Bittersweet Quilts

Dec Jan Feb Mar 2010 Newsletter

The fam recently went to Best Buy to test the children's reaction to a possible Christmas toy-the Wii.  Oui?  After each child had a turn the Wii-mote was handed to me; "Here mom, you try it!"  Probably more fun than a forty year old mom should be having in the middle of Best Buy.  I knocked down five Wii children in one sword stroke.  Maybe a little too much pent up frustration.  Perhaps I should find a healthier outlet for my frustration-back to quilting.  If you too need to get back to quilting and need a little inspiration come to BSQ and see all things new!  PS  My husband liked the Bose noise canceling head phones the best.  I'm tryin' not to read too much into that.  There's a lot of info in this newsletter so hit the PRINT button now 'cause a hard copy isn't coming in the mail!  Somethin' about a carbon footprint.

Bittersweet, Block By Block Blowout Sale!!!!!

December 31, January 1 & January 2

Bittersweet Quilts and Block By Block have teamed up for this blockbuster of a sale.  30% discount on all fabric.  1/2 yard minimum!  Go to both stores and get registered to win one of two prize packs: a $25.00 gift certificate to each store.  Select books, patterns, notions and thread 40% discount. 

*NEWSLETTER MUST BE PRESENTED FOR DISCOUNT TO APPLY*

WHAT'S NEW

We now carry large and small spools of Aurifil in solid and variegated as well as Valdani thread for wool applique', more wool, Red Rooster's Sew It Book, Migration by Holly Taylor of Moda, Wise Tree from Freespirit (if you like bright this is where it's at), Cosmo Cricket's latest group Girl Friday, Bunny Hop, Birds of a Feather and Toile Essentials (a cream toile group) from Andover Fabrics; Elegant Universe, a beautiful group by Lonni Rossi; more Watercolor Batik and Paris in Springtime from Hoffman Fabrics; Barbara Brackman's Civil War Homefront, Wiscasset, and Rouenneries from Moda (absolutely gorgeous) and so much much more.  

 Across the Wide Missouri:  A Quilt Reflecting Life on the Frontier

$22.00                                      Second Saturday (block pick up)

This primitive wool on cotton Block of the Month is a quilt meant to depict life on the frontier. This Block of the Month begins in January 2010 and reflects the pioneering spirit of women during the mid 1800's.  Each month's kit will include pattern with history, fabric and wool.  Block pick up is SECOND SATURDAY (and Friday) of every month beginning January 8th OR 9th.  We will mail your block for an additional fee if you are unable to pick up at the store.

One Million Pillowcase Challenge

Bittersweet Quilts is a sponsoring shop in the One Million Pillowcase Challenge.  What is the "One Million Pillowcase Challenge"?  American Patchwork & Quilting has issued a challenge for quilters to make one million pillowcases in 2010 to be donated to local charities.  For ideas and free pillowcase patterns go to       www.allpeoplequilt.com/millionpillowcases/.  When your pillowcase is complete, you may drop it by Bittersweet Quilts.  We will turn our totals in to American Patchwork & Quilting and they will keep a counter on their website so you can see the progress being made toward the goal.  Feel free to go wild and use your imagination to make your pillowcase one in a million!

Civil War Tribute Block of the Month

$23.00                                      Second Saturday (block pick up)

As we approach the 150 year anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War, Judie Rothermel of Marcus Bros and Homestead Hearth of Mexico, MO have collaborated for an amazing Block of the Month beginning in January 2010.  If you would like a sneak peek at the finished quilt go to www.marcusbrothers.com  and click Civil War Tribute.  This BOM is limited to twenty people only-no kidding!!  Each month's kit will include pattern with history and fabric.  Block pick up is SECOND SATURDAY (and Friday) of every month beginning January 8th OR 9th.  We will mail your block for an additional fee if you are unable to come by the store.

MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission at Bittersweet Quilts is to always provide the highest quality products at a competitive price in a friendly atmosphere.  We will always strive to inspire you, teach you and encourage you while passing on the knowledge and love of quilting.  And we will always strive for the absolute best in customer service at Bittersweet Quilts. 

