Curve Master in Quiltmaker Magazine!

Wow!!  The Jul/Aug 2013 issue of Quiltmaker magazine features a curvy quilt sewn with the Curve Master on the COVER !  Accompanying the article describing how to make the quilt is a full-page spread on the Curve Master!  Here is a link to Quiltmaker:   http://www.quiltmaker.com/index.html   to see the gorgeous pink curvy quilt and to order the magazine. Or check your local stores: B&N, Hastings, etc.

Video #2: Common Cutting/Sewing Errors

Click here to see why we so strongly recommend professionally made acrylic templates to ensure accurate cutting results.  

Video #5: Sewing With the Curve Master 2013

Click this link for a new version of “Sewing with the Curve Master” filmed in 2013.  Older versions of the demonstration are still available on YouTube.  We hope having several different demonstrations will help you gain enjoyment and expert results from your Curve Master.  

Video #3: Cutting Errors Result in Imperfect Results

This video displays common errors in cutting fabrics.  Click here:  

  (Troubleshooting #3)

Video #1: Curve Master Troubleshooting

This video describes user errors which can result in less than perfect results.  If you find you have excess fabric at the end of a seam, this video can explain how this happened and get you better results.  Click here:  

Video #4: Attaching the Curve Master

Here is a video explanation of the Curve Master, its shank adapter, and how to attach the Curve Master to various machines.  Included is an explanation of the various Bernina shank adapters.  

Online Classes Kick-Off Today – No Foolin’ !!

Today, April 1, 2013, we kickoff our 3rd Annual Online Class, co-presented with the Australian version of “Nancy’s Notions,” Judy Hall of Punch With Judy. Judy and I have teamed over previous years to bring you the best in user-friendly education.  Our online classes allow you to work at any time YOU choose, even in your pajamas!  Simply download the lesson which is published online on the 1st of each of the next 6 months.  You do not have to be in front of your computer at any appointed time.

The lessons span from very basic (how to attach the Curve Master) to more advanced (making purses with round bottoms inserted) over the course of the class.  Any level of mastery (or non-mastery) is accommodated in the class.  You do not need any prerequisites other than basic sewing machine familiarity, as we “start at the very beginning…a very good place to start.”

It is not too late to join us!  Go to Judy’s website to sign up:  www.punchwithjudy.com.au

 

To the Ends of the Earth!!

Unbelievable how time flies!  Especially as I get older, and find more interesting things to see and do, time goes too fast to do them all.  Such was the case this year, and I apologize that my blog suffered.  So what happened?…..Yes, I went to the Ends of the Earth…will explain that later.

Some of you know that my “hobby” when I’m not doing the Curve Master tour is spinning.  No, not cycling…making yarn from fiber.  I love all of it, from selecting a fleece right off the sheep or llama or whatever, or choosing a really gorgeous processed hand-dyed roving, and sitting at the wheel rhythmically drafting the fiber into a “singles” (one strand) of yarn and the perhaps plying it into a two- or three-ply yarn.  What do I do with it all?  Well, just like us quilters with fabric, I admire it, stroke it, pet it, and stockpile it!  Sometimes I actually knit with it, and here is where my story advances.

I enjoy the company of a few knitters once a week when I am home from my gypsy travels.  One of these lovely ladies, Ann, was turning 70 in May and decided she was going to walk the 500-mile Camino de Santiago to achieve her 50-year dream and celebrate her birthday watching the botafumerio .  (Don’t worry if you don’t already know what that is…here is a link to a YouTube video and there are many others to choose from!) 

She had not been able to find anyone to go with her however.  Until she mentioned it to our “little old lady knitting group” (ages from 58 to 69-1/2) and the four of us instantly said, “I’ll go.”  This was in early February 2012, and preparations took the place of all other activity.  Walking in 95-degree Texas heat, getting boots, backpack, making reservations, etc. My supportive husband gave me a Valentine’s gift of moleskin, bandaids, and a card that ended by saying, “now go take a hike!”  Sort of a mixed message on a Valentine’s card, don’t you think?  ”I love you, now go away!”

