Stabilizer Fun and More, Karla Herrin - Friday July 29th, 2011

Karla Herrin

We are excited to have Karla Herrin, a Pfaff Creative Consultant (Educator) here on Friday July 29th, 2011.  There will be two Sessions. The Friday morning session is from 9am to 1pm, and the afternoon session is from 2pm to 6pm.  Sign up for either session.  The afternoon session is a repeat of the morning session.

Karla Herrin has designed quilts as well as home décor and garments. She has studied with Jenny Haskins and she has trained in heirloom sewing through Martha Pullen events. Karla has also appeared on sewing television shows and web video productions. She loves to have fun with her sewing and enjoys sharing her knowledge and creativity. With the combination of Sewing Machines, Software and Sergers Karla feels the possibilities are endless. Karla has been to the Loft before and we are excited to have her back again.

Karla Herrin will show you how to use the best stabilizer for the project you are working on.  The event focuses on the variety of stabilizers, and how to use them to get the best results! You don't have to own an embroidery machine, to benefit from this event!  We welcome owners of all brands of sewing machines, as this event will  teach you how to get the best results for your decorative stitches and machine applique just to name a few.  And best of all,  Karla will be doing demos and will show you inspirational samples in her trunk show!  Karla will also introduce you to designing software for your quilting too! 

Pre-registration is required to reserve your seat, Fee $10.  We will have refreshment, door prizes, lots of laughs and just plan old fun! 

Each attendee will receive a free gift bag...........and there will be specials!!  You won't want to miss this event.

Call the Quilters Loft to reserve your place, as space is limited.

Christmas Idea Exchange - Thurday July 21, 2011, 5:30pm to 8:30pm

The year is quickly slipping away, and Christmas is less than six months away.  It's time again for our wonderful Idea Exchange for Christmas.  We have been very busy working behind the scenes, getting ready for our Trunk Show for our annual Christmas Idea Exchange.  It's our favorite time of year to show you what you can make for Christmas, for your wonderful friends and family!  Some quick and easy suggestions that will get you started!  We will also have follow-up classes to really get you in the mood to create and hey it's cool in the shop! 

Of course we have refreshments, door prizes and specials for the evening.  All you need to do is call to reserve your place.  There is no charge, but we do ask that if you confirm you are coming, please show up!! If you find you can't make it,  please call in plenty of time, so someone else can have your spot at this popular event.  Space is limited, and you won't want to miss out!!!

We will close the Pfaff Shop at 4pm, to get set up for our event.  The Quilt Shop will be open too, so if you get here early you can shop upstairs, while we get ready to open the doors around 5:20pm.  Can't make the stairs........then you can get a cup of coffee at the new bakery just up the block, near the CVS pharmacy.  We will start promptly at 6pm with our trunk show.  We start at 5:30pm with a social mixer, where you can catch up with friends, or meet new ones!  Have refreshments.  This year we will have our event in the main Pfaff Shop.....it is cooler, more room, since the sun will be at the back of the building in the early evening.

We have lots to show you...........so we invite you to attend!  We plan on having lots of fun and we know you will toooooo!!!!

Danny Wicker - Sewing Machine Service Technician Celebrates One Year Anniversary with Quilters Loft!

We are celebrating Danny's First Year with us with a Sewing Machine Special.  From now until May 31, 2011 save 25% on your annual sewing machine maintenance, (parts and repairs excluded).  Mention this post for your discount, or if you are on e-mail bring in your coupon.  We have had so many requests to service other brand machines.  Danny services ALL Brands.

We have "Wait Appointments"!  Drop your machine off at it's appointed time and you can wait for it.  Just let us know that you would like a "Wait Appointment", which takes about an hour to do the annual maintenance.  You can shop upstairs, explore downtown, or bring a friend and have lunch downtown.

For the "Wait Appointment", you will need to schedule in advance, request the "Wait Appointment", and bring your machine in at it's appointed time.  Please don't be late, so that we may be able to have it ready for you on time.  We only schedule a limited amount of "Wait Appointments"  so book yours today. 

Danny graduated from Needle Trades Technology Greensboro, NC in 1977. His first job was with Wrangler Jeans as a sewing machine technician at various plants in eastern NC. In 1983 he moved to Regency Bedspreads Co. in Conover, NC and was employed as a sewing machine technician. There he gained experience repairing industrial long arm quilting machines and computerized single head quilting machines. In 1989 he moved to Peaches and Cream Inc. and was employed as head sewing machine technician, responsible for 2 manufacturing facilities in Whitakers and Sharpsburg NC. In 1994 he became owner of Statesville Singer Center, an existing Singer and Pfaff dealership established in 1951. He later moved the business and changed the name to Wicker Sewing Machine Co. and specialized in the repair and service of all brands and models of sewing machines. Danny's interests include gardening and music, and he is an award winning guitarist. He is the father of 3 children; Amber, Luke, and Kate; and one granddaughter, Niya. He is an active member and deacon of First Baptist Church in Statesville and lives with his wife Cathy and 2 teenagers on a 14 acre hobby farm in West Iredell lovingly called "The Miracle Farm." Danny says "I am excited about setting up shop at the Quilters Loft and I hope my 30+ years experience will prove to be an asset there. I am looking forward to serving both new and existing customers, with their sewing machine service and repair needs."

Danny Wicker Plays Music at 202 N Main Wine Shop

 Danny our very own talented Sewing Machine Service Tech has other talents!  Went to see him play his music last night at the Wine Shop across Moore Street for Acoustic Wednesdays.  Danny and Clyde played some beautiful music.

The Wine Shop is an upscale place to stop in and hear some wonderful music.  They have great wines, and wonderful coffee and desserts in a restored circa 1900 building.  Mike Parker is the owner and he has done a great job of bringing this great place to downtown.  Stop in and stay awhile.  You won't be disappointed! 

