759 Northmount Drive NW (southwest corner of
Northmount Drive and 14th Street)
Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2L 0A1
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Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2L 0A1
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December 21, 2006
Attached is the December issue of the NeedleNews with a listing of most of the classes being offered in the new year. Please read it through. If there is a class you are interested in, but we haven't scheduled it, let us know. If dates or times are not convenient, leave us your name and we'll let you know when we schedule the next class. I am going on vacation during the Christmas week, but the store will be open Wednesday morning and Liz, Hermina and Brenda will look after you. We still have space in our Kids Holiday Sew Camp January 2-5 from 1-4pm. The children will be making a zippered fleece jacket. See the website for full details. I have a student who couldn't make the Chenille Scarf class in December. She is coming in Friday morning, January 5. If you would like to join us, you are most welcome. It is always more fun to sew with others than by yourself. And as Judy says, this scarf is for me, so there is no rush to get it done before Christmas....but I know she'll probably make more for gift giving next year. The Festive 2006 issue of A Needle Pulling Thread arrived this week and I have a few copies left on the cash counter. Some beautiful ideas for ornaments. I am taking my copy home for Christmas reading, along with my copy of Stitch Journeys. Stitch Journeys is a beautiful, inspiring book featuring the Wonderfil Threads. All MacPhee patterns will be going on sale December 27th. 25% off each pattern. Purchase 2 or more and get 30% off all patterns. For those not familiar with MacPhee Patterns, they are a line of multi-sized clothing designs by a local Edmonton designer, Linda MacPhee. And to encourage you to do some winter sewing, all flannels and homespun fabrics are on sale till the end of the year.....20% off. Why not come in and get a pattern and some fabric for a cozy, warm outfit? "For unto us a Child is born....and His name shall be called...., the Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6) May the coming year bring us peace in our hearts, homes and lives. December 16, 2006
Christmas is right
around the corner. If any of you are like me,
you are beginning to scramble when you realized how
little time there is left to sew!
We have some time
available in the classroom for you to come and sew.
Just give us a call ahead of time and we'll reserve a
table for you for a couple of hours. Only $5 per
hour and we'll throw in some Coffee and Goodies!
Some parents have
asked about sewing for their kids during the
holidays....
We are working
hard on the new class schedule for January. We
know when our kids classes will be, it is getting all
the others scheduled. We plan to offer beginner
sewing and quilting classes as well as some
interesting new quilt classes and clothing classes.
Send us an email, or give us a call with your ideas.
It helps us immensely to know what you would like to
do as a class and the days that are best for you.
Have a great week
sewing!
December 9/06
Is anyone counting
sleeps till Christmas? I have made one of the two
gifts I am going to make and getting others to do the
rest of the shopping for me. I think I may survive
this year!!!
Check out the
following site for an independent review of Needleworks.
http://sewing.
We have decided to
have a KIDS HOLIDAY SEW CAMP during the
Christmas School Break. Tuesday-Friday, January
2-5. Students MUST have taken at least one session
of sewing at Needleworks. Students will work on a
Zippered Fleece Jacket. The supply list will be posted
next week on the web page. Students will have a choice
of 9-12am or 1-Pam. The class registration is $90
including a small snack. Supplies will be approximately
$30. Space will be limited to 6 students in each
class.
There are spaces
remaining in the Chenille Scarf class
on Wednesday and also in the Kids Christmas Sew on
Monday and Wednesday as well as next Saturday. The
children can register and sew a Christmas gift -
$40 (supplies included) or bring their own project and
work on that - $20.
Hermina is really
good at creating exciting and enticing displays of
fabrics and patterns. She keeps giving me ideas of
things I would like to make! Come and check out
her displays and see what you can sew.
Have a great week
sewing.
November 23/2006
A frosty winter day to
everyone. This morning's snow covered trees and last
night's choir practice has started me finally thinking of
Christmas. Christmas is a month away! I
haven't even thought of any gifts that I will make or give
yet. We are hoping to inspire you with our plans for
December. We have scheduled a pile of quick
gift idea classes. See the full details in the
attached November NeedleNews.
Classes:
In the weekly update (this email), I am just listing
classes that will begin in the next few weeks. For a
complete listing check out the web site. www.needleworks.
The following is a
list for our Christmas Sew Month. You can set the
start and end time of your class for your convenience.
Simply register for any time period during the day.
We’ll just make sure that we don’t have an over-full
classroom for any time frame. Call the store for more
details.
Shop: We
have new blouse and Jacket Weight fabrics in stock.
Some beautiful knits as well. We have just had a
class on 3-dimensional quilting and I ordered extra
patterns from Southwind Designs. Come check them
out.
Have a great week of
sewing
November 4/06
Its our anniversary and we're going to CELEBRATE!!!
We opened the doors last November 9th. The
support for a general fabric store and sewing school has
been wonderful. As people have found out about us,
we have been getting busier and busier. Regular
customers have enabled us to keep our inventory up to date
and able to try new products. You have told us what
you are looking for and we have tried our best to find it
for you. Our classes have been varied and well supported.
Our kids classes are taking off. We have new
students every month. We have even scheduled at 11am
Saturday kids class for November! For the adults, we
have a great program...from beginner sewing to the more
advanced bra making classes, simple quilt projects to
detailed surface embellishments.
Rather than a one day celebration on November 9th, we are
celebrating the whole week from Monday to Saturday!
Make sure you drop by for our First Anniversary
week of celebrations, November 6-11. Come by often
and take advantage of the daily specials (posted in the
store and on the web) and to enter a draw for some great
prizes. The are a number of great prizes for the
weeklong draw and then some even better prizes for the
Saturday draw. Make sure you enter.
