SALE FABRIC up to 50% off

over 50 fabrics at just £4 per metre
now available on-line Click here

The Sleeping Bear December 2006 - Volume 1, Issue 14

www.sleepingbearcrafts.com

The Stitch and Chat groups have been running for a few months now. Although a little bit slow to start, we are getting quite a few regulars at each of the venues, and it has been great to make some new friends. Of course there's always room for more, so if you're ever in the East/West Sussex area and looking for some quilting companions then please come along - You will be most welcome. Check on the Web-site for an up-to-date list of venues and dates.

I had a busy Autumn trading at various local Group meetings, Open days and Quilt Exhibitions. The Sanditon Quilters open day at Little Common, near Bexhill, was very well attended with a lovely lunch and an entertaining talk by Gail Bell from Chanctonbury Quilters.
The two-day Quilt Exhibition by Mole Valley Quilters, in Great Bookham, Surrey, was also most enjoyable. My friend Sally and I were made very welcome by a lovely group of ladies with some great work on show.

Plans are afoot for some classes and workshops in the New Year. With my colleague, Jo Richardson, I am planning a short Introduction to Patchwork Course in January, to be followed by one-day workshops on a variety of subjects and techniques later in the year. If you know of anyone who may be interested in attending, then check out the Web-site for details or give me a call (01444 230152).

As promised last time, I have made up kits for the Kaleidoscope Bag using one of the new fabrics. The Stained Glass Table Runner and Table Mats that I promised are still a 'Work in Progress'. Patterns for these will be available early in the New Year.

Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas
Janet & Alistair Cooper.

In This Issue

Stitch and Chat Group

Come along to one of our Stitch and Chat groups for the chance to meet fellow quilters over a cup of tea or coffee,
exchange ideas, tips and techniques, try out the latest gadgets,
and of course our Mobile Shop will always be on site with a great selection of fabric, notions and tools.

Admission and Refreshments FREE

Partridge Green Methodist Church, West Sussex
fortnightly on
Tuesdays 2pm - 5pm
9th January 2007 onwards

Newick Village Hall, East Sussex
fortnightly on
Wednesdays 2pm - 5pm
10th January 2007 onwards

Handcross Parish Hall, West Sussex
NOTE: this is a new location and a different time
fortnightly on
Thursdays 12noon - 3pm
11th January 2007 onwards

Click here to visit our web-site for a full list of dates and directions to any of these venues.

Mobile Shop and Shows

Over the next couple of months you can also visit us at:

Ardingly Spring Quilt Show
Friday 2nd - Sunday 4th February 2007 10.00am - 5.00pm (4:30pm Sunday)
South of England Show Ground, Ardingly, West Sussex

Shirley Quilters
Tuesday 20th February 2007 at 7.30pm
Shirley Methodist Church, Eldon Avenue, nr Croydon, Surrey

Click here to visit our web-site for details of the opening times and directions to any of these venues.

Don't forget, if you are interested in having our Mobile Shop to visit your Quilt Group or event
please call Janet on 01444 230152 to make arrangements.

Introduction to Patchwork & Quilting

3 week course Saturdays 10am - 4pm
on 13th, 20th and 27th January 2007
at Adastra Hall in Hassocks, West Sussex

Explanation of techniques, terms and tools.
Choosing and using your fabric.
Make a variety of simple blocks using different techniques
and learn how to assemble them to make a Table Runner or Small Quilt.

Complete course price £60
Materials for first lesson are included in the price.

Click on the image below to see more details and to register for the course

New Kits

Kaleidoscope Bag
The Kaleidoscope Bag is one of my more popular patterns.
If you are considering making one, then this is a cost effective way to do it.
(It helps if you like purple!)
The process for cutting the identical kaleidoscope pieces can sometimes mean buying quite a lot of fabric.
In this kit you are paying for just the pieces you need.
There is still a bit of cutting involved, so you get to understand how the technique works,
as well as having a go at foundation piecing the Flying Geese on the strap.

Kit Price £30
includes all the fabric, the wadding and thread, as well as detailed and fully illustrated instructions.

Table Mat Kits
SALE

To make way for our ever increasing stock our original Table Mat kits are now on SALE

As usual these kits include all the fabric, wadding and thread, as well as detailed and fully illustrated instructions.
Available in a choice of four colourways:
Aubergine, Jade or Blue now £15.00 (was £24.50)
Christmas now £20.00 (was £32.00)

New Gadgets & Tools

June Tailor Cut'n'Press
This is great bonus for taking along to classes, workshops or to Stitch and Chat groups
as well as being useful at home if you don't have room to keep your ironing board out.
A 12" x 18" cutting mat on one side and a pressing surface on the other;
with the added advantage that the pressing surface is marked with a measured grid
so you can check that your blocks remain square as you press them.

