Bolt Neighborhood

We've moved

--gina

Hi there!  We've moved our blog over to Squarespace.  It's still boltneighborhood.com, but in case you're still looking here and wondering what the heck happened to us, come see us at the new site!

Happy Valentine's Day!

by Amy

Instructions here. Felt, ribbon, and fabric glue at Bolt!

We're getting a new blog!  It should all switch over smoothly.  There is a possibility you may experience a hiccup over the next day or two.  If you do, you may want to clear your browser cache and hit refresh on your browser.  See you at the new one!

Stitching Green: Zakka Style project

--by Hannah

As part of our blog evolution, we're introducting a new group of posts titled Stitching Green.  Every month we'll share ideas on doing more with less, using every little bit of fabric, thread, anything we can think of.

I had the pleasure of meeting Melody Miller last year. She came into Bolt, wearing a beautiful skirt that I, of course, complimented her on. “Thank you, it’s from my new line”, she said. Curious I asked, “Oh how pretty, and who are you?” She introduced herself, we chatted some more about fabric, and she allowed us to snap her photo.

I was excited to see her ribbon project in Rashida Coleman-Hale’s new Zakka Style! I am a fan of doing a lot with a little when sewing and this project is right in line with my sewing morals. It’s always a creative challenge for me to see how much I can do with every little scrap. The book contains 24 projects by 24 different designers. Maybe you’ll find a designer you’re fond of as well.

Keep an eye out for Rashida Coleman-Hale's new washy tape fabric we're expecting soon! And Melody's Miller's new line as well---typewriters! Yes!

 

 

(FTC disclaimer: We did not receive a free book or any other rewards for writing about this book.)

 

 

Local Favorite: Red Bird Studio

by Gina

I Love Red Bird Studio.  They opened up shop soon after I opened up Bolt and I have loved them from the beginning.  I don't know if it's the whimsical drawings, the amazing cut paper pieces, or the adorable and clever silk screened Ts and other goodies that make me love them so.  The shop is located between 29th and 30th.  When I walk to work I get to pass their window and be inspired and amused.  They have some amazing window display talent! (I tried to snap a photo, but it would never do it justice.)

Ok, enough of my gushing, let's get down to the details.  This is a perfect stop off for any sweet gift you may need, either for yourself or others.  Hand silk screened or painted or drawn note pads, clothing, bags, cards, even sushi pin cushions!  They are stocked with Valentine's cards, a few shown above.  Mel and Paul are often working on something whenever I stop in and it's always fun to see what they're doing.  I love how personal this store (and many of them on Alberta) is, that you can see the items come to life right in front of you.   There's always something new to find in this little gem of a store.  Treat yourself or someone you love this Valentine's!

Bolt News: Supportland, we're hiring, and Open Studios

--gina

We have some newsworthy items around here to share.  First up, all you Supportlanders, your points are worth double on Valentine's Day!  If you're not on board yet with Supportland, you can grab a card next time you're in and we'll get you started.  It's free, fantastic and you'll feel so good!

Next up, we're hiring!  We're looking to add someone to our team.  The position will be about 10 hours per week, heavy on weekend hours.  If you're interested, please drop off a resume and cover letter at the store or email it to us by February 26th.  Be sure to let us know your experience with sewing and fabric! 

Portland Open Studios has a Call to Artists right now.  If you're interested, please check out their site where you'll see directions and an online application.  Their deadline is March 15th.  This year Portland Open Studios takes place October 13th, 14th, 20th, and 21st.  Mark your calendars!

 

New Quilt Patterns

- April

Three New quilt patterns are here by Carolyn Friedlander. These patterns bring an element of nature into a hand crafted item. Loving the color choice here aqua and red is quite striking.

This one below is called "Olive"  I really like the use of shot stripes in this example.  This version is a wall quilt, only four blocks, doable and beautiful!

The "Sunrise" pattern shown below is a great example of using all solids. I get a sense of nostalgia with this pattern in the polaroid format for these blocks.

Our quilt pattern selection is ever growing with great choices. Stop by, grab a few and get quilting!  Did you know we are now open 7 days a week for all your quilting and fabric wants and needs.

Three Clicks for Quilters

by Amy

 

I meet new quilters almost every day at the shop, and I always like to share with them some of the tips and tools that got me over the biggest bumps on the learning curve when I began my journey as a quilter. Now I'm sharing them with you!

