A Thread-aholic in Colorado

Floor Model Sale going on NOW!

Hurry in!  Our Big Blowout Floor Model Sale is starting tomorrow, Saturday, December 18th at our Cañon City AND Pueblo locations.  All makes - Baby Lock, Brother and Janome machines at unbelievably low prices.  And, we’re offering FREE set up and delivery options until Christmas Eve!* 

Someone is going to get a killer deal on our "Open Box" Luminaire XP1. Only used once, at an Anita Goodesign event.  In New condition. Comes with full warranty.  Only 1 available.

What a great Christmas present!  Hurry, call or come in today!  You don’t want to miss this great event.  We will price match any Colorado competitor.  Bring us your best deal! *Limited delivery area.  Call for details.

Zoom On ~!

We certainly miss our "old ways of doing things".  We all loved the in-house events and the classes from a variety of teachers.

But now, our world is different. While I know we will get back to in-person classes, we are venturing into the world of virtual classes, until then.

We are currently working on new Virtual Classes, teaching techniques or just getting together and showing each other our latest projects.

We'll do what we have to do, to keep you in stitches. 

 

Little busy hands!

When people tell me, "Oh, I'd never be able to make a quilt", I smile and just say, let me show you... then I try to show the basics and convince them that "Yes, you can do this!"

Look at what Miss Haley (age 7) created:  Her very 1st quilt.  She was just bubbling over when her and her mom came in to show us. Haley picked out all her own fabrics and pieced it herself.

We LOVE to see kids sewing and creating. Keep those hands busy and keep those hearts happy!

Congratulations, Haley.  You did GOOD!

Christmas is solved!

Wow, do we have a fabulous assortment of gifts for you.  Our array of gift items just continues to grow.  We have the perfect gift for the sewer that you love.  Come into either of our locations, in Cañon City or Pueblo and be amazed.  Or, check out our gift category online!  Click here to see the marvelous gifts that await you!  Starting at 99¢ and going up as high as you can imagine.  Click here to start your journey:  https://www.firststitches.com/shop/Gifts.htm?pageNum=1

You are going to LOVE it.  Christmas is SOLVED.

First Stitches is celebrating our 8th Anniversary!

In 2012, we set up shop in a 200 sq. ft. "area" in the back of a used bookstore in Cañon City, Colorado. We initially sold Janome™ sewing and embroidery machines, then ventured into fabric and notions. Growth was inevitable and we expanded into the "little brick building" on 4th Street in Cañon City. We then brought Baby Lock™ and Brother™ machines into the 

Cañon City store and expanded into Pueblo in 2017.

You all have made such a difference. And we are very humbled and grateful!

2020 has rocked us all, yet your faithfulness in shopping local has made such a difference for our stores. We cannot express how much we love all of you, and we would not be here without you.

We want to say THANK YOU!

We are extending the dates during our 8th Anniversary sale, so you can shop in a safely-distanced space, and you can come in whenever it's convenient for you.

Our Annual Anniversary Sale is underway now and will continue until the actual birthdate of First Stitches on November 19th.

PLEASE NOTE: If you're not comfortable coming into the stores, these deals are also available ONLINE.  Plus... you can always call and we'll take your order over the phone
and discuss delivery or pickup options.

You are welcome to shop either in-store or online. The savings are the same!

What’s on sale?

• 25% off ALL Fabric!  This includes Batiks, Widebacks, Grunges, Solids, Prints (1 yard minimum cuts) 
• All Floriani and Glide Embroidery Threads - Buy 2 get 1 FREE
• All Stabilizer and Batting 20% OFF!

And remember...

we match competitor's pricing on all Baby Lock, Brother, and Janome machines.

AND - WE HAVE CERTIFIED BABY LOCK, BROTHER, AND JANOME TECHNICIANS ON STAFF AT BOTH STORES.

PLEASE DON'T RISK VOIDING YOUR WARRANTY BY TAKING YOUR MACHINE TO AN UNAUTHORIZED SERVICE TECHNICIAN.

YOUR BABY DESERVES A SPA DAY!

Oh! Look what our Pueblo Store Has!!

Looking for a bold and dramatic thread that wants to show off? Spagetti™ is a 12wt Egyptian cotton thread that has been double-gassed* and is free of wax or coatings that can build up in your sewing machine. Available in a total of 60 saturated solid colors, 19 of the available colors have been chosen by Susan K Cleveland, author, teacher, and quilter. This low lint thread is ideal for showing off your hand quilting and decorative stitches that will make your next project pop.

