Sew-A-Lot Creative Sewing Center Blog

Fabric Sale!

2012-01-06T13:47:00.002-05:00

Did you know that right now is Sew-A-Lot's annual fabric sale? Help us make room for all of the new fabulous fabrics that will be crossing through our door soon. ALL FABRICS ARE 20% OFF when you get 1/2 yard or more from the bolt!

WooHoo! Now's the time to stock up on backing, collect fabrics for that new quilt you want to work on, or just add to you sash. The sale is good till Saturday January 21st!

Bring in cans & Get a Discount

2011-12-01T14:15:00.001-05:00

For every can good you bring in today, Thursday December 1, 2011, you'll get 5% off your purchase up to 25%! All can goods will be donated to local charities!

Updates for Everyone!

2011-11-17T14:34:00.003-05:00

In the last couple of weeks, Pfaff has released a new update for the Creative Sensation, Creative Vision, Creative 4.0, and the Creative 2.0. Go to this link http://www.pfaffusa.com/19823.html and click on the machine that you need to update. It will then tell you what is new on the update and how to update your machine. You will need to have the previous update on your machine if you want to use your USB stick to update. If not you will need to use the cable. Call us if you have any questions. Ohio 937-433-7474 Kentucky 859-264-7472

Happy Sewing!

Trick Or Treat

2011-10-19T16:44:00.001-04:00

Are you looking for a fun project to do Saturday October 29 and live in the Lexington, KY area? Come hang out with me and make this super cute trick or treat bag just in time for Halloween. We will be doing embroidery so you've got to bring your machine and I must be able to load the appliqué embroidery design on your machine. Call me to sign up 859-264-7472.

Anita Goodesign Advent Calendar

2011-10-08T15:27:00.001-04:00

Everyone has done so well today in the advent calendar class. Christmas will be magical this year.

Classes, Classes, Classes!

2011-10-07T10:57:00.001-04:00

We've got classes for every interest and skill level. And everyone is having fun, making beautiful projects, and learning new things. If you get a chance check out the new fall class newsletter at www.sewalotonline.com. Also, look at the calendar, we've added a few more. So pack up and come in for some time with fellow hobbyists and sewers.

Oh My Gosh! The Creative Sensation is Amazing!

2011-08-20T22:27:00.004-04:00

So much wonderfulness, I don't know where to start. First the screen is amazing, 33% bigger then the Creative Vision, bright and beautiful! Then the features, so many features! Stacking stitches, shaping with applique, the feeding system. I sewed two triangles starting at the point and it fed like a dream. It comes with a straight stitch needle plate and a quarter inch foot. Do you believe that?! The luggage. Wheels are attached!!!! Handles on the sides!!!! Only with the creative sensation! We've only spent just a little time with the machine but I can tell you that we are extremely impressed. Over the next three days we will be getting close and personal with it and have more to share.

News You Could Use

2011-08-17T12:01:00.004-04:00

So for those of you who are proud owners of the Quilt Artist or the QuiltSew Clever recently there was a new update. First, if you didn't know this it is so awesome. Second, if you haven't yet done it, go do it now Quiltsew Clever or Quilt Artist. They've gone in and corrected some things and made it even more user friendly. So if you've not updated your unit yet, I highly recommend that you do. Also, I learned today that you must have your remote attached to your motor box when updating and you must reset to factory settings. I found this out when a customer brought her remote in to the store to update and then had an issue. But don't fear, all she had to do was update again at home with the motor box attached and now everything is again running smoothly.

The point to my rambling is that it's very important that you update your machines when a new update comes out. These updates will help with software problems, update with new information, and make your machines more user friendly. So if you've got questions about machine updates check out your machine model on the manufactures website. If you purchased your machine from Sew-A-Lot and need help getting it updated let us know. We're glad to help.

Only 2 more days for Mail In Rebate

2011-07-29T11:22:00.003-04:00

We only have ONE more Creative Vision 5.5 with the full brand new machine warranty left in stock! And there are only two more days to get the $500 mail in rebate from Pfaff on this machine. We are offering $3000 off the MSRP plus for only two more days you will receive the $500 mail in rebate. If you are interested call me, 859-264-7472.

