The Quiltzette

July 27, 2015

Classes . . . Better Than Ever!

As a loyal customer of Cortez Quilt Company you know that we continually strive to improve our service and your experience. With this in mind, we are making some positive changes to how we manage and teach classes. Here's the scoop.

Classes will now be limited to six students. This means that you will have plenty of space to spread out on your own six-foot work table. You'll also get more personalized attention from your instructor.

We're also adjusting our staffing so that your instructor will not be pulled away from the classroom to help at the front counter when we get busy or be distracted from the goal of teaching in any other way.

You have the option of leaving your sewing machine at home. That's right, we're now providing state-of-the-art BERNINA sewing machines free of charge for our students. Of course you may still bring your own machine if you prefer (except for youth and beginning classes . . . shop machines will be used exclusively for these two groups).

Beginning in September we will offer evenings classes, starting with one per month and adding more if there is enough demand. Also look for some Sunday afternoon classes from time to time.

To reserve a space in class students will now be required to pay class fees at the time of registration and purchase, in advance, any pattern/book/notion that is required for the class.

We hope these changes will make your learning experience the best it can possibly be. To read our class policies please click here and scroll to the bottom of the page.

Once in a Blue Moon

Okay, a blue moon (two full moons in one month) isn't really all that rare. But since there is one coming up on Friday and we have this fabulous Blue Moon kit in stock we thought we'd have some fun by discounting it 15%. Great deal, right? But it's only good for one day . . . Friday, July 31. This quilt measures 90" x 96", you end up with enough extra blocks to make matching pillow shams, and the special price is only $143.65. Phone orders are welcome if you can't make it into the shop that day. Reach us at 970-565-7541.

Upcoming Classes

BERNINA Club: Quilted Pillows
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Time: 5:15 – 7:30 p.m.
Free Event

Mix modern and traditional piecing to create unique quilted pillows. Techniques include uneven log cabin piecing, strata piecing, free motion quilting, faux free motion quilting, and making binding for pillows. We will watch a video presentation from 5:15 until 6:00. If you’d like to stay and make a pillow bring your machine. Please call 970-565-7541 or e-mail Cindy by Tuesday at 11 a.m. to reserve your space. You do NOT need to own a BERNINA to attend.

Butterfly Beauty
Friday, July 31
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
$29, pattern required
TWO spaces left in this class

One more time! This will be the fourth time we’ve offered this popular class. The beautiful butterfly wall hanging would look great in any room in the house. It’s 29″ x 53″ as shown here. This project is done using raw edge applique and this is a great pattern to learn the technique because the pieces are not too tiny. Karen Childress will teach this class. See the sample she made in the shop.

See the full class schedule here.

Expanded Hours

We're now open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. That's an extra hour in the morning and an extra hour in the afternoon. Hope this is helpful!

The Q20 Has Landed

We've been talking about this for a year and it's finally here. The BERNINA Q20 sit-down long arm is a must-see, must-try machine. Here are just a few of the features and benefits of the Q20 . . .

• Easy and intuitive to use; large color touchscreen with on board videos and help features

• 20 inch throat to accommodate large projects

• Dual BERNINA stitch regulators built in under the throat plate which read fabric movement and keep stitch length even

• Four stitch modes: two regulated, one manual, one basting

• 36” x 45” table expands to 78” wide for large projects

• 50 LED lights over workspace

• Uses domestic sewing machine needles for maximum flexibility including a twin needle for greater creativity

• Uses standard BERNINA quilting feet

• Up to 2,200 stitches per minute

• Easy threading and bobbin winding at the front of the machine

• Beautiful Koala cabinet included (available in eight finishes); 29” standard height cabinet is also available in 32” and 35” for taller quilters

We've done extensive research comparing the Q20 with all other sit-down longarm machines on the market. If you've been looking at other brands, ask us what we found when we did the homework. Come in for a demo today!

One Day Only: 60-Month Financing

This coming Saturday - August 1 - is Swiss National Day and Swiss-based BERNINA is celebrating by offering 60-month zero percent financing on BERNINA products priced $3,000 and above. If you've had your eye on one of the higher end machines (or the new Q20!) now is the time to act. Click here for more information on financing.

Tip of the Week: Stitch Length

"Set your stitch length to 2.5." What does that mean? Here's a quick conversion from metric settings that are on many sewing machines to the number of inches per stitch.

Stitch Length in Millimeters Stitches Per Inch

1                                                      24
2                                                      13
3                                                       9
4                                                       6
5                                                       5
6                                                       4

So, if you set your machine at 2.5 you'll be sewing 11-12 stitches per inch.

"I think clothes should make you feel safe. I like clothes you want to go to sleep in. I sometimes stand in front of a mirror and change a million times because I know I really want to wear my nightgown." ~ Gilda Radner