Sue Spargo, Twee

What is going on???

2012-02-24T19:05:00.004-05:00

Absent, yes, absent again. Neglecting my blog, sparse, sporadic postings- what in the world is going on? As most of you know we decided to vend in April, at the International Quilt Festival, Cincinnati. It sounded like a blast... initially.

We have received more boxes and inventory than we can handle, resulting in the unthinkable- the one thing my mom never wanted...

We have moved upstairs!

The dining room is now a storage area, along with a 'spare' bedroom upstairs.

We have boxes outside...

Inside...

And more inside...

So, in-between hauling boxes in, cutting kits, wool, velvet, assembling ribbon packs, textural packs, fiber packs and filling orders- little time is left for much else.

We were happy to check one thing off our list by packaging 500 March BOM's today!

It has been a busy few weeks with much more too come.

I am still busy at working on our big secret - and am excited to say it is likely to be revealed in the next few weeks!

March's sneak peek is just around the corner. Stay tuned for fun new fabrics, ribbons, embellishments and a new little kit I created in my 'free time'.

A Must Have!

2012-02-11T08:11:00.003-05:00

My mom designed this tote for Spring Market to feature her and Wendy's Ribbon line for Renaissance Ribbons. Quilts and More Magazine fell in love with the bag and 'claimed' it for publication at Market. We are so excited to finally see the article and pattern published in their Spring 2012 magazine which hit newsstands February 7th. The kit is available at www.suespargo.com (the pattern is not included).

Front

Eager to create your own version? Purchase the ribbons HERE.

Back

February Sneak Peek!

2012-01-31T17:15:00.000-05:00

I can't believe tomorrow is February 1st! I almost missed the sneak peek; it's unbelievable how fast this month has flown by. So here what's coming up... tomorrow...

New, hand-dyed wool bundle, GREI

New, Hearts Ornament kit- how we love our wire tree!

'Sorbet'

New, Hand-dyed Fiber Pack, 'Sorbet'

New, Embellishment Pack, 'Be Mine'- Quantities Limited

New, LIMITED QUANTITY, 'Midnight Blue', Dazzle thread

Lots of fun, new cotton fabrics

Giveaway!

2012-01-25T17:17:00.000-05:00

Visit us on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/SueSpargoFolkartQuilts, to enter to win this fabulous silk thread pack! Quick, contest ends Saturday January 28, 5pm EST.

Where Are You?

2012-01-23T17:44:00.001-05:00

"Your blogs are getting scarce..." that's the text I received yesterday from a friend of mine; my response was, "I know". So where have I been? What have I/we been doing? Well, we have been working really hard on a little secret which I am really hoping to reveal the beginning of February- but I just don't know if it/we will be ready! Besides that, we have been working on 2012's BOM and trying to prepare, or should I say trying to wrap our heads around the International Quilt Festival (retail show) in Cincinnati we are attending this year. The stock of- everything- we need to prepare for the show makes me want to pass out. It's an ongoing joke that Peg loves to order, and order, and order- especially threads and ribbons. Last week she was on the phone placing one of our massive thread orders for the upcoming show. The order went on and on- I was seriously breaking out in a cold sweat. I looked over at Cathy and asked her if she would bring her flashlight and iPhone to work the following day so we would be able to see and pull the orders- I was sure we would not be able to pay the electric bill after that order went through. Cathy looked at me and mouthed "I know- my heart is palpitating"- I have no idea where we will store this kind of stock! My grandma suggested we order one of those large crates or containers that we could put in the driveway. It is actually not a bad idea. Usually when there is something 'extra'- like if we have stuff to take to Goodwill or we have a ton of boxes for recycling- my mom tells me to store them in the trunk of my car- or her's- really- I'm not kidding. The trunks will just not do for this...

Anyway- I spent the morning unloading and inventorying wool for the BOM- again- I have no idea where we are going to store this...

Hundreds and hundreds of yards... the pictures just don't give it justice.

Giveaway!

2012-01-19T08:45:00.001-05:00

How about another giveaway? Be one of three lucky winners! To see what's up for grabs and enter to win, visit http://summerkitchenquilts.blogspot.com/2012/01/little-giveaway.html.

