Hope to see you tonight Our online discussion chat on this book will be held on Thursday, July 31^st at 5:30 Pacific, 8:30 Eastern Time.  We will me using a chat room at Mom Chats: http://www.momchats.com/wahmchatroom.htm.  When it is time for the chat, click on that link, make up a user name, you do NOT need a password, and start chatting.  It really is that simple, there are no forms to fill in just your user name enter the chat room. We are meeting in the meeting room.

Happy Day!

Wendy

4 Yard Adopt A Bolt Program Information

July 29th through August 6, 2008 we are offering our annual web only adopt-a-bolt program. Here is how it works. We have selected many bolts of fabric that we want to clear out. However, we do not know the exact yardage until you order it because our customers are still purchasing them at the shop. If you choose to participate in the Adopt-a-bolt program you are agreeing to the following:

1. You are buying the entire remaining bolt up to 4 yards at the sale price listed. This could be 1/2 yard to 4 yards. Because of the reduced prices you do not know the total amount you are getting. Sorry we are NOT cutting these in smaller pieces.

2. When you choose your fabrics enter the number 4 in the check out form and we will send you the entire bolt at the sale price. If you enter ANY other number we will send you that exact amount at FULL PRICE Listed on the web page.

3. We process orders on a first come first served basis and if the bolt you ordered has been sold, we will not reorder it for you. Once your order has been pulled and cut, Susan will process the order and will notify you when your order is sent and what the total on your purchase amount is. Postage for this special event is flat rate USA priority envelope (which holds up to 6 yards except flannel) or USA flat rate priority box (which holds up to 12 yards, except flannel).

4. In order to simplify pricing and handling issues for our staff, this sale is NOT going on in the shop! If you live in the area, order online and request pick up in special instructions box we will notify you when your order is ready and you will not be charged shipping.

If you are interested in seeing the fabrics for this sale click here!

Happy Day!

Wendy

I have been doing a lot of Fusible Machine Appliqué lately.  My latest project that I just finished is this cute banner designed by Karen Brow from Java House Quilts called “Quilts In Progress“.  At last– the banner for the sewing room, the friendship group, the guild meeting, heck the kitchen (when you’ve no intention of cooking….) This easy, colorful fusible project is a fun, clever quilt for the shop, classroom or home it also makes great gift for the dedicated or beginning quilter alike. I saw this pattern at International Quilt Market, the designer had a booth right across from us and I fell in love with many of her products.  You will see more of them on the web site as they arrive.

One of the problems I have been having lately, when doing machine appliqué, is getting a sticky or gummy sewing needle. Once you get a needle like this, your thread begins to fray and break.  It drives me simply crazy. This is a common problem when you are working in a room with warmer temperatures or high humidity. So if you are having problems like this try some of the following techniques:

1. You can put your quilting project in a plastic bag and freeze it for 15 minutes before you begin the appliqué stitches.

2. Wipe your needles down with alcohol wipes you can purchase from the pharmacy. 

3. Or use q-tips or cotton with and clean needles with Sewers Aid or sewing machine oil.  Keep using these products during your entire sewing time, to keep the needle clean.

4. Use a small electrical fan directed towards your machine while sewing to keep the needle area cooler.

5. Don’t forget to change your needles after your project!

Try these techniques and I am sure you will find one that really helps keep your machine clean and humming!

Happy Day!

Wendy

I thought I would share with all of you my Snow Days Banner.  I have talked about it in the newsletter, and I was able to get another three more bolts of the Snow Days sticky backed fabric in the shop from Moda last week.  This is perhaps the most commented about project we have on display at the shop.  Jan, Joan and I made it last year and it was so very fun!

You can find the free pattern at Me and My Sister Designs.  I adapted it a bit to make it easier.  Here are the changes that I made.

1. Make 11 ½” Squares and did not do the fussy cutting on the sides.

2. Line the banner squares with batting and use the same blue fabric on the front and back, turned them like a pillowcase and then top stitched around the squares.

3. Did not do button holes.  I never do them on clothes so I am not going to do them on a quilting project. I just stitched the ribbon into the sides when I was sewing the pieces together.

4. I started with 12” pieces of ribbon but it seemed like too much so I ended cutting them down to about 6” So experiment with the right length of ribbon for you.

5. Cut all your clothes out from the sticky back fabric.  We added scallops and ruffles when we were cutting them out.  Some of the designs were repetitive so we made them into other things like from a large dress we made a blouse and scarves and vests. 

6.  We only used two snowballs per snowman, because most of the time the clothes covered the middle snowball.  Use two small snowballs to make the children.  This is like playing with paper dolls, have fun and experiment.  Nothing is stuck down until you iron it.

7. Use hot-fix embellishments (Stars, Nail heads, Crystals) and buttons to sparkle up your project.

This is a great project that you can make with your kids, the hardest part is cutting out the Snowmen and making the little banner squares.  Once you have that done, you can have the kids join you to make their snowmen.

Order your fabric now, this is sure to go fast AGAIN!

Enjoy!  If you try this project you will truly love it!

