Embroidery On Your Phone!

Anyone who has a smart phone knows that you can find and app for just about anything these days. So, why should those of use who like quilting, sewing and crafting things in general be excluded?

Apparently the people at Pfaff asked the same question:

Pfaff now offers two apps for the iPhone. The Embroidery Art iPhone App allows users to pick a design, choose from 15,000 thread colors to customize the design and refer to it in their embroidery endeavors. You can even save the designs for future reference!

The second app is this:

The 5D Thread Match App. With this app, you can take a photo of a project or use an old photo, then zoom into a color that you want to match and the app will find the exact thread for you!

So, download the apps and get to work on your next project! Also, ask us about pricing for our Pfaff sewing machines to go with the apps. We also carry Singer machines, as well as both Singer and Pfaff accessories!

Olfa Ergonomic Rotary Cutter

I wanted to do a highlight of this Olfa Ergonomic Rotary Cutter, because I find it so helpful in my quilting projects.

You’ll notice the ergonomic, pizza-cutter design, perfect for making precise cuts in quilting fabric. Scissors definitely have their use in quilting, in fact I recommend having both scissors and a rotary cutter. However, for those long cuts, scissors can cause a lot of issues and, as you know, even the tiniest mistake makes a ton of difference in the overall shape and size of the quilt.

So, definitely check out this rotary cutter from Olfa. They come in three sizes and feature a variety of replaceable blades:

We carry only the best fabric cutting tools and craft supplies. So, make sure to keep checking in to see what we have available for your next project!

North American Wildlife & Sealife Quilts

I love to bring the essence of nature to the indoors. Designing the Wildlife and Sealife quilts was a real pleasure. Creating patterns and kits gives me the opportunity to share my passion with quilters everywhere. The North American quilts feature the fabric panels from Robert Kaufman’s North American Wildlife fabric collection and Hoffman Batik Watercolors. The Wildlife and Sealife patterns have the same layout, but with differing fabric combinations and yardage requirements it simplifies the piecing process to have separate instructions for each quilt. Finished Size 53″x53″ Simple enough for basic quiters. The North American patterns have easy to follow instructions with full color illustrations. Basic quilters can complete this quilt in a snap. Any 10″ panel, print, photo or embroidery design can be inserted with this versatile design. Works with any 10″panel print Springtime Garden Quilt Kit shown here was an easy substitution for the North American Wildlife panels Our kits includes pattern, panel & Hoffman Batik fabric to complete entire quilt top and binding. Beautifully packaged in a reusable custom zippered bag.     North American Pattern Plus has a panel packaged with pattern.

The Right Zipper

When you work on a project that requires a zipper, you need the right kind. The truth is: one zipper won’t do for every project. For example, if you need one for a handbag, check out the YKK “Snip, Zip & Go” zippers. Terry Atkinson designed these for easy modification of length, in order to fit any sized bag. Plus, they come in a variety of colors, so they’ll fit any design you can come up with! YKK has even developed a special zipper for active wear. Made of durable and bulky teeth, these will outlast any sports or activities you might do in your clothing. A 2 Way Heavy Weight Brass Parka Zipper is a very durable zipper that will hold up in extreme cold temperatures. Ideal for outerwear vests, jackets, parkas and heavy duty accessories. So, make sure to get the right zipper for your project! We have more than just these available for your projects, so contact us if you have any questions about our services! Buy Zippers

Northern Threads Staff Favorite!

Birdie Sling Bag by Amy Butler We just can’t get enough of this bag. You really won’t stop with just one. This honey of a sling holds everything and it’s easy to make! (Great for beginners) Modern styling and dynamic proportions will make this one of your favorite carry-all bags! I wish I had pictures of all the bags we’ve made. It would be quite a show, but alas, I didn’t have my camera out and ready. I’m trying to get better at remembering to take photos. Customers and students have put together some fantastic fabric combos too. I recommend adding a large decorative snap to hold the bag closed and 2 jumbo buttons for a professional finish. Although this bag shown is a basic version, some have used the trim to handle and band for an extra finishing touch. Buy Pattern

Great Alaskan Shop Hop Quilt 2010

The 2010 Alaska Shop Hop quilt project has been officially launched. The appliques for this quilt are an amazing group of images depicting scenic views of wildlife and wildflowers across our wonderful state. Alaska shops have joined together to offer you a fun way to explore the great north and see the wonderful quilt shops along the way.

These detailed applique scenes are created with easy fusible web. Just trace, cut and press in place. We recomend “Steam-a-Seam 2 Lite”fusible web to make the job a breeze. It has a pressure sensitive adhesive that allows for a temporary hold to your ackground. There is no pressing until your entire appliqué is in place and it’s 1/2 the weight of the regular fusibles which means it won’t gum up your needle if you choose to stitch through it.

There are 13 block patterns in all. Each participating shop has only one select block kit from the group. Collect them all.

Purchase our Northern Threads exclusive deluxe finishing kit designed by Marie Noah will be available in June 2010. The kit will include the pattern for layout, “sashing applique” and pieced border along with all the fabrics for the quilt top and binding.

