18% coupon and October News from The Pine Needle

The Pine Needle Newsletter October 2010 in this issue :: Holiday Creative Arts :: Pumpkin Bread recipe :: Spooktacular Sale See the Snowballs Flannel Quilt Greetings! Recently while finishing the last few binding stitches on a Halloween quilt that I started more than a year ago, my thoughts wandered to Christmas and what I could do to make the holiday season feel more personal, less commercial.  My husband frequently laments about the appearance of Christmas decorations  long before Halloween and I'm sure you have heard similar complaints.   I'm not sure I have a solution, but I always feel that sewing, crafting and creating some of our gifts and decorations add to the enjoyment of the season.  With that in mind, we present some of the wonderful projects we have available so you can add your own personal touch to your holidays. Don't Forget our 18% Off  October 18th Birthday Sale 18% off all regular priced items Monday, October 18th (see coupon at the bottom of the email) To view our Fall 2010 catalog Click Here Background fabric:  Maywood's Woolies F18142-ER2 See the Snowballs Flannel Quilt Upcoming Events October 29-31 Frightful Friday-Spooky Sunday Halloween Events November 6-14  Annual Fall Anniversary (our 19th) Sale November 19-20  Winter Candlelight Showcase Creative Arts Doll Making Little Helper Elves Looking for a way to put the spirit back into the holidays?  Nothing could be more fun than hand crafting ornaments or "dolls".  Luckily, we have the very talented Kae Rockwood to help our local customers perfect their doll making skills.  We also have patterns available for those who would like to create these adorable "elves" on their own. Little Helper Elves One of Kae's students, Ellen Starr, recently shared with us her Santa made during a class several years ago.  The Santa stands approximately three feet tall, wears a quilted robe,  sports a llama fiber beard and mustach, and carries a velveteen purse and Santa bag.  Ellen says that she adds something new each year to make this a special tradition in their holiday decorations. Whether it dolls, pillows or a wool craft project, it's not too late to create something special for your holidays! Pumpkin Bread  (Editors note: This bread freezes well) 3 1/2 cup flour 2 teasp. baking soda 1 1/2 teasp. salt 1 teasp. cinnamon 2 teasp. nutmeg 1/2 teasp. ground cloves 3 cups sugar 1/2 salad/vegetable oil 4 eggs 2/3 cup water 2 cups canned pumpkin (a 1 lb. can) 1 cup chopped nuts or some chocolate chips (both optional) Grease and flour 2 (two) 9x5x3 loaf pans.  Sift together first 7 ingredients into large mixing bowl.  Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Divide batter into 2 loaf pans.  Bake in preheated 325 degree oven for about 1 1/2 hours or until done (toothpick test).  Cool slightly before removing from pan.  Store in foil.  Yum!    Tiny Toys to Make We couldn't resist this darling stuffed dog and have now gone wild over the kitty too.  From Needlecraft Magazine, Dec. 1928:  "The very young set of the last generation...knew these adorable playthings as 'rag dolls'.  Remember?  And how we did love and cherish them, homemade and homely though they were!  ...One mother of four wee ones says..that there is nothing that gives them half as much joy, no matter what the cost in dimes or dollars as does the inexpensive stuffed plaything new and "different". We think you'll enjoy making these adorable dogs & cats as much as you'll love gifting them. Puppy Love Kitty Love Spooktacular Sale 30% 0ff Halloween Fabric Spooktacular 5255 Planning next year's Halloween quilt or need more fabric to complete this year's project? We have the sale for you!  30% off our entire selection of Halloween fabrics while they last. The  fabric pictured on the right comes  from Henry Glass' Spooktacular collection and the background green dots are Maywood's Seen on Halloween.  Give us a call or visit our website to order. Halloween Fabric Fun Winter Decorations Pillows Mittens Pillow Kit These fun pillows can add a touch of merriment to your holiday decor and continue to add cheer after the holiday decorations are packed away. Our appliqued "Mittens" pillow kit comes with all the wool needed to complete the front and back of this 14 inch pillow.   Our fun loving "Let It Snow" pillow kit, (see below) measuring  18" X 18", comes with Woolies flannels to complete the front and back plus wool for some of the applique. Let It Snow Pillow Kit Let It Snow Pillow Kit Mittens Pillow Kit Festive Table Mats Holiday Decorating Idea These charming little 18" round (well, sort of round) are just perfect for your holiday table or end table.  Small enough to be doable, yet charming enough to make a wonderful gift for a favorite friend or relative.  The kits come with all the wool for the background, flannel and wool for applique, and colored flosses for stitching. Appliques can be fused,  stitched or  both. You can add a flannel backing to hide stitches or leave as is.   Snowmen Wool Table Mat Santas Wool Table Mat Gingerbread Men Wool Table Mat Aprons for Gift-Giving A perfect, personalized gift for your favorite woman - an apron.  We think they're darling, fun and always welcome.  Check out our cutest new patterns (shown "Let's Cook apron) and enjoy this excerpt from a 1928 Needlecraft Magazine article: "No connoisseur of aprons would ever recommend being satisfied with just the practical, workaday kind one must have, be they ever so smartly made and good to look upon.  Hostess aprons to don swiftly and becomingly when serving refreshments in a dress-up gown after bridge or on Sunday evening - just for example - ought to be a part of every well-aproned woman's wardrobe; and even the mere man, who seldom comments on a new frock,will often raise an interested eyebrow at a new and becoming apron." Let's Cook Apron Betty Bands Improved Control for Free Motion Quilting Betty Band for Free Motion Quiltin Sandi Ray, a frequent free motion quilter as well as our free motion quilting teacher, introduced us to this new product and has enthusiastically demonstrated Betty Bands in our store.  The bands come in two sizes (1 1/2 inches and 2 inch widths), fits across your palms giving you excellent traction, and unlike gloves, leaves your fingers free to grasp.  Sandi recommends the two inch size. Our Price: $12.80 List Price: $16.00 Betty Bands As we head in to the holiday season - yes it is so! - we hope you'll fill your quilting needs from our catalog of ideas, our website and our store.  Our Maywood Woolies flannels are our customers' favorites, and ours too.  Come be inspired through the cold months with projects sure to keep you, and yours, warm. As always, we appreciate your continued patronage, we love our customers to show and tell, and we pledge our best in customer service.  Sincerely, Geri, Patsy and the Pine Cones The Pine Needle Save 18% It's October's birthday time and you get the gift!  To celebrate our 18th year in business, you receive 18% off all regular priced items in the store.* One day only! 18% off all regular priced items Monday, October 18th  If ordering by phone, please mention the 18% discount. If ordering on-line, please send an email with 18% in the subject line to friends@pineneedlequiltshop.com .  * not valid on gift certificates, wool basket of the month, software or classes.  Can not be combined with other coupons or sale prices. Offer good on October 18, 2010 only    503 635-1353                            M-Sat    10-5 pm 1-800 655-5632                           Sunday 12-4

