PE sewing machine and travel tote clink on this link to the passportsiterepository.s3.amazonaws.com/00875201106230633148577.pdf or stop in the shop and pick one up.  Lots of fun and lots of time to visit lots of shops.  Excellent!  There are also several quilt related events happening in conjunction with the fest all summer long so click here for more information on that, too www.northernillinoisquiltfest.com.

Vintage Yo-Yo Santa - We sell out of this kit year after year.  It's adorable, easy to make and is a perfect holiday decoration year after year (oh, and did I mention it includes Yo-Yos?).  Santa features a beard of yo-yos with jingle bells, a cute patchwork hat, button eyes, nose and glasses.  We have patterns and accessory kits to make this adorable wall hanging fast and fun!

Holiday Espresso Kits - These kits are so much fun to make, you'll want to make them all!  Last Christmas Amelia (our 11 year old daughter) and I made four in one weekend.  Well, let me clarify, Amelia made four I just sat back and watched (oh and made sure she didn't burn anything with the hot glue gun!).  Each kit for the fabric ornaments comes in a paper coffee cup with a lid (so cute and makes a perfect Secret Santa gift exchange) and includes EVERYTHING you need to make one ornament.  We have lots of different designs - Gingerbread, Santa, reindeer and more!  Perfect summer projects to work on when the grandkids come to visit!

Stumpy Santa - The best thing about Stumpy Santa is (like the espresso kits) everything you need to make Santa comes right in the kit.  Very little sewing is required to make this adorable Santa who sits so nicely on a table or fireplace mantel.  Again, great project to make with kids.  Fast and easy with immediate gratification!

Button Santa - This wall hanging/table topper is SO CUTE!  There are five Santa heads complete with fuzzy beards (yes, you have to touch them everytime you are near!), adorable faces, patchwork hats and jingle bells.  We have a great sample of this one at the shop (actually we have samples of all the Christmas projects I've mentioned above) and you can make it shorter or longer to fit your decorating needs. 












Classes
Chrysanthemum
Saturday, June 25 from 10 am to 4 pm
Join Janet in creating some great Log Cabin blocks that your Grandmother might never have though to create.  Students will make diamonds and triangles as a starting point and then put on specially cut logs.
Class Fee: $42
Instructor:  Janet Blazekovich
Level:  Confident Beginner

Hand Applique Primer
Saturday, July 2 and July 9 from 10 am to 12 pm
You've asked for it and now you've got it...a comprehensive course to learn everything there is to know about hand applique.  Instructore Leanne Hurley will walk you through the step by step process to learn needle-turn applique.  Each class will include terrific tips and tricks on how to handle points, inside and outside curves, bias strips and more.  Find out what tools work and don't work and get guidance from a true expert in the technique.  This class is the pre-requisite to the New Applique Sampler class.
Class Fee: $35 (includes kits)
Instructor:  Leanne Hurley
Level:  Beginner

New Applique Sampler
Saturdays, July 9 and 16 from 1 pm to 3 pm; Saturday, July 23 from 10 am to 12 pm; Saturdays, September 10 and 24 from 10 am to 12 pm; and Saturday, September 17 from 2 pm to 4 pm
Learn the more advanced techniques of needle turn applique while creating a beautiful sampler quilt.  Be amazed at what you can do!  Must have taken pre-requisite Applique Primer class.
Class Fee: $78
Instructor: Leanne Hurley
Level: Beginner

The Basics
Sundays, July 10, 24, and 31, August 7, 14 and 21 from 12 pm to 4 pm
Learn the basic techniques of quilting that will give each student a solid foundation to use as a spring board to more complicated projects.  Students will make a sampler quilt of 16 different blocks while learning numerous techniques and building a wealth of quilting knowledge.  Students who take this class will have learned the skills to tackle just about any quilting technique.  The Basics is an excellent opportunity to start at the beginning no matter how long you've been quilting.

Stop in and sign up for some classes and save through Sunday!  And check out all the new Christmas projects we have to keep you busy all summer long!  Have a great weekend AND Happy Quilting!

Bonita

Prairie Shop Quilts
"Quilting With a Mission"
1911 West Wilson Street
Batavia, Illinois 60510
630-406-0237
info@prairieshopquilts.com
www.prairieshopquilts.com
BLOG prairieshopquilts.blogspot.com

And check us out on Facebook

Hours
Monday through Friday - 10 am to 6 pm
THURSDAYS OPEN UNTIL 8 pm
Saturdays - 10 am to 5 pm
Sundays - Noon to 4 pm

What's New Week of June 16

PSQ Summer Class Open House
Now that you've had some time to look over the new Summer Class schedule, it's time to sign up for classes and have some fun at PSQ this summer.  And we're here to make it easy AND save you some money, too!  Starting this Monday, June 20 through Sunday, June 26 when you sign up for a class (or several) you can save 20% on your entire purchase (excluding gift certificates, class fees and sale items).  That's like having your very own SALE!  Sweet! 

