February 2016 ~ THE HEN HOUSE of Charlotte…..

Did you know…..?

Once a year on February 8^th, women in Japan bring their worn and broken sewing pins and needles to the local shrine or temple and pay tribute to the tools that have served them well in the previous year.

During a memorial service, the needles are laid to rest in a block of tofu. The tofu serves to comfort, soothe, and protect the needles. In doing so, needle workers show respect for their tools, give thanks for their faithful service, and pray to improve their sewing skills in the next year.

“Pick up a needle and thread, and stitch together something particular and honest and beautiful, because we need it. I need it.” –Shauna Niequist, Cold Tangerines: Celebrating the Extraordinary Nature of Everyday Life –  See more at: http://www.serendipitysaoristudio.com/blog/marking-time-1714-0#sthash.WzndWAZl.dpuf

Classes…

Please register and pay ahead of class date, to guarantee a spot in the class.

*Beginning quilt piecing – Learn the basic techniques for assembling a quilt top.

* Stitch by Hand with Debby Kinney – Class meets 2nd and 4th Tuesdays. Call the Hen House for details and to sign up.

*Fabric Art Quilt – Two class session, Saturdays, February 13^th & 20th.  $65

Using geometric shapes, Dale will help you create and design your own original fabric art.  There is some Pre class prep.

There is still room in the class.

*Spinning on a drop spindle $25 – Saturday, March 12^th ~ 10:30-1:00 

Class includes 4/1 ounce bags of roving, drop spindle and beginner instructions on using a drop spindle.

*Machine Quilting with your machine $35 – Thursday, March 10^th 1-3 or Thursday, March 24^th 5-8.

        Kari will show you how to use your sewing machine to top quilt your quilts.

Upcoming class ideas TBD: Hand Quilting, Hand Applique, Weaving on a 4 harness floor loom, Rigid Heddle Weaving, Rug Hooking… Call The Hen House to get your name on a list for an upcoming class.

2016 Block of the Month Quilt Kits Available

Storytellers

Amish with a Twist

2015 Block of the Month Kits Available

Quilt of the Quarter

Blossoms

Groups… that share the day with us…

First Saturdays & Second Mondays

Hexiholics/English Paper Piecing 10:00 – ?

Third Mondays

Rug Hooking 10:00 – ?

Second & Fourth Tuesdays

Stitched by Hand 9:30-Noon

Last Wednesday of the Month

Wednesday Woolies 10:00 – ?

Every Thursday

Projects in Waiting 10:00 – 6:45

Fourth Saturdays & sometimes Fifth Saturdays

Saturday Crankers 10:00 – 5:00

Second & Fourth Saturdays

Spinning & Weaving 10-?

We invite you to stop in anytime to sit and stitch with us.

Coffee & Tea are on.

Mark your calendars for the…..

Michigan Nordic Fire Festival

Friday, February 26^th – Sunday, February 28^th.

Charlotte, MI

Check out their Facebook page for more details.

“Search for the Stars” Shop Hop

April 14th – 23rd

ROW BY ROW Experience 2016  

“HOME SWEET HOME”

Tuesday, June 21^st – Tuesday, September 6^th

Have you noticed the similarities between Quilting and Gardening?

How many seed catalogs do you have arriving, stacked and saved?

Are you saving egg cartons or eggshells, or other items, to start your seedlings?

Do you have raised beds or traditional?

Do you use straw or newspaper in your walkways?

Get out and enjoy a crisp walk before Spring returns.

Wishing you creative stitching.