Friday, August 30, 2013

Hints of Fall


Hello Quilters:

This week we heard the first news reports of Fall color on Vermont Route 100.  It’s hard to believe the Chester Fall Festival is only three weeks away.  If you haven’t seen the gallery of Fall class projects please check the blog postings at www.vermontquilting.com.  Fall classes start in less than two weeks!

Bargello Class
We posted a photo of the wrong project for the Bargello class to be held on October 5.  Here is the correct project. 
Fabric Just In
New Fabric received includes the too-who cute to believe You Who from Henry Glass, Noah’s Jungle from Northcott, and Lakeside Retreat and Mini-Cabin Series flannels and the glittery Eden, all from Timeless Treasures.

New Kits
We are currently making up kits with Eden and also Hampton Ridge, a BOM kit from Marcus Fabrics.

New Books
Our staff suggests you check out these new books: Cindy Lammon’s “Simply Modern Christmas” and “Set the Table—11 Designer Patterns for Table Runners,” both from That Patchwork Place.

$10 Rebate on any Martingale/Patchwork Place Book
Martingale has announced a $10 rebate on any Martingale/That Patchwork Place book.  Simply purchase any Martingale book of your choice and pick up a copy of the rebate coupon.  Mail the coupon to Martingale with your shop receipt.  How simple is that?  This rebate program runs from September 1 through December 31, 2013.

Retreats at Vermont Quilt Design
Our friend Vermont Quilt Design is leading two quilt retreats next year.  “Bring a Beginner” will be held at the Brandon Inn in Brandon, Vermont on February 7 – 9, 2014.  “Quilting in Vermont” will be held at the Strong House Inn in Vergennes, Vermont on May 2 – 4, 2014.  For more information, please go to www.VermontQuiltDesign.com or send Kay and Allison an email at VermontQuiltDesign@gmail.com or call them at (802) 236-4562.

COMING EVENTS
September 2                    Labor Day, Country Treasures is open 10 am – 5 pm
September 14 – 15           Bennington Quilt Fest 2013, Bennington, VT
September 16 – 22           New England Air Museum: Fights and Fantasies Quilt show 2013
September 21 – 22           Chester Fall Festival on the Green
October 14                       Columbus Day, Country Treasures is open 10 am – 5 pm
Oct. 17 – Dec. 28             Roots of Modern Quilting: Everything Old is New Again at the New England Quilt Museum, Lowell, MA
October 19 – 20               Second Annual Deerfield Valley Quilt Show, Norton House, A Quilter’s Paradise, Wilmington, VT
Oct. 31 – Nov. 3               A Quilters’ Gathering, Eastcoast Quilters Alliance, Manchester, NH
November 5 – 10              Falling Leaves Retreat, Country Treasures, Chester, VT
November 11                   Country Treasures will be closed for Veteran’s Day
March 21 – 30, 2014         Vermont Shop Hop
May 29 – June 1, 2014      Spring Retreat, Country Treasures

Please don’t forget that Country Treasures is CLOSED ON MONDAYS.  Our hours remain the same on the other days: Tuesday through Saturday 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday 12 noon till 4 pm.  Country Treasures will be open for Holiday Mondays: Labor Day (September 2) and Columbus Day (October 14).

More soon at Threading the News.

Yours in quilting, 
Sue and staff

Friday, August 23, 2013

A Gallery of Class Projects

A Preview of Autumn 2013 Class Projects!

A number of quilters have already dropped by the shop to sign up for classes and to view the class projects.  We would like to give you a preview of the Autumn 2013 projects.  First, here are the first projects for each of our Weekly Quilting Classes.

The Intermediate and Advanced classes will start out with a simpler project to tune up your skills: a set of placements called Take Four.  You will probably finish the set during class so Sue will be prepared to help show you how to quilt one of your placemats.

Farmer’s Wife was such a hit class last year that Sue is teaching it again.  We have a picture of Sue’s now-completed quilt made with Reproduction fabrics.  Sue is already making another one with more modern fabrics and a picture of some of those blocks follows.


Carolyn’s Beginners Class will start with the Bricklayer’s Daughter Tablerunner.

