TQA 12 Days of Christmas Event - Final Day!

Today’s Deal is:   Word Play Quilts

Regular price: $18.50    Today’s Price: $13.50

 

I have loved Tonya Ricucci's free-pieced letters ever since I first saw them on her blog several years ago.  I keep promising myself that I will sit down and try the technique, and this book will be my right-hand guide when I do!  These letters require no tracing, no templates, no paper-piecing, no applique, and no precise measuring.  It’s a chance to break rules, mismatch, go wonky, and enjoy yourself!

This Daily Deal is only good for today, December 12, 2012.

• If you would like for us to put one of these items in your gift bag, you can send us an e-mail, call us at 972.562.2686, or order it online and we will hold it for you. You must provide a credit card number with the first item you select – we will hold all your information and bill you one time on December 12^h. If you choose to place your order online, you must complete the process and SUBMIT your order; don’t place it in the “Wish List”. A “Wish List” is not sent to us and we cannot see what’s in your basket. You may miss out on a deal by using that feature of our webstore.
•  Available quantities are limited, and if you snooze, you may lose!
• Tomorrow, December 13th, you can come in and pick up all your goodies packaged in a gift bag! Or better yet, send your family to pick it up so that you can be “surprised” by their thoughtful and useful gifts! All online orders will be shipped tomorrow as well.
• You can read all the details regarding this event here.

We hope you have enjoyed our 12 Days of Christmas!  We had fun sharing these items with you. 

Happy Holidays from the entire TQA family,

Susan

TQA 12 Days of Christmas Event - Day 11

Today’s Deal is:  Tan Fat Quarter Pack

Regular price: $30.00         Today’s Price: $22.50

 

"Low Volume" quilts are all the rage on the internet these days.  Whether you wish to create your own "low volume" quilt, or you like the warmth that tan adds to your quilts, this is a great stash pack.  Pack contains (10) tan fat quarters of assorted prints.

This Daily Deal is only good for today, December 11, 2012.

• If you would like for us to put one of these items in your gift bag, you can send us an e-mail, call us at 972.562.2686, or order it online and we will hold it for you. You must provide a credit card number with the first item you select – we will hold all your information and bill you one time on December 12^h. If you choose to place your order online, you must complete the process and SUBMIT your order; don’t place it in the “Wish List”. A “Wish List” is not sent to us and we cannot see what’s in your basket. You may miss out on a deal by using that feature of our webstore.
• You do not have to purchase the deal each day; you choose only those items you’d like to have, but each deal will ONLY be offered for one day. Available quantities are limited, and if you snooze, you may lose!
• On December 13th, you can come in and pick up all your goodies packaged in a gift bag! Or better yet, send your family to pick it up so that you can be “surprised” by their thoughtful and useful gifts! All online orders will be shipped on the 13^th as well.
• Our 12 Days of Christmas promotion will run November 29 – December 12, skipping Sundays (December 2nd & 9th). There will be 12 great items offered, with a new item offered each day.
• You can read all the details regarding this event here.

Until tomorrow's deal-

Susan

TQA 12 Days of Christmas Event - Day 10

Today’s Deal is:  Go and Sew Mini Kit

Regular price: $15.00   Today’s Price: $10.50

Have you ever wanted to try English Paper Piecing, but didn't want to commit to a large quilt?  This mini quilt is perfect for some hand sewing on the go!  Kit includes pattern, pre-cut squares and paper templates for hexagons, and fabric for background and binding.  Completed mini quilt measures 13" x 14".

This Daily Deal is only good for today, December 10, 2012.

• If you would like for us to put one of these items in your gift bag, you can send us an e-mail, call us at 972.562.2686, or order it online and we will hold it for you. You must provide a credit card number with the first item you select – we will hold all your information and bill you one time on December 12^h. If you choose to place your order online, you must complete the process and SUBMIT your order; don’t place it in the “Wish List”. A “Wish List” is not sent to us and we cannot see what’s in your basket. You may miss out on a deal by using that feature of our webstore.
• You do not have to purchase the deal each day; you choose only those items you’d like to have, but each deal will ONLY be offered for one day. Available quantities are limited, and if you snooze, you may lose!
• On December 13th, you can come in and pick up all your goodies packaged in a gift bag! Or better yet, send your family to pick it up so that you can be “surprised” by their thoughtful and useful gifts! All online orders will be shipped on the 13^th as well.
• Our 12 Days of Christmas promotion will run November 29 – December 12, skipping Sundays (December 2nd & 9th). There will be 12 great items offered, with a new item offered each day.
• You can read all the details regarding this event here.

