The Travelling Bear

I would like you to meet Marion, visiting from Germany. Do you see who we are holding? That is Marion's Holiday Bear. She takes one of her handmade bears along on her world travels. Marion picked up some Canadian Maple Leaf fabric to make him a vest, I think. Marion will forward a picture as soon she has stitched it up. If you would like to see some of her other mohair bears:

Marion's website is http://www.yuschel-baeren.de/
Thanks for stopping by Marion!

Block of the Month - All Cooped Up

We are starting a new Block of the Month Club. Designed by McKenna Ryan it is suitable for even the Art Quilter. Below are all nine blocks. Your options are endless, individual art quilts, tote bags, placemats, wall quilts, you decide. Each block measures 8" x 8"

The first block of the month called "Hit the Hay" is available immediately priced at $19.95

Please email or call us toll free to sign up for the whole series of nine blocks at 1-877-886-0033
Let us know any time if you would like us to set aside a finishing kit of additional fabrics for border, blocks and binding.

Tomato Pin Cushion

Until two years ago I was so proud of my good eye sight. I could easily read the needle size on the top of at sewing machine needle. No More!

This is where the tomato pin cushion come in. Have you noticed that a tomato pin cushion is divided into segments by green floss?
Take out your "ultra fine" permanent marker and mark each segment with the different needle sizes; 60,70,80,90 etc. sizes you most commonly use. Instead of returning a "used" sewing needle back into it's packet, place the needle in the appropriately marked segment of your tomato pin cushion. By the way, you should never return a used needle to it's original package because you don't want to mistakenly pull out what you think is a "new" needle only to discover it is dull or damaged.

Quilting on the Sunshine Coast of Canada

Hello everyone,
Today I am writing the very first message on our Blog from my Quilt Shop here in Gibsons BC.
We are busy getting ready for the 11th Annual Fibre Arts Festival www.gibsonslandingfibrearts.com August 19 - 21st
I will be teaching a hands-on Free Motion Quilting Clinic as well as manning our booth in the merchant mall.

My daughter Alaina has an extensive vintage toy sewing machine collection which will be on display during the Fibre Arts Festival at the Sunshine Coast Museum and Archives, 716 Winn, in Lower Gibsons starting this Saturday August 14th and at Carola's Quilt Shop 1161 Sunshine Coast Highway in Upper Gibsons. www.carola.ca
Here is a sneak peak at her collection

I look forward to blogging about thread, what sewing machine needles and threads are best for different techniques and how to use your sewing machine's capabilities to add so much more to your work. What sewing machine needles and threads are best for different techniques.
Happy , Carola & Company