Wow!! I have been busy!

I had no idea that it has been almost 45 days since my last post.
I have been very busy, lots going on. I have been teaching piecing and longarm quilting. Now I'm getting ready to launch a couple of new things, can't reveal yet, but I will when it is time.
One thing I want to launch is Modern Monday Quilting! Each Monday I want to post a new method of modern quilting. Let's hope I can find something to post every Monday, lol. I'm kind of tired of the same ole' quilting, I need to do something new! So that is what I am going to work on, so try to remember to check in and see what is going on.
I have designed a few things recently, but I will reveal those later. 1 is with Accuquilt. I have designed a quilt using their dies. I know that is not difficult but I want to see if I could do it.
My travel schedule is beginning to pick up. I am booked for almost all of the new year. Some of the months I will be doing a trunk show at a guild, hosting a workshop, working the vendor booth at a quilt show. I'm gonna enjoy this year, try not to stress out too much. I feel as if I missed out on 2 years of life, lol. I really sewed a lot! My husband noticed too...time to remember that life isn't just about quilting. But! Guess what I am doing this weekend since the longarm meeting was canceled? Sewing! LOL The weather is suppose to be crummy! Happy Quilting everyone!

If you receive this copy of Country Sampler....

Well, I'm inside !!!

Let me know if you find me!!

Merry Christmas!!

The Day after

 

The Day After...Halloween

Yesterday was windy and rainy, but when it came time to go out for

Trick-or-Treating

the weather was a little nicer, it warmed up!

I was designing quilts yesterday till we left for Kate and Joe's to have dinner with them.

Yesterday was Anna's first Halloween. Kate dressed her up as a bird.

Of course she looked adorable! And I have no pictures :(

By the time we arrived, little miss Anna had her costume off and was eating her candy.

We all sat down at the table for a bowl of soup. Kate had made soup for us.

I love her new house, she seems so happy in it.

Designing:

I designed 2 quilts yesterday. One I have been trying to figure out for the longest time how to design it in EQ7. The pattern is called Jack's Chain, Merry-go Round, and Wedding Tile. I did a search yesterday to see if I could find an image online because it was not in EQ7. I found a couple online but quilterscache.com is where I found it.

So I printed it off and realized...oh this is difficult because of the shape, it is not square or rectangle.

I placed my ruler on top and squared it off. Ok, now what do I do?

I sat down in front of my laptop, opened up EQ7 and started drawing. I believe it took me almost 2 hours to complete it because of the shapes/angles.

I'm not going to post pictures yet, I want to double check the measurements, make a mockup block and take notes.

Also, another quilt I designed yesterday was from a rug I saw on HGTV!! LOL

So, while designing the second quilt, well actually this quilt was the first one I designed yesterday, Jack's chain was the 2nd.

So...here is how I came up with it. I was watching HGTV, can't remember the show, but anyway, it was at the end of the show where they have "the big reveal". I saw this rug. It was brown and cream. But the design was diamonds. I thought, "look at that, that is really unique". I jumped up off the couch, sat down in front of the my laptop, opened up EQ7 and did a search for a particular style of block, not a name...like churn dash...a type....so, again, not gonna reveal. I need  to test it first. But!! I got a secondary design that was unexpected!! Now, I did not even notice the secondary design until I took a picture of it. When I saw it in the camera window, it was smaller and made the quilt look faraway and that was when the secondary design show up. Wicked Cool!

Yes, I have been on a roll with designing!

I designed a double wedding ring with a unique design in the center. I think I designed 3 different centers. I began making the first one from scraps and it looks fantastic.

I designed a 4th quilt with Accuquilt dies in mind. I have not tried to piece it yet. I want to order the dies to make the quilt.

One of my favorite things to do when designing is to get a secondary design, either by chance or planned. I also love it when there is a chain. When I design and a secondary pattern appears, I will then begin playing with the colors. I try to make that secondary design "pop" more than originally planned. I love the "WOW"!

The wind is a blowin! today!! We have a high wind advisory. As a matter of fact, at 6:45 this morning Joe and I were sitting here in the family. Joe is eating his breakfast, I'm on the computer and we hear this loud bang! The wind had picked up one of his car hoods and tossed it off the shelf! That is what he gets for leaving car parts outside!! I mean come on,  we have a 5 car garage....plus an attic you store things in, no leaving parts outside! I hope the hood is not scratched.

Well that is all for now, sorry no pictures again....

Happy Sewing!



