Another successful table runner class

Debby taught another great Dresden Plate table runner class on Sunday and look at the results -- each one is gorgeous in its own way! Everyone who's ever taught a quilting class knows that the instructor has as much fun as the students -- it's so great to see the creations come together using all those different fabric combinations.  It's a good thing we don't have to pick a favorite because that would be beyond difficult.  The exciting thing is that each combination gives you ideas for future creations and projects.

 

 

 

Table Runner Class is the Double Wedding Ring (made easy using QuiltSmart printed interfacing) taught by Diane.  Check out all the details here.

 

 



Yes, it's been a looooong time since we've posted on our blog, but we're going to change that and start updating it on a regular basis.

Let's start with a couple of great classes we had this week.  Our own Debby Phillips taught the first session of Table Runner of the Month.  She showed everyone how to make great Dresden Plate blocks, as well as the bonus of using Deb Tucker's trimming tool for easy Flying Geese.  Looked like everyone was having a great time and their creations were varied and beautiful.  She's teaching another class on Sunday, so you may still be able to get in on the fun!  Check out class details here. 

Cassie's Mini Dresdens



Angie's Dresden Variation

Debbie's creation in progress

On the same day, Martha had three students learning her ever-popular Hunter Star  -- also using a great Deb Tucker tool!  Look at the great blocks they created; the Hunter Star pattern is so versatile, stunning and easy to create with Deb Tucker's tool.  Stop by the shop for a demonstration of how this great tool works.  Put together a group of four or more people and schedule a class with Martha.  As part of the class fee, she will do a custom quilt design for each person, check out more details here.  

Cora's block and quilt

Dena's quilt and block

Donna's quilt and block

   



5th Saturday Challenge - March 2012

Come into the shop and vote for your favorite today!  Voting ends April 14th.
They are all great...so hard to choose!

5th Saturday Challenge

Come into the shop to vote for your favorite!  Voting ends November 14th. 

Great job everyone!  They are all fantastic.

sewing machine care

Today, I was sewing with some friends and one lady came over and showed me some skipped stitches on her piecing. That got the conversation rolling as to what could cause it and the first idea was: clean out your bobbin case.
Now, I stayed at my current job of pressing my blocks for my mystery quilt. But, others gathered around and laughter was heard. To save any embarrasment we won't name names but Lady A was adding another craft to her sewing - felting! I gather it had been long enough since she had cleaned out her bobbin casing that she had enough lint to be felted.

So, my tip for the day is to brush out the lint with every bobbin change. And when you finish a project, take it all apart, remove you plate and do a thorough cleaning and oil it. Change your needles with each project and also your rotary cutting blade.

Not sure why so many of us hold onto our blades for so long. We are all worth the expense of a new blade. I can't count the times I have thought, "oh, if I just finish all this cutting I can put a new blade in." In the meantime, I spend so much time recutting as the blade skips over spots. When you put the new blade in and it cuts like a dream, I want to smack myself again for wasting my time on that old blade.

A little maintence along the way and new notions make our favorite pastime so much easier and quicker.

NCW Shop Hop 2011

We just created a new page on our website solely for the NCW SHOP HOP!  We have the list of shops participating, a map and all the prizes listed.  I know it's not until the end of September....but it's never too early to start planning.

Check it out today!

Pineapple Log Cabin Quilt Class

Everyone had fun at the Pineapple class.  Check our website for the next date to take this class.  

Attic Window Classes