Have you ever found yourself in need of a quilt shop and you just don’t know where to find one? It’s okay, “there’s an App for that”! Download the Quilt Shop Locator called “Quilt Shops” from Itunes or the Android Market. If you don’t have a smart phone, just visit the website.
“Quilt Shops” – is a free application to find quilt shops across the U.S. from Quilters Club of America and Fons & Porter.
Use your smart phone or tablet to search for 2,500+ quilt shops (U.S. stores only currently)
Versions will be available for iPhone, iTouch, iPad and Android phones
Search for quilt shop by city, state, Zip, or see stores closest to your current location
Look up individual stores to see location, Web site URL, map directions and dial store phone number
Feedback form enables users to easily alert us if a store is missing or needs updated information
Requires internet connection for GPS mapping and distance calculations
I tried it and was very surprised that when I put in my zip code a map of the Puget Sound area populated with dozens of red pin dots marking the location of various Sewing and Quilt Shops. I did not really realize how many there are. The various locations can viewed as a classic map, a satellite picture, or at a street level view (this is very handy for knowing what the shop looks like before you get there).
Armed with all of this new information, I believe that I will need to go and investigate them soon!
I love stripes but finding a way to feature them in a project can be a challenge. When I find a stripe fabric that is great, I like to feature it in my project so that it looks its best. Mitered Borders are a great way to achieve this. But how do you know if the border print or stripe that you have chosen will work well for a mitered border? It is a very simple process really, let me tell you how.
Take a piece of striped fabric that you like
Fold it in half with the wrong sides together. If you are looking at fabric that is still on a bolt, it is already folded for you.
Next, fold again so the folded edges are together.
Finally, fold down the top corner (the loose one) 45 Degrees
The pattern revealed will show you how your stripe will look when it is mitered.
What do you think? Not sure? try it again but rotate the fabric 90 degrees first so that the stripes go the other direction.
Try this some time, it is a fast and easy way to “audition” a fabric and see how it may work for your project.
The APWQ Show a few weeks ago at the Tacoma Convention Center was so inspiring! I sure hope you were able to attend. If you missed it, I will try to give you a brief recap.
The APWQ (Association of Pacific West Quilters) hosted what will now be an annual show in Tacoma. There were so many beautiful quilts to see with such a broad spectrum of techniques shown. This year I seemed to be captivated by all the vivid and rich colors and reaffirmed my love for Batik fabrics. I saw some of the most beautiful appliquéd, intricately pieced, and stunningly quilted works of art (there were even miniature blocks that were only about and inch in size and were perfectly pieced). The colors of the fabrics of the individual quilts worked together in such a way that I was enticed to stop and linger as the quilt told it’s story.
One of the highlights of the show was seeing the winners of the various judging categories, how beautiful! Additionally,the winner of the “Viewer’s Choice Award” was ”Northwest Passage,” by Diane Johnson of Pahrump, NV. The prize for this award was a Babylock Eclipse dx serger (Donated by Quality Sewing & Baby Lock) — this particular model of serger had been on Diane’s wish list for ages! Who wouldn’t just love to have such a wonderful machine that threads the loopers for you?
It always amazes me how much talent quilters possess to be able to transform bits of fabric and thread into pieces of art. What a privilege it is to see these beautiful works of art in person.
We had a local winner of a BabyLock Esante. This machine was given to Sandy from Tacoma who won the APWQ Raffle sponsored by Quality Sewing and our own Paul LaPonte. Wouldn’t you just love going to a quilt show and going home with a new machine?
Now, if shopping is your thing – you surely had fun visiting all of the vendors that were at the show. There was a nice variety of the types of products offered at the show. Beautiful fabrics were a-plenty, new and fun patterns called out to be brought to make a new creation, and several of the newest machines with the amazing features to try.
Next year you will just have to be sure to attend the Show and see all of these great things for yourself. I encourage you to ”Save the Date” and plan on attending the APWQ show next August from the 24th to the 26th, 2012 at the Tacoma Convention Center.
Are you ready to be inspired? This may be just what you are looking for! The Pacific West Quilt Show (formally known as the APNQ Quilt Show) is coming to the Tacoma Convention Center August 26-28, 2011.
