Daily Blog

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Reminder - make sure you don't have to say "I'm late, I'm late for a very important date."  Alex is going to tea! And she'd love to have you join her.  Alex will be having a trunk show and describing her unique journey from stay-at-home mom to TQS' own international quilting superstar.

There will be prizes, lucky teacups, a silent auction, and a champagne bar. All proceeds benefit Amador Valley philanthropic projects. If you are in the area, you won't want to miss it!  For more information, click here.  P.S.  No hat required.

Additional information can also be found by clicking here.

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Colorado is Ricky Tims' current home and he made sure that Alex visited the Garden of the Gods Park.  Lilo also is from Colorado Springs and told Alex to bypass the T-shirts in the front of the Trading Post and head right for the good stuff in the back.

 Alex & John both found "rocks" they were interested in.

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Detail of Wrapped in Gentleness by Hiromi Yokata

As the stunned world watched images of the destruction created by the devastating tsunami and earthquake(s) in Japan, it was natural that efforts to help would come to mind. Along with many other groups and organizations offering their services to those who have lost everything, we quilters can do our part by doing what we do best--by making quilts. Recently, the editor of the Japanese quilt magazine Patchwork Quilt Tsushin requested that TQS ask our members for help. If you would like to make and send a quilt to Japan, here are a few guidelines to keep in mind:

• Please use either cotton or poly batting.
• Quilts can be hand-tied, or quilted by machine or hand.
• The overall length and width should measure at least 40 inches (100cm), but should not be as large as a king-size quilt.                                                                       

• Please do not send your quilt before the end of April.
  
•  At this time, the infrastructure is not able to handle a large number of quilts.                                                                                  

When the time comes, please send quilts to the following location:

Patchwork Tsushin Co. Ltd
2-21-2 Yushima
Bunkyo-Ku
Tokyo, Japan

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Detail of Tribute to Tolkien by Sue McCarty

Last week Bob shared with us what to look for when on the hunt for quality metallic thread.   This week, he shares tips for how to fall in love with Metallics:

• Choose the best quality thread.  Select a spool with a large spool core diameter.  Avoid the skinny-core spools.

• Use either a Topstitch needle size 90/14 or a metallic needle, size 90/14.  A size 80/12 needle is too small.

• Loosen the upper tension setting to "one."

• Use a smooth, lint-free bobbin thread, such as The Bottom Line.

This great tip was found in the School of Threadology manual.  The book and accompanying DVD lay to rest many of the myths we have heard for years, as well as great 'hands-on' tips to make your sewing smooth sailing.  For more great thread tips check out the complete set available through Superior Threads.

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Come join in the fun of the Amazing Easter Egg Hunt.

Aurifil, AccuQuilt, andThe Quilt Show have hidden three codes on their Facebook pages  (You'll have to join Facebook to play.)  Go to their Facebook pages, find the codes, and follow their directions on how to enter the contest.  Prizes will be drawn April 25th.

Find these codes and you'll have the opportunity to win one of three Amazing prizes which include:

• Aurifil Variety^TM Suitcase Pack (includes 216 spools of thread)
• AccuQuilt GO! Baby^TM Fabric Cutter PLUS 10 GO! Baby-compatible dies of our choice with cutting mats
• 1 Year Membership to TheQuiltShow.com with a Series 7 DVD and a 24" Monitor.

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If you are in the area May 6-7, you won't want to miss the third annual May Day Market at the San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles. This Market is a sale of all kinds of donated goods to benefit the Museum. Last year they had fabric, ethnic textiles, notions, stylish vintage clothing, and amazing quilts - both new creations and historical.

San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles
520 South First Street
San Jose, California 95113

Click here to learn more about the museum.

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Mulberry Stars by Jo Morton

Along with her many books, patterns, and fabric lines, Jo Morton is known for her beautifully pieced and amazingly accurate blocks. These excellent results come from her years of experience and from her constant attention to detail as she addresses each step. 

Jo says accuracy in machine piecing is essential if you want your blocks to fit together nicely when the quilt is assembled. The process begins with accurate cutting and continues with accurate sewing.  There are several factors to consider when machine piecing to achieving perfect results. 

1. Scant 1/4" seam allowance.  When you press your seam, the fold of the fabric takes up part of the seam and creates a small amount of "shrinkage."  The more seams you have, the more shrinkage occurs.  By sewing one or two threads less than an exact 1/4" you can compensate for the fold.
2. Use a finer thread.  A finer thread weight will create less bulk for flatter, more accurate seams.  I prefer a 50wt. 100% cotton thread.
3. Set your sewing machine with the dual-feed mechanism.  The dual-feed will keep the seams straight and the layers from shifting.  If you do not have a dual-feed system on your machine you can use a walking foot and receive the same results.  

Visit Jo Morton's website here.

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We are back from taping and having a good mail day-- Checks for the Red Cross,  the new issue of The Quilt Life magazine, and a new iPad2.

Am I going to love my iPad?  What do you like best about it?

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WOW is all I can say - You guys are the best!!!!  I am waiting a few more days to receive checks from ALL OVER THE WORLD for the TQS Red Cross Japan relief Alex Anderson Quilt / Ricky Tims Retreat opportunity - at the end of the week we will announce the lucky winner - so far we have raised over $30,000.00!!!!! As Ricky would say - WOO-HOO!!!

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For this week's quilt puzzle, we are using a quilt by our featured guest, Jo Morton, who is known for vintage inspired quilts.  You can get a peek at this quilt by watching the slideshow; click here to peek.

Liberty Star Sampler 1 - 100 pieces non-rotating

Liberty Star Sampler 2 - 100 pieces rotating