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710 N. Main St.
Newton, KS 67114
316-284-2547

Monday -Friday 9:30 - 5:30, Thursday 9:30 - 8, Saturday 9:30 - 5
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September 2, 2005
Hi All!

Happy September and welcome to the final 3-day weekend (for some!) of the summer!

Judy recently remade an old favorite, 3-Amigos.  I call her version, in bright lime-greens and oranges,  "HAPPY JACKS"!  We have a few kits left for this WALL HANGING and will include a FREE PATTERN with the $19.99 kit which includes the fabrics for top, backing & binding.

http://www.sewnatural.net/nli.asp?iid=7179

Last Saturday we welcomed over 100 quilters from Oklahoma who participated in the first (annual?) Quilters' Border Crossing Bus Tour.  Great fun was had by all, so watch for notices of other upcoming events!

This Saturday, while maybe not quite as busy as last Saturday, we'll be busy again.  We know lots of you will be traveling and hope you'll pull off Interstate 135, just 30 minutes north of Wichita, come west to Main Street and stop in for a visit!  There are plenty of other shops for your family to explore on Main St. including the antique mall right across the street.

Also this Saturday, Sept. 3rd, I will be teaching a PAPER PIECING CLASS - 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. - $10 + supplies.  

If you are participating in our $5 Quilt project on Second Saturdays this is an excellent opportunity to come and make the "FIERY SUN" block with me.  Just bring your kit, your pattern, your sewing machine and basic sewing supplies.  

You are still welcome to take this Saturday's class even if you are not making it for the $5 Quilt.  Kits will be available to purchase for $5 and the pattern is included.  This is a really fun New York Beauty block and easy to make once you learn to paper piece!  You can phone the store to REGISTER FOR CLASS - 316-284-2547 or register on-line:

http://www.sewnatural.net/nli.asp?iid=6974

We have several other UPCOMING CLASSES:

  Jinny Beyer's TRIP AROUND THE WORLD, A Mariner's Compass medallion quilt, 12 month class.  Starts Sept. 15th.  Morning and evening class available.  If you can't take the class, we will have KITS AVAILABLE in October.  

http://www.sewnatural.net/nli.asp?iid=6941

  Marti Michell's NORTHERN LIGHTS SAMPLER QUILT, 12 month class, starts Sept. 22nd.  Morning and evening class available.

http://www.sewnatural.net/nli.asp?iid=6950

  SIMPLE REVERSIBLE QUILTS, being repeated by popular demand, 2 session class starts Saturday Nov. 5th.

http://www.sewnatural.net/nli.asp?iid=6369

  Needle-turn Appliqué - CELTIC APPLIQUÉ by Hand with Donna Sandberg using her original pattern.  Saturday Sept. 17th.

http://www.sewnatural.net/nli.asp?iid=6938

  ORIENTAL CIRCLES -Reversible Quilt - Just TWO SPOTS remain for 3 session class starting Sept. 10th!

http://www.sewnatural.net/nli.asp?iid=6370

  QUILT PIECING FOR BEGINNERS -  3 session class starts Saturday Sept. 17th.

http://www.sewnatural.net/nli.asp?iid=6920

We have new from Kansas Troubles Quilters - two Moda fabric lines - Shades of Autumn and Meadow Waltz.  Plus the new "Spring" 2005 Newsletter.  A little delayed, but lots of useful information including quilt pattern & 4 Fat Quarters from Shades of Autumn line.  You can search any of these "key" words on our web site's "Search" function:

http://webstore.quiltropolis.net/stores_app/Search.asp?Store_id=269&Page_Id=13

Do you just feel like playing with a "little" new fabric?  Take a look at our new Charm squares and 4-1/2" strip bundles.

