Coming SOON: On April 8 – 10 the Love to Shop Hop Trail will be full of mystery, fun and bargains. Get your card stamped (pick one up at the first stop) and look forward to 20% off quilting fabrics, patterns and books at all seven shops; a mystery pattern; and door prizes or gift certificates to win. If you need a map for participating stores, check our web site or stop in.

Stitcher’s For Hire? Occasionally I have someone ask me if I know people who are willing to stitch for someone else. Let me know if you would like your name given out for cross-stitch, needlepoint or quilting. Many of these are pieces that have already been started and they would like them finished. In the case of quilting, usually the project is pieced but needs to be quilted (please note if you do by hand or machine). If you have a price list established, let me know that too.

Join our Block of the Month: We were a little slow making a decision what to do this year. We have decided to do a quilt from Elisa’s Backporch called Many Paths All Around. Finished size is 66” x 85” and has 12 blocks all done using the Drunkard’s Path template but set differently so each block is unique. So far I have two color-ways done with mostly batiks for the darks; one is rust/brown/orange, one is blue/green/purple. It is $12.00 per month and will include all the fabric for the front of the quilt, pattern and template. It’s not too late to jump in and join us for this fun project.

Note On-line Show: The spring on-line needlework show will be open from 2 pm, Thursday, April 15th through midnight on Sunday, April 18th. If you don’t have access to a computer, you may use the one here at the shop to make a list of things you just have to have. While you can’t buy directly, you can look at a myriad of patterns, threads and fabrics for your stitching stash enhancement. When you find what you’d like, let us know and we will order for you. Please have your wish lists to me by Monday noon if possible. Remember many vendors have minimums and if we don’t reach that number, we may not be able to order right away.

Kissing Pillows Now: We are starting to finish the pillows for the Army National Guard unit that was supposed to leave in August. We have heard they may be leaving sooner, so please get your pillow tops turned in right away.
A HUGE thank you to all who have participated in this effort.

TECHNIQUE TIP:

Unfortunately we have heard from several threads companies announcing that there will be soon or have already been price increases as of January 1st. We will try to get the prices corrected on the web site catalog as soon as possible but please be aware there might be some discrepancies until we get done. We talked about thread storage recently. Remember whatever method you choose to store threads and fabric that you keep it where it is cool and dry avoiding heat and direct sunlight.

Did you know you can have a spiral put in place of the binding of your reference books so they will lay open flat on the table and are easier to use? I just had my needlework encyclopedia and my bead pattern book done for about $5.00 each at one of the office supply stores. There is a punching charge and then charge for the spiral itself depending on size and length it needs. It is true you can’t read the name of the book when it is sitting on the bookshelf. But in my opinion, it is so much better not to have to set something on the page to keep it from closing or flipping to another one that losing the title is not a big deal. Especially since I will only do my favorites, I should be able to tell them apart.

Since we are doing Drunkard’s Path blocks in the BOM pattern here are some tips for sewing curves:

Sew a scant ¼” seam allowance to make easing the fullness easier. Curved edges are cut on the bias so take care not to stretch as you fold to mark the center and quarter points. Put the convex piece (looks like a pie wedge) on top. Pin centers, Pin beginning and ending edges. Pin quarter point. It may be easier to sew with the concave (fat L shape) on top, but try both ways to see which works best for you. On sharp curves clip the deepest part of the arc only 1/8” at close intervals. Stitch slowly and use automatic needle down if your machine has that feature as you stop to pivot. Pivot often, every few stitches, to get a smooth flow around the curve line. Hold the underneath fabric with your hand while using a pin or stiletto to adjust the top fabric as it passes under the presser foot. The seam allowance may fall more easily into the convex piece when pressing on deep curves. Press lightly from the wrong side to set the direction of the allowance and do a final press from the right side to ensure no pleats have formed on the top To remove stubborn puckers around the curve, mist with a spray water bottle and press again. Voila – your path is done ready to set with its friends.
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Class Schedule: If there is a technique you would like to learn, call me at 319-352-5464 or come in to pick a project and schedule a time when you can come. I would like at least two people in a class, three or four would be more fun, so invite a friend or two to come with you. Costs will be set depending on the project materials and instructional book or pattern plus a small teaching fee.