Sue is teaching a class featuring some of Judy Niemeyer’s paper piecing patterns called Judy Niemeyer Club.  You get to pick one of eight patterns.  We have samples of most of the patterns on display in the shop: Compass Rose, Cactus Flower, Arizona Cactus, Feathered Star and Snowflakes.  The other three patterns which may be selected for the class are: Cappuccino, Sunflower Illusions, and Summer Solstice.






 
Sarah will be teaching the first of our Weekend Workshops.  Her first class uses Deb Tucker’s V-Block template to create a pattern titled Victorious.

Sue is teaching Stargello which can be finished as either a table topper or a Christmas Tree skirt.

Machine Quilting I provides an excellent foundation to the world of machine quilting.

Machine Quilting II explores the world of free motion quilting.

Machine Quilting III and IV journey outside the box with zig-zag appliqué and free-motion, echo quilting.

October begins with a Saturday class during which Sue will teach you the secrets of making one of the most popular quilt patterns: Colorsplash. 

Bring a bit of Italy home!  The Bargello quilt pattern is inspired by the well-known style of needlework found on the chairs in the Bargello Palace in Florence, Italy.

Judy Niemeyer applied her paper-piecing techniques to the classic Double Wedding Ring design.  Sue will show you how this simplifies all those curves.

The foliage will have faded by the beginning of November so our thoughts will of course turn to … Christmas Tree Skirts.

Pick-up Sticks is a great way to use scraps, charm packs or layer cakes.  Just add an accent color and it’s magic!

Woodpile Sampler is a must-have traditional quilt—stunning and beautiful.

Sarah taught the first Weekend Workshop so it’s only fitting that she return to wrap up the season with our only December class.  She will show you how to make perfect points with Deb Tucker’s Corner Beam template and show them off in a gorgeous quilt called North Star.

More soon at Threading the News.

Yours in Quilting,
Sue and Staff

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Fall 2013 Class Schedule

Welcome to Autumn 2013!

As with much of the U.S., our own little corner of Chester, Vermont was hit with extreme heat this summer. Nonetheless, Country Treasures has been busy with lots of visitors from all over the country.  We have assisted buses, vans, and even a limousine filled with out-of-state quilters!  All of our shoppers were eager to find what might be new, such as our many new fall and winter fabric lines.  We know you have been waiting for our new Fall class schedule.  In addition to the new classes by Sue and Carolyn, Sarah will be teaching two classes featuring Deb Tucker’s rulers and patterns.  So jump out of the pool, put those swim suits away, and jump back into a quilt class and join our old and new faces for a great fall schedule.

Weekly Quilting Classes – Fall 2013

INTERMEDIATE AND ADVANCED (8 weeks of class).................... $56.00
Starting Tuesday, September 10th, 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Instructor: Sue Ashe
The first project is the Take 4 set of placemats which can be made in one session. Why not ease back into classes with a project that makes great gifts and is simply a fun project.

FARMER’S WIFE (6 weeks of class)................................................... $48.00
Starting Wednesday, September 11th, 9:30 am – noon.  Also available as an on-line class, see page 5 below.
Instructor: Sue Ashe
Come join me as we piece together a sampler quilt (83” x 103”) using scraps or reproduction fabrics. Every week we will work on several blocks and some blocks will be assigned to work on at home. Suitable for all levels but not recommended for first-time quilters.

BEGINNERS (8 weeks of class)............................................................ $56.00
Starting Wednesday, September 11th, 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Instructor: Carolyn Niesuchouski
The first project is the “Bricklayer’s Daughter” Tablerunner. This class is designed for first-time, beginning quilters or for anyone who wants more review.  We will learn all the basics and do simple quilting and binding to finish this new tablerunner pattern.

INTERMEDIATE AND ADVANCED (8 weeks of class).................... $56.00
Starting Thursday, September 12th, 9:30 am – Noon
Instructor: Sue Ashe
The first project is the Take 4 set of placemats which can be made in one session. Why not ease back into classes with a project that makes great gifts and is just a fun project.

