Monday, July 31, 2017

My Bernina - Dawn of a New Day, Upcoming Fun and BIG SALES

Hello Sewisters!

Last week I wrote about an amazing lecture given about Aurifil Thread at one of my favorite Quilt Shops, Danners Bernina Shoppe in Hanover, PA. Now, Hanover, PA is not in my back yard. I live in Baltimore and Hanover is about 50 miles from my home. However, it has the reputation as one of the best Bernina dealers in a 100 mile radius and worth the trip for me. Plus, it's always a pretty drive! So, this past Saturday, on the third anniversary of my ownership of my Bernina 750QE, I attended a "Basics Class" given by one of the owners, Mrs. Danner. This is a family business and all of the six Danner children have worked there at one time or another. I have, so far, met Mr. and Mrs. Danner, daughter Nadine and son Delmer. I describe them as my Bernina Super Hero Team!

The class was very well attended by Bernina owners, some bringing in machines bequethed to them by their mother or friend, others purchasing the most basic model on up to the 8 series. I was doubtful that I would learn a lot considering the vast differences in our machines. However, I was completely wrong! Mrs. Danner was a natural teacher. She explained things I already thought I knew but now I actually understand (chagrin) and also showed me why things were happening that I thought were a machine malfunction. First problem, not a malfunction by machine but a lack of knowledge by the user (me!). Yes, even on a sewing computer you must hold your thread while the machine stitches out the first few stitches so it doesn't get caught up underneath and create an ugly thread nest. Second, I was unhappy that when I began stitching it would make three stitches, creating a knot and therefore bulk, and bulk is the enemy of all quilters! Well, Mrs. Danner very sweetly told me that if I didn't like it I could change it! What? I can make my machine do something I like, or not do something I despise? She showed me in a few easy steps how to change this pesky operation and begin sewing nice and clean. However, what about keeping the ends from pulling apart when piecing? Well, there is quilters stitch for that as well.

The point is, I am realizing that my machine is only as smart as the user. In this case, the user is finally using her brain and also being taught by a wonderful instructor. And that, my friends, makes a huge difference.

Speaking of amazing instructors....... in two weeks I will be attending the August Crafty Gemini Quilt Retreat! I have been waiting ... well since last August for this! In fact, I was so sad at the thought of having to wait an entire year I booked the November retreat as well so next August wouldn't be so far away!!!!

At this retreat we will be learning not only from Vanessa Vargas Wilson (did I mention Amazing!!!!) but she has invited Sara Lawson to be a guest instructor! Yes! Sara Lawson of Sew Sweetness! We will be making her Aragon bag and Kismet zippered trinket boxes. I am very much looking forward to this retreat and cannot wait to post during and after.

BIG SALES

Did you know that Connecting Threads sells fabric? Yes! And it also has many lines under it's own label. One of my favorite bloggers and Craftsy teachers, Amanda Nyberg, is a Connecting Threads designer! Her new line, Emma & Myrtle, has just been released and it is ADOREABLE! I'm ordering a fat quarter and yardage asap. In addition, their Backing fabric is on sale through September and all notions are 30% off. Stop on by to see if there is anything you might need.



MY NEXT OLINE CLASS

I think I mentioned something about Creativebug.com in an earlier post. If not, here is a preview. They have online classes similar to Craftsy.com, however, they can be accessed by paying a monthly fee of $4.95! Now, I'm not sure about the length or quality, but I am assuming it's similar to Craftsy, however, I will be reviewing it in the next month. The class I am intereted in taking is:



Check it out or any other class that looks interesting to you. There is also a 30 day free trial. You can take any class you like.

Sew, for now my sewisters.......

Keep calm and create on!

Nancy, your Vintagekindagirl

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Aurifil Lecture, UFO update and BIG SUMMER SALES

Hello sewing and quilting family.

AURIFIL THREAD LECTURE

Last Tuesday my sewister, Denise Harris, and I attended an amazing lecture given by one of the the Product Manager and Public Relations specialist for the Aurifil Thread Company, Alex Veronelli. Mr. Veronelli narrated a film of how thread is developed and produced at the plant in Milan, Italy including the how colors are chosen and developed. He also talked about some of the newest threads being introduced including the new 80 weight applique thread. All of Aurifil threads have multiple purposes, for instance, 80 wt was developed with the hand applique quilter in mind but it can also be used in the sewing machine for Free Motion Quilting (FMQ). I happen to love 80 and 100 wt thread when I want to bring out the beauty of the fabric more than the nuances of the stitching. It is also very forgiving! During his narration I learned not only about the process of creating a fine line of sewing thread but also that Aurifil places quality above quantity at every turn. For instance, during the process when thread is still in development a machine might be able to accomodate 6 tied bunches of thread for a process but only 4 are done at a time so as not to overcrowd the thread so all of it is treated evenly, albeit slowing down the production of quantity.

In addition to being witty,personable and humorous, Mr. Veronelli made himself available afterward to meet all of the attendees, answer questions and take pictures. He shared many samples of work done by several of our favorite quilting artists and fabric designers including pieces from his private collection that he obviously cherished.

After attending this lecture I, for one, will never complain about paying $13 per spool because I now understand the amount of care and attention that go into creating Aurifil Thread.

Now, it's not the only thread I will ever use, but it is one of my favorites and I don't imagine I will be replacing anytime in the near future.


UFO UPDATE

Well, as UFO's go, I'm still working on my Mexican Stars blocks and ... sadly... have nothing to share. When I returned from my Maine Vacation I hit the ground running and two weeks later was back on the road to return my neice to Florida. Upon my return I hosted a "Sewing Hollow" retreat in my home with My sewister, Denise, and we began preparing for our Crafty Gemini Quilt Retreat class in August. Seeing as how I haven't heard much in the way of progress from my followers, I would imagine we are all in the same boat.

BIG SUMMER SALES

Sizzix is having a huge "Christmas in July" Sale and I am providing the link on the right so you can get on over there and load up on your faves and receive a significant savings.

Annies Catalog is also having a 50% off on all on-line classes. Now, I haven't taken any of the classes from Annie's yet so I cannot speak to their content, but I have previewed them and they seem fun, are taught by leaders in the industry and are very creative. So take a look. The Link to the sale is also on your right. And, remember, Annie's is another great resource for supplies, sometimes things you can't find anywhere else.

Craftsy is having a 50% off sale on their "Start Up Library" classes. This is a wonderful bargain because it is a group of classes intended to get you started or refresh your skills in Quilting, sewing, crochet, embroidery, etc. The group of classes is already discounted so by giving you an additional 50% off you are raking in the savings. Please click here:
Startup Library: Quilting

or look for that link on the right as well and use the coupon code S5R63K6 at checkout.

That's all I have for you at the moment. Happy sewing.

Nancy your VKG



Friday, July 14, 2017

Where is the Vintagekindagirl

Summer is a crazy time of year for me. I'm off from teaching but on as super aunt!!! Diane and I take family vacations and in between I'm getting caught up on home stuff and, yes, already beginning preparations for next school year.

However if you follow my blog I want to first thank you and second let you know that Wednesday I will be back with my review of an Inside Aurifil Lecture being given by Alex Veronelli, Italian product manager for Aurifil Thread company!!! I am sew excited and I will also post pictures and share everything I learn.

In addition I will have a UFO update! I hope you will as well

Until then my friends!


VKG

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