A Leap of Faith

It’s been awhile. And by awhile, I mean way too long. I’ve been working full time plus helping at the shop too many hours to count. This isn’t a pity-party, but a party because that has all changed now! 

I’m still at the shop too many hours to count, but that full time job is no longer on the table. I’ve taken a leap of faith, and I’m trying to follow a dream. (Or something like that….) 

My husband has decided that I am a “Professional Quilter; Occupation: Quilter.” He made that declaration as I walked in the door one week ago after my last day training my replacement at the full time office job. I think he was under the impression that I won’t need to add to my personal fabric stash, now that I’m around fabric all day. He has no idea.. 🙂 
Now that I’m at the shop, and supposedly have free time (I still haven’t seen any or that), we are going to start working of a few fun things we’ve been planning. We are also gearing up to announce our next few months of classes. So far, our classes have been successful, fun, and energetic, so we want to keep that going. 

Do you have any fun ideas that you would like to see added? 

I did manage to finish this quilt last week, so I will leave you with this picture. 
See you at the machine, 

•Care

Sew Nights and Design Walls

When my mom and I made the decision to open Quilter’s Hideaway, we knew we wanted a way to bring people together. We immediately knew we wanted some form of a sew night where people with different experience and projects could come together to learn from one another, create a community, and encourage each other throughout their projects. 

Our Open Sew Nights every Thursday, have slowly molded into this. Although I cannot be at every one (I’m still working fulltime in Tulsa), I receive pictures, and it makes me want to be there every week. 

There have been many finished projects throughout our short, two months of being open, many newbies have learned tricks, and friendships have been made around our tables. I’ve learned more about embroidery and so many other things, I’ve seen others teaching how to chain-piece, everyone has a home at Quilter’s Hideaway.

The other thing I love about sew night, is that our design wall is always covered in so many different quilts as people work to find a layout they are happy with. Occasionally I’ll even get FaceTime to give my opinion, or someone will leave a quilt up for a few days to play with until they are happy.  My favorite saying when a quilt is on the wall is, “Can I play?”  Everyone sees quilts so differently, and I love this. 

Everyone has been on a log cabin “kick” recently using our new rulers and upcoming class, but every single quilt has been vastly different. Other than the actual block, the quilts are unrecognizable as the same pattern. 

If you are on the fence, or want to surround yourself with funny, encouraging, helpful people, think about coming to our next Open Sew Night. It happens every Thursday. Come when you’re free and stay until the seam rippers come out. Usually the crowd starts forming after 4pm and we shut the party down between 8:30 and 9. 

 
I’ve seen knitting, embroidery, paper piecing, chatting, quilt layout, laughing, pressing, and so much more happening during our Open Sew nights.

See you at the machine,

•Care

Happy St. Patrick’s Day- FREE PATTERN

Top O’ The Mornin’ To Ya!  (I just looked up different St. Patrick’s Day sayings and came out somewhat empty handed. Thanks Google…)

 

Happy St. Patrick’s day!  As I sat in the car this morning before work, I realized that I had walked out the door without any green today… Thankfully, I had a green hair-tie in my car, but does that really count? We could get into the nitty-gritty, or I could share with you a fun, green pattern.  Let’s get to it, and hopefully it will make up for my lack of green wardrobe.

You can mix and match your fabric or use all the same.

 

Prep:

Dig in your stash for green and cream fabric. Or whatever floats your fancy.

 

You will need:

1/4 yard of green {clover fabric}

1/4 yard of tan/cream {background fabric}

One fat quarter {backing}

One fat quarter of batting

Two 2” strips {binding}

*You could also use mix and match your fabric as I did.*
 

Chopping Block:

Cut two 2.5” strips of clover fabric.

Now, cut 24 2.5” squares from the clover strips.

Cut two 2.5” strips of background fabric.

Now, cut 32 2.5” squares from the background strips.

Depending on the width of your fabric, you might need three 2.5” strips.

*Note: If you are unable to get the full 34 squares from these strips, you could also cut down the scraps in the next step to get the remaining squares.

Cut one 3” strip of clover fabric.

Cut this into four 3” squares.

*If you were unable to cut all your squares earlier, use the scrap from this step to cut the remaining squares.

