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When you think of applique, think of us!
Newsletter
Applique - We share your passion!
Issue: #18

January 2011 

In This Issue
FLOWERS THAT NEVER FADE: Banish Winter
PEACE: "All we are saying, is..."
READER QUESTION: DVD or QuiltUniversity.com?
COMING EVENTS
Quick Links
Visit Our Website
Patterns
CURRENT INTERNET SPECIAL
 
Flowers That Never Fade

Flowers That Never Fade
Heliconia version 
This pattern makes a quilt approximately 42 inches square.  With four different tropical flowers to choose from, every quilt is different.  You can place Orchids, Anthurium, Heliconia or Torch Ginger in your vases!

Regular price: $12.00, for a limited time purchase this pattern for just $10.00


Postage image

 
I HAVE A NOTION
Introducing you to the notions Nancy and Janice use.

 Applique Ruler
PRQC applique ruler
Applique ruler
We design our patterns with a 3/16 inch turn-under allowance.  So, we created this ruler especially to help new, or struggling needleturn appliquers.  Here you have a visual reference to see how big 3/16" is.  Plus it is a handy, easy to see, 1 inch by 6 inch acrylic ruler.

Just $3.00. Buy it here.

Quilting Ruler
6" sewing gauge
Quilting ruler

This is the ruler we use when marking echo quilt lines on our Hawaiian quilts.  Set the sliding gauge to either 1/2" or 5/8", depending on your preference, put a piece of tape on the back to keep the gauge from moving when you least expect it, and you are set!

 

Just $1.90. Buy it here.

 

 Postage image

 

LENDING A HAND
 
We thought you might like to know that we donated $400 in 2010 to International Medical Corps.  Each year we take a portion of the proceeds from the sales of our pattern "You Are In Our Hearts" and give it to an organization that assists victims of tragedies.  We particularly like the International Medical Corps because

"For more than 25 years,
International Medical Corps has worked to relieve the suffering of those impacted by war, natural disaster and disease by delivering vital health care services that focus on training, helping devastated populations return to self-reliance."

You Are In Our Hearts-red
You Are In Our Hearts
We designed this quilt, and began our donations following the tragic events of Sept 11, 2001.  Since suffering never stops, we have continued to give each year since then.

Thank you to everyone who has purchased this pattern, you have made a difference.

To learn more about the International Medical Corps, click here.

 

To purchase this pattern, which adds to our 2011 contribution, click here.


 

KONA BAY FABRICS

BOLT SALE

 

REMINDER... 

  

Last month we told you about Kona Bay's 6-yard bolt sale.  Many of you took advantage of the sale and have beautiful new fabrics as a result.

 

The sale continues!  Selected 6-yard bolts of Kona Bay fabrics for just $6.00 per yard!  (Normally these fabrics sell for $9 to $10 per yard.)  The selection varies, so even if you looked last month - look again!

 

To get your hands on these beautiful fabrics at this great price, visit www.konabaygifts.com and go to the Six Yard Bolts section.  IMPORTANT, be sure to use the coupon code 5107 when you check out, to get this special price and your FREE bonus gift!

 

Note:  You are purchasing these fabrics direct from Kona Bay; they will be shipped to you direct from Kona Bay Fabrics, Redmond, WA, USA.  Their sale terms apply.

 

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Aloha!
  
Happy New Year!
The beginning of a new year finds us thinking of the past year and making plans for the new one.  Last year (which seems like just last week, by the way) Janice told you her resolutions in this e-Newsletter, so she went back to review them.

If you don't remember, here is what she said:
"Start every new project that makes my heart sing.
I will not feel guilty about unfinished projects.
I will try new things; play music, walk, take naps, and I will not stop eating cookies."  For the first time in her life she can report that she kept her resolutions (though she only took about 2 or 3 naps, that is more than she has ever done before!)  See, it is all in how you make your resolutions.  Janice likes to make ones that make her happy and are achievable.

How about you?  Have you thought about what you want to achieve with your quilts this year?  Start something new?  Finish something that has languished?  Try new techniques?  Keep doing what you like the best? (Which we hope is applique!)  Take more naps under your quilts?

Whatever you plan for 2011, we wish you happiness and fulfillment.

Hau'oli Makahiki Hou!
Happy New Year! 

Nancy & Janice 

FLOWERS THAT NEVER FADE
Banish Winter
 
Did you hear that one day earlier this week there was snow on the ground in 49 of the 50 United States?  Florida was the only state without the white stuff.  Yes, even Hawaii has snow on Mauna Kea this time of year.  And the snow in Washington State was in Janice's yard!   It was because of winter that this quilt got its name.  Flowers in our yard and flowers that
Flowers That Never Fade
Flowers That Never Fade
we pick always wilt.  But flowers on our quilts never fade!
 