Until tomorrow's deal-

Susan

TQA 12 Days of Christmas Event - Day 9

Today’s Deal is:  Aurifil Thread - 4 Pack

Regular price: $50.00 Today’s Price: $37.50

 

 We introduced this thread last year during our 12 Days event, and I have been using it exclusively during the past year.  I absolutely LOVE this thread, and I decided to run this special again this year.  If you haven't tried Aurifil thread before, here's a chance to try it.  If you are already using Aurifil, you can stock up on basic colors today!  This specially-priced pack contains (4) 1300 meter spools:  White (#2021), Cream (#2310), Lt. Gray (#2600) and Dk. Gray (#2605).

This Daily Deal is only good for today, December 8, 2012.

• If you would like for us to put one of these items in your gift bag, you can send us an e-mail, call us at 972.562.2686, or order it online and we will hold it for you. You must provide a credit card number with the first item you select – we will hold all your information and bill you one time on December 12^h. If you choose to place your order online, you must complete the process and SUBMIT your order; don’t place it in the “Wish List”. A “Wish List” is not sent to us and we cannot see what’s in your basket. You may miss out on a deal by using that feature of our webstore.
• You do not have to purchase the deal each day; you choose only those items you’d like to have, but each deal will ONLY be offered for one day. Available quantities are limited, and if you snooze, you may lose!
• On December 13th, you can come in and pick up all your goodies packaged in a gift bag! Or better yet, send your family to pick it up so that you can be “surprised” by their thoughtful and useful gifts! All online orders will be shipped on the 13^th as well.
• Our 12 Days of Christmas promotion will run November 29 – December 12, skipping Sundays (December 2nd & 9th). There will be 12 great items offered, with a new item offered each day.
• You can read all the details regarding this event here.

Until Monday's deal-

Susan

TQA 12 Days of Christmas Event - Day 8

Today’s Deal is:  Villa Rosa Pattern Pack

Regular price: $15.00   Today’s Price: $10.00

 Have you tried the Villa Rosa Rose Card patterns yet?  These postcard-sized patterns are perfect making quick quilts from fat quarters, charm squares, layer cake squares and 2-1/2" strips.  This pack features 5 BRAND NEW patterns released at Quilt Market, and we are offering them for sale here first!  Patterns include Night Light, Party Girl, Folklore, Paradise, and Dublin.

This Daily Deal is only good for today, December 7, 2012.

• If you would like for us to put one of these items in your gift bag, you can send us an e-mail, call us at 972.562.2686, or order it online and we will hold it for you. You must provide a credit card number with the first item you select – we will hold all your information and bill you one time on December 12^h. If you choose to place your order online, you must complete the process and SUBMIT your order; don’t place it in the “Wish List”. A “Wish List” is not sent to us and we cannot see what’s in your basket. You may miss out on a deal by using that feature of our webstore.
• You do not have to purchase the deal each day; you choose only those items you’d like to have, but each deal will ONLY be offered for one day. Available quantities are limited, and if you snooze, you may lose!
• On December 13th, you can come in and pick up all your goodies packaged in a gift bag! Or better yet, send your family to pick it up so that you can be “surprised” by their thoughtful and useful gifts! All online orders will be shipped on the 13^th as well.
• Our 12 Days of Christmas promotion will run November 29 – December 12, skipping Sundays (December 2nd & 9th). There will be 12 great items offered, with a new item offered each day.
• You can read all the details regarding this event here.

Until tomorrow's deal-

Susan

TQA 12 Days of Christmas Event - Day 7

Today’s Deal is:  Stack n Store Bobbin Tower

Regular price: $16.50   Today’s Price: $12.50

 This is a very nifty gadget for keep your bobbins corralled in one place!  It's made up of 6 sections that hold 5 bobbins each (for a total of 30 bobbins) and each section will detach from the base.  This makes it so easy to carry a handful of threads with you for classes, applique or other handwork projects! (Actual bobbins are not included.....)

