Personalize your Christmas Stockings

Ad each family members name to their stockings so that everyone remembers whose stocking is whose.

Here are 2 that a customer brought in for personalizing.  

Take it in Chunks with Chocolate

My tip for this week is to take it in chunks with chocolate.

I had a customer bring in a quilt that she had finished and the quilt was beautiful.  She said that it had taken her a long time to get it done because she was afraid to start.  She loved the quilt but because the pattern was something new that she had never done before it took her a long time to get the momentum/courage to start.

If this is you, my best advice is to pick a fabric that you are excited about.  There is no regulation in place that you have to follow the cover.  Get creative and have fun with it.  Be sure to read the instructions carefully.  If the instructions are intimidating all at once then brake them down in to chunks with chocolate.  If this is still confusing or seems to big then do smaller chunks.  Also, don't be afraid to ask questions of friends or family.  Even your local quilt guild or quilt shop can help.  These resources can also be great at helping you break it down into the chunks.

Customers bring in quilts all the time and we go over the instructions breaking it down into chunks that seem manageable.  Often times they will come back at intervals to go over the instructions again.  No problem.  That is what we are here for.

Be sure to include chocolate with each chunk either at the beginning of the process, during the process, or after the process.  Also, don't be afraid to walk away if it gets stressful.  Sometimes we need a break.  I consider this as breaking it down into smaller chunks and always include chocolate.  Definitely reward yourself for what you have accomplished.  Every little bit that you accomplish on a difficult pattern is an accomplishment and should be celebrated.

Chocolate is one way to celebrate.    

Happy Quilting!

Kate

Every quilt has a story

It is true.  Every quilt has a story.  Every quilt that comes into our shop has a story and I love to hear them!

Recently a customer brought in a quilt to be machine quilted that she had been working on for the last 10 years for her dad.  He is 70+ and runs in marathons.  She has been working on a quilt made from t-shirts that he has worn at various events.  She was very creative in her borders and added hand embroidery to make them look like a road.  It gives me happy chills when I see these quilts and have the privilege of helping these quilters keep memories alive.

This is, for me, what quilting is all about.

Keeping family quilting traditions alive

Helping families keep their quilting traditions alive is what we do.

This is not just a saying at Kate's Quilting Block.  This is what we do not only for our customers but for our family as well.  

Recently my mom passed away and I have been finding quilts and quilt tops that she started and was not able to finish.  In true quilter heritage fashion I am finishing them up using my skills of machine quilting, embroidery, and binding.  This one in progress on the quilting machine just needed borders and some personalization.

I personalized the quilt with machine embroidery on one of the borders.  Unfortunately I did it in the same shade of brown so you can't see it.  But it is there!

I also used a polyester batting to make it warm and cuddly.  

All of us at Kate's Quilting Block wish you a 
Merry Christmas.  

We invite you to visit us at our new location beginning January 2, 2014 in Lindon, Ut.

The address is:
62 W 450 N Lindon, UT.

Kate's Quilting Block is moving!

Kate's Quilting Block is moving and we are having a sale.  
40% off all merchandise in store 
(includes clearance)  

Sale begins Thursday December 12, 2013 and
will end on Tuesday December 24, 2013 at 2:00 pm.  


Come early for best selection.

December 24, 2013 will be our last day at the Pleasant Grove location.

We will be moving over Christmas and New Year's and will start the new year off in our Lindon location beginning January 2, 2014.



New location address: 
62 W 450 N Lindon, UT 84042 (large building in back) 

Thanksgiving Holiday Hours here at Kate's.  

For the Thanksgiving holiday we will be closing at 2:00 pm on Wednesday November 27, 2013 and will be closed through Saturday November 30, 2013.

All of us at Kate's Quilting Block wish all of you a safe and Happy Thanksgiving holiday.

Every pillowcase has a story. 
The stories continue to pour in — stories of hope and comfort for sick kids, homeless families,
and people who need to know someone cares. And each story is the result of someone like you,
who uses her love of quilting or sewing to send caring messages to people in need.

The American Patchwork & Quilting 1 Million Pillowcase Challenge continues – and they need
our help to reach their goal of providing 1,000,000 pillowcases to people who need to know
someone cares. The need is great. Our compassion as quilters is greater.

Pillowcases are a quick and easy project (and a great way to use up your stash). Even if you’ve
never sewn before, you can make a pillowcase. The challenge website has free patterns and a
how-to video to make it even easier!  You can also bring your pillowcase in to Kate's Quilting Block and we will be happy to help you.  For more information, to check the counter and download free patterns, visit the 1 Million Pillowcase Challenge website: AllPeopleQuilt.com/millionpillowcases.