Danny will be there again and I will let you know when.  Come out and support our local artists!  Great music is alive in downtown!  It's Happening Downtown!!

Danny and Clyde making Music at 202 N Main Wine Shop!

Danny playing his steel guitar, what a beautiful sound!

Mike Parker, Owner of 202 N Main at the Wine Bar!

Danny and Clyde



Mike Parker



It's a Zoo Downtown!!

While Reba and I were away at the Inspired Workshop, the Lake Norman Festival was on in downtown.  Someone on the planning committee for the festival put Zoo animals and food vendors together in the same parking lot next to the Christian Mission.  Well for some reason, duh, the health department had a problem with that, and the Zoo had to move.  What better place to put them but around the Quilters Loft!! Does this mean we are party animals here??  So we gave up and closed for the day!  The farm smell was wonderful!  NOT!  Where is the FABREEZE!!  Enjoy the pictures..........

Camel in my parking space!!

The Crowd on Moore Street!

OK, I want one of these!!

Monkey??

Info Booth right outside our door!

Is this the bear?  The Lama? The kangaroo?

Notion Commotion, Trunk Show, Learn to make perfect curves!! and more!! Guest Educator Barbara Brooks - Sat May 21st, 2011

Barbara Brooks and her Puppies!

Yes, this is the event we have been hoping for!!  Barbara Brooks will be coming to inspire - motivate and wow you with all her favorite 'toys'.  We can call it 'Notion Commotion'!!  or 'Demo Day'!! or how about just a day of Creative Playing!! with so many demos on some of the newest tools, that we all want to know about.

If you are a Quilter - Garment Sewer or Machine Embroidery enthusiast.....you won't want to miss this event. Just wait till you see her trunk show! (She will be bringing her RV and says it is packed with samples and her two puppies.)

Schedule:
10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Lecture - Demos and a Fabulous Trunk Show
12 to 1 p.m. Lunch  (On your own or bring a brown bag lunch, we have a fridge)
1 p.m. to 3p.m. More Demos on some great new 'Quilter's Toys' and then we will demo the Crazy Curves - we will have a few machines set up and she will bring some fat quarters and let you sew your 'perfect curves' so when you go home you are ready to start chain piecing.


PLUS.... what a great time for you to see why quilter's love piecing on their Pfaffs!


If you feel more comfortable using your machine, bring it along and we will set them up during lunch break. Bring a 1/4" foot or if you can move your needle on your machine to sew a 1/4" that is fine too.


Supply List:  Bring pen and paper to make your 'must have' list and also 'wish list'.

P.S. Barbara just called all excited about this new tool that she just got and said "wait till your ladies see this - it is now at the top of my top 10 things we all have to have". - then she wouldn't tell me what it is - said she would bring plenty and that I would love it.....
Now for the best part of the best day ...........Barbara has taught 'Crazy Curves' all over the country, including at the Quilters Loft many years ago.  She fills her classes by saying

"Learn to cut out 80 Blocks in 30 minutes.
Learn to piece 80 blocks in less than 2 hours.

And she promises every block to be perfect."

Perfect Circles!

Perfect Circles!

Barbara has been to the Loft before, but it has been several years, so I can't remember just when that was!!!  We love having her here (and her two puppies will be here too), as she has alot of energy and is soooo much fun. She also teaches at Pfaff Convention, so we get to see her there.

Call now to reserve your place as space is limited!  Reserve your seat: $10

Aimee Griffin Joins Quilters Loft!

We would like to welcome Aimee Griffin to the Quilters Loft Team.  Many of you know Aimee from her shop, the Overall Quilter, which was in Indian Trail, NC.  Aimee will be working as an Educator and Sales Associate in the Quilt Shop.  Aimee loves her Pfaff sewing machine and has her eye on the Quilt Expression 4.0. She will also work with Sarah to learn all the new features of Pfaff Machines since she purchased hers years ago.  You may find her in the Pfaff Shop also when she is not teaching or working with someone on a new quilt project in the Quilt Shop.

 Aimee is also a pattern designer and many of her creations are sold at the Quilters Loft.  I just love her recent creation that has cute mushrooms on it and her daughter Jess, helped to design them.  A wonderful mother daughter team. 

Aimee's daughter Jess will be working with us on Saturdays in the office and helping customers too.

Please stop in and welcome Aimee and Jess to the Quilters Loft.

We have a great team with Nancy, Sarah, Pam, Judy, Courtney, Reba, Pat and Danny, along with our new team members Aimee and Jess.  Our team is here to give you personal attention for all your sewing, quilting and embroidery and sewing machine maintenance.

Teachers' Reception - Meet and Greet

Join us on Sunday January 23, 2010 for our quarterly Teachers' Reception from 4pm to 6:30pm. Here is your chance to meet our teachers for the upcoming class schedule, view their class samples and ask questions. We will have refreshments, door prizes and specials for the evening. We have a wonderful time so save the date and time and join us. It's a great time to sign up for classes. Bring a friend and take a class together!

Please RSVP, so we are sure to have enough refreshments!

Chicken Buffet Quilt - Support Hospice of Iredell County



Chicken Buffet Quilt

 We are pleased to assist the Lake Norman Shag Club in their efforts to raise money to support the Hospice of Iredell County.

This quilt was made as a donation quilt, and the proceeds will go to Hospice of Iredell County. The drawing will take place at the Lake Norman Shag Club’s Annual Chicken Pickin’ by the Sea on February 12, at the OD Arcade in North Myrtle Beach, SC. The club’s chicken themed event generated the idea of a chicken quilt to raise money for a charitable organization. Last year their chicken quilt raised over $900, and they hope to surpass that amount this year.