• The process of double gassing involves burning off the lint from the thread two times, resulting in a much softer and cleaner finish.

“Spagetti gives me the beautiful bold lines I love with quilting and embellishing. In open spaces Spagetti quilting lines add graphic detail and when I quilt around appliqué with Spagetti, I can achieve the look of a drop shadow! It helps my work stand out.”

• Susan Cleveland, Pieces Be with You

Specifications:

Material: 3-ply 100% Long Staple Double-Gassed Egyptian Cotton

Weight: 12wt

Sizes: 400m (437yd), 914m (1000yd)

Colors: 60 Saturated Solid Colors 

Usages: Longarming, hand quilting, machine quilting, longarm quilting, sashiko, embroidery, needlework, upholstery, leather work, top stitching.

Recommended Needle Sizes:

Machine:

- 90/14, 100/16 Topstitch

- Longarm 18

Hand:

-#7 Embroidery

Can’t get to the Pueblo shop? These threads may be purchased from our online store and shipped to the Cañon City location or shipped directly to your home.  You will simply adore these amazing threads!  

Local schools need children masks!

We love our Blog readers and we love our schools being open!!  In an effort to keep them open and safe, we are making a CALL-OUT for children's masks. 

Our local schools need them for children who do not have access to them when riding on buses and attending school.

Children's masks are smaller than a regular mask. If you are willing to make children's masks, bring them by the Cañon City store and we will distribute them.  Here's a website for some mask patterns and ideas:  https://threadsmonthly.com/child-face-mask-patterns/

Thank you all for you generosity and kindness!

A NEW Game!

Who doesn’t like to play a good game? Play Flashback Facebook Friday with us on Facebook on occasional Fridays. The game enables your mind to work, work, work, by finding and / or remembering things from First Stitches quilts of days gone by!

Yes, if you are the first to correctly answer the THREE questions, you win FIVE FREE FAT QUARTERS! The questions that you will need to answer from each Friday’s Flashback Friday photograph will be as follows:

1. The Date of the Post
2. The Name of the Quilt Pattern
3. Who Created the Quilt

Even if you cannot find the post, you can certainly still LIKE the game. After all, there’s always another week to win!! We hope you enjoy seeing quilts from the past as much as we do!

Nobody likes to fall... but when you can FALL into savings like these!

But hurry!  This Brother Sales Event only lasts until October 30th. We hope to see you soon!

More deals and specials available. Stop in for more details, or call

Pueblo: 719-225-8142 or

Cañon City: 719-285-8088

 

Did you know... classes are back!!?

And not just online classes (although we have those, too!) but IN-PERSON classes.  And they’re proving to be pretty popular.  We have some wonderful upcoming classes in both stores. 

Winnie's Fresh Cut Class Sample

Some notable upcoming classes that still have available space are:  Mrs. Moo’s “Christmas Tree Painting” Class (in Canon City), Winnie’s “Fresh Cut Quilt” Class, PJ’s “Tile Work” Class,  Jennifer’s “Online with Jennifer Paper Piecing Block of the Month”,  Jennifer’s “Online with Jennifer Scan N Cut Pumpkin and Gourd Decor” Class and the Event of the Year - the “Anita Goodesign University 502” Event!  Spots in these classes go fast. 

To see the full list of classes and events simply go to the class links above or go to: www.firststitches.com then click the Classes Tab.  You can sign up online OR call OR come in to the stores to sign up in person. 

So many classes, so many options!

We can’t wait to see you in class!!

We are Over the Top Jubilant!

You’ll never guess what’s BACK in stock - it’s the very popular Baby Lock Jubilant!  

Do you want a machine that’s a jack-of-all-trades yet small enough to take on the road, to a class or even to a friend’s house? Then it’s time to celebrate, because you found it. The Baby Lock Jubilant sewing machine is ideal for a variety of sewing projects like quilt piecing, smaller home décor and even basic garments. It’s a machine that gives you plenty of genuine opportunities to let your creativity shine and be jubilant.

The Baby Lock Jubilant sewing machine's top features include:

•     80 built-in stitches including 8 one-step buttonholes
•     Automatic needle threader
•     LCD screen
•     Quick-set, drop-in bobbin
•     Free-arm sewing
•     Drop feed for free-motion techniques

But, there’s so much more to love about the Jubilant.  Come in today to either or our locations and sit down for a stitch session, while we still have them!! You’re going to love it.

