karen gray design

Tula Pink coming to Winston-Salem!

BIG News!

Hello,

If you receive my newsletter, you probably already are aware of the exciting news brewing in the shop... May 31st will be my final day as a fabric shop owner .  It sounds a little sad when I put it like that, but  there is good stuff happening.  Gina Ponzi, also know as The Little General will be taking over the shop and carrying on the important work of cotton therapy. 

        

 I really can't say enough good things about Gina - besides her obvious talent, she has an amazing perspective in regards to color & style - most everything really and is a complete delight to be around.  I had the pleasure of meeting Gina when I first opened the shop in 2009.  I instantly knew she would have a lot of fabulous ideas to share, as she was so enthusiastic about making stuff. I can hardly wait to see all the amazing things Gina does with the shop. She will be officially opening her shop on Tuesday, June 5 at 10:00 am.   I feel extremely fortunate to be able to hand the baton off to Gina, while I move onto my next fabric adventure ~ karen gray design Sewing Pattern Co.  More on that later.  

Tula Pink will be visiting in June to celebrate Gina's Grand Opening of The Little General fabric boutique.  This is a BIG deal. Here are the details:   Tula will be in the shop from 2 - 4 pm on Wednesday, June 6 signing copies of her glorious new book. That evening, Tula will be giving a presentaion of her genius design process, signing more copies of her book, and maybe even modeling for a few pictures with you.  This event will take place at Graylyn at 6:30 pm.  Space is limited, so please call to reserrve your spot for this inpriring evening - 336.779.6155.  Tickets are $20. I am really looking forward to meeting the infamous Tula Pink!

One more thing I want to tell you ~ tonight the Triad Modern Quilt Guild will be holding their meeting in the shop at 6 pm.  John Adams, aka Quilt Dad will be the guest speaker.  I am looking forward to this fun evening.  If you would like to attend, please call me so I can be sure there is plenty of chairs available... although my floor is clean :)

I know I have just given you a lot to think about.  I will do my best to elaborate more in the coming days.  I do want to say that my experience as a fabric shop owner could not have been more ideal.  I have loved every minute of it and will cherish all the friendships I have as a result.  I have been going through photos of the past 3 years and it just makes me so happy.  Thank you for making this experience something I will always treasure.  

Have a wonderful day!

love,

karen

ox....

 

March Madness Sale Tomorrow

Here are the details for tomorrow's Madness Sale:

Fun begins at 9 am and ends promptly at 5 pm

All Regular Priced Quilting Weight Cottons will be $7.95/yard.  If you take what's left on the bolt, you pay only $6.95/yard.  Wow, right?

All $6.00 Sale fabrics will be $4.50/yard.  If you take the rest of the bolt, you pay only $3.95/yard.  *Velveteens and Fleece are $4.50/yard tomorrow.

All Pillowcase Kits, Reversible Scarf Kits, and Boxed Quarters are Buy One, Get One FREE.

SAVE $10 on All Quilt Kits and Fat Quarter Bundles.

Organic Cottons, Corduroys, Linens, Home Decor, Voile, and Rayon are $8.95/yard.  Take what's left on the bolt and pay only $7.95/yard.

SAVE $3 on all Sewing Patterns

SAVE $5 on all Books.

+ I have a lot of amazing remnants.  

Eat a good breakfast, you are going to need to sustain.  It's going to be Madness.

See you tomorrow,

Karen

ox..

Kaitlin's awesone Featherweight tattoo

March Madness Sale

Hello,

The Art of Comfort Quilt Show was incredible.  It was impossible to take in all the perfect details of every quilt in the show - I truly was inspired.  And I was thrilled to see Kathleen's Log Cabin masterpiece with a ribbon and another 1st place ribbon on an amazing quilt she made with her mother ~ just gorgeous!

This quilt is called "The Plates" and must have taken Kathleen and her mother years to complete - look at all the lovely hand embroidery, not to mention the quilting by Theresa Dewalt.  What a treasure!

3rd Place RIbbon for my friend Tamone.  This quilt is named "Oh Wonderful Day!" and is made with WIldwood by Erin McMorris.  So pretty.

Ginabean, Sue, Angie, and Colleen's arm - sorry Colleen.

This Saturday is the BIG March Madness SALE at the shop.  The fun begins at 9 am and just know that the prices are going to be complete Madness.  Bring your own shopping bag and receive a special treat.  

Also, Spring break is coming up and I will have Limited Shop hours:

Saturday, March 31st, 10 am - 2 pm

Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday, April 3,4,&5, 10 am - 2 pm

Closed Friday & Saturday, April 6th & 7th.