This Daily Deal is only good for today, December 6, 2012.

• If you would like for us to put one of these items in your gift bag, you can send us an e-mail, call us at 972.562.2686, or order it online and we will hold it for you. You must provide a credit card number with the first item you select – we will hold all your information and bill you one time on December 12^h. If you choose to place your order online, you must complete the process and SUBMIT your order; don’t place it in the “Wish List”. A “Wish List” is not sent to us and we cannot see what’s in your basket. You may miss out on a deal by using that feature of our webstore.
• You do not have to purchase the deal each day; you choose only those items you’d like to have, but each deal will ONLY be offered for one day. Available quantities are limited, and if you snooze, you may lose!
• On December 13th, you can come in and pick up all your goodies packaged in a gift bag! Or better yet, send your family to pick it up so that you can be “surprised” by their thoughtful and useful gifts! All online orders will be shipped on the 13^th as well.
• Our 12 Days of Christmas promotion will run November 29 – December 12, skipping Sundays (December 2nd & 9th). There will be 12 great items offered, with a new item offered each day.
• You can read all the details regarding this event here.

Until tomorrow's deal-

Susan

TQA 12 Days of Christmas Event - Day 6

Today’s Deal is:  Little Stitches by Aneela Hoey

Regular price: $28.00   Today’s Price: $22.00

 Aneela Hoey is one of the "it" girls of British fabric designers and she has designed several lines of fabric for Moda.  Embroidery is one of Aneela's first loves and she has published this book chock full of 100 quirky and fun embriodery designs.  Included in the book is a how-to section on stitches and where to use them to the best effect, 12 small projects to make, and all 100 designs both on paper and pre-printed transfer paper ready to iron on and stitch!

This Daily Deal is only good for today, December 5, 2012.

• If you would like for us to put one of these items in your gift bag, you can send us an e-mail, call us at 972.562.2686, or order it online and we will hold it for you. You must provide a credit card number with the first item you select – we will hold all your information and bill you one time on December 12^h. If you choose to place your order online, you must complete the process and SUBMIT your order; don’t place it in the “Wish List”. A “Wish List” is not sent to us and we cannot see what’s in your basket. You may miss out on a deal by using that feature of our webstore.
• You do not have to purchase the deal each day; you choose only those items you’d like to have, but each deal will ONLY be offered for one day. Available quantities are limited, and if you snooze, you may lose!
• On December 13th, you can come in and pick up all your goodies packaged in a gift bag! Or better yet, send your family to pick it up so that you can be “surprised” by their thoughtful and useful gifts! All online orders will be shipped on the 13^th as well.
• Our 12 Days of Christmas promotion will run November 29 – December 12, skipping Sundays (December 2nd & 9th). There will be 12 great items offered, with a new item offered each day.
• You can read all the details regarding this event here.

Until tomorrow's deal-

Susan

TQA 12 Days of Christmas Event - Day 5

Today’s Deal is:  Sewline Water Soluble Glue Pen

Regular price: $8.50    Today’s Price: $6.50

 

This clever glue stick means the end of sewing around pins! The water-soluble glue goes on blue and dries clear. This pen provides a quick, convenient way to hold fabrics for sewing or positioning pieces. Includes 1 refill glue tube.  I use mine all the time for basting English Paper Piecing and for holding down applique pieces before I sew.

This Daily Deal is only good for today, December 4, 2012.

• If you would like for us to put one of these items in your gift bag, you can send us an e-mail, call us at 972.562.2686, or order it online and we will hold it for you. You must provide a credit card number with the first item you select – we will hold all your information and bill you one time on December 12^h. If you choose to place your order online, you must complete the process and SUBMIT your order; don’t place it in the “Wish List”. A “Wish List” is not sent to us and we cannot see what’s in your basket. You may miss out on a deal by using that feature of our webstore.
• You do not have to purchase the deal each day; you choose only those items you’d like to have, but each deal will ONLY be offered for one day. Available quantities are limited, and if you snooze, you may lose!
• On December 13th, you can come in and pick up all your goodies packaged in a gift bag! Or better yet, send your family to pick it up so that you can be “surprised” by their thoughtful and useful gifts! All online orders will be shipped on the 13^th as well.
• Our 12 Days of Christmas promotion will run November 29 – December 12, skipping Sundays (December 2nd & 9th). There will be 12 great items offered, with a new item offered each day.
• You can read all the details regarding this event here.

