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August 9	I am trying to slow summer down but I am not succeeding. Finally, I listed my Cape Cod house for sale. For information you can call my broker, Danny Griffin at 774-836-6172. I am moving to another Centerville home so I will still be only 8 minutes from Heartbeat! My father, Sam, always told me to live as close to my business as possible and once again he was absolutely right. We continue with the theme of How to Choose Fabric for a Quilt. Last week’s Blast with the first installment can be found here. The types of prints mentioned previously are very important because an interesting quilt usually has a variety of prints and different in type and scale. Years ago, quilters did not have the range and diversity of fabrics we have today. Thus, many quilts were all calicoes or all solids. Today’s choices are varied in type and the colors are exquisite. If you are a new quilter or one who wants to gain more confidence in selecting fabrics there are a few basic suggestions: • Try to select a quilt pattern with 6 or less fabrics • Decide the colors you want to use (more discussion next week on color) • Start with a fabric you love the most (the bolt you hug as you walk around my store) • Select 6 fabrics at one time before analyzing and refining your selection. With only 2-3 fabrics, it is difficult to critique your choices • Place the bolts in a location away from other fabrics and colors that might influence your present selection (like on the floor, or on a table) • Stack the fabrics on top of each other so you can see the variation of prints and colors in equal proportion. Squint a little to view the stack. • Starting with the fabric you dislike the most, try to find a replacement fabric for only that one bolt. Once you select a replacement discard the undesired bolt. You have already decided that the original selection is wrong so get rid of the bolt before you start second guessing yourself! • Continue the process, replacing bolts with other bolts more to your liking • Don’t spend time worrying over a small difference in fabric selection. I see customers trying to choose from 2 “pinks”. They are the same color and one has a squiggle towards the left and the second has a squiggle to the right! For me they are the same fabric. That is, they “read’ identical so they are, in effect, the same. • When you are happy with your selection, STOP THE PROCESS and buy the fabric!! Don’t ever use a fabric you don’t like. There are too many selections and you should like every quilt you sew. If possible, buy all your fabrics at one time. If you can’t find them all, maybe it’s not your day to choose fabric. For example, other times you can shop for clothing and not be able to find anything suitable. Then sometimes everything looks great, comes in your size, the price is right and you can buy out the store. Recognize when it’s not your day and walk away. Ask for help from your quilt shop professionals. Try to allow at least an hour in the selection process. Next week I will discuss color and value. Hope this week brings you sunshine and time to sew with your friends. Visit Heartbeat soon, in person or on line. We are here to help you.
August 2	I promised you a new topic which will span several weeks of Blasts. This is the beginning on my advice on how to select fabric for a quilt. Naturally, I cannot write in detail all the information I give in lectures and classes. This is because I talk fast and don’t type as fast! In quilting I suggest only 100% cotton. There are many, many different cottons on the market today. So some will feel silkier or rougher than others. Most of the cotton is imported from China by manufacturers. There are industry standards as to the thread count etc. The base goods (called “griege goods”) however, do often vary within each manufacturer’s orders and also from company to company. The printing is mostly done in Korea these days. Often, the same prints on a reprinting of a line are on different base fabric. You, the customer, may or may not notice the difference. Often, one of the reasons you notice a difference in chain or discount store fabric, is that it may be printed on less expensive base cotton, obviously to reduce the cost. For more detailed information, click on www.fabrics.net/cotqual.asp. There are many types of prints to choose from: calicoes, large scale, small scale, stripes, dots, tonals, blenders, solids, viny, and plaids. Some simple definitions of these are: Calicoes: small prints, often flowers, multi-colored, without much background showing Large scale prints: large print with multiple colors Small scale prints: small prints with multiple colors Stripes: one or more colors, stripe usually printed parallel to the selvage, often the stripes are different widths Dots: same or different sizes, single or multi-colored, sometimes not perfectly round Tonals: print that is one color printed on a background of the same color in different shades Blenders: usually neutral in color (beige, gray, brown) with a small print Solids: no design in the fabric Viny: swirling, linear design of one or more colors on a different color background Plaids: Perpendicular lines, large or small, in two or more colors Your suggested “homework” is to pull one or more fabrics from your stash in each category. Next Monday will have more detail on the above! This week come to the store on your way to, or on your way back from the Bayberry Quilt Show in Harwich, Ma. We will have a guest demonstrator, free to you, along with some refreshments! See you then.