Click here for more details!

Fabric Sale Today!

2011-07-22T10:21:00.002-04:00

Don't forget... Come in today or tomorrow and get 20% off everyone bolt of fabric you finish. There are tons of 1, 2, & 3 yard bolts available.

Help us make room for all of the new fabrics!

Happy Birthday

2011-07-19T12:33:00.003-04:00

So my niece Madi had her 4th, can you believe it, 4th birthday. How do they get so big? So Lesley decided to make her the cutest birthday outfit. She used the Girly Skirt pattern from Pink Fig. And then she took a t-shirt she got at her favorite place, Old Navy, and put the cute cupcake applique on it. The applique came from the Petite Collection Cupcakes from Anita Goodesign. So super cute and Madi loved it!

Have you seen the new Creative Sensation yet!

2011-07-18T18:26:00.005-04:00

Click here for more information!!!

Holiday Hours

2011-06-27T12:35:00.003-04:00

This holiday weekend we hope that you spend time relaxing and enjoying your family and friends. Our holiday hours will be as follows...

Monday July 4th

Lexington Closed * Centerville Closed * The Viking Store in Joann's 9am-6pm

Christmas In June?

2011-06-16T12:51:00.004-04:00

I know it's early for Christmas but "Santa", I mean Steve, the UPS man, brought us all of this wonderful Christmas fabric today in Lexington. We've had the jelly rolls and layer cakes for about a month, so we are so happy that the yardage came today. We received Jovial designed by Basic Grey and Grace designed by Three Sisters from Moda. Also, I got the Centerville stores Nancy Halvorson Jingle All the Way quilt quilted this week.

Don't worry I'm not wishing my summer away. I'm just getting jump start on my Christmas present making. If you also would like to be so productive, come in and visit us to stock up on all that is Christmas. And if you are in Ohio and would like some Jovial or Grace just call us and let us know. I can bring it up to you. If you're not close to either store, just call us we will ship!

Interchangeable Tote class was a success!

2011-06-07T15:58:00.005-04:00

So Melinda had her Interchangeable Tote class today at the Lexington store. And they turned out beautifully. Angie, her mom, and Carol did a fabulous job and finished class early to boot. These purses are so cute and fun to make. If you're interested in the pattern stop by either location and we'll fix you up.

Introducing the ambition line

2011-06-04T14:00:00.001-04:00

Click here for more information!

The Power is Out In Centerville

2011-05-26T15:21:00.002-04:00

Because of the awful storms yesterday, DP & L is shutting off our power to fix issues and get other people up and running in Centerville. They just called and informed us that they will be shutting off our power at 3:30pm today and if won't be back for 2 hours. So Sew-A-Lot Centerville is closing at 3:30pm Thursday May 26th. We'll see you again tomorrow!

Adventures in Reno

2011-05-23T10:34:00.003-04:00

If you came into the store last week you knew that I was gone. Carmon, Steve, & I ventured to Reno, NV to see, touch, and experience the new Designer Diamond deLuxe. That's right we went to the Husqvarna Viking 2011 Convention. We had a fabulous time taking classes on the new features of the Designer Diamond deLuxe including the deLuxe Stitch System, Design Positioning, Design Shaping, Tapering in the Hoop, Embroider Buttonholes in the Hoop, Undo/Redo in Embroidery Edit (One of my favorite features), Design Stitch Out Order, and the Smart Save Feature.

Not only are these wonderful new features available on the new Designer Diamond deLuxe but the majority of these features are available in a software update for existing Designer Diamond customers. (The update will not include all of the new stitches or the deLuxe Stitch System update.)

As you can see, Carmon and I spent time learning about the new Designer Diamond deLuxe. Join Carmon Thursday May 26 from 1p-3p at our Viking location inside Joann Fabrics 2270 Miamisburg-Centerville Road Dayton, Ohio 45459 to learn more about the new products available from Husqvarna Viking. Current Designer Diamond customers will also be able to get the new software update put on their machines. You will be able to download the update this week through the Smart Update, but you will NOT be able to do it via the USB stick. The update is so large that you will have to do it with the USB cable.

