Adventures of the Creative Crew!

Fall is upon us... Finally!

2007-10-26T23:21:00.000-04:00

There is nothing like a little rain to make the air cooler and crisp, make the leaves change colors and remind us that we live in one of the most beautiful places in the US. Fall is one of my favorite times of year because it reminds me that Christmas is right around the corner!

ACK! CHRISTMAS!!

Yep, that time of year is upon us and if we don't start preparing now, the C-Day is here before we know it! So to help you out a bit in getting some things done quickly (don't we all strive to be proactive!), we are planning a showcase of ideas at our next Embroidery Club on November 13th! Join us for Club on November 13th at Buddy's / Bearden Banquet Hall for dinner and a show. Just call us and reserve your seat! Becky, Martha, Phaedra, Carolyn & I are all busily working on several ideas for Quick Gifts for everyone as well as preparing for a showcase of samples & designs from Sew Many Designs! As always we will be giving great discounts on everything you need from Sew Many Designs!

Speaking of quick & easy gifts, many of you have been admiring our aprons that we have been wearing around the store. So Carolyn & I have gotten several colors of aprons that will make wonderful hostess gifts, stocking stuffers and personalized gifts for office exchanges & personal use in your own sewing room! Also, we have ordered tote bags in several styles and colors, drawstring backpacks for the younger crowds as well as baby bibs that are wonderful for the new addition in your family! All of the items are blank and ready for your personal touch!

See you on the 13th!
Amanda

What a Month!

2007-10-10T17:35:00.000-04:00

Wow time flies! It seems like just a few days ago that we were painting walls & unpacking boxes and now we are looking towards Christmas!!!

Speaking of Christmas - It's Time to Get Sewing! Time will really begin to move faster as Christmas approaches, so now is the time to get started with all of your Holiday Projects!

As always, Carolyn, Martha, Becky & I are doing our best to get new ideas made into samples to give everyone some "inspiration" for Holiday Gifts & projects. Carolyn is planning an Appliqued Christmas Stocking Make & Take class that is filling fast! In fact, she has 2 sessions already full and we are adding more seats to each for her class times!

I am giving a Make & Take Class for Quilted Coin Purses. It is a great quick project for Non-Quilters or Beginning Quilters! I am teaching you how to piece a small top & quilt the fabrics with batting, make a binding & attach the binding with mitred corners as well as rotary cutting skills & more! Super easy to understand and finished within 3 hours!

Becky & Martha are hosting a Sit & Sew Appliqued Coaster "In The Hoop" Project. Pat Andreatta is teaching an Heirloom Pillowcase class. Anna Kelly has several projects lined up including a Sweatshirt Conversion, Jigsaw Jacket, Paper-Pieced Placemat & More!

Just come in to the store & see all of the neat ideas that you can take home & recreate!

Also, we just finished with the Anita Goodesign Trunk Show last night! WOW! They have sent some wonderful samples for us to show and for you to take inspiration from as well! Stop in anytime to look at these great samples! Hurry though! They are going back early next week!

As for new items in the store - we have another set of scissors from Heritage Cutlery. Nice new scissors that will make our jobs easier! Also, Angelina Fibers in many different colors. We have the Angelina in Assortments of individual color packages. We have the Teflon Pressing sheets needed for using the Angelina Fibers as fabric. 505 Spray finally came in & we have lots of it!!! YEAHHHH!!!! Brand New here at the store is also the Lavender Linen Mist that you pour into your Steam Iron. The lavender scent is released through the steam each time you press you fabric!! It is an instant fabric freshener.

We really got in to many new things to list comfortably here but we have them all out in the store!

See you soon!
Amanda

Hello again!

2007-09-25T19:32:00.000-04:00

This past month has been wild!! Carolyn & I finally got around to placing an order from one of our major vendors and now we have so many new toys here in the store!

As many of you may have seen, Carolyn & I both wear a little pair of snippers around our necks. They are the new Micro-Tip Snips from Heritage Cutlery. Not only are they super sharp & great for snipping thread tails & taking out seams but they can be resharpened for the lifetime of the scissors!! In these days of disposable scissors, these are well worth it!

