Events

Sewing with Betty Cotton

Tuesday, June 14th, 2011

This past weekend I was at the Puyallup Store and Audrey was giving a class on Cotton Theory by nationally sought after Author and Designer Betty Cotton. It has been a bit since I have made a project using the Cotton Theory. After seeing how much fun everyone was having, it has encouraged me to start another one. I think that I might make one that is fall on one side and Christmas on the other. I love 2 for 1 projects!

In a nut shell, how the process work is that you complete one section or block at a time: top, batting, backing and quilting. All of the pieces of fabric and batting are small enough to be very easy to handle.

There are several things that make this system so great to work with.

Some of these include:

  • It is fast! When the sections are stitched together, then that part is complete. Just move on to the next section.
  • It is easy to handle! Since each section is small in size, it is just as easy to make a queen sized quilt as it is a table runner
  • It is reversible! Since all the seams are finished as the sections are assembled, a completely different back fabric can be used so that you will have 2 projects in one.
  • It is dimensional! The texture that is created by the unique and easy seam finishing technique adds so much more personality to the project than traditional quilting can give.
  • It is fun! Such a fun way to explore working with reversible embroidery, decorative stitching, and beautiful threads.
  • Hey, did I mention fast? I know I did, but it is sure worth repeating! :) Those of us who are into more of an “Instant Gratification” type of project, this is right up our alley!

I encourage you to give this a try. I started with a table runner and many others have started by making place mats. Betty Cotton has several books and patterns available, check one of our stores to see what they have in stock and try this today! If you are near the Puyallup Store, go in and take a look at Audrey’s great samples (She is a Certified Betty Cotton Instructor) and while you are there sign up for one of her classes.

If you have made a project using the Cotton Theory by Betty Cotton, send us a picture or post it on our Facebook page. We would love to see what you have made.

Hope to see your pictures soon!

Reva


New Viking Diamond Deluxe and new Deluxe Stitch System

Friday, June 3rd, 2011


Have you ever heard of Thread Portioning?

Until recently, I had never heard of this technology either. Thread portioning is a patented thread delivery system just introduced on the brand-new Viking Designer Diamond Deluxe. What is it? It’s a very clever system for delivering exactly the right amount of thread – the correct portion – for every stitch, embroidery design, and fabric. The engineers at Viking have been working on this technology for almost ten years and introduced it to the world at the Viking Dealer Convention last week. I had the opportunity to attend the convention and spend an afternoon hands-on with this incredible new machine.

We started by sewing a wide satin stitch and admired the uniform, slightly pulled underside… a perfect satin stitch. We got to test various stitch combinations and learned that the portioning system spools the perfect amount of thread for each stitch and varies automatically with changes to width and length of stitch. What if the fabric is extra thick, sheer or has a deep pile like velvet? The thread portioning system compensates by monitoring the thickness of the fabric from the sensor foot along with the exact location of the thread knot making a perfectly formed stitch no matter which fabric we chose.

For the next project we embroidered a flower motif onto a sheer scarf. During embroidery you really see the positive stitching performance of the thread portioning system. We used matching metallic threads on both top and bottom. Even though the thread was extremely fragile, we did not experience the thread breakages I would have expected. The most impressive thing however was the beautiful embroidery stitches that were uniform top and bottom. If it weren’t for the wash-away stabilizer on the bottom it would have been difficult to determine which side was top and which side was bottom!

-Paul LaPonte
Owner of Quality Sewing & Vacuum


News from the Viking Convention!

Thursday, June 2nd, 2011

Guest post from Lana L Jones

As we traveled to Reno for the Husqvarna Viking Convention the excitement of seeing the new Diamond Deluxe was on our minds. What features could they add that no one else has thought of yet? If you have a top-of-the-line machine, you know it has lots of the most technically-advanced features that make sewing and embroidery effortless, enjoyable, and extraordinary. What could they have added?

After we arrived at the Grand Sierra Resort, we were immediately directed into the Grand Theater for our dinner and the unveiling of the most marvelous machine on the market today, the Husqvarna Viking Diamond Deluxe.

