Click here to check us out on Facebook 9785 State Hwy 70, Suite B Minocqua, WI54548 715-356-1427 715-358-3573 (FAX) www.aroundtheblockquiltshop.net March 2011 This is Fun! . Our customers inspire us every day.What inspires you to quilt in the warmer months? Is it your garden coming to life? A new arrival or a graduate in your family? Perhaps a memory quilt or a charity project? We love to see your projects and ideas take shape. With the end of the holiday season and spring on the way we are looking forward to seeing your projects for spring and summer. Diane & Barb What’s New Oasis by 3 Sisters, Bliss on Blossom Street by Pearl Krush, Minky for baby quilts, Hideaway by Lauren &Jessi Jung, Moda Marbles and Bella Solids, McKenna Ryan Patterns, Block Party Studio Patterns and Panels, Sunkissed by Sweetwater, Dilly Dally by Me & My Sister, Northcott Stonehenge by Sunshine Cottage Cool Stone & Warm Stone, Treasure Hand Quilting Thread by Superior Threads, and much more! And the Winner is….. We hope you checked out our display at Associated Bank at the corner of Hwy 51 and Hwy 70 W. Associated Bank promotes new businesses in the area and Around the Block Quilt Shop was featured for the month of February. The registration box for the drawing to win one of three quilts on display was filled. The winner is Gene Geiger from Woodruff. Congrats Gene! Enjoy your quilt. Buttons Galore We love buttons! Check out our selection of decorative and fun buttons. Flowers, bugs, animals, stars, fruit, sports, gardening, sewing, and the list goes on. Quilting Tips      When starting a big project, be sure to put a fresh blade in the rotary cutter. When washing fabric, do not wash more than five yards at a time to prevent wrinkles. Use graph paper when tracing or making your own pattern. The parallel and perpendicular lines will help make a crisp and clean pattern.. Break a big project into smaller projects. Accomplishing each small step will lead to that final goal. Self-healing mats should be stored flat and out of the sunlight. Nifty Notions The Mighty Bright Lighted Seam Ripper is an amazing tool for quilters! There comes a time when every quilter may need to do a little ripping.  How about a lighted seam ripper with a magnifier! We are offering 20% off while supplies last during the month of March. Our #2 Question... Do you provide a quilting service or alteration service? We hope to offer long arm quilting in the future but for now we have names and business cards of several ladies in the area that provide these services. Stop in or call the shop and we will be happy to help you get in touch with them. Calling All Crafters Considering creating a crafters co-op in Minocqua – Interested in displaying your wares? Contact: Brenda Jones at 715-356-6858 or brendacradfts@gmail.com and Deb Nicholson at 715-358-3577 or nichdeb@yahoo.com Quilts of Inspiration Block Party Studios offer a collection of unique hand printed products for quilters. These patterns and panels are easy to sew and make thoughtful gifts and great wall décor. The panels are made with high quality Kona Cotton and use earth-friendly water-based inks. Comfort of the Psalms I, II & III Prayer Chain for The Lord’s Prayer or Psalm 23 Words to Live By or The Beatitudes Guiding Stars or Prayer Blossom  My Journey to Quilt Shop Owner I remember my first quilt class very clearly nearly 8 years ago. Two girlfriends and I had decided that we wanted to make memory quilts for our daughters so we had better learn to quilt. For the last 10 years or so we all had spent hours upon hours at the local ice skating rink watching our girls learn to ice skate, compete and perform in ice shows. At that time fabric shops scared and intimidated me. I didn’t help with costumes or sewing but was very involved in decorations and props. When our girls went off to college we decided that we needed a way to continue our social life! I walked into class with a very old sewing machine and some very outdated thread. I had not sewn since high school home economics class. I truly felt like a beginner because the instructor, bless her heart, was very patient and took the time to show me how to thread my sewing machine. I was very proud of my first nine patch quilt and was excited to start the next class. I picked out fabric that I really loved for my next project soon to find out that I had made some choices in fabric that would challenge me. How was I to know that silk and rayon would fray, shift and stretch! I finished the quilt after much frustration and it still has a place on the wall at my home. Since those two first quilt classes I have made that memory quilt and many more for family, friends and charities. I have worked at a bank, hardwood mill store and managed a garden center. Those experiences and friends that I have made along the way as well as overwhelming family support has pushed me in this direction as a quilt shop owner. I am truly blessed and look forward to this latest adventure in quilt shop ownership. Don’t be afraid to try a new technique or challenge yourself. The rewards can be great and so appreciated. Thank you all for the inspiration you have brought into our shop. Diane WHAT ABOUT THOSE CLASSES! Important Class Information:  Pre-registration is a must. Stop in or call with a credit card number.  Most classes will have a supply list and/or special instructions. Please pick up the instructions or call to have them emailed to you.  We offer a 10% discount on all of your class supplies and fabrics. We will be happy to help you choose the necessary supplies, tools or fabric for class.  It is best to have your own supplies for class (rulers, rotary cutter, rotary mat, sewing machine, etc..) It is also important that your sewing machine is in good working order and you know how to operate it before coming to class  Around the Block Quilt Shop respects copyright laws. If a class requires a pattern or book, you must have your own copy.  Cancellations must be made at least one week prior to class in order to receive a refund. If we cancel a class you will receive a full refund or credit towards another class. Class Schedule “Pillow Talk” Pillow Case Very Beginner No experience necessary. Learn the basics of measuring, cutting and sewing. Put together a pillowcase for yourself or donate it to a local charity and it will count towards the American Patchwork & Quilting 1 Million Pillowcase challenge. Pattern provided. 1 Session $20.00 Saturday, March 19 9:30 – 12:30 Twist & Turn Table Runner Talei Robinson Beginner Learn to make this easy table runner using only two fabrics. The block starts with a partial row and you add to each side. The pattern also includes directions for the Twist & Turn Quilt. Pattern required. 1 Session $30.00 Saturday, March 26 9:30-12:30 Basket Case! Talei Robinson Beginner to Advanced Use cotton clothesline, fabric strips and a zigzag stitch to create a bowl, set of coasters or placemats. Once you learn the technique the possibilities are endless! Add bling, embellishments, lids, handles….. 1 Session $25.00 Saturday, March 26 1:30 – 3:30 Diane Gitzlaff