The Baby Lock Solaris 2

In case you haven’t heard.. the Solaris 2 has arrived!!  And, yes, everything the Solaris™ 2 offers is made for you to save time, be more precise, and sew and embroider worry free while delivering professional level results. Because of IQ Visionary™, the IQ Intuition™ App, IQ™ Designer, and countless other ground breaking features, all you do is make stuff!

“What’s the fuss about?”  you might think.  The Solaris 2 has so many features, there’s a lot to fuss about!!  Let’s review a few of the fabulous features.  Starting with the capability to project your designs.  Yes, while in embroidery mode, simply choose from three different projection backgrounds to see your design clearly. The needle drop laser is displayed in a point or a “T” pattern for an even more precise placement.

And, speaking of more precise placement, the Solaris 2 offers perfect sewing placement, using a variety of guideline markers and grids for perfect placement. While in sewing mode, switch between three different laser colors for better visibility based on fabric choices. Single, double, angles and grid lines are ideal for piecing precision, stitch adjustment and aligning starting points and very wide stitches.

Let’s talk hoop size.  The 10-5/8" x 16" hoop is Baby Lock’s largest hoop yet. It makes it possible to stitch out your biggest embroidery designs with fewer rehoopings. And, the smaller 10-5/8” x 10-5/8” hoop size is perfect for quilt blocks.

And then there’s the IQ™ Designer and IQ Intuition™ App, which enables you to create your own designs and quilt motifs with true ease. It has the capability for you to draw directly on the screen, scan in your favorite artwork, upload an existing file to the Solaris 2 using a USB drive, or wirelessly send designs to your machine from your smart phone using the IQ Intuition Positioning App. Your art will be instantly converted into an embroidery pattern.  How cool is that?!

The Solaris 2 has built in creativity, boasting 865 Built-inDesigns, 864 Decorative Fills, and 154 Utility Stitches.

It’s the perfect machine for quilters.  You are able to create beautiful quilt borders and sashing with unmatched precision using the 30 patterns and two shapes (rectangular or hexagonal) available. Add stippling, echo quilting, or any of the 42 Decorative Fill patterns from IQ™ Designer around a selected design.

The Solaris 2 truly offers endless possibilities.  

And, now through September 30, if you purchase the Solaris 2 at MSRP you’ll receive the Koala Artisan Slimline Embroidery Studio OR the Koala Artisan Height Adjustable Creative Center. You'll also receive an exclusive design collection from Baby Lock Education Partner Zandra Shaw.

Visit us today to see the Solaris 2 in action!

The Fine Print:  Koala studio includes base model only, any accessories or customization will be an additional charge. Koala offer includes delivery to retail store for customer pickup, or customer can choose curbside delivery to their home. Offer Valid only in the US.

Is it hot where you are?

We are in the hot "dog" days of summer. Excessive heat every day and wonderful afternoon thunderstorms that cool everything down for a few hours. This is Colorado.

Let me introduce you to the Magic Mister Spray Bottle.  This is great for spraying a fine mist of water on your fabric as you iron or mixing your own home made starch filling the Magic Mister to spray a fine layer of starch.

OR, you can fill it with water and use it cool yourself down during these hot, hot days!

 

Buy it HERE.

Online Sales – A Great Way to Shop

Having the freedom to choose is a very precious gift.  We should never take that for granted. Being "safe at home", has now changed to "safer at home" and it's a great way to view things, as it gives us choices.

We know that when you are prepping to make your next quilt or project, choosing colors is hard to do over the internet (matching threads, fabrics, borders, etc.).  So during this transition phrase of heading towards the "new norm", be assured that we will assist you the best we can over the phone, or through our online store.

We work hard at keeping the online store updated and fresh, and want you to know that we're here for you, no matter what phase we are in.

We have staff at both stores, so if you have questions, call 719-285-8088 for Cañon City or 719-225-8142 and we can help.

Stay safe, wherever you choose to stay.

The Christmas Cactus at Easter

When I worked at a sewing store many years ago, one of the regular customers came into the store around Christmas time, and brought me some delicious homemade jams and a little Christmas Cactus. She said the plant would bring me years of enjoyment. She was so right!

Now, over 12 years later, the original Christmas Cactus that was given to me, is huge and sits at home. I get so excited when I see the blooms starting in November. It is still blooming now, in April, giving me over 6 months of colorful enjoyment even during the darkest of days.

From that one plant, I started two more. Both of these are at the Pueblo store. One is mine, the other I gave to Cynthia, the store manager in Pueblo. Both cactus sit in our office in Pueblo basking in the sunshine.

When we were ordered to temporarily close the sewing stores by the State, Cynthia took them home, and is doing an excellent job keeping them happy in the sunshine. Both plants, like their "momma" plant at my house, are still producing blooms.

