Chocolate Lollipop!

You LOVE Chocolate right?

We love it too at The Velvet Stitch and have over 20 bolts of this tasty fabric! Perfect for all kinds of crafts and quilting, this colorful collection is sure to delight all.

So stop in and see one of our newest collections....

New AMY BUTLER Fabric Arrival!!

Nigella is Home Décor weight that is sturdy enough for bedding & furniture, yet soft enough for quilting & fashion. This grouping makes an exotic, Neo Victorian statement. Floral designs collide with feminine romantic flourishes to create a collection of fresh “heirloom” prints with a modern twist!

At 54" wide, these fabrics are even more beautiful in person and with the price tag of $8.25 a yard, you cannot go wrong! So all you handbag makers out there, now is your chance a grab a great bargin and make beautiful bags!

Enjoy this free cell phone pattern by Susan Brubaker Knapp!

Cell Phone Pouch by Susan Brubaker Knapp. A free “use me and share me!” pattern

MATERIALS:- Scraps of fabric for outside- Piece of fabric for backing approximately 10″ square- button or charm- perle cotton or thread (to tie button or charm)- 1″ square Velcro- thread for piecing and quilting- batting, approximately 10″ square- caribeener clip
DIRECTIONS:Please read all the directions before you begin!

Measure your cell phone. Use this formula to determine how big to make the outside of your pouch:Width: (cell phone width x 3) + 1″Length: cell phone length x 2 1/2″For example, my phone is 2″ wide so I needed a piece 2″ wide by 3 1/2″ long, so I needed a piece for the outside that was 7″ x 6″.
2. Sew your scraps together to create a piece for the outside of your pouch. (See photo 1.) Cut a piece of batting 1/2″ longer and wider than your outside piece. Cut or piece a backing piece 1/2″ longer and wider than your batting piece. Layer in this order:backing piece (face down); batting; pieced outside (face up). (See photo 2.)
3. Pin and quilt. An overall quilting motif that is fairly small is best. I used a square spiral on one pouch, and a pebble design on the other. Trim this piece for the outside of your pouch, using this formula:Width: (cell phone width x 2) + 2 1/2″Length: cell phone length + 1 3/4″For my phone, I needed to trim my outside piece to 6 1/2″ wide by 5 1/4″ long. (See photo 3.)
4. Cut a strip of fabric 2″ long by the width of your piece. (In my case, this was a piece 2″ x 6 1/2″) Fold it in half lengthwise, right sides out, and press. Pin it to the top edge of the outside, with raw edges aligned. Sew the strip to the outside with a 1/4″ seam. (See photo 4.)
5. Fold the binding around to the back of the outside and pin. From the front, sew right under the binding edge, catching the folded edge on the back side. (See photo 5.)
6. Fold the outside, right sides together, with the binding at the top. Pin along the raw edges, and sew a 1/4″ ” seam. Then zig-zag along the same raw edges. (See photo 6.) Take care and go slowly; you are sewing through many bulky layers.
7. Turn the pouch right side out. (See photo 7.) Cut a 1″ piece of Velcro. Take one half and position it at the center of the inside back, just under the binding, and sew it down. Take the other half and position it at the center of the inside front, just under the binding, and sew it down. (See photo 8.)
8. For the loop, cut a piece 4×2″. Fold it in half lengthwise, right side out, and press. Then fold in and press each side again (See photo 9.) This leaves the raw edges inside the strip. Topstitch very close along both long edges. (See photo 10.)
9. Sew the strip together in a circle by folding it in half, and then making a 1/4″ sea m along the short raw edge. Turn right side out. Fold the loop in half, tucking the seam at one end. Pin the loop to the top of the back of the pouch, and sew it down so that this spot is trapped in the new seam and does not show. (See photo 11.) Take care and go slowly; you are sewing through many bulky layers.
10. On the front, hand sew on a button or charm at the top. This makes it easier to pull the pouch open when you need to get out your phone. If you add a caribeener clip to the loop, you can clip your cell phone pouch to your purse strap, belt, or to a loop inside your purse. (See photo 12.) You are done! Enjoy!


Visit Susan’s blog at wwwbluemoonriver.blogspot.com/ and her website is http://www.bluemoonriver.com/

Bus Tour Extravaganza!