And while you are there be sure to read the post titled 'Woman Who Inspire Me~ Sue Spargo'. I am so taken aback by this post. I know my mom is one of a kind, but to read someone else's view of her is truly touching. Beautiful Angela, just beautiful!

Embellishing with Silk Ribbon

2012-01-14T11:56:00.000-05:00

Earlier this week I received an email from a customer who had purchased our new 'Waves of Grain' hand-dyed fiber pack. She loved the fibers in the pack, but asked 'what can I do with the silk ribbon'? I promised to post a few examples of what we have done to embellish with silk ribbon (below).

I hope this encourages all of you to experiment with silk ribbon and incorporate them into your embellishing.

Waves of Grain, silk ribbon

Pictured above, the closed fly stitch (the center of the leaf) and pistil stitch (3 stitches at the top of the leaf)

All fibers (excluding the wool) contained in the Waves of Grain Hand-dyed Fiber Pack were utilized in this leaf example

Down center of the leaf is the closed fly stitch (with silken pearl) over the grosgrain ribbon in the fiber pack

The silk ribbon is used to couch the fiber along the outer edge of the leaf

For the really brave and experienced stitchers- above is where my mom has created flowers with silk ribbon.

If you have not had the opportunity to purchase this wonderful new pack, here is the link- http://www.suespargo.com/index.html.

Wishing everyone a creative and relaxing weekend,

Avalanche!

2012-01-05T18:27:00.001-05:00

At the beginning of this week we began putting together January 2012's BOM. These pictures just do not give the 500 packages justice. I tried, but failed, to meticulously place each pack on our large cutting table so you could truly have a sense of the enormity of the task we conquered by January 2nd. Several large boxes remained, so my best guess is this may be around 350 block 1 packs.

We are all pretty proud to be so on task- January=check.

January 2012 Sneak Peek

2011-12-30T16:59:00.001-05:00

I don't even know where to begin... These last few weeks have been an absolute whirlwind. My brother Jason spent Christmas with Aimee, mom and I and despite all the chaos of rearranging the basement and preparing for 2012, it was wonderful to spend time with him... or should I say it was wonderful to have a handyman here for ten days...

We had our first Facebook giveaway- which was a lot of fun! Congratulations to Barbara Qureshi who won our new hand dyed fiber pack, 'Waves of Grain' (pictured below), which will be available in January. A new fiber pack will be available each month, and consist of an exclusive Silken Pearl colorway, 1/4" velvet and 4mm 100% silk ribbon and other yummy embellishing fibers. A monthly auto-ship option will be available as well.

Waves of Grain

We will be adding a new, fun, sparkly thread, called 'Dazzle', which is available in 6 colors. It adds just a little shimmer or 'bling' to embellishing stitches, which I love.

Dazzle- Avocado

We have added a great line of prints and solids from a trendy new company in New York called Dear Stella.

Dear Stella Solids

Dear Stella Fat 1/4 Pack

Two, new Valdani packs of three.

Valdani 'GREI'

And somewhere in between the holidays and chaos mom was able to make a new project which will be available as a kit- The Swag Bag...

Swag Bag

I wish everyone a wonderful and safe New Year! Stay tuned for new products, projects and giveaways coming in 2012.

Our First Giveaway!!!

2011-12-27T17:24:00.000-05:00

Visit us on Facebook to win this NEW exclusive hand-dyed fiber embellishing pack! http://www.facebook.com/SueSpargoFolkartQuilts.

Farewell to BOM 2011

2011-12-19T17:29:00.003-05:00

Today Mary packaged the last of the 2011 BOM. What a sigh of relief... well, for about 2 weeks.

Packaged and hauled up to the kitchen

Then through the garage to Cathy's car

Then off to USPS!

What a load! I hope all the 2011 BOM participants enjoy their final package!

Time to focus on January 2012!

Crazy for Wire Trees

2011-12-16T16:45:00.000-05:00

We have been so busy this past week moving things from one side of the basement to the other trying to squeeze out just a little more space. I am absolutely exhausted! We might be halfway there, but it's hard to envision since everything is everywhere.
We love these wire trees; adorned with Holiday Birds, (kit and tree available at http://www.suespargo.com/index.html) so much so, that Cathy came up with an adorable new project- a Flurry Tree Skirt!

This new kit is available for a limited time. Wire trees, Holiday Bird kits and Flurry Tree Skirt kits can be purchased at http://www.suespargo.com/index.html.

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!

New, African Fabrics

2011-12-07T16:57:00.001-05:00

While mom and I were at market in Houston, we spotted these unique African Fabrics. They are a hand-stamped, indigo dyed light cotton fabric. The thing I love most about these fabrics are the little imperfections in some parts of the design; this tells you they are truly a handmade product.

Fat Quarter Pack Available

These fabrics are an absolute steal priced at only $7.50 a yard!

Fabrics are available at http://www.suespargo.com/fabricCOTTON.html.

New, Project Bags!

2011-12-06T18:01:00.001-05:00

Before my brother Jason left for Portland, he designed and silkscreened these exclusive bags for my mom. They are the perfect size for a small project and notions case. They are available (while they last), at http://www.suespargo.com/index.html.

New Kit!

2011-12-02T18:40:00.001-05:00

Mom and I made these sweet little lavender sachets and decided to add them as a mini kit for December. The kit is available at www.suespargo.com.

What a great, quick, gift idea!

December Sneak Peek

2011-11-28T17:45:00.001-05:00

Well, with December right around the corner, I thought a sneak peek of what's coming is almost past due. I have neglected my blog for the last week- for good reason though. I had my family, almost my entire family (my brother, Jason, who lives in Portland didn't make it- which I was pretty distraught about), here to celebrate Thanksgiving. Words can't describe how it felt to have my grandparents, Nanny and Pops, my sister Aimee and my brother Andrew (who I haven't seen for almost a year), and of course my mom all in the same place for about 3 days. It was such a whirlwind that I think I forgot to just soak it in. I tell people all the time that I don't think my mom has suffered from 'empty nest syndrome' because she just go-go-goes; but it is no secret that I have and continue to struggle not having my brothers and sister around. I just can't accept the fact that they are all grown up and that they have their own lives. I tell them all the time that they grew up, moved away and forgot about me. The guilt trip has not worked thus far, so I am up for any suggestions. I also tried to convince Nanny and Pops that we would bash out the living room wall and add an extension to the house- the 'grandparents quarters', so they could spend 6 months here and 6 months in Spokane. They laughed- so I take that as a no. I just don't see or have them around nearly as much as I need. Nanny and Pops, the offer is open, if you ever change your mind. Pops, I promise not to give you an unbearable 'To Do' list, and Nanny I promise to make mom lay off on the 'projects' in hand 24/7. I love you both very much! xxxxx
Andrew, Jason and Aimee- I love you guys so much and miss you terribly! A phone call, Andrew and Jason, every once in a while, would be more than amazing! Vee-vee, I know you haven't forgotten about me, but you could visit more than once every 3 months... xxxxx
Ok, enough sappy stuff- onto what's coming in December (2 days away, yikes!).

New, skinny mini's

Buddy Cases- new color- RED!

New, silkscreened project bags- by my brother Jason.

New, mini project, lavender sachets, by mom and I.

5 new fat 1/4 packs!

New, scissor fobs!

New, ribbon pack- perfect for stem embellishment.

Awesome, new hand stamped/Indigo dyed African fabrics!

Over 30 new cotton fabrics!

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday filled with family and friends! Watch for December's web update; we have 12 great gift ideas and tons of new fabrics and embellishments.

More Space Please!

2011-11-17T17:53:00.001-05:00

We are busting at the seams, here at Sue Spargo Folk-art Quilts! As BOM 2011 draws to an end, we are drowning in hundreds of yards of wool and tripping over bolt after bolt of fabric as we slowly make our way through cutting backing, bindings and borders. On top of that, 2012 BOM wool is starting to come in along with new fabrics we ordered at Market. I swear it feels like I have unpacked and scanned at least 100 bolts of the new fabrics- but after a quick count it is only just over 30! I thought it was about time I showed you a few behind the scenes shots- so here goes:

Trash Night!

New African Hand Stamped/Indigo Dyes. Love, love, love these! Available on the website in December.

Just a few of the new fabrics coming to the website in December.

