Gazette Issue #7 – November 2016

Lots to cover this month – I hope you will read to the end!  I will try to put the fun stuff at the top just in case your time is limited!

Monday’s are OPEN sew 10-4
Come use our classroom space, great lighting, design walls and tables already set up.  FREE

Friday – November 11 10-3
Christmas Tree placemats or table runner! This class has been rescheduled SEW let’s have an open sew!  You work on your project and it is FREE!

Sunday – November 13 10-4
Judy Niemeyer Sew Day!  This event is designed for those that already know the technique and are currently working on project or ready to start a new one.  No instructor for this one, but Denise is available all day to answer your questions or help you with the next step.  Fee is $25.
Want to learn how to paper piece?  Watch our schedule for classes.

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Ann’s Poppy! Made using the pattern African Violet!

Wednesday – November 16 9-noon
Learn how to make these festive dinner napkins for meals with your loved ones!
Fee is $25 (and (2) half-yards of fabric – what a DEAL!)

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Saturday – November 19 9-noon
T-Shirt Prep Class – learn what it takes to make a t-shirt class!  Bring your t-shirts and start the process.  (no machine required for this class!)  Additional classes will be scheduled for the actual sewing and construction of your quilt.
Fee is $15 (no supplies at this time)

Saturday – November 19 4-6
Outlander Party!  Andover Fabrics is releasing their latest collection from the book (and TV series) Outlander.  We want you to be the first to see it live!  Join us at the Luling Oil Museum at 4:00 pm for tasty treats and drinks all Outlander Themed!  Then we will open up the fabrics for you to touch and feel!  They are beautiful!

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Wednesday, November 30 9-4 – OR – Sunday, December 4 & 11 1-4
Machine Quilting 101!  Learn how to use the walking foot and the free motion quilting foot to finish those Christmas Gifts!  We use panels designed by Renae Allen along with her companion book!  Denise has lots of tips and tricks to share!
Class fee is $45 (purchase of kit is required and homework is pin-basting your quilt)

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Friday – December 2 9-noon
Mini Quick Curve Ruler Christmas trees!  Make placemats, table runner or wall hanging!
Fee is $15 (does not include supplies)

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Saturday – December 3 9-noon
Poinsettia Blocks made with Quick Curve Ruler!  Learn how to use this ruler!  Makes sewing curves a breeze!
Fee is $15 (does not include supplies)

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Saturday – December 3  1-4 -OR- Wednesday – December 7 9-noon or 1-4
Christmas Stocking Class – use our cute panel to learn how to make your own Stockings.  It is a lot easier than it looks!
Fee is $15 (requires purchase of a pre-printed stocking panel and 1 Fat Quarter)

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Saturday – December 10 9-1pm
Bargello Tree Skirt Class -learn to make this beautiful tree skirt using the 9 degree wedge ruler!  You will be surprised how fun and easy this project is!  Once you learn how to use your ruler then you will be able to make fun table runners and bed runners as well as creative borders for your quilts!
Class fee is $25 (does not include supplies)

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Coming in 2017
Block of the Month – Using the Quick Curve Rulers!


Quilt Skillz – a comprehensive Learn To Quilt Class!  I am working on my sample and will share in the December Gazette!

Have you heard about our Customer Loyalty Program?
We are Over-The-Top EXCITED about this one!
Sewing Seeds!  Reap What you SEW!
Ask us next time you come!
Save the Date!  Saturday, June 17, 2017 is Customer Appreciation Day!

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Here are a few photos from classes/retreats held last month!  My favorite is Olivia and her beautiful mama – they were in the Walk A Bout tote class!  Who do you share your passion with?

November is the month when we reflect on what we are thankful for.  I am thankful for a supporting family, those that live near me as well as those that live in other states.  Starting with my wonderful husband (Here is a photo that shows he really does go above and beyond!)

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he is my rock!  It is also fabulous that he can build almost anything I dream up!  New racks/shelves/displays are added to the shop on a regular basis, custom built by my handy man!  (These are needed to hold all those scrumptious bolts of fabric!)  (Want to know more about that quilt he is removing the registration threads from? Scroll to the bottom of this post!)

I had a wild idea that we should sell “Barn Quilts”  My daughter-in-law taught herself how to do these and they look fabulous in the shop.  Did you know you can get a custom barn quilt painted by her?  My son and grandkids have also jumped into the fray when I had a health mishap and needed to be rescued at a quilt show where I was vending.  The grandkids love to SEW when they visit and their eagerness reminds me again and again how important it is to hand our sewing enthusiasm down to the next generations.

My sister who hops on a plane to get the computer system going and brings her partner in crime for added manual labor.  Then she surprises me by flying in again for the grand opening!  Then also drove 5 hours to attend the PUPs retreat in Memphis.

My sister-in-law Jeanine for educating me on the purchase of my computer system and credit card handling, always ready to answer my questions and get needed supplies for me.  Her partner in crime has even jumped in and he is my ergonomic specialist!  Watch for bi-annual seminars and learn how to treat your body right!

Finding that perfect employee – I have lucked out here big time!  Lindsey is AWESOME! and she knows every bolt of fabric!  She is always eager to help you with your project and doesn’t mind pulling out multiple bolts of fabric until the perfect one is found!  Her pint-sized helper is also a great employee!  When he is in the shop you know you will not need to open a door!  He also loves to open boxes and always exclaims with delight “It’s FABRIC!”  Man I love that kid!  During the spring and summer we were also able to have several local high school kids help out!  Watching them learn was a great reward for me!  Thanks Sarah, Lexi, Jordan and Shelby!

Our teachers are phenomenal and are always to share their great knowledge with you!  Thanks to LouAnn, Vanese, Marilyn and soon Kathy!  We are always looking for new classes, tell us what you want to learn (or teach!)

Friends and family that stop by the shop, offering words of advice – finding that special fabric that they couldn’t live without!   And those that are too far to stop by the shop send words of encouragement on a regular basis!

Most importantly all the quilting and sewing enthusiasts that find their way to our shop!  We want you to know how important you are!  We have what I believe is the BEST customer rewards program in the nation!  Our “Sewing Seeds”  and I am sure after our customer appreciation event on June 17, 2017 (save the date!) you will agree!

All of this adds up to success!  I couldn’t do it without all of you (and I really wouldn’t want to!)  and for all of this I am truly Thankful!

A few more photos to share – this is Vintage Rose – I was honored to create this beautiful quilt to represent Quiltworx in the Island Batik booth at festival.  Doris Rice, the Quilting Queen quilted it for me on a very tight deadline!  (I will post photos of the quilting when I get the quilt back in December!)

 

Be thankful and kind and remember – tomorrow is not promised!

Dee