Timeless and Contemporary - We've Got It All

Whether your tastes run towards Timeless or Contemporary,

The Pine Needle has you covered.  Check out these new lines that just came in.

Classic and timeless  - beauty and elegance

Here's beautiful new line from Moda called Remembrance.

Look at this beautiful theme print!

But if your taste runs a bit more modern

and you'd like to add a little zest to your Fall, 

check out this collection of coordinating fabrics from 

Free Spirit, Michael Miller and Moda.  

How about some Tiffany Blue to brighten your Fall?

Here's a trendier take on Fall.

And now something for every quilter out there... a great deal on thread.

Check out this collection of basic colors from Aurifil.  

This is amazing piecing thread and you'll want this Basic Collection.

You get 12 spools of thread in this nice case for just $99.   

If you bought each spool separately it would cost $120.

Quilt for the Cure!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Here's your chance to support 
the Susan G Komen Foundation

and win a beautiful quilt.

All the money goes directly to breast cancer research.

K103 - our local radio station 

is supporting this effort 
by linking to the online auction.

You can either click on the pink banner above, 

or on K103 to be taken to their home page. 

Let the bidding begin!

Let's see how much quilters can raise 
in the fight against breast cancer.

We're at the Northwest Quilting Expo

The Northwest Quilting Expo started today.  