Sue Warren loved making this quilt, because it gave her an opportunity to work with friends and enjoy the creativity that was involved in making appliqués. Several club members, Del Meadows, Karen Guinta, and Pam Bundy assisted her with the appliqués. They had a great time picking out the accessories for each chicken and coming up with the black and white backgrounds and borders. Texture Magic was used on the chicken bodies in order to give the quilt added dimension. Each chicken represents a chicken dish, and the recipes for the chicken dishes are located in a pocket on the back of the quilt. The black and white background adds to the whimsical nature of this quilt, as well as, the chicken feet walking around the inside border. This quilt will make an excellent wall hanging and be a fun addition to the décor of any room.

It will be displayed at The Quilter’s Loft beginning Tuesday, January 18. Stop in to see it, and purchase tickets for $1 for your chance to win this beautiful quilt.

Some Block Details!

(Quilt Pattern by, Linda Huber & Bonnie Collins. The Chicken Buffet was published by Leisure Arts.)

Christmas Challenge - Mooresville Christian Mission

Did you know that the Mooresville Christian Mission has taken care of over 4,000 families so far this year?  They are even seeing the "middle class"!  With the unemployment rate hovering around 10%, and no relief in sight, the Mooresville Christian Mission is going to be serving even more families that are trying to get a job, pay their power bill and put food on their table for their families.

Quilters Loft has always taken on challenges to help our community.  We have had food drives for the Soup Kitchen, and My Sisters House.  In past years we have supported Quilts of Valor and at Christmas we have made cards for Veterans.

This year we are taking donations of white cotton socks, donating fabrics to make special pillowcase and making cards to support our Veterans in the local VA Hospital in Salisbury.  We learned they had a great need for white socks and thanks to our wonderful customers, we are close to our goal of 100 socks.  Lots of you came to our pillowcase sew-ins and we are close to 100 pillowcases too.  

We are having a girls night out Friday Dec 10 starting at 5pm to finish the cards just in time for our Christmas Open House so that all of you can assist in personalizing the cards for the Veterans.  This will make them so much more special!

This year I challenge all of you (Christmas Challenge) to help me meet our goal of $2,000 to donate to the Mooresville Christian Mission to provide Christmas or Holiday meals for 80 families.  I learned at Thanksgiving that $25 provides a meal for a family in need.  For every $25 that you donate, I will match up to $1,000.

All you need to do is to bring your check  made out to the Mooresville Christian Mission and drop it off before December 16  at Quilters Loft, so I will be able to match your donation.  The Mooresville Christian Mission is a charitable organization, so your contribution is tax deductible.

Let see how we can make a difference in our community.  All of us at the Quilters Loft thank you in advance for your support of the Mooresville Christian Mission.

Special Events Friday Nov 19 and Saturday Nov 20, Kothy Hafersat - Pfaff Sewing Consultant

Kothy has been sewing for more than 25 years. Kothy was a quilt teacher and sewing machine instructor at a local quilt store in Connecticut. She is an owner of Simply Everything Label, a pattern and embroidery design business.  She has appeared on America Sews with Sue Hausmann as a guest educator.  Her love of creating with fabric and sewing machines started at an early age as she learned to sew with her grandmother. Over the years, Kothy expanded on those basic skills, refining and experimenting, and now brings her varied and innovative design talents to her works. In the recent years she has expanded her creative knowledge to the computer, and has enjoyed teaching people just how exciting and fun the 4D and 5D Embroidery Software is. Kothy enjoys sharing her many innovative techniques with other sewing enthusiasts, and teaches quilting, sewing, and embroidery software throughout the United States as a Pfaff Sewing Ambassador and thru her own business, Simply Everything Label.

Special Event Schedule:

Friday November 19, 9am to 1pm
Simply Everything Sewing Techniques and Trunk Show

Learn the latest and greatest tips and techniques in sewing.  See what's the new in accessories for your machine and how to use them.  The trunk show will give you inspiration!

Friday November 19, 2pm to 6pm
Embroidery Software 4D to 5D Differences

Kothy will be showing you the difference in our new 5D Embroidery Software.  If you currently own 3D, 4D or another software program, this will give you the opportunity to see what is new in Embroidery Software.  Kothy will have samples to show you all the great features.  Kothy is also one of the authors of the Simply Teach Me Series, for our software programs.

Saturday November 20, 10am to 2pm
Meet the New Quilt Artist and the Pfaff Grandquilter 18.8

If you loved our QBOT robot, then you will really love the Quilt Artist.  This automated quilting robot with a touch screen will make your quilting so much more fun and just think of all the quilt tops you can get done!  If you have been thinking that you might like to do your quilting on a frame, then this is the program for you!  Kothy will show you all the features and if there is time you will get the opportunity to try for yourself!

Please call today to reserve your place as space is limited and you won't want to miss out!  There is a $10 fee for each program and when you attend, we will give you a gift certificate to be used in the store, just for attending.  Sorry there will be no refunds if you decide not to attend, as space is limited and someone else could have come in your place.

Debra Bohn presents "Feel the Creativity" from Pfaff Convention, Saturday August 14 from 1pm to 3pm

Straight from the Pfaff convention!

Come join Debra Bohn Pfaff Certified Sewing Ambassador, for an exciting demonstration of the most exciting, new products available for home embroiderers, quilters, home dec and garment sewing.

See the new cutwork needles in motion!

Experience the excitement of 5D Embroidery Software!

New design collections to inspire you!

Many more exciting new products!

Date: Saturday, August 14 from  1 pm – 3 pm.  Reservation required to reserve your place as space is limited.  We will present in the Pfaff Shop Classroom.

