July 1 already--Happy Canada Day.  Do you realize that in 6 months’ time we’ll be celebrating the start of another year—that’s crazy!  We’ve been having some fun decorating our store for our Christmas in July classes and sale – yes, we even have a tree up!  Santa will be in the store giving out treats to our customers on Saturday, July 2.  This is, after all, Santa’s slow time at the Pole. 
 
If you haven’t been in the store in a bit, we would love to have you come see our store makeover.  We have changed things up, moved things around and now have brighter lighting, wider aisles and more fabric selection.  We’ve been pretty pumped to show the new look off, and will be sharing pictures soon on our website and on Google.  We’d love to hear your comments! 
 
Here is a rundown of our July classes, some of which we still have a few spots left:
 
July 8 / 9 Twister Holiday – using a Tiny Twister ruler, learn how to make a Christmas wreath wall hanging
July 12 Bernina Perfect Pairing – find out what’s new at Bernina and get an opportunity to test drive our many beautiful machines, all while sipping and noshing something delicious
July 13 Embroidery Event – learn how to embroider on specialty surfaces including balsa wood – doesn’t that open numerous options?  All makes of embroidery machines are welcome!  All embroidery skills welcome! 
July 16 – Mini Quick Curve Ruler Christmas Trees (this class is full!)
July 19 – join Sandra Bakka to learn how to use a Studio 180 ruler to make flying geese--get those perfect points we all strive for! 
July 20 – the Non-mystery Mystery quilt with Karen Duncan and Patti Williamson – make four blocks into a table runner, a table topper, or whatever you choose to enhance your festive atmosphere
July 28 (daytime) – Constellation quilt using the Square in a Square technique taught by Linda Hurd
July 28 (evening) – Join me to make a quick and easy Christmas stocking while using up scraps or using theme fabrics
July 30 – make a lucky Christmas gnome to bring you the best of luck with your Christmas wishes
 
Questions about any of these classes?  Call the store to register or receive further information.
 
Alongside the Christmas in July classes, we will be running sales all month long.  On July 2 only, wide backings (anything 60” over more) will receive a 15 percent discount and all Moda fabric will receive a 20 percent discount – this includes all Moda panels and precuts.  Saturday, July 2 to Friday, July 8 will be a sale on Christmas fabric and panels – take 20 percent off all in-stock Christmas fabric.  Sales during the rest of the month will be a surprise.  Check our Facebook posting every Friday evening for the upcoming week’s sale.  We will be touching on almost everything in the store during the month.  In addition, we will be drawing a $100 gift card every Saturday morning during July starting July 9 to be given to a lucky customer from the previous week. 
 
Christmas is our favourite time of year – please join us for Christmas in July.
 
 
Cathy and Glenn

Who can believe it’s almost June.  The school year will soon be over, gardening season is in full swing as are quilt shows and retreats!  We’re looking forward to welcoming travellers from all parts!  Once you’ve fallen in love with our fabric, please remember that we will ship! 
 
June 1 to June 30 Bernina is having a Sewing and Quilting Extravaganza Event.  What this means to you is discounts on select machines – some machines have free gifts, while others have promotion pricing.  Along with the machine sale is a Buy two get a third free feet sale(the freebie is the lowest cost foot) – details of the sale are available at Pinheads, and we’d love to be your dealer for a new Bernina! 
 
Hmmm.  At July 1, there will be less than six months until Christmas.  To help you get ready for the day, Pinheads will be holding a Christmas in July event throughout the entire month.  Our Christmas in July event will kick off with a one-day sale on Saturday, July 2.  Take 20 percent off all Moda prints, and 15 percent off all wide backs – that’s anything over 60”, so yes, Cuddletex will be included in the sale.  Additional sales will be advertised weekly on our Facebook page.  If you don’t follow us, now’s your opportunity to start! 
 
In addition to fabulous sales, Pinheads will be holding Christmas-themed classes through the month – check these out …

On Friday, July 8 and Saturday, July 9, Tracy Colosino will be teaching the Twisted Holiday Christmas Wreath.  This class will start on Friday night from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with cutting and sewing the squares together.  On Saturday, the “twist” will begin at 10 a.m. to form the wreath.  Cost will be $100.00.  Some kits will be available for purchase; meterage requirements will be available if preferred. 
 
