Eagle Creek

A few teasers for the event on display

Today I setup an 'event promotion' display case at Eagle Creek Quilt Shop. These items will be on display through February 2.

On February 1 & 2  I will be at the shop and I hope to see YOU there.

The first part of the day I will be speaking to the Breakfast Club. Pre-enrollment is required, as it is a catered gourmet breakfast.
Afterward, I will have more displays of antique sewing treasures in the classroom where I will be signing books.



Contact Eagle Creek HERE to sign up.
You can also call and order a signed book if you cannot make the event days.

About Eagle Creek Quilt Shop:
"Eagle Creek Quilt Shop, Inc. is located in Shakopee, MN in an enchanting historic railroad depot close to downtown Shakopee. This landmark structure is in many ways an ideal setting for a quilt shop. The high ceilings are perfect for displaying full size quilts and large windows throughout the building provide natural light for fabric selection. We have ample parking and “green” space for flowers and trees. Many quilters have an active appreciation for old architecture and antiques, which are found throughout the shop, so we frequently find ourselves surrounded by kindred spirits. In 2007 we were honored to be named one of the Top 20 Quilt Shops in North America by American Patchwork & Quilting magazine."

The shop appeals to many quilting tastes.
Today I took a few photos as I shopped.
The arrangements are all beautiful.  Note the use of sewing accessories around the shop.

They carry some reproduction Make-Do pin cushions that are for sale.

With thousands of bolts of fabrics, luscious threads, inspiring patterns and must have notions - I never leave empty handed!

(The crock has needle punch adhered to the side)

The wool selection is beautiful, with yardages, pre cuts and scrap bags available.

Lots of wool patterns and samples.
It's worth a trip just to see the finished samples.  Very motivating to stitch.

The shop is south of me, if you peek through the window - see that green grass?  I don't have any grass showing at my house!

I'm guessing you might like to see more?

This is the freight room of the former train station.
Tall ceilings and a big wide open space.

This is the back of the room where I will be talking to the Breakfast Club.

Amazing history all around, the perfect setting to hear about Antique American Needlework Tools.

The notions wall includes many of my favorite products; goat skin thimbles, hand sewing needles, wool for needle pages, embroidery stitch guides...lots of goodies!

Display of modern, antique and reproduction
treasures - Eagle Creek Quilt Shop

Call the shop and sign up for Breakfast Club (plan to stay longer if you can)
or
Stop in before 2pm February 1 & 2
or
Call the shop and order your signed copy, "Antique American Needlework Tools"

I'm also available to come to you if this is too far.
Contact me for details - programs large and small available.

They do mail order, so if you see something in the photos you want - contact the shop.

Happy Stitching!
Dawn

Eagle Creek Quilt Shop HERE
Antique American Needlework Tools Preview Pages HERE


PS
Advance Enrollment is open for Penn Dry Goods 2019  HERE
I'm lecturing there this year - with a terrific lineup of speakers!  If you love textiles - You must go.
The market runs during the lectures so you can fill your day.  Hope to meet you there!

Magic Words

Amy included her copy of my book in her photo, so sweet

Happy 2019!

So much to write about - here we go.

First up - Thankful update
I've added photos of finished quilts to the FREE pattern page. HERE

If you want your version included, tag me in a post or email a photo to me.  Tell me how you would like it watermarked.

It's so fun to see all the versions.  I made a couple and will get mine posted in the next batch of photos I add to the page.

We are so Thankful for you!

Note cards from our collection - available on Etsy

I have extended the offer of free domestic postage on purchases of signed copies of my book.

I'm also including one of the cards from our new series of note cards.  The cards are available in our Etsy shop HERE.





I'm looking forward to meeting many of you in 2019!

January - dates coming soon - special display of antique needlework items at Eagle Creek Quilt Shop
February 1-2 I will be at Eagle Creek Quilt Shop in Shakopee Minnesota
     Link HERE  More Details to follow in my next blog post

In April I will be in Minneapolis doing a pin ball workshop customized just for this
special group.  Ask me about a special event for your group!

In May 17&18 I will be at Penns Dry Goods Market in Pennsburg, PA
    Link HERE for more information.  Enrollment is now OPEN
    There will be a special exhibit of really wonderful antique needlework tools
    Fabulous Speakers (myself included - I am proud to say)
    Fantastic Antique Dealers
    If you are going, let me know some of us are meeting up

So what are those magic words? 

When the kids were home for the holiday - they asked about quilts. From DD, what are we patterning next?  We shuffled through the short list - and oh my!  We have a special one coming up.  She made a baby quilt for friends in November and hand quilted it.  So pleased she enjoys hand work.

From my son - "can we make a quilt"
I had to contain my excitement. His good friends are expecting their first baby and he wanted to make them a quilt. He's made a quilt before so he knew what he was asking. Oh, and he wants it done in January.  We chose a simple four patch, he selected fabrics from my stash and I agreed to machine quilt it.  He wants it for everyday use. Over his visit he sewed all of the blocks and assembled the top.  What FUN!

Happy 2019 - I wish you all lots of magic words this year!