I will be back to regular hours on Tuesday, April 10.

See you on Saturday.

Karen

ox

Hot Dog!

Hi there,

Sorry I have been MIA lately, but things have been very busy at the shop and life has been extra crazy... in a good way.  I have so much to go over, but I don't want to completely overwhelm you ~ so pace yourself.

The first thing we need to talk about is Sue Lauer's Hot Dog Quilt Class coming up next month.  I am not kidding around when I say that this quilt is way beyond cute.... and I really hate to use the word "cute" here, but it just is.  See for yourself... Yes, it's a wiener dog!

Sue used Valori Wells' Jenaveve Linen for the background, binding, and quilt back - which worked out perfectly. And also worked in Anna Maria Horner's Velveteen, some flannel, cotton wovens, and even corduroy into the wiener mix to make for a super textural play mat for any youngster to enjoy.  Don't you love it?  Me too.  There's more....  Look what quilter extraordinaire Sheri Collette embroidered under the velvet ear?  You have to sign up for the class immediately.  Details in a minute.  I have to show you the back first ~

Can you stand it?  This quilt really did need a fire hydrant on the back, right?  I hope Sue doesn't want this quilt back for a long time.  I'm a little attached.

This quilt pattern is from a fabulous book we carry in the shop by Boo Davis.  You will need to purchase this book for the class or even if you're not taking the class - This book is loaded with some fun and modern quilts and other projects too.  Loads of inspiration.

The class is:  Saturday 4/14 and 4/21,  10 - 11 am.  $25

or    Wednesday 4/11 and 4/18,  10 - 11 am.    $25

Call me at 336.779.6155 to reserve you spot today.  

I am pretty sure the After school sewists are going to flip out when they see this quilt.  Cathy will have to add this to their future list of projects.... could be fun to make this Summer..?  After school Club happens on Wednesdays usually.  Here is a picture of 3 extraordinary sewists with their instructor, Cathy.  These ladies know how to have a good time.

Trudy, Cathy, Sophie, and Julia.

I really have 5 more things on my list to cover, but I am starting to feel a little overloaded, so I  will mention 1 more thing and then plan to follow up again soon... maybe even tomorrow.  Could happen.  I'm adding it to the list right now.  Done.  Alright, this weekend there is a pretty awesome quilt show happening in Clemmons and I will be vending there along with Gina Allen.  Here are the details ~

FORSYTH PIECERS & QUILTERS GUILD
presents our 2012 
"The Art of Comfort Quilt Show"
March 16-18
Friday, 10am-7pm ~ Saturday, 10am-6:00pm ~ Sunday, 1:00-4:00pm
The Village Inn Golf & Conference Center in Clemmons, NC.
Admission: $5.00

Please check out the Forsyth Piecers website to view the Raffle Quilt for the show - pieced, quilted and donated for auction by Gina Boone.  It's amazing!  Hope to see you there.

Talk to you tomorrow.

karen

ox...

 

Updated Class Schedule

Hello Everyone!

Thanks so much to all who attended my BIG Sale last Saturday.  We really cleared out a lot of fabric and I am looking forward to beautiful new fabrics soon. The moment the fabrics arrive, I will properly introduce you to them.  I have a bunch of bolt ends and have been busy creating a remnant area in the shop. Stiop by soon and check that out.

We have a new revised Class Schedule for February, March, and April thanks to Gina.  Check it out and give me a call to reserve your spot - 336.779.6155.  It's time to start sewing!

 

 Karen Gray Design 

February/March/April Class Schedule 

Hot Dog Quilt 

Coming in April! This quilt will be a great wallhanging or child's quilt. Your fabric selection will give your dog its own personal style. Details to follow in a blog post....stay tuned! 

iPad Case 

Do you love your technology hate those plain, boring cases? Give your iPad some style! Join us to make an easy, cute and fun custom iPad case. With plenty of padding and a zippered front pocket, your iPad will be safe and sound, and your friends will be jealous. Instructions will be given for cases fitting iPad 1 and iPad 2 and can be adjusted for other tablets and e-readers. 

Saturday – March 3 – 10:00 – 1:00 pm 

Instructor: Angie Kimel $35 + materials 

Beginner Quilt Class 

We'll spend four Thursdays making "Pave the Way," the shop's own beautiful quilt that is featured in Quilt Sampler magazine. Come learn everything you need to know about making your first quilt. We'll talk about color, learn how to rotary cut, sew and attach borders. 

