The Quiltzette

February 16, 2015

Upcoming Events

Third Thursday Demo – THIS WEEK!
February 19, 12:30 p.m. OR 5:15 p.m.

Cyndi Foote recently made this shop sample from a pattern called Costa Maya. It’s unique in that it starts with two different 15″ blocks which are then cut into several shapes and sizes to make a stunning quilt. How the borders are created is particularly interesting. Check out the quilt – in beautiful red, white, and blue – that’s hanging at the shop and join us at either 12:30 or 5:15 p.m. on February 19 for our monthly FREE Third Thursday Demo. See you then!

Quilt ‘Til You Wilt
Friday, February 20, 5 – 10 p.m.

Bring a project and something for dinner and spend an evening sewing with friends. We provide beverages. Quilt ‘Til You Wilt is free. Only ONE space left so call 970-565-7541 today to claim it or put your name on the waiting list in case we have a cancellation.

New Arrival

This beautiful sunflower panel along with four large-print coordinating fabrics arrived on Friday. Perfect for a spring wall hanging or center of a quilt.

Upcoming Classes

Place Mat Club
Third Wednesday of each Month
Wednesday, February 18
THAT'S THIS WEDNESDAY!
10:15 – 5 p.m.
$15, pattern required

For our February Place Mat Club you’ll have three choices. You can make the simple place mat shown here which works well when you have a nice, large print focus fabric. Or, you can make one (or more) for a special child in your life and use our new chalkboard fabric in the center square. The third option is to make a table runner using the same pattern. Oh, the choices!

What’s in Your Bag?
Saturday, February 21, 2015
1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
$15, pattern required

This cute zippered bag has a clear window so that you won’t have to guess what’s in your bag. Great for sewing notions, cosmetics, small tools, art supplies, you name it. Make one and you’ll no doubt want to make more for yourself and for gifts. Cyndi Foote will teach this Saturday afternoon class.

See the full class schedule here.

BERNINA Club: Power Zips

Tuesday, February 24, 2015, 5:15 p.m.
$10 or free if you purchased your BERNINA machine, software or update at CQC
Zippers can be practical or decorative and they’re not as challenging to sew in as you might think. You simply need to know a few tricks of the trade for zipper success. Learn techniques for easy zipper insertion and build your confidence at BERNINA Club this month. We’ll explore standard and invisible zipper insertions, sewing zippers onto sticky fabric such as vinyl, how to add zippers to different types of projects, and more.

You to NOT need to own a BERNINA to attend this event. Zippers are zippers . . . all machine brands welcome!

Call us at 970-565-7541 to sign up for BERNINA Club or send an e-mail to [email protected].

Block of the Month

Plain & Fancy is more than half sold out! Don't miss the opportunity to make this beautiful 82 inch square quilt, one block and one payment at a time. The program begins on March 1, 2015 and wraps up in November (nine months total) and the cost is only $27.99 per month. Call 970-565-7541 or stop by the shop to sign up today. If you live out of town we're happy to mail your kit each month.

Tip of the Week: Sewing Machine Troubleshooting

You’re happily sewing along and all of a sudden your machine goes haywire. Here are a few things to try before pulling your hair out or bringing your machine in for service.

1. If it’s an electronic or computerized machine turn it off and turn it back on.

2. Re-thread the machine, both top and bottom. Take the bobbin out of the case to make sure it’s in correctly when you do this.

3. Put in a new needle and make sure the one you’re using is appropriate for the fabric and thread you’re working with. Make sure your needle is all the way in and not in backwards.

4. Check to make sure you are using the right presser foot and stitch plate for the task at hand.

5. Check to see if your feed dogs are in the proper position.

6. Check to see that your machine plugs are all in properly and that the machine is plugged in securely.

If none of this works, give us a call or bring your machine in for service. Very often a good clean/oil/adjust will solve the problem.

Other Hints and Tips

1. Do a simple home cleaning and oil your machine regularly. Take the stitch plate off and remove dust and lint using a soft brush or Q-tip. Don't use a pipe cleaner and never blow into your machine or use air in a can.

2. When unthreading your machine, pull the thread out from the bottom (the direction it normally goes when you sew).

3. Let your feed dogs do their job. Don’t push or pull on fabric as you sew.

4. Use good quality thread at all times.

"Courage is the important of all the virtues, because without it we can't
practice any other virtues with consistency." ~ Maya Angelou