Why do you quilt?
I’ve been thinking about why I quilt, and I’ve been asking customers why they quilt. For almost everyone it provides “zen” moments….but what is zen for one person may not be the same for another! There is no one answer that works for me all of the time. I quilt different projects for different reasons. I love the color and texture and getting something made quickly. Others love complex patterns that require concentration. Some love handwork (think English Paper Piecing, hand binding, or hand quilting). There’s applique, there’s patterns, there’s do what you want. It is always fun to hear the why behind each work of art. This past week I was making little Half Square Triangles for our Row by Row 2025 block (more on that in a month or two). Well, I found that while I could do them, they did not provide me zen moments. I did develop a new skill though - skill development is another reason to quilt or knit or crochet. Do what you enjoy!
It snowed 10" for Easter Sunday. It was beautiful. The snow is all gone now because it warmed up (warmed up to us means the 50s, not the 90s like some of you in the southwest are already experiencing!) The bull elk have lost last year’s antlers and are now sporting 6"-12” fuzzy stubs and all the elk and deer are starting to look ratty as their winter coats slowly fall out.
What is great about this coming Saturday? It is Local Yarn Shop Day of course! Stop in and check out our project, Ciao Bella, by Lisa Overby and pick up the free pattern and some Herd of Cats fingering weight yarn made by local indie dyer Ali Pate.
Quilters – have you been feeling left out by our frequent talk about Nancy Bates’ KNITTING the National Parks book? Stephanie Forster’s QUILTING the National Parks book came in this week!!! This beautiful book full of color photos features original designs that capture the beauty of 20 National Parks. Projects range from pillow covers to wall hangings to full size quilts.
In the shop, we have two new quilt kits available: Mountain Summer Activities and Small Mammals. These are both easy and quick to make. You will love the small mammal in the small mammal focus fabric – pikas, marmots, chipmunks, and snowshoe hares.
If you want beautiful mountain and mountain mammal fabric and not a quilt kit, a Fat Quarter bundle may be for you. See our newest bundle, Mountain Life.
We are busy packing for the Boise Idaho Quilt Craft Sew Fest May 8 to 10 – the trailer pulls out next week. If you live near Boise or are visiting in the area those days, be sure to find us in Booth 608!
Your friends at Peak to Peak Stitching
info@peaktopeakstitching * 970-296-8385
We are on Instagram at @peak_to_peak_stitching and on Facebook.
We love customers to post projects!
Don’t forget to join the hunt for the bunny hopper on our website! Check out the FabShop Virtual Shop Hop. You have 1 week left to find the April bunny.
Every Friday at 9AM mountain time, join us on Facebook for a short FB Live. Debi will provide tips, show you the latest in the store and/or demo a block.
Learn to Crochet – May 15 and May 22 – Join us for a 2-session class to learn basic crochet stitches!
Learn to Knit – May 15 and May 22 – Join us for a 2-session class to learn knitting and purling.
Passport to the Stars Quilted Table Runner - May 17 - Learn how to make stars using 3 different techniques as you make this beautiful table runner!
Easy Crochet Bear Paw - June 19 - Make cute bear paws using basic crochet stitches!
Easy Knit Market Bag – June 19 – Learn some new knit stitches while learning how to make this fun Market Bag! This class is perfect for beginners who know how to knit and purl!
Huggable Crochet Tote - July 9 - Join us to make this fun and quick crochet tote that uses 1 stitch and bulky weight yarn held double!
Easy Crochet Dishcloths – July 12 – Join us to learn several different crochet dishcloth designs. This class is perfect for beginners who know basic stitches!
Easy Knit Market Bag – July 12 – Learn some new knit stitches while learning how to make this fun Market Bag! This class is perfect for beginners who know how to knit and purl!
Tunisian Crochet Afghan: Holiday Sampler Blanket Series – Starts September 20 – Join us in making this beautiful Tunisian Crochet Afghan over 8 months.
Pictorial Applique Workshop by David Taylor - September 14 to 19. Space is limited for this retreat. If you have not attended a retreat by David Taylor, you will be in for an experience with lots of laughter and learning. Registration is through Taylor’s website: DavidTaylorQuilts.com Note that you will be on your own for lodging – check out this website visitestespark.com/lodging/ to get a room reservation sooner rather than later as September is high season here in Estes Park!
