New Year's Hours

I just wanted to let everyone know about the holiday hours.

Lexington will be open Friday 10a-4p and closed Saturday for the New Year.

Centerville will have the same hours Friday 10a-5p and closed on Saturday.

The Viking store will be open 9a-6p both Friday December 31st and Saturday January 1st.

Can you believe that January 1st is Saturday? It's crazy but very exciting. I always love the end of the year. The end of the year always feels like the end of another chapter of my life. Doing year end work for the business, end of the busy holiday shopping season, thinking of things I want to accomplish the next year... It feels complete.

Thank you to all of our current customers and welcome to all of the new customers to come. We can't wait to help you in 2011 with all of your new projects, sewing questions, new sewing machine purchases, classes and more. Say goodbye to 2010 and welcome to 2011.

Christmas Projects

I've been thinking about Christmas projects over the last few days with the snow and all. I showed you some of my Christmas projects and wondered if you would be interested in sharing some of yours. Go to our facebook page between now and Christmas and post a picture of some of the things you've been working on this year. We love to see peoples projects!

Snow Days

This day has flown by. Here in KY we got a little snow and a little ice making it a lot messy. So when I came to work today I knew that there would not be a lot of customers coming through my door (my thanks to the ones who did come out and visit me). So I told Nancy and Suzanne to stay home, get cozy and enjoy the beauty that the snow brings. So with that I knew I would have to do something to keep me occupied. Not to worry I'm a sewer and as any good sewer knows we've always got projects to finish. And that's exactly what I did.

First I worked on this bag. It's a new Amy Butler pattern, Reversible Sunday Sling. Now you need to know that this was not a pattern I picked out. My sister volunteered me to make this for someone which I was happy to do. But you know if you're not in the mood to work on something it's so much harder to get done. I've tried to work on this project three or four times with not much success. So today I decided this was it. It was getting done. And as usual, know that it's finished I really like it and wouldn't mind making another one.

When I'm at the store I listen to the Christmas music station and between songs they have people talked about their Christmas traditions. One guy said that every year they go out into the yard and throw out "reindeer" food. I thought that was the cutest tradition and with nieces ages 5, 3, & 6 months, I thought this would be a perfect year to start that tradition. So I made this little bag to put reindeer food in. I went into the 5D Embroidery software and used the Design Creator module to create an applique patch with my label on it. I then took that and stitched it out on my Creative 4.0. Finally, I made a pouch with a draw string. It was quick and easy and super cute. I'll leave it at the store till next Thursday if any one wants to come by and check it out.

I hope you all got tons of projects done today and enjoyed the beautiful snow!

2011 Class Schedule

Jan-Apr 2011 Newsletter

I just wanted to let everyone know that the newsletter is finished for Jan-Apr 2011. I'm so excited to get this information to you all. There are tons of new and favorite classes. And you can sign up for them now. Just click on the link above and you will see a pdf version. The printer has them in his possession and they should be in the mail by December 20, so keep your eyes open.

As far as the website goes, we are working on a new wonderful beautiful website for our customers to peruse and enjoy. It should be up within the next week and I can't wait for you to see it. It really looks awesome. I've been wanting a new site for the last two years so this is very exciting for me. And Retta, the web goddess, has put together a phenomenal site and I know you will all love it. I'll let you know when it's up and running. So if you go to the current website and it's not there don't fear I'm working on it.

For now enjoy the newsletter and remember class space is limited so if you see something you want to take sign up.

I love completing a project!

My Anita Goodesign Advent calendar is finally done. And I'm super happy with how it came out. I have created Tony and my first family heirloom. I hope to pull this out every November 30th and remember back to when I made it for our first married Christmas. I can't wait for little ones to come along and be excited to move the marker, getting closer and closer to December 25th. And as it becomes worn and needs repaired or as my tastes change, I will still pull it out every holiday and remember how fun this project was to make. These pieces of fabric and threads will be apart of my families memories for many years to come. I love how things you make can create memories that you can hold onto forever.

Make something fabulous this holiday season that your family will treasure and make memories from. Happy Holidays!

Making Progress on Christmas Projects

I'm getting ever so close to completing the Advent Calendar from Anita Goodesigns. This picture shows you 15 pockets, I've actually completed all 25 pockets. Now all I have to do is assemble it. There is one more embroidery I want to stitch out for the top, but I'm really loving how it's coming along. For the most part you do the entire thing in the hoop. Hopefully, I will have it completed by the 2nd. Cross your fingers...Nancy has a class Thursday night maybe I will stay late and sew to get it finished. It's a super fun project if anyone is interested.

Also, some news about Anita Goodesigns. They are coming back for a seminar at the Centerville store. I don't have all the details yet but you'll be the first to know. I do know it'll be sometime in the spring and Chris the founder of Anita Goodesigns will be conducting the seminar. MORE INFO TO COME!!!