Cut one 3” strip of background fabric.

Cut this into four 3” squares.

*If you were unable to cut all your squares earlier, use the scrap from this step to cut the remaining squares.

 

 

Stitchin’ Time:

For this step you will be using the 3” squares of background fabric and 3″ squares of clover fabric.

Take one of each square and place them right sides together. Draw a diagonal line from corner to corner.

Now sew a quarter inch on both sides of this line.

Repeat for all 3” squares.

Cut along the line you drew and press seam.

 

Trim these down to 2.5” squares.

You should end with eight half square triangle squares.

 

Assemble your block using the diagram.  Once assembled decide whether you want a stem or not.  It is personal preference.  I decided to add one using a scrap from an earlier step.  To attach it to my quilt I sewed lines through the stem multiple times.  I wanted it to look like veins on a leaf or stem, but also to be something fairly simple.  There are no rules here, just have fun and make it your own.

If you press your seams opposite directions for each row, it will be much easier to next each corner and patch your points.

When the top is complete create the quilting sandwich:

Backing fat quarter—Batting fat quarter—Quilt top

Pin, spray baste, or thread baste the sandwich so you can quilt it together.

 

Quilt however you desire: stitch in the ditch, horizontal lines, meander, the options are endless.

After quilted, trim edges and attach binding.

Finish by sewing the binding, and you will have a completed clover mini quilt.

Finished size: 16.5″ x 16.5″.

 

 

Instructions Without Pictures:

LUCKY, LUCKY

Prep:

Dig in your stash for green and cream fabric. Or whatever floats your fancy.

 

You will need:

1/4 yard of green {clover fabric}

1/4 yard of tan/cream {background fabric}

One fat quarter {backing}

One fat quarter of batting

Two 2” strips {binding}

*You could also use mix and match your fabric as I did.*
Chopping Block:

Cut two 2.5” strips of clover fabric.

Now, cut 24 2.5” squares from the clover strips.

Cut two 2.5” strips of background fabric.

Now, cut 32 2.5” squares from the background strips.

Depending on the width of your fabric, you might need three 2.5” strips.

*Note: If you are unable to get the full 34 squares from these strips, you could also cut down the scraps in the next step to get the remaining squares.

Cut one 3” strip of clover fabric.

Cut this into four 3” squares.

*If you were unable to cut all your squares earlier, use the scrap from this step to cut the remaining squares.

Cut one 3” strip of background fabric.

Cut this into four 3” squares.

*If you were unable to cut all your squares earlier, use the scrap from this step to cut the remaining squares.

 

Stitchin’ Time:

For this step you will be using the 3” squares of background fabric and 3″ squares of clover fabric.

Take one of each square and place them right sides together. Draw a diagonal line from corner to corner.

Now sew a quarter inch on both sides of this line.

Repeat for all 3” squares.

Cut along the line you drew and press seam.

Trim these down to 2.5” squares.

You should end with eight half square triangle squares.

Assemble your block using the diagram.  Once assembled decide whether you want a stem or not.  It is personal preference.  I decided to add one using a scrap from an earlier step.  To attach it to my quilt I sewed lines through the stem multiple times.  I wanted it to look like veins on a leaf or stem, but also to be something fairly simple.  There are no rules here, just have fun and make it your own.

 

When the top is complete create the quilting sandwich:

Backing fat quarter—Batting fat quarter—Quilt top

Pin, spray baste, or thread baste the sandwich so you can quilt it together.

Quilt however you desire: stitch in the ditch, horizontal lines, meander, the options are endless

After quilted, trim edges and attach binding.

Finish by sewing the binding, and you will have a completed clover mini quilt.

Finished size: 16.5″ x 16.5″.

 

 

 

 

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

See you at the machine,

• Care

 

8 + 2 + 1 = ?

8 + 2 + 1 = ?

I’m a numbers person. I struggle with scrappy, I try to find a pattern even if it is hidden deep, I want some sort of order to things.  I look for numbers.  I think this is the only reason I can work up a pattern from a picture.  My brain functions by adding seam allowance to things and using one yard lengths, 40 inch width, and feeling at home with a calculator in my hand.  I might be a numbers person, but please do not ask me to do anything in my head.  I need a calculator and something to write on: a napkin, post it note, paper, anything.