The centerpiece of the quilt show will be the 227 finalists in this year’s contest from the 18 US states and Canadian provinces of the Pacific West region: Alaska, Alberta, Arizona, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, The Northwest Territories, Oregon, Saskatchewan, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and Yukon.
Love to shop? There’s also will be a Merchant Mall featuring over 100 vendors where you will find beautiful fabrics and all types of sewing items as well as see the latest in sewing and quilting technology. Make sure to come see us at the Quality Sewing booth!
This past weekend I was at the Puyallup Store and Audrey was giving a class on Cotton Theory by nationally sought after Author and Designer Betty Cotton. It has been a bit since I have made a project using the Cotton Theory. After seeing how much fun everyone was having, it has encouraged me to start another one. I think that I might make one that is fall on one side and Christmas on the other. I love 2 for 1 projects!
In a nut shell, how the process work is that you complete one section or block at a time: top, batting, backing and quilting. All of the pieces of fabric and batting are small enough to be very easy to handle.
There are several things that make this system so great to work with.
Some of these include:
It is fast! When the sections are stitched together, then that part is complete. Just move on to the next section.
It is easy to handle! Since each section is small in size, it is just as easy to make a queen sized quilt as it is a table runner
It is reversible! Since all the seams are finished as the sections are assembled, a completely different back fabric can be used so that you will have 2 projects in one.
It is dimensional! The texture that is created by the unique and easy seam finishing technique adds so much more personality to the project than traditional quilting can give.
It is fun! Such a fun way to explore working with reversible embroidery, decorative stitching, and beautiful threads.
Hey, did I mention fast? I know I did, but it is sure worth repeating! Those of us who are into more of an “Instant Gratification” type of project, this is right up our alley!
I encourage you to give this a try. I started with a table runner and many others have started by making place mats. Betty Cotton has several books and patterns available, check one of our stores to see what they have in stock and try this today! If you are near the Puyallup Store, go in and take a look at Audrey’s great samples (She is a Certified Betty Cotton Instructor) and while you are there sign up for one of her classes.
If you have made a project using the Cotton Theory by Betty Cotton, send us a picture or post it on our Facebook page. We would love to see what you have made.
Enter your original quilting masterpieces to be judged at the 2011 Pacific West Quilt Show and you could be one of the winners of over $25,000 in cash and prizes. The entry submission deadline is Thursday April 28, 2011. There is a limit of 2 quilt entries plus 1 wearable entry per person. To be eligible to enter a submission, you must be a permanent residents of the following states and provinces: Alaska, Alberta, Arizona, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, the Northwest Territories, Oregon, Saskatchewan, Utah, Washington, Wyoming and Yukon. Read more about the contest rules and information or email: contest@apwq.org. The 2011 Pacific West Quilt Show presented by the Association of Pacific West Quilters is August 26th-28th, 2011 at the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center, mark your calendars! This is an exciting juried and judged quilting show with an extensive display of over 500 quilts featuring special invitational quilt exhibits. Events include the Lectures á la Carte series, Instructor for Hire, Saturday Sampler, Awards Ceremony, Show Preview and the Gala Dinner & Auction. Shop over 120 booths in the Merchant Mall and be sure to stop by the Quality Sewing Booth. Quality Sewing has donated a Baby Lock Esante quilting and embroidery machine which will be raffled at the event and a Baby Lock Serger with Jet-Air Threading to be awarded to the winner of this year’s Viewers’ Choice Award at the show! For additional information, please visit the official APWQ website.
Grace Company is known for it’s TrueCut rotary cutters that in conjunction with their rulers, mats and grips, form a cutting system that enables more accurate cutting. This system is safer and easier than traditional rotary systems. I was so excited to try out the newest rotary cutter available from Grace Company, The TrueCut Comfort Cutter. The Comfort Cutter has a unique ergonomic shape, the handle aligns your wrist naturally, placing all cutting power directly over the blade, eliminating stress in the wrist and arm. The benefit of this is maximum power, with less effort and strain on your wrists! I tend to over overextend my wrist when rotary cutting which always means that while trying to tackle a project, I often end up with sore wrists and asymmetric fabric. The design of this cutter is just what I need to support my wrists!
