MERRY CHRISTMAS

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!



SOFTWARE SAMPLER

Software Sampler is a week earlier for August than we normally meet. So for August the class will be on the 20th at 1pm.

See you then!!

NEW EMBROIDERY

One booth I visited at BU this year was that of Jenny Haskins. Simon and Margaret where manning the booth. I ordered their newest design collections from Brewer and was pleasantly surprised to see them in the latest magazine that just arrived in the store. I picked up my copy on Saturday so you'll be getting a call soon if you have us ordering a copy for you.

The designs shown on the cover are from her 3D Embroidery Magic design collection. She uses Krinkle Magic as part of the embroidery process for some awsome flowers and textured quilting stitches. I saw these in person in their booth at BU and they are as exquisite as they appear in the magazine.

Sam's Love Hearts, Perfect Bliss and more I can't recall were also ordered for future projects and classes.

Enjoy this issue - many beautiful designs and projects are found in this issue.

MORE ON CHLOE

I'm at a quandry right now on the last lilac block to embroider. The picture shows the embroidery fits in the lilac block but the recent (March)  instruction changes by BERNINA have the design overlapping on both long sides. I was very careful to keep the lilac pieces during the cutting just in case I needed another piece so I can remake it if I need to. Then on another page they recognize you can chose either method. I think after writing this post I've made my mind up to just center the design and embroider, letting the design overlap to the thin inner border; option A. In absolute worse case scenario if I absolutely do not like the look I can remake. The kit did come with about 1/3 yd extra of everything but the lilac! I've got all the borders stitched and just this one lilac piece and 2 other blocks are left to stitch out. These other 2 blocks will have the center of the main block stitched and that will go very quickly because they aren't a very filled design.
Then I will layer the quilt, batting and backing and at this point the plan is to do some of the quilting embroidery designs from Diane Gaudynski's latest collection then finish with some BSR fill in work.

CHLOE CORNER DESIGNS UPDATE

I decided that I would rotate these so they offset each other for the bottom two corners. For the top left it's also rotated so it is mirrored of the bottom left.

CHLOE PROGRESS ON THE 830

This is the large corner design for each of the ( 4) 3 corners. I ended up first rotating the design in the hoop so it fit the length of the hoop. Then I hooped my stabilizer. Next I used the seam of the 2 flying geese blocks to butt up against the side of the inner hoop. That helped keep the pieced fabric section straight in the hoop.

I hadn't even thought about any other border than the one from the kit but once this design finished (some 80 plus minutes later) this screen displayed.

On the right side shows an option using endless embroidery. Wouldn't that make a beautiful border on this quilt! If you have the time that is. I could see it stitched on the Candice lavendar - the same fabric that the corners are stitched on. It took me all afternoon today to stitch out corners 2 and 6. Maybe tomorrow night I can get another one stitched out, with any luck!

The next posting I will show the beautiful method I found to do the center block on the 830. It's two hoopings, even with the jumbo hoop but this is a very cool techinque that I'll share.

Once A Year Specal

BERNINA is offering this special only on this coming Saturday. If you've been on the border regarding a new machine or especially the 8 series machine now is the time. This is how I purchased my 830.

BOBBIN HOLDER AND MORE

Ran across this wooden work of art to store my bobbins in. Made by a husband of a long arm quilter in Pennsylvania. Go here to see other products by Fred. I just ordered a cherry bobbin holder for me. This is for the 8 series but he has other sizes available that would hold bobbins of all sizes. I thought it was beautiful.

Check them out.

FLOWERS AND FLOWERS

 QUILT SHOP HOP 

Deb Yaden took the pattern for the floral applique blocks from the finishing kit from Strawberry Patches 2011 Shop Hop quilt and digitized the designs using her Bernina embroidery software.

Didn't she create some beautiful flowers! Here's tips from Deb regarding stabilizer, etc.
"I used 2 layers of a fusible, medium weight stabilizer. My stitch width was 8. I think 9 or 10 might have been better." She did offer to share her embroidery designs if anyone is interested. If you missed purchasing the pattern contact Strawberry Patches to purchase your copy of the pattern today.
I think she did a great job!

