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"Just don't give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong." Ella Fitzgerald
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Dear Sewers of Memories,
A quilt, any quilt, you have made is a memory. You remember who or what inspired you to make it, you (hopefully) enjoyed selecting the fabrics and pattern and you remember that, and if you gave it away, that person remembers you every time he or she sees it. The quilt may record what you were experiencing at that time (while going through a divorce, a quilter made quilts she called “Chaos” and “Broken”), or what the recipient is experiencing (how many quilts have you made as wedding presents or for a new baby or for a ‘big boy bed’?). A few generations from now, one of your descendants may have one of your quilts appraised and find out that the fabrics date to the early 21st century and the quilt was made before robots with artificial intelligence produced quilts for people, a memory of a time past.
Let’s create a new memory! We have a QUILT CHALLENGE for you! On May 27 at 1pm, we’ll kick off the “Do You See What I See?” challenge. You will get to pick a picture from a box full of them (it is a blind pick; you won’t get to see the pictures first). The challenge is to use that picture as an inspiration for a quilt measuring 20” x 20”. You can recreate the picture, or use it as a starting point for something entirely different. For example, if the picture evokes an emotion in you, you could make a quilt that reflects that. If it’s a picture of the ocean, you could make a fish quilt. If there is a theme in the picture that appeals to you, you could make a quilt about that. We are going to include the kids, too. There will be prizes for different age groups. There is a small registration fee of $5 per person. All the details of the challenge will be revealed at the kickoff on May 27! Sign up online, by phone at 301-527-0598, or in the shop.
We are now officially in the AccuQuilt business! We have set up the machines and have many dies on display. We have mats and picks and storage systems. Come let one of the staffers give you a demonstration and find out how you can simplify the cutting process so that you have more time to sew. You’ll sew better, too, because all of your pieces will be cut perfectly. Accurate cutting is the beginning of a beautifully crafted quilt. If you already have a GO! machine and would like a die that I do not have in stock, I am more than happy to order dies for you. You can also shop for AccuQuilt machines, dies, and accessories at our website shop. Attend one of our introductory GO! sessions on June 22 & 23 to learn more. An AccuQuilt educator will be here to show us the ropes and share a trunk show with us. Sign up online, in the shop, or by calling us at 301-527-0598.
Get ready for “Sew Days”! If you are a beginning sewer, or if you want to make a small, quick project, these classes are for you. On six Thursday evenings, from 6:30-9, starting on June 14, we will have classes aimed at those who want to learn how to sew. The first project is a table runner. Bring your own machine if you have one; use one of ours if you don’t. Learn how to measure and cut fabric, sew a straight line, and do an easy mitered corner. The registration fee is just $5! Sign up online, by phone at 301-527-0598, or in the shop. Look for the supply list on our website.
If you would rather take a “Sew Days” class on a week day, please reply to this email and let us know. If there is enough interest, we’ll have a daytime class as well, on the same Thursdays, in the afternoon.
Go ‘n’ Piece,
Alison
FOR SALE: Handi Quilter Amara floor model with ProStitcher. The full retail price is $21,995. I am selling mine for $15,396.50, a savings of $6,598.50. It is practically new, and it has been gently used. It has Art & Stitch, which you can activate, for a fee, with Art & Stitch. Delivery is free within a 50 mile radius of the shop. Receive two free "Getting Started" classes, one for the Amara and one for ProStitcher. Includes a bobbin winder and a box of goodies (bobbins, oil, tools, thread). If you are interested, please contact me at alison@capitalquilts.com or 301-527-0598.
FOR SALE: brand new, still-in-the-box HQ Amara, with or without ProStitcher. Art & Stitch is not included. Price for the Amara: $9,595. 10’ or 12’ frame, your choice. Price for the Amara ProStitcher: $7,995. Amara and ProStitcher package: $17,495. If you live within 50 miles of the shop, you’ll save up to $415 in shipping and handling costs. Free “Getting Started” class(es), a bobbin winder, and a box of goodies (bobbins, oil, tools, thread) included. If you are interested, please contact me at alison@capitalquilts.com or 301-527-0598.
VENDOR SPECIALS
AccuQuilt: Save $20 off GO! Qube 6", 8", 9", and 12" Mix & Match Block Sets. Offer valid 5/8 - 5/14.
Handi Quilter: Handi Quilter is celebrating its 20th Anniversary! May 16-29, purchase any Handi Quilter longarm machine and receive financing $0 down, 0% interest with approved credit and 36-month terms AND pay only $20 in shipping.
Janome: Sewing machine acting its age? Need a lightweight model for classes and retreats? Now is a perfect time to get a new Janome sewing machine! The Janome Spring Sale is underway, through May 31, 2018. Save up to $1000 on the most popular models. Savings vary according to the model. Special Value on the Skyline 5: usually $1,499, the Spring Sale price is $999, a savings of $500. The Skyline 5 is one of our best sellers with great features like an automatic thread cutter, speed control, and memorized needle up/needle down. Hurry to take advantage of these prices.
NEW AND NOTEWORTHY
From Michael Miller, we have five bolts from Poetry in Motion, a classic, romantic floral collection. $12.50 per yard.