Also from Heritage, we just found a new pair of Applique scissors! (I know, I know - its hard to get excited about scissors but they can make your life so much nicer when you have a great pair.) Anyhow, these new applique scissors are smaller and thinner with comfort padded finger holes. They are very comfy for the fingers and with the smaller blades, you can get extra close!

On a lighter note, OUR CLASSES ARE COMING TOGETHER!!!!!!! I know everyone has been waiting on these ad they are getting here slowly but surely! Carolyn, always efficient, has her class sample finished and is scheduling classes now. Carolyn is having a machine applique stocking class. You will create a stocking from scratch, use the embroidery machine to embellish the stocking with applique and then finish off all the stocking with a furry rolled cuff!

NOTE: If you would like to take a class that uses an embroidery machine and don't currently own one, ask us about rentals!!

My project is still underway but I have a small sample to show! I have found a wonderful (and easy!) Paper-Pieced project of Christmas trees that you can make into a Tree Skirt, Table Cloth or Table Runner! Best of all - I chose a project with NO TINY PIECES!! This project goes together quick and is an excellent choice to learn to paper-piece with!

Well, until tomorrow!

Happy Stitching!
Amanda

Embroidery Club

2007-09-08T18:50:00.000-04:00

Reminder *** Embroidery Club is Tuesday, September 11, at 9:30 or 11:30 AM or at 6:30 PM. The program for Tuesday is Elegance in the Hoop, featuring "in the hoop embroidery and free-standing lace". Make sure to bring something to share in Show and Tell! That is a great way to "Bee Inspired"! You do not have to sign up ahead of time, just put the date on your calendar and join us.

More Calendar Marks...

2007-09-05T21:16:00.000-04:00

Hey! I wanted to give everyone a quick calendar Update!

First, this coming Tuesday is Embroidery Club (September 11) with the normal session times of 9:30, 11:30 & 6:30.

Next, we will have the Creative Class descriptions & times should be available in a few weeks with the classes beginning Mid-October. As a preview of the classes... Machine Applique, Computer basics, Fancy Pillowcases, Quilted Purses & Totes & Paper-Pieced quilting are just a few of the offerings coming up!
** Each of the classes mentioned above will give you a finished project in just a few hours!!

The Anita Goodesigns Trunk show date has been rescheduled to Tuesday, October 9 instead of Sat., October 13. October 9 is the regularly scheduled Embroidery Club Day so we will be having this Special Presentation during this time!! We will have to adjust the times of clubs and we will let everyone know the new times for this Club Day only.

Until later,
Happy Stitching!
Amanda

Happy Labor Day!

2007-09-02T12:30:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone is having a safe & fun holiday with their families! The weather today is perfect for an outing on the lake or to the park - wherever you happen to be!

I just wanted to let you know that we will be open on Monday (Labor Day) for normal business hours!

Also, no club this week but next Tuesday is Embroidery Club!! 9:30, 11:30 & 6:30

Hope to see you all soon!

Happy Stitching!
Amanda

Our Creative Classes are coming!

2007-08-31T21:44:00.000-04:00

Hello all! I hope that everyone is happily anticipating the holiday weekend! A nice long weekend and an extra day off from work is always welcome...

However, we at Creative Sewing will be there for you all day on Saturday & on Monday as well. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for all of us & we hope to see you all sometime this weekend!

Now - drum roll please! - we are getting ready to get our Creative Classes together! I have my class planned and am working out the kinks as we speak! I know that our Education department is getting in touch with our Super-Creative Teachers to find out what fun projects they have planned for the fall season! During this time, if you have any ideas of classes that you would like to take, have an interest in or would like to take again - Let Us Know! We want to make sure that our classes are tailored for your interests!

Well, I am going to make this a short note tonight since Computer Chat is first thing in the morning & I want to make sure that the store looks great!

Have a Safe & Fun Holiday Weekend!
Amanda

The Night before Sewciety & all thru the store...

2007-08-27T23:20:00.000-04:00

... We are getting ready to see you again!!