July 26	I received more email responses to last week’s Blast than ever before. A few lines from some of those responses: From PG in Hyannis, MA: “Your message is one that all who enjoy a place, who, unknowingly take it for granted, be it a quilt shop, restaurant, or any other establishment that brings them pleasure, or, provides a special personal service, needs to hear.” From JR in Plymouth, MA: “it may be convenient to purchase items online but the personal service and the ability to peruse the book or get an opinion on a fabric selection far outweighs the online experience” From JK (an American living in Nigeria): “…I actually have to SEE fabric, even thread, before I'm comfortable saying that I'll put it in a project. Online simply doesn't always convey everything that you need to know about the item you wish to use. In terms of advice, well, there is just no substitute for talking it over in person..." From CC in Ireland: “…want to express my views as a visitor to America. I am English, living in Ireland & visiting the States for the last 20 + years. The highlight of my trips is to visit shops like Heartbeat. We have nothing like you in Ireland & the few shops I visited on my journeys home to England have now disappeared. I would hate to think the same could happen in the States where my love of quilting first began. I can look at all sorts on the internet but there is nothing like walking into a real quilting shop & handling the fabrics & meeting people with the same love of fabric & sewing…” From CG in Oxford, MA :”…I’d rather deal with small shops than online. It is only a rare occasion that I buy on line. I am very old fashioned. I rather deal in person and have the one on one contact. I understand what you mean by our shops going. I am also a garment maker and it is very hard to get items…” From Hawaii: “…I do prefer going to a quilt shop for all the reasons you stated and especially for the camaraderie of the staff and shoppers. BUT, I've retired and moved to the boonies in paradise. It would take me two hours to drive to the nearest fabric store and 90% of the time, they don't have what I want/need. So, internet shopping is my best bet to get what I'm looking for…” I did expect some negative feedback which never came! For the customer from Hawaii, my answer to her and to all of you is that you might need to shop online because there is no quilt shop near you (anymore) or you might be homebound for multiple reasons. However, I urge you to shop online with quilt shops rather than discounters. The few dollars you might be saving is better spent with a quilt shop, helping it to stay in business through these difficult times. Next week I will start a series on how to choose fabric for a quilt. Until then, stay cool, be happy and sew a bit, it will lower your blood pressure and make you smile. PS Be sure to visit Heartbeat when you come to the Bayberry Quilt Show in Harwich, MA on August 5, 6, 7. We are having FREE demonstrations by Shirley Henriksen of Brewer (one of our important distributors). You will find it informative, you’ll get refreshments, and you will be in air conditioning!
July 19	Sometimes I write the Monday Blast at Heartbeat on Monday; sometimes at home on Sunday. This is a Sunday night Blast. At home I'm more relaxed and therefore, my thoughts more reflective. We (friends, family, and customers) are more conscious these days about where and how we spend our money, how much to pay, and whether we really need it at all, but stop for a moment and think about the future. In our quilt shops we often hear customers talking about how they can purchase an item for less online than in the “brick and mortar” store where they are standing. I understand most of us want/need to economize. We quilters will continue to purchase gorgeous fabric, new books, and patterns, or quilting “stuff”. Remember that a ‘real’ store provides many ‘free’ services to you. Free to you, but not without cost to the shop. If you go elsewhere to purchase, eventually the store and those services will disappear. Choosing to make purchases through online discounters, chains, or craft stores rather than patronizing your local quilt shop may very well contribute to the shop's demise. Some of the services you get from a quilt shop, in person or by telephone: ✔ Advice on selecting fabric for any project ✔ Assistance with sewing problems ✔ Information on new products and feedback from other customers ✔ Hands on classes ✔ Interacting with other quilters (at Heartbeat there are many international quilters) ✔ A quilt shop to call if you are homebound or on vacation and need a special piece of fabric to complete a project. ✔ A place to browse through fabric to see colors and patterns come alive and hug that special bolt you love most! ✔ Comfort and a friendly atmosphere when you need “someone to talk to” You get the idea! Please email me to tell me what benefits you get from visiting a quilt shop. Shops are closing at an alarming rate across the US. Stores like Heartbeat, regardless of their size, provide more than just a product. Information is shared between customers, teachers, and staff. The quilt shop is, as my friend, Marsha McCloskey, told me many years ago, “The Other Place”. Some people hang out at bars, sports events, and other locations. But for us the “Other Place” is our local quilt shop. So, the next time you consider a purchase or are simply in need of inspiration, patronize your local quilt shop. If you choose not to support your local shop, eventually the 'Other Place' will be no more.
July 12	Our July 3rd sale was amazing and we thank all of you who visited us here at Heartbeat and online for the annual event! We are kitting 8 quilts from the September, 2010 issue of “The Quilter Magazine”. Three of the kits are my original designs, so be sure to check them out. These days we do sell out quickly on the magazine kits. Don’t be disappointed, order early. The heat of the summer is extraordinary this year, but we do have AIR CONDITIONING here at Heartbeat so please come visit and cool off. We just received 100+ bolts of fabric for the promotional room ($5.79/yard) and of course, as always, new fabric arrives daily.
July 6	Helen is taking an extra day of vacation and will be back Wednesday. One of our customers brought to our attention that the Independence Day Sale was not put on the internet like we had intended. We would like to thank that customer and apologize for this oversight. We are extending the online Independence Day Sale through midnight this Thursday, July 8.
