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Today starts the Ricky Tims Super Seminar in Portland, Oregon. The hotel and meeting room are in the Red Lion Hotel.

The weather in Portland is fantastic and Alex really loves to see boats.

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Mary Fisher is a quilt artist, author and AIDS activist, Daniel at TextileArtists.org had an in-depth interview with Mary in her studio where she shared her techniques and processes.  He offers a glimpse into the creative mind of this inspirational artist.

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You know you can spend the day strolling around Sisters, Oregon, at the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show admiring the beautiful quilts, but did you know there are other ways to join in the fun?  You can do everything from creating challenge blocks, buying "calendars full of men," winning a bicycle, to volunteering at the show.

The quilt show is always the second Saturday in July. (July 9 - 9am - 4pm)

Here are just a few things you can do:

• You can enter one of your own quilts.  Just think how lovely it will look floating in the breeze as it hangs outdoors in the beautiful setting of the show.

Enter a quilt into the show - click here.

• Volunteer to work at the show.  In 2015 - 465 volunteers did well over 900 different jobs totaling 3,000+ hours of donated help. They couldn't do it without you.

To see volunteer positions - click here.

• Enter a block into the quilt block challenge. Create a block using their challenge fabric. The Quilter's Affair 2016 instructors will select their favorite blocks and the winninng block will be awarded a "Best in Show" $50 cash prize. Each of the winners receive their own block back along with a group of other blocks submitted and a special ribbon. All the blocks will be displayed during the Quilt Show.

For Block challenge information - click here.

• Purchase a copy of their Men Behind the Quilts 2017 calendar featuring gorgeous quilts–which they will auction off–and the equally handsome, community-minded men of Sisters Country.

For more about the calendar - click here.

And there is so much more, click here to get all the latest information...you can even win a bike!

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iPad & iPhone Video Problems

(It Does NOT Affect Computer Viewing)

If you can delay updating to IOS 9.3 it will help with your watching videos on TQS with your Apple mobile devices. The new update from Apple caused an error for Vimeo (our show video hosting company) that stops videos that are embedded in websites from working. 

You may get a screen that looks like this:

However, if you see a button that says "Watch on Vimeo" you can click the button and still watch our show. 

We apologize for the problem, but it is between Apple and Vimeo and we are sitting helplessly on the sidelines waiting for these 2 giants to get it fixed. If you have a show you want to watch and don't see the "Watch on Vimeo" button, email us at tqscustomerservice@gmail.com.

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(photo from LivingVintage)

Time to go through your collection of scissors, rotary cutters and other cutting/sharp tools. Eventually, even the best cutting tools, through repeated use, develop nicks or just lose their sharp edge. Working with dull or damaged tools can be frustrating and dangerous.  These quilt studio staples need to be kept in good working order so that they perform well when needed.

• Have your scissors professionally sharpened yearly.
• Keep your scissors/rotary cutters clean.  Periodically wipe the blades with a soft cloth, making sure to remove lint in hard to reach areas.  Also, do not clean with water as it will cause rust.
• Avoid leaving your scissors on your ironing board when you have been using the steam setting as the board retains moisture much longer than you think.
• Do not force a cut when it comes to scissors, as it may cause the blades to come out of alignment.

For more tips on cleaning and keeping your tools sharp check out  TheQuiltersMessageBoard.

Need your scissors or rotary cutter sharpened right away? Meghan at the Sewing Geek has a method using a common household items that just might work in a pinch. Let us know what you think.                                                                                                                                      

Once your sorting and sharpening has been completed, decide which is the best way for you to keep cutting tools organized. As you are trying to re-think your space, think about the area you currently work in, or are trying to achieve this year. Remember, we are still in the clearing/cleaning out phase, and you can always change your mind. But, it's good to have an idea of what works best for YOU! What space are YOU happiest in?  What is your stress free and most creative dream quilting studio? This is what we are trying to help you achieve.

1. Do you perfer a clean and visually clutter free space with tools out of sight?
2. Do you prefer tools to be out and within easy reach on your cutting surface?
3. Does your entire workspace allow for large amounts of horizontal or vertical storage?

Vertical Storage:

TracyW from Minneapolismqg magnetic knife holder. Want something more colorful? Check out Serena's fabric covered magnetic holder at TheFarmChick.

Or how about using the old Julia Child's pegboard organization trick? Outline each tools out with a colorful marker.  Every tool then has a home, and you certainly know when one has gone astray. Heyletsmakestuff has a quick tutorial to make your own custom tool pegboard. SkooksPlayground uses a spray painted a discount store rack to hold her assorted size scissors. A corner two tier plate unit with baskets offers storage of a number of other items including her rotary cutter.

Tabletop Storage:

Got toilet paper holders? Crissy's Crafts shows you how to recycle them into a cute place to sort your smaller scissors. Not feeling particularly crafty? AnnieMcHugs uses two mug trees (one for fabric cutting tools and the other for paper cutting tools).

Hidden Storage:

      (photo from MarthaStewart.com)

If you prefer and have the space, you can use a utensil drawer system like Martha Stewart does to keep these items out of sight (and away from little helping hands). The SeasonedHomemaker also uses this system in her studio.

Tip: Rubberized shelf liners also help to keep things from shifting around as you open and close the drawers. Use the left over bits for supporting your hands while machine quilting as Philippa Naylor does (Show 606).