  New CHARM KIT - MEADOW WALTZ, includes Charlotte's exclusive pattern, a bundle of  5" charm squares, plus all the fabric and batting necessary to complete the 20" x 28" runner. 

http://www.sewnatural.net/nli.asp?iid=7180

  New CHARM KIT - RAG TIME - also from busy Kansans Terry Clothier Thompson and Barbara Brackman.  I've combined these wonderfully bright, fun REPRODUCTION PRINTS from 1890s to 1920s, with BLACK COTTON SATEEN in a unique "Ragtime String of Beads" small quilt.  (You know, in the 1920s, Flappers wore beads!)  Order our kit, which includes my exclusive pattern, a bundle of  5" charm squares, fabric for backing and binding and create your own unique small quilt by rearranging this single simple block in a variety of ways.

http://www.sewnatural.net/nli.asp?iid=7181

Of course, most of this we do to take our minds off the extremely distressing news from New Orleans and and the Gulf area hit so hard by Hurricane Katrina.  Here in Kansas we are more than a day's drive away, and as unpractical as it is we still feel like we should just start driving south to offer help. 

Trying to be more practical, my research shows that the best thing those of us at a distance can do is send MONEY.  I have chosen and highly recommend both the RED CROSS and MENNONITE DISASTER SERVICE.

http://www.redcross.org/index.html

http://mds.mennonite.net/Home

Quilters are some of the most generous people I've ever known.  Karey Patterson Bresenhan, founder of Quilts, Inc., International Quilt Festival in Houston, as well as Quilt Market for those of us in the business, has made some WONDERFUL OFFERS.

For more details please go to:

http://www.quilts.com/hurricane.htm

International Quilt Festival will match all donations made by quilters to the Red Cross, up to $10,000.  Please let Karey know if you make a donation. 

Karey has also organized "QUILTERS COMFORT AMERICA".  As you may know, 1000s of refugees have been moved to Houston's Astrodome.  Karey is sending out a desperate plea for twin-size to baby size sheets, light-weight quilts & tied comforts for these refugees landing in her home town.  It is  hot there, but they still need protection.

"Think about a mother lying on the floor cradling her baby--that's the
size quilt we need to provide. These quilts are not meant to be
heirlooms, although they will probably be treasured for many years
as a symbol of the caring of strangers. Tie them, machine quilt
them, work in a group with your friends and finish several on an
assembly line, do whatever it takes to get these finished quickly.
THE NEED FOR THESE QUILTS IS RIGHT NOW!"  

Please go to the following web pages for all the details on where and how to send them ASAP:

http://www.quilts.com/hurricane.htm

This morning I ordered more fabric so that we might make lots of these comforts quickly and affordably.  I expect 500 yards to arrive next week and will send out a call for volunteers to help make tied comforts.

There is more good news.  

AQS QUILTERS TO THE RESCUE.  The American Quilter’s Society (AQS) has also made a long-term commitment to help quilters who want to make contributions of quilts.  AQS will act as a repository for quilts to be donated to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. AQS will receive quilts into their warehouse and pack them to be shipped on to the disaster areas, when and where requested by the aid groups. The AQS Paducah, Kentucky location is the perfect launch point for the aid. They are asking for completed bed quilts and baby quilts only. Do not send quilting supplies, wallhangings, or unfinished quilts. 

Jay Staten sent me this information.  "With colder weather just two months away, quilts made with loving care, will offer comfort to those facing winter and rebuilding their lives. As many as a million people may be left homeless due to this catastrophic disaster. It is likely that many people will be in shelters and other relocation facilities through much of the winter. Quilts will be needed! So spread the word!"

 You can send donated quilts to:

AQS Quilters to the Rescue
c/o American Quilter’s Society
5801 Kentucky Dam Road
Paducah , KY 42003

For questions you may contact Jay Staten, Associate Publisher, American Quilter’s Society, P.O. Box 3290, Paducah, Kentucky 42002-3290, 270-898-7903, 270-898-1173 fax

jaystaten@aqsquilt.com

And more good news.  PakMail, our next door neighbor, has offered a great discount on shipping these quilts wherever I tell him they  need to go.  If you only have one, you may bring in quilts here to Charlotte's Sew Natural, so that we can ship all together more efficiently. You can bring any contributions to the store starting today.  We've estimated a cost about $5 each (for larger quilts) to ship them.  If you can bring in quilts and comforts, please consider including $5 to help cover  this expense.  After the quilts are shipped, I will send any excess money collected to the Red Cross.

