commit to improving your skills
New Year’s resolution recommendation: commit to improving your skills We all have just survived the busiest time of the year. For quilters, in addition to the normal holiday hustle, many of you completed unique, homemade gifts for your family and friends. And if your head has finally stopped spinning, and maybe you snuck in a nap or two, you’re ready to tackle the new year. So what now? At this time of year there seems to be plenty of thoughts on resolutions for the new year. How you can be better. What you need to change in your life to make you happier. It’s pretty much the same stuff every year. Instead of attempting to impart motivational words of wisdom, I’ll share what has worked for me the past few years. Since my first class in quilt making in 2005, my enthusiasm and time commitment to my new hobby has waxed and waned over the years. I actually went a whole year without sewing anything. This was just crazy! Because when I final sat down and worked on a project my brain was much happier. Several years back, rather than make resolutions that I would continue to fail at (I am still the queen of procrastination; my crafty room always seems to be my crappy room; my To Do lists are always too long; I always have more projects planned than I’ll ever complete), I decided that each year I wanted to learn one new skill relating to my hobbies...something for me… something fun. And, by setting my goal on only one new skill each year, I had twelve months to find the resources to accomplish my task. One year I learned to crochet. And not just the crochet stitches, but also learning to read a pattern. But I didn’t learn on my own. I love books (and have plenty of them) and can usually learn from them, but sometimes you need a scheduled class with a real teacher. One you need to leave your couch for and actually focus on for a few uninterrupted hours. There’s nothing quite like that human interaction and having someone lean over your shoulder and show that you need to hold your hook a different way or the stitch will never work. Now I feel can tackle any crochet project I set my sights on. It really makes a difference when you make a commitment to take a class to learn something new. In order to fit something into your already busy life you need to make an effort to schedule it...and sooner rather than later. In 2013 my desired new skill was wool appliqué. I took a class in February to check off my new skill goal early in the year, which turned out to be a good thing with buying the shop. I still only have the first piece attached, but I do know how to do it. Perhaps you don’t want to learn a new skill this year, but improve on a skill you already have. Look for classes that emphasize skill building so you know the instructor will spend time on the mechanics of quilt making (or whatever your hobby is) in addition to completing the project. Maybe you’re often frustrated when your quilt top doesn’t come out the same size as the pattern states it should. This year you could commit to squaring up ALL of your block portions as you piece them to keep them true to size...not just square up the entire block once it’s all together. Yes, it takes a little more time and attention to detail, but you’ll be much happier in the end. Don’t know how to do this? Take a class with a teacher that enforces this. Or you could commit to working on your corners and points. Taking the extra time to pin your seams and junctions so your points really are pointed. Never been shown how to do this? Take a class with a project that provides this exercise. This year I commit to making available to you more projects that interest you and encourage you to keep involved in your quilt making hobby. I commit to better planning, so you’ll have more notice on what’s going on at the shop. I commit to continue improving the atmosphere at the shop so it’ll be a place you want to hang out, sew, and bring your friends. And I commit to completing at least one UFO this year! What will you commit to?
Classes Beginning Quilting Instructor: Karen VanHoosear Jan 8, 15, 22, 29, Feb 5 (Wednesdays), 6:00pm-9:00pm $125 Students will learn the basics of quilt making: rotary cutting and safety, sewing an accurate ¼” seam, and reading pattern instructions. Sampler quilt consists of six blocks: Rail Fence, Log Cabin, Friendship Star with 4-patch corners, Ohio Star, Sawtooth Star with a Log Cabin center. Get started on a great hobby with essential training. Been quilting for a while? This is a great refresher to fill in those knowledge gaps.
Charm Party Tote January 11th (Saturday), 10:30am-4:30pm
Instructor: Patti Hadrava
$35 + pattern
Make this cute bag in one of three sizes: Mini Charmer, Charm Party Tote, or Chubby Charmer. Let Patti show you how easy it can be!
Bag Ladies—Metropolis Messenger Bag January 14th (Tuesday), 10:30am-4:30pm
Instructor: Annette Blandin
$35 + pattern
Yes! It’s O.K. to be a bag lady...especially if you’re carrying this ultra cool messenger bag. You only need six fat quarters to make it. The 2nd Tuesday of each month has been designated Bag Ladies Day. Watch the calendar each month for the next project. Attend only the ones you want or become a regular so you’ll have bags a plenty.