Rainy Halloween

Yes, it is Halloween and it is raining. The rain woke me up during the night, so I guess it is safe to come to the conclusion that there may not be a lot of trick-or-treaters...we have a 90% chance of rain for today.

While checking email this morning and looking on facebook, I decided to make a "bucket list" of quilts that I want to make.

And yes, I will design them, all of them.

1-Double Wedding Ring: already redesigned and making it. Actually I've designed 3 different versions.

2-Broken Star: you know the lone star or Star of Bethlehem that has the star points surrounding it

3-Winding Ways

4-Jack's Chain

5-Large Compass/Mariner's Star with Flying geese circling the compass

6-Applique: I want to design my own leaves, flowers...all of it and I don't want raw edge, I want the edges finished, but machine appliqued with beautiful silky threads

7-Triple Irish chain...why this one? Don't know, just never made one and I love the way they look

8-Y-seam quilt...don't have a particular one in mind, just need to perfect the Y seam or find a better way to make it look perfect!

9-Giant Dahlia!! Oh yes! Need to do this one!

 

Maybe one day I will have a #10 project to add to my bucket list, but I think this is a good start.

 

Now for today since I kind of have some free time, I think I am going to attack my sewing room.  I want to clean and organize my sewing room. I would like to have a more organized sewing area, machine sewing not longarm quilting. I've went from a 14ft longarm table down to a 12ft table. I gave my daughter Kate, the chest of drawers and baker's rack that was in my sewing room...I needed more room and she needed those 2 pieces of furniture for her new house...her sewing room and Brandon needed the chest of drawers for his clothes.

Rearranging the sewing room:

I need stations/storage for:

Sewing

Accuquilt

Cricut

cutting table

threads: both domestic sewing & longarm

ironing

storage for books

storage for fabrics

scrap fabrics

scrap batting

Rulers both longarm and piecing

marking pencils, pens

scissors, blades

UFO's

Customer's quilts

My quilts....

 

Let's focus on scrap batting: I think I would like to begin a couple of "quilt as you go projects".  But, do I go and cut all the batting pieces down to say 12 1/2", 10 1/2", 8 1/2" or 6 1/2" squares? And have them in a nice bin to just grab and go? Hmmm.... Or should I have a variety of sizes to work with. I love the quilt as you go concept and you can use up your scraps both batting and fabric.

I was also noticing in my sewing room that I have too many UFO's that I started and well I know I am not going to finish them...at least in the original pattern intentions. For example: I have 2 Shakespeare in the Park quilts in pieces stored in a plastic storage bin. I know for a fact I cut some of the units wrong...that was why I gave up. Soooo, I have all these pieces...what am I going to do with these? I know! I'm going to make some Quilt as you Go projects from them. I can make tablerunners, table toppers...pillow coverings...small wall hangings..why not?!

My point to all this is I need a better organization system! I find that my room is too crowded and I cannot get to things without stumbling, pulling things off the shelf as I pass, knocking things down...you know what I mean. It is time to attack!

Now my Gammill is gone. I'm waiting on my Innova to arrive. I have space to move things around before my new machine arrives. I believe it is time to attack. So what do you say? Time to attack? I believe so! Wish me luck! I think I will have some breakfast first....

Longarm inspiration

Early this morning I realized the paper towel holder had only 1 sheet left on the role. So I walked over to the cabinet, pulled out another roll. Now you have to realize it was only 5:45AM! I picked up the roll and as I placed it on the holder I saw the following:

feathers

leaves

vines

pearls

flowers

bumpy feathers.....

oh my goodness!! Longarm inspiration at its best! LOL

 

 

Of all things for inspiration, a paper towel! I got a chuckle from myself!

 

Yesterday.

Yesterday was wonderful!

I received some wonderful news about my first online video class with Annie's.

I figured out how to reconnect my wifi printer! And let me tell you that has been driving me nuts!

Made a wonderful dinner last night!

Worked on Dr. Donna's quilt project while watching tv.

I feel like great things happened yesterday.

It was good to be home.

Today: I will be sewing, and getting the laundry done.

Oh, yesterday afternoon I decided I needed to relax and watch some tv. This does not happen often. I turned on the tv and watched a few minutes of Dr. Oz. On the show he stated it was good to be messy. Ok, well here is what stuck with me: You don't have to make your bed as soon as you get out of it. Let the bed "air out", let the sheets dry so that the bed bugs don't have a feast...eeewww...but he was right...you should let your sheets air out for a while before you make the bed. I always thought it just helped the sheets smell better, you know? who knew it was cuz of those pesky little bed bugs (mites) that you don't want to talk about...still...eeewww. So when Dr. Oz was giving the explaination, I just thought, "why don't I just go vacuum the mattress while the sheets are in the washer/dryer" That made me feel a little better.

