In the past, January and February used to take FOREVER to get through, but this year, these months have FLOWN past! I have been working hard and all of a sudden, it seems like it's staying lighter outside longer and then, last Sunday, Daylight Savings