SEWING SISTERS SOCIETY

SALES EXTRAVAGANZA
SATURDAY, OCT. 3RD

Join our fellow sewers and visit the 7 stores for really great specials. $75 for the day includes bus fare, breakfast, lunch and dinner. A $25 deposit is required to hold your seat and balance is due by September 15th. Sign up at The Velvet Stitch or Quilts and More

Stores to participate are:

The Velvet Stitch- Elizabeth City

Quilts and More-Elizabeth City

Sew E-Z- Portsmouth Va.

The Addicted Quilter- Portsmouth Va.

Bella Fabrics- Carrollton, Va.

Quilt with Me- Windsor Va.

Sarah's Thimble- Va. Beach Va.

BOW TUCKS HANDBAG CLASS

OUR BOW TUCKS HANDBAG CLASS
will be offered again June 18th from 6:30-9pm. A Thursday evening, the class cost is $5. Now there is a pattern fee and we will be using doubled side quilted fabric that I have for purchase in the shop. We have 2 spots left if you would like to come and join us. Please pay the $5 registration fee at class sign up and please sign up by this weekend or Monday to guarantee your seat! We look forward to seeing you and hope you will take advantage of of our new 'Low Cost' summer fees!!

Ginger Delights!

GINGER DELIGHTS!

Yes it is only June, but we do need to start thinking about Christmas, maybe it won't feel so HOT outside!! My first set of Christmas fabric has arrived and as the name states, it is quite delightful! These sugar coated dreams feature the 'Ginger Delights' collection by Bonijean for South Seas!

It very much reminds me of the game 'Candy Land' from my childhood. Vibrant traditional Christmas colors, this collection includes a panel with throw pillows, a child's apron panel with pot holders and ornaments, peppermint candy canes , dot candies, Christmas tree pine, swirls with red hearts and green leaves, an all-over gingerbread boy and girl print, and of course a stripe. The children's apron panel will be offered as a class for girls 7 and up on June 29th from 1:30-3pm and July 6th from 1:30-3pm. No prior sewing experience necessary, and I will provide the machines. Cost: $5 plus panel and supplies. Please pay $5 when registering, please register 1 week prior to class times.

Come on in and be the first to see our newest collection.

Carry Me Bag!

CARRY ME BAG!

Honey bun friendly and oh so cute! The perfect tote for all those "take me along" craft projects. Carry your knitting, crochet, applique or embroidery projects in style. CLASS FEE IS $5 ...yeah that's all!!!!
Honey Buns make this quick and easy! 1 Honey Bun roll will make 2 bags! I do have a small selection of Honey buns in the shop. If you choose not to use honey buns, you can purchase 2 1/4 yd fabric for outside and inside pockets and 1/2 yd for the lining. Interfacing is also required. Pattern required for class (9.00) Bring your machine and basic sewing supplies.

CLASS SCHEDULE:
July 21, Tuesday 6:00pm-8:30pm
August 4th at 10:30-1:00

The Two-Hour Tulip Purse!

Two-Hour Tulip Purse BOUQUET

Interested in making a cutie pie purse for yourself or daughter? Would you and your daughter like to take this class together? When school is out, why not? This quick and easy purse is ergonomically balanced not to turn over! No more lost cell phones! Pattern has four sizes to choose from.

Join us at The VS for this $5 instructional class and choose the fabric of your choice! A pattern fee applies and is required (11.95) and you must bring your machine and basic sewing supplies...pins, scissors, thread. We will be making the petite size in class.

Class schedules are as follows:

Mom and me:

June 27th. Saturday at 10:30am

Adult only July 1 at 6:00pm

Mom and Me:

July 10th, Friday at 10:30am

Adult only

July 7 at 6:00pm

Mom and Me:

August 6th, Thursday at 10:30am

Adult only:

August 18 Tuesday at 10:30am

Look what can be made with a Sweet Roll from Moda!

Fabric covered lamp!
This cute lampshade can be made from a Moda sweet roll which comes 2 to a pack for $20! If you would like to join me at the shop on Wednesday the 8 th of July 1:30-3:30pm, I will teach you this easy stripe method to cover those old lamp shades that need a face lift! An evening class will also be available, Thursday the 25th of June from 6:30-8:30ish pm.
Class cost - $5, cost of sweet rolls, $20 a box, finished lampshade....priceless!
You MUST provide the lampshade which needs to be NO MORE than 5" across the top, no more than 8' from top to bottom, and no more than 12'"across the bottom. Supply list: 1 sweet roll box, 1 skein embroidery floss to match fabric, one needle, your sewing machine, 505 spray ( I sell in the store), scissors. DO CALL OR COME BY TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT PRIOR TO CLASS, PLEASE SO WE KNOW WHO AND HOW MANY TO EXPECT. $5 CLASS FEE DUE WHEN YOU REGISTER .