We are requesting that any student or customer that has
sewn something as a result of Needleworks, allow us to put
it on display that week. For each item on display, your
name will go into a draw for a great sewing box full of
goodies! The children will enter for a chance to win free
lessons. Please bring your display items by Saturday,
November 3rd.
Classes: In the weekly update (this
email), I am just listing classes that will begin in the
next few weeks. For a complete listing check out the
web site. www.needleworks.
Shop: Lots to tell you about this week.
Weekly Discount: Last week you were
able to register for a class and receive 10% off your
registration. We'll continue that for this weekend.
Next week, November 6-11 we will have daily specials.
Check the web site to see what's on Special each day.
Visit us often next week to enter for some
great draw prizes.
Have a great week of sewing
October 14, 2006
Last night I was visited
by a group of ladies who are in Calgary for a sewing retreat.
They came to visit and shop. We sat down with Coffee and
a demo of Free Motion Quilting and how to incorporate it into
their next projects. It was a great opportunity for the
ladies to pick up the last minutes bits they needed for their
sewing weekend. Any group (6 or more) is invited to come
to Needleworks and let us show you something new.
On that note....The
classroom at Needleworks is available for rent by groups who
want to spend some time sewing or taking a class. All we
ask is that you book early so that we can work our class
schedule around your booking.
The ladies are finishing
of their wonderfully well fitting bras from today's (Saturday)
class. It was a busy day for them, but they have
accomplished much. Christy will be back at the beginning
of December to do it all over again. Once you have a
basic bra that fits you well, you can play with different
fabrics, styles and embellishments.
Hermina has been busy
working her way through the Kwik Sew Plus size patterns.
She is hooked. Kwik Sew Plus patterns are drafted for
the plus size sewer and not a size 12 then graded up.
So, she is finding that there is very little in the way of
major pattern alterations and is thrilled with all the
garments she has been sewing. She has put some of them
on display in the store and will gladly tell you how easy they
are to sew.
Classes: In the weekly update (this email), I
am just listing classes that will begin in the next few weeks.
For a complete listing check out the web site. www.needleworks.
It is hard to believe that we need to start planning for
classes in the new year. We are always looking for new
instructors and class ideas. Drop by for a visit or send
an e-mail with your comments and suggestions.
Weekly Discount: Our weekly discount is Threads.
Purchase any of the Guttermann or Wonderfil threads
and receive 15% off. This is a great
time to stock up. Please remind us of the weekly discount when
you make your purchase.
Have a great week of sewing.
September 18, 2006
Brrr.....autumn is
definitely here. We can't find our car window scraper,
so I'll have to go shopping on the way home this evening!
I also need to track down my mitts, hat and scarf to pull on
during those chilling drives to the store. I may just
have to sit down and sew up a new set.....I also want to use
the new reversible fleeces for a nice fluffy scarf and a
snuggly sweater/jacket.
Attached is the
September NeedleNews. I have mentioned our anniversary
in the newsletter, so make sure you access the file to read
about our plans. I have also attached calendar sheets
for the next few months. I'll post these on the web
page as well, so that you can easily and quickly check on
the dates of classes to see what is coming up in the next
month or sew.
The newest issue of
Threads magazine has an article about sewing classes and
where to access them. Unfortunately, there were no
listings for Canada. They did talk about sewing
lounges....places where you can go to sew. Well, we
have that at Needleworks. We are almost ready to open
our second space in the shop for you to come and sew.
We will soon be able to have space to sew in the evenings
when we have classes running. That way, sewers can use
our tables to cut out patterns, sew in peace with minimal
distractions and visit with other sewers. This space
will also be available during the days as well. See
you soon!
Classes:
In the weekly update (this email), I am just listing classes
that will begin in the next few weeks. For a complete
listing check out the web site. www.needleworks.
Shop:
We have buttons in. They have finally arrived and I
have already made my pick for a few projects that were
waiting for buttons. The buttons are basics in a
variety of colours. At 99¢ a card they
are a good value.
Weekly Special: In
honour of our new buttons, Buttons & Zippers are
15% off for the weekly special.
Keep warm and happy sewing!
September 9, 2006
Everyone is back on their fall
schedule. Kids and teachers are back at school and the fall
activities are getting underway.
We have quite a line up of
classes this fall. Our kids classes are off to a very good
start and we are still working on our 1st Anniversary celebration
plans.
Classes: In
the weekly update (this email), I am just listing classes that
will begin in the next few weeks. For a complete listing
check out the web site. www.needleworks.
A customer was in this
afternoon wanting to register for the Beginner Serger Class.
She hadn't noticed that it was scheduled for the afternoon and
that wasn't convenient for her....so, we have scheduled an evening
class beginning on November 14.
I also have a couple of ladies
interested in the 9-Patch Jacket. We are thinking of Saturdays
or weekday evenings. If you are interested in this
class, give us a call.
Only a few days left to enter the draw for free registration!
Get a friend to register for a class with you and your name will
go into a draw for free Class Registration! Draw date is
September 16. I'll draw and announce the winner next
Saturday afternoon.
Shop:
The most recent Sew News magazine has a great article on Fleece
and appliqué. We have some great reversible fleeces in
the store that would be perfect for your next fall project.
Check out the fleece and the Sew News magazine.
I really like the Wonderfil Invisafil threads. They
are great for Free Motion Quilting and also for fine appliqué
work. I have made a request for smaller cones or spools of
thread so that we can collect and use all the colours available.
If you haven't tried the invisafil and want to give this lovely
fine thread a try....bring me an empty bobbin and I'll wind some
off an open spool for you to try.
Weekly Special: We
are continuing with all thread 15% off for the
weekly special.
Until next week.....happy
sewing.
