2007

December 21, 2007

Holiday Store Hours: Christmas is almost here and if you have some last minute shopping, we aren't too crowded and our parking lot is not too full! So, if you need to pick up a few last minute sewing related gifts or want a sewing project for the holidays, we'll be open all day Saturday, December 22. Needleworks will be closed December 24, 25 and 26. Hermina will have the store open on December 27, 28, 29. We'll be closed again over New Years and open bright and early on January 2nd.

KidSew Holiday Quilt Camp: we have had a fair bit of interest in the 3:30-5:30pm class, January 2-4. So, if we do get registrations, we'll run a 4th class. Call the store for more details or to register.

Our December newsletter went out last week and we have posted it on the web. We are taking registrations now for any class posted (with dates). If you are interested in something else, please contact the store. We have interest in an afternoon Serger class in February. We'll get the dates confirmed in the New Year. We also have interest in an evening Curved Piecing class.

I'll be taking some time off over the holidays and working on next year's Monthly Projects as well as some other class ideas.

Jerry and I want to wish everyone a truly Blessed Holiday. If you don't already have plans, we invite you to join us for a Christmas Eve celebration at our Church....Thornhill Baptist Church. The church is located at 128 Tache Avenue NW and the service begins at 6pm. We have been told that everyone who attends will recieve a wrapped gift.

Have a great holiday, we'll see everyone in the New Year.

December 8, 2007

Only 14 sleeps left!!!!! I am taking some time away from the store and plan to stay in PJs the whole time. So, starting on the evening of December 22, I will put on Pyjamas and stay that way until January 2nd, 2008. Oh, yes, I will need to change my PJs periodically, which means that I'll have to get busy sewing up some new sets. The Burda magazine for December just arrived. In it is a lovely Kimono Jacket and pants pattern. I'll definitely use that for one pair....maybe two. We have a lovely oriental flannel print that would be perfect and some other slinky wovens that would be great too!

I guess we left our Last Minute Christmas Gift classes too late. We are running the Bordered Placemat class on Wednesday afternoon at 1pm....but the others didn't get any interest. Maybe we should plan a Christmas in July series of classes for those who want to plan ahead!!! We'll keep you posted on those.

Monthly Projects

The Spinning Stars Table Runner pattern is finally ready and the kits and patterns are available for sale. At this moment, I have not finished the illustrations for the Duffle Bag pattern, although the kits are cut and ready for their patterns. I promise to have them ready on Monday. We are selling all Monthly Project kits for 15% OFF. We want to make room for next year's projects and thought that clearing them out would give you some opportunities to get some nice gifts for sewing friends. Anyone who has a 30% coupon can use it to purchase as many kits as they would like.

Classes We have a few Christmas classes for those who are "do it at the last minute" gift givers. We are also taking registrations for classes scheduled for the new year. Register before January 1st, 2008 and receive 10% off your class registration.

Bordered Placemats: These great placemats are easy so make with just two contrasting fabrics. Make a set or two for gifts and then for yourself. Wednesday December 12; 1-4pm $25

KidSew Program: We are now taking registrations for classes in the New Year. Call the store or check the web size for all the details. www.needleworks. org/KidSew_ Program.htm
Monday Masters Classes: Sandra will join us in the New Year and teach some really exciting classes. We are still working on the details, but some of the classes are.....
- Body Shape and Patterns: Learn how to recognize your body shape and how to chose patterns that are most appropriate for you.
- Textiles and Patterns: Learn which patterns work best with which fabrics and how to "cheat" and make them work.
- Dress Form: start with a commercial dress form and learn how to customize it to your own body shape
- Techniques, Techniques, Techniques: These monthly classes will give you hands on experience with a variety of common and not so common sewing techniques. Zippers and buttonholes will at the top of the list. Let us know if there is a technique you are wanting to learn and we'll work it into our schedule.
Artsy Bohemian Bag: The classes will teach you to unleash your creative side. With your fabric & Embellishing kit you can create a usable work of art.
Reversible Quilting: Carol is going to introduce you to a super way to quilt as you go and complete any size of quilt.
Perfect Fit Blouse: Learn how to alter the bust darts or seams on a blouse so that you will want to wear it and make it again. Our Palmer Pletsch instructor will show you how. Tuesday, January 8, 15, 22, 29; 6:30-9:30pm $110
Bra-Making 101: Let Jane help you to fit and sew a professionally made bra that fits you perfectly. In this two-day class, students will make one bra and fine tune the fitting Saturday & Sunday February 2 & 3, 2008
20 Designer Sewing Tips: Learn from a Palmer-Pletsch instructor as she presents these tips that will change your sewing dramatically for a more professional look to all your sewing projects. Tuesday February 12, 6:30-9:30m $30
Straight Skirt: Sew a skirt with a super fit! Tuesday, March 11, 18, 25; 6:30-9:30pm $90
Fleece Jacket: Use your sewing machine to stitch a decorated polar fleece jacket. This jacket features zippered pockets.
Hollow Cubes: Create optical illusions in fabric the easy way. Simple cutting and sewing techniques will have this quilt done in no time.