Three great summer recipes!

Recently I had a small get together and served the following 'To die for Recipes' and I must share them with you! These are great for summer get togethers...Enjoy!

Tomato Feta Salad
Prep Time - 15 minutes
Yeild - 8 servings
Difficulty - EASY!

3 pints (6 cups) cherry tomatoes
3/4 pd 'good' feta cheese
1 small red onion, chopped
3 tablespoons white wine or Champagne vinegar
1/4 cup 'good' olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons minced fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and place them in a large bowl. Dice the feta in 1/4 dice, crumbling it as little as possible. Add the feta to the tomatoes and ten add the onion, vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, basil, and parsley. Toss carefully and depending on the saltiness of the feta, salt to taste. Serve chilled.


Chicken Salad Sandwiches

4 lbs chicken (canned or fresh)
1 lb red seedless grapes halved (yes I know you are thinking grapes...but just try it)
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1 tbsp onion (sweet)
Salt and pepper to taste

Dressing
1 1/4 cup mayo (and none of that fat-free stuff!)
1 1/4 cup miracle whip (same here!)
Bread of you choice I used croissants!!
Mix all ingredients together and serve chilled

AND NOW FOR THE YUMMIEST!

BLACKBERRY WINE CAKE - WAHOO!!!!!!

EASY EASY EASY TO MAKE!

CAKE
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1 box butter cake mix
1- 3.4 oz box instant vanilla pudding
1 cup blackberry wine (use Morgan David if available, but any will work)
1/2 cup veggie oil
4 eggs (set your eggs out to cool a while, they will mix up better)

GLAZE

1/2 cup butter or margarine (I use real butter, I mean why not!)
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup blackberry wine

Spray a bundt pan with non-stick spray; lightly dust with flour. Sprinkle botton of pan with chopped pecans...not to much. Set aside!
With electric mixer on medium speed, combine cake mix, instant pudding mix, blackberry wine, oil, and eggs. Mix for 4 minutes until completely smooth. Pour into prepared bundt pan...where else would pour it???. Bake at 350' for 50-55 minutes.

GLAZE MIX

Begin about 10 minutes before cake is done with a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter, add sugar and blackberry wine. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 3 minutes.
Remove cake from oven, while cake is still in pan, pour syrup over the cake, making sure to coat all areas evenly and allow glaze to run between the cake and pan. Let rest 10 minutes (I didn't know a cake could get tired!) then turn out onto serving plate.

Fab-u-lous!!!!

For an added bonus...mix up about 1/4 cup powdered sugar, oh and maybe a 1/2 cup of the left over wine and 1/2 stick of butter, melt over medium heat and pour on top of the cake before serving...yehaw!! Oh and throw a few more pecans on top for garnish.

THIS CAKE IS NOT FOR THE DIET CONSCIENTIOUS!!!!!!

New Summer Hours!

Our NEW Summer Hours are as follows:

Monday thru Thursday 10-5pm

Friday 10-4pm

Saturday 10-2pm

Please make a note of the changes. These hours will be in effect until September 7th, 2009.

Upcoming Classes

Watermelon Table Runner

Watermelon slices are the sure sign of the lazy days of summer! Join us to make this large refreshing table runner. Size 49 1/2 x 16. Cost $10 plus supplies Class: July 11@ 10:30-1pm

Please register 1 week prior to class and purchase fabric. Pattern book required.

"Stepping Blocks"



In May we will be offering this strip piecing four-part beginner's class with Nancy Forbes as our teacher. Dates are as follows: Thursday nights 6:30-8:30pm May 14,21,28, and June 4. Cost is $65 plus supplies. Bring a girlfriend and she gets in for half price! (quilt size 48x58)

INTRODUCING:

'Sewing Sister's Society'

Myself and six other quilt shops have recently formed a fresh new quilters club offering tours, special events, and store specials.

Do you:

Love to shop different quilt shops with your friends?

Would you love to ride in comfort to these shops by way of a chartered bus?

Well now you can!

Saturday, October 3rd, " The Sewing Sister's Society" will offer a bus tour to seven different quilt shops. Register with 50% down and the remainder due 2 weeks prior to tour date. I will update you by the end of May with the costs.