Quilting Bee

Anka's Baby Quilt

2010-12-07T22:58:00.004-06:00

2010-12-03T09:42:00.002-06:00

Anka is sharing photos of her quilts. Here is one. There are more to come.

Please go to http://marysquiltingbee.blogspot.com/2006/06/chat-room.html for more discussion.

Thank you, Anka, for showing us this beautiful work!

Machine Quilting

2009-10-31T12:51:00.002-05:00

"Pat Sloan introduces her favorite tools and supplies for machine quilting, explains how to prepare a top for quilting, and instructs you in her signature style of free-motion machine quilting. Based on a class she teaches, the approach is easy, fast-paced, and will have you quilting free-motion swirls, curves, and other shapes in no time! After working on practice pieces and a project or two, you will soon find yourself free-motion machine quilting with confidence!
Book features basic machine quilting instructions plus 6 projects: Sew Simple table runner (using fabric swatches), The Joy of Sewing wall hanging, Sunflowers Forever wall hanging, Chantilly Beach Roses throw, and Butterfly Garden quilt and pillow shams." (Quoted from Amazon.com)

Diagonal Corners

2009-04-30T07:40:00.004-05:00

Here is an instructional quilting tip by Pam Bono. This is a demonstration of the use of the angler (quilting template) to create diagonal corners easily. To see more of her instructional quilting videos visit www.pambonodesigns.com

2009 Shiner Texas Quilting Show by Victoria Advocate Video

2009-03-19T11:57:00.021-05:00

Look what the Victoria Advocate newspaper says in its video about the Shiner Quilt Car. In it Linda Rigby, Shiner Heritage Quilters Guild President, explains more about the Quilt Car.

All the activities and excitement start tomorrow, Friday, March 20.

Bring all your things that need a sharp edge for Hayward Erwin, the Scissor Guy, from Riverside, Texas, to sharpen. He will be there all day long both days.

Take your breaks and eat breakfast, lunch, and supper (details here) at the Antiques, Art, and Beer in the middle of town on Highway 90A. Owner Beverly Sanders always does everything with excellent flair. You'll love the experience. Pssst ... Tell her Mary and Paul sent you for 10% off on any merchandise.

For more information on the Quilt Show times, activities, and location, follow this link.

Learn more about all the activities in Shiner, Texas, at www.ShinerTX.com.

Bring your family, and join the fun!
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Video--2009 Shiner Texas Quilt Show

2009-03-17T21:49:00.000-05:00

Join us at the 2009 Shiner, Texas, Quilt Show, "Spring Into Quilting!" on Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21.

For more information, see this post or go to www.ShinerTX.com.

See y'all there!

2009 Shiner, Texas, Quilt Show Report In The Victoria Advocate

2009-03-17T20:33:00.003-05:00

Look what the newspaper, the Victoria Advocate has to say about the Shiner 2009 Quilt Show, "Spring Into Quilting."

It all starts this Friday, March 20!

And don't miss the Wolters Museum either.
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2009 Texas Quilt Show in Shiner | Donation Quilt - Block Challenge

2009-03-17T18:32:00.025-05:00

Above is a picture of the beautiful donation quilt and other unique quilted items that are included in the fundraising project raffle.

Below, these two pictures show the blocks that have been entered in the block challenge contest. The judging will be by the attendees at the Shiner 2009 Heritage Quilt Show, March 20 &21 -- Learn more.

For more of the events in Shiner, Texas, go to www.ShinerTX.com.

2009 Texas Quilt Show in Shiner

2009-03-17T10:06:00.008-05:00

There is a lot going on March 20 and 21 at the 2009 Shiner Heritage Quilt Show!

There will be:

hand and machine quilting demonstrations
door prizes given by various vendors
donation quilt tickets

member challenge block contest (members have been given a 12 inch piece of fabric and have created a 12 1/2 inch block, these blocks are grouped in a special display and attendees are encouraged to vote for their favorite, ribbons for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places given),
viewer's choice, (1st, 2nd, and 3rd place given)

Entries will be coming from Brenhem, Houston, Hallettsville, Yoakum, Moulton, Cuero, Belton, Seguin, and Mountain Home, as well as Shiner. There will be a lot of excitement!

Learn more, and join us March 20 and 21 in Shiner, TX.
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The Scissor Guy | Shiner Quilting Show And Exhibit

2009-03-16T13:34:00.008-05:00

Hayward Erwin has accepted the title of "The Scissor Guy." He said so many people referred to him this way, he simply found it easier to answer to that name than anything else.

Hayward Erwin, The Scissor Guy, Sharpens Scissors And Tools At Shiner, Texas, Quilt Show.

Erwin goes to quilt shows around the country sharpening scissors. However, he doesn't limit himself to scissors. He encourages people to bring anything that needs sharpening: pinking shears, knives of all types, and some lawn & garden tools, such as hedge clippers.

Nope, no chain saws. ... But if enough people ask ...

Bring all your scissors and anything that needs an edge to the 2009 Shiner Quilt Show, March 20 and 21.
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Shiner on The Texas Quilting Trail 2009 | Antiques, Art, and Beer

2009-03-16T11:32:00.011-05:00

The Meeting And Watering Place In Shiner Has Special "Quilting Hours" During Shiner's Quilt Show!

Beverly Sanders the Chief in charge of the Antiques, Art, and Beer will be open Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. till midnight on the ‘quilting days’ and to serve kolaches in the a.m. and sausage wraps from noon on both days, as well as tons of beer, water, etc.

How about Shiner Bock on tap? ... or any of her other specialty and imported beers and wines. Antiques, Art, and Beer is right on the main drag in the middle of Shiner convenient to all the activities. Take your breaks at AA&B or finish a great day during the Quilt Show.

Oh, yeah ... Beverly has a lot of memorabilia. Is some of it useful for quilts? You bet! Eat, drink, and look 'em over!

So, Beverly and her troops will be there with bells on for hours upon hours both days! They are also open as usual on Sunday.

Run on over to AA&B and tell Beverly and her crew that Mary and Paul sent you! You'll be glad you did!
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2009 Texas Quilt Show Trail | Shiner, Texas, "Spring Into Quilting"

2009-03-15T13:29:00.033-05:00

The excitement is building! People will be coming from distant places to the Shiner, Texas, 2009 Heritage Quilt Show!

