Always In Stitches

New Square on the Quilt

2012-02-18T17:33:00.000-05:00

My name is Tamara and I'm a quiltaholic. Ok so really only when I find time in between my real job, refinishing a house, taking care of my son, cooking dinner, cleaning the house, and ~~laundry~~. (Laundry tends to pile up at our house. Just ask my husband.)

I have been quilting for about 10 years, and sewing for... well...longer. I'll be posting to the Always in Stitches blog about my projects, new fabric to the store and more. I have a baby changing cover tutorial in the works, but in the mean time let me tell you a little about myself.

1. I love to quilt and sew as long as its not clothes. (10 years of sewing in 4-H cured me of ever wanting to make clothes for myself again.)

2. My mother-in-law, Cindy, works at Always in Stitches. Both my husband and father-in-law have learned not to ask us how much we spend on fabric.

3. I have an adorable 15 month old son who for sake of this blog will be called Linus. He drags his blanket everywhere with him if I let him. If he were ever to lose it I would definitely be inspired to learn how to crochet.

Sewing with Linus

4. We are currently refinishing our home. So you are likely to see pictures of my sewing room as I get it organized, and I am always open to tips and ideas!

5. I love doing lots of other crafty things so if the occassional non-sewing craft project makes it on here that's why. (And who knows maybe I'll take up knitting or crocheting after all!)

So here's what I want to know from you: What would you like to see on this blog?

Tamara

Family's kindness gives ill kids sweet dreams

2012-02-14T12:08:00.000-05:00

Eight children battling life-changing illnesses will find some cheer in their hospital beds, thanks to Diana Rainwater’s sewing talents and the generosity of her grandchildren, Wyatt and Fawn.

Diana made eight pillowcases as part of Always In Stitches’ service project for ConKerr Cancer. As she sewed the happy and bright print fabrics, her grandchildren sat patiently on her lap or next to her.

Wyatt especially liked the case made with traditional green and tan camo accented by blue fighter jets. He liked it so much, he wanted to keep it.

But when he learned that a sick child would get to use it if he took it to Always In Stitches, the 7-year-old boy was happy to make the donation.

ConKerr Cancer started when Cindy Kerr’s son was diagnosed with cancer in 2002. She made pillowcases to make him smile and brighten his room at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, explains the nonprofit’s website. He loved it, so she made pillowcases for other oncology patients.

When AIS first introduced customers to this service project, the goal was to donate 300. We’ve topped that number, but continue to accept donations and love to hear stories like Wyatt’s.

Learn about our favorite notions!

2012-01-06T14:49:00.000-05:00

Check out videos on how to use some of our favorite notions! Head over to our brand new Videos page on the website to find out more!

Check out our latest newsletter here!

Your generosity blesses us; warms those less fortunate

Always In Stitches is blessed to have generous customers. During the holidays, 33 blankets, 18 scarves, and 48 hats were made as donations to Hamilton County’s Good Samaritan Network, as well as 27 blankets for the national Linus Project.
Many of these beautiful pieces were given anonymously, and we thank those quiet stitchers and donors for their work and kindness. Thanks also goes to: Daisy Troop 208, led by Kimberlee Murray (with help from Noa and Logan Murray) and Cheryl Burke, two blankets; Vicki Butterfield, 17 hats; Karen Garlinghouse, 31 hats; Girl Scout Troop 1132, led by Michelle Higgins, 12 blankets; and Girl Scout Troop 1291, 10 blankets.
In addition, four cell phones were given to Prevail and 86 pairs of shoes were contributed to Soles 4 Souls.

Come with us to the International Quilt Festival!

We’ve hired a motor coach, are ordering tickets, planning goodies and getting excited. Departure is 7 a.m. April 14 and we’ll return around 9 p.m. The $73.95 package ($68.95 if you buy tickets by April 1), includes round-trip transportation, the show ticket, a light breakfast, snacks during the ride and a tip for the driver. Lunch and dinner will be at your own expense.
Last year’s festival featured 219 exhibitors that offered finished antique and contemporary quilts, fabrics, books, patterns, tools, sewing machines, and crafts. More than 500 pieces of fabric art were on display. There were also numerous quilt- and art-related classes, lectures and events.
Call the shop, (317) 776-4227, to reserve your spot, and ask friends to join you for this wonderful opportunity. Send this link as an invitation: http://www.alwaysinstitches1.com/cincinnati-bus-trip.htm

It's the Holiday Season!

2011-12-20T15:21:00.001-05:00

To see all of our latest news, head over to our website by clicking here, then click on the link to "Check out our latest newsletter!" on the left hand side of the screen.
We Wish you Joy, Health, and Happiness
There’s no time like Christmas to say how much we appreciate everyone who visits Always In Stitches. Our entire staff hopes your home is filled with the joy of family and friends and that you’re blessed in the new year.
Special Holiday Hours set, More Evening Hours to Come!
We’re going home early and coming in late to enjoy the holidays with our families. The store will be open from 10-1 on Christmas Eve, noon-5 on Dec. 26 and 10-3 on New Year’s Eve. Starting Jan. 1, we’ll be open from 10-8 every Tuesday and Thursday.
Janome Educator to Share Techniques at our Janome EventIf you own a Janome machine or are thinking about getting one, you’ll want to take some very special, free, 2-hour classes in January.
Janome educator Nancy Fiedler will share ideas about using the digitizer; embroidering, sewing and quilting; and working with accessories. There’s even an opportunity to pick her brain.
Nancy specializes in embellishment techniques using Janome sewing machines, embroidery machines, and sergers. She’s a regular contributor to Janome Digest magazine and Janome online, and has written for Creative Machine Embroidery and other magazines. She publishes her patterns under the Just Fiddlin’ Around label.
Pre-registration is required for each class.
Click here for a full list of classes and more information!

Take a Bus Trip!

2011-12-20T11:56:00.000-05:00

Always In Stitches is going to the International Quilt Festival in Cincinnati, OH on April 14th, 2012, and we want to take you with us!

Head over to our website to find out more information!

Men's Night Out

2011-12-15T11:38:00.000-05:00

Ladies, tonight is the Always In Stitches Men's Night Out!

We will be open until 9, so send in your fella with your wishlist and our elves will make sure you get exactly what you want for Christmas this year!

We will make sure to re-energize your man with wings, soda, and a chance to win a Craftsman Nextec Drill/Driver worth $79.99!

So pin on a wishlist, and direct him to Always In Stitches, where there is free gift wrapping, and plenty of help!

We hope to see you here! Call 317-776-4227 for more info.

Amaretto Cottage BOM

2011-12-14T15:32:00.001-05:00

Click here to head over to our website to check out all the specifics about joining this beautiful block of the month!

Still time to be quilted by Christmas

2011-12-06T12:12:00.000-05:00

Bring in your quilt top, back and batting by Dec. 16 for an all-over design, and we will do our best to have it quilted in time to give or snuggle under by Christmas. (If you need backing or batting, we have it in stock.) Appointments and reservations are not necessary; just drop it off with any sales associate. The cost is 2 cents per square inch, plus a $45 set-up fee.

Special holiday hours set, new evening hours coming
We’re going home early and coming in late to enjoy Christmas with our families. The store will be open from 10-1 on Christmas Eve, noon-5 on Dec. 26. On New Year’s Eve, we’ll be open from 10-3. Starting Jan. 1, we’ll be open every Tuesday from 10-8 and from 9-4 every Saturday.

Candy Cane Discounts: Sweet, money-saving treat
On the first day of Christmas, my quilt store gave to me, a chance to save fi-ii-ii-ii-if-ty (percent). Grab a candy cane from Dec. 12-24 and get a 10-50 percent discount that day off single or multiple items that total at least $20.

Same name, new website
There’s so much great stuff on our new website, it’s like having a quilt store on your laptop or Smart Phone. It’s still at AlwaysInStitches1.com, but that’s where similarities end. Make it your homepage so you can check class schedules, special events, what’s new, and our sewing machines. Learn more about our staff. (Who was a dance teacher in the ‘70s?) Sign up for our email list. More content is coming. Tell us what you’d like to see.

