Keeping your Quilt Square!

Posted by lisahcalle

Once you load your quilt, you may think that’s all that is needed to keep your quilt top square, however that may not be the case. When you quilt and depending on how heavy you quilt…. the top can pull in on the sides… this is why we have those side clamps!

My fabulous student, Janis, gave me and the other members of Quilter’s Groove® Tribe her secret and I thought I would pass it along to you.

This is a piece of bungee cord that I got on Amazon. My frame is 12′ so I bought the 25 yards. The little pink things, these are cord locks. I line these up with the seams in the quilt as well as the outer edges so that every time I advance the quilt, I can make adjustments if my quilt has shifted.

At first I tried to just tie the cord to the end of my machine but when I advanced the quilt it would drag. So off to Lowes to try and figure out what to do. I have a BERNINA Q20 on a frame and this is how I attached it.

Bought two of these, they were around $2 a piece.

I pulled back the black piece on the end of my machine and slipped the nut through while it was attached to the bolt. I then tightened it all up. Once I found what I needed, it was a very simple process.

Let me know in the comments how you keep your quilts square!!

Private Quilt Coaching!

Posted by lisahcalle

I am so excited that I can barely contain my excitement! The past few months have been challenging to say the least. We are all in a similar boat… our quilt shows have been cancelled which means that all of those classes that we all signed up for just went POOF! So what’s a quilter to do… we turn to our online options. Sometimes these are good and other times not so good. I have the perfect solution!

Private quilt coaching… you are in your studio, I am in mine and we come up with a game plan specific for you based on your own skill level. So if you have a special project that has been lying around for a while because you don’t know what to quilt on it…. this is perfect for you! Or maybe you just bought a longarm and are a little afraid and don’t know where to start. This is perfect for you! Maybe there are numerous things you want to work on or learn… again… everything is tailored to you. It doesn’t get any better then this!

What’s even better is that the first 5 people to respond…. get a free 1/2 hour coaching session! Limited spots so don’t delay!

Enroll now for your free 1/2 hour coaching session

Current Goings on……

Posted by lisahcalle

Hi all, I hope you are all well and surviving our nationwide quarantine! We are social creatures and this surely is gonna test us… what’s the saying… what doesn’t kill us will make us stronger. Please follow all the directives so this can be over sooner rather than later. While I realize that this is serious, I need to try and maintain my sense of humor (hence the picture above) or I will go absolutely crazy.

First things first…. my online classes (not iQuilt) are on sale 25% off! Use code 25OFF The kits associated with both the Rulers for Rookies classes are 15% off! So why not learn a new skill, refresh an old skill or just have a little fun!

I have also added my 2 DVD’s as downloads! So if you are wondering how I come up with my quilting designs…. it’s really no secret and it’s really easy!! You can take a simple nine patch and turn it into a beauty! So we all have those orphan blocks that never made it into a quilt…. great to practice this technique.

So… my plan A was to go to MQX, teach all my wonderful students and just generally have a blast.

onto….

I am currently workin hard on my quilt along…. Comes Around, Goes Around! I am hoping it will be completed and ready to go by next Friday so please bear with me… a lot goes into it! Please stay tuned as there are a limited number of kits… so once they are gone… they are gone.

The kits are laser cut… there is no piecing involved. There will be blanket stitches around all of the applique. There will also be an option of getting the kits with the rulers that I use for the quilting. I will be filming all of the quilting as well, so you can quilt it as I have or you can use the Divide and Design method to create your own! I can’t wait to see what you all come up with.

Stay well! Hope to see you at a future quilt show… SOON!

Lisa

Houston or bust!!

Posted by lisahcalle

It’s that time of year again! We all madly prepare for Houston market and Festival! Those late nights of prepping the boxes for shipping. We have to send those weeks ahead of time. I always forget what I put in the boxes so this year… I wrote down what was in the boxes so hopefully I won’t forget something crucial! Which I ALWAYS DO!!!

I will be arriving on Sunday to set up my classroom for Monday and Tuesday classes…. unfortunately this year…. I will not be having a booth at Festival! I know…..booooo! I just couldn’t swing it this year. I am hoping to be back next year.

FREE SHIPPING ON DOMESTIC ORDERS

when you purchase 2 or more items

OCT 25-NOV 1, 2019

Use the code FREE

So in light of the fact that I won’t have a booth… From Oct 25-Nov 1, you will receive free shipping on orders of 2 or more items! Orders will go out the following week!

If you forget to enter the code…. (please don’t)…… remember I am in Houston teaching and won’t be readily available to fix the error!

It’s HERE!! It’s Finally HERE!!

Posted by lisahcalle

“Ain’t No Junk: Trunk Tell All (TTA)” is LIVE!! Can you feel my happy dance?

Here are some Q&A:

When is the Facebook LIVE event?

The Facebook LIVE event will be held on July 26th at 1pm EST.