JUDY NIEMEYER CLUB (6 weeks of class)....................................... $48.00
Starting Friday, September 13th, 9:30 am – Noon
Instructor: Sue Ashe
OK, I admit it—I am addicted to this method of paper piecing.  I’ve made four large quilts and some smaller samples in the last year alone!  You will have a choice of eight patterns from which to choose.  Unlike fussy paper piecing methods you will cut layers of fabric at a time, and chain-sew sections together.  Sharp points, compasses, curve seaming all become a piece of cake! Suitable for all levels but not recommended for first time quilters.

Weekend Workshops

QUILTS OF VALOR QUILT-A-THON........................................... Priceless!
Friday & Saturday, September 6th – 7th, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
We need quilters to cut fabric, iron, sew, bind, and/or attach labels.  Bring your own fabric or work on one of the many kits I will have ready.  All quilts made will be donated to veterans from Vermont.  Come for the day or a couple of hours.  I appreciate any and all help!  Please sign up in advance to ensure everyone has a seat!

FINISH UP CLASS............................................................................... $30.00
Sunday, September 8th, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Instructor: Sue Ashe
This has been a very popular class. For all of you who have started any of our block of the month quilts or just have unfinished projects, this is a great opportunity to get them finished!!

DEB TUCKER’S VICTORIOUS.......................................................... $40.00
Saturday, September 14th, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Instructor: Sarah Furrer
Make a striking (55 ½” x 55 ½”) quilt.  In the process you will learn how to use Deb Tucker’s V-Block Ruler to make star blocks and an interesting diamond border.  This project is for the intermediate to advanced quilter.  Pre-cutting is required for class.

MACHINE QUILTING I...................................................................... $30.00
Sunday, September 15th, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Instructor: Carolyn Niesuchouski
This is the first in a series of classes for machine quilting. We will get you set up with the right tools and learn straight line quilting using a walking foot. You will actually leave with your project quilted!!  The student will also learn modern quilting ideas.  Sample tablerunner ideas will be provided.

RESERVED – THE QUILTING DIVAS.............................................. $35.00
Saturday, September 21, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
The first project is the Stargello.

CHESTER FALL FESTIVAL................................................................ FREE
Saturday + Sunday, September 21 + 22, All Day
On-going demo’s on the Chester Green, weather permitting.

STARGELLO......................................................................................... $40.00
Saturday, September 28th, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Instructor: Sue Ashe
Create this awesome table-topper using two color families of fabric or leave one seam open and make a Christmas Tree Skirt!  If you can sew strips together you can make a stargello!  You have the option of adding a border like my sample to make it larger.  Suitable for all levels but not recommended for first time quilters.

JUDY NIEMEYER CLUB..................................................................... $48.00
Sunday, September 29th, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Instructor: Sue Ashe
OK, I admit it—I am addicted to this method of paper piecing.  I’ve made four large quilts and some smaller samples in the last year alone!  You will have a choice of eight patters from which to choose.  Unlike fussy paper piecing methods you will cut layers of fabric at a time, and chain-sew sections together.  Sharp points, compasses, curve seaming all become a piece of cake! Suitable for all levels but not recommended for first time quilters.  The price includes another all-day class at the student’s convenience.

COLORSPLASH................................................................................... $40.00
Saturday, October 5th, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Instructor: Sue Ashe
Always a favorite! This beautiful quilt is made using florals in the Trip Around The World pattern. You will be amazed at how it is constructed. Your choice of sizes from crib to king. Suitable for all levels but not recommended for first time quilters.

BARGELLO........................................................................................... $40.00
Saturday, October 5th, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Instructor: Sue Ashe
The Bargello lap quilt is made using regular strip-piecing techniques and a range of fabrics that produce a graduation of color from light to dark.  Suitable for all levels but not recommended for first time quilters.

MACHINE QUILTING II..................................................................... $30.00
Sunday, October 6th, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Instructor: Carolyn Niesuchouski
You must have taken Introduction to Machine Quilting I or have prior machine quilting experience. This class will concentrate on “free motion” quilting. Drop your feed dogs and go!

