Suzy Qs Quilt Shop

Survey – What kind of online BOM do YOU want

Sue — Tue, 10 May 2011 20:07:00 +0000

I would like to hear from you – if you are willing – share your thoughts on the blog, if not – please e-mail me — I would like to know what type of Block of the Month you can get free online on our blog — I have lots of ideas….now I want to hear from you…planning to start one June 1st !!

Why Should I Have My Sewing Machine Maintained?

Sue — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 17:13:57 +0000

When a machine is new it is well lubricated from the factory. As you create on your machine lint will accumulate in and around the sewing area of the machine. The lubrication is absorbed by the lint thereby affecting the proper lubrication of the machine. When we service your machine, we remove all the outside covers to gain access to the working components inside the machine. These areas are then cleaned, checked for damage and relubricated to maintain the smooth operation when you are sewing. Machines are also inspected timing, burrs and a host of other items that can affect the use of your machine. None of us wants to have the added expense of maintenance. However, have your machine serviced on a fairly regular basis (every 18 – 24 months), even and especially if the machine has not been used for some period of time. ’It is far cheaper than replacing.’

THANKS to Brad from Johnson’s Sewing Center in Edmonton for the valuable information!

Tailor/Seamstress Wanted

Sue — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 14:47:13 +0000

We are expanding into the world of adding alteration services to our shop. For now, we can only offer hemming of pants but would love to offer more. If YOU are a seamstress or tailor looking for some part time work in a really FUN shop, I encourage you to drop your resume off at the shop attention to Sue Schellenberg, or submit online.

Dress Form(s)

Sue — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 18:57:00 +0000

Interested in puchasing slighly used (in good condition) Dress Forms – size small or medium, but would consider other sizes forms as well. Please contact Sue at (780) 743-2992 or e-mail suzy-qs@telus.net

Sewing Teacher

Sue — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 20:13:44 +0000

Looking for an experinced sewer to teach basic sewing lessons to children over the age of 8 as well as adults who have either limited or no sewing experience. Opportunites to teach classes in other areas of sewing may also be considered. Must be able to work some weekends. This is a contractual part time position – perfect for the homemaker who would like to share her knowledge and skills. If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit your resume to the shop – Suzy Q’s Quilt Shop @10012 Franklin Avenue., Fort McMurray, AB – Attention: Sue Schellenberg

Submit your application online >>

Share YOUR Tips and Tricks

Sue — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 19:59:21 +0000

I would love you to post your tip and tricks – after all, there is no silly trick or tip – it is amazing what we all know and can share – here’s the place to do it so, givver!

Use the Classifieds – It is for YOU

Sue — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 19:57:45 +0000

Perfect place to sell your used sewing machine or bunk beds! Looking for a used sewing machine, post under Wanted to Buy! I only ask that you don’t request to advertise items/products that I sell in my shop. I have no issues helping you find and sell your used items that are or are not relevant to the quilting and sewing world!

If you have a home business or complimentary business and would like my bloggers to know about you – post on FOR HIRE.

If you are giving away things – like baby clothes etc., list them under FREE

Job Opportunities - if someone is looking for someone to make them a quilt or paint their fence – post it here. It’s free! When I have openings in the shop – I will post here, why wouldn’t you?

But I have a 1/4″ Foot…

Sue — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 19:45:50 +0000

One of the most common ‘complaints’ I hear from my customers is that their blocks just don’t end up the “right” – either a little too big or a little to0 small….but just not ‘right’. They stretch and pull to try to make those darn blocks go together. Why oh Why??

This was ME — and you are NOT ALONE!

Honestly, MOST often than not, the culprit is the seam allowance – it is NOT a 1/4″.

UT….I ‘have’ and “use” a 1/4″ foot – it came with my machine.

So – here is a littel tip for you…Not ALL 1/4″ feet – sew a 1/4″ seam. In fact, it is rare. So…what do you do? It’s easy. First, get some scrap fabric strips. Test drive the 1/4″ foot. MEASURE it. It needs to be a “scant” 1/4″ – this mean just a thread smaller than the 1/4″ (this allows for the loss of fabric in the allowance when you press your seam). Don’t say “close enough” — because it really isn’t – it needs to be a scant 1/4″. Think about it for a minute….if you are out just a little on every square, block, row…..you WILL be out by the end….maybe even up to an inch. Do you think those setting triangles will fit nicely/easily? (I thought so, once! I didn’t really think it was that big a deal…I thought my instructor was a little “strict” in fact…but, did I learn! The hard way (and the expensive way).

Okay – back on track…if your seam is NOT a 1/4″ – and you are using the proper foot….what will you do? ADJUST your needle position. Believe it or not, all machines can do this and will vary. I know three ladies with the same machine who adjust their needle (while using their foot) differently to achieve thier accurate 1/4″ seam allowance. GO AHEAD – give it a whirl. You just may save youself alot of greif!

Happy Quilting – because it SHOULD make you happy!

Why do YOU like Block of the Month Clubs?

Sue — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 19:22:44 +0000

I love Block of Months. I did when I very first started quilting, and I still do. I still remember my first one that I joined. Didn’t really know what it was, but the shopowner just said – OH, You will LOVE it…. so I said, OK….and registered. I have never looked back – she was SO right. That was over 12 years ago. Now I own my own shop, and offer various Block of the Month clubs and I even participate in a couple! Yep – silly eh? To me there is just something about them – and I think it is different for everyone.

For me – when I started – it was to try something new. Something I would maybe not do (or be afraid to try in a classroom setting)….later, it was to go outside of my comfort zone….and later….I ‘think’ it became almost an addiction. Now – I like to offer it to people so they can enjoy them for whatever reason it makes them happy.

Now – I have decided to take it (for me and my shop) to the next level….watch for an online Block of the Month I will be offering to my Blog members only! Tee Hee….

Now…my question to you (actually I have two),,,,first – what is it that you like about Block of hte Month Programs and second, what are your thoughts and have you particpated in any of the following:

Block of the Week
Project of the Month
Mystery Block of the Month
Table Runner of the Month
Applique Block of the Month

Spring is Here!

Sue — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 19:10:12 +0000

Finally, Spring is here. Above zero temperatures…whew!

We went on a little get away late February to Palm Springs and Disneyland for Teachers Convention Break -where they are suffering their winter (at 25 degress)….came back to -36…a difference of over 60 degrees! Ouch! So, I don’t know about you but I am thrilled to see the light!

What signs do you see/hear that alert you that it is in fact SPRING? I didn’t really think about until the other day. I was driving my son, Tyler to school on Monday and he said- “must be spring” . I responded with a ‘yes it is – in fact today is March 21 – which IS the first day of spring. Did you know that? ” “Nope….but thats awesome…” So I asked….”What made you say it looks like Spring?” (All I can see is white snow…), to which he responded so honestly ”Mom, you can see the roads!” I must admit, I laughed pretty hard and well, couldn’t argue him on that one!

So I am VERY curious know – Other than the DATE on the calendar…….what sign is it that makes you ‘know’ it’s Spring? I can’t wait to hear your answers/stories too!