Individual Applique block kits may be sold only at the sponsoring shop. Purchase all 13 blocks to complete the Exclusive Deluxe Kit sold only at Northern Threads.

The quilt is an original design by our fellow Alaskans; Brenda Clyde & Chelline Larson

Standard Finishing instructions and fabric for quilt top included with the complete block set

Northern Threads Exclusive Deluxe Finish
Kit Available in June 2010

The Deluxe Finish Kit is sold as an add-on to the 13 block kits sold at the participating shops. It offers an alternated finish for the original 2010 shop hop blocks or can be used with any 10 1/2″ block design.
Finished size: 64″ x 64″

Standard Finish pattern and fabric
included with complete block set. Collect all 13 blocks. Only Available at participating shops through December 31, 2010

See close up images of all our 2010 shop hop blocks on Facebook here

Exclusive Qiviut Smoke Ring Pattern

Northern Beauty Smoke Ring Knitting PatternMusk ox qiviut (kiv-ee-ute), is one of the finest and warmest fibers on earth. Their down-like under-hair is eight times warmer than wool by weight and finer than cashmere. The harshness and remoteness of the Arctic limits the amount of qiviut available. Limited worldwide supplies make it one of the most sought after and treasured of all natural luxury fibers.Qiviut is a remarkable fiber! It blooms beautifully, swelling and becoming softer and warmer themore it is handled. Due to Qiviut’s blooming characteristics it can be worked on needles much larger than standard lace weight fibers. Using needles size US 3-6 is recommended. Qiviut alone does not have the elasticity of wool so garments can lengthen about 10% with washing. These qualities make it perfectly suited for lace work in scarves or shawls though it also works wonderfully for anything you like to make or wear. Using needles 2 sizes smaller coupled with fewer stitches for rubbings in hats or garments is recommended. Fondle to your heart’s content, Qiviut only improves! We have an exclusive Qiviut Smoke Ring Pattern designed by B.J. Shannon just for Northern Threads. It’s a simple pattern to knit and can be completed with 2oz. of 2ply qiviut. It’s light as a feather and ooh so snugly to wear. Treat yourself! Qiviut available in rich colors. Buy Pattern

PFAFF Quilt Expression 4.0 is a Consumer Digest “Best Buy!”

PFAFF has done it again!

Consumers Digest rated the Quilt Expression 4.0 based on the features it offers, how easy it
is to use and its warranty. The magazine noted that the Quilt Expression 4.0 offers the best
combination of large work space and numerous needle positions in the category, providing
quilters with more maneuverability for large projects and more precise stitch placement.

PFAFF sewing machines embody premium quality, state-of-the-art technology and superior
design. Skilled sewers and embroidery and quilting enthusiasts turn to our machines to
perfect their craft and deliver the ultimate sewing experience. We are delighted that
Consumers Digest has recognized the value that the Quilt Expression 4.0 offers in addition to
its extensive list of features.

The PFAFF Quilt Expression 4.0 is one of our best selling machines right now. It’s very afforadable priced for all the amazing features it provides. It’s the perfect choice for someone ready to dive into the sewing and quilting experience!

Click to download the Expression 4.0 Brochure!

Lickity Grip is a must have!

While I was looking around for some new notions I stumbled upon a product called LickityGrip.  The name peaked my interest so I did some checking around to find out what this LickityGrip stuff was and here’s the scoop.

LickityGrip gives added grip for better control while sewing or piecing.  It helps you shuffle fabrics quickly and accurately for perfect alignment.  Quickly get that one thread exposed on the bottom layer for precision piecing.  LickityGrip is a beader’s blessing!  Whether picking up, positioning, weaving, shuffling, stringing or threading beads.  LickityGrip gives added control and allows you to grasp beads and filaments or threads more firmly.  LickityGrip is a scrapbookers true love!  It helps you effortlessly grasp, shuffle or place tiny embellishment, die cuts, trims, papers and photos.  LickityGrip has no odor, is acid free, hypoallergenic, non-staining, not greasy, gummy or sticky.  This product was developed by a quilter/crafter for quilters and crafters.

I just had to order this this fantastic product for the shop so I could share my new find with everyone.  I think once you try LickityGrip you will agree it works great!  What a great holiday gift for yourself and quilting/crafting friends.  Stop by the shop and check it out for yourself.  We have a sample container on the front counter.

Toe-Up! Sock Book Review

Make Toe-Up Socks for the Whole Family

Love to knit socks but never tried starting at the toe? Want to knit socks but haven’t because of a fear of Kitchener stitch? Avidly knit toe-up socks but want to learn how to customize toes and heels to better fit your feet? If so, this is the book for you!

Toe-up just arrived today. I love this book, it’s sure to be a hot seller. The author Chrissy Gardiner did a fantastic job giving a toe-up master class with 15 unique sock patterns and well-illustrated technique tutorials. I recommend this book to anyone beginner to advanced interested in knitting socks. Binding off has always been a challenge for me with the toe-up method and this book gives excellent options that create flexible finishes. The book is worth it just for that amazing tidbit!

I can hardly wait to get started on my socks. I love wearing and showing off my hand knit socks. The cold weather is setting in and my fingers are itching to knit.