Some thing else that is wonderful from the convention is the new 9.3 update for all of the 5D Suite and Professional software. This update will give you the ability to create your very own cutwork embroidery designs with a new addition in the Design Creator module. You will also be able to take cutwork embroidery designs and in put the cutwork needles into them so that you no longer have to remove your hoop to cut with scissors. WOOHOO! This was wonderful. I took a software class to learn how to use these two modules and was totally impressed. So if you've got 5D Professional or 5D Suite you will want to go to your Smart Update and get the new 9.3 Update. It is also a large update and if you don't have a fast Internet connection it will take awhile to download. You can come in to any store location later this week and will can help you but call first and make an appointment so someone can give you the time to get you updated.

Paducah and Pie!!!

2011-04-28T17:54:00.002-04:00

So if you are a quilter you know that this weekend is the Paducah Quilt Festival. As you can see, some of our customers and staff have ventured down and are enjoying not only what the festival has to offer, but they are also partaking in what else....pie! Thanks for the photo Dottie, Joan, Sherry, Denice, & Nancy! Feel free to pack some pie back with you and, of course, some new quilt project ideas!

Just One Star or Maybe 103

2011-04-28T10:53:00.003-04:00

Moda had a challenge to make 1800 Just One Star quilt blocks for 100 Quilts of Valor quilts to be completed by Flag Day. A customer brought this to our attention and we decided to chip in and see what we could do. And between sewing in Lexington last week and Centerville yesterday, plus customers doing their part at home, we collected 103 Just One Star blocks. This was such a fun project and we were happy to donate supplies and a space for people to participate in this charitable event. We are sending our blocks today but if you are out there and still want to help, just have them in the mail by Saturday. Thank you to all that came out and helped with this cause.

Just One Star Pattern

Because this went to so well, I'm thinking of maybe doing a charity sew once a quarter at each store. If this is something you would be interested in let me know. Also, let me know of any charity sewing projects that you know about. Again thank you to all that came out and helped!

Need a Present for that High School Graduate

2011-04-26T11:07:00.000-04:00

It's graduation season! Life transitioning and new beginnings. How exciting. For all of those high school graduates finishing one chapter and preparing for the next, it's an exciting time. When ever people graduate from high school my mother makes this easy but useful project for all those heading off to college in the fall. It's a laundry bag. It's a very useful, personal gift that everyone who's ever gotten one from my mother has loved.

Here's how you do it:
You'll need 1 yard of heavy weight cotton fabric (this piece was perfect)
2 1/4 yard of Cotton Cording (I used 5/8")
A sewing machine with a good button hole stitch (I used the Quilt Expression 4.0)
A serger with a three thread overlock stitch (I used the Coverlock 3.0)

Optional an embroidery machine for the students monogram (I used the Creative Vision of course)

First sew across the top of what will be your bag with your serger to give the fabric a finished edge. All you have to do is fold the fabric right side together and sew with your serger across the bottom from fold to selvage and then up the side. Flip inside out and you'll have a bag.

Now fold down the top of your bag down inside about 1" and press. Flip this back out and mark where you will put your two buttonholes. You will make your button holes based on the size of your cotton cord. Stitch two buttonholes upright about 1" apart. Remember when you make buttonholes it's always good to use a stabilizer for beautiful buttonholes. Cut open your buttonholes. Then flip back down into the bag and straight stitch in place.

Once you've done this you will put a safety pin on one end of your cotton cord and feed it into one of your buttonholes and come out the other side, tie and you're done.

Now if you have an embroidery machine just use a tearaway stabilizer and make it more personal with an monogram. I made my monogram using the Monogram Wizard in the 5D software.

My mother would then get a laundry basket and put the bag, laundry soap, fabric softener sheets and a roll of quarters in it. Perfect useful, personal present!

Just One Block

2011-04-18T15:18:00.003-04:00

Have you heard about the Just One Block project from Moda? They are asking people to make a quilt block with a pattern that they provide, write your name and the state you live in on it and then mail it to them untrimed. They will then make quilts that will be donated to Quilts of Valor. Their goal is to make 100 quilts.

