I am a Preferred Member at Joann's Fabric Store

Yes. I am special. I am a preferred member at Joann's. Do I purchase fabric there? No, I do not. I prefer to honor my local quilt shop (LQS) first with my dollars. Having owned my own bricks and mortar quilt shop, I know how difficult it is to keep it well stocked if people do not buy the fabric there. Since the prices are close enough (except for sales), why not give our small business owners the money instead?

Now that said, Joann's carries a lot of things you cannot get at our LQS. So I do shop there occasionally.  My dear daughter let me know you can apply for a preferred member card, which gives you 10% off your purchase every time you get something there. Good deal.

I received my first one over a year ago. Last month I went in and tried to use it, but it had expired. So I had to re-apply. Today I received an e-mail with a coupon for 20% off my entire purchase, including sale items. Too good to be true. I love their Halloween decorations, so perfect timing. Yeah!

Do you want to receive your preferred member card. Just click on the following link: http://www.joann.com/joann/common/content_custservice.jsp;jsessionid=382B648ED86CBBD6AA1EC28C793346F2.a5p1?catName=VIPDiscounts

Keep on Quilting!

Amish Country Quilt Show

Have you ever wanted to see those Amish quilts up close and personal. In June you will have a chance. If you live near Ohion or want to plan a super trip to see quilts, plan to attend this quilt show.

I received the following message today:

We are very excited to announce the dates for the 11th Annual Amish Country Quilt Show, June 7-9th, 2012 at the Buckeye Expo Center in Dalton OH. Keep an eye out for additional information about the Amish Country Quilt Show, or you can also go to the web site at http://www.amishcountryquiltshow.com/.

As stated on their website, there is a lot to do there:
Annual Quilt Contest
Quilt Seminars and Workshops
Amish Quilting Bee
Trained Sewing Instructor 3-Day Program.
          Learn more at http://www.trainedsewinginstructor.com/.
Quilt Displays
Quilt Appraisals
Quilt Guilds

I have never been, but I have been looking for somewhere that would be fun, different and away from the west coast. Perhaps this is it.

Keep on Quilting

Going to a long arm quilter? Here is a checklist before you go

Checklist for taking your quilt to a long arm quilter:

• Top and backing is pressed and clean
• Drape over padded hangers to prevent wrinkles
• Top and backing are accurately squared
• Backing and batting are at least 6" larger than the top and sides
• Top edges of quilt top and backing are marked
• Call ahead to schedule the quilting service
• Consider designs and patterns for the quilting for your quilt. The more planning you do, the happier you will be with the finished project.
• Decide on threads and batting. Discuss these with the quilter.
• Clearly communicate any ideas or thoughts you have with the quilter.
• Get a business card/phone number from the quilter.
• Get an estimated time the quilt will be ready for pick up. Know you are not their only customer, so do not expect it to be done within a few days.

Keep on Quilting