Where does it come from?

Have you ever seen such a thing? The snow comes and blankets the world with beautiful white and everything looks so pristine (except for the dirty house paint). Those of us still mobile become even more energetic. Grandpa announces he can walk to work now instead of having to drive 70 miles. But what happens to him on his way to "work"? He stops by the home of the 5-year-old and collects several people in his entourage. He moves on to where the sewing machine workshop is at the home of the 4-year-old and the one-year-old. They begin "sledding" in the white stuff and their parents join in. Grandma finally hears from the entire group who relate their hunger. So Grandma the cook gets started making hot lunch for all. After the group has eaten, they go again to slip and slide in the beautiful white world. So much for walking to work. Grandpa has spent all day playing with the family who live in the neighborhood and life is good. Only one adult has any bruises after so many hours of action play; so, that is really good. Grandpa then spends the evening snoring on the sofa before retiring for the night. The only thing that could be better is if all of the family could have been in town to play together. All is well in the "land of Ballentine". Oh, and Grandma got the baby quilt put together during the snow vacation. That makes it all even better.

Sara

H&C Feature of the Week: Needles
At Heirlooms & Comforts this week we will continue the feature of sewing machine needles since we were unavailable to you for most of the past week. Buy two packs of machine needles and get the third one (of equal or lesser value) free. Needles should be changed after about 10 hours of sewing. They become blunt and can easily get burrs and become crooked after penetrating numerous layers of seam allowances for 8 to 10 hours. To help you remember to change your needle frequently and to use the correct style needle, we are continuing the special event for needles.

Great Opportunity
At Heirlooms & Comforts we have a great opportunity for our customers to get a really tremendous bargain in a Husqvarna Viking Sapphire 830 classroom model machine with a full warranty for only $799. Can you believe it?!! That is an MSRP $1499 originally. You do the math; you get the savings. There are so many reasons to have this model machine that my email would be much too long to name them all here. Just suffice it to say if you want a Sapphire machine for any reason, now is the time to come in. The supply is limited, so don't delay coming in for your machine.

Your class was cancelled?
If your scheduled class at Heirlooms & Comforts was cancelled or postponed last week due to the weather, be sure to check with us to see about make-up or rescheduled time. We are counting on you to call us to be sure what happened to your class. You could have already gotten an email from the instructor telling you what to do about that missed class. If that is not the case, be sure to call in to get updated information.

Needle-ology

With regard to winter in South Carolina, at Heirlooms & Comforts we will always put a message on the phone system to say what we are doing about getting into the shop on bad weather days. My remembering to change the message after the bad weather ends is sometimes a problem (at my age). The message will always include the date just in case I forget to go back to the normal busy message. Above all we want our friends to be safe, healthy and happy. Therefore, if the road conditions are "iffy" we will make adjustments to our schedules. A quick check with our phone (864-639-9507) will be your best information.

Sara

H&C Feature of the Week: Needles
At Heirlooms & Comforts this week we will feature the all-important sewing machine needle. Buy two packs of machine needles and get the third one (of equal or lesser value) free. Needles should be changed after about 10 hours of sewing. They become blunt and can easily get burrs and become crooked after penetrating numerous layers of seam allowances for 8 to 10 hours. Most often the cause of skipped or uneven stitches is a damaged needle. We frequently see stitching problems related solely to the needle having been damaged or dinged on a forgotten pin or a "lump of trash" in batting. Polyester fiber is also very sharp or strong and can cause a blunted needle; so a project with poly batting can require numerous changes of the needle depending on the size of the project.

The engineering of the needle is important as well in producing a beautiful stitch. Universal needles have a slightly rounded or not very sharp point. It is a little hard to describe in terms of what it is; it is easier to say what it is not. A universal needle is not so sharp that it will cut the threads in a knitted fabric and cause a "run". It is not so rounded that it has a difficult trip through a woven fabric. Therefore, it is called universal because it can sew both kinds of fabrics. A Stretch needle is honed to go through knitted fabrics without damaging the fibers. A Ballpoint needle has a very rounded tip so that you can sew extremely elastic fabrics such as Lycra and Spandex without damage to the fiber. The round tip just shoves the stretchy stuff aside until it is done putting the thread where it should go. A Microtex needle is engineered to use its very pointed, almost arrow shaped tip to penetrate the fabrics that are dense and tough. It is designed not to cut the fabric, but to go easily between the rows of woven threads to make the stitch. Certainly I have not in this letter touched on all the available types of needles; this is just the tip of the "needle iceberg."

