Posts Tagged ‘tips’

Do You Know About Our Website?

Wednesday, August 31st, 2011

when you get ALL your tools together, you might need a computer!

Sometimes a customer has a question for which the answer is “Have you seen our Website?”.  It’s tricky to write about the website, since you’re ON the website right now — but maybe a quick introduction is in order — it will help you get more out of what is available at New Pieces.

The New Pieces website has Contact information for the Store, and Directions for getting to our Store (at 766 Gilman Street). You can read About New Pieces for information about the Store and the Staff. And of course it wouldn’t be a quilt store without a place for “Show and Tell”. We are always looking for pictures to add to our gallery of proud friends and customers.

Under Quilting Service is a brief explanation of the quilt related services available at New Pieces. Even old friends of New Pieces may be surprised at the range of tasks we can do for you when you don’t want to do them yourself. We recommend reading this part of the website to acquaint yourself with the range of possibilities, and their estimated costs. “Quilting Service” also has samples of some of the quilting designs we offer — and precise instructions on preparing your quilt top & back for longarm quilt service — Reading these instructions can save you time and money.

In Classes you will find a calendar of all upcoming events and classes and a description for each class – usually with a photo of the class sample quilt. While we have always tried to indicate how much experience you may need for certain classes, we recently began tagging some classes as being especially appropriate for certain kinds of students:

 

If you find a class that interests you, you can register by phone or come see us in person. If you are looking for a particular class or pattern, there is also a search function (click on “go here>>” on the Classes page to get there). If you still don’t see what you’re looking for — let us know!

 

...Have you seen the Mystery Quilter?

SO… since you’re reading this you already found the Blog.  You either got here by clicking “Blog” on the navigation bar (the red bar under where it says “New Pieces Quilt Store & Gallery”, or by clicking link from our Facebook page. The Blog is meant to give you an idea of what we’re about. We use it brag about students and teachers and to remind you about upcoming classes; we mention new things happening in the store and offer tips and how-tos. The Blog is about the things we’d tell you if you were right here in the Store. If there are things you want to know more (or less) about please don’t hesitate to let us know, either as a comment here, or on the New Pieces Quilt Store  Facebook page. It’s not a conversation without your input!

Mystery Quilter Revealed!

Wednesday, August 17th, 2011

The August Mystery Quilter  (8/16) was Sally Morris, quilter extraordinaire. Sally brought her show-and-tell quilts in a giant suitcase; she was equally generous with her time and expertise!

Among the stack of stunning quilts was this paper-pieced beauty that would have been enough by itself … but then Sally pulled out this one:

 

A second quilt made from the “leftovers” from the first quilt! What a range of wonderful work she shared with us!

Thank you so much, Sally, for your generous spirit and your skill. We are lucky to know you!

 

The next Mystery Quilter talk will be at 12:30pm on September 20th. Please mark the date and time on your calendar today, and plan to be with us for an informal, informative, lunchtime talk with ??????????

Mary Mashuta’s Machine Quilting Class – SATURDAY!

Sunday, July 3rd, 2011

Just a quick note to mention that there is a space (maybe even two spaces…) available in Mary Mashuta’s Foolproof Machine Quilting: The Basics class  on Saturday, July 9. We’ve blogged about this great class before  (click here and scroll down). Mary’s classes are information-packed, fun and usually full by the week before.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you’ve always wanted to take one of Mary’s classes, this may be your opportunity. Don’t wait to call or come in! Be sure to visit Mary’s website for inspiration, as well:  www.marymashuta.com

 

Pat Dicker Classes – What Fun!

Tuesday, May 24th, 2011

Pat Dicker’s “Dancing Sistas” class at New Pieces this past weekend was delightful. We’re pleased to announce that Pat will be teaching two classes in June .  Unlike the “Sistas” class, Pat’s June classes deal with  important (basic) technical skills for quilters — offered with Pat’s customary clarity and light touch.

On Sunday, June 5th, Pat will teach Binding Basics from 12:00 – 3:30pm. With her expert instruction and help you can (finally) master all the stages of making perfect bindings, including those pesky mitered corners.

After mastering the standard binding, Pat will show you other options like using a “facing” binding, and a super simple iron-on binding.

Binding is one of those things most of us really need to master. Why not now?

 

 

The picture at right is the back of a wall-hanging Pat Dicker made. It’s easier to see the free-motion quilting on the back, but it’s the same piece as the amazing wall-hanging below.

Introduction to Free Motion Quilting is your opportunity to begin to master this useful skill. Free-motion devotees see it as both a structural and artistic element on a quilt. It’s a skill that takes practice to master, but the better you are taught, the easier the practice will be. Saturday, June 11, 10-3:00pm.