Competitively priced at just £28.00. (RRP £34.99)

Click on the picture above to buy one.

Clover Mini Iron with FREE carrying pouch
OK, I know this isn't really a New Gadget, but I just wanted to let you know about the special offer
available while stocks last.

If you've been considering buying one of these great little irons for your Stained Glass and Celtic work,
or projects involving small pieces of applique,
then now is the time to buy as you get the carrying pouch (RRP £3.99) FREE

A great price at just £22.50. (RRP £24.99)

Click on the picture above to buy one.

Mail Order
Please note that prices quoted in this newsletter do not include postage and packing. This starts from 75p and depends on the total value of your order; it will be added to your order at checkout.

Why did we send you this email?
You were sent this email because you have subscribed to our newsletter or because we think you would like to subscribe to it, if only you realised how great it is! If you don't want to receive these emails in future then please accept our apologies and follow the unsubscribe procedure described below.
Please be assured that we respect your time and privacy and will never pass on your name, address or email address to other parties.

Who are we?
Sleeping Bear Crafts is a family-run business founded in August 2002.
It operates as the Crafts division of Pandarus Systems Ltd which has been established since 1995.

If you need to get in touch with us for any reason then please write, phone or email:

1 Wheelwright Lane
Burgess Hill
West Sussex
RH15 0QS

Phone: 01444 230152
Email: info@sleepingbearcrafts.com

The Sleeping Bear September 2006 - Volume 1, Issue 13

www.sleepingbearcrafts.com

After a rather quiet (and hot) July, things got busy in August as I started making plans for our Stitch and Chat groups which are running in villages around the Burgess Hill area, starting in September. For those of you in the South East, or anyone visiting the area, you are welcome to come along, bring some sewing with you, chat to other quilters, exchange tips and advice, do a bit of shopping, have a cup of tea etc, etc.
Details of which groups meet when and where are listed below and are always on the 'Find Us' page on our web-site.

During the heat of July I was working on some small Stained Glass projects, so it wasn't too unbearable. There is a Cafetiere Cosy pattern available now, with kits in a choice of 3 colours, and I should have patterns for matching tablemats and a table runner available in time for the next issue.

I have just taken delivery of the fabrics I was hoping to use for the Hexagonal Tablemats and the popular Kaleidoscope Bag. I haven't had a chance to make up the samples yet, but they will be on the web-site as soon as possible and I'll have pictures for the next newsletter.

Talking of fabric supplies, I am also increasing my ranges of co-ordinating fabrics, such as Moda Marbles, Makower Spraytime and Essentials, Timeless Treasures Basics and Glimmer, etc. Since these are on-going ranges you can buy with confidence that the designs and colours are likely to be available in the medium- to long-term (unfortunately nothing can be 100% guaranteed to keep going). So, if you get halfway through your project and find you need more of a particular fabric, it should still be available. And to help you select the colour and design you desire you can order a set of Swatch Cards with over 80 fabric samples, with more being added as and when I get them in stock.

Happy Quilting
Janet & Alistair Cooper.

In This Issue

Stitch and Chat Group

Come along to one of our Stitch and Chat groups for the chance to meet fellow quilters over a cup of tea or coffee,
exchange ideas, tips and techniques, try out the latest gadgets,
and of course our Mobile Shop will always be on site with a great selection of fabric, notions and tools.

Admission is FREE
Refreshments available

Once we get up and running we are planning to organise a few classes or workshops.

Partridge Green Methodist Church, West Sussex
fortnightly on
Tuesdays 2pm - 5pm
starting 19th September 2006

Newick Village Hall, East Sussex
fortnightly on
Wednesdays 2pm - 5pm
starting 6th September 2006

Handcross Sports Pavilion, West Sussex
fortnightly on
Thursdays 2pm - 5pm
starting 7th September 2006

Click here to visit our web-site for a full list of dates and directions to any of these venues.

