Notions of Note

A rotary cutter is an essential part of quilting, but using one of these for cutting can be daunting to beginners with all thumbs. The last time I was in for a class at the sewing center I got to try out a smaller sized cutter and guess what? It worked like a dream in my hand!

This is the type of tip that you pick up at the classes that we have at the sewing center; the simple solutions to problems you didn't know existed. So if you, like me, just don't have a great relationship with your rotary cutter, sign up for a quilting class or come in and try out a different size rotary cutter.

Tiny Touches from the Bride

We went net combing to try to uncover some great and unique gifts from the bride to all those who help make her day special:

**Wouldn't these sleep masks be original gifts for bridesmaids and groomsmen alike? See the sewing center for the how to's and design software for these great masks.

**You just can't go wrong with a special clutch or purse for those bridesmaids. Why not embroider each with a name or monogram to make it personal for your special gals? A couple of the patterns that I like are here and here.

**Then don't forget those groomsmen with a wallet. A monogram would look great on this pattern also.

**Don't forget the moms either; they'll need a special kit to get through the day. Why not fill this special bag with all the essentials they will need: hankie for those tears, aspirin, mints, sewing kit, a lip gloss, maybe even a tiny snack.

**Another idea I love are these beautiful fabric callas. Maybe give as mementos to all the guests or just the Grandma's?

**And, finally, I just love this ring bearer's pillow. So delicately beautiful!

Here's hoping your day is wonderful!

 May thy life be long and happy,
Thy cares and sorrows few;
And the many friends around thee
Prove faithful, fond and true.
May your voyage through life be as happy and as free
As the dancing waves on the deep blue sea

     

Happenings at the Highland Sewing Center

Joan got the quilts that were all quilted for the cause labeled and to the hospice last week and there are still room for more quilts.

So this Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday quilters are bringing in their sewing machines for some more quilting fun. This time each quilter will be putting together a strip block using a new technique that Joan will teach.

Won't you join us on May 23, 24, & 25 for some fun learning new techniques and quilting for a cause? Just bring in your sewing machine and accessories, Joan has the fabric all ready to quilt.

Coming up in June is a class on the kitchen scrubbies---have you seen them on our facebook page? They are so new, so cute, and absolutely must makes. And don't forget to join us for the next Applique Block Quilt square where you learn to applique using your machine's specialty feet.

  

Dad Hard to Shop For? How about these Ideas...

Father's Day is less than a month away and even if you have a Dad who has everything, there's still time to sew something that will thrill and surprise Dad. Here are just a few suggestions and even some patterns to help you get started.




For Dads who golf how about an embroidered golfing towel? Golf club covers are fast easy. Put all your pent up creativity to work.

• Does your Dad cook? A chef's hat and apron for that barbecue might be just the thing he needs. Get a handy pattern here. While you're at it stop by the sewing center for some Insul-Bright so you can make Dad a couple of grill mitts to match.
• For Dads who hunt and fish a slip for a gun or fishing pole comes in handy. For the fishing pole try reclaiming an old pair of jeans. Cut the jeans in half, so that you have two separate leg portions. Sew up the waist of the jeans, add a Velcro or zipper closure on the seat and a tape measure down the side for measuring all those whales that Dad is going to catch once he has that lucky fishing pole tote. Here's a how to on the gun sleeve. (We recommend that you use your embroidery machine for embellishments) 
• Then there's the Dad with all the gadgets. But can he really ever have enough gadget totes? He'll need one for that phone, one for the tablet, and another for that laptop. No problem, with your sewing machine you've go all those gadgets covered. And don't forget to create some snazzy labels for all those bags. The Sewing Center has lots of in the hoop embroidery software specifically designed for the Dad in your life.   
• For those Dads that like to nap a lap quilt can be made in a day. I know; sounds unbelievable but we've got some designs that can be cut, pieced, and quilted in a day. I didn't think I could put together a quilt in a day either but a recent trip to the sewing center proved me wrong. I'm thinking of using some of the family photo's to make a memorable quilt that can keep Dad warm. And a nice cozy pillow, maybe with a monogram to make Dad a personal gift that is really as special as he is.

I'm going to get out the sewing machine right now and get started. Less than one month to go to make Dad something special and so many ideas to chose from. Come into the sewing center and gather your supplies.

Spice up those gifts with Embroidery designs

Merrillville Sewing Center Classes

The Merrillville Sewing Center is buzzing with exciting, fun projects. Every one has been working on their floral rings quilt. Jan's been doing some tweaking to the design and this is the one she's finishing up.

