We’ve been busy (as usual) and we have changed models all over the Nook! Husbands can be just the sweetest things and Pete certainly fits the bill. He came and hung many of the quilts on the west wall and the lovely Lisa finished up the ladder work in the easier to reach areas. I, of course, was ever ready with advice and pins. I mean, someone has to do the mental labor and these boots aren’t made for climbing. Anyway, be sure to stop in and check out the new walls and get inspired. Fall colors are my favorites,

We have gotten some new batiks and especially hard to find, neutral, backgrounds. There’s one really pretty creamy, goldy background that I hope is still there when next I work. Batiks are really my favorite fabrics to work with but I will always like the Kansas Trouble Quilters colors as well. I’ve used these a lot in my class models.

Lisa worked hard on Sat. (yes, I did take pictures) and we have re-hung the patterns on the purse wall on new sets of hangers that make them much more accessible. I think you’ll like the look. We’re making a little extra space because there will be new things arriving soon. We’re off to see the Checker wizard on Sun. It’s a big trade show and of course we hope to come home with lots of new ideas and “stuff”. This won’t be any fun at all, you know. We never take time for giggles, we just trudge along, working our little fingers to the bone……….. you do know this is b.s. I hope. Anyway, we’ll be home Mon. night and we’ll be tired but happy.

That’s all the news that fit to print. I’ll see you next week

TTFN

Mary

Today, friends we will discuss the often neglected and forgotten “Q” foot. The “Q” foot or Quis footus for those of us in the field is a large mythological beast, no, no, its really an embroidery foot for the Designer series. We’ve never really talked about it and it turns out that we should. The foot (which doesn’t come with the machine) is extremely helpful when embroidering thread velvet, cutwork, lettering and quilting in the hoop. Everyone at Viking Convention was talking about how they love it, so when I got home I put mine to the test. LOVE IT!!!! It seems to make the embroidery smoother with fewer thread breaks. On thread velvet, it goes over that hump that forms when all that thread is being piled up and doesn’t throw off the calibration of the presser foot height. The quilting is just over all better. This pleases me because in the future, I plan on quilting more of my quilts using my embroidery unit. We have a new 8″x8″ hoop and lots of new quilting designs. If that’s not big enough, quilt designs are easily re-sized and you can use a bigger hoop. Your endless hoop would be good for the borders. Just thinking out loud, but I’m going to try it. Wouldn’t have to wait as long for a qult and it really would be all mine. Hmmmmm…

Continuing the quilting theme, there are two more plates that will fit on the interchangeable dual feed foot. We have a 1/4″ plate that has a flange on the side that makes it easier to see the elusive seam line. This would be Great for quilt-as-you-go projects and for putting “piping hot binding” on your quilt just before the binding. They have also created an “open toe” plate that is more open than the plate that came with the foot, but the real difference is on the bottom. The bottom of the plate is shaped like a “B” foot with a deeper tunnel to let thread escape. This would be great for crazy quilting or doing any decorative stitching on a quilt or purse. Those little (actually tall, blonde and good looking) Swedes really keep coming up with the “stuff”. God bless ‘em!

The class schedule is up on the web and it looks pretty exciting to me. I think there is something for everyone. Lots of instructors as well. We have a guest educator coming in September and she will be making a purse and using the “Double Diamond” tool. I’ll give you the details next week. I met this lady at Viking Con. and I think she will be a lot fun. Her samples were nice.

A few notes on my classes, Foot of the Month will end this month except for the people who are in the class that meets on the second Fri. of the month. It will continue on and if anyone in the other classes has a finishing problem, I invite you to attend this class and I will be glad to help you. Hop To It will meet on Sept. 2 which is it’s usual day, but will also meet on Sept. 30 and will not meet in Oct. This is because of some scheduling issues at the Nook. It will only be a week early and we will be back on schedule in Nov. If anyone has fallen behind, (I can’t imagine it), this will give you time to catch up. Hope it doesn’t inconvenience anyone.

Okay, I’ve stuffed your little hard-drives enough for today. Think snow-it’s hot outside!

TTFN

Mary

As always, its been a fun week at the Nook. We’ve been planning the fall schedule and it will go the printer this week. Of course, Diana will be strapped to the computer so she can get all the pictures and details up on the web. Printed info should be available soon. By the way, we’re on Facebook now and you can visit us at Stitching Nook. We really want you to be our friend.

We have a new line of Kansas Troubles called Summer’s End. It’s fall colors without really having fall prints. I think its one of the prettiest ones they’ve had in a long time. We also have new wintry batiks from Edyta Sitar (and patterns to go with them.) Come see.

I told you I would tell you a little more about Raoul. He was our steward from Minneapolis to Midway in Chicago. Picture an older, shaggier Jimmy Smits. He was giving us the usual speech about how to use our seat belts and then said,”This plane is not moving until everyone fastens their seat belt.” Diana and I looked at each other and said,”Surely not a sense of humor!” Then he held up the life jacket and said,” In de event (did I mention Raoul might be Cuban and has a bit of an accent?) dat de plane suddenly becomes a cruise ship, you will find this handy!” When explaining how to use the oxygen masks, he said,” If you are traveling with children who can’t put on their own mask, put yours on first and then help the ones who need it. If you are traveling with more than one child, pick the one you like the best and help them first.” By now, Diana and I are laughing out loud and of course, no one else seems to get it. This sort of thing continued on through the flight and when we landed at Midway, he said,”Welcome to Maui! Now get off.” I’m thinking Raoul deserves a raise or at least a spot on Bob and Tom!

Don’t forget that next weekend is Christmas in Aug. (July having already passed) and all that is Christmas will be 20% off. Come see the new models and get inspired. Think snow and maybe it will take your mind off the heat!

TTFN,

Mary