Become a Summer VIP Club Member!

I have been thinking of what to do for the summer!  Thinking!  Thinking!  Thinking!  Oh how about a "Summer VIP" Club!

And you are wondering what the heck is that??

How do you become a "Summer VIP" Club Member and what does that really mean??

Details!  Details!!  Details!!

How to join the Summer VIP Club!

1) Purchase $200 of regular priced merchandise (including classes, machines)  during the month of May!  Add it up, or buy all at once, there are no rules for that. ALL purchases Qualify in the month of May, to reach your total before taxes!

2)  When you reach $200, we will give you a very special "Summer VIP" Club Card, that you will be able to use in June, July and August 2013!

3)  The "Summer VIP" Club Card gives you 20% off on all "qualifying" purchases! 

4)  What's a "qualifying" purchase?

5)  A "qualifying" purchase is any regular priced book, pattern, notion, thread, fabrics, batting, machine notions, Embroidery Designs, & Machine Accessories.

6)  Non Qualifying Items are Gift Cards, Sewing Machines, 5D, or TruE Software Programs, 5D Bootcamp, Clubs, Club Kits and combining coupons/discounts.  Please only one discount per item!

7)  But you can also use the "Summer VIP" Club Card, for your Classes too (any teacher), during the months of June, July and August 2013!

8)  Now if you are worried that you can't keep track of your receipts ..... don't worry .... we have an APP for that!  LOL!  Our very expensive Point of Sale can actually let us know if you qualify for the "Summer VIP" Club at the end of May, and we will be sure to give you your "Summer VIP" Club Card!

Meet Susan Edmonson - Creativity Starts Here!

Susan Edmonson is an award winning quilt maker who started this journey in 1981 and today continues to wow her audiences with her unique artistry.

Her specialties have been folk art, crazy quilted purses and wall quilts, and “flower doodles.” Fabric collage books and mini art quilts are among her newest creations using mixed media techniques. All of her work is lavished with beading and embroidery. She loves working with vintage style fabrics and colors. The patterns she designs have evolved from original pieces inspired from vintage quilt designs and nature that showcase her own unique style.

She teaches and lectures at local and regional guilds throughout the Southeast. Most recently she has been on the faculty for many Symposiums, Myrtle Beach Quilt Party, Mid-Atlantic Quiltfest, Inspired, Art & Soul, John C. Campbell Folk School, Carolina Mixed Media Art Guild Retreat & other large events. Her students are always encouraged to have fun with their projects while embracing new techniques. Many of her creations have been featured in “Altered Couture”, “Haute Handbag” and “Sew Somerset” publications by Stampington & Co. and more.         

In 2005 - 2011 Susan and Kristin Steiner teamed up to form “Creative Spirits.” This was a very unique creativity retreat held in Blowing Rock, N.C. called “Believe In Yourself.” Many mixed media and fabric techniques were always featured.

Fall 2012 Susan began a new mixed media retreat/workshop called “Stitched With Creativity”. This event focuses on stitching with many different materials & elements using many creative techniques to create unique art!

Susan majored in Art and Design at Queens College in Charlotte, N.C. Susan has her own pattern line and has recently self published her first book!

Upcoming Classes by Susan!

Collage Your Creativity!
Friday May 10, 10:30am to 4:30pm
In the Pfaff Shop Classroom!
Class Fee:  $55

Step out of the "Quilting Box" and get your creative juices going!  Find your favorite things, fabrics, buttons, beads and join Susan in the art of Collage!

Susan is a fantastic teacher and you won't be disappointed.  Gather your friends and come out for a fun day of creativity!

Not in My Martini
Saturday June 15, 10:30am to 4:30pm
Class Fee: $55

No, we are not having martinis!  But we will have punch and olive sandwiches to get you in the mood!  We are going to make a fun circle appliqué quilt using Layer Cake squares and Charm squares.  This is a great faux hand appliqué technique using your machine.  There will be lots of talk about color and placement of fabrics to give you the look you want for this fun olive shape design!  Simple piecing and fun appliqué to make for your special someone or yourself.

Spring colors!

Winter Nights, Spring Mornings

Friday July 12, 10:30a to 4:30pm
Class Fee:  $55
Instructor:  Susan Edmonson

This is a great first quilt to make! Or maybe you just need a fun and easy project to jump start your new year. Using batiks for this stunning quilt will make it so much fun to choose the fabrics. The Sizzix will be used for all the applique pieces (or if you donʼt have a Sizzix you can cut the appliques other ways). A very quick project for those cold winter nights.  You can make either quilt, the background piecing is the same, the appliques fit the season!

Winter Nights

Spring Mornings

Amanda Murphy Coming to the Quilters Loft!

Join us on June 27th at 6pm to meet  Amanda Murphy who is an author, fabric and pattern designer, and quilt artist known for her exuberant use of color and juxtaposition of modern and traditional motifs, patterns, and techniques. 

A graphic designer by training, Amanda's interests and experiences led her to quilting, an art that marries her passion for design with her enthusiasm for handwork.

She markets her own pattern line and designs quilting collections for Blend Fabrics, a subsidiary of Anna Griffin Inc.  

Amanda's first book, Modern Holiday, debuts at Market with C and T Publishing.

Be sure to sign up for the Workshop with Amanda Murphy on July 13th!

Photo Album
Saturday July 13, 10:30 to 4pm
Class Fee:  $45
Instructor:  Amanda Murphy

Use  an assortment of favorite fabrics to improvisationally piece a photo album or notebook cover that is unique to you!  This project is perfect for a gift for a friend (or yourself!) and makes great use of scraps.  If you have leftover pieces of embroidery or favorite feature prints feel free to bring them along and we’ll find fun ways to incorporate them into the design!  We’ll embellish the album with cutwork flowers and beads and maybe even experiment with new quilting motifs.  Whatever your style, bring your favorite fabrics and try something new!

Special Event - Pfaff PowerQuilter p3 - Thursday Feb 21, 2013

Special Event Program: 

Session One - 9am to 12Noon
Session Two - 1pm to 4pm

Each session will contain the same info, so let us know which session you would like to attend!

Long Arm Owner's Q & A  5pm to 6:30pm, with Lisa and Erica

Please call asap to reserve your place as class size is limited, and you won't want to miss out on the next generation of a top of the line home quilting machine!  

We are planning small class sessions, so everyone has an opportunity to test drive our new Pfaff PowerQuilter p3.

Special Events are the perfect time to get to know what is new in Long Arm Quilting.  

It is also the perfect time to purchase as there is always special pricing and great 0%, no interest, long term financing!  Perfect for any budget!

If you are looking to move into Long Arm Quilting or have one that doesn't do everything you want, then this is the event to attend!

We can't wait to show you all you can do with the PowerQuilter P3 and the New Quilt Artist II.

Pfaff PowerQuilter p3

Lisa Rogers, Pfaff Creative Consultant!

We are pleased to have Lisa Rogers, a Pfaff Creative Consultant present our special event on the Pfaff PowerQuilter p3 and Quilt Artist!  

Lisa believes in spreading the love of quilting! At the age of five, her mother put a basket of thread in her lap and a needle in her hand, and that early start launched Lisa into a rewarding and productive career. 

She has an intensive 18-year background in quilting, starting with her instruction under Linda Taylor where Lisa perfected her freehand and trapunto quilting skills, and completed her instructional certification. She has been a professional quilter for many years during which time she was contracted to custom quilt and show quilts at various quilt shows. 

Lisa has taught piecing, freehand and automated quilting. Her warm, funny and engaging personality guarantees a first rate experience for anyone attending one of her events . . . whether they're a beginner or an accomplished quilter.

Lisa has completed the Linda Taylor long arm training and is a Certified instructor.  She has been a  professional quilter for many years.  

She is also a dance and theater costume maker and has owned and operated a clothing company that made authentic clothing from the 1800's.

Needle Detail!

Oh the Quilting Possibilities!

Quilting Touch Pad!

Become a Fan of the Quilters Loft Company - Bible Studies Facebook Page!

We have set up a Facebook page just for the Block of the Week!  It is "Quilters Loft Company - Bible Studies"! 

Sign up as a fan of the Quilters Loft Company - Bible Studies fan page, so you can post your blocks, as you make them.  As comments and blocks are posted, you will be able to see the Virtual "Show and Tell"!

Click here to become a Fan!

Sometimes I will post a surprise!

We really want you to post your finished blocks!  You may just win a prize!

Be sure to become a fan and post your blocks!   It would be great if you could post your city and state too!  Can't wait to see the progress!

You can also come into the shop with your block, and we can take a picture and post for you, if you are not on Facebook!

I hope you are having as much fun as we are!

Special Event - TruE Embroidery Just for MAC!

Calling all Embroidery Machine Owners or wantabees!  Got a MAC???  ............. want to use it to design your next great creative moment!  

Come see what all the excitement is about!  Even if you don't have a MAC, you ought to come anyway!  See what's new in quilting and embroidery software!

TruEmbroidery Software for Mac is also available as a Crossover package from the 5D Embroidery System (HUSQVARNA VIKING 5D PROFESSIONAL or 5D PROFESSIONAL PLUS / PFAFF 5D SUITE or 5D SUITE+ required).