Have you ever been interested in owning a Bernina, or perhaps the little sister, bernette, or are simply curious as to why Bernina is such a popular brand?  Join Roberta Wynnyk of Bernina Canada for an evening of Perfect Pairing.  While sipping and nibbling on a “perfect pairing” of refreshments, Roberta will show you what is new and cool from Bernina, especially for quilters.  You will see one of the hottest techniques out there – rulerwork – and see some of the great feet, accessories and software that Bernina has to offer.  You’ll learn why Bernina is the “perfect pairing” for quilters!  Cost is $25.00 – you will receive a $10.00 in-store gift certificate upon arrival.  6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 12. 
 
Wednesday, July 13 will be a special day for those who want to learn more about embroidery … join Roberta Wynnyk of Bernina Canada for hands-on experience embroidering on special fabrics:  cork, kraft-tex, balsa wood for example.  At the same time, you will try some unique embroidery techniques using metallic thread, crystals and paint works.  You will come away with a greater understanding of which stabilizers work best in different situations as well as some great items to organize your sewing room.  If you do not have a machine, module or hoops, let us know so we can arrange one for you so you can kick start your embroidery experience – no previous experience necessary.  This event is not limited to Bernina owners – all makes and models are welcome!  Cost is $99.00 on Wednesday, July 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 
 
On Saturday, July 16, Linda Hurd will teach a technique class on how to use the Mini Quick Curve Ruler to create Christmas trees.  The pattern is free, but to be clear, this is a technique class where you will make two squares using the ruler, not the entire quilt.  Linda will teach her little tricks to get a perfect curve!  Rulers available for purchase in store, cost of the full day class is $100.00.  Class runs from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
 
Wednesday, July 20, join Karen Duncan and Patti Williamson for a Christmas Mystery quilt.  This is a delightful little quilt that can be used as a table topper, a tree skirt, a wall hanging – it’s a perfect size for many uses!  Curated Christmas and non-Christmas kits will be available for purchase prior to the class, otherwise fabric requirements will be available at the time of registration.  Cost will be $100.00, class runs from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 
 
On Saturday, July 23, join Pinheads and several quilting friends at The Quilt Walk on 284.  This is a private residence, no-fee event where you will see immense talent as well as get an opportunity to meet and chat with your quilting friends.  This event is courtesy of Shelley Titley and her family – details are in the store!  During this event, Pinheads’ store will be open, as well as our booth at Shelley’s!  Come see us and say hi!  Event runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
 
Thursday, July 28, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., join Linda Hurd to learn the Square in a Square quilting system designed by Jodi Barrows.  The technique consists of sewing strips and squares together to create squares within squares.  The result is extra-clean cuts along with speed and accuracy.  Come check out what Square in a Square has to offer … Cost is $100.00.  Fabric requirements will be available. 
 
On the evening of Thursday, July 28, join me to make a Christmas stocking.  This is a great way to use scrap batting, scrap fabric or theme fabric – my second one was from doggy-themed fabric for that special pooch in my life.  Supply list will be available upon registration.  Cost $50.00.  Class runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
 
You’ve seen gnomes appear throughout the Christmas season as a symbol of good luck.  On Saturday, July 30, Shelley Titley will invite you to make a gnome to decorate your house.  It’s fast, it’s fun, and once you know how, you can make additional gnomes to spread cheer and good luck to your friends and family.  Cost for this instruction is $30.00.  Supplies will be provided.  Class will run from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. 
 
Coming soon:  Those of you that have had the pleasure to taking a course with Linda Ward will appreciate the tips and tricks she brings with her.  Pinheads is currently working out details to have Linda in the store regularly to teach things like:  bobbin work, rulerwork, thread painting, etc. etc. etc.  The list goes on, as Linda is multi-talented.  We had a hard time deciding what to call Linda’s regular evenings at Pinheads, and think we settled on “Linda’s One Night Stands”.  Each evening is designed to be independent of any others, so if you miss one, you don’t need to fret about catching up.  So, watch our Facebook page for information about Linda’s One Night Stands and plan to join us.  Some classes will be demonstration only, while some will be hands-on.  Can’t wait! 
 