These are some of the classes we have offered before: counted cross-stitch, beyond cross-stitch which would include adding specialty stitches, stamped cross-stitch/embroidery, canvaswork - needlepoint, hardanger, pulled thread, drawn thread, bargello, petite point on silk gauze, knotted work, smocking, temari balls, knitting, crochet, duplicate stitch, myreshka drawn work, tatting, bridge stitching (darning stitch), beadwork (peyote, herringbone, right angle weave, square stitch, brick stitch), huck embroidery (Swedish weaving), Brazilian embroidery, silk ribbon embroidery, punch needle, locker hook, stumpwork, blackwork, beginning piecing for quilting, paper piecing for quilting, fusible applique, crazy quilts, bargello quilts, felt applique, free lace for scarves/shawls, framing and mounting tips, finishing pillows, finishing stand-ups, finishing in a box shape, tassels, etuis, stitch notebooks.

If you already know how to do a technique but would like to pick a harder project or make a conscience effort to work on a specific one – new or already started, let me know and we can have a dedicated stitch-in with help available as needed. We offer a place to stitch without interruption from children, spouse, phone (if you turn your cell off) and have the expertise to assist you. Learn something new this year and finish at least one started piece!

Saturday, Apr 17th – 9:30 – 12:00 – Beginner Hardanger class. You will learn satin blocks, cutting, wrapping and a dove’s eye filling. This one comes with a springy looking ceramic butterfly shaped frame Stitching is done with an over-dyed pearl cotton in size #8 on 28 count fabric. Class Fee = $26.00.

Thursday, April 22nd – 10:00-12:00 or 6:00-8:00 pm – Beginner beading class. The project is a bracelet in
Peyote stitch with elastic thread so you can make it any size you need and it will just stretch over your hand. Your choice of 4mm square bead colors at registration. Price will vary slightly depending on which beads you choose. Class fee = not more than $24.00.

Thursday, April 29th – 9:30-12:00 or 6:00-8:30 pm – Jennie’s Garden – a small pillow top fabric has five specialty stitches which are variations of a regular cross stitch. This one uses a hand dyed thread and is accented with beads and floral charm. Fabric counts like 14 ct Aida. Limited kits. Class Fee = $30.00.

MOM’s on MAIN or BABES on BREMER as we subtitled this event – Saturday, May 1st 9:00 – 5:00. Watch printed media for coupons and happenings on that day in downtown Waverly. We plan to have make it & take it projects for you to do. Stop in and see what’s shakin’!

Remember Mothers’ Day and Fathers’ Day will soon arrive. Give your stitcher a gift certificate from Fiberworks. One size does fit all and the color is just right! They’ll love you all the more for it.

Thursday, May 13th – 6:00-8:00 pm – Silk Gauze class. Working on 40 ct silk gauze with silk floss makes a delicate, detailed design. Choose a bird from Crossed Wind Collection. Don’t be afraid – the holes are actually bigger than the threads so it’s easy to find them. Comes with mounted gauze. Class Fee = $28.00

Saturday, May 15th 9:00-12:00 – Cross stitch a Dewdrop Bunny from Just Nan. Fabric is 30 count Morris Blue linen done with DMC floss. Accented with flower and seed beads, this is just the piece to try working over two threads. Finished size is 2 ½” square. Class Fee = $29.00.

Thursday, May 20th – 9:30-12:00 or 6:00-8:30 pm - Five-sided Victorian Needle Box – No sewing! Just use white glue and pre-cut cardboard shapes covered with a fabric of your choice to make this an easy but elegant project. Box has room to store thimble, small scissors and needles of various sizes. Closes up to approximately 3 ½” x 4 ½”. Class Fee = $32.00.

Saturday, May 22nd – 9:00-12:00 - Key chain in circular peyote – Always feel like you are going around in circles – this one’s for you. Choose one of 3 colors when you register to make this geometric beaded design key holder. No, wait – better not do a bead class – it can be addictive. Class Fee = $36.00.

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WHAT’S NEW! –
Kits: Mill Hill – Designs by Sticks - four; Lizzie Kate – New Giggle Boxer – Well Behaved Women Rarely Make History, Spring Fab Fob, Chicks Rule, ABCs of Aging Artfully; Bent Creek – Photobooth – Easter Surprise; Nora Corbett – Stitching Floss Fairy; Trilogy – Easter Treat, Reunion of Hearts, Plant Hope; Stitch Your Heart Out (SYHO) #1-A Life Lived for Others by Glendon Place, #2-That Kind of Stitcher by Cherrywood Designs, #3- Established With Love by Blue Ribbon Designs (we have these kitted with either 32 or 16 ct material) Fabric: RJR – Caterwauling, Ribbons and Swirls, Wild in Bloom – horses, mountains, meadows, skies; South Seas - Little Hot Rod; Benartex – Nuance; Riverwoods – Play Ball – bright stars, stripes, dots. Other stuff: Kai – Scissors and shears, left handed, straight and curved. Mini Clip Magnifier Light; Just Nan – Peacock Charm Pin.