Denise Applegate-Schrober Guest Educator for QBOT - What's New in Quilting Technology -Lecture/Demo on Sunday June 6, 1-4pm

We are fortunate to have Denise Applegate-Schrober, a special guest Educator for QBOT, assist us at the NC Symposium of Quilts in Charlotte this on Friday and Saturday June 4-5,2010.  The Symposium of Quilts is being hosted by the Charlotte Quilters Guild.  Denise will be demonstrating the QBOT in our booth.  After the show we are going to host a QBOT Event in our store, on Sunday June 6, from 1-4PM.  Denise will show you how technology can enhance your quilting.  Later in the presentation, Denise will show you the designing software, and you will be amazed at all you can do in the software.  Just think about all the creative possibilities!!  The event in the store is $20, and advanced registration is suggested in order for you to reserve your seat.  What could be better on a Sunday afternoon!  We will have light refreshments too. 




What is QBOT you ask? Well it stands for Quilting based on Technology.

QBOT(TM) Does it for You!

Automatic, hands-free movement across your quilt, stitching the perfect design!

Simple - truly easy to install and use.

Professional Results - you are the profession! There is no need to pay someone a premium price to personalize your unique quilt!

Intricate designs stitched beautifully - create design-quality that would be impossible to create by hand.

Fit designs to your quilts needs - stencils that don't fit are history! You can now perfectly size designs for any block - without tools!

"Record" your own designs - save your stitching movements so they can be repeated exactly the same way, or scaled any way you want. You do not have to take your frame apart to free motion manually.

Set up your quilting frame and QBOT (TM) anywhere you want it - QBOT (TM) works with or without a computer connected. You do not have to be computer literate to use the QBOT.

128 MB SD QBOT (TM) card included - transfer and store your designs easily. The SD card comes with designs already built in so you can start right away.

QBOT Software - now you can design your own quilting designs (called paths) and transfer them to a SD card. You can expand your creativity and personalize your quilts in ways you would not have thought possible.

Kids Camp Student Wins at State Math Fair!

Hi Erica,
I had the privilege of judging the K-2 regional winners at the State Math Fair about a week and a half ago. There was a second grader who had a quilting project. I don't remember her name but the 6 judges were unanimous that she was the 1st place state winner! I'm telling you this because in our interview with her she said that she took a sewing class at Quilter's Loft last summer; her mother doesn't sew, but her neighbor does.

As a math teacher and a quilter, I was blown away by this young lady's project. She had batting on her backboard holding up blocks so she could remove them, fold them and show different types of symmetry and geometric transformations. She demonstrated each of them, then showed in the book The Quiltmaker's Gift examples of each. Then shared a quilt magazine and showed each type used in a quilt. I quizzed her by asking for her to tell us about a block that she had not picked out to discuss with us. She nailed it!! Something you guys did got her started-and I'm sure she got an A in math this year!! What a delightful day it was for me.
Just wanted to share,
Dee Hanlin

Thank you Dee for sharing, I am sure that Sarah will be pleased to hear how well one of her students has done. We love to hear how we influence the young to keep the art of quilting going.
We hope that all our students will continue to sew for years to come.

Sit and Sew - Got UFO's

Join us every Monday and Tuesday from 11am to 3pm, in the Pfaff Shop Classroom, for our weekly "Sit and Sew".  It's a great way to get out of the house, have some fun, meet new friends, bring a friend, and work on some of your projects that have been hanging around with a "UFO" sign on them!!  The is the year to finish your "UFO's".  Don't have a "UFO", then stop in and our wonderful staff can help you find a project that will keep you sewing!

We will supply the coffee and cookies, you can bring your lunch, a snack to share or stop in and get something at one of our local restaurants. 

It's always fun to sew at the Loft!

Danny Wicker Joins the Team!

We have had so many requests to service other brand machines that we are now forturnate to be able to offer service on ALL Brands to you.  Danny will be starting at the Quilters Loft on Feb 2, 2010 and will work Tuesdays and Thursdays.  We are now accepting appointments for Danny's Schedule.  When you schedule an appointment for an Annual Maintenance, (yes all machines need this service), you'll be able to drop off your machine at your appointment time, and in most circumstances you will be able to wait for it.  Please call the shop, 704-662-8660, and schedule your appointment today.  When you schedule your appointment now thru February 28, 2010, you will save 30% on your cleaning service. (Parts and Repairs excluded)

Danny graduated from Needle Trades Technology Greensboro, NC in 1977. His first job was with Wrangler Jeans as a sewing machine technician at various plants in eastern NC. In 1983 he moved to Regency Bedspreads Co. in Conover, NC and was employed as a sewing machine technician. There he gained experience repairing industrial long arm quilting machines and computerized single head quilting machines. In 1989 he moved to Peaches and Cream Inc. and was employed as head sewing machine technician, responsible for 2 manufacturing facilities in Whitakers and Sharpsburg NC. In 1994 he became owner of Statesville Singer Center, an existing Singer and Pfaff dealership established in 1951. He later moved the business and changed the name to Wicker Sewing Machine Co. and specialized in the repair and service of all brands and models of sewing machines. Danny's interests include gardening and music, and he is an award winning guitarist. He is the father of 3 children; Amber, Luke, and Kate; and one granddaughter, Niya. He is an active member and deacon of First Baptist Church in Statesville and lives with his wife Cathy and 2 teenagers on a 14 acre hobby farm in West Iredell lovingly called "The Miracle Farm." Danny says "I am excited about setting up shop at the Quilters Loft and I hope my 30+ years experience will prove to be an asset there. I am looking forward to serving both new and existing customers, with their sewing machine service and repair needs."

Candid Shots of the Dreaded Inventory Count

We had a wonderful time taking inventory.  This year we had lots of help and got everything done in record time, that we just had to re-organize the shop!   Actually I had been planning it for months, just kept it quiet!  Judy and Reba spent two days cleaning, wonder if they hire out!  What a great job they did!  We wanted to give you more room to walk around, showcase the Batiks, since they are so gorgeous anyway, and oh, did you know the Aborgines have arrived?  Well, what I really mean is, we now have a beautiful collection of fabrics from Australia and they sure go well with the Batiks. 