Wrap a great gift
Don’t you always need a last-minute gift or stocking stuffer? If the person is a needle crafter, Always In Stitches has just what you need, no matter what the recipient’s craft, your price range, or whether you want just plain cute or downright practical. Here are ideas from our shelves:

Especially for knitters – When you need an extra hand, a yarn ball winder fits the bill. Magnetic boards keep your work in place when working with color or pattern charts. Sticky notes are a knitter’s best friend; keep the papers orderly with our Sticky Note Organizer. Adorable sheep stitch markers will make anyone smile. So will our sheep-themed notecards, which are suitable for framing.

For quilters – True Grips keep rulers from sliding. Add-a-Quarter and Add-an-Eighth rulers conveniently add seam allowances to any straight angle and provide a straight edge for rotary cutters. Quilters Tape lets you mark lines when hand quilting. Best Press is a scented alternative to starch. For any quilter’s gift, tuck in small, fun patterns for mini quilts or quilt-themed notecards.

For sewing enthusiasts – So many choices for people who sew: Quilt Happy tape measures; the Direct-A-Seam tool; Cutting Edge repositionable vinyl strips; Quick Turn fabric tube turners; Bias Tape Maker tool in three sizes; the Desk Needle Threader; and travel sewing kits in lovely decorator tins.

Knit a gift in nothing flat
Hat and scarf days are here. Wrap your loved ones in something they’ll like for the look as much as the warmth they provide.

You’ll fund great patterns in “60 Quick Knits,” and they’re designed for all skill levels. Using a seed stitch, customer Anna Hutchens made an adorable child’s lion scarf. Its round face has button eyes and a brown yarn mane. At the other end, a stringy little tail hangs down to its hooves.

Find Anna’s sample and the book in the Yarn Department.

Reduced gift certificates save you cash on presents
Always In Stitches wants to make gift-shopping easier on your debit card. Until Christmas, we are selling gift certificates at a 10 percent discount. They can be used just like cash for anything in the store starting Dec. 26, and they won’t expire until Dec. 31, 2012.

Ask any sales specialist to get one – or a dozen.

See you here on Small Business Saturday

2011-11-25T11:33:00.000-05:00

Big lines at big stores for big discounts are what Black Friday is all about. But tomorrow, Small Business Saturday, is dedicated to local shops like Always In Stitches, where any size purchase is a huge investment in your home community.

“Small doesn’t mean limited,” says Lyneen Burrow, who opened AIS four years ago.

“Our inventory includes 5,200 bolts of fabric with new ones being added every week, 1,000 skeins of high-quality yarn in so many colors, it’s hard to choose just a few, and more than 11,400 products that make sewing, knitting, quilting, wool crafts and cross-stitch more enjoyable.”

We also offer an expert long-arm quilter, a wide range of Janome sewing machines, Handi-Quilter machines, and an array of classes. “We bring both the novice and expert only the best materials available at an affordable price,” Lyneen added.

According to a 2008 study by Civic Economics, an economic development consultancy based in Chicago and Austin, Texas, $63 of every $100 spent at a homegrown business stays in the community. When $100 is spent at a national store, only $46 stays in the community.

“One of the best things a citizen can do to help his or her community remain strong is to shop at local businesses,” said Noblesville Mayor John Ditslear. “Small Business Saturday will be an excellent way for the residents of Noblesville to show their support of the businesses of Noblesville.”

Turn our classroom into your elfin workshop
About this time of year, it’s easy to start wishing there was a little more room in our homes to work on projects and gifts.

So come on over to our house. You and your friends are welcome to use the AIS classroom, free of charge, whenever a class is not scheduled. Call the shop, (317) 776-4227, to reserve a time.

Shopping hours set for Men’s Night Out
We’re setting aside four hours to redirect your man from football to fun and festivities, from hot rods to great holiday gifts for you.

Men’s Night Out is 5-9 p.m. Dec. 15 at the shop. Send your guy and we guarantee he comes home with some pretty cool stuff. Added enticements:

Lots of knowledgeable helpers on hand giving incredible customer care. We’ll make it painless whether buying great gifts is old hat or something they never learned.

Everything tied up with a bow. Free gift wrap for every purchase.

Refreshments – a caffeine and carb mix that will keep him going strong.

If you have suggestions for what he should shop for that night, look for The Big Hint flier in bags with your AIS purchases this month. It’s a shopping data sheet to get him headed in the right direction.

AIS family is growing
When you’re shopping on Saturdays, be sure to welcome Mary Andrews and Pam Herman, the newest sales specialists at Always In Stitches.

Pam is an experienced quilter, and like most of the AIS staff, Mary dabbles in several needle crafts, including quilting and cross stitch.

Wrap a great gift
When you’re looking for gifts and stocking stuffers for handcrafters, put Always In Stitches on your shopping list. Our sales specialists can help you find just the right thing, no matter what the recipient’s craft, your price range or whether you want just plain cute or downright practical.

There are items from our shelves that we love. Bet the crafty folks on your gift list will, too.
Especially for knitters –
Mini Stitch Dots and the markers in our Oriental-inspired dumpling will help friends remember which stitches they’ve knitted. Use concentrated, lanolin-enhanced Eucalan to wash knits and you won’t need to rinse them. Puppy Snips look like a dog-shaped key fob, but pull it apart to use a pair of sharp, tiny scissors. Ewe’ll make the gift recipient smile every time she pulls the tail on our lamb tape measure.

For those who love to sew --
Use FriXion highlighters and ballpoint pens to mark fabric or patterns with bold colors; when a little heat is applied, the marks disappear. Handmade items are always a little more special with “Made For You” labels sewn inside them. If your handcrafter friend enjoys traveling, consider any of our travel sewing kits in lovely decorator tins. A Purple Thang comes in handy anytime you need to push, poke or pull while you’re sewing.

For quilters –
She’ll always have a sharp point at hand with refillable Sewline Pencils among her tools. Fray Check prevents raw edge appliqués from fraying out, and flathead pins allow multiple layers of fabric to be stacked and cut all at once. Our Dome Threaded Needle Case holds 10 threaded needles to keep them from tangling.

New discount program coming in 2012
You’ll love the AIS discount program that begins in 2012 as a way to better serve our customers. We’re practically handing you cash to spend on all your favorite things or to re-gift it to someone else.

Starting Jan. 1, you’ll get a $25 gift certificate every time you accumulate $250 in purchases. The certificate won’t expire and it can be used on any merchandise in the store. Ask a sales specialist for details.

If you’ve been part of the Customer Loyalty program and have accumulated your 10 percent discount, you’ll want to use it before the end of 2011, as it will leave with Father Time on New Year’s Eve.

Knitting classes changing time
Beginning Dec. 6, the Tuesday knitting class will meet in the morning, from 10:30-12:30, instead of in the afternoon. The Thursday class will continue to meet from 1-3.

If you’d like to be part of this class, all you have to do is show up. There’s no advance registration or charge.

Does a knitting stitch or project have you stumped? Penny, our in-house knitter and instructor, also is here an hour before and after classes to help with quick-fix solutions.

Learn fun quilting projects with author Claudia Lash
The best part of our three-day Claudia Lash Trunk Show may be the last day.

On Dec. 3, Claudia will be in the store from 1-3 p.m., sharing some fun projects and great techniques with us. She designs quilt patterns with the beginning to intermediate quilter in mind. Some are pieced, others are a combination of piecing and machine or hand appliqué. She includes many diagrams in her clear, easy-to-follow directions.

The trunk show will be open Dec. 1 and 2, as well.

Gumballs class slated for Dec. 3
Deb Luttrel’s Gumballs design makes quilting like eating candy – you just can’t stop.

Her design will be used in the Gumballs Quilt Class for advanced beginners to advanced quilters. Ruth Middleton will teach it from 10:30-3:30 Dec. 3 at Always In Stitches. During the session, you’ll learn to make one basic block with your favorite batik color group.