Happy Stitching,
Dawn

THANKFUL Free Doll Quilt Pattern

c. 1890s Doll Quilt Detail

It has been such a wonderful year...rolling by with highs and lows!
I extend my thanks to each of you for being part of it. Even the things that don't go as planned are learning experiences.

As a little thank you gift this Thanksgiving, and as a token of appreciation, I'm sharing one of my antique doll quilts with you - and the FREE pattern.
We can all do with some little treasured projects.
Fun, sweet and simple - you might like to make more than one!

First, a little background.

Last May I bought a set that included a cradle, doll and bedding. It was topped off with a doll quilt.  The doll quilt felt like it had something other than batting inside it.  I have been lucky in the past to find older quilts inside other quilts. Could I be so lucky this time?
I was!! It wasn't just a cut down - it was a true mini quilt!
The original is hand pieced and hand quilted.  I machine pieced and hand quilted mine.



There are two choices.
If you like a mystery DO NOT go to the "Thankful" pattern tab with the photos and complete instructions.

If you want to make the project now, straight through go HERE.
If you like a mystery, stay on this page for the first part of the project.



Finished Size:  12 1/2" x 12"

Cut 36 1.25" squares
       7   Dark Fabric
       11 Medium Fabric
       18 Light Fabric
            IF you do not like scrappy
            Cut 36 1.25" squares, 18 Dark and 18 Light

In a coordinating fabric
Cut 2" Squares
        4 in a Contrasting Print
        8 in a Contrasting Print * (This print will be used again)

From the Contrasting Print * also cut
     7   3" squares

Did you peek at the finished one on the pattern tab yet?
Tempting isn't it?

Backing:  14" square
Binding: 1" 52" long
Or use your preferred method for binding

Assemble the 1.25" squares into four patches

Making a total of 9 four patch blocks:

       Combining light and dark squares.

       NOTE: In the scrappy version one block uses two

                    different dark prints.

Once you are ready to assemble all of the blocks go to the pattern tab for 

complete instructions and photos. HERE  

Send me photos of your finished quilt and let me know if I can share them on the "Thankful" pattern page.

Have FUN and be THANKFUL!

Thankfully Yours,

DAWN

PS

Reminder - Limited Time Free US Postage in our Etsy Shop HERE

Signed copies of my book - also free US Postage HERE

NEW Heritage Roll

We have an exciting new pattern - "Heritage Roll"

It is named for the Schwenkfelder Library and Heritage center. 

The inspiration roll is in the collection of Kathy Gery Lesieur and shown in my book, "Antique American Needlework Tools".

Proceeds from the pattern sales go to the Capital Fund at the Schwenkfelder.

The pattern has a couple of options -for the interior pockets and the edge finish. 

You can further customize it
by changing the template for the shape at the top.

The pieced version has fabric placement like Kathy's. This one is great for scraps and little bits of fabric.

The blue variation features special selective cut fabrics the feature gorgeous fabrics.

There are a couple edge finished as well.

 I plan to hang one of mine on my design wall with a tape measure, pencil, sticky notes and other small items I always want within reach at "the wall".

They make great gifts and the proceeds benefit a wonderful facility.

I attend the Penn's Dry Goods Market there every May - Hope to meet you there in 2019!  We can bring our rolls~! 


I have been thinking of trying one half size...WHY?  I don't know.  Just because minis are so sweet too.

No matter how you decide to make it -  and I bet you don't make just one - Enjoy every stitch and be sure and share your photos with me.

***Also now - through Christmas we are giving free postage on US orders in our Etsy shop***

Happy Stitching,
Dawn

LINKS
My Book - Signed Copies HERE
Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center HERE
Penn's Dry Goods Market  HERE 
Heritage Sewing Roll Pattern HERE
Etsy Shop HERE 

Top 100, to 80, to 35

It is Quilt Market time - and my book is in the Schiffer Publishing booth (1749).  There are 13 new titles in their booth as well as best selling titles they keep in print.
If you are there stop in and have a look. If not, browse the catalog with the link below.
The books are not for sale in the booth - This is market for businesses to order wholesale.  The booth has all the titles available to preview.  For this reason they do not retail at quilt festival.
I do not know who might have my book at Festival. If you do - please let me know I have had many inquiries.  I did make arrangements for some presages and people are picking them up in a friends booth.  I have also sent some prepaid copies to hotels for customers saving international postage.
Contact me I am still selling books directly.
SCHIFFER CATALOG HERE.  Many books have preview pages.

Not a link - just shows rank

I chose Schiffer for my book because of their long history with a broad range of book outlets.  To be in the Amazon top 100 needlework books is...well...its' a bit of a rush!
Maybe I need loftier goals?  Keep climbing?

It validates that research, history and collecting do interest people and can sell books.

Amazon is a blessing and a curse, it deeply discounts the books initially which also cuts the author.  One just has to hope that the distribution makes up for it.  They have 60-80% of ALL book sales, theres no choice but to go with it!
I also sell signed books at my events.
I have been asked to do a post of FAQ's regarding writing the book.
If you have a question send them to me - I can keep your name anonymous if you like.

Thank you all for your support and encouragement!
Happy Stitching - and Reading,
Dawn