There will be entries from Brenhem, Houston, Hallettsville, Yoakum, Moulton, Cuero, Belton, Seguin, and Mountain Home, as well as Shiner.

The unique Quilt Car will be on display.

Have you ever seen a "quilt car?" The Shiner Heritage Quilters have sewn a car cover made of many pieced quilt blocks that completely covers a car. I have included the picture. This car will also pull a small trailer that will be decorated with quilts and carry a manikin rocking in a chair and, of course, quilting as well!

The car will be parked in several locations in downtown Shiner to promote a quilt and needle art show on Friday, March 20th and Saturday, March 21st, at the United Methodist Church Activity Center, 102 W. Church St. (off Hwy 90A). There will be over 100 quilt and needle art items, vendors, quilting demonstrations, food and drink concession, and a very special Bible-themed entry section in each category.

March 21st is the first day of spring, March is International Quilting month, and March 21st is National Quilting Day. Shiner is celebrating it all!

Get all the details of the Shiner Heritage 2009 Quilt Show
“Spring Into Quilting”

Find out more about the 2009 Half Moon Holidays celebration July 3 & 4 and a bunch of other exciting city events in this delightful small town at the Chamber of Commerce site -- www.ShinerTx.com.
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2009 Texas Quilt Show & Summer Youth Quiltmaking Project in Shiner, TX

2009-03-14T15:10:00.013-05:00

The Shiner Heritage Quilters who are sponsoring the 2009 Spring Into Quilting Show have a very successful and active program of quiltmaking classes for the youth of the area in the Shiner Public Library.

Here are some pictures from the 2008 classes.

The Guild provides all fabric and instructions free of charge. It is our way reaching the community's youth and encouraging appreciation and understanding of quiltmaking. We teach the classes at the Shiner Public Library for four days in July. Students complete a quilted wall hanging. The Guild members provide instruction and "tlc". The pictures were taken at the close of the classes when parents were invited to a little closing ceremony and reception at the library.

For more information about the March 2009 Quilting Show in Shiner, Texas, or the Summer Youth Quiltmaking Classes contact Irene Cerny - igcerny@gvec.net, or 361-594-3185.
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Shiner Heritage Quilt Show 2009 | Antique Friendship Quilt

2009-03-13T10:29:00.010-05:00

These pictures are from an antique friendship quilt that will be in a special display at the Shiner Heritage Quilt Show 2009.

The names are of community leaders during the early and middle 1900's. Because all are now deceased, it is quite a special quilt. The embroidered and appliquéd block also depicts hand work methods of the early 1900's.

Join us on March 20 - 21. We'll all have a great time!
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Shiner, TX, 2009 Quilt Show & Summer Quilting Project

2009-03-12T15:10:00.013-05:00

Here are pictures of the Summer Youth Quiltmaking classes sponsored by the Shiner Heritage Quilters.

The Guild provides all fabric and instructions free of charge. It is our way reaching the community's youth and encouraging appreciation and understanding of quiltmaking. We teach the classes at the Shiner Public Library for four days in July. Students complete a quilted wall hanging. The Guild members provide instruction and "tlc". The pictures were taken at the close of the classes when parents were invited to a little closing ceremony and reception at the library.

For more information about the March 2009 Quilting Show in Shiner, Texas, or the Summer Youth Quiltmaking Classes contact Irene Cerny - igcerny@gvec.net, or 361-594-3185.

2009 National Quilting Day In Shiner, TX | The Quilt Car

2009-03-11T09:47:00.003-05:00

Have you ever seen a "quilt car?" The Shiner Heritage Quilters have sewn a car cover made of many pieced quilt blocks that completely covers a car. I have included the picture. This car will also pull a small trailer that will be decorated with quilts and carry a manikin rocking in a chair and, of course, quilting as well!

The car will be parked in several locations in downtown Shiner to promote a quilt and needle art show on Friday, March 20th and Saturday, March 21st, at the United Methodist Church Activity Center, 102 W. Church St. (off Hwy 90A). There will be over 100 quilt and needle art items, vendors, quilting demonstrations, food and drink concession, and a very special Bible-themed entry section in each category.

March 21st is the first day of spring, March is International Quilting month, and March 21st is National Quilting Day. Shiner is celebrating it all!

2009 Shiner, Texas, Quilting Show | The Scissor Guy

2009-03-10T18:08:00.007-05:00

Well, I spoke directly to The Scissor Guy, Hayward Erwin, and he said he sharpens a lot of things other than all manner of scissors.

Pinking Shears
Knives - all kinds
Some yard & lawn implements, such as hedge clippers, etc.

Unfortunately, he doesn't do chain saws. But I suppose they aren't used much in the sewing, quilting, curtain, or upholstery businesses ... at least not in their manufacture.[weak grin]

Anyway, he will be there all day long on both days of the Shiner Heritage 2009 Quilt Show,“Spring Into Quilting,” March 20-21, so bring anything you've got that needs a sharp edge.

By the way, he says he is able to get everything done during the shows, but will mail any back to you, if he isn't able to handle the work load, so don't worry about overloading Hayward.

2009 Quilt Show - Shiner, Texas | Scissors Need to be Sharp!

2009-03-09T19:54:00.008-05:00

Bring your Scissors to Hayward Erwin - Scissors sharpened all day, each day during Shiner Heritage Quilt Show.

Hayward Erwin, The Scissor Guy from Riverside, Texas, will be at the Shiner Heritage 2009 Quilt Show,“Spring Into Quilting,” March 20-21. He sharpens all manner of scissors and other tools for a small fee, so be sure to bring yours with you when you come.

Erwin retired from teaching in 1997, and began traveling and sharpening scissors and other tools, and works his "hobby" full-time.

Some customers who have met him at various shows or places mail their scissors to his home for sharpening. Owners pack the scissors in several layers of bubble-wrap, and then package them. He uses the same packaging to mail them back.

He currently follows a select route in South Central Texas, and his customers have learned when and where to expect him. Erwin even goes as far as Tennessee, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma and Louisiana, offering his services at local quilt shows, cloth shops, upholstery stores and window-treatment shops.

On a good day, he can sharpen up to 120 pairs of scissors, although he noted that pinking shears are the hardest type to sharpen. He uses a Foley Bell Saw, made by a very old company by the same name.

He is very careful with family heirlooms. He loves the stories and people behind the scissors; their history, if you will. That's what makes his job so special to him; hearing the stories behind the various tools/scissors he sharpens. So, if you have a good story that goes with your scissors, tell it.