Labyrinth January 18th (Saturday), 10:30am-4:30pm
Instructor: Gail Casson
$35 + pattern
No Diamonds and No "Y" Seams makes Labyrinth a very easy & fun quilt to make. You will want to (eventually) make all four sizes from lap to king.
Happy Hexies January 25th (Saturday), 10:30am-4:30pm
Instructor: Annette Blandin
$35 + ruler + pattern
Learn an easier way to make this quilt—no templates, just a great ruler. Make it as modern as you want or mix it up with a more traditional theme. This class is full. Call the shop to get on the interest list for the next class.
UFO Workshop with Annette Blandin January 26th (Sunday), 10:30am-2:30pm
Instructor: Annette Blandin
$20
Bring any unfinished project that you started in one of Annette’s previous classes. When signing up, please let us know which project(s) you’ll be working on.
Classes Bag Ladies—Caitlyn Handbag February 11th (Tuesday), 10:30am-4:30pm
Instructor: Annette Blandin
$35 + pattern
Super cute! A curvy shape and inverted pleats on the front and back creating a peek-a-boo effect with contrasting fabric. You can even make it with repurposed neckties. The 2nd Tuesday of each month has been designated Bag Ladies Day. Watch the calendar each month for the next project. Attend only the ones you want or become a regular so you’ll have bags a plenty.
Science Fair February 15th (Saturday), 10:30am-4:30pm
Instructor: Annette Blandin
$35 + pattern
Modern and fun! And it uses Annette’s favorite—the Hex N More ruler. This quilt can be made up in four sizes: Baby, Lap, Twin, or King. We’ve got a sample hanging in shop...please stop by to check it out.
Other happenings—January & February First Saturday Sampler Group 1s t Sat u r d ay, 9: 00am -10:00am—Jan 3rd & Feb 1st January is the last block for the 2013 quilt. Not an official part of the group? That’s O.K.! Come and find out what it’s all about. Sign ups for the 2014 quilt are going on now through January 15th. First Saturday Sampler Group Sew Day 2n d Th u r s d ay, 10: 00am -8:00pm—Feb The 2nd Thursday of each month has been set aside just for working on your FSS blocks—either piecing or appliqué. There will be 1-hour time slots available from 10:00am-8:00pm. Sign up early to reserve your spot. Coordinate with your friends and make it a social outing. If there’s no one signed up for the next hour you’re more than welcome to continue working.
Open Sew 1s t & 3r d Tu es d ays , 10: 30am -4:30pm—Jan 7th & 21st, Feb 4th & 18th The classroom is available for you to work on your projects. Need to baste a quilt? We’ll push tables together so you don’t have to get down on the floor. Bring a friend—it’s more fun to sew with a buddy. Modern Quilt Group 3r d Tu es d ay, 5: 00p m -7:30pm—Jan 21st & Feb 18th A free gathering for quilters that like anything modern. This is a new group so the attendees will determine the direction of the group during the first couple of meetings. The Applique Society (TAS) 1s t Th u r s d ay, 5: 00p m -7:30pm—Jan 2 & Feb 6th Like to appliqué? Interested in adding this skill to your repertoire? Come check us out. All types of appliqué are welcome. Bring a project to work on. We have a light potluck...so feel free to bring some goodies to share, but it’s not required. For more info, contact Jennifer Woo at [email protected]. Visit our website throughout the month for calendar updates.
Free Wi-Fi in the shop… just ask and we’ll provide the login credentials.
New Fabrics & Inspiration
“Fox Playground” (Free Spirit) “Baby Talk” (Fabri-Quilt)
“Lola” (Quilting Treasures)
“Chantilly” by Lauren & Jessi Jung (Moda) 108” Wide “Baroque” (Henry Glass) “Bohemia” (In The Beginning)
Facebook.com/ClothCarousel
Snow Leopard Designs (Rowan)
Classes Beginning Quilting Instructor: Karen VanHoosear Jan 8, 15, 22, 29, Feb 5 (Wednesdays), 6:00pm-9:00pm $125 Students will learn the basics of quilt making: rotary cutting and safety, sewing an accurate ¼” seam, and reading pattern instructions. Sampler quilt consists of six blocks: Rail Fence, Log Cabin, Friendship Star with 4-patch corners, Ohio Star, Sawtooth Star with a Log Cabin center. Get started on a great hobby with essential training. Been quilting for a while? This is a great refresher to fill in those knowledge gaps.
