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🌿 Notes from Sue's Studio: A Week of Celebrations​
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Hello Reader,

For the past four weeks, I've been collaborating with Sherri Noel from Rebecca Mae Designs on a brand-new Christmas quilt that we'll be sharing as a free YouTube series beginning later this month. Since it's a Christmas quilt, we thought, "Why not celebrate Christmas in July?"

Right now we're making our sample quilt from fabrics in our stash while we wait for a beautiful new Christmas fabric collection to arrive. Once it does, we'll start from the very beginning and film every step so you can sew along with us. I can't wait to show you the quilt! We're putting the finishing touches on the pattern first so we'll be ready to help you choose your own fabric palette when the series begins.

As Sherri and I worked through ideas for the quilt, we found ourselves asking all kinds of questions. What should we name it? Which fabrics would quilters enjoy most? How long should each YouTube episode be? It made me realize how often I wish I could simply ask you.

That's what inspired something new.

Starting with this newsletter, I'm introducing Sue's Advisory Circle. Each week, I'll ask one simple question, and if you'd like to share your thoughts, just hit Reply or complete the poll. Your ideas will help shape future YouTube videos, workshops, patterns, courses, and other projects here at Sue Pelland Designs.

So if you've ever caught yourself thinking, "I wish Sue would teach..." or "It would be helpful if..." this is your chance! I'd love to have your voice become part of the conversation.

Be sure to look for the new Sue's Advisory Circle section later in this newsletter and join me with this week's question.

On a more personal note, Jeff and I have been taking full advantage of these beautiful summer evenings. Our pool has been hovering around 80 degrees, and I've enjoyed floating aimlessly for an hour at the end of the day. It's just about the perfect way to recharge. Don't worry—there won't be any swimsuit photos! 😄

This weekend we're planning to spend the Fourth of July biking in Newport, Rhode Island, followed by a visit to one of the beautiful Bellevue Avenue mansions. I'm looking forward to a little adventure before diving back into Christmas quilting.

However you celebrate this holiday weekend, I hope it's filled with family, friends, a little relaxation...and maybe even a date with your sewing machine.

Happy Appliqué,

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🌿 Start the Second Half with a New Skill

The first half of 2026 is behind us, but there's still plenty of time to learn something new, build your confidence, and finish a quilt you'll be proud of.

To celebrate the start of the second half of the year, I'm offering $25 off any Sue Pelland Designs course through July 5.

Whether you've been thinking about joining Gradations, diving into My Magical Garden, or exploring another course, this is a wonderful opportunity to invest in your creativity and make the second half of 2026 your most enjoyable quilting season yet.
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Use coupon code 25course at checkout through July 5. You​ c​an find a description of all the courses HERE.​
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Old Glory Fundraiser Update

51 of our goal of 100 Old Glory patterns have been sold!

Thank you to everyone who has participated so far. We aren't keeping track of individual donations made directly to Home Base, but we do know this: a small group of inspired quilters really can make a difference.

If you haven't joined us yet, the Fourth of July is the perfect time to show your support for our heroes in uniform and the families who stand beside them.

Purchase an Old Glory pattern, or if a patriotic quilt isn't on your sewing list right now, you can make a donation directly to Home Base using the Donate button on our fundraiser page.

Together, one quilt at a time, we're making a difference.
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👉 Get the Pattern or Make a Donation

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🌿 What’s Happening Inside Ahead of the Curve

The Glass Is Half Full
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Believe it or not, July 2 marked the halfway point of 2026!

That makes this the perfect time to pause, celebrate your progress, and look ahead to everything you'd still like to accomplish this year.

This Monday at 6:00 PM Eastern, we'll gather for a special edition of Appliqué Design Club called "The Glass Is Half Full." Together we'll celebrate completed BINGOs, finished UFOs, daily creative wins, and every quilt that's moved one step closer to completion. Then we'll revisit our Passion Project Planners and set our sights on the second half of the year.

Whether you've checked off every goal you set in January or feel like life simply got in the way, I hope you'll join us. This isn't about looking back with regret—it's about recognizing how far you've come, finding fresh inspiration, and deciding what comes next.

When you join us, come prepared to share one thing you're proud of from the first half of 2026. Big or small, every accomplishment deserves to be celebrated, and your success may be just the encouragement another member needs to hear.

If you could use a little positive motivation, a fresh burst of inspiration, or simply an evening with quilting friends who understand your creative journey, I'd love to see you there.

All Ahead of the Curve members are warmly invited!

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🗓️ July 6 — Appliqué Design Club, The Glass is Half Full Celebration!​
Come celebrate your wins and choose your next creative step.

🗓️ July 17 — CreativiTEA / Sit & Sew​
Bring your current project and move it to the next stage.

And if you have not yet signed up for July's Live, Online workshops, now is the time!

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Workshop 1: Mini Mint Chocolate July 13, 2026 Time: 1 - 5 pm Eastern Level: 1 ​ Mini Mint Chocolate proves that simple shapes can create a stunning quilt. This sweet little project is perfect for practicing cutting, exploring color and value placement, and building confidence with machine quilting. Small in size, but packed with opportunities to grow your skills! ​ ​Finished Size: 16" x 20" REGISTER

Workshop 2: Season's Greeting July 8 & 22, 2026 Time: 11 am - 2 pm Eastern Level: 2 ​ Season's Greetings is a Christmas in July favorite! Leaves Galore templates make the holly leaves simple, while Hearts and More creates the festive berries that bring this holiday wreath to life. We'll also learn a fun new technique for adding lettering to quilts with Mistyfuse! ​ Finished Size: 24” x 36” ​ REGISTER

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🌿 Ahead of the Curve is Now Open!

If you've been thinking about joining Ahead of the Curve, now is the perfect time! Enrollment is open through July 31, and I'd love to welcome you into our quilting community.

Inside Ahead of the Curve you'll find:
🌿 Monthly live workshops
🌿 The complete Rotary Cut Appliqué Course
🌿 Live Design Club and CreativiTEA each month
🌿 A welcoming community of quilters ready to encourage and inspire you
🌿 Workshop replays, member discounts, and so much more

If you'd like to see everything that's included, simply click the Learn More About Ahead of the Curve button below.

I hope you'll join us!

Click HERE for more AOTC info

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