September 2, 2006
Again, another very successful
week of sewing with 4 really great quilters! Check out their
pictures on the web site http://www.needlewo
All the boasting aside, I really
enjoyed the last two weeks of sewing classes with children. It
is so rewarding to participate in this kind of activity. I love
teaching new sewers. I love seeing that little spark in their
eyes as they create. I do believe in teaching students how to
use their tools properly and safely, that way they can be assured of
many years of enjoyable sewing and creating. Consider taking a
class at Needleworks this fall and I will do my best to get that spark
in your eyes a little brighter.
Classes: www.needleworks.
I have had a couple of inquiries
about our class times. We have scheduled class for 10am-1pm,
1-4pm or 2-5pm and 6-9pm. Some who work full time are suggesting
that 6pm is too early to start a class. Let me know what you
think. I am also thinking of opening up a second classroom or
workroom. That would give us the option of scheduling two
classes at the same time, or allowing for customers to
"rent" table space and sew at the store. Drop me a
line with your opinions.
Get a friend to register for a class with you and your name will go
into a draw for free Class Registration!
Shop:
Kwik Sew patterns has sent me a new catalogue along with a number of
new patterns. There is a really cute baby costumes pattern.
I could even be convinced to make one up....even though I don't have
a baby to sew for! There are some pant pattern that would be
ideal for wearing to the gym. A jacket and a vest pattern that
will be made up soon by me. The jacket has saddle shoulders,
sleeves and side insets in contrast fabric.....I am thinking of
using the reversible fleece instead of two colours....will let you
know how it turns out next week.
While I am chatting about the Kwik Sew patterns and those
catalogues..
The latest issues of Sew News and Sew Simple magazines arrived this
week. These are the last issues I'll receive as I have
cancelled the orders. I am still contemplating Australian
Stitches and the Burda magazines. Back to the Sew News and Sew
Simple...there are some really good ideas in both of these issues.
An article on fleece and embellishing with fleece....I'
Weekly Special: This
coming week is a short week...we'll be closed on Monday to help
celebrate my youngest daughter's 21st birthday....
Have a great weekend.
August 26, 2006
An update on the Iron
Snob....Darling Husband is one too! He was trying to iron his
shirt for Church last Sunday and mentioned very clearly, that the iron
wasn't working like the one at the store. So, today, I gave him
permission to go out and buy another iron. Actually, I didn't
really give him permission, rather I suggested very strongly that he get
a new iron for home.
We had a great week last week with
the kids classes. Two girls worked on their first quilts.
They completed the quilts in the week and did a beautiful job. You
can see their efforts on the web page under student work. http://needleworks.
Classes: We have
another kids quilt camp next week. It promises to
be a busy week, but I know these sewers will also go a great job.
I'll post pictures next weekend of their efforts too. Almost all
the class information is posted on the web site. I have created
another page for Future Classes. Take a look at
the pictures and let me know if there is something you would like to do
either before the end of the year or in the new year.
Kids classes: Begin
right away in September. We have Kids Sew After School
at 4:30 on Mondays. Homeschool Sewing on Friday
mornings. And Kids Saturday Sew classes on
Saturday mornings. Register early to make sure there is room for
your child. Some have asked if we are going to offer classes after
school on other days. We may, if there is an interest.
Contact us.
Don't forget if you register for a
class, you will get a coupon for 15% off your next purchase.
Get a friend to register for a class
with you and your name will go into a draw for free Class Registration!
Shop: not
much new to report this week. I called a supplier last week and a
shipment of fabric is on its way!!! Yea!!! I love getting
new shipments. Its like Christmas year round. I'll post next
week what came in. I placed this order a while ago and can't
remember what I ordered other than some denim and quilting cottons at
great prices.
Weekly Discount: A
lot are taking advantage of the 15% off patterns and are picking up a
few Kwik Sew patterns. I'll probably place another order next
week, so if we don't have the pattern you want in the drawer, just let
me know and I'll add it to the order.
Until next week...don't get stressed
out with the back to school rush. It took me a while to realize
that my kids still went back to school on the first day of school even
if they didn't have everything they were supposed to have!!
August 19, 2006
I am a snob! I realized this past weekend that I am an iron snob. I decided to treat the shop to a new iron for the classroom. I have had Rowenta Professional irons for the past 13 years. This iron was leaking a bit and didn't seem to get as hot as it used to get....so off I went Iron shopping. Darling Husband came with me and couldn't understand why I didn't just grab the cheapest one there. He just didn't understand that I needed a large capacity to hold water. That I needed a big burst of steam. This I just had to have a 12 foot long cord. That I had to have lots of little holes in the sole plate instead of just a couple of really big ones for the steam. The I didn't want an iron with an auto shut off. So, when the iron I wanted wasn't on the shelf and I made the sales clerk call all around the city and put one on hold for me....he lovingly drove me across the city to get a new.....Rowenta Professional Iron! Yes, I am a snob. But once I saw that they had the replacement for my iron I love so much, I just had to get it!.....drop in and I'll show you all its features!!!!
I think we are all snobs in
some way. We have our favorite brands of items that we just
have to have. I have been trying to broaden my horizons in
the shop. I started by carrying the items that I like and
that I use. Customers have been asking for other brands or
products. I have been listening and trying to get those
items in. Let me know what you are looking for.
Specifically, I have always
liked Sew News magazine. They have some great projects and
instructions. I have been carrying them in the store since I
opened. This magazine is not selling at Needleworks. I
think it is because they are readily available at the grocery
stores....so, I am not going to carry Sew News magazines anymore.
The ones I have in the store are being sold off at 25% off
the retail price. But, I still want to have a
sewing magazine available for customers and students....so, here
is where you can help. My two choices are Australian
Stitches and Burda Magazines. The Australian Stitches
magazines have great instructions for garment construction and
ideas for taking your project one step further. The Burda
Magazines are pattern magazines. Each issue has lots of
multisized patterns for the garments shown in the magazine.