Until tomorrow's deal-

Susan

TQA 12 Days of Chrismtas Event - Day 4

Today’s Deal is:  Kim Diehl Note Cards

Regular price: $11.00    Today’s Price: $8.00

Perfect for any occasion, these notecards feature photos from best selling designer, Kim Diehl. A dozen unique cards (5in x 6 3/4in) and envelopes are packaged in an attractive boxed set that makes a lovely gift itself.

This Daily Deal is only good for today, December 3, 2012.

• If you would like for us to put one of these items in your gift bag, you can send us an e-mail, call us at 972.562.2686, or order it online and we will hold it for you. You must provide a credit card number with the first item you select – we will hold all your information and bill you one time on December 12^h. If you choose to place your order online, you must complete the process and SUBMIT your order; don’t place it in the “Wish List”. A “Wish List” is not sent to us and we cannot see what’s in your basket. You may miss out on a deal by using that feature of our webstore.
• You do not have to purchase the deal each day; you choose only those items you’d like to have, but each deal will ONLY be offered for one day. Available quantities are limited, and if you snooze, you may lose!
• On December 13th, you can come in and pick up all your goodies packaged in a gift bag! Or better yet, send your family to pick it up so that you can be “surprised” by their thoughtful and useful gifts! All online orders will be shipped on the 13^th as well.
• Our 12 Days of Christmas promotion will run November 29 – December 12, skipping Sundays (December 2nd & 9th). There will be 12 great items offered, with a new item offered each day.
• You can read all the details regarding this event here.

Until tomorrow's deal-

Susan

TQA 12 Days of Christmas Event - Day 3

Today’s Deal is:  Lazy Angle Pattern Pack

Regular price: $37.50      Today’s Price: $27.50

Have you tried the Lazy Angle ruler yet?  We love it here at TQA and have many patterns in the store which use it.  We'd like for you to try it too, so we're bundling 4 different Lazy Angle patterns for one low price!  Included in the pack are Carnival and Unwind by Jaybird Quilts and Bamboo and Beach Ball by Lazy Girl Designs.  These patterns offer unique ways to use precuts like charm squares and jelly roll strips.  If you don't have the ruler, each pattern has directions for making your own templates.

This Daily Deal is only good for today, December 1, 2012.

• If you would like for us to put one of these items in your gift bag, you can send us an e-mail, call us at 972.562.2686, or order it online and we will hold it for you. You must provide a credit card number with the first item you select – we will hold all your information and bill you one time on December 12^h. If you choose to place your order online, you must complete the process and SUBMIT your order; don’t place it in the “Wish List”. A “Wish List” is not sent to us and we cannot see what’s in your basket. You may miss out on a deal by using that feature of our webstore.
• You do not have to purchase the deal each day; you choose only those items you’d like to have, but each deal will ONLY be offered for one day. Available quantities are limited, and if you snooze, you may lose!
• On December 13th, you can come in and pick up all your goodies packaged in a gift bag! Or better yet, send your family to pick it up so that you can be “surprised” by their thoughtful and useful gifts! All online orders will be shipped on the 13^th as well.
• Our 12 Days of Christmas promotion will run November 29 – December 12, skipping Sundays (December 2nd & 9th). There will be 12 great items offered, with a new item offered each day.
• You can read all the details regarding this event here.

Until Monday's deal-

Susan

TQA 12 Days of Christmas Event - Day 2

Today’s Deal is:  Clover Wonder Clips - 50ct Box

Regular price: $33.75            Today’s Price: $25.00

We introduced the Clover Wonder Clips last year, and they were a big hit!  As I've worked with them over time, I realize that the small package of 10 is just not enough!  I have a couple in my English Paper Piecing box, I use them when making bags or anything else that is too bulky to pin, plus they are great for binding.  Treat yourself to a box of 50 - they are just so handy and you'll find numerous uses for them!

This Daily Deal is only good for today, November 30, 2012.

• If you would like for us to put one of these items in your gift bag, you can send us an e-mail, call us at 972.562.2686, or order it online and we will hold it for you. You must provide a credit card number with the first item you select – we will hold all your information and bill you one time on December 12^h. If you choose to place your order online, you must complete the process and SUBMIT your order; don’t place it in the “Wish List”. A “Wish List” is not sent to us and we cannot see what’s in your basket. You may miss out on a deal by using that feature of our webstore.
• You do not have to purchase the deal each day; you choose only those items you’d like to have, but each deal will ONLY be offered for one day. Available quantities are limited, and if you snooze, you may lose!
• On December 13th, you can come in and pick up all your goodies packaged in a gift bag! Or better yet, send your family to pick it up so that you can be “surprised” by their thoughtful and useful gifts! All online orders will be shipped on the 13^th as well.
• Our 12 Days of Christmas promotion will run November 29 – December 12, skipping Sundays (December 2nd & 9th). There will be 12 great items offered, with a new item offered each day.
• You can read all the details regarding this event here.

Until tomorrow’s deal-

Susan

TQA 12 Days of Christmas Event - Day 1

It’s Day 1 of our 12 Days of Christmas event at The Quilt Asylum!

Today’s Deal is:  Quick Trip Quilts by Eleanor Burns

Regular price: $19.50            Today’s Price: $14.50

 

 

I suppose you could call Eleanor Burns a grand dame of the quilting world.  She self-published her first book in 1978 and has written over 100 books and patterns since then!  This book features traditional Quilt Around The World patterns using updated quick cutting and strip piecing methods in sizes from crib to king.  There's even a nice section on how to miter borders.  The best part is you can use fat quarters for each quilt!  This is a great book for anybody's quilting reference library - I'm getting one too!

This Daily Deal is only good for today, November 29, 2012.

• If you would like for us to put one of these items in your gift bag, you can send us an e-mail, call us at 972.562.2686, or order it online and we will hold it for you. You must provide a credit card number with the first item you select – we will hold all your information and bill you one time on December 12^h. If you choose to place your order online, you must complete the process and SUBMIT your order; don’t place it in the “Wish List”. A “Wish List” is not sent to us and we cannot see what’s in your basket. You may miss out on a deal by using that feature of our webstore.
• You do not have to purchase the deal each day; you choose only those items you’d like to have, but each deal will ONLY be offered for one day. Available quantities are limited, and if you snooze, you may lose!
  
• On December 13th, you can come in and pick up all your goodies packaged in a gift bag! Or better yet, send your family to pick it up so that you can be “surprised” by their thoughtful and useful gifts! All online orders will be shipped on the 13^th as well.
• Our 12 Days of Christmas promotion will run November 29 – December 12, skipping Sundays (December 2nd & 9th). There will be 12 great items offered, with a new item offered each day.
• You can read all the details regarding this event here.

Until tomorrow’s deal-

Susan

12 Days of Christmas Begins November 29th!

Treat yourself well this holiday season!! On November 29, we will once again offer our 12 Days of Christmas daily deals! Here’s how it will work:

• Each day from November 29 to December 12, we will send out an e-mail featuring the discounted item of the day. This may be a basic supply item, or a great pattern, or just something that would make a fabulous stocking stuffer. We will also be posting the Deal here on our blog and on Facebook.  Be sure to sign up for our newsletter if you haven't already done so.
• Each Daily Deal is available only until midnight on the day it is offered. No backtracking is allowed.
• Since we are not open on Sundays, no deals will be offered on December 2nd or 9th.
• If you would like for us to put a Daily Deal in your gift bag, you can reply to our e-mail, or call us, or order it online and we will hold it for you. You must provide your name, a phone number and a credit card number with the first item you select – we will hold all your information and bill you on the 12th or 13th for all the items you have selected at once. Daily Deals will not be available for immediate purchase in the store.
• You do not have to purchase the deal each day; you choose only those items you’d like to have, but each deal will ONLY be offered for one day. Available quantities may be limited, and if you snooze, you may lose!  
• If you choose to participate in a daily deal through our online store, you must complete the entire transaction in order for us to receive your request.  We DO NOT have visibility to “wish lists” in our online store. If you place daily deals in a “wish list” basket to submit to us at a later date, we WILL NOT receive your requests and cannot guarantee that items will still be in stock once we receive your total order. You must complete your daily deal request through the complete checkout process in order for us to know that you wish to receive these items.
• If you wish to participate in additional 12 Days of Christmas daily deals after your initial online order, you must complete each order online daily or simply respond back to info@thequiltasylum.com to get the deal. If you have submitted at least one order with a credit card number, you can use the “Call Me” payment method on future 12 Days of Christmas orders so that you don’t have to dig out your credit each time.
• On December 13th, you can come in and pick up all your goodies packaged in a holiday gift bag, ready to put under your tree! Or better yet, send your husband to pick it up and he’ll feel like a hero with none of the hassle of holiday shopping! All online orders will be shipped on the 15^th as well, and will only be charged postage for the actual amount needed to send your order.  Disregard the daily shipping costs with each day's deal.