Of course we ate well, since we seldom get to take lunch, never mind that we got to "do lunch" together, although two days in a row or was that three of Panera's Bread started to get a little overdone!  Still pizza wasn't bad either!  Love that BBQ chicken!  But I did sneek up on some of our staff, in their most "candid" moments, kind of like "candid camera".  Enjoy!  Our customers who helped sure stayed out of camera range, cause I couldn't find any pictures of them!  Wait til next year.....I'll get them for sure......

Courtney - Where did she find that Hat!

Whose bottom is it anyway!

Judy Cleaning - doesn't she look great!  Guess who's holding the vacuum?

Reba's bib!  She needed it to drool over the Batiks!

She doesn't see us, does she? (Pat and Sarah)

Did you know I took a ladder safety class?

I'm counting -Did you need something?

Nancy and Laura - how many buttons was that!

Did you know this room had a Crib?  Who left the baby?

OK!  Where does this stuff go?

Are we making progress!

Was all that under the table?

Organizing, organizing, organizing!! Don't the Batik's look great! 

You'll just have to stop in and see what's new and where we put everything.  You'll be surprised and yes, we have lots of new stuff!!  And we are still under construction, putting back quilts, and rearranging!  You'll love what we have done to the place!  Soon we will have a new notions wall....stay tuned!

Quilting and Fiber Art Marketplace Showcases Unique Small Businesses

The Quilting and Fiber Art Marketplace

Friday, January 8, 2010 and Saturday, January 9, 2010

Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center

1801 Nash St., Sanford, NC 27330.

The show hours are 9 am to 5 pm on both days.

Admission is $4.00.

The Quilting and Fiber Art Marketplace features 38 shops under one roof that will interest any quilter, knitter, or fiber craftsperson. The show is organized by The Quilter's Gallery which is owned by Cindy Page and Patti Cline, sisters that operated their quilt shop in Charlotte for over 25 years. The purpose of the show is to help small needlework shops work together to promote business. The Page sisters chose Sanford as their location because of the easy access from nearby metropolitan areas. Knowing that many customers don't like the traffic in big cities, they chose to bring shops from Raleigh, Cary, Fayetteville and Greensboro to the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center. Several regional shops, as well as shops from as far away as Maryland and Suffolk, Va. will also participate. With easy access and plenty of parking, the QFAM will pull customers from Greensboro to Wilmington, and from Raleigh to Fayetteville. Customer can enjoy "green shopping" by saving gas and time, since all their favorite shops are in one accessible location.

Shoppers will find lots of fabric, both cottons and woolens, as well as quilting supplies at the QFAM. Many dealers stock traditional quilting designs, but exotic Asian and African fabrics will also be available. Several dealers with sewing machines, embroidery machines and long arm quilting machines will be there as well. Knitters will find yarns and a variety of fibers. Shaker boxes, needlepoint, rug hooking and buttons will round out the variety of merchandise. Mixed media artist will be able to shop for supplies like rubber stamps and painting supplies. Jewelry makers will find beads and a variety of findings for their pleasure. These vendors offer knowledge and skills about their products that are not available at “big box” stores. These shops are “hands on” management, that take great pride in their craft and merchandise.

Some shops will have shop samples, quilt tops and quilts for sale. This is the perfect time to pull out those quilt tops in your closet, bring them with you to the show, and talk to some of the long arm machine quilters who provide finishing services. Machine quilting is now a beautiful and practical alternative to hand quilting. It is strong, durable and cost effective. Many machine quilted examples will be on display in the different booths.

Several quilting guilds will be represented, displaying their cooperative efforts in their Raffle Quilts. Sales of raffle tickets help support community projects like donation quilts to hospitals and police and fire departments. Piedmont and Gate City Guilds will be represented from Greensboro. Also represented will be the Tarheel Quilt Guild from Fayetteville, and Quilter’s by the Sea from Wilmington. Charleston, SC will be represented by the Cobblestone Quilting Guild.

Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. This show is an effort to showcase many passionate shop owners from a specialty market. A marketplace format provides small shops a focused, affordable retail event. A marketplace format is also free enterprise in its purest form, a business owner dealing directly with his customer. Food will be available onsite, prepared by Chef Paul, a popular local caterer.

The Quilting and Fiber Art Marketplace will offer shoppers a variety of merchandise. The 38 participating shops are excited to display their talents and to offer shoppers a wide variety of the latest and most innovative merchandise to get those creative juices flowing. Easy access makes this the perfect venue for some shoppers that have limited mobility, or those intimidated by metro area traffic. We are hoping to provide support for small shops that are often overlooked or ignored by retail news. Yet these small businesses are the backbone of the US economy. The Quilting and Fiber Art Marketplace proposes to create excitement for the Sanford venue and the participating vendors which will allow QFAM to become an annual event rivaling other well known consumer quilting shows.
Annie's Keepsakes


Rockwell, NC 28138
Vicki Clontz
http://www.annieskeepsakes.com/
704-279-7714

Wools, patterns, wool felt, wool fibers, kits, needle-felt supplies, and notions. Free needle felt demos Drawing for free merchandise.

20 year anniversary hat contest.

Artistic Artifacts
Alexandria, Va. 22304
Judy Gula
http://www.artisticartifacts.com/
703-823-0202 x 213

Mixed media fiber and paper, hand dyed vintage fabric, trims, doilies, ephemera, buttons, beads and found fabrics, embellishments.

Auntie Ju's Quilt Shoppe
Wilmington, NC 28409
http://www.auntiejusquiltshoppe.com/
910-350-8045

Fabric, wool applique kits, punch needle patterns/flosses/supplies. Quilt kits and patterns. hand dyed wool. books, notions, and gift items. Punch needle demos throughout the day.