The cost is $50 plus your supplies, which must be purchased at least a day in advance. Bring a lunch to enjoy during a short break.

How many knitters does it take to make 29 tobaggons?

2011-11-14T07:30:00.000-05:00

Vicki Butterfield and her daughter are practically knitting magicians.

Just last month, they brought in 29 hats. The luscious color combinations in them make it hard to believe the yarn started out as a mismatched bag of remnants.

The two take home a wide assortment of partial skeins of yarn that customers donate at the shop, and then turn them into warm toboggans and scarves. They bring those Always In Stitches, where Grandma Ginger gets the items to Good Samaritan Network, Hamilton County’s agency for clothing, feeding and housing residents in need.

Combining their donations with other customers’ handwork, 51 hats and eight scarves were sent to Good Samaritan in October, and seven quilts or crocheted blankets were given to Project Linus.

If you’d like to donate yarn or be part of these service projects, ask an AIS sales associate for more information.

Here are more articles from our Nov. 11 newsletter.

New knitting BOM

Great for beginners, fun for everyone

Raise your needles if you’re looking at the calendar and wishing you’d started earlier on your hand-knitted Christmas gifts.

Always In Stitches can help you not fall into that time trap again next year. Our new Knitting BOM will get you started on a 12-block afghan (each one a different stitch) early and have it done by 12/12/12.

“This is a fabulous way for new knitters to learn tons of techniques,” said Penny, our in-house knitting expert.

There’s no sign-up fee for this BOM. A monthly $20 payment gives you a skein of Cascade 220, the block pattern and a 30-minutes class, which will be held at 2:30 on the last Saturday of the month beginning Jan. 28. (Ask Penny about the bonus for bringing in completed blocks each month.) Plus, there will be knitting goodies and snacks at each class.

The first pattern will be available starting at the Knit-In, 5-9 p.m. Nov. 18 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 19 at the shop. There also will be door prizes, discounts and fun fellowship during those 10 hours of knitting, where we’ll appreciate you using our products. Call now to hold your spot for the Knit-In, (317) 776-4227, and sign up at the shop to be part of the Knitting BOM.

Machine tips, tricks, techniques at Univ. of AIS

“In Seattle you haven't had enough coffee until you can thread a sewing machine while it's running.” - Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com founder

This month’s class at University of AIS may not teach you how to thread a machine while it’s running, but it will give you more valuable tips, tricks and techniques to harness the high-tech power of today’s machines to suit your project.

The session is 10:30-11 Nov. 16. Bring your finished item to get this month’s sticker.

In addition to great instruction every month, this program includes free gifts. Betcha can’t get that deal in Seattle.

Make bias tape yourself to create a perfect edge

There’s a way to perfectly match bias tape to match your fabric. DIY.

The Bias Tape Maker tool cuts strips the finished width and presses the fabric as you pull the strips through the tool. It seems particularly practical for finishing projects like aprons or placemats, and would be great for making little stems for flower appliqués. On any project, making your own bias tape could save you money.

Find it among the sewing notions in the shop.

BOUND TO PLEASE

Sweet PJs are dream to make

“Every night feels like a slumber party when you are wearing a pair of pajama pants made from your favorite fabric,” begins the introduction to Sew Easy’s “Pajama Pants” pattern book. We couldn’t agree more.

Manager Capi Saxton whipped up a pair of these – in an adorable fish-pattered fabric – overnight and calls the book very user friendly. Instructions are basic and simple, but experienced stitchers will enjoy making them, too. Trace the patterns before you use them because they can be customized from sizes XS to XXXL so you’ll use them repeatedly.

There are opportunities to embellish the pants, too, says Capi, including Capri or full length and with or without pockets. If you’re making them for someone heading to a slumber party, you might want to make a matching tote bag, bracelet or pillowcase – and patterns for each are in the book.

Find “Pajama Pants” among the books at the front of Always In Stitches.

Caryl Schuetz appraises quilts Nov. 19

Get ready now for Always In Stitches’ version of Antiques Roadshow.

We’re bringing Caryl Schuetz to the store Nov. 19 to appraise and explain the history of your quilts.

For $45, Caryl will appraise one quilt in a private, 30-minute session. Additional quilts can be brought in, but each must be signed up for an individual session.

Congratulations, Ruth

Ruth Middleton, our in-house quilting expert, walked away from the recent Quilt Guild of Indy show with a third place award. She made Deb Luttrell’s Gumballs quilt.

We’re so proud of her!

You can benefit from her talent and expertise. Ruth will teach four people – advance beginners to advanced – how to make the quilt from 10:30-3:30 Dec. 3 at the shop. Cost is $50 plus supplies and pattern.

Dear Lola,

I try to plan my knitting projects carefully, but sometimes I run short when I need to bind off. Any suggestions on what I can do?

Frazzled

That’s a common conundrum, Frazzled. It won’t be a problem, though, if you follow the knitter’s rule of thumb: It usually takes four times the width of your piece to bind off. Save that amount of yarn in advance, and especially if you start running close on your yarn for the project.

Get that machine you really want; we finance now

2011-10-28T16:50:00.000-04:00

In cooperation with Red Thread Financial Group, Always In Stitches now offers financing for the Handi Quilter and top-priced Janome sewing machines.

The program is available for any equipment purchase that is at least $5,000; financing for computer hardware and software can be added on. Red Thread promises quick approval after a credit application is submitted. Rates are typically 11-14 percent with terms of 24-60 months. The machine is used as collateral. Ask an AIS sales associate for more details and applications.

Other news from our Oct. 28 newsletter --

Nothin’ but knit
What’s better than an hour of free time to do nothing but knit in your favorite recliner? How about 10 hours of uninterrupted knitting in our comfy shop?

Join the Always In Stitches knit-in from 5-9 p.m. Nov. 18 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 19. There also will be door prizes, discounts and fun fellowship. Call now to hold your spot, (317) 776-4227. We appreciate you using our products when participating in this event.

Other knitting opportunities: Learn to knit with experienced knitters at TINK-ers Beginning Knitting Group, 4-7:30 p.m. Nov. 3. Or if you think private lessons would be better, schedule one with Penny. A one-hour lesson is $10.

Admit it – you’ve always wanted to quilt
The first lesson beginning quilters learn is one that may seem hard to believe: Quilting isn’t difficult.

Ruth Middleton makes lessons so easy, in fact, they couldn’t be simpler. She teaches the language of the quilter and explains how to use a rotary cutter, rulers and mats as a simple quilt top comes together in the class.

From 10:30-12:30 Nov. 5 and 19, she’ll be teaching one of these beginner classes using the Dogwood Blossom pattern. Cost is $50 plus supplies, and students should plan on homework between sessions.

If the shoe doesn’t fit, give it to Soles 4 Souls
We’ve all got a pair of shoes – maybe several -- that take up closet space yet we seldom wear.

Always In Stitches is giving you a chance to do something good with them: Bring them to the shop between Nov. 25 and Dec. 24 and we’ll ship them to Soles 4 Souls, which is trying to “change the world, one pair at a time” by outfitting people in Third World countries with shoes.

Any style is accepted – flip flops to dress shoes and everything in between – for men, women and children. Nothing gets thrown away; if a shoe isn’t usable, Soles 4 Souls will recycle it.

Cash donations to help defray shipping costs also are accepted. Soles 4 Souls recommends $2 per pair. Find the collection box in the center of the shop, near the couch and classroom.

Bye-bye ripping out, re-sewing
We’ve discovered a great tool for anyone who sews, but particularly quilters.

The handy, little Direct-A-Seam makes sure your seams face the direction you want them to go and keeps them from turning before you sew over them.

Find it on the wall in the notions department.

Try watercolor painting
Even if you’ve never lifted a brush, you can create a lovely watercolor in our half-day or full-day class.

Self-taught artist Gayle Middleton Jones, who was raised in Noblesville, will teach the classes from 1-4:30 p.m. Nov. 4 and from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (with a break for lunch on your own) Nov. 5. According to her website, Gayle’s goal is to paint realistically with an eye for detail.