June 28	We are gearing up for the 3rd of July SALE, this coming Saturday from 8am-1pm. The details are below and there will be more to come. Don’t miss the fun and bargains. Saturday should be a great day to travel on Cape early! Most people will already be here for the weekend. You keep asking about Summer Classes. Both Mary and Mutt who usually teach more than I do are not able to offer much this summer. Mary will be doing a class or two but she is off today so the posting will be later this week. I have decided to start a new Quilter’s Academy, Freshman year. This course is 30 hours and since I want you complete it this summer, it will be in 6 hour segments instead of 3 hours per class. If you are already enrolled and want to continue in the 6 hour offering, you may. If you want to start but can’t do the 6 hours at one time, you should sign up for the first 6 hour class (which is lessons 1-2), and then continue with the 3 hour classes. This workshop is flexible, but as always, required to be taken in the order of the book. That is lesson 1, 2, 3, 4 etc. IN ORDER! You will pay as you go. The 6 hour classes are $30 each session, and the 3 hour classes are $15. The 6 hour classes are on Thursdays, 10am-4pm as follows: Thurs, July 8 classes #1 and #2 Thurs, July 15, classes #3 and #4 Thurs, July 29, classes #5 and #6 Thurs, Aug 5, classes #7 and #8 Thurs, Aug 19, classes #9 and #10 You must have your own sewing machine for this workshop and know basically how to use it. This is a learning experience in quilting; it is not a sewing machine course! You must have Harriet Hargrave’s book Quilter’s Academy: Freshman Year. The Course is designed for rank beginners and also experienced quilters. You will be glad you signed up. In addition, I am teaching a few short classes and lectures/demos to spice up your summer. Additional summer classes will be posted next week. Take some time out of your day to breathe and enjoy this fabulous weather and the people in your life. See you soon.
June 21	I had a great three days off last week visiting the newest member of the Weinman family and her brothers. Sophia, named after my mother, Sylvia, is absolutely gorgeous (of course), and brothers Kyle and Lucas are equally as fantastic. My nephew, Steve, and his wife, Mille, make me very proud. Of course, quilts have been made for Sophia, Kyle, and Lucas! The estate sale went well at my home this past weekend. Naturally, there are many pieces of quality artwork, furniture, quilts, and figurines still to be sold. There will be another sale in the next few weeks and I will keep you informed of the details here on the BLAST. We are preparing for the JULY THIRD SALE at Heartbeat (8am-1pm on Sat. July 3). We will close at 1pm on July 3 and reopen on TUES. JULY 6 at 10 am. Scroll down to the Third of July Sale blurb for more details. Join us for this annual super fun day! This year Internet customers can participate on some offers. Internet orders can ONLY be placed from midnight July 2 until midnight July 3. The Quilters’ Academy Freshman Year will be a ten session series beginning in July. Details on dates will be posted in next Monday’s Blast. We now have 20 students enrolled for the current series. Students are enjoying the class and find their quilting skills greatly enhanced. Included in the class are first time quilters, as well as very experienced quilters Other summer classes will be on the website by the end of this week. Come visit, call, or email with brief questions. All emails receive a response, so if you don’t get a response in a few days, please email again (the Internet is like socks in a dryer, they get lost in Cyberspace).
June 14	Helen is on vacation Monday - Tuesday, June 14 - 15. Her sincere apology for the last minute cancellation of the estate sale. A decision was made after midnight due to the company's improper filing of paperwork. The estate sale is rescheduled for this Friday, June 18 and Saturday, June 19 from 8am - 3pm on Friday, and 8am - 2pm on Saturday.
