Chatterbox Quilts News for August 2024

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Welcome to the August Chatterbox Quilts’ newsletter!

We’ve reached the “dog days” of summer and I’m enjoying the summer weather we’re now having much more than the heat domes we “enjoyed” in July. BTW, if you’re wondering why I talk about the weather, it’s because it’s a Calgary thing because the weather can change in 5 minutes – and usually does! 🤣☀️🌧️🌩️ Always a conversation starter!

What happened this month

There have been some lively discussions in The Quilter’s Way this month, most recently about members’ preferences for quilting cruises, retreats and/or tours. Most of the members wouldn’t go on a quilting cruise, although they might go on a “normal” cruise and I discovered that many of them have already been on an Alaskan cruise – something on my bucket list!

Members also finished their Mystery Scrappy Sampler – which is no longer a mystery so maybe needs a new name - and I loved to see all the variations in their blocks. I loved designing and making this project and I hope the members enjoyed making it as well.

Tip

I’m sharing this tip from https://www.georgesiciliano.com/ because I think it is so helpful. While my Janome machine lets me know when I’m running out of bobbin thread, I know that this is not a feature on all sewing machines. To notify yourself that the bobbin thread is getting low, wind two bobbins with the appropriate thread. Place one bobbin on the top of the machine and thread your needle with it. Place the other bobbin in the bobbin holder. When you notice that the top thread is getting low, you’ll know that the same thing is happening in your bobbin and it’s time to replace it. Brilliant!

Recommended Tools

I love using the Centering Ruler from Sew Biz (Donelle McAdams). It’s easy to see and find in my drawer with its bright green colour and I often use it when ruler quilting on my high shank machine. It has lots of markings on it so when I’m doing straight line ruler work, I can space my quilting ¼”, ½”, etc. apart. You can also use it for cutting with a rotary cutter and, its original purpose, you can use it to centre circles or designs. You can get it directly from Sew Biz here or from Stitch in the Ditch (great if you’re in Canada but they also ship internationally) here.

YouTube Videos

Here are the new videos released in August for your viewing and learning pleasure (just click on the picture).

Coming Soon

Lots of exciting opportunities are coming your way in September 2024!

First, if you live near the Toronto area, I’ll be heading your way next week! I’ll be doing a presentation on Friday, September 6 in the evening and a full-day Class on Saturday, September 7 at the Janome Sewing and Learning Centre in Oakville, Ontario. If you’ve always wanted to join me in-person, this is your chance! Click here for details on both of these opportunities. Don’t wait to sign up because enrolment is limited and the class is already almost sold out.

If you like scrap quilts and are interested in learning new techniques, keep your eye out for the upcoming Scrappy Blocks Boot Camp coming in early September. I’m going to use three of the blocks from the Mystery Scrappy Sampler (this was the recent project in The Quilter’s Way) and use them to make the Scrappy Blocks Table Runner. You’ll learn 4 new quilting techniques (yup, 3 blocks but 4 techniques) while using up your fabric scraps to make this fun project. Keep your eyes out for details soon.

It only happens twice a year and it’s happening again in September 2024: The Quilter’s Way will be open for new members on September 13, 2024! I know that many of you have been waiting for this and you’ll be getting more details in the next few weeks. This is the last time you’ll be able to join The Quilter’s Way in 2024 and you don’t want to miss out on this opportunity!

Take care,

Kim

P.S. Click here if you would like more information on The Quilter’s Way.

P.P.S. I am an affiliate for the above companies, and, if you purchase items using my affiliate links, I will receive a small amount of compensation which helps to support my small business. Thank you so much for using my affiliate links and feel free to share them with your quilting friends.