Carolyn & I have been getting new items ready for you to browse through, No, this isn't merchandise to purchase (unless you rally want it) but items that we have been working on to showcase what your machine & software can do for you!

So many times we get caught up in the newest items and the latest gadgets that are being introduced by the MANY sewing companies that exist out there that we forget that what we already have may be the best thing for the job we want to do. **At this time, I want to state that I think the new Border hoop from Brother is well worth the expense as I LOVE it and use it almost daily (no joke!)**

However, border hoops notwithstanding, sometimes we all need to step back & take stock of what we already have in our sewing rooms and think "What can I do with all this?". One answer to this question I received from Jerry Manley. Jerry told me that she subscribes to an email group called FreeCycle. FreeCycle is a nationwide network of local groups that allow posts of things needed by people and things that people need to give away. I have subscribed to several area groups that I would be able to participate in the sharing. Many of these posts have related to SEWING! Several people have posted that they need sewing cabinets, cutting tables and, yes, fabric too! This is a great way to thin out our ever-growing stacks of fabric & other sewing paraphernalia that we accumulate and help someone else in return!

For more information on this website, please email me at amanda@creativesew.com and I will be happy to pass along the site information.

Happy Stitching!
Amanda

I am SO late!

2007-08-26T20:42:00.000-04:00

I need to apologize to everyone for not posting more this week! Do you ever have times in your life that no matter how herd you try, you are always late? That has been me all week! I have high hopes that this coming week will prove to be more punctual and productive.

So, I have LOTS to tell everyone about!!

First of all, our Pre-Grand Opening sale was a great success! Carolyn & I are looking forward to seeing everyone back again this weekend!

Our official Grand Opening Sale will be this Friday & Saturday. Some of the Great Deals that we have planned are: Brother QC1000 Quilting Machines at a greatly reduced price, Brother PE-750 embroidery machines with DEEP Discounts, all Serger & Quilting threads 40% off, Dry Cover-Up rolls at Buy 1 Get 1 free prices, Anita Goodesign (selected volumes) 40% off, Cactus Punch 30% off, Retired Brother cards - $89 & MUCH MORE! (Sorry I can't post the machine prices - Brother won't let us)

Plus, we have our New Criswell Sampler CD's in stock! They are just beautiful with the 4 new collections. Carolyn & I hope to have a few sewn out by Tuesday.

Also this Tuesday is Sewciety!!! Please email or call us if you would like to sign up for classes & get in on the drawing! Class times are at 9:30, 11:30 & 6:30 (pm). We are gearing up for the holiday sewing season & you will be sure to get great ideas from our club meetings!

Well, I am off to create more items for our "scenes" inside the store. Currently, our bedroom is done ( Yes, we have a REAL bed!! ) and our window bathroom is under construction. Stop by soon to look at all of our New Goodies!!

Thank you to Debbie Best & Lynn Mullins for donation their beautiful quilts to adorn our walls with. These 2 ladies do such beautiful work and we are honored to display their work!

Until Later,
Happy Stitching!
Amanda

New Items are arriving daily!!

2007-08-20T23:05:00.000-04:00

Well the weekend is over & for those of us at Creative Sewing, Monday's are like Christmas. Mondays are when many of the long awaited packages of merchandise begin showing up at our doorstep (especially when yours truly has been hard at work placing orders for new gadgetry & neat designs).

Well today was somewhat of a Christmas Morning... A note for Criswell Lace about their NEW Design packs!!!! Well, I ordered some first thing but I am not sure that I ordered enough once you all look at these new design packs.

The first is a new Angel Doily & Angel bowl. These samples that were done in an ivory thread are absolutely beautiful!! I can't wait until we get one sewn out for the store. They look incredible in photos & I think they will be even more so in reality.

The next 2 packs are of Angel Purses & Butterfly Purses. This pack uses fabrics with the lace to make purses with the flap being an angel design or a butterfly design. They show you how to embellish these finished purses with sequins & pearls to make them even more elegant!

The last pack is to begin the Christmas season. They are Snow Characters! Adorable snow people with enough different people to make an entire family. Very cute & easy to sew out for gifts or ornament trade.

