Texas Quiltworks Blog

Making Room for New Fabric.

$3.49 per yard!

In order to make room for our new lines, we're going to be putting a large number of  bolts on sale for only $3.49 a yard! These are high quality fabrics, and they are only available at quilt shops. Check out our $3.49 fabrics Here.

MILITARY SERVICE

Today we have computers, cell phones, itouch, ipad, high speed internet, anything a person could need to communicate.  You can see and hear in real time a person halfway around the world.  You can know instantly what they had for breakfast or what their plans are for the day.  Today for military personnel it is as if they are in the next room.

A spouse can call their mate and talk to them about what they are thinking about like whether to call the plumber, electrician, or what color should they paint the bedroom.  There is no waiting for the mail for the military today.

Well, in the 60s it was a different world.  Because of Glenn's degree in electronics communication, the Navy came looking for him.  He joined the Navy's critical rate program and knew he would start his active duty soon.  We married in July, 1965 and he was to start his tour of duty the following July.  We were transferred to Memphis for four months with ATT and then back to Jackson, MS.  We bought a house and I returned to my job at the hospital. Life was great for us newlyweds but it was short lived.  Our world was turned upside down when he was called up and placed aboard ship within a few days.  No basic training for Glenn.

I wrote to him daily, sometimes two or three times a day.  My world was upside down for sure.  Oh, I had family, friends and business associates but that was not like having him around.  The hole in the heart of a spouse whose husband is in service cannot be filled by anyone or anything.  The letters took three to four weeks to reach him or I.  I lived to go to the mailbox and get the letters from him. I still have those letters and cherish them.

So on this Memorial Day or any day you communicate with a loved one who has an active duty family member in the military tell them, "thank you."  Thank them for their part in staying home and keeping the home fires burning so the military can keep our country free.

Our Favorite Things

It's spring and we are busy as bees here at Texas Quiltworks getting the shop back together after the Dallas quilt show and starting several new blocks-of-the month. There was so much to see at the show and so many methods to creating those beauties that it can be a bit overwhelming.

The longer I work here, the more I realize that there are so many useful tools and gadgets to help make the perfect quilt. I've also come across so many quilters with differing opinions on what are the best tools for the job. That said, we thought we'd share some of our favorites.

Betsy, our go-to girl for garment making, loves the Oliso steam iron and really, we all do. This iron actually lifts itself when not being used in the horizontal position. You may think that the only purpose for this would be to automatically shut-off but it will do so in both the horizontal and vertical positions after eight minutes. However, the other great things about the auto-lift system is the fact that it makes ironing faster, minimizes scortching, tipping and burns and also reduces strain on your wrist. Besides that bit of technology (Why didn't I think of that?), this iron has all the other great features you'd expect from a top-of-the-line iron. The icing on the cake about this iron is that it is self-cleaning! It makes you want to ask, "Is it an iron or an oven?"

Gwen, our newest worker bee, is a powerhouse sewer. She makes quilts, aprons, purses and embroiders all the above and some. One of her favorites is the 505 Spray which makes hooping your embroidery much easier. When she's quilting she likes to use Mary Ellen's Best Press Lavender Fields spray on her blocks. It leaves them looking crisp and neat with a fresh scent that is not overpowering. Another favorite is the Quilt Ruler Connector. This handy tool will connect any two acrylic rulers to create an even bigger ruler.

Judy, our queen bee, likes Clover's fabric folding pen. It comes in handy for needle turn or machine applique where you need to fold the seam allowance before sewing. Another favorite of Judy's is the LED Ear Lite that we sell that is great for providing extra light when traveling or at home.

