We are just thrilled to announce our new monthly sewing program, Party with Patrick! We wanted to bring you a fun monthly program that celebrates quilting with easy to complete projects. The projects are perfect for quilters of all skill levels.

Who is Patrick, you might ask! He’s Patrick Lose, one of the quilting world’s most prolific fabric and pattern designers. He has designed fabric lines for Moda, Timeless Treasures and Robert Kaufman Fabrics. He has authored numerous books and been featured on the Carol Duval Show. He has his own magazine, Quilting Celebrations, and an Internet television show called Quilting Celebrations with Patrick Lose, which can be seen on QNNtv.com. Patrick has been inspiring and educating quilters for over 20 years!

Patrick Lose

Wish Upon A Quilt is proud to offer this exciting program to you each month because we love quilting, fun, and food too! Included in the $20 fee, you will receive an adorable, exclusive Party with Patrick pattern, receive an in-shop demo of the techniques used, share tasty goodies and recipes; and enjoy the camaraderie of other quilters.

There will be multiple ways to complete each project – so if you like hand applique, machine applique or machine embroidery there is something for everyone. The program is open to owners of all makes and models of sewing machines.  Since this is a Party with a Demo – you don’t have to bring your machine.  Just bring your creativity and a quilting sense of adventure.  If you love projects that celebrate the Seasons, Holidays and Happiness – then you will love this program.

Enjoy one month, or attend an entire year’s worth of Party with Patrick! We hope you’ll join the Party! Our first meeting will be on April 30. Choose either an afternoon session at 3:00 p.m. or an evening session at 6:00 p.m.

Hugs and stitches,

Lori College
Director of Education

A. Quarter Inch Seam foot – The standard seam allowance in quilting is ¼”. Accuracy is vital when piecing a quilt top. This foot makes that process very easy. We’ve found plenty of other uses for it too!

B. Even Feed foot (or Walking foot) – Another foot that has plenty of uses. It has a separate set of feed dogs built in that help feed the fabric layers in conjunction with the feed dogs on the machine. You are essentially feeding from both the top and the bottom at once as you sew. It’s ideal for difficult fabric types or bulky layers. We use it for stitching through the layers of a quilt.

C. Even Feed foot – Open Toe – This is the exact same foot as above, but the front of the foot is open so you can see exactly where you are stitching.

D. Darning (or Free Motion foot) – Unlike the Even Feed foot, this foot works without the feed dogs. It’s used for what’s called “Free Motion Quilting,” a technique used to stitch through the layers of a quilt. You drop the feed dogs of your machine or cover them with a Darning plate, depending on the type of machine you own. Then, you move the quilt around under the needle, instead of the machine feeding it for you. Some people describe it as “moving the paper under the pencil, instead of moving the pencil.”

E. Darning foot Open Toe – Again, this is the exact same foot as above, but open so you can see precisely where the needle is penetrating the fabric layers.

F. Ditch Quilting foot – A term you often hear in quilting (and other forms of sewing) is “stitching in the ditch.” The built-in guide on this foot helps you to stay in the ditch and stitch accurately along the seamline.

G. Appliqué foot – A historical, and still quite popular, form of quilting is appliqué. Although it can be done by hand, appliquéing by machine is much faster. This foot is clear, and specially designed to go around all kinds of shapes.

Stop by to see one of our Janome Specialists and we’ll help you put your foot wardrobe together.  You and your quilts will be glad that you did!

My love of sewing goes way back to when I was 12 years old. I lived in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and decided that I wanted to learn how to sew . My Mom had a sewing machine and made me some clothes growing up, but her full time job kept her from having much time for sewing. Luckily, there was a sewing store that would let a 12 year old sign up for sewing classes! So I took 2 city buses each day across town and learned to sew (this was Iowa in the 70s where a 12 year old could ride a bus alone). I made clothes for me and other people and loved it – then it kind of became uncool at my school – so I stopped sewing….for 15 years – ack!

In the meantime, my Mom started quilting. I loved what she was making but I saw no reason for me to cut up all that gorgeous fabric and sew it back together. I had a busy corporate career and after all, Mom seemed happy to make quilts for me so there was no reason for me to do it! Then, she was sick from chemotherapy and that is where my journey to owning Wish Upon a Quilt began…

One day Mom asked me to cut the fabric for a quilt for her since she had just had surgery – of course I couldn’t refuse. Well, with one zip of the rotary cutter through the fabric, I was hooked! I loved the sound, the feel of the fabric, the perfectly straight cuts. So much better than my scissors from years before! How could I get more of this? Mom encouraged me to take classes and I took as many as I could. I joined the local guild. I started shopping at every quilt store I came across – but I wasn’t going to have a stash – Ha! I cut out an entire King size Bloomin 9 patch quilt – in hotel rooms across the US – before 9/11 when you could take rotary cutters in a carry on bag.