• Heather Bailey has some of the clearest and most concise directions I've found for binding your quilt. A lot of people seem to be intimidated by this last step, but I find it super satisfying, and even relaxing. It's my "quality time" with my project before I send it out into the world!
• If you are finishing your quilt binding by hand, which is my personal preference, you will not regret investing in a little Thread Heaven. It makes any hand sewing projects so much more pleasant (less swearing!).
• If you are turned off by the notion that quilting is all about rigid rules (as I am!), there are still plenty of styles and techniques for piecing that don't rely on perfect seam allowances and accurate angles. Check out Malka Dubrawsky's "Trees" placemat tutorial on Sew Mama Sew. Her improvisational approach was what made me realize that there are all kinds of ways to quilt for all kinds of quilters. And speaking of the awesome Ms. Dubrawsky, stop by Bolt to see her vibrant new line of quilting fabric!

Just In: Laura Gunn

by Gina

I'm a big, big fan of Laura Gunn's artwork.  I think Michael Miller Fabrics have done a great job of transferring her paintings onto cloth too.  We recently received her Garden Wall line and I think it's lovely.  I'm also a big fan of hounds tooth and am really appreciating the combination of what is typically a crisp, clean pattern done in a soft, painterly way.  Super fun colors too!

I was feeling the need for a little switch up with some of the store decor the other day and asked April to do some magic with some new stretched prints.  She did two different groups of fabrics and they look fantastic!  Such a great, fast spruce up!  Super easy too.  You can check out her post on stretching fabric and get some tips to do some of your own.

Want to sew something with these beauties, but aren't sure how or what?  There's a Learn to Sew: Envelope Pillow class starting at Modern Domestic on February 23rd.  This is a great project for beginner sewists and these prints could spruce up any room!

We've been busy snapping some shots around the store to change up our website.  April took this one of the jelly thimbles and I had to share.  See you soon!

I FELT this was the best way to say I love you.

by Hannah
I’ve been wanting to make my own envelopes for quite some time now. I have no idea why I’ve had such an urge for such a little project but I just did. I found Valentine’s day the perfect opportunity. These Valentine’s day notes are fun for adults and children. I understand that my snail looks more like a whale so I think I’ll try the bear next with maybe some message like, “I bearly know you and I love you.” or “I love you so much, I can hardly bear it.”

You’ll need:
*¼ yard of felt or a couple 12”x18” sheets or more depending on how many you’re making
muslin
fabric scissors
tailor’s chalk or ball point pen
*Fabricmate fabric markers
butter knife
cookie cutters or any shape you want to trace
Liquid Stitch
*envelope or my template

1. Use the butter knife to carefully undo the glue that is holding the envelope together OR cut out the template.
2. Trace the opened envelope shape onto the felt.
3. Use Liquid Stitch  to glue your felt envelope into an envelope. You’ll glue exactly where you opened the paper envelope. Don’t glue too much or press it or it will go through the envelope and you won’t be able to put anything in it.
4. Now trace your critter or shape of choice and cut it out.
5. Cut out a few triangles of muslin for your message and dab the three corners with Liquid Stitch. Place them as shown.
6. Allow everything to dry. I gave it 1½ -2 hours
6. Write a love note with fabric markers, kiss it and make some more.

You can cut out a few squares of muslin and Liquid Stitch them to the front of the envelope, this way you can label them if you’re making them for an entire classroom or big group.

*These are best because they won’t bleed and kids can decorate how they want.
*I always choose wool/rayon felt because of the quality and we have it by the yard.

Download Envelope template

Local Favorite: Amy Dotts

--gina

We're starting to add some new regular features to the Bolt Neighborhood Blog, including featuring some of our neighbors and friends.  Each month we'll boast about a person, place or thing that we think is great.  This month we're talking about Amy Dotts.  She just opened up shop down at 29th and Alberta.  She uses fabulously bold cotton prints for party dresses and offers such fun options for layering like bloomers and petticoats.  It just so happens she's having a party next weekend, February 4th, all day.  Stop in and check it out!

A reminder: we're having a tube sale this weekend!  That means all fabric rolled on tubes (as opposed to folded and rolled on a flat bolt) will be 10% off.  If it's already marked down you can take an extra 10% off!

And possibly even bigger news is that we'll be open on Mondays starting this Monday, January 30th.  The door will be unlocked from 10-6!