The Scissor Guy
Hayward Erwin
P.O. Box 944
Riverside, TX 77367
936-581-2454

Shiner, Texas, Quilting Show 2009 - The Quilt Car!

2009-03-09T13:46:00.011-05:00

Come join the fun!

Linda Rigby, President of the Shiner Heritage Quilters, hands the keys of the special quilt car to Marilyn Parker, President of the Shiner Chamber of Commerce for "a spin around the town."

Pictured l to r: Front row: Diane’ Lott, Irene Cerny, Marilyn Parker, Linda Rigby; Back row: Loretta Krejci, Iva Harbers, Carol Pratka, Deloris Gaus, Rae Nell Janik, Betty Kloesel and Tammy Frietsch. Both organizations have planned activities to welcome the spring season to Shiner.

The Shiner Heritage Quilters are sponsoring a quilt/needle art show on Friday, March 20th, (9 - 6) and Saturday, March 21st, (9 - 4) at the First United Methodist Church Activity Center. The show includes quilts, needle art, a special Bible-themed exhibit, vendors, the Scissors Guy, quilting demonstrations, a donation quilt, a challenge block display and food/drink concession. Admission is $3.00 each day.

The Shiner Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a trade fair located along the main street of downtown Shiner on Saturday, March 21st. A citywide garage sale is also planned. Call Bernice Jalufka, 594-4180, for additional information.

The Edwin Wolters Museum, 306 S. Ave. I, will have an "airing of the quilts" on Friday, March 20th (8 - 5) and Saturday, March 21st (8 -4). The beautiful and historic antique quilts and needle art collections, plus bonnets and aprons will be featured.

Shiner will be bursting with activities for the first day of spring. You're going to love it!

Texas Quilting Show in Shiner

2009-03-03T13:38:00.002-06:00

Look, the Texas Highways site is promoting the quilting show in Shiner, TX, later this month.

http://www.texashighways.com/index.php/component/content/article/55-events?event=31849

Need quick break later this month? Go to Shiner and see their quilt show.

Oh, yes, the Shiner Chamber of Commerce is having a big garage sale and Trade Fair that same weekend. Check it out.

A lot is going on that weekend! Go to Shiner so you don't miss it!

Quilting Show in Shiner, Texas

2009-02-27T00:33:00.001-06:00

Shiner Heritage 2009 Quilt Show
“Spring Into Quilting”--A Texas Quilt Show

DATES: Friday, March 20, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturday, March 21, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

LOCATION: First United Methodist Church Activity Center, 102 W. Church St, (off Hwy 90A) Shiner, TX.

Antique and modern quilts and needle art; vendors, “The Scissors Guy”, demonstrations, food/drink concessions, special display featuring Bible-themed quilts; block challenge; donation quilt; $3.00 admission daily.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Irene Cerny, Email: igcerny@gvec.net; Phone: 361-594-3185

And an additional event on Saturday, March 21st, is a downtown trades fair; gift items, crafts, a garage sale area, and food booth

WEB SITE: www.shinertx.com; EMAIL: shinerchamber@sbcglobal.net; PHONE: 361-594-4180

AURORA

2009-01-06T11:12:00.000-06:00

For your pleasure: The Trailer to Jane Kirkpatrick's Book, AURORA. To read more about Jane Kirkpatrick, go to http://www.jkbooks.com/ Jane captures the beauty of a quilting tradition.

2008-10-11T16:46:00.000-05:00

LIVING GREEN

On my Amazon blog I wrote an article called "Living Green Before Green Was Cool"

Here is an excerpt:

Near our house was an excellent source of underground water with a pure taste. The only problem was that it was 155 feet below the surface. As a result, obtaining water was always difficult. Mother taught us to conserve water. We shampooed our hair on rainy days under the outside eve of the house, where the water came running down from the tin roof. We hand washed our delicate clothes by hand, bathed in that water beginning with the youngest and finishing with the oldest child, and finally used the water to mop the kitchen floor. We lived green before green was cool!

Also there is an excellent article about quilting with a similar slant. The author of this article experienced quilting the way my family did. It is called "GreenSpace: Quilters were green before it was cool"

Here is a little excerpt from that article: "When I was growing up, you didn't have nothing to throw away. No waste food, no waste clothes, no waste nothing."

I enjoyed this article because it was interesting to see that somebody shared my sentiments about living green.

The Clean Green Cookbook for You

2008-01-19T16:20:00.000-06:00

We have a great story cookbook that I believe you will love. It is the manual for clean green living! Paul Elliott and I wrote an entire cookbook about collard greens and cornbread.

You know you want to make 2008 the year you clean up everything, including your digestive system, your arteries, your flower beds.

You know you want to find some great recipes to feed your family and friends -- something new, something inexpensive, something tasty, something ultra-nutritious.

There is always space in the yard or the flowerpot you can use to grow food. We want to share our great cookbook with you. Collard Lovers .com

Heavenly Hems

2008-01-19T12:22:00.000-06:00

Heavenly Hems, http://www.heavenlyhems.net/, is the home site of Polly Herring (featured in the photo), a talented seamstress who repairs garments, does alterations, makes custom clothing for men and women, makes and alters patterns, embroiders. . . . You name a sewing project; Polly can do it.

I've known Polly since she attended Greenville High School (Greenville, MS), while I was teaching there. It is amazing to see how she has become a great artist with fabric as her medium. Her website is fun to look at because of all the artistic garments she displays there.

She is a resource not only for people who need to hire her to sew for them but also for those who may be interested in setting up a professional sewing room or shop. Drop by her place at http://www.heavenlyhems.net/ for a virtual visit.

Pre-Cut Quilting Fabric

2008-01-15T14:23:00.000-06:00

"There are new fabric packets available at your local quilt shop and at online quilt stores. Besides regular kits for a specific project, there are jelly rolls, charm square packs, fat quarters, fat eighths, and quilter's candy."

The above information is quoted from the Quilted Paradise Newsletter, which is a wonderful source of information about quilting. To read more about pre-cut quilting fabric, click on this link:

http://www.quiltedparadise.com/n/216-hti.jsp

Another by Anita

2007-12-31T20:22:00.000-06:00

Tonight I happened upon a website with incredibly beautiful patterns for quilted wall hangings. Check this site out:

AnotherbyAnita.com

Quilting for Dummies

2007-11-12T10:50:00.000-06:00

In QUILTING FOR DUMMIES you can learn about some valuable skills:

Select the right fabrics and threads
Design your masterpiece
Use quilting software
Save time with rotary cutters and other cool tools
Quilt by hand or machine
Get creative with appliqué

You can get this book at Amazon for $14.95, which is a $7.04 saving from the list price of $21,99.

