The Quiltzette

August 31, 2015

Welcome Our New Technician: Dion Hollenbeck

Many of you know we've been short-staffed in our sewing machine service department over the summer. Thank you for your patience. Our happy news is that as of today we have a second certified technician on our team. When I approached Dion Hollenbeck (pictured here on the right) about coming to work for Cortez Quilt Company shortly after he retired from 3+ decades in the tech industry, his first comment was, "This combines two things I love . . . computers and machinery." Dion is excited to be working with us and we're delighted to have him on board.

Dion joins our long-time certified tech Bill Grimm who has been on leave for most of the summer managing a health issue. We're glad to report that he's on the mend and back at the service bench.

Again, thanks for your patience. Please give Dion and Bill a week or so to get caught up on machines waiting for service and repair and then bring yours in for a thorough clean/oil/adjust. If you live out of town and would like same day service on your machine, please call us to set up an appointment. Having your machine cleaned and adjusted annually will help extend its life and help you sew with ease! ~ Karen

Did you know that we have . . .

A wide array of 108" wide back fabric.

Why piece multiple lengths of 44" fabric for larger quilts if you don't have to?

Isacord thread in every color they make. This polyester thread is perfect for machine embroidery, machine quilting, and general sewing.

Print & Fuse. Run these 8 1/2 x 11 sheets of fusible web through your inkjet printer. No more tracing when you're in the mood for applique.

Upcoming Adult Classes

Criss Cross Pocket Apron
Thursday, September 10, 2015
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Think of everyone you know (in addition to yourself, of course!) who would love to have one of these cute aprons. Perfect for anyone who needs small items at their fingertips . . . a server in a restaurant, an artist, quilter, cook, hairdresser, child doing a craft project, and the list goes on. This pattern also includes a matching potholder, bag to hold a batch of prepared cookie mix, and a recipe. The three items together would make the most perfect hostess gift. Judy Bryan will teach this class. See all three samples at the shop.

Beginning Paper Piecing
Saturday, September 12, 2015
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
$35, book required

Paper piecing is easy once you train your brain to think upside down and backwards. Okay, seriously . . . Judy Bryan can teach you to paper piece. Choose one or more blocks from the book shown here to make in class and you’ll be on your way to paper piecing paradise. Sign up today. Class limited to six students.

Check out the full class schedule here!

Upcoming Youth Classes

Pencil Case
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Elementary school students: 2:00 – 5:00
Middle school students: 3:15 – 6:00
$30 (includes fabric, supplies, and the use of a BERNINA sewing machine)

This cute pencil case is lined with iron on vinyl, has chalkboard fabric on the front to write your name or make notes, and zips closed. Perfect for school or home.

Youth Beginning Quilting
Six Weeks: September 16 & 23, October 21 & 28, November 18, December 2
Elementary school students: 2:00 – 5:00
Middle school students: 3:15 – 6:00
$119 (includes fabric, supplies, and the use of a BERNINA sewing machine)

Master the basics of piecing and quilting in this six-session class. You’ll choose four fabrics and make a beautiful quilted 35″ x 35″ wall hanging/table topper. Learn how to measure, cut, piece, press, machine quilt, and attach binding. This class will give you the skill and confidence you need to become an accomplished quilter.

Click here to see the full youth schedule and details on each class.

We have TWO trade in machines available . . . a 560 with embroidery unit and a 730 with embroidery unit and BSR. Come by today to take a look at these great machines!

Tip of the Week: Best Press Starch Alternative

If you've taken classes with us you know that Mary Ellen's Best Press is a staple around here. A gentle spray of this wonderful product makes seams lie so flat that you can barely feel them. Best Press comes in a variety of scents. We stock Lavender, Caribbean, and Unscented. The tip for this week is related to scent. I absolutely LOVE the Lavender, but find that when I'm working on a large or long project and doing a lot of pressing, after a while even the thing I love can become a bit too much. Solution . . . combine half scented and half unscented Best Press. A customer suggested this to me a year or so ago and I finally got around to trying it. The result if pure perfection! Now I can spritz to my heart's content. If you haven't tried Best Press (or even if you have), come in between now and September 5th (this Saturday) to receive 20% off one 16 ounce bottle. No coupon needed. Just mention that you saw this offer in the Quiltzette.

"I often feel that life is about to begin, only to realize it is almost over."
~ Oliver Sacks, neurologist and author (July 9, 1933 - August 29, 2015)