Happy Sewing!!

 



Fantabulous Feathers and Frivolous Fillers class

This past weekend I was on the west side of Michigan at

Accomplish Quilting.

Accomplish Quilting is an Innova longarm machine dealership.

I was teaching Fantabulous Feathers and Frivolous Fillers class, 2 days, 2 classes, 25 students (13 students on Friday and 12 on Saturday).

I had a wonderful time!!

I never thought my class would fill up, I'm very new to teaching longarm classes, I've taught one on one, but not groups....it was kind of eye opening for me. I loved it though and I'm ready to do it again............in the spring.................not in the winter........not driving over to the west side of the state.....a little too dangerous..........Love Accomplish Quilting staff, but not that much! LOL

So, with no further delay, here are a few pictures:

 

This was Friday's class, I had an extra student. Class capacity was suppose to be 12, but somehow an extra person got signed up and she was not put on the roster. You know what? It doesn't matter. I had a blast and we were able to fit her in!! And that is what is important!!

 

 

Another picture from Friday's class, these ladies were wonderful!!

 

 

Saturday's class, also, great students!! I had 2 men in this class and they were awesome! Poor Greg was tired though. He had a bit of a drive ahead of him and didn't sleep well the night before. So he left about 30 minutes before class let was over. I totally understand how he felt.

One of my favorite parts of teaching was going to each student's area and asking them if they would like for me to draw/stitch the design for them, they could trace it! Then I would go back a little while later and wow! They were doing wonderful! I enjoyed talking with all of them! It seems like each was willing to also share with each other and offer tips they had picked up along their longarm quilting journey!

I had all levels of students in both classes. I even learned something! Ha! You can never never never know all there is to know about anything! I want to always be able to learn, always be open to learning.

I hope my students went away feeling more confident and were able to take something (knowledge/tip/technique) home the class.

The staff and I had a discussion about how to improve the classroom. So come spring time, everyone will be able to see better. We are gonna rearrange the sitting/viewing area so everyone can see what the teacher is doing :)

My spring classes will be on the schedule soon. I'm hoping to also be teaching at a few quilt shows with Accomplish Quilting.

Happy Sewing everyone!!

 



An odd thing

Last night my husband and I went out to dinner. We sat outside the restaurant waiting for our name to be called for our table. While we waited 4 Italian men also waited on the bench next to us. I was glad when our name was called because they were smokers. I'm getting over a cold and the smoke made it a little difficult to breathe freely.
Our name gets called, we are seated and place our order.
As I was sitting there eating my salad I noticed one of the Italian men coming out of the restroom. He was holding something red right at his chest level in his hand. It was small. As he got closer I noticed this device was a camera and it was on. He had it pointed in my direction and well he was taking pictures as he walked past! Odd! I couldn't believe it. Oh well, I hope he got all he needed...creepy

This week, took me all week to work on this customer's quilt because I was sick...had a nasty head cold. No energy at all...plus I taught at the quilt shop 2 full days.

I stitched elephants and flowers all over this quilt...I traced the elephant with my laser light. This elephant pattern came from Quiltmaker's cd of quilting patterns

 

Friday night's Mystery quilt at the shop. I love this quilt and I definitely want to make this one.

 

I miss this little girl! She fell asleep on me. Precious! and Priceless!

 

Happy Sewing everyone!



More GI Joe's..(just a couple)

My son Chris is very clever and creative when it comes to placing GI Joe's around the house. I think he enjoys my reaction...I love it! I laugh!

 

so, he posed 2 more yesterday in the house and here they are...

 

 

Now this guy is taking a little break from his watch on Home Security...he is just a little thirsty

 

 

And this guy is wondering where his relief is!!

Look above you, he is taking a break! LOL



Design thoughts

IT is very early and my brain is already working, I also have a nasty cold, but! My brain is still creating! lol

 

I own an AccuquiltGO, with probably close to 10 dies, maybe a few more. I have been trying to figure out a quick an easy way to use the dies more efficiently, that is for me, more efficient for me. I tend to be self taught with most crafty things I do....so why change now?

 

So, I was thinking of an applique pattern, and how can make this happen with the dies I have and not waste lots of fabric, provide visual interest

(the WOW factor)

and also give the, look at the movement .... you know choosing the color/fabric that will provide both "Love that color" and "Look at the pattern in the fabric and how it adds texture"

Continuing on with my thoughts...how can I do this?