Picture this: a Boeing 747 lands on the stage of the Grand Theatre, executives and educators deplane, each carrying a brand new Husqvarna Viking Diamond Deluxe. Marilyn Monroe starts singing “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend.” Then, who should do the official introduction… the educator extraordinaire deplanes to a standing ovation… Sue Hausmann!!

airplane

As Sue goes over the incredible features the new Husqvarna Viking Diamond Deluxe and all the exciting products that have been created to ignite your sewing and embroidery projects, you can’t help but wish everyone could experience this very moment. As we feast on delicious desserts, Sue continues to dazzle us with more designs, new machines and fabulous software. We couldn’t wait for the next day so we could start playing with it all.

Tuesday finds us in front of the Husqvarna Viking Diamond Deluxe. What are the new features… what is all the excitement about… WOW! Thread Portioning and Thread Tension, design shaping, 1222 decorative stitches, 205 built in embroidery designs, on-screen embroidery customizing, undo!!!! There’s more… but I will just talk about the features that wowed me. For the rest, you will have to stop by to see them for yourself.

What are Thread Portioning and Thread Tension? We already know about thread tension. Thread Portioning is available for sewing and embroidery. It continually measures the thickness of the fabric to deliver the perfect amount of thread while stitching so both the front and back look superb. You can select thread tension or Thread Portioning, or set it on auto and let the beautiful Husqvarna Viking Diamond Deluxe take care of everything for you.

Design shaping uses decorative stitches or designs to build creative embroideries right on the beautiful Ultimate Interactive Screen. Made a mistake? Not a problem; you now have Undo! Yeah! The new Ultimate Interactive Screen is easier to navigate and the extremely high resolution allows you to see stitches in striking 3D precision.

Everything you love about Husqvarna Viking sewing machines is still there, just better and more! Stop by Quality Sewing and experience this amazing machine.

What’s in the new 5D Embroidery Suite Upgrade to 9.3? New Fonts, Super Fonts and mini designs, modify frames and lettering even after your right-click to set. And my favorites: create or modify designs for Cutwork Needles, and the Wave Fill. Amazing, fun, and super exciting changes that you have to see for yourself. If you want to take your embroidery to the next level you need software like this!

Our last night there was a hoot. The Viking Educators were split into three teams and given one hour, two machines, one with embroidery, and a bag of “stuff.” Their mission: to create a wearable outfit and use everything in the bag. This was so much fun to watch! Some of the effort, commotion, activity, merriment, hilarity… whatever you call it, was enjoyed by all attending.

Enjoy whatever sewing adventures you embark upon and stop by and show us the results.

Lana L Jones
Educational Consultant
Quality Sewing


Who are the “Stitching Sisters” you ask . .

Tuesday, May 24th, 2011

They are only one of the most talented and fun Sister teams around!  This dynamic duo is made up of Eileen Roche (embroidery innovator & Editor of Designs in Machine Embroidery Magazine) and Marie Zinno (sewing sensation & Eileen’s real life sister).

Eileen and Marie, both, became infected with the love for sewing as young adults and have a fresh perspective on the craft.

Here are some fun facts about the Stitching Sisters:

  • Middle sisters of 6 girls – no boys.
  • They grew up playing on the beach of the Atlantic Ocean – in the small resort town of Wildwood Crest, NJ
  • Marie drinks coffee; Eileen drinks tea (which Marie thinks is nothing but a big hassle).
  • Eileen is older (by a lot of years); Marie is funnier than Eileen.
  • Eileen coaxed Marie into doing these types of events after Eileen’s appearance at Nancy Zieman’s Sewing Weekend.  Eileen fell in front of 200 people and broke a tooth off 10 minutes before presenting a seminar. After a few minutes of recovery, Eileen convinced Marie to go on stage and go through the seminar while Eileen narrated from the back of the auditorium.  Marie survived and Eileen had a root canal right after the seminar (there is a dentist for the stars in Beaver Dam, WI).
  • Since their first experience as a team, Marie and Eileen have taught over 3,000 people across the United States.
  • To find out more about Eileen, check out her blog here!