Please take time to count your own blessings.  Maybe a week ago, you thought you had none.  Today you must have a long list!  See what you can share, even if it is only a kind word to a co-worker.  Be thankful as most of us are very blessed!

As you can see, we have been very busy here at Charlotte's in Newton and my staff and I need a "real" day off, so (uncharacteristically) we will be closed on Monday for Labor Day.  We will be refreshed and ready to welcome you and fill web orders again on Tuesday.  [And be assured, we are here today, Friday and tomorrow, Saturday as well!  :)]

Have a safe and wonderful weekend.

Sincerely,

Charlotte Wolfe (who, as I finish writing this, will go clean out the linen-closets looking for things to send to Houston today)
Charlotte's Sew Natural
Newton, KS
http://www.sewnatural.net

August 15, 2005
Hi All!

Don't miss this Saturday, August 20th - 10 a.m. : CHRISTMAS in AUGUST - Bring a finished Christmas project to show & share and receive a coupon for 25% off any CHRISTMAS FABRIC.  New Christmas fabrics, patterns & products will be featured including NEEDLE PUNCH with WOOL ROVING.  

No charge - come for fun!

New from Clothworks, GOOD TIDINGS Christmas collection fabrics now available.

http://www.sewnatural.com/nl.asp?s=tidings

Also on Saturday Aug. 20, starting at 1 p.m. we'll be showing quilts made in past sampler classes.  Come for the entertainment, inspiration and sign up for NEW SAMPLER CLASSES STARTING IN SEPTEMBER.  Suitable for beginners!

http://www.sewnatural.net/nli.asp?iid=6941

http://www.sewnatural.net/nli.asp?iid=6950

We still have a few seats left on the BORDER CROSSINGS BUS TOUR leaving from here at Charlotte's Sew Natural in Newton at 7:45 a.m. Saturday Aug. 27th.  Traveling to quilt shops in Oklahoma City and Hennessey Oklahoma and returning to Newton in one day.  Avoid the high gas prices, avoid getting lost in a strange town!  Don't delay - sign up today!

http://www.sewnatural.net/nli.asp?iid=6660

Having recently returned from a fun week spent with Randy and Lily driving around Oregon and Washington states, I'm reminded how luck we are, in this "industry" to have the great travel guide books!  Even if you know that there is a quilt shop in a particular town, it can be darned difficult to locate!  If you are traveling soon, I would strongly suggest picking up a travel guide designed specifically for quilters.  We have two to offer. 

THE QUILTERS TRAVEL COMPANION

http://www.sewnatural.net/nli.asp?iid=5295

WRBQ’s TRAVELING QUILTERS - United States and Canada  

http://www.sewnatural.net/nli.asp?iid=6970

The WRBQ comes with listings for quilt shows and other related events.  I have used this information to look ahead to make otherwise necessary travel plans to be sure to coincide with the local quilt show, and been well rewarded for my planning!

If you are traveling by airplane, before you pack your sewing bag, be sure to replace your "good" scissors with our little BLUNT-TIP SAFETY SCISSORS.  These are airline approved and will cut fabric as well as thread!  

http://www.sewnatural.net/nli.asp?iid=6967

I was terribly embarrassed to discover that I had overlooked my nice, large-handled Fiskar MICRO-TIP SCISSORS when going through security at the Kansas City airport last week.  Luckily, we were only dropping off my mother-in-law and had another 2 hours before our own flight, so I was able to return my good scissors to the car - and I had my safety scissors as back-up! 

http://www.sewnatural.net/nli.asp?iid=4770

I was also carrying along an AUNT PHILLY'S TOOTHBRUSH RUG project.  