The Ergonomic Handle Aligns Your Wrist
Other great features of this cutter include the blade allows for both left and right hand cutting, you can take the blade and guide and switch to the back for left side cutting. You can also customize the rotary cutter’s handle with your own designs, photos or fabrics. Use this cutter with the TrueCut Ruler that has a built-in ruler guide for improved accuracy, safety and ease of use. The cutter also features a easy to use safety guard. The Comfort Cutter comes in 3 sizes, 28mm, 45mm and 60mm.
All three sizes are in-stock and available, stop by your nearest Quality Sewing location to see this new cutter today!
Happy Cutting!
Annalee
Watch this informative video that reviews the features of The Comfort Cutter
The 2011 Sewing & Stitchery Expo at the Puyallup Fairgrounds was last weekend. This year’s event was bigger and better than ever! A few of our employees that worked the Sew Expo have highlighted their favorite parts:
“It is hard to believe that another Sew Expo has come and gone. As always, it is so much fun to see all of my stitching buddies! I trust that you were able to find all sorts of goodies to inspire you as we finish out the winter and head toward spring. There are so many things to see and experience. One of my favorite things from this year have to do with Texturizing fabric. Products like Texture Magic and Krinkle Magic have been around and you may have seen things made with them. There were wonderful samples of “smocking” type accents to children’s clothing, quilts and all sorts of things in the Superior booth. To see how it’s done, watch this video http://www.superiorthreads.com/shop/category/texture-magic/videos/. Now here is my favorite pick for using with this product! There is a new Embroidery Design Collection out by Jenny Haskins called “3D Embroidery Magic”. This Multi-Format CD contains textural designs that fill your hoop and make very interesting texture patterns when the Krinkle Magic is steamed. Read here for more information. In addition, the CD has beautiful flowers and leaves that have such dimension and just come to life with a simple burst of steam. I can hardly wait to make something fun with these designs! If you are as inspired to try these designs as I am, be sure to share a picture of what you created!” Reva, Quality Sewing & Vacuum Event Coordinator
“Sew Expo was amazing this year. I have been with Quality Sewing for almost ten years, and this was my first opportunity to work at Sew Expo. It was wonderful to see all of the happy people walking around shopping and admiring the wonderful displays and products brought by the different vendors. Everyone was smiling and having a great time, and I got the chance to visit with several customers who called the Sew Expo, “the happiest place to be.” Everyone I saw took the opportunity to show me their new treasures and talked about the best places to go visit on my breaks. I can’t wait to see some of the great show and tell at the next few Sew Fun presentations, when the beautiful finds turn into the amazing work our customers display at show and tell.” Jim, Quality Sewing & Vacuum Everett Manager
“This time of year is always exciting being Expo brings all sewers together for a great event of seeing what is coming out new and what great buys you can come up with over four days. So many fantastic new machines for our embroidery are being introduced and great quilting machines to make our projects easier to get done and the quality is the best! Being I work for Quality Sewing is even better being most of the time I get a preview of what is coming out for all our great customers so I can share with you which makes my position very special in every way. Working at Expo is great, I am there each day to view what others have in their booths that is new and interesting for many classes I share at the Everett store. I am on my toes always looking for that special project you all might like to try in the coming months ahead. Expo is really a big help being we all get together in one spot and so you don’t have to travel so far to find that special item you might want to use down the rode! I found many new items to share in my classes that will be wonderful for our homes, gifts and for the holiday ahead! I look forward to many fun classes ahead with many smiling faces and great friends I have had and many new ones I made at Expo this year. This year was great as I had the opportunity to see many of the gals I don’t see unless I am in the south end at these events. Seeing the smiles and listening to what each person is doing was very special in every way. So many ideas and so little time but getting together to share the love of sewing and what everyone wants to do is very special in my heart. Hope you found that Expo was that way for you too! Yes I had fun too and found many wonderful new items to try out and especially in my embroidery classes ahead at Quality Sewing in Everett.”
Betty, Quality Sewing & Vacuum Everett
Other Sew Expo Highlights:
The Pillowcase Patrol at the Sew Expo was a huge success, over 2300 pillow cases were received! View great pictures of the collected pillowcases on the Coats & Clark blog.
