Daily Blog

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You know her as the author, along with Diana McClun, of Quilts! Quilts! Quilts! Now Laura is sharing some of her quilts with TQS.

If you'd like to learn more about this beloved quilt teacher, watch Show 710: Conquering the Y-Seam Tumble. Star members check your "My Shows" under "Watch Shows" or "My Account". All members check if you have show gift certificates in your "My Account" area.

You can also learn to quilt with Laura in her classroom - Contemporary Quilt Sampler - which is open to everyone for FREE.

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White Corded Quilting is the name of an exhibit that ran at the International Quilting Study Center and Museum in Lincoln, Nebraska several years ago. Capt'n John had the opportunity to go backstage and see one of the favorite quilts of Carolyn Ducey, Phd. 

Take a look. Even "grocery baggers" will love this quilt (you'll have to watch to get the reference).

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Kristen Luce for NYTimes

Self expression through sewing can be very satisfying.  In this age of uber electronics, many are finding that time spent crafting something tangible with their own two hands offers a connection that the 'connected world' cannot satisfy.  More...here

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If you are heading to the International Quilt Festival at Long Beach this weekend you might want to drop by Mel's Sewing & Fabric Center booth (937).  Mel's will be showcasing the new 7 Series line of sewing, embroidery, and quilting machines from Bernina.

The 7 Series consists of three machines, including the BERNINA 710, the BERNINA 750 QE (Quilter’s Edition), and the BERNINA 780 E  (Embroidery). The machines feature the world’s first, patent-pending BERNINA 9 Hook (B 9 Hook), which uniquely combines the advantages of the two best hook technologies, the rotary and CB hook, enabling higher sewing and embroidery speeds, up to 9 mm stitch width and 80 percent more bobbin capacity. The 7 Series will be available at BERNINA Dealerships in the U.S. in September.

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August is almost here which means that The Festival of Quilts 2012, one of the largest quilt shows in Europe, is just around the corner! This year's festival, supported by Twisted Thread in conjunction with the Quilters' Guild of the British Isles, will be held in Birmingham from August 16 - 19. Along with many classes and lectures, visitors can also enjoy special exhibits, including a retrospective of the work of Pauline Burbidge and an exhibit focused on Turkey red quilts. 

Learn more about the fascinating process for creating the color known as Turkey red.

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Are your quilting tools taking over your workspace tables?  Go vertical with these clever storage solutions that work in both a small or large creative space. 

• Use repositionable hooks to hang scissors and other items near your sewing area.

• Use skirt/pant hangers to hold WIPs waiting to be completed.

• Small metal office supply baskets keep cutting tools handy when needed.

• A wall mounted rack holds cutting rulers.

• Over the door shoe rack holds scraps by color.

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Join Laura Nownes in this NEW six-part class as she walks you through the process of creating your own contemporary sampler quilt. Learn the basics or brush up on your skills--great for beginners and seasoned quilters alike.

Here's the best part: ALL of Laura's classes are FREE to anyone (Basic or Star member). So come play along!

The Introduction and all of the resource guides are open today. Contact the "newbie" quilters who want to make their first quilt.

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Ardis James donated 1000 quilts to open the International Quilt Study Center & Museum at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln.  While Ricky and Alex worked in Omaha at accuquilt, I (Capt'n John) got a last minute opportunity to visit the Museum.  

The Museum was closed, but Dr Pat Crews and Carolyn Ducey, Phd. made me feel very welcome.  My first question was "What was your very first quilt?".  

Since Ardis & Robert James donated 1000 at the same time, Carolyn Ducey showed me the very first quilt that Ardis James bought.

I have to admit, it was fun just watching them unbox and spread it out.  You get a great idea of how they store the quilts.

Click Here to see the quilt in the archive.  Then try a search of your own.

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Masterpiece Thread will now come in 2-ply donuts (wonderful colors) and 3-ply 600 yd spools and 2500 yd cones. (Why? See Video below).

BUT, when we talked, Bob mentioned that he still had a number of colors of the 2-ply spools in the warehouse.

SO, I asked if he would offer a special price to the TQS viewers.  Bob appreciated all of the comments during our last contest and will offer these remaining spools to TQS viewers at

                          $5.99 a spool = 33% off.  While they last.

The 2-ply spools work great on loosely tensioned machines (top tension in the 1.5 to 2.0 range).  Many of you mentioned that you loved the 2-ply.  SO, stock up now because they are going away.  (Try out the new 3 ply while you're at it.)

Thank you Bob for thinking of us first.

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The catalog for the Stitch Like an Egyptian: Tentmakers of Cairo exhibit is now available. The catalog will give you a sneak peak of these beautiful appliqued works that will make their North American debut at the AQS Quilt Show at the DeVos Place Convention Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan, August 22 – 25, 2012.

Alex will be in The Quilt Life booth at Grand Rapids and looks forward to seeing you.

Click here to order your copy from the American Quilter's Society.

To learn more about the Tentmakers of Cairo, click here to watch a video from Pam Holland.