It’s spring, finally!  We have had a long drawn out winter here in Wisconsin; and it’s so nice to hear the birds singing, look out the windows and see green and flowers rather than snow.  Rosemary and I had fun creating several new patterns (the long winter made for more sewing time).  With Rosemary’s guidance, all the preparations, patterns and samples are complete for Spring Market!  In fact, we have four new bag patterns.  Plus, we are introducing a new line of ‘Little Sis Patterns’- five easy quick projects – the pattern retails for $4.00!  That’s a total of 9 new patterns!  Many of you love the “Snap Happy” bags that Rosemary introduced a few years back.  Now we have come up with an easier, quicker technique for making the casing – see “It’s Personal” bag pattern. Check out our catalog for all the latest patterns!   You are welcome to e-mail us (stitchinsis@aol.com) with any questions or comments.  Enjoy your spring and remember to set aside a few minutes a day to stitch – try a new pattern!

Cheryl

One day earlier this year, I received a telephone call from my dear friend, Rosemary.  We chatted a bit as usual before the real reason for her call came forth:  Rosemary had made the decision to sell her business, and wondered whether I would be interested in taking over for her.  Wow – how honored and privileged I felt!  After reflecting on the possibility, praying for answers, several calls back and forth, and the encouragement of my family and friends, the decision was made.  Yes, Rosemary, I would certainly be interested in starting a new journey with Stitchin’ Sisters.  However, I asked, will you continue to design and create with me, at least for a while?  Indeed she would, and since that time, we have created a few patterns together and have enjoyed the special time we share in doing so, wishing we had been designing together for years rather than months.

As I venture forward with Stitchin’ Sisters, Rosemary and Alvin graciously guiding me through the day-to-day operations of the business, I often think of how blessed I am to have Rosemary as my stitchin’ sis and dear friend.  I know it was a very difficult decision for Rosemary to remove herself from this ‘baby’ of hers but I assured her that I would do my best to continue to create in the spirit that she began.   God has given all of us expressions of creativity that I believe are meant to be shared.   Just as Rosemary will continue to create in her own time, I, too, will share my expressions of creativity in this extraordinary art we call quilting.  My ultimate goal is to help bring the joy of quilting into other’s lives as it has brought joy to mine. Please know that I welcome your input – comments and stories both – and I look forward to meeting more stitchin’ sisters like you!

Cheryl

My passion for quilting began more than 20 years ago when my sister-in-law and I took a beginner quilting class.  As our youngest children entered school, we felt we now had time to pursue a new hobby.  After merely one class we were hooked!  The two of us then enrolled in more classes locally where friendships were formed, and in a short time five or six “stitching sisters” gathered on a regular basis for “therapy.”  That therapy included stitching quilt blocks, a table runner, wall hanging, bag, etc.

Over the years I have bought many books and patterns which I have enjoyed.  However, I found myself scratching out notes on paper and piecing together my own designs as my interest and creativity grew.  Eventually I began writing patterns for a local quilt shop and have been doing so for nearly eight years.  It’s hard to know when an idea will come forth – it could be in the middle of the night (notebook nearby on the nightstand), driving down a highway and enjoying the surroundings we have been blessed with (oh, another idea!), while shopping, etc.   I love teaching new patterns and receiving feedback from students but more so watching the joy and excitement in their eyes as they complete a new project!   Cheryl

I finally dug into cleaning my sewing studio,uf da. It took a week! Where did all those unfinished projects come from?

You know it is very freeing to give away fabric you no longer love and even projects knowing they will become charity quilts. I even shampooed the carpet and changed the room around. Love it!

Then tackled the office,fun to find a lot of archives of my pattern business.

Then for an adventure,I bought an I-pad with my retirement bonus who would have thought! But I love it for pictures, checking e-mail, web surfing,face book and music. It has a nice hard case but a quilter needs a handle ,so to the studio to design. I used a great fabric called Roc- lon multi- purpose fabric for the batting and made a snap happy closure and a grab it handle. It turned out terrific if I say so myself. It met approval at quilt club and now it is in the test phase. Coming soon,anyone with a cool name?  Till later, going to brave the heat of 90+

Being I have never done this before it,this really is an adventure. I have been busy either making or selling Snap Happy’s. So I thought my first entry should be on ideas how to expand your pattern usage. Here are some great tips shared by others. You can cut your Snap Happy length measurements a few inches longer and then box the bottom. These make a great cosmetic bag. Another great idea is to make them with oil cloth and seam them on the outside. These are really fast and fun. For guys use camo fabrics and line with polar fleece for their GPS. If you have other ideas it is always fun to share.

Coming soon will be a new quilt pattern with the cutest owl ever, I originally designed it for my first grandbaby and it turned out so cute,I just have to share it. Look for it this spring.

keeping you in stitches, Rosemary