Coming up October 15 and 16 is the Airdrie and District Quilt Guild show at Balzac Hall, 10075 Twp Rd 262, Rocky View County, AB.  Watch our store for details, and don’t forget to pick up your tickets for $2.00 to win one of three amazing quilts.  Proceeds of the raffle will go to Community Links and Thumbs Up Foundation. 
 
Guild Quilts for Raffle:
White Chocolate is 92” x 104” and is a beautiful blend of creams, taupes and greys with a splash of light teal thrown in for fun. 
 
Quilters’ Village is an extraordinary display of talent.  Pieced by many members of the Airdrie and District Quilt Guild, the finished quilt is huge, measuring 100” x 120”.  I love the colours within the quilt and looking at windows and doors to see some hidden fun.  You have to see it! 
 
The last of the three raffle quilts is called “Fiesta Colour Burst”, and yes, it is definitely a burst of colour.  Final measurement of the quilt is 63” x 72”… I love the pattern and the bright colours.  
 
One final add that we’ve been requested to post:  the Creative Arts and Crafts Competition at the Calgary Stampede is still looking for entries.  Final day to register is Monday, June 20.  Contact either www.Calgarystampede.com/cac-signup or artsncraftscalgary@gmail.com for further information. 
 
Pinheads is honoured to be a part of the Airdrie community and looks forward to seeing you again real soon.  We hope you can join us for our Christmas in July festivities. 
 
 
Cathy and Glenn

Can you believe we’re just about into March already?  Boy, has this year gone fast!  We sincerely appreciate those of you who were able to join us for our 5th Anniversary celebration weekend, and want to give a special thank you to those who donated gifts for our prize draw:
 
Gordon Fabrics Ltd.
HA Kidd and Company Limited
J N Harper Co.
Laura Rogers
N Jefferson Ltd.
Northcott Fabrics
Siltex Mills
Suzi-Q Textiles
TrendTex Fabrics
 
Deliveries are finally catching up after many months of delays.  Our store is quite full, and more collections are still on the way.  I am currently working on developing a “coming soon” section of our website where you can get a sneak preview of what fabric is expected in the store, albeit without prices.  Warning that this is under construction, so please don’t expect miracles (quite yet)! 
 
We appreciate your continued proper wearing of masks while visiting our store.  Thank you for your understanding. 
 
We have several classes scheduled to take us into May – pictures are currently on our website.  Class descriptions are on our website now, but as we develop more ideas or respond to your many suggestions, you’ll see more being added.  Anytime you have a question about classes, please feel free to call the store.  Mark your calendars, and register early as these classes will fill quickly! 
 
Our Beginner Quilting classes have been a resounding success with Saturday morning classes currently underway and another grouping starting on March 3.  These classes are both full, but don’t distress as we hope to be offering them again soon!  Check out the Next Steps class below if you’re thinking you want to develop your skills beyond the basics. 
 
Saturdays, March 5 and 12 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., join Allison Spence to learn how to use the Studio 180 Design (Deb Tucker) rulers.  Allison will lead you through the Tulip Trails Project so that at the end of the two weeks, you can have a lovely lap quilt.  Warning:  there may be homework!  Cost is $90 plus GST.  

If any of you have enjoyed a class with Linda Hurd, you’ll know she’s full of little tips and tricks!  You’ll also know she’s a hugger (prior to COVID, that is!).  On Thursday, March 10, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. join Linda Hurd for more than hugs!  She will be leading the Wonky Zig Zag quilt. This is a dramatic yet simple scrap buster quilt that will use up lots of those little bits and bobs from your stash.  Block size measures 6" square, and the final quilt measures 54" x 66", although it is easily added to if a larger size is required.  Cost is $50 plus GST.  

Linda Ward brings a vibrancy to any class.  On Wednesdays starting March 16, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. join Linda to perfect your skill sets over the course of a 5-week program--Free Motion Quilting in 30 Days.  This course uses a reference book entitled "Free Motion Mastery in a Month" by RaNae Merrill.  We have been able to locate the book on Amazon.ca...each participant will need to have this reference book available to them.  Mark your calendars for March 16, 23, 30, April 6, 13, 20.  Cost for the class is $150 plus GST.  

