April Newsletter & SALES!!
Hello Friends and Quilters!!
April showers usually bring May flowers, or at least we hope so. In Colorado, it's more like Mother's Day before our flowers really kick in. But, Spring is a time of new beginnings for sure--fresh flowers, birds nesting and spring cleaning to make room for the new things we bring to our lives. We also close down our tax year on April 15th and open up a fresh start for the coming year. It's always a relief to get the envelope off in the mail before the due date. Maybe some of those refund dollars will find their way into your quilting stash!!
New Monthly Sale
To celebrate April, all floral fabrics are 20% OFF!! The sale begins today, April 18th and ends Tuesday, April 23rd. When you are shopping, remember that all these fabrics are beautiful for any sewing projects you may have and much more economical than purchasing 44-45” wide fabric. This is a perfect sale to add to your stash! No promo code is needed and there is FREE SHIPPING on orders of $65 or more. And, be sure to check out the Sales & Close-Out section. You will find cut-rate deals like 40% discounts and more on the last couple yards of a bolt, quilt kits and more!
Sales & Close-Outs (this may take a few seconds to load)
New Products
Jiffy Kit-Market Tote Bags--We have lots of new Market Tote bags in vibrant spring and summer colors. The new Patriotic Totes will be back soon as well. Be sure to check these out!! They are a quick home-made gift for someone special--and that includes YOU!
Jiffy Kit-Poinsettia Tablerunner--When it comes to sewing and quilting, it's not too early to be thinking of Christmas decor and gift giving. This new Jiffy Kit has everything you need to make this gorgeous tablerunner in just a couple hours!
CULINARY CORNER
Summer Slaw--This slaw is bright and crisp, loaded with snow peas- or sugar snap peas in summer with apple, thinly sliced cabbage, and a handful of chopped roasted, salted peanuts on top. All you need for dressing is some olive oil and fresh lime juice and you have a gloriously easy side that pairs perfectly with seafood or chicken.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb snow peas, thinly sliced on the bias
- 1 cup thinly sliced green or red cabbage
- 1 small apple, halved, cored and cut into thin pieces (honeycrisp or granny smith)
- 2 scallions – finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ½ cup salted roasted peanuts, chopped (You may substitute salted roasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds)
Directions
In a large bowl. Combine the snow peas, cabbage, apple, scallions, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and sugar and toss to combine. Divide the salad among plates and service sprinkled with peanuts.
LONG-ARM QUILTING SERVICES
Currently, from the time your quilt is received, it will take 2-3 weeks for completion for E2E quilting services.
FREE QUILT PATTERN
TODAY’S TIPS, TRICKS & TECHNIQUES--DEALING WITH BULKY SEAMS
There are several different strategies you can use to make your sewing life a smoother experience when it comes to those nasty seam allowances that can get in the way. Here are some helpful tips:
Pressing Techniques
- Press Seam Directions: Consider pressing some seams open and others to the side.
- Wool Pressing Mats: Invest in a wool pressing mat. These mats help flatten seams.
- Clappers: Use a clapper (a flat wooden tool) to press down on the seams after ironing.
- Weighting Down: Place heavy books on a block after pressing. As it cools, the weight helps maintain flat seams.
Starching
- Apply Starch to seam intersections and press them flat and dry. Starch relaxes the fibers, allowing the fabric to fold neatly and stay in place.
Needle and Machine Adjustments
- Use a walking foot to feed layers evenly through your machine.
- Switch to a universal needle size 12 or 14.
Trim Excess Seam Allowance
- After stitching, trim away excess seam allowance from one side of the seam. Layer the seam allowance width to reduce bulk.
Finally, here is a Fons and Porter YouTube on Managing Bulky Seams.
Happy Quilting Friends!
Linda
Log Cabin Quilt’N Sew
703-586-3265