They also publish a magazine for Plus size sewers. Please
email me and tell me whether you would prefer me to carry
Australian Stitches or Burda Magazines.
Classes: I
have kids classes 10-12am every morning for the next two weeks.
There are still spaces available if you are looking for something
for your children to do as the summer winds down. Then the
fall schedule begins with the Baggin' It class on
Tuesday, September 5 at 1pm. The full class list is
available on the web site and I'll get all the pictures and supply
lists posted by this weekend.
Have a look at the class
schedule. Is there something you want to do? Is there
a technique that you want to learn? Is there a class on the
list that looks promising, but the date or time isn't good?
Let me know so that I can plan for future classes. At
Needleworks, all the instructors love to teach and we take great
joy when a student gets that little twinkle in their eye! We
want to know what classes you want, so that we can see those
twinkles grow.
Don't forget that if you
register for a class before September 1st, you will receive a
coupon for discounts of your next shopping trip. Also, if
you register for a class by September 15th and get a friend
(or relative) to register too, I'll put YOUR name in for a draw to
win your registration free!
Shop: I have
a table of "clearance" fabrics. I am expecting a
few shipments of fabrics in the next week or so and will add to
the clearance table to make room for the new stuff. Come
have a look. Some of the fabrics are fancies that would be
great for crazy patch quilting. Some are ideal for Halloween
Costumes.
I have a selection of kids
prints for PJs and nighties. These are lovely flannels that
wash and wear well. The Kwik Sew patterns for these projects
are super easy and fast to sew up.
Weekly Special:
We are going to remain with the batting and patterns on
sale for 15% off. Once the new fabrics are in, I
may add them to the weekly special.
Have a great week sewing.
The classroom is open every afternoon this week, so feel free to
come in and sew for a few hours.
August 12, 2006
The July/August NeedleNews was
sent out last week via email and snail mail. We are starting
to get some class registrations and entries into the "win free
class registration". If you get a friend to register for
a class with you, YOUR name goes into a draw to win your
registration free! Also, when you register for a class, we'll
give you a coupon for 15% off your next purchases in the store.
So, either way, you'll win!
Classes:We have
a few new instructors coming on board for the fall. Carol
Ruggins will teach the Christmas Bells Table Runner.
This project involves simple piecing and folding techniques to make
a 3 dimensional runner or wall hanging. The technique is
surprisingly simple and all who have taken this class have enjoyed
the projects. Barb MacCollough is also going to teach this
fall. She is going to teach Wacky Windows.
This quilt combines attic windows and stack and whack
techniques. Both samples should be in the shop by next week.
Shirley Paterson has a good selection of classes this fall.
She has added Design a Landscape to her class list.
In this class, she will teach you how to start with a picture or
photo and enlarge it to a wall hanging size so that you can use her
rough edge appliqué technique or your own to complete the quilt.
Hermina Duby is planning a full range of classes for Plus
Size sewers. Her goal is to dress you in
well-fitting garments that you will be proud to wear. I
(Allison Spence) will continue to teach a variety of beginner
to intermediate sewing as well as quilting classes. We are
continuing our search for more instructors. I have a few gals
who are seriously thinking and planning for classes in the new year.
Shop: I
received word this week that the new order of Batiks are in the
warehouse. They should be in the next week or so as soon as my
order gets ready.
Are you getting ready for back
to school? We have some lovely fabrics for the kids....nice
prints in the knits and woven, some lovely corduroys and fleeces.
Get them now and have the "best dressed" kids at school.
Don't forget that if you need help, we are here.
Weekly Special: I
have decided to continue the weekly special for the rest of the
month. Batting and patterns are 15% off. So, spend the
next few weeks finishing a quilting project or start on your new
fall wardrobe.
Just a reminder that we do
custom quilting. I heard it referred to yesterday as custom
free hand quilting. All of the quilts are quilted free
hand.....no pantograms or automatic computer guided quilting....just
my little old hands. Come in and see some samples of the work
that can be done on a quilt.
Have a great week!
August 3, 2006
Attached is the summer issue of the NeedleNews. I didn't get a July issue done, so thought I would do a summer issue. Check out the specials for class registrations.
Although you can register now, we haven't got all the supply lists ready yet...please be patient with us.
Classes:
Shop:
Weekly Special:
Have a great, safe weekend. July 22, 2006
Each week I have new customers in
the store who haven't been in before. Some were told about
Needleworks by a friend, but most are just walking or driving by
and want to see what we have.....I tell them that we have a little bit
of everything....we are a fabric store and a sewing school. We
carry what students need for classes and more.
I have re-arranged the store a bit
to make room for new product coming in the next few weeks. I need
to learn to order less items more often and keep a steady flow of
products coming in......I seem to be waiting till the hook is empty or
the bolt is empty before re-ordering items....I will learn how to order
properly and efficiently, eventually.
No, you did not miss the July
NeedleNews.....I did. I chose to combine the July and August
newsletters. I will send out the next NeedleNews after the long
weekend in August. I want to make sure that I have as many classes
scheduled for the fall as possible....which leads me to teachers....we
are still looking for a wide variety of people who would like to teach.
Give me a call or drop in and visit for a while and we'll talk about
what classes you can and want to teach.
Shop: I have added
a few more bolts of fabric to the CLEARANCE table.
These are fabrics that I don't particularly like.....but you may just
love. Only $1.99 a meter, they will be great to use as test
fabrics when you make a new outfit.
We have just received some new Kwik
Sew patterns. Did you know that Kwik Sew patterns are consistently
sized? If you need to adjust one pattern for length, chances are
you will need to make the same changes to other Kwik Sew patterns.