June 7	All About the 19th year for Heartbeat Quilts’ Quilt Camp October 21-24, 2010 Finally, I have worked out the details for October 2010 Quilt Camp at The Red Jacket Beach Resort in West Yarmouth, Massachusetts, here on beautiful Cape Cod. This wonderful hotel in on the ocean with a spacious sewing room and unbelievable views. The food is fresh and plentiful. Located only a few miles from Heartbeat, we have had several camps in this location and love it there (can you tell). Here’s the link to The Red Jacket Beach Resort. At this fall’s camp I will be offering Harriet Hargrave’s Quilter’s Academy, Freshman Year, at no additional cost to campers. My plan is to teach the course three hours a day, starting Thursday, October 14 at 10am and continuing through Monday, October 18 (9am-Noon). The course needs 15 hours to give you the essence of Freshman Year (it will be condensed because it takes 21 hours of classroom to complete the full course). This course is designed for in depth exploration of quilting for experienced or wannabe quilters. Whether you have been quilting for 100 years or you’ve never quilted before, it’s for you. The instruction is for machine, not hand sewing. The Thursday Class #1 will be held at Heartbeat Quilts in Hyannis. Class #1 does not require a sewing machine, just Harriet’s book and something for you to take notes on, or a highlighter to use your book as a workbook. There is no additional fee for this opportunity. There are a few requirements: • You must have a copy of Harriet’s book Quilter’s Academy, Freshman Year • You must take the course in order of days offered. #1 is on Thursday and if you can’t take the class Thursday, you are not eligible to continue taking this course throughout the weekend (sorry, this is very important) • You are not obligated to take the course at all and Camp will be just as it always has been with sewing all day and night, demos and fun and food and other opportunities • In order to participate in the Quilter’s Academy, Freshman Year, you must stay at the hotel for a minimum of four nights. I have made special arrangements to keep prices down. The minimum overnight stays at the hotel would be (Wed/Thu/Fri/Sat or Thu/Fri/Sat/Sun). Of course you can stay for five nights. The course is free for Campers only, and is taught by me (Helen Weinman) I have negotiated special rates for the extra nights. All prices include two lunches (Sat/Sun) and two dinners (Fri/Sat), gratitude, and taxes. For campers staying Sunday night at the hotel we will also have a special dinner at Heartbeat Quilts as a social event (no additional charge). 2010 Camp prices are: • 2 nights: Friday/Saturday night (sewing Friday 4pm through Sunday 4pm) $559/pp double • 3 nights: Thurs/Fri/Sat nights (sewing Thurs 1pm through Sunday 4pm) $729/pp double • 4 nights: Thurs/Fri/Sat and EITHER Wed OR Sun (sewing Thurs 1pm through Sun 4pm and Quilter’s Academy, Freshman Year, and Class #1 on Thursday 9am-Noon) $799/pp double • 5 nights: Thurs/Fri/Sat and both Wed and Sun nights (sewing Thurs 1pm through Sun 4pm and Quilter’s Academy, Freshman Year, and Class #1 on Thursday 9am-Noon and Class #5 on Monday) $849/pp double Make your reservations now. A $100 deposit is required with your reservation, with the balance due by August 10, 2010. Pricing is available for single and triple occupancy. If you want to bring a non-sewer we can also price that for you. If you don’t have a roommate, maybe we can help you out! Sorry, no one under the age of 16 allowed. Please email or call with any questions you might have. ASK, ASK, ASK!
May 31	It's Memorial Day weekend, the sun is shining, and I have the day off! Looking forward to seeing you here at the quilt sale next weekend. Talk to you next week.
May 24	We have several events coming up at Heartbeat. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 4, 5, 6 is our first Heartbeat Quilts’ Finished Quilts Sale (that was a mouthful). I have so many wonderful quilts, and no place to keep them (I am downsizing!). This is a rare opportunity for you and your non-quilter friends and relatives to purchase gorgeous finished items. They run the gamut from small wall quilts and table runners, to bed quilts of all sizes. They are all quilted. Most by professional, artistic machine quilters and some (vintage quilts from my private collection) are hand quilted. This is a 3 day sale only. The prices are retail less 25%. We will be starting to put the quilts on our website on a new page--maybe called “Helen’s Quilt Stash”. The prices quoted will be retail. If there is a quilt you want now, you can purchase it prior to the sale dates at full price. Mark the date for our 4TH OF JULY SALE. This year it will be on SATURDAY, JULY 3 from 8am-1pm. Details will follow in a few weeks, but I promise you it will be an event not to be missed. I will be including vintage fabric from my own collection (25 year old Hoffman batiks, Debbie Mumm original fabrics, Mickey Lawler hand painted originals, and lots more). On June 12 at 10:00am (after the Second Saturday demo), I am starting a new session of Quilter’s Academy: Freshman Year. Experienced quilters will enjoy it as a refresher course, and new quilters will find it easy to step into quilting with solid knowledge that is invaluable. Everyone is welcome. The first class, which is only $15, will open your eyes to future classes. No machine or preparation needed. There is no obligation to continue. Times and days of the week will be flexible throughout the summer. If you want to join us then you need Harriet Hargrave’s book, Quilter’s Academy: Freshman Year, and a notebook and pen. Click here to sign-up for Class #1 online. Space is limited. We have new fabric, books and notions arriving daily. Come visit. Remember your pink $60 gift certificates from 2009 Red Heart Promotion expire this Saturday May 29. We are closed May 30-31, and reopen June 1st. Summer hours are in effect starting June 1st: Monday through Wednesday and Friday to Saturday 10am-5pm, Thursday 10-6, and Sunday 12-4.