Come see some amazing quilts, 

90 vendors, and of course... The Pine Needle.  

Here's our booth.  Be sure to stop and say "Hi."

The show runs through Saturday.

Flannel Frenzy

The weather is definitely turning chilly which means it's time to start thinking about flannel.

And do we have loads of flannel for you.

If you have a small child in your life... 

here's an adorable panel with coordinating fabrics by Riley Blake.

This is one of the cutest flannels we've seen and what an easy quilt to put together.

Maybe you have an older child in your life.  

We have loads of flannels to make cozy college quilts.  

Pictured below are the Duck and Beaver colors just in time for football season.

If you can't make an entire quilt... 

frame a t-shirt for a surprise pillow case for your favorite student.

And when you're done with your college quilt, 

you can use the extra fabrics to make these wonderful flannel pumpkins.

What a cozy decoration.

And last but not least... we're getting ready for the Northwest Quilting Expo 

that starts this Thursday and runs through Saturday. 

Be sure to stop by our booth and say hello.  

Here's a sneak peak at our back room 

where we are madly putting together kits, fabric, patterns and quilts.

September 18% Coupon & New Catalog from The Pine Needle

The Pine Needle Newsletter September 2010 in this issue :: Upcoming Events :: Bruschetta :: Spotlight Special :: Find us on Facebook :: Destination Oregon Tara Quilt Greetings! With September comes "back to school", autumn in the air and subtle thoughts of winter, which brings....dare we say....the holidays.  And all good quilters know it is time to design, purchase fabric and begin holiday quilts!  No scare needed: The Pine Needle is filled with new designer colors, patterns and inspiration for college quilts, Halloween fun and winter warmth.    We've got you covered! Announcing a new first for The Pine Needle and for our customers:  You can now view our catalog on line through our e-mail newsletter link.  We hope this will make our catalog accessible for all our email newsletter readers.  Save this email and you can return to our catalog as frequently as you desire. Click here to link to our Fall 2010 catalog The beautiful Civil War inspired cover quilt, in soft blues, navies, browns and warm beiges was created by Maggie Hayes from a Bonnie Blue pattern.  Named "Tara" from the fictional home of Scarlett O'Hara, this is a quilt destined to become a family heirloom.  Tara Quilt Don't Forget our 18%  September 18th birthday sale 18% off all regular priced items Saturday, August 18th (see coupon at the bottom of the email) Background fabric:  Serenity Basics 11081-F   $9.50/yd (call to order 800-655-5632) Tara Quilt Pattern Upcoming Events September 23 -25  Northwest Quilting Expo at the Portland Expo Center November 6-14  Annual Fall Anniversary (our 19th) Sale November 19-20  Winter Candlelight Showcase Tomato, Red Onion & Basil Bruschetta Janet P's favorite fresh tomato recipe just in time for the fall harvest. Originally from epicurious.com by Amy Finley Good way to use small heirloom tomatoes in assorted colors for a pretty presentation. Makes 4 servings  Ingredients: 2 cups assorted cherry, grape and teardrop tomatoes, cut in half or into thirds. ½ small red onion, finely chopped 2 -3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 Tablespoons olive oil, plus additional for brushing 3 Tablespoons chopped fresh basil 1 ½ Tablespoons balsamic vinegar 1 large loaf of foccacia bread or ciabatta bread halved horizontally or thickly sliced 'good bread' 1 clove of garlic, peeled and halved Directions: Combine tomatoes, finely chopped onion, 3 Tablespoons olive oil, chopped fresh basil and balsamic vinegar in a medium bowl.  Season tomato topping with salt and pepper. Topping can be made 2 hours ahead.  Cover and let stand at room temperature, tossing occasionally. Cut bread in half (foccacia or ciabatta). Place bread, cut side up, on baking sheet. Brush bread with olive oil.  Toast bread in broiler until top is golden brown.... watch closely because it can burn quickly.  Remove toasted bread from the oven and immediately rub cut side of bread all over with the halved garlic.  Then cut bread into serving size pieces.  Top toasted bread with tomato mixture and serve.  Garnish with basil leaves. Free Pattern Fall Scattering Leaves Fall Scattering Leaves Our playful collection of colorful flannel leaves provide infinite decorating possibilities.   