This weekend we quilted EIGHT quilts.  They were all beautiful and all completely different. The quilts ranged from: a Harry Potter baby quilt (pictures are top secret until later this month), a fabulously finished t-shirt quilt from our class earlier this month, a jelly roll strip quilt that came to life with the quilting, a peacock-lovers wedding quilt, two twin Farm Girl Vintage quilts (I LOVE FGV!), a scrap quilt where the lady used a piece of wood cut by her husband- so resourceful and so smart, I have too many ideas now- and lastly one we finished at the end of last week called Tapestry.

I also started TWO quilts this weekend.  Go big or go home, right? We have a class coming up, and my goal is to always make at least one quilt of each size before sharing any fabric measurements or class patterns.  I am still working full time in addition to the shop, so my time has been scarce.  I finally disappeared this weekend and started cutting.  Friday and Saturday I spent finishing one size using our brand new Moda line, Poetry, and Sunday I found a couple helpers to help cut out the second quilt.  I went with a much different feel than the first, opting for solids and a more modern look.  I started sewing this one Sunday and Monday evening.  I have great things planned for the quilting of this modern-like quilt, but I am not sure when I will sneak in any of my quilts on Millie.  I’m thinking that would have to happen in the middle of the night one of these days.  If you ever pass the shop late one night and see the midnight oil burning away, you will know what I am up to.

I have ONE pup who will try her hardest to stay awake with me.  (I had to come up with some excuse to share another puppy picture).  Our oldest knows the routine, and she will always go to bed and get comfy, but the youngest will stay awake, or try to, until I am ready for bed.  I caught her watching me from the top of the stairs Monday night as I sewed late trying to finish up a quilt.  She would open her eyes if I looked her way or moved, but she was so tired and fighting sleep so badly. It was too funny to watch.

 

8 + 2 + 1 = A successful weekend and start of a new week!

See you at the machine,

•Care

Traveling through Hyperspace… Or Just a Weekend

Weekends used to mean a time to relax, clean house, catch up on laundry, and go grocery shopping.  Now, they mean sewing and being surrounded by fabric! I’m fine with this tradeoff, but my house might be included in the next State of Emergency Alert.  Long days doing what I love, and an extremely understanding husband, make the tradeoff bearable.

This weekend was busy… and fabulous… and so much fun.  Friday I worked with Millie and caught up on random shop things including placing more inventory around the shop and ordering even more fun stuff.  Saturday we had our first class.  The Disappearing Nine Patch Class was a blast.  Although the pattern was the same, each quilt was vastly different.  I cannot wait to see the finished quilts.  Everyone made great progress during class, so ladies, don’t let that get buried in your unfinished project pile. I’m mainly talking to myself since I have had a partially finished D9P floating around in my car/backpack/sewing room for quite a while now.

Two of the quilts we finished this weekend were customer quilts.  One was a fun Bruin T-shirt quilt and the other was a GORGEOUS star quilt.  The t-shirt quilt was quilted using a pattern similar to the border print.

The Star quilt was quilted with a simple Damask pattern.  Can we have an honest moment for three seconds? This quilt made me nervous.  First, it is GORGEOUS.  I cannot believe the time spent on this quilt.  Secondly, the story behind it is one to break hearts and show love.  Every stitch was sewn with love, and I felt compelled to carry that through the quilting.  Lastly, it is just so breathtaking.  I was not the one to take this quilt in, so I had not seen it before I started loading it onto Millie.  Breathtaking.  Simply amazing.  I believe I asked my mom if they were sure they wanted me to touch it.  A few deep breaths later Millie started to hum.

The quilting pattern was perfect as it did not take away from the quilt piecing.  Thank goodness.  I would not have been able to handle it if the quilting changed this quilt in the smallest way.

Shout out to tall husbands and brothers.  Also chairs and friends.  Taking some of these pictures can be difficult but they put up with my “just a few more pictures” every single time.