Bolton Jewelers
Lewisville, NC 27023
Kathleen Homer
http://www.boltonjewelers.com/
email - boltonjewelers@bellsouth.net
336-766-0642

Hand crafted wire wrapped and beaded jewelry.

Common Threads
Louella Caison and Phyllis Mabry
Denton, NC
336-857-2488

Handwoven items such as scarves, table runners, tea towels, placemats, rag rugs, mug rugs and more. Beautiful scarves of rayon, rayon chenille and wool. Very absorbent and soft tea towels that can be used over and over for years. Table runners and placemats of natural and dyed cotton. One of a kind rag rugs, are made of recycled fabrics, pre washed to insure that the rugs remain the size and shape that you bought.

Cotton Fields Quilt Shop
3751 Wharton Station Road
Washington, NC 27889
Lori Richardson
http://www.cottonfieldsnc.com/
252-948-0372

"Joining fabric, fun and friends". We offer top quality cotton quilting fabrics such as florals, Asians, batiks, 30's, novelties and blenders. We specialize in books, patterns and kits for fun and unusual quilts, bags, and fabric crafts. Visit our website.

The Cotton Quilt
4900 Troy Road
Granite Falls, NC 28630
828-244-7797
Web: www.thecottonquilt.com

Fabrics and fat quarters

Featherweight Poppy
Salisbury, NC
http://www.featherweight-poppy.com/
704-639-1326

Singer 221 and 222 Featherweight sewing machines, parts and supplies.

Hunter's Woodcraft
Lexington, NC and McIntosh, Fla.
352-591-4760
email - southernkingdom@windstream.net

Glass cases, ladders, quilt racks, vintage treadle tables, vintage quilts, tie chairs and bears.

Karen's Colors
Cary, NC 27519
Karen Poetzinger
919-303-5768
http://www.karenpoetzinger.com/

Hand-dyed woolens and silks, rug hooking and wool applique patterns, rug hooking supplies. hooked rugs and hooked wall art. Rug hooking demo.

Knit One, Smock Too
4003 A Country Club Rd.
Winston Salem, NC 27014
336-765-9099
email - knit1smck2@aol.com

Quilting fabrics. knitting yarns and patterns, smocking and heirloom sewing supplies, needle point canvases, hand dyed wool for applique and rug hooking.

Judy Lea Enterprises
Concord, NC
http://www.judyleaenterprizes.com/
704-763-3709

Embellishments, fabric paints. ethnic prints, silks and batiks. a lot of unique supplies for the quilter and mixed media artist. Specializing in accessories for hand bags.

Local Color Hues
Durham, NC 27715
Lorin Fields
919-358-4648
http://www.beyondsurface.com/
email - localcolourhues@gmail.com

Hand dyed cotton and silk fabrics. Quilting patterns. Charm packs/geodes of selected cuts.

Imagination Quilt Shop
Sanford, NC
http://www.imaginationquiltshoppe.com/
919-724-0444

We offer 100s of bolts of quality quilting fabric by Island Batik, Kaffe Fassett, Michael Miller and others. We also offer Machine Quilting Services. We are located near West Lee Middle School. Call for an appointment. 919-721-0444

Linderella's Quilt Works
Camellia Parke Shoppes/Olmstead Village
246 D Olmstead Blvd.
Pinehurst, NC 28374
http://www.linderellas.com/
910-215-5981

LQW is the newest quilt shop and creative sewing center in the Sandhills region. Bright and cheerful, this premier quilt shop offers a wide variety of the finest quilting cottons, a large assortment of the newest books, patterns and quilt gifts, along with the the most innovative sewing notions and quilting items. The store also hosts several quilting classes and workshops on a variety of quilting techniques and styles for the novice as well as beginner. Off Hwy. 221 and Hwy. 5, our hours are Mon. - Sat. - 10 am - 6 pm.

Loving Stitches
7076 Ramsey St
Fayetteville, NC 28311
http://www.lovingstitches.net/
910-630-3912
Bernina and Gammill machines

Lynne's Outlet
1328 East Raleigh St.
Siler City, NC 27344
919-742-6084

We are only 22 miles up Hwy. 421 from Sanford! We will do special orders for people. We are also a ribbon store and stock several thousand rolls. Check us out for Christmas and weddings. Free bow tying with purchase of ribbon. Lots of lace. We have lots of vintage fabrics and trims. Bought out a Charles Craft factory. The place for cross stitch and floss.



Quilter's Loft Company
188 N. Main St.
Mooresville, NC
Erica Ransom
704-662-8660
erica2nc@earthlink.net

http:/quiltersloftcompany.blogspot.com

Fabrics, books, notions, threads and gifts.

The Quilting Solution
Taylorsville, NC
http://www.thequiltingsolution.com/
864-275-7079

Home longarm quilting machines and computer control systems.

Quilter's Gallery
Gastonia, NC
http://www.quiltersgallery.net/
704-376-2531 or 704-864-4894

We'll have plenty of our freshly made Fabric Pizzas!

Quilts Like Crazy
1241 S. Main St. #8
Wake Forest, NC 27587
919-562-3425
http://www.quiltslikecrazy.com/

Fabric, notions and patterns

Random Arts
Saluda, NC
Jane Powell
828-749-1165/828-290-8476
randomarts@charter.net
randomartsnow.com

An eclectic mixture of random found objects, ephemera, vintage odds and ends, custom items specific to our shop and much, much more.

In addition to our booth at the QFAM, we are offering a 4 hr. workshop at the Holiday Inn Express on Friday Jan. 8th from 6 - 10 pm. Check our website for registration and details.

Sabi Jewelry and Beads
Saluda, NC 28773
Louise McClure
828-749-3768
email - sabijewelry@aol.com

Beads, charms, wire, metal findings, jewelry kits, semi-precious stones and pendants, workboards, embellishments, pearls, stringing materials, tools, image transfer solution, and finished items.