We at Sew-A-Lot would like to help them reach their goal. Join us Wednesday April 20th 10am-6pm in Lexington or Wednesday April 27th 10am-5pm at the Centerville store to help reach this goal. We will provide the machine, block kits and patterns, you just need to provide your skills to make Just One Block. You will sign it and we will then collect and ship them to Moda. If you can't make it, print off a pattern and make a block at home. You can drop them off at the Lexington store by April 20 and at the Centerville store by April 27, if you would like us to ship them for you.

New Moda at Sew-A-Lot

2011-04-05T13:26:00.007-04:00

We just got a shipment of Moda fabrics, Rose Parade, Summer Breeze, & a new line from 3 Sisters, Grace, that isn't even on Moda's website yet. Also, some Joel Dewberry's Avery 2 at the store in Lexington. Come check them out but you better hurry these are so fresh and springlike that they will not last long.

New Book have arrived at Sew-A-Lot

2011-03-22T06:00:00.001-04:00

These are the newest books from C&T Publishing. There are some great selections this month. If one of these titles interest you, come into Sew-A-Lot and purchase a copy.

What a Great Weekend!

2011-03-21T12:20:00.007-04:00

The Anita Goodesign workshop was so awesome this weekend. Everyone seemed to have a wonderful time and learned a lot. Chris was a great instructor full of tons of information.

Thank you to all of the Sew-A-Lot workers and volunteers who helped this weekend. It was a was lot of work but worth it.

Thank you to all of the customers who came to the event. I hope that you all had fun and enjoyed yourselves. I know you probably all spent yesterday sewing out all of your new embroidery designs. :)

If you didn't get to join us for this event and want to have some fun with us. We will be hosting a Floriani Stabilizer Seminar Saturday October 15th. Come meet the man himself, Walter Floriani. This event will be at the same location as the Anita Good event in Ohio. If you are interested in signing up call the Centerville location for more information 937-433-7474.

And thanks again to everyone for a great weekend!

The Anita Goodesign Event is finally here!

2011-03-15T09:21:00.003-04:00

The Anita Goodesign event is finally here. We are very excited to have Chris coming for this wonderful event. He has shipped in all kinds of wonderful samples and has tons to show you. Remember, you had to register for this event and we are at max capacity. Also remember it's not being held at the store. It's being held at

Centerville Church of Christ

1411 Old Spring Valley Ct.

Centerville, OH

Check in for the event will begin at 9:15am at the church. It is going to be an exciting two days.

Creative Vision & Creative 4.0 Updates

2011-03-07T13:32:00.006-05:00

There are new software updates for the Creative Visions and the Creative 4.0's. You will need to go to the Pfaff website and follow the directions to update your machines. This update will require that you use your usb cable and not your usb stick. Simply click on the link below and select your machine. Then on the right hand side of the screen click 'latest updates'. It will give you step by step instructions on how to update the software in your machine. If you've any questions, please just call us. This is only for the Creative Vision and Creative 4.0 users.

http://www.pfaffusa.com/21.html

National Quilting Month is here!

2011-03-06T21:07:00.004-05:00

Well, February just slipped right past me. Can you believe that it's already March? And with March comes National Quilting Month. Which means we are busy. We just completed the Lebanon Quilt Show at the Warren County History Museum. As usual it was super fun. We love that show. It's got tons of friendly vendors that we look forward to seeing every year and then there are always wonderful quilts on display. Plus, since it's at the museum there are other things that kids and husbands can check out if the quilts are not their thing.

Now that we've made it through Lebanon it's on to Quilter's Day Out in Lexington and the Anita Goodesign event in Centerville. Both are going to be wonderful events and will make for a crazy weekend. If you are in Lexington on Saturday March 19th come out to the Fayette County Extension office for a day of celebrating being a quilter. And if you are signed up for the Anita Good event, we are going to have a fun filled two days of embroidery. For those of you traveling to the event and need a place to rest your head, check out the Country Inn & Suites. It's right down the street from where the event will be held.