What exactly is a Trunk Tell All (TTA)??

Initially, the concept behind placing my trunkshow “No Junk In the Trunk” on my website was to allow those individuals who were unable to attend this event an alternative to simply missing out all together. However, I soon came to the realization that when I host a trunk show the duration is only an hour due to the fact that it’s a live presentation. Immediately the idea of limiting an online session became ludicrous, and it was apparent that such restrictions were not going to beneficial. Next, I felt the title of “No Junk In the Trunk” needed a little fine tuning, as this class contains more than me moving my lips. Yes, you will hear the tale on how I took my first steps into the quilting world, my successes and even my failures but included are great designing tips! AND Freebies! Who out there doesn’t like free things???

Are you stuck for inspiration?

If so, trust me you aren’t alone! There are many designers that become caught up in the tornado of the uninspired. We all go through periods where we feel as though we aren’t in Kansas anymore. Feeling lost is not pleasant! This “Trunk Tell All ” will reveal the yellow brick road to creativity; and Lisa will have you tossing those ruby glass heels away!

Are you frustrated with missing out on great quilts and advice because you can’t travel to shows?

Life is a tough act to balance, and the ability to create opportunities to attend shows is not an easy task! That’s why this newest course “Trunk Tell All” is such a Win, Win!! You have the capability of gaining great inspiration, advice, and support without having to worry about location!

Are you new to quilting or longarming?

Then welcome! We have ALL worn that tag at one particular time. During this class you will instantly be put at ease witnessing Lisa share her journey from newbie (first quilt), to her latest, and all that has transpired for this quilter in between.

Why should you listen to Lisa?

The quick and short of it is that Lisa has been piecing since 1997 and longarming since 2004. AND let’s not forget that after providing over 3000 customer quilts her plethora of knowledge and understanding regarding the quilting arena is enormous!

If I have taken Lisa’s online Divide and Design Class, should I still take this?

The Trunk Tell All does not teach you the divide and design process. The TTA is a fun, entertaining, inspirational and yes, slightly educational way to spend your time. So the answer to your question is YES!

If I sign up, how long do I have to take the class?

The great news is you have forever! The class is broken down into Chapters so you can easily stop and start as needed. So if life has you hitting the pause button that’s okay! The session incorporates approximately an hour and a half of videos, in addition to its pictures and text.

What exactly is Facebook LIVE?

Facebook Live is an event that streams real-time, you must have a Facebook account to attend. During the session you will have the opportunity to ask Lisa questions pertaining to ANYTHING your little heart desires! You may want to have a pen and paper handy so you can take notes. So get your list of inquires ready and become a part of Lisa’s new FB community!

If I can’t make the Facebook LIVE event, or don’t have a Facebook account and want to become a part of FB Community what should I do?

You do need a Facebook account to participate in the event, the good news is they are very easy to set up! If you can’t make the LIVE event, email me your questions and I will make sure to answer them. You will then be able to view it in my Facebook community at your leisure.

DONT MISS OUT! ~Lisa

Something Exciting is coming…..

Posted by lisahcalle

I can barely contain my excitement… you’ve asked and I’ve listened… Yeah…..

Make sure you are signed up to receive my newsletter, or follow my blog, instagram or Facebook… one of them or all of them… you don’t want to miss out…. I am hoping to be spilling the beans next week…. so stay tuned.

Quilting for Customers: “How To”

Posted by lisahcalle

Longwood Gardens Quilt 2010

Quilting for customers, yes this is a specialty that I was successful doing for approximately 10 and half years. I loved it and quilted some 3000 quilts through this livelihood. Are you considering expanding your quilting to the next level? If so, this is a wonderful way to make that goal a reality.

Trust is a HUGE word, and one of the best feeling in the world is when your customers embrace your talent, and depend on you to bring life and beauty to their quilt. What does that feel like? I cannot imagine giving my quilts, which I consider my babies, to someone else. Speaking for myself I pour my heart and soul into the quilting process and have no doubt it would be painful letting another individual take charge temporarily. For me that’s one of the aspects of this profession that I find so rewarding, each piece is one of my client’s babies.

All three of my boys… back in the day…

To Be or Not to Be: What about this business appeals to you? Is the idea that you simply love quilting or are you looking for additional income? These are two significant questions to consider. For those individuals choosing to quilt as a hobby, kudos to you! I say quilt away and surround yourself with all the creativeness you can gather; but please be mindful of those that do quilt for monetary reasons. Being a professional quilter becomes very challenging when a customer declares my cost expensive compared to that of Quinn Quilter. What my customer does not realize is there is a difference between Quinn Quilter and Lisa Calle. Quinn Quilter loves this craft as a hobby; Lisa Calle not only loves this trade but also has made a career out of quilting. If you feel that this a business you are aspiring to become a part of then I can only offer this piece of advice; I quilt for the purpose of making both my clients and ME happy. I must remain true to the fact that this is a business and income for my family. Therefore, the ability to lower my costs to meet the prices of those that are fortunate to quilt as a hobby is not something I can justify. Yes, possess an attitude! If you have committed to making quilting a business then you are worthy of owning your quilting ideals, methods AND prices.