Just a brief history:  The Camino de Santiago is a 1000-year-old pilgrimage to the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, Spain where legend has it the remains of the Apostle James (the Greater, the brother of John, of the Sons of Thunder reputation) are interred.  James left Jerusalem to preach in Iberia, somewhat unsuccessfully some might argue as he allegedly had only 6 or 7 converts.  He returned to Jerusalem, was martyred, and his remains were placed in a stone boat which made it all the way, unpiloted, back to Spain where they were found and buried.  Thus, a cathedral had to be built and devotees began the long walk to visit his shrine.  It is the third most popular pilgrimage in Christendom, after Jerusalem and Rome…I had never heard of it!  To embrace the role of pilgrim, one walks with the barest of necessities (try just one change of clothes for 6 weeks!) and stays in alburgues or refugios with the barest of accommodations and no amenities.  More on that later!  But for those of you who can’t wait, enjoy the movie made by Emilio Estevez, starring Martin Sheen, “The Way” for a bit of background and preview of what we are facing.

Mid-May we all departed for Brussels, Belgium to visit Ann’s daughter (from left, BJ, Cindy, Barb, me, Ann) before taking a train through France to begin the hike at St. Jean Pied de Port, France at the foot of the Pyrenees Mountains.

Note to self:  When raising the hem of trousers, do not simply fold over the existing hem!  First order of business after seeing this photo:  release the makeshift hem and wear the pants as purchased; the boots take up the height that flat shoes didn’t.  (From left: Ann, Barb, me, Cindy, and BJ)

Yes, we had to walk up and over the mountains the very first day of our hike!  It was brutally hot, murderously steep, my pack weighed more than 200 lbs (or so it seemed!) and not a lick of shade.  We fortunately arrived at the mid-point alburgue which still had vacancies, and put in for the day.  I quickly inquired as to the availability of motorized transport to our second-day’s destination.  The alburgue served a delicious and plentiful “Pilgrims’ Dinner” to all and we met our first Camino companions:  Amrit, a Sikh, and some Dutch hikers whose paths would separate from and meet up with ours many times over six weeks.

The next day, two of us took a taxi AROUND the mountain and arrived clean, refreshed and ready to rise on the third day,  leaving Roncesvalles entering the Basque country, whose inhabitants are quick to tell us they are not in Spain.  Just a short distance to go….

2011 in review

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2011 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

The concert hall at the Syndey Opera House holds 2,700 people. This blog was viewed about 11,000 times in 2011. If it were a concert at Sydney Opera House, it would take about 4 sold-out performances for that many people to see it.

Click here to see the complete report.

Sandy’s Rummage Sale!

More stuff has been coming in than going out for quite some time now!  Something has to give, and it is me!  I am having a “rummage sale,” or what some parts call a “tag sale,” or a “garage sale.”  But it is in my studio.  I have very bravely posted some “Before” photos of my so-called studio which has unwillingly and unfortunately become a large walk-in closet.  When I added spinning (making yarn, not exercising, gasp!) to my ever-expanding list of interests things got worse.  I started collecting spinning wheels the way I collect sewing machines, and fiber the way I collect fabric.  You get my drift…I’m snowed under!

I have, at last, somewhat organized the place!  On my Just Curves website, under “Shopping” I have opened a resale shop!  It is called Sandy’s Rummage Sale.  All the items are One-of-A-Kind, so if you see it and want it, grab it!  All items are in tip-top condition, unless otherwise noted.  There are a gazillion patterns, books, knitting needles, spinning wheels, and other goodies.  Most everything is about half-price.  Now is your chance to do some early, frugal Holiday shopping for the discerning quilter, spinner or knitter on your list!  Click here to go right there!

We strive for progress, not perfection!  Here is proof of that: