Happy New Year, Dear Readers!
The holidays are over (unless you are Orthodox) and Inventory is taken; can we all please take a collective deep, cleansing breath…….and let’s face 2019 with a grin on our faces and determination in our hearts to GET THINGS DONE and LIVE UP TO OUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS. Confession: I am off to a bad start; I couldn’t make myself get up out of bed this morning for some much needed exercise. These dark, gray mornings are hard to overcome. Oh, well, maybe tomorrow.
 The next time you are in the shop, be sure to stroll through our Gallery. Kim Jalette has selected quilts she has made over the years to illustrate her journey as a quilter. Many of them have been classes she has taught here at Capital Quilts. One of them is brand new and has never been on display before. Kim will be doing a Gallery talk on Saturday, January 26 at 11:30, which also happens to be Local Quilt Shop Day. Plan to be here that day!
Are you ready to learn how to design your quilts using your computer? Elyse is having a class on EQ8 on Wednesday, January 9, 10:15-1:15. EQ8 is a computer-based application with which you can design, preview, color, and even and resize your quilt. It will calculate yardage, add the ¼ inch seam allowance, and create templates, rotary cutting instructions, or foundation piecing patterns. If you use or own EQ7, you will be impressed with the upgraded EQ8. If learning a new skill is on your New Year’s Resolution list, this is a good one! It works with both Windows and Mac.
Did you know you should have your sewing machine cleaned and tuned at least one a year? January is a great time to have your machine serviced. Start off 2019 by making an appointment with one of our 3 technicians for a 1-hour ‘while you wait’ servicing, or drop your machine off anytime and leave it with us for a few days. We’ll call you when it’s ready.
And if you’ve never changed the needle in your machine or the blade on your rotary cutter, GET IT DONE (see above). You will be amazed at the difference in your cutting and sewing. Don’t know how? We are happy to help. Bring in your sewing machine and/or rotary cutter and we’ll change it for you while we show you how it’s done.
Go ‘n’ piece,
Alison
SHOP SPECIALS: Machine embroiderers: have I got a deal for you! Floriani thread is 40% off, while supplies last. The sooner you come in, the better the selection of colors.
If you want to purchase a Handi Quilter for less than full retail value and can pay with cash or credit card, buy one of my floor model machines:
Simply Sixteen: MSRP $5995, now $5,245
Amara: MSRP $11,995, now $9,499. Your choice of a 10’ or 12’ frame.
Forte with ProStitcher: MSRP $23,995, now $21,150. Your choice of a 10’ or 12’ frame.
We will install your machine, and provide a free lesson on its basic use and maintenance. There is a separate free class for the ProStitcher.
VENDOR SPECIALS IN JANUARY
ACCUQUILT GO!: AccuQuilt has put over 30 dies on sale for 20-40% off during the month of January. I have quite a few of them in stock. I am happy to order any that I do not have in stock. You can also find these dies in our online shop at www.capitalquilts.com/shop/Accuquilt.
HORN OF AMERICA: Horn is offering a free Daylight Slimline Table Lamp (retail value $190) with the purchase of any electric lift cabinet. If you would like a cabinet to store your AccuQuilt GO! cutter, dies, and other accessories and sewing supplies, save $50 on the purchase of the new Quilter’s Block Center, model #A680. Both of these offers are valid through 1/31.
JANOME: The Janome Red Tag Event is underway! Buy a Horizon Quilt Maker MC15000 for $10,999, a savings of $2,000. It comes with free Artistic Digitizer Software, with an additional savings of $1,199. Available through Feb. 28, 2019.
The new 9450QCP, the top-of-the-line quilter’s machine, is also on sale. Regularly $5,499, save $1,000 for a price of $4,499 through 2/28/2019.
Another new machine, the AT2000D serger, is also on sale. This serger has a one-push air threading system, an 8- piece feed dog, and a built-in needle threader. Normally $1,799, it is available until 2/28/19 for just $1,699.
Other savings are available. Stop in the shop for more information. There’s lots!
SEW STEADY: Sew Steady has a new table bundle available. Get a large 18” x 24” Sew Steady table, a Large travel bag for transporting the table, and the new Grid Glider for $149. The regular price is $183. Dena Wilkins is coming back to Capital Quilts in March to teach Westalee quilting classes, and you’ll need a Sew Steady table for the class.
WHAT’S NEW AT CQ
New from FIGO, 14 lovely bolts from their Mountain Meadow collection. $12.50 per yard.
Michael Miller sent us these delightful puffins, and a batch of Dumb Dots that coordinate. Puffins, $12.99 per yard, dots are $11.50 per yard.
The 9th and 10th books of Carol Dean Jones’ Quilting Cozy series are being released in January. The 9th is called Tattered & Torn and the 10th is Left Holding the Bag. Order yours online, in the shop, or by calling us at 301-527-0598.
CLASSES
Register for classes online, in the shop, or by calling 301-527-0598. Please register early; we need at least 3 people to make a class happen.
Machine quilt your own quilts! Take Getting Started: the Handi Quilter Longarm Machine on Monday, January 7, 11-2, or Getting Started: the Simply Sixteen on Tuesday, January 15, 11-2, to become eligible to rent one of our machines.
EQ8 is computer software that allows you to design your own quilts (see above). Take the class with Elyse on Wednesday, January 9, 10:15-1:15. Beginner level.