You can download the free pattern and instructions by clicking on the link below.  Supplies needed for this project:  flannel scraps, thread and fusible fleece. Link to Leaf pattern and instructions Fusible Fleece Visit Our  Updated Blog Site The Pine Needle Blog  Flannels aren't just for quilts! Scrap-Bag Tier Dress  How about flannels for pumpkins, purses, pillowcases, leaves and this adorable little girl's dress!  We find flannel makes up wonderfully in lots of projects. Lorrie used a mixture of Woolies flannels with a tiered little girl's dress pattern to create the jumper above. Tier Dress Kit Tier Dress Pattern Our Tardy Quilt New Garden Waltz New Garden Waltz Do you remember making that most important quilt which needed to be finished and to the quilter if it's going to be ready for the big birthday party and you end up wrapping a partially completed quilt with a note?  Well, that happens to us too!  This beautiful quilt, made from our Garden Waltz pattern and the elegant Serifina fabrics, wasn't completed until after the catalog went to the printers.  We hope you will take a look at our New Garden Waltz either on line or in our store. New Garden Waltz Find us on Facebook  Editor's note:  Since so many have indicated a reluctance to sign up for Facebook, we asked Julie to write a few brief thoughts on joining FB. The Pine Needle is on Facebook now!  For those of you who haven't used the social networking site, we encourage you to try it.  It is the easiest way to look at pictures from others, and to share yours. Facebook (FB) is easy to set up.  You control what information is visible and, yes, you can look at others "profiles" but no further without 'permission' called "friending".  Same goes with others looking at your profile.  They can't see your notes or photos without your permission.  Permission means making a person your FB "friend".  FB will notify you through your email when "an allowed friend" has sent you a note or commented on a photo or note you have posted.  FB communication is shared/posted instantly, in the "now" moment, with all the folks you have allowed as "friends".   Give it a try.  It's fun. And it's another way to keep in touch with us, The Pine Needle. For more information on FaceBook go to www.wikihow.com/Make-a-New-Facebook-Account Spotlight Special:  New Product Sullivan's Cutting Edge Ruler Sullivan's Edge Ruler Sharpen your blade with every cut: 650 grit Diamond Carbide edge, keeps your rotary blades sharp as you work. Full frosted back: ruler slides when you want, reduces visual clutter. Easy square up lines: use the inside Edge of red angel to cut squares and trim up blocks..   Click on the link below to watch a YouTube Video with Pat Sloan demonstrating and discussing the new rulers.  Pat Sloan demonstrates new rulers 6.5" x 24.5" ruler Our Price: $24.79                           List Price: $30.99  (6.5" x 12.5" ruler:  Our Price: $14.40  List Price: $17.99) Cutting Edge Rulers Destination: Oregon Loving color! Dahlia Festival in Canby, OR If you travel to the Portland area in either spring or late summer, treat yourself to a trip to one of the flower festivals put on by the growers of bulbs.  The above photo was taken two weeks ago at the Swan Island Dahlia Festival.  The acres of vibrant color inspire ohs and ahs from all the visitors.  It's no wonder the dahlia has inspired so many quilters to try to capture their beauty. In the spring you can visit the growers that specialize in tulips, daffodils, iris or peonies.  The fields of color are just plain "awesome"! We hope this autumn season brings you a bounty of color, love of the change of seasons and inspiration through nature's beauty.  Come see us and share ideas. We thank you for your continued support of The Pine Needle. Geri and The Pinecones 429 First St., Lake Oswego, OR  97034     503 635-1353 1 -800 655-5632 The Pine Needle Website The Pine Needle Blog  Save 18% It's September's birthday time and you get the gift!  To celebrate our 18th year in business, you receive 18% off all regular priced items in the store.* One day only! 18% off Saturday, September 18th  If ordering by phone, please mention the 18% discount. If ordering on-line, please send an email with 18% in the subject line to friends@pineneedlequiltshop.com .  * not valid on gift certificates, wool basket of the month, software or classes.  Can not be combined with other coupons or sale prices. Offer Good September 18, 2010 only Offer good on September 18, 2010 only