Welcome!
I’m in ‘catch-my-breath’ mode. The Quilting Connection is just wrapping up from a jam-packed month!
After two weeks of our Handi Quilter van classes in late August, we jumped right into The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show (Madison) followed by this weekend’s It’s a Stitch Quilt Guild’s show in West Bend and the Sheboygan County Quilters’ Guild’s show in Sheboygan.
Next … all the unpacking, machine setups and product restocking in the shops. Time to breathe!
Though a lot of work, the classes and quilt shows are so rewarding! (After all, we get to see so many of you!) And there’s always so much to share afterward!
The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show Highlights
We had such a great time in Madison!
Most of you know that Madison is the largest quilt show of the year in Wisconsin. But did you know that in addition to their main 10-category juried and judged quilt contest, they also host several other special quilt exhibits? This year there were 12 other exhibits to explore!
The contest winners for the 10-category juried and judged 2024 Quilt Contest and the 2024 Black & White + One Quilt Challenge have been posted on The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show website. And …
the 1st place Machine Quilted Bed Size – Appliqued – Mixed or Other quilt
was quilted by Wendy Fuller …
the same Wendy Fuller that teaches our Free-Motion and Ruler classes!!!
Congratulations, Wendy!
(Keep reading and you’ll find more information on Wendy’s next series of class offerings!!!)
Jennifer and Tina, two of our staffers, were super excited to meet Gudren Erla of GE Quilt Designs. Not only does Gudren publish easy and innovative patterns and books geared toward today’s quilters, but she’s also the designer of the bestselling Stripology rulers!
I think the biggest hit at our booth was the recently introduced Comfort Table by APQS. Those that test-drove on this frame LOVED that you can sit and longarm! (Again, keep reading for more details.)
Did you attend The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show? If so, what made you say, “Wow!”? Please share what you enjoyed the most with me!
Now, moving on to what’s new …
Introducing the Comfort Deluxe Table by APQS
Like I mentioned above, quilters visiting us in Madison gave the APQS Comfort Deluxe Table a resounding “Wow!” (And here are the details as promised!)
This frame system features an automatic height adjustment feature. You can effortlessly switch between standing and sitting with a touch of a button!
Featuring a streamlined leg design, the Comfort Deluxe Table provides ample legroom. Engineered for precision and stability, it features a roller and rail system that provides a smooth glide and steady control.
The Comfort Deluxe Table comes in four lengths, 8’, 10’, 12’ or 14’. It’s a standard option with the Millie 30, Millie and Freddie longarm machines. The Lucey can be upgraded to this frame as well.
We’ll have the Comfort Deluxe Table in our Elkhorn and Appleton stores by mid-October. Come visit us then to see this innovative frame design for yourself and personally experience the difference that it offers!
But APQS isn’t the only company offering something new and exciting!
Introducing the Moxie ST by Handi Quilter!
This past July, Handi Quilter expanded its popular line of Moxie longarm machines by introducing the Moxie ST.
This stationary Moxie is perfect if you’re a quilter with limited floor space. It also meets your needs if you need or prefer to sit while quilting.
Like the Moxie XL, the Moxie ST provides 18” of quilting throat space and built-in stitch regulation for perfect, consistent stitches.
Other top features include:
- Speed of 2100 stitches per minute
- 4 – 18 stitches per inch
- Large-capacity M-class bobbins
- LED Lighting system
- 4.3” color touchscreen display
- Large, responsive foot pedal
The Moxie ST sits in Handi Quilter’s smooth surfaced 38” x 38” InSight Table. If your space allows, you can add an 18” extension to one or both sides of the InSight Table, giving you up to 36” of additional quilting surface.
Visit our website for more details on the new Moxie ST!
And if you’re in the market for ANY Handi Quilter longarm, take advantage of HQ’s current special! Wonderful options … which would you choose?
Okay, so while we’ve wrapped up our fall quilt show schedule, we still have a special event and some great classes that we’d love to see you at!
Fall Event & Class Schedule
Customer Appreciation Day
Friday, September 20th in Appleton
We hold this annual event in partnership with our wonderful neighbor, Going to Pieces Quilt Shop! A BBQ lunch will be served from 11AM – 1PM. But come anytime from 10AM – 4PM and enjoy snacks and beverages as a THANK YOU for all your support!
We’ll be demonstrating the APQS and Handi Quilter longarm machines as well as the Laurastar ironing systems.
And of course, there will be sales and door prizes throughout the day. Plus, WHBY radio will be doing a live broadcast of the event! Please join us!
Wendy Fuller’s Fall Class Series
Award-winning quilter, friend, and The Quilting Connection instructor, Wendy Fuller, has scheduled a full lineup of classes for this fall.
Free-Motion Quilting
Friday, October 4th in Appleton
Saturday, October 5th in Elkhorn
This is a full-day, hands-on class. It will introduce you to a variety of free-motion designs. You’ll create & draw designs, practice stitching them and explore how to use them to fill your quilt blocks and borders. You’ll also get to try using stencils and Wendy will discuss other techniques like echo quilting.
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Feathers, Flowers and Leaves
Friday, October 25th in Appleton
Saturday, October 26th in Elkhorn
In this full-day, hands-on class you’ll explore popular ways to draw and stitch free-motion feathers, leaves and flowers. Come experiment as Wendy shows you how to use these motifs in overall designs, blocks and borders!
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Rulers and Gridwork
Friday, November 15th in Appleton
Saturday, November 16th in Elkhorn
In this full-day, hands-on class you’ll explore two topics: ruler work and gridwork.
Wendy will share tips and tricks for using rulers safely and effectively on your longarm. You’ll explore creating straight lines, curves, circles and arcs/swags. Wendy will also teach you how to combine patterns to create complex looking designs.
In gridwork, you’ll learn to quilt a grid-based design using stencils, markings or piecing lines to guide your quilting. Common examples include continuous curve or orange peel designs, but the possibilities are endless!
REMEMBER … Wendy’s classes always fill quickly so check your calendar and click or call to register!
Regular Store Hours Return
Finally, with the wrap-up of our fall quilt show events, our store hours return to their normal schedules. Again, sorry for any inconvenience and THANK YOU for your patience!
Elkhorn: Monday – Friday, 9-4; however, please call before coming.
We may not be available due to off-site installations or service calls.
Appleton: Wednesday – Friday, 10-4; Saturday 10-3
And as always, if you have ANY questions or want additional information about ANY of the products and services we offer, please call us at (262) 723-6775 or email us at info@QuiltingConnection.com.
You can also visit us online at QuiltingConnection.com or in person at 21 Adams Street in Elkhorn, WI (usually M-F 9-4, please call to confirm we’re open) or 1017 W. Northland in Appleton, WI (W, Th & F 10-4, S 10-3).
Finally, check out our blog at QuiltingConnection.com/blog and our Facebook posts.
Please share your thoughts and questions. I’d love to hear from you!
Angie