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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.

Toe-UpThese 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.

Block Kits Available thru
December 31, 2010

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

Participating Shop List

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

Northern Threads Exclusive Deluxe Finishing KitThe 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″

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

Follow Us On FacebookSee close up images of all our 2010 shop hop blocks on Facebook here

Musk 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, Qiviut YarnBrowse Our Qiviut
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 ribbings in hats or garments is recommended. Fondle to your heart’s content, Qiviut only improves!
Northern Beauty Smoke Ring Pattern Northern Beauty Smoke Ring Pattern
Free with Qiviut PurchaseWe 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 snuggly to wear. Treat yourself!

Qiviut available in rich colors:
Red, Green, Navy & Purple

Northern Threads Staff Favorite!

Toe-Up

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 “Piping Hot Binding Tool” to trim the handle and band for an extra finishing touch.

Buy the Birdie Sling Pattern Here!

PFAFF has done it again!

Toe-Up

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!

Toe-UpWhile 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. 

Order Lickity Grip Online Now!

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 flexable 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.

Toe-UpToe-Up Available Here
Digitizing Class
Many people don’t think they can learn how to digitize embroidery. The actual word “digitize” scares the heck out of them. But digitizing, like any other aspect of software or machine operation, isn’t that difficult when you have help learning about how to master the tools and techniques needed to create that awesome design you have in your head just dying to get out and into fabric.

The 3 full days of hands-on instruction with national digitizing expert Ray Templeton was fantastic, beginning with the basics and working through more advanced techniques. Participants learned how to construct quality embroidery designs from start to finish using the Design Creator in the Creative 4D Suite software. The group was a lively bunch and they are anxious to contiune learning and expanding their knowledge of the software. We have scheduled a digitizing group to begin in October.

Read about the Pfaff Embroidery Software

Ray Templeton’s Dizitizing Workbook

Shop Hop Finishing Kit

Order the finishing kit
Online Now!

I’m so excited to introduce the finishing kit for the 2009 Shop Hop Block series. I designed and produced the pattern right here exclusively for Northern Threads.

The piecing was kept simple, yet there’s plenty of detail to make it look spectacular! The quilt finishes out at 70″ x 89″

Kit includes:

Complete full color instruction along with over 5 yards of fabric to complete the sashing, borders and binding as shown along with the contact list for all participating shops.

Northern Threads Exclusive Kit
Alaska Shop Hop Forget-Me-Not Block
Flower Block Kit Available Here!

I’m so excited to introduce a new block for the 2009 Shop Hop Block series.
This extra block was created to complete the set of 16 same size blocks. It was designed to complete our exclusive quilt. The finishing kit is almost complete. I am writting the insturctions right now. I can hardly wait to show everyone the completed quilt. Stay tuned, I’ll have it posted soon! :)

Northern Threads Exclusive Kit
Interior Alaska

It’s Here!

Last Frontier 2 Fabric Collection!

It’s fantastic. The collection features everything Alaskan. The 2 scenic prints offer many creative opportunities for all sorts of sewing projects. Individual prints include, birch tree trunks, fireweed, for-get-me-nots, aurora, loons, puffins, assorted wildlife, sealife and more. You don’t want to miss out on the fabulous collection. Last Frontier 2 fabric is a limited collection with “Celebrating 50 Years of Statehood” printed on the selvedge.

View the complete collection & order online.

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