Marley

The post would be incomplete without a picture of my babies sporting their new haircuts. Unfortunately, Zoe was having absolutely no part of the camera tonight, but Marley was more than happy to strike a pose!

Early Bird Thread Cutter

2011-11-15T19:49:00.001-05:00

I spent most of today working on December's web update, concentrating on gift ideas. I cannot believe the holidays are just around the corner- and if anyone is like me, you have an awful lot of shopping ahead of you! The Early Bird Thread Cutter- inspired by mom's design, is handcrafted by a silversmith in Spokane. I just love these little guys- a perfect gift for that special someone! Available at http://www.suespargo.com/notions.html.

So much Chenille, so little time...

2011-11-11T17:35:00.001-05:00

Oh, how I love Chenille! So soft to the touch, such vibrant color, and when used for embellishing it adds so much dimension and interest. Over the past year we have added new colors to the website monthly. Visit http://www.suespargo.com/threads_EMBELLISHMENT.html, to see our luscious supply of Silken Chenille.

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend,

Kelly

Limelight!

2011-11-04T18:32:00.001-04:00

After much anticipation, I am happy to say, we finally have the Valdani Limelight pack back in stock!

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!

Zoe and her Minky

Marley and his Minky

Curl up with your Minky, and get some rest. Zoe and Marley have the right idea!

Kelly

Houston Market

2011-11-03T17:09:00.000-04:00

Oh, home at last! Well, I have been for a few days, but have just been able to catch my breath this afternoon. I had a wonderful time at Market with my mom. We tore it up; doing some serious damage to the credit card. I can't wait for our purchases to start coming in! Only a small slice of Market was captured on camera- I think we were on such a mission that the camera just slipped our minds!

First stop- Renaissance Ribbons. Above is the display that featured mom and Wendy's ribbon collection at Market. There is the little pillow I made!

Mom and I found some amazing organic cotton fabrics at Birch. The colors are so soft, and the prints are so playful. We ordered about 15 bolts- I could have ordered more, but the boss put an end to my ordering.

Oh, where to begin with the Alexander Henry booth... we should be expecting at least 25 new bolts of fabric from them. Here, I had to put my foot down- and am happy to report that I got my way with a few bolts that mom and I were 'disagreeing' on.

We picked up a few bolts of linen and hemp/silk/cotton blends; made a quick stop at Seven Islands and ordered a few Japanese prints; stopped to see Moctar and ordered 6 bolts of hand dyed indigo African fabrics which are beyond fabulous; spent a pretty penny at Westminster stocking up on Kaffe Fassett's collections, Valori Wells new Karavan line and Parson Gray's new collection of rich architectural prints; ordered a few new ribbons; stocked up on antique buttons; bought 32 hanks of hand-dyed fibers; 50 strands of African beads; and probably blew up the credit card with the purchase we made at Dear Stella.

We had margarita's and tons of laughs with Lynn (who owns A Different Box of Crayons), Kori (who owns an amazing little Quilt Shop, Olive Grace, in Cortland, OH), and her mom Kathy (who is just plain fabulous).

It was wonderful to catch up with Jenny from Amitie Textiles and meet her daughter Lucy, Amitie Girl. They are so lovely, I wish they lived closer! It was so nice to meet Kerry and see Jenny from Addicted to Fabric, who I have promised a ribbon pillow too.

I must thank Jennifer and Lisa from American Patchwork and Quilting for our second night of margaritas! I have never met someone who has the same raw humor I do... Jennifer had me in absolute agony from laughing so hard!

And of course, Houston would not be complete without some serious Halloween celebrations!

Kelly

November Sneak Peek

2011-10-27T14:40:00.000-04:00

I have been neglecting my blog for the last few weeks, simply because I have been running around like a chicken with my head cut off. I feel like my list grows longer and longer and that I accomplish less and less everyday! I fly out tomorrow morning to meet my mom in Houston for Quilt Market. We do not have a booth, this time, but intend on doing some serious damage shopping. The last few days have been filled with sporadic, one line emails from my mom (where is she? Canada), of things she needs me to bring. I have been up and down the basement stairs about 150 thousand times... ok, not that many, but it has been a lot- gathering her Market needs. The last two nights I have been up late working on a pillow for Renaissance Ribbons booth, to feature mom and Wendy's latest ribbon collection. I was hoping to show you what I made, but do not have a camera. I have found that sharing one camera with my mom, who is home about twice every three months, is beyond challenging. Once I get home from Houston I am just going to have to bite the bullet and buy one. Anyway, as promised, the rest of November's Sneak Peek is below. Items will be available in November at www.suespargo.com.