Thanksgiving

Isn't it crazy that it's already turkey time? I can't believe it but I'm super excited about it. I love Thanksgiving. I love the food, I love that I get to spend time with my family, I love the weather... It's all wonderful! I will be making all the pies, as usual this Thanksgiving with my trusty assistants, Savannah and Madi (my nieces). They are also super excited. I even bought them a new Thanksgiving book to mark the occasion I Know An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Pie.



But with Thanksgiving here, Christmas is right around the corner and my projects are piling up as usual. I've got two bed sized quilts that I'm working on. The Anita Goodesign Advent Calendar. Presents that I cannot discuss. And that's just sewing projects. Here is a bag I just finished. Isn't it super cute? I can't wait to make another one. I love patterns that turn out so cute.

I must get back to Thanksgiving preparations. I still have to make cranberry relish time. Yummy! It will be so good! Thank you to all of our customers who have maybe just found us or have been with us since the beginning. Enjoy your Thanksgiving and the time spent with your family and friends.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Special Financing Available

I thought you might want to be aware of this. Now's the time to get a new machine if you looking. We've got a variety of Pfaff and Husqarvna Viking machine available with special 36 and 48 month financing. Give us a call or stop in and we'll get you taken care of!

Festivals and Street Fairs

I spent the weekend doing one of my favorite fall activities, attending local festivals. I went to the Yellow Springs Street Fair and the Ohio Sauerkraut Festival. So much fun. I love to people watch, eat, see all the vendors have to offer, eat, visit with friends and, of course, eat. I was so over full of food and over stimulated from visiting with friends and family, that I need one more day off to re coop. :)

The vendors did not disappoint this year. There were a lot of booths full of peoples handy work, whether knitting cute little hats, pottery of all shapes and sizes, or cute little dresses (lots of them made of fabrics found at Sew-A-Lot), there was something for everyone. I got some new mittens for this winter, my step mom found a special type of pottery she'd been searching for and my sister got a crocheted hat for Lilly. She doesn't have much hair and will need it in the coming months.

Most of all the festivals and their vendors charged my creative juices. I'm ready to get into some sewing projects. Lots of ideas are running through my head. After Louis visits us this week at Sew-A-Lot, then I'll be able to start working on some new sewing projects.

I hope something inspired you this weekend and that you got to spend some quality time with your friends and family. I can't wait to see all of you at the Louis Carney workshop this week. If you're not already signed up, the Lexington store 859-264-7472 still has a few openings. Or if you can't make the workshop join us for the book signing and trunk show Wednesday October 13 6p-8p Lexington or Friday October 15 6p-8p Centerville 937-433-7474. You will surely be inspired by something Louis has to share.

Quilts Guilds

Sorry long time no post. I've been very busy running up and down the interstate. I don't know if you know it or not but I've been working one day a week at the Ohio store and the rest of the week at the Kentucky store. I've had a lot of highway time lately.

And last night my little car and I headed to Lawranceburg, Ky for the Anderson County Piecemakers Quilt Guild. I would like to thank the ladies in Anderson County for letting me be apart of their meeting. I really like to go visit the quilt guilds. It's so much fun! I get to see customers I've not seen in a while and they do show and tell and hopefully I teach them something they didn't know. Last night of all the things I showed them, I think iron cleaner was the most popular item. Who knew iron cleaner could be so fun?

If you would like to see me soon, I'll be at the Harrodsburg Quilt Guild meeting in November and the Ohio Valley Quilter's Guild in December. If you are looking for a presentation for your quilt guild, let me know!

Meet Louis Carney

Meet Louis Carney
One of the authors of a new book from AQS
"Creative Sewing Techniques by Machine"

Creative Sewing Techniques by Machine Workshop & Trunk Show

Louis Carney will wow you with his knowledge and expertise of these wonderful and imaginative projects created for the book. Join us for a book signing and trunk show for a great opportunity to see all that you can create with your sewing machine!

Once you've seen the trunk show then join Louis to get the hands-on experience while creating a great sampler full of fabulous ideas

Where & When
Sew-A-Lot Lexington
2160 Sir Barton Way #148 859-264-7472
Trunk Show & Book Signing Wednesday Oct 13 6p-8p
Hands-on Workshop Thursday Oct 14 10a-1p OR 3p-6p

Sew-A-Lot Centerville
232 North Main St 937-433-7474
Trunk Show & Book Signing Friday Oct 15 6p-8p
Hands-on Workshop Saturday Oct 16 10a-1p OR 3p-6p

Who is Louis Carney?

Louis began his sewing career at an early age in his hometown of Kansas City, Missouri. After receiving his BA in Fashion Design with a minor in Interior Design, he began his career in the sewing machine industry, which included working in stores in Chicago and New York City where he now resides.