May 17	All About the 19th year for Heartbeat Quilts’ Quilt Camp October 21-24, 2010 Finally, I have worked out the details for October 2010 Quilt Camp at The Red Jacket Beach Resort in West Yarmouth, Massachusetts, here on beautiful Cape Cod. This wonderful hotel in on the ocean with a spacious sewing room and unbelievable views. The food is fresh and plentiful. Located only a few miles from Heartbeat, we have had several camps in this location and love it there (can you tell). Here’s the link to The Red Jacket Beach Resort. At this fall’s camp I will be offering Harriet Hargrave’s Quilter’s Academy, Freshman Year, at no additional cost to campers. My plan is to teach the course three hours a day, starting Thursday, October 14 at 10am and continuing through Monday, October 18 (9am-Noon). The course needs 15 hours to give you the essence of Freshman Year (it will be condensed because it takes 21 hours of classroom to complete the full course). This course is designed for in depth exploration of quilting for experienced or wannabe quilters. Whether you have been quilting for 100 years or you’ve never quilted before, it’s for you. The instruction is for machine, not hand sewing. The Thursday Class #1 will be held at Heartbeat Quilts in Hyannis. Class #1 does not require a sewing machine, just Harriet’s book and something for you to take notes on, or a highlighter to use your book as a workbook. There is no additional fee for this opportunity. There are a few requirements: · You must have a copy of Harriet’s book Quilter’s Academy, Freshman Year · You must take the course in order of days offered. #1 is on Thursday and if you can’t take the class Thursday, you are not eligible to continue taking this course throughout the weekend (sorry, this is very important) · You are not obligated to take the course at all and Camp will be just as it always has been with sewing all day and night, demos and fun and food and other opportunities · In order to participate in the Quilter’s Academy, Freshman Year, you must stay at the hotel for a minimum of four nights. I have made special arrangements to keep prices down. The minimum overnight stays at the hotel would be (Wed/Thu/Fri/Sat or Thu/Fri/Sat/Sun). Of course you can stay for five nights. The course is free for Campers only, and is taught by me (Helen Weinman) I have negotiated special rates for the extra nights. All prices include two lunches (Sat/Sun) and two dinners (Fri/Sat), gratitude, and taxes. For campers staying Sunday night at the hotel we will also have a special dinner at Heartbeat Quilts as a social event (no additional charge). 2010 Camp prices are: · 2 nights: Friday/Saturday night (sewing Friday 4pm through Sunday 4pm) $559/pp double · 3 nights: Thurs/Fri/Sat nights (sewing Thurs 1pm through Sunday 4pm) $729/pp double · 4 nights: Thurs/Fri/Sat and EITHER Wed OR Sun (sewing Thurs 1pm through Sun 4pm and Quilter’s Academy, Freshman Year, and Class #1 on Thursday 9am-Noon) $799/pp double · 5 nights: Thurs/Fri/Sat and both Wed and Sun nights (sewing Thurs 1pm through Sun 4pm and Quilter’s Academy, Freshman Year, and Class #1 on Thursday 9am-Noon and Class #5 on Monday) $849/pp double Make your reservations now. A $100 deposit is required with your reservation, with the balance due by August 10, 2010. Pricing is available for single and triple occupancy. If you want to bring a non-sewer we can also price that for you. If you don’t have a roommate, maybe we can help you out! Sorry, no one under the age of 16 allowed. Please email or call with any questions you might have. ASK, ASK, ASK!
May 10	This week’s hot news is that Heartbeat Quilts, along with 15 other fabulous quilt shops from around the country, is featured in America Quilts, Hometown Favorites from McCall’s Quilting. This is a special issue and has limited distribution so be sure to get your copy now ($5.99). In addition to the articles you also get 16 original quilt patterns. Click here to purchase or come in to get the magazine now! Many of you are customers through the Internet who have never visited my store. Pages 36 through 41 showcase the store and my original pattern, using batiks, called “Autumn on Cape Cod”. The kit is available from us, or use your batik scrap collection and the pattern found in the magazine to make this outstanding design. Thanks to you for spreading the word about Quilts: Color by Number. Several distributors have already ordered cases and quilt shops around the country are hearing about it from you! So keep up the good work as public relations liaison for Heartbeat Quilts. I appreciate your “word of mouth” advertising as I do your business. We can’t do this without your support and the support of your local quilt shops. Thank you.
April 26	I am finally getting around to teaching the fundamentals of quilting class that I talked about many moons ago. Based on Harriet Hargrave’s book, Quilter’s Academy, Vol. 1—Freshman Year, this will be a comprehensive skill-building course. I am offering this class to students of all skill levels, from “never quilted before” to “advanced sewers”. I’ve found that many of you are self taught or haven’t taken classes in many years. This series of 8-10 three hour sessions must be taken in order, without missing a class. Knowing how difficult a commitment like this is to busy people, we will be starting several different sessions on different days of the week and at different times of the day so that if you miss a class you have another time to fit it into your schedule. The 3 hour session will cost $15.00 and will be pay as you go. Students must sign up and pay in advance of the class. The first session will begin on Saturday, June 12 from 10-1 and also June 16 from 10-1. For the first session all you need to bring to class is Harriet’s book, a notebook and pencil. This is a course for machine sewing and you are required to have your own machine for the course. Sign up now. I’ve decided not to sell my personal sewing table set up from home. It is just too perfect for me (Deke will just have to break down more walls to accommodate my quilting habit). I am selling two of my Berninas, a 1260 and a 1530, used but never abused, with complete accessories. Each machine is between $1250-$1600 with the additional feet and acrylic tables. Email me for more detailed information. My coloring book is taking off even without having it in my hands (May 1 is target date for delivery to me). Thank you for your emails and orders. Tell everyone about it!