 CHLOE TIME 

Finally, am trying to establish a Sunday date for June when we can meet and kick off this very creative quilt project from Bernina, P&B fabrics, and OESD. If you haven't purchased the fabric kit or the embroidery designs and want to do this project please contact Strawberry Patches today. This is a Bernina embroidery software project for those that have Editor Plus or Designer Plus versions of our software. If you've not seen this before, the embroidery designs are based on the designs in the lovely fabric patterns.

And yes, there is one of fabrics with lime! Yes!! The fabric kit includes fabrics for the top and binding.

Memorial Day

Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend but remember and appreciate our military personnel and their sacrifices to protect our rights  for our freedem we have enjoyed for hundreds of years. And hope to continue to do so for many more hundreds of years!

SHOP HOP

Today was the first time that Mom and I had a chance to see what all this hubbub was about the quilt shop hop. It's different when you're on the shopper end of the things for sure.
We started out about 8am this morning. Getting on the road to Visalia for first stop and what a treat it was at Thimbletowne. Reconized shoppers from Strawberry Patches! Friends in new places is a great way to start the day out. Every place we stopped was great fun, lovely goodie bags from the shops and a wide variety of treats for the eyes as well as treats to eat! The shops all showed their appreciation to the shoppers who took time to travel to their shops to purchase the block material for the quilt project. I have to say that the completed quilts we feasted our eyes on were so much better than what we saw online. Maybe it's because it's really hard to get a good photograph of something in black.
Some shops were small, others nice and roomy but it's really hard not compare them to our favorite place!! I suppose it's like taking a vacation to a fun vacation spot - it's fun and exciting to go someplace new and different but after awhile it is good to be home again too. While we won't be able to enter the prize for visiting all the shops we entered the drawing for a lovely prize basket at each shop. So tomorrow I will be on the other side of the flurry of shoppers as I take my shift at the shop for a few hours.
Plus I need now to find the perfect handle for the new bag pattern and fabrics that found me in Hanford.

So if you haven't yet checked out the shop hop give yourself a treat and visit some of the shops!

NEW OESD EMBROIDER DESIGNS

Found some terrific new design collections at Embroidery Online site that are on my "must have" list.

I love these monograms, they're so old world looking. Lots of possible uses for these. As a reminder if you don't have the Bernina software download the design format that your machine needs. Also, at the Bernina USA site you can now download a freebie version of the softwre - artlink - that will allow you to send a design to your embroidery machine via usb connection or by use of a usb flash drive.

This collection is also on my list. These are great for quilting, through embroidery, your own quilts, tablerunners and other creations. Gotta have this one!!

Are You Brave Enough?

 



Are you brave enough to send a picture of your sewing room to Bernina as a chance to win a make over for your room? If you're up for the opportunity then go to BERNINAUSA and get the scoop.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY BOUQUET

Happy Mother's Day wishes to everyone.

I loved waking up to cloudy skies and a cool breeze this morning. What a welcome break from a couple of warm days. Herbie made French toast this morning for us. We've gotten away from drinking milk but he's been drinking "silk" a soy milk product and used that for the French toast. Have to say they were wonderful!

Will be getting with Amanda to get a date on the calendar to kick off the Chloe quilt project so watch for news on that soon. There's time to get your kit ordered so if you're interested please let her know.

Janet Sansom

One of our favorite embroidery/quilt designers has a stunning quilt in a recent issue of "MACHINE EMBROIDERY" magazine. This one is Parterre Garden and currently the designs are 25% off here.
The complete quilt instructions begin on pg 56. It lists the finished size at 82" sq but I'm considering a wallhanging version, ending after the smaller blocks on point for the final border.
She is the designer of Queen Anne's Diamonds which we did nearly 4 years ago. Her designs stitch out so wonderfully they are fun to watch ast they stitch and bring your thread to life.  Have to start focusing on fabrics for this one. I really do like the full sized quilt though with those large embroidery squares. Will be fun to stitch this one out, although the first part of fabric selection has to be completed first! Oh dear!

