If April Showers bring May Flowers, what then??
While researching where the "April Showers Bring May Flowers" saying comes from, I came across a website that said "April Showers Bring May Flowers and June Bugs". It was a pest control website that talked about how the usual rainy month of April which causes the plants to bloom and then the arrival of bugs in June. Ugh! Here in Texas I know the bugs are already here! But getting back to where the saying comes from...it is thought to date back to the mid- 1500s when Thomas Tusser published a book on animal husbandry and he wrote "Sweet April Showers, Do Spring May Flowers". So, now you know!

The recent Wildflowers All Around Shop Hop was a huge success! We want to thank every one of the 603 "hoppers" that came through the doors during the three day event! The stack of empty fabric bolts continued to grow through the weekend. Now to add new fabric to the shelves, how exciting! You can stay up-to-date with new items that arrive in to the Studio by visiting the website and clicking on the "New Items" tab. Our next shop hop will be the Fall Frolic Shop Hop which is scheduled for September 26-28.

There are still fabrics available for the 3rd Annual Ugly Fabric Quilt Contest, although the options are a bit limited. If you've not heard of our annual contest, every year we select fabrics that while may not be "ugly", they just don't want to leave the Studio. To participate, just purchase 1 yard of one of the designated fabrics (for just $3), take the fabric home and begin to be creative! Finished quilts must be at least 40" x 40" and must have the "ugly" fabric in it somehow. These quilts will then be displayed in the Textile Studio in September and shoppers on the Fall Frolic Shop Hop (September 26-28) will determine the favorite "Ugly Fabric Quilt". If you are interested, stop by and see what fabric is left.



Lucy Boston Patchwork of the Crosses Workshops are scheduled through June.  This fabric and English Paper Piecing project may totally change the way you look at the designs on fabric. Instructions will be provided on the hand-sewing method (no machines!) for combining fussy-cut honeycomb shapes to create your own one-of-a-kind Lucy Boston block. Workshop size will be limited to allow time to play with fabric and learn the technique. Additional workshops can be added based on requested dates, call the Textile Studio and speak to Ruth if you have a would like to attend on a different date.

Intro to Quilting Workshop
For the beginner quilter, the next Intro to Quilting Workshop series will be offered on Thursday evenings, beginning June 6th. The series of four workshops is appropriate for adults and teenagers that already know how to use a sewing machine.

Help Wanted! As our business continues to grow, we are looking for part time help in the Textile Studio. Primary responsibilities would be to assist with the growth of the business through communication, social media and marketing. Knowledge of quilting or sewing is essential. Responsibilities would also include assisting customers in the Studio. If you are interested, or know of someone that is interested, please contact Ruth at the Studio: 830-833-1579 ext. 3 or email at ruth@uptownblanco.com.

May Projects of the Month
Our Projects of the Month continue for May. Once we have our Studio samples completed you will be able to see photos of the projects online. Pre-registration/payment is required for both of these projects.The projects will then be available to pick up at the Textile Studio by the second Monday.  You can stay at the Studio and start working on them with others, or take it home and finish.

- Barn Block Minis- The May project is a bright 13" barn block type mini quilt that can be used as a wall hanging or displayed on a stand, or added to other Barn Block Minis as a quilt.

- Pixel Piecing Project - The May project will be a table runner using 2" fabric squares and the EasyPiecing Grids by "Tensisters Handicraft". Once the squares are applied to the fusible grid, the project is sewn to quickly complete the table runner. Fabric requirement and other supply information will be provided on the Workshop's webpage.

April & May Important Dates:
- Wednesday, April 17: Texas Star
- Tuesday, April 23: Uptown Prairie Flower Tablerunner
- Thursday, April 25: Lucy Boston Patchwork of the Crosses
- Saturday, April 27: Stitchin' Sisters
- Thursday, May 16: Lucy Boston Patchwork of the Crosses
- Monday, May 13: May Projects of the Month- Mini Barn Block and Pixel Piecing Table Runner
- Thursday, May 16: Lucy Boston Patchwork of the Crosses
- Saturday, May 25: Stitchin' Sisters
- Friday, May 31: Lucy Boston Patchwork of the Crosses
- Thursday, June 6: Intro to Quilting Series begins
- Friday & Saturday, June 7 & 8: Blanco's Lavender Festival

Stay up to date with workshops and events by visiting us on Facebook or checking the website!

Happy April!
Ruth, Kathy, Pam, Charity, Dawn and Jackie
Uptown Blanco Textile Studio, On the Corner of 4th and Main
317 4th Street, PO Box 1079
Blanco, Texas 78606
830-833-1579 ext. 3
www.uptownblancotextilestudio.com