Happy Day!

Wendy 

When I was at the shop yesterday, it was warm and we had the big garage door opened to let the cool breeze in.  When Beth did this all the flags for the July Block of the month started flying from the ceiling.  It was amazing to see 35+ quilt block flags hanging there.  We snapped this picture so you could enjoy the scene too.  If you already have a July kit, you still have time to get yours made and sent in.  We will be drawing the winners on Friday afternoon.  So get your blocks mailed in.  You are sure to want to be a winner for this great block lottery. Sorry but all the July kits are sold out.  August Kits are now available.

For those of you who are not familiar with our Lottery Block of the Month Program, here is how it works. Each month, Heart To Hand customers can participate in the block of the month lotto. For $2.75 you get the instructions and one a fat eight of the fabric of the month. BOM patterns that need to be mailed out will cost a TOTAL of $2.75. This includes shipping. Blocks must contain some of the fabric provided in the kit, along with other coordinating fabrics of your own personal choice. For the contest, attach a piece of paper with name and phone number and email on the back of your finished blocks. You can submit as many blocks as you want using the fabric in your kit. You are welcome to buy more than one kit and you may also buy some of the fabric of the month separately. For each block you submit your name will go on a ticket and you go into a drawing to win the blocks. The number of winners and the number of blocks won will be determined by the number of blocks finished and returned.

PLEASE NOTE: Every month the blocks are DUE AT THE SHOP by the last day of the month. The on-line server will charge more shipping, but we will make the correction when we ship your order.

I hope you will join us monthly for this fun lottery block swap.

Happy Day!

Wendy

Lee Greenwood said it best ‘The Flag still
stands for Freedom and they can’t take that away’

Chalk Cloth is a portable, lightweight and erasable vinyl that runs 47/48″ Wide. It is a wonderful for back to school projects and also great for teaching, child play, drawing, sewing projects, signs, messages, construction, planning, and so much more. Once “cured” it can be sponged clean with water and reused just like a traditional wood backed chalkboard. Decorate the kid’s room with a custom made chalkboard. Chalk cloth is like oil cloth except that it has a matte finish, you can sew with it, roll it and do just about anything you would with oil cloth. Some things to remember when working with Chalk Cloth: 

 1. It is important to cure your new chalk cloth before you use it for the first time. This is done by laying a piece of chalk on its side on the surface of the chalk cloth and rubbing it all over- side to side and top to bottom. Then repeat this process again. Your chalk cloth is now ready for use.

2. Use a pressing sheet for ironing as the fabric gets very hot.

3. This fabric can be applied like wallpaper—a great ideal if you want the kids to have a wall they can actually write on.

4. I you order chalk cloth and it arrives folded or wrinkled from shipping, that is okay.  Just lay the product out flat outside on a sunny day or in a warm room and let the fabric relax.  Tada, your wrinkles will be gone.

5. When sewing, use a denim needle, or a large size 16 needle and some matching poly/cotton thread.  Also set your machine to a slightly longer stitch length.  Some machine feet do not have a problem gliding over chalk cloth but I recommend using your walking foot.  It will just make your life much easier.

Now that you have the basics of sewing with Chalk Cloth let me give you some great links to free projects to making great use of this wonderful product!

Ivy Memo Board: From Blank Textiles, this project just uses three Fat Quarters and some chalk cloth.  Make a few, they are great gifts.

Kids Activity Bag: I have shown this before, but I think it is a really great project especially for road trips, school projects and more.

Chalk Cloth Place-mats: These easy to sew place-mats encourage the artist in adults and kids, while waiting for dinner to arrive. 

I hope this gives you some ideas on what to do with Chalk Cloth!

Happy Day!

Wendy

Welcome one and all to the July Online Book Club Discussion.  That is right; it is July 25^th and today is the posting of the discussion questions for our first book of the month “Wedding Ring” by Emilie Richards.  If you have not read it yet, there still is time to finish it, borrow it from the library or a friend and get reading!

Our online discussion chat on this book will be held on Thursday, July 31^st at 5:30 Pacific, 8:30 Eastern Time.  We will me using a chat room at Mom Chats: http://www.momchats.com/wahmchatroom.htm.  When it is time for the chat, click on that link, make up a user name, you do NOT need a password, and start chatting.  It really is that simple, there are no forms to fill in just your user name enter the chat room.  If you want Mom Chats to send you a reminder about the chat go to their web site now and click on Chat Schedule, and then on Quilt Book Club for July 31^st.  They will send you a reminder.  If you cannot join us live at this chat, please post your discussion questions and comments here on the Blog. I will also try to record the chat so people who are unable to make it can read the chat on the blog.

Wedding Ring Discussion Questions

Some Readers’ Discussion Questions Courtesy of Emilie Richards

1. Well, tell us true, did you like this book?  Why or Why not?

2. Helen, Nancy and Tessa are very different people, linked by blood but by little else.  Did their struggle to forge lasting bonds seem realistic, even familiar?  Within your own family, have you experienced moments like these?

