Well, since the weather outside is forbidding, I guess thoughts can go back to getting those sewing projects done.  Somehow over the winter months, I collected projects instead of finishing them.   I took 2 classes and have yet to finish either project – no fault of the class – I just haven’t worked on them for a variety of reasons.  I was privileged to go on a quilt retreat last fall and, of course, there was a project.  Somehow, it has remained unfinished in my sewing machine travel case.  Do you remember the fairy tale about the shoe cobbler that was blessed to have those little guys come and finish his shoes when he wasn’t looking?  I was kind of hoping that they had shown up in my sewing machine case and that when I looked in there that project would be finished – shoot! – it remains just like I left it.  I do have to find the perfect fabric for baby quilt for a great nephew coming in June – I am thinking it may be robots which is a new line in the shop.  That quilt has a deadline so it probably won’t get sidelined and go unfinished.

Nature Walk Organic Fabrics

The Quilting Patch is pleased to be carrying a line of organic fabric.  This is a new adventure for us.  Please go to www.cloud9fabrics.com and see all the reasons you should be interested in this product.  If you have problems working with or using regular fabric , this would be of particular interest to you.  Or – if you are interested in protecting the environment, this will interest you.  I really encourage you to visit the Cloud 9 website even if you don’t think organic fabric is of interest to you – the site is very informative.  The colors and designs are a little retro.  The fabric came in on a day that I wasn’t at the shop and when I came in to work and saw it, I found it very pleasing to the eye.  Immediately, I was thinking about patterns that it would work well in – it isn’t hard to find an excuse to use a fabric that you fall in love with.

Plans for the 2011  MN Shop Hop are pretty much in place.  View the fabric at the www.quiltminnesota.com.   It will be in the shop sometime in May.  Of course, we can’t sell it until July 31, 2011, but you can come and drool over it and decide how you want to use it.  This fabric was done by an artist by the name of James Meger.  Wildlife is the theme.  It is very beautiful, in my opinion.  The Quilting Patch will be participating and rumor has it that the North Central District will be including some additional incentives.

Those of you in the north country, quilt until the sun shines again.  The rest of you, quilt whenever you can fit it in around the warmer weather you might be enjoying.

Jan (the blogger), Janet & Donna

I know I am strange and have had people tell me so but I really don’t mind winter – guess it is in my genetic heritage.  Therefore, I really enjoy working with flannels when it is cold outside.  There are several to choose from in the shop – everything from snowmen to wildlife to florals.  I wish you would come in and buy all the floral flannel because then I can take my sample home and snuggle under it.  I loved making it because I like to pet the fabric.

The Shopping Cart has gone live.  It is continuing to grow over time.  You may find things on the website that is not yet in the shopping cart.  Just give us a call or email and we can help you out.  Our fat quarters and fat eighths are not on the website or in the shopping cart but we have numerous ones in the store.

Plans are very much in progress for Minnesota Shop Hop 2011.  You can preview the fabric by googling Minnesota Shop Hop online.  You will note that The Quilting Patch is in the north central district now which may change your planning for routes.  Check it out.

The Quilting Patch is offering a beginner’s class starting 2/15/11 which is a Tuesday from 6:00 – 8:00.  You will receive help in all areas of quilting and will have a completed project by the end.  Register with 319 Community Ed – 218-885-1280 ext.369.  Come and join us – we have a good time.

Come and see us soon.  Remember we are always here to help you with any sewing problems.

Janet, Jan & Donna

This is a special time of the year for many of us.  There has been much “hurry and scurry” but hopefully, most of you have your projects under control and the tree up and the baking done. Personally, our family has already had our Christmas celebration.  My house was full of riotous noise, busy, “flying”  bodies, gurgling happily and screaming babies.  There was much excitement over gifts (grandma got her projects done in time) and of course, the lost parts to toys which every adult was trying to find under couches, behind chairs and in the trash.  My husband and I have somehow grown into a family of 21 – 11 grandchildren ranging in age fron 16 years to 3 weeks and 8 of them are boys.  We are extremely blessed and thank God for it.

