Maintenance...worth the effort
Closed 5/11 for Mother’s Day Closed 5/26 for Memorial Day
Maintenance...worth the effort How frustrated do you get when your sewing machine doesn’t work right? You’re fighting it every step of the way. The bobbin keeps getting tangled (birds nests are for the birds!). Your thread keeps breaking. Your tension is off. “FINE! I just won’t sew today.” Does this sound familiar? Perhaps it’s time for some maintenance. I know...it’s not very glamorous. But it’s a necessity that will save you time and possibly your sanity. Here are some maintenance items that are often ignored: Change that needle! And I don’t mean just when it br eaks. It is r ecommended that the needle be changed after eight hours of sewing, which is about one or two projects (of course, depending on the size of the project). Waiting longer causes it to get dull, which can result in irregular or missed stitches. When you’re sewing do you hear a little pop with each stitch? (that’s how I can tell on my machine) It’s time to change the needle. If it’s been so long that you don’t remember the last time you changed it...it’s definitely time. Take a moment and enjoy how that new needle glides through your fabric like butter. Now why did you wait so long? Remove lint build up every time you change your bobbin. I don’t think this is too much to ask. Keep a small pipe cleaner in your accessory tray. When you remove your bobbin, swish the pipe cleaner in and around the bobbin housing and the bobbin case. If you’re removing an entire dust bunny, it might be time to think about your thread choices...but that’s a different topic. Send your machine for a spa day. When was the last time you took your machine in for ser vice? If you can’t remember, then it’s probably due. I’ve only taken my machine in twice since purchasing it in 2005. Do I recommend servicing it this infrequently? Of course not, but life gets in the way. And even though I don’t sew much anymore, the thought of that empty space on my sewing table is often more than I can bear. What if I have a sewing emergency during that week its out for service? Yeah, right! Send it in for a tune-up...you’ll be happy you did. Change your rotary cutter blade. Don’t you hate when you cut that str ip and ther e ar e those single thr eads still attached...and it seems to take three more times to cut through them. UGH! How many times do you have to endure this before you’ll put in a new blade? Now how did that nick get in the blade anyway? Well, if you’ve ever clipped the corner of your acrylic ruler with your blade, then you’ve caused a nick. I know you’ll be more careful next time...but you might as well replace the blade now and save yourself the headache. Is it time for a new mat? This is r elated to the blade discussion above. Per haps you’r e skipping thr eads because there’s a groove in your mat. I know, the mats are “self healing”. Only if you’re cutting exactly perpendicular to the mat surface...and not using a dull blade...and not cutting in the same place repeatedly. If you have a double-sided mat, extend its life and turn it over. Otherwise it might be time to buy a new one. Read the manual. It’s not technically maintenance, but when was the last time you looked at your sewing machine’s manual? Take a moment to refresh your memory. Read about all the groovy things your machine can do, all the neat accessories and feet it has, all those super cute decorative stitches (that you never use), and, yes, what the recommended maintenance is. CALL FOR QUILTS!!! Winters Outdoor Quilt & Textile Art Festival is r ight ar ound the cor ner —Saturday, June 21, 2014. Show off your quilts and other textile projects. Registration due by June 1st. Forms available at the shop and online at www.clothcarousel.com/festival. (Vending opportunities available...email [email protected])
Classes
Other Happenings
Charms on Point
First Saturday Sampler Group May 3/June 7, 9: 00am -10:00am
Instructor: Pattie Macy May 18 (Su n d ay), 10: 30am -4:30pm $35 + ruler Learn how to place blocks on point using Little Foot’s Setting Triangle ruler that makes it so much simpler.
Flying Geese Jacket Instructor: Jeanne Powell May 24 & 25 (Sat u r d ay & Su n d ay), 10:30am-3:30pm $55 + ruler Spruce up you favorite jacket pattern with geese flying all around.