By that time, I was traveling for my job about 50-60% of the time and used all of my free time on the road to check out the local quilt shops. My job was becoming increasingly stressful, I was exhausted and I was using the quilt shop tours as my only respite from the road warrior lifestyle. I started noticing that the people working in the quilt shops seemed happy and loving what they do. A little voice popped into my head one day and said – “Maybe you should have a quilt shop”…hmmmm.

I didn’t really think much more about it and went about my life…cutting fabric in hotels and sewing it up on the weekends. At the guild meeting, I heard about a new shop that was mostly online but was open to the public a few hours a week including Saturday from 10-2. I tried to make it over there a couple of times, but could never get the timing right until one glorious Fall day in October, 2007.  I walked into Wish Upon A Quilt and fell in love! The bright colors, the precuts, the crazy way they had the fabrics organized on the shelves…all of it. I was hooked. Little did I know then, that this would become my store!

I left my corporate job on March 31, 2008 and on April 1, 2008 – that’s right April Fool’s Day – I became the owner of Wish Upon A Quilt! All of my friends said I was crazy to quit a nice corporate job and run a quilt shop! I did it anyway. I was so busy putting together a business plan, negotiating with the owner, meeting my new team and learning how to buy LOTS of fabric, that I wasn’t paying attention to the fact that there was a big recession just around the corner! Oops.

On opening day, I walked into my new store and an air-conditioning malfunction had caused a portion of the ceiling to fall in and made a big mess on the floor. The water didn’t get transferred correctly so the city shut it off. My Mom brought her bee friends to shop and we didn’t have a working bathroom! However, what we did have was what I love about my store – we had laughter, hugs, stories of quilts, and more fun than we could imagine!

It has now been almost 5 years and I have learned so much. I have learned that I absolutely love providing that place of respite that I was so desperately seeking for other women. You see, when you walk in and I see the troubles and worries you carry with you on your face – you spend some time with us and the fabric – and you leave just a little bit happier – it makes my day! That is why I love what I do – I love making your day just a little bit easier and more fun. Life is short and for me, there is nothing better.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve you in this very special place.

Hugs and Stitches,

Cathy

P.S…here is a picture of my Mom (Jan) and I celebrating her birthday last year in the store! I’m happy to report she is a fully recovered 10 year survivor of breast cancer

Making the choice to carry Janome machines was easy – Janome is the world’s leading manufacturer of home sewing machines. Janome celebrated their 150th Anniversary in 2010 and they are known for their excellence in research and development; and for bringing the very best technology to the home sewing market.  It feels great to bring all of this excellence to our customers – you deserve it.

Selecting the right sewing machine can feel like a daunting task, but it’s really not as difficult as it seems. Here are a few tips on how to pinpoint the perfect sewing machine for your needs.

Make a Wish/Dream list. This list might include:

1. If you currently own a machine – a list of features missing from your current machine that you would like to have.
2. If you are purchasing your first machine – a list of the types of sewing projects you hope to accomplish.
3. Think about including features that will help you grow in your sewing skills and abilities and help you complete more projects with ease.

When you create your list be sure to think about the type of sewing you do and plan to do. If you are a garment-sewing enthusiast, then you will want to consider what type of buttonholes are important to you or if the machine comes with decorative stitches. If you are a quilter, then machine bed size and a walking foot will be important to you. If you are a home dec sewing enthusiast, then speed and strength will be essential to you. If you are an embroidery enthusiast, then stitch field size, USB capability and speed will be of great importance.

Bring your list in to the shop and sit down with one of our Customer Service Specialists and we will find the perfect machine for you – without pressure, without pricing secrets and without support worries. We understand that it takes time to make a decision and we are ready to help you gather all the info you need to make the perfect choice for your sewing needs.  Our primary goal is to help you realize all your sewing wishes and dreams.

We offer you our VIQ Customer Appreciation program, accessory discounts, educational support, and the Janome Manufacturer’s Warranty. Our service department will be open soon and we will offer on-site Janome Service.  We have plans to host educational events and clubs very soon too.

In our lineup of Janome machines – there is something for everyone. Our absolute favorites are on display in our showroom. If there’s a model we don’t stock that you want – no problem – we can order it for you and have it in the shop usually within 3-5 business days.

Here’s a list of our favorite machines:

• Horizon Memory Craft 12000 – This is the top of the line Janome Sewing and Embroidery Computer. This machine absolutely does it all. Stunning linear motion embroidery, Acufil quilting and Acufeed Flex are just a few of the amazing features. With 11 inches of space to the right of the needle, speeds up to 1,000 stitches per minute, and a built-in HighLight magnifier – every sewing job is more enjoyable. This machine will provide you with the ultimate sewing, quilting and embroidery experience!
  

