Threading the Needle

Aftermath of Irene

Aug 302011

It’s been a very crazy week around here. First there was an earthquake and then 3 days later we felt the impact of Hurricane Irene. Both unusual occurances for us. Yes, being on the east coast in Maryland, we have a nor’easter every now and again but never the combination we just experienced.

All that is behind us now. Just have to get the kids started with their first day of school. That was supposed to happen last Monday but didn’t. Now that we have our power, cable and phone back we are ready to start back with the new website.

Hopefully everyone out there reading this blog is feeling the warm sunshine instead of the driving rain and are feeling relieved that we are able to pick up and march forward again. Our grass has never been this green in August….. ever!

Maybe there is a special someone who needs you to make them a quilt that they can cuddle up in to feel the love you have for them. hmmmmmm I feel a new project coming on!

Blessings and warm hugs to all of the hurricane suvivors out there!

A day away

Uncategorized Comments Off

Aug 152011

I’ve been working so very hard lately with the new website that I thought I would take my camera and head for the nearby Chesapeake Bay to watch the boats and try to have a little quiet time.

As it was nearing lunchtime, I ordered a nice salad at the local marina grill and while that was being made I took a couple of shots of the bayview that I was enjoying.

Such a serene spot complete with a promenade and full scale marina. There’s always some boating, biking and fishing action down here to watch.

There’s even a cute gazebo that offers shade and a welcome seat after a leisurely walk on the promenade.

Suddenly I heard my name being called and my salad was ready. I went to the pick up window and took a seat facing the water. Mmmmmmmm doesn’t my salad look good.

I stopped to enjoy the salads appearance and all of a sudden I found myself thinking about how I could make this salad in fabric using charm square packs or layer cakes. I guess I’m on image and website overload right about now! But, wouldn’t this be a great looking quilt that would make you salivate every time you saw it! Before I knew it the salad was gobbled up and I was on my way back to do some more work on the new website.

Hope you are all getting some time to dream about your next quilting project.

So you think the same needle will last for the life of your machine

Machine Needles Comments Off

Aug 042011

It always amazes me that such a simple thing as replacing the needle in your machine can make such a difference to your projects. Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t keep a chart on when I last replaced the needle but I try to make it a point to do it with each quilt project. It’s not a big deal—- really it’s not!

You will be amazed how much better the needle will glide in and out of the fabric. No ripped or shredded threads either. How crazy does it make you feel when the thread keeps shredding and breaking? That’s usually due to a little spur in the eye of the needle.

Let’s make a pact to change the needle more often, drop a little oil into the bobbin case and always make sure the dust bunnies are removed from the throat plate area.

Need needles? Try Schmetz needles size 12 and size 14. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed!

Just 5 Months and Counting

Holiday Fabric Collections Comments Off

Aug 012011

Are you getting ready to sew your holiday quilts yet? There’s only 5 months and counting left you know. New into my online shop this week is a very special holiday fabric collection from Moda’s Deb Strain called Nature’s Gift. The holidays are a perfect time to focus on nature’s gifts and the rich palette they provide. In contrast to the clean white snow, evergreen boughs, holly & ivy create a range of green from dark to light. Winter flowers bloom in the deepest red and most delicate whites. It is no wonder our favorite and most traditional colors of the holidays are red, green & white. A true gift from nature to enjoy the holidays. Join us online to view this glorious new fabric collection today! Enjoy these patterns that use Nature’s Gift fabric Time to start thinking about your holiday quiltmaking. Don’t stress over the holidays this year —– Get started right now!

Jump in now and join the fun!

Block of the Month Comments Off

Jul 272011

Are you gong to join us when we begin our Block of the Month programs this fall? Visit the website to see our choices for new monthly projects that will have you jumping for joy! We will be starting these new BOM’s soon, so don’t miss out! Get yourself in gear and begin a new quilting adventure with thethriftyneedle.com. The block of the month shown, is called Love Letters from Sheri Falls of This & That pattern fame. It will be just one of the lovely projects we will be starting.

Generals’ Wives fabric group by Windham

Block of the Month Comments Off

May 272011

I’ve just seen my fabric reps from quilt market and I’ve ordered the Windham fabric group called Generals’ Wives. This fantastic collection is being offered here at thethriftyneedle.com as a BOM (aka Block of the Month). Pattern designed by Jerry Stube and wonderful Windham reproduction fabrics by Nancy Gere. It’s a fun filled 12 month project which will arrive in your home mailbox with patterns, fabrics and a brief history lesson about 12 famous Civil War Generals and their wives. You’ll learn while you quilt with this unique project. Registration is now open so jump onto thethriftyneedle.com to hold your spot! Best to sign up early as this one will fill fast for sure! Looking forward to hearing from you!

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Aftermath of Irene

A day away

So you think the same needle will last for the life of your machine

Just 5 Months and Counting

Jump in now and join the fun!

Generals’ Wives fabric group by Windham