These packs should be in the store by Wednesday or Thursday depending on mail service so check the designs out on www.k-lace.com & give us a call to reserve you pack before they disappear!

Until tomorrow, Happy Stitching!
Amanda

Update on the New NV Upgrade

2007-08-16T21:31:00.000-04:00

For those of you who have purchased the New Brother Premium Upgrade package for the Innovis 4000D or the New Innovis Duetta 4500D machines --

Or those who are thinking about upgrading their machines --

I AM HAVING A BLAST WITH THIS NEW HOOP!!!!! I have the new upgrade installed on my 4000D and have been playing with it a bit each day. I have discovered the neatest thing about the hoop yet!

How many of you have looked at new curtains this year? I just purchased some new sheers for my bathroom & they had the prettiest embroidered flowers on them. The threads were different colors & the pattern really "popped" off of the cream sheers. I paid about $40 for the pair.

Well... Carolyn & I are working on a new sample area in the store and I headed over to Big Lots for some sheers for the "room" that Carolyn & I are putting in the store. I purchased the sheers & a large drape for $8. I put the sheers in the new hoop - no stabilizer - made sure the material was taunt & off I went with my pattern. These sheers are beautiful!! Even with no stabilizer, the material did not pucker & my sheers have beautiful edgings & borders. I spent about $3.00 for a spool of thread & needles, $8 for the sheers & 2 hours of time.

I just wanted to let everyone know that I could have saved myself almost $30 if this had been available 3 months ago!!!

Come see my new curtains at Grand Opening!

Amanda :)

Mark Your Calendars!!

2007-08-16T21:16:00.000-04:00

Just a reminder to Mark Your Calendars!!! We have a few events of note scheduled that you will want on your calendar so you won't miss them!

First, our Grand Opening will be next weekend at the store in Market Place Shopping Center! Friday & Saturday, August 24th & 25th, will be our Official Grand Opening! We will be having GREAT DEALS on machines, software, cabinets, notions & more!! Some items will be specially priced at 75% off for these 2 DAYS ONLY!! Look for our ad in the Farragut Press, Maryville Daily Times & the Oak Ridger!

Second, we have a special program scheduled on Saturday, October 13th! I am not going to announce who it is, but the day will be full of fun & "inspiration" for your holiday sewing projects! Use this program to get a jump start on gift giving with all of the wonderful ideas that are going to be presented! HINT: The speaker is not one of our Crew!!!

Third on the calender will be for April of 2008! Many of you have requested a Quilting school and we have listened! We have a very special teacher coming to the store for 3 days of quilting fun! Becky has had this teacher on the schedule now for 5 YEARS!!! That's how long it takes to get an open date with this teacher! I have completed several projects that this teacher has available and she has a very clear, easy to understand teaching style that will set you at ease & get you excited about the projects!

Have a wonderful Friday!

Happy stitching!
Amanda

Is anyone else ready for Fall?

2007-08-15T17:46:00.000-04:00

With all the heat coming back to bake us until crispy, I have decided that NOW is the best time to get a jump on the holiday sewing & shopping. After all, what better place to be than inside a store that has AC or in your sewing room with AC? Either one is good right now!

So, we are beginning our holiday sewing, samples, etc here at the store. Drop by anytime & see what new stuff we are cranking out to "inspire" you for the holiday season!

Well, yesterday at Embroidery Club, we passed around the catalog of Jim Shore items. For those of you who aren't familiar with Jim Shore and his artistry, it is well worth investigating! He creates beautiful figurines & ornaments, lawn items, birdbaths, household items & more! The unique thing about Jim Shore's work is that he takes the figures that he creates and incorporates traditional & new quilting designs into each one. These designs enhance the look & feel of each figurine. I know Becky & I are probably going broke with the items that we want & we are trying to limit ourselves to 2 or 3 items. It's so hard not to order more though!!

Anyway, if anyone would like to get a jump on their holiday shopping (or give their husbands ideas for gifts to you...) come by & look at the catalog!

Have a wonderful afternoon in your sewing rooms!
Amanda

Calendar FYI's

2007-08-13T17:33:00.000-04:00

OK, the new week has begun and we are making more progress towards getting settled in our new store!