I have also found that I need to adjust the shoulder width on all my
Kwik Sew patterns. Now, I make that change when I am tracing the
pattern and am almost always pleased with the adjustments first time
round.
Classes: Next week
we have kids classes every afternoon.....I am excited by the response
this summer and we have had a number of children sew for the first time
and do a wonderful job!
Don't forget that you can
"rent" classroom space for only $5 per hour. Staff are
available to help you with any sewing project while you are here.
Please call ahead to book your time.
Weekly Special: We
will stay with the empty a bolt for the next week to
continue to make room for new fabrics......If you take what is left on
the bolt of fabric, we'll give you 15% all of it. There is a fair
bit of quilting cottons at $9.99 with only a couple of meters left on
them...these would be great for quilt backs or stash builders.
I do some custom quilting on my
sewing machine. I don't have a long arm....I sit and sew. If
you would like some quilting done this summer, I do have time available.
Have a great week....don't get too
hot.
July 8, 2006
YA-HOO, its Stampede time in
Calgary. I hope everyone is keeping safe while they are out
celebrating. Don't let the sun fry your brain or your skin.
First an apology.....Since I am not
a stampede fan, I didn't think about the dates when I scheduled the kids
sewing classes next week. I am sorry if anyone wasn't able to
register because of their stampede plans. Hopefully next year I'll
be a little more on the ball and not schedule kids classes during the
stampede week.
Classes:
Don't forget that any classes can be
re-scheduled or additional dates can be set for your convenience.
Registering for a class, almost always guarantees that it will run.
Please continue to send me ideas for
classes for the fall. Remember, if I don't know what you want
to learn, I can plug it into the schedule....I have had a request for
the Photo Transfer class, but not till Mid November. So, I have
written that in my book and will keep those dates in mind when I start
scheduling.
I am also looking for more
instructors. Do you have a project or technique that you would
like to teach? I can help you get started, even if you haven't
taught before. Give me a call or drop by and we can chat.
Shop: I was made an
offer I couldn't refuse! I have some fabrics that I don't know
what I was thinking about when I bought them. I am setting
up a table of sale items........I want to get rid of them!!!! So, if you
need anything for costumes, home dec projects or fancies, come and check
out the $1.99 selection. No minimum cut required.
Weekly Special: This
week's special is Stampede related. Chose any Kwik Sew or MacPhee
Workshop pattern that is Stampede or Western and the fabric to make that
item and we'll give you 15% off your purchase.
Have a great, safe Stampede week
July 1, 2006
Happy Canada Day!!!! Yes, we are open today, July 1 and will be closed the entire day on Monday, July 3. It is hard to believe that Needleworks has been open for over 7 months. We have had lots of great classes and events happening. I have high hopes for the next few months till we celebrate our 1st Anniversary......mmmm, what will we do? I'll have to think of something really wonderful to thank our many customers.
Classes:
Shop:
Weekly Special:
Have a great weekend.
June 23, 2006
I don't know if fabric
shopping is a good idea for me! I have completely rearranged
the store to get 30 more bolts of fashion fabrics on the shelves.
I am glad that my father is so talented. He has made me two large
rolling fabric stands and they have come in wonderfully handy. Come in
and see the new dress fabrics...they coordinate nicely for a dress and
jacket. I also have some beautiful silks and fancies.
I am hoping to get more quilting
cottons in next weekend...so may have to rearrange again!!!!
Kwik Sew has sent me a list of
patterns the have discontinued. I have until the end of the month,
so come in and take advantage of a 25% discount on any discontinued
patterns....that way I don't have to mail them all back. I also
have a couple of older catalogues. Please take them off my hands.
They are only $10 each.
In the new year I ordered some
Ott Lights for a group purchase. I still have two lights that did
not sell. Please take them off my hands and I'll take 25% off the
price. They are very handy...table top and floor models in one.
Classes: Next week
is a quiet week for scheduled classes. You are welcome anytime to
come in for help with your sewing projects. I plan to get some
sewing done too and maybe finish some projects that have been in the
"to do" pile for a while.
Machine rentals are available for
$5. Book the rental at time of class registration to make sure one
is available for you.
Weekly Special: I
am continuing with the GST discount on any class
registration until July 1st. Please mention it to us when
you register in case we forget.
Have a great weekend.
Happy Sewing,
June 15, 2006.
(my apologies, some of you have already received this, but did not get
the June issue of the NeedleNews....it is currently 5am and I am still
asleep!)
Attached is the June Needlenews.
Lots of classes for the coming weeks. The kids classes are
filling up and I may have to announce that some are full in the
next week.
With the changes coming to the GST rates, I thought I would offer an
incentive for classes. Register by July 1st and Needleworks will
pay all the GST....Don't forget to register early if you are
interested in a class. The classes are for you. You can
request a date change if it is more convenient for you. You
just have to let us know when you would prefer the class.
A customer asked if our hours would change for the summer.....no,
but.....during the winter I don't open till 1pm on Mondays and
Tuesdays and I will remain "officially" closed these
mornings. But if the lights are on, I will be here and you are
welcome in....the door may be locked, so bang loudly and give me a few
minutes to get to the front of the store.
I will be receiving the summer issue of A Needle Pulling Thread next
week, let me know if you want one held for you....also, the latest
issue of Sew News is in. A great article on making your own
dress form. We may have to modify how we do our Duct Tape class,
the instructions in this article are so good.
I will be getting some new fabrics in by next weekend and will keep
you posted.
Classes: Thought I would highlight some of the
classes that are in the schedule for the next few weeks.
This Week's Special: no GST on any class
registrations!
June 10, 2006
First, I would like to
extend a huge thank you to everyone who participated in the Swap &
Shop last week. I am pleased to report that I will be forwarding
a cheque for $105 to Neighbourlink Calgary next week. We had a
good response and many deals were available to those willing to look
through the piles of items. If you have any comments or
suggestions on how we conducted the Swap, please send them in.
