2024 October - December Newsletter

BITTERSWEET QUILTS * THE FABRIC MERCHANT * MISS KATE’S QUILT SHOP NEWSLETTER

October – December 2024 

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DISCLAMER: Our attorneys require us to inform the reader this is a combined newsletter from our family of quilt stores. This saves us time and saves you from receiving three emails with three different newsletters. 
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**BSQ - Bittersweet Quilts and TFM - The Fabric Merchant.
B - Beginners, I – Intermediate, A - Advanced**

Bittersweet 2024 Fall Retreats

Retreat 1: October 3 – 6 (only for the most spontaneous people)
Retreat 2: October 10-13
Retreat 3: October 17-20

Cost per retreat $225 (all inclusive).  For more information, click the link 2024 Fall Retreats above to register for one of our retreats and get the complete information.  We have openings for all three weekends.  Retreats are held at the Ozark Camp and Retreat Center, nestled in the beautiful, rolling Ozark Hills.  Each weekend is a time to unwind and unplug from the busyness of life.  Retreats are perfect for beginning quilters or seasoned quilters alike.   
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WHAT’S NEW??

•  Bittersweet Quilt and The Fabric Merchant Shop
  Both stores now have long-arm quilting machine which meansa we will be able to meet your quilting needs even more quickly.  
•  Farmhouse Flannels III by Moda Fabrics
  This fabric is so cuddly, soft and inviting! If you haven’t seen the sample quilt "The Lord is my Shephard", you really should stop in to see it.  We have kits available, but trust me, they will go fast!
•  New Batiks from  (BSQ)
  Look at these vibrant colors and designs!  I think batiks are one of my most favorite fabrics.  The beautiful patterns and bright colors draw me in.   
  Batiks are an Indonesian technique of wax-resist dyeing on fabric. Traditional batik print fabric is made by drawing dots and lines with a spouted tool called a tjanting or using a copper stamp called a cap. Today, many batik quilting fabrics are created with paintbrushes. Once the design is drawn on in wax, the fabric is dyed. The process can be repeated multiple times for more intricate designs and printed on both sides were  regular fabric is printed only on one side.  At Bittersweet Quilts, we have just received the following batiks.  We have convenient half yard cuts available or yardage available.  Come see these and many more beautiful batiks.

 Ø Vivid Kaleidoscope Quilt Kit by Jason Yenter
This kit is full of stunning fabric and the quilt will be absolutely gorgeous when completed. 

Have you ever wondered who designs new fabrics, what they look like, what we’re they thinking when they came up with the design? 

Jason Yenter has been in the fabric business since he was in the first grade.  His mother opened a fabric store in Seattle WA, in 1977 called “In the Beginning”.  Jason’s involvement with fabrics and quilting grew from putting bolts away as a student and making his first quilt as a high school senior for a humanities project. After graduating from college, he began working full-time for the family business.  Jason is now President and Creative Director of his mother’s shop that was a small 400 square-foot little shop which has grown now to a 6000 square-foot location bursting with fabrics, friends and fun. With beautiful fabric like the Kaleidoscope, we hope he keeps creating!

•  We have a new fabric line from Free Spirit, called Live Out Loud by Seth Apter!

Seth Apter stated that this collection is all about celebrating your authentic self, unabashedly and without reservation. Look within, dream big, and write your own story. Be brave and take your moments to shine. Draw outside the lines and think outside the box. And above all...be you!
I like this! Be brave, think outside the box and above all be you, this is what makes your quilts stand out from others, they tell your story -  colors you like, designs and fabrics. Come check out this new line of  fabrics at the Fabric Merchant, you won’t be disappointed. I love the different prints and colors of this new line.

Calgary Kits(BSQ) are still available. 

          If you haven’t seen these kits, they are beautiful, full of bright colors!  You can get the kits in either timeless teal or beautiful caramels and chocolates.

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FEATHERWEIGHTS PARTS 
Have you heard that we are carrying some common parts and accessories for Featherweight 
machines at our Bittersweet Quilt Shop? Come visit and see what we are carrying. We will 
continue to add more accessories so if you feel like there is something we should carry, please let 
us know.
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UPCOMING CLASSES!