Need a quilt project for January? How about the intriguing Mirage quilt? Hilary Hastie teaches this class in two sessions on Fridays, January 11 and 25, from 10:15 to 1:15. Intermediate level.
Let us help you sandwich your quilt on Sandwich Night, Friday, January 11. There is one appointment left, at 6pm.
Who doesn’t love a Zippered Pouch? Annie Jeffrey will show you how to make them on Saturday, January 12, 2:30-5:30. Make a bunch and keep them on hand for gifts. My daughters love these! Skill level: easy.
If you’ve learned the ins and outs of using the Handi Quilter longarm machines, maybe it is time to take the next step and learn how to use the ProStitcher, the computer software that allows you tell the computer how you want your quilt quilted and then push a button to set it to working. Take Getting Started: The Basics of ProStitcher Premium on Saturday, January 12, 10:30-1:30.
Everybody is talking about the Glam Clam quilt! Take the class, taught by Kim Jalette and Kat Martinez, on Sunday, January 13 & 20, 2:30-4:30. Hint: use your AccuQuilt GO! to do the cutting. It took Kat and Kim all afternoon to cut out the 12" clams by hand for the first quilts they made, and they had to go back and mark registration lines on them. It took Kat 45 minutes by herself to cut out the 8" clams for her second quilt using the GO! machine, and the machine cut the registration notches at the same time. Another customer’s 4-year-old grandson cut out clams for her using her GO! machine; it kept him busy for a whole hour and she got in some sewing time. Skill level: intermediate.
If zippers perplex you, sign up to take Barbara Kascic’s 5 Zippers Workshop on Tuesday, January 15, 10:30-1:30. She’ll show you how to install a basic zipper, a faced zipper, a lapped zipper, an invisible zipper, and a separating zipper. You will take home a sample of each for future reference. Skill level: intermediate.
Here’s a stash buster: the Rag Basket. Lois Sumser is back to teach this popular class on Thursday, January 17, 10:30-1:30. Limit: 8 people. Make your bowl with clothesline wrapped with strips of fabric. Learn how to finish off with a fancy handle and how to add embellishments. Skill level: Intermediate.
Join Kat Martinez on Saturday, January 19, 6-midnight, for Night Owl Sewing -- six blissful hours of distraction-free sewing. No phone, no hungry kids and spouses, no dogs to walk. The price includes a $10 Capital Quilts Gift Card, pizza, and beverages.
CLUBS:
Sign up now for your favorite club(s)! There's something for everyone.
1st Saturday Club: block of the month, based on log cabin variations. Lecture/demo and Show & Tell.
2nd Saturday Club: block of the month, based on different techniques. Lecture/demo, Show & Tell.
AccuQuilt Club: learn special tips about using the shop's Studio Cutter, share Show & Tell, and cut your fabric on our machine.
AccuQuilt GO! Club: learn new techniques, share experiences and tips, enjoy show-and-tell, and be inspired!
English Paper Piecing: work on your own project or sew-along with Katja Marek's Millie Stars program (fabric kits are available through the shop). Show & Tell.
Hand-Piecing Club: sit and stitch with friends. Hand piecing isn't super fast, but it is peaceful and meditative.
Improv Club: break free from patterns and rulers! It isn't as scary as you think. A different block or exercise will be presented each month, with hands-on time during the club meeting. Show & tell.
Longarm Club: open to all longarm quilters, regardless of brand. Lecture, Q&A, Show & Tell.
ProStitcher Club: meet with other Prostitcher owners to share projects, issues, updates, designs, and more.
Sew! Let's Get Dressed!: meets every other month. Join Rae Cumbie for lectures on various topics related to garment sewing.
Wool & Hand Embroidery Club: work on your own project, and learn a new stitch or technique each month. Show & Tell.
CAPITAL QUILTS CARES
QOV: Sue Moats is leading a workshop for QOV (Quilts of Valor) on Tuesday, January 8, 1-3. All fabric is provided. Bring your sewing machine, neutral thread, and basic sewing supplies. Two places are available.
SCARF IT UP!: Yes, we have a service project for MLK Service Day! Have fun making scarves and blankets out of fleece by fringing the ends with a pair of scissors on Monday, January 21, 1-4. Teens: this event qualifies for service hours. Bring your forms with you. Children 8-12 are welcome with an adult. The scarves and blankets will be given to the Interfaith Women’s Shelter in Rockville.
SAVE THE DATE
• January 26: Local Quilt Shop Day
• January 26: Kim Jalette Gallery Talk
• March 29 & 30: Westalee Quilting Event
• April 26-27, 2019: Friendship Star Quilt Guild Quilt Show
• May 31-June 2, 2019: Quilters Unlimited Quilt Show
• June 8-9, 2019: Annapolis Quilt Guild Quilt Show
• October 11-20, 2019: Quilters' Quest
BLUE BAG BONANZA
The January prize is a pattern booklet excerpt from Eleanor Burns' Forty Fabulous Years (Quilt in a Day).
To be entered in each month’s drawing, bring your Capital Quilts Blue Bag with you when you shop. Make sure you show it to the staffer at the register! Upon completion of your sales transaction, your name will be put in the jar for the drawing at the end of the month. The more you shop, the more chances you have to win. Don’t have a Blue Bag? Purchase one at the shop, by phone, or online for just $4.99. We save all of the entries for the year, and at the end of the year we draw a Grand Prize Winner from all the entries.
Our thanks to everybody who shops at Capital Quilts and who participates in the Blue Bag Bonanza.
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