First: lets begin with the dies

Look at the dies and measure the size of the shape you are wanting from that die and cut your fabric just slightly larger than needed. You always do this any with applique. Just so you know, most of my dies are for applique.

Accuquilt offers measurements with their dies. Now, at the moment I am sitting up in my family room and not near my sewing room which is downstairs so I do not have my Accuquilt near me. I don't recall if the literature included in the dies offers measurements, but I know it is online on their website. If you did not keep your literature from the dies and you don't want to do the measuring yourself, it is online.

My plan is to cut the sizes I need out of variety of fabrics (mostly jewel tone batiks), and I will have a light weight fusible already prepared on the back of the batiks. I plan on preparing a group of fat quarters for this project.

About a month ago I came across a garage sale that had Sulky and YLI threads for sale! I hit the jackpot! I bought a container of them. I will be using these threads for the applique.

I will post my progress of this idea/projects as they happen...it will be a little while though, my schedule is very full.

Happy Sewing!

The Village Quilt Shoppe, newsletter for the Fall

This is the quilt shop I teach at, here are the classes and events going on....

The Village Town Crier Volume 10, Issue 4 Autumn 2013

The Village Quilt Shoppe 2369 Joslyn Ct. Lake Orion, Michigan 48360 (248) 391.5727 www.thevillagequiltshoppe.com
Carolyn's Corner
Finally, quilting season. This is my favorite time of the year. I love it when the nights are cooler and the leaves start to turn to beautiful shades of orange, reds and yellows. These fabulous colors make me want to stay inside and nest. I want to fondle my fabrics, get creative, and sketch new ideas and QUILT. I worry sometimes that I won't live long enough to finish all the quilts I have on my bucket list. It grows constantly and more are added than completed.
The magazine keeps me very busy along with all the books I plan and edit. I also advise on the on-line class videos, do video tutorials, design for textile companies and work with our advertising staff. There are more duties than I can begin to explain in a publishing company but… I love it.
Thank God I have a loving and very understanding husband that tolerates my craziness and not to mention is doing a fine job running the shoppe. I love my weekends at home and at the shoppe. We have some fun and trendy classes for you this time. Make sure you check them out.
Nancy is teaching several fun rulers with awesome quilt projects. Sally will be teaching a class from her new book, and I have a few classes on the schedule also.
All and all it promises to be a wonderful autumn. I hope to see you often in the last quarter of this year. I also want to personally thank every person who made an Ugly Fabric quilt for the Challenge. They were all wonderful. Such talent.
Thank you all for your loyalty and friendship. Be happy, be creative and Keep Piecing, Carolyn
Ugly Fabric Challenge Results
Well the results are in and if we could everyone would have gotten a prize. The winners for the Viewer's Choice were as follows;

• 1st place - Marilyn Flowers
• 2nd place- Mary Schrader
• 3rd place- Ruth McCormick

Thank you all for the participating and I hope you enjoy the prizes.
Customer Appreciation Bingo November 9th, 6:00 - 9:00pm All of you with earned cards please RSVP if you will be attending.

This Year's Motto: Refresh!!! Learn Something New

Sewing Machine Cleaning and Tune ups
We are now offering basic cleaning and tune ups for your sewing machines here at the shoppe. Next time your machine needs a little TLC stop on by.
Join the Breakfast Club….Today
The first Thursday of every month. Come join us for coffee, tea or…. and a light breakfast. A great way to meet quilters, share recipes, show and tell, demos, get motivated, and be inspired and we try to have a special project each month. 10:00am - ? Everyone is welcome. RSVP please. (248) 391-5727. It's a fun club.

• October 3rd, 10:00am - ?
• November 7th, 10:00 am- ?
• December 5th, 10:00am - ?

Potluck Patchwork Party
Looking for a night out? Need some help with a project? Or maybe you just want to hang out with great people who quilt. We are having a Potluck Quilting Party for quilters.
All you have to do is RSVP, bring a dish to pass, a project to work on and enjoy. We will supply the expert help, drinks and all the paper products. The cost is $5.00. The party will be held on a Friday evening each month.

• September 20th, 6:00 - 9:30pm
• October 18th, 6:00 - 9:30pm
• November 15th, 6:00- 9:30pm
• No potluck December…Holidays you know!

What a way to spend an evening. Potluck will resume in January!!!
WHAT'S NEW!!!!

