Dear Sewperlative Friends,
Ahh, life under COVID. Thank you for all your well wishes. All staffers with possible exposure have tested negative. The asymptomatic employee whose routine fast test came back positive is still awaiting the results of her long test, and I hope she will also be negative. Can we please start 2021 over again? So far it is no better, and maybe worse, that 2020!
The shop will remain closed for in-store shopping until next Tuesday. Please call to make an appointment for shopping on that date or later. We continue to accept online orders, and you can pick them up curbside or ask us to ship your purchases to you. Our shop quilters are still accepting quilt tops for quilting, and our machine techs are still cleaning and repairing machines. If you have a quilt top you’d like to have quilted, please give the shop a call and we will get you organized. If you have a machine that needs some love, click here to fill out the registration form. Once that is complete, you can drop off your machine curbside at your convenience.
For those of you in the 2nd Saturday Club who are still waiting for your book, they have shipped from the distributor; we should have them early to mid-week next week. If you’ve placed an order for one, we promise to call you ASAP!
There is a quilt class by Zoom this Saturday! Julie Taylor is teaching “My Kaffe Garden” from 1-5. This is an easy but fun quilt, great for all skill levels. It’s a good quilt for using up charm packs, too! Go online or call 301-527-0598 to register.
Want to learn how to use design software? Sign up for Demystifying EQ8. The class meets Sunday, January 24 on Zoom from 12-3.
The next session of our Capital Quilts’ Complete Course of Quilting begins on January 20. This is a 10-long course designed to introduce the beginner to using his or her sewing machine, cutting fabric, and employing various quilt-making techniques. The finished product is a lovely sampler quilt, quilted, bound, and labeled. Intermediate quilters will also find the course helpful for brushing up skills. Sign up online, in the shop, or by phone 301-527-0598.
The next meeting of Sew Together is tomorrow, Friday, January 15 at 6:30pm, and there is one spot available. Jan Wisor will be on hand to give you the inside scoop on paper piecing and answer any questions you might have. Become a part of this fun group today! You can sign up online, in the shop, or by phone.
We are now carrying jewelry by local artist and teacher Lois Sumser. She offers beautiful necklaces and earrings. See them here on our website. If you’ve taken a Rag Basket class from Lois, you know how beautiful her work is!
Capital Quilts is still a dealer for TNT Ironing Boards. While I don’t have any on display at the moment, you can see them on the TNT website, TNTquiltboards.com, and place your order through me. My prices are the same as those on the website, and the commission Capital Quilts will get helps support the shop.
Shopping at Capital Quilts: Please give us a call at 301-527-0598 if you’d like to make an appointment to come shop in the store. You can usually get in the same day. We are no longer making appointments online, only by phone. I’d like to be able to open the shop entirely, but I still feel the need to control the number of people in it in order to protect both you and us. The virus numbers are rising again, there seem to be new, more transmissible mutations around, and we want to reduce the odds anybody in our quilting and sewing community gets COVID-19. Remember that if anybody on the CQ Staff comes down with the virus, we will have to completely close the shop for at least 10 days, as we will all have been exposed.
If you are exposed to the virus and/or get a positive COVID-19 test result, please do not come to the shop, and if you have been to the shop while you may have been infectious, please call the shop so that we may let others know. There is nothing political about this, and there is no judgment from us. We just want to do our best to help stop the virus from spreading and protect our friends and families and community.
We really and truly appreciate your continued patronage and your patience through this pandemic. Your support has been, and continues to be, awesome. You are truly loyal friends! Keep wearing those masks! When your number comes up, get that vaccine! Stay safe.
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CLASSES and CLUBS
We are having classes via Zoom. We will make the virtual classes as easy as we can for you, sending you a link to the Zoom class. All you have to do is add the Zoom app to your computer, IPad, or other device so that you can open the link and participate in the class.
Class size will be limited. As before COVID, you can sign up online, by phone, or in the shop if you are here on a shopping appointment. Class descriptions are found below and on our website. Each class will have a supply list; look for this on our website: click on “Class Calendar in the blue bar at the top of the home page. Find the class on the calendar and click on that, then scroll down to the bottom left of the page to find “Supply List” and click on that.