Schoolhouse Quilts
399 Sunset Memorial Rd.
Forest City, NC 28043
http://www.schoolhousequiltsnc.com/
828-245-9774

You can find supplies that meet the needs of the beginner to the art quilter at SHQ. Our shop is the quilting "hardware" store as well as a "library" book selection that is second to none. We will have a collection of clearance books.

Sew it Seams
905 Arendell St.
Morehead City, NC
http://www.sewitseamsquiltshopp.com/
252-247-2114

Fabrics and notions for quilting

Sew Unique
8800 Harvest Oaks Dr.
Raleigh, NC 27615
http://www.sewuniquefabrics.com/
919-845-8802

Janome sewing machines, original design patterns, kits, fabrics, embellishments and unique buttons. We will feature show specials on machines. demonstrations of embroidery machines, special accessories for sewing, quilting and embellishment.

Suffolk Shaker Shop
Suffolk, VA
757-255-4574
Web: www.suffolkshakershop.com
http://www.suffolkshakershop.com/

Special features for the show - Handmade Shaker oval boxes and carriers.

Textile Treasures
Winston Salem, NC
http://www.textiletreasursonline.com/
703-989-3515

I feature fabrics from Japan, Indonesia, Ghana and Australia, as well as specialty cottons and silks from the US. Numerous samples, books, kits and patterns are also provided to inspire working with these wonderful fabrics. I also provide fabrics, kits, threads and needles for Japanese Sashiko stitching.

Thimble Pleasures
225 S. Elliott Rd.
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
919-968-6050
thimblepleasures@bellsouth.net
http://www.thimblepleasures.com/

Quilting fabric

This and That Yarns
3712 B Lawndale Dr.
Greensboro, NC 27455
336-288-0034
kopdyke@triad.rr.com

Yarns, patterns, needles, and notions. This and That is a full service yarn shop taking pride in serving the Piedmont Triad with quality products and services.

Unique Yarns
Mooresville, NC
uniqueyarns@etsy.com
704-658-1444
Hand painted yarns


Wish Upon a Quilt
8817 Westgate Park #104
Raleigh, NC 27617
http://www.wishuponaquilt.com/
919-782-6363

Wish Upon A Quilt is an independently owned quilt store. We have over 4,000 bolts of brand name fabric in stock and offer low prices and fast shipping all over the world. Come in and take a look!


Ye Olde Forest Quilters
3706 Elmsley Ct. #102
Greensboro, NC 27406
http://www.yeoldeforest.com/
336-339-5790

Fabric, Kits, AccuGo! fabric cutting system/ A friendly, full service quilt shop located in the heart of NC. Check out our exclusive show specials. Free demos on the AccCut Go! fabric cutting system. APQS reps and educators.

Inventory Clearance Sale starts Dec 26 to Jan 2

We will be open after Christmas, for our Inventory Clearance Sale.  The sale starts Sat Dec 26, at 10am.  In the Quilt Shop, all green tag fabrics, will be 50% off, with a one yard minimum.  In the Pfaff Shop sale room, we are going into clearance mode.  Fabrics are currently $5.99 yard, but during our week long clearance event, all sale room fabrics will be 50% off the current sale price (that could be up to 70% off the orginal price depending on the price of the bolt).  So doing the math, this makes our sale room a wonderful deal at $2.99 yard.  Our best sale ever!!  Here's the catch.....there always is one.....you need to purchase what is remaining on the bolt, or a minimum of three yards, from the same bolt.   Otherwise the sale fabric is $5.99 yard.  There are more specials, so check last Monday's e-mail, or stop in between Dec 26 and Jan 2. 

We will be closed on Thurs Dec 31 at 2pm and will reopen on Jan 2 at 10am.  All of us the Quilters Loft wish you a very Merry Christmas and may 2010 be the a healthy, happy, creative and prosperious New Year!

What! Snow! Who ordered that!!

Well can you believe this early snow.  I did not believe that it was coming!  It was such a surprise when it decided to stick around.  We all know the weatherman doesn't always get it right.  But it was sort of an early white Christmas....but Christmas is still a week away!  Pat went home early at 10:30 since she lived in Statesville.  It was amazing how many people were out and about in the snow.  Around three when it looked like it was going to really hang around, Sarah and Nancy went home.  Of course, I'm such a die hard that I stayed til past 5:30, just in case someone needed a last minute gift, and we did say we would be open late.  When the snow got to be 2 inches deep, I reconsidered and packed up and went home.  Not a fun drive!  Took the dog out when I got home, and took a flying flip off the deck.  Ouch!!!  Too many bruises to discuss, but I think I'm still alive.  Well of course I am, I'm typing this note.  So, Saturday, hung around the house since we couldn't go to work.  Would rather have been at work, as we were going to have a Thimbleberries Party and the food is oh so gooood.  Well, it's rescheduled so we aren't going to miss out.  Yeah!! 

If you are not on the e-mail list, you are missing out.  You can join our e-mail list from the blog.  Tomorrow details about our inventory clearance sale, goes out and it starts Dec 26th.  We will be closed Dec 23 to Dec 25, so all of us can spend some time with our family and friends.  

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday, if you celebrate another holiday and hope that you have a blessed time with family and friends.

Make it Quick for Christmas Classes

Placemat -Quilt as You Go

Fee:$10 (includes supplies for 1 placemat)

Friday Dec 4, 10:30 to 12:30pm

Instructor: Erica Ransom

We are starting out our series with a fun placemat. You can make one or a dozen, but you will only be making one in class. I whipped up a quick design that has a pocket for a napkin and silverware. We will use the quilt as you go method. Your sample will be make with wonderful holiday fabrics. I will be making the kits. All you need to bring is your scissors, rotary cutter and mat. Please sign up and prepay for the class in advance. Space is limited as we are sewing so don't wait to sign up!

