Win a New Chair from Bernina USA 

While visiting a Bernina USA dealer in California, Alex saw Bernina's new RED chair and just had to give it a try. Thanks to Capt'n John and his trusty camera, we get to come along "for the ride," and see this new chair...with all its "bells and whistles." 

Click on the photo of Alex in the chair to watch the demonstration. 

If you are in the US, Bernina is giving you a chance to WIN one of these nifty new seats for your sewing room. (Sorry, the chair is available only in the US from Bernina USA.) Click the picture for more info. Let's make sure a TQS member wins!!

Libby Lehman teaching in Dubai in 2009

Ricky Travels to the Dubai Quilt Show!
Sure to live up to its "Imagination" theme, the  International Quilt Show Dubai, February 18 - 20,  2010, will include a star-studded show featuring some of the quilting world's top artists. It promises to be a weekend of fun, learning, and colorful "eye candy." Our very own Ricky Tims will be on hand to dazzle the attendees with his Grand Finale lecture and concert. To preview what Ricky might see on his trip, watch this video by Pam Holland, our traveling quilter (here).  For more information on the Dubai quilting event, click here.

New Neutral Fabrics Will Warm Your Heart
Are you drawn to a soft and subtle color palette? (Think coffee with a touch of cream.) If so, you are going to LOVE Heart and Soul, the newest fabric collection from Red Rooster Fabricsw. This line, which features a range of taupe/neutral designs, would be perfect for your next neutral quilt...or any quilt that incorporates neutrals in its color scheme.

Not sure what makes for a good neutral quilt?  Let Alex teach you what to look for when selecting fabrics for your neutral quilt in Episode 408.  

Look for the Heart and Soul fabric line at your local quilt shop beginning this month.  To download the free pattern for the charming quilt shown above (right), click here.

Tip of the Week: 
Wooden Pant Hangers
Wooden pant hangers are a great way to hang your slacks when you want them to keep a nice sharp crease...but did you ever think about using them in your quilt studio?

Check out this very stylish way to hang your WIPs (works in progress) that we recently discovered here. This clever gal applies chalkboard paint along one side of the hanger, and then uses plain white chalk to identify the project by name. She places all the necessary fabric in the hanger's clamp, and--voila!--hangs the entire project on the wall. When the project is finished, she simply wipes the project name off the hanger with a damp cloth and prepares it for a new WIP.

Here's another idea. Are your cutting mats falling over or being warped or damaged because you are leaning them against a wall or table? Simply clamp the mats in the pant hanger and hang them a closet. Again, the items are off the floor and yet easily accessible.

We also spotted these same pant hangers being used to hang quilts in a number of booths at the International Quilt Show in Houston last fall. No more fussing with pins! The quilts simply were clipped onto two pant hangers, which then were hooked over the booth poles for display. 

If you have a great idea for using pant hangers, let us know here.

Free Shipping On Total Order With Kit Purchase!
The TQS Shoppe loves you so much, that for this week only (February 7-14, 2010), we are giving you a Valentine's gift by offering no shipping charges on your entire order when your purchase includes any quilt kit.  Now that's a deal you don't want to pass up!  Click here to go shopping!