Two Classes with Carol Lee

Thursday, May 12th, 2011

New Pieces is pleased to announce that our beloved Carol Lee is back on the class schedule in June, teaching two great classes on Thursday evenings.

On June 2nd she will reprise her perennial “Zen of Hand-Quilting” . Those of us who learned hand-quilting the hard way (trial & error, or from a book) can vouch for the wisdom of learning this skill from someone who knows all the tricks and tips.

While you practice your stitching Carol Lee will answer your questions and discuss supplies and resources for hand quilters.

If hand quilting is a meditation, Carol Lee is our guru.

On the following three Thursdays (June 9th, 16th and 23rd)  Carol Lee will teach a class that’s good for beginners, but appropriate and valuable for students at all skill levels –  “Begin with the Bento Box” .

This Bento Box pattern is a New Pieces tradition when pieced with dark and bright Asian fabrics (available in kit form in the Store).

The pattern is equally wonderful when done in batiks, or prints, or…..whatever you can imagine.

If you’re looking for a next project that looks harder than it really is, has straightforward construction and color combinations that sparkle, Bento Box is the class for you.

 

Begin With a 9-Patch; Make a Stunning Quilt!

Tuesday, April 26th, 2011

Detail of Becky’s Nine-Patch Quilt

2 Mondays, May 9 and 23

6:15 pm – 9:15 pm      All Levels

 

Begin With the 9-Patch is perfect for quilters of all experience levels who want to master a basic pieced quilt, while concentrating on color and pattern scale to make a quilt that really ‘sings’.
Teacher Becky Keck says, “The 9-patch is one of the most basic and easiest blocks to make. It either blends with the focus fabric or contrasts with it and moves your eye across the quilt.”
Beginners will learn use of the rotary cutter, basic piecing rules,  strip-piecing, block construction  and bordering. This class is one of the first marked with the “Beginner Friendly” icon, but it will still challenge anyone who takes it.

Got Questions? Get Support! Tuesday Morning Drop-In at New Pieces

Monday, April 25th, 2011

Sometimes all you really need is help with one tricky problem,

…or another pair of eyes on your design,

…or help choosing the right binding fabric — and a lesson on how to miter the corners on your binding,

…or?

Sometimes you just need to make an appointment with yourself to sew, and it helps to have friends who notice if you don’t show up! Tuesday drop-in offers all this and more  (if you need more, or have more to offer). At this point the group is a really nice mix of “regulars” and those who just need help with one special project.

New Pieces supplies the space and makes sure an experienced Staff teacher is here for you. After that it’s up to you.

Space is limited, so it’s best to reserve ahead, or you can call Tuesday morning and see if there’s room.

FORGET HALLMARK!

Thursday, April 21st, 2011

ART TO MAIL  -  May 1, 2011

12:00 – 3:00pm

Priscilla Read

Mother’s Day is May 8th this year. Art To Mail on May 1st is a perfectly timed adventure for anyone who has a mother, or is one, or married one or hopes someday to be one. It’s also perfect for anyone who just wants to learn to make stunning, mailable fabric post-cards.

Postcards have always been a way to remember friends, share good times and make art personal. Using your sewing machine and scraps of your favorite fabrics you will construct and embellish a mini-masterpiece, and take with you the skills to make more postcards at home. Why let Hallmark express your sentiments, when you can do better yourself, and have such fun!

Mystery Quilter – Chapter 2

Tuesday, April 12th, 2011

YOU ARE INVITED:  to meet the second “Mystery Quilter” . The MQ is a member of our New Pieces community who has something to share — a special technique, beautiful quilt(s), a wonderful story. Only the class coordinator knows the identity of this month’s MQ, and she’s not telling.  Come join us on a free, lunch-time adventure, starting promptly at 12:30. Plenty of room, but limited seating available.

 

WHEN? Tuesday April 19th, 12:30 – 1:30 pm

WHERE? New Pieces Quilt Store, 766 Gilman Street, Berkeley, CA

WHO?  Well … you’re the one we invited — and we won’t know who the Mystery Quilter is until show ‘n tell begins.

Bring your lunch and a friend if you wish.

 

The Mystery Quilter is among us — Who will it be this time?  Shhh..!

Nifty Notions – Little House Pins

Sunday, March 20th, 2011

 

I opened a new box of Little House Pins this morning and was reminded what a wonderful, small luxury they really are.  Little House Pins are very thin, utterly smooth and really, really sharp.  They are handmade, with tiny glass pinheads that hold up to ironing without melting or scratching. They come from Tokyo, painstakingly sorted and counted into teeny-tiny boxes. Working with these beautiful little pins reminds me that there is true pride in doing a small thing very, very well. In a hectic world, it’s a thought I love to have as I sit down to my day’s projects.

– Heather