It's so very easy to become distraught during these days of darkness and uncertainty. Tears flow, and anger builds, and sadness sets in.

But can you imagine the hurt, anger, and sadness those who faithfully followed Christ experienced?  Helplessly watching Him crucified for no wrong doing. Can you imagine the tears that flowed from their eyes to see Him suffer like he did? I have to think those were very dark days for all of them to experience.

If I would ever have the opportunity to go back in history and literally "watch" history in the making, I would choose the morning Mary discovered the stone rolled away, assuming her Lord's body was stolen. She had to have been devastated!  But through her tears, she doesn't see who is standing before her, asking her "Why are you crying?" It is then, she recognizes Christ, and all her sorrow turns to pure joy.

That is where I am today. It is very easy to be disheartened, afraid, angry at the circumstances which are out of my control. But somewhere in the midst of my tears, worry and doubts, I can hear Him ask me, "Why are you crying, Kim?"  And I am filled with overwhelming joy, knowing His arms surround me, and He's holding me tight and secure.

We all have free will to choose, granted to us by God. He loves us so much that no one could ever completely comprehend it. He gave His Son as the sacrifice for our sins. It is a gift, but you have to accept it.

John 3:16 and Romans 10:9-10

From my heart.
Enough said.

It's Sew Rando

Have you seen “It’s Sew Rando” lately? 

Did you know Season Two is in full swing?  

If you’ve been missing episodes, or haven’t tuned in at all, all is NOT lost!  Simply log onto Facebook and then go to “It’s Sew Rando.”  Then, scroll down and see all of the episodes that you’ve missed, OR re-watch your favorite episodes.  With the great advice, tips and tricks and special guest stars, you won’t want to miss a moment.  Tune in today and start watching.  It’s a great way to learn new things and get inspired for your next project!

Then, start tuning in FACEBOOK LIVE every Tuesday night at 7:00 p.m.  You’ll love it!

Happy National Quilting Month!

Happy National Quilting Month from all of us at First Stitches Quilt Shop and Sewing Stores!!

To celebrate, Baby Lock is giving away an exclusive quilting bundle! You could win a Baby Lock Crescendo and sewing items from Eleanor Burns and Pat Sloan.

“What will my Prize Package include?”, you may ask.  Here are the fabulous details:

Your Prize Package, if you win, includes:

• Baby Lock Crescendo  ($6,000 Value)
• 2 Years SEWED Online Classes ($750 Value)
• A Variety of goodies from Eleanor “The Queen of Quilting” Burns and Pat “The Voice of Quilting” Sloan

You can enter to win here: http://bit.ly/2PI4JXP

*This Sweepstakes is void where prohibited and is intended for participation in the United States only. Must be 18 years or older to enter. Sweepstakes runs from March 1 to March 31, 2020.  Void where prohibited.  See www.babylock.com/national-quilting-month-official-rules for complete Official Rules.  Sponsor: Tacony Corporation, 1760 Gilsinn Lane, Fenton, MO 63026

It's Happening Again!

It’s Happening again -  and, in Cañon City: Beginning Quilt Class - the Most Popular Quilting Class in Southern Colorado

The excitement is in the air.  Award winning quilting instructor, Cyndi McChesney is bringing her fabulous Beginning Quilt Making Skills Class back to Cañon City starting in late March. 

This popular six-week course will run on Monday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. beginning March 23rd.  If you have never created a quilt before, or are self-taught, this is a great place to start. Check our Website for the Supply List and other details. 

You’re definitely going to want to take this class.

Our Spring Embroidery Clinic - 2 Days of "outside the box" learning

Oh my goodness!  Just when you thought she couldn’t possibly get any more creative than she was to begin with, look at THIS!  

An award-winning fabric artist, quilter, and embroiderer, Mrs. Moo inspires her students to think outside the box, and let the creativity flow. Coupling her immense talents with the new top-of-the-line machines -- The Brother^® Luminaire and The Baby Lock Solaris -- Moo will be sure to inspire and motivate you in discovering even more about your machine to help you create remarkable projects. 

And, now is your opportunity to join Mrs. Moo for 2 days of embroidery fun as she guides you through some of the unique features your "top of the line" machines have to offer. You will create a variety of projects and learn new skills and techniques along the way.

Since the release of the new Brother^® Luminaire and the new Baby Lock Solaris last year, we have seen our new owners amazed at what their machines can do and how well they perform.  And they've only touched the surface.