As for me, I am a fan of all the things mentioned. In addition, I really love the Supreme Slider, Quilt Halo (Judy also loves these two) and if I may mention an attachment to the Bernina machines, the BSR (Bernina Stitch Regulator.) The Supreme Slider is a smooth piece of teflon that fits on the sewing table of any machine and relieves a lot of the friction caused when free-motion quilting allowing you greater freedom to move your quilt sandwich. Along with the Supreme Slider, the Quilt Halo is a hoop that is weighted perfectly so you don't have to clamp it to your fabric. So instead of clamping and unclamping, all you do is simply slide the hoop over to the next area to be quilted. These two gadgets together help create the best situation for the BSR to do it's thing! The BSR is an attachment that comes with some of the models of Berninas or can be purchased for the 400 series and up. The great thing about the BSR is that it regulates the stitch length as you move your quilt around. You have the option of using the foot pedal or not to make it go but to me, it's better in the mode without the pedal. So when you move the quilt, it starts quilting. Very cool!

You can come by our shop or check out our website, www.texasquiltorks.com , to try any of these gadgets for yourself!

Happy quilting!
Bridget

Classes, Classes and More Classes

Did you know that there are a variety of classes offered at Texas Quiltworks? With everything from beginning sewing and machine quilting to "make and take" projects, there is a class for everyone.

Mastery Classes:  If you've bought a Bernina sewing machine from us, you already know that we will help you get completely oriented with your machine before we let you leave the store with it. You'll hopefully remember The Five Minute Ruleof buying a Bernina from us which is: when you get your machine home, you can't be frustrated with it more than five minutes before you give us a call. Perhaps you've even been back for a second free orientation. The next step of classes that we offer are called Mastery Classes where you will get hands on lessons and practical advise on all the many functions that you may not have been aware your machine could do. Imagine how this could expand your creativity and productivity! These classes are grouped by model of machine so be sure to check out our calendar to see when we will be holding a Master Class on your machine. The cost of the class is $39.99 which includes the 199 page mastery guide and fabric kit.

Beginning Machine Piecing:  Held on Wednesdays from 10AM-12PM, this three week class is for those who have always wanted to know how to make a pieced quilt or for those who may just want to learn more about it.

Beginning Machine Quilting:  Also on Wednesdays, from 2-4PM, this three week class teaches how to sandwich your pieces together, get it ready to quilt and then all the basic tricks of the trade in machine quilting.

Beginning Sewing:  If you would like some basic sewing lessons in garment making and other projects, you might like Betsy's beginning sewing class. This class is offered on Thursday evenings from 6-8PM. Betsy also has some "make and take" classes in the works. Details will be coming soon!

Continuing Software Class for artista v6:  Taught by Peggy, these classes are held on the second and fourth Tuesdays, from 10AM-12PM and again from 6-8PM. You don't have to bring in your machine, just bring your laptop with the software loaded. This class is free if you have purchased the software from us or $35 per session if purchased elsewhere.

Toothbrush Rug: No, these are not actually made out of toothbrushes but there is a reason why they are called toothbrush rugs which we will share at the class. This class is held on the fourth Saturdays from 2-4PM.

To sign up for any of these classes, or for more information, give us a call at 972-771-9952 or email us at theshop@texasquiltworks.com.

A great way to stay informed about our all of our classes is by subscribing to our weekly Email newsletter: http://texasquiltworks.com/subscribecc.htm.

Did you know that there are a variety of classes offered at Texas Quiltworks? With everything from beginning sewing and machine quilting to "make and take" projects, there is a class for everyone.

Mastery Classes:  If you've bought a Bernina sewing machine from us, you already know that we will help you get completely oriented with your machine before we let you leave the store with it. You'll hopefully remember The Five Minute Ruleof buying a Bernina from us which is: when you get your machine home, you can't be frustrated with it more than five minutes before you give us a call. Perhaps you've even been back for a second free orientation. The next step of classes that we offer are called Mastery Classes where you will get hands on lessons and practical advise on all the many functions that you may not have been aware your machine could do. Imagine how this could expand your creativity and productivity! These classes are grouped by model of machine so be sure to check out our calendar to see when we will be holding a Master Class on your machine. The cost of the class is $39.99 which includes the 199 page mastery guide and fabric kit.