I had already torn and wound all the fabric strips into neat rounds, stored safely in my carry-on bag.  The tooth-brush "needle" is a small, pointy, blue plastic item.  I wasn't positive that they'd let me through with this, so I packed an extra one in my checked bag as a spare.  But they did let me take it through and I got lots done during all those hours sitting in the airport and then on the airplane.  We drove from Seattle to Portland, on to Cannon Beach, then over to Mt. Hood and back north to Seattle, so I got lots done in the car too!  Sign up for one of our tooth-brush rug making CLASSES for personal instruction from an expert.  

http://www.sewnatural.net/nli.asp?iid=6955

To see the variety of Aunt Philly's PATTERNS, click here:

http://www.sewnatural.com/nl.asp?s=philly

Aunt Philly's patterns come with excellent written instructions, but we also have available an instructional video or CD.  Aunt Philly recommends learning from the video, making a rug, and then packaging up the VIDEO with a needle and giving it to a friend or family member.  Great idea!

 

While in Seattle, I stopped to see In The Beginning quilt shop.  What fun!  They carry one of my own quilt design patterns and it was fun to see their store model made from my PATTERN, POINTS & STAIRS.  

http://www.sewnatural.net/nli.asp?iid=4589

In The Beginning also has their own line of fabrics.  One of my favorites is "New York Retro".  Check out our TRAVEL PILLOW KIT made with this fabric.  Also, if you like "camp", check out the new SHOPPING BAGS Travel Pillow Case kit.

 http://www.sewnatural.com/nl.asp?p=0&c=73

http://www.sewnatural.net/nli.asp?iid=6964

Since my return I've really been running!  We had the "Second Thursday" of the month, when Mary does a presentation and customers pick up their monthly CHRISTMAS BLOCK and SANTA APPLIQUÉ  block kits.  

If you can't come to the store for these, you may order them on-line.  At this point in the year we'll start you with the August blocks and then continue sending you blocks until you've received all 12, sometime next year.  

http://www.sewnatural.net/nli.asp?iid=5907

The Second Thursday was also the meeting day for MARY'S SEWING CLUB.  You can drop in any month, at 10 a.m. the second Thursday, for $5 and meet other INTERESTING WOMEN WHO SEW, and hear a unique presentation made by Mary.  Or you can become a member for just $36 a year and get several little perks, including 10% off all purchases made the day of Club. 

This month Mary introduced "THE TRIXIE BAG",  a new pattern from Renay Martin of Kansas City.  This is her latest in a series of purse patterns, very cute, all covered in ruffles.  

http://www.sewnatural.net/nli.asp?iid=6976

See all of her patterns by clicking here:

http://www.sewnatural.com/nl.asp?s=pursestrings

Next came "Second Saturday" with the FOLK ART PIECED and APPLIQUÉ BLOCKS and my early morning presentation. You can order these monthly block kits on-line as well. This month's pieced block is a NEW YORK BEAUTY BLOCK called "Fiery Sun". The proper use of the ADD-A-QUARTER ruler really makes this fast to PAPER PIECE.  Want help learning?  I'm offering a CLASS on this block Saturday Sept. 3rd from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.  for only $10.  Pattern included.