This class is exclusively for Solaris or Luminaire owners, and we require you bring your own machine. 

*However, if you do not own a Solaris or Luminaire, and would like to try it out, we will have a few machines available for you to use at no extra charge. Please call ahead and reserve a machine.

Please call the Pueblo store to register, 719-225-8142. We have limited seating, so please reserve your seat early.  In this Clinic, all kits will be supplied plus lunch, refreshments, and drinks for both days.

It's National Embroidery Month!

National Embroidery Month in February recognizes those talented sewists who put needle and thread into a form of art. In celebration of National Embroidery Month, First Stitches Pueblo is holding TWO very exciting Events!  We are celebrating throughout February all the way through the month of March!!  Check out these great events, and then sign up.

Our first event is the Kimberbell Vintage Flora Spark Event!  Saturday, March 7th from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. Kimberbell will supply a cute sewing bag for you, filled with the items you’ll need to complete projects in the class.  We will supply embroidery machines to participants who do not have one.  No prior embroidery experience is necessary.  You can get more information and sign up for this event at https://www.firststitches.com/module/class.htm?classId=341067

But wait, the fun doesn’t stop there!!  We are offering a super fun 2 day Anita’s University In the Hoop II 502 class!!  It will be held Friday, March 20th and Saturday, March 21st at First Stitches Pueblo.  This class includes free use of our embroidery machines, door prizes, raffle drawing, and lunch for both days.  This popular event is filling seats like crazy!  For more information and to sign up for this event, go to https://www.firststitches.com/module/class.htm?classId=334022

Keep your brain alive!  Keep learning, and have a lot of fun all the while…

Introducing the Tailormade Line of Sewing Furniture

We are so happy to introduce the Tailormade line of sewing furniture to our valued customers.  

A Note from Tailormade:  

____________________________________________________________________________

We know that as a sewing enthusiast, precision is important to you. You take care in everything you do, and there's enormous pride in getting it just right.

We feel the same pride in the quality craftsmanship of all Tailormade furniture. Our mission is to deliver to you affordable furniture that perfectly meets your individual sewing and crafting needs. From the large, expansive work surface to flexible storage for thread and notions, each piece of Tailormade modern furniture is designed and built with you - and the creative nature of your sewing and crafts - in mind.

Tailormade produces five models: the Duo™, Quilter's Vision, Eclipse, the Cutting Table and Compact. Ergonomic and feature-rich, these sewing cabinets possess a unique combination of characteristics that make your sewing, serging, embroidery, quilting and crafting easy as can be.

Like its higher-end sewing furniture counterpart, Koala Studios, Tailormade cabinets are constructed with a reinforced frame for stability and is flexible enough to suit any sewer's needs. Tailormade furniture is designed to be comfortable and functional, and to provide you a quality product at an exceptional value. See why the Tailormade brand is among the most desired sewing furniture.

Tailormade furniture ... Tailor made just for you.

____________________________________________________________________________

Interested in seeing these wonderful models?  Visit our Online Store, click on Sewing Furniture and see their great features! 

We also continue to carry a very nice line of Koala cabinets, be sure to check those out, too! 

Starts Tomorrow. We're Participating!!!

We're participating in the February FabShop Hop!  The concept behind our virtual shop hop is exactly the same as taking a fabric shopping trip by car. On our "virtual" shop hop, however, you'll leave the car in the garage and can even shop in your jammies! You will have a month to get around to over 100 of the sites to find the "YouFoundIt" Bunnies to qualify to win prizes. 

Hint: Our Bunny loves to shop ONLINE. We hope you have a hopping good time. Starts February 1, 2020.

Local Quilt Shop Day - this Saturday!

Join us for some fun and savings on Saturday, January 25th for Local Quilt Shop Day.  If you're local, I hope you come and visit, and if you're not... please go support your own local quilt shop.

We love seeing our customers and it'll be a fun day indeed! Shhhh, see what's going to be on sale here.  Sale starts Saturday and end Saturday.

Fabric Explosion

Well both stores have been rearranged and freshened up, the shelves have been thinned out with the older fabric from our "end of the year" sale, and we're marching right into 2020 with LOTS of new fabric.

We told you that we were ordering a lot of fabric for the beginning of the year, and it is arriving DAILY!! 

Visit our Cañon City and Pueblo locations for some truly beautiful and INSPIRING fabrics to start your year off right! 

And remember, all new fabric is 20% off (minimum 1 yard cuts) for the first week of their arrival. CLICK HERE TO SEE!

You’ve got to see these to believe them.  We truly hope to see you soon!