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

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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