CLASSES     B=Beginner   I=Intermediate   A=Advanced

 *Class policy*Class fees are required at the time of registration.  No refunds please unless the class is cancelled.  A supply list will be given upon registration.  Your project will last longer and wear better if you buy quality fabrics and notions.  If you already have these, please bring them.  If you need them, we appreciate you purchasing them from Bittersweet Quilts.

Gramma's Apron

Donna Hill                                  Fri, Jan 29 OR Sat, Jan 30

$20.00(pattern req'd)             10:30-3:30

Move over Betty Crocker; new generation of homemakers comin’ through.  Aprons are really hip.  This great cross-over the back apron is nostalgic of your grandmother.  I love this apron-no ties at the waist to accentuate all that extra lovin'.  Just in time for Valentine's Day baking.  See shop sample.  I,A

Ewe and Dye Club

Robbi Triplett                            First Friday

$2.00(copy fee)                       10:30-1:30

Come spend the FIRST FRIDAY of every month working on a wool project in progress or we will help you start a new one.  With each class we will try to educate you about tools and techniques of wool and wool applique'.   Just Ewe and Dye (had to be said).  Let the addiction begin!  Snack in a sack.  B,I,A

Springfield Shop Hop

Mar 4,5,6 & 7

Many prizes to give away including nine gift certificates, gift baskets and a Bernina sewing machine.  Bracelet charm given at each store with $10.00 purchase while supplies last.  Free pattern with fabric  at each store.  $5 passport.  Extended shopping hours. 

Pieces of Eight Sweatshirt Class

Donna Hill                                  Tues, Jan 12 OR Fri, Jan 15 OR

                                                     Sat, Jan 16 OR Tues, Feb 16

$20.00(pattern req'd)             10:30-4:30

It's that time of year once again.  Time to start layerin' up (I mean clothing).  Repurpose a casual sweatshirt into something a little chic.  See shop samples.  Bag lunch.  I,A

Quilt Retreat

When:               Thurs, April 22 - Sun, April 25

Where:             Ozark Camping & Retreat Center 

How much:      $120.00 (all inclusive-meals, lodging, class instruction)

Bittersweet Quilts is pleased to sponsor the 2nd annual Christian Women’s Quilting Retreat.  If you missed out last year...well you really missed out.  The registration fee will include delicious meals prepared for you, dishes done, lodging and any class instruction or demos.  It is not limited to quilting so bring your beading, knitting, crocheting, scrap booking and get sumpin' done! 

Tatting

Brenda Patterson                                        Fri, Jan 22 OR  Sat, Jan 23

$25.00 (book, needles & thread incl'd)      10:30-1:30                                    

Tatted lace, we have all oohed and aahed over it.  The time for oohing is over, now is the time for doing.  Learn to make tatted lace with a needle (no shuttle), thread, and one stitch and you will soon have people oohing over your tatted lace skills. This was a popular class last fall and was brought back for a repeat performance.  Snack in a sack.  B,I,A

Shooting Star

Robbi Triplett                                                 Fri, Feb 26 OR Sat, Feb 27

$20.00(pattern/template req'd)              10:30-4:30

This 3-D block is fascinating.  It looks very complicated but template set and easy to read pattern streamline the process.  The pattern really resembles a sunflower rather than a shooting star but what's in a name.  The blocks look great with any fabric from reproductions to batiks to brights.  Fun block to make!  You can do it.  See shop sample.  Bag lunch.  I,A 

Exploding Pineapple

Robbi Triplett                                                 Fri, Feb 19 OR Sat, Feb 20

$15.00(booklet req'd)                                 10:30-2:30                                          

Learn how to make a "quick and dirty" version of a pineapple quilt block with no fabric waste.  This method is ideal for beginners and amazing for those who have tediously pieced together a pineapple block.  By layering square upon square your pineapple block with explode in no time.  (Not like going to see  Gallagher.  He smashes fruit on stage with a large mallet.  Weird!  Anyway-)  See shop sample.  Bag lunch.  B,I,A

Crazy Class (not a class for crazies)

Robbi Triplett/Donna                               Fri, Feb 12 OR Sat, Feb 13

$20.00(book req'd)                                10:30-4:30

This class will teach the stack and slash method of block making from Buggy Barn patterns.  There are many different patterns.  Lucky you gets to pick any "Crazy" pattern to use and the BSQ team will guide you through the crazy process:  stack it, whack it, shuffle it, and sew it back together again.  See several shop samples.  Bag lunch.  B,I,A

 

    Coupon     Coupon    Coupon     Coupon     Coupon     

 Don't forget to schedule your machine for its annual physical.  January Special-$10.00 off routine machine maintenance with this coupon.