QUILTING: Possibilities: Fiesta!, Welcome Baby; That Patchwork Place: Calendar Kids; Wing and a Prayer: The Queen and the Court; Pacific Patchwork: Friend-Sheep; Cut A Round: New York Beauty; Trice Boerens: Creative Two-Block Quilts.

CROSS STITCH: Blue Ribbon Designs: Sweet Songs of Spring, In My Heart; Bent Creek: Rows Shamrock & Easter Bunny, Rowmance, Ubers Valentine & Shamrock Christmas Branch Cardinal Shepherd’s Bush: Winter Snows, Spring Blooms; Homespun Elegance: Eggs a Plenty, Scissor Fob I, I Love Spring, Special Ladies; Heart In Hand: Leggy Snowman & Leprechaun, Spring Day, XOXO; Lizzie Kate: 2nd 3 “Green” Flip Its, Cat Lessons for People; Blackbird Designs: Honeysuckle Manor, Thankful November, Merry December; Imaginating: Wipe Your Paws, Music is Love, Frosty Friendship, Seasons of Blessings; Sue Hillis: Thank Heaven For Little Boys & Girls, Cluttered Kitchen; Prairie Grove Peddler: Little Candle Mats Shamrocks & Bunnies; Just Nan: Winter Hearts Humbug, Leave It Green, Tea With Honey, Needle Tweets; Erica Michaels: Easter Bits, St. Patrick Day Bits; Victoria Sampler: Bumblebee Lace Sampler, Birds of a Feather, Hands to Work Sampler; Little House Needleworks: Robin Hood, Ornament series He’s a Flake, Snowy Pines, Winter Sheep; Drawn Thread: Friendship Garden, In My Heart, Small Seasons; Milady’s Needle: Rulers My Little Bees, ABC Come Stitch with Me; Jeannette Douglas: Spring & Autumn Stackers, Thistle Stitches; Praiseworthy Stitches: Emiliana’s Sewing Case, Simple Gifts Joy; Nora Corbett: Letters from Nora V, W, X, Y, Z; Glory Bee: Dream Big, BYOB Easter; SamSarah: Alphabet Baubles P is for Pear, Q is for Quilt, R is for Robin; Sunflower Seed: Celtic Christmas; Val’s Stuff: Kitty Kalendar Mar & Apr, Happy Easter; Turquoise Graphics: Eggs Bejeweled, Cherished Emerald, Crimson Treasure; Sekas: Hyacinth Square, Flamingo Heart; Prairie Schooler: June, February, Tortoise & the Hare, Signs of Spring; Brooke’s Books: Spirit of America, Angel of Cross Stitch. Carriage House: Autumn at Hawk Run Hallow; Keslyn’s: Welcome, Itty Bittys; Prairie Moon: Red & The Black II, We’d Turn Back, Last Tango Dance Contest Rosewood Manor: Antique Tin Tiles, Tree By Itself, Lighthouse Island; Raise the Roof: Clean & Green; Poppy Kreations: Easter Stuff; Stoney Creek: Farm Babies, Kids Hoopla; Sweetheart Tree: Spider Web Alphabet, Colonial Roses Fob.

OTHER: Canvas: Needle Delights – Color Delights Shamrock, Copper, Rainforest Crunch, Aquamarine; Knitting: Sock Club, Sugar N Cream Kitchen Essentials.

FYI: Kathy Barrick from Carriage House Samplings has decided to retire.
If you need any of her designs, let me know. They will be available until the first of July.

Happy Stitching!

NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTION REMINDER:
Please note the date on your mailing label. Your subscription will expire a year after that date unless you let me know you would like to keep receiving the newsletter. Please keep me advised of any address changes, as well. Thank you!

Fiberworks
108 E Bremer Ave. Love to Shop Hop Trail STANDARD Waverly, IA 50677 April 8,9,10 PRESORT
U.S. POSTAGE PAID Return Service Requested PERMIT NO. 37

OnLine Needlework Show Return kissing pillows NOW! April 15-18
http://needleworkshow.com Moms on Main
Saturday , May 1st