Saturdays, March 19 and 26, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., Allison Spence will introduce you to the pattern "Luau" once again using the Studio 180 Design rulers.  This is a fat quarter friendly project that gives instructions for three sizes.  So grab some of your favourite fat quarters and let's have a Luau.  Cost is $90 plus GST.  

Friday, March 25, 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., let Tracy Colosino show you how to make a Turtle pincushion.  This simple yet colourful project uses fat quarters to make a pincushion with optional trimmings wastebucket.  Cost is $30 plus GST.  Each participant will require their own pattern for copyright considerations, which can be downloaded  at https://jenniferjangles.com/.  This class is currently full, but if there is an appetite to hold it again, we will certainly do that! 

Our Next Steps are designed to give you a taste for what you can do once you’ve learned the basics while also providing you an opportunity to hone your skills.  Within the next short while, you’ll see the most beautiful sampler quilt designed by Denise Phillips so you will be able to get an idea of what you can create.  This Next Steps class series will be Saturday mornings, 9:30 to 12:30 p.m. March 26, April 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30.  After that, Denise is an outdoor adventurer so we won’t see her back until the fall when the weather turns, but we will plan to offer Next Steps again.  Cost is $110 plus GST. 
 
Starting Friday, April 1 (no, this isn’t a joke!), please join the fun-spirited antics of Karen Duncan and Patti Williamson with a Mystery Quilt.  The first week, with the assistance of Karen and Patti, you will get some cursory information about the project and then work with them for your fabric selections.  Each Friday morning thereafter for the next 6 weeks, you will receive a clue, a demo on the block and then be on your own to work through the mystery.  First class will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; subsequent weeks will be 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.  No class on Good Friday.  Cost for the 7-week session is $100.  There may be a prize for whoever solves the mystery first…
 
Thursday, April 7, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. is a great time to learn string piecing to put together “A Star is Born”, with Linda Hurd.  This stunning block is an ideal scrap buster design using large and small scraps of fabric.  It can be featured as a centre medallion for dramatic effect or as a block on its own.  Pattern will be provided at the class.  Cost is $50 plus GST.  

Starting Thursday, April 21, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. we present "Eldon".  Okay, I've wanted to do this one for a very long time since Linda Ward introduced me to the story of Eldon during the COVID lockdowns.  This beautiful quilt hangs in our store with a vibrant purple batik background surrounding the log cabin blocks.  Night one, Linda will provide guidance in selecting fabrics and quantities.  She says it can be done with scraps, but there is a lot of math...I think my head will hurt too much, so I'll opt for a more controlled version with meterage.  Saturdays, May 7 and 14 will be Eldon Sew Days from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.  Be prepared to stay the entire day.  On Saturday, June 11, bring all your Eldon blocks and let's put the finished product together.  Cost is $150 plus GST.  

Please follow us on Facebook for news on what’s upcoming.  For more information, or to register for a class, please call the store at 587-254-1035.  Thank you.  



 

Our suppliers kindly offer free patterns on their websites.  Check out the following links for inspiration.  

https://northcott.com/pattern.aspx
https://benartex.com/free-patterns/
https://modafabrics.com/inspiration-resources/free-patterns
https://www.trendtexfabrics.com/stof
https://hoffmancaliforniafabrics.net/php/catalog/fabricshop.php?a=pat
https://www.michaelmillerfabrics.com/inspiration/free-downloads.html
https://www.trendtexfabrics.com/trendtex-downloads
https://www.rileyblakedesigns.com/free-patterns
https://windhamfabrics.net/cgi-bin/fabricshop/projects.cgi
https://www.blankquilting.net/free-projects/
http://anthologyfabrics.com/projects/free-patterns/II
https://studioefabrics.net/projects/
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​Pinheads Quilting is partnering with Allison Spence of Meadow Rose Quilting to present a virtual quilting class.  This class will introduce the Studio 180 Design Tools to make a Hunter’s Star quilt.
 
The class will be 2 sessions, 2 hours each on Friday, October 29 and Friday, November 5 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.  Best of all, you can participate from the comfort of your own home through the link we’ll provide you.  Class registration is limited to 12 participants, and the class fee is $40 each, not including supplies.   Some quilting experience is recommended.   Register through cathy@pinheadsquilting.ca, subject line Hunter Star.   Supply list will be distributed once registration has been confirmed.  