Lorri, winner of the Quilt Expressions 4.0 with Lana from Quality Sewing
Congratulations to the following customers that won the following Expo door prizes donated by Quality Sewing & Vacuum:
Karlene, winner of the Viking with Bo from Quality Sewing
Karlene from Utah won a Viking Sapphire Quilting Model 875, Carol from Snohomish won a Brother Model 1500D Sewing, Quilting and Embroidery Machine and Lorri from Oak harbor won a Quilt Expressions 4.0. Sally from Bonney Lake was the luck winner of the drawing for the Brother 950D at the Quality Sewing booth in the Showplex.
If you missed Sew Expo this year or wish that Sew Expo was happening again this weekend – be sure to save the date for the 2012 Sew Expo March 1-4, 2012! To keep updated on Sew Expo 2012, check out their website. They have pictures and additional blog posts too!
Last month we posted a blog about numerous sewing and quilting groups that meet around the Puget Sound region to sew for a charitable organization or cause. We had a fantastic response from numerous readers that participate in groups! Read about these additional groups, plus we included the information posted previously to get the word out about these rewarding opportunities.
Binky Patrol
Binkies are sewn, knitted or crocheted blankets, made from the heart and given to children in need of comfort. These children have survived such tragedies as cancer, fire, flood and domestic violence to name a few. The local chapter would like to invite you to join. Binky Patrol meets the first Sunday of each month in Marysville. Call 360-659-7198 for more information.
Dress A Girl Around the World
Sewers from several states including Washington State are working with Hope4Kids International to serve girls so poor they can only dream of ever owning a new dress. The group transforms used pillowcases, sheets and donated fabric remnants into dresses any little girl can be proud of. The pattern is simple but produces versatile dresses quickly. And by adding a pocket, a little lace or a vintage handkerchief these dresses become even more unique. Some ladies hide a handmade doll or teddy bear in the pocket for a sweet surprise making it even more special! In the last year, Dress A Girl Around the World has delivered over 12,000 dresses to 34 countries. This year they have an ambitious goalto distribute 50,000 dresses to girls in need. There are several local groups sewing for this program and new sewers are becoming involved. If you would like more information visit the blog about the Washington State groups.
Maple Leaf Lutheran Church Quilters Circle
This group in Northeast Seattle makes quilts for Lutheran World Relief. These quilts are shipped all over the world to assist with disaster relief. The group needs gently used full (or larger) sheets for quilt backing. Cotton fabric suitable for quilts is also welcome. Donations may be delivered to the Church at 10005 32nd NE, Seattle, or contact bbcook@msn.com for pickup.
Little Dress for Africa
“Little Dresses for Africa is a non-profit 501c3, Christian based organization which provides relief to the children of Africa. Simple dresses are made out of pillow cases and distributed through the orphanages, churches and schools in Africa to plant in the hearts of little girls that they are worthy!” The Everett Quality Sewing location is in the process of organizing a Little Dress for Africa sewing group, For further information, please contact Rose Mary at the Everett Quality Sewing location (425)290-8000 or (800)488-0458. Read here for more information about this organization.
The Piecemakers Quilting Group
Giving back to the community while incorporating their love for quilting, the Piecemakers Quilting Group meets twice a month to assemble quilts that are distributed through Lutheran World Relief. The quilt tops are sewn by various members of the group, then the quilts are assembled at group meetings. On average, the Piecemakers complete 10 Quilts at each meeting! Quality Sewing donated a Brother NS40 sewing machine to help this group with their generous efforts. This group meets on the first and third Thursday of each month at Advent Lutheran Church in Mill Creek. Visit the Piecemakers blog for more information!
Bags for YWCA
The YWCA’s Women’s Support Shelter is a domestic violence shelter for women and their families. For many, the Shelter and its related services form a sturdy base from which to start fresh, stable, safe, self-sufficient lives. The mission of the Wednesday Bag Ladies at the Tacoma Quality Sewing location is to provide tote bags for their fresh start. Simple totes, for adults & children, can be great canvasses for embroidery, quilt squares, raw edge applique, decorative stitches, etc. The Wednesday Bag Ladies meet on the third Wednesday of each month at the Tacoma store, read more about the Wednesday Bag Ladies.
