Did you enjoy the rain? Yes, indeed, that was rain that we had and which we have not had for many months now. I hope you got a chance to see all of the snow-covered mountains around us, and it’s been so long since we’ve seen that mountaintop feature that I had a quick mental debate as to whether it was snow or cloud shadows! It was snow!!! Beautiful from a distance, or even up close so long as I don’t have to move it anywhere. We have so many “snow birds” here right now who should be very happy, since the snow is “there” and not filling their driveways, roads, walkways and such. It reminds me of the NIMBY attitude: It’s Great, But Not In My Backyard, an attitude with which I totally agree. It’s nice to have the option of going to the snow as opposed to having the snow come to me and covering everything. However, our rain did disrupt some of our winter events here, like NASCAR which ran in the rain and wetness over the weekend, but “the show must go on” and it did. A few Spring Training games washed out some of the baseball games, but heck, some of our customers just loved that; the ladies and some couples took advantage of the wet sunshine to hit our quilt shop and do some stash and kit building and some darned good looking around. It was fun for us, and since more rain is due this week, we hope to see even more in the store!

Last week, some of you asked if we had any open days in the classroom, where you could come in and take advantage of our large tables and classroom, and this seems to be a good week for that. We had a 2 day class cancel this week, so if you’re still interested, call the shop and let us know what you need/want from us, and if the space is still available or not. Hope that helps some of you out with space issues.  

On Saturday, Barb J. is teaching a Sewing With Cork class, and you will be making a small project to take home. We have cork from Portugal in stock, and you can bring your own cork to use, but it’s good to learn the tricks of the trade. Bernina has Teflon style feet which will allow your feet to just slide easily over the cork. It’s also the foot of choice for things like vinyl or any surface that would make a regular foot stumble and grab at the “fabric”, and then make words come out of your mouth that you really didn’t want to set loose into the universe! Yeah, we’ve all been there a time or two, but there are solutions available for us! Sign up and get your class list.  

Don’t forget to check out our monthly longarm class with Andi. The subject this month is Ruler Techniques with the longarm. You will be practicing on our Q’nique machines here in the shop. We still have a few openings for the Binding Class with Jan T. Both of these classes focus on technique and tips which will last you a lifetime, so don’t miss out.

I also want to offer you the opportunity to join the American Sewing Guild, focusing on Sun City and surrounds, and meeting here at SVQ the second Saturday of the month. The group has elected to focus mainly on garments this year, and they were good enough to share their calendar with me, so I thought I’d pass it along to you. Come to one or all of the meetings/classes, get to know some great and creative ladies, share ideas and talents!!! April 12 will focus on woven tops (not knits); May 10 on Toppers and Jackets, June 14 on totes, beach bags, etc.; July 12 on woven shorts and pants; August 9 on tank tops, including a free pattern on the internet; Sept. 13 on loungewear (and I need to know how to make mine fit better!); Oct. 11 on costumes (what else?!?!) and party wear, dressy tops and pants; Nov. 8 on favorite gift items (right up everyone’s alley); and Dec. 13 on a fashion show of recycled projects plus a holiday party! Wow---I think those topics all sound great, even for those who used to sew for the entire family and have gotten away from the basics of garment sewing! Fresh ideas, new notions, machines that are so much more user friendly. An art that will never be forgotten and can constantly be renewed if we give it another chance! So check out the American Sewing Guild and see what all they have to offer you. It’s a fun group that does not require you to live in a certain place to be a member, as so many of our guilds do.

Since it’s time to “buy me some peanuts and cracker Jacks” when you “Take me out to the ballgame”, let’s have Sports and Games Fabrics as our special of the week, at 20% off when you give us the code: 20SPORTS. We have baseball, soccer, football, pickleball, tennis, golf, playing cards, bicycle, bowling and more at 20% off with the code, so come in and take a look. Just a mention to you that we have been selling a lot of the small, light weight take-to-class or keep in my motorhome or have for a grandchild to sew on this summer b 33, 35, 37, 38, and B 05 Academy machines. They are lighter weight, user friendly, basic sewing machines. They are a sister company of BERNINA, and are able to take advantage often of some of the special BERNINA functions. And this month, they all come free with a collapsible, adorable, red-white-black carrying tote. Better yet…the machines are sturdy, dependable, and priced starting at less then $350 depending on model. FYI…the B 79 is a smoking hot deal at just $1499 this month!!! So do some thinking, do some shopping, do some fun stuff this week, and enjoy your life!!!!

Barbara and the sportsters of all kinds at SVQ

Sun Valley Quilts / 9857 W. Bell Rd. / Sun City, Arizona 85351 / 623-972-2091

To Visit our Web Site www.sunvalleyquilts.com

To Visit our Class Schedule www.sunvalleyquilts.com/classes.htm