• Sally Behrend's new book, Doll Quilts, Mini's & More
• The Web Store is OPEN
• Chevron Bag Pattern Booklet
• Rulers, Rulers, Rulers, Philip Arts
• Love Those Precuts Book
• Batiks, Batiks, and more Batiks!
• Follow me on Quilter's World Facebook and on Pinerest
• It Takes Two pattern
• November - First Choice Pattern & Wheel of Fortune patterns

Inspiration for tomorrow's heirlooms…
Registration and Class Policy

• Class fees are due upon registration.
• Phone reservations will be held three days to allow for mail or drop-off of payment.
• Cancellation deadline is five days prior to class. If we do not have at least three people for class, the Village Quilt Shoppe reserves the right to cancel the class and your registration fee will be refunded or applied to another class.
• Patterns, books, and handouts cannot be shared or photocopied due to copyright laws. Let's help to keep these talented and creative designers in business.
• A supply list will be given at the time of registration. Please come to class with all required supplies. We appreciate your purchase of supplies from us-it helps to insure that we will be able to serve your needs. Sewing machines should be brought to your class unless otherwise stated.

Mystery Night
Friday, October 11th, 6:00pm - Midnight $25.00 plus your purchase of fabric This is a beautiful quilt when finished… but you can't see it until the end of the evening. Come on in and sign up to reserve your spot and select your fabrics. We'll help you with your fabrics to ensure a nice finish. We will iron for you and serve you dinner and chocolate. Fabrics must be purchased here at the Village Quilt Shoppe to attend this event. Sign up early. We have a limited seating.
CLASSES

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Blackford's Beauty
Saturday, October 12th, 12:00pm-5:00pm………..$30.00
This traditional block pattern can easily be made with contemporary, traditional, bright or batik fabrics. Its fat quarter friendly and Nancy will show you how to save your scraps and incorporate them into a beautiful unique optional border. Pattern required and can be purchased from Nancy. Level: Confident Beginner/Intermediate Instructor: Nancy McNally

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Hunter Star
Saturday, November 23rd, 12:00-4:00pm…………$24.00
Make a small table topper or square quilt. Learn this quick and easy technique to piece the Hunter's Star with the Rapid Star ruler. You can have this ready for your holiday table. Just takes two fabrics. Pattern and ruler required. Level: Confident Beginner Instructor: Nancy McNally

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Machine Quilting
Saturday, September 28th, 10:00 - 3:00pm.………...$30.00
This is a technique class. Learn all the tricks to machine quilting from Elizabeth. She will teach you the how-to's and all the little tricks to make your quilting a success. Level: Intermediate/Advanced Instructor: Elizabeth Helwig

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Simple Curves Runner
Saturday, November 9th, 10:00-3:00pm……………$24.00
Strip piecing and a fun ruler is all it takes to make this beautiful runner. You won't believe how easy it can be. Make stunning projects and make them with ease. The possibilities are endless once you begin to play and see just how easy the designs are once you learn to use the rulers. Level: Confident Beginner/Intermediate Instructor: Carolyn Vagts

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Cathedral Window Ornament
Thursday, November 7th, 12:00 - 2:00pm………..$12.00
Here's your chance to learn how to make cathedral window blocks and practice the technique making Christmas Ornaments. I bet you can't make just one. Create a special ornament for each special person on your Christmas list while clearing out your scraps. Level: Beginner Instructor: Sally Behrend

Is there a class you would like to do? Let us know and we will see what we can do.

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Infinity Bargello
Tuesday, October22 & November 5, 10:00 - 3:00pm…………………………………………….$60.00
Or Thursday, November 21 & December 12, 10:00 - 3:00pm……………………………………………..$60.00
You will be delighted by the effect of an endless ribbon that the Bargello pattern creates. With a dark background and bold bright color, you will enjoy having this quilt around to show off. Dawn will teach you how to make this beauty. Book required for this class. Level: Intermediate Instructor: Dawn Nelson

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Free Style T-shirt/ Memory Quilt
Saturday, October 26, 10:00 - 2:00pm…………..….$24.00
Do you have T shirts to create a quilt with? Do you have other items that you would like to create a memory quilt with? The possibilities are endless. In this class we will discuss how to get started, how to prepare the memories, what to include, and how to incorporate them into a loving memory quilt. Level: All Instructor: Dawn Nelson