We hope you enjoy our gifts this season and we wish you the happiest of holidays!

 

 

Thursday Tidbit - Creative Grid Rulers Video Support

Creative Grids Rulers and The Quilt Asylum were "born" around the same time, and we have stocked CG rulers from the very beginning.

What makes CG rulers different from all the rest?  First, each ruler has specially built-in gripper dots to minimize slippage on fabric.  Second, each ruler is marked with easy-to-read black and white markings.  Let me tell you, once you start wearing bifocals, these easy-to-read lines are a bonus!  Third, each basic square and rectangle ruler has the Turn-A-Round feature - turn one way to utilize the 1/2" markings for 1/2" cutting.  Turn the other way to cut whole inches or 1/4" or 1/8" increments.

Here's the video for the basic 6-1/2" square ruler which discusses all these features.



Do you see the scan tag in the upper left hand corner of this ruler?

Checker now prints a Microsoft Tag on each ruler so you can scan it with your iPhone ir iPad to watch a video demonstrating how to use the ruler.   You can get this free mobile app at http://gettag.mobi.  Some of the older stock of CG rulers have this tag on the printed instructions for specialty rulers, but now all of the newly manufactured rulers have the tag printed directly on the ruler surface!  This is great if you just can't remember exactly how to use a particular tool. 

If you don’t have an iPhone or iPad, you can visit the Creative Grids website at: http://www.creativegridsusa.com/ to view the videos. You can also print instructions for any ruler and see quilts made with them.  Simply select 'Find Products" from the homepage, and search for your particular ruler.

Julie Herman (of Jaybird Quilts) has begun designing patterns to use with the Lazy Angle Ruler as well as her new Hex N More Ruler, both manufactured by Creative Grids.  Julie is now including scan tags on her patterns which link to tutorials on her blog!  So now you have instructional support for not only the ruler, but for the pattern as well!

I think it's great that technology that was once intended for personal communication is now being used to assist me in a craft that I love!

One Week, One Thing - September 10

Did you miss me last week?  With the holiday weekend and the beginning of Quilt Across Texas, I didn't have much to share.

This week wasn't much better; I've been scattered with obligations nearly every night last week.

I did finish the Marti Michell Mini Dresden top, and it is loaded on my longarm.  Normally, I do a quick all-over design for shop samples, but this top was screaming at me that it needs custom quilting.  So, it's taking me a little bit longer to finish than normal.  Here's a sneak peek....

With the longer shop hours for QAT, I find that I'm more tired in the evening and spending my time in my chair watching TV with my husband.  I finished a round of borders on my 1/2" hexagon top.  I've been working on this for several years; I'll put a burst of work into it and then put it away for awhile.  It's time to set this aside for now (I'm deathly sick of it, but I'll like it again in a few months).  I think I'll go one more round and then call it done.  It's about lap-sized now.

I also dug out an old EPP UFO and picked it back up again.  The pattern is called Patchwork of the Crosses and I couldn't remember how far along I had gotten. Imagine my surprise when I realized that it was more than halfway finished!  There are 12 focus blocks; I had 9 made and have completed #10 and #11 this week.  This one is also more than 3 years old!