We want to make the next one so much better.
Speaking of the next Swap....a
number of customers commented that they didn't have time to sort
things out and get ready and wanted to know when the next swap is
going to be held....A suggestion has been made for early fall.
Let me know if you would be able and willing to participate.
We'll set a date in the next week if there is interest. We will
continue to plan for next year's 2nd Annual Swap & Shop the first
Saturday in June 2007.
Swap leftovers:
We have a few items still in the store from the Swap &
Shop....they include fabric, a dressform, a quilt frame and two
antique hand crank sewing machines (in good working order). The
owners have asked me to hang on to these items in the hope that they
sell.
I am heading off for a weekend
quilting retreat next weekend, so will leave the store in the capable
hands of the staff. We may even have a "special" while
I am away. I'll send out the Next Week at Needleworks on Friday
morning before I leave. I'll be back in the store on Monday
afternoon for our Kids Sewing class at 4:30pm
Classes: There
are a few classes in the schedule in the next week or so that I want
to highlight.
Shop: I just
received that the newest issue of "A Needle Pulling Thread"
will be shipped in the next week. We are selling out quickly and
I have increased my order. If you would like me to reserve a
copy for you, please call.
This week's special:
A reminder that I have increased the discount to 15%. We have
decided that anything that is floral will be our discount for the
coming week. We have some nice quilting fabrics and textured
fancies. Come in and see what else we have in the store. A
reminder that you need to "remind" us about the discount at
time of purchase because we often forget from week to week what is on
special.
Have a great week.... Sew up a
storm....
June 2, 2006
Tomorrow is Needlework's first annual
SWAP
& SHOP
NOON - 6:00pm
I am amazed by the items coming
in. Lots of excellent deals. Many of the items are priced to
sell. 10% of all sales will go to Neighbourlink Calgary.
Items will be accepted until 6pm on Friday evening.
Saturday only: 15% off
everything in the store.
Classes:
Don't wait to register. Some classes fill up quickly and
some are cancelled because people wait too long to register.
If you are interested, get your registration in right away.
Shop: We have
some close to empty bolts of fabric....I have set up a
"remnants" rack and have put these fabrics on hangars.
Take advantage of 1-2.5 meters at 25% off.
Weekly Special: I
have decided to make the weekly specials truly special!!!
Instead of 10% discount, I am changing to 15% discount for the
weekly specials. The very long grass in my
backyard is green, the trees are green and my allergies are
attacking in full force! So for the coming week our weekly
special will be anything green is 15% off.
I hope to see you on Saturday
to help support a great cause. Neighbourlink Calgary (www.neighbourlinkcalgary.ca)
is a great organization supporting families in Calgary. We will
even accept cash donations if you don't want to shop.....but do
have a look in the classroom, you will be amazed by the quantity
and quality of items that people are selling!
Until next week......happy
sewing.
May
27, 2006 Unfortunately,
as I write this update, I am watching the steady rainfall. This weekend
is the Gathering of the Guilds at Heritage Park. Usually, there are over
500 quilts on display outside and in the buildings. I guess that the
quilts slated to be outside aren't all up today. Hopefully,
the rain will ease for tomorrow and there will be more to see. If
you have never gone, it is a great day at the park!!
Next
Saturday, June 3rd is our first annual (hopefully) SWAP & SHOP. For
all intents and purposes, it is a consignment/garage sale. Bring
your stuff to us. We'll sell it for you. We'll
give you cash back less 10% that will go to charity. I
have asked for items to be in by Friday. I
will stay late on Wednesday (7:15pm) to receive your items if you can't
make it before 6pm on other days.
Classes:
Don't wait to register. Some
classes fill up quickly and some are cancelled because people wait too
long to register. If you
are interested, get your registration in right away.
Shop:
As promised last week, the
new fabrics finally showed up. We
received some lovely stretch blouse fabrics, cotton/polyester twills,
dress or skirt prints and some juvenile knit prints. Come
in and check them out. We
have a fabric that is water resistant that would make a great rain
coat!!!! Canamist is a
cotton/polyester blend that sheds water and blocks the wind. This
is a great fabric for rain coats and water resistant bags. Weekly
Special: I watched a student
struggle with an old seam ripper this week. She
couldn't remember how long it had been in her sewing box, and said that
it was probably time for a new one! To
encourage us all to replace those notions that are old or to pick up
something new, notions are our weekly special. 10% off all notion
purchases. I
will post an update on Friday, before the Swap & Shop and have some
great deals for that day too! Happy
Sewing, don't get too wet!
May 20, 2006 I've
always thought the May long weekend was the beginning of summer. We
get out the camping gear and summer things from storage. Many
have done their yard work by this weekend and are just itching to plant
their gardens.....don't forget, we still need our annual spring/summer
snow storm so don't get too far ahead of yourself!
Shop:
I am expecting new quilt and clothing fabrics during the week. I
will keep you posted. The
latest issue of Sew News and Sew Simple are in. They
have some really great ideas for summer sewing. Weekly
Special: I am
continuing the 10% discount on any thread purchases for another week. Have a great
long weekend. Stay safe!!!
May 13, 2006Wow, thanks for making my birthday week such a great success!!! It was wonderful to have so many birthday wishes. The birthday discount was also a success….watch for it again next year during my birthday week.
Swap & Shop: Don’t forget to get things ready for the “garage sale” on June 3rd. You set the price and when your items sell, I’ll just keep back 10% to give to charity. We already know there will be sewing machines, quilting fabric, quilting frames, dress forms for sale…what do you have and what do you want to find?