April 19	I am bursting with pride. The coloring book of quilts that I’ve been working on for 6 months has gone to the printer and will be available after May 1! The book is called Quilts: Color by Number. I designed the book, with 12 quilts, to show children that quilts look different when the same pattern is used with different colors. Identical patterns are depicted on facing pages numbered differently. There are blanks, which can and should be photocopied, so that the child can experiment with his/her own creativity. Hopefully, the child will want to sew one or more of the quilts. There will be a CD of all the patterns in the coloring book plus basic construction information. Individual patterns and kits will also be available. The pieces are large enough for little fingers to handle and patterns are simple so the child can satisfactorily complete the quilt (with your help). I have made this collection of book, CD, and quilt kit “a la carte” to be cost friendly to you, my customer. My intention is to bring color and sewing to children. I also see this as a means of bringing generations close together with a common thread—the joy of quilting. We are accepting pre-orders now, scheduled shipping in early May, click here. I urge you to join in the fun. You can purchase several books with only one shipping charge. Please tell your local quilt shops about this book which is available to them wholesale by ordering from Heartbeat Quilts or from their local distributor. Several teachers have expressed an interest in having the books for their students, so please ask about teacher discounts! You are the first to get this information! The coloring book for adults is in the works already. Thank you for your support.
April 12	Elly Sienkiewicz’s workshops this past weekend were fantastic as always. Did you know that she only teaches once a month? We have chosen the workshops for 2011 and have added 2 additional days to the schedule. The “Clipper Ship” pattern class, center medallion (in Elly’s new book Beloved Baltimore Album from C&T due out October 2010) is in such demand across the country that we are offering it once again on Mon-Tues May 2-3, 2011. Don’t miss this opportunity to sew with Elly at Heartbeat. Plan ahead because these classes fill quickly. Call with any questions. My Thunderbird sold immediately (advertised here last week) to a customer’s husband who is as pleased as I am with his purchase. By now you might have surmised that I am downsizing. One item that you might have interest in purchasing is my sewing “set up” from my home. Top quality, custom made for my specifications, it consists of 3 pieces of furniture, a 72” sewing desk, center opening with 3 drawers on each side, a left side 72” extension with 2 large top drawers and 2 large bottom cabinets, and a 72” counter height matching cutting table with 2 large drawers 2 bottom cabinets. The set is light oak wood with malachite green Formica tops and matching knobs. It is in mint condition. I am sorry to part with it but it won’t fit in my new digs. It is not inexpensive but worth every penny. If you are interested, call or email me. I will post pictures soon. Remember that Mother’s Day is arriving soon. Heartbeat is closed, as always, on that day. Ask you loved ones to purchase a Gift Certificate for you well in advance, we can accommodate orders on line with an e-Certificate or call in the order on our toll free line. Phone orders can be filled for any dollar amount. Sunshine abounds on the Cape. I planted pansies this weekend at the store and we want to see you here. Don’t forget to contact Ricky Tims about the September 2-4, 2010 Quilt Seminar here in Hyannis. rtqs@rickytims.com
April 5	This week is “Elly Sienkiewicz Week” at Heartbeat Quilts. Elly is teaching Thursday through Sunday. The good news for you is that we have a few openings (due to cancellations) in the Thursday, April 8 class. Join us for an unforgettable hand appliqué experience with Elly enhanced by a scrumptious lunch prepared byLiz and me. Call today to register: (800) 393-8050 In addition, we are offering for the first time on line, some of Elly Sienkiewicz’s long out of print books. Prices vary according to condition of the book. All the books are in excellent condition (some brand new). If you order this week Elly will personally autograph the book for you. There aren’t many books so order today. Please call in your order so you can specify the price of the book you desire. Also, we have some of Elly’s vintage fabrics in fat quarters and on the bolt. Call to order these as well since we want to give you personalized service. Lots of new products are arriving daily. This past weekend Deke and I got out on the bike (Harley, of course). What a great ride we enjoyed! Please visit us on the Cape and enjoy the sunshine and fresh sea air! PS I am selling my 2002 red Ford Thunderbird convertible, black/red interior, which has been babied by me since conception. The mileage is under 16,000, excellent condition, never driven in the winter, always garaged, complete with separate hard top (opera windows), carrier for hardtop storage with cover, and boot cover. Price: $19,999. Email me if you are interested Helen@heartbeatquilts.com.