It’s All About the Money: Begin by setting an hourly wage that you feel will be advantageous of your time, and materials. YOU need to be satisfied with the price you are charging, and obviously this might be different for everyone. I am not a low-priced quilter, as a matter of fact I’m fairly certain that I may have ended up being the most expensive in my area. However, I knew what I wanted to make monetarily; I was realistic that I had other responsibilities that also demanded my time. I was comfortable putting those obligations aside in order to run my business AND I was also comfortable putting those considerations into my quilting price.

The AH HA Moment: Retail and I have always been united, “Customers Come First” was my motto and I went out of my way to ensure my customers were more than satisfied. Did I make everyone happy? Heck no, I would never please everyone. Boy, I definitely had my share of those clients that undoubtedly could not be appeased in any way possible. On those work days happy hour felt like it would never arrive! Even enduring sweat and tears there were some partnerships that dissolved. Quickly I would come to terms with the understanding that there were going to be professional relationships that would find me and my client parting ways…and Ah Ha… that’s okay.

Next Up: Mastering feathers, I always wanted to conquer this technique. I could be found, pencil in hand, quietly doodling for hours and hours. My dedication paid off and gradually I was feathering away! Now did every customer love my new gift of feathering? No way, as I stated before there was, at least, that one customer who shuddered “Oh no I’m not fond of feathers”. For the sake of feathers people quit bursting my bubble, feathers are my thang! My advice, don’t let anyone get in the way of your thang!

It Needs a Price Tag: Well friends that is a post in and of itself!

Lisa

My New Book!!!

Posted by lisahcalle

I am so excited! My new book, Lisa H Calle’s Divide and Design, is coming out! They are due to arrive here in my studio the week of Sept 19th!!

I am now accepting preorders for a signed copy….. all orders will go out the week of the 26th! (hopefully sooner) If you order your book with any Quilter’s Groove Rulers, they will all go out at the same time so if you need your rulers, please order them separately.

This book will teach you my divide and design technique as well as give you 5 simple piecing/applique projects to practice on. When using this technique I use a variety of rulers to divide out my quilt. I use the ProEcho’s … the small ones (Proechoes 3-7) and medium ones (Proechoes 8-12) are the most used! You can use whatever templates/rulers you have on hand.

This technique is not just for longarmers! If you quilt your own tops, this book is for you!

Here are a couple of peeks at some of the quilts…

This book goes over the material in my iQuilt class as well. iQuilt is having a sale 40% off one class!

Divide, Design and Fill for Beautiful Quilting or Mastering the Mini, Wholecloth that is!

Promotional Disclosure: *Use coupon code SEPT40 at checkout to receive your discount. Discount applied to the lowest priced class in the cart. Members receive an additional 20% off at checkout. Sale valid 09/08/16 through 09/13/16 at 11:59 p.m. (CT). Limited time only. Subject to change without notice. Only one coupon code may be used per order. Not valid on prior orders. This offer may not be combined with other offers.

I am off to AQS Chattanooga on Monday! I hope to see a lot of you there!

What will you create?

Lisa

Storm at Sea – Take 1

Posted by lisahcalle

Before we get to the Storm at Sea block, We are celebrating our new packaging and new website… make sure you visit our website for 15% off storewide- now through August 1 2016. The sale will show up in the cart.

This block was fun to do and I know want to make one….

Step 1: Divide up the block… this is one of the reasons I like to have so many ProEcho’s and ProCircles to choose from!

Step 2: Since it is storm at sea… I thought I would use some ferns vs feathers. If I were doing it again… I’d choose feathers. I also used the ProPebbles to add some little circles.

Step 3: Added some straight line echoing to the dark pieces as well as some crosshatching and straight line fill.

Step 4: Some more crosshatching….

Step 5: I used the sand stipple and an 1/8″ straight line fill.. Again, I think I’d use feathers if I were going to stitch this out.

As for stitching this out, I would stitch out step 1 first… it would look really cool to use an Aurifil 12 wt thread! Those lines would really stick out. 🙂 I would then stitch out the ferns, move to the crosshatch and straight lines and finish with the sand stipple. The reason I would stitch it all out at the same time as I want to maintain even quilting throughout so as to not distort the blocks/quilt.

What will you create??

Lisa

2015 Recap!

Posted by lisahcalle

Wow, its already the middle of Jan. I’m still wondering where 2015 went to… anyone else? I hope you all had a fabulous holiday and are ready to make 2016 the best year yet. I know I am. Let’s do a quick recap of 2015!

A great time at “The Quilt Show”!!