GIFT CERTIFICATES....we can provide certificates for classes or product at Needleworks. I know they are not the most creative gifts....but I do know that sometimes being able to chose your own gift is a good thing.

KIDSEW CHRISTMAS PROJECTS....these have been a hit this week. We will continue to provide instruction during December so that your child can make something special for Christmas. We thought that we would offer some simple projects for your children to make as gifts this year during our KidSew classes. The projects are kitted ($10) and we will try our best to keep them a secret from parents. We will even provide the gift wrap! If your child would like to register for 1 or more classes during December, we would be glad to help them make a gift. Call the store for more details. The next two Saturday afternoons are open.....book a couple of hours for your child to sew and go shopping with out them!

TABLE TIME....call us and rent some table space to sew in private. A good time to finish those gifts that you want to keep a secret. Only $5 per hour. Please call ahead to make sure there is table space for you.

KIDSEW HOLIDAY CAMP: HAND DYED LANDSCAPE WALLHANGING: Students will design their own landscape quilt, hand dye the fabrics, applique and stitch the wallhanging in 3 (2 hour) lessons. $75 (includes all supplies) Wednesday-Friday, January 2-4, 2008; 9-11am (full) , 11am-1pm (full), 1:30-3:30pm( full) and 3:30-5:30pm (spaces available). Maximum 6 students per class and they must have sewing experience.. ...know how to use a sewing machine.

TREAT YOURSELF TUESDAYS....Whether you have projects to finish for the holidays or you just want to spend an afternoon sewing and visiting.... join us on Tuesday afternoons from 1 - 4 p.m, December 18th. Stay for the whole afternoon or whatever works for you. Only $8 for the afternoon... .GST and coffee/tea included. Call the store for more details. This is an on-going event every 1st and 3rd Tuesday afternoon. We may stretch out the mornings as well in the new year. January dates are the 8th and the 15th because no one wants to come and sew on New Years Day!

Until next week, have a great time preparing for the holidays.

December 1, 2007

Last month we celebrated 2 years of business. A huge THANK YOU to all our customers and students. When we opened, our vision was to get Calgarians sewing! We think we are accomplishing that. We have new customers and students on a daily basis and our teacher roster is also growing.

Classes We have a few Christmas classes for those who are "do it at the last minute" gift givers. We are also taking registrations for classes scheduled for the new year.

Christmas ($25 each)

Mini Pot Holders & Apron: The perfect gift for the cook, or aspiring cook, in your family. These easy to make mini pot holders with matching apron will be a delightful addition to any holiday kitchen. Monday afternoon, 1-4pm December 10.
Gift Bags & Stockings: Wrap up your Christmas gifts with your own personal touch. You will need only basic sewing skills to create a unique Christmas stocking and several different kinds of gift bags. Your 'gift wrap' is not only eco friendly, but could become a family heirloom.
Two Classes: Tuesday, December 11 6:30-9:30pm or December 18; 1-4pm
Bordered Placemats: These great placemats are easy so make with just two contrasting fabrics. Make a set or two for gifts and then for yourself. Wednesday December 12; 1-4pm or 6:30-9:30pm
Fabric Jewellery: We have some super ideas for jewellery using thread and fabric. These would make super gifts for those people who are hard to shop for....they are so unique. We'll schedule this class if there is any interest.
Chenille Scarves, Pillows & Throws: A few of layers of fabric and stitched lines make these the perfect gifts for anyone. We'll schedule this class if there is any interest.

New Year

KidSew Program: We are now taking registrations for classes in the New Year. Call the store or check the web size for all the details. www.needleworks. org/KidSew_ Program.htm
Monday Masters Classes: Sandra will join us in the New Year and teach some really exciting classes. We are still working on the details, .but some of the classes are.....
- Body Shape and Patterns: Learn how to recognize your body shape and how to chose patterns that are most appropriate for you.
- Textiles and Patterns: Learn which patterns work best with which fabrics and how to "cheat" and make them work.
- Dress Form: start with a commercial dress form and learn how to customize it to your own body shape
- Techniques, Techniques, Techniques: These monthly classes will give you hands on experience with a variety of common and not so common sewing techniques. Zippers and buttonholes will at the top of the list. Let us know if there is a technique you are wanting to learn and we'll work it into our schedule.
Reversible Quilting: Carol is going to introduce you to a super way to quilt as you go and complete any size of quilt.
Perfect Fit Blouse: Learn how to alter the bust darts or seams on a blouse so that you will want to wear it and make it again. Our Palmer Pletsch instructor will show you how. Tuesday, January 8, 15, 22, 29; 6:30-9:30pm $110
Bra-Making 101: Let Jane help you to fit and sew a professionally made bra that fits you perfectly. In this two-day class, students will make one bra and fine tune the fitting Saturday & Sunday February 2 & 3, 2008
20 Designer Sewing Tips: Learn from a Palmer-Pletsch instructor as she presents these tips that will change your sewing dramatically for a more professional look to all your sewing projects. Tuesday February 12, 6:30-9:30m $30
Straight Skirt: Sew a skirt with a super fit! Tuesday, March 11, 18, 25; 6:30-9:30pm $90
Fleece Jacket: Use your sewing machine to stitch a decorated polar fleece jacket. This jacket features zippered pockets.
Hollow Cubes: Create optical illusions in fabric the easy way. Simple cutting and sewing techniques will have this quilt done in no time.

Monthly Projects: 15% OFF any remaining Monthly Project kits. We want to make room for next year's projects and thought that clearing them out would give you some opportunities to get some nice gifts for sewing friends. Anyone who has a 30% coupon can use it to purchase as many kits as they would like. The next two projects will be available next week......

KIDSEW CHRISTMAS PROJECTS....these have been a hit this week. We will continue to provide instruction during December so that your child can make something special for Christmas. We thought that we would offer some simple projects for your children to make as gifts this year during our KidSew classes. The projects will be kitted ($10) and we will try our best to keep them a secret from parents. We will even provide the gift wrap! If your child would like to register for 1 or more classes during December, we would be glad to help them make a gift. Call the store for more details.

TREAT YOURSELF TUESDAYS....Whether you have projects to finish for the holidays or you just want to spend an afternoon sewing and visiting.... join us on Tuesday afternoons from 1 - 4 p.m, December 4th and 18th. Stay for the whole afternoon or whatever works for you. See you there! Our next meeting is this Tuesday. Only $8 for the afternoon... .GST and coffee/tea included. Call the store for more details. This is an on-going event every 1st and 3rd Tuesday afternoon. We may stretch out the mornings as well in the new year.

Until next week, have a great time preparing for the holidays.

November 26, 2007

I had a wonderfully written update for you on Saturday. Somehow the computer shut down and I hadn't saved my message..... ..I was tired, so I went home! I'll try again now.

One month today and all the gift giving will be over! And for those of us who procrastinate. ...we have some gift giving ideas.

