Dizzy Spinner Table Runner

Hello Everyone!
My name is Emily Cross, most of you know me from working at the shop. If not, I'm Betsey's eldest daughter. I'm guest blogging today because I've been "up to no good" (as my mom says) and wanted to share.

Possibly my favorite kind of fabric is batik fabric. Much to my pleasure, we've had some beautiful batiks coming in here at Quilted Heart. I just love these batiks. I even cut and folded fat quarters with enthusiasm! Predictably, I haven't been able to keep my hands off them, which brings me to...

Confession time... I am a closeted designer. My notebooks and school books are littered with ideas for blocks, quilts, piecing methods, purses and pillows. You name it, I've probably surreptitiously doodled it. When all these batiks came in I couldn't help but design something out of these inspiring fabrics! So without further ado, I humbly unveil my first official design, a table runner called "Dizzy Spinners". I had tons of fun making it and I hope you will too!

If you would like your own copy of the Dizzy Spinners Table Runner or the kit with pattern email or call: 417-777-6510.

Have a great day and happy stitching!
~Emily Cross

Penny Patches: a perfect pleasure!

Have you seen Penny Patches??? They are only the biggest crazy to hit Blackberry Patch! This weekend we did a demo day where we heard giggles of delight as quilters got to experience the crazy construction techniques used.

Incase you haven't heard...Penny Patches are made using 5" fabric squares called charms. Many of you have been collecting charm packs and have wondered what on earth to do with them. Do we have some ideas for you!

The most amazing part of Penny Patches isn't their .99 price - it's the instructions. We have fashioned some pretty silly ways to sew to pieces of fabric together to create beautiful blocks.

What to give them a try but you aren't close enough to make it in to Quilted Heart each month? We'd be happy to mail them for an extra 50 cents. We still have them available! Call or email today to get yours~!!!

Wildflower Meadow Retreat

What a get away!!! This weekend Carolyn and I retreated with a small group of ladies to Blackberry Creek Retreat Center for a weekend of quilting magic.


Everyone had an incredible time, enjoyed the food, scenery and amazing facilities. Dixie and Mark were charming hosts and took great care of us. Everyone was pampered!

The weekend began with Friday evening supper and Half Square Triangle Sewing Frenzy. Tami and Nancy battled in the Tear Off, with Tami barely stealing the victory.

Saturday the first blocks were completed and excitement filled the air. Sewing machines hummed and fabric flew. Carolyn and I pressed and tore - pressed and tore - pressed and tore. At dinner we all laughed over the truth and lies we told (it was a game).

Sunday came to soon and it was time to say goodbye before we knew it. Susie, our new dear friend, decided at the last minute to join our gang for sewing adventures. We were so tickled to get to know her. She kept us in stitches!!! Thank you Susie for being brave and jumping on board for an weekend of unknowns (she didn't even know what we were sewing!!!)

A very special thank you to all of you who ran away with us for a weekend of peace and laughter. It's one I will never forget!

Snow Storms & Brain Storms

After a day of dreary weather and few visitors at the shop Carolyn and I sat down to storm up some ideas. At one point she mentioned how she didn't like winter. I love it. Snow storms are my favorite. I'd take the wintery cold any day over hot muggy summer sweat. The cold always makes my brain work better...lots of ideas!

Thankfully the snow storm left Bolivar with more ideas than snow! The icky weather was enough to keep everyone but the bravest home sewing. Thank you to all you brave souls who kept me company today.

Idea-wise it was a blizzard. Carolyn suggested, in her confident and reassuring voice, that we could come up with the table topper patterns for the table topper club. I confess, I may have rolled my eyes just a bit. I don't know how she does it...a challenge like that looks like a giant stinky elephant to me - what do you do with that!...but I swear she sees rainbows and butterflies. In no time at all we had the initial design work completed for the ENTIRE year!!!

So a sneak peek...Turnovers! Turnovers are our table toppers and runners you can turn over and use the other side!!! We have designed themed monthly Turnovers you are going to adore. They will be offered as a monthly project with patterns and kits available or as a club where you come and sew them with extra encouragement and fun. Here is January's mock-up:

You can email us at qh@quiltedheartbolivar.com to sign up or save your spot.

I just love a good snow storm!

Betsey