If you love learning and love embroidery, you will LOVE the Stitching Sisters. Don’t miss the fun this June 4th & 5th at the Puyallup Fairgrounds where Quality Sewing is hosting the Stitching Sisters phenomenal 2 day event! You can sign up here.

Can’t wait to see you there!

Reva


Anita Goodesign Embroidery Party

Thursday, May 5th, 2011

Have you ever been to an Anita Goodesign Embroidery Party? If you haven’t you are missing out on tons of fun! What better place can you imagine than a room filled with beautiful top of the line embroidery machines surrounded with happy and excited sewing & embroidery enthusiasts? All gathered together in one place to learn and be inspired by one of embroidery’s best, Steve Wilson from Anita Goodesign!

In Everett, this past week the Anita Goodesign Embroidery Party was two days of total fun. There were seven projects to enjoy and everyone left with a CD of all the designs used so we can make as many as we like. Of course, all of the projects were great, but a couple of my favorite techniques that we learned were Three-Dimensional Flowers, a Christmas Stocking completely in the hoop, and Shaped Edge Tea Towels.

Steve brings so many wonderful samples for us to see, touch, and be inspired by, every where you look there is something beautiful. He also gave us a sneak peak of the designs that will be coming out in the next few months—they are really neat!

One of my most favorite things about this Party was getting to meet wonderful folks who love to sew just as much as I do. I came away so energized and inspired. Check out the fun we had in the video below:

Everett Anita Goodesign Embroidery Party April 2011

If you love embroidery or are even just curious about what it is all about. Don’t miss our other upcoming special events!

Looking forward to seeing many of you this week in Puyallup.
Reva


Leading Edge Tips & Techniques with Steve Wilson from Anita Goodesign

Thursday, April 7th, 2011

If you are unable to attend the Anita Goodesign Embroidery Party on April 28-29th, come visit with Steve Wilson on Saturday April 30th, from 10am to 1pm at the Everett store. Steve will show the newest Anita Goodesign collections and even offer you a sneak peak of what’s coming out soon. He will also teach his “quilt as you go” class and teach you the same technique that he taught at the event. There will be prizes, refreshments and of course specials on all of the Anita Goodesign and Quality Sewing products. Don’t miss the fun! Leading Edge Tips & Techniques with Steve Wilson from Anita Goodesign is Only $10.00 for Sew Fun Members and $15.00 for Non-Members. Space is limited, sign up today!


Show Off Your Quilted Masterpieces at the Pacific West Quilt Show

Tuesday, March 29th, 2011


Enter your original quilting masterpieces to be judged at the 2011 Pacific West Quilt Show and you could be one of the winners of over $25,000 in cash and prizes. The entry submission deadline is Thursday April 28, 2011. There is a limit of 2 quilt entries plus 1 wearable entry per person. To be eligible to enter a submission, you must be a permanent residents of the following states and provinces: Alaska, Alberta, Arizona, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, the Northwest Territories, Oregon, Saskatchewan, Utah, 
Washington, Wyoming and Yukon. Read more about the contest rules and information or email: contest@apwq.org. The 2011 Pacific West Quilt Show presented by the Association of Pacific West Quilters is August 26th-28th, 2011 at the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center, mark your calendars! This is an exciting juried and judged quilting show with an extensive display of over 500 quilts featuring special invitational quilt exhibits. Events include the Lectures á la Carte series, Instructor for Hire, Saturday Sampler, Awards Ceremony, Show Preview and the Gala Dinner & Auction. Shop over 120 booths in the Merchant Mall and be sure to stop by the Quality Sewing Booth. Quality Sewing has donated a Baby Lock Esante quilting and embroidery machine which will be raffled at the event and a Baby Lock Serger with Jet-Air Threading to be awarded to the winner of this year’s Viewers’ Choice Award at the show! For additional information, please visit the official APWQ website.