Finally as March comes to an end we will be getting ready for the International Quilt Festival in Cincinnati. This is the show that is usually held in Chicago. We will be the PFAFF vendor for the event and are very excited to be there. If you take any of the classes you might get the opportunity to test drive the Quilt Expression 4.0. If you're coming to the Quilt Festival make sure to come see us.

With all these exciting events going on away from the stores don't forget about all of the wonderful classes going on at all the stores. We are working on the new class schedule for April-August. It will be a fun filled summer full of exciting classes at your located Sew-A-Lot.

The Days Look Brighter Now

2011-02-15T09:51:00.004-05:00

Hello Everyone... Sorry I've been MIA. I came down with a nasty head cold that took it out of me. In fact, it seemed everyone around me came down with something unpleasant in the last week and a half. My poor sister had a sick kid which was miserable and of course she has now gotten it. Ms. Nancy woke up Sunday night with terrible back spasms so bad she thought she was going to have to go to the ER. My poor friend Sharon had the flu and was house bond for a week. So hopefully with the sun coming out and the warm weather making it our way the sicknesses will move on their merry way.

Class Changes in Lexington

2011-02-02T14:30:00.002-05:00

We have added a new class to our roster just in time for Valentine's Day. Join Nancy Saturday February 12th from 2pm-5pm for this cute applique project from Nancy Halvorsen's new book Count On It. Our Nancy will teach you basic applique technique or if you already know applique technique just come and have a giggle with the girls. Any class with Nancy is a guaranteed good time! The class fee of $30 will include fabric, interfacing, and thread.

For those of you just learning to sew, we've added another section of Sewing 101 Thursday February 10th & 17th 6p-8p. There are still a couple of spots left so call soon and sign up.

Nancy also has a daytime Quilting Fundamentals on the schedule Mondays Feb 7, 14, 21, & 28. In this class you will learn all there is to know about making a quilting from beginning to end. The class was originally scheduled 1p-4p but has been changed to 10a-1p. Perfect for moms whose kids are in school. There are still a few spots available. Just call us and we'll get you signed up! 859-264-7472

Bobbin Work with Your Embroidery Machine

2011-01-28T16:56:00.008-05:00

Want to learn a new techinque? Bobbin work is a fun techinque you can use with embroidery or free motion quilting. When you do bobbin work you use heavy threads with your embroidery giving things a hand stitched look. You can use ribbon floss, embroidery floss or even thread ribbon in your bobbin case with your embroidery machine. Important note: you will want to purchase a second bobbin case for this techinque, DO NOT use the bobbin case that came with your machine. You embroider upside down and get an effect that looks marvelous.

Want to learn more about bobbin work embroidery? Sue just so happens to be having a class Tuesday at the Lexington store. Join her February 1st 11a-4p to learn how to do bobbin work with your embroidery machine. Call today to sign up 859-264-7472.

3D Flowers from Anita Goodesign

2011-01-26T14:41:00.009-05:00

Look what Lesley's been playing with. She's been stitching out the 3D Flowers mini collection from Anita Good. Aren't they so cute? She stitched out this particular flower and attached it to a pair of flip flops. Fortunately, due to the weather she won't be able to wear them for a while so we'll take them to the store so people can see them in person. All you need is the design collection, some thread and water soluble stabilizer. It's that easy!

Fabric, fabric and more fabric!

2011-01-25T11:58:00.005-05:00

Military fabrics are back at Sew-A-Lot. We just got a shipment in from Robert Kaufman fabrics with a variety of patriotic prints. These fabrics came to our Ohio store along with some other Robert Kaufman favorites, including some Batiks. So if you think of a project and are in need of some new fabric, let us know. Don't forget if you aren't close, you can always call us and we will be more then happy to get an order to you by mail! Other fabric lines that we have in stock include:

Dr. Seuss - Centerville

See Spot - Lexington

Sand in my Shoes by McKenna Ryan - Lexington

Pomare - Centerville

Floral Fusion - Centerville

Nature Rhythms - Centerville

Origins - Lexington

Happy - Lexington

Chrysalis - Lexington

Just to name a few...