A Different Pinwheel

I thought this was really cute and the perfect use of a cute embroidery design that needs a home. The one on the left she cut from some embroidered fabric or something along that line. These would be great little gift item for your sewing friends. Check out the details here so you can get started creating your own.

Software Sampler Saturday

Today is Software Sampler Saturday. If you have Bernina embroidery software - version 5 or version 6, editor plus or designer plus then this class is for you! Recent changes in the program now include steps for those that may not have the most current version nor designer plus. As long as you have editor plus V5 then you will have instructions for the current lesson.
Today's class is Dimensional Embroidery.
The lesson covers couching, ribbon work and tassels on a lined zippered bag. Learn to create tassels, embroidered couching, etc. and combine it with raw edge applique for a great textured effect and insert a decorative zipper.
Class is at 1pm. See you then.

National Quilting Day

Ok all you quilters today is your official day! It's National Quilting Day! So pull out something and spend today working on your project. I hope to do the same this afternoon but first thing on the list today is coffee with the girlfriends. Carmel Macchieto. I just went online to verify the spelling and found there is a skinny version so I need to check that out. Since I get one of these at the most once a week I look at it as a treat! So treat yourself to some quilting action today and enjoy!!

CHLOE

Have you seen the new embroidery project from Bernina, Chloe? We've had the quilt kit, the embroidery designs and the quilting embroidery designs that Bernina recommended. The plan is to meet as a group and go over the specifics to the project and then work on the blocks at your own pace at home. The instructions that came with the fabric kit have already been replaced by Bernina, but I've told those that have purchased the kits.

It looks like it will be a fun quilt project so if you are interested and haven't purchased the kit yet please contact the store to purchase yours. This project will involve multi hooping at least one block. The fabric kit includes all fabric for the top except backing. We don't carry this fabric line and the embroidery designs were specially created based on the fabric line so don't delay if you are interested in joining us. The fabric kit does come packaged in a nice vinyl zippered case that you can use for other purposes afterwards. Class date to be announced.

Quilt Block Dancing

My Mom sent me the link. Take less than 5 minute break to listen and watch.

http://blog.nfb.ca/2011/02/17/quilt-fever/

It's fun to watch and the music is super.

Enjoy.

IDES OF MARCH

Can you believe the 15th of March is just next week? I'd say time flies when you're having fun but I'll wait on that one.

We have the runaround bag pattern in the shop now that was the project from Software Sampler. Plus we also have the book that was used in the project that was shown on the webinar and in the instructions. Great designs for using in the cross stitch portion of the embroidery software.
Amanda W has done a great job incoporating Editor Plus level as well as version 5. If you have either of these then please join us on the 4th Saturday of the month for Software Sampler.

I have a mystery class scheduled in April May and then in May June. You can see the details on the latest newsletter but all you need is a jellroll and your machine and basic sewing supplies (thread, scissors, etc). It will be a lot of fun. Be warned - this is like potato chips - hard to stop at one!!

We have a new quilt kit and embroidery designs plus quilting designs coming. This is new from Bernina and the fabric line and the designs are "CHLOE". Once they're all in you'll be hearing more on this.  I'm looking forward to creating this one and know you'll enjoy it as well.

ARE YOU READY FOR SPRING?

If you are then you will like this project. It's using the endless embroidery function on the BERNINA 830 machine. I'm using kona cotton fabric and it's been pretty quick to put together. The side panels take three hoopings with the mega hoop. The end panel is just a single hooping.
I think it's the perfect project to start preparing for Spring.

I've got 3 sides embroidered, one of them has had the stabilizer rinsed out and is currently drying. One of the long panels is all that's left to stitch. My goal is to have it stitched by Saturday so we'll see how that works out. Once I get them all embroidered and attached then I'll top stitch the edge of the panels all the way around to secure to the main panel.
I tell you, using Best Press by Ellen sure does make the kona cotton have a really nice feel to the fabric. Not stiff as if I used spray starch but firm and a wonderfully fresh smell- love the lilac flavor!

