New look. Same content.  Do you like it?

Along with the fresh, new look come some changes in services offered for 2018:

* Sewing classes.
* Technical editing services for quilt pattern designers.
* Sewing supplies via the Etsy shop.

* Memory quilts
* T-Shirt quilts
* Custom sewing for hire
The opportunity to pursue my Reading Endorsement at a reasonable cost through my school district appeared shortly before Christmas. It means six months of intense focus on the program, but by the end of May, I’ll have an in-demand subject area to add to my teaching certificate, plus will have saved myself several thousand dollars in the process. It will add value to my current position with the school district, plus potentially open up new opportunities for me.

As much as I enjoy making quilts, they are quite labor intensive. So, no quilts for hire until mid-summer – at the earliest.

If you are a private school or home school parent (or a friend of mine) interested in private sewing lessons for your children/small group, a limited number of openings are available in my Smyrna studio.  Ages 8 & up.  Parents/caregivers are welcome to stay. Please contact me directly for more details.

Since my day job is that of a teacher for the local school district and to keep in compliance with certain school board rules, I offer group classes through a local quilt shop and at an area arts center. Chances are, if your student attends Cobb schools, I will direct you to Stitch N Quilt or Mable House to see what classes are currently being offered.   Private lessons are also available at the shop.  Contact Stitch N Quilt at 770-944-3356 regarding availability.

Happy 2018!

Have you ever thought of not gifting something tangible to the people in your life?  Gasp!  Shock!  Horror!

Why not gift them an “experience” instead?
-Tickets to a concert or play.
-A meal at their favorite restaurant (or a gift card if you’re out of town).
-A gift card to *that* bookstore, coffee shop or stationery store.
-Classes to learn a new hobby.

For sewing folks:

1. Sewing classes offered by local quilt shops, recreation centers and big box craft stores, if you aren’t inclined to teach the recipient yourself.
2. Tickets to the big sewing expo if it comes to your town.
3. Online sewing classes offered by Craftsy or similar platforms.
4. Annual membership to Pattern Review, Modern Quilt Guild, American Sewing Guild, QNNtv (F+W Media video channel now part of The Quilting Company).
5. Gift card to their favorite fabric store, complete with chauffeur (you) and lunch.
6. Subscription to their favorite sewing or craft magazine.

If you give a tangible item(s) as a gift, be deliberate and thoughtful in your giving. Be sure to give them something they can actually use, rather than something that will take up space.

For a beginning/returning sewist:
1. Quality thread in white, natural, light gray or light beige.
2. FQ bundle in solids, a favorite color way or theme.
3. 5 pack of rotary cutter blades.
4. Needle packs (Schmetz Chrome Microtex Size 12/80 anyone?)
5. Nice scissors (Gingher or their favorite brand).
6. Superfine glass head pins and a magnetic pincushion.

If your favorite sewist has some experience, listen carefully. They are bound to tell you exactly which fabric line, book or sewing notion they’d love to have.

Some of my most favorite gifts have been my birthday “day trip” last year to Missouri Star Quilt Company, a weekend quilting class at the John C. Campbell Folk School and my subscription to QuiltFolk.

If you are able to gift the “machine of her dreams” without breaking the bank, then by all means go for it!  You’ll have a very grateful stitcher on your hands.

Merry Christmas!

Peace.