First off, our Education Department has been diligently making phone calls to all of you that told us you needed PE-Design classes or Machine Technique classes. If you haven't gotten a phone call yet, it is coming! However, if you would like to go ahead and schedule your class, please call Martha, Becky, Amanda or Carolyn at 692-6664. We want to make sure that everyone gets the classes that they need or want.

Second, is our Grand Opening!!!!!! Mark you calendars for next weekend, Aug. 24th & 25th! We will be having special sales throughout the day as well as giveaways, door prizes, gift certificates, machine giveaways & more. Refreshments will be provided.

Also, in October we will be hosting Anita Goodesign company in a special trunk show here at the store. Chris will be here with all sorts of ideas, samples and NEW designs from Anita Goodesign! Well will be having several sessions throughout the day so everyone will be able to come and enjoy this fun program! Like always, chocolate will be free-flowing!!

Stay tuned for more events as we get them finalized!

Until then, Happy Stitching!
Amanda

Embroidery Club reminder!!!!

2007-08-11T22:24:00.000-04:00

Just a quick reminder! Embroidery Club will meet this Tuesday, Aug. 14th at the store. The program is going to be a great one!

If you are a member and aren't signed up - call us! We would love to see you! Embroidery Club meets at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. so let us know what session you would like to attend!

If you aren't a member and would like to come, call us and we will give you the scoop on how to join!

Don't forget your "Show & Tell" items for Tuesday!

Amanda :)

Is it hot or what!

2007-08-11T22:16:00.000-04:00

Hello all! Wow, it has just been miserable this week with the heat & humidity! I know I dread going outside during the day! Because of the heat, please remember those who might need assistance. If you have extra fans or air conditioning units that aren't being used, please donate them to your local church or charity for distribution to those who need them. If you would like to make a donation but don't know where, please call us at 692-6664 and we can give you the names of charities who would be so grateful!

Speaking of donations, many people and families have lost everything they have in a terrible fire off of Fox Lonas Road earlier today. If you have any clothing or household goods that you would like to give to these people in need, stay tuned to this Blog or call 692-6664 for information Monday afternoon. I will be checking area help services to find out where donations can be made for these families.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday!

Amanda

The NEW Upgrade for Brother 4500D/4000D machines is here!

2007-08-10T10:27:00.000-04:00

I am SO excited!!!!!

Ever since I heard about these at the Brother Dealer meeting a few weeks ago, I have been salivating over this new Upgrade with the NEW CLAMPING BORDER HOOP!!

The upgrade has a software package which includes many great features, but I admit that I am really focused on this new hoop. The hoop is a clamping style that allows you to slide the edges of fabric through the hoop and lower a lever to "clamp" the fabric into the hoop. This will allow fast embroidery on edges as well as consistent lines!! No more wavy borders because the fabric moves around when you hoop!

Well, I am taking my 4000D in to the store and upgrade it today! I can't wait to use the new upgrade! I have had a set of sheets waiting on it and anyone who is coming to Embroidery Club on Tuesday will get to see the finished project (I hope!).

Speaking of Embroidery Club, it is this Tuesday, Aug. 14 so call us to sign up for a time if you haven't already-- 865-692-6664

See you on Tuesday!
Amanda

Welcome everyone!

2007-08-10T10:11:00.000-04:00

Hi! This is Amanda from Creative Sewing & Vacuum!

Wow! I am so excited about this new addition to our website! This will be an opportunity for all of us at Creative Sewing to post our thoughts & hints as we "try-out" all of the new products that we receive at Creative Sewing! We always say that we make all the mistakes so you don't have to!

In addition to our posts, we want YOU to post as well! Anything new and exciting that you find in a magazine or book that you want to share with us and your friends - you can do it here!

Also, we want photos!!! We want photos of your projects to inspire others!! Our store is all about friendship and sharing! We create projects that we hope will "Inspire" you to create them at home or in one of our classes!

So, stay tuned to this Blog for daily posts about new things in the store, classes that are upcoming, events that are happening, projects that our friends shared with us & more!!

Until Later - ...Be Inspired!
Amanda