3. Tessa and Mack have dealt with their daughter’s death in a tragic accident in two entirely different ways.  Losing a child is a blow from which many marriages can’t recover.  What did each of them do that was helpful?  What was not helpful?  Could you empathize more with one’s reactions to grief than the other’s?

4. Nancy and Billy have never really talked about their feelings for each other, despite many years of marriage.  The circumstances behind their wedding have made such an impact on Nancy that she has struggled every moment to prove herself worthy of her husband.  Do you know married couples like Nancy and Billy who can talk about everything except their own feelings?

5. When Helen lost Fate and others she loved, she distanced herself from everyone and everything, including her new baby daughter.  We protect ourselves from pain in many different ways.  Could you understand Helen’s desire to avoid love so that she could avoid loss?

6. Cissy’s need for love touches each of the women at the “Old Stoneburner Place” differently but deeply.  Did you feel the women’s gift to her at the end was appropriate and meaningful?

7. Heirlooms of all kinds have the power to connect us with our past and with family members we might never have known.  Do you have an heirloom in your family with its own important story? Will you share your story?

8. If you also bought the “Leisure Arts Quilt Along with Emilie Richards Wedding Ring Book” how did you like it and did you make anything out of that book or do you have a project picked out to make in the future?

9. We have the book club books chosen for August and September; do you have a Quilt Related Novel you would like to suggest we read for October?  I will be making a list up and having everyone vote towards the end of August, so get your ideas in.

Again, if you cannot join us live at this chat; please post your discussion questions and comments here on the Blog for others to read.

Hope to see you at the discussion!

Happy Day!

Wendy

There is an ice cream truck that goes through my neighborhood, starting right before school lets out for the summer.  I have never stopped it long enough to get a treat; however, there is a strong pull for me to go zooming after it to see if they have my favorite ice cream bar.

Aside from heading to the beach, swimming and of course air conditioning, one great way to keep cool this summer is by enjoying one of America’s favorite treats –- cold, creamy ice cream! July is National Ice Cream month, so let’s celebrate! You do not need to tell me twice to celebrate something with ice cream.

Making your own ice cream with your family is a great family activity.  It is easy and enjoyable.  Need some recipes?  You will find every flavor, style and technique for making ice cream at Ice Cream Recipies.com.

Here is a picture of “Single Scoop” Quilt designed by McCall’s Quiltmaker Staff for the Project Linus Program.   Earlier this week we talked about Foundation Paper Piecing and in this quilt the cones are paper pieced, but are very easy to make.  A copy of the pattern is in the directions.  So try learning foundation piecing while making this very cute quilt.

McCall’s writes: “In our quilt every scoop of ice cream is a different flavor–what a delicious way to use scraps! Select a nondirectional print for the background patches; making sure the ice cream scoop, the cone and the background have good contrast.”

So make this cool quilt for yourself, a friend, or donate it to Project Linus.  Any way you look at it, it is a great project to make!  Just don’t spill your ice cream on it while making it!

Happy Day!
Wendy

I received a great question today from Kim in PA about my pattern, “Cruising into the Sun“. She writes: “Can you tell me the finished size of Heart To Hand Pattern: Cruising into the Sun?  I have never done paper piecing is it difficult?  Do you have to do it with that method?   Is anything special needed for this pattern in the way of rulers?”

Great Questions Kim!  Sorry I did not have the dimensions on the website.  Cruising into the Sun measures 58″ square finished. I have now added that information to the web.

Paper Piecing is not difficult, in fact for me it is easier than piecing because of the accuracy that paper piecing provides for points and alinement of unusual angles.  For some people paper piecing is hard to learn (Clarity for blog readers:  We are talking about Foundation paper piecing and not the English paper piecing we have been discussing for a week or so.) this is because of the perspective you have to be able to see when placing the fabrics. But it is a skill that once you learn, you will never forget and it gives you great results and exact sizing.  Not all of this quilt is paper pieced. Some of it is regular piecing.  I am sure you could do the paper piecing parts using some additional piecing techniques and angles, but I really do not know how to do those.

This pattern requires no special rulers, that is one of the wonderful things about paper piecing, you get those unusual angles, without having to cut them and worry about bias edges.  If you are interested in learning how to paper piece, and I encourage everyone to learn this skill, try this easy pattern from Quilters Cache with super step by step instructions. Once you have mastered a couple of those blocks, try more intricate blocks like my “Our Town” and then move on to this one.

Hope that helps and thanks for asking! To all my readers, customers and visitors, send your questions to me at Wendy@hearttohandonline.com and I will look forward to answering them for you here.

Happy Day!

Wendy

Thought for the Day - In Memory of Mom: “I am responsible. Although I may not be able to prevent the worst from happening, I am responsible for my attitude toward the inevitable misfortunes that darken life. Bad things do happen; how I respond to them defines my character and the quality of my life. I can choose to sit in perpetual sadness, immobilized by the gravity of my loss, or I can choose to rise from the pain and treasure the most precious gift I have – life itself.” ~ Walter Anderson