This book can be helpful to a beginner, or it can help an intermediate quilter to advance to a new
level.

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Personalizing Our Purchases

2007-10-11T11:14:00.000-05:00

The concept of buying a garment such as a jacket, shirt, or blouse and adding a personal touch is gaining popularity. A little quilted trim on a pocket or collar makes a garment look personally designed.

Also quilted, patchworked, and monogrammed touches to linens make purchased items more valuable and attractive.

Tee Shirt Quilt

2007-05-18T14:22:00.000-05:00

I'm looking for information about making a tee shirt quilt. If you have directions for making one please write me at Mary at CollardLovers.com

Thank you,
Mary

Quiltbus

2007-02-10T22:23:00.000-06:00

Check out the Quiltbus! Here is some information from the Quiltbus site:

"Welcome to QuiltBug Quilt Shop, home of the Quiltbus! Our store at 169 Main St in Esperance NY is open 10 - 8 on Monday and 10 - 5 Tuesday through Saturday, later when we stay open for class. We have a lot of new classes and events - click on the newsletter link to the left for our newsletter in PDF form. Click here to tour our shop.
Free Mystery Quilt Class! It's our Three Hour Mystery and we will be teaching it at the Tri County Arts, 107 Union St, Cobleskill NY on Feb 17, 2007 from 2 - 5PM. Attendance is limited, call 254-0611 to register today!
Our online store is always open. We offer quilt fabric and material, patterns, batting, books, sewing notions and supplies, lots of quilting tips and suggestions, plenty of free stuff - in short, everything a quilter needs. Free shipping if your on-line order is over $60 and you live in the continental US or if you have a military address. You can pick up your fabrics at our quilt shop in person or on the web. While you are there, take a look at our antique quilts, tops and blocks for sale, too. Sorry, we don't have a shopping catalog - everything is on line or on the Quiltbus, our traveling shop."

http://www.quiltbug.com

Jenny Bowker, Australian Quilter

2006-08-14T09:38:00.000-05:00

Incredible! The quilts of Jenny Bowker are amazing works of fine art. Go to her site to see the quilts.

Quoted from
http://www.jennybowker.com/

I have been working in Textiles since 1997 - from the time I finished a Bachelor of Arts Degree (Visual) and decided to make just one quilt.

My background - life before quilts - was in science. My contemporary work is usually based on science or women's issues. I am moving towards a melding of my fine art work and my textile work. I am interested in the way pattern comes into many parts of our lives. I often include some geometrical piecing in my work as I think it keeps me technically on my toes and provides a key for traditional quilters to link to my work.

I teach and really enjoy it. There is no greater delight than to offer tools to a quilter who wants to make original work but doesn't know how to access her own ideas.

THE COLLARD PATCH will be featured at Prater's Mill Country Fair.

2006-08-05T09:04:00.000-05:00

THE COLLARD PATCH will be featured at Prater's Mill Country Fair.
The Collard Patch Will Be Highlighted at Prater’s Mill Country Fair, A Southern Festival of Quality Artists, Craftsmen, Music, and Food.Prater’s Mill Country Fair will highlight The Collard Patch, the best collard cookbook in the world, as its featured selection for 2006. Mary Cheatham and Paul Elliott will exhibit and autograph their collard and cornbread reader October 14 & 15, 2006, at Prater’s Mill Country Fair north of Dalton, GA.

Jane Galay, whose recipe for Memories of the Mill Cornbread along with her true story, “Memories of the Mill,” are featured in The Collard Patch, will be present to autograph her selections.Prater’s Mill Country Fair is one of the most visited autumn events in the Southeast region. The festival provides an opportunity adults and children to experience life as it was in the middle 1800’s. Prater’s Mill, which is still in operation, is a gristmill that grinds grain into flour or corn into meal.

The fair features numerous types of entertainment:
Southern food
Live history exhibits
Original art
Blacksmithing
Handcrafted quilts
Quilting
Woodcarving
Rug Hooking
Hand tufting
Civil War encampment
Antique engines in operation
Tours of the gristmill
Country store
Shugart Cotton Gin
Farm animals in Westbrook Barn
Canoe rides in Coahulla Creek
Nature trail hikes
Pony rides
Clogging exhibitions
Country bands
Gospel singers
Jugglers
Storytellers

From http://www.pratersmill.org/ the essential information:
Fair hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $5, children 12 and under enter free. There is no charge for parking. Visitors are urged to dress casually and wear comfortable shoes.Prater’s Mill is located on Georgia Hwy. 2, 10 miles northeast of Dalton and about 30 miles south of Chattanooga, TN. Interstate travelers should take I-75 to the Tunnel Hill-Varnell Exit No. 341; drive north 4.5 miles to the intersection with Georgia Hwy. 2 at Varnell; turn right and continue 2.6 miles to the Mill, a total distance of 7 miles from I-75.For more information or to inquire about sponsorship and volunteer opportunities call 706-694-MILL (6455) or visit www.PratersMill.org.

Fair hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $5, children 12 and under enter free. There is no charge for parking. Visitors are urged to dress casually and wear comfortable shoes.Prater’s Mill is located on Georgia Hwy. 2, 10 miles northeast of Dalton and about 30 miles south of Chattanooga, Tenn. Interstate travelers should take I-75 to the Tunnel Hill-Varnell Exit No. 341; drive north 4.5 miles to the intersection with Georgia Hwy. 2 at Varnell; turn right and continue 2.6 miles to the Mill, a total distance of 7 miles from I-75.For more information or to inquire about sponsorship and volunteer opportunities call 706-694-MILL (6455) or visit PratersMill.org.

Fair hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $5, children 12 and under enter free. There is no charge for parking. Visitors are urged to dress casually and wear comfortable shoes.Prater’s Mill is located on Georgia Hwy. 2, 10 miles northeast of Dalton and about 30 miles south of Chattanooga, Tenn. Interstate travelers should take I-75 to the Tunnel Hill-Varnell Exit No. 341; drive north 4.5 miles to the intersection with Georgia Hwy. 2 at Varnell; turn right and continue 2.6 miles to the Mill, a total distance of 7 miles from I-75.For more information or to inquire about sponsorship and volunteer opportunities call 706-694-MILL (6455) or visit PratersMill.org.