2011 Sew Expo Highlights

Friday, March 11th, 2011

Sharon and Audrey from Quality Sewing Centers

The 2011 Sewing & Stitchery Expo at the Puyallup Fairgrounds was last weekend. This year’s event was bigger and better than ever! A few of our employees  that worked the Sew Expo have highlighted their favorite parts:

“It is hard to believe that another Sew Expo has come and gone.  As always, it is so much fun to see all of my stitching buddies!  I trust that you were able to find all sorts of goodies to inspire you as we finish out the winter and head toward spring. There are so many things to see and experience.  One of  my favorite things from this year have to do with Texturizing fabric.  Products like Texture Magic and Krinkle Magic have been around and you may have seen things made with them. There were wonderful samples of  “smocking” type accents to children’s clothing, quilts and all sorts of things in the Superior booth.  To see how it’s done, watch this video http://www.superiorthreads.com/shop/category/texture-magic/videos/. Now here is my favorite pick for using with this product!  There is a new Embroidery Design Collection out by Jenny Haskins called “3D Embroidery Magic”.  This Multi-Format CD contains textural designs that fill your hoop and make very interesting texture patterns when the Krinkle Magic is steamed. Read here for more information. In addition, the CD has beautiful flowers and leaves that have such dimension and just come to life with a simple burst of steam. I can hardly wait to make something fun with these designs! If you are as inspired to try these designs as I am, be sure to share a picture of what you created!”
Reva, Quality Sewing & Vacuum Event Coordinator

“Sew Expo was amazing this year. I have been with Quality Sewing for almost ten years, and this was my first opportunity to work at Sew Expo. It was wonderful to see all of the happy people walking around shopping and admiring the wonderful displays and products brought by the different vendors. Everyone was smiling and having a great time, and I got the chance to visit with several customers who called the Sew Expo, “the happiest place to be.” Everyone I saw took the opportunity to show me their new treasures and talked about the best places to go visit on my breaks. I can’t wait to see some of the great show and tell at the next few Sew Fun presentations, when the beautiful finds turn into the amazing work our customers display at show and tell.”
Jim, Quality Sewing & Vacuum Everett Manager

“This time of year is always exciting being Expo brings all sewers together for a great event of seeing what is coming out new and what great buys you can come up with over four days. So many fantastic new machines for our embroidery are being introduced and great quilting machines to make our projects easier to get done and the quality is the best! Being I work for Quality Sewing is even better being most of the time I get a preview of what is coming out for all our great customers so I can share with you which makes my position very special in every way. Working at Expo is great, I am there each day to view what others have in their booths that is new and interesting for many classes I share at the Everett store. I am on my toes always looking for that special project you all might like to try in the coming months ahead. Expo is really a big help being we all get together in one spot and so you don’t have to travel so far to find that special item you might want to use down the rode! I found many new items to share in my classes that will be wonderful for our homes, gifts and for the holiday ahead! I look forward to many fun classes ahead with many smiling faces and great friends I have had and many new ones I made at Expo this year. This year was great as I had the opportunity to see many of the gals I don’t see unless I am in the south end at these events. Seeing the smiles and listening to what each person is doing was very special in every way. So many ideas and so little time but getting together to share the love of sewing and what everyone wants to do is very special in my heart. Hope you found that Expo was that way for you too! Yes I had fun too and found many wonderful new items to try out and especially in my embroidery classes ahead at Quality Sewing in Everett.”

Betty, Quality Sewing & Vacuum Everett

Other Sew Expo Highlights:

The Pillowcase Patrol at the Sew Expo was a huge success, over 2300 pillow cases were received! View great pictures of the collected pillowcases on the Coats & Clark blog.

Lorri, winner of the Quilt Expressions 4.0 with Lana from Quality Sewing

Congratulations to the following customers that won the following Expo door prizes donated by Quality Sewing & Vacuum:

Karlene, winner of the Viking with Bo from Quality Sewing

Karlene from Utah won a Viking Sapphire Quilting Model 875, Carol from Snohomish won a Brother Model 1500D Sewing, Quilting and Embroidery Machine and Lorri from Oak harbor won a Quilt Expressions 4.0. Sally from Bonney Lake was the luck winner of the drawing for the Brother 950D at the Quality Sewing booth in the Showplex.