Our classroom is bright and air conditioned, each student has her own table and soft, comfy chair AND we have the best teachers anywhere!  We have a wide range of classes for all levels of quilters and as long as one person signs up for a class, it's a go!  No more buying your supplies then finding out the class was cancelled due to low attendance (like at some other shops).  And even when the open house discount is over, you always save 15% on your class supplies and on the day of your class you save 15% off your entire purchase.  Summer is the perfect time to take a class, meet some friends, learn a new technique (or two!) and make something beautiful!

And if you need another chance to check out the classes, here's a link to our newsletter siterepository.s3.amazonaws.com/00875201106060515008536.pdf

Batavia Quilt and Textile Show
Okay, I did as promised and quilted up my very first quilt (warts and all - well, no warts but some seriously slipped points and one big mistake!).  I just need to get the binding on and that baby is going to make its very first public appearance (as a finished quilt) in the Batavia Quilt and Textile Show this July 15 - 17.  There is still time to get your applications in.  Just go to www.bataviaquiltshow.com and click on the exhibitor application form.  Fill it out and drop it off at the shop (I'll take care of getting it to the right people for you).  No excuses! 

And don't forget they will have a special display of Patriotic Themed quilts so pull out your red, white and blue quilts and show them off!  It's the patriotic thing to do!

Patterns
Christmas Celebrations by Deanne Eisenman - Yes, I know, it's ANOTHER tree skirt pattern but I can't help myself!  This one features colorful presents (pieced) and fun candy canes and holly (fuse or applique).  Make it traditional in reds and greens or go wild and use some fun and funky holiday prints to liven up your "gifts".  Either way, I just may be adding this tree skirt to my ever growing stack!  Guess we're going to need another Christmas tree!

Mr. Bone Jangles by Quilted Frog - I made the sample of this funky, dancing skeleton a few years ago but year after year, this pattern is one of our best sellers.  It's the perfect size to hang on your door and welcome your trick or treaters this Halloween.  And we just got in a new supply of these patterns and a line of Halloween fabric (with more to come).  So what are you waiting for?  Halloween is only four months away!

Books
Quilt Label Collective by C&T Publishing - When the quilt is quilted and the binding is on, you're done, right?  Well, not quite.  If you have seen an episode of The Antiques Roadshow when they are appraising a quilt, you know that quilts that are dated with a name and place are far more valuable than non marked quilts.  Plus, money aside, it's just a good idea to sign and date your piece of art!  This handy CD will make that process so much easier and good looking, too!  Just pop the CD in your computer, pick from one of the 150 designs, personalize them and print them on paper backed fabric (we recommend Printed Treasures).  Once it's printed, fuse or sew it on and voila - you just increased the value of your quilt (and staked your claim to your quilt). 

Jelly Babies from the staff at That Patchwork Place - Jelly rolls (2 1/2" pre cut strips) are fun and easy to use and now this book is FULL of adorable baby quilts to inspire you!  My favorite, "Whoo's Your Baby" featuring row after row of fun and funky owls.  All of the quilts are easy to make and don't forget, if you can't find a jelly roll of your favorite fabric...just cut them yourself!  Easy peasy and so darn cute!

Make It Merry by Whimsicals - I've been telling you the last few weeks about the wonderful Christmas line - Winterberry Lane.  We've already designed, created and kitted a quilt from this whimsical holiday line and NOW you have this book to inspire you even more.  You know my obsession with tree skirts?  Well, I only had to turn to page two to find a fabulous (quick and easy) tree skirt and I would make in a second (if I didn't already have five tree skirts at my house - and only four trees!).  But that shouldn't stop you!  Or check out the fun ornament wall hanging, lots of great quilts, a tea cozy (or store stuff box) and you'll definitely want to make the "Jolly Holly Placemats".  But, this fabric is going fast (I've already had to re-order some of it) so don't wait.  Start your holiday sewing now!

