WINTER 2012 NEWSLETTER
Patti's Musings
So, are you thinking about getting out the ol’ bathing suit and taking a dip?? It's 60 degrees this week! At the end of January for crying out loud!! I don't know about you, but I actually wish it would just settle into Winter and stay there. Not too cold, you understand, but not 40's, 50's, and 60's either! I enjoy the change of seasons and if it is too warm, I don't get to wear all my fun winter sweaters and jackets! I don't even mind a little snow! (I know - blasphemous!) The weather gets stranger and stranger here in Chicago with every year. One of these years it's just going to go completely temperate and stay hovering in the 50's and 60's all year long -without much change in temp at all. You wait and see if I am not right! You heard it here first from Patti the weather witch!
At least we have our sewing! We have been busy in the shop getting some new things ready. I, of course, do not have all my stuff ready! Inventory just about sucked the life out of me this month! We just have too much stuff! And more new fabric has begun pouring in! We now have The Lorax fabric from Dr. Seuss! A great panel and coordinates - all in 100% organic cotton. The colors are so fab! We just got Yo Gabba Gabba fabric from Hoffman today also! It is so fun - the kids will love their favorite characters from the Nick Channel! We also have Maxine as in Blah, Blah, Blah fame! We even have the Blah, Blah, Blah fabric! And you must see St Remys from Robyn Pandolf! Gorgeous pink and cream floral print on black with traditional, romantic coordiantes in black, pink, gray, and cream. Marilyn is working on a sample sure to make you go "Ooohhhhhh-La-La!" We also received Babysaurus from Anna Griffin studios - a cute children's group in light primary colors - think soft navy, lime, red, orange. These are just a few of the great fabrics that came in since the first of the year.
We have been working on the class schedule too. It is great and we have a couple new classes and new blocks of the month beginning in March and April. We are even offering a Block of the Month designed specifically for newer beginning quilters that we are very excited about! So if you are worried about your skill levels, but want to participate in a block of the month, join the Beginner's BOM! We will teach you all about triangles and sashing in this fun quilt! Check out the details below!
We will be running the Pre-Cuts Club again. Our winter series will focus on 5 inch charms. This program will begin later in Feb. Beth has been sewing like a fanatic! The details of this club will be in a separate email and registration, so stay tuned! (We have to separate out registration for these clubs because we can't handle the phone and foot traffic all at once between clubs and regular classes! It is our way of staying saner!)
There will also be a new Groovy Girls club starting in March! All new projects! The details of this club will also be in a separate email and registration, so stay tuned! Both the Pre-Cuts and Groovy Girls clubs meet once a month for three months. We do have lots of classes for you this winter so check out the schedule and then register! You must register in person, or by phone. No email registrations are accepted.
The Janome Truckload sale will be held Feb 9 - Feb 26. Watch for details on that in a separate email also. Basically, just keep watching your email for more announcements and details!!
Finally, enjoy the winter masquerading as spring and stop by and see what's new!
Patti
Winter Activity and Event Schedule Details
February 16 - Vending NSQG Meeting We will be vending the Northwest Suburban Quilt Guild Meeting.
Feb 9 - Feb 26 - JANOME Truckload Sale! Janome's biggest sale of the year! Watch your email for further details.
March 3 & March 4 - Salt Creek Quilters Guild Quilt Show
We will be vending the 2012 Salt Creek Quilters Guild quilt show at the Hinsdale Community House in Hinsdale, IL, Hours are Sat, 9 -5 and Sunday 9 - 5 pm.
March 10 & March 11 - Pride of the Prairie Quilt Show
We will be vending the 2012 Pride of the Prairie Quilt show at the Richland Grade School in Crest Hill, IL, Hours are Saturday, 9 -5 and Sunday 11 - 4.
