A Thread-aholic in Colorado

Got to have a little Faith!

If you've never tried paper piecing, then let me suggest you come to the store and we'll introduce you to some Doodle Time Designs Patterns.

Several years ago, I decided I wanted to try paper piecing and picked up one of Faith's patterns.  She had written the instructions so well, that I simply fell in love with the technique, and every single family member received a Doodle Time Design table topper for Christmas.

Well, Faith has a new pattern out, called "Cottonwood Leaves."  We have them here at the store, and a couple of samples.  Check it out!

 

Serger Club is back!

Serger Club, led by Linda K. is back and is in full swing.  I have to say, I love the sound of sergers making mincemeat out of projects.

Sergers are fun, fast, and those who use them find out how fantastic they can be for lots of projects:  home decor, clothing, even quilts.

Next month Serger Club will be making Leaf Potholders.

Even if you've never used a serger, you can come and use one of ours and discover a new world.

September's Serger Club:

 

Antique Motorcycle & Windmill - Finished Project

HubbyNews

Not only is this an experiment on the 10-needle, I am toying with iMovie on the Mac. Need more practice...

 

Windmill & Motorcycle Sept 2016 from First Stitches on Vimeo.

 

A Sunday project - just pieced so far

HubbyNews:

This 52x52" throw was completed with 20 2.5" strips of a jelly roll, then the additional cream and black strips. I think from start to finish took about 8 hours and I am pretty slow. Oh and I was watching a movie...

Rule of thumb, if I can do it, anyone can.

For the baby son of my niece....Braxton

HubbyNews:

A couple of years ago, I was tasked with making a baby quilt out of baby "onesies". I modeled it after a few t-shirt quilts I made previously. It turned out pretty good and my niece was happy. I guess too happy. In order to get another one of my creations, she went through childbirth again, this time producing a baby boy. I got them just after Christmas 2015 and its taken a while between traveling, work and biking around the state with my wife. I finally finished it and here it is - from cutting, piecing and quilting.

Row by Row Experience - 2016!

We had a wonderful 2016 Summer of Row by Row.  I love seeing all the tourists and locals come in with their travel stories. 

But my favorite part is listening to all the husbands and significant others who have been the quiet support group behind all these "row by rowers".  They will gladly tell you of the thousands of miles they have driven to pick up the rows from all over the country. I do think they enjoyed our front porch, though, as they waited patiently.

We are in hibernation mode until November 1st.  Which means, we cannot sell or distribute our pattern or kits until then.

We are taking pre-orders, however, by check or cash (if you come into the store, or mail us a check). If you are interested in a pattern or kit, please call 719-285-8088 OR CLICK HERE, and we will tell you how you can have one shipped to you after November 1st.

Thanks to all who "rowed" with us this year!

License plates & pins are still available and can be purchased now.

Wonky Art...

HUBBY NEWS

Yes, it was actually a pattern and completed 95% on a Baby Lock Serger. Only the decorative quilting stitches between the panels were placed as an after thought - and the metallic thread - I just saw it on the wall and threw it on to add to the modern look.

Free Motion & Simple Stitching

HUBBY NEWS

Tested out the new Baby Lock Jazz and its free motion capabilities. I am a poor example but made it work. I threw a quick square on the background and placed a few quilting stitches to hold the edges.

 

First Saturday Demo & Deb Tucker Rulers

Last Saturday we held our First Saturday Demo.  In 2017, they will become a mainstay, here at the store. Our next First Saturday Demo will be November 5th.

Cyndi McChesney did an awesome job at explaining the valuable assets of the Studio 180 Deb Tucker Rulers!  They are easy to understand. They make your quilting more precise, and they will enable you to create complicated quilts much faster.

We carry many of the Deb Tucker rulers, to include the Wing Clipper, the Tucker Trimmers, the Corner Pop, and many more. Plus, we have many of the Studio 180 patterns (and remember our books and patterns are 30% off everyday!)

AND...

Cyndi is teaching a Block of the Month, Midnight Clear, which by using the Deb Tucker Rulers, can be accomplished as a block of the week quilt.  Here's several of the blocks.  They look complicated, but you will be amazed at how simple these blocks can be!

It's not too late to sign up for this class.  Starts next Wednesday, Sept. 14th and runs for 8 weeks. (just in time for the Holidays!)

Click here, or call the store, 719-285-8088.

 

Labor Day and the Opportunity

HUBBY NEWS

After a brief recuperation from St. Louis, I caught up on service/repairs Friday spilling into Saturday morning. Since the weather on Sunday was beautiful here in Colorado, we took the Harleys out for a spin in the mountains.

Today, Labor Day, we went back to the store, but for fun this time. Yes,the shop was open as we had several tourists visit, but the plan was to play a little on the Valiant (10-needle).

I am still learning, but I can tell you its great not to have to thread and re-thread the machine with so many color changes. (...the Tiger had some puckering)

This cross was purchased on line for $1. Not bad for a 4x5"

 

My first iMovie on Baby Lock's 10-needle Valiant...

HUBBY NEWS

Our son Hunter provided the background music - sometimes drowned out by the clacking of the needle...