Quilts for Vets
Our Federal Way Quality Sewing location has a group that meets the 1st and 3rd Friday morning of each month to sew and put together quilts for military personnel and veterans. Last year the group sent over 1,000 quilts to Afghanistan and made quilts that were distributed at local Veterans Nursing Homes. This group meets the 1st and 3rd Friday morning of each month at the Federal Way store from 10am-12pm. Supplies are provided, however donations are always welcome! For more information, please contact Audrey at the Federal Way Store (253) 946-5865.
Project Linus
Have you heard of Project Linus? Project Linus is comprised of hundreds of local chapters and thousands of volunteers across the United States. Each volunteer and local chapter work together to achieve one mission which is to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer “blanketeers.” Project Linus has distributed over three million blankets to children in need since 1995. Read here for more information about Project Linus. The Puyallup Quality Sewing location is a Project Linus drop-off point where you can bring your completed blankets to the store then they will be delivered to the local Project Linus Chapter. You can contact the Puyallup store directly at (253) 841-4288 or (800) 266-8842.
Pillowcase Patrol at the Sewing & Stitchery Expo
As a part of the “Million Pillowcase Project”, the 2011 Sewing & Stitchery Expo will be a collection point for handmade pillowcases. Create cheerful pillowcases for the children who are undergoing treatment at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital. Every person who brings pillowcases will be eligible for a fabulous door prize! Read here for more information and to download the pillowcase pattern.
Do you participate in a group that makes items for a charitable organization? Comment on this blog post and share other opportunities you may know about or participate in with our readers!
Did you know the nation’s largest event for sewing enthusiasts takes place right here in the Pacific Northwest? The Sewing and Stitchery Expo is a non-profit educational event that features over 100 seminars daily, hands-on workshops, style shows and over 400 booths that specialize in the latest in fabrics, tools, and supplies! This year Sew Expo will be taking place March 3rd-6th at the Puyallup Fairgrounds. In addition to all the daily happenings, special guests Nancy Zieman and Ricky Tims will be flying in to make special appearances. Nancy will be presenting an exclusive never-before-seen program for the Expo audience. Ricky will be on the Expo Runway playing a grand piano, singing and quilting!
The Sew Expo has a new website that has all the details you need to know about the show. You can download a registration brochure which features all the seminar and class descriptions. Additionally you can register for the daily seminars on the Expo website. You can purchase Sew Expo tickets at all Quality Sewing locations while supplies last. Pre-sale tickets are only $10.00, they will be $12.00 the day of. The Sew Expo website also features an updated blog and some fun links including: Pillowcase PatrolAs a part of the “Million Pillowcase Project”, the 2011 Sewing & Stitchery Expo will be a collection point for handmade pillowcases. Create cheerful pillowcases for the children who are undergoing treatment at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital. Plus Buzz Tools Embroidery Designs has provided fun, juvenile embroidery designs for the pillowcases, these designs are available for download on the Sew Expo website. Every person who brings pillowcases to the Expo will receive one free spool of Coats & Clark thread and will be eligible for a door prize! Totebag Challenge- Make Your Own 2011 Souvenir Totebag Contest rules and free optional embroidery designs are available on the Expo website!
Be Sure to Visit the Quality Sewing Booths – This year we will have an expanded notions and thread booth in the Pavilion. We have been shopping and negotiating with our various vendors for several months to bring you an amazing array of hot buys! We have combed our stores for close-outs and one-of-a-kind items that will all be priced to sell fast. We will also feature the new items that Nancy Zieman will show in her seminars, all at special Expo prices. We have many sewing experts on-hand this year and this will be a great opportunity to meet them. Across from the notions booth in the Pavilion, we have multi-needle embroidery expert George Moore and special guests long arm quilting experts Donna Springer and Denice Applegate Schober. Be sure to visit Angela Mullins, our guest digitizing expert from Floriani in our main booth in the Showplex. Across from our main booth, we will have special guest Ed Moore, the lead designer for Koala Cabinets. This event is not to be missed as it only happens once a year! View our 2011 Sew Expo Buyers Guide that showcases all the fabulous deals to be had at this year’s event.
“Quilt Shops” – is a free application to find quilt shops across the U.S. from Quilters Club of America and Fons & Porter.
Those of us who are into more of an “Instant
Gratification” type of project, this is right up our alley!