Janet is celebrating the arrival of her 1st grandchild - a boy.  They are anxious to head southeast to see him and celebrate their family time.   Here is hoping that the weather will not interfere with their plans as I know how important this is to them – Grandma and Grandpa Stram.

I want to introduce Donna.  She is at the store most Fridays.  She works when I am not here and comes in often to brain storm with me.  Then we present our ideas to Janet.  We are always looking for ways to increase your shopping enjoyment and meet your quilting needs.  We all have quilting experience and can help with many sewing problems – feel free to come in anytime to get help.

Right now, I would like to wish all of you a    Very Merry and Blessed Christmas and Hopes and Dreams for the New Year.

Thank you for your patronage in 2010 and look forward to seeing you in 2011.

Jan, Janet and Donna

We will be closed December 23 -January 2  so we can all enjoy our holidays.  Opening January 3.

On a different topic. I started having some sewing difficulties that had nothing to do with my machine needing a tune up or anything like that.  But my frustration led me to learning a few things about sewing machine needles.  I must confess that even though I have been sewing most of my life and I have never really paid a lot of attention to sewing machine needles.  So here is what I have learned – 1.  Most sewing machines use the same needles but that is the 1st thing you will want to check and see if there is a type that you can’t use.  The shop carries Schmetz needles which are high quality and fit most domestic sewing machines.  2.What are you sewing?   A.  If you are piecing a quilt (even if using flannel) a universal needle will be fine – use a 70/10, a 75/11 or an 80/12 (the smaller the number, the smaller the needle).  B. If your quilt is sandwiched and you are doing free motion quilting or stitch in the ditch or cross hatching, you need a quilting or topstitch needle.  The tips are sharper on these needles to allow it to punch through the multiple layers more easily.  The quilting needles come in 2 sizes usually – 75/11 and 90/14.  The 90/14 is a heavier needle with a larger hole which is recommended for use with Sulky Blendables (we have a variety of the Blendables).  The topstitch needle is the same size as a universal needle but has a larger hole for heavier threads or sometimes simply to decrease the fraying of ordinary thread when going through a heavy quilt.  I have personally found the topstitch needle to work best for me when I choose to complete a quilt myself. When I do this, I am often stitching in the ditch or doing a cross-hatch or grid pattern.  Once I began to pay attention to the needles, I had less thread breakage which makes me smile.  3.  If you are making a purse or bag and need to go through multiple layers of fabric, interfacing, and fleece a Denim/Jeans needle may be required.  Of course, this needle is the best when you are shortening your husband’s jeans because he absolutely hates to have them drag on the floor.

Hope this info helps with some sewing problems and with some potential tension problems.  It is a relatively easy fix when frustration sets in.

The Quilting Patch has received the Lily and Will fabric by Moda.  It is displayed in the pattern Sheep Little Baby by Bean Counter Quilts.  It is a sweet, gentle fabric that lends itself to many applications.  We have also received Pure by Moda.  This is the popular blue/brown/mocha combination.  Our shop sample is done in Due Date another popular pattern by Bean Counter Quilts.  This pattern has a size for babies and a lap size option and this fabric is perfect for both.  This pattern is also excellent for beginners – no seams to match.

Come visit us soon.  Remember we are always glad to help with any sewing problems you might be having.

Jan, Janet & Donna

The Quilting Patch has some beautiful Christmas fabrics from the somewhat “glitzy” to the more “botanical” look.  There are also some smaller projects  such as a Quilt in a Box Christmas Wreath.  It is never too soon to start a Christmas project.  We also have some wonderful flannels that I can hardly wait to get my hands on (they are wonderful to pet) - I get to make one of the samples and am very excited about that.