Special Information
We will be closed on the following dates
Sunday, April 8 for Easter Sunday
Sunday, May 13 for Mother's Day
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Stepping Stone Cappuccino
New! Cappuccino Runner and Placemats
Remember the Wedding Star Quilt?? Well this project is by the same designer! This is our Beginning Judy Neimeyer Paper Piecing project! The first in a new series of paper piecing techniques featuring Judy Neimeyer designs. The series is intended to give you new techniques with every project, yet be smaller, more accomplishable designs. If you are wanting to do more serious projects, like the Wedding Star, this is a great first step to start learning Judy's techniques and begin building confidence! Sized just right, these dramatic placemats and table runner are really very easy and make great gifts! Our sample is made using Hoffman's Bali Pop Batik 2 1/2 inch strips, but any jelly roll or combination of your own 2 1/2 inch strips can be used! Using batiks gives a more dramatic, richer look. Come and learn to do this and start to unravel the mystery of complex paper piecing! If you choose to, this can be made into a larger quilt called Stepping Stones pictured as the second version above - your choice. The basic construction is the same, but you just use more fabric and make a bigger quilt with Stepping Stones! Jane will even teach you how to paper piece if you have never done it before!
Skill level: Confident beginner
Dates: Wed Eve, Feb 29 and March 14 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Instructor: Jane Reents Fee: $ 48
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New! Calendar Quilt Snowman !
If you have never done fusible applique, this is the class for you! Join Marilyn as she teaches you the ropes on a simple snowman project perfect to brighten your winter home! The pattern actually contains a pattern for each month of the calendar year, but we are just working on the snowman for class. isn't the snowman too cute for words?? Come see what fusible applique is all about!
Skill Level: Confident Beginner and above.
Dates: Tue Eve, Feb. 21 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Instructor: Marilyn Mitchell Fee: $25
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New! Catalina Sling!
This handbag is just so cute! And simple too! It is one of the Pink Sand Beach patterns we brought back from fall market and it looks great in any fabrics. It's just the right size too! Come join Cheryl as she shows you how from beginning to end! We even have a fabric kit complete with all the fabrics and interfacing products needed. We even included the purse snap!
Skill Level: Confident Beginner and above.
Instructor: Cheryl Sinnott Fee: $25
Dates: Sat., Feb 18 9:00 – Noon
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Lazy Angle Quilt of Your Choice
If you are not familiar with the Lazy Angle Ruler from Creative Grids, now is the time to learn all about it! We have been demoing this ruler all fall, and it really is cool! Put an A piece and a B piece together to get lots of different blocks. The ruler helps you figure out your sizes for A's and B's. It is very versatile and very fun! In this class, you can work on your choice of one of 3 different patterns shown above. This ruler and these patterns were all the rage at Spring market, so come learn how to use the ruler and get in on the fun!
Skill Level: Confident Beginner and above.
Dates: Sun, April 1 12:30 - 3:30 pm
Instructor: Patti Dockus Fee: $ 25
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New! T-Shirt Quilt !
While we have not offered it before, T-Shirt Quilts are very popular to make as keepsakes for our loved ones and friends, especially as graduation gifts! Marilyn has been making them for years and will show you how! One of Marilyn's is pictured above! Your job will be to collect your T-Shirts before class and she will show you how to cut and prepare them for sewing into a quilt. A simple sashing will then be put between the shirts to create a great quilt focused on the t-shirts!
Skill Level : Confident beginner and above.
Dates: Tue Eves, March 6 and March 20 6:00 - 9:00pm
Instructor: Marilyn Mitchell Fee: $ 48
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Pattern Cover Meg's Version
New! Plaid Parade!
This one is so cool! Meg made hers using Kaffe Fassett fabrics mixed with Kona solids. It just sings! Any great print fabrics will work to get the "argyle" effect. This quilt is not for the beginner however, and is a little tricky to get everything matching up just right! Perfect opportunity for a class! So come join Meg and learn to make this great quilt!
Skill Level: Intermediate and above.
Dates: Sun. March 11 12:30 - 3:30pm
Instructor: Meg Connolly Fee: $ 25
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Poseidon (back by popular demand!)
Simple designs and solid fabrics are what it is all about for many modern quilters. This quilt is the perfect modern example! Made entirely of Kona solids, it looks fabulous! Grab our coordinated Kona fat qtr pack and some solid sashing and border, and you have a perfect modern quilt, appealing to everyone and very decor friendly! Or, choose your own colors. Either way, it will be fabulous! This one is a little wonky, so there are no seams to match up! We just love that! So come and add a little mod into your quilting repertoire. It will make you smile!
Skill Level: Confident Beginner and above.
Dates: Sun, March 4 12:30 - 3:30 pm
Instructor: Meg Connolly Fee: $25
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New! The Trixie Bag - a.k.a. the Ruffled Hangbag!