4 Sessions –Thursday – February 9, 16, 23 & March 1 – 10:00 – 12:00 pm - FULL

4 Sessions –Thursday – March 29, April 5, 12 & 19 – 6:00 – 8:00 pm 

Instructor: Kathleen Baden $80 + materials 

Metal Frame Coin Purse 

Take the mystery out of making a metal frame purse. This class will show you all the tips and tricks for making a super cute coin purse with a metal frame closure. 

Saturday – April 7 – 9:00 – 12:00 am 

Instructor: Gina Allen $40 (includes metal frame) + materials 

Decorative Pillow Finishing Class 

This is a great class for anyone wanting to learn how to turn your odd quilt blocks, hand embroidery, or appliqué into a finished pillow. We will cover creating a pillow design, making and applying welt cord, decorative elements like framing, ruffles and gathers. Basic machine sewing skills required. 

Tuesday – April 24 – 9:00 – 1:00 pm 

Instructor: Gina Allen $45 + materials 

Molly the Monster 

Molly the monster is pretty and pink; soft corduroy skin and felted spikes are seriously scary, she thinks! She'll bring smiles to little monsters in your life! This class is suitable for advanced beginners and up. We'll review curved seams, clippings and hand sewing techniques. 

Wednesday - February 1 - 12:15 - 3:15 pm 

Instructor: Gina Ponzi $40 + materials 

Portfolio Dress Class

This easy going pullover dress features a flattering neck yoke with softly gathered front details and unique side seam pockets. It's a favorite look for any season! This class is suitable for advanced beginners or intermediate sewers. We will complete this adorable frock in two, 2 1/2 hour sessions. Available by request. 

 

 

 $65 +materials

photo courtesy of www.sewlisette.com

String Quilt 

Learn the basic elements of how to make a string quilt block. Once you see how easy it is, you won't want to stop making them. This is a great way to use new fabric and leftover fabrics from your other projects. 

Wednesday - February 8 - 10:00 - 11:00 pm 

Instructor: Sue Lauer $10 

Super Star Quilt 

This fat quarter friendly quilt will give you the opportunity to play with color. It looks hard to make, but it's not. 

Saturday - February 4 - 10:00 - 12:30 pm 

Instructor: Sue Lauer $25 + materials 

Modern Log Cabin 

Make a traditional log cabin quilt in beautiful modern fabrics! Abraham Lincoln would be proud of us. This class will focus on your rotary cutting skills along with sewing that perfect 1/4." You can do it! Come see the sample at the shop and pick your color palette. This is not a beginner class even though you do get to color. 

3 Sessions –Sunday – March 4, 18 & April 1 – 2:00 – 4:00 pm  - FULL

Instructor: Kathleen Baden $75 + materials 

Floral Wreath 

Get ready for Spring. Get started on a fun and easy wreath for your home or to give as a gift. It's a great way to use up your leftover fabrics. 

Saturday - March 10 or Wednesday - March 21 - 10:00 – 11:00 am 

Instructor: Sue Lauer $15 (includes wreath form) + materials 

Floral Pillow 

Brighten up any room with this stylish pillow. You will make the pillow and twisted flowers all in one class. Great for gifts, dorm rooms, etc. 

Saturday - March 10 or Wednesday - March 21 - 11:30 - 2:00 pm 

Instructor: Sue Lauer $25 +materials 

Sewing 101 - Beginning Sewing Series

Begin your sewing journey here! This class is for the true beginning sewer with absolutely no experience. Group/semi-private/private class options are available. Please contact the store for details and days/time available. 

Instructor: Cathy Zakula $15-hr group/ $20-hr semi-private/ $30-hr private +$15 material fee 

Home Decor Series: Flat Panel Focus 

Learn how to create beautiful window dressings using a variety of flat panels. This demo class will explain how to calculate yardage, match prints, seam, hem, line, and finish the top of your panels using a variety of treatments including rod pocket, headings, grommets, buttonholes, rings, clips, and tabs for panels of all lengths. Samples will be available illustrating the methods discussed and handouts will be provided. Available by Request. 

Instructor: Cathy 

Zakula $50 

Home Decor Series: Roman Shade 

The Roman Shade is a tailored window dressing that complements many styles of decor. Create it as a stand-alone treatment or to coordinate with flat panels to offer shade or privacy. This demo class will take you step by step through the process of creating a lined, Roman Shade including calculating yardage, hemming, lining, installing rings and draw cord, and mounting your beautiful finished shade. Samples will be available illustrating the various steps and handouts will be provided. Available by Request. 