Mobile Shop and Shows

Over the next couple of months you can also visit us at:

Old Town Quilters, Eastbourne, East Sussex
Thursday 28th September at 2pm
Community Wise Centre, Ocklynge Road, Eastbourne

Ouse Valley Quilters, Lewes, East Sussex
Tuesday 10th October at 7.30pm
Christchurch Hall, Prince Edwards Road, Lewes

North Kent Embroiderers' Guild
Branch Day
Saturday 21st October 10.00am - 5.00pm
Shorne Village Hall, The Street, Shorne, Gravesend, Kent

Sanditon Quilters
Open Day
Wednesday 25th October 10.00am - 4.00pm
St Martha's Church Hall, Cooden Sea Road, Little Common, Bexhill, East Sussex

Mole Valley Quilters
Patchwork and Quilting Exhibition
Friday 27th - Saturday 28th October 2006 10.00am - 4.00pm
Baptist Church Hall, Lower Road, Great Bookham, Surrey

Chilford Autumn Quilt Show
Friday 10th - Sunday 12th November 2006 10.00am - 5.00pm (4:30pm Sunday)
Chilford Hall Vineyard, Linton, Cambridgeshire CB1 6LE

Click here to visit our web-site for details of the opening times and directions to any of these venues.

Don't forget, if you are interested in having our Mobile Shop to visit your Quilt Group or event
please call Janet on 01444 230152 to make arrangements.

New Fabric ranges

Zanzibar from Makower

These fabrics are priced at £2.25/Fat Quarter or £8.00/m
and co-ordinate well with the following Spraytime fabrics
which are priced at £1.75/Fat Quarter or £6.50/m.

All fabrics can be purchased from our online shop by clicking on the pictures above
or you can call Janet on 01444 230152 to place an order.

Swatch Cards

I know buying fabric over the internet or by mail order can be a bit of a problem as you can't always be sure of the exact colours.
This is especially an issue when you are trying to find coordinating fabrics to match up with something you already have.

To make the buying process easier we are making fabric swatches available so that you can see the actual fabrics before you buy.
There will be a small charge of £1.50 (+ p&p) for our current stock of fabrics (approx 80 swatches).

The cost of this will then be refunded off your next order over £20.
Why not get together with a friend or your local quilting group
and place a combined order?

Cafetiere Cosy

Stained Glass Patchwork
Another new technique for you to try
and something useful to make at the same time.

Each kit includes full instructions to fit any size of cafetiere up to 9" (23cm) high and 5" (13cm) diameter,
along with the fabric, fusible bias tape, heat-resistant wadding and thread
Available in three colourways: GOLD (£9.00) SUNSHINE (£8.50) DUSK (£8.75)

Also available as a pattern only for £3.25.

Click on the pictures above to see more details or to buy one.

Mail Order
Please note that prices quoted in this newsletter do not include postage and packing. This starts from 75p and depends on the total value of your order; it will be added to your order at checkout.

Why did we send you this email?
You were sent this email because you have subscribed to our newsletter or because we think you would like to subscribe to it, if only you realised how great it is! If you don't want to receive these emails in future then please accept our apologies and follow the unsubscribe procedure described below.
Please be assured that we respect your time and privacy and will never pass on your name, address or email address to other parties.

Who are we?
Sleeping Bear Crafts is a family-run business founded in August 2002.
It operates as the Crafts division of Pandarus Systems Ltd which has been established since 1995.

If you need to get in touch with us for any reason then please write, phone or email:

1 Wheelwright Lane
Burgess Hill
West Sussex
RH15 0QS

Phone: 01444 230152
Email: info@sleepingbearcrafts.com

The Sleeping Bear June 2006 - Volume 1, Issue 12

www.sleepingbearcrafts.com

We enjoyed meeting many of you at both Harrogate and Malvern this year.

The weather was quite good whilst we were in Yorkshire so Alistair managed to get me out for a bike ride one evening after the show.
Unfortunately Malvern was rather wet and cold so we didn't enjoy the evenings quite so much, although we did get to visit some of Alistair's family who live in a small village just outside Hereford.

As promised in the last issue, I have made up some Cushion Cover Kits using one of the new Christmas fabrics, and a new version of our Christmas Decorations kit (great for getting the children/grandchildren involved) with another fabric.

I have also found some great new fabrics that work well with the Kaleidoscope patterns (table mats and bag). So far, only one of these has been delivered, which I have made up into table mats (new kits available). Look out for different colourways, including a new Kaleidoscope Bag kit, in the next issue.

And finally I've been having a go at some Stained Glass Patchwork, thanks to Gail Lawther who let me have a copy of her latest book.
I'm working on a new project using this technique and should have something ready for you to try next time.

Hope you are all enjoying the lovely hot weather
Janet & Alistair Cooper.