If you missed Sew Expo this year or wish that Sew Expo was happening again this weekend – be sure to save the date for the 2012 Sew Expo March 1-4, 2012! To keep updated on Sew Expo 2012, check out their website. They have pictures and additional blog posts too!

Happy Creating!

Carmen


Sewing for a Cause Follow-up

Friday, February 25th, 2011

Last month we posted a blog about numerous sewing and quilting groups that meet around the Puget Sound region to sew for a charitable organization or cause. We had a fantastic response from numerous readers that participate in groups! Read about these additional groups, plus we included the information posted previously to get the word out about these rewarding opportunities.

Binkies are made for children in need of comfort.Binky Patrol
Binkies are sewn, knitted or crocheted blankets, made from the heart and given to children in need of comfort. These children have survived such tragedies as cancer, fire, flood and domestic violence to name a few. The local chapter would like to invite you to join. Binky Patrol meets the first Sunday of each month in Marysville. Call 360-659-7198 for more information.

Dress A Girl Around the World
Sewers from several states including Washington State are working with Hope4Kids International to serve girls so poor they can only dream of ever owning a new dress. The group transforms used pillowcases, sheets and donated fabric remnants into dresses any little girl can be proud of. The pattern is simple but produces versatile dresses quickly. And by adding a pocket, a little lace or a vintage handkerchief these dresses become even more unique. Some ladies hide a handmade doll or teddy bear in the pocket for a sweet surprise making it even more special! In the last year, Dress A Girl Around the World has delivered over 12,000 dresses to 34 countries. This year they have an ambitious goalto distribute 50,000 dresses to girls in need. There are several local groups sewing for this program and new sewers are becoming involved. If you would like more information visit the blog about the Washington State groups.

Maple Leaf Lutheran Church Quilters Circle
This group in Northeast Seattle makes quilts for Lutheran World Relief. These quilts are shipped all over the world to assist with disaster relief. The group needs gently used full (or larger) sheets for quilt backing. Cotton fabric suitable for quilts is also welcome. Donations may be delivered to the Church at 10005 32nd NE, Seattle, or contact bbcook@msn.com for pickup.

Little Dress for Africa
“Little Dresses for Africa is a non-profit 501c3, Christian based organization which provides relief to the children of  Africa. Simple dresses are made out of pillow cases and distributed through the orphanages, churches and schools in Africa to plant in the hearts of little girls that they are worthy!” The Everett Quality Sewing location is in the process of organizing a Little Dress for Africa sewing group,  For further information, please contact Rose Mary at the Everett Quality Sewing location (425)290-8000 or (800)488-0458. Read here for more information about this organization.

The Piecemakers Quilting GroupThe Piecemakers Quilting Group
Giving back to the community while incorporating their love for quilting, the Piecemakers Quilting Group meets twice a month to assemble quilts that are distributed through Lutheran World Relief. The quilt tops are sewn by various members of the group, then the quilts are assembled at group meetings. On average, the Piecemakers complete 10 Quilts at each meeting! Quality Sewing donated a Brother NS40 sewing machine to help this group with their generous efforts. This group meets on the first and third Thursday of each month at Advent Lutheran Church in Mill Creek. Visit the Piecemakers blog for more information!

Bags for YWCA
The YWCA’s Women’s Support Shelter is a domestic violence shelter for women and their families. For many, the Shelter and its related services form a sturdy base from which to start fresh, stable, safe, self-sufficient lives. The mission of the Wednesday Bag Ladies at the Tacoma Quality Sewing location is to provide tote bags for their fresh start. Simple totes, for adults & children, can be great canvasses for embroidery, quilt squares, raw edge applique, decorative stitches, etc. The Wednesday Bag Ladies meet on the third Wednesday of each month at the Tacoma store, read more about the Wednesday Bag Ladies.