The unique feature of this quilt pattern is that it includes flower blossom templates for four tropical flowers.  You get to choose which flowers to put in your vases.  Starting at the top left, clockwise, in this quilt you see all four:  Orchid, Anthurium, Heliconia and Torch Ginger.  
 
Never before revealed, here is the secret how Janice cut out this quilt so there would be different flowers in each vase:  The applique fabric for this pattern is folded in fourths (described in the pattern instructions).  Cut out all the paper flower templates, stack all the large paper templates on top of each other, and all the small templates on top of each other.  Position the stack of paper templates on the appropriate stems, according to the pattern placement lines, on the folded applique fabric.  Continue in the usual fashion, cutting through the four layers of fabric, but when you come to the flowers just cut a blob around the stack of templates.  Unfold the applique fabric onto the background and baste the vases, leaves and stems.  Then position the specific flower templates for each vase on the stem where you want them.  Each individual flower is then cut out separately, and basted.

Of course, you can use just one flower, or one large with a different small flower on your quilt, and then you can cut the flowers at the same time as the vases and leaves, through four layers of fabric.  You have lots of options with this pattern.  And since you are a clever quilter, you will figure out what works best for you!
Flowers That Never Fade - heliconia
Heliconia version

The quilt at left was made using just the Heliconia flower templates.  To see even more options visit our Hawaiian Quilt Gallery

 

TIP:    The applique can be cut from just one yard of fabric.  So choose a hand-dyed or batik fabric that has different colors or shading in each corner to make each vase even more unique.


This pattern is our current Internet Special.  Normally $12.00, for a limited time you can purchase it for just $10.00. Click here.  The quilt finishes to approximately 42" square.
   

 

PEACE
"All we are saying, is

give Peace a chance."  Have you ever done an Internet search for "peace quotes"?  We were looking for one to put in this article.  Something short, inspirational, up-lifting.  But there were so many good ones to choose from.  In the end we went with the familiar words of songwriter, John Lennon.  If you want some wonderful words to contemplate as you quilt, peruse one of the quotations websites for yourself.
Peace
Peace
  
We often wish for peace with the beginning of a new year.  So we are featuring our Peace 2 Fabric Applique Quilt this month.

The Peace hexagram in the upper left corner is from the ancient I Ching.  While the Peace glyph in the circle is a modern Chinese character.

HINT:  The fabric that forms the peace characters is the applique fabric.  In the case of the quilt on the left, it is the dark fabric that is appliqued on top of the light fabric.


To make any of our 2FAQ quilts, remember to read and follow the instructions that come with each pattern.  Whether you are making your quilt by hand or machine, you will mark the pattern on the right side of your applique fabric, baste it as a whole cloth to the background fabric, and thenPeace cut along the lines you marked from the pattern.  Because you are cutting the shapes after they are basted in place, you are not having to figure out exactly where to place the small pieces, and the large pieces do not get twisted and stretched out of shape.  You do not reverse the image, you do nothing from the back.  Mark and baste on the right side of your quilt.  It's FAST and EASY.  Please read and follow our instructions, you will be glad you did.

Peace, 24" x 36" pattern, $12.00.  Buy it now.

Yes, we have wonderful Fabric Packs for you to choose from, too!

Click here to see two Peace quilts made by other quilters.  Scroll through the 2FAQ Gallery to see the photos.

READER QUESTION 

 DVD or QuiltUniversity.com? 

  

"I am a fairly experienced quilter of the traditional type, and have always admired Hawaiian quilts.  Can you help me choose between Nancy's video and the on-line course through QuiltUniversity.com as a way of getting started in Hawaiian quilting and needleturn applique?"

Nancy's reply:  The good news is that no matter which format you choose I will be teaching you everything you need to make your Hawaiian quilt, including how to: 
  • Choose your supplies
  • Select and prepare your fabric
  • Work with the pattern
  • Cut and place your applique fabric
  • Applique, using the needleturn method
  • Mark echo quilting lines and hand quilt
  • Attach a binding and label your quilt
In both the DVD and the on-line classes I assume I am teaching a beginner, so I provide instruction for everything from threading a needle to attaching the binding, and every step in between.
 
So why would you choose one method of learning over the other?
  
Hawaiian Quilt video coverDVD:  "Hawaiian Quilting with Nancy Lee Chong" lets you watch me as I make the Hawaiian quilt block from the pattern provided with the DVD.  I also show how several of the steps are done on a large quilt.  You listen and watch as I explain everything.  I believe the best way to learn a new technique is to watch someone actually doing it.  You can watch me over and over as you practice your techniques.  

 

QuiltUniversity.com (QU):  I offer two Hawaiian quilt classes "Hawaiian Quilting 101" (HQ101) and "Make Your Own Hawaiian Quilt" (MYOHQ).  In HQ101 a block pattern is provided to students as the class project.  In MYOHQ students first learn to design their own Hawaiian quilt (any size) and then learn how to make the quilt they have designed.  A wall-size pattern is provided for those who choose to use it, and more instruction is provided for making a large quilt in this class. 