This is all so scientific and almost microscopic to my eye that I have to trust the printed materials that I have read across the 26 years that I have been in this business. I trust that the explanations for the use of the many different types of needles are the result of industry at its best. We offer you two brands of needles that we have found to be suitable for almost all machines on the market today. We have charts available for you to refer to in choosing the correct needle for your project. Remember also that "size matters".

Great Opportunity
At Heirlooms & Comforts we have a great opportunity for our customers to get a really tremendous bargain in a Husqvarna Viking Sapphire 830 classroom model machine with a full warranty for only $799. Can you believe it?!! That is an MSRP $1499 originally. You do the math; you get the savings. There are so many reasons to have this model machine that my email would be much too long to name them all here. Just suffice it to say if you want a Sapphire machine for any reason, now is the time to come in. The supply is limited, so don't delay coming in for your machine.

Resolutions

Happy New Year! Do you make resolutions? Are able to keep the ones you make? How does that make you feel? Mostly I keep mine to myself so that nobody knows by observation whether I was successful or not. That is not the way it is supposed to be done, I know. However, it is a "safe" way to get by, right?

I do wish for you and your loved ones a year of prosperity, achievement, health, happiness and creative inspiration. We at Heirlooms & Comforts want to be included in your creative experience. We would like very much to be a part of the inspiration for the items that you produce in the world of sewing and quilting. For that reason we have compiled a group of classes to assist you with developing skills and with having fun with fellow artists and craftswomen. We are looking for you in the shop; spend your creative time with us.

Sara

H&C Feature of the Week: Class Registration

At Heirlooms & Comforts this week we are featuring Class Registration. When you sign up and pay your registration fee this week you will qualify for a 20% discount on the supplies listed by the instructor for the class you sign up for. That is twice the discount we normally offer for supplies. There is no limit for the number of classes you can register for. The 20% discount ends with the end of the first session of the class for which you register.

Click here to see the class listing.


Classroom Machines
At Heirlooms & Comforts we have several Sapphire 830 sewing machines that have been used in the classroom that we are offering at an unbelievable price and with full warranty. Are you looking for a great machine to carry to class, or a second machine for when your sewing-embroidery machine is busy doing embroidery, or a machine for a beginner sewer who is very interested in sewing? This is a great solution for you! Come in and test sew one of these Sapphires to see how great they are for the sewer or quilter. You'll love the way this machine sews!

New Items Arrive
We have received several large shipments of fabrics at Heirlooms & Comforts. Among them are new Westminster Fibers groups from Amy Butler, Kaffe Fassett and friends, Moda's Morris Tapestry, In the Beginning Fabric's Marzipan, voiles and linen/cotton prints for home décor, and of course new Batik fabrics. Seeing them "in person" is the best way to experience the excitement of the vibrant color and marvelous design.




Reminder

At Heirlooms and Comforts this is Clean-off-the-bolt week.  The usual discounts for this event apply.

From One Holiday to the Next

We are now at the point in the year when we are moving rapidly from one holiday to the next. How much fun is this? Can we not do this all year long? You know, the part about gathering with friends and family to enjoy the company of each other. We could do that more often, don't you think? I watched my family (at least half of them) interact with their Uncle Bob and his family this week in great jovial exchange with each other. Once a year is about all they can manage to be with most all of the "clan". It really is too bad because they have so much FUN together. This is something we will work on for sure at our house.

Sara

H&C Feature of the Week:
Inventory Reduction Sale
At Heirlooms & Comforts this week we will feature our Inventory Reduction Sale. What that means is that we have identified items that can be drastically reduced in price to you. This includes an unbelievable number of items from our regular stock that have deep price cuts. You may find just the item you have been waiting for in this sale. Items are from all departments in our shop. Once again this is so unbelievable that you just must come in to find out what is included! Values range up to 75% off.

