Machine Quilting Unlimited E-News
www.mqumag.com
December 2009
In This Newsletter
Calling All Guilds!
Special Notice
Spotlight On Teachers
Featured Business
Tip of the Month
Favorite Website
Industry News

CONTACT US

On the Web
www.mqumag.com

Subscriptions:
1.800.910.1925 EXT 4

Questions:
[email protected]

By Mail:
MQU Magazine
PO Box 918
Fort Lupton, CO 80621

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Our E-News Sponsors


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HMQS logo
The Class & Quilt Competition Catalog is ready! And HMQS 2010 announces -- new this year -- ONLINE class registration opened Monday, November 16th! Learn the latest tips, tricks and techniques from the experts! 140 classes to choose from! Start making your award-winning quilts! Print quilt entry forms online. $24,000 in awards!  www.hmqs.org

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Intelliquilter Logo
Another great innovation in computerized quilting from the people that brought you IntelliStitch� and EdgeRider Wheels™

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One Song Needle Arts logo
One Song Needle Arts

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JLM Graphics logo
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Eureka Documentation
Eureka Documentation


 Greetings!

Welcome to the new and updated MQU e-newsletter. We are constantly striving to make this tool a better resource for you, the readers. Please send us your feedback at [email protected].
 
Happy Stitching,
 
Vicki Anderson                Kit Robinson
Executive Editor              Managing Editor


Here we are in December. What a year! We all have so much to be thankful for, not the least is that you, our dedicated readers and subscribers, have continued to support us and add your voice to our ever-evolving magazine. Keep those ideas coming! It makes us a better publication, in tune with your needs. Visit us at www.mqumag.com

MQU E-NewsIn January, our cover story is Laura Wasilowski, an amazing quilter and co-founder of the Chicago School of Fusing. Her fun and quilts never fail to lift our spirits!  Eileen Doughty writes a very inspiring story about those who quilt with physical challenges and Barb Hollinger tells us how to map and design the quilting for functional quilts. Sharon Bowen visits quilting retreats, Cathy Franks talks about using machine quilting for creating the embellishments on quilts, Helen Baczynski teaches us a new way to use the IntelliQuilter computerized system, and Sarah Ann Smith wraps up her series on Design Elements and the staff shares new books and products we've come across. Don't miss Kathy McNeil in the Art Studio! Another exciting issue full of quilts and techniques.

We currently have a "Tips" column, giving you great suggestions to improve your machine quilting. We have decided to turn that column over to you. Send in your tips and ideas and we will pick the best of them to publish in the newsletter. The chosen entries will receive a one year subscription to MQU! (Or an extension if you are a current subscriber.) We are looking for details, PLEASE NOTE: at least 100 words but no more than 200. The content has to relate to machine quilting. There are many great ideas about piecing, storing and cleaning quilts, etc., but that is not our focus. In the case of duplicate entries, the time stamp on the email will be the deciding factor for use. So put on your thinking caps and share your ideas with all of us. Send them to [email protected]


CALLING ALL GUILDS!
We are adding a GUILD LINK to our Links page on the website. If you would like to have your Guild added, send your website information to [email protected]. Guilds will be grouped by state, making it easy for potential members to find Guilds in their area. No matter how large or small, let us share your Guild information.
 
Special Notice!
Machine Quilting Unlimited - November 2009
Machine Quilting Unlimited Magazine makes a great Holiday gift, and we are making it easier for you to be the giver! We are offering a 10% discount on gift subscriptions through the end of December 2009. Just go to the website www.mqumag.com and follow the subscription link. Enter the code GIFT2009 in the appropriate box and the discount will be taken. Be sure to include your information for payment, but the recipient's name and address under SHIPPING INFO.
Spotlight On Teachers
Karen McTavish
Karen has been a full-time professional longarm quilter since 1997. She works and teaches in her studio in Duluth, MN, and travels all over the country teaching McTavishing, Trapunto, Wholecloth Design and advanced longarm machine quilting workshops. If you want to learn a great deal while having a tremendous amount of fun, take a class from Karen!
www.designerquilts.com

Featured Business
FIBER ON A WHIM
For all of your surface design and embellishment needs.
The Mother/Daughter team of Janelle Girod and Kristin Rodriguez work together to bring you the finest products and the best customer service available. Visit the website, www.fiberonawhim.com and prepare to kick up your creativity!

Tip(s) of the Month
This month we have tips from our readers. Each of the 'tipsters' will receive a one year subscription (or extension) to Machine Quilting Unlimited Magazine!

DESIGN HELP
To familiarize yourself with a new design or filler design, put an old needle in your machine, leave it unthreaded and 'quilt' the design on copy paper or freezer paper.  Draw or trace your design onto the paper first, or simply free-motion it.  You can get all those filler jitters out on paper before you work on your quilt. As an added benefit, the 'quilted paper' can then be used as a stencil for marking your quilt!
Jennifer Wharton

KEEP TOOLS HANDY

To keep thread management tools (curved-tip embroidery scissors, forecept thread-pullers, bobbin tension adjustment tools, paint brush for lint removal) at hand, attach a sticky-back hook to the longarm machine away from the thread path but within reach from either side of the machine.  Do not use magnetic hooks, as they could interfere with the machine's electronics.
 
An eyeglass repair kit screwdriver is perfect for bobbin tension adjustments. Get one on a chain so it can hang with the thread management tools.
 
Attach pin and button boxes to the work area with removable putty marketed for hanging pictures.
 
Pick stitches (frogging) with a dulled machine needle.  It's easier to handle, stronger, less bendable, less likely to damage fabric and recycles the needle that we change even though it's not broken.  We do change needles when they dull not just when they break...don't we?!?
Connie Emmen

Let's see YOUR tips here next month!
Favorite Website
Gloria Hansen
Gloria Hansen is a digital designer who works on Macintosh computers; quiltmaker using a variety of media such as pigment inks, paints, dyes, fabric, papers, and threads; and photographer. Her blog is especially appealing, with photos and ideas abounding. Her latest book, Digital Essentials, is a must-have for anyone wanting to play with computers, printers and fabrics. It clearly and concisely explains the mysterious world of image manipulation, file formats and printing. Visit her at www.gloriahansen.com
Industry News

Kaleidoscope Kreator News!

Announcing Favorite Projects Volume 2. This latest volume in our Favorite Projects series has ten fun quilting and sewing projects for Kaleidoscope Kreator 3 that we know you'll love.
 
Includes fully illustrated step-by-step instructions for making quilts, table runners, home accents and more!
 
Click herefor more details.


A New Quilt Show Is Coming To Milwaukee!

Milwaukee Machine Quilting Show (MMQS)
www.mmqshow.com
"A Great Show on A Great Lake"
Show Dates: August 3-7, 2010
Classes start August 3rd
Vendor Mall and Juried Quilt Show: August 5-7, 2010
Wyndham Milwaukee Airport Hotel & Convention Center
4747 South Howell Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53207