So save the date!  We are excited to have Gina Hodges, A Pfaff Creative Educator, coming to the Quilters Loft on Wednesday January 30, 2013. 

 We will have two sessions! 

Session 1 - 10 AM to 1 PM

Session 2 -   4 PM to 7 PM

Call and reserve your place!  $10 reserves your place and we will return it at the event with a $10 coupon!  Just let us know which session you would like to attend!  Space is limited so sign up soon! 

It is the perfect software for any brand of Embroidery Machine!   Are you using 4D or 5D on your MAC?  Come see how this software can enhance your creative experience!

A complete software system designed specifically for Mac computers, TruEmbroidery Software offers everything you need to bring embroidery to life. The native Mac interface is enhanced by OS X Mountain Lion features, such as gestures.

Compatible with most top embroidery machines

Babylock | Bernina | Brother | Husqvarna Viking | Janome | Pfaff | Singer

Includes three modules and two assistants to help you accomplish your embroidery projects with ease

• TruE™ Studio - Adjust, personalize and combine embroidery designs, frames and flourishes.
• TruE™ Modify - Transform embroideries with the perfect touches.
• TruE™ Create - Tap into unlimited embroidery design possibilities with thousands of stitch effects.
• TruE™ QuickCreate Assistant - Create designs automatically from clip-art.
• TruE™ Portrait Assistant - Create an embroidery portrait from your favorite photo.

Crossover option:

TruEmbroidery Software for Mac is also available as a Crossover package from the 5D Embroidery System (HUSQVARNA VIKING 5D PROFESSIONAL or 5D PROFESSIONAL PLUS / PFAFF 5D SUITE or 5D SUITE+ required).

Bible Studies Update!

We have so many more signing up for the Bible Studies Block of the Week, "Blessing" that I will be repeating the information for a few weeks in the weekly emails!  

You will be making 73 blocks!  No two are alike!   A great way to increase your skills!  All the layouts use the 73 blocks and the settings, sashing, borders are different!

So get organized, find a notebook, get some page protectors where you can put your pattern in and your finished block so everything is in one place when you get ready to finish your quilt.  Remember we are doing this for 73 weeks!  You don't want to lose any of your blocks in that time, do you!

For your blocks, you need a total of 2 yards each of  light, medium and dark fabrics!   For those of you who are new to quilting, I will put more information on the blog to help you pick your fabrics.  You can also bring in your "stash" fabrics and we can help you decide which are "light", "medium" and "dark" fabrics.

If you would like to make it scrappy, working out of your stash, then select a combination of fabrics that equal two yards each of light, medium and dark fabrics.  Be sure to "audition" your fabrics for the values you need.  They can be distinctive or subtle.

There are three settings!  You might want to decide on which setting you would like to make so you can do a little planning.  Check out the quilts on the blog.

Not sure if you have enough to do your quilt or not sure about your selection, stop in with your stash fabrics and we can help you plan.  

Note:  The Exodus block is flying geese, going in the same direction.  The quilt has the Exodus Block with the center flying geese reversed.  You can do it either way!

Update:  Some have mentioned that they have had a "fun" time with the Exodus Block and it is not coming out to be 6 1/2 inches!  Each block should be 6 1/2 inches before they are sewn together for the quilt.  To make the flying geese with rectangles and squares -

Rectangles - Cut 2 1/2" by 1 1/2" (need 18)
Squares - Cut 1 1/2" by 1 1/2" (need 36)

Draw a line across the diagonal on each square.
Sew along the diagonal a few threads towards the outside of the square.(away from the middle of the rectangle).   I find it best to sew from the middle of the rectangle to the outside edge, so the point does not get stuck in the feed dogs, since the pieces are small.  It is helpful to have a straight stitch plate on your machine, for "small" piecing!  Be sure to set the straight stitch plate safety if your machine has one!

Fold back to see that the outside "triangle" meets the edge of the block.  Trim the extra fabric underneath, before sewing the other side, to complete the flying geese block.  Repeat 18 times!

Bible Studies Block of the Week Starts Monday January 7th!

We are so excited to present the "Bible Studies"  Block of the Week, thru our Weekly email newsletter.  It is our way of saying thank you for reading our emails!
 
The only requirement is you need to be signed up for our email newsletter!   Not signed up yet, well just click on the link on the right side of the blog and sign up!  It's just that easy!!!

You will be making 73 blocks and no two are alike.  A great skill builder quilt.

Each week you will get a block with a Bible Study.  

Fabric requirements for the 73 blocks are as follows.

For the 73 Blocks

Light        2 yards
Medium   2 yards
Dark        2 yards

Want to work out of your stash?

"Audition" your fabrics so you have a nice assortment of light, medium, and dark fabrics, equal to two yards each!