So far, more than half a million pillowcases have been recorded on their website.  If you would like to participate with Kate's Quilting Block in this challenge just bring in your finished pillowcases no appointment is necessary.  We will add them to our collection and will donate them to a local charity.  The charity we choose varies per year and the amount of pillowcases we receive.

Class registration now open 24/ 7 -

You can now register for our classes anytime.  Here at Kate's Quilting Block we are pleased to announce that we now have online class registration available for our classes.  We feel that this will make the class registration process easier and more convenient for everyone.  Class registrations will still be accepted in store, by mail, or over the phone.  Currently there are just a couple of classes but as we fill the calendar with our fall schedule more will be added.  Be sure to visit often to see what new classes have been added or subscribe to our newsletter here to receive class announcement/reminders, sale dates, and events happening at Kate's.   To check out the registration page click here.    

This year's Semi-annual June Buck A Block began on Monday.  There are a few spaces left so don't wait long to sign up.  This BOM is designed for quilters of all skill levels.

Here are the details on the Buck A Block.  There is a $15.00 registration fee to participate.  Then each month you pick up your block kit for $1.00.  If you miss a month the kit is $3.00 or if you would like to purchase extras they are also $3.00. You have the entire month to pick up your block during business hours.

Also, don't forget to take a peek at our $5.00/yd cotton fabrics.  These will be available while supplies last.

Class size matters -

Numerous studies show class size matters at all age levels.  So no matter what your age the quality of education you receive, in whatever area you choose to learn about, is important.  Research shows that smaller class sizes are strongly linked with increased achievement in education.  Smaller class sizes have a positive impact on the clarity of presentation, the teacher's effectiveness, the attention paid to students, and the quality of the education.

Here at Kate's Quilting Block we are committed to life long learning.  Our goal is to help you be the best quilter you can be.  In keeping with that goal we have smaller classes enabling each student to participate in a more relaxed environment.  Students do not feel intimidated while gaining answers to their questions. This enables them to grow and achieve their goals.  

To register for classes or to receive more information regarding our classes please signup for our newsletter or contact us at info@katesquiltingblock.com or at 801-796-1533.

Easter Basket Giveaway

Easter is here and so is our Easter Basket Giveaway.  This year's basket is full of fun items that all quilters and sewers alike can use.  And yes, we even included chocolate.  With each purchase of $25.00 or more you will receive an entry for the drawing.  The last day to enter the drawing will be March 30, 2013.

"Quilts Talk"
Quilt Contest!

What is your quilts story?  Each quilt has a story and we want to hear it.  We are starting spring off with a Quilt Contest called "Quilts Talk". 

How to enter - 

To enter this quilt contest you will need to come in to Kate’s and pick up a registration form.  Along with the registration form you will need to bring the quilt you want to enter, a picture of the same quilt, and a type written story/history of the quilt. All skill levels are welcome to participate and each quilt will be judged based on the following criteria - the story, character of the quilt, and overall design.

The last day to have your entry in by is March 20, 2013.

Visit the store for more details.  

February Clearance Sale 

This Thursday thru Saturday.

Sale dates Feb. 21-23, 2013 

Assorted Cottons, Flannels, Kits, and patterns 30%-40% OFF.

BOGO - Fat Bundles Buy 1 Get 1 Half off. (of equal or lesser value)

Fat Quarters $2.00 ea.

Stash Builder Sets 30% OFF

and more

Free pattern to the first 45 customers.

This is an in store only event.  

Sewing with Minky Successfully Part Two

My simple suggestions for working with minky -

Minky Strips

Cutting:  Never cut with a dull blade or scissors.  The pile of most minky's is way to thick and a dull instrument will not give you the clean cut needed to minimize shedding.  Always replace a rotary cutter blade if you suspect it of being dull.  You can always mark the blades with masking tape for later use with fabrics not needing an absolute sharp blade.

Tidying as you cut: Use a sticky lint roller to pick up the shedded fibers off of the minky as you cut.  This minimizes the minky fluff from going all over everything and helps to keep it somewhat contained.  It also helps make clean up easier if you are doing what you can as you go along.
Also keeping a vacuum handy is a good way to keep the fuzz under control.  You will need to vacuum the entire area after you are finished cutting and sewing.

Seam Allowance:  The recommended seam allowance on minky is 1/2 inch.  Minky tends to curl so the 1/2 inch gives you room to sew without catching the curl.  Take your time when sewing minky.  This fabric does not respond well when sewn at fast speeds.  I find that it tends to slip and stretch when sewn at high speeds.

Sewing: I have heard many ladies mention that you need a walking foot to sew on minky.  I disagree.  In my opinion a walking foot stretches the fabric.  When sewing knits (this is where the knit characteristic comes in) in most cases you do not want them stretching.  When knits are stretched while sewing they tend to come out with a ripple effect.  Minky can do the same.  Now if you are wanting a ruffle effect stretching is definitely something that you want to do.

