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CURRENT
INTERNET SPECIAL
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Sale Price: $10.00
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AURIFIL THREAD
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Janice confirmed with Aurifl that the prices for Aurifil thread in 2015 are the SAME as 2014 - no price increase! That is great news.
 | | 100% Egyptian cotton |
Yes, we sell SINGLE SPOOLS. Buy exactly the colors you want, no more, no less.
 | | 270 spool case |
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CUSTOMER QUESTION
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Q: Do you use the double-layer French Binding, or a single-layer Traditional Binding?
A: Many believe that a binding with two layers of fabric folding over the raw edge will last longer than a single layer. That is not entirely true, because once the outer layer of the binding gets a hole in it for any reason (cut or wear), there is a hole in the quilt that must be mended or the hole will continue to get larger. Damage to the first of two layers, or damage to the single layer still is damage that needs to be mended.
Both of our DVDs and the Bind It Off article in this newsletter describe the Traditional Binding method, with a single-layer of fabric. With one layer of fabric folding over the raw edge of the quilt there is less bulk along the entire outer edge of the quilt, you use less fabric, and the finish lasts just as long as the French Binding. By the way, our DVDs, and our free how-to article, show an amazingly easy way to miter the corners.
 | | Hawaiian Quilting with Nancy Lee Chong |
 | | 2 Fabric Applique Quilts with Nancy Lee Chong |
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FIX THAT OOOPS!
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Simple & effective recovery
We've all done it, cut the fabric by mistake in the wrong place. Take heart, there are clever ways to fix that errant cut. Take for example this Owl Family quilt by Anne McKeown:
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Owl Family
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Anne explained in her email: "I inadvertently (carelessly) nicked the fabric so put the moon in to hide it."
We think this is a great recovery! Don't you? Thanks, Anne, for sharing your solution with us.
More than once, we have been known to applique a small scrap of fabric right over a mistaken cut. Applique is wonderfully forgiving that way. Once the quilt is quilted, no one can tell!
Don't despair, there are multiple ways to fix any problem. Creating is all about searching for solutions to problems.
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QUILT SHOWS
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Look for a selection of our patterns at these quilt shows, in the QUILTER'S COVE booth:
- Yuma, AZ: Desert Lily Quilters Show, Jan 16 - 17
- Tucson, AZ: Tucson Quilters Guild Show, Jan 23-25
- Phoenix, AZ: Quilt, Craft & Sewing Festival, Jan 29-31
- San Mateo, CA: Quilt, Craft & Sewing Festival, Feb 19-21
- Sacramento, CA: Quilt, Craft & Sewing Festival, Mar 19-21
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Right about now we would say "The holidays are over." But are they? Annual celebrations and festivals are a way to bring enjoyment and significance to our lives year-round; providing opportunities for us to do special things in meaningful ways; causing us to pay attention to the people and world around us.  Take for instance the upcoming Groundhog Day, February 2.
Who knew? The roots of Groundhog Day go back to Romans and the early Christians with their Candlemas Day. A day when priests would bless candles then distribute them to the town folk for the remainder of the winter. The tradition was added to in Germany, when they used a hedgehog to predict how much longer the winter might last, and thus how many candles to distribute.
Why February 2nd? It is considered the mid-point of winter. Having enough candles, feed for cows, food for families, fuel for warmth was critical to survival. Having a treat-day in mid-winter gave people something special to look forward to.
Why a Groundhog? When Germans emigrated to America they found groundhogs in plentiful supply in Pennsylvania, but no hedgehogs. A simple substitution. But, the fact is, groundhogs hibernate through the winter. Males emerge from their burrows in early February seeking out females for mating. When that task is complete they head back to their burrows to wait out the remainder of the winter. The German legend carries over, if they saw their shadow it will be a long winter, if not, then they will reemerge soon.
Even apparently silly celebrations can have meaningful roots. And now, even if the original purpose no longer has significance, why not celebrate with joy and enthusiasm in the middle of a dreary, cold winter? Bbbrrr... who is hoping that the Groundhog this year does NOT see his shadow?!
If Candlemas be fair and bright, Come, Winter, have another flight; If Candlemas brings clouds and rain, Go Winter, and come not again.
--an old English song (source: www.groundhog.org)
E komo mai,
Welcome,
Nancy & Janice
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| SILVERSWORD - Hawaiian Quilt | | |
'Ahinahina
 | | Silversword in bloom |
'Ahina means gray, gray- or white-haired. In the Hawaiian language, when a word is repeated it is like making it plural, many times over, a lot of. So 'ahinahina, in the case of the Silversword, is saying that there is a lot of gray hair. Since the leaves are silver-colored and fuzzy, you can understand how it got its Hawaiian name. The English name is also easy to see, the long sword-like, silver leaves, thus Silversword.
The plant can live for fifty years or more before blooming once, then it dies. No wonder that the name then is derived from the leaves, not from the massive flower display that may last only weeks or months. 
This rare, fragile plant only grows at the high elevations on Maui's and Hawaii's highest volcanoes.