March 22	A question that I am often asked is “How wide do you cut your binding”. The question I ask back is “How wide do you want your binding to be finished”. This is not a difficult problem. Generally, I like ½” finished binding. That is, the width of the binding you see on the front of the quilt when completed. With the desired ½” binding, the cutting formula is: (½” x 6) + ¼” = 3¼” This is for double folded French binding. The ½” represents the finished size of the binding. The “x6” is because when folded and sewn on the quilt there are 2 layers repeated 3 times. The ¼” is what I call the “fudge factor” because as you are folding the binding fabric and then sewing the fabric you will lose ¼” (folds and thread) and this makes it easier to bring the fabric to the reverse side of the quilt for hand finishing. For general online directions for binding: Click here: Sunshower Quilts: Double Fold French Binding This article doesn’t use my formula but is otherwise a valid tutorial and easy to follow. General rules I follow for binding: • Unless the quilt needs a curved binding, I cut binding strips selvage to selvage • Add up the perimeter size of the quilt, divide by 40” to get the number of strips needed and then add 1 additional strip (a 50” x 70” quilt= 50 + 50+ 70+ 70= 240” then divide by 40 = 6 strips + 1 extra = 7 strips needed). If I were cutting ½” binding then I would need (7) 3¼” strips for my binding • I join the strips on a 45o angle and iron the joining seams open to reduce bulk • Start sewing your binding onto the quilt at some place on the side, not at the corner • When stitching the binding to the back of the quilt (by hand) do not pull the thread too tight or your binding will pucker
March 15	To continue the discussion on scrap quilts, it is now time to choose a pattern to sew. Of course, there are many books on the subject of scrap quilts. One of the easiest and most satisfying quilts to make is a log cabin. Use different lights for one side and different darks for the opposite side with a center that is the same color throughout (same fabric or not). Choose the size strip you want to work with (1 ½”, 2” etc) from your presorted baskets of strips or cut strips from your roll ups. Have fun and let me know how you are progressing. Last week I mentioned the fat quarters you all love so much. Think about shopping for fat quarters with a theme. Over the years I always purchased (yes I buy fabric at quilt shows and from other stores around the country when I travel) fat quarters for my holiday quilts. I look for Halloween, Valentines, St. Patrick’s, Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas fat quarters so when I am ready to make a holiday quilt I am not limited to the fabrics of the day but have a wonderful varied assortment. Also purchase “conversational fabrics” like sports, fruit, vegetables, food, dice, books, etc. You might want to make an “I-Spy” quilt for a young friend or Sampler quilt. Now that you’ve sorted your fabrics once for rollups and different size strips, you can go back again and separate out conversational and holiday themed fabric. Start another basket or two (or three). When you shop look for the unusual print and purchase a quarter yard (9” x 42”) or fat quarter (18” x 22”)! Starting next week I will be giving you quilting tips, mathematical formulas for binding, triangles and more. Heartbeat Quilts’ Camp will be held at The Red Jacket Beach Resort here on Cape Cod the weekend of October 15-16-17. More details next week.
March 8	Is there more than one Monday a week? It seems I was just writing last week’s blast and here it is Monday again. For those of you who are new to this format and want to catch up a bit you can go on the website to “Blah Blah Blah” and read older Blasts. Step 3 organizing rollups: For the next part of the scrap fabric organization you will work with the 12” pieces previously separated from the rest of your stash. Take (6) 12” selvage to selvage fabrics that are similar in color and value. Open up the fold so you have a full 40” or so and layer the “6” fabric one on top of each other right sides up. Roll up the fabrics, put aside, and do the next one. The roll ups don’t really need to be very neat. See pictures. I store my rollups under my cutting table for easy access. As long as you keep them by color they’ll be ready to use whenever you need them! After rolling up all your 12” x 40” fabrics you will easily see that maybe you don’t have enough of a selection of a certain color or value. This is the fun part. You get to go shopping with a purpose. Start buying 1/3 yards of fabric, 6 at a time, similar color and value. That is only 2 yards of fabric to add to your stash instead of those fat quarters you accumulate and never use. Spend your money on fabric that can be used for your scrap quilts. Cutting rollups for scrap quilts: The fabric is cut parallel to the selvage (ie your cuts will be no longer than about 12”). I take a rollup of beige backgrounds, unroll a few inches and make a clean up cut on all 6 fabrics at one time. Then I’ll cut the size strip that I need to work with. Sometimes (following your pattern) the cut will be just a certain size strip, let’s say 1½”. By cutting the 6 layers, I get 6 fabrics the same size. I put away that rollup and take out another rollup of similar beige values and repeat the 1½” cut. Now I have 12 strips of backgrounds for my quilt. See how you can get lots of variety from little effort because the fabric is already organized. To be continued next week! By the way, tell your friends about the Monday Email Blast. It doesn’t cost anything and there is so much more I can offer to you in this format. We have a lot to look forward to. Busy week ahead! Quilt groups are already arriving on Cape Cod for next week’s retreats. Yes, now quilters come for extra days of fun with their friends. How lucky are we!