Samples of the art that students will create -- “Beach Scene” on Nov. 4, “Winter Scene” on Nov. 5 – are displayed at Always In Stitches. All supplies are included in the cost: $20 for the half-day session, $40 for the full-day session.

Easy Peazy trunk show here
You’ll like the patterns for totes, a walker saddlebag, accessory bags and glasses cases, and you’ll love how simple they are to make. See them all in our Easy Peazy Patterns trunk show, on display now through Dec. 5 in the center of the shop.

Sew much going on at Always In Stitches

2011-10-18T10:58:00.000-04:00

Handcrafters make good Samaritans -- Hamilton County babies in families where money is tight will be dressed warmly and adorably, thanks to Always In Stitches customer donations. In recent weeks, White River Christian Church brought in nine baby quilts that will be sent to Good Samaritan of Hamilton County and Project Linus, and Patti Lichford donated a wide assortment of preemie items, including bonnets and caps, one-piece outfits, booties, gowns, dresses and a crocheted blanket. Ask any AIS sales associate for more information about how to participate in these or other service projects.

A cut above the rest -- Members of the University of Always In Stitches will learn the art, and sometimes science, of accurately cutting fabric for quilting and bias binding. Leader Ruth Middleton also will discuss rotary cutting and different rulers that can be used. The session is noon-12:30 Aug. 19. Bring your finished item for this month’s sticker. Remember: In addition to great instruction every month, this program includes free gifts.

Critters to knock your socks off -- Bugged-eyed mice with ribbon tails, a bunny that’s too cute for words and a colorful, curly snake are among the projects sales associate Christy Wiegand made from old socks, inspired by the book “Socks Appeal, 16 Fun and Funky Friends Sewn from Socks.”

Author/handcrafter Brenna Maloney uses a lively writing style that will leave you smiling, even if you don’t make a pile of penguins or a trio of turtles. “Socks have a higher purpose,” she writes, “and now that you have used this book, you should hear the tiny voices of socks calling you, calling you, calling you relentlessly, ‘Release me,’ they say. ‘Release me from The Drudgery of the Foot. Let me be the Fish, the Hamster, the Rabbit, the Lion.’”

“Socks Appeal” is well illustrated and has step-by-step instructions, including tips on where to find the best socks for the projects and drawings of the stitches you’ll use. Chapter titles make it simple to match your skills to a project -- Easy-Peasy: Projects for Beginners and Children; Look Ma, No Hands! Projects for Intermediates; and Pass the Excedrin: More Challenging Projects.

Find “Socks Appeal” and Christy’s samples in the front of the shop.

Wait, your machine may not need fixing -- What’s worse than having your sewing machine sitting in the repair shop while that project you’re so close to completing has to wait? How about finding out the problem was something you could have easily fixed at home?

Before you pack it up to bring it to Always In Stitches – we’re an Authorized Service Center for Handi Quilter and Janome – check a couple of things yourself. The two biggest problems we see on “broken” machines are bobbins out of position, needles that aren’t threaded correctly and needles that need to be changed.

Neil Sedaka was right: Breaking up is hard to do -- We know the pain. We all loved our mothers’ sewing machines, and losing them is like saying goodbye to an old friend.

But sometimes – usually after about 10 years – a sewing machine has to be replaced.

An old machine may sew, but will it sew well? Parts for older machines can be hard to find and expensive when they are found. When old machines are repaired, the fix may only last a couple of years.

Always In Stitches sales associates can help you determine when it’s time for a new machine. It’s hard to say goodbye, but this may make it a little easier: Our new machines come with free classes, a 20 percent discount on accessories and 10 percent off your next purchase for every $100 invested in a new machine.

Get quilting this month -- Thangles make it easier to make quilts. Always In Stitches makes it cheaper.

Quilters can buy one Thangles block kit for just $1 – a savings of as much as $5 -- each month for a year after registering during October in our $Buck a Block program. Bring in that sewn block the next month to get your $1 block kit price for the new block. Additional block kits will be available for $3.

Sign up or get more information in the store. Program registration is $6, which includes a Thangles 2” Finished Pack and your first block kit.

Scraps today, quilts for service members tomorrow -- The Thangles Scrap Quilt Challenge comes naturally to the ladies at Always In Stitches. After all, we were taught to use every scrap, make things simple and do good things for others.

We challenge you to gather scraps that take up space in your sewing room, buy a pack of Thangles out of the basket by the cash register, get a free pattern and start quilting. Bring in the finished quilt by Nov. 30 so you can be registered for a Go Baby! Fabric Cutter Package or a Janome Jem Gold 3. We’ll donate your work to the Quilts of Valor, a program that provides lovingly made warm covers to service members and veterans touched by war.

Donate as many quilts as you want; each one entitles you to an entry in the prize drawing, which will be held at 1 p.m. Dec. 3. (Winner does not need to be present.) If you decide you can’t part with your creation of scraps, bring it in to show us and receive a special door prize.

And then, when you can see the shelves in your sewing room again, you have a great excuse to buy more fabric.

K2tog(ether) at Thrifty Knitters Club -- Beginner to advanced, the new Thrifty Knitters Club is for you.

Two patterns will be featured every month. In October, just when days are starting to get a little chilly, we’ll make hats. Club members will knit a child’s pumpkin hat or the butterfly hat, and either uses one skein of Cascade 220 Superwash.

Here’s the thrifty part: You get the pattern for the project and 30 minutes of class time during Tink-er’s Night for a monthly $5 fee (plus a one-time $10 membership fee). We do ask that you purchase all supplies at Always In Stitches.

Whaddya think your quilt’s worth? -- Get ready now for Always In Stitches’ version of Antiques Roadshow.

We’re bringing Caryl Schuetz to the store Nov. 19 to appraise and explain the history of your quilts. Caryl is certified by the American Quilter’s Society and is a member of the Professional Association of Appraisers – Quilted Textiles. For $45, Caryl will appraise one quilt in a private, 30-minute session. Additional quilts can be brought in, but each must be signed up for an individual session.

Quilt Guild opens 2-day show Oct. 28 -- More than 400 quilted items, with patterns from traditional to contemporary, will be on display at A Quilter’s Journey, the biennial show of the Quilt Guild of Indy.

Responding to the show’s challenge, some quilts will depict the quilter’s favorite trips. Appraisals, lectures and demonstrations are scheduled, as well. Small quilts, some made by nationally known quilters, will be auctioned on Oct. 29.

The show is 10 a.m. -5 p.m. Oct. 28-29 at Westfield Middle School. The school is at U.S. 31 and 181st Street. For more information, visit quiltguildindy.net.

OCTOBER SPECIALS
Fat Tuesday – Receive one free fat quarter with your purchases every Tuesday this month.

Your Birthday – You’re special! – Show us your ID within one week of your birthday to get 10 percent off your purchase that day.

Always Awesome Clearance Areas – Anytime you’re here, walk around the store to find clearance displays. All are top-of-the-line items being sold at deep discounts.

End of Bolt Discounts – Every day and any day, you can save money on bolts. If the one you like has three yards or more and you buy it all, we’ll take 30 percent off your total. If the bolt has less than three yards and you buy it all, save 20 percent.

End of the Month Sale – Visit on Oct. 27 to get:
• 1 free fat quarter when you buy 4
• 3 free fat quarters when you buy 10
• 8 free fat quarters when you buy 20
• 1 free skein of yarn when you buy 3
• 50 percent off the original price of all clearance items.

Show us Your Great Stuff -- Bring in a finished project any day this month to get one free fat quarter. Limit: one free fat quarter per person per day.

2011-09-13T11:30:00.000-04:00

If you have thought about getting yourself a new machine, now would be the time to swing by! All our Janome machines, including sergers, are at rock bottom prices! We want to move stock so we can get the NEW Janome machines! On October 1st we will be debuting the new machines, so make sure and check out the new tricks up their sleeves!