For classes we may have in the shop, we require that you wear a mask during the class and social distance as much as possible. Each person will have their own table. We may also take your temperature when you enter the shop and ask that you use hand sanitizer or wash your hands with soap and water.
CLUBS:
The Longarm and Pro-Stitcher Clubs will meet on the first Saturday of each month in 2021. We will continue to meet via Zoom, until such time as we can once again meet in the shop. Barbara Bean and Elyse Turkeltaub have done a great job of continuing the clubs during the COVID crisis. Thank you, ladies! Members of the clubs enjoy a 10% discount on Handi Quilter items purchased in the shop on the first weekend of each month. If you can’t make it into the shop, please call us at 301-527-0598 to make your purchase.
2nd Saturday Club 2021 2nd Saturday Club meets monthly on the 2nd Saturday of each month (really!). In 2021, Betsy Kulamer and Jan Wisor will lead the Club members in an exploration of Tula Pink’s book, City Sampler: 100 Modern Quilt Blocks. You will make 5-10 blocks each month. We’ll talk about techniques for making the blocks, color, quilt layout, and more. Betsy and Jan, who teach/have taught the Complete Course of Quilting here at Capital Quilts, are very experienced quilters who have lots of tips to share and stories to tell.
QUILTING CLASSES: Currently all classes are ZOOM classes. You must download the Zoom app/client, and you will need a camera/webcam, microphone, and speakers as well as an internet connection. On the day of the class, you’ll receive an email with a link to the Zoom meeting. Please confirm that Capital Quilts has your current email address and phone number.
Sew Together: Ask an Expert Tired of sewing alone? Join fellow quilters for a virtual quilting bee. Settle into your favorite sewing space with your favorite Zoom-compatible technology for 2-1/2 hours of stitching and chatting. Everyone will have a chance to talk about what they’ve been working on and pose questions to the other quilters. No masks required! Each month, we are inviting a guest who is expert in some aspect of quilting and needlework to join us to answer questions about his or her specialty.
January 15: Jan Wisor discusses tips and tricks from her wide experience with foundation paper piecing.
February 5: Kathy Barden shares her joy in making useful three-dimensional projects, especially ByAnnie bags.
March 5: our very own Kat Martinez loves improv quilting and shares her knowledge and experience with you.
April 2: Sue Fierston, president of the Nature Printing Society, talks about leaf and fish printing on fabric.
Skill Level: any
Instructor/Moderator: Betsy Kulamer
Class Size: max. 18
Cost: $8
Time and Date: 6:30-9 on Dec. 4, Jan. 15, February 5, March 5, and April 2.
My Kaffe Garden Create a beautiful quilt garden using three charm packs! Julie used Kaffe Fassett charm packs plus some pieces from her stash and a white-on-white for sashing, but you could also do a lovely scrap quilt or use other charm packs; you could also use a different color for the sashing. There is lots of room for creativity here. Finished quilt: about 48” x 59”.
Skill Level: Confident Beginner
Instructor: Julie Taylor
Class Size: max. 20
Cost: $45
Date and Time: Saturday, January 16, 1-5
Capital Quilts' Complete Course of Quilting via ZOOM: This 10-week quilting course starting Wednesday, January 20th at 6:30pm will teach everything you need to know to start making your own quilts. This course covers the basics: getting to know your sewing machine, rotary cutting, fabric selection, and a variety of techniques for machine-piecing quilt blocks. You make a sampler quilt and learn to sandwich, quilt, and bind your masterpiece. This is the perfect opportunity to explore the quilter’s art, which is both ancient and modern!