Last Week for Special Financing
Special Financing with GE Money ends on December 31, 2010. Not only that, we have special prices on many models of Husqvarna Viking Sewing Machines. We cannot publish the prices because they are so low, but we can tell you that they are definitely worth your investigation. Come to Heirlooms & Comforts to test sew on these models to find out which is best suited to you. We are happy to pass the savings on to you!

Winter Class Schedule is Posted
The Heirlooms & Comforts Winter Schedule for Classes is now posted on our web site ready for you to choose the classes you wish to take. Sign up and complete your registration/payment by January 8, 2011, and get 20% off class supplies listed by the instructor of your chosen class. This is a great saving for you when you complete your payment by January 8. We are ready for you.

Heirlooms & Comforts Holiday Hours

• December 30: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• December 31: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
• January 1 & 2: Closed
• January 3: Return to regular hours

Thinking of Others

This is the time of year that those who are economically and personally "ill" have difficulty coping with the customs and habits of our society. There is depression and despair among persons who feel inadequate in the Season of Giving to their families and friends. This is a time when we who have comfort and plenty can aid those who are less fortunate. We have, for some years now, recognized a quilter among us who plies her art/craft to try to supplement her disability income to make her life more comfortable in her aged years. She sells her handicraft to get "spending" money. We can bring into the shop her quilts, which include African-themed models, for you to purchase; or we can take donations at the shop to be delivered to her either at Christmas or at her 86th Birthday on December 27. She always has a need of some sort that her income does not cover and is always grateful for contributions. It is amazing how good you can feel about making this kind of donation.

It is always a sad time when a quilter friend passes away. Word has come of the passing of a wonderful quilter and friend, Lucille Kriegle. Lucille touched many lives in her 79 years. She made many beautiful quilts and passed them on to others who found comfort and cheer in their warmth. She will be missed by many of us across the upstate.

Sara

H&C Feature of the Week: 25% off One Item of your Choice
25% off One Item of your Choice this week at Heirlooms & Comforts
At Heirlooms & Comforts this week we will continue the 25% 0ff any one item of your choice.

Exemptions apply: Sewing machines, sergers, software suites, and cabinets. Tell your personal Santa to check us out for holiday savings on your wish list.

Special Financing Available
Designer Topaz 30, Designer Ruby, and Designer Diamond are available with special terms with the Home Design card from GE Money: 36 or 48 months no interest (special conditions apply).

This special will end on December 31, 2010. These machines are in stock and ready to go. Be among the first to commit for these! We can assist you with the application to GE Money if you don't already have a Home Design Card.

Winter Class Schedule is Posted
The Heirlooms & Comforts Winter Schedule for Classes is now posted on our web site ready for you to choose the classes you wish to take. Sign up and complete your registration/payment by January 8, 2011, and get 20% off class supplies listed by the instructor of your chosen class. This is a great saving for you when you complete your payment by January 8. We are ready for you.

Click here to see the class listing.

Heirlooms & Comforts Holiday Hours

* December 24: Close at 2:00PM
* December 27: Open at 10:00AM
* December 30: Close at 2:00PM
* January 2: Open at 10:AM.

How Do the Others Celebrate?

Not 24 hours before I am writing this letter, Bobby and I returned home from a trip to Hungary, Slovenia, Austria and Bavarian Germany. To see how the populations of those areas celebrate winter and the Christmas season as compared to what we do here is a study in contrasts. First, winter is just winter. It is darker earlier and longer. It is cold. It is one of the seasons that they live through. There are down-filled coats and buntings for the babies; there are hats of all descriptions especially with ear covers; there are gloves and mittens; and there are boots to keep out the cold snow and water. Then you just operate as usual. The strollers for the babies are equipped with sleeping-bag-like covers for the babies who are suited up mittens and all so that only the eyes and nose are visible under layers of blankets. The entire family is out-sometimes all six or seven members-in the dark at the Christmas Market shopping, eating and being neighborly with friends. Food is in abundance---cooked in full view on grills and wood-fired stoves and in woks too big to get onto one of our stoves. There are sausages of all varieties and BIG; sauerkraut; potatoes; and breads and pretzels you wouldn't believe! Hot mulled wine seems to be the drink of choice after beer in the markets. And to my surprise, the cups are ceramic, not Styrofoam. There are those whose job it is to collect and clean the cups and wheel them back to the stalls to be used again. How's that for being "green"? Family, from the youngest to the oldest, seems to be a theme in these cold countries.