Just look at how gorgeous that border is going to be. Absolutely lovely, come in to the sewing center and see Jan's and get some ideas for your own. Sign up for a class and learn some of Jan's tips while you're at it.






The first scrubbie class was such a success that we're getting together another. These cute towels make great gifts---housewarmings, showers, or just because. All your friends will want one or two to liven up that kitchen. It's all an in the hoop design and so functional too. Call the sewing center and sign up for the scrubbie class---don't miss it!

Don't know about you but I love embroidery projects that look like they've been done by hand. And a great new design is the Cross Stitch Ladies. Oh my gosh, this design is so original and Jan's added some special features for those that want something really spectacular. Come for one class or make the whole quilt. Wouldn't it make a great pillow too?

And one class that I know I'm really looking forward to is the Stitcher's Garden #2 Quilt. This design doesn't require an embroidery machine---just a regular machine. In making the quilt you will learn to use all the different sewing machine feet that came with your machine---a different foot for each block. And don't worry if your machine didn't come with a certain foot---we have a bunch of feet in stock or can special order one just for you.

So won't you come join us for a class? We have so much fun learning new skills from our sewing center pro's.

Select Embroidery Hoops on Sale through May 16th

Special on select in stock embroidery hoops! A whopping 25% off. But hurry--- only while current stock lasts and/or through May 16th.  

Mother's Day Gift Giving Ideas

Stuck on what to get Mom this Mother's Day? Whether you're on a budget or shopping for that Mom who has everything, read on:

For those on a real budget--- how about some fancy pins? We carry pins made especially for specific purposes, quilting, fashions, and general purpose. And oh so pretty ones too. A box of pretty pins is a gift that will thrill any seamstress.  Under $5.   




Does Mom quilt? Then she probably could use an iron sold specifically for the special pressing needs of the home quilter. This iron gets hot fast, is small enough to get into those tiny, quilting seams, and has just the right temperature needed for those cotton quilting fabrics. And, while you're at it, grab Mom a specially made quilters mat. This mat has a side for pressing and a side for cutting and is compact enough for the quilting area. Similar to those used by professional quilters on those quilting shows on television. Under $40.

If machine embroidery is Mom's favorite, we have a great selection of embroidery designs for every room of the house and in all sorts of motifs from homey, kitchy, designs to traditional designs to add that special elegance that Mom craves. Selection varies from $25.





One of the favorites that always goes fast during our sewing classes is scissors. There are specialty scissors for embroidery clipping,  seam ripping, and razor sharp scissors for  cutting fabrics. While you'r at it why not bring Mom's current selection of scissors in for sharpening? What a nice son or daughter (or spouse?) you are!  Selection varies from $20. 

And while we're on the subject of classes; our classes are great fun! We'll be happy to give you a gift certificate for a great up coming class (or series of classes) so that Mom can not only learn some new things, create some beautiful projects, but have fun and make friends too.   From $10 per class.

We also have a limited amount of Designer Ruby's that are $2000.00 off of the retail price. These Sewing Machines come with 5D Embroidery Software and are open stock from a recent sewing show. This special price is only good until May 16th or while supplies last.







And don't miss out on the special on our quilting software---5D Quilt Creator allows Mom to stipple in the hoop, design her own quilting designs and create designer fabrics. So versatile and from now until May 16th it is at the special price of $599.99.

Make Mom happy with one of these great deals. Come and see us today.

         

   


Notion of Note

Look really close at this most gorgeous pillow and you will see that it has been stippled. I've always admired stippling both for the skill it takes and the look of simple elegance that it lends to a project. It just brings a project together.

But let's face it, stippling can be pretty daunting to a beginner or someone who doesn't have a whole lot of time to devote to just one project.

Husqvarna Viking has a product that helps bring everyone's quilting skills up a notch---5D Quilt Designer Software.

With 5D Quilt Designer you can import a picture of your quilt top and view a quilting application before you start the actual quilting of your piece. Multiple designs and motifs can be combined to make your very own creation. Or, if you really want to be very original, you can draw and create from your own clipart or photograph. And everything is so easy with the helpful wizards.

One of my favorite projects, besides the stippling in the hoop, is using the software to make your very own custom fabric. Take some luxurious silk, add a water or heat dissoluble stabilizer, and any quilting design, and you have your very own fabric that can be used for scarfs, dresses, blouses----just think of the possibilities; fabrics so original and pretty that they will look like they came right off the runway!

Come see us for more information.