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Squedge 18 degree Table Runner
Saturday, November 2nd, 10:00 - 2:00pm………….$24.00
You'll love how great this ruler works to create these gorgeous blocks. Strip piecing makes the cutting and piecing a breeze. Nancy will help you with the construction and teach you all the tricks. Pattern is included with required ruler. Level: Confident Beginner Instructor: Nancy McNally

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Machine Applique Carolyn's Way
Saturday, October 5th, 10:00 - 3:00pm……………..$30.00
Come in and spend a day creating a fun and easy floral wall hanging. Let Carolyn show you her way and discover a care free way to create quilted art. Level: Confident Beginner/ Intermediate Instructor: Carolyn Vagts

New Shoppe Hours Tuesday-Saturday 10:00am-5:30pm Sunday 11:00am-3:00pm

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Japanese Lunch Bag
Wednesday, October 16th, 10:00 -12:00pm…….…….$12.00
Learn to make this adorable bag and you will want to make one for everyone you know. Once you learn to do it you won't be able to stop. It's a great project to make for special gifts. Pattern Required. Level: Beginner Instructor: Sally Behrend

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Poppy Bowl
Saturday, October 5th, 3:30pm - 5:30pm………..$12.00
Create beautiful bowls with Bosal Heat Moldable Stabilizer and your stash. They're like potato chips, one is never enough. Come and spend a day learning all the possibilities with this new product. Level: Intermediate Instructor: Carolyn Vagts

Inspiration for tomorrow's heirlooms…………

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Elizabeth's Appliqué Day
Many of you are in the midst of projects started, and some of you need to get going. This class is an open workshop that will benefit everyone. Come join in the fun whether you are experienced or just beginning. Hand appliqué only please. Elizabeth is knowledgeable in all forms of hand appliqué. 11:00- 2:00pm, Sunday September 8th Level: All Instructor: Elizabeth Helwig
Top 3 Patterns

1. The Big Easy Bag
2. Turning Twenty Again
3. It Takes Two

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Beginning Quilting 101
Wednesday, October 9th 10:00 - 3:00pm & October 30th, 10:00am - 2:00pm ……………………………..….. $54.00
Or Wednesday, November 6th 10:00 - 3:00pm & November 20th, 10:00- 2:00pm……………………..$54.00
If quilting is what you want to learn, this is the class for you. Learn the basics to quilt construction along with all the tips to make it a successful journey. Nancy will teach you all the basics from cutting to piecing. Level: Novice Instructor: Nancy McNally
New Shop Hours

• Closed Monday
• Tuesday - Saturday 10 - 5:30pm
• Sunday - 11:00 - 3:00pm

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Doll Quilts, Minis & More Quilt-As-You-Go
Wednesday, November 13th, 10:00 - 2:00pm…$24.00
This is the perfect technique to use your scraps. Let Sally walk you through this fun and useful technique from her first book Doll Quilts, Minis & More. This technique has multiple block size options. This book is a great go to book for lots of techniques. Level: Beginner Instructor: Sally Behrend

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Cosmic Vibrations
Saturday, November 16th, 12:00 - 4:00pm……$31.00 *Price includes magazine with pattern and will be given to you when class is paid for.
This is a paper pieced quilt pattern designed by the instructor. In the class you will learn how to construct the blocks and borders. Nancy will show you how to precut your pieces for paper piecing to conserve waste. If paper piecing is your thing or you've been wanting to try it, here's your chance. Level: Intermediate Instructor: Nancy McNally

Inspiration for tomorrow's heirlooms…..

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Sweat Shirt Jacket

September 19th, 10:00 - 2:00pm…………..……....$24.00
If you always wanted to learn how to turn a sweat shirt into a beautiful quilted jacket here's your chance. Roxanne will teach you all the tricks to designing your own jacket. Level: Confident Beginner Instructor: Roxanne Tischler

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End of Year Sale

December 27 & 28th, 2013 10:00am - 5:30pm Holiday Hours

We will be closed December 24th & 25th, and December 31st & January 1st

September is gone

My goodness, September is gone and October is here. This morning as my husband was leaving for work I asked him what the date was, October 5? Really? I had no idea! Where has the time gone!?

So here are some pictures of what I've been up to this past month...

 

Rooster tail, learned this from Dusty Farrell's class in Atlanta

 

Rooster Tail 2

I also took 2 classes from Pam Clarke, I don't have any pictures from her class. If you ever have a chance to take a class from her, do!! She is so nice, great teacher and so talented!

