X Ruler Product Review

The x-block is a ruler that allows you to create very geometric and/or symmetric (or not) quilt patterns. Each ruler comes with instructions on how to use the ruler as well as what size to cut your squares for the initial 9-patch block. After cutting each 9-patch using the ruler you have four leftover triangles which can be used as a very geometric pieced border. There are many patterns that go with the x-block ruler but the originator of the x-block encourages you to use her black and white outlines, that come with each ruler, to create patterns of your own using colored pencils. Each ruler comes in multiple sizes depending on what size you want to make your quilt. This ruler gives you seemingly endless possiblities to create wonderful quilts of your own.

Happy New Year!!!

My snow bunny is home safe and sound. Her first words after 8 days were "Mom, I'm alive" then she said "Thanks for letting me go!". Melted my heart. She didn't get home until after midnight, so I haven't heard all of the stories....but here are the highlights. Mushing dogs is harder than you'd think. Cross country skiing with a heavy backpack is fun until you fall. Snowshoeing (sp?) is great fun. The dogs were wonderful. She camped in minus 27 degree weather - setting up the tent shown in the first picture - ack! - my child is very macho. Jumping into the frozen lake is a tradition that she partook in. She's had enough of being cold for awhile!

On to fabric news. I met with my Moda rep today and ordered CHRISTMAS fabric! But its sooooo pretty that I didn't even mind that it is January and I am just putting up the last of our decorations! Can't wait to show you the new Basic Grey line and the new 3 Sisters - both are so fabulous!

Spiral Needles Product Review

Years ago a wonderful quilter named Clare Rip worked at Honey Bee. She taught us the joy of self-threading needles to tuck in the tails left from machine quilting. The shortest threads could be loaded up in the self-threading needles and tucked away, leaving your quilt nice and neat. The problem with the needles, though, were that they could become unthreaded with a quick pull, or that some threads shredded a bit when threading.

Before Christmas, a man came into our store looking for a product called Spiral Needles. He went out to his truck and brought in his laptop and showed us the product. I was intrigued enough to contact the maker of these needles to see if she would wholesale the product. She did, we received them and like them quite well.

The Spiral Eye needles are made of 100% stainless steel, making them hypoallergenic and more flexible than the traditional needles that are made from steel and then plated with nickel.

It is the only hand sewing needle made in America. Spiral Eye Needles are made in Minnesota by a family owned business, Pam Turner spent over 4 years getting this invention off the ground.

The perfect gift for any baby-boomer, or someone with arthritis, low vision, trembling hands, or is elderly or handicapped. Children learning to sew, and traveling professionals are also candidates for the Spiral Eye Needle.

Spiral eye is not a needle, it is a solution.