After last week's smoke detector debacle, I am happy to report that all is quiet on the western front; I'm glad to know that so many people found this info. helpful, and thanks for letting me know.  So here we go with another week....the second week of NOVEMBER!  Where has the year gone?!?!  I guess we say this every year at this time, but still!  Please stay tuned for our announcement of what we have in store for you over the traditional "Black Friday"/"Cyber Monday" time span.  I think it will make you smile.  At least I hope so.  But we have some time before then, so let me fill you in on some upcoming classes and events. 

One very exciting NEW Class coming will be Longarm classes with Andi and Lynn!!!  Something to look forward to!  We want you to rest assured that we've got your back with your new longarm machine from Q'nique!  We're not going to leave you wondering about the "how to's".....we're going to show and tell.  You will be practicing what we preach on our selection of Q'nique machines and frames.  So have no fears about purchasing a new machine/frame from us.  We have both a size and budget and plenty of support to keep you happy!  Stay tuned! 

Wed. and Thursday, we're having our regular Rulers Can Quilt classes, for beginners and then for advanced, respectively.  Class sizes are limited here, so be sure to sign up.  Marilyn has introduced us to a new ruler notion which can be used with your rulers as you quilt.  I have one, and I'm a new BIG convert to machine quilting.  Many people in the class already have this dandy tool, but I'm happy to demo it for anyone!  I have a Christmas wall hanging to show you, and part was done before I got the tool, and part after, and you can tell the difference.  It made my quilting soooo much easier and better, so I'm all excited about it.  Come talk with Marilyn when she's here teaching, or with me, and we'll put a big smile on your face!

 

A new class with instructor Andi is being brought back by popular request titled Intro To Paper Piecing.  I mentioned this last week, but the class will be this Friday, and you will complete at least one block.  When you learn the basics of paper piecing, which I love to do, you will be able to branch out to other styles of paper piecing, including the intimidating-looking Judy Niemeyer patterns.  This is NOT the tedious, time-consuming English Paper Piecing with turned edges, but a much more free style.  So your initial investment will be low, and if you want more complicated pieces to do, we can offer you that!  You have to start somewhere, and I think the best place is with a class.  Get signed up and get your supply list; Andi will be providing the pattern for you, included in the class fee. 

SEW SMART is back this Saturday, ay 9:30!!!!  This is a FREE monthly event for you with different topics covered.  Because we're getting close to Christmas, we thought it would be good to talk about all the how-to's of sewing with metallic threads.  I will give a brief (?) talk on threads generally, guiding you to the best choices for your machines, and especially hitting on metallic.  Jan is my master instructor of the metallic, and she'll have samples for you to look at and ooh-aah over, and then she'll be revealing her best tips and techniques!  We're getting lots of questions on the technique, and sometimes it's just trial and error with your own machine.  We'll help you discover what will work for you.  You're sure to pick up a useful tip or two!

 

Following SEW SMART, Jeri will be teaching Software Techniques.  No machine is needed....just your laptop!  Class is from 12:30-3:30, $10, and will bring you up-close-and-personal with your software.  Please join us.  Don't have software yet?  Come check out our smokin' deals.  And don't be confused by the second of the two software classes we offer called Software Inspirations, which is the more intense of the two classes.  

 

Preceding that class, Monday morning from 9:30-12:30 will be OESD Embroidery, and this week's class will feature Trapunto .  Come check out the wall hanging sample Jeri has made, so you can let your mind expand into the vast realm of possibilities of gifts which can be made!  Be sure to pick up your supply sheet when you sign up.  Class is $10, and will require your embroidery machine.  

Next Tuesday, Barbara H. will be here to teach and guide you through the world of One Block Wonder, and you can join the class at any stage of progress.  She has found that this works best for you, not forcing you to have to keep up with your sewing buddy or force you to wait on your buddy to catch up with you.  Work at your own speed, from 9 to 4, and know that this is not a "do in a day" project, but a fun one just the same, that will give spectacular results!  We have two samples in the classroom for inspiration for you.

 

Then, quickly, I will mention that we have two card making classes one Wed. (11-18) featuring OESD designs, and one on Friday (11-20) featuring Kimberbell designs.  Take one, or take them both!  You will get lots done in either/both classes for your own personalized, keepsake Holiday Cards!  For the OESD class, bring your own loaded USB stick with any design OESD offers.  For the Kimberbell class, bring your stick also, and we will help with the downloads.  Call Jeri or Jan at the shop for more info.  623-972-2091.  But sign up now, please! 

A reminder that Mastery Class for Embroidery will be Nov. 19, so make sure you have it on your calendar.  It's a perfect time for a new machine coupled with the upcoming holidays!