What's New At PSQ May 12, 2011

Sandra Dallas' "The Bride's House" is HERE!I just finished Sandra Dallas' book "New Mercies" (I LOVED IT!) and was headed to the library to get yet another of her wonderful novels (I've read four of her books since I found out she was coming to Batavia!) when Cindy called to tell me that "The Bride's House", Ms. Dallas' latest novel, had arrived at the shop! Yahoo!

If you haven't already ordered your copy, stop in the shop and pick up your copy. All of Ms. Dallas' novels are historically based and have characters who quilt (history and quilting - my two favorite things!). We will also have copies of the book available at the Batavia Public Library on May 21 when Ms. Dallas comes for an author talk and reading beginning at 3 pm. If you purchase your copy of "The Brides House" from PSQ, you will receive a number to have your book signed at the event.

Tickets to see Sandra Dallas are FREE and available at PSQ and the Batavia Public Library. AND, they are going fast, so stop in now, get your tickets and pick up your copy of "The Bride's House" today!

PSQ is also hosting a "Meet the Author" reception at the shop at 6 pm. The cost for the reception is just $10 and include refreshments (including a great cake from Good Gracious Cakes) and the opportunity to meet the author one on one.

Mission: Seams Impossible Challenge 2 WinnersPrairie Shop Quilts is half way through our third annual search for the Next Great Quilter of the Fox Valley through our contest Mission: Seams Impossible. This time the contestants were asked to create a quilt piece that best represents the theme "Namaste" - a yoga term that represents the belief that there is a Divine spark within each of us that is located in the heart chakra. Each challenge we partner with a local business person to serve as Guest Judge. This challenge we worked with Jackie Kold (my personal trainer) and the owner of Jackie Kold Fitness.

The entries are FANTASTIC and you can see photos of the winners on our website (www.prairieshopquilts.com) . Just click on "Mission Seams Impossible 3" and enjoy. Congratulations to our winners:

First Place and winner of a $100 PSQ Gift Certificate - Karen Collins
Honorable Mention/Guest Judges Choice and winner of a $50 PSQ Gift Certificate - Ann Sands
Honorable Mention and winner of a $50 PSQ Gift Certificate - Brenda Duran
Amelia's Choice and winner of a $25 PSQ Gift Certificate - Kay Nolan

There is one more challege left with the theme to be announced June 1. Anyone can enter and the prizes are great (if I do say so myself). Stop in or call for more details!

Winter Wonderland Panel

To All A Good Night - I told you last week how addicted I am to Christmas fabric, right? Well, two weeks - two Christmas quilts done! This weekend I pieced and quilted the beautiful and SO FAST quilt "To All A Good Night" from the Yuletide Magic fabric by Benartex. The quilt features a lovely panel that LOOKS pieced but isn't and is surrounded by square in a square blocks and a border. Quick and easy to make and looks much harder than it really is! I'll post a picture of the quilt on the blog. The colors are deep and rich red, green gold and black with lovely graphics. 

Jingle All the Way Sample

Jingle All the Way Panel

Sophisticated Hobo Bag - A great bag that looks great with any outfil and carries a lot of stuff!
Saturday, May 14 from 12 pm to 4 pm
This smart bag has it all! Pockets and personality. Leave the strap wide for comfort or narrow it up for added style. Caron will also share a technique for making a quilted cosmetic (or glasses or sewing kit) bag for a nice finishing touch.
Class Fee: $25
Instructor: Caron Carlson
Level: Confident Beginner

Versatile Unlined Jacket - A cute and flirty jacket that looks great on any body type!
Sunday, May 15 from 1 pm to 4 pm
Learn to make an unline versatile swing jacket from Anna Clair originals. The jacket patterns includes three collar options and you may use your serger or sewing machine to assemble. Students will also learn several seam finishes including: French, flat fell, Hong Kong binding and serged.
Class Fee: $23
Instructor: Becky Robinson
Level: Beginner