The Savanna Quilt

2011-01-21T16:02:00.004-05:00

Claire sent me a picture of the Savanna quilt that she's teaching Thursday March 17th and 24th at the store in Lexington. She's not completely done with it but almost. I just wanted to give everyone a sneak preview. Isn't it so cute? She used the Curves for Squares ruler from Creative Grids and the Savanna quilt pattern from Saginaw St Quilt Co. She still has to pick out borders but I just thought it turned out so nice I had to share. Happy Quilting!

Just Breathe!

2011-01-19T14:38:00.003-05:00

Today I gave an owner's lesson on a serger and through out the lesson I kept repeating, "you've got the breathe." Then we would laugh. And a few minutes later again, "don't forget to breathe." Now, whenever I teach an owner's class (one of my most favorite things to do at the Sew-A-Lot) I say that a lot, don't forget to breathe. Then the other night I started going to yoga class again and I noticed that I kept having to remind myself to breathe when I would get into a challenging position. My yoga friend would be so proud of this next statement. It's so important to breathe when you are doing something that challenges you. Sewing, quilting, yoga, working... Whenever you feel yourself getting frustrated, clear your mind and take a deep breath. Usually a good lung full of fresh oxygen will do you wonders.

So the next time you get frustrated with your sewing or quilting projects, step back and take a deep breath. Enjoy what you are doing!

Look what Quiltsmart can do for you!

2011-01-13T11:53:00.002-05:00

Nancy just finished the Mariner's Compass from Quiltsmart. If you don't know it by now, Nancy (Lexington) and Louise (Centerville) are our resident Quiltsmart experts. Louise has done pretty much every Quiltsmart project there is and Nancy has just started and fell in love with the technique. It's the process of using a fusible, printed interfacing that helps make your points and piecing to come out perfect.

Interested in learning the Quiltsmart technique? You can join either Nancy or Louise for a class.

Floating Ring Lone Star Mon Mar 22 & 29 10a-1p with Louise in Centerville 937-433-7474

Lone Star Quilt Thu Jan 27 & Feb 3 1p-4p OR Thu Mar 31 & Apr 14 5:30p-8:30p with Nancy in Lexington 859-264-7472

Call and register today!

Snow, Snow, Snow!

2011-01-12T10:18:00.003-05:00

Ahhh, the beautiful Pacific Ocean off the coast of Kauai at sunset. Just imagine that you are there enjoying the warmth that the sun has to bring, take a deep breath and relax. (This was a picture I took during our honeymoon last week.)

Or get your warmest cuddly clothes on, make a cup of hot chocolate, and get a sewing project ready to work on. Yesterday and today are perfect days to work on a nice big quilt or anything your creative mind wants to construct. Turn on some music that makes you happy and make a fire, if you are so lucky to have a fireplace, and make something beautiful.

Remember winter has only just begun, so if you need to stock up on fabric for your upcoming winter projects our fabric sale ends Saturday. So come in and see us!

New Year's Hours

2010-12-28T17:53:00.002-05:00

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

2010-12-17T16:08:00.002-05:00

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

2010-12-16T17:35:00.004-05:00

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

2010-12-15T18:08:00.002-05:00

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!

2010-12-09T12:22:00.002-05:00

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

2010-11-29T19:15:00.003-05:00

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

2010-11-22T18:55:00.003-05:00

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

2010-11-02T17:37:00.003-04:00

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

2010-10-11T10:32:00.002-04:00

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

2010-10-05T11:52:00.003-04:00

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

2010-09-20T10:46:00.002-04:00

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

2010-09-07T17:21:00.002-04:00

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!

2010-08-21T15:45:00.002-04:00

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!

2010-08-19T16:51:00.002-04:00

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

2010-08-04T18:13:00.002-04:00

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!

2010-08-02T22:39:00.003-04:00

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

2010-07-31T16:15:00.003-04:00

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

2010-07-13T09:47:00.003-04:00

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!

2010-07-08T12:46:00.002-04:00

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

2010-07-01T12:24:00.004-04:00

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

2010-06-17T12:20:00.004-04:00

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!