Maverick Quilts - Using Large Scale Prints, Novelty Fabrics and Panels with Panache by Alethea Ballard - At PSQ we pride ourselves on having something for everyone in the way of fabrics.  Well, guess what, we have lots of large scale prints (check out our selection of Kaffe Fasset fabrics), novelties (oh yeah, we've got a LOT of those - including fun food fabrics) and panels (Yep, we've got those too).  So, if you've ever wanted to try anyone of these three (or all of them), just grab this book and be inspired!  This book goes through a step by step process on how best to utilized the fabrics to make the most of them and make them a perfect feature on your quilts.  And then there are ten projects to let you practice your newly learned talent!  My favorite - Bella Boxes featuring an awesome striped fabric (my favorite) and Square Dinkum - who knew squares in squares could be so fun!

Colorful Stash Busters by Mary Cowan - Okay, whether or not we admit it, we ALL have a stash of fabric (and that's a good thing).  Now we have this great book to help us delve into that fabulous stash and do something with it (what a novel idea!).  The book features ten projects including quilts, table toppers and even a great bag!  I love the "Jazz It Up Table Runner" and the flippin adorable "Fun House Baby Quilt" (the name doesn't do this quilt justice - it features playful daisies, strips of stripes AND rick rack!)  So stand back (leaving a safe distance to account for piles of falling fabric), open the closet door and let your stash out to play!
















Classes
Chrysanthemum
To see photos of the classes below click here and click on Class GallerySaturday, June 25 from 10 am to 4 pm
Join Janet in creating some great Log Cabin blocks that your Grandmother might never have though to create.  Students will make diamonds and triangles as a starting point and then put on specially cut logs.
Class Fee: $42
Instructor:  Janet Blazekovich
Level:  Confident Beginner

Hand Applique Primer
Saturday, July 2 and July 9 from 10 am to 12 pm
You've asked for it and now you've got it...a comprehensive course to learn everything there is to know about hand applique.  Instructore Leanne Hurley will walk you through the step by step process to learn needle-turn applique.  Each class will include terrific tips and tricks on how to handle points, inside and outside curves, bias strips and more.  Find out what tools work and don't work and get guidance from a true expert in the technique.  This class is the pre-requisite to the New Applique Sampler class.
Class Fee: $35 (includes kits)
Instructor:  Leanne Hurley
Level:  Beginner

New Applique Sampler
Saturdays, July 9 and 16 from 1 pm to 3 pm; Saturday, July 23 from 10 am to 12 pm; Saturdays, September 10 and 24 from 10 am to 12 pm; and Saturday, September 17 from 2 pm to 4 pm
Learn the more advanced techniques of needle turn applique while creating a beautiful sampler quilt.  Be amazed at what you can do!  Must have taken pre-requisite Applique Primer class.
Class Fee: $78
Instructor: Leanne Hurley
Level: Beginner

The Basics
Sundays, July 10, 24, and 31, August 7, 14 and 21 from 12 pm to 4 pm
Learn the basic techniques of quilting that will give each student a solid foundation to use as a spring board to more complicated projects.  Students will make a sampler quilt of 16 different blocks while learning numerous techniques and building a wealth of quilting knowledge.  Students who take this class will have learned the skills to tackle just about any quilting technique.  The Basics is an excellent opportunity to start at the beginning no matter how long you've been quilting.

Have a wonderful week.  It's supposed to dry out (finally) and warm up (yahoo!).  But rain or shy, warm or cold things are always dry and comfortable at PSQ.  I'll be driving up to Bemidji, Minnesota to deliver Amelia to German camp so stop in and give the staff a hard time (no really, they love it!)  And while you're at the shop, sign up for a class or more and SAVE!  Now that's fun!
Bonita

Prairie Shop Quilts
"Quilting With a Mission"
1911 West Wilson Street
Batavia, Illinois 60510
630-406-0237
info@prairieshopquilts.com
www.prairieshopquilts.com
BLOG prairieshopquilts.blogspot.com

And check us out on Facebook

Hours
Monday through Friday - 10 am to 6 pm
THURSDAYS OPEN UNTIL 8 pm
Saturdays - 10 am to 5 pm
Sundays - Noon to 4 pm

What's New At PSQ 6-10-11

PSQ Summer Class Schedule Is HERE!BEFORE my lap top screen started turning fuzzy and purple, I was able to finish the new Summer PSQ class schedule.? So you can get it two different ways!  Go to our website, www.prairieshopquilts.com click on Class Gallery and then click on the "Summer PSQ Class Schedule/Newsletter" button on the left of the screen OR stop into the shop and get your very own paper copy while you also see our class samples up close and personal!? You can also find photos and descriptions of most of the upcoming classes on our website.? Alas, I uploaded the September classes but then screwed something up and deleted them and I didn't get a chance to upload them again today BUT?I will get them up shortly, I promise.? This is the first time I'm programming the new website and it's all new to me!?