Pinheads is celebrating its 4th anniversary, and to celebrate we are offering a SALE!  

Customers who purchase between February 12 and February 22 will save the GST on their entire purchase.  Those customers who purchase over $50 in merchandise will receive a $10 coupon for On Tap Oil & Vinegar.  This is our way of saying thank you to Matt for helping us out during our recent flood. 

​So enjoy your sewing, but with it being Valentine's weekend, perhaps also enjoy some oil and vinegar with wine and cheese ... just saying! 

See you soon!  

Pinheads is once again keeping track of your Christmas wish list.  Visit or phone the store and let us know what you would love to have for Christmas.  Friends and loved ones can come in and choose a gift off your list -- and you'll be pleasantly "surprised" on Christmas morning.  Don't forget, we do ship, and are currently offering free shipping on orders of $150 or more. 

​See you soon!   

Dear valued customer,
 
Thank you for your continued support during this difficult time. We know COVID-19 continues to bring uncertainty and changes to the retail world. We anticipate social distancing and limited capacity in stores to remain in place for many months to come.
 
TrendTex has been a trusted wholesaler to Pinheads since we opened three years ago.  TrendTex has supplied Canadian shops for over 40 years and now via this uniquely Canadian program you can access their huge inventory.  When you shop for your fabric online through TrendTex, Pinheads receives a portion of all sales, so please use code PIN077 every time you make a purchase!

The program allows you to access fabric collections  from Moda, Hoffman California, RJR, Benartex, Lewis & Irene, Michael Miller and Stof, while still supporting Pinheads Quilting.  Simply go to shop.trendtexfabrics.com and when you place your order enter PIN077 at the check out.  Shipping is $15 and free with a purchase of $149.
 
We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you soon.  Please call the store at 587-254-1035 if you have any questions about the program.  
 
Stay safe and keep quilting!

These are unusual times to be sure. 

In the words of Prime Minister Trudeau, public health should never come secondary to commerce.  Those words rung true to me as we contemplated what to do to continue serving our customer base and keep our store open. 

We considered a few options, including reduced store hours.  This might backfire in that we could potentially have customers lined up at the till, not respecting the personal space guidelines.  Or worse, we slip up in our diligent cleaning practices and put someone or ourselves unknowingly at risk.  Keep in mind that our customer base is largely in the 60-plus age range, which is considered a high risk group.  

As such, as of close of business on Wednesday, March 18, we will be closing the store until Wednesday, April 1.  We will continue to monitor our website and emails in order to fulfill on-line orders, and while we expect deliveries over the next short while, we will add our new material to our website to allow you to enjoy our new products.  Classes currently in progress will be postponed, and classes scheduled will be rescheduled as required.  Please feel free to reach out to us through email if you need notions that don't appear on our website.  We will do whatever we can to weather through this, while serving our customers in a safe and healthy way.  Circumstances may require us to extend our closure beyond April 1, but we will take our uncertain future one day at a time.  

Above all, as Lori said in her recent post, stay safe, be kind, and donate blood if the opportunity presents itself.  We are all in this together, and prudence is the order of the day.  
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Mark these dates on your calendar as you won't want to miss these events: 

March 14 and 15 -- Spools and Spokes at New Horizon Mall, Balzac

April 10 -- Good Friday -- store will be closed

May 8 and 9 -- Central Alberta Quilters' Guild Show at Westerner Park in Red Deer

May 10 -- Mother's Day -- store will be closed

May 18 -- Victoria Day -- store will be closed

May 23 and 24 -- Heritage Park Festival of Quilts

June 18 to 20 -- Quilt Canada in Edmonton

Pinheads will be attending the Spools and Spokes Affair -- will you be?  

Event Details:  Saturday, March 14 (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
                        Sunday, March 15 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.).  
                        New Horizon Mall
                        2600300 Writing Creek Crescent
                        Rocky View County (Balzac)

This event blends the love of quilting with the love of the open road.  There will be something there for husbands and wives, and we will have some Bernina sewing machines available to test drive. 

Donation to the Veterans Association Food Bank will be graciously accepted and appreciated!