Daily Blog

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Come to the set of Episode 1005 - "Twofer" the Money: Terrific Time Saving Techniques with Pat Yamin & Gina Perkes.  This episode will post on Monday, February 27, 2012, but you can get a little taste from this slideshow.

First, Gina Perkes demonstrates how you can appliqué and quilt at the same time on the long-arm machine...and add a little "dazzle" from the bobbin as well.

Then, Pat Yamin visits the set, showing some of her quilts and divulging her brush with Hollywood fame. She also shows how to use templates to quickly and accurately cut and piece a two-patch pattern, using Robbing Peter to Pay Paul as an example. You'll pick up tons of tips on this info-packed episode.

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This Friday, February 24, will introduce Episode 6 - How Quilts Have Been Viewed and Collected  from the exciting 9-part series, Why Quilts Matter: History, Art & Politics from producer and host, Shelly Zegart. If you missed any previous episodes they will remain available for viewing until March 31, 2012.  

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Here are three short lessons to review or enjoy for the very first time.  You can use these ideas immediately in your current project.  All of these are in our classroom area.

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Did you know that you can post your quilt show to the TQS website.  Did  you know that you can find other quilt shows on the TQS website? Well, of course you can!

Just click on the FORUM button on the navigation bar and look at the drop down menu. Near the bottom you'll see a box named EVENTS.  Click on this box and you'll see a list of upcoming quilt shows all over the world. You can search these events, as well as add one of your own.  No excuses, get out there and get to a show, or tell your guild to post their show!

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Proper hoop tension is vital to thread painting success.  Nancy Prince (Episode 1004) shares her tried and true hooping method for off the quilt thread painting designs AND other helpful tips.

• Choose thread at least 2 shades darker than what you think you need, as thread stitches in lighter than the color you see on the spool.

• For convenience and ease of use, organize the selected thread for a particular design right beside your machine.  If the thread is lined up in stitching order, when you repeat the same stiching order again, you don't have to figure out the lineup.  Having the threads organized makes changing colors a breeze and is a huge time saver when working with a multiple thread colors on a design.

• Don't waste time and money by buying an inexpensive plastic hoop.  Nancy says that a 6" wooden machine embroidery hoop with 1/4" sides is strong, stable, lasts forever and offers great stability.

• If you don't like the thread color you stitched simply stitch over it with another color.  The effect of mixing the colors just might give a design the spark it needs.

• If threads keep breaking you may be moving the hoop too fast in relation to the machine speed.  Perhaps the thread is too old or the fabric is not taut in the hoop.

• Always make test samples before diving right into a project.  Test samples give confidence that a new design or concept can be successfully mastered.  They also help to make sure that the stabilization is correct.

Find more tips, ideas and thread painting projects in Nancy's books Thread Painting with Style and Quilt Savvy:  Simple Thread Painting.

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The bad news is my iPad was having a small technical issue. That meant a trip to the Genius Bar at an Apple store, and for me, that's NEVER bad news. I LOVE going to my Apple store. 

The genius who got my iPad all fixed up was Tiffany. I had told her my iPad had to be up and running because I was heading off on a big teaching trip for 57 days. She asked me what I taught and I told her "quilting." Well talk about lighting up like a Christmas tree! She whipped out her iPhone to proudly show me the first two quilts she had made.

During the file transfer I was able to tell her all about The Quilt Show. And just like that, we have a new TQS member. Welcome Tiffany!!! I can't promise she will be your Apple genius, but I bet she can direct you to the nearest Apple store. Let's hear a huge Ricky Tims Whoo-hoo for Tiffany!!! 

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Heather & Ricci give great instructions on using a decorative bobbin thread like Razzle Dazzle.

Bob has thread specials for his birthday.  Check out the newsletter and the specials.

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See the styles, the media, and some of the prices$$$$.  A special thank you to the Windsor Betts Gallery for their hospitality and freedom to explore.

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Enjoy a quick visit to Nancy Prince's home and studio.  Note: Her painting area is 12 feet, not 12 inches - oops!

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Does the thought of sewing with laminated cotton terrify you?  This is not the stuff of your grandmother's generation.  These new and updated laminated cottons are fun, flexible, and offer the sewer many creative options (if you know the tricks). 

Check out this adorable apron pattern, designed by Laura Nownes (Episode 710), that even includes a clever hanger for a coordinating dishtowel. 

Never sewn with laminated cotton?

Let TQS help you glide through the process with these helpful tips: