April 5, 2025 - June 30, 2025

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

April - June 2025

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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**

Hello Quilting Friends,

I thought this month that I would introduce the staff that work at our three stores.  We took this picture at our December get-together.  

          Back Row: Sheryle, Elizabeth, Debbie, Paula.  Front Row Penny, Margaret, Patty, Jeanne, Joy, Robbie and Evelyn


                                                 
Robbi, Raymond and Donna                                                               Gavin

What's new in fabrics .............

We have added two new collections from Moda Fabric. Sunday Brunch by Basic Grey owner and founder, Rachel Brenchley.   Creating a surface design company about 20 years ago focusing on paper crafting, Rachel moved into designing fabrics a few years later.  She said transitioning from paper to material felt natural. She comes from a line of quilters, so she was familiar with quilting even though she didn't quilt.  She has designed about 50 fabric collections for Moda over the years. Her brand is most closely associated with Grunge, with its much-loved line of basics.  Rachel says that she's always preferred a little depth to things. Grunge has a unique, layered texture - created by printing on dyed fabric which gives it the ability to merge with the prints and colors used around it.  When designing Sunday Brunch collection, she wanted it to feel happy and joyful through a color palette that felt warm and inviting, radiating a feeling of happiness. 

           








The Sunday Brunch collection is one of our Building Block options this year. Just look at these pretty fabrics. I love the grunge fabric.  There's just something about how it picks up the dry brush texture.     

Sandalwood created by 3 Sisters for Moda Fabrics combines rustic charm with lovely designs of blooming florals and charming paisleys, paired with reds, blues, and creams, creating a stunning collection. 

3 Sisters is a collaboration born of mutual love and respect. This family of designers each dedicate their own voice to every collection. Using Vintage chic, country sophistication and an appreciation for the simple elegance of life are just a few of the stylistic threads that are woven into their designs.

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 I don't work as often as the other ladies in the shop, but when I do, I get into trouble because I just love all of the different selections that are offered! I have to be careful because the next thing I know I have picked up a bolt of fabric that I just have to have! Yes!! I must have it, I need it!! 

2025 Friendship Block Swap-BSQ 

Starting February 14 (Valentine's Day) through June 14 (Flag Day) $15.00  Membership (for mailing/sorting)
$3.50    2025 Friendship Block Swap Roll (32  1.5" Half Square Triangle).

Join in the fun as quilting enthusiasts come together exchange 1.5" half square triangles made with 1800's reproduction fabrics for a beautiful tapestry of color with our Friendship Block Swap.  The "2025 Friendship Block Swap Membership" fee and "2025 Friendship Block Swap Roll" are also available online so anyone from anywhere can join the swap.  Once the June 14th deadline arrives, triangles will be mixed and sorted.  At that time, each participant will be mailed as many triangles as submitted.  No need to worry about the quality of fabrics etc. as there will be strict rules in place for quality control.  I'm super excited about the "swap" and I hope you'll join.  For more information, visit 2025 Friendship Block Swap .  (I,A)

BUILDING BLOCKS
The first Saturday of the month we meet at The Fabric Merchant at 10:00 a.m.  We met the first Saturday of March and received our information and fabric to make our first block.  It's not too late if you haven't signed up to join ithe fun.  There are three different color options to choose from with the option to purchase additional blocks to make a larger quilt.  The color options are Strawberries and Cream, featuring assorted reds and cream shirting fabrics, Live Out Loud by Seth Apter and assorted Tim Holtz fabrics, and Sunday Brunch, a sweet pastel palette by Rachel Brenchley.  Something for everyone.  I haven't participated in the building blocks before but signed up to do it this season.  I chose Sunday Brunch because of the happy colors and the grunge (love my grunge).  Come join us!

CLASSES

Have you experienced one of the classes offered at The Fabric Merchant? If you haven't, you don't know what you're missing.  We try to listen to you and look for ways to teach you classes in the areas you are most interested, teach new techniques using new fabrics, rulers and designs.  If there is something you're interested in learning, please let us know.    

Robbi, Patty, Jeanne and Margaret teach classes.  They
are all experienced quilters who have loads of knowledge to share. 
I had a chance to talk to Ann who took the Sea at Storm Table Runner Class taught by Margaret.  I asked Ann why she took the class, and she told me "I have taken two classes from Margaret, and both times I have learned more than I expected from the classes.

Margaret teaches me things that help me sew better. "Here is a picture of Ann and Margaret showing off their table runners.   

Caren took the 3 Yard Quilt Class by Jeanne.  I was there with the ladies that day working in the shop, and they all had a good time.  I asked Caren if I could quote her as I heard her saying "it wasn't hard, but it wasn't easy, just moderate".  After the other ladies quit laughing with Caren, they all agreed it had some challenging moments, but the results were turning out beautiful. 

What are you waiting for?  Take a class and find out how much fun you'll have learning new techniques and meeting new people!