Skill Level: beginner
Instructor: Betsy Kulamer
Class Size: max. 8
Cost: $275
Time and Dates: Wednesdays starting 1/20/21, 6:30-9
Lots of Dots This lovely quilt provides a good study in color and value. There are four small blocks that make up each larger block. Each ring is made using four different values of a color. The center is made using two lighter values of the ring color. You will also learn how to create the pieced ring. The original pattern has you piecing each part of the arches that make up the circles by sewing blocks together. Julie will show you how to paper piece the arch, a technique she finds easier than sewing blocks together. Finished quilt: about 70” square.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Instructor: Julie Taylor
Class Size: max. 20
Cost: $65
Time and Dates: 2 sessions, 1-4, Saturday, February 20 & 27
SOFTWARE CLASSES:
Demystifying EQ8 Learn how to design your own quilts using computer software. Import existing fabrics, make or modify blocks, resize, add borders, play with color…there is so much you can do! In this class, meant for beginners, you’ll learn the basics of how the program works and what the various buttons and functions are.
This is a ZOOM class. You must be comfortable using a computer, and you must have the EQ8 program loaded on your computer. Please contact the shop to purchase EQ8, as I do not stock them and must order one for you. Allow a couple of weeks at least. Thanks!
Skill Level: beginner
Instructor: Elyse Turkletaub
Class Size: max. 6
Cost: $45
Time and Dates: the class will be taught 3 times; sign up for one. 12-3 on Jan. 24, Feb. 9, March 20
Pro-Stitcher Premium: Getting Started Pro-Stitcher Premium is computer software from Handi Quilter that allows you to design quilting patterns and then stitch them out on your longarm quilting machine. This class goes over the basic functions and structure of the software. Learn how to find pre-loaded designs or import a new design, how to fit the design to your quilt, and how to stitch out the design.
This is a ZOOM class. You must be comfortable using a computer. The instructor will give directions for loading the training software on your computer.
Skill Level: beginner
Instructor: Elyse Turkletaub
Class Size: max. 6
Cost: $45
Time and Dates: the class will be taught 3 times; sign up for one. 12-3 on Jan. 19, Feb. 16, March 27
NEW AND NOTEWORTHY
Windham Fabrics has sent us some lovely bolts!
It's Elementary was made for your favorite scientist or science super fan, and will make terrific wall hangings in a bedroom, classroom or medical office. The collection includes patterns of science symbols, words and icons. Embrace your inner scientist! $12.50 pery yard.
We also received several 108" wide-backs with bright, beautiful colors. $18.50-19.50 per yard.
JANOME
Janome is having a RED TAG SALE from Monday, January 7 – Sunday, February 28! Score one of these great deals:
MC 15000: Save $2,000.
Includes the following gifts: Horizon Rolling Cart, Hilos Iris 100 best polyester thread, and the Janome Artistic Digitizer.
Continental M7 Professional: Save $1,000.
Includes the gift of an M7 table, a $699 value.
MC 9450: Save $1,500.
Includes the gift of a Universal table, a $599 value.
AirThread 2000D: Save $300. This is the newest Janome serger, with a built-in one-push air threading system an 8-piece feed dog, and a built-in needle threader. We have these in stock.
Contact the shop to purchase any of these machines.
Artistic Digitizer: Are you the proud owner of an Artistic Digitizer? Janome has announced an update, to version 1.6. You can download the update from the Artistic Digitizer page on the Janome website.
HANDI QUILTER
Tune in to the Handi Quilter Facebook page every Tuesday at 2pm EDT for Handi Quilter’s Watch and Learn Quilting Show, which features tips, tricks, and tutorials on Handi Quilter products with limited-time special pricing and a give-away to a random live attendee. They announce a special on a different machine or accessory each week. If you can’t watch the Tuesday show, go to the HQ website and enjoy the “And I Quilt” series of videos. You can still get the special pricing on the week’s product through Sunday.
This week, take 15% off your purchase of Batting Scissors and/ or the Handi Hammock. Offer valid through Sunday, January 17.
Ring in the New Year with $20.21 deals! Purchase a new machine package, including Pro-Stitcher, and get one of the items below for just $20.21, your choice! This offer is good through January 18.
HQ HighLight (any size): the brightest LED lighting for your quilting studio! I got one of these and put it over my cutting table and WOW, what a difference! I should have gotten one a long time ago.
My Secret Drawer (all sizes): take advantage of the unused space under your frame. Store up to 96 cones of thread or your ruler collection.