Bible Studies Queen Setting 

 Love the use of only three color waves!  Very bright and cheery!!

Bible Studies Throw,  very scrappy but with a consistent background!

Bible Studies, Bed Runner!

A subtle combination of colors, scrappy with a consistent background.

So shop your stash, or come see us for the fabrics you need to make your "Bible Studies" Block of the Week.  Be inspired every week!

We are going to have fun prizes for those who keep up and finish their quilt!  Stay tuned for the details!  Will post soon!

Small Business Saturday!

We had such a great time at the Small Business Saturday Event!  The cupcakes and hot spiced apple cider were a hit!  Lots of ladies came in their PJ's and some even decked out with a bit of humor!

I didn't get a chance to take too many pictures but I did get a couple of interesting ones!

Thanks to everyone who came out and supported us!  We really appreciate your support!!

Can you tell that Dottie is in Historic Club!  The top of her apron is one of the Amish with a Twist Blocks!  Don't you just love the bonnet?

Justine came as the "Fat Quarter Flasher!  Her bathrobe covered the fat quarters tied around her waist and she "flashed" everyone!  Justine has quite the sense of humor!

Celebrate Small Business Sat Nov 24, 2012 in your PJ's!!!

We are celebrating Small Business Saturday in our PJ's on Saturday and we invite you to come celebrate with us in your PJ's too.  

We will open at 10am on Saturday Nov 24. Think hot apple cider, butterfly chocolate cup cakes and more treats! Yum!!! It's a PJ's party! 

Wear your PJ's, and enter a chance to win one of the $50 gift certificates to the Quilters Loft!

The crazier you dress, the more chances you get to win! Think flannel PJ's, curlers, fuzzy slippers, (Dottie you can wear your angel wings), crazy hat, and any other fun thing you can come up with!

Sweats don't qualify!  

We'll have some fun things you can win too! Everyone wins something! We are going to have FUN! FUN! FUN! 

I am wearing my sock monkey PJ's, if I can find them and then if they fit!!!  Can't wait to see what all of you come up with!  Dottie, I'm counting on you!!!!

Also shop your local small businesses in historic downtown!  Spend where more of your money stays in the community!

Did you know there are wonderful gift shops,  treats from the Black Velvet Bakery, sweet treats from the new Candy shop next to Bob's Grill, a wonderful Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar store,  great old fashioned toys at Turner's Hardware, Clothing stores,  Bead Shop, wonderful Jewelry Stores,  a place to repair your shoes, a famous author, painter and photographer, Cotton Ketchie, a Men's Clothing Store, and a place to get coffee, hair salons, barber shop just to name a few!  Great favorite local places to eat such as Bob's Grill and Pie in the Sky just to name a few.  

Oh, and of course we are downtown too!

Celebrating 10 years Thursday Nov 15 to Saturday Nov 17, 2012

It seems like just the other day, Quilters Loft opened on Friday September 13, 2002.   I opened on my parents anniversary and yes they did get married on Friday the 13th! 

 This weekend we are going to celebrate being in business 10 years, and our Annual Be Thankful Sale! 

We are thankful for all our wonderful customers who have supported us over the past 10 years. Without you, this would not have been possible! I also could not have done it without my wonderful employees and teachers. They also make Quilters Loft a fun place to be! Better not forget Wiggles as she is the shop Mascot and likes to greet you when she gets a chance to sneak out of the office! 

Wondering about the funny percentages off???  Well 18.8 represents our address and 20.02 represents the year we opened.  Too funny right!  My staff was being creative when I inquired what should we do!!!

We have lots to be thankful for............... so join us this weekend and take advantage of some of our specials! Don't forget to sign up for prizes, lots of great things to give away!

Cheers to another 10 years!!!!!  Gosh I'll be 73 then and hopefully as healthy as Reba!  

 

 

Houston Quilt Festival Show Quilt Pictures!

Here are a few of the many beautiful show quilts at the Houston Quilt Festival Show!
More photos added on November 1st!

Scenery Through Round Windows by Keiko Morihiro

Scenery Detail

Rainbow Lorikeet by Helen Godden

Rainbow Lorikeet Detail - Check out the Quilting Detail

And Some Red by Kathryn Beebe

Crystal World by Yuriko Ikuma

A bit of Lime Shakeup

Natsumi on Her Bike by Hiroko Miyama

Time to Fly by Brenda Roach

Vitamin Quilt by Hiromi Suzuki

My Cat Charlie by Kitty Corner

Time to Fly by Brenda Roach

Snake Goddess by Janneke De Vries-Bodzinga

Max by Susan Knapp

Tree of Life by Allison Lock

Grace by Jennifer Day