Quick Quarter Quilts Instructor: Patti Hadrava May 31 (Sat u r d ay), 10: 30am -4:30pm $35 + book Another great quilt from “Quick Trip Quilts” by Eleanor Burns.
Register for classes in the shop, by phone, or on the website. Payment must be made at time of registration. Cancellation Policies A minimum number of students is required to hold each class. You are encouraged to register early. In the event that a class does not have the minimum number of students, we will notify the students 5 days prior to the class. You may cancel your place in a class up to 7 days before the first class session unless otherwise noted. If you cancel less than 7 days before the class you will receive a store credit only if we can fill your place.
Doors open at 8:45am. Pictures of this month’s blocks available on the website by Sunday.
FSS Sew Day 2nd Thursday May 8/June 12, 10: 00am -8:00pm The 2nd Thursday of each month has been set aside just for working on your FSS blocks—either piecing or appliqué. Coordinate with your friends and make it a social outing.
Modern Quilt Group 4th Tuesday May 27/June 24, 5: 30p m -7:30pm A free gathering for quilters that like anything modern. The evening’s program starts at 6:00pm followed by show-n-tell. For more info, contact Annette Blandin at [email protected].
Open Sew 1st & 4th Tuesdays May 6&27/June 3&24, 10: 30am -4:30pm 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.
Pillowcase Workshop 1st Saturday May 3/June 7, 12: 00p m -4:00pm The 1st Saturday afternoon of each month is set aside to make pillowcases for donating to Not Just a Case...a Woodland group that donates pillowcases to Yolo County foster children. For more info, contact Trina Camping at [email protected] or Ashley Logins– Miller at [email protected].
The Applique Society 1st Thursday May 1/June 5, 5: 00p m -7:30pm 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 and something for show-n-tell. We have a light potluck...so feel free to bring some goodies to share. For more info, contact Jennifer Woo at [email protected].
Classes What’s In Your Bag? Instructor: Valerie Price June 1 (Su n d ay), 12: 00p m -4:00pm $25 + pattern
Butterfly Town Instructor: Jane Quiring June 22 (Su n d ay), 10: 00am -4:00pm $35 + pattern Learn to make this fun quilt in one of three sizes. Large easy-to-piece blocks made from strips, squares & rectangles. Feature large scale prints for upper wings...so cute!
A small zipper bag with a clear window to fill with so many options and keep you from guessing what’s in the bag?
Nancy’s Shopping Bag Instructor: Nancy Candelo June 10 (Tu es d ay), 10: 00am -4:00pm $35
Abbey Bag Instructor: Patti Hadrava June 28 (Sat u r d ay), 10: 30am -4:30pm $35 + pattern
Let’s go GREEN and make some utility shopping bags. There is NO fancy piecing or fussy designs, just a basic shopping bag. Let your fabric choice give the bag personality.
Pin cushion and a scrap bag all sewed up together in one of the cutest flowers ever. One is never enough.
Four Corners Apron Instructor: Patti Hadrava June 14 (Sat u r d ay), 10: 30am -4:30pm $35 + pattern This quick-to-make apron is perfect for the beginning sewist but clever enough to appeal to all sewists. Selecting the coordinating fabrics is SO easy because it looks good in everything!
I Spy with a Twist Instructor: Patty Macy June 29 (Su n d ay), 10: 30am -4:30pm $35 + pattern This quilt is great for novelty fabrics or a print that’s worth calling attention to.
Like to plan ahead? July
August
Grand Central, Saturday, July 12
Crazy Quilt Christmas Stockings, Saturday, August 23
Happy Hexies, Sunday, July 20
Turning Twenty, Saturday August 30
Strips and Curves Wallhanging, Saturday, July 26
September
Waste Knot, Sunday, July 27
Beginning Hand Applique, Saturday, September 27
Visit our website for calendar updates.
Free Wi-Fi in the shop… just ask and we’ ll provide the login credentials.
New Fabrics & Inspiration Yummy Batiks!