Electromagnetic Channel Locks: Stitch perfectly straight horizontal and vertical lines. Baste down quilt edges, crosshatch, and more!
Shipping: have your new machine delivered to you for only $20.21. Valid in the contiguous 48 states only.
Longarm quilters: there is a new website you should check out! It’s www.quiltable.com and it is all quilting designs to view and purchase. The digital products include several file types and are intended for robotic quilting systems (not just Handi Quilter). There is an option to join a club and automatically receive new designs every month plus get a discount on other designs throughout the site.
Handi Quilter is launching a new program called Pro-Stitcher Catalog. Get it through the Handi Quilter website. The program will store, organize, and give you a quick way to find your designs. Heaven on Earth! Use the code HQ1498 to get a $10 discount. You’ll also be supporting Capital Quilts, as we will then get a commission from Handi Quilter. See the flyer here.
 Our Handi Quilter Moxie is now fully functional and ready for you to come try. I’ve sold one to a quilter who already owns a Fusion. She said she wants to use it for free motion quilting while the ProStitcher on her Fusion is working on another project. The Moxie is very light compared to the bigger machines and is easy to move around, with less stress to your joints. You can also put a Simply Sixteen on a Loft frame (the one the Moxie uses). You’ll get a little more quilting space and a more sophisticated machine on the smaller frame. If you already have a Simply Sixteen and want to move up to the Loft frame, you can do that. Call me if this is something you’d like to order.
Also on display is the Handi Quilter Capri, a stationary, sit-down quilting machine. It is right next to the registers. This machine has the smallest footprint of the longarm machines and is most like your sewing machine in terms of feel. Rather than move the machine over the fabric as you do on the machines that have a frame, you move the fabric under the needle on the Capri. Have a seat and give it a try!
SEW STEADY
 Best Selling Quilting Kit: This ruler work kit special includes a domestic ruler foot, 12” arc template, 6pc Sampler Template Set 1, 8-1/2” 8pt. Crosshair Ruler, and a spacing gauge. In addition, you get Janet’s Ruler Quilt Design eBook, Creative Quilting Inspirations Designing with the Crosshair Rulers eBook by Leonie West, a free printed pattern, and a free Ruler Work 101 online class at the Sew Steady University. Total value: over $270 SALE: $175 Wow! I love all the educational materials. This is a great way to get started quilting with rulers. This offer is valid through January 15, 2021.
Wish Table Sale: Buy a Wish Table and get the Grid Glider for just $1! The table is 22.5” x 25.5”, with beveled edges, a blue drawer for notions, holes and a tool for circle sewing, and a table lock. The Grid Glider, valued at $25, offers all the right markings to make sewing easier and adds a slick sewing surface, especially good for free motion quilting. MSRP: $200. Capital Quilts price: $149 plus $1 for the Grid Glider.
CAPITAL QUILTS CARES Thanks to those who have donated kennel quilts in the last few weeks! Keep them coming. If you are willing to help, please make more for us! Find the directions here. Please be careful of the dimensions of the little quilts; too big or too small and we can’t send them. Drop them off “curbside” at the shop; no need to make an appointment (unless you want to shop, of course!). We have both pillowcase and kennel quilt kits available, free. Make them at home and return the completed project to us for distribution.
Every year on the first Saturday in February, the Quilts of Valor organization has a national Sew-in Day. Normally, it is a full day of sewing in the classroom, with people ironing, sewing, trimming, gophering, and generally having a swell time while making quilts for veterans of our armed services. This year, for obvious reasons, we are having to do things a bit differently (but it will still be a swell time!). We are limiting the number of people in the classroom to 5, one per table, plus Sue Moats, your hostess for the day, a total of 6 people. There will be three (free!) 2-hour sessions, from 11-1, 1-3, and 3-5. You may sign up for more than one session if you wish. If you sign up on our website, you will see the 3 sessions listed as classes on the February calendar, on February 6. If you want to stay for more than one session, please register for each session separately. We will take your temperature and ask you to use hand sanitizer when you arrive, and plan to wear a mask at all times.
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