Read It All, February 19, 2012 at Sew E-Z, Portsmouth, VA 23701

Store Hours:

Tuesday - Thursday, 10:00am – 6:00pm

Friday, 10:00am – 5:00pm

Saturday, 9:30am – 3:00pm

Sunday, Monday, and Holidays closed

2858 Airline Blvd

Portsmouth, VA 23701

Phone: 757-488-9449

Email: info@sewe-z.com

10% Guild Members Discount*

*Discounts are not valid on machines or furniture items.

Home Janome Newsletter Classes Fun Events Clubs Fabrics Notions FYI Contact Us

Newsletter

Read It All
Inside Sew E-Z
Patch Abilities
Serger Owners
New Roller Bag
Discover Secrets

Used Machines
Janome Financing
2012 Dates

MAQF Special
Winter Schedule
Cuddles Corner

2 New Classes

Janome Products

Class Punch Card
Recipe Corner
Discount Card

Newsletter

Sew E-Z Coupons

Tune-Up Coupons

Used Machines

Special
Financial Services

VIL
Very Important Links

Become a Fan
on Facebook

Fabric Stores
Hampton Roads

Fabric Stores
Tidewater

Quilt Shops
Hampton Roads

Quilt Shops
Tidewater

Community

Surveys

Embird

Click here to suggest a community project.

Click here to take any of our surveys.

Inside Sew E-Z

There are just 3 days remaining before the Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival gets underway. There will be hundreds and hundreds of quilts, wall hangings, and garments that will amaze and tantalize, while an endless array of vendors will be eager to sell their wares. So, what will be on your wish list at this year’s festival?

Yes, we are completing those minute preparations, because Tuesday we load the truck to set-up our booth early Wednesday morning. Wednesday will be a long day and we are praying for good weather since there is a chance of rain during the week. There is a chance of snow on Sunday but it should not have any affect the festival. Most of you have previously attended the MAQF and are familiar with the layout, but for those who plan to attend for the first time, here are some helpful tips to make it an enjoyable event.

Wear comfortable shoes.

Wear a fanny pack instead of carrying a purse. This will help keep your hands free and less hassle trying to keep up with a purse.

Take plenty of return address labels, which is quicker and easier to complete entry forms.

Take plenty of cash, because the food vendors only accept cash.

Cut and organize fabric swatches to save time when looking for or trying to match a particular fabric.

Roller bags are not recommended, due to aisle sizes and the often crowded display areas. Be polite and courteous helps to make it an enjoyable event for everyone.

Keep a list of classes and any supplies needed for those classes, just in case you need to purchase additional items or fabrics.

Remember, Sew E-Z will be closed Wednesday, February 22, 2012 through Monday, February 27, 2012. We invite everyone to come see us at the Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival.

Our week was busy with the Infinity Quilt class on Tuesday, machine guide classes throughout the week, and then the Yarn and Trim Jacket class Saturday. The Yarn and Trim Jacket class had an excellent turn out, with everyone learning how to make their own fabric. The excitement in the room was fantastic. Everyone had different colors, yarns, trims and even a few new ideas came out of the class, too! The best part is everyone learned how to create jackets and design possibilities for making purses, wall hangings and even quilts. I am so anxious to see all the finished projects. Linda Hall made a lace overlay for a shirt, which turned out just beautiful. She also came up with more ideas for using this technique. I love seeing the creativity and sharing of ideas each and every class generates at Sew E-Z.

I attended the Day and Night Guild meetings for the Tidewater Quilters’ Guild, plus the board meeting on Thursday evening. If you are not a Guild member, then I invite you to be my guest at our meeting in April. Please call the store at 757-488-9449 for more information about Tidewater Quilters’ Guild, or visit their website at www.tqg.org today.

I have been working on several new ideas for upcoming classes. There are so many applications for so many techniques that it is difficult to know where to start. So, I created several new classes below, one for embroidery software and another involving chenille that should sparks some creative projects.

Two New Classes from Sew E-Z

Embird Forum

Cost: $10.00.