Facebook.com/ClothCarousel
Great new blenders from Stof
Maintenance...worth the effort How frustrated do you get when your sewing machine doesn’t work right? You’re fighting it every step of the way. The bobbin keeps getting tangled (birds nests are for the birds!). Your thread keeps breaking. Your tension is off. “FINE! I just won’t sew today.” Does this sound familiar? Perhaps it’s time for some maintenance. I know...it’s not very glamorous. But it’s a necessity that will save you time and possibly your sanity. Here are some maintenance items that are often ignored: Change that needle! And I don’t mean just when it br eaks. It is r ecommended that the needle be changed after eight hours of sewing, which is about one or two projects (of course, depending on the size of the project). Waiting longer causes it to get dull, which can result in irregular or missed stitches. When you’re sewing do you hear a little pop with each stitch? (that’s how I can tell on my machine) It’s time to change the needle. If it’s been so long that you don’t remember the last time you changed it...it’s definitely time. Take a moment and enjoy how that new needle glides through your fabric like butter. Now why did you wait so long? Remove lint build up every time you change your bobbin. I don’t think this is too much to ask. Keep a small pipe cleaner in your accessory tray. When you remove your bobbin, swish the pipe cleaner in and around the bobbin housing and the bobbin case. If you’re removing an entire dust bunny, it might be time to think about your thread choices...but that’s a different topic. Send your machine for a spa day. When was the last time you took your machine in for ser vice? If you can’t remember, then it’s probably due. I’ve only taken my machine in twice since purchasing it in 2005. Do I recommend servicing it this infrequently? Of course not, but life gets in the way. And even though I don’t sew much anymore, the thought of that empty space on my sewing table is often more than I can bear. What if I have a sewing emergency during that week its out for service? Yeah, right! Send it in for a tune-up...you’ll be happy you did. Change your rotary cutter blade. Don’t you hate when you cut that str ip and ther e ar e those single thr eads still attached...and it seems to take three more times to cut through them. UGH! How many times do you have to endure this before you’ll put in a new blade? Now how did that nick get in the blade anyway? Well, if you’ve ever clipped the corner of your acrylic ruler with your blade, then you’ve caused a nick. I know you’ll be more careful next time...but you might as well replace the blade now and save yourself the headache. Is it time for a new mat? This is r elated to the blade discussion above. Per haps you’r e skipping thr eads because there’s a groove in your mat. I know, the mats are “self healing”. Only if you’re cutting exactly perpendicular to the mat surface...and not using a dull blade...and not cutting in the same place repeatedly. If you have a double-sided mat, extend its life and turn it over. Otherwise it might be time to buy a new one. Read the manual. It’s not technically maintenance, but when was the last time you looked at your sewing machine’s manual? Take a moment to refresh your memory. Read about all the groovy things your machine can do, all the neat accessories and feet it has, all those super cute decorative stitches (that you never use), and, yes, what the recommended maintenance is. CALL FOR QUILTS!!! Winters Outdoor Quilt & Textile Art Festival is r ight ar ound the cor ner —Saturday, June 21, 2014. Show off your quilts and other textile projects. Registration due by June 1st. Forms available at the shop and online at www.clothcarousel.com/festival. (Vending opportunities available...email [email protected])
Classes
Other Happenings
Charms on Point
First Saturday Sampler Group May 3/June 7, 9: 00am -10:00am
Instructor: Pattie Macy May 18 (Su n d ay), 10: 30am -4:30pm $35 + ruler Learn how to place blocks on point using Little Foot’s Setting Triangle ruler that makes it so much simpler.
Flying Geese Jacket Instructor: Jeanne Powell May 24 & 25 (Sat u r d ay & Su n d ay), 10:30am-3:30pm $55 + ruler Spruce up you favorite jacket pattern with geese flying all around.
Quick Quarter Quilts Instructor: Patti Hadrava May 31 (Sat u r d ay), 10: 30am -4:30pm $35 + book Another great quilt from “Quick Trip Quilts” by Eleanor Burns.
