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Seeew...just what exactly is....S.p.R.u.N.g?
Much like our very popular "Homespun & Holly" in the fall, S.p.R.u.N.g is our springtime workshop which introduces you to four or five of your favorite designers. To keep both of these workshops fresh and interesting, the designers reveal their projects on the day of the event. Each year we try to add in new designers to both events, which bring you face-to-face with new talent and different styles in hand-made creations. Guests of our workshop will rotate between the five designers, spending time learning and creating each designer's project. There are no sewing machines needed and all supplies (except for your basics...scissors, needle and thread) are provided. We also throw in a lovely catered luncheon from our caterer, the hostess-with-the-mostess...Priscilla! P.S. You should see the morsels of realness she leaves on my desk! I'm sure some days she'd secretly like to lace them with cyanide...but whatev.
Joining this year is Bonnie Sullivan of All Through the Night patterns. Bonnie also designs those popular Woolie Flannels for Maywood Studios and has recently published a new book, "Bonnie's Garden" in which you can find adorable wool projects such as this....

If you want more information on the photo...buy the book, "Bonnie's Garden." You'll love it!
Bonnie's sister, Kathy Schmitz designs fabrics for Moda and has her own line of patterns. She also has published the book, "Simple Pleasures In Redwork" in which the below project is featured. One of Kathy's most recent collections, "Full Circle" is available in the Shoppe now and can be viewed here as well as her popular basics collection, "Crackle." What we love about Kathy is that she has got it goin' on with that needle and thread! Her embroidery is exquisite. You can check out Kathy's blog, by clicking here.

In 2010, Kathy and Bonnie combined forces and began working on their first book together, "French Inspirations for Artful Hands." As Kathy says, this project had them taking a trip to France "where every urn and door knocker inspired a quilt or project." You can find the book here.
Now...as I said at the beginning of this post...we like to introduce you to different styles of hand-made creations during our workshops. After a very well received introduction at last year's "Homespun & Holly" we are pleased to welcome back Karla Eisenach and Lisa Burnett (mom and daughter) of Moda's popular Sweetwater! It also doesn't hurt that their Easter Basket pattern is a hit every year! Nor does it hurt that their fabric collections always have names that seem...how do I put this...simple? Authentic, Pure, Make Life..., Sunkissed, Hometown, Reunion and Lucy's Crabshack. Here's just a hint of one of their featured projects (please note: I have not shown any previous hints other than this one)....

Karla's other daughter, Susan is also a part of this design trio and together...all three of them published their "Sweetwater's Simple Home" book earlier this year. You can order "Sweetwater's Simple Home" here. Jan (my very own mothership) is putting together a series of projects for the home from this book which will be offered as classes later this year. We will be posting these classes on our Class & Events page in the very near future.
The best part about the gals of Sweetwater....they are just seeew down to Earth! At some point in the near future, the "Mothership" and I will be looking at their newest collection, "Mama Said Sew." The name was inspired by a shop in Fort Collins, Colorado and you can read all about it on Sweetwater's blog....here. Here's a little peak I borrowed from Lisa's blog.

P.S. As I said back in January...grey is in. Grey is featured in seeew many of our current collections. Sunkissed & Hometown by Sweetwater feature grey as do Puttin' On The Ritz and Ooh La La from Bunny Hill Designs. French General has always played with shades of grey which are continued in the new Rouenneries Deux. And wouldn't you know it, even Minick & Simpson will be using a grey/taupe in their upcoming collection, Independence Trail. I was even surprised when my mom and I found grey Woolie Flannels! What a treat for the eyes!

Our fifth designer is the talented Debbie Busby of Wooden Spool Designs. At the time of this posting, I had not been able to connect with Debbie but rest assured, her project will be extra precious.
Now...My mom, Jan (and yes to my critics...I will always mention my mom as she is a.) my mom and b.) the shop owner) has been preparing little surprises for all participants. As always she goes the extra mile!

For those of you already registered, get ready to "spring" into "S.p.R.u.N.g!" If you haven't yet registered, there are only a few more spaces left so register by clicking here or call us at 503-607-0600.
If you are local, don't forget to stop into the Shoppe on Saturday, April 7 for our Egg-Stra Special Easter Day Celebration! Loads of Easter eggs filled with discounts and guess what...only four of them contain a $100 gift certificate! Get your Easter hats on ya'll and come on down!
Here's to some inspiration in your Easter bonnet! ~ Brian