March 1	In case you missed last week’s Email Blast here is what I said about starting to organize your stash to easily make scrap quilts: “Go through your home fabric stash. Any piece that is less than ½ yard should be used for scrap quilts. Sort the pieces by color, light and darks of any color should be separated too. You will have many piles of blues (different shades, no more than 3 piles of a color) and likewise for each color. Separate out pure whites, beige tonals, and light colored backgrounds that have bits of color too. Next week I’ll give you the next step. For some of you it will take weeks to just sort the fabric. Put the sorts in baskets to get ready to cut.” Now for the next step: Go through the fabric you have organized in baskets and pull out pieces that are 1/3 yard or more. Cut off 12” (1/3 yard) and start a new “sort” of 12” pieces by color and value (light, medium, dark). If you have pieces that are “almost 12”, like 11” or so” include them in the 12” sort. Fabric that is an odd shape, like squares (whatever size) can be further sorted by shape. Unless you have a lot of these odd shapes then don’t bother with this step now. Fabric that is less than 11” should be cut into strips. I generally cut 1 ½”, 2” and 2 ½” strips and sort these by value (light, medium, dark) without regard to color. You will have 3 baskets of each value and each size: 3 baskets of light 1 ½”, 2” and 2 ½“strips 3 baskets of medium 1 ½”, 2” and 2 ½“strips 3 baskets of dark 1 ½”, 2” and 2 ½“strips By now you might have noticed that you have a lot of one value (maybe lights) and not many darks. You could be storing lots of red and pinks and no yellow and oranges, etc. Most quilters lean toward particular colors more often (I am a pink/green person). If you have a lot more of one color or value than others I will help you even out your stash next week and give you the last organizational step! This week I received more email than usual from the Monday Blast thanking me for the scrap quilt information. Your input is very important so please let me hear from you (short emails are the best).
February 22	Last week I told you about a small group of quilters who came to sew together here on the Cape. This past weekend there were two large groups sewing at The Cape Cod Resort and Conference Center (located behind Heartbeat Quilts). One group was from Blackstone Valley (about 50) and another group of quilters from New England and beyond (NC +) of 110 quilters. Saturday night I was hired by the larger group to talk about and show scrap quilts. What fun we had together. I was able to give tips about scrap quilts, discuss fabric and how to organize their stash and multiple uses of different fabrics. I only wish I could’ve stayed and sewn with them! If you are planning to come for a quilt getaway please call me in advance and let’s see if I can participate in some way to enhance everyone’s sewing experience. If nothing else, I can make you laugh. Go through your home fabric stash. Any piece that is less than ½ yard should be used for scrap quilts. Sort the pieces by color, light and darks of any color should be separated too. You will have many piles of blues (different shades, no more than 3 piles of a color) and likewise for each color. Separate out pure whites, beige tonals, and light colored backgrounds that have bits of color too. Next week I’ll give you the next step. For some of you it will take weeks to just sort the fabric. Put the sorts in baskets to get ready to cut. Call, visit, email, let me know what you want in future Monday blasts.
February 8	This is already a whirlwind week and it’s only Monday! I attended a pre-opening event of Nancy Crow’s new exhibit at The Fuller Craft Museum in Brockton, Ma. Anyone who is within driving distance should make a point of attending the exhibit (www.fullercraft.org for directions and hours of operation). The museum itself is fantastic and I will be visiting it often. Nancy’s quilts are modern art. Her use of color and stark combinations is inspiring. Those of you, who know me, are aware that I am a traditional quilter. However, I appreciate wonderful artists like Nancy Crow and we can all learn more about color! This week will be spent finalizing my new line of fabric for Marcus Brothers. It will be ready to see at Quilt Market in May in Minneapolis and should be in local stores by the end of May/June. When I can tell you more I certainly will. Meanwhile I am designing several quilts and table runners with the new fabric line.
January 4	The 2009 “Red Heart” promotion was wonderful and successful for everyone. Thank you to those who participated. A few words of explanation for those of you who couldn’t use their hearts in 2009. This promotion should be called the “3rd visit to HBQ promotion”. It was designed to get customers in the store for the 3rd visit during the calendar year. Certainly many of you are here daily (applause). The rules are set Jan 1 for the upcoming year and are not changed midstream. You, the customer, have 2 months in which to redeem your red heart—November and December ONLY and ONLY IN STORE. We’ve heard excuses concerning bad weather, flat tires, sick relatives, HBQ closing for Christmas week, etc. Basically, we’ve heard them all. We give you 2 entire months to redeem your heart for the year. We always close the week before Christmas and our website reminds you about the rules and the days HBQ is not open. I am truly sorry if you can’t participate but everyone is given the same opportunity on an equal basis.

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