GIFT CERTIFICATES....we can provide certificates for classes or product at Needleworks. I know they are not the most creative gifts....but I do know that sometimes being able to chose your own gift is a good thing.
- We also have Wonderfil Thread packs, that wrapped with a lovely piece of fabric make a great gift for a sewing friend.
- A new pair of scissors or a pattern and the supplies to make that project are perfect gifts for the sewers in your life.
KIDSEW CHRISTMAS PROJECTS....we thought that we would offer some simple projects for your children to make as gifts this year during our KidSew classes. The projects will be kitted ($10) and we will try our best to keep them a secret form parents. We will even provide the gift wrap! If your child would like to register for 1 or more classes during December, we would be glad to help them make a gift. Call the store for more details.
LAST MINUTE GIFT MAKING CLASSES....we have a list of classes that we are offering to give you time to sew a gift and also for some unique ideas.
- Gift Bags & Stockings: Wrap up your Christmas gifts with your own personal touch. You will need only basic sewing skills to create a unique Christmas stocking and several different kinds of gift bags. Your 'gift wrap' is not only eco friendly, but could become a family heirloom.
- Mini Pot Holders & Apron: The perfect gift for the cook, or aspiring cook, in your family. These easy to make mini pot holders with matching apron will be a delightful addition to any holiday kitchen.
- Bordered Placemats: These great placemats are easy so make with just two contrasting fabrics. Make a set or two for gifts and then for yourself.
- Fabric Jewellery: We have some super ideas for jewellery using thread and fabric. These would make super gifts for those people who are hard to shop for....they are so unique.
- Chenille Scarves, Pillows & Throws: A few of layers of fabric and stitched lines make these the perfect gifts for anyone.
TREAT YOURSELF TUESDAYS....Whether you have projects to finish for the holidays or you just want to spend an afternoon sewing and visiting.... join us on Tuesday afternoons from 1 - 4 p.m. November 20th, December 4th and 18th. Stay for the whole afternoon or whatever works for you. See you there! Our next meeting is November 20th. Only $8 for the afternoon... .GST and coffee/tea included. Call the store for more details. This is an on-going event every 1st and 3rd Tuesday afternoon. We may stretch out the mornings as well in the new year.
TABLE TIME....call us and rent some table space to sew in private. A good time to finish those gifts that you want to keep a secret. I remember a few years ago, I still had binding to hand sew on my Daughter's quilt. She came home early from a Christmas Eve party and I was sitting by the tree, with the quilt in my lap. She took one look at it and knew it was for her! A bit of private time would have been great. Only $5 per hour. Please call ahead to make sure there is table space for you.
KIDSEW HOLIDAY CAMP: HAND DYED LANDSCAPE WALLHANGING: Students will design their own landscape quilt, hand dye the fabrics, applique and stitch the wallhanging in 3 (2 hour) lessons. $75 (includes all supplies) Wednesday-Friday, January 2-4, 2008; 9-11am, 11am-1pm (full), 1:30-3:30pm and 3:30-5:30pm as necessary. Maximum 6 students per class and they must have sewing experience.. ...know how to use a sewing machine. Register early, some classes are filling up fast.

We received some new fabrics in late this past week. We had ordered some great "camo" flannel in the summer.....after a number of back orders, they finally arrived. These would make great PJs for anyone on your gift list. We also received some lovely 100% cotton knits in lime, bubblegum and violet. A couple of pretty Prints came in too. We also received some nice Oriental print quilting cottons..... so if you have an idea for a "rich" looking gift, these would be lovely. We are expecting another quilt cotton shipment, but don't know when.......

Wonderfil Threads has recently released their new Stitch Journeys Passport Packs. These thread collections were designed by Debbie Bates and Liz Kettle of Stitch Journeys fame. There are 10 packs that are named after different travel destinations. .....Beijing, Banff, Venice, etc and include 15 spools of Wonderful thread. See the selection at www.wonderfil. net. We can order for you.

Our 2nd Birthday celebration is almost over. I received a card congratulating me on 1 year! Yes, time has flown and we are continuing to grow. We are listening to our customers and students and trying our best to provide for your needs. Let us know what you are looking for and we will add it to our list of things to source and bring in for you.