In This Issue

Forthcoming Shows

Maidstone Quilt Show
Friday 28th - Saturday 29th July 2006
organised by Hearty Quilters
in aid of the Heart of Kent Hospice
St. Nicholas Church Hall, Poplar Grove
Allington, Maidstone, Kent

Click here to visit our web-site for details of the opening times and directions to any of these shows.

Mobile Shop

Over the next few weeks our Mobile Shop can be found at the following:

Thursday July 6th at 19:00
Downland Quilters
Patcham Community Centre
Ladies Mile Road
Patcham, nr Brighton

Don't forget, if you are interested in having our Mobile Shop to visit your Quilt Group or event
please call Janet on 01444 230152 to make arrangements.

New Fabric ranges

Aliens from Timeless Treasures
for those little boys in your life....

The main Stripe fabric will be cut slightly larger than a Fat Quarter(£2.70) or slightly longer than 1 metre (£9.60) to ensure that you get a full number of stripes.
The other fabrics from this range are priced at £2.25/Fat Quarter or £8.00/m.

Picture Squares
for card making and other projects

Market Square from Makower and Novelty Animals from Timeless Treausers
3in (8cm) squares
These come in a set of 9 for £1.20 or a set of 6 from 80p.

Kazoo Strings from Andover

This funky new range of coordinates from Andover is priced at £1.75/Fat Quarter or £6.50/m.
Currently I only have these four colours in stock, but with over 20 different colours available
we will be sure to expand the range in the coming months.

All fabrics can be purchased from our online shop by clicking on the pictures above
or you can call Janet on 01444 230152 to place an order.

New Kits

Christmas Decorations

This is a resurrection of an old favourite, and a great way to get the children involved in making things with fabric.
There is no sewing involved, but they'll need to be handy with scissors and glue!
This kit includes the fabric, ribbon, templates and instructions to make 8 different 3-D decorations for just £5.00

Wintery Days Cushion Cover Kits

Using the Wintery Days Panel featured in the last issue of The Sleeping Bear
I have created a series of Cushion Covers Kits.

Each kit includes one of the eight pictures from the panel, along with coordinating Wintery Days
and Buggy Barn fabrics to make up the cushion front.
The Wintery Days stripe fabric is included to make the back of the cushion cover, as well as wadding, thread
and, of course, detailed instructions.

The completed cover fits an 18" or 20" square cushion
and each kit is priced at just £15.00.

Click on any of the pictures to see more details or to buy.

Kaleidoscope Table Mat Kits

Following the success of previous versions of this kit,
(what I mean to say is that we sold out of the Green & Gold ones at Harrogate and Malvern!)
we now have a Red/Green version available.

The fully-inclusive kits make a set of six 14" tablemats
and cost £32.00.

Top Tip

Quilting Information

Here is good source for tips, techniques and free patterns.

Look at quilting.about.com (no need to put the www in front).

This site has lots of useful info and links to other sites.
In fact if you go back to the www.about.com home page you can find quite a lot of useful information about all kinds of topics.

 

If you have a Top Tip that you would like to share with other quilters then email it to toptip@sleepingbearcrafts.com so that we can include it in a future newsletter.

Mail Order
Please note that prices quoted in this newsletter do not include postage and packing. This starts from 75p and depends on the total value of your order; it will be added to your order at checkout.

Why did we send you this email?
You were sent this email because you have subscribed to our newsletter or because we think you would like to subscribe to it, if only you realised how great it is! If you don't want to receive these emails in future then please accept our apologies and follow the unsubscribe procedure described below.
Please be assured that we respect your time and privacy and will never pass on your name, address or email address to other parties.

Who are we?
Sleeping Bear Crafts is a family-run business founded in August 2002.
It operates as the Crafts division of Pandarus Systems Ltd which has been established since 1995.

If you need to get in touch with us for any reason then please write, phone or email:

1 Wheelwright Lane
Burgess Hill
West Sussex
RH15 0QS

Phone: 01444 230152
Email: info@sleepingbearcrafts.com

The Sleeping Bear April 2006 - Volume 1, Issue 11

www.sleepingbearcrafts.com

Spring has finally sprung here in Sussex, and then we go and get snow!

I got into the Spring mood by making a cot quilt inspired by the Spring Parade fabric featured in the last issue......
..... and then, would you believe it, the new Christmas Fabric ranges have just arrived. I guess it's quite appropriate that we woke up to snow on Monday morning!

In the next few weeks I'll be working on ideas to make use of the new Christmas fabrics, so look out for those in the next issue.

Meanwhile, have a very Happy Easter
Janet & Alistair Cooper.