 

 

Of course, I had to start something new this week!  I taught my first Folded Circle Centerpiece class this past week, so I started on another sample so that I could demonstrate during class.  Here's rounds 1-7 using Chicopee by Denyse Schmidt.  Four more rounds of triangles remain.

My goal for this upcoming week is to complete the quilting and binding on the Mini Dresden quilt.  My husband is traveling for work this week, so who knows what else I'll get done?

Thursday Tidbit - Binding a Quilt

It's a holiday week, so I'm resurrecting an oldie-but-goodie for this week's Thursday Tidbit.

Did you know that there is a step-by-step photo/instructional tutorial for binding our our site?

Here's the link:  Binding Your Quilt.  It will explain everything from how to measure to determine how much fabric you'll need, to cutting and joining the strips, to attaching the binding to your quilt by machine.  Binding is easy once you get the hang of it!

Do you have an idea for a Tidbit Topic?  I'm running out of things to say, and I'd love your input!  I do this for YOU, so it makes sense to ask you what you'd like to see in future posts.  Just leave me a comment and I'll put it on my list!

Thursday Tidbit - Easy Placemats

Do you have messy eaters in your house?  Do you like to dress up your table for special occasions?  Placemats are a quick and easy way to use bits of interesting fabric, protect your table, or turn everyday meals into a festive happening.

We've discovered a new product that makes making placemats a snap using a quilt-as-you-go process - the Placemat Craft Pack by Bosal Products.

 

Each pack contains 4 placemat "forms" made of Craf-Tex Plus Double-Sided Fusible interfacing.  These forms are fusible on both sides, and have the texture and thickness of Timtex or Fast2Fuse.  I made this set of 4 placemats (before binding) using 2-1/2" strips in about an hour and a half.  I ironed (fused) backing fabric to the back of each placemat, and then sewed strips through all layers in a flip and sew, quilt-as-you-go manner from the center out to the edges.  Easy peasy!  The placemats finish at 13"x18".

I like the weight and feel of the finished placemat.  There's a little bit more sturdyness and body than just a quilted placemat.  The placemats are machine washable, but it is suggested that you dry them flat.

We are offering a free Quilt As You Go placemat pattern with the purchase of a Placemat Craft Pack.  The holiday season is approaching, and placemats make a great gift!

One Week, One Thing - August 27

It's the first day of school!!!  Anybody else taking a big breath thinking that there's now more time to sew (except for our teacher friends...sorry)?  I know my last 2 days off have been filled with last minute errands with Audrey and I'm looking forward to having an uninterrupted day this coming Thursday.

All said, I did finish the panel quilt for Quilt Across Texas which begins on Saturday, September 1.

It's nothing major, but it needed to be DONE.  The beauty of this panel is you can trim off the QAT banner at the top and have a great print of Texas with all the counties outlined.  Want one for yourself?  Buy it here!

Also, you may have heard me talking (whining) about Audrey's summer art projects that needed to be completed before school.  Her concentration this year is Anatomical Studies using Fabrics and Fibers.  She's been English Paper Piecing a brain scan for the past month, and I've been helping her baste 3/8" hexagons.  Well, I'm proud to say she got it done 3 days before it was due.  If you've ever had an art student in the house, you know this is a big deal!  She really surprised me with her diligence on this project since there are over 600 hexagons in this piece.

I also finished the next sample in my mini EPP quilt series.

 

I started September's Marti & Me club quilt.  It features the Miniature Dresden template and I'm using Tula Pink's "The Birds and The Bees" fabric.  I need to choose a background.....

This week will be spent on the Mini Dresden quilt.  Won't promise you a "finish", but I will promise to make a dent on piecing the remainder of the top.

What did you work on last week?

Batik Bonanza!

 

Our Batik shelves are full and we have more than 80 new bolts coming in the next few weeks, so we are having a Batik Bonanza! Select batiks bolts will be priced at $5-$7 per yard! If you love batiks, here's your chance to stock up on backings and borders!

Come on in and see for yourself, or view the sale bolts online here.

Thursday Tidbit - The Joy of Fusible Batting

Do you quilt your own quilts, table runners, or wall hangings?  Do you pin or spray baste?  Have you heard of fusible batting?

