Last Minute

This is the last Christmas post for 2009. If there is still someone looking for an idea for you then a gift certificate will be the best idea. Our sale starts on Sunday December 27 so the gift certificate would be worth 30% more!

Our annual sale runs Sunday December 27 to Thursday December 31. On sale at 30% off are all regular priced fabrics, notions, thread, books, patterns and batting.
Excluded are the Juki sewing machines, AccuQuilt GO and accessories and the Grace Frame.

We are open 10 am to 5 pm each day. I try to be down early and will open as soon as I start the coffee. I plan to be ready by 9am on Sunday. I expect to be ready by 9:30 the rest of the days.

Wishing you a wonderful day, tomorrow and always!

Quilt Kits

There are lots of quilters who like using kits. The pattern and fabrics appeal to them so they can get started making the quilt right away.

I always find it a challenge to make kits. Choosing a pattern is the easiest part. Trying to choose fabrics in colours to suit customers' taste is the hard part. Sometimes we go with the same fabric as the pattern, especially when the pattern is available online from the fabric company. Or, when Brenda has designed a pattern with a specific line of fabric which we ordered, like Northcott's 'Winter Sports' flannel line. Sometimes I like the pattern and try to choose fabric you would like.

We think it is important to take time to plan a quilt with you when you come into the store. Doing this could be thought of as helping you choose your own quilt kit. That way we are both happy with the choices.

Always remember we are here to help. Helping you choose fabric is the most fun I can have! It's my kind of playtime!

PS: Have you ever checked out the free patterns from your favourite fabric company?

What More Could You Ask For?

There are only 3 days left to shop. That means 21 ideas have been posted so far. What else is left to talk about?

How about needles? I never seem to have enough needles or know where the ones I need are at that moment. So, if a quilter needs stocking stuffers, I would suggest an assortment of needles. Machine needles: universal needles in size 75 and 90, topstitch needles in 90 and 100 sizes (see Dec 12), quilting needles in size 90, embroidery needles, etc....

Hand sewing needles: quilting needles known as betweens in a variety of sizes, sharps as small as you can use, embroidery or milliners needles for binding, straw needles, etc......

I am getting the idea we should have a class about using needles. That way you could learn when and how to use the different ones. Using the correct tool at the right time always improves the quality of your work by making it easier.

BoNash For Art Quilts

I first learned about BoNash products in fibre art workshops. There are several items I just love.

The 'Bonding Agent 007' is glue in powdered form. Think fusible webbing as sugar. I use it with angelina and foil. In the past I have used it when I have nicked a fabric after quilting in a wallhanging. The hanging wouldn't get washed alot even though the glue does hold through washing and dry cleaning. Sprinkle a little in the slit, cover with parchment paper and iron until fused. It's great for clothing hem repair in a pinch. The hem never comes down but, if it does become loose, just warm it up with the iron to reglue it. They suggest their non-stick craft sheet but I use parchment.

Jane loves the BoNash Iron Shoe. The promotional literature says:

The Ironslide Iron Shoe fits easily over the base of your iron. Made of PTFE A space-age material that is non-stick. Nothing sticks, starch and fusibles wipe off. Nothing burns or scorches. Iron from cotton to silk or denim to lace without waiting for iron to cool. Iron over sequins, puff paint, glitter, motifs without damage. Eliminate the need for a press cloth.

Loving glitter and sparkle as I do, I recently played with the Pressure Sensitive Fabric Adhesive and the No-Mess Glitter Tower. The woman demonstrating at Quilt Market said the glitter is much finer than others so it sparkles more. Yes, I agree. Although some things on the counter still have bits of glitter on them so I am not sure about the no-mess label. I would love to show you my samples. The glitter at $30.99 is pricey but can be used in other craft areas such as cardmaking and scrapbooking. The PS Fabric Adhesive can be used with foils. The packaging has both a Bo-Nash logo and a Tonertex Foil logo so I am beginning to wonder if there is more of a connection with what we have known as Jones Tones. Hmmmmm?

Help for Speeding Up Your Binding Stitches

Time running out and so much binding to do? Here are 3 ways that may help:

1. Clover Needle Threading Cassette: Automatically threads and stores up to five needles. For sharps No.2 though No.10 and all other needles that can be fitted into the Cassette. Put your needles on in a bright light. You save time by quickly threading the needles.

2. Finger Flashlight: Strap it to your finger so the light shines directly on the section you are stitching. You could even keep binding while the driver takes you to the receiver of the gift.

3. Foxglove Cottage Needles: I find a longer needle for binding makes it easier to sew as there is more to grasp and pull. I have used the Embroidery needles lately as they are long but still thin. When my fingers get tired the length makes it easier to grab.

Busy Times

What a busy day! But, my hair looks great thanks to Roland, the cranberry sauce and gifts are ready for the Tim family dinner tonight, and other family things are getting sorted.

Rather than an idea today, let's talk about the Christmas spirit. When Joan and I had the New Year Party in September we collecte donations for the Women's Rural Resource Centre in Strathroy. We delivered over $550 to the shelter and the woman who accepted the gift said it would be used for their Food Bank. Last Monday night the Sew Happy Quilt Group in Mt Brydges collected food for them as their need was still so great. Last night my book club friends collected donations of food for them because they heard the need was so great.

So today I hope you will think of those, especially women and children in shelters, who have such a basic need as food for Christmas. We keep our family and friends warm with our quilts and quilted items. Shall we keep others warm with gifts of food?

Fons & Porter Glue Pen

Applique is something many people find challenging. Learning how to make smooth edges and small stitches takes time but everyone can learn tricks to improve their skills more quickly. Investing in quality tools to help will you progress also.

If you want to do needle-turn hand applique you would benefit by taking a class where the instructor knows the ins and outs. It is a technique I like for small pieces with curvy details but don't have much opportunity to practise.

If you use freezer paper hand applique, then the Glue Pen might be a time saver and the skill booster you need. With this glue pen you can apply a fine line of glue to the seam allowance on the edge of the freezer paper. The seam allowance sticks to the paper until the glue is washed out. The glue looks blue when you apply it but dries clear. Whenever I used a glue stick I ended up with sticky fingers and the applique pieces glued to lots of body parts and sewing tools. With the glue pen, I can apply a thin line and keep everything non-sticky! The refills make it reusable and saves the cost of a pen every time.

Sometimes a little tool makes all the difference.