We wish you a Happy Valentine’s Day and Presidents’ Day, too. Even though we’ve enjoyed the sun for the past few days, don’t disappear into your gardens just yet. We suggest you come in to select a few fabrics, patterns, and supplies as we’re sure to have more shut-in days just right for sewing!
In the Fax Gallery: February 2012 
“Something Borrowed: a collection of modernized vintage quilts”
by Marybeth O’Halloran of White Lotus Quilting
Marybeth’s stunning quilt exhibit opened during ArtWalk last Friday night. If you didn’t get a chance to stop by then, please do so sometime this month. You won’t be disappointed! Marybeth shows us a beautiful collection of vintage quilt tops which she has refurbished and then quilted, transforming each one into a work of art.
Each quilt tells many stories, from the design of the quilt, to the content of the fabric used which reveals the timeframe during which it was begun. Also, Marybeth points out, the pieces in her exhibit all show the work of more than one piecer, probably years apart. Maybe a mother or grandmother began the work, which was continued by a daughter or granddaughter years later. And now, these quilts, most of which Marybeth rescued from a yard sale or thrift store, have found an artful life through her loving restoration and contemporary artistic touch.
On the Bed in February 
This month on the bed is
Susan Boone’s delightful red, white, and blue quilt in a design called “American Pastimes” which was quilted by Marybeth O’Halloran. Susan is a prolific quilter who donates her work to several causes close to her heart. She has donated this one to the American Hero Quilt project. Thank you so much, Susan, for sharing your work with us and for your gift to AHQ.
Make us a Quilt Block by Valentine’s Day! Chance to win a gift basket! We’re collecting quilt blocks made by any and all local quilters for our special project:
American Hero Quilts. Through this project the hands of many volunteers make quilts, from piecing to quilting, for injured servicemen and women at Madigan Army Hospital.
We’re displaying all the blocks in the store; bring us one or more by Valentine’s Day and we’ll hang yours, too. Blocks need to be 10 ½” square (to finish at 10” square), in any design, and in any combination of red/white/blue fabric. The guidelines specify no raw-edge appliqué and no fabric with metallic accents.
Bring us at least one block and your name will go into a drawing for an Esther’s gift basket! If you can’t make the Valentine’s Day deadline, bring us your blocks any time and they will all be used in an American Hero Quilt.
February Gatherings: American Hero Quilt Night: 3
rd Thursday of the month, next:
February 16, 7 – 9 pm. New and experienced quilters welcome! Join us as we assemble the quilt blocks contributed to Esther’s this month.
Fearless Quilters: 4
th Monday of the month, next:
February 27, 1 – 3 p.m.
Join the quilters from Rolling Bay Presbyterian at Esther’s and support each other’s efforts at piecing/quilting your own project or blocks to contribute to special causes.
Sewing for Men: 2nd Sunday of the month, next: February 12, 2 – 5 p.m. Don’t be shy. Drop in and practice your sewing skills with John de Chadenedes and the guys. $30, plus cost of materials for whatever project you decide on.
Check our website for other classes and one-on-one sessions you can sign up for.
Visit Esther’s at SewExpo It is called the biggest sewing party in America! This year’s Sewing & Stitchery Expo will be at the Puyallup Fairgrounds March 1 – 4, 2012. The event which is managed by Washington State University is a not-to-be-missed occasion for sewers of all types. Come see what’s new in the world of sewing, attend workshops, and shop for fabric, notions, and more. Stop by our booth (#806) and say hi. For more information:
www.sewingexpo.com Fun Faux Fur 
We know winter isn’t done yet. Still time to make and wear something cozy and furry like this hat and vest out of the softest fake chinchilla? leopard? ocelot? This pattern is a fast and easy sew from Kwik Sew pattern 3731.
Spring Fabrics are arriving! And then, get ready for the next season with lighter weight fabrics like shirtings, linens, and knits that have been arriving in the store. We’ve also taken delivery on early spring quilting cotton lines which show bold, bright, fun color like Moda’s “A Stitch in Color” and the examples below from Alexander Henry.
Happy sewing! (It's OK to take a day off to attend the NW Garden Show. I'm going on Feb. 8!)
Barbara and the gang at Esther’s