 Our pattern captures the essence of this treasured plant.
Silversword, 36" x 36", is our current Internet Special. The normal price of $12.00 is reduced for a limited time to only $10.00. Buy yours now.
Make this version of the Silversword using Janice's hand-dyed fabrics, similar to the one pictured, or choose other colors in a variety of Fabric Packs.
Remember, if you need help making your Hawaiian quilt consider our DVD: Hawaiian Quilting with Nancy Lee Chong. Purchase your own copy to watch over and over again as you make your quilt, or check your public library or guild library for a copy to borrow.
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| BIND IT OFF - How To | | |
Finish that quilt!
 We know that a popular New Year's Resolution for quilters is the vow to finish projects. And we all know that a quilt is not done until it is bound. So, to help you achieve your goal of finishing quilts this year, here is our method for attaching bindings - complete with a foolproof way to get beautifully mitered corners!
Of course, Nancy and Janice don't always see eye to eye on everything, so we give you two alternatives for how to join the binding strips where they come around the quilt and meet. It's our little bonus to you...a 2 for 1.
A link to the instructions can be found on the How To & Ideas page on our website.
When you finish those quilts made from our patterns, be sure to send us a photo. We want to see more pictures!
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PEACOCK - 2 Fabric Applique Quilt
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A Party of Peacocks
With beauty like this is it any wonder that the peacock has come to symbolize such noble attributes as:
- Integrity
- Nobility
- Eternal Life
- Watchfulness
- Guardian
- Guidance
- Protection
- Kind-heartedness
 Introduced to the Hawaiian Islands in the 1860's, resident peafowl populations have waxed and waned through the years. To see the best displays of the males strutting their stuff, visit public parks and zoos - places where the birds have become accustomed to humans. Birds in the wild are shy and skittish, reluctant to produce full displays when humans are around.
A group of peafowl (peahens and peacocks) is known as either a party or a pride. We particularly like the idea of a party!
While the piercing call of the male can be very annoying in real life, for those of us enjoying photos and quilts they are beautiful and blessedly silent.
Remember, any of our 2FAQ quilt patterns can be made using needleturn applique, machine applique with fusible web, or raw-edge applique by machine! Instructions for all three methods are included with every pattern. Use the method that suits your time and temperament.
Purchase your Peacock pattern here. 36" x 24", $12.00
Find a Fabric Pack to make your Peacock quilt here.
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COMING EVENTS
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Nancy's Whereabouts:
Want to meet Nancy or take a class from her in 2015? Here are a few places where you can take a class, or watch a presentation at a shop or guild. Most guilds welcome visitors, so don't be shy.
Make your plans now for one or more of these events:
2015 Shows, Classes, and Events:
- Feb 12-13, Mission Viejo, CA. Beach Cities Quilters Guild
- Feb 14, Redondo Beach, CA. South Bay Quilters Guild
- Feb 17-18, Redondo Beach, CA. South Bay Quilters Guild
- Mar 10-11, San Clemente, CA. Surfside Quilters Guild
- April 9-11, Portsmouth, RI. Quilters by the Sea of Rhode Island Guild
Register early for classes. They can fill quickly, or be canceled if not enough people register in advance.
Click CALENDAR for details and contact information.
 | | Celtic Tablerunner |
Academy of Quilting
If you do not live where you can take a class from Nancy in person, then perhaps an online class at Academy of Quilting would work for you.
Academy of Quilting brings you the joy of learning quilting, applique & patchwork in the comfort of your home with online classes. Here are the start dates for Nancy's classes the first half of 2015:
Jan 30, Celtic Tablerunner
Feb 13, 2 Fabric Applique Quilts
Feb 27, Hawaiian Quilting 101
Mar 27, Beginning Hand Quilting
April 17, Baltimore Basics
April 24, Make Your Own Hawaiian Quilt
Schedule Nancy now for your show or event in 2015, and beyond. If you would like her to come to your area to teach, let your quilt shop, quilt guild, or show organizer know. Print Nancy's Brochure and pass it along.
Piggy-backing is good!
Nancy is always eager to teach or speak at more than one location when she travels. If she is able to book multiple events, then each group shares in her travel expenses. So it is really an economical and efficient way to book. If you see that Nancy will be anywhere near* you, then contact her to see if additional engagements can be arranged during the same trip. That way EVERYONE WINS!
OPPORTUNITY: Nancy is in southern California from Feb 15 and 16, with nothing to do. Oh my! If you would like to arrange a private lesson, for one or both days send Nancy an email.
PIGGY-BACK: Nancy will be on the east coast (US) from April 9-11, 2015. Contact her if you would like her to teach or speak at your guild or shop either right before April 9 or after April 11.
*Remember, Nancy is traveling from Oregon. So near means that if she will be in Virginia even Florida is near. Think regionally.
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Thank you for spending a little of your precious time with us, we really appreciate it. Remember to send us your stories, pictures, questions, or suggestions. We love to hear from you.
A hui hou,
Until next time,
Nancy & Janice
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