The Quiltzette

January 4, 2016

2016: The Year of Yes

I stumbled onto this book by Shonda Rhines recently. Her name will be familiar if you're a fan of Gray's Anatomy, Scandal, or How to Get Away with Murder. She's the creator of those popular television shows. Anyway, the book is titled The Year of Yes, and it's a very fun read. After finishing it I was inspired to declare 2016 my Year of Yes. So far, I'm saying Yes to dance lessons and Yes to learning how to knit. I know . . . not exactly earth-shattering, but a couple of new and different things for the new year. We'll also be saying Yes to many new ideas, activities, and merchandise at Cortez Quilt Company this year. You saw the initial list in the last newsletter and I'm certain it will grow as the months roll by. Keep an eye on the Quiltzette for breaking news. And, by the way . . .

What will YOU say Yes to in 2016?

Okay, enough about Yes. Now I'd like to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU to everyone who supported Cortez Quilt Company in 2015. We had an amazing year and we're all excited and optimistic about 2016. I feel truly blessed with loyal customers who help us thrive and the best staff anyone could ask for. The future looks bright!

Thanks to everyone who came out to our year-end clearance sale. Imagine taking a stroll from Cortez Quilt Company almost all the way to the Visitor's Center at the corner of Main and Mildred. Can you picture that walk? That's how much fabric we sold in three days last week. There is still a good selection of clearance fabric left at $7/yard. Come on in for a little stash building.

I wish each and every one of you the best 2016 you can imagine. Happy New Year!

                                                                                                              ~ Karen

New Baby Collection

This cute panel is part of a flannel collection we received last week. Cute, cuddly, and very nice quality. Add one or two borders from the the six coordinating fabrics to the panel and you'll have a beautiful baby quilt in no time.

A Little Duffle Do It
Friday, January 8, 2016
12 noon – 4 p.m.
$15, pattern required

Make this cute little zippered duffle in an afternoon with Judy Bryan as your guide. The pattern offers several different sizes and you’ll have the option to line the bag with iron-on vinyl if you’d like. These are great for storing cosmetics, power cords, sewing supplies, or just about anything else.

Beyond Beginning
Saturday, January 9, 2016
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
FREE with purchase of pattern and fabric

Beyond Beginning is a special sewing day for anyone who has taken Beginning Quilting at Cortez Quilt Company. We’ll help you choose a pattern for a lap-size quilt and work with you as you get it well underway (then finish at home). This class will refresh your memory and boost your confidence. Karen Childress is your guide.

Click here to see the complete class schedule.

Block Lotto is Back!

We're playing Block Lotto again this winter. Here's how it works. We choose five fabrics and cut a fat-eight of each one. On or anytime after the 5th of each month you purchase that packet of fabric for $7 and make two 12-inch (finished size) blocks of your choice. Bring your blocks to the shop where they'll be on display with all the others. For each block you turn in you are entered into a drawing to win ALL the blocks. Drawings will be held on the last day of each month and winner will be eligible for 10% off fabric to finish the quilt if desired (sashing, borders, binding, backing). This is the collection featured for the first Block Lotto of 2016. Join the fun starting today!

BERNINA Club (You don't need to own a BERNINA to participate.)
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
1:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. (same program, repeated)
Free 

Join us at either 1 p.m. or 6 p.m. to watch a BERNINA presentation on how to make this beautiful pillow. Tone on tone geometric appliqués are currently trending in home décor. Learn how to perfect your appliqué skills using built-in machine functions. Professionally finish your pillow with an invisible zipper and learn how to achieve perfectly turned corners. Also learn about satin stitch applique and get tips on perfect pivoting and corners.

If you’d like to bring your machine and make (or at least get started) on this project, plan to stay for about 2 1/2 hours. Be sure to bring a Show & Tell for extra chances to win a doorprize! To RSVP for this free event please call us at 970-565-7541 or send an email to Cindy.

Tip of the Week: Paper Piecing

We ran across this great tutorial on paper piecing and decided to make it our first Tip of the Week for 2016. It's from the We All Sew blog. If you've ever been frustrated by finishing a section only to find that you're shy a bit of fabric on a tip, this it worth taking a look at.

By the way, our Third Thursday Demo and Saturday Demo in February will be on paper piecing. If you've never tried this technique, Judy (who loves it!) will demonstrate the basics and explain the benefits of paper piecing. If you are already an experienced paper piecer join us as you'll surely pick up a few good ideas.

As always, thank you for supporting Cortez Quilt Company . . . your local independent quilt shop.