Listed below are the classes we are offering this fall.  You can visit each class listed 
on our website for more information and registration. Some classes may be listed as 
free, but we will still need you to register so we have an accurate count for the class.  Be sure to 
visit the website for more information and registration. If you’re just beginning to quilt, or an 
intermediate or advanced quilter we have a class for you.  Classes are held at either Bittersweet 
or the Fabric Merchant as noted beside the class title.

Sewcial Club (TFM)

Dates:  September 17, October 15, November 19 and December 17             
Times:  9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Cost:  $15 (includes catered lunch from Panera)
Instructor:  Patty

Sewcial Club is a creative sewing club which meets the third Thursday of each month.  Bring your sewing machine and sew on new or unfinished projects.  Meet other sewing enthusists and gain creative quilting and sewing ideas.  Come and be “sewcial” as you enjoy your craft. 

Flying Geese Made Easy and the V-Block (TFM)

Date:  October 12
Time:  10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Cost:  $25
Instructor:  Margaret

Learn how to create two blocks; the flying geese that keep your 1/4" seam allowance, points that won't be cut off and square blocks and the V-Block.  These blocks are used in various patterns and will be a vital part of your growing quilt knowledge.(I) *These blocks are a pre-requisite for the Sea at Storm class coming soon.

Stripology Series 101 (TFM)                                            
Date:  September 21
Time:  10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Cost:  $25
Instructor:  Patty

Not sure what a Stripology Ruler is or how to use it?  Patty will show you how to use the Stripology ruler, along with other valuable information regarding, cutting tips and blocks to be made with the ruler.  This versatile ruler works with units up to 6-1/4” and includes markings for ¼” and 1/8” increments. It can also be used for cutting squares, rectangles, diamonds, and triangles, and can reduce cutting time by 75 percent.  Who wouldn't want that?Learn how to make the best  use of your Stripology ruler.

Basic Machine Maintenance (BSQ)                      
Date:  November 2
Time:  1:00 am - 3:00 pm                                                                       
Cost:  $25
Instructor: Raymond

The Basic Machine Maintenance class is a great class! Tap into Raymond’s knowledge and expertise.  In Raymond’s almost 16 years of experience, he has seen a lot!  Nothing to be embarrassed about if your machine is all tied up in knots.  This might not be a super exciting class, but it is great information to know in order to maintain the life of your machine.  This workshop can save you time, money and frustration!  Bring your questions and get answers.  Don’t forget to bring your machine! (B,I,A)

Santa’s Workshop (TFM)     
                                                    Date: November 9                                                               
   Time: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
   Cost: $100 (incl. kit)

   Instructor:  Patty
   Just in time for Christmas!  Come join Patty for this all day workshop and have fun working  on the kits that are included and take home several finished projects.

Mug Rug Snowman Class (BSQ)

Date:  November 16
Time:  9:30 am - 1:30 pm
Cost:  $45 (kit incl)
Instructor:  Robbi

Join Robbi as she teaches how to do wool applique using this cute kit.  If you’ve never worked with wool, this will be a great small project in which to learn.  Even if you have done wool applique, come join in this class and make this original design,  snowman mug rug.  Keep it for yourself or give it as a gift to a special friend.

  Quilt Til U Wilt (BSQ)

Dates:  October 7, November 18, and December 2
Times:  9:30 am - 3:30 pm
Cost:  Free
Instructor:  Robbi

We ALL can sew at home by ourselves but getting to sew with friends is SO much more fun!  This open sew day will be the first Monday of the month, unless something else requires us to cancel (which happens). Come join us for encouragement, friendly advice, fellowship and fun!  If you’re like me, you will love this time away from home and just maybe, who knows, we’ll finish a project or two along the way.  Bring your own lunch. (B,I,A)

Featherweight Club (BSQ)

Dates:  December 5                                                                                

Times:  9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Cost:  $5:00
Instructor:  Robbi

