CHARM SQUARE TABLE TOPPER

Great summer class for youth and adult sewers from beginning to advanced skills. Pre-cuts are used so very little cutting so you have more time to sew. Choose one of two dates available, July 15 or July 27. Please Pre-register so you may enroll online or call 620.736.2942. 

QUILT RETREATS

You choose your Projects, sew your Hours, and have Fun for Days! Now that is what I call a Quilt Retreat! Needle in a Haystack Retreats are offered over five times yearly at Flint Oak near Fall River or Tawakoni near Augusta; both in Kansas.

Flint Oak Retreat is Friday through Sunday and has a hotel with private bath and 2 double beds. Breakfast is served at the Lodge. Tawakoni is Thursday through Sunday with lower bunk beds and bathroom shared by 10 people. Covered dish meals provide majority of meals at each retreat. Both locations have large light filled sewing rooms with adequate space for each quilter. Tables, chairs, ironing boards, irons and limited cutting areas are available.

Needle in a Haystack Quilt Retreats fill so quickly we rarely advertise them in our newsletter. Once you have attended a spring, summer or fall retreat, you will be the first ones contacted to attend the next year’s retreat. If you see a retreat opening in the Needle newsletter, we suggest you quickly check your calendar & contact our shop by phone. It is important to not overcrowd the sewing room, so the maximum number of quilters are generally 24 at Flint Oak or 19 at Tawakoni.

We offer up to five retreats each year so you can sew with other quilters and receive great door prizes. We ask that you reserve your space with a $50 non-refundable deposit. Once you have paid your deposit, you will receive emails with updates, agenda, remaining balance deadline, what to bring, and directions. Everything you need to know to attend a retreat.

Needle in a Haystack’s main objective is sewing, relaxing, being with other quilters, and having fun. Our schedule revolves around when retreat begins and ends plus when we eat. Your sewing schedule depends on how long and when you want to sew.

Demonstration is offered plus lots of door prizes.  A Mystery project is another optional offering for some retreats. 

We hope this blog has answered many of your retreat questions.

Starburst Tutorial

        This easy quilt has a lot of good color possibilities:  patriotic, seasonal, special holidays, favorite colors, or even that strip set you've been holding onto for awhile.  Whatever your choice make sure you choose a Background that has enough contrast from your strip colors.  That way your stars will show up the best.  Our sample was made from 1930's reproduction prints.  See pattern for other color examples.
          Please notice that our sample has an extra inner border, like the large throw option 2 on page 4 of the pattern.  This helps frame the main design before you add a fun large border.
          Another difference that I recommend for more advanced quilters is the use of a multi-size flying goose ruler, such as Marti Michell's or Creative Grids.  I used the ruler to cut the peak of Block 1 and the background triangle units.  Stop by the Needle to have Cynthia show you a quick demo if this sounds interesting to you. 

Simplish Tutorial

          If you've watched the YouTube video of Simplish and are thinking, "Gosh, I already have a great 10" square bundle of 40; I wonder if it will work?".  Answer:"Yes"!  If you have a regular 10" square bundle of 40, and  a strip set or 2 1/4 yd background you are set.
          It will take 27 squares, so you can be picky... Use the ones you like the best and that offer the greatest contrast with your background strips.  With the background fabric or one color strip pack, 31 strips will take care of all the sashing and binding. 
          Need the pattern, come into The Needle?  This simple pattern will make you a happy person, as you sew thru the steps.  And we all know--

A happy quilter makes a happy home. 

STICKS & STARS

This popular class will be offered again and again so everyone can make this quilt plus we like small class size. Our next class is April 29 so please pre-register. Here is the quilt, description and supply list:

GAZEBO TABLE TOPPER

This is a new class with a table topper filled with triangles using a ruler or template. Notice we offer two different classes on March 25 or April 19. We appreciate you pre-registering, so here are the class details:

CHAINED STAR - Beginner’s Technique Quilt

 If you are new to quilting or need a refresher course, this is the class you may want to consider. Selection of fabric, cutting, three different blocks, sewing and more are taught. Here are the class details and supply list, so please pre-register.