Plumera from my sister's back yard. I thought it looked pretty on my shirt

 

This is a lizard I spotted in my sister's backyard that I attempted to catch...attempted..lol...I spilled my drink instead!! LOL

 

My sister, Renee, hung this cute little flag in her yard for our "girl's night"

My Drunkard's Path on tour with the Original Sewing and Quilting Expo

The label beside my quilt

 

I will be teaching at Accomplish Quilting at the end of this month, October 25, and 26.

Fantabulous Feathers and Frivolous Fillers

10am - 4pm

Cost $125

Saturday's class (26th) is full, there are a few openings left on Friday the 25th.

If you want to sign up call the shop at:

Accomplish Quilting, Inc.                                   

(866) 556-2552                                                      

Happy Sewing everyone!

 



The Quiltinators!!

Hello everyone! Saturday morning I had the invasion of my quilting buddies!! The Quiltinators!! Oh my goodness did we ever have a blast! Here is how the day went! First I cleared out my family room and brought in 5 folding tables, there were 10 of us sewing! Everyone brought food, sorry no pics of the food spread, but man oh man was there ever some good eatin!
So for your viewing pleasure....

the empty family room

some of the Quiltinators

another view of the Quiltinators

 

 Pumpkins I made with my Accuquilt GO...oh yes their is a leaf in there too and I forgot to put my acorn in

Add caption

 This is Helen's paper pieced star

Janic's paper pieced star! She was so excited to learn this technique! thank you Helen for showing her!!

the invasion of the frogs!!! From Accuquilt!

I captured all the frogs! Now to get them onto their lilypads! that is the next step!

 

Happy Sewing everyone!

I hear it is Friday the 13th!

So, it is Friday the 13th...not worried about it all! It is a little chilly outside, but that makes for good soup weather! Gonna make a pot of soup for tonight and tomorrow's fun sew day! I can't wait for everyone to come over. We are going to have a friend come over and demo her accuquilt machine. Most of us have one but we are looking forward to Sharon showing us different ways to use it (dies)

I know some of you don't want to read about things for sale, but I am now an Innova Dealer. And if you have been seriously thinking of buying a longarm machine or a sit down machine we are offering a SWEET deal!! This deal is $899 worth of products free!!

The sale expires on Sunday, September 15, 2013. All is required is a deposit, the rest of the balance for the machine would be due on deliver.

Now, here is something I started working on yesterday. I remade the quilt that I brought to the Grand Rapids Quilt show. I added crystals to it, what do you think?

Can you see the tiny crystals? I love the little pop of bling!

this was before I added the bling and the other appliques are not on yet....

See, just a few more crystals, I love this!

I send more pics as I get it done....Happy sewing everyone!

Longarm machine

For those of you who are interested in purchasing a longarm machine, this is the time of year to do it! Lots of goodies/specials going on to save you money! If you are interested in an Innova, send me an email. There is a special deal going on now that is called the "back to school special" and it is on top of the already September special almost $1500 being taken off the price! What a deal! Order your machine through me and I will give you personal training! Well, you have to live within 5 hours of me, sorry, but I can only travel so far :)
The Back to School Special expires on Sunday, September 15, 2013.
Also Red Thread is also offering special financing:

With Red Thread Financial Group your customer can:

• Acquire the equipment they need TODAY 
• Save THOU$ANDS in tax write-offs
• Have NO payments due until 2014!

Have your customer fill out our simple online application at RTF online application and let us help you close your sale fast!

  

To learn more about the Section 179 deduction, the 50% bonus depreciation and to see an example of how this works, please visit our website at

Section 179 tax deduction.

  

Red Thread Financial would like to be your finance and lease partner.  We are uniquely specialized, focusing our finance and lease programs solely on quilting, embroidery and other creative services industries.  We're experts at providing affordable, easy financing solutions for all types of professional equipment and accessories.  Call us today at 877-237-7287.

  

*Each program approval is based on credit, application and transaction size.  Red Thread Financial Group, LLC reserves the right to cease, withdraw or amend any program without prior notice at our discretion.

 

 

Contact Us Today! 877-237-7287   Visit our website to apply for credit online or calculate your estimated monthly payment.   www.redthreadfinancial.com

INNOVA Longarm machine!!

Innova Longarm Machine!

 

 

Yes! I am now an Innova Gal! I love love love their longarm machine!

 

And here is a youtube video that is showing one of their newest attachments, the Sequencer!!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ei58stC4MaE

 

click to go view

 

I'm so happy to be a part of the Innova family and teaching at Accomplish Quilting. If you are interested in learning how to draw feathers, vines, and back fillers that are easy, sign up for my class. Space is limited!