Thursday, March 8, 2012 at 10:00am or 6:00pm

The Embird Forum is an opportunity for both current users and non-users to learn more about the creative embroidery designs offered by Embird. Embird is an affordable embroidery design software that is compatible with all makes and models of embroidery machines. This is a chance to ask questions, learn hints and tips from others, while getting better acquainted with the program. So, if you are looking to expand your embroidery design software library, or want to learn about embroidery software, then join us March 8, 2012 at 10:00am or 6:00pm for the Embird Forum. Class Supplies: Laptop with Embird loaded on it (optional), pencil and paper. The cost is $10.00.

Chenille Jacket

Cost: $15.00, includes instructions.

Saturday, April 28, 2012 at 11:00am.

Making a beautiful, one-of-a-kind chenille sweatshirt jacket is fun and easy. Using a panel or 3 different fabrics, you will learn how to make your own chenille and then turn into a one-of-a-kind jacket. Class Supplies: Sewing machine with a new needle, rotary cutter, ruler, scissors, straight pins, marking pen, chenille cutter or chenille strips, and thread to coordinate with your main fabric. Fabric: You will need one sweatshirt one size larger than you normally wear. If you are using a pre-printed panel, you will need 3 panels, and 2 - 3 yards coordinating fabric. If you are using fabric only, then you will need 3 - 4 yards of fabric. The cost is $15.00, which includes instructions.

Calvert Caper Mystery Quilt BOM

Based on customer feedback, we have moved the Calvert Caper Mystery Quilt BOM to the fourth Saturday of every month at 9:30 am beginning April 28, 2012. We have also lowered the monthly BOM fee to $10.00/month.

Each month clues are given to make a square. Most squares will be made multiple times to be used throughout the quilt. In class the clues are reviewed to make sure everyone understands what they need to do. Then you take everything home, read the clues and make one square. Pin your pieces for one block on to a piece of batting or felt. Return the next month with your sample to see if you created the correct design. The correct design will then be revealed and you will have time to sew the squares together. Before leaving, the next clue will be given out and questions answered and you return the next month with your sample of the square design. The first class will focus on cutting all your fabrics. Then there are 5 classes with a different clue for each class. It will be fun and interesting to see how many different designs are created and who will have the correct design. Class Supplies: sewing machine with a new needle, ruler, rotary cutter, scissors, marking pen, straight pins, Ziploc bags to put your precut fabric pieces into (15), neutral color thread. Fabric requirements are 2¾ yard light value background fabric, ¾ yard medium value (possibly a novelty print if desired), 1¼ yard dark value fabric and 1¾ yard contract fabric. The cost is $10.00 per class.

Patch Abilities Monthly Mini-Series

We have decided to enhance our monthly mini-series. Currently, the monthly pattern & frame topper is $25.95 but we have reduced the cost to $20.00, which also includes some fabrics for making the monthly mini. You can still participate in this really neat series. We have plenty of the previous months and fabrics will also be added to those. Stop by and ask for more details.

Calling All Serger Owners

Did you know one of the members of the Janome education staff, Maddie Bushman (aka Ms. Maddie), is known as the queen of serging? She has even created her own blog called Ms. Maddie’s Serger Emporium, where she shares a variety of small projects, tips, techniques and whatnot. If you have a Janome serger and like to pick up bits of information every-now-and- again, then you will want to follow Ms. Maddie’s blog, too! Happy serging everyone!

Discover Artistic Sewing Suite Secrets

Discover the secrets behind the Artistic Sewing Suite software when Maddie Bushman, Janome Educator, comes to Sew E-Z and presents the Crystals A Plenty Party, March 29 and 31, 2012. This is not only a class but an opportunity to explore the features of this software. Plus, using a crystal design you will make your very own shirt, tote bag, table runner, or other sewing/quilting project. Better yet, the Artistic Sewing Suite software is also ideally suited for scrap bookers and other crafters, too. So, tell your friends and come see what all the excitement is about. Lastly, class attendees can save 20% on any Artistic product purchases March 29 – 31, 2012.