Quilts for Vets
Our Federal Way Quality Sewing location has a group that meets the 1st and 3rd Friday morning of each month to sew and put together quilts for military personnel and veterans. Last year the group sent over 1,000 quilts to Afghanistan and made quilts that were distributed at local Veterans Nursing Homes. This group meets the 1st and 3rd Friday morning of each month at the Federal Way store from 10am-12pm. Supplies are provided, however donations are always welcome! For more information, please contact Audrey at the Federal Way Store (253) 946-5865.

Project Linus
Have you heard of Project Linus? Project Linus is comprised of hundreds of local chapters and thousands of volunteers across the United States. Each volunteer and local chapter work together to achieve one mission which is to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer “blanketeers.” Project Linus has distributed over three million blankets to children in need since 1995. Read here for more information about Project Linus. The Puyallup Quality Sewing location is a Project Linus drop-off point where you can bring your completed blankets to the store then they will be delivered to the local Project Linus Chapter. You can contact the Puyallup store directly at (253) 841-4288 or (800) 266-8842.

Pillowcase Patrol at the Sewing & Stitchery Expo
As a part of the “Million Pillowcase Project”, the 2011 Sewing & Stitchery Expo will be a collection point for handmade pillowcases. Create cheerful pillowcases for the children who are undergoing treatment at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital. Every person who brings pillowcases will be eligible for a fabulous door prize! Read here for more information and to download the pillowcase pattern.

Do you participate in a group that makes items for a charitable organization? Comment on this blog post and share other opportunities you may know about or participate in with our readers!


Gearing up for the 2011 Sewing & Stitchery Expo!

Wednesday, February 16th, 2011

Did you know the nation’s largest event for sewing enthusiasts takes place right here in the Pacific Northwest? The Sewing and Stitchery Expo is a non-profit educational event that features over 100 seminars daily, hands-on workshops, style shows and over 400 booths that specialize in the latest in fabrics, tools, and supplies! This year Sew Expo will be taking place March 3rd-6th at the Puyallup Fairgrounds. In addition to all the daily happenings, special guests Nancy Zieman and Ricky Tims will be flying in to make special appearances. Nancy will be presenting an exclusive never-before-seen program for the Expo audience. Ricky will be on the Expo Runway playing a grand piano, singing and quilting!

The Sew Expo has a new website that has all the details you need to know about the show. You can download a registration brochure which features all the seminar and class descriptions. Additionally you can register for the daily seminars on the Expo website. You can purchase Sew Expo tickets at all Quality Sewing locations while supplies last. Pre-sale tickets are only $10.00, they will be $12.00 the day of. The Sew Expo website also features an updated blog and some fun links including:
Pillowcase Patrol As a part of the “Million Pillowcase Project”, the 2011 Sewing & Stitchery Expo will be a collection point for handmade pillowcases. Create cheerful pillowcases for the children who are undergoing treatment at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital. Plus Buzz Tools Embroidery Designs has provided fun, juvenile embroidery designs for the pillowcases, these designs are available for download on the Sew Expo website. Every person who brings pillowcases to the Expo will receive one free spool of Coats & Clark thread and will be eligible for a door prize! Totebag Challenge- Make Your Own 2011 Souvenir Totebag Contest rules and free optional embroidery designs are available on the Expo website!

Be Sure to Visit the Quality Sewing Booths – This year we will have an expanded notions and thread booth in the Pavilion. We have been shopping and negotiating with our various vendors for several months to bring you an amazing array of hot buys! We have combed our stores for close-outs and one-of-a-kind items that will all be priced to sell fast. We will also feature the new items that Nancy Zieman will show in her seminars, all at special Expo prices. We have many sewing experts on-hand this year and this will be a great opportunity to meet them. Across from the notions booth in the Pavilion, we have multi-needle embroidery expert George Moore and special guests long arm quilting experts Donna Springer and Denice Applegate Schober. Be sure to visit Angela Mullins, our guest digitizing expert from Floriani in our main booth in the Showplex. Across from our main booth, we will have special guest Ed Moore, the lead designer for Koala Cabinets. This event is not to be missed as it only happens once a year! View our 2011 Sew Expo Buyers Guide that showcases all the fabulous deals to be had at this year’s event.