Date: October 26, 2013

Time: 10am to 4pm

All supplies and lunch are included, cost for the class is $125.00

Class title: Fantabulous Feathers and Frivolous Fillers

Where: Accomplish Quilting

Stevensville, MI

phone:(866) 556-2552   

 

The handle bars are easily adjusted! No tools needed.

The head of the machine moves so that you can change out the foot quickly.

Lightning Stitch is an amazing stitch regulator, it puts the other ones to shame!!

With Lightning Stitch you can change the sensitivity when working with specialty threads, just use your fingernail to adjust the level on the touch screen.

If you begin with the 18" size throat and decide you want to upgrade to the 22" or 26" you don't have to trade in your machine to order a new one, all you have to do is order the package that will extend your present innova longarm machine.

Don't forget to call and reserve your spot for class or maybe you want to test drive a machine!

Happy Sewing!

Catching up with life!

It is September!! I cannot believe this! That only means Autumn is coming and well we all know what comes after Autumn....winter! I love Autumn! The colors are soooo pretty and inspiring! The smell of the air seems to change, you know? I've noticed that up here in Michigan. We had a chilly July for about 3 weeks it felt like autumn! The air has a crisp smell? I think that is a good adjective to use, got any suggestions? lol

Lately, I'm trying to catch up. I'm not submitting as many quilt designs as I did before or these last two years. That was way too much work! I lost some serious family time! I've worked too hard on my family to just give that up. Yes, they are all pretty much grown now, a group of handsome young men, beautiful daughter and grand daughter.

For the past 2 months Joe and I have been making it a habit to go out on dates at least Friday night and Sunday night. I enjoy this! Especially the Sunday night date. I don't know what is different about it, maybe because we begin the day together. We have to be at church by 8:30am for praise band practice and well we pretty much spend the entire day together. We usually go to Culver's and have a frozen custard sunday to end our day! Love it!

My friend Dawn came over Saturday. Her husband made her a rag rug frame. She was working on her newest craft, rag rug! Putting all her ugly fabric into this rug, it was really neat! She should have it finished soon, maybe I can post a picture of it when she completes it.

I have new work, quilt related, but I can't post it yet, in time! I can tell you that my video with Annie's is doing great! In October, I get to make another video class! I can't wait! I hope you will get to view my 2nd class when it airs! I don't know when it will air, sorry..but it will be sometime in 2014, probably winter/early spring.

This is my latest published quilt, the Barn Swallow block made into a quilt, "Cosmic Vibrations"
The magazine is out on newsstands now "Quilts from 100 Blocks"

Time to get off the computer! Happy Sewing!

AccuQuiltGO!!

I can't believe I caved and bought one!! Accuquilt GO!! Yes, I am the proud owner!!

A couple of weeks ago I decided when I was going to be longarm quilting for Accomplish Quilting at the AQS Grand Rapids Quilt Show, I decided it would be really sweet to have some applique ready. The easiest way to do applique in 'mass' production is the AccuquiltGO. So! I did a little research and found that they, Accuquilt, had just released the new Heather Feather diecut...and upon further research I found MORE applique diecuts that I just had to have!

Now, a week ago our little sewing group got together. I had placed my accuquilt diecut dies order...did I say that right? I did not own a machine yet...I was just gonna borrow someone's. My plan was to save the money up and buy the machine. Well! That all changed!! I was at Helen's and she brought hers out..she is the gadget queen of our sewing group! If anyone has it she does!! I played with hers and fell in love!!! Here are two of the appliques that I am going to be using in Grand Rapids:

Now this applique is the reverse, it is the fabric that was left over...I think it is cool!!!

I will be demonstrating on the Innova Longarm machine. Come by and visit me!!!

Now, there is a little more to the story....while at Helen's, Sharon came over to drop off the heather feather dies to me. And Sharon was so excited about telling us that Accuquilt can do!! I decided I had to have the die cut machine and I did not want the baby, I wanted the GO! I was gonna drive over to her house when I left Helen's but I did not feel that good so I drove home and called Sharon to let her know I would come get the machine later on that week.

I arrive home and hubby tells me he wants to go out to eat. While we are driving I started telling him about the machine. He said, "well your birthday is Friday, why don't I just buy it for you?"!! Sweet!! Now, to make a long story short...my kids also gave me money to buy more dies to go along with my AccuquiltGO!!

I will be cutting appliques All WEEKEND to prepare for Grand Rapids!! I can't wait!

Happy Sewing everyone!!