JUDY NIEMEYER’S DOUBLE WEDDING RING............................ $40.00
Saturday, October 19th, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Instructor: Sue Ashe
Everyone loves this classic design—but we are all put off because of all those curves.  Using a Judy Niemeyer paper piecing technique combined with traditional piecing methods the difficulty level is cut down to a project suitable for all quilters.  You may choose from smaller projects like a tablerunner or a crib quilt or jump right in and make a larger quilt.  Suitable for all levels but not recommended for beginners.

MACHINE QUILTING III................................................................... $30.00
Sunday, October 20th, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Instructor: Carolyn Niesuchouski
You must have taken Introduction to Machine Quilting I and II or have prior machine quilting experience. This class will concentrate on machine appliqué. We will be using decorative stitches!!

RESERVED – THE QUILTING DIVAS.............................................. $35.00
Saturday, October 26, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm

MACHINE QUILTING IV (ADVANCED).......................................... $30.00
Sunday, October 27st, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Instructor: Carolyn Niesuchouski
For those who want to advance their quilting technique or review your skills.  Lots of new designs and ideas from Modern Quilting will be used!

CHRISTMAS TREE SKIRT................................................................. $40.00
Saturday, November 2nd, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Instructor: Sue Ashe
OK, we all make mistakes.  I loved this pattern so I ordered it.  You should have seen my face when I opened it up and found it was all appliqué! Nowhere on the cover does it say appliqué.  So I re-wrote the pattern so it is all pieced—so much more fun!  Suitable for all levels—a great beginner project.

FINISH UP CLASS............................................................................... $30.00
Sunday, November 3rd, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Instructor: Sue Ashe
This has been a very popular class. For all of you who have started any of our block of the month quilts or just have unfinished projects, this is a great opportunity to get them finished!!

PICKUP STICKS.................................................................................. $40.00
Saturday, November 9th, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Instructor: Sue Ashe
Pickup Sticks is a great quilt made using charm packs or layer cakes.  What a wonderful class for beginners—easy piecing!  Your choice of tablerunner or lap quilts.  Suitable for all levels.

RESERVED – THE QUILTING DIVAS.............................................. $35.00
Saturday, November 16, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm

TAKE 4 PLACEMAT SET.................................................................... $30.00
Sunday, November 17th, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Instructor: Sue Ashe
Take 4 is a quick and easy project: a set of four placemats can be made in one afternoon.  Great for gift giving!  Suitable for all levels—a great beginner project.

WOODPILE SAMPLER....................................................................... $48.00
Saturday, November 23rd, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm.  Also available as an on-line class, see page 5 below.
Instructor: Sue Ashe
In response to popular demand, I am bringing back this beautiful sampler quilt designed by Terry Atkinson.  My sample was made using 1930’s prints but it will look great in any kind of fabric.  Use your scraps or buy new fabrics for a more planned quilt.   Not recommended for beginners.

DEB TUCKER’S NORTH STAR......................................................... $40.00
Saturday, December 7th, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Instructor: Sarah Furrer
Make a striking and unique quilt using Deb Tucker’s Corner Beam ruler.  Learn a fun technique for those tricky looking blocks.  This project is for the intermediate and advanced quilter.  Pre-cutting required for class.

RESERVED – THE QUILTING DIVAS.............................................. $35.00
Saturday, December 14, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Instructor: Sue Ashe

***KITS ARE AVAILABLE FOR MOST CLASSES***

Parking and classroom entrance in rear of building. Bring your lunch.

Please let us know at least one week in advance of your class if you would like a kit made.

PICTURES OF THE CLASS PROJECTS ARE AVAILABLE TO SEE ON OUR WEBSITE

DEAR JANE CLASS
Country Treasures will be having a class inspired by the exhibition of Dear Jane quilts at this year’s Vermont Quilt Festival.  It will be some time during our Winter class session.  We have the book, rulers and DVD in stock.  Sarah has already started on her quilt.  Soon all of us will be Jane-iacs!!

FALLING LEAVES RETREAT
Our Falling Leaves Retreat is scheduled for November 5 –10, 2013.  We may have a few openings for anyone who would like to join us for a week of non-stop fun!  If you are interested, please call Country Treasures – 802-875-4377.