Meetings usually are the first Thursday of each month; however sometimes other things cause us to change or cancel.   The only requirement is that you must bring a Featherweight (any color) to sew with or show off. This club is meant to be a time to meet, collaborate and connect with other Featherweight owners. Some months we will sit and sew, while other months we may cover maintenance on our little machines, or other requested topics of interest.  Do you have a name for your featherweight?  Bring your own  lunch.(B,I,A)

Open Sew Day (BSQ and TFM)

Date:  December 14
Time:  9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Cost:  Free

During the busy times of getting ready for the holiday season, join us for a open sew day, leaving all the stress and hustle and bustle of getting ready for your family and friends coming for the holidays.  Come finish those projects that you’re planning on giving as Christmas gifts, keeping them out of sight for those intended to receive them!  Bring your sewing machines and your lunch!  Don’t forget to visit our website and register! You know you’re going to want this time! ????

  It’s bittersweet when employees who have become good friends leave…. It’s bittersweet that we say good-bye to Rocci.  She has been a gem to work with and she will be greatly missed!  She’s moved to another state to be closer to her daughter.  So, we say goodbye and know we will miss her greatly, but we wish her well in the chapter of her life! 

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 Although we don’t mention Miss Kate’s Quilt Shop a lot, we would like to remind you that if you’re in Branson, visiting Silver Dollar City, stop by Miss Kate’s and check out our fabrics and kits and say hello to Elizabeth, Debbie!  You know the saying you can never have too much fabric.

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden loss of our friend and longtime Silver Dollar City employee Janet Winkelmann.  Janet worked at Miss Kate's for over ten years.  She will be missed by those that knew and loved her!

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        With the Holidays coming, we wanted to let you know important information regarding store hours.  Our Joplin stores in will be closing at 1:00 on November 27 and December 31  
        and closed all day on November 28 and November 29 for Thanksgiving,  December 24 and December 25 for Christmas. 

WATCH FOR THESE UPCOMMING ITEMS!

2025 Friendship Block Swap Roll

Foundation Paper Piecing Class for Beginners

Shooting Star Class

Yellow Brick Road

Square in a Square and Diamond in a Rectangle Quilt Block Class(TFM)                                                                                    
Cost: $25
Instructor: Margaret

Join Margaret to learn how to make this square-in-a-square block.  It is an easy looking units that never comes out quite right. Margaret will teach you how to make this block and it will come out right, not quite right!  The Diamond Rectangle quilt block is a timeless, graphic design that packs a punch. With its bold diagonal lines contrasted against the sturdy rectangle frame, this block makes a statement in any quilt design. The best part is that it's simple to sew but looks complicated and striking. (I) *These are a pre-requisite for the Sea at Storm class coming soon.

Storm at Sea Class (TFM)                                                                                                                          
Cost: $25                                                                                                            
Instructor: Margaret

The Storm at Sea makes for an exciting quilt, full of movement, all due to the juxtaposition of square and rectangular blocks. Your eyes try to tell you there's curved piecing, but there's not a curved seam in the quilt, not anywhere! (I, A) * Pre-requisite must have taken the Flying Geese, V-Block, Diamond Retangle, and Square in a Square Classes.

    I think I've gotten all activities listed.  Be sure to check out our website for more information.  You might have noticed a difference in the newsletter for this quarter.  That’s because I didn’t write most of it, Sheryle Bosley did.  Who is Sheryle?  Sheryle is the sister of Margaret who works at Bittersweet Quilts.  Sheryle moved to Joplin this summer.  She loves being closer to her sister and they both love quilting.  She is retired, and has been married for 47 years, has 2 adult children and 7 grandchildren.  She has spent most of her working career on computers, doing IT work and as an Administrative Assistant.  Being an Administrative Assistant to Robbi is where you'll find Sheryle.  (She is basically the Robbi Wrangler.  Good luck with that sis!)  You might, however, see her at one of the shops or at a retreat.   Her favorite T-shirt says "Things that I do in my spare time are sew fabric, buy fabric, review fabric, research fabric, talk about fabric and rearrange fabric".