Ruffles are ALL the rage! And this bag is just too cute! Beth made hers using Kaffe Fassett fabrics, but any colorful prints will look great! Spend an afternoon and make yourself a new spring bag!
Skill Level: Confident Beginner.
Dates: Sun, April 22 12:30 - 3:30 pm
Instructor: Beth Friend Fee: $25
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Keyhole Quilt - back by popular demand!
This is a great Jelly Roll quilt! Our sample is made using Hoffman's Bali Pop Batik 2 1/2 inch strips, but any jelly roll or combination of your own 2 1/2 inch strips can be used! Come spend a relaxing couple of hours learning to construct this simple beauty. It can be made again, and again, and again.... each time looking fresh and new based on the fabric collection used! We will be using the book "On A Roll Again" from Anka's Treasures.
…And we have lots of Bali Pops and jelly rolls in stock!
Dates: Sun, April 15 12:30 - 3:30
Instructor: Meg Connolly Fee: $ 25
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Beginning Fusible Applique - Back by Popular Demand!
Fusible appliqué is a fast, easy method for doing appliqué. You can branch out into many different types of projects once you understand how to do these simple techniques! Come learn to do this and make a lovely birdhouse wall-hanging from McKenna Ryan, a wizard at appliqué designs! Patti will get you started from start to finish!
Skill Level: Suitable for all skill levels.
Dates: Sat, March 24 9:00 - 1:00 pm
Instructor: Patti Dockus Fee: $34
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Beginning Paper Piecing - back by popular demand!
Paper piecing is a lot easier than it looks! It also yields incredibly accurate pieced blocks that cannot often be achieved with other methods. Come to this class and find out just how easy it is! Learn the basics using this great reference book by Carol Doak. Once you know how, we have lots of patterns to keep you going! Learn basic methods and begin piecing projects in a whole new way!
Suitable for all skill levels.
Dates: Sun April 29 12:30 - 3:30 pm
Instructor: Beth Friend Fee: $ 25
Binding Class - back by popular demand!
Calling all quilters who need help with binding! This is the class for you! A whole class dedicated to just binding techniques! Learn how to do mitered corners, double fold, single fold, fused, wrapped edge, inner corned, and 135 degree bindings. Working on small sample pieces of quilted fabric, you will complete samples that you can take home for reference of all the above techniques. Never be bound up again - come take this must have class! Small Kit required as part of class supplies that will be used to make all samples.
Suitable for all skill levels.
Dates: Sat, Feb 25 9:00 - Noon
Instructor: Linda McCabe Fee: $25 plus $10 kit fee
Reversible Quilts - A Quilt As You Go Technique! Back by popular demand!
Sounds too good to be true, doesn't it?? But yet, this is a very easy technique suitable for all skill levels. The premise is learning how to make reversible blocks for your quilt, and then how to put all the blocks together. Once they are put together, you are done with the top, the back, and the quilting! Once you learn the basic technique, you can apply this to quilting any block at the block level, and then assembling the quilted blocks to finish the quilt!
Suitable for confident beginners and beyond.
Dates: Sat, April 28 9:00 - Noon
Instructor: Linda McCabe Fee: $25
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For Our Beginners...
These classes are designed for beginners who have not done quilting before. They are also great refreshers for anyone who wants to brush up on their skills, and those who might not be comfortable with all aspects of cutting and quilting.
Your First Quilt!
This is a class for true beginners. We have decided to Change this class up a bit and offer it in two parts. In part A you will learn basics on rotary cutting, machine piecing, and pressing while making this lovely traditional Irish Chain wall hanging or crib quilt top. It's not too big. It's not too small. It's just right for a beginner to finish! Also perfect for anyone wishing to refresh their basic knowledge.
Once you have the quilt top made, the next step is learning to layer, quilt and bind it which you will learn in Part B. You can enroll in Just Part A, or Part A and B. You must be in Part A in order to continue with Part B. Prereqs: You must already know how to sew and operate your sewing machine.
Date: Part A: Sun Feb 12, Feb 19, and Feb 26 12:30 - 3:30 pm
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Part A: Tue Eve March 27, April 10, and April 17 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Instructor: Beth Friend Fee: $76
Date: Part B: Sun March 18 and March 25 12:30 - 3:30 pm
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Part B: Tue Eve May 1, and May 8 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Instructor: Beth Friend Fee: $48
Keyhole Quilt - back by popular demand!