2008 CLASSES: we are beginning our planning for classes in the New Year. We are having a teachers meeting this week and want to make some long range plans....who will teach what, when will it be taught....those kinds of things. If you have an opinion and or a request, please call or send us an email. I just hate it when I plan a class for Monday night and all I get are calls requesting a Tuesday night! If I know your preferences before hand, it really helps our planning. I am pleased to say that we are going to add a couple of new instructors to our class list this year. Some have already taken a class from Cindy. Cindy is a certified Palmer/Pletsch instructor and will we offering a variety of clothing classes this year. We are also hoping that Sandra will join us. She has recently taught at a School of Fashion Design in Vancouver. We are expecting that these two ladies will help us all with our continued sewing successes. We also have some other instructors planning on some quilt classes as well.

Have a great week.

November 9th, 2007

It's our BIRTHDAY!!!!

Join us for Birthday cake and a whole lot more on Saturday, November 10.

Pick your own discount, enter for great draw prizes at our birthday party.

15% off everything in the store for the entire month of November excluding class registration

The monthly projects for November are now available. Pick yours up today.

Treat Yourself Tuesdays: Looking for like-minded sewers to sew and chat with? Need time away from all the demands of life? Join us on the first and third Tuesday of each month from 1-4pm. Bring along whatever project you are working on – clothing, quilting, mending – and join us for a chat with a little bit of creativity thrown into the mix. Come for all three hours or whatever fits your schedule. Everyone is welcome….we’ll learn from each other and be inspired! We'll start this week.....November 6. Only $8 for the afternoon... .GST and coffee/tea included. Call the store for more details.

KidSew Holiday Camp: Hand Dyed Landscape Wallhanging: Students will design their own landscape quilt, hand dye the fabrics, applique and stitch the wallhanging in 3 (2 hour) lessons. $75 (includes all supplies) Wednesday-Friday, January 2-4, 2008; 9-11am, 11am-1pm, 1:30-3:30pm and 3:30-5:30pm as necessary. Maximum 6 students per class and they must have sewing experience.. ...know how to use a sewing machine.

Classes:

KidSew Classes: As the fall schedule works itself out, and students are fine tuning their schedule, spaces in some classes have opened up. Please call the store for more details of our kids classes.

Quilter's Primer: this is a great beginner class for everyone who wants to learn to make quilts. Students will stitch 6 different blocks; join the blocks with sashing and borders; learn to quilt and add a binding. This class is designed to teach the basic skills properly.
- Thursday, November 8, 15, 29, December 6 & 13; 12:30-3:30pm.
- Thursday, November 15, 22, 29, December 6 & 13; 7-10pm
Pant Drafting: Draft your own pant pattern. This class will teach you how to measure accurately and draft for a well fitting pair of pants. Monday, November 12, 19, 26, December 3, 10; 6:30-9:30pm
Adult Beginner Sewing: This beginner class is for those who haven’t sewn before or who haven’t sewn for a long time. This is also a great time to learn how to use your new or new to you sewing machine. Students will make two projects: a tote bag and a pullover top. Wednesday, November 14, 21, 28, December 5; 6:30-9:30pm
Magic Stars Quilt: This is a “super simple” project that can be sewn with scraps or coordinated fabrics. The stars appear by magic as you sew a simple quilt with just blocks. $25-45. You can register for 1 class to learn the technique or 2 to complete the quilt top. Tues Nov 27 & Dec 4; 1-4pm
Perfect Fit Blouse: Learn how to alter the bust darts or seams on a blouse so that you will want to wear it and make it again. Our Palmer Pletsch instructor will show you how. Thursday, November 15 22, 29; 7-10pm
Belly Dance Costume: The costume makes the dance! Learn how to make your own two-piece set with an experience costumer. All levels of sewers are welcome. Thursday, November 15, 22, 29; 6:30-9:30pm
Beginner Serger: Learn all you need to know about your machine and make some simple projects. Tuesday, November 20, 27 & December 4; 6:30-9:30pm.
More Classes can be found on the web page....www. needleworks. org/classes

Shop

Visit us on Saturday. We'll have lots of items on clearance. You can also pick your own discount when you start shopping.

Have a great weekend sewing.

September 22, 2007

We are busy getting ourselves organized for the Creative Stitches & Crafting Alive show at the Round Up Center this coming weekend....Septembe r 28 & 29. The store will be closed on Friday and Saturday to allow us to have staff at the show. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause you. We have advanced tickets for the show at the store.