Instructor: Cathy Zakula $50 

Home Decor Series: Fixed Top Treatments 

A fixed top treatment may be just the finish your window dressing needs to complete the look you envision. This window dressing can be used alone or to coordinate with flat panels and shades. You'll be amazed at the different looks you can achieve using this treatment! A variety of designs will be discussed and procedures will be explained from calculating yardage, seaming, hemming, trimming, lining, and mounting the finished treatment. Samples will be available and handout provided. Available by Request. 

Instructor: Cathy Zakula $50 

Zippers 101 

Scared of Zippers? Overcome your fear and learn centered, lapped and invisible zipper applications. If time permits, a small id/coin zipper pouch will be covered. Available by Request. 

Instructor: Cathy Zakula $30, materials provided 

Design Your Own Class 

Is there a class you would like to take, but you don’t see it on the schedule or it is not at a time that works for you? No problem, we offer group/private/semi-private classes designed by you. Just pick your project, pick the time and pick the day. We will take care of the rest. Contact the store for details. 

Open Sewing -$10 per hour

You are welcome to use the Bernina sewing machines, irons, and all the tools we have available, for your projects. We offer a clean, bright, quiet space to get creative. You should be familiar with sewing basics for this independent project time. Call the shop to schedule some time to get busy 

Please call the shop to reserve your class spot 336-779-6155 or stop by during shop hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm 

 

 

 

 

Everyone is doing it...

Of course I am referring to making log cabins blocks ~ look at what Ann put together and she's a new quilter.  Pretty awesome!

Also ,  I want to show off the cool bag Laurie made for her daughter using a pattern by V & Co - The Abby Bag.  I like it, don't you?

Tomorrow is the BIG Sale and I had many shoppers in  today inquiring about the details.  Here's the scoop - SATURDAY ONLY SALE:

All Closeout fabric that is normally $6.00/yard will be $4.95/yard.  

All Regular priced quilting cotton -  $7.50/yard.

All Organic Cotton, Corduroy, Rayon, Voile, Linen, and Home Dec Weight Cotton - $9.95/yard

All Books and Sewing Patterns - 25% off

Quilt Kits - 50% off

Pillowcase Kits - 25% off

Shop will be open from 9 am - 5 pm.  

See you tomorrow.  Get some rest.

Karen

ox..

 

Domestic Goddess + BIG Sale next Saturday!

Happy Friday!

I thought I'd share a few photos of a very popular pattern we have in the shop ~ Amy Butler's Domestic Goddess.  I know it's a little early to be thinking of Spring cleaning, but it's on my mind.  I have a lot of glorious New Spring fabric scheduled to arrive next month, but I really need to focus on making room for it.  That's why I've decided to have a BIG Sale next Saturday in the Shop.  Everything will be on Sale ~ Fabric, Patterns, Kits, Books... Everything.  You won't want to miss it.  The Shop will be open from 9 am - 5 pm on Sale Day!  Start thinking about all the projects you are planning to complete this year - make a list.  I know I should tell you what the SALE details are... but just know that you will be saving a boat load.  I will also have refreshments for you ~ it's important to sustain while shopping for fabric, right?

Have a wonderful weekend.

See you soon,

karen

ox..

Jennifer's 1st sewing project using a pattern - Well done Jennifer!  Fabric used for this apron can be found in my etsy shop here.

Amy Jo's Domestic Goddess - looks great!  Makes me want to clean house... not really.

 

SATURDAY SALE , Januray 28, 2012 ~ Fun begins at 9:00 am!

 

Super Star

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to remind you that Sue will be teaching 2 awesome quilt classes this week ~ 1 day only class.  So this means you don't have to commit for longer than an a couple of hours - you can do that, right?  Sue will be sharing her secrets to making her famous Super Star quilt this Wednesday from 10 - 12:30 pm and on Saturday, Sue's String quilt class will inspire you to use up your scraps and make something wonderful.  I have a few spots open in both classes ~ give me a call or send me an email if you want to join the fun.

Have a great day!

Karen

shop #336.779.6155

karen@karengraydesign.com

ox

Oh Mickey You're So Fine...

Hello,

That song will be stuck in your head for hours now ~ sorry.  Check out Mickey with her lovely Innocent Crush Churn Dash Quilt - so pretty.
This pattern was designed by Kathleen Baden exclusively for the shop ~ Thanks Kathleen!  As you can see, it's completely adorable.  The pattern is available in my Etsy Shop and if you live close by, stop and pick up your very own copy of this classic pattern.

Have a wonderful day!

Karen