Classes: Full details of all the classes can be found on the web page. A reminder that if the advertised class dates don’t work with your schedule, please let us know. We want to remain as flexible as possible and meet your needs.
We are starting to work on the summer class schedule.
Shop:
This Week’s Special
Did you know that we offer custom quilting? Come and talk to us.
May 6, 2006 It is my birthday and I am giving the presents!!!!
Bring in proof of your age and I'll give you half your age off in percentage discounts.......I am turning 47, so my discount would be 23.5%. Discount in effect till the next update next weekend. Sorry, the discount does not apply to classes but it does apply to class supplies. Classes: We often get customers in the store who are interested in a class that is not on the schedule. Tell us what you are interested in and we'll add your name to the list. We'll also do "private" lessons.....book for some time in the classroom and work on a project of your choice. I'll be here to help you as you need me. The following list of classes are scheduled in the next week or so.
I am still working on one or two day sewing camps for adults for the summer. We have the kids camps in place and registration is open. I have ideas and would like more of yours. What would you like to learn over the summer? What skills have you wanted to reinforce? What projects have you wanted to make? Have a great week....oh, by the way. We have re-arranged the store. Come in and help us find where we put things!!!!
April 22, 2006 I lost my Dog.....Patch went missing last Sunday during supper. We realized he wasn't around and a quick check told us that he had pushed himself through a gap in the fence. We hunted till dark. In the morning I called a few vet clinics, animal services and the humane society. Shortly after the calls, I received a call from Harvest Hills Veterinary clinic....they told me that someone had found my dog and gave me the phone number. I will tell you that I now understand how a man recently paid over $10,000 to get his dog back. I cried all the way to pick up the dog. He had gone for a walk to the lake and was almost hit by neighbors heading out for Easter dinner. He was safe and sound in their house even before we noticed he was missing! I firmly believe that God had His eye on Patch and kept him safe.......so in honor of Patch (my little black dog), anything that you purchase with black on it will have a 10% discount.
Swap & Shop: We are working on the final details of our first ever "garage sale". We will look after selling the items for you. 10% of all sales will be donated to Neighbour Link Calgary (www.neighbourlinkcalgary.ca) in support of the work they do. Start sorting out your things now and by June 3rd, you'll have tons of stuff to get rid of.
April 15, 2006 We have had a busy few weeks in the classroom and in the store and since we were closed on Good Friday, it was nice to have an easier day. We spent the evening at the Movies.... Sales of Kwik Sew patterns are going strong as well as the Quilting Fat Quarters. Don't forget that if you empty a bolt of fabric you receive 10% off.
April 8, 2006 I had a thought the other day....I am sending "this week at Needleworks" on Mondays. If I highlight a class that begins during the week, that is not much time for you to plan your time and register. So, I am changing the "this week" to "next week" and sending the updates out on Friday evening or Saturday morning. Hopefully this will give you better opportunity to plan your time. A reminder: if you see a class that interests you, but the times or days don't work; please call. We want to remain flexible and be able to change class dates or add in new ones for you. Another change: I offer a weekly sale for email customers only. I am now making that offer available for all customers who come into the store. I'll print a page and post it on the counter for all to see. You will still be able to suggest ideas for sales though...just send me an e-mail.
Just met a lovely young man! He has a home based custom outdoor sewing business. He may be interested in teaching some of his techniques in classes. If you need any heavy duty sewing done, he has the tools and the abilities. Give me a shout and I'll pass his contact information on to you.
April 3, 2006 We were super busy this past week. We had a total of 12 children participate in 2 Kids Sew Camps during the Calgary Public School spring break. The children started out with a tote bag and then spent the rest of the week making an assortment of items: Triangle Bags, Pillows, Baby Blankets, Ponchos. I am so proud of the work all these children did. A special thank you to Hermina and Dennis who came helped the children. We have scheduled a Kids Sew Camp for the week of April 17-21 during the Calgary Catholic Schools Spring Break. Register early as I am sure the spaces will fill up fast. We also have Kids Saturday Sew, Kids Sew After School, and Home Schooling classes.
Brenda and I have been putting our heads together and thinking of some new classes. I think I have her convinced to do another Junkyard Quilting class in May or June. We will improve on the previous one and I know that everyone who participates will learn so much about scrap quilting. We also thought of offering some technique classes in both quilting and sewing. I will work on these in the next few weeks and post them when we have them organized. If there is a technique you want to learn, please let us know....some suggestions are for quilting piecing techniques (templates, curves, set in seams) and garment construction techniques (zippers, buttonholes, twin needles). These classes would probably not be "project" classes, but we would give you lots of ideas of how and were to use these new techniques.
Last month I participated in the Duct Tape Clone class and made my own dress form. I used it this weekend for the first time. I chose a simple dress pattern from Kwik Sew 2833 and traced the pattern, pinned it together and tried it on the dress form. All I needed to do to the pattern was to adjust the back waist length. I am short-waisted and always have to shorten the back neck length. It was so easy with my new friend "Lucy". I could easily see that the shoulders were good for me as well as the neck edge fitting well. I think this may be my new favorite pattern!! I can see lots of ways to adjust this pattern.....change the neckline, add waist darts in the back and the front, colour block, make it sleeveless....the ideas are endless. By-the-way, did you know that Kwik Sew is now printing patterns with 5/8" seam allowances?
March 27, 2006 Spring is finally here and it is so nice to have the windows open in the house and the car....now I have to figure out a way to get the windows in the store to open!!! We had a great time at my nephew's graduation from the RCMP Academy last Monday. It was a very proud moment for the entire family.
This week is very busy with two Kids Sew Camps. I am thrilled by the response and hope that the Separate School break is just as popular.
March 18, 2006 While the cat is away the mouse will play. I am sending this a bit early because I'll be in Regina on Monday celebrating the graduation of a nephew from the RCMP training academy. Brenda will be here to keep an eye on things and help you, while I am away on Monday and Tuesday.
