new studio opening soon

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Looking forward to 2014/ Salt Lake longarm quilter/ sewing classes

It’s been a long time between posts but there has been a lot going on behind the scenes.  There will be alot to look forward to in 2014 and I hope you will come along for the ride!  New classes and a new look for the Simple Thimble.

Fall Sewing classes starting soon

We will st starting our fall classes soon!  The Ziggy Quilt from Chenille-It will be our first quilt class!  We will also be featuring our “Sewing Lounge” Saturdays as well as Wednesday and Thursdays when we are not on the “road” doing sewing shows in other states!  Call to schedule your reservation on specific days that work for you!  The Sewing Lounge gives you the opportunity to spend time in the studio working on the project of your choosing whether it’s clothing, quilting or a home dec project!  Classes will be limited to 6 in the studio maximum and you may often be lucky enough tohave a semi-private class.  Lounge time is $35/2hour block and $15/hr.for additional hours with a minimum of 2  students per session.  Nannette has  40 years of experience and expertise nationally in both the  fashion and quilting industries ! So bring your sewing machine and get ready to sew!! Call 801-485-6806 to reserve your time now!

Bird on the Wire Quilt on the cover of Quiltmania Magazine

Don’t miss the March /April issue of Quiltmania magazine!  I’m so proud to have my quilt “Bird on a Wire”  on the cover.   To find out more about this little quilt drop by my website for all of the details.  I’ll be posting more about it this week.  I will be teaching workshops and will have kits available on www.fauxchenille.com

Lets get started

Its hard to know just where to begin.  My sewing studio is filled with goodies.  This wall holds  fat quarter bundles from fall market that are just waiting to be opened and cut into pieces!  They all look so scrumptious on my shelves that I almost hate to disturb the wonderful  display that they make with all of their vibrant colors and beautifully tied packages.  But it’s time to turn all of these treasures into fabulous quilts, wall hangings, handbags and more.  Maybe a pillow or two or perhaps something to bring spring on just a little faster and melt some of this snow.  My longarm  is waiting for the next project and new samples for sewing classes will soon be hanging on the walls of the studio.  Drop by if you’re in Salt Lake and take a look at what I’m up to. 

its a new year of longarm quilting and classes at The Simple Thimble

It is a new year and the perfect time for a new start at the Simple Thimble.  Life happens and many of my longarm quilting projects as well as my sewing and quilting classes in Salt Lake City  were delayed.  I dedicate this new year to the memory of my mother (“Granny”) that put a needle into my hand and started my passion for sewing at the tender age of 3 years.  I remember so clearly standing next to her as a little girl and watching with amazement as she stitched on her new Pfaff 130 sewing machine.  She would blindfold me so I couldn’t see what she was making for me when she tried on and fitted me with a new dress.  I can remember peeking straight down through the blindfold and stealing a glimpse of the ruffles or rows of lace on her new creation for me.  It was her love for me and the creativity she instilled in me for so many years that continue to inspire me each day as I work in the art that I love so much.   I hope that all of these years of her influence will be reflected in my work for years ahead.  There will be many new posts and new ideas and projects that will fill this blog in the weeks and months ahead.  I hope you will follow along with me and enjoy the journey.

Sewing classes starting this week

Ready, Set, Sew!  The shop is open and ready for sewing classes to start this week.  I will be having an “Open Sewing Monday” quilting class that will feature a different quilt block each week.  This week’s block is a great little “whirly-gig” block from Kaffe Fassett’s Country Garden Quilts. 

The challenge in making a perfect block is the curved corner piece and the circle in the center of each whirly gig. 

I found a new tool at the Puyuallup Sewing Expo last spring that makes it easy and fast to assemble the curved corner piece of each of these blocks with a perfect 1/4 inch seam and NO PINS!  It’s called the Curve Master.  It is a cleaver sewing foot for your machine and comes with adaptors that will make it possible to use on just about any machine you might have in your sewing room!  I was able to assemble 36 of these little blocks in just two afternoons of sewing and no pins!

I found this tool to be easy to use.  It gave me perfect 1/4 inch seams on my curved pieces as well as the straight seams.  I think you will find it well worth the money just with the time it will save as you piece those wonderful whirly gig and wedding ring blocks that you’ve been wanting to make.

The center circle applique is turned under using a cardboard template 1/2 inch smaller than your cut circle.  Run a gathering stitch around the edge of your fabric circle, lay your cardboard template inside and pull your gathering stitch until it is tight against the cardboard.  Press your circle and Presto!  A perfect circle ready to applique in the center of each block.  I will be using a machine applique stitch to finish off my centers!  This is a beautiful quilt design from another wonderful Kaffee Fassett book.

Sewing classes begin this week in my Salt Lake City Studio.  Clothing and Quilting classes for all ages are being scheduled now.  Watch for a new quilt block or sewing project next Monday!  I would love to see you in person for our Open Sewing Monday classes!