Steam-A-Seam 2 is Back in Stock

Back in Stock!  On Hand Now!  Steam-A-Seam II is here!

Have you ever used this popular double stick fusible web?  It is quite the handy stuff when you want to make your own appliques or patches.  It went missing for quite a while, but it is back in production and we have two rolls here in the shop - the 12" wide and the 18" wide.

I had never actually worked with Steam-A-Seam 2 but sure had heard a lot about it.  So today I decided that I would try it out.   If you have been in the shop this year you know we have a resident official greeter - his name is Andy and he is a sweet little cockapoo.  He wears a vest with his name on it every day.

Being a boy, he wears out his clothes!  He needs a new vest for the holidays.

I have used the Kwik Sew pattern #3517 for the harness/vest many times - it is easy to use & alter to any size - and the pattern includes a few other nice things you can sew for your dog.  When I finished cutting out the new vest from a pretty snowflake flannel print, it took but a moment to sew it up.  Then on to the name tag, which is where the Steam-A-Seam 2 comes in.

 I followed the printed directions and traced my letters onto the paper backing.  Then stuck it onto the wrong side of the fabric I chose for the letters.  You just stick it in place by finger pressing - pretty neat!  But oooops - my letters came out backwards!  So when you try this be sure to reverse your letters and trace them backwards.  The paper backings on the Steam-A-Seam are sheer enough that it is easy to trace your designs.  You can see from my photos the wrong way (patch on the right side) and the right way.  If you get confused, just try out one letter first.

After I cut out the letters I just placed them in order on the piece of fabric I chose for the contrast, and fused in place with a steam iron.  Worked just great!!

I just have to put a bit of velcro here & there and Andy the Official Greeter will be ready to say hello when you come in.  Don't miss our After-Christmas sales - you will love the discounts!  And whenever you come in, mention you saw this post about Steam-A-Seam 2 and get 20% off your purchase of this great product!

Holiday Boutique in the Classroom

Excitement is building as the hour grows near.....

There will be a drawing every hour throughout the day! Fun little gift items, great stocking stuffers, surprises that Santa would be proud of.....

Baked goodies, crochet hats just too adorable, patchwork purses, tote bags and shoppers, wonderful jewelry, delightful assortment of handmade goods and the friendly craftspersons to chat with - it is going to be a great day at the shop.

From 10am until 5pm 

Country Cloth Shop, 330 N. Main Street, Angels Camp, CA  209-736-4998

We are easy to find in the Mark Twain Center next to Umpqua Bank

Christmas Boutique in the Classroom        Saturday, December 13         10am  til   5 pm

You are invited to join us for our first ever Holiday Crafter's Boutique - a great opportunity for shopping locally  handmade gifts.  We will be hosting several local craftpersons with their unique and interesting hand made items - you might just find the perfect gift for someone on your list, or even for yourself!  The Classroom will be bustling with excitement as we fill the room with baked goodies, jewelry, hand sewn purses and totes, quilted home decor, Refreshments and a whole lot more!  Oh and lots of shoppers too!  We hope you don't miss the chance to stop in and say hello!

This month our favorite little Bernina is on special!  Always a bargain even at regular price, this little jewel of a beginner sewing machine has been very popular this year.  If you have been thinking about someone on your list who wants to sew, now is the perfect time.

 For a limited time (through December) we have a great package price that includes the Bernette machine plus the SewSteady clear table extension.  A wonderful addition to the machine, the table comes in your choice of two sizes.  So be sure to check it out during our Boutique Saturday, or anytime before the end of the month.

The classroom is decorated with projects galore.  We look forward to seeing you soon!

December Block of the Month demo

Welcome to our new feature:  tutorial demonstrations for some of our Log Cabin Home block of the month blocks.
For December we are working on blocks 7 and 8 - the Pine Tree and the Basket.  Each block has several triangle squares for lots of practice!  You will be so good at doing this patch after these two blocks!

Make your triangle-squares and arrange the patches to look like a tree.  Follow the directions in your pattern to stitch the pieces together.

 This is a pretty normal basket block.  The fabric looks like a wicker weave so you may want to cut your patches so that the print in all the triangles goes the same direction.

As in the photo below, keep the fabric the same direction when you are drawing the diagonal lines to make the 1/2 square triangle patch and when you are cutting the squares into triangles that fill in at the top of the basket.  This will make sense when you refer back to your pattern directions.

As you set out the patches into the basket shape, just watch how they all line up so nicely.  Looks like you just finished weaving it yourself!

