I have almost finished Block #1, after having to start over after I scorched the first block when adding the flowers. A lesson learned — use a pressing cloth.

 For those that are joining the club late I thought that I would share my notes from each block. For starters I must confess that I am not a great note-taker, but I will do my best.

1. Starch each piece of fabric 4 times.  When using Mary Ellen’s Best Press you can iron when fabric is still damp;  when using starch let each piece dry before ironing.
2. You need to practice each stitch on a sample (with batting included) to get the stitch and tension the way you want.  The top tension will need to be loosened on every stitch.  (PS…I found that the new Bernina 830 has already loosened the tension on the decorative stitches)
3. Use Bobbin Fill or Bottom Line in the bobbin.  You want the stitches to sink to the back.
4. You will need to make a mirror image of the master picture before cutting out your applique pieces.  That way they will appear correct when applied to the fabric.
5. Refer to the picture at the bottom of this post on how to remove most of the Wonder-Under before applying to fabric.
6. Always set your maching to use a needle down position.  Using your machine manual, learn where the following functions are:  Start of Design, End of Design, Set Number of Motifs to Stitch.
7. Purchase easy thread needles to bury threads to the back of work.
8. The correct needle will probably be a  12/80 or 14/100.
9. Pivot ALWAYS on the outside swing of a stitch (PS.  I did not get that mastered on this block). 

We start off with Scrappy Hour(s) today, February 4, from 4-8 pm. What’s that? Well, on the first Friday night of each month, we’ll be open late for your shopping pleasure. Great Friends, Great Specials and our first Pop-up Market. The featured special this time is Hoffman Balipops (while supplies last).

Not able to make it to the shop. Order off the website as a part of our Super Savings Sale until Friday, February 11. Get Them While They Last.

We’re also making our classroom available for Pop-up Shops tonight- these are local vendors such as those you might see at a Saturday Market, who offer a variety of handmade goods like those you always SAY you are going to make. It should be great fun! This month we’re featuring hand-sewn items from Lori Blackshear, Marcie Hart, and Alia Fuqua; quilt photography from Don Johnson; and fine art prints from Sandy Marostica.