Coupon     Coupon     Coupon     Coupon     Coupon  

 

 

 Log Cabin Quilt in a Day

Donna Hill /Robbi Triplett                              Fri, Jan 8 OR Mon, Feb 22

$20.00(book req'd)                                        10:30-4:30

This class is an absolutely perfect class for beginners.  Eleanor Burn's quick and easy method of block building will help build your quilting confidence.  BSQ will  help you pick out fabric and  pre-cut your fabric to speed you on your way.  Bag lunch.  See shop sample.  B,I,A

Bunnies and More

Robbi Triplett/Donna Hill                               Fri, Mar 19 OR Sat, Mar 20

$15.00(book req'd)                                        10:30-2:30

This quick and easy method of applique' will help your blocks to multiply quick as rabbits-well almost.  From angora to lop eared, there are many irresistible rabbits in the book .  See shop samples.  Bag lunch.  B,I,A  Please note:  You may choose from any of Darcy Ashton's animal books for this class.

March Hare

Brenda Patterson                                            Fri, Mar 12 OR Sat, Mar 13

$20.00(pattern req'd)                                    10:30-3:30

This primitive rabbit looks wild as a March Hare as he jumps through the air!  This class will guide you through the process of raw edge applique' with wool on wool.  Project can be completed as a fringed pillow or a wall hanging.  See shop sample.  Kit available.  Bag lunch.  B,I,A

Scrap Therapy 110 Cutting Workshop

Donna Hill/Rhonda Bridenstine                     Fri, Mar 26 OR Sat, Mar 27

$15.00                                                                10:30-2:30

Are your scraps multiplying like rabbits in springtime?  Are your scraps a tangled up, wangled up mess?  You need Scrap Therapy.  This fabric cutting workshop will teach you how to cut your scraps down to size and get organized in no time so you can get back to makin’ quilts.  Bag lunch.  B,I,A

Charming Totes Two

TBA                                                                      Tues, Mar 30 OR Sat, Apr 3

$20.00 (pattern req’d)                                    10:30-4:30

Come spend the day with us and make a charming tote with pockets galore for all your stuff.  Perfect for using up all those quilt charms you've been saving for who knows what.  Makin’ this tote ‘ll be like makin’ a grill cheese sandwich.  But make sure you bring a lunch so you don’t have to eat your tote.  See shop samples.  Bag lunch.  I,A

Quilt ‘til You Wilt

Every Thursday         10:30-3:30

In an attempt to finish as many projects as I start, every Thursday of January through March will be a Quilt 'til You Wilt day.  The classroom will be open to anyone who wishes to come and camp out and sew for the day. Call your quilt friends and make a day of it!  Bag lunch.

Foundation Paper Piecing

Robbi Triplett                              Fri, Apr 9 OR Sat, Apr 10

$20.00(book req’d)                   10:30-4:30

Using  the Carol Doak method you will learn how to foundation paper piece.  The book comes with a user friendly CD to print blocks from the comfort of your own home.  Fun and accurate!  See shop sample.  Bag lunch.  B,I,A

F A T  TUESDAY

What are you giving up for Lent?  If your sacrifice is fabric purchase, come in on Fat Tuesday, February 16^th so you can glut yourself on $1.50 pre-cut fat quarters.  Normally $2.75.

If one day you get some wild hair to change your email address to hothotty@quiltinbabe.net ,  you must go to our website www.bittersweetquilts.com and update your email address by clicking on  "newsletter" and "change".  My supermom powers only work at home. 

We will close at 3:00 pm on Christmas Eve.  We will be open regular business hours of 10:00 am-5:30 pm on New Years Eve and New Year's Day.

Thanks to Eric and Brenda, our  proofreaders.

What can we do for you at BSQ?

8133 West Hwy 86    Joplin, MO  64804

417-627-9555

Mon – Sat 10-5:30