The Shop's finished blocks will be available to see, and you can always stop in for consultation with Lindy, who will be happy to help you.

Delightful Gifts during the 12 Days of Christmas

This series of projects is just so adorable that we have to tell you more!  See our previous posts for the beginning of the series.
Join us for Kathy's Great Tote Bag on Monday December 8th.  This is a versatile, easy to make bag that can be lined and embellished for everyday use or for a personal touch.

You can choose small or large size, pockets - how many and where - decorations, closures.  And it can all be done in about two hours!!

The next day of our series (Tuesday, December 9th) is the ever-popular Oriental Lightweight Jacket.
Ginger and Laurie each have a jacket and have enjoyed teaching it to our customers.

It is easy and beautiful - you will be able to wear it home!  And then make another one to give away.

Wednesday, December 10th features two Simple Tablerunner designs. Both patterns are included in this class, and you could actually make one of each before you leave.

While the pieced star pattern looks intricate, you will be amazed with the simple technique that will enhance your holiday table decor.

The tenth project in our 12 Days of Christmas series is a purse made from a man's necktie.  Stacey will surprise you when she shows you how easy it is to make a Tie Purse - small in size but very big in style!

The Steering Wheel Cover reminds us that the bright warm days of summer will return.  On Friday, December 12th we offer this project, which keeps the steering wheel of your car from getting too hot to touch.  A welcome gift that is friendly to your budget.

The last day of the series is Saturday, December 13th.  An adorable Tea Cozy adds to your table top decor while keeping your tea nice and hot.  It is reversible, keeps the lid in place while you pour and one size fits most tea pots.

Call or come by the shop to sign up for any of these classes.  Schedule, teachers and fees can be found on our website calendar.  We hope to see you soon.

More About the Projects for the 12 days of Christmas

See our previous post for the beginning of this series of projects.

The next project (Thursday, December 4th) is the 'Just in Case' bag.  It was named for those times when you need a larger shopping bag.

It starts out as a small zipper bag in your purse, but it expands to a larger shopper - the size is up to you.
These will be really popular gifts as everyone starts to use re-usable bags.

On Friday December 5th we are offering the 'Tickle Bag' with accessories.  This set is small and charming for carrying your little essentials.  Make it with matching, co-ordinating, or assorted fun fabrics.

The handled bag slips onto your arm and measures about 5" about 8" plus the handle.  Why is it called
Tickle?  Tissue, ID, Credit, Cash, Cell phone, Keys, Lipstick, Eyeglasses.

Ginger's Wallet pattern has been around for many years yet never goes out of style.  You can make this great little item with us on Saturday, December 6th.  It has a zipper pocket, checkbook pocket and credit card pockets.  When folded up it measures about 5" x 7".

That brings us halfway through the series.  Have you chosen the gifts you would like to make?
There are six more to tell you about in the next post.  Sign up for your favorites soon!  You can see
the whole schedule on our website calendar.

Day One of the 12 Days of Christmas (on Monday, December 1st) will be the Baby Essentials ensemble.  Brought to you by Stacey and Beth, this is a really sweet set of washable cotton accessories for a baby layette.  The set includes a receiving blanket, burp cloths and a washable diaper (or use it as a diaper cover).  We now carry some very cute diaper pins at the shop, and a nice assortment of flannels. This an easy and beautiful gift for the new mother.

Day Two (Tuesday, December 2) is a Placemat Set made from 4 different fabrics for seasonal or everyday use.  Really fun and practical - it is four placemats in one.

Day Three, on Wednesday December 3, is called the Potato Chip Bag because you can't make just one!

This is a nice little bag with a 2" gusset on the side & bottom, measuring 6" high by 7" wide.

We are ready to take sign-ups for these classes.  Stop in to the shop to see all the samples in person and get your name on the list.  Watch for your email newsletter with the complete schedule, and check back here for the next preview of the Christmas projects.

Fast Christmas Gift Ideas

Welcome to our new blog!  We have many wonderful classes and projects coming up for the holidays.

Here are the samples from our 12 Days of Christmas series of projects which are great for gifts.  Each one can be completed in just one class session, most are only 2 to 3 hours.

click on photo to enlarge the view

There will be twelve different projects, a new one each day in December, beginning Monday December 1.

Class will begin at 11am and ends when you are done.  When you sign up you will receive a receipt that includes the date & time of your class plus a complete supply list of what you will need for the project.
Sign up for one, all or as many as you want.

The schedule and fees will be available soon in our newsletter and on the website calendar.