Cleaning

Wouldn't you know while trying to straighten up my sewing room I ran across a project that I started at least a couple of years ago. So of course I couldn't help myself and had to sew out 4 of the flowers to complete one block. Hopefully I can work on it again a little bit at time to finish it.
It's from the same company that created our wonderful Wildflower embroidered quilt - Smith Street Designs. This quilt is named "Tulip Time".

I think there a couple more large floral blocks like this I need to embroider and construct and then I can start on the smaller embroidered blocks, then the rest of the piecing begins. There are 6 different floral blocks. It's been so long since I gathered the fabrics for this that some of them I have no idea where they came from but I expect I'll have to add more:). Some of the fabrics though, I liked them so much I've also used them in other projects too.

I even found a new pair of those squeezy scissors that are perfect for machine embroidery applique - it's like I was made to find them after finding this UFO. I found at least 3 other UFO quilts that I need to finish up. Some have machine embroidery but not all. I figure if I work on them a little each evening that's good therapy and the bonus is I'll be finishing up some of the old projects. I even found a bag with fabrics and all for the first mystery quilt retreat that Suzanne held! I didn't know I still  had that one.

This was like a mini vacation, spent in my sewing space. First real sewing therapy for 2011~ Ahhhh



TUTU CUTE

While poking around in the internet this am found this darling bag just had to share.

Found this picture here
With our nifty embroidery machines this can be made in a very short period of time.
Ask me how I know.

New Boot Bash And Other New Projects!

Margo forwarded this new blom using the cowboy boot! Perfect for Bakersfield! Click here.

I've also just discovered another new blom here

This site link above is for this block. She started this in 2011 but posted the layout and fabric requirements on her old site/blog before the end of 2010. Luckily you can still access this information here. Both of these are good projects for those of you wanting to work on your digitizing skills.

CIVIL WAR 2011 SESQUICENTENNIAL COMMEMORATION

Barbara Brackman has started a new free BLOM in honor the Civil War. Check it out here.

What's interesting is that she's also posting bits of facts related to the Civil War. So with the history factor it's more than just another free quilt pattern. These are an 8 inch finished block. So dig out the scraps and start making your first block. She's designed this quilt using a new line from Moda that's due in the shops next month. Look for the "civil war reunion" fabric line to enhance this project.
Keep stitching.

New Year at BUNNY HILL DESIGNS

Ann Sutton now has the new pattern series started for 2011. Click here to get started.

Wall Art

Here is Pam's runner she worked on during the 2011 New Year Day's class. Isn't it fabulous. And the girl doesn't like purple so she make this for her sister. What a gal. Pam also was the lucky winner of the Sharon Schamber "Delicate Sitch Quilting Designs" from OESD.



It was a fun class. Started off by showing the group how to use the Bernina V6 software to create the circular designs. The feather embroidery is a quilting design from the Sharon Schamber designs. Then the stipping done with the use of the BSR to fill in around the feather quilting.
If you also attended the class please send me a picture of your runner and I'll post it here for everyone to see.
Thank you all for joining us for the class.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

HOLD ON TO YOUR HAT - IT'S 2011~~

We're starting the day off right by participating in a mystery class of sorts at the shop today. The project includes embroidery, quilting by both embroidery and BSR (or free motion) so should be a lot of fun. I have some in the crowd today that have never used an embroidery machine so this will be an eye opening for them, and one of those is my own sister, Jean! She's led a sheltered life for the last 19 years living in Ohio. We had a lot of fun just showing her how to use a rotary cutter while getting her fabric and all ready for the class today so I'll be sure and post pictures from the activities today. We're liable to have some *memorable* kodak moments.

I hope all you quilters and embroidery enthisiasts have a wonderful new year and that the year 2011 will be memorable in a positive light!
May all your sewing never encounter a dull needle:)