The Quilting Patch will be offering several new classes.  All classes will be offered on Tuesdays from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

1. Snap Happy Bag 

 This is a small bag that closes with a metal carpenter tape.

The cost is $15.00 + supplies.  It will be offered on October 12 and 19.

This would definitely make a nice gift for you or for someone else.

2.  Christmas Projects 

 These projects will be from a new book “Tidings” by Art to Heart which includes patterns such as quilts, pillows, ornaments, tea towels, etc. 

The cost is $25.00 + supplies.  It will be offered October 26 and November 2 and 9.

3.  Beginner Quilting Class 

If you are just starting to sew or returning to sewing this is a perfect class for you.  Topics covered are rotary cuting, accurate machine piecing, border application, layering, machine quilting and binding.  If you lack confidence in any area, come and learn or get refreshed on forgotten skills.

The cost is $45.00 + supplies.  The classes will run for 6 weeks starting November 16 and continuing on November 23,30 and December 7, 14 and 21.

4.  Winner’s Bouquet Quilt by Atkinson

This class will cover cutting and piecing curves to create a beautiful quilt in a choice of sizes, using fat quarters or quarter yard cuts of fabric.  This class requires some quilting experience.  Terri Atkinson is a Minnesota designer who has some very popular patterns from simple to the more complex.  This pattern teaches new skills.

The cost is $25.00 + supplies.  It will be offered on January 4,11,18 and 25 2011.

Class sizes are limited so sign up early.  Classes are small and you will get very personal attention.  Come and enjoy learning something new and setting aside some quilting time for yourself.

We do have some Minnesota Shop Hop fabric left and a few kits.  If you were overwhelmed during shop hop, now might be the time to think about a MN fabric quilt.

Good Quilting to you and hope to see you soon,   Jan & Janet

Side Lakers

The Quilting Patch had its Grand Opening in June.  There were door prizes given and a grand prize on Saturday.  The door prizes were a Quilt in the Box.  These are fun, relatively small quilts in a box – great for a quick project or a gift to a quilter.  The store will be continuing to carry a variety of these along with Runner in a Box.  We are working hard to get the samples ready to entice your interest in these little gems.  There were themes for each day of the Grand Opening – the Sidelakers crew came with there “whacky hats”.  A good time was had by all.

The annual Minnesota Shop Hop starts on Friday July 30th.  This years fabric is about Minnesota winters and is in several shades of blue and winter white.  I have to say that I really like the samples that we have made (I got to make the one using the scenes from the panel – it is really outstanding – shhh - I need to brag quietly).  We have samples from simple to more complex.  They all feature the fabric well.  I think that it is fun to have these Minnesota exclusive fabrics and since I am a winter lover I am particularly fond of this years design.  Remember that you can come in prior to the shop hop and pre-order your kit or your yardage.  It can not be actually purchased until the shop hop begins, however.  Personal opinion – this years fabric will go fast so if you want some I would get my order in soon.  Below are the sample quilts that will be in kits.

The shop has been receiving new fabrics regularly.  We have some Maywood flannels that are just scrumptious.  They are my favorite manufacturer of flannels because they feel so silky.  We have some new autumn fabrics that I see as tablerunners or lap quilts.  The Aloha fabric sample (which is by Jennifer Chiaverini) will be in the shop by shop hop time – it is a quilt to drool over and then make with your own 2 hands.  It really is beautiful and causes your mind to drift to other places in the world.  There is also Marakesh by Maywood Studios which has some interesting shades of red and green and gold in it that is very appealing.  We also have some pop art looking fabric called All American Girl in a floral for the main print in red, white and blue – if you are as old as me it will take you back to your youth.  What a fun quilt that would be in a teenagers room or dorm.  New Christmas fabrics have also arrived – it is never too soon to start thinking about Christmas.

Guess, I was full of news and info after my little hiatus.  Remember the Minnesota Shop Hop starting July 30th.  Come in anytime for new fabrics and awesome sale fabrics.  Hope to see you soon.   Jan & Janet

Thursday is “Whacky Hat Day“  Wear your whacky hat and receive 10% off your entire purchase.