Want a sneak preview? Then watch the ArtisticUSA videos on YouTube.com.

Janome Special Financing

Janome has done it again. They have worked with GE financing to offer a 36 months with no interest on all purchases over $2,500, but this offer is only available February 16 - 22, 2012. This is a wonderful opportunity to purchase the machine you have been wanting and finance it with no interest. Mark the dates on your calendar! We will be happy to help you with your purchase.

Used Machines

We have 2 - MC11000 SE Embroidery/sewing/quilting machines. Both are in excellent condition and each comes with a variety of extra accessories. They are looking for a new home and are available at a steal of a price.

Booth 1206 at the Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival

Sew E-Z will be in Booth 1206 at the Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival, so please stop by and say hello. Remember, the store will be closed Wednesday - Monday, February 22 - 27, 2012. The store will reopen on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at 10:00am.

We will have our 6600 machines in the classroom again this year, which will be available for sale at a much reduced price. We recommend putting one on layaway now to ensure you get one of these fabulous machines.

Also, if you are attending the MAQF and live outside of the area, but your Janome needs a tune-up, we have made arrangement to be able to do them while you are there. Bring your machine to our booth on Thursday and we will get it done over the next day or two. This is strictly for tune-ups only. If you are having a problem with your machine and we need to order a part, we would not be able to complete the repair before you return home. If you have any questions, please feel free to call us ahead of time.

2012 Dates to Remember

Remember to mark your calendars now for the following events:

Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival

February 23 - 26, 2012 at Hampton Convention Center

Tidewater Quilt Guild Spring Fling

March 24, 2012 in Virginia Beach

Crystals A Plenty Party

March 29 & 31, 2012

Northcott’s Fabric Buyer Day

Saturday, May 5, 2012 at Sew E-Z

Tidewater Quilt Guild Quilt Show

June 22 - 24, 2012 at Shriner’s Khedive Building off Greenbrier Parkway.

Winter Schedule

Infinity Quilt

February 21, 29 & March 6, 13, 20, 27, 2012.

Ladies Night Out

March 2, 2012

Stitcher’s Garden #2

Begins Thursdays, March 8, 2012 at 10:00am or 6:00pm

Spider Web Quilt

March 14 & 21, 2012

Learn to Quilt 101

March 22, 2012.

Crystals A Plenty Party

March 29 & 31, 2012.

12000 Embroidery Machine Owners Class

March 30, 2012.

Strip Bingo

March 30, 2012.

Placemat & Napkin Set

March 31, 2012.

Cuddles Corner

Cuddles Corner will return next week after the Quilt Festival.

Recipe Corner

Hot Cocoa

1 cup 2 percent milk

3 tbsp. heavy cream

2 oz. bittersweet chocolate

2-3 tbsp. freeze-dried strawberries or 1 finely diced large fresh strawberry

Directions

Bring milk to a low boil in a small saucepan. Stir in cream and chocolate and bring to a boil again, stirring until chocolate is fully melted. Stir in strawberries and pour into a mug.

Candy Cane Cocoa

4 cups milk

3 (1 ounce) squares semisweet chocolate, chopped

4 peppermint candy canes, crushed

1 cup whipped cream

4 small peppermint candy canes

Directions

In a saucepan, heat milk until hot, but not boiling. Whisk in the chocolate and the crushed peppermint candies until melted and smooth. Pour hot cocoa into four mugs, and garnish with whipped cream. Serve each with a candy cane stirring stick.

Snow Flake Cocoa

2 cups whipping cream

6 cups milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 (12 ounce) package white chocolate chips

Garnish:

Whipped cream

Candy canes

Directions

Stir together the whipping cream, milk, vanilla, and white chocolate chips in a slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 2 to 2½hours, stirring occasionally, until mixture is hot and chocolate chips are melted. Stir again before serving. Garnish with whipped cream and candy canes, as desired.

Click REMOVE if you no longer wish to receive email from Sew E-Z.