The last quilt from the weekend (which is still on Millie) was a quilt my brother-in-law, Devin, has sewn.  He pixilated two Star Wars graphics and pieced them together using 3 1/2 inch squares.  I think there is a rule that you try to do anything a brother asks (I only have brothers), so we were jumping into the deep end and learning new things, left and right this weekend.

First, we wanted to keep the squares lined up.  The front and back were the same size and used the same 3 1/2 squares, so in theory they were to line up.  To handle this and knowing that the back sometimes shrinks up more while quilting on a Longarm we pinned the squares together all throughout the quilt.  I also attached leaders onto the backing so I would have enough space to attach the quilt to Millie.  On the last row of pinning, we found that there was an extra row on the top piece. Something was wrong.  The unpinning began and we finally found the problem in the middle.  We repined and were ready to start quilting.

Devin found two images he liked and wanted quilted throughout his quilt.  One was a TIE Fighter and the other was a X Wing.  At first, we tried pulling the images into Quilt Path, the program I use on Millie, but the program could not understand what line to draw next.  She was moving all over the place and creating around 45 “jumps” in one small square (Jumps are when the machine moves but does not sew, so you are left with long threads to trim).  I finally decided to draw each image line-by-line, so I could control what she would sew next.  I figured out how to upload a background image to “trace”, but it still took quite a bit of time, and it was a huge learning curve.  I was besties with that undo button.

I also reset the line and dot design he had found so it would fit in the different spaces.  We made different sized blocks so all of the lines and circles would stay the same size and not get stretched or scrunched when we set each block.  I set Quilt Path up to have four point marking in place.   Every block could be placed within the set boundary and not start to sew outside of the grid.  Although some blocks are off slightly, most are extremely close.

After all the blocks were designed and ready, I showed Devin how to place each block using the four point set up, pull the bobbin up, and get Millie to sew each blocks.  While he worked on this, I was able to work on a handful of other things around the shop.

Out of nowhere, we heard an awful noise and everyone started running to Millie as I kept saying “Press stop! Press stop!” Devin caught it, pressed stop many times, and we were there.  She broke a needle.  I tried looking for the other part of the needle and said a prayer that Millie’s timing was not messed up.  After looking underneath Millie, I quickly noticed the hook assembly looked out of place and way wrong.  To test, I put a new needle in and tried using the fly-wheel to make sure everything was okay.  It was not.  I jumped online and searched for the re-timing video APQS has recorded on YouTube.  A machine’s timing is correct when the needle can enter the bobbin basket as the hook assembly spins around at just the right time.  This creates a stitch.  Needle down, hook assembly spins, needle up, stitch created.  That is the simple way to say it.

When I realized the video was almost an hour long and knowing we still had quite a bit of quilting left to do, I called Brenda (The sweetest distributor from Barnsdall – Red Barn Quilting).  She confirmed my fear and said we really needed to watch the video and follow each step in order and fully.  I thanked her and turned back to the computer.  Here goes nothing…  After the first three steps, back up was called in.  My father-in-law was already at the shop, so he stepped in and I walked away.

I was a ball of nerves as the video continued; file this using an emery board, pull on this, unscrew and remove that.  Each step caused me more fear, and I was not helpful.  I quickly exited the room and worked elsewhere while they went at it.  On occasion they asked for my help, then I would quickly leave again. It was best this way.

Eventually she was back to sewing happily, which meant that I was back to being happy.  We began sewing again, this time moving on from the line design and starting on the X Wing blocks.  On the first block we all gathered around and were mesmerized by Millie (it happens quite often).

Devin continued placing the blocks and working away.  All that is left now are the vertical borders which I will finish up this week.  I need to work more in the design software to set those up.  This takes quite a bit of time and we were all exhausted last night.  Soon it will be finished.

All in all it was a busy but fabulous weekend. We accomplished quite a lot, chatted with friends, and finished quilts.  Learning new things is a key component of this journey and I am always pleased when things turn out well even if we have to take the long route to the finish line.

A new week awaits and another class, the t-shirt quilt class, is happening next weekend.

See you at the machine,

•Care

VALENTINE’S DAY FREE PATTERN

It’s Valentine’s Day and I miss making a paper mailbox so my friends could drop a sweet valentine into it and the school parties… Oh how I miss those! Since I will be working, sitting in a bland cubicle all day and not acknowledging the holiday, I thought I would leave each of you a special valentine. I hope you enjoy it.

