Ties that Bind
Volume One, Issue 2
Volume One, Issue 3
Volume One, Issue 4
Volume One, Issue 5
Volume One, Issue 6
Volume Two, Issue 1
Volume Two, Issue 2
Volume Two, Issue 3
Volume Two, Issue 4
Volume Three, Issue 1
Volume Three, Issue 2
Volume Three, Issue 3
Volume Three, Issue 4
Volume Three, Issue 5
|
|
TIES THAT BIND
Volume 3, Issue 2, February 2002
We've recovered from the holidays, and are now almost accustomed to writing 2002. January was a good month with many new friends coming in to sign up for quilting classes. Beginning quilters are all ages, but all are eager to make something beautiful to be enjoyed for a long time.
Our Superbowl Party was a hit and those who came were rewarded with tasty treats, a 25% discount, and door prizes given away every 30 minutes. If you missed it, you really must plan to come next year. I don't know what we'll do then but it will be fun. Natalie Tebbetts brought several of her quilts to share with us. That was worth the price of admission. One was a quilt from the 1930s that was started by her grandmother-a small grandmother's flower garden done in 1930s fabrics. Natalie did a beautiful job of finishing it that would have made her grandmother proud. She also brought her Flowers in a Jar (not the formal name) but that's what she calls it. It's a knockout. Her crazy quilt blocks are also gorgeous. I can't wait to see those finished. The last one she brought was made by Donna Anderson, and was given to Natalie as a gift. It is great also. Maybe she'd like to share some photos for our Web site?
If you're wondering, I (Rita) am writing the newsletter this time. Michael is very busy working at his real job at FedEx, and on his days off working at my dad's house. We are in the process of selling his house and Michael has coordinated everything with the realtor and the craftsmen. That was a big responsibility, and he hasn't had a day off in a long time. If that isn't enough I'm always asking him to do something at the quilt shop. It's tough when you're a handy man. A fishing trip is definitely called for when the house is sold.
Our new classes are going well, and the new students are very enthusiastic. They seem to have an almost instant love for their new hobby, and before long they just can't get enough of it. Pretty soon they have a list of quilts they want to make for people they love. That's how quilters are. They're always making something to give away. I know some who hardly keep any for themselves. But I guess that's what makes them so nice to be around. We are always working on new classes to offer the next quarter, so keep watching our schedule. We frequently update it on the Web site and a list is available in the shop.
We've heard about a local family of six who lost everything in a fire. One of our instructors knows them, and they had no insurance. They are temporarily living with relatives until they can move into another home. We would like to offer some assistance to them, and some of you may want to as well. We would like to give them some new outfits for the children, and if possible for the parents also.
- Storm is a 13-month old boy. He wears size 12 to 18 months clothes and size 3 baby shoes.
- Ashley is their four-year old girl. She wears size 5 or 6 clothes, and size 4-6 panties, size 10 shoes, and she also needs socks.
- Eric is their 5-year old boy. He wears size 6 pants and shirts, size 5 underwear, and size 10 or 11 boys shoes.
- Kira is seven. She wears size 10 shirts and pants, and size 10 panties. She also needs socks, and wears girls size 1 shoes.
- The father wears size medium shirts, and size 30 (waist) and 30 (length) pants.
- The mother is size 12.
Bring any items to QuiltSmiths and we will deliver them to the family. Please do not donate used clothing.
If you would like to donate quilt blocks or a quilt top, or if you'd like to come down to the shop with a friend and stitch, we'll be making some quilts for this family. Let us know if you'd like to participate.
Quilters love gadgets almost as much as they love fabric. But for a new quilter who needs everything to start a project it can be overwhelming. It's natural to start thinking "What can I live without." This fact was impressed on me recently as I watched several groups of beginners in class. They did not purchase everything on the supply list. As the class progressed they saw why they needed each item and usually by the end of the class they purchased the necessary items. Ladies, your husband would not have just one screwdriver in his workshop. You can't do rotary cutting with just one ruler. You can't do rotary cutting without a self-healing mat. If you are not sure what all the notions are for, take a look at the "Tools and Supplies" list on our Web site. Find out if you are ready to get started. (We give our students a 15% discount on class supplies). You'll be glad you did.
We are going for a new look in the shop. New fabric is in and more is on the way. Our new fixtures are not in yet, but should be ready soon. That is why you may still see the quilt machine in the shop. Have you noticed that everything seems to take longer than the original estimate? It will be nice when everything is in place. I hope the new arrangement will make your shopping experience more pleasant.
Our children's section is growing, and will continue to do so. It is one of the most popular areas in the shop. Our new arrangement will have childrenıs books in the area with the fabrics. Some new brights are on the way that you'll love.
Our batik section is also blooming, with new pieces coming in frequently. They are so bright and beautiful. I've never seen anything except beautiful things made out of those. And for those of you who like to make garments, they are great for vests, jackets, and even patchwork overalls! Iım not kidding, I saw a pair and they were so pretty.
Every color group is expanding. We want you to be able to find the shade you need. You will also notice our selection of backgrounds is growing. This is an important section as many of the new patterns mix many shades of lights. We hope you'll take a few minutes to look at some of the beautiful new designs.
Our Oriental selection is lovely. Have you seen it recently? If not, you haven't seen it. Gorgeous fabrics by Kona Bay, Alexander Henry, and Maywood to name a few. They would make such an elegant quilt!
Many new groups are in by your favorite makers: Moda, Kona Bay, Hoffman, Bali Fabrics, Maywood, South Sea Imports, Alexander Henry, and In the Beginning to name a few. They just keep getting better.
It's hard to talk about our shop without mentioning our instructors. They are all so wonderful, helpful, patient, talented, and all around terrific girls! Connie Douglass, Lynn Martin, Debi Kucsmas, Nancy Murray, Sheila Johnson, and Carole Phelps. Thanks also to Jessica Mann who always seems to show up at just the right time. And a big thank you to Dorothy Drum who is working on our Web site and keeping me out of trouble. We send heartfelt get well wishes to Donna Anderson who is our resident Domestic Engineer and master bread baker. We love you Donna, please get well soon.
Come in and take a class, learn a new skill, meet a new friend, enjoy a hobby for life.
|