Beginning Machine Piecing:  Held on Wednesdays from 10AM-12PM, this three week class is for those who have always wanted to know how to make a pieced quilt or for those who may just want to learn more about it.

Beginning Machine Quilting:  Also on Wednesdays, from 2-4PM, this three week class teaches how to sandwich your pieces together, get it ready to quilt and then all the basic tricks of the trade in machine quilting.

Beginning Sewing:  If you would like some basic sewing lessons in garment making and other projects, you might like Betsy's beginning sewing class. This class is offered on Thursday evenings from 6-8PM. Betsy also has some "make and take" classes in the works. Details will be coming soon!

Continuing Software Class for artista v6:  Taught by Peggy, these classes are held on the second and fourth Tuesdays, from 10AM-12PM and again from 6-8PM. You don't have to bring in your machine, just bring your laptop with the software loaded. This class is free if you have purchased the software from us or $35 per session if purchased elsewhere.

Toothbrush Rug: No, these are not actually made out of toothbrushes but there is a reason why they are called toothbrush rugs which we will share at the class. This class is held on the fourth Saturdays from 2-4PM.

To sign up for any of these classes, or for more information, give us a call at 972-771-9952 or email us at theshop@texasquiltworks.com.

A great way to stay informed about our all of our classes is by subscribing to our weekly Email newsletter: http://texasquiltworks.com/subscribecc.htm.

Project Linus

 

With Tender Loving Care

 

“Linus has a blanket that’s all his very own.
It comforts and sustains him when he’s feeling quite alone.
He knows that others love him for ’twas made with special care
And because it means so much to him, it’s carried everywhere.
You too can have a blanket that’s created just for you,
To comfort and support you when you’re feeling rather blue.
It’s yours to keep forever, so you may always know
That others out there love you and to you our wishes go.”

 

-By Soni Uhler

 

Project Linus is a non-profit organization providing blankets to critically ill and traumatized children. The blankets are hand made with love in a variety of ways and the children who receive them often take them everywhere they go.

 

Join us at Texas Quiltworks on the fourth Sunday of the month as together we make blankets to be donated. (Due to the Christmas holiday, we will be meeting on December 20^th.) You can also come by the shop any time during business hours with your donated blankets as we are a drop off location.

If you would like more information about the Project Linus, visit www.pldallas.org.

 

Beginner Sewing Class - Reversible Jacket

   
  

Have you ever wondered if you could make your own garments? Do you have a sewing machine collecting dust? Would you like to know how to make this beautiful and easy reversible jacket? Then join us for the class that we will be offering on Thursday evenings from 6-8pm beginning December 3rd. Call to sign up for the class or for more details: 972-771-9952.

September Blocks of the Month

Well, it is that time of the year when we begin to look for our projects we would like to keep us company. This fall when the leaves begin to change and the gentle fall rains keep us inside we want a good project to enjoy. We want a project that challenges us, keeps our attention and we have a home for it when it is finished. Whether it is for our home, a family member or friend we want to create something that is our own personal work of art. So check out our new blocks of the month, call in 972-771-9952 or sign up on the web http://www.texasquiltworks.com/ and let’s begin our journey together.

It Began...

I was eight years old when Mama, Papa and my siblings moved from Mayfield, Kentucky to Raymond, Mississippi. We rode the train with all our worldly possessions. The train was hot but the breeze from the windows being open helped stave off the heat.

I remember the train ride as if it were yesterday. There was an air of excitement on the train as World War I soldiers fill the seats. Being young and impressionable I was intrigued with them. They were handsome and full of energy as they made there journey to the battlegrounds so far away. I made friends with one of them and I was in love. Later he even wrote me a letter and I knew for sure I was in love.

I tell all of this in order for you to understand what was happening in my life when I wore the dresses that later became a quilt. My mother saved these dresses and once I had worn them out the fabrics became part of the makings for a quilt.

The quilt was handmade by my mother, Annie Carter. Sashing, borders and fancy piecing were not to be a part of this quilt. It was simply pieces of fabrics sewn together to make the blocks. Then the blocks were sew together to make the quilt top. Such a simple quilt but the memories of those times come back to me when I see the fabrics in this quilt some 90 years later.

And so the story goes………………….

This story was told by my mother-in-law when she showed me this quilt. It is a story that explains not all quilts have a visual beauty from the colors, textures or workmanship but has a beauty from the eyes of a little girl in 1918.

Kids Camp 2009

What do you do with an overly energetic 8 year old that has a wonderful desire to learn to sew? The first thing I found is to keep her busy and hopefully the two hours will pass quickly.

First we did the usual which was a pillowcase. I thought the fabric selection would take at least 15 minutes, well, before I could turn around the selection had been made. Okay now what!!!! The speed with which she selected her fabric was unreal and not the least challenging to her. I know when she becomes a quilter the Quiltshop owners will love her because she knows what she wants.

Once the pillowcase was serged she wanted to embroidery her name. She loved watching the embroidering and then we made her brother a pillowcase.

Well, the rest of the week was fun and we got everything made and each item was a treasure to her.

Last night at church I saw a really cute little blonde girl from the back that had a darling purse and I wanted to get a closer look. When I got up closer I realized it was her and she had made the purse in shop. What a compliment to her and her work.

So if you have a young one, girl or boy, who wants to sew let them try because you never know what they can create.

Beginning Sewing Class with Betsy

When I was 12, my mom sat me down in front of her old Singer, housed in the big walnut cabinet, and showed me how to sew. It was a little frustrating at first, trying to get that bobbin in the case, and my stitches wobbled and clumped and they zigged when they should have zagged. But before too long I got the hang of it and how I fell in love!

I remember flipping the pages in the pattern books and finding the perfect one (it was “koolots” with a zipper down the front! Wow! So very “in”!) and of course, bright striped fabric! I was so very proud of my new garment and turned many heads in my 7th grade class! Hundreds of patterns later, I am very glad my mom took the time to teach me. I can’t remember the last time I bought curtains… I have always thought “Oh I can make that!” In fact, I am in the middle of a set of curtains this week! Before that project it was an arm chair that needed freshening up with a slip cover and some new pillows for my daughter’s bed. So fast and simple to make! My teenage daughter has also caught the sewing bug, her last project being a very elaborate anime character costume with a flared skirt and wings, all her own sewing creations.

When I am at the store, I often hear “I don’t even know how to thread a machine.” or “I always wished I could at least sew a pillow.” or “I don’t know a thing about sewing but I’d love to make something!” So many women have walked through the store and looked longingly at cute patterns, cool purse projects, baby blankets, only to shrug and walk away, mumbling sad phrases such as these.

So why not help them out and start some beginning sewing classes! The class runs from 6 to 8 pm each Thursday, here at the shop. We will be making items such as pillowcases, some cute jammie bottoms and ever so stylish aprons. It will be lots of fun! -Betsy

Tour Texas Quiltworks

Jamie Kalvestran, the designer behind "Scrap-Bags™ patterns", visited us at the shop recently and posted this short little tour for her readers. If you haven't had the chance to visit us in person yet, here's the next best thing!

Welcome to Texas Quiltworks in the charming town of Rockwall Texas!

I am pleased to introduce Judy Hall owner of this

shop. Judy is standing in front of one of her original

designs "Flying High Texas". This pattern is

published under the label: Coming Home Designs

and is available both retail and wholesale by contacting

Judy at Texas Quiltworks.

Here is Judy in 'work mode'

she doesn't know I took this photo. Hehehe . . . (Hi Judy)

Texas Quiltworks is a long time customer of Scrap-bags™ Patterns!

Here is the gracious welcoming entrance

when you first walk in through the front door.

This quilt is another of Judy's Creations!

Simply gorgeous!

Oh, and that's her husband hard at work.

There was road construction and I was unable to

park the behemuth RV and so she sent him down

to the Walmart Parking lot to pick me up, I love limo service. ;-)

Hope you enjoyed the tour! Thanks again to Jamie for the good review!