Country Sampler Quilts

Aurifil's Monofilament Thread ...

I found a new love in the quilting world - it's Aurifil’s Monofilament Invisible Thread, and it stitches like a dream.  For years I've avoided invisible thread.  It was never really invisible and seemed to always have too much shine for my liking.  In addition, it was often difficult to use in some sewing machines - they just didn't seem to like it whether it was just in the top or, God forbid, you tried to put it in the bobbin.  It was often too thick, too nylon-y, and reminded me of my Dad's fishing line.  

 

But not any more!!  (Trumpets blow here!) I've found a monofilament that really is invisible and stitches like a dream.

 

                                     

 

Aurifil's monofilament is made of a really fine nylon and available in two colors: smoke (for dark fabrics) and clear (for light fabrics).  And trust me here Edith, it's a great choice whenever the thread or the stitching line needs to be invisible. It can be used for stitch-in-the-ditch, invisible machine applique, outlining, and free motion quilting.

 

For me, I can put the thread in both the top and the bobbin.  (Again with the trumpets!)  Your machine may be different and it may be more comfortable just using the monofilament as the top thread and using your usual thread in the bobbin: but I just lower my top tension  and use a slightly larger stitch length.  It sews beautifully!  Aurifil suggests that the bobbin should be filled at the slowest speed possible and not completely.  (It hasn't been a problem for me, but just passing on the info.)  

 

Seeww, the next time you need an invisible thread try Aurifil's, it's pretty awesume.  I think you're going to like it!

Bus Trip ...

We've got a bus trip planned, Edith, and you're going to want to join us!!  Eight shops have joined together to create a two day quiltin' bus trip including shops in Nebraska (us!), Iowa, and Missouri.  The cost is more than reasonable for two day and we're going to have seewww much fun!

 

 

 

You can sign up at either store, although the bus leaves from the Papillion shop this time.  Think of it kinda like summer camp for the kiddos, except it's fall and the girls are going shopping!  What could be better??!  Sign up soon, seats are limited!!

Fall and Halloween from the Sampler 2 ...

I've got more photos for you today!  This time it's the Papillion shop and all their gor-ge-ous quilts!  No, really.  The shop is full of inspiration and I was awed when I went and checked it all out … the girls really outdid themselves.  Seewww, how about a little fall and Halloween eye candy??

 

Here's the double bed, decked out for fall.  Rich fall colors and a design that would look great on a bed, tossed on the couch, or hanging on the wall...

 

 

 

And behind it is this beauty.  The photo is a little funky as far as color, but it's stunning in person!

 

 

And take a look at this July Niemeyer design, stitched up and ready for fall!

 

 

How 'bout something fun for Halloween and the kiddos?  This lap quilt would be perfect!

 

 

This scarecrow and witch table runner are from last year, but they're one of our best sellers for fall.  Seewww cute!

 

 

An autumn cabinet ...

 

 

Here's a close up of Pumpkin Farm and it's kit.  Isn't it yummy in wool?

 

 

And our precious pumpkin pincushion again.   Check out the Halloween straight pins, aren't they cool?!

 

 

Or how 'bout a border table runner or a autumn bucket?

 

 

Here's a couple of Buttermilk Basin models and we've got kits (of course!)

 

 

 

We've got some super cute stitcheries for the season too...

 

 

 

 

A new little design from Happy Hollow.  We've got several different designs for fall and Christmas.  

 

 

But there's more!  Stop by the Papillion Country Sampler and see it all, you just may find a little sumpin' to make your autumn quilting' heart go pitter-patter!  We'll leave the light on!

Christmas in August Update ....

First, let me give a belated but heartful thank you to everyone who stopped by the shops last Saturday and made our Christmas in August a big success!  It was so great to see so many smiling, quiltin' faces!

 

But I know that not everybody who reads the old Country Sampler blog has a chance to visit us, so how about a little tour?  I thought we'd start with Country Sampler West Center and our autumn and Halloween display.

  

So let's begin!  First up is a couple of pics as you walk in the door ...

 

I got this fun idea of the skelton from an awesume shop in the Phoenix area, called Three Dudes Quilting.  He was a great eye catcher for our Halloween display!  And, here's the front table...

 

 

Here's a photo of the quilts behind the table on the beams .  (Did I mention that cute witch quilt is from a Buggy Barn book - we've got it and we're doing classes too!)

 

 

 

Here's more quilts and models in the fall and Halloween area of the shop ...

   

 

 

And here's some of our new projects, up close .  Now, I'm not going to include the price of the pattern and the kit for every project (and we have kits for almost everything); but if you have a question, give us a call at 402-333-6131.  We mail out everyday and there may be something that catches your eye and calls to your little quiltin heart! So let's start with a little piecing and a little embroidery for autumn....

 

 

 

 

We've added more wool this year too!

 

 

 

And you can make a easy banded tea towel with some of our Halloween fabric!

 

 

 

This little beauty below is "Perky Pumpkins", seeww cute!

 

 

 

But that's not all!!  I'm going to try and get you a few more photos of our Christmas in July in the near future!  Until then, happy stitching!