Fair hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $5, children 12 and under enter free. There is no charge for parking. Visitors are urged to dress casually and wear comfortable shoes.Prater’s Mill is located on Georgia Hwy. 2, 10 miles northeast of Dalton and about 30 miles south of Chattanooga, Tenn. Interstate travelers should take I-75 to the Tunnel Hill-Varnell Exit No. 341; drive north 4.5 miles to the intersection with Georgia Hwy. 2 at Varnell; turn right and continue 2.6 miles to the Mill, a total distance of 7 miles from I-75.For more information or to inquire about sponsorship and volunteer opportunities call 706-694-MILL (6455) or visit PratersMill.org.

Fair hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $5, children 12 and under enter free. There is no charge for parking. Visitors are urged to dress casually and wear comfortable shoes.Prater’s Mill is located on Georgia Hwy. 2, 10 miles northeast of Dalton and about 30 miles south of Chattanooga, Tenn. Interstate travelers should take I-75 to the Tunnel Hill-Varnell Exit No. 341; drive north 4.5 miles to the intersection with Georgia Hwy. 2 at Varnell; turn right and continue 2.6 miles to the Mill, a total distance of 7 miles from I-75.For more information or to inquire about sponsorship and volunteer opportunities call 706-694-MILL (6455) or visit PratersMill.org.

Information sources:
http://www.georgia.org
http://www.pratersmill.org/

Handmade quilts offer comfort to ill (Rindy Metcalf, Reporter) 07-24-2006

2006-07-31T23:04:00.000-05:00

Quoted from the Ruston [Louisiana] Daily Leader http://www.rustonleader.com/news.php?id=1539 :

Thread, fabric and prayers.Those items are all that is needed to comfort a friend in a time of need, Letty Strawbridge, associate pastor of the Jonesboro-Hodge United Methodist Church, said.

In fact, three years ago it was a friend who gave Strawbridge the idea to use these items to make quilts in conjunction with the Prayers and Squares Ministry.“A friend of mine in Alexandria told me about an organization called Prayers and Squares,” Strawbridge said. “She said I could go to the Web site (www.prayerquilt.org) and get all kinds of information, so I did that and signed up.”

At that time she pastored in Choudrant, and when she signed up the Methodist church there, the organization sent a package with pins, labels and needles to help her begin the quilt ministry.“What you do is you make a quilt top; you can make a lap quilt depending on the size of the fabric,” Strawbridge said. “Then you just pull the thread through. If someone is ill, we put it in the fellowship hall, and each person that goes in and says a prayer for that person ties a knot in the thread. Then you take it and give it to the person. You can say that the person is covered in prayers.”

Strawbridge said that at some of her churches, the group has expanded its ministry into knitting shawls for those who lose a family member.But, Strawbridge said, the most exciting part of the ministry has been when she got a notice from a friend she met in a hospital’s Intensive Care Unit waiting room.“I was at Glenwood with someone who had surgery, and I met one of her friends,” Strawbridge said.

“She had a fit because of the prayer quilt, so she went back to her church and started (a prayer quilt group).”Kimberly Winston, a 2005 recipient of the 2005 American Academy of Religion awards for Best In-depth Reporting on Religion, is the author of “Fabric of Faith: A Guide to the Prayer Quilt Ministry,” which was published last month.

She said while in the process of gathering information for the book, she has seen the effect giving and receiving a prayer quilt has on people.“I think the most interesting thing that I’ve found is basically everyone I talked to got involved in the ministry because they wanted to give something back, and they found in their participating in the ministry that they got so much more than they were giving,” Winston said.

“People all over the country told me about how the time they spent in prayer while quilting had taken them further on their faith journey than they thought would happen, and so while they set out to help others, they found that they were really helping themselves.”

Winston also said that while the prayer quilt ministry started in California, the message of its comfort has spread from California to North Carolina and to half a dozen foreign countries.“It’s as if each quilt plants a seed,” Winston said. “Somebody gives one to somebody whose church doesn’t have it, and people want to get involved.”

Also, though the ministry began in the Methodist church, it is often affiliated with most Protestant denominations and the Catholic church, as well.“

Prayers & Squares

2006-07-24T21:54:00.000-05:00

Prayers & Squares is an interfaith outreach ministry that combines the gift of prayer with the gift of a hand-tied quilt. Unlike many other organizations that make quilts for charitable causes, the purpose of Prayers & Squares is not to make and distribute quilts, but to promote prayer through the use of quilts.

Our motto is: "It's not about the quilt; it's all about the prayers."

Wondering how to make a prayer quilt? Here are just a few patterns to get you started. The patterns here will make a lap sized quilt about 45" to 50" wide and 55" to 60 " long. Why this size? We have found the ideal prayer quilt is big enough to cover up with, but not so long it will get caught under a wheelchair or a hospital bed rail. It is small enough to transport easily, but big enough to hold all those "knots of prayer" and to snuggle under.

Rail Fence -- This is a great beginner pattern.
Mystery Nine Patch -- This uses scrap strips; lots of fun.
Four Patch in a Square -- This one uses only fat quarters.
Cross on the Back -- The back of the quilt can feature a cross.
Prayer Square -- Pattern for 14" mini-quilt.
Baptismal Square -- Prayer squares used for baptisms.
Military Prayer Squares -- Especially for our armed forces.
Pocket Prayer Quilts -- 3" squares for pocket or purse.
Prayer Pillow Covers -- Make your prayer square into a pillow.

Copied from:
http://www.prayerquilt.org/

What is Paper Piecing?

2006-06-15T00:30:00.000-05:00

http://www.quiltedparadise.com/n/066-ifw.jsp
Quoted from Quilted Paradise:

If you have never tried quilting before but would like to experience the joys of this ancient art, all you need to start you off is a little method we call Paper Piecing.

Paper piecing, also called "Paper Foundation Piecing" (sometimes also called "Foundation Paper Piecing") or PFP by quilting fans, is a method used to construct quilting blocks easily and accurately by sewing fabric directly to the lines of a paper pattern.