This is a great Jelly Roll quilt! It is also a great next steps quilt for newer quilters who are looking for that "next" project! Our sample is made using Hoffman's Bali Pop Batik 2 1/2 inch strips, but any jelly roll or combination of your own 2 1/2 inch strips can be used! Come spend a relaxing couple of hours learning to construct this simple beauty. It can be made again, and again, and again.... each time looking fresh and new based on the fabric collection used! We will be using the book "On A Roll Again" from Anka's Treasures.
Skill Level: Confident Beginner and above.
Dates: Sun, April 15 12:30 - 3:30
Instructor: Meg Connolly Fee: $25
New! Calendar Quilt Snowman !
If you have never done fusible applique, this is the class for you! Join Marilyn as she teaches you the ropes on a simple snowman project perfect to brighten your winter home! The pattern actually contains a pattern for each month of the calendar year, but we are just working on the snowman for class. Come see what fusible applique is all about!
Skill Level: Confident Beginner and above.
Dates: Tue Eve, Feb. 21 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Instructor: Marilyn Mitchell Fee: $25
Beginning Paper Piecing
Paper piecing is a lot easier than it looks! It also yields incredibly accurate pieced blocks that cannot often be achieved with other methods. Come to this class and find out just how easy it is! Learn the basics using this great reference book by Carol Doak. Once you know how, we have lots of patterns to keep you going! Learn basic methods and begin piecing projects in a whole new way!
Suitable for all skill levels.
Dates: Sun. April 29 12:30 - 3:30 pm
Instructor: Beth Friend Fee: $ 25
Beginning Fusible Applique
Fusible applique is a fast, easy method for doing applique. You can branch out into many different types of projects once you understand how to do these simple techniques! Come learn to do this and make a lovely birdhouse wall-hanging from McKenna Ryan, a wizard at applique designs! Patti will get you started from start to finish!
Suitable for all skill levels.
Dates: Sat, March 24 9:00 - 1:00 pm
Instructor: Patti Dockus Fee: $34
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Block of the Month Programs
Exciting NEW Beginner's Block of the Month!
We have an exciting new program just for our beginners! Many times our newer quilters have been hesitant to enroll in our block of the month programs. They have felt they were a little too advanced for their skill levels. Well, after some careful consideration, we think we have just the solution! A 12 month Block of the Month just for beginners! Of course, anyone can enroll, not just beginners because the quilt is really cute and fun!
Our Beginner's Block of the Month will be based on the pattern Pinwheel Sampler from Rachel Griffith Designs. It is a series of pinwheel and star blocks! This project is perfect to learn all about the dreaded triangle and how to manage it, as well as putting a bigger quilt together. We will discuss various triangle methods so you learn different techniques to accomplish the same thing and each month you will receive a fabric kit and instructions during a demo. Our fabrics will be a selection of Art Gallery prints with a creamy background. You will then make the block at home. Some months you will have two blocks to make. At the end of the 12 months you will learn how to put it all together with sashing! Perfect! (Quilt size: approx. 58" x 58" )
Fees: $15 per month
Dates: 2nd Wed. Eve of each Month beginning 3/7 6:00 - 7:00 pm
(3/7 is an exception to the 2nd Wed)
Dates: 2nd Sat. of each Month beginning 3/10 9:00 - 10:00 am
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NEW! Mariner's Compass Block of the Month - coming in April!
We are not ready to discuss the details just yet, but our Block of the month program for 2012 will be to make a Mariner's Compass Quilt! This has always been on my list to do, and this is the year! This one will be paper pieced and utilize the book Mariner's Compass pictured above. The cover quilt is not necessarily the exact quilt being make, but is an example of quilts in the book. Details will be closer to the March/April time frame so watch for it! If you are interested, please let us know!
Note: The photo above is Hoopsister's quilt. We have not finished our sample yet, so ours
will look different than above.
New! Goose Tracks Embroid-A-Block of the Month! - Begins in March.