New Heishi Packs

New Silken Chenille Colors

New Sea Grass Colors

New Textural Pack; Caramel Latte

New Color Stories

Until next week!

Kelly

November Sneak Peek!

2011-10-24T15:46:00.001-04:00

A few weeks ago we received a surprise shipment of cotton fabrics. We had ordered these bolts at Spring Market and had quite honestly forgotten all about them! These Japanese fabrics are so soft and vibrant; they are just plain yummy! The online store will be updated with these exquisite prints in November.

More of November to come!

Kelly

Rhinebeck and Crimson Tweed

2011-10-19T18:45:00.002-04:00

I returned late last night after spending a few days in Rhinebeck, NY, at the Sheep and Wool Festival. I am shocked to see that my mom has already posted all about our visit on her blog! Cathy and I drove to Melissa's home in Philadelphia, Wendy flew in from Spokane and my mom took a few days off from teaching, and met us in Phili as well. The five of us drove to Rhinebeck and spent a few fun days stocking up on hand dyed yarns that will likely see us through the next few winters! It was so nice to see everyone; but it was extra special to actually spend some time with my mom. She flew out of Philadelphia early this morning to teach in Canada for the next week or so.

I thought it was only appropriate to continue to post about the special projects in Crimson Tweed, especially since the holiday season is just around the corner, and it is particularly cold and rainy here in Ohio. What could be better than jumping into a holiday project constructed of warm, textural wools! Both of these cuddly pillow patterns are available in Crimson Tweed; 16 Patch Frosty Flurries is available as a kit at this link; http://www.suespargo.com/kits.html.

16 Patch Frost Flurries

Crimson Snow Crystal

Kelly

Pomegranate Table Rug

2011-10-13T19:58:00.002-04:00

Spice up this sewing season with this textural table runner. The Pomegranate Table Rug pattern is available in mom's book, Crimson Tweed.

The kit is available at http://www.suespargo.com/kits.html, and consists of hand-dyed wools, velvets, cotton fabrics and an embellishment pack. Perfect table accent for bringing in the season!

Kelly

Crimson Tweed

2011-10-12T16:14:00.000-04:00

We are so excited to have moms book, Crimson Tweed, featured in the December issue of American Patchwork & Quilting (pg. 96), and reviewed in Fons & Porter's Love of Quilting (pg. 114) Nov/Dec issue!

Crimson Tweed is constructed with hand-dyed wools, velvets and cotton fabrics.

To purchase your copy today, visit http://www.suespargo.com/books.html.

Interested in purchasing the kit? Visit http://www.suespargo.com/books.html.

Kelly

BOM 2012, Last Call

2011-10-11T18:12:00.000-04:00

BOM 2012, Earth N' Twig, has filled up fast! Mom has decided to take a few more participants than last year, but sign ups will be closed this Friday. This is your last chance to claim a place in 2012's program! Don't miss out, sign up today at www.suespargo.com!

Christmas is in the Air!

2011-10-07T18:16:00.002-04:00

I honestly can't believe it has been a week since my last post! We have all been so busy with 2012 BOM sign ups, packaging kits, filling orders, answering emails and unpacking and packing my mom up (due to her ridiculously busy teaching schedule), and have overcome a few recent mishaps along the way. On Saturday, mom and Cathy's return flight from MISA was cancelled, so they drove from Chicago to get mom home in time to fly to Annapolis the next morning. The airlines would not give mom or Cathy their bags, so I was at home trying to rummage teaching supplies, quilts, clothing, etc., together- and find enough bags/suitcases to pack in. They made it home around 3am, and I had her at the airport around 9:30am to fly to Annapolis to teach. Mom returned home late Tuesday night, without her bags, which were lost but expected to be delivered by the following morning. Morning came and went, and so did the afternoon. Finally around 6pm her bags came. We unpacked them, did some laundry, packed them again- and were at the airport by 4:30am, Thursday morning. I know Cathy, Peggy, Mary and I are exhausted- but I can't imagine how my mom must feel- wherever she may be! Somehow my mom found time to design these Christmas Ornaments for American Patchwork and Quilting Magazine. The pattern is available in December's issue, which is on newsstands now. The kits are available online at www.suespargo.com.