 

At QU you are provided written lessons with lots of photos, which you print to keep.  During the class you post pictures of your work in a Student Gallery, where you can view the work of other students; and you participate with me in a Discussion Forum, where all the students ask questions and I respond with answers and advice.  QU classes have a beginning and ending date, but within that timeframe you work at your own pace, there is no scheduled time for you to be in class, as such.

 

As you can see, your style of learning and the pace at which you learn and work can help you decide if one method will work for you better than another.  But why choose?  Many of my QU students buy the DVD, and others who have watched the DVD take the class for the opportunity to learn from others and ask more questions.

  

But, don't just take my word for it.  Here are customer comments about our DVD: 

    

"Thank you so much for making such a fabulous DVD for Hawaiian quilting.  I bought it at a quilting store in Kauai at the recommendation of a sales clerk and I am so glad I did!"

 

"I ordered and received the DVD on Hawaiian quilting and embarked on my first project - the pattern featured in the DVD.  I would never have attempted quilting with my thumb if I hadn't seen it demonstrated and I must say that I find it far more relaxing.  Love your method of needle-turn applique - it makes sense so I've applied that method too....I'm hooked :-)"

 

And here are comments from my QU students:

 

"The class was wonderful.  I never thought I could design my own Hawaiian quilt - it seemed too hard.  But it wasn't!  I love Nancy's classes.  She has the ability to make a frightened quilter relax and enjoy the learning process.  You bet I would take another class from her.  Nancy is very good at responding to questions and drawing out concerns/ideas that students may be reluctant to raise."

 

"I enjoyed this class immensely.  It was well organized.  I have a great reference manual which covers, Hawaiian quilts, applique and hand quilting, the later two are where I have little experience (hand quilting) and no experience (hand applique).  I enjoyed that part thoroughly.  The notes were excellent, informative and very well organized.  I hope to take Nancy's class on designing a quilt.  I consider it a real plus to have studied with Nancy and to learn from her expertise."

  

NOTE:  If you want more details about our DVD "Hawaiian Quilting with Nancy Lee Chong", read our April 2010 e-Newsletter.  Click here. 

   

Click here to purchase a DVD now.

  

See below for Nancy's QuiltUniversity.com schedule of classes.

 


COMING EVENTS

Nancy's Whereabouts: 

It is not too soon to be thinking about your late-winter, early-spring quilt events.  Treat yourself to a class or retreat this year!  You deserve it.

  
Quilt Shows  
  • March 18-20, Quilters Anonymous, Monroe, WA.  Be sure to go into the second building to see more quilts and to shop.  That is where you will find Janice in our booth!  Just start in the second building, to avoid the crowds in the main building!
  • April 21-23, Mid-Valley Quilt Guild, Salem, OR.  A great opportunity to shop and meet Nancy in person.

 Classes - Presentations - Events 

  • March 10-13, RETREAT to the Oregon Coast and take a "2 Fabric Applique Quilt" class from Nancy in Cannon Beach!  Sign-up now!
  • March 19-20, Vereins Quilt Guild, Fredericksburg, TX
  • March 21-22, High Country Quilt Guild, Kerrville, TX
  • April 5-6, Cimarron Valley Quilters' Guild, Stillwater, OK
  • April 7, Sew Flakes Fabrics, Broken Arrow, OK
  • May 1-13, Nancy will be teaching all around Western Washington.  She has openings to teach or speak at your Guild or Shop.  Contact her now to get on her schedule!
 
 Register early for classes, they can fill quickly, or be cancelled if not enough people register in advance.

Nancy is booking events in 2011, 2012 and beyond.  Remember to let your local quilt shop and guild know that you would like to take an applique class from Nancy Chong.  Give them our website, or print Nancy's brochure and give it to them.  Be sure to circle the classes you are interested in!  Nancy will travel anywhere she is invited to teach. 

green dashed line

  QuiltUniversity.com

 

 "No tests. No grades.  No pressure.  New classes open every weekend from January until the end of October.  Students receive a password to an online classroom with a teacher-led Discussion Forum and Student Gallery.  A typical class consists of three or four lessons.  Lessons open on Friday evening."

Nancy's 2011 QuiltUniversity.com classes begin:  


Jan 28:  Hawaiian Quilting 101

Feb 18:  2 Fabric Applique

Mar 11:  Baltimore Basics

April 8:  Make Your Own Hawaiian Quilt

May 13:  Hand Quilting

 

Janice's 2011 QuiltUniversity.com class begins:

 

April 8:  Photographing Your Quilts


Go to QuiltUniversity.com for details.

 

 


Thank you for spending a little of your precious time with us, we really appreciate it.  As always, we welcome your suggestions, comments or questions.

A hui hou,
Until next time,

Nancy & Janice