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5556_tutorialbox.jpgAre you looking for a quick gift for a friend? You can make a beautiful and personal gift in only a couple of hours with just a few supplies you probably already have in your studio:

  • 2 Fat quarters
  • Cardboard
  • Cardstock
  • Masking Tape
  • Glue and a paint brush OR Spray Adhesive
  • Batting
  • Scissors
  • Rotary Cutter
  • Cutting Mat
  • Acrylic Ruler
  • X-Acto Knife
  • Pattern Template

 

Why not whip up this adorable fabric covered box (by Rashida Coleman Hale) we found at Fat Quarter Gang using fabric from your stash.  The box size is perfect for a gift certificate, coffee card, or other small items. You might want to make more than as these little boxes are truly adorable.

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This month we'll learn Sue's basic stitched raw-edge applique' technique.  Unlike other raw-edge applique' methods, only the edges of the patches are fused, resulting in a much softer quilt. Quilts done with this method can be used and washed with care. 

Sue's instructions will have you stitching curves, inside points, and securing thread ends with confidence.

 

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This month you'll join pieced arcs to a curved edge. It's not too late to join Sue Nickels and Pat Holly in the fun and learning.  Make it easy on yourself, order a kit and get started right away.

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Additional help with the Two of Us can be found in Margo Clabo's classroom.

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5432_capture.jpgAre you working on the 2013 BOM quilt? If so, you'll definitely want to check out TQS member Margo's tips for a Striplate Technique  you just might love.

Check it out here.

 

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5407_img_3295.jpgAs Valentine's Day is just around the corner, we thought you might want to make your sweetie a macaroon we saw on Craft Passion. 

While a "true" macaroon is a sweet, meringue-based confection with ganache, butter cream, or jam filling sandwiched between two cookies, your recipient will appreciate this calorie-free version, which looks adorable hanging from a purse, tote bag, or cell phone. 

These little bundles are so cute, you just might want to make a half dozen.

 

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5406_threadology.pngBob and Heather Purcell of Superior Threads want every quilter to be up to snuff when it comes to creating the best possible quilt and textile work with their working toolsTest your thread knowledge in the first of several quizzes that we will feature in upcoming Newsletters.

1. Which is thicker 40wt or 50wt thread?

2. What is the Tex system?

3. Name the variety of uses for Sew Fine 50wt. thread?

You will find the answers under the photo.  No peeking!

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Which is thicker 40wt or 50wt thread?
The Tex system was created as a standard of consistent thread measurement and intended to replace all other methods of measurement of threads.  It hasn’t quite achieved that goal because quilters love the weight standard and the number standard (for example, 40 wt. or #50) and embroiderers are used to the denier standard (120d/2).

Tex is direct numbering system, meaning the higher the Tex number, the heavier the thread.  On the other hand, the weight system, most popular in the U.S., is not a direct numbering system because the larger the number (30 wt., 40 wt., 50. wt., 60 wt.), the finer the thread.  That can be confusing.

The Tex standard uses 1,000 meters of thread per gram as the starting point. This means if 1,000 meters of thread weighs one gram, it is Tex 1. If 1,000 meters of thread weighs 25 grams, it is Tex 25.

It is necessary to remember that 1,000 meters of cotton will not weigh the same as 1,000 meters of like-diameter polyester.  Therefore, when comparing thread sizes based on the Tex or any other standard of measure, for exact accuracy, compare cotton to cotton, poly to poly, and silk to silk.

Name the variety of uses for Sew Fine 50wt. thread?
The thread is smooth, but not slick; fine, but not weak.  So Fine is a patented thread type and there is no other thread like it. Here are my favorite uses of So Fine #50:
1. Quilting thread.  Longarms love it. Home machines love it. It is virtually lint free.
2. Bobbin thread.  Slightly heavier than Bottom Line, So Fine #50 is also a wonderful bobbin thread, which explains why we have 12 colors of prewound bobbins (L and M styles) on order.
3. Construction thread.  Nothing beats So Fine for clothing construction and repair.
4. Craft sewing. Whether by hand or by machine, So Fine #50 is perfect for crafting.
5. Serger thread. Smooth and lint free.

To learn more great thread and needle tips check out the Superior Newsletter here.

Here is a great deal for February. Click on the spools to check it out.

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This month, we use the same precision cutting, piecing and pressing techniques we learned last month to make the second set of sashes.  It's not too late to join Sue Nickels and Pat Holly in the fun and learning.  Make it easy on yourself, order a kit and get started right away.

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This week, Christine shows you how to create the look of milky white opals using just the right fabrics.

Don't forget to submit your latest classroom work and become eligible to win Christine's book and color wheel!

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5335_fortune_cookie.jpgWe know that the year-end holidays have just passed, but it's never to early to get a jump on Valentine's Day.  We spotted these adorable heart shaped felt fortune cookies on Craftpassion and wanted to share them.  We know that they would be a hit with any recipient.  Why not make a dozen to share with the special people in your life?

They make up in no time and allow you to personalize with the message of your choice.

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Join us on a 12-month quilting journey as we bring you a stunning quilt designed especially for TQS by quilters and designers extraordinaire, Sue Nickels and Pat Holly.Two of Us is a spectacular folk-art inspired quilt that features both piecing and appliqué.

Each month, we'll provide a photo and detailed instructions for a portion of the quilt, as well as full-size patterns.Two of Us finishes at approximately 79" x 79" and Sue and Pat’s version features a total of 14 different fabrics.  Fabric kits are available in limited quantities through the TQS Shoppe.

Rather choose your own fabrics? Simply click on the button below to download the Fabric Requirements.

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