The Thangles Buck a Block of the Month is filling up quickly. If you want to participate in this BOM, make sure and hurry in to reserve your spot! Sign-up will run until September 30 and is $6 per color-way. Each month the blocks are only $1! You just have to bring your completed block in to purchase the next for only a buck. Come by to see the color-ways and get your name on the list!
Come check out our special clearance corner, where everything is 71% off! Wonderful patterns, decorations, and other goodies are in our clearance corner. Come by before everything is gone!
Want to use up all those scraps taking up space in your sewing room? Take our Thangles Scrap Quilt Challenge! Buy a pack of Thangles out of the basket in the shop and you get a free pattern. Make a quilt with the Thangles and your scraps, bring the finished quilt in to be donated to Quilts of Valor before November 30th, and be entered into a drawing for some awesome prizes! For every quilt you donate you will be entered into the drawing. If you decide not to donate your quilt, please bring it in for show and tell and get a special door prize. After you use up all those scraps, you'll have extra room for NEW fabric!

Stitch In Time

2011-08-29T15:08:00.001-04:00

The Inidana State Museum is holding a class called Stitch in Time: Conserving Your Treasured Quilts on September 17, 10am-noon. Learn how the museum stores, cleans, repairs and exhibits quilts and how these techniques can be adapted to modern and antique quilts in your own collections. Methods will be described in detail, wil small samples, suppliers lists and internet resources. Registration is $10 for museum members and $20 for non-members. Space is limited, call to register! Call 317-232-1637 for more information.

The Purdue Extension Sewing and Quilting Seminar is Saturday, October 8, 9am-2:30 pm. The seminar will be held at the Hamilton County 4-H Fairground Exhibition Center. For more information contact Bernie Huber at 317-773-0854.

We have some great classes set up in September, check out our website, http://www.alwaysinstitches1.com/ for more information!

2011-08-19T09:57:00.000-04:00

If you've been considering purchasing new Embroidery designs we have new latest Dakota Collectibles CD's. Several are on sale for $19.95. Our staff in the sewing machine department would be happy to show them to you. If you don't have time to drop into our shop you can order online at www.gonutsgocreative.com. Enter the Go Nuts Number 3304 and we get credited for your sale. Easy for us and for you to find all the greatest embroidery designs!

Always In Stitches has gone Block of the Month crazy!!! We have at least one starting each month, including American Barns BOM, 25 Days Until Christmas BOM, and the Love Letters BOM. Come in and see the samples as available, and sign up for all your favorites!

Thank you SO much to everyone who donated pillowcase dresses. The dresses were delivered to Ethiopia and distributed to children. We are truly thankful for your support in this effort and in all our donations. If you are looking for a way to give back, whether in Ethiopia or right here in Hamilton County, we always have projects going! Just call in at 317-776-4227 to hear about our service projects or come in to get the details.

Jelly Rolls, Sushi Rolls, Honey Buns, Oh My!

2011-08-09T12:49:00.000-04:00

There are over 15 different types of pre-cut fabric, and manufacturers are constantly adding different and new names. Here are some of the most common names along with their sizes. Remember to always check the number of pieces and the size before purchasing!

Fat Quarters-approx. 18" x 22"
Fat Eighths-approx. 9" x 22"
Petit Fours-2 1/2" x 2 1/2"
Charm Packs-5" x 5" or 5 1/2" x 5 1/2"
Layer Cakes-10" x 10"
Jelly Rolls-2 1/2 x width of fabric
Honey Buns-1 1/2" x width of fabric
Dessert Rolls-5" x width of fabric
Bali Pops-2 1/2" x width of faric
Sushi Rolls-2 7/8" x width of fabric
Twice the Charms-5 1/2" x 22"
Turnovers-6 x 6 x 8 1/2"

Hope this helps in the future! If in doubt, check the measurement!

Welcome Stephanie!

2011-08-02T15:21:00.002-04:00

Tip of the Week: Glue residue from interfacing can be safely removed with a dryer sheet! Layer a few pieces of newspaper on your ironing board, place a dryer sheet on top, and press with your hot iron.
Sign-Up for the University of Always In Stitches is August 27-September 10. Make sure to come in and sign up for this great opportunity! If you complete 20 projects by September 2012, you can receive a $100 gift card!

Did you know? If you buy 3 or more yards of fabric and decide you will take the rest of the bolt you will get the whole of the fabric 30% off. Buy less than 3 yards and receive the fabric for 20% off. Come on by and see what fabric bolts you can clean off for us!
We would like to welcome Stephanie Coy-Lykes to Always In Stitches! She is our newest employee, and we are glad to have her join us. Stop by to say hello and meet the newest member of our family!

Email me at alyinstitches@aol.com by August 5 to receive a $10 gift certificate!

Yup, feels like August in Indiana!

2011-07-28T15:48:00.000-04:00

Yuck! We are not the biggest fans of this heat, although it does give us a good excuse to stay in and quilt! :) Our August class calendar is now complete! You can look at it online at www.alwaysinstitches1.com or come by and pick one up.

Starting in October is our Thangles Buck a Block! You just have to pay $1.00 a month for 12 months to build a 67"x94" quilt top! We will be using the 2" Finished Thangles pack and 2 choices of block fabric. sign-up is $6.00 which includes your pack of Thangles, pattern and first block kit. There are no meetings, simply bring your completed block in to purchase the next kit! Each kit makes 2 blocks. Call 317-776-4227 or come on in for more information!

Attention all Rocky and Bullwinkle fans! We have just received a brand-new line of Rocky and Bullwinkle fabric from Windham Fabrics. It is also available online! Come on in or go to www.alwaysinstitches1.com and click on "Go Shopping" to check it out!

Don't forget to keep collecting those new or used shoes for our Soles4Souls shoe drive! You can bring them in anytime, but our drive runs from November 21 to December 23. Thank you in advance for your support! You can go to http://www.soles4souls.com/ for more information on the organization.

Hall of Fame Pictures

2011-07-26T11:58:00.000-04:00

We had such a fun time at the Quilter's Hall of Fame in Marion that we brought back some pictures of our good times!

Linda Coleman & Barbara Schnoor

Lola at the Show!

Phyllis & Larry Dirr

Jo Kidwell, Susan Miller, & Cathy Born in Lola's Circle of Friends

Jerri Ervin & Joretta Raines

Thanks to everyone who came to see us!

We hope to visit us at the Kokomo Shop Hop Til You Drop!

University of Always In Stitches

2011-07-21T14:54:00.000-04:00

Always In Stitches students: You now have an opportunity to "Show your Stuff!" You can register for $10 to be a part of the first class of the University of Always In Stitches students. The school year runs from September 2011 to September 2012. We will have monthly "Schoolhouse" classes, and a graduation party at the end of the year! Each student will receive a diploma, and if they have completed the minimum number of projects they will receive a gift certificate!
20 finished projects = $100 Gift Certificate
15 finished projects = $75 Gift Certificate
10 finished projects = $50 Gift Certificate
5 finished projects = $25 Gift Certificate
All we ask is that projects are made with supplies from Always In Stitches. We hope to have a full class this year! Call-776-4227 for more info. Registration is August 29-September 10.

Our favorite watercolor teacher is coming back! Gayle Middleton Jones will be back at Always In Stitches on August 4 from 9-4. The class is on a hydrangea in a glass jar and is $40. The painting is SO beautiful! Come in to the shop to see it, or sign up for the class!

Don't forget to save your shoes for our Soles4Souls shoe drive!
Also remember our employment opportunity! Come in or call 317-776-4227 for more information!

Wanna have fun while working??....

2011-07-19T13:12:00.000-04:00

Always In Stitches is looking for another Sales Specialist! We need one full-time (32-35 hours) position for immediate employment if you...
-Are detail oriented, organized, accurate & fast
-Can provide patient, helpful and sincere customer service
-Have excellent interpersonal communication skills
-Are very comfortable with Microsoft Office Programs
-Are self-directed and can take initiative to make things better
-Enjoy working in a creative environment

We offer...
-Interesting new projects
-A competitve starting wage
-A relaxed and fun atmosphere
-Training provided
-A stimulating place to work

Experience would be helpful but not necessary. We are a fast growing fabric and yarn store, looking for an energetic, people oriented Sales Specialist.
Please come in to the shop to fill out an application!
1808 E. Conner Street, Noblesville, IN 46060

We can't wait to get fresh ideas and new energy into the shop, I hope to see you here!