QUILTS OF VALOR
We continue to accept all quilts or quilt tops for our Quilts of Valor program. Both Sue and Carolyn are donating time to machine quilt.  Anyone interested in joining in please email or call us.  We would particularly appreciate any donation of time to bind quilts, and any donation of materials such as new batting or new threads or monies to purchase batting and thread. Please continue to make quilts for our returning veterans.  For more information, please go to www.QOVF.org.

*** NEW—ON-LINE CLASSES!!  ***
For those of you who cannot come every week I have made it possible for you to complete two of our classes via the Internet!  This class session Woodpile Sampler and Farmer’s Wife are available as on-line classes for $48.00.  Here is how it will work: after you have paid for the class, I will email the first lesson.  Once you have completed the homework, you will send me a picture of the completed block(s) and I will send you the next lesson! 

Registration Form for Classes
Minimum of 6 students per class

No telephone registrations unless you use a credit card.
Should the class be cancelled, class fee will be refunded.
NO refund of class fee should a student cancel without a two week notice.

Name:                                                                               Telephone:
Address (Street, City, Zip):
Email Address:
Class(es):
 
Class Fee                                        Date:
Payment method: circle one:       Check              Credit Card (MC, VISA or Discover)
 
Credit Card #                                                         Expiration Date:
Will you want to use one of our machines?          Yes    No

 
TALKING QUILTS
My good friend Jeannette Pié is retiring because of medical reasons.  She originated the Talking Quilt quotes and patterns.  She has asked me to take over her business.  Sometime in the fall I will become the distributor of her Talking Quilts business!  For more information on Talking Quilts please visit her website at www.easyaspiedesigns.com.

CONKERR CANCER – PILLOWCASES
Please remember to continue to make pillowcases for the cause for kids with cancer. Remember that all pillowcases must be washed and placed in a plastic Ziploc bag. Thanks!

COMING EVENTS
July 11 – October 7              A Slice of Cheddar: Antique Pennsylvania Quilts at the New England Quilt Museum, Lowell, MA
August 1 – September 22     Billings Farm & Museum 27th Annual Quilt Exhibition, Woodstock, VT
August 8 – 10                        Lowell Quilt Festival, Lowell, MA
August 15 – 18                      World Quilt Show—New England, Radisson Center of New Hampshire, Manchester, NH
September 2                           Labor Day, Country Treasures is open 10 am – 5 pm
September 14 – 15                Bennington Quilt Fest 2013, Bennington, VT
September 16 – 22                New England Air Museum: Fights and Fantasies Quilt show 2013
September 21 – 22                Chester Fall Festival on the Green
October 14                             Columbus Day, Country Treasures is open 10 am – 5 pm
October 17 – December 28 Roots of Modern Quilting: Everything Old is New Again at the New England Quilt Museum, Lowell, MA
October 19 – 20                    Second Annual Deerfield Valley Quilt Show, Norton House, A Quilter’s Paradise, Wilmington, VT
November 5 – 10                  Falling Leaves Retreat, Country Treasures, Chester, VT
November 11                         Country Treasures will be closed for Veteran’s Day
March 21 – 30, 2014            Vermont Shop Hop
May 29 – June 1, 2014         Spring Retreat, Country Treasures

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
·       The shop will be open Labor Day, September 2 and Columbus Day, October 14 from10 am – 5 pm.
·       During the Chester Fall Festival weekend the shop will be open extra hours on Sunday, September 22 from 10 am – 4 pm.
·       Country Treasures will be closed for Veteran’s Day, Monday, November 11.

FABRIC JUST IN
Southern Nights and Rio from Fabri-Quilt, Snow Babies and Flannel Essentials from Henry Glass, Dashing All the Way and Winter Wishes from Hoffman, Whisper Prints, Damask Rose and Urban Zoologie (in regular cotton and flannel) from Robert Kaufman, Fields of Gold and Kimberly’s Garden from Maywood Studio, Judy’s 25th Anniversary, Primo Plaids and Romantic Old Charleston from Marcus Brothers, Christmas Countdown from Moda, Margo’s Favorite Shirtings from Newcastle, Attic Treasures and Mia from Red Rooster, It’s Elementary from Wilmington, and Midnight Blues from Windham Fabric.