GET ON THE BUS!

It's not too late! There's still room! Maybe you missed the big news that we're participating in a shop hop. Not just any hop. The Bag Lady Express Bus Hop on May 1st and 2nd - that's next week! We have just a few seats left open on our bus, and you don't want to miss this great adventure. Really, we are not kidding. All the shops involved have been working for months to make this a shop hop you won't want to miss!

For ONLY $99.00 you'll have motorcoach transportation, one night's stay (double occupancy), all your meals and great fun. You'll visit 8 terrific quilt shops in 3 states, six of which have been Top 10 shops! Is this a Bargain to beat bargains, or what?

• Lansing, Iowa Yellow Bird Art http://www.yellowbirdart.com/



• Cresco, Iowa Pine Needle Quilt Shop http://www.pnqs.net/



• Rochester, Mn Quilting Cupboard http://www.thequiltingcupboard.com/



• Rogers, Mn Quilted Treasures http://www.quiltedtreasures.net/



• Eau Claire, Wi The Calico Shoppe http://www.calicoshoppe.com/



• Waunakee, Wi Mill House Quilts http://www.millhousequilts.com/



• Janesville, Wi Life's a Stitch http://www.lasquiltshoppe.com/



• Spring Green, Wi Country Sampler http://www.sgcountrysampler.com/

In addition, you'll receive a FREE pattern of a bag designed especially for this hop - the Gotta Fly Bag.So, call us today at 563-538-4350. Don't hesitate, and don't miss the bus!

Our Own Pattern Design!

It's a first! Ever since Amy and I opened Yellow Bird Art we discussed designing our own patterns. Ten years ago I designed and made one of a kind handbags that I sold at art fairs and our NE Iowa Studio Tour. Then fate intervened and I couldn't design or spend time sewing. Well, I'm back! I love designing - thinking through the construction issues is my favorite part. Well, except maybe for picking fabrics, trims and buttons. And watching the drawing come into physical reality!

Yellow Bird Art is participating in a spring bus tour on May 1 and 2 called the Bag Lady Express. The tours will visit primarily Top 10 quilt shops in Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin. It is a terrific opportunity to visit some of the best quilt shops in the Midwest! I figured since it was a Bag Lady trip that I could design a new handbag for the tour participants.

The bag is about 19" at it's widest and about 16" H, not including the strap. There is a large exterior front pocket, and two roomy pockets inside. The front pocket and top band are secured with magnetic snaps. The handle, which I'm very pleased with, uses a slider so that you can shorten the strap to carry the bag like a handbag, or lengthen the strap to carry the bag from your shoulder, or across your chest so you can be hands-free. The front pocket features foundation pieced fabrics and is trimmed with beaded ribbon from India. The top band is Matka silk for some nice texture and the button is an awesome vintage button I found at my secret button source.

All the ladies who go on the trip will receive a FREE copy of this pattern. I would guess that shops will have kits to sell also. You'll be able to purchase the pattern from Yellow Bird Art after the bus tour is over. I know we have 41 excited participants signed up already, so if you've been hesitating, hurry and give us a call. You can go to http://yellowbirdart.com/ to get more details about the tour!