Summer House Fabric!

2011-07-18T14:21:00.000-04:00

To all of those who brought in prescription bottles for FAME, Thank You!! You helped the organization pick up over 600 prescription bottles! Fame is 40 years old and provides medical supplies and evangelism through healthcare throughout the world. We are proud to support this group, and will continue to support them in the future.

Got any old shoes lying around the house? Starting November 21, Always In Stitches will be hosting a shoe drive for Soles4Souls. This organization collects new and used shoes and distributes them to third-world countries around the world. They are an awesome group, and I hope to send them as many shoes as we can in order to help those in need! Keep it in mind these next coming months!

Also coming this fall, AIS will be having trunk shows! We are starting with Eazy Peazy designs in November, and will continue through next year! Keep an eye out for more information!

We officially have put our newest fabric line, Moda Summer House, onto our online store! It's beautiful, a great pick for summer projects! Head over to www.alwaysinstitches1.com and click on "go shopping" to check it out!

A few samples from Moda Fabrics Summer House!

Jeepers Creepers, Where'd you get those Peepers!

2011-07-14T14:56:00.001-04:00

Always In Stitches is now the proud carrier of Peepers Reading Glasses! You will be wearing the cutest styles, with the perfect reading prescription for you. The glasses are only $18.99, and each come with their own carrying case. Come on in and check them out, they're adorable!

Gayle Middleton Jones is coming back to AIS! She had such a great time teaching her last class she just couldn't stay away. August 4th 9-4 she will be teaching watercolor painting. No experience is necessary. $40 covers the class and all your supplies. Come in to see what she will be teaching and to sign up for this great class!

Thursday, July 28th is our Final Thursday Frenzie! This sale is SO hot, you don't want to miss it! Buy 4 fat quarters get 1 free, buy 10 fat quarters get 3 free, buy 20 fat quarters get 8 free. Buy 2 skeins of yarn get the 3rd free! End of bolt discounts: Buy 3 yards or more get 30% off, buy less than 3 yards get 20% off. All Clearance items 50% off original retail! Come on in and grab some great products at great prices!

July 28th will also be another TINK-er's night! 4-7:30, $10, lots of laughs, and lots of knitting! Come in for the sale, and stay for the class. We would love to see you here!

Try-a Hiya!

2011-07-11T14:28:00.000-04:00

Attention all knitters! The shipment of our brand new knitting needles from Hiya Hiya have come in! They are a fabulous company, founded by a mother, father, and daughter team. They are made in China and come in steel or bamboo.We have double points and circulars of both. Seriously, ladies, these needles are pretty cool. Come in and check them out, they will be available for purchase by tomorrow!

If you have helped out our manager, Capi, by making pillowcase dresses for little girls in Ethiopia, please drop them off by Wednesday, July 13. They are to be sent to Ethiopia immediately. We would love to have 50 more, so please keep them coming!

This weekend is our much anticipated Knit-In! Friday, July 15, 5-6 and Saturday, July 16, 10-4, enjoy 10 hours of uninterrupted knitting. Door prizes, discounts, and fun fellowship. Please call the shop at 317-776-4227 to hold your spot! We appreciate if you could use our products when you come.

July 14-19 is the Hamilton County 4-H Fair! Always In Stitches will be represented at the fair in several different ways, including projects, project leaders, and support for the 4-Hers. Show your support by going to the fair!

Get your comments about your favorite notion in by Wednesday to win our fabulous gift bag!! The winner will be chosen Thursday, July 14!

Bang for Your Buck

2011-07-07T12:23:00.000-04:00

Is your machine tired? Does it randomly decide to turn off, switch the stitch, or just refuse to work at all? Well lucky for you we sell Janome, as well as Handi Quilter, machines. These machines consistently prove themselves to be the top of the market, and you will absolutely love working with them! We have a great machine section in the shop, and would be happy to have you test out a machine. You can also get a free class on the machine if you buy it from us! Come on in and check out our selection of Janome sewing machines, and you will walk away with a great machine.

Silly me, at some point I got our next two shows mixed up. Juy 14-16 is the Quilter's Celebration at the Hall of Fame in Marion, Indiana. July 29-30 is the Shop Till You Drop Shop Hop at the Kokomo Events Center in Kokomo, Indiana. I confused myself...not too difficult! Sorry if there has been any confusion!

Saturday, July 9 is our Year of Wall Quilts Class, and this month has a very cute fish theme!

$5 BOM is starting September 8th or 10th, the meetings will be the second Thursday 2-2:30 or the second Saturday 10:30-11. Just $5 to sign up and $5 to get the block. If you bring your finished block to the meeting you get the next month's block for free! There are 2 color-ways to choose from. Call 317-776-4227 to check it out!

UnFinished Objects

2011-07-05T14:01:00.000-04:00

UFO's. We all have them. UnFinished Objects. Those projects we started and just can't seem to get finished. We want to, we try to, but either a step has confused us and we set it down, or a we don't have enough fabric and just gave up. Well, it's time to bite the bullet and get those projects finished! We all know the rule: Once a project has been finished, then 3 new ones can be started! Our UnFinished Objects class is a place for you to get help tackling those projects. Fridays 10:30-4:30, come in and get some help. Just let us know what you're working on so you can have the perfect teachers helping you. Call us at 317-776-4227 for some more information.

Congratulations! Cathy Lehman correctly guessed that we had 46 spools of thread crammed in our gumball machine. She has won herself a Janome sewing machine! Keep your eyes peeled for our next giveaway.
And speaking of giveaways, tell us your favorite notion, that one tool you cannot live without, to win a pretty awesome goodie bag. It has True Grips, Add-A-Quarter, Quick Triangle Quarter, and the Thangles Intro Pack!

July 14-16, come out and see us at the Quilter's Celebration at the Hall of Fame!

Coming Soon! $5 Block of the Month Club! Stay tuned for some more information!

We hope everyone had a safe and relaxing 4th of July weekend!

WRTV A-List

2011-06-30T15:34:00.000-04:00

www.ctvr.us/alwaysin
Vote! Help us make Always In Stitches the best Arts and Crafts store in Indianapolis! We would love your support.

Today marks the first Final Thursday Frenzie, but we have decided to rename it the End of the Month Sale. Seeing as the name is a bit confusing(it is definitely NOT our final sale!). Come on by, we are open until 8pm, and check out the Amy Butler fabric in clearance. Today only it is 50% off!

We have a new piece of inspiration from one of our most loyal yarn customers. She has decided that, "Money is No object when it comes to my yarn." We appreciate the words of wisdom :)

Don't forget to tell us your favorite notion or tool to win an awesome goodie bag! Happy 4th!

And the winner is...

2011-06-29T14:56:00.000-04:00

Heather E!
Congratulations!
Come in to the shop any time before July 7th to claim your free jelly roll!! Also, if you could email us at alyinstitches@aol.com so we make sure and get the correct Heather E :)
Thanks to everyone for the great info! We love all the patterns.
Our next prize is a goodie bag: True Grips, Add-A-Quarter, Quick Quarter Triangle Ruler, and Thangles Intro Pack!! Can you even believe it? This time, tell us your favorite notion, the quilting tool you could never part with. Let us know by July 13th for a chance to be entered to win the awesome goodie bag!

Calling all Amy Butler lovers!! We have put Amy Butler fabric in clearance AND into fat quarters! And tomorrow is our Final Thursday Frenzie sale, so come on by to check out the AB fat quarters! And during our Final Thursday Frenzie, clearance is 50% off, so Amy Butler will be 50% off. Try to control yourselves, but get in here and get your AB fabric! :)

We will be closed Monday, July 4th so our staff can enjoy the holiday with their families. Please have a safe 4th of July!