Friday is “Food Shelf Day”  Bring a nonperishable item for the local foodshelf and receive 10% off your entire purchase.

Saturday is “Show & Tell Day“  Bring in your finished or unfinished projects for show and tell and receive 10% off your entire purchase.

There is a trunk show by Lorrie Franz of Bean Counter Quilts on display.  There are many ideas for that quick baby or lap size quilt.

Janet will be demonstrating the X Block on Saturday at 2:00.  This is a unique tool that allows you a lot of originality.

There will be 2 door prize drawings daily with a grand prize drawing on Saturday at 4:00.  Come and get your name in for the prizes.

The shop has received many new fabrics including The Aloha fabric by Jennifer Chiaverini, Holly Taylor Classics, batiks, Christmas fabrics and several “upnorth” panels.  The shop is packed with fabrics and ideas – don’t miss out.    

Whoops – almost forgot to mention all the high quality fabrics and kits on sale – sure don’t want to miss out on that!

We are so excited about this event – Come and join us,  Jan & Janet

I am pleased to say I had the privilege of going to The International Quilt Market that was held in Minneapolis this year.  I was able to attend as a “sidekick” to Lorrie Franz

Lorrie Franz and Jan Adams

of Bean Counter Quilts.  She is a quilt designer and a friend.  It is assumed by many when they meet us that I am her mom but such is not the case – we are friends.  We attend the same church but never really met one another until we both went on a mission trip to Karaba, Rwanda in Africa.  The love of quilting is what brought us together – I think I have said that before – quilting is a good start to a friendship.

Quilt Market is very exciting and fills your head with more ideas than a lifetime can accomplish.  I had a few “star” sightings such as Alex Anderson and Ricky Tims, Darlene Zimmerman, Eleanor Burns, D. Hall.  It was also incredibly cool to learn how many accomplished quilt designers we have in Minnesota.  The MN designers got together and presented a passport MN program which was very successful.  We will highlight some of these designers later (The Quilting Patch carries many MN designer patterns).

The Quilting Patch is planning a Grand Opening and Sale Event  June 24, 25,and 26, 2010.  There will be a special event each day.  We will have a lot of new fabric and a lot of sale fabric to meet your every need.  There will be a trunk show by Lorrie Franz of Bean Counter Quilts (you just met her).  She emphasizes baby quilts and many of her patterns size up to a lap or twin size.  Her patterns are written for the beginner but the more experienced quilter will enjoy them also. She has a way of making a simple construction process look like a very complicated end product.  The trunk show will include several different patterns and quilt samples to help you make fabric decisions.

YAHOO!!!  The Minnesota Shop Hop fabric is in.  Come and look but no buying as yet – we can take pre-orders, however.  We are working very hard on samples to help you with ideas on how to use the fabric.  The fabric features Minnesota in winter – the unique hardiness of us Minnesotans and how we successfully adapt to the climate we live in.  We do have fun and often treat our weather with a sense of humor.  I personallly love being a Minnesotan.

Million Pillowcase

Don’t forget about the 1 Million Pillowcase Challenge.  The first crew that arrived were young.  What a fun way to teach basic sewing and to introduce a new generation to the joys of sewing and giving to a cause bigger than themselves.  Bring completed pillowcases to the shop and we will deliver them to the local foodshelf.   We are also planning another event with pillowcases – stay tuned for date and time.

New fabric is arriving regulary.  We have a Gone Fishing panel that whips up into a lap quilt quickly.  There are some new bears, bearpaws and deer.  It is so much fun and I get to help make samples so I get to play with the new fabics – quilter’s heaven on earth.