 



UPCOMING CLASSES                          

April 12, 2025 -  Stripology 201: Trinity in Kaffe  
Time: 9:30 am - 3:30 pm
Cost: $50
Instructor: Patty                 

This class will teach you to use your Stripology ruler in new ways. The Trinity pattern uses triangles so you will also learn the importance of using Point Trimmers to easily sew your triangles together. This class also highlights the Kaffe Fassett fabrics that work perfectly with the Trinity pattern. (I, A)

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May 10, 2025 - BWPZ201: Borders with Pizazz
Time: 9:30 am - 3:30 pm
Cost: $50 (border kit not included)
Instructor: Patty

Learn to make borders with Pizazz; borders that will frame your quilt and add interest to enhance the look of your quilt.  You will learn how to measure and fit different designs into your borders so you do not end up with partial blocks at the end of your borders. Learn how to make your borders interesting without just adding strips. 
You will need to purchase a $30 border kit available on the day of the class. This kit will include the fabric needed to make each border we will be making in class. The borders can then be put together into a small wall hanging or table topper.  (I, A)

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May 17, 2025 - SS001: Shooting Star                         
Time 9:30 am - 3:30 pm
Cost: $50
Instructor: Robbi

Learn to make this beautiful quilt using a Shooting Star blocks with a 3 dimensional “glow”.  Template set and pattern, are not included in the class price but will be required along with an 18 mm rotary cutter.  (I, A)

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May 24, 2025 - 3Y002: Three Yard Quilt
Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Cost: $50
Instructor: Jeanne

Enjoy taking just three different fabrics and creating a beautiful quilt top while learning new techniques and brushing up existing skills. When we are done with the class, you’ll have 2 blocks put together and be on your way to having an awesome project. (B, I)

 

May 31, 2025 - STQ001: Strip Tube Quilt

Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Cost $50
Instructor: Margaret

Learn another way to make a quilt fast. It looks difficult but is extremely easy and satisfying. They may be made out of a jelly roll or a honey bun, but you can always pick your fabric and cut strips to your desired width.  In this class I will demonstrate using the Strip
Tube Ruler and a square ruler. (B, I, A)

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June 21, 2025 - SFPTR001: Shaded Four Patch Table Runner   
Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Cost: $50
Instructor: Margaret

Coming soon the shaded four patch table runner.  Stayed tuned for more details on another strip tube quilt lesson.

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July 26, 2025 - BWA001: Beginning Wool Applique             
Time: 9:30 am - 2:30 pm
Cost: $75 (kit included)
Instructor: Robbi

Learn the basics of wool applique and other information regarding wool such as wool content, care and how to make beautiful, crisp stitch points.!  Project will be a fun snowman adorned mug rug.  (B, I, A)

************* FUN - FACTS *************

As we look to April, after the cold months of January, February and March, we start seeing flowers and the green grass starting to grow.  We look forward to Easter Sunday. As kids, we looked forward to dressing up in pretty dresses, dress pants and shirts, but most of all the Easter Eggs hidden in the yard with candy and surprises in them.  As adults we know that Easter is about our Lord rising from the tomb.  The tradition of hunting for eggs originated in Germany.  The egg symbolizes new life emerging from the eggshell, just as Jesus rose from the tomb. In the Orthodox tradition, eggs are painted red to symbolize the blood of Jesus.  Children gather the eggs from the "Easter Bunny".  So, to honor Easter Sunday, and all the meanings and memories attached with it, come in to one of our Joplin stores Saturday, April 19th, and pick an Easter Egg to find what surprise the Easter Bunny left for you.

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It's Cinco De Mayo!  Monday, May 5th!  We have another fun event for you!  Come into either of the Joplin stores on Monday, May 5, and purchase 5 fat quarters and get one free.  Sorry, we won't be cutting fat quarters that day.  Only previously cut fat quarters qualify.

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June 13th, National Sewing Machine Day! pays homage to the machine first invented in 1846.  While the wheel, telephone, and personal computer get a lot of the glory for changing how humans live, the sewing machine is somewhat of an unsung hero. Without it, we’d still be squinting to thread needles and stitching together our quilts by hand. 

How long has it been since you've had your machine cleaned?  Our maintenance tech Mr. Raymond will take great care of your machine with very reasonable pricing and great turn-around time.

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Robbi's Remarks:

Recently, my oldest son Noah and I made a trip to Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company.  Wow! What a place!!  We talked extensively with the very knowledgeable staff member about the sixty varieties of tomatoes among many many other seeds.  I was so inspired and wanted to go home and plant a ten acre garden.  Our mission at Bittersweet Quilts, The Fabric Merchant and Miss Kate's Quilt Shop is to "Inspire Creativity" in our customers.  We hope when you visit one of our family of stores that you are inspired to go home and create and create and create.  Blessings,

Robbi

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 Sheryle aka The Robbi Wrangler
Hey quilting friends, Robbi was right when she dubbed me the "Robbi Wrangler" she is one busy gal, who is hard to tie down! I think she eats, sleeps and drinks quilting ... always thinking of new things: classes, retreats, fabrics, and new supplies that will be available for us online or in the stores.  Things we all need to help us quilt faster and easier.  She's always thinking, always on the go, but if you happen to catch her in the shop, she will always have time to visit  with you. Today I was at The Fabric Merchant while there was a class being held.  It was fun watching the ladies cut their fabric and start sewing.  I also enjoy meeting new people and it's interesting to see if they're locals or passing through the Missouri state.  We had a lady from Pennsylvania and another couple from Wisconsin today.  One couple asked if I owned the shop, I wish! No, I told them I just work here and have only been working with Robbi since July, and I love it!!
Have you ever had one of those blah days, I know I do sometimes.  Well jump in your car and come see us. We will get you out of that mood and you'll forget you were ever having one of those day. Nothing can brighten your day better than friends and lots and lots of beautiful fabric for a new project or just for your "stash".
I hope you enjoy the newsletter.  I know I have fun writing it!  May you enjoy the upcoming months of summer by sewing, and attending our retreats, classes or just sewing more!  

"Sewing is a way to mark our existence on cloth, patterning our place in the world"