These sweet ornaments are an absolute must this season!

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend,

Kelly

SIGN UP, 2012 BLOCK OF THE MONTH OPEN

2011-09-30T18:02:00.000-04:00

EARTH N' TWIG, 2012 BOM SIGN UPS NOW OPEN!

LIMITED AVAILABLE SPACES!

SECURE YOUR SPOT,

Kelly

2012 BOM Sneak Peek!

2011-09-29T17:16:00.000-04:00

Today I wondered into the Sue Spargo Block of the Month Yahoo group...

I really don't know quite what to say...

I haven't laughed like this in a long, long time!

The definition of 'Spargosis' is priceless!

If you have not ventured onto this site, you must! It's a wonderful group, mostly made up of 2011 Block of the Month participants who discuss techniques and 'Spargoisms', post questions, pictures... and much, much more! The group is open to anyone, you do not have to be a BOM participant. They invite you to join at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spargo2011bom/.

October is almost here, which means Block of the Month 2012 sign ups will be open to all! I have one final sneak peek at a few wool colors mom has selected to use in 2012's BOM.

I must thank the members of the Yahoo group for the many laughs today! What a great group!

Kelly

October Sneak Peek

2011-09-27T16:19:00.001-04:00

I can't believe that October is just around the corner! I thought to myself today, that I had better get my act together and give you a sneak peek of a few new things you will find coming in October, at www.suespargo.com.

Mom has designed a few Christmas Ornaments for American Patchwork and Quilting Magazine. The pattern will be available in December's issue of American Patchwork and Quilting which is due to hit newsstands October 4th; and the kits will be available at www.suespargo.com, in October.

Fun new cotton fabrics!

New Heishi bead pack.

New, limited, Watermelon Rick-Rack Pack.

Mom and Wendy's second collection of ribbons for Renaissance Ribbons.

New color additions of Silken Chenille and Sea Grass.

And of course, sign ups for BOM 2012 will be posted, October 1st, at www.suespargo.com. I think I may have one or two BOM 2012 sneak peeks before then! Stay tuned...

Kelly

BOM 2012

2011-09-26T18:05:00.001-04:00

We are counting down the days until the 2012 BOM is posted on the website; and sign ups are open to all! If you are not a participant of the 2011 BOM program, you may sign up on the website, www.suespargo.com, October 1st. Sign ups have opened early for the current 2011 BOM participants; and the available spaces are filling quickly!

Here are a few more wool colors that have been chosen for the 2012 BOM!

Kelly

BOM 2012

2011-09-23T15:48:00.000-04:00

For all those Block of the Month fanatics who need to start planning a place to display next years project; for those of you who need to choose new paint colors for your walls; and those who need to start shopping for coordinating furniture... this ones for you!

A sneak peek at some of the backgrounds mom has selected for BOM 2012!

Happy Weekend to all!

Kelly

Meals on Wheels

2011-09-21T17:15:00.000-04:00

Our dear friend Sheri has not had the chance to see my mom for months. She decided the best way to catch up was to nourish the troops and showed up on our doorstep last night with an amazing dinner! We joked that Sheri was providing us with 'Meals on Wheels', since none of us have had a decent meal in what seems like weeks. Sheri came with Italian chicken, angel hair pasta and a fresh tomato and mozzarella salad. We had wonderful food, great wine and lots of laughs! Thank you so much Sheri!

Today the doorbell rang, I ran upstairs and was shocked to find this beautiful arrangement being delivered to us! The card, which is not signed, reads: 'In case no one told you today, you guys are the best! Keep up the good work! Here is to the BOM for 2012!' To whomever sent these, it truly made our day! So much so, that we are thinking we may start a sign up list for bribes...

The kindness and generosity that has shown up on our doorstep over the last 24 hours has really touched us all. Again, I just want to thank Sheri and whomever sent the flowers! What a great day!