Register for classes in the shop, by phone, or on the website. Payment must be made at time of registration. Cancellation Policies A minimum number of students is required to hold each class. You are encouraged to register early. In the event that a class does not have the minimum number of students, we will notify the students 5 days prior to the class. You may cancel your place in a class up to 7 days before the first class session unless otherwise noted. If you cancel less than 7 days before the class you will receive a store credit only if we can fill your place.
Doors open at 8:45am. Pictures of this month’s blocks available on the website by Sunday.
FSS Sew Day 2nd Thursday May 8/June 12, 10: 00am -8:00pm The 2nd Thursday of each month has been set aside just for working on your FSS blocks—either piecing or appliqué. Coordinate with your friends and make it a social outing.
Modern Quilt Group 4th Tuesday May 27/June 24, 5: 30p m -7:30pm A free gathering for quilters that like anything modern. The evening’s program starts at 6:00pm followed by show-n-tell. For more info, contact Annette Blandin at [email protected].
Open Sew 1st & 4th Tuesdays May 6&27/June 3&24, 10: 30am -4:30pm 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.
Pillowcase Workshop 1st Saturday May 3/June 7, 12: 00p m -4:00pm The 1st Saturday afternoon of each month is set aside to make pillowcases for donating to Not Just a Case...a Woodland group that donates pillowcases to Yolo County foster children. For more info, contact Trina Camping at [email protected] or Ashley Logins– Miller at [email protected].
The Applique Society 1st Thursday May 1/June 5, 5: 00p m -7:30pm 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 and something for show-n-tell. We have a light potluck...so feel free to bring some goodies to share. For more info, contact Jennifer Woo at [email protected].
Classes What’s In Your Bag? Instructor: Valerie Price June 1 (Su n d ay), 12: 00p m -4:00pm $25 + pattern
Butterfly Town Instructor: Jane Quiring June 22 (Su n d ay), 10: 00am -4:00pm $35 + pattern Learn to make this fun quilt in one of three sizes. Large easy-to-piece blocks made from strips, squares & rectangles. Feature large scale prints for upper wings...so cute!
A small zipper bag with a clear window to fill with so many options and keep you from guessing what’s in the bag?
Nancy’s Shopping Bag Instructor: Nancy Candelo June 10 (Tu es d ay), 10: 00am -4:00pm $35
Abbey Bag Instructor: Patti Hadrava June 28 (Sat u r d ay), 10: 30am -4:30pm $35 + pattern
Let’s go GREEN and make some utility shopping bags. There is NO fancy piecing or fussy designs, just a basic shopping bag. Let your fabric choice give the bag personality.
Pin cushion and a scrap bag all sewed up together in one of the cutest flowers ever. One is never enough.
Four Corners Apron Instructor: Patti Hadrava June 14 (Sat u r d ay), 10: 30am -4:30pm $35 + pattern This quick-to-make apron is perfect for the beginning sewist but clever enough to appeal to all sewists. Selecting the coordinating fabrics is SO easy because it looks good in everything!
I Spy with a Twist Instructor: Patty Macy June 29 (Su n d ay), 10: 30am -4:30pm $35 + pattern This quilt is great for novelty fabrics or a print that’s worth calling attention to.
Like to plan ahead? July
August
Grand Central, Saturday, July 12
Crazy Quilt Christmas Stockings, Saturday, August 23
Happy Hexies, Sunday, July 20
Turning Twenty, Saturday August 30
Strips and Curves Wallhanging, Saturday, July 26
September
Waste Knot, Sunday, July 27
Beginning Hand Applique, Saturday, September 27
Visit our website for calendar updates.
Free Wi-Fi in the shop… just ask and we’ ll provide the login credentials.
New Fabrics & Inspiration Yummy Batiks!
Facebook.com/ClothCarousel
Great new blenders from Stof