Christmas is a religious holiday and the churches are central in this celebration. Then the theme of the nativity is carried out into the community. In Passau, Germany, there are 29 crèches or nativity scenes on public display in the city with a map of where you can find them. St. Nicholas Day is celebrated separately from the Christian celebration of the nativity in many places. St. Nicholas was a Bishop who delivered treats to the children; so, that is not totally an a-religious event. It was an impression that the religious event is far more emphatic than we hear in this country. I suppose that can be a personal choice for us who have the freedom to choose our traditional celebrations as we wish. This is not to say that persons in those countries can't choose how they celebrate. It is, to this tourist, a more general public dedication to the religion than I observe in the USA. Do you suppose that those who at some point in their history almost lost their religious freedom are more likely to punctuate it? I am grateful for where I am!

Sara

H&C Feature of the Week: 25% off One Item of your Choice
At Heirlooms & Comforts this week we will feature a 25% discount on one item that you choose that is not already reduced in price, nor a machine or cabinet, nor an embroidery software suite. Now is the time to send your Santa in to purchase that larger ticket item that you have wished for. Let him know that machines and software are often priced specially and carry special financing through GEMoney and Home Design Card of 36 to 48 months not interest. Special terms of purchase apply to these financing options and we can explain those when you are in the shop - worth listening to! Special financing ends Dec. 31, 2010.

Reminders

• Visit the Heritage Museum House in Central on Church St. where the Second Graders decorated two trees.
• Visit the shop on Madden Bridge Rd to see how festive we can be!
• Look for the new Winter Class Schedule coming soon on www.heirloomsandcomforts.net
• Look for special deals coming with Winter Class sign-ups.

Got Hot Flashes?

We are rapidly moving toward the closing of the tenth year of this century; can you believe it? Do you remember how time just crept from one birthday to the other when you were seven or eight? Now a year passes at "mach" speed - so fast that you suddenly realize that this is the last page on this year's calendar. So much has gone down the track this year. Start thinking about all the wonderful ways you have been fortunate during 2010. Make a list of the good things you have seen, learned, and done. See if there is something left on your list of resolutions that you can still accomplish in these last few weeks of 2010. Then work at getting it done so you can look back to a completed list. That always feels good - a completed list. I'm working on mine!

Sara

H&C Feature of the Week: Fat Quarters at Show Special Prices
At Heirlooms & Comforts our Feature of the Week this week is Fat Quarters at Show Special Prices: $2.75 each; or 6 for $15; or 12 for $25; or 24 for $48. Make your selections for a beautiful scrap quilt or a fantastic Tuffet or a warm patchwork jacket. Fat quarters combine well with Jelly Rolls to make wonderful quilts, too.

Hot Flashes
At Heirlooms & Comforts our block-of-the-month quilt for the next year is called Hot Flashes and our sample is constructed using the Shades ombre fabrics. Come to see the sample hanging in the classroom that Kathy made using black as the background color. How gorgeous can a quilt be! You can use other colors for the background with equal success. The group that has already had one class has decided to do two blocks each month in order to not postpone the completion of the quilt for so long. You can still join in the class; just call to get details. Kathy is in the shop on Tuesdays and Fridays regularly. Other associates can also help you with details.

Special Financing Available
The 36 to 48 Months no-interest financing through GEMoney Home Design Card system ends with the end of the year. We have models to qualify for these special terms still in stock waiting just for you. Have you ever sewn with a Husqvarna Viking machine, any model? You will love the features that were designed by sewers for sewers. Come in for a demo to see which suits your needs better.