Love Letters Block of the Month

2011-06-27T14:11:00.000-04:00

Starting November, 2011, the Always In Stitches Block of the Month! This BOM will feature Love Letters by This & That. The sign-up is $24.95, and each month's block is $24.95. The block includes the pattern and all necessary materials. Call the shop at 317-776-4227 or go to http://www.alwaysinstitches1.com/ and click "Go Shopping" go join today!!

Always In Stitches will be participating in the Quilter's Celebration July 14-16 which will feature the induction of Ardis and Robert James. There will be lecture, vendor booths, live and silent auctions, and tours of the historic Marie Webster home! I hope you will join us there! Go to http://www.quiltershalloffame.net/ for more info.

We also will be at the Shop Til You Drop at the Kokomo Events Center July 29-30. Come out and see us!

This Thursday marks our very first Final Thursday Frenzie! See more information on the sale below. Come out and help us with our math skills! :)

It's almost July, which means it's almost 4-H fair time! Us at Always In Stitches are involved in and support our Hamilton County 4-H. Go out to the fair July 14-19, and see what it's all about! You might even see a few AIS projects on display!

Don't forget to post your tips, tricks, and patterns for a jelly roll by this Wednesday to be entered to win a free jelly roll! The winner will be announced on Thursday!

Join Our Thrifty Knitter's Club

2011-06-24T16:16:00.000-04:00

We are starting a knitting club! Our Thrifty Knitter's Club will begin in October, and will feature a different pattern each month that uses only one or two skeins. The entrance fee into the club is $10, and a $5 monthly fee will include that month's pattern and 30 minutes of class time with Penny. We ask that the class time be used during the Thursday night Tink-er's class. We will offer a beginners pattern and an advanced pattern each month.

October will be our hat month. The beginners pattern is a Child's Pumpkin Hat and the advanced pattern is the Butterfly Hat. Both use just one skein of Cascade 220 Superwash.

We do request that your material be purchased at Always In Stitches. I hope you join the club!!
This is a picture of the Butterfly Hat!

Come in or call 317-776-4227 for more information or to sign up!

Grab a Janome Machine...For FREE!

2011-06-22T13:23:00.000-04:00

Ever wished you had a Janome machine at home, or need an extra machine for play time? Come in to the shop and correctly guess the number of spools of thread in our display to be entered to win a FREE machine! Seriously, can it get any better? So come on by and check out the machine you could win, and enter your number!

*Service Project* Our wonderful manager, Capi, is involved with a service project making pillowcases into dresses for children in Ethiopia. We need to make 100 dresses by July 10th. We can supply scrap fabric to make the dresses, and even some advice to making the dresses. Come on by the shop to get some more information.
https://www.fabshophop.com/downloads/pillowcaseDress_chop1.pdf
This is a link to a free pillow case dress pattern, but there are SO many on Google that if you can even find or make one of your own. Smaller sizes are requested, but any size will be accepted.

Tomorrow is our first Final Thursday Frenzie! Come check out our new sale!

It's HOT. Refresh yourself with some frozen strawberry lemonade! :)

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/strawberry-lemonade-slush/detail.aspx
Check out the recipe!

“The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” Psalm 121:7-8 NIV

Don't forget to tell us your favorite jelly roll tip, trick or pattern to be entered to win a FREE jelly roll!

Final Thursday Frenzie!

2011-06-21T13:12:00.000-04:00

Taking the place of our wonderful 25 for $30 sale is our Final Thursday Frenzie! The first Frenzie will take place Thursday June 30th from 10am-8pm.
Buy 4 fat quarters get 1 Free
Buy 10 fat quarters get 3 Free
Buy 20 fat quarters get 8 Free
Buy 2 skeins of yarn get the 3rd Free
End of Bolt Discounts: buy 3 yards of more get 30% off, buy less than 3 yards get 20% off
All Clearance items are 50% off retail!
I hope you all will come out to see our new sale!
Also, this weekend is our Christmas in June sale! All customers who wear Christmas clothing such as hats, pants, sweaters or sweatshirts with Christmas designs will get an additional 25% off regular retail price on all our Christmas products!
*And the fine print: Discounts do not apply to sewing machines or services. Discounts cannot be added to your 10% loyalty discount. You can pay with credit card, cash or check(although cash and check are VERY appreciated).
Come out and see our Christmas products! Maybe the sale will be so inspiring it will start to snow...it sure would make this snowbird happy :)

Charm Pack Winners!

2011-06-20T13:29:00.000-04:00

We are SO appreciative of the wonderful comments you six ladies submitted, that we are going to give EACH of you a charm pack! You can either come into the shop and claim your charm pack, or email me your information and I will send it to you! Before you can claim your charm pack, you MUST email me with your name so we give them to the correct people! alyinstitches@aol.com You ladies are the best!

Don't forget to tell us your favorite Jelly Roll tip, trick, or project to be entered to win a jelly roll!!

Jelly Roll Placemat Pattern

2011-06-20T12:21:00.000-04:00

For 4 placemats you will need a minimum of thirteen jelly roll strips (if you'd like to make your placemats even cuter and scrappier...cut 18 jelly roll strips in half and use 9 of those half strips along with 4 full-sized strips). You will also need 1/2 yard for binding the four placemats and 1/2 yard to back them (or use one fat quarter to back each placemat). If you would like to add ric rac trim down the sides, then also get 3 yards of 5/8" ric rac. Your finished placemats will measure 12 1/2" x 16 1/2" finished.

1. If you are using 9 whole strips, begin by cutting them into 18 half strips (if you are using the 18 half strips cut from 18 different whole strips then this step is already completed).
2. Now pair the strips up into groups of two and sew together along the long edges. Press to one side when sewing is complete.
3. Cut all of your two strip units into 5" long segments.
4. After that you will match each 5" segment with a 5" segment made out of two different fabrics. Place these segments right sides together, nesting seams and sewing along both 4 1/2" sides.
5. Cut each segment in half, creating two four-patch blocks with each cut.
Press the four-patch blocks open, and you will have 36 four-patch blocks. Use 9 four-patch blocks for each placemat.
6. Sew into three rows, and then sew your rows together.You have now completed the center of your placemat. I really like this method for quickly making a scrappy "checkerboard."
7. Using one full Jelly Roll strip for each placemat, cut two pieces equal to the measurement of the left and right sides of your placemat (I measured down the middle and made both side strips this length).
8. Sandwich your placemat top, batting, and backing and quilt as desired. If you want to add ric rac, then position the ric rac over the seams between the side strips and the checkerboard middle and sew the ric rac onto the placemat.
9. Attach your binding and your placemats are done!

How much do you love Jelly Rolls?? Let us know your favorite jelly roll pattern, tip, trick, or project by Wednesday, June 29 to be entered to win a FREE jelly roll!

This free pattern comes to us from http://www.aquiltinglife.com/2009/03/moda-jelly-roll-placemat-tutorialand-15.html

Christmas Tiiiiime is Heeeere!

2011-06-18T12:45:00.000-04:00

Thank you, Charlie Brown :) Okay, so maybe it's not December, but now is the time to start working on all your fabulous home-made Christmas presents! Next weekend, June 24th and 25th, is our Christmas in June sale. Come by to see all the great fabric and gift ideas we have. Our Christmas section continues to grow, so come in to see all the new products!
Ever used a Horizon sewing machine?? They are pretty darn cool. Come in and try one out, you will be amazed at the new features, gadgets and gizmos this machine has!
I love batiks. They make the cutest purses, quilts, and jackets. I could stand in our batik section and stare for hours! If you don't know what a batik is, or haven't seen our section in a while, come by and check it out. Hopefully you'll get some inspiration from the beautiful colors!
Next week is our UFO night, UnFinished Objects. Let the shop know what project you're working on so we can have the right people here, and come on in to get those unfinished objects finished! Then your husband HAS to let you buy some more fabric, you finally got that 3-year-old quilt done!
Please let us know if there is anything you need from us to make your experience at our shop better. We want you to have fun, be able to relax, and enjoy your time being surrounded by all the yarn or fabric you desire :)

Weekend Fun!