 

How about a quick and easy mini quilt filled with love.

 

Actually, I think that is what I will name this mini, “Filled With Love.” It is even simple enough to whip up quickly and have finished before the day ends. Let’s get to it.

 

You can mix and match fabric or use all the same.

 

Prep:

Dig in your stash for red/pink and cream fabric. Or whatever floats your fancy. Personally, I think this would look beyond cute in purples, but I’m a purple girl.

 

You will need:

1/4 yard of red {heart fabric}

1/4 yard of tan/cream {background fabric}

One fat quarter {backing}

One fat quarter of batting

Two 2.5” strips {binding}

*You could also use mix and match your fabric as I did.*
 

Chopping Block:

Cut two 2.5” strips of heart fabric. 

​Now, cut 20 2.5” squares from the heart strips.

Cut two 2.5” strips of background fabric. 

​Now, cut 34 2.5” squares from the background strips.  

Depending on the width of your fabric, you might need three 2.5” strips.

*Note: If you are unable to get the full 34 squares from these strips, you could also cut down the scraps in the next step to get the remaining squares.

Cut one 3” strip of heart fabric. 

​Cut this into five 3” squares.

*If you were unable to cut all your squares earlier, use the scrap from this step to cut the remaining squares.

Cut one 3” strip of background fabric. 
​
Cut this into five 3” squares.

*If you were unable to cut all your squares earlier, use the scrap from this step to cut the remaining squares.

 

Stitchin’ Time:

For this step you will be using the 3” squares of background fabric and 3″ saquares of heart fabric.

Take one of each square and place them right sides together. Draw a diagonal line from corner to corner.

Now sew a quarter inch on both sides of this line.  

 

Repeat for all 3” squares.

Cut along the line you drew and press seam. 

Trim these down to 2.5” squares. 

You should end with ten half square triangle squares. 

Assemble your block using the diagram.

 

 

When the top is complete create the quilting sandwich:

​Backing fat quarter—Batting fat quarter—Quilt top

​
Pin, spray baste, or thread baste the sandwich so you can quilt it together.

Quilt however you desire: stitch in the ditch, horizontal lines, meander, the options are endless

After quilted, trim edges and attach binding.

Finish by sewing the binding, and you will have a completed heart mini quilt.

 

Finished size: 16.5″ x 16.5″. 

Instructions Without Pictures: 

FILLLED WITH LOVE 

Prep:

Dig in your stash for red/pink and cream fabric. Or whatever floats your fancy. Personally, I think this would look beyond cute in purples, but I’m a purple girl.

 

You will need:

1/4 yard of red {heart fabric}

1/4 yard of tan/cream {background fabric}

One fat quarter {backing}

One fat quarter of batting

Two 2.5” strips {binding}

 

Chopping Block:

Cut two 2.5” strips of heart fabric. 

​Now, cut 20 2.5” squares from the heart strips.

Cut two 2.5” strips of background fabric. 

​Now, cut 34 2.5” squares from the background strips.  

Depending on the width of your fabric, you might need three 2.5” strips.

*Note: If you are unable to get the full 34 squares from these strips, you can cut down the scraps in the next step to get the remaining squares.

Cut one 3” strip of heart fabric

​Cut this into five 3” squares.

*If you were unable to cut all your squares earlier, use the scrap from this step to cut the remaining squares.

Cut one 3” strip of background fabric

​Cut this into five 3” squares.

*If you were unable to cut all your squares earlier, use the scrap from this step to cut the remaining squares.

 

Stitchin’ Time:

For this step you will be using the 3” squares of background fabric and heart fabric.

Take one of each square and place them right sides together. Draw a diagonal line from corner to corner.

Now sew a quarter inch on both sides of this line.   

Repeat for all 3” squares.
Cut along the line you drew and press seam.

Trim these down to 2.5” squares.

You should end with ten half square triangle squares.

Assemble your block using the diagram.

 

When the top is complete create the quilting sandwich:

​Backing fat quarter—Batting fat quarter—Quilt top

​Pin, spray baste, or thread baste the sandwich so you can quilt it together.