http://www.sewnatural.net/nli.asp?iid=6974

When checking out my class registration page (link above), you'll see a picture of an award winning quilt by Elsie Moser. I've kept this picture from the 1995 AQS calendar pinned by my desk every since (9 years - yikes!). Elsie used 16 FIERY SUN blocks with a fabulous floral print and appliquéd border and took First Place in the Amateur Wall Quilt division that year.  Continue to be inspired daily when you hang the AQS 2006 WALL CALENDAR in your sewing room.  Click here for details:

http://www.sewnatural.net/nli.asp?iid=6073

And, while I was gone, another First Wednesday came and went, which means that the next BUCK-A-BLOCK kits are ready to be picked up or added to web orders.  When added to another item, the kit is only $1, or $3 if ordered by itself.
Click here for details:

http://www.sewnatural.net/nli.asp?iid=6965

I wish I could say I was all rested and relaxed, but truth is I would love a retreat!  Probably not going to happen again soon, but I may have to turn off the computer and the phone and lock myself in my sewing room for a couple of days to make some progress on our Shop Hop quilt.  Remember that the 7th Annual CENTRAL KANSAS QUILT SHOP HOP happens the 7th, 8th & 9th of October.  The GRAND PRIZES are two sewing machines, several Maytag cordless irons and 55 fabulous gift baskets, not to mention other wonderful prizes.  You must visit all 11 participating shops to be eligible for the grand prizes.  Visit fewer and be eligible for other prizes.

We are now selling KANSAS SPLENDOR Shop Hop T-SHIRTS for $9.95 and sweatshirts for $19.95.  These are selling quickly.  Some sizes will already be back-ordered.  The shirts are available in M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL in green or purple.  The sweatshirts are available in the same sizes in green or burgundy.

You can pre-order Shop Hop fabric, and with payment, we will cut and hold for you, to be delivered or shipped after Oct. 7th.  The t-shirts are available now.

http://www.sewnatural.net/nli.asp?iid=6110

You can see the T-Shirt GRAPHIC and register for a chance to WIN a T-Shirt & fabric at

http://www.centralkansasquiltshophop.4t.com/

Hope you have a great week!

Sincerely,
Charlotte Wolfe
Charlotte's Sew Natural
710 Main St. (1 BLOCK South of the Courthouse)
Newton, Ks  67114
http://www.sewnatural.net

316-284-2547

June 24, 2005
Hi All!

The wheat harvest is continuing at a fast and furious pace.  The weather is great.  If you've ever lived in "wheat country" you know how intense this can be!

WHEAT & SUNFLOWERS are both dear to Kansans.  Central Kansas quilt shop owners have commissioned a special BATIK for this year's QUILT SHOP HOP - AUTUMN SPLENDOR - Oct. 7, 8, 9 2005.

This BATIK is EXCLUSIVE to our shops.  You can pre-order, with pre-payment, with fabric starting to be delivered or mailed, the first day of the Hop, Oct. 7th.  You can see and order it in the Newton store or here on-line:

http://www.sewnatural.com/nl.asp?s=sunflowerwheat

We were so excited about the first color way, AUTUMN, that we ordered two more.  There is a very limited amount of these fabrics.

Autumn:

http://www.sewnatural.net/nli.asp?iid=6810

Amethyst:

http://www.sewnatural.net/nli.asp?iid=6810

If you just love the SUNFLOWER BATIKS and want it right now, check out our complete selection here:

http://www.sewnatural.com/nl.asp?s=sunflower

All these batiks are available by the yard (1/2 yard minimum) or as FAT QUARTERS.

Take a closer look at our FAT QUARTER department:

http://www.sewnatural.com/nl.asp?p=0&c=74

We have several SUNFLOWER PATTERNS available as well, like this STANDING TALL from Sew Be It:

http://www.sewnatural.com/nl.asp?s=sunflower

On the second day of summer it seems kind of funny to ask "Have you seen the latest FALL 2005 edition of "Quilt" magazine?  A Giant Dahlia Quilt is featured on the cover and there's a pattern on the inside.

http://www.sewnatural.net/nli.asp?iid=6771

The Giant Dahlia looks rather like a sunflower.  I've made one of these beautiful quilts.  The instructions in the magazine are a good start, but if you really want to make one I HIGHLY recommend Marti's Perfect Patchwork GIANT DAHLIA TEMPLATE SET which allows you to rotary cut the entire Dahlia!  We'll even rent the template set to you and you get to keep the well-illustrated, well-written instruction book which comes with the templates.  Order the "rental set" and return it to us ($3.85 priority mail) in 10 days for a $40 credit.  Really and truly, you can rotary cut this entire quilt in a couple of hours!