2011-06-17T18:32:00.000-04:00

Yay for the weekend! Hopefully you have some time to come in and see all the great new things we have at Always In Stitches! We have several new lines of fabric for you to enjoy! Our Christmas fabric has started to come in, and we have a whole section for Christmas ideas.
Ever worked with felted wool? There are such great projects that you can make, come by and check out our wool section for ideas and inspirations!
If you haven't been to the clearance room lately, you definitely need to take a look! We have everything from bolts of fabric, yarn, and cross-stitch patterns to so much more.
Don't forget to send in your comment about your favorite Always In Stitches project to be entered to win a charm pack! Comment by Monday for your chance to win.

Free Stuff is Good Stuff

2011-06-16T16:16:00.000-04:00

Love winning prizes? Yeah, we thought so. If you leave a comment on our blog between today and Monday, you will be entered to win a FREE Charm Pack!
The question of the weekend is: What was your favorite Always In Stitches project? Let us know what you made from fabric, yarn, cross-stitch from Always in Stitches that you just LOVE and cannot imagine living without! That's all you have to do to enter! The winner will be announced here on Tuesday, so make sure to check back!
Free-Motion Quilting class is coming back August 27th! Our fabulous free-motion quilting teacher would love to see you to teach all the wonderful techniques to do your very own free-motion quilting. Call the shop at 317-776-4228 for more info!
Can't find what you need at the shop? No problem. We will try our hardest to find exactly what you want. Just sign up on the Wish-List and we will let you know when we find the perfect product, class, or anything else that you need!
It's HOT, you need a sewing machine! Don't sweat it out, sew it out! Come in to see our wonderful Janome sewing machines and sergers. We have such a great selection of machines for you to choose from. We also carry embroidery machines. Let us know what projects you work on and we will find the perfect machine for you!
Don't forget to tell us your favorite project to be entered to win a free charm pack!

Rainy Days Don't Have To Be Gray!

2011-06-15T12:20:00.000-04:00

Thank goodness for rain! That means we can put the gardening aside for one day and focus on all our UFO's (UnFinished Objects)!! If you have UFO's at home and need inspiration to finish them, we have the class just for you. Fridays we offer our UFO class from 10:30-4:30. Call ahead of time and let us know what you're working on so we can have the perfect teacher here for you! Need to finish a quilt? Got stuck putting in a zipper? Lost your way in your pattern? No problem! We will be here to help you through the woods and take that project from incomplete to in use.
Also this Friday is our Snack and Sew class. This month is a Strawberry Pin Cushion. This is a wonderful class that includes lots of fun, and even some food! Call the shop 317-776-4227 for more info!
Every wanted to learn how to knit or crochet? Do you know these skills, but are wanting to learn more techniques? We feel confident in saying that our knit and crochet teachers are the best in town! You can have an hour long private lesson with any of our teachers for just $10. Call the shop 317-776-4227 to talk to one of our teachers today!
If you finish a project, please bring it in to the shop and show us your skills! We love to see finished projects, or even works in progress. Bring your work of art and receive a free fat quarter to add to your stash.
We love our customers, and we hope that is apparent in the work we put towards our wonderful shop. If there is anything we can do to make your experience a better one, we would be happy to hear about it. Email alyinstitches@aol.com for any questions, comments, concerns, or even for some more info.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Bootcamp, TNNA, and more!

2011-06-14T15:36:00.000-04:00

My, oh my, our employees have been busy learning the newest and best information for our wonderful customers! Lyneen, the shop owner, is at business owner bootcamp this week, and she is just brimming with new information to better serve you. Penny and Aly, along with Sheila the Sheep, went to TNNA last weekend and are excited to bring in the new yarn and needles for your knitting projects.

Kathy Z and Kathy B will be our tour guides to the National Quilt Association show in Columbus Ohio on Saturday. The bus is nearly full, and we are looking forward to seeing all the great ideas and inspirations they come back with!
Coming up June 24th and 25th is our Christmas in June sale. There are lots of great deals and prizes, and you will be rewarded for wearing your Christmas sweater to the shop!
June marks our first ever Final Thursday Frenzie. Come in for amazing deals on our fat quarters, and fatten up your stash!
Stay in touch, follow Always In Stitches on Facebook, and go to http://www.alwaysinstitches1.com/ for all the latest info.
ONLINE SHOPPING! Also new, online shopping! Go to http://www.alwaysinstitches1.com/ and click "Go Shopping" to see all the great things online! The website is being update weekly, so let us know what you would like to see online! Also you can call us at 317-776-4227 and we will ship your order straight to you.
We look forward to helping you, and hope your experience with us is only the best!

December Newsletter

2009-12-03T12:31:00.000-05:00

Our new Newsletter, Calendar and Class descriptions are now available online at our website: http://alwaysinstitches1.com

ANNOUNCING THE NEW HQ AVANTE QUILTING MACHINE

We are so pleased to offer the exciting new Handi Quilter 18 Avante’ mid-arm quilting system. This new machine will be available November 30th, 2009. Features and benefits include: full 18” throat with 9” of height clearance, over 15” of quilting space, quilt up to 1800 stitches-per-minute, two types of stitch regulation and much more. But here is the best part: even with all the additional technology, space and functionality we are launching the HQ18 Avante at the current HQ Sixteen prices. As your local
HQ Representative we are pleased to offer a machine, hand crafted in the United States, that offers new technology, size, features and benefits that quitter's want, while maintaining current value pricing.

For those of you who may have considered purchasing the HQ Sixteen machine Handi Quilter is offering a special price to the first 250 orders received after October 13th, 2009. The savings on an HQ Sixteen machine package can be as much as $895! So please stop by to talk with Capi about how you can expand your quilting options with the new Avante or the existing Sixteen Quilting machines.

AI'S Embroidery Club

For those of you who own those wonderful embroidery machines we are offering a special discount program: When you buy two regular priced DAKOTA Collectibles Design CD’s from our current stock you can buy the third at ½ price! AND if you buy 2 spools of our favorite Robison-Anton 1100yd poly thread spools you can buy the third for ½ off too! This great deal is just in time for all those special Christmas projects you want to embroider.
Our ongoing program requires that you have a punch card to keep track of what you purchase. So stop in the shop to pick up your card and start accumulating those sales. As always we love to see your finished projects, so bring them in for a free fat quarter. Happy Sewing!

LET US HELP YOU

Christmas wish lists are here!!

1.) Come in or fill out our online wish list.

2.) Send your friends and family in to shop from your list.

This is a great way to get the gifts you want and make life easier

Christmas gift giving is just around the corner
How about an Always In Stitches Gift Certificate?

Available in any amount and easily purchased with a credit card over the phone. This great gift makes your shopping so easy. Give us a call and we will mail it to your favorite “stitch-er” at no additional cost! .....

What’s New In The Yarn Department?
Sugar & Cream Cotton!
Perfect for homemade dishcloths. Come check out our color options.

Be sure to check the website for pictures of our knitted scarves for the holiday season. The patterns are available free when you purchase the yarn.

We will be closed Friday December 25
Christmas Celebrations
Hope you have a blessed day!

After Christmas SALE
All Christmas Fabric 25% off and 25 Fat Quarters for $30

Teachers Wanted
Always in Stitches is looking for teachers who would like to teach classes in the 2010 season.
We are also looking for someone who would like to hold a weekly Bible study in our Faith Classroom

HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE

December 1-20

Bring In 5 non-perishable food items and receive a 20% discount on your purchase,
(excludes machines and service)

Help us make the holidays brighter for those who have been hit hard In this economy. All donations will go to the local food pantry.

NEW YEARS DAY EXTRAVAGANZA
This year will be bigger, better and trust me, we will be better prepared.

Gingers Café is now open on Sunday!
Check out the great menu on their web site:
www.gingerscafe.net