Quilt however you desire: stitch in the ditch, horizontal lines, meander, the options are endless

After quilted, trim edges and attach binding.

Finish by sewing the binding, and you will have a completed heart mini quilt.

Finished size: 16.5″ x 16.5″. 

Happy Valentine’s Day! 

See you at the machine, 

•Care

WIP Week Wrap Up

{WIP= Work In Progress}

Wow! The week flew past, yet somehow I was able to finish a few things. I sure hope you were able to as well. 

First, I worked on a class sample. Our first class is February 25th and it is a beginner quilt class on making a Disappearing Nine Patch; although, any skill level could join. I have set up three different sizes: a queen layer cake friendly version, a charm pack friendly throw size, and a charm pack friendly crib/toddler version. 

This is such a fun, versatile pattern. I used a Moda Grunge layer cake and grey complementary fabric to whip up this sample. I actually really like it and cannot wait for it to be my new couch quilt. I am using Ellen Medlock’s fabric line to make the throw quilt size. It will be an excellent quilt for the spring with all the bright colors. I just started this one, though, so it is not making the leap to the finished quilt pile just yet.

In addition to the Disappearing Nine Patch quilts, Millie was a go getter. This weekend we quilted about 10 quilts. It was such a great weekend spent getting to see different quilts and how the quilting pattern changed the quilt for the better. Everyone has such a unique style that I just love.

We still have a few spots open for the Disappearing Nine Patch Class and Thursday is Open Sew Night at Quilter’s Hideaway! Last week we stayed sewing until after 9pm.

See you at the machine,

•Care

A Quilter’s Stocking Stuffer Guide

 Christmas is FOUR days away! 

Have you finished your shopping? What about wrapping?

Our shopping is almost finished, but I haven’t even started wrapping anything. I did, however, make it to the post office today to send a few things. 

This year has flown by and I kept thinking we had more time. Now, Christmas is here and I am frantically trying to wrap things up at work, for the shop, gifts… pretty much everything.

 

Growing up my mom always had cookie decorating parties, and this was my first year to host a party. I gathered a group of the sweetest ladies, made over 100 cookies, and even cleaned the house a little.

 

We had a blast. 
 

As I was thinking over the past few days, I thought I would share my last minute, go-to quilter’s gifts. These are tried and true, things I love, and things I have even used for Christmas gifts in the past. Although this list could be miles long, I am going to focus on my top five favorite stocking stuffer gifts.

 

• First on my list are these scissors.  They are perfect for cutting little threads that always appear out of nowhere. I have several pairs and I never sew without them. 

• Secondly, these clips are life savers. Okay, they might not be able to save a life but they are great at saving your fingers from holding the binding down as you sew your binding on. 

 

• Another great go-to gift are these seam allowance bumpers. I always need bumpers when I go bowling, and sewing is no exception. Ever since I put one on each of my machines, I have been able to hold a true scant-quarter inch seam and my points finally turn out perfectly pointed.  I also use this seam allowance guide to make sure my bumpers get placed in just the right spot. 

 

• This seam ripper is another one of my favorite things. I’ve mentioned it in the past, but I have many dates with my seam ripper so I want it to be durable, sharp, and easy to use. 

 

• Best Press is another must have. I like the unscented option the most. If I had to pick another scent it would be the lavender, the other options are just too strong for my liking. This product is extremely helpful when pressing blocks and helps them to hold their shape. It is a great starch alternative for quilting. 

 

If I were to continue sharing, quilt rulers, a great iron, an extension table for your machine, and quilt patterns would follow. Some of these are larger/more expensive items, but also make sewing more pleasant in my opinion. 

 
Knick-knacks are not required for sewing. I know friends who only have a machine and a pair of scissors and are able to create masterpieces. I also know friends who have every ruler and magic tool ever created and they make the same level products. As long as you enjoy whatever you use, that is all that matters. You do not need the next fancy thing on the market, sometimes it just provides a shortcut or a more enjoyable way to make something. 

 

I hope you enjoy your holidays. I need this little one to wake up and get to wrapping… 

 

See you at the machine,

•Care
 
 

44 days until our Grand Opening.