What is EmbroidaBlock you ask?? It is piecing, embroidery, and quilting your blocks all in the hoop for your embroidery machines! This is way too cool! Blocks can be made in 8" or 5" sizes, so any embroidery machine can handle this! This year's pattern is called Goose Tracks, and will be a block of the month program for 10 months. This pattern features 36 blocks, each one different! You will do 4 blocks per month, but each one will differ. New this year is also an optional border, not pictured above which can be purchased as a separate software pattern. Also new is the addition of some bonus blocks to allow for making your quilt bigger by repeating the goose tracks blocks pictured above and adding the bonus connector blocks.
This pattern has lots of detailed embroidery, all done in the hoop! Come for a demo each month. Our sample fabric selection is still being finalized, so stay tuned. (Note: The photo above is Hoopsister's quilt. We have not finished our sample yet, so ours will look different than above.) The program will start in March. Each month you will receive a CD with that months design. You will receive the CD with stitch files, written instructions, and a slide show each month to take home with you. All embroidery machine brands are welcome! Suitable for all levels, but you MUST understand how to use the embroidery functions of your machine.
Fee: 8 Inch Block - $159 for Fabric kit (required) plus $12 / month
5 Inch Block - $89 for Fabric kit (required) plus $12/month
(Note: If you really want to use different fabrics than in our kit, we can accommodate. You select your fabrics from bolts on our shelves and we will cut the kit for you. The kit fee stays the same and is still required.)
(2nd Note: Fees do NOT include purchase of optional border software or fabric)
Dates: 3rd Wed. Eve of each Month beginning 3/21 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Dates: 3rd Sat. of each Month beginning 3/17 9:00 - 11:00 am
This is the program we had intended to run last year but never got around to it! So, if you are still interested, now is the time to sign up! This class is a definite GO!
Reserve a seat NOW, because these fill quickly!
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JANOME CLASS SCHEDULE
Janome Machine Classes.....
Our machine classes are designed to help you learn to use your Janome sewing machine or serger. The Janome 101 thru 104 classes are free with the purchase of your machine. Customers who have purchased Janome machines elsewhere are more than welcome to join us, but must pay a class fee. Additional project oriented Embroidery or Serger classes are open to all machine owners, and are not Janome specific. You must be familiar with your machine and understand how to operate it for these project classes.
Janome 101
This class teaches machine basics for all Janome owners. Topics includes threading, bobbin winding, accessories, features of your machine, tension setting, basic zigzag, edge finishing stitches, and buttonholes.
Dates: Thur Feb 9 6:00 - 8:00 pm
-or- Fri Feb 24 10:30 - 12:30 pm
-or- Fri Mar 16 10:30 - 12:30
-or- Tue Apr 3 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Instructor: Staff Fee: $50 (Free with machine purchase)
Janome 102
Designed specifically for our computerized or combo embroidery/sewing machines with memory. Includes decorative stitches, appliqué basics, using the memory functions, any additional features included on these machines.
Dates: Thur Feb 23 6:00 - 8:00 pm
-or- Fri, Mar 30 10:30 - 12:30
-or- Thur Apr 12 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Instructor: Staff Fee: $50 (Free with machine purchase)
Janome 103
Covers basics of embroidery in the hoop. Learn to select designs, do simple adjustments, stitch out the design and save the design in memory!
Dates: Please call to schedule this class
Instructor: Staff Fee: $50 (Free with machine purchase)
Janome 104
This class is for our top of the line Memory Craft 11000SE owners. Learn to use the unique features of your machine including quilting functions and stippling. (Purchasing upgrade for 11000 qualifies you for a free class!) Pre-Reqs are Janome 101 thru 103, or complete understanding of this model's basics and embroidery functions.
Dates: By special arrangement - Please call and speak to Patti
Instructor: Staff Fee: $50 (Free with machine purchase)
Horizon 7700
This class is for our top of the line Memory Craft Horizon 7700 quilting machine. Learn to use the unique features of your machine. This class is 2 sessions.
Dates: Tue Feb 21 and Feb 28 10:30 - 12:30
(note: class is 2 sessions)
Instructor: Staff Fee: $100 (Free with machine purchase)
Serger Training
This class is to learn or refresh basic serger techniques and functions of your Janome serger.
Dates: By special arrangement - Please call and speak to Patti
Instructor: Staff Fee: $50 (Free with machine purchase)
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In Closing....
It's already been a very busy Winter. Try to make time to do something fun! See you in the shop....
Patti