So check out the new schedule and then join us for our Summer Class Open House Monday, June 20 through Sunday, June 26.? If you sign up for classes during the Open House you save 20% off your entire purchase (excluding class fees, sale items and gift certificates).? That's like having your very own sale!? And, don't forget that you always get 15% off all of your class supplies and on the day(s) of your class you save 15% off your entire purchase.

We have a lot of great classes this summer and it's ALWAYS cool and comfortable in our class room so as the politicians in Chicago always say (right before they head to jail) sign up now and sign up often (or something like that!)

Fabric
Batiks AND MORE Batiks!  Yep I told you that we had gotten in a bunch of new batiks last Thursday, well on Friday we got in even more for a total of 45 new bolts of beautiful batiks in just two days!  Check them out!  We also got in a fabulous new pattern that would be perfect in batiks (see below for a description of Xanadu! by Blue Underground Studios).

A Very Fairy Christmas by Loralie - And the Christmas fabric just keeps coming!  This time  A Very Fairy Christmas is very traditional - classic shades of red, green and white with some black and red for added flavor.  There are holly leaves and candy canes and snowflakes and it's all fabulous.  Check out the photos I'll post on the blog (just click on the link to our blog at the bottom of this email).  And check out all the inspirations we have on our front table.  If that doesn't get you in the mood to make something Christmassy - nothing will!

Books
Living Large 2 - 9 Designs for Large Scale Prints by Heather Peterson of Anka's Treasures - This book is full of bright, beautiful and bold quilts that are designed to showcase the fabulous big prints - think Kaffe Fasset!  The directions are clear and concise, the photos are fabulous and the quilts...even better!

Banner Days by Jo Morton - Jo Morton's books are always so lovely, you won't mind if you don't make a quilt from it.  You'll just want to sit down and look through it.  But, should you be inspired to make even one of her beautiful quilts, you will have 16 projects to choose from including projects that feature applique, piecing, three-framed projects, pillows and even a pin cushion!  PSQ has a large selection of Jo Morton fabrics but her patterns work great with any reproduction fabric

Jolly Snowmen Quilt Kit - if you go to last week's blog you can see this easy to make and cute Christmas Quilt/Wall hanging featuring adorable snowmen and holly berries.

Holiday Traditions Table Topper/Tree Skirt panel - if you want a quick and easy project for yourself or as a gift, check out this great panel that features images of Christmas past.  I just quilted it up and bound it.  Quick and perfect.   It looks great with my Yo-Yo Christmas tree on top!

Snow Merry and Bright Christmas Quilt Kit - Yep, I got another Christmas quilt done!  There is also a photo of this one on last week's blog (you just have to scroll down to get to the next blog).  We just finished up the kits and they are so cute!  Whew four quilts in just two months - I LOVE Christmas, can you tell?

Patterns
Xanadu by Blue Underground Studios - With the huge number of batiks we have at PSQ, I've been looking for a great new pattern to feature as many baitks as possible and I think I found the perfect one in Xanadu.   The pattern is simple but packs a colorful punch.  And all it takes is 24 1/4 yard cuts of batiks (or any fabric, really).  Our PSQ staff is working on a sample and we'll have it kitted up soon!

Winterberry Singles by Whimsicals - I've told you about the great panel that came with the Winterberry Christmas line and now we have patterns that feature all four of the different areas of the panel you can use to create four simple and quick to make Christmas wall hangings. 

Classes
Chrysanthemum
Saturday, June 25 from 10 am to 4 pm
Join Janet in creating some great Log Cabin blocks that your Grandmother might never have though to create.  Students will make diamonds and triangles as a starting point and then put on specially cut logs.
Class Fee: $42
Instructor:  Janet Blazekovich
Level:  Confident Beginner

Enjoy the Summer Class schedule and make sure to stop in at PSQ and see all the changes we've made.  There's new Christmas projects on the front table, new quilts on the walls and the classroom is full of new and inspiring class samples.  I LOVE going to work each day!  Have a great week, stay warm (or cool depending on the day!) and quilt something!

Happy Quilting!

Bonita

What's New At PSQ 6-3-11

Hi All!  Here's what's new at PSQ this week!