Sew at a slower speed not a fast one.  This minimizes sliding along with pinning.  You can also minimize the sliding by hand basting your pieces together.

Remove your pins as you sew. Do not sew over your pins.  This can cause the needle to break and cut a hole in your minky.

Pinning

Pinning: While sewing minky you will see some sliding.  It is very important that you have a lot of pins on hand and pin minky prior to sewing.  You want to pin farther apart than every couple of inches.  I recommend about 1 to 1.5 inches apart.   I also like to use binding hem clips in place of pins depending on the project.   I especially like to use them when binding with minky.

Have Patience and Be Flexible:  Minky is a specialty fabric and has its own characteristics.  Be willing to work with the fabric.  Never work with minky when tired or upset.  It has the potential of driving you nuts if you are tired and increasing your frustration if you are upset.

I hope that these tips and suggestions help to make your minky project a success.

Happy snuggling!

Kate

Sewing with Minky Successfully Part One

Snuggly Cuddle by Shannon Fabrics

Here at Kate's a lot of you have been asking how to sew on Minky.  So here are some suggestions and little information to help you better understand minky.  I have broken it up into two parts to make it easier to read.

1. First we recommend starting off with a good quality minky.  There are many types and qualities of minky out there.  We prefer the Snuggly Cuddle fabric by Shannon Fabrics it is of the finest quality and works up the best.
2. Our favorite tools when working with Minky fabrics:

• Rotary cutter with sharp blade.  
• Sticky Lint Roller
• Scissors
• Pins or binding hem clips

3. Minky is a specialty fabric and with some of the fabrics has a definite nap. For those of you who may not know what a nap is the definition is below.

• Nap:  part of a fabric that is usually directional in nature or going only one way.  Good examples of fabric with naps are corduroy and velvet.  These fabrics when smoothed with the hand in one direction, are typically shiny and are not shiny when smoothed the other direction.

Along with a nap minky is very stretchy.  I have heard some refer to it as a knit.  I agree with it being a knit yet considering the nature of minky and some of its unique characteristics I lean more to distinguishing it in its own category of a specialty fabric.  For me the reasons are because minky is like a knit in that it is stretchy so you have to that into consideration when choosing minky for a project.  Also it is kind of like fur.  In that it sheds a great deal and depending on the type of design on the minky it only lays one direction.  Also minky on the wrong/backside side of the fabric is kind of satiny; making it slippery to work with.

These reasons are why I, call it and treat it, like a specialty fabric.  Each specialty fabric has its own quirks and minky is no different.  Now I know all of this kind of sounds a little intimidating.  But it really isn't.  If you follow a few simple suggestions it works out beautifully.  (see part two for these suggestions)

Happy snuggling!

Kate

It's in the Bag Savings

It's in the Bag Savings Event is
Wednesday - Saturday,
June 13-16, 2012.  


Receive 20% OFF all regular priced items that will fit in the bag.  
Bags are available in store beginning Wednesday June 13th.   

Fat Quarter Frenzy Today

Our monthly Fat Quarter Frenzy Event is today.  5 for $10.00 Don't miss your chance to pick up your favorites.

Fabric Colors - Color Basics

Color Wheel

Ever wonder about what category a certain color falls under?  Here is a quick synopsis to help figure out this question.

Colors are described as cool or warm depending on its position in the color spectrum and the hues of its nearest neighboring color.

Red, orange and yellow are warm colors, while violet and blue are cool colors.  Green is said to be the most neutral color.

Colors are further categorized into primary, secondary and tertiary colors.  Primary colors are blue, red, and yellow.  These are pure colors that have no component other than themselves.

Secondary colors are orange, green and purple.  These are composed of the primary colors on either side of it on the color wheel. Orange is made form red and yellow, Green is made of yellow and blue, Purple is made of blue and red.

Tertiary colors are orange-red, orange-yellow, yellow-green, blue-green, blue-purple, and red-purple.  Tertiary colors assume more of one color than the other.

Pattern Party Winner!

  Congratulations to Wendy the winner of this quarters Pattern Party Open House Door Prize drawing.

Come party with us!  It's not to late to join the fun.  Click here to download our latest newsletter with all of our Pattern Party, Block of the Month, and class information.

Mystery Quilt Block of the Month

What is a Mystery Quilt? Well... it’s a mystery.   Everyone needs a little mystery in their lives.  Come solve the mystery with us! 

You don’t know what the quilt is going to look like until you receive the last clue.  Each month there will be a new clue or step in making the quilt.  The quilt will be displayed at the end, but by then you will already know what it will look like.   

Each clue and kit will be released on the 5th of each month. 

Beginning January 2012. 

No earlier.  Registration fee includes first months clue and kit.

Block of the Month starts - January 5, 2012

Click here to register.

  

Mystery Quilt Fabrics