Kelly

Block of the Month 2012

2011-09-20T06:47:00.000-04:00

Ready... set... signups are almost here! Just when I thought it would be near impossible to top this years Block of the Month, Imperial Blooms, my mom began gathering and drawing ideas for the 2012 BOM. Over the past few weeks we have all been in a frenzy trying to choose, order and coordinate all parts of next years BOM. Wendy has been dyeing dozens of vibrant, new wool colors; mom has been sketching, selecting hand dyed wool and cotton colors, embellishment threads and matching wool and cotton threads. Mary and I have been spending hours at the computer working on signup sheets and the October web update to - hopefully- cross our fingers- have signups posted October 1st, on the website, www.suespargo.com.

Remember that spaces are limited and have filled in the past within days! Watch the website to ensure your spot in next years program! The only way to sign up is online, there is no secret sign up list, pre-sign up list- or any kind of list!

So, without giving too much away, I thought a peek of pieces and parts of 2012's BOM, over the next few weeks, might be fun! So, here we go...

A few selected wool thread colors for BOM 2012.

Keep watching for more sneak peeks of 2012's BOM!

Kelly

New Ribbon Preview

2011-09-16T17:25:00.002-04:00

Sue and Wendy's second collection of ribbons, for Renaissance Ribbons, is due to hit the website in October. You are in for a real treat! Below is a preview of one of these fabulous ribbons!

Happy weekend to all!

Kelly

16 Patch Frosty Flurries

2011-09-13T18:08:00.002-04:00

16 Patch Frosty Flurries, Sue Spargo

Don't miss out on this simply fabulous new kit, from mom's new book, Crimson Tweed. This large, textural pillow kit, includes all the hand-dyed wools, cottons, backing, label, closure and a spool of Genziana wool thread for snowflake appliqué. Only a few kits remain! Follow this link to get yours today!

Kelly

Sneak Peek!

2011-09-09T17:48:00.002-04:00

Oh, it has been a busy week for Cathy, Peggy and I. We have been cutting hundreds of yards of wool, cottons and velvets to prepare for my mom's next teaching trip. She will be flying in for a few days, we'll load her up, then ship her out, to teach 5 or 6 back to back workshops... we'll then see her in November. Honestly, I don't know how she does it. Well, towards the end of today, the dogs were really starting to feel neglected. Somehow, Marley, ended up on the cutting table... Cathy... for a little extra TLC.

I thought a sneak peek was well in order to kick off the weekend! Pictured below, is a preview, of 1 of 4 upcoming Christmas Ornaments. The pattern will be available in December's issue of American Patchwork & Quilting magazine, which is due to hit newsstands October 4th. The kit will be available in October at www.suespargo.com.

Wishing everyone a happy weekend!

Kelly

2011-09-08T18:45:00.001-04:00

Visit and Like us on Facebook!

Velvet

2011-09-08T18:37:00.001-04:00

There is something really spectacular about incorporating velvets into your designs. I am not quite sure if it's the luscious feel, vibrant colors or change of texture... but somehow your eyes are just immediately drawn to it.

Stop in and see all the hand dyed velvets we have available today!

Kelly

Wool

2011-09-05T18:16:00.000-04:00

September's web update is now posted!

The availability of striped wools are limited and very hard to come by. Wendy was able to get her hands on a few pieces, and has treated us to this rich, textural, wool stripes bundle.

Stripes Bundle

We also have a few yards of this vibrant, one of a kind Orchid bundle.

Orchid Bundle

We have limited quantities of these one time, one of a kind wool bundles.

Don't miss out, be sure to snatch your wool stash bundle today!

Kelly

Loving our Valdani!

2011-08-31T18:38:00.001-04:00

Embellish, Embellish, Embellish!

You just can't seem to get enough!

Once you start you, you just can't stop!

Pieces come alive with color and texture!

We have added bright, vibrant colors to our packs!

Check out all the Valdani Threads we have to offer through the online store!

Kelly

Sneak Peek into September

2011-08-26T18:24:00.001-04:00

I spent most of today finishing up September's web update and can't wait for everyone to see it! We have so many new and exciting items coming next month! Here's a sneak peek...

My brother, Jason, has sent us a few packs of hand stamped words.