http://www.sewnatural.net/nli.asp?iid=4823

If you live in Central Kansas, or nearby in Oklahoma, I hope you are considering joining our QUILTERS' BORDER CROSSING BUS TOUR on AUGUST 27th.  Our bus will leave here and head for 2 shops in Oklahoma, returning to Newton that evening.  Click here for details:

http://www.sewnatural.net/nli.asp?iid=6660

If you live close by and would like to take a DAY TRIP to Newton, here's a great plan!  Come see us next week for a Rejuvenate & Recharge Getaway to Newton!

Tuesday, June 28 several Newton retailers are offering to “Take you away for the day”!  You’ll be treated to brunch, demonstrations, a fashion show, lunch, a great mid-afternoon dessert, and Oh, did we mention – SHOPPING?!  

Your day will begin at BAM! 10 am with “Getting Silly In the Kitchen With Silicone” at Kitchen Corner, where you will have a light brunch.  From there you will progress to Scrapbook Gallery for a chance to learn a rubber stamping technique that you can use in your scrapbooks, or in making your own greeting cards.

Your next stop will be a fashion show at Katherine’s, a local ladies wear shop.  Their Merle Norman consultant will also introduce a new home alternative to mircrodermabrasion.

Following the fashion show there will be time to shop. 

Lunch will be served at Bruno’s Restaurant, a local American/Italian/French café at 12:30.

Beginning at 1:30 pm, there will be a seminar - “Color Forecasts - Wall coverings, & Accessories” presented by Gayle Funk, Senior Designer of Living Rooms by Gayle.

A mid-afternoon dessert will be served at Moka’s, a local coffee shop and internet café that specializes in flavored coffees and beverages.

Across Main Street, here at  Charlotte’s Sew Natural, we will be demonstrating “stripping”!  It’s not the Moulin Rouge, but hookers are welcome and no sewing experience is required!

http://www.sewnatural.com/nl.asp?p=0&c=66

Then, “There’s no place like Home” at Prairie Harvest, just two doors north of Charlotte's.  Taste samples and recipes using delicious Kansas products for home use and see their wide selection of bulk spices and grains, fresh organic produce, and supplements.  

Your last port of call is High Street Company. A little off the beaten path, but well worth the trip, it has some of the most unique gift items in the area from around the world.

A full day of food, fun, and relaxation for only $20.00 per person!  This day trip would be perfect for Red Hat groups, sororities, Mother/Daughter outings, other ladies’ groups, or just for yourself!  Call 316-283-4253 (Kitchen Corner) today to reserve your spot.  Your payment by cash, check, or credit card is your reservation.  Deadline for reservations for reservations has been extended until Monday June 27th.  We’re looking forward to a relaxing day with you!

I think this sounds like a fun day, and I know that you all might be able to figure out my "tease" about the stripping! :)

SALE -  PRE-SEASON!  Just a reminder that ALL FLANNELS are now on SALE.  SAVE 25% through the end of JUNE!

FLANNEL SALE includes this week's new arrivals - DANCE OF THE AUTUMN LEAVES  and WOOLIES FLANNELS from Maywood.

http://www.sewnatural.com/nl.asp?s=dance

See them all in the FLANNEL & BRUSHED COTTONS department by clicking here:

http://www.sewnatural.com/nl.asp?p=0&c=81

See all of our NEWEST ADDITIONS to the WEB STORE by clicking here:

http://www.sewnatural.com/nl.asp?p=0&c=58

Stay warm, think flannels, and have a great weekend! <G>

Sincerely,
Charlotte Wolfe
Charlotte's Sew Natural
710 N. Main St., one block south of the Court House
Newton, KS
www.sewnatural.net
316-284-2547