Batavia Quilt ShowNow in its fifth year, the Batavia Quilt and Textile Show is going to be even bigger and better! Each year, I tell people that they should submit their quilts for this show and each year I hear, "Oh, my quilts aren't good enough to be in a show." So, to prove to you all that any and ALL quilts should be featured in this show, I am bringing my very FIRST quilt out of the drawer, quilting it, binding it and putting that baby in the show. I made this quilt about 11 years ago in a class I took at Stitches and Stuffing. All my points are clipped and it doesn't lay flat but...on second viewing (it's been in that drawer a LONG time) it's not so bad! And quilting it will do wonders! So...you have no excuse and my guess is your quilts are a lot better than my first one.

I have application forms available at the shop OR you can go to the Quilt Show website at  and click on "Exhibitor Application". The forms (but not the quilts) are due in by June 15 (quilts don't have to be turned in until July). Stop making excuses and show the world (or at least the Fox Valley) your beautiful quilts!
Fabric
Four All Seasons Winter by Andover - Funky and fun, this playful line from Andover is non-traditional but so fun. In bold colors of black, red, green and cream, featuring fun snowmen and cardinals and great graphic shapes - Four All Seaons has a large print that features snowmen and cardinals "floating" in ornaments. I think you could make a cute (and so fast) wall hanging by just cutting one row from the large print, binding it and hanging it from a cute rod with a fancy cord.  AND, believe it or not, there are STILL a few more Christmas lines due to arrive this month!
Batiks!!!! - Yep, our next shipment of 30 of the most beautiful batiks has arrived. They are bold, bright and beautiful and join the huge selection of batiks we already have in stock. AND, there is still more coming! By the end of the summer, we will have the entire line of Island Batiks' Batiks Essentials so stay tuned for more. The fabric came in today so I didn't get a photo of it but watch for a photo on next week's blog.

Tricks and Treats by Marcus Brothers - Just when you thought we must have forgotten all about Halloween, here comes our first line. Here's a link to the Marcus Brothers website so you can see what it looks like www.marcusfabrics.com/cgi-bin/fabricgallery/gallery.cgi

Samples
Oops!  I forgot to write about this in the email so only those of you who check out the blog get to see it first!

Here's the panel for the table topper/tree skirt that I mentioned last week.  It was soooo fast.  I quilted pantograph on the long arm in less than an hour and my speedy staff had the awesome plaid binding on in an afternoon.  Quick, simple and would make a great gift.  Perfect for a table topper with a poinsettia or large candle or my cute little yo-yo Christmas tree!

And this is hot off the Long Arm, too. Check out this adorable quilt from a free pattern for the Jolly Snowman line. Another quick and easy quilt with a central panel, easy half square triangles and fusible applique. The colors are fun and those snowmen sure are jolly! Did I mention we have kits!!!

Winterberry Lane by Red Rooster - I LOVE this line and have already made a quilt from it (and it only came in last Thursday). It's whimsical, warm and cozy in subtle shades of reds, browns, creams and greens with a FABULOUS panel that you could use a ton of ways (pillows, wallhangings and cut up into blocks OR just quilt the panel). We are making up kits as we speak.

Classes
Not Your Grandmother's Log Cabin
Saturday, June 4 & 11 from 1 pm to 4 pm and Saturday, June 18 from 2 pm to 4 pm
This quilt is a twist on doing a log cabin. Instead of squares, we'll be making diamonds and triangles.
Class Fee: $56
Instructor: Pamela Faber
Level: Confident Beginner

Anything GoesThursday, June 9 from 6 pm to 8 pm
This class assists students who need a little extra help with a project or want to start a new project. You decide what to work on, sew at your own pace, learn with guidance and build relationships with others who share a passion for quilting.
Class Fee: $20
Instructor: Barbara Rippel
Level: Beginner and Up
Machine Embroidery Club
Monday, June 13 from 10 am to 12 pm
Drag that brand new Embroidery Machine out of the box and start making beutiful embroidered pieces in this fun club. A great way to learn all the functions of your embroidery machine, this month students will learn how to make cute, embroidered buttons.
Class Fee: $18
Instructor: Becky Robinson
Level: Beginner & Up

ChrysanthemumSaturday, June 25 from 10 am to 4 pmJoin Janet in creating some great Log Cabin blocks that your Grandmother might never have though to create. Students will make diamonds and triangles as a starting point and then put on specially cut logs.
Class Fee: $42
Instructor: Janet Blazekovich
Level: Confident Beginner

Have a wonderful weekend. I spent most of the Memorial Day weekend piecing and quilting, and I had a wonderful time. The Summer class schedule will be out next week and the samples will be up by Monday so stop in and check them out. I'll be working next week to get all the classes uploaded to the website, too! It's an exciting time at PSQ!
Happy Quilting!

Bonita