Three new colors of seagrass and chenille.

New embroidered and glazed buttons.

New, limited, striped wool bundle.

New, one of a kind, wool bundle.

Most of the new items are one of a kind, one time items, so be sure to snatch up what you want before it's sold out!

Kelly

Blooms

2011-08-23T18:10:00.000-04:00

It is so hard to describe living through an Ohio winter. To say they are long and drab, doesn't quite capture the impact that it has on one's psyche. There is a heaviness, a grey heaviness that seems to hang in the air for months. There is no break from it, not one ray of sunshine; just grey, heavy skies, for months and months...

As a teen, I remember my mom trying to round us up for 'yard day'. It was by far the most dreaded chore there was because no matter where we lived (we have moved a lot), our garden was always enormous in comparison to our neighbors, and my mom could spend hours and hours out in the yard. I will never forget when my mom said to me that, 'one day you will love yard work' and that 'there is no therapy quite like putting your hands in the dirt'. Well, that day has come, and I cherish the few months I have to be in the garden before winter comes...

Which brings me to my exciting news! Next month I will have my first mini kit available on the website! I am so excited but nervous... I keep thinking, what if no one likes it? What if none of them sell? Will it be a total failure? And then last night I thought, is this how my mom feels before a pattern or book is released? She can't possibly... she is a superstar! (Aimee and I call her 'superstar', she gets so embarrassed! My mom is so humble!)

Wool cuts for my kit!

September is fast approaching! Don't miss out on all the new and limited items we will be featuring next month!

Kelly

Pink Elephants, Oh My!

2011-08-18T20:33:00.001-04:00

First, I would like to thank everyone for the kind words and enthusiasm of Sue Spargo, Twee! All week I have been threatening Peggy and Mary with the camera. They are thrilled at the thought of me posting pictures of them drowning in yards of wool and embellishments for the BOM, tripping over bags of shipping, running over one of the dogs with the computer chair, searching for 'that piece of paper'... I have decided I will give them some time to digest what fun this really is going to be. Unfortunately, Cathy is on vacation, and has missed all the excitement buzzing around the office. She won't know what hit her Monday morning!

As many of you know, my mom and Aunt have been collaborating for several months on a series of ribbons for Renaissance Ribbons. With the first collection of ribbons complete, I was surprised to find a new colorway when ripping into a recent Renaissance delivery.

A NEW PINK ELEPHANT AND ARROWHEAD ON LIME!
(Available online in September)

We are incorporating ribbons on all our creations, and eager to receive the fall ribbon collection, which is currently in production.

Lavender Sachets, by Cathy Palmer

Ribbon Bag, by Sue Spargo

Check out the first collection of ribbons!

Kelly

Heishi's

2011-08-16T19:21:00.000-04:00

I have recently spent some time seeking, sorting and packaging African Heishi beads, due to popular demand!

In September we will be updating the website with new Heishi packs for you to stash, stack and stitch!

New Beginnings

2011-08-14T14:47:00.000-04:00

I joined my mom's buisness about 7 months ago, to take a much needed break from my nursing career. I had no expectations of staying. Initially, I felt, I was an extra pair of hands to help where needed. I am the eldest of Sue's four children, and have never taken much of an interest in sewing or creating. It's an ongoing joke that my two brothers, Andrew and Jason, received all the talent from the gene pool, and that my sister Aimee and I received absolutely nothing. Several years ago I began to knit and realized what a mind-numbing therapy session it was. As a person whose brain never stops running with a continual "To Do" list, knitting became a 'me' time as well as a time to switch off my brain. Over the years I have realized what a gift my mom has; not only as a designer, but in the way she touches peoples lives. She has a way of reaching into your creative soul. She takes you on a journey, gives you confidence in your creations, provides a safe place, an outlet, takes you away from your troubles, your life. Over the past 7 months, I too have experienced, the life changing gift by my mom's hands. Sue Spargo, Twee, is something we have talked about launching for the last few months. We wanted to provide all our loyal customers a sneak peek into the studio and a first glance at upcoming fabrics, notions and treasures before posted to the online store, www.suespargo.com. I am excited for the opportunity to share new products and take you behind the scenes, to the chaos, that is suespargo.com!