{I am not affiliated with any product or link mentioned above. I am just sharing what I like to use.}

Can You Watch TV & Sew?

Fun fact: I sew in silence. Occasionally I’ll listen to music, but mostly I sew without any noise except for the sewing machine. It’s my favorite way of losing myself and diving into a project. 

Last night while working on finishing up a table runner, My Love decided I needed to watch a movie, the new Dolly movie, on the tv. It wasn’t even 5 minutes later before I found myself sitting on the floor staring at the tv. Not much of anything was accomplished as soon as the tv was turned on. 
Now I know why I sew in silence, without distractions. 

Thankfully I only get this reaction with the tv. I can sew with friends and have music playing but goodness there is something up with the tv. 

I have come to the realization that it is DECEMBER first. Is anyone else freaking out? How can this be? 

My to do list is a mile long, but I’m chugging onwards and slowly marking things off. The problem is, I mark one thing off and add three more. 

Is anyone else in the same place? Piled high with Christmas projects and always adding more. I wouldn’t want it any other way though. I love making handmade gifts and there is nothing like laying on the couch under a quilt. 

Well, I better get back to sewing. Soon we will be having sew nights and parties at QH where all we will be able to hear is chatter and machines. It will be lovely, I cannot wait! 

See you at the machine, 

• Care

Weeks are Packed Around Here

Hello! Hello!

Let’s be honest with each other for just a moment.  I never expected the last post to be read by so many people.

We had hopes and wishes and dreams, but you all rock!  

With that said, I have been at a loss for what I should post next.  Nothing is quite like announcing the opening of a quilt shop.  Everything else I could say will pale in comparison, but I love writing and sharing what we have going on, so I will do just that.  

 

Today might be a bit of a ramble and somewhat on the jumpy side, but you deserve to know.  Plus, I just cannot contain my excitement.  Here we go!

Last weekend my mom and I walked through the building for the first time with the intention of opening the quilt shop.  Walking in and picturing where the fabric will go, where Millie will call home, the classroom, the notions, precuts and patterns- it is all there.  With every step we take it is turning more and more into a shop.  My hope is that when people walk through the door they feel at home- they feel that they can create in this space, and enjoy the company of other likeminded people.  A creative, warm, welcoming place with a touch of modern and a splash of randomness (after all, I can be pretty random). 

We are continuing to work on the calendar and schedule.  Our hope is to reveal the calendar at Gift’s Marketplace– a women owned, small business fair on December 6^th at Tri County Technology Center (Bartlesville, OK).  If you want to be the first to get your hands on our calendar, make sure you stop by and say “Hi!”

 

With the calendar in mind, do you have a specific class you want to take? A quilt you want to make? Something you want to see or learn more about? Would you like to know what on earth a sewing machine even is (I’m talking to all of you newbies! You have to start somewhere.).  Let me know in the comments below.

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We have chatted about the building and the calendar, now let’s check in on what Millie has been doing.

A little snippet about something we learned this week: if Millie seems happy but is not sewing vertically, do not spend hours researching and trying everything you can think of.  Instead, check that the encoder is still plugged in.  It appears while I was cleaning and oiling her before sewing this weekend, I managed to unplug the encoder.  I spent hours trying to figure out what had happened and searching online for answers. I finally called in back up.  The dealer we bought Millie from (Brenda at Red Barn Quilting –She’s awesome!!) was able to pinpoint the problem over the phone.  Within seconds Millie was back to sewing like a dream.  If only I had made that phone call earlier on…

There are a few more quilts in line for quilting this week and even a few shopping adventures.  Opening a quilt shop brings an entire new meaning to Black Friday shopping.  I have even tried sweet talking a few of the guys in my life into coming along and bringing a trailer.  It will be quite the undertaking.  Make sure you are following along on Instagram (quiltershideaway & quiltingwithcare) and Facebook (Quilter’s Hideaway) to see what happens.

See you at the machine (or maybe in line on Black Friday),

•Care

Remember, if you want to be the first to see our Calendar, stop by and see us at Gift’s Marketplace on December 6^th!

Also, let me know what classes you are hoping to see on the calendar this spring.