VERY IMPORTANT!

So, this is one of the main tips I emphasize in my Hip Stitch Basics class.  Today's sewing column in the Abq Journal reinforces it: 

KEEP THE PRESSURE FOOT RAISED WHEN THREADING YOUR MACHINE!

The Traveling Love Quilt

The Love Quilt has taken to a bit of traveling, seeking out couples to pose with it.

Today we found Jonah and Grace, sweet sweethearts:

and Mark and Dan, a couple of good friends & math teacher colleagues 

for 20 plus years: 

Tickets are on sale at Hip Stitch for this uber-modern quilt - $1.00 per ticket or 6 for $5.00.  Raffle for the winner will take place on Saturday, Nov. 9 at the end of the Hipster's Holiday Craft Show!  

All the money goes to the Free Wheelchair Mission and Basket of Hope.

Coming out of the (Halloween) closet

The last time I dressed for Halloween, it was Rita Skeeter from Harry Potter - must have been about 7 years ago - both my girls were in elementary school, and I found a funky women's suit at Goodwill, dyed it lime green, did my hair up in curls, and put fake fingernails on....that was the first and LAST time I will ever wear fake fingernails - ugh.  I still get chills of horror thinking of those awful claws on my hands.....

That's Miranda Richardson as Rita, NOT me - in case you were wondering!!

This year, an idea came to me via Portia, my good friend, for a costume.  Tonight, I began the sewing.  I may or may not drop some hints along the way, but for sure, on Thursday, Oct. 31, I'll be decked out at Hip Stitch.  You'll just have to come to see!

Meet me at the Fair!

Our annual trek to the New Mexico State Fair didn't disappoint us one bit.  Today was an absolutely beautiful day.  Warm weather, but not too hot.  Breezy.  The smells of horses and cows, deep fried concoctions and, well,  that overall carnival aroma was perfect.  We arrived at the opening, and had the pleasure of an almost-empty main street.  By the time we left in late afternoon, the crowds were thick, and we were exhausted.  A few highlights:

Best of NM

It's a dogpile!  Pigpile!

A steer being ridden down Main Street - classic!

He waits all year for his Navajo Taco

YUM - need I say more?

Halloween costume?  Or just for when you're feeling like having a smackdown....

I truly loved the matching outfits!

She was just too cute....watching the Chinese acrobats.

Hip Stitch young quilter, Campbell, won a ribbon!

As did Haley!

Hip Stitch student/customer Sarah's quilt.....sorry about the glare, but do you see the TWO ribbons?!

Amanda, MQG member, won a "Best of Show!"

School Art by high schoolers from Grants - recycled fashion.  Fabulous!

Another great creation.....

....and one more!

....sigh.....until next year, when these girls will be 16 and 14!

Yesterday in the lounge.....

.....2 beautiful Multi-Tasker Totes were made!

Great class, Bralia!

Returning to normal.....

.....after our weekend with Jacquie Gering, which was FABULOUS!  If you came, you know what I mean.  If you didn't, I'm sorry you missed it!  We miss her already!

Just a few quick shots of the weekend.....we have them uploaded on the Hip Stitch flickr site HERE

Block of the Month Sew-In!

Last Saturday, our block of the month group gathered to begin our final journey together - putting our blocks together into a quilt top.  This fall, we'll be sandwiching, pinning, quilting and binding.  It was wonderful to see them all come together - to see the fruits of the past year ripen.  Here are some pictures of the day:

Rosanne will begin this journey again in January 2014 with a new group - will you be joining her?