He has co-authored a book entitled "Creative Sewing Techniques by Machine" published by AQS. Teaching, a favorite part of everyday life, has afforded him the gift to travel. He has taught in all 50 states, Mexico and lectured in London. With a focus on interiors, his special attention to detail, congenial class atmosphere & beautiful samples, his classes always fill to capacity. His familiarity with machine products and industry knowledge ensures a fun time to be had by all.

His list of illustrious clients include: Bernadette Peters, Sara Jessica Parker, Tommy Mitolla, Dr. Ruth, the Rockefellers, Mrs. Sidney Poitier, Martha Stewart Inc, Vera Wang Inc, as well as the Broadway musicals productions of "The Lion King" and "Riverdance." He has also worked with artist that design for Adidas.

Hop over to Sew-A-Lot

Can you believe that the holiday weekend is already over? It's crazy! I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend. It was very beautiful where I was. Now we are back at the store and getting ready for the Tri State Shop Hop. The shop hop starts Saturday September 11th and the Centerville location is one of the participants. I've been super busy quilting the sample quilts and the shop hop quilt. I hope you all enjoy them.

Here at the Lexington location we will be having a purse class Friday September 10 from 6pm-9pm. And Sue will be teaching a cutwork towel project on Saturday September 11. There is still room in both classes if you are interested. (Not much in Saturdays class though!)

The newsletter has been put in the mail! So if you are looking for a good class to take over the next few months and are in the Lexington, KY or Centerville, OH area; stop by and see if there's something that strikes your fancy.

New Fabrics are here!

The Lexington store just received a shipment of Moda fabrics. The Origins line from Basic Grey.

I absolutely love these fabrics. I'm going to make a quilt and I found a perfect piece to use as a new shower curtain. Yeah! But if you like them as much as I do, you'll need to move quickly. Lesley only ordered us 10 yard bolts. So they will go quickly.

I'm back!

Hi everyone, I'm back from all my wedding fun and excited about the new classes that will be going on at all of the Sew-A-Lot locations over the next few months. Thank you to everyone for all of their warm wishes, Tony & I really appreciate it. Lesley is working so very hard to get the newsletter completed. The girls are gone with Grandma this week so she has no interruptions. I'll keep you posted on when the new Fall 2010 newsletters come available!

Embroidery Cutwork Needles

Look what I found on YouTube. A wonderful Pfaff dealer from Fun To Sew in OK made a video to show us how easy and fun the Embroidery Cutwork Needles are!

Enjoy!!!

Wow!

I'm at the Pfaff Convention and wow! I knew I would get to see the new 5D Software, but I knew nothing about the wonderful new Embroidery Cutwork Needles. They are so super fun. You can do cutwork without removing your hoop, without using scissors, by simply changing your needles. I can't wait for you to all see them in person. It's really great and a lot of fun.

Off to the Pfaff Convention

Debbie and Carmon just came back from the Viking Convention with all kinds of new information. Now it's Tony and my turn. We are taking Bob and Carol and heading off to Minneapolis to the Pfaff Convention until Friday. Because of convention we have adjusted our hours.

Sew-A-Lot Centerville will be open 10am-6pm Mon Aug 2 - Thu Aug 5

Sew-A-Lot Lexington will be open 10am-5pm Mon Aug 2 - Thu Aug 5

We will bring back all kinds of new and fun stuff. Plus, the new 5D Embroidery software!

New laminated fabric has arrived @ Sew-A-Lot Lexington

A new piece of laminated fabric from Free Spirit showed up at Sew-A-Lot Lexington today. It's by designer Annette Tatum and it's so very cute. It will work perfectly with Amy Butler's Rainy Days Hooded Raincoat & Runabout Jacket or her Little Splashes Hooded Raincoat & Runabout Jacket. Come check this out while we still have it. It's really cute!

Wizard of Oz fabric 50% off!

that's right come into Sew-A-Lot lexington and get some Wizard of Oz fabric. there's still a bunch left so if you or someone you know is looking for any Wizard of Oz fabric call 859-264-7472. we might have what you're looking for at 50% it's regular price. don't forget we can ship. just let us know what you would like and where to send it. just go to the Quilting Treasures website for reference and let us know which pieces you want.

Happy Anniversary

Can you believe that my family has been running the Sew-A-Lot stores for 30 years? It's completely amazing to me. I can't imagine my life without Sew-A-Lot. To celebrate we are having a machine sale. Select machines will be 30% off till Saturday July 10th. We are also able to offer 12 and 18 month deferred interest financing. So come in to any of the stores and help us celebrate. Also keep your eyes out for other anniversary offers all through the month of July.

And thank you for allowing us to provide you with all of your sewing machine needs and service.

Creative Grid Rulers

Check out the new Creative Grid rulers. They are super fun and very helpful. We've got them at both the Lexington and Centerville locations. Brenda's working on a class using the Curved Slotted Ruler at the Lexington store for the fall!

Check out the Creative Grid videos on youtube!