May 22, 2008 Newsletter

Greetings from NHQE!

I’m not sure why the writing of the newsletter always seems like such a daunting task and weighs heavily on my mind for weeks before sitting down at the keyboard. Maybe because I so very much want to give you what you want to hear, but I don’t really know what you want. So....once again, I’ll wing it.

[Marcus Bros. Merrimack Fabrics]

Since the last writing we have received lots of new merchandise at NHQE. LOTS! We have some new books, some new Jelly Rolls and Charm Packs, a half dozen new wide-backs & a fair amount of new fabric!

First, have I told you about the fact that we now have the Merrimack Collection? This line of 32 fabrics was designed by Judie Rothermel and the New England Quilt Museum for Marcus Brothers. These are reproductions of the fabrics that were made in the mills in the Merrimack Valley, which includes Lowell, Nashua and Manchester, circa 1840-1865. Ladies, this is our heritage! In an effort to blend the old and the new, there is currently a sample being made using this line with a pattern designed for 2-1/2” strips. Why not show us what YOU can do with this line?

We have fat quarter bundles – all 32 for ONLY $69.95!

New Books:

[Victory Quilts Book by Eleanor Burns]

Victory Quilts represents a look back in history to the 1940’s and life on the home front during the War years. This Sampler Quilt offers patterns and techniques for 20 blocks, each one representing a slice of history with a story to tell.

The blocks are traditional patterns, popular during that era and each one a symbolic remembrance: Sky Rocket recognizes the tragic bombing of Pearl Harbor; Broken Sugar Bowl brings to mind rationing during the War; Signal Light recalls air raid warnings; Army Star honors our Armed Services.

Along with strip piecing, Eleanor teaches her techniques for squaring up triangle pieced squares, appliqué, flying geese patches, Y seams, and much more. Make a Sampler Quilt “set on point” or straight set. Each method is clearly explained and has step by step illustrations in full color. Ribbon and swag borders are explained in detail and add unique interest to the quilt projects. Same block repeat patterns are included in addition to a table runner.

Victory Quilts contains yardage and cutting charts for several quilt sizes and the blocks can be made in either 12” or 6” finished sizes. The book has over 200 pages and includes traceable templates. Eleanor also shares a recipe for Sugarless Cake, a popular treat in wartime when sugar was rationed.

Take a step back in history to the greatest generation and stitch your quilt in memory of those long gone days.

More New Books:

  • Wonder Blocks
  • Spotlight on Scraps
  • Rolling Along
  • Creative Quilt Collection
  • Quilter's Travel Companion & Quilt Sampler Magazine

More New Fabrics:

[Americana Line Swatches]

America The Beautiful by Marcus Brothers

A nice 10 piece line of Americana just in time for our Patriotic holidays. In fact, next month’s Strip Club pattern will be offered in this fabric line.

 
[Wee Play Swatches]

Wee Play by American Jane for Moda

Can’t you just picture this patchwork piece as the body of a baby quilt with the two co-ordinates as borders? How simple is that? Do I really need to make a sample?

 
[Fabric Display Photo][Fabric Display Photo]

ALSO IN – over 75 bolts of “bought right” fabrics from Westminster Fibers/Free Spirit.

We made some great connections and are able to bring to you a selection of first quality fabrics from designers such as Carla Miller, Martha Negley, Kaffe Fassett, Marie Kelzer, Phillip Jacobs, Tina Givens (sorry, couldn’t get any Amy Butler). We are very excited to be able to bring these to you for only $6.99 per yard! That’s right folks, these fabrics normally retail for $9.29 and you can purchase them at NH Quilters’ Emporium and save over $2.00/yard!

Dandelion Girls Strip Quilt We know quilting can be an expensive hobby and with the cost of living increasing daily we want to do our part to insure you can continue to do what brings you pleasure – quilting. We are keeping our eyes open for other opportunities like this to purchase first quality fabric for less so we can pass those savings on to you!

And now.......drum roll please.......our very first Strip Club meeting was held last month and a group of excited quilters went home with a Kinetic Energy kit in the color way of their choice. I’m really hoping to see some of the finished quilts on Saturday, May 31st at 9:00am at our 2nd Strip Club meeting. Terry Burris will once again be presenting May’s strip club project. You can choose Dandelion Girls jelly roll.

OR choose an Asian theme. Cost is $38.00 payable the day of Strip Club. Call 603-880-0300 or email pam@NHQE.com to sign up – pre-registration is required. Thanks!

Oh, I wanted to tell you that Thangles has a free pattern available for a Quilts of Valor quilt. What could be more appropriate this Memorial Day weekend than to plan to make a quilt to honor a soldier wounded in the line of duty. Find out more about Thangles free pattern here: http://www.thangles.com/QOV1.html. To learn more about Quilts of Valor and how you can participate click on this link: http://www.qovf.org/.

NH Quilters’ Emporium will be closed Monday, May 26th in observance of Memorial Day. Please take a moment to pray for and acknowledge those who have and those who continue to sacrifice so that we can continue to be “The Land of the Free and the Brave”. God Bless

Pam & Jack
NH Quilters’ Emporium
www.NHQE.com