Unlike traditional template piecing, PFP is a good technique for making miniature quilt blocks. It also allows the quilter to create complicated designs by doing one block at a time. What more, with PFP, you can use little scraps of fabric lying around.

Anybody can do it. It does not require any particular skill but involves a series of steps which anybody can follow.

Paper Piecing Then and Now

Quilting has been around for hundreds of years. The oldest quilted work was found in Egypt worn by a 3200 year old Pharaoh statue. However, Paper Piecing evolved much later -- during the great "quilting age" in 19th century Europe. The oldest record found which used paper piecing was a quilt top dated 1889.

Over the years, quilters used old magazines, catalogs, typing paper to do PFP. However, there were no standard procedures and most crafters invented their own system.

Sign for the weekly newsletter while you are there.

Electric Quilt 5

2006-06-14T11:08:00.000-05:00

EQ5-Electric Quilt 5 Computer Software

Product Description (from Amazon.com)
Make dozens of personally designed quilts using this ultimate quilting software! Create virtual layouts with blocks that can be changed to different fabric prints found in the software's library to visualize a finished quilt. Print out patterns or draw pieced, applique or combinations blocks from scratch to make up your own fabulous creation!

EQ5 is a powerful tool hat willl help you design your quilts on the computer. It is noted for its user-friendly program. Quilters are enjoyng using this program.

Chat Room

2006-06-09T21:58:00.000-05:00

Did you know there is a quilting chat? You may want to check this out.

http://www.quiltedparadise.com/chat/

I Remember Mama

2006-05-21T13:45:00.000-05:00

Copied from WWW.Quilts.com

One of the most popular exhibits in the history of Festival, the three-year I Remember Mama project invited quilters to put their memories, thoughts, joys, and sorrows about motherhood into fabric. It was created by Festival director Karey Bresenhan to honor the memory of her mother, quilter and teacher Jewel Pearce Patterson.

Some quilts in the exhibits have been tributes to the artist's own mother, while others centered on their own experiences or took a more liberal interpretation of the topic. Some quilts were worked on individually and others by several generations together. All came with a compelling story behind their creation and significance.

The final installment in the series also marked the debut of a companion book/catalogue that features every quilt which been part of this special exhibit for all three years. I Remember Mama (Primedia) featured full-color photos of all the quilts along with artist statements. The 132-page book is $14.95 and can be purchased online.
Go here to see some pictures from the book and to purchase the book.

Exquisite Book

2006-05-21T12:47:00.000-05:00

From Amazon.com

Book Description

Presented on these exquisite pages are the most beautiful, most innovative quilts being designed today, all selected from the world-class 14th Biennial Quilt National Exhibition. For almost 30 years, the exposition--which travels throughout America--has served as a showcase for contemporary quilt

Henckels International 5-Piece Scissors Set

2006-05-20T23:36:00.000-05:00

List Price:
$67.00
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Product Features
Full warranty against defects
Set includes 8-1/2-inch bent scissors, 6-inch hair trimmer, 4-inch embroidery scissors
Shears include 8-inch kitchen, 6-inch flower
High-carbon stainless-steel blades with perfect tension
Ergonomic black polypropylene handles

Product Details
Product Dimensions: 12.0 x 8.0 x 0.5 inches ; 1.0 kilograms
Shipping Weight: 1.0 kilograms.
Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
ASIN: B00007BKRW
Item model number: 41790-000

Quilted Paradise Newsletter

2006-05-17T22:15:00.000-05:00

Here is an excellent Newslwtter full of information for seriouquilters:

http://www.quiltedparadise.com

I'm including a quotation from Quilted Paradise Newsletter to show you the kinds of articles available there:

Plastic Quilting Stencils and Templates -

There are many products available for marking your quilting design on a quilt. One of the most common is the quilting stencil. Quilting stencils are usually made of lightweight plastic and have slots cut through in the pattern design. They are inexpensive and readily available at quilt stores, chain stores, and online.

Please look at your quilting stencil. You will see long cuts through the plastic with short 'bridges'. These bridges are necessary to keep the stencil intact. But as you are quilting you would continue to quilt the marked lines through the unmarked 'bridge' area to the other marked line.

Some quilting designs made into stencils are continuous and some are not. When machine quilting you might want to start with a continuous line quilting design to avoid many starts and stops and stitching back over a line that has already been quilted.

I find quilting stencils very easy to work with. You simply choose the size you want leaving at least 1/4" - 1/2" along the edge of the patch. Then mark using a washout marker, pencil or chalk.

There are several ways you might make your own quilting stencils. Use ordinary template plastic available at quilt stores and a double bladed craft knife, a wood burning tool with a stencil cutting point, or cut the stencil with a fine point scissors.

Quilting templates are also made from template plastic but are usually a shape that is actually cut out of the plastic and you trace around with a washout marker, pencil or chalk. They are much simpler to make but would not be as detailed a design as a stencil.

Both quilting stencils and hand made templates are very economical as they can be reused many times. If you get a small tear in the plastic it can be mended with tape.

Judy Allen - The Art of Feather Quilting

2006-02-18T10:41:00.000-06:00

Judy Allen - The Art of Feather Quilting: "The Art of Feather Quilting
by Judy Allen
Unique drawing pads help you visualize every feature of the quilted feather.
Judy's signature style will have you creating beautiful curved crosshatching, crossover designs and Victorian-inspired feather patterns -- all suitable for quilts and stylish wearable art.
Popular feather categories are featured, including straight and undulating lines, circles, hearts and their variations, swags, scallops, plumes, paisleys, plus Double Wedding Ring designs.
Unique placement ideas fit feathers anywhere! Blocks, borders, and corners can be enhanced with elegant framing techniques and decorative motifs.
Over 100 pattern choices. Each is perfect for the hand quilter, for the domestic sewing machine, and any home quilting system or prefessional quilting machine."