In This Issue

Forthcoming Shows

Great Northern Needle-Fest
Friday 12th - Sunday 14th May 2006, Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate

Quilts UK
Thursday 18th - Sunday 21st May 2006, Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcs

Click here to visit our web-site for details of the opening times and directions to any of these shows.

Mobile Shop

Over the next few weeks our Mobile Shop can be found at the following:

Thursday April 13th at 19:30
Chanctonbury Quilters
Methodist Church Hall
Steyning, West Sussex

Tuesday April 18th at 19:30
Shirley Quilters
Methodist Church, Eldon Avenue
Shirley, near Croydon, Surrey

Friday 28th July 10:00 - 17:00
Saturday 29th July 10:00 - 16:00
Maidstone Quilt Show
organised by Hearty Quilters
in aid of the Heart of Kent Hospice
St. Nicholas Church Hall, Poplar Grove
Allington, Maidstone, Kent

If you are interested in having our Mobile Shop to visit your Quilt Group or event then please call Janet on 01444 230152 to make arrangements.

New Fabric ranges

It's never too early for quilters to be thinking about Christmas:

Festive Fun from Makower

The Fancy Cats and Xmas Puppies labels (3" sq.) are available as a patch of 9 for £1.20
The other fabrics from this range are priced at £2.50/Fat Quarter or £9.00/m.

Wintery Days from Benartex
with Buggy Barn co-ordinates

The Rectangular Panel (approx 58cm x 110cm; 23in x 43in) is £6.00;
it could be used as it is for a wall hanging or chair throw, or split into separate pictures for a quilt.

The other fabrics from this range are priced at £2.50/Fat Quarter or £9.00/m,
including the Buggy Barn Star fabric, which is not part of the same range, but co-ordinates rather well.

Ice from Timeless Treasures
These fabrics are highlighted with silver to really convey that 'frosty' feeling.

Fabrics from this range are priced at £2.50/Fat Quarter or £9.00/m

All fabrics can be purchased from our online shop by clicking on the pictures above
or you can call Janet on 01444 230152 to place an order.

Mother's Dream Baby Quilt Kit

As promised in the last issue, I was inspired by the Spring Parade fabrics to design a 'Baby' quilt.
The finished quilt comes out at 54" x 38".

Like many blocks, the one used here has more than one name,
but one of my sources listed it as Mother's Dream, which I thought was quite appropriate in this case.

The quilt is available as a fully inclusive kit for £44.00
including instructions, fabric, wadding (Hobbs Heirloom), thread and backing
and is available in three colourways.
The majority of the fabrics stay the same,
but you can choose to have inner border and binding in Blue (as illustrated), Pink or Yellow

Click on the picture above to see more details or to buy one.

If you want to select your own fabrics and just require the pattern
then click here to purchase the detailed and fully illustrated instructions for just £6.00.

ABC Quilt Pattern

In the last issue I showed you the quilt I made for my nephew Sam.

Following requests for the pattern this is now available for £6.00.
The pattern comes with the designs for the appliqued construction vehicles and your choice of 3 letters,
making it suitable for BEN, JOE, ZAK or you could just opt for ABC.

Top Tip

Tonal Value

Here is a good way to check on the tonal value (light/medium/dark contrasts) of your fabric choices or quilt design
before you commit to buying lots of fabric and piecing it together.
Arrange your fabrics as a group or make up one block or your chosen design.
Scan the fabrics or take a digital photo of them.
Using your normal photo viewing software, such as Microsoft Photo Editor, view the image in GreyScale,
(this can usually be done in edit mode or by changing the properties).
Alternatively, simply print the image on a black & white printer.

If you have a Top Tip that you would like to share with other quilters then email it to toptip@sleepingbearcrafts.com so that we can include it in a future newsletter.

Mail Order
Please note that prices quoted in this newsletter do not include postage and packing. This starts from 75p and depends on the total value of your order; it will be added to your order at checkout.

Why did we send you this email?
You were sent this email because you have subscribed to our newsletter or because we think you would like to subscribe to it, if only you realised how great it is! If you don't want to receive these emails in future then please accept our apologies and follow the unsubscribe procedure described below.
Please be assured that we respect your time and privacy and will never pass on your name, address or email address to other parties.

Who are we?
Sleeping Bear Crafts is a family-run business founded in August 2002.
It operates as the Crafts division of Pandarus Systems Ltd which has been established since 1995.

If you need to get in touch with us for any reason then please write, phone or email:

1 Wheelwright Lane
Burgess Hill
West Sussex
RH15 0QS

Phone: 01444 230152
Email: info@sleepingbearcrafts.com