We carry Hobbs Fusible Batting in 3 sizes:  Crib (45x60), Queent (90x108) and 96" wide by the yard on a roll.  This batting is an iron-on batting made the same way as Hobbs Heirloom Premium 80/20 batting, except it has a fusible resin added in the spray bonding process, on both sides. This resin eliminates the need for pinning or basting,

Here's how it works.   Trim the batting to 4-6" wider than your quilt top. Lay your quilt top centered on the batting and take the whole thing to your ironong board.  Set your iron on cotton (hot) and use steam if possible.  Simply press your quilt top from the center to the outer edges, making sure to keep your iron moving and pressing approximately 3-4 seconds in each area. Use a pressing cloth on the outer edges of the quilt top; you don't want to touch your iron to the batting or you'll be cleaning up a mess!

Once you have ironed the entire surface area of the front of your quilt, center the quilt top/batting sandwich on your backing fabric and repeat the ironing process with the backing fabric right side up on your ironing board.  If any places feel loose, you can repress either the front or the back of the quilt. You can quilt this batting by hand or machine up to 4" apart, and can expect a 3-5% shrinkage rate just like regular Hobbs Heirloom.

There are several reasons why I love this batting.

• No more crawling on the floor to baste a quilt - using pins that poke me or a basting spray that oversprays or smells.
• I don't have to stop the quilting process to remove a pin.
• The "fuse" is NOT a permanent fuse like fusible webbing for applique; if you get a wrinkle, you can peel back your fabric, reposition it, and iron it again.  If the fabric comes loose during the quilting process, just iron it back in place.
• It doesn't gum up my needle, and the fusbile component washes out.

I think if you try it you will like it.  Brenda is our in-store expert; she uses it all the time on all sizes of quilts and prefers it over any other batting.

There are other fusible batts on the market, and I will admit that I have not tried them.  I cannot vouch for their quality, but I can highly recommend the Hobbs brand.

Bonnie Hunter is Coming!!

Bonnie Hunter is coming to visit TQA in January! 

Who is Bonnie Hunter?  Take a visit to her website (www.quiltville.com) and you'll be hooked.  Bonnie is a big believer in the fact that you paid good money for every scrap of fabric in your stash, and she shows you ways to use every available inch!  Her website is chock-full of stash-busting methods and free patterns.

She is also the author of 4 books towards this end:  Adventures in Leaders & Enders, Scraps and Shirttails, Scraps and Shirttails 2, and String Fling.

Bonnie will be joining us on the evening of Thursday, January 3rd at 7pm with her Scrap User's System trunk show and lecture. 

She will discuss her view of the fabric food chain - from large cuts to the tiniest bits and how to organize and use every last bit.  I have attended this lecture before, and even though I have been a fan of her system for years, I was entertained and inspired to make more scrap quilts than ever before!  She will also be available for photographs and book signing after the lecture.  Books will be available for purchase onsite.

The fee for the lecture is $15, and you can pick up a ticket in the store or order online here.

There will be 2 full-day workshops on Friday, January 4 and Saturday, January 5 from 9am-4pm.

Friday's workshop is Virginia Bound.

This quilt is from the book Scraps and Shirttails.  The emphasis in this class is foundation/string piecing.  It's a great quilt for using up the smallest bits of scraps; you can select any color combination you desire or strictly think about it as light and dark and use anything and everything from your scrap stash!  I'm sure there will be plenty of "sharing" going on in class!

The class fee is $60 and you can register in the store, by phone, or online here. 

Saturday's workship is Bricks in the Barnyard.

This quilt is from the book Scraps and Shirttails II.  You will use pre-cut light and dark squares and bricks, as well as learn the technique for half-square triangles using the Easy Angle ruler.  You'll also learn how to make the braided border.  Again, this quilt is "light" and "dark", or use any color combination of your choice.

The class fee is $60 and you can register in the store, by phone, or online here.

These workshops have limited seating, and I expect them to fill up quickly.  If you want a guaranteed seat, I suggest that you enroll soon.

The lecture and the workshops will be held at First Christian Church of McKinney, 1800 West Hunt Street, in the Discipleship Center which is located behind the sanctuary facing Paula Road.  This is the church behind Brookshire's Grocery, and is 2 blocks north of the quilt shop.

I hope you will join me in welcoming Bonnie to McKinney!