Long Arm Quilting Machines - for quilters doing machine quilting for hire or sale

2006-02-18T10:39:00.000-06:00

Long Arm Quilting Machines - for quilters doing machine quilting for hire or sale: "Every quilter who faces more than a few queen or king size quilt tops has a fantasy about getting one of 'those big quilting machines' - the big sewing heads on a twelve foot wide frame! Few of us do it, but it's fun to know about them and also to think about learning to use them at a place that might rent out time on them"

Sewing with Nancy

2006-02-18T10:37:00.000-06:00

Sewing with Nancy: "Reproduce the look of quilts from bygone eras with easy timesaving techniques. Learn how to produce the look of an antique quilt with relative ease using Nancy's timesaving cutting and stitching techniques coupled with today's high tech notions and sewing machines. Take a trip down memory lane as you discover the enjoyment of creating very easy vintage quilts.
Part 1: Duplicate the look of antique quilts with easy timesaving techniques. Vintage fabrics plus high tech notions and machines make it easy to re-create the look of antique quilts. Guest quilt historian Carol Butzke details the history of 16-patch, 9-patch, and Triple Irish Chain quilts, and host Nancy Zieman shows contemporary methods for making a 16-patch table runner and a scrappy 9-patch table quilt. "

Quilting Frames

2005-12-14T23:38:00.000-06:00

Go to our quilting frame site to see some of the most elegant quilt racks imaginable.

Quilt Guild in Ruston, LA

2005-11-29T22:32:00.000-06:00

Quilt Guild Listings: "Piney Hills Quilt Guild, Ruston, LA. Meetings are held at the Grace United Methodist Church, 3401 Trenton Street, Ruston, LA (Fellowship Hall). For additional information contact Kay Hamm at us19243@vm.cc.latech.edu or visit
http://members.tripod.com/DeFreese/pineyhills.html"

Quilting Quips

2005-11-29T22:08:00.000-06:00

Quilters never cut corners.

Quilters come with strings attached.

Quilters aren't greedy, they're just materialistic.

Quilting with a friend will keep you in stitches.

When life gives you scraps - make a quilt.

Quilt 'til you wilt!

I love sewing & have a plenty of material witnesses.

My soul is fed by my needle and thread.

Konstantin,
www.QuiltedParadise.com

Swanson Quilt Rack

2005-11-28T12:03:00.000-06:00

Swanson Quilt Rack

Shimmering chrome and delicate contours come together for a stunning contemporary design in the Swanson Quilt Rack. Handsome balled feet provide plenty of stability to keep your treasured quilts blankets or linens securely stored. Alluring arches atop this quilt rack hold three display rods so you can showcase your favorite spreads or linens with an added touch of style. A mid-level trestle adds further stability and an extra display rod.

The Swanson makes a fine addition to a bath area for linens or your living space for quilts and blankets. Available in a dazzling chrome finish.The beauty of chrome contemporary design will aptly store and display your fine quilts.

Swanson Quilt Rack

Hemmingway Quilt Rack

2005-11-28T11:51:00.000-06:00

Hemmingway Quilt Rack

Graceful contours unite with high stability in the Hemmingway Quilt Rack. The base features broad legs with a wide stance to ensure your treasured quilts remain securely stored above the floor. The base rails continue vertically up the sides to the top completing an attractive triangular frame. At the top the metal scrolls into elegant curls on both sides to hold three display rods for your favorite quilts.

This quilt rack is made hammered steel with a gunmetal gray finish. Your heirloom quilts and blankets will remain in your family for generations. Durable construction and a classic antique look make sure the Hemmingway will do the same.

Hemmingway Quilt Rack

Mantel Quilts

2005-11-28T11:35:00.000-06:00

Book Description
Quilts aren’t just for beds anymore! Expand your quilt decorating to mantels, windows, tabletops, and much more. These small, simple projects are fast to finish using easy paper-piecing techniques.
• Eleven projects spotlight seasonal, holiday, and patriotic themes

• Custom-fit projects to any size mantel or window, or transform designs into decorative accents to display wherever you like

• Get a coordinated look in a fraction of the time it takes to make a full-size quilt

About the Author
Hometown: Houston, Texas

Susan Thomson is a designer, teacher, and owner of Stitches from Home pattern company, where she sells her original quilts and quilt designs. Quilts for Mantels and More is her first book.

Cultural Differences in Quilt Aesthetics

2005-08-03T13:43:00.000-05:00

Cultural Differences in Quilt Aesthetics:

"Our notions of quilts are based on our own cultural values. To try to understand why someone else would make a quilt that we see as fat and ugly from another point of view, consider this scenario: Say you are a child attending a big family reunion at your grandmother's house. There aren't enough beds to go around, so your grandmother makes you up a pallet on the floor. She folds a couple of big thick quilts, and you snuggle in between them. What are the sensations and emotional experiences that you and your grandmother experience as a result of this gesture? An experience like this would likely influence your perception of quilts for the rest of your life. In many cultures, thickness and softness represent concepts of generosity and plentitude. A thin quilt, on the other hand, might be perceived as skimpy, stingy, and inadequate.'"

t h e * q u i l t i n g * b e e

2005-06-15T11:41:00.000-05:00

t h e * q u i l t i n g * b e e

Quilts and Quiltmaking in America

2005-06-09T19:08:00.000-05:00

Quilts and Quiltmaking in America showcases materials from two American Folklife Center collections, the Blue Ridge Parkway Folklife Project Collection (1978) and the "All-American Quilt Contest" sponsored by Coming Home, a division of Lands' End, and Good Housekeeping.

Together these collections provide a glimpse into America's diverse quilting traditions. The quilt documentation from the Blue Ridge Parkway Folklife Project, an ethnographic field project conducted by the American Folklife Center in cooperation with the National Park Service, includes 229 photographs and 181 recorded interviews with six quiltmakers in Appalachian North Carolina and Virginia. These materials document quilts and quilting within the context of daily life and reflect a range of backgrounds, motivations, and aesthetic sensibilities.

The materials presented from the Lands' End All-American Quilt Contest collection include images of approximately 180 winning quilts from across the United States. The collection represents a wide range of quiltmaking, from highly traditional to innovative, and the quilts pictured exhibit excellent design and technical skill in a variety of styles and materials.

More:
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/qlthtml/qlthome.html

McCall's Quilting

2005-06-09T18:31:00.000-05:00

McCall's Quilting magazine provides step-by-step instructions for quilters.

Creating Your Perfect Quilting Space

2005-06-08T09:54:00.000-05:00

Author: Lois L Hallock

List Price: $26.95
Price: $17.79 & Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. See details
You Save: $9.16 (34%)
Availability: This item has not yet been released. You may order it now and we will ship it to you when it arrives. Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.

