Photo by Gregory Case

Episode 210 With Beth Ferrier
Hand applique on a sewing machine? That sounds like a mistake...until you meet Beth Ferrier. In this episode (and with her great sense of humor), Beth demonstrates straightforward techniques that you will want to try on your next quilting project. Alex has special tips for a Basket Postage Stamp quilt, and Bob, the Thread Guy, tells how to maximize sewing-machine tension. To watch the show--loaded with terrific info--click here.

Beth will also be our "Featured Guest" in the chat room on Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at 4:00pm Pacific/7:00pm Eastern. Plan to join us for an hour of tips for hand applique by machine.

Photo by Gregory Case

Only 18 Days To Win A Trip
Time is running out! Don't miss your chance to win a trip to a taping of The Quilt Show in La Veta, CO, this September. Check the rules. You may even be able to bring a friend. You'll get to watch the show live and meet some of the world's best quilt artists. The current new member campaign/contest is your "ticket" for the drawing. Basically, it works like this: for each new person who joins--even as a Basic member--and lists YOU as their reference, you get a "cyber ticket" in the "cyber hat." That's one ticket for each person who lists you! There is no purchase necessary. The winner will be chosen May 30, 2008, and announced shortly thereafter. Better get started now!

The more friends you tell, and the more friends who join with you as their reference, the better your odds in the drawing. (For complete rules and details, click here.)

So...send an e-mail to every one of your quilting friends, give them your screen name, first and last name (make sure the spelling is correct!), and encourage them to join TQS. We want to meet YOU in September!

New Look For Newsletter
You may notice a new look for the TQS newsletter. Some of our members wrote to tell us that they were having difficulty reading the articles on a colored background, so we've made a few changes--and hope you like them. We always enjoy hearing from you with your ideas on how to make this a better site. Please continue to contact us here with your comments and/or suggestions.

"Small Projects" Just For You
Starting soon, we will be adding a new feature called "Small Projects/Tips." As the name implies, these will be projects or tips that you can master or accomplish in an afternoon or a day. They are designed to let you practice a technique or tip you may not have tried before. Many will tie in with techniques you have seen in the shows.

We're not going to tell you what the first "Small Projects" subject is, but it ties in directly with the technique shown in Episode 210 with Beth Ferrier. Join us for some fun and learning.

Create WithThreadplay
Are all your quilts beginning to look similar in style? Why not add a bit of pizzazz with some stunning machine embroidery? Threadplay: Mastering Machine Embroidery Techniques by Libby Lehman helps you to stitch "ribbons," and to create exciting thread painting and bobbin work with your sewing machine. Libby is a fantastic teacher, and her book is filled with color illustrations and detailed instructions that give you the confidence to create some magic of your own. To find this and other helpful quilting books, visit the Shoppe here.

Join The ATC Craze
What does ATC stand for, you ask? Artist Trading Cards are all the rage! (Still not getting the picture? Think of baseball trading cards.) Currently, artists all over the world are creating and trading these inventive little artworks. The movement began as an art project in Zurich, Switzerland, in 1997.

Artist Trading Cards should measure 2.5" x 3.5" (64cm x 89 cm) and can be as varied as the creator: you can use a wide range of materials (i.e. fabrics, paints, metals, found objects, photos) to make them. Cards are not made to be sold, but are items to be traded. The idea is to use them to meet and share with other artists. There are many books now available with ideas, patterns, and inspiration to aid in making your cards. There are also numerous clubs and art exhibits focusing on these miniature art forms. Why not check them out..or make a few cards of your own? To learn more about ATC, click here.