March 13, 2006 I am busy getting the March Needlenews ready for publication on Wednesday. The newsletter will include all the classes scheduled for the next few months. I am playing with the format...last month the newsletter listed the classes by start date. I found it very confusing, so am going to try something new. Please let me know what you think of the format.
March 6, 2006 Wow, a week and the weather changes.....the snow sure does look pretty and is nice and bright....I was starting to feel a little down with all the cloudy days, even though we have great windows in the store. I have information about classes and new fabrics that have just arrived. I will be placing a notions order this week, so if there is anything you are looking for, just give me a call and I'll look through my catalogue to see if I can order it.
Until next week........Happy Sewing everyone.
February 21, 2006 In an ongoing effort to remain flexible we are able to switch classes around.....a customer just came in and wanted to register for the Stained Glass Class that had been scheduled for March. No one to that point had shown interest, so I had scheduled something else in its place.....we have now scheduled the Stained Glass class back to March 6 & 13; 6:30-9:30pm. The pattern fitting class will be re-scheduled at another time when we have more interest in it.
February 20, 2006 New Fabrics and New Classes have been added this past week. First, the fabrics. We received a sampling of silk jacquards and silk tweeds in a few spring colours. These would make lovely blouses, dresses and suits. We also have a nice light blue denim and white denim. I will have to seriously re-think my plan about not taking the jean jacket class now that I see these denims. We have added two new pages to the web site....a student work page and a page with information about the store staff. We have scheduled some more classes for the next month or so....check out the class page for full details on the classes we have scheduled.
February 8, 2006 I was fortunate to take a whole day off work this week. My sister and brother-in-law were in town for the weekend....and Brenda worked on Monday for me....so I was off from Saturday afternoon to Tuesday! We had a great weekend visiting and "playing". Now, reality is back in force and I need to get some work done. I have received a new shipment of fashion fabrics and have some new classes to announce.
First the fabrics: We have half a dozen bolts of 100% rayon linings. Although they are known as Noblesse, they are the same product as the ever popular Bemberg linings. I chose some basic starter colors (white, champagne, java, cranberry, navy, black, grey) and will add more as time goes by. We also received some eyelet embroidered fabrics in peach, yellow, teal and lime. These would be beautiful as summer skirts or shirts. New in too is Mirabelle Knit... This knit is a polyester/rayon/spandex blend that would be perfect for light weight T-shirts and yoga wear. I also received more tone-on-tone quilting cottons last week....we have added more greens, browns and blues....I had ordered Reds, but these are back ordered and will probably arrive after Valentines!
New Classes: Two new bag classes to announce and some fun and practical options too. Don't forget that in addition to working on the project (and possibly completing it) you will learn lots of great tricks from the instructor about sewing in general and your machines, and other tools.
Valentines will soon be upon us and since I didn't get my quilt finished to hang in the store.....I will sell anything RED at %10 off for the rest of the month!!!
January 28, 2006 We are working on scheduling more classes for you. I have been in touch with an instructor who wants to teach a handbag class and sewing for Plus Sizes and another who would like to teach Battenberg Lace. Let us know if any of these interest you.
I have worked on some classes for Kids during their Spring break this year. Check the web site for full details. I have added a Kids Sewing link to the Class page. http://www.needleworks.org/kids_classes.htm
We have had a lot of interest in MacPhee Workshop patterns. We have decided to start an open class for MacPhee Workshop patterns. Register for 3 hour chunks of time between 10am and 6pm on Friday's March 17, 24, or 31. The cost is $25 per 3 hours, but a discount is offered for those who register for more hours. If you would like to come in for the evenings (6-9pm) give us a call and we'll see f we can get the instructor to stay. If Friday nights don't work, we can always schedule another evening.
Another Chenille Jacket class has been scheduled as well as dates for another Serger class.
I have had interest in the 9-Patch Jacket and the Antique Jacket classes as well as some Foundation Piecing classes. Give me a call regarding the best times and we'll see what the schedule says.
I had a group of ladies in last week. They were interested in the Pant Drafting class, but the dates weren't good...so they scheduled their own class! See how easy that is? We need a minimum of 3 people to run a class. That pays the instructor. If you and a few friends want to schedule a class with dates and times that work best for you....you know what to do!
We have been busy. I have a faithful helper, Brenda who is trying to keep to part time work. She is a great quilter and gives great advice on the quilting side of things. I think we need to look for a sewer to work part time. So, if you are looking for a partime job (1 or 2 days a week), please come in and speak to me. We are always on the lookout for more teachers too.
January 19, 2006: New Fabric in: We received 3 bolts of the Shaggy Plus Fleece yesterday. The Pink, Yellow and Blue showed up but the Rainbow is back ordered. Hopefully that will arrive soon. I have placed orders for some silks, rayon lining, shirtings and denim. They will be arriving soon. New classes and dates have been posted on the class page. We are scheduling most classes for 1-2 months in advance. If you are interested in a class, but the dates or times aren't the best, let us know. We want to be flexible so that we can better meet your need.s
January 6, 2006: The OFFICIAL GRAND OPENING WAS A SUCCESS! But I also think the sign above the door has helped a lot. My Gutterman thread rack arrived this week...so the threads are easily accessible. The classes are starting to fill...although we may be changing some dates. We now have a kids class on Saturday afternoons at 1pm at the end of January. The Free Motion Quilting class is full and I want to set new dates for the next class for February and am looking for customer/student input. If you are interested in the class, let me know when you would like the class scheduled. I am also thinking of scheduling some Kids Sew and Quilt camps during spring break. I have done them during the summer and they were quite successful...so, will put the feeler out now and see what you think.
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