Charm Party Tote January 11th (Saturday), 10:30am-4:30pm
Instructor: Patti Hadrava
$35 + pattern
Make this cute bag in one of three sizes: Mini Charmer, Charm Party Tote, or Chubby Charmer. Let Patti show you how easy it can be!
Bag Ladies—Metropolis Messenger Bag January 14th (Tuesday), 10:30am-4:30pm
Instructor: Annette Blandin
$35 + pattern
Yes! It’s O.K. to be a bag lady...especially if you’re carrying this ultra cool messenger bag. You only need six fat quarters to make it. The 2nd Tuesday of each month has been designated Bag Ladies Day. Watch the calendar each month for the next project. Attend only the ones you want or become a regular so you’ll have bags a plenty.
Labyrinth January 18th (Saturday), 10:30am-4:30pm
Instructor: Gail Casson
$35 + pattern
No Diamonds and No "Y" Seams makes Labyrinth a very easy & fun quilt to make. You will want to (eventually) make all four sizes from lap to king.
Happy Hexies January 25th (Saturday), 10:30am-4:30pm
Instructor: Annette Blandin
$35 + ruler + pattern
Learn an easier way to make this quilt—no templates, just a great ruler. Make it as modern as you want or mix it up with a more traditional theme. This class is full. Call the shop to get on the interest list for the next class.
UFO Workshop with Annette Blandin January 26th (Sunday), 10:30am-2:30pm
Instructor: Annette Blandin
$20
Bring any unfinished project that you started in one of Annette’s previous classes. When signing up, please let us know which project(s) you’ll be working on.
Classes Bag Ladies—Caitlyn Handbag February 11th (Tuesday), 10:30am-4:30pm
Instructor: Annette Blandin
$35 + pattern
Super cute! A curvy shape and inverted pleats on the front and back creating a peek-a-boo effect with contrasting fabric. You can even make it with repurposed neckties. The 2nd Tuesday of each month has been designated Bag Ladies Day. Watch the calendar each month for the next project. Attend only the ones you want or become a regular so you’ll have bags a plenty.
Science Fair February 15th (Saturday), 10:30am-4:30pm
Instructor: Annette Blandin
$35 + pattern
Modern and fun! And it uses Annette’s favorite—the Hex N More ruler. This quilt can be made up in four sizes: Baby, Lap, Twin, or King. We’ve got a sample hanging in shop...please stop by to check it out.
Other happenings—January & February First Saturday Sampler Group 1s t Sat u r d ay, 9: 00am -10:00am—Jan 3rd & Feb 1st January is the last block for the 2013 quilt. Not an official part of the group? That’s O.K.! Come and find out what it’s all about. Sign ups for the 2014 quilt are going on now through January 15th. First Saturday Sampler Group Sew Day 2n d Th u r s d ay, 10: 00am -8:00pm—Feb The 2nd Thursday of each month has been set aside just for working on your FSS blocks—either piecing or appliqué. There will be 1-hour time slots available from 10:00am-8:00pm. Sign up early to reserve your spot. Coordinate with your friends and make it a social outing. If there’s no one signed up for the next hour you’re more than welcome to continue working.
Open Sew 1s t & 3r d Tu es d ays , 10: 30am -4:30pm—Jan 7th & 21st, Feb 4th & 18th The classroom is available for you to work on your projects. Need to baste a quilt? We’ll push tables together so you don’t have to get down on the floor. Bring a friend—it’s more fun to sew with a buddy. Modern Quilt Group 3r d Tu es d ay, 5: 00p m -7:30pm—Jan 21st & Feb 18th A free gathering for quilters that like anything modern. This is a new group so the attendees will determine the direction of the group during the first couple of meetings. The Applique Society (TAS) 1s t Th u r s d ay, 5: 00p m -7:30pm—Jan 2 & Feb 6th Like to appliqué? Interested in adding this skill to your repertoire? Come check us out. All types of appliqué are welcome. Bring a project to work on. We have a light potluck...so feel free to bring some goodies to share, but it’s not required. For more info, contact Jennifer Woo at [email protected]. Visit our website throughout the month for calendar updates.
Free Wi-Fi in the shop… just ask and we’ll provide the login credentials.
New Fabrics & Inspiration
“Fox Playground” (Free Spirit) “Baby Talk” (Fabri-Quilt)
“Lola” (Quilting Treasures)
“Chantilly” by Lauren & Jessi Jung (Moda) 108” Wide “Baroque” (Henry Glass) “Bohemia” (In The Beginning)
Facebook.com/ClothCarousel
Snow Leopard Designs (Rowan)