Come see us soon,  Jan & Janet

If you are unable to join us the evening of May 4, you are more than welcome to come to The Quilting Patch anytime to purchase your supplies and return your project to the shop whenever it  works for you.  Of course, there are those of you that have plenty of fabric at home to do this project and may come in for a pattern,  but it might cost you a piece of chocolate or a really good cookie.  If you are a new sewer, come  May 4 and Janet and I will be available to help you (I will be available if a new grandbaby schedules his arrival correctly). There will be sewing machines available.  Please read the previous blog for additional details about 1 Million Pillowcases.

Pillowcases in general make a fun and easy gift.  I just gave 1 to each of my great nieces. I called their mom to find out their favorite colors and accidently got it right for each of their rooms.  If nothing else, they will always know which pillow is theirs when they go to a slumber party – do kids still call them slumber parties?  Whew! Might be dating myself.  3 of my grandsons have them also and I see them whenever they come to sleep over – they are well worn so I think they must use them all the time.  It is easy to choose a favorite sport, color or theme for a pillowcase without having to make several things that coordinate or match.

Since I have been struggling with threads and thread tension on my sewing machine, I have been doing some research on the problem.  In the next posting I will address this issue with the infinite wisdom I have gained. 

Sew on my friends.  “Come on in” for assistance, to browse, to buy, and to visit.  New fabrics are arriving regularly.

Jan & Janet

Pillowcases

The Quilting Patch

has joined with American Patchwork & Quilting to Make a Pillowcase, Make a Difference. The intent is to have anyone who sews make a pillowcase to comfort someone such as a foster child, nursing home resident, cancer patient, a battered woman, etc.  The pillowcases will remain local. The Quilting Patch will decide where the pillowcases will go to bring the most comfort in the Nashwauk/Iron Range area.   You will certainly be informed of that decision. There is always a great need for some type of item to bring comfort to any number of people. I have personally worked with at risk and troubled youth and know how much they treasure an item that someone has made for them. I mean “made” for them as most of these kids have never had anyone care enough about them to spend the time to make something for them.  You can find more about the campaign at AllPeopleQuilt.com/millionpillowcases.  Of course, we would like you to come and buy the needed fabric at The Quilting Patch.  We also have patterns available for your use.  This is an exciting adventure that will take very little time and can impact a person’s life. The Quilting Patch will be sponsoring an event at the shop to allow you to come in to sew pillowcases – if you are a new sewer, this is your chance to learn something new.   Seasoned sewers can come for the comraderie of the event.  Date and time will be announced later.  Go for it Quilters!!!!  It is great to be involved with something bigger than yourself.

There will be a lot of new fabric arriving soon.  The first to arrive will be Holly Taylor Classics by Moda.  For you “up north” fabric enthusiasts, this is a perfect fabric.  I am personally very partial to it.  I have actually used some of it in the past, and it is still a favorite of mine. Some new designs have been added to the line and the colors are fresh and so “up north”. The other cool thing about Holly Taylor lines is that if you have a project  started but not finished or ran out of some fabric, changed your mind or any of the other things we quilters do, her lines blend well (this is the voice of experience) allowing you to complete a project.  We have a lot of nice northern fabrics – there is plenty of time to think about a Father’s Day gift.  If not a whole quilt, how about a pillowcase for that man in your life?

Graduation is coming.  I am going to brag.  I have the top done for my godson’s graduation from high school.  If this weekend goes according to my plan, it will be quilted and the binding sewn on with only the handwork to be completed.   I am one of those who is often having to make a big push to meet a deadline or the gift is given after the fact – it is good to be a little ahead of the game.  I used Turning Twenty Again - it is a relatively fast quilt to complete.  The shop has several patterns that you can easily have completed by graduation – come on you moms, grandmas, and godmothers – here is a mission for you and a gift that will last and be remembered and be useful.

There is still plenty of cool weather left here in the north to keep quilting.  Can’t do that gardening or lawn clean-up yet.  Quilt, Quilt, Quilt!!  “Come on in” and we will help you with fabric selection or sewing problems or just chat awhile. 

Jan & Janet