Sweet Stitches Quilt Shop July 2020 Newsletter

 

SSQS Journal

Issue 35 July 2020 

July 2020

Hello Everyone,

We hope everyone is well and enjoying their summer as much as possible. The past couple of newsletters I have focused on a theme and it has made writing this newsletter easier for me. In April the theme was “Adapt” as we were just starting back at the shop after being off for a month and trying to figure out how we were going to navigate our new normal. May’s theme was “Making” as in just making it through the week, making changes and making quilts, it’s what we do! The month of June had my thoughts focusing on “Just Keep Going”. It is all we can really do right now isn’t it? Some days it’s hard to find the motivation to get going or to keep going when there is so much heartache and uncertainty in the world, Just keep going! One day the heartache will lessen and that uncertain feeling will turn to one full of hope. Some days it’s overwhelming the number of things that need to get done in a day, a week or a month. I find this to be the one that I feel the most these days as the number of items to get done in the shop never ends and life feels unorganized. Just Keep Going! It’s going to get better, I keep reassuring myself things will get back to normal, help will be back soon and you will get into that comforting routine again. Quilting has been both a comfort and force of motivation for me because I have enjoyed the rhythm of piecing quilt blocks for the shop as I get ready for the July 3rd Demo Day Video but it is harder when my helpers are not there to help me make that first Friday of the month deadline. Just Keep Going Joan! Some quilt projects will get done, others will be shown in stages, what isn’t finished will be in next month's video -there is always next month you just need to do what you can. Stay focused on the future whether it's getting through tomorrow, next month, next year we all need to just keep going. Before I go, I just want to reach out and send hugs to our shop friends who have recently lost someone very special to them, those who are missing their loved ones, our friends that are scheduled for surgery this month and those struggling with the fear of uncertainty. All we can do is carry on, all we can do is do what we can, all we can be is there for each other. Hanging in there everyone and Just Keep Going!

May all your stitches be sweet,
Joan

Sweet Stitches Quilt Shop is excited to announce a new product line - The Daylight Company line of lamps, magnifiers and lightbox products.

Whether you are a sewer, quilter, or just enjoy doing crafts, quality lighting is key to producing your best work and protecting your eyes.

Crafters love to relax with projects in the evenings but understand that artificial light can make it difficult to see fine detail, sew accurately and colour match correctly. The Daylight Company has designed exceptional craft lights, magnifying lamps and lightboxes since the 1980's that provide high-quality light for quilters and craftspeople alike.

Daylight lamps are engineered to simulate natural daylight, which is the best for clarity and colour matching, and the most comfortable for your eyes when doing detailed tasks.  We think you will immediately notice the difference when you experience a daylight product. And wait until you see these lightboxes with optional cutting mats! - can you say Foundation Paper Piecing? 

Row by Row is Now QUILTERS TREK

The Trek started on June 21, 2020!  This year's theme for the first Quilters Trek is True Blue. For 2020, Joan has created a cute piece she named True Blue Friends.

Customers visiting the shop may request a free pattern. Sweet Stitches has also created a kit that is available at the shop, curbside and through on-line shipping. 

Kits have only been available for one week and we have already shipped to Michigan, Maryland, California, Kentucky, Indiana, Georgia, Delaware, Texas and Utah!




True Blue Friends - By Joan Crookston

A little History,
Each summer, Sweet Stitches has participated in Row by Row. This year, the organizers have made significant updates to the program created a new name, Quilters Trek, new requirements for the quilt blocks and in recognition of the current state of travel restrictions, will allow kits to be shipped throughout the program which begins June 21.

Founded in 2011 by a New York State quilt shop owner, Janet Lutz, Row by Row was created as a summertime shop hop that all brick-and-mortar quilt shops are invited to participate in. Each summer, a theme is selected and shops design an original “row” pattern.

      Curbside Service is Still Available!

Have you been thinking about an Accuquilt cutting system?
July is the time!
Accuquilt has just announced they are sponsoring a manufacturers rebate through the month of July - $100 rebate on the Ready. Set. GO! and $150 rebate on the GO! Big.
Stop in or call for details!

 

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CLASS Calendar

"When are you going to have classes again?" For right now the answer is August unless conditions warrant a further delay. 

Thank you for your understanding, we will offer classes when we feel that it is safe and we can supply an excellent experience for all participants. 

Happy 4th of July!

A Machine Minute

General Maintenance and proper technique are critical for optimum performance of your sewing machine and project outcome.

3 in 1 is a good deal!

While 3 in 1 sounds good, it may not be what you need.
What are we talking about? Oil, 3 in 1 oil. 
This oil has been the go to in garages and basement workshops for many years. It has been around since 1894 in fact. As they say, it Cleans, Lubricates, and Protects and it does a great job on doors, saw blades, hand tools, fences but not so much on high-speed mechanical devices like a sewing machine.

As soon as they come through the door, I know, I can smell the distinctive odor of 3 in 1. Usually, the machine is dripping with the stuff because it doesn't hold up to the wear caused by the close tolerances of the shaft and bars. The oil breaks down and becomes a bit tacky, just the opposite of what you had hoped so more 3 in 1 goes in until it makes it to the shop and I have to soak up oil puddles inside the machine.

Leave the 3 in 1 for the squeaky door, bike chain and the lock, when it comes to your sewing machine, only use approved sewing machine oils. They are designed to hold up to the high-speed stresses inside your machine and you don't have to use a gallon to have a smooth running and quiet machine.