String Ornaments

Fee $10 (includes supplies for 1 ornament)

Friday Nov 11, 10:30 to 12:30pm

Instructor: Erica Ransom

Learn to make these fun string ornaments with string and starch. You will be making one in class. It most likely will still be wet when you leave so bring something that it can be carried in. Please sign up in advance as space is limited. You may want to bring a pair of surgical gloves if your hands are sensitive to starch!

Tea Towel Apron

$10 (includes all supplies for 1 apron)

Friday Dec 18, 10:30-12:30pm

Instructor: Erica Ransom

Here's a fast way to make an apron! When I first opened the shop, I made lots of these...everyone wanted one! Our tea towels are large enough. You can pick your tea towel from our vast assortment and a matching fabric. We will cut your kit for class. Please sign up early so we can be prepared for class. All you need to bring is matching thread, scissors, rotary cutter and mat. Space is limited so sign up soooon. It's a wonderful handmade gift for just about anyone on your gift list!

Nat'l Cupcake Day Sat Oct 24

Come and celebrate National Cupcake Day on Saturday Oct 24, from 10:30 am to 4 pm with us.

We will be set up in the Pfaff Shop Classroom as Thimbleberries Club is on the same day and they will be using the upstairs classroom. We all love cupcakes and what better excuse to eat some than this special day.

Everyone is going to make their favorite cupcakes for you to try. I am going to make "butterfly" cupcakes, something my cousin Maggie in England taught me. Hers are so much better than mine but mine are still pretty good. I wish she would pop across the pond to help with our day. She is a wonderful baker and makes wedding, anniversay and other cakes and is in hot demand. Maggi makes everything at home. It takes hours to make the tradional English Wedding Cake with special icing called Royal Icing and yes, a type of fruitcake. Not your tradional fruit cake and oh so good. I love the Royal Icing. What a great home based business.

I am not sure what everyone else is making, but if I told all that would spoil the surprise! Watching what you eat......well I am going to make a receipe I saw on Rachel Ray, by "Hungry Girl", that uses no eggs or oil. It looked good and I understand that they are good. All the taste with no guilt! Check out "Hungry Girls" blog. Lots of wonderful ideas, reducing fat and calories, with all the taste of the "real" thing.

So join us for this fun day, we will have in-store specials, and taste our cupcakes. We will also have coffee and my "famous" hot apple cider. Just in time for cooler weather, and to get ready for the holidays to come.

Taking the Stairs

Sometimes attachments to e-mails are too good to pass up. My friend Karen who is now living in Brazil sent a wonderful e-mail with this video. I am wondering if we could do this to our stairs. Oh, what fun it would be! Enjoy!

Art on Main Update

Friday night was a perfect summer evening for a stroll down Main Street. What a wonderful evening we had at our first Art on Main Event. We spent Thursday evening getting everything ready for the big evening. Once Judy's art and quilts were all hung, we realized how bare the walls were in the Pfaff Shop and Classroom. We talked Judy into leaving some of her pieces in the shop. If you were not able to come to Art on Main, you still have a chance to see some of Judy's works of art! Harry was busy taking pictures, but he focused on the art and not on everything. I guess he doesn't like "people" in his pictures! We'll have to train him for the next event! We were so excited when Judy sold one of her Art pieces! It was a wonderful sunset, and has gone to a good home! I wonder what we will do for the next Art on Main event! Mark your calendars for the second Friday of the month for Art on Main. Lots of shops are open for this event, with featured artists, and I think the Wine Shop has wine tasting.

Judy discussing the landscape quilt.

This is the Landscape "Overlook"

Judy's First Painting! It's still in the shop!

Yes, it looks like a painting but it's a fiber art quilt! We have it in the shop.

We all loved this one. Gray paint on fabrics and thread painted. There is a story to this one!

Another painting done by Judy!

A wonderful undersea art quilt.

Art on Main Street -Guest Artist - Judy Whitehead Mixed Media Artist- Friday July 10, 6-9pm

Judy Whitehead is a North Carolina based Mixed Media Artist, currently working in fiber and paint. She started sewing at the age of 7, and has not put down her needle and thread since. She is currently self-employed as a longarm quilter (Goneaway Quilting, Cleveland, NC) and spends her evenings and weekends pursuing her passion for art.
Judy’s works are based on her deep love and respect for nature, color, and mythology. As her work has evolved, she has grown into an artist who bridges both the traditional quilt world and the fiber art world. Currently Judy’s work can be seen at Southern Spirit Gallery in Salisbury, NC.

Past exhibitions of her work include:
“The Journal Quilt Project 2006 and 2007”, International Quilt Festival, Houston, TX
“Reflections of Nature”, solo show, 2009, Mitchell Community College, Statesville, NC
“The Art of Cloth”, group show, 2009, Lincoln Cultural Center, Lincolnton, NC

Pieces currently travelling:
“Connections”, The Voice That Is Great Within exhibit, Fiberarts Connection of Southern California.
“Fractured Beauty”, My World in Black and White exhibit, Fiberarts Connection of Southern California.

Judy’s quilts and longarm quilting have been published in:
“Creative Quilting: The Journal Quilt Project”, Quilting Arts LLC
“Fast Flying Geese”, Karin Hellaby, Quilters Haven Publications“My World in Black and White”, Fiberarts Connection of Southern California

Quilts of Valor Sew-In Friday July 3, 2009

Pat had a great time leading the Quilts of Valor Sew-In. We were not sure how many would come being a holiday weekend! Our youngest sewer, Justine, had a wonderful time and she sewed her blocks with all the points matching. Everyone had fun, lots of laughs and enough blocks to make another quilt for our favorite project, Quilts of Valor. Pat will be finishing this one. We will have another Sew-In soon. Thanks to all who participated. Janet was not able to come, had fun playing with her grandkids, but hopefully will be available to lead next time.