Rose of Sharon Tips By Cathy

Tip #1 - making a curved stem.

This quilt uses both straight and curved stems. When making a curved stem as Cathy is in this demonstration, cut the fabric on a 45 degree angle. When making a straight stem, cut the fabric on the straight.

ALWAYS work on the wrong side of the fabric.

Cut your fabric on a 45 degree angle.

Remove the triangle and working on the remaining fabric, put your ruler a 1/4 inch in. Score it with your Hera.


Now move the ruler in to a 1/2 inch and score again. Move the ruler to 3/4 inch and cut.

Your strip will have 2 score marks, fold the right side into the middle, iron and then fold the left side into the middle and iron.

You will have a 1/4 inch bias strip.







To keep the strip together, we used Roxanne Glue Baste It. Cathy put a few drops along the outer fold of the strip and using her fingers, pressed it closed.

You now have a perfect strip for a curved stem.

Next week - applique using a circle foot!

The Romance Continues

Not between us and old man winter, but with Marti Michells The Romance Continues. We are offering it as a Block of the Month and as a kit. You can choose from Navy or White. Cathy has started working on a few blocks:

The Rose of Sharon: Roses of Remembrance & Sale

With another storm due in tonight, now is a great time to stop by the store and stock up on supplies. You'll have all day tomorrow to work on projects. PLUS select Christmas fabrics are 50% off a yard or more. They are moving fast so stop in today!

Speaking of getting things finished, Fiona finally got the Roses of Remembrance quilt on our site. You can get the kit, the book, the dvd, the thread, the stencils and the fabric!

 Since she was on a roll, Fiona also got up the New BOM The Romance Continues

Talented Family

While Cathy has the designer skill and Allan is master of the machines; it is their niece that excels at writing.
For Christmas she wrote them a poem along the lines of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. She included all the quilt basket employees and extended family.

Quilt Basket Friends
'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the shop
Austin was running around with his mop.

Denise was filling orders with care,
And just for the sake of the post office, Cathy was ridding herself of cat hair.

Dorrian was sprinting outside for the mail,
And Fiona was designing ads for a sale.

And Allan in his rounded shoes and large Santa cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap.

When from the classroom there arose a loud scream,
Sue Goth had designed a true quilter's dream!

But then came a dilemma into everyone's mind,
It needed to be quilted before they could bind!

And then who to their joyous surprise should appear,
But Debby Brown, causing all the employees to cheer.

She came with a large handi-Quilter, so precise and quick,
That Allan put together with a satisfying click.

She set to her work with a smile on her face,
And those around her smiled too - they knew perfect stitches she would place.

The back door opened and closed with a bang,

Theresa, Rita, Linda, and Sue Roe had arrived - now they had the whole gang!

Unbeknownst to the others, Elaine was busy preparing herself for a Janome selling spree,
While Cathy brewed a cup of peach tea.

Susanna stood by with paper and pen,
Nodding as she jotted down, "Aunt Cathy's Novel: Chapter Ten."

Meanwhile up front, Anne was doing some last minute shopping,
When there came a call from Sarah about the art of carrot chopping.

All the women there quickly jumped to her aid,
Anyone looking in would have wondered, "How much do these people get paid?"

Cathy watched all of this and kept it in control,
As Dorrian stuck pins in the Uncle Allan troll.

It is clearly obvious that this is everyone's favorite store,
From the organized bolts of fabric to the pins on the floor.

That is how we know it will be a great benefit
For people to receive a Quilt Basket gift certificate.

While this happy scene is still in our sight,
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!