Hello and happy Monday everyone!  This is just a friendly note that this is the last week to save with our book and batting sales!  As a reminder, our book sale gives you 40% off all books in stock.  Have you been eyeing the new Eleanor Burns book, Tales of First Ladies, for a while?  Until 2/20, it is just $14.97, down from its regular price of $24.95. 

Maybe you need some inspiration for what to do with all of those charms lying around.  Now would be a great time to pick up the Pam & Nicky Lintott book, More Layer Cake, Jelly Roll and Charm Quilts. This one is just $14.99, down from $24.99.

If there is any book that you've been wanting to pick up and enjoy for a while, it is a great time to do it! The sale applies to all books in stock, while supplies last. 

And don't miss out on this great opportunity to save 30% on all Hobbs Batting in stock.  If you have a project in mind that you are going to need some batting for, now is a great time to stock up.

Next month, some friends of mine from New York are expecting their second child. Being on the opposite coast makes it a bit difficult to attend baby showers and all of the other fun things involved with a friend’s pregnancy.  Not being able to be present made me want to send an extra special gift, and what’s more special than a handmade one?

When I started working at Connecting Threads, I fell in love with so many of the fabrics, however, the soft and cuddly Wild Ones flannel really appealed to me. The only problem is, I don’t have any kids nearby who could enjoy it.  Then it hit me – I can make a gift for the coming baby!  Now comes the next problem…what to make. This is the dilemma that usually prevents me from actually starting a new sewing project (or any other craft project for that matter) because I can never decide on a pattern.  Luckily, Melissa, the Director of Connecting Threads, mentioned a new book that we just got in called Fabric-by-Fabric One Yard Wonders.  

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Today is a very exciting day for us here at Connecting Threads.  Why?  Because today is the day that we can officially announce that our beautiful Montecito collection, designed in-house by Jenni Calo, has been featured on the cover of QUILT Magazine!  Check it out:

The quilt shown is the Garden Patch Twin Quilt, or, as they call it in the magazine, Dutch Tulips.  The Garden Patch Twin Quilt was designed by our very own Mari Martin and will add a cheerful spot to any room in the house.  

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Thank you so much to everyone who participated in the Eleanor Burns Tales of First Ladies giveaway.  We got a whopping 772 comments for this giveaway -- WOW!  We were so inspired reading through all of your comments and we truly appreciate your thoughts and insights as to what the most historical contribution to quilting was. 

Using a random number generator, we have selected our three winners. 

The grand prize winner who will be taking home a copy of Eleanor Burns' Tales of First Ladies and a Neutral Thread Set is Commenter #248, Doralee Wilson.
I would agree that the sewing machine had the greatest influence on quilting; however my greatest admiration has to go to the women who had nothing but the light of the fire, one needle, and old worn out clothing for fabric, and yet produced some of the most beautiful quilts I've ever seen. I'm thankful for my rotary cutter, rulers for every occasion, and beautiful fabrics!

The runner-up winners who each will win a copy of the book are:

Commenter #592, Janet
I think the Civil War Era played a significant role in quilt history. Then again, there were improvements all along the way as history grew.
Thanks for this opportunity.
Janet

and Commenter #694, Elizabeth Eissler
I would say thaat the frugality of the women of that era and the invention of the sewing machine.

We will be emailing each of our winners shortly and as soon as we can confirm their mailing addresses, we will be sending out their prizes.  Thanks again to everyone who commented, we greatly appreciate it.

All of us here at Connecting Threads are pleased-as-punch to introduce the newest member to our team, Katrina.  Katrina is our shiny, new (super-awesome) graphic designer for CT and will be handling all of our online graphic creations.  What's even cooler?  The girl can sew! 

Katrina learned to sew in 8th grade through a home-economics class and has been hooked ever since. While she has not ventured into the world of quilting quite yet, she is very excited to start and, over time, will undoubtably provide some wonderful beginner insights.  We're very happy to have her here, and we hope you all will help her along the way with tips and tricks that you have learned in your quilting experiences.  Welcome Katrina!