Friday, April 20, 2012

Notable Notion

Making a skirt with elastic? An apron with ties? Then this notion can help you out. Put away those safety pins you're using to thread that elastic with and get one of these elastic threaders and finish the job in half the time---for around $3.

Get one today.   

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Don't miss out on this Super Fun Quilting Class with Bev!

A block of the month quilt that is a current class at the sewing center is this fun Garden Patch Cats quilt by artist Helene Knott. Each block is a fun kitty at first glance---but look again it is a fun veggie or fruit too!

In this series of classes, under Bev's tutelage, you will learn how to applique, use a light box to transfer and manipulate design and sew out the block. Quilting will be done after all blocks are complete.

The class has already begun but you can join in and catch up on your squares later or at home, or, as Bev suggests, come in and sew out a block for a fun garden pillow or wall hanging. The possibilities are endless and who couldn't use a fun kitty to brighten up a day?

This is the Garden Patch Cats class with Bev. See the complete class schedule by clicking here.      

Sample blocks from this series:




And we carry a limited amount of fat quarters to help you with the fabric choices too. Sew easy! Come join us.

Friday, April 13, 2012

A Little Spring Inspiration

Days are getting longer, weather is getting warmer, and while I'm finishing off those quilts I started this winter, I'm looking for some spring projects that I can add to my wardrobe, give as gifts, or spruce up the house with.

So here's what I found around the web this week---some with free instructions:

---Spring gardening notes, dreams, reading lists, sewing notes, put them all in a beautiful journal that you cover and sew yourself. Would make a great gift for that BFF in your life! Get the instructions at favecrafts.com.

---How about a delicate spring Wristlet Purse in pink or any other color of the rainbow? The Coats and Clark website has just the pattern for you.

---Do you own an embroidery machine with a 6x10 or larger hoop? Embroidery.com has a lovely in the hoop clutch available. They have the designs available for purchase and down load---remember to let them know that we are your dealer of choice.

---Don't worry if you are still saving for that embroidery machine; there's a really cute clutch complete with instruction on the Sew,Mama,Sew site. What a beautiful clutch---perfect for that spring dance or prom. It looks to be a quick and easy project too. How about one that Mom can use when you take her for that Mother's Day brunch?

And drop by the sewing center and we'll show you the secret to making this lovely pillow----so beautiful in spring colors---perfect to spruce up your home after all that spring cleaning is finished.






 

Friday, April 6, 2012

Easter Sewing Tradition

The other day a customer remarked about just how much sewing machines and sewing have changed over the past 20 years. This customer loved attending classes at the sewing center and was now teaching the next generation the skills, fun, and satisfaction that all of us who sew know all about.

My Mother had five tiny girls just a year each apart. Each Easter she would sew an Easter dress for each of us. Usually the style of dress was the same but we would each be in a different color---a bit like the colored Easter eggs that graced our holiday table. We would march off to church in those Easter dresses, bonnets, and little purses so proud of our new dresses and Mommy!

Our Easter table always included the tablecloth that Grandma had sewn on her Singer and hand embroidered. She would have been so amazed and excited at what our embroidery machines do these days!

Our customer was so right---sewing is a tradition that we can pass on; happy memories of love and  family---heirlooms that we pass on to the next generation that stay with them even as we go. So have a blessed and Happy Easter and have a wonderful time making traditions of your own.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Notion of Note

How many times have you been at a class at the sewing center and realized that the fabric you were going to use was at home or, even worse, just wasn't what you needed for your project?

Well that won't ever happen again! We're carrying a limited supply of very pretty, quality fat quarters and one yard cuts of fabric for your in store and out of store projects.

Just look at the colors of the rainbow! And if you're doing a quilt, these are just the right size if you need a little something to add a bit of pizazz.

As always, we're here for color consultations, if you're not too sure what color should be added to your quilt or project. Come on in and browse all the beauties we've got in stock just for you.