Class Pass

We are offering the fabulous Capital Quilts Class Pass for July and August 2010.  For a charge of $100, you may take as many classes as you wish during this time period.  Try techniques and teachers you’ve always wanted to experience; stay active and interested in the creative process; make all of your Christmas presents by the end of the summer!!  There are a few restrictions needed to keep things flowing.  They are:

• You may sign up directly for a maximum of eight classes.  You can be on the wait list for as many others as you wish.  When we are three days away from the commencement of the class for which you are on the wait list, you will be notified if there is space in the class; if you are interested, you will be moved directly into a class slot in the order in which you registered. 
• If you cannot attend a class for which you are registered, we ask that you give three days’ notice so that someone else might use your spot. Failure to notify us on two occasions will invalidate the class pass.
• The class pass covers instruction; you will need to purchase supplies.  Sewing machine rental, if needed, is $10 per class.

Funky Flowers - Block Exchange

Nina has found another spirited and colorful block to create and share.  We’re calling it “Funky Flowers”, and there’s a little bit of a trick in its construction (But REALLY easy!) so Nina invites you for an organizational meeting to learn the technique.  Recognizing that there may be vacation issues, she invites you to choose one of the following dates: Sunday, July 11, or Saturday, July 31, from 3-5 pm.  Participants will receive complete instructions and an initial fabric kit for $10.  Please call early to register for either session.    Blocks will be due Sunday, August 22, and will be distributed Sunday, August 29.

click images to enlarge

Accuquilt Club

The Accuquilt is a die-cutting machine that gives PERFECT cut shapes with the turn of a handle.  For the last six months, a small group of dedicated quilters has tested the potential of the machine, cutting strips, squares, triangles, tumblers, applecores and other great shapes.  It’s fast, accurate and fun.  Current member Dolly Swoyer says, “ The pieces are so precisely cut they could practically sew themselves!"  Mary Ebert concurs, adding, "I've finished two quilt tops that I never would have thought of if it weren't for the chisel die. I'm having a wonderful, productive time."  

We are opening the club to new members.  A six-month membership (through December 31, 2010) includes unlimited use of the machine and its dies on the schedule posted in the shop for $35.  The club meets from 10:30 am-12:30 pm on the last Saturday of the month.  Members show what they have constructed, share tips for use of the machine, and discuss their dreams for future dies and patterns.  There is a mandatory safety session before using the machine.  If you would like to join the club you may register right away; if you wish to know more about the club, you may attend the first meeting on Saturday, July 31 at 10:30 am.  Be aware, however, that membership IS limited in order to give everyone time to cut.

Gary is Grilling

It hasn't rained on the second Sunday in September in 15 years.  (True!)  So, weather permitting, we'll be having our annual grilled hot dogs with Gary outside the shop on Sunday, Sept 12, from 2 pm on.  Somehow, they always taste delicious on the grill, and we'll have a few healthy things, too.  This is the day we'll be having the nine-patch show and tell inside, so you know there will be sustenance at hand after the fun of the display is over.  Last year Gary picked up a few grilling techniques from some of our customers;  the men seemed especially content to share their secrets while their SO was inside picking up on the specials!  Something for everyone at Capital Quilts!!!

Summer Nine Patch Challenge

Pressed for time, but eager to keep sewing over the summer?  Enter our “Nine patch Challenge!”  The nine-patch is the simplest of blocks.  It has loads of design possibilities, can be made in any size, and can be accomplished in 15 minutes or less.  Resolve to make ONE BLOCK per day for at least 45 days, and you have a quilt.  Or several baby quilts; or a stack of place mats, a beautiful tablecloth, or a shower curtain.  Use your stash, or trade with friends.  Come in for some fresh, inspirational fabric, or purchase some of Kat’s carefully coordinated scrap bags. I’ll keep you posted on how I’m doing with my own nine-patch blocks on Facebook, and I’ll cheerfully show whatever you post or bring in to the shop!  We’ll meet on Sunday, September 12 at 2 pm for a show and tell.  Bring any completed tops (from placemat to king sized quilt) and we’ll revel in what can be accomplished in just a few minutes a day!  Now, give me an idea of what to plan for…let me know if you’re in on this challenge by sending an e mail to quilter@his.com, signing up in the shop, or posting to Facebook.

Save the Date: Annual Quilters' Quest

We're planning already for the best Quilters' Quest ever!  From November 10-14, 2010, quilters have the opportunity to visit all 11 local participating quilt shops for a chance to win GREAT prizes, pick up free block patterns designed by Jinny Beyer, and experience the fun and goodies that each shop has to offer!  There will be an entertaining scavenger hunt at each shop, and Hoffman has designed a unique batik fabric for our shop hop.  Make plans now to gather your friends for a truly enjoyable experience.  Bookmark the shophop web site: www.quiltersquest.org.

Classroom Machines

Good news!  We have purchased several Pfaff model 2058 machines exclusively for classroom use.  They are sophisticated, reliable, and quite easy to use.  If you need to use  one of our machines we will be delighted to instruct you in threading, bobbin winding, and use of the automatic needle down, foot up program.  From now on, there will be a $10 charge to use the machine in class.