  Horizon Memory Craft 12000

• Horizon Memory Craft 8900QCP – This sewing machine unlocks all the possibilities. The Acufeed Flex, 270 Stitches and 11 one-step buttonholes are just the beginning of the list of amazing features this machine has to offer! Every task can be perfect, easy and fast! With 11 full inches to the right of the needle – quilting will be a breeze.
• Horizon Memory Craft 8200QC- This model offers extra sewing room and all the essential features that today’s sewists require – creativity and total control! We love the easy change needle plate, Acufeed flex and a full 11 inches to the right of the needle.
• Memory Craft 350E – This stand-alone embroidery machine is the perfect addition to any sewing room. Beautiful embroidery designs every time. Edit, resize and import from the USB or Card Slot. You will love all the new possibilities for all your sewing projects.
• 3160QDC – This full-featured machine delivers all the benefits of a top of the line model with an affordable price. Built in thread cutting, speed control and 60 stitches are just a few of the amazing features. At only 12 pounds, this machine is great for classes and retreats. It comes fully equipped with an extension table and hard cover.
  

  3160QDC

• DC2012 – 50 Stitches including 3 one step buttonholes are just the beginning of your love affair with this affordable fully featured machine. The extra high presser foot lift gives you the extra clearance you need and the heirloom and decorative stitches give you lots of sewing possibilities. We love the affordable price too.
• Sewist 525LE – 25 Stitches, a one step buttonhole and convertible free arm make this machine the perfect entry level machine. This machine comes fully equipped with a hard case, a quarter inch foot and a walking foot too.

Stop in to give one a try soon! You won’t believe the places a new machine can take your creativity!

Happy Lucky 2013! We have been very busy getting ready for 2013.  We have rearranged the store, organized our fat quarters in new easy to view containers, added lots of new clubs and programs and completed our inventory.  Our biggest and most exciting accomplishment is the opening of our Janome Sewing Machine Department.  We are just thrilled with these fabulous machines.  Janome has been the World’s Leading Manufacturer of Home Sewing Machines for over 150 years.  If you haven’t come by to give one a test drive – come in and check them out!  Lori is our new Director of Janome Sales and Education.  She’d love to meet you and share all the exciting plans for our machine area with you.  These machines offer lots of great features, awesome prices and amazing sewing possibilities.  We are stocking genuine Janome Accessories as well and have plans to open our service department in early 2013.

We believe this is the year to change your sewing luck and spread your sewing wings.  Here’s a list that will help you take on some sewing challenges, experiences and conquer some sewing fears.

1. Organize and de-clutter – No matter which space in the house is your sewing space – it’s nice to start the year in an organized and de-cluttered space.  This always creates a new perspective and going through things can sometimes inspire you to think of your “stash” in new way.  Maintaining the new tidiness is often difficult.  Moving forward, do a little bit each time you sew and your space should stay relatively organized.
2. Stretch your wings – sign up for a class or club that uses a technique that is new or is rusty.  Exposing yourself to new ideas makes creativity feel fresh and powerful.
3. Be Resourceful – From books to magazines to blogs to social media – there are lots of ways to find what you want to make.  Make use of search engines and your local quilt shop.  There is definitely a way to find the perfect project!
4. Share – Sewing is definitely a group sport!  Join a club (Block of the Month), join a bee or teach someone you love to sew!  Sharing what you know helps reinforce your knowledge at the same time.  It’s a win-win.
5. Be Complete – Finish at least one project you have been sitting on for a long time.  That feeling of accomplishment just might jump start your momentum.
6. Improvise Artistically – Learn new improvisational techniques that free you from cutting and piecing restraints.  Try new colors and textures in your projects.  Name your quilts as though they are going to hang in a gallery.
7. Treat your sewing machine like an oracle – have it cleaned and serviced to keep it running perfectly.  Make sure to use the right needle for your project and change your needles often.
8. Improve and modernize – Treat yourself to a new tool or new sewing machine.  Technology has brought us many tools that make our sewing success easy.  From amazing clips for holding binding in place to state of the art, top of the line embroidery machines – there’s a new tool you can find to inspire great feats of sewing!
9. Dress It Up – Embellish your projects with buttons or trims.  Utilize the decorative stitches on your machine and variegated threads.  Experiment with hand stitches, hand embroidery or machine embroidery.
10. Emulate the pros – why not try a French seam or a blind hem?  Give an invisible zipper a try.  Who says installing cording or piping is difficult.  These little details translate into big sewing success.
11. Overcome – Tackle a sewing fear!  Is it free-motion quilting, handwork or applique?  Hit those fears head-on and overcome them.  There is no better feeling than turning a fear into a skill!
12. Be a cut-up – repurpose your old clothes, linens and abandoned projects.  Giving an old item new life is fun and great for the spirit!
13. Go calling – visit your local quilt shop.  They are your sewing family.  They love to see what your working on and offer advice on colors, textures and patterns.  The Internet is a wonderful place, but there’s nothing like the collaborative spirit you find in your local shop.

We are always happy to be part of your quilting and sewing dreams here at Wish Upon A Quilt.  You are the reason we keep trying to improve and grow.  Thanks for so much inspiration and support.  We know together, we can make 2013 the luckiest year ever.

Hugs and stitches,

Cathy and Team Wish

These are fabulous scrappy quilts. I love the color choices Victoria made, don’t you?