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