There's a whole crop of new Island Batiks; here we're showing just five of the more than 20 bolts we received. $12.99 per yard.
New Asians? Yes, please! These blue and green lovlies with delicate metallic accents are from Asian Garden by Oasis Fabrics. $11.99 per yard.
Do you love knits like we love knits? This STEM-themed cotton/spandex knit from Dear Stella is so much fun, and great for leggings, hoodies, and the like. $17.50 per yard.
Books are always on sale at Capital Quilts!
Amanda Murphy's Rulerwork Quilting Idea Book is a basic introduction to ruler work, with 59 different designs using 6 basic quilting ruler shapes, and Amanda's suggestions for filling the space with free-motion quilting. MSRP $19.95, CQ price only $16.96
In A Boy's Story, Anni Downs concentrates on boys, from the time they are born, until they are old men! There are 5 large quilts to make along with a door message sign, hot water bottles, PJ bag, cushion an more. Inside are 10 applique blocks, and 13 stitchery blocks to sew! MSRP $29.00, CQ price only $24.65!
CLASSES
Need help sandwiching a quilt? There are two spots available for Sandwich Night on Friday the 11th, one at 6 and one at 7. Call or sign up online.
WHOO’s ready to quilt? Join the Night Owl in-store retreat on Saturday, May 12, 6-midnight. Pizza, drinks, and a Capital Quilts Gift Card included!
If you have a Janome, why not sign up to have Marianne clean and oil your machine on Sunday, 5/13?
Does your serger have you stumped? Thinking about buying a serger and want to know more? Take Sergers Made Easy with Barbara Kascic on Tuesday, May 15, 10-1.
This month’s Tucker University is exploring the Corner Beam tool. Learn how to insert a sliver shape into your block, then twirl them and stack them for fun illusions. Looks hard but the sewing is easy! Tuesday, May 15, 2-5.
So you’ve made some quilt tops and it is time to quilt them. Learn the art and science of machine quilting in Machine Quilting for Beginners, May 15, 6:30-9, with a second class on May 22. Annette Burns is teaching.
ProStitcher is the Handi Quilter software that guides the longarm machine as it does the quilting for you. Learn how the software works and how to make it do what you want it to do in Getting Started: the Basics of ProStitcher Premium on Wednesday, May 16, 6-9. This is a pre-requisite class for renters who want to use ProStitcher. It is also an excellent way to learn about the software if you are considering purchasing it.
 Rag Baskets are all the rage! Take the class with Lois Sumser on May 17, 10:30-1:30 and learn how to turn clothesline and scraps of fabric into a lovely bowl. Great for Christmas presents!
If the big Handi Quilters intimidate you (they really shouldn’t, you know), try the little Simply Sixteen. Annette Burns will show you the ins and outs on Saturday, May 19, 10:30-12:30 in her Getting Started: the Simply Sixteen class. It is a pre-requisite for those who wish to rent the machine, and a great way to learn about it if you are considering buying one.
ProStitcher Premium: the Next Steps is a class for those who have taken the basic Getting Started class and want to know more. You will go more in depth on edge to edge quilting and start custom quilting. Class meets on Saturday, May 19, 1-4. Beth Morningstar is teaching.
Bruce is back on Sunday, May 20th. Please make an appointment now to have him clean your machine then.
SAVE THE DATE
June 1-3: QU Quilt Show at the Dulles Expo Center, Chantilly, VA
June 9 & 10: Annapolis Quilt Show, Annapolis, MD
June 21 - September 4: Row by Row Experience
June 22 & 23: AccuQuilt GO! Event
July 14, 3-6, Northcott Lecture and Trunk Show, featuring the new FIGO line
September 14 & 15: Handi Quilter Education Event
October 5 & 6: "Around the Block" Needlechasers Quilt Show, Kensington, MD
October 19-28: Quilters' Quest
October 19-20: Capital Quilts' Quilters' Quest Bus I
October 22-23: Capital Quilts' Quilters' Quest Bus II
COMMUNITY CORNER
Capital Quilts sent a box of kennel quilts to a shelter on Hawaii this week for animals who have been affected by the erupting volcano. We are still accepting Kennel Quilts for animals affected by natural disasters. Small Kennel Quilt kits are available in the shop; just ask for one!
BLUE BAG BONANZA
The May prize is a pack of 5” charm squares from Northcott’s Tuscana line.
To be entered in each month’s drawing, bring your Capital Quilts Blue Bag with you when you shop. Make sure you show it to the staffer at the register! Upon completion of your sales transaction, your name will be put in the jar for the drawing at the end of the month. The more you shop, the more chances you have to win. Don’t have a Blue Bag? Purchase one at the shop, by phone, or online for just $4.99. We save all of the entries for the year, and at the end of the year we draw a Grand Prize Winner from all the entries.
Sign up for our 5th Saturday Club! Purchase your Gold Tag for $10 and be able to participate in special sales on each of the four 5th Saturdays on 2018. The next one is at the end of June.
Our thanks to everybody who shops at Capital Quilts and who participates in the Blue Bag Bonanza.
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