: "

DVD: Fons and Porter- Love of Quilting: 500 Series

2005-06-07T16:48:00.000-05:00

DVD: Fons and Porter- Love of Quilting: 500 Series

From their popular PBS series, this DVD includes 13 episodes in the 500 Series: Sassy Stars, Easy Quilted Rag Throw, Winter Stars Part 1, Winter Stars Part 2, Panorama Photo Quilts, Miniature Quilts, Perfectly Planned Quilting, Luminosity Stars, No-Mark Quilting Designs, Traditional Log Cabin, Embellishing with Couching, Fun with 9-Blade Blocks, Big Block Quilts.

Fabric Journey: An Inside Look At The Quilts Of Ruth B. McDowell

2005-06-07T10:29:00.000-05:00

Click here to look inside this beautiful book--a wonderland of color and design:

About Ruth B. McDowell, Artist Quilter
From her website:After graduating from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1967 with a B.S. in Art and Design, Ruth spent several years working as an illustrator, while simultaneously expanding her interests in fibers and nature. She began her quilting career in 1972.

Since that time, she has become a full-time professional quilt artist, with over 350 quilts to her credit. Her wall quilts have been exhibited nationally and internationally in many galleries and museums, as well as in juried, invitational and several solo shows. They are also represented in many public, private and corporate art collections worldwide.

Ruth�s very active career includes teaching design workshops and lecturing about her work throughout the United States, Europe, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa.

Ruth wrote her first book, Pattern on Pattern (Quilt Digest Press) in 1991. Symmetry: A Design System for Quiltmakers (1994) and Art and Inspirations: Ruth B. McDowell (1996) were both published by C&T Publishing of Concord, CA. The latter book, a retrospective of Ruth�s career, features full-color illustrations of 97 of her quilts, many color details and drawings, and a fascinating text.

Piecing: Expanding the Basics (C&T, 1998) is an excellent and very extensive manual for those quilters interested in designing their own art quilts. Pieced Flowers (C&T, 2000) is a pattern book containing 55 flower blocks. Ruth's most recent book, Pieced Vegetables (C&T, 2002) is a visual feast of patterns and quilts. A Frabric Journey: An Inside Look at the Quilts of Ruth B. McDowell (C&T, 2005) discusses in detail the creation of 18 of her newest art quilts.

The art quilts of Ruth McDowell represent a sustained and extraordinary development over time, intertwining the themes of nature.... To read more:
RuthBMcDowell.com

Journey of an Art Quilter : Creative Strategies and Techniques

2005-06-07T10:16:00.000-05:00

Book Description

As much about motivation as it is about teaching techniques, this bold and vibrant quilting resource guides readers through the stages of the quilting process while offering encouragement and advice. Leading readers on a personal journey, the projects detail the joy of pursuing a passion for quilts through the creative exercises designed to help others tap into their own individual style and free their artistic spirit. With hints and tips on everything from fabric selection to choosing the right tools, this inspirational and instructive guide is a must for anyone interested in quilting.

About the Author

Barbara Olson is an award-winning quilt artist, teacher, and lecturer. Her quilts have appeared in publications and exhibits around the world. She lives in Billings, Montana.

Product Details

Paperback: 152 pages
Publisher: Dragon Threads (April 1, 2004)
Language: English
ISBN: 0964120186

Quilting Watch

2005-06-06T20:35:00.000-05:00

Imagine yourself at the next quilting party with this fine quilting watch on your wrist. Imagine everybody else in your club turning green with envy. As a matter of fact, you probably ought to get an extra dozen for presents, bribes, payments....

Miniatures under the domed crystal of this watch are hand painted and turn this fashion watch into a wearable work of art. The large gold tone case frames a colorful face with inset easy-read analog dial. The Watch has a quartz movement and an Italian Leather Band. Gift boxed with a one-year warranty.

Product Specifications
Watch Information
Clasp: buckle
Case material: gold-tone
Case diameter: 1.50 millimeters
Case Thickness: .25 millimeters
Band material: leather
Band length: womens-extralong
Band width: .56 millimeters
Bezel material: gold-tone
Movement: quartz

l

Quilter's Hoop Wonder Stand

2005-06-06T17:26:00.000-05:00

This high-quality stand allows you to rotate your quilting hoop
into the most comfortable working position. Tension knobs allow
for easy adjustments and breakdown for storage. The base can be
extended to a 45'' height; 18'' round hoop tilts. Lightweight
and stable; made from American hardwoods.

: "

Quilting Arts Magazine

2005-06-06T14:30:00.000-05:00

Editorial Reviews
From the Publisher
Quilting Arts covers the latest techniques in art and embellished quilting, wearable arts, mixed media, surface design, and other textile arts. Features guest artists and teachers, and addresses a wide range of skills including surface embroidery, thread painting, stamping, and fabric painting

: "

Big Book of Building Block Quilts

2005-06-06T14:17:00.000-05:00

: "

Singer CE-100 Futura Sewing and Embroidery Machine

2005-06-06T13:58:00.000-05:00

Futura Sewing and Embroidery Machine

Amazon.com Review
When Isaac Singer invented his first sewing machine in 1850, little did he foresee the range of home machines available today. An embroiderer's dream, the electronic Singer Futura employs the user's personal computer to transmit dozens of embroidery designs from the internet, a CD, or a floppy disk onto a range of fabrics. A step-by-step tutorial gets the user started, and additional online customer support is also available.
Personal computer requirements for the Futura are as follows: Windows operating system 98, NT, 2000, ME, or XP; 64 MB RAM; CD-ROM drive; at least 500 MB (more is recommended) of available hard disk space; color standard VGA adapter; and a Microsoft compatible mouse. The machine features 80 stitch functions, a built-in needle threader, two styles of one-step buttonholes, programmable up/down needle for precision pivoting at corners and curves, drop-feed for freehand stippling and button sewing, and extra piercing power for heavyweight fabrics. The keypad on the front of the machine allows easy one-touch pattern selection and mirror-imaging of designs. Included with the Futura are two embroidery hoops: large (4-1/2 by 6-3/4 inches) and small (3-1/8 by 4-3/4 inches); and a bonus embroidery package featuring 60 built-in designs, including 2 fonts, plus another 60 bonus designs. Singer covers the sewing machine with a limited 25-year warranty. --Ann Bieri

Product Description

Features:
25-year limited warranty
Electronic sewing machine with computer-powered embroidery unit
Requires a personal computer with Pentium II processor
Accepts embroidery designs from internet, CD, or floppy disk
80 stitch functions; built-in needle threader; 2 styles of 1-step buttonholes