Ties that Bind
Volume One, Issue 2
Volume One, Issue 3
Volume One, Issue 4
Volume One, Issue 5
Volume One, Issue 6
Volume Two, Issue 1
Volume Two, Issue 2
Volume Two, Issue 3
Volume Two, Issue 4
Volume Three, Issue 1
Volume Three, Issue 2
Volume Three, Issue 3
Volume Three, Issue 4
Volume Three, Issue 5
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TIES THAT BIND
Volume 3, Issue 4, August 2002
We're getting close to fall, and for most of us in the South, not a moment too soon. Our air conditioners have been running full blast to shield us from the Memphis heat and humidity. This is a great time to do some quilting inside where it's cool. As usual, we have lots of beautiful fabrics to get you started on a new project or to help you finish one of your current projects.
This summer has been a great time to meet new friends from all over. Travelers from around the world have stopped in to say hello, and to talk about what is happening in their area. As you might expect, their projects are anything you can dream of, from primitive to modern art creations. Traditional quilts seem to still be the favorite, but don't be surprised to see traditional patterns done in very contemporary fabrics. Most quilters are busy and are looking for faster and easier ways to do things. (We love gadgets too). But hand quilting and hand piecing are still enjoyed by many. A recent survey revealed that the number one reason most of us quilt because it is relaxing. Think about that when you are considering your overall health and wellness.
We continuously update our classes, and we have some good ones on the schedule. A few new ones are in the works and will be on the schedule soon. Even if you are an experienced quilter, it is still fun to sometimes take an easy class. I do that when I travel to quilt shows, and I always learn something new and have fun in the process. As always, private lessons are available if you want to learn a technique that you don't see on the class list.
If you haven't tuned up your sewing machine lately, now would be a great time to do that. You should clean out the bobbin area frequently, change the needle, and follow your manual for oiling instructions. (One lady told me she used cooking oil in her machine. Please don't do that! We have a good supply of sewing machine oil if you need some.) If you are having a problem with tension or if you think it just needs a good check-up, take it in and have it done before you need it for a class or a special project. You might also want to get a quarter-inch foot if you don't have one, and a walking foot will be a necessity for many quilting projects.
We have Pfaff sewing machines in our classroom that are graciously furnished to us by Memphis Sewing Machine at 6813 Winchester (near Perkins Restaurant). These machines are for sale at a reduced price, and they are very gently used since most of our students bring their own machine. Keep that in mind if you need a new machine and want an almost new machine with some great features. The built-in even feed foot is my favorite feature. It makes the top and bottom layers feed at the same rate when it is engaged. It helps to keep your piecing accurate, and you don't have to have a separate walking foot attachment. It also has quite a few built-in stitches, the blanket stitch is one of my favorites. Call Gene Dobson (795-4050) at Memphis Sewing Machine for the current price on these classroom machines.
As always, new fabric comes in every week so if you haven't been in lately you're in for a pleasant surprise. Fabric moves out quickly too, so if you need to match something exactly don't wait too long. We also have all the other notions you need to keep those needles flying. New magazines in the shop are Quiltmaker and Quilter's Newsletter. We will also carry special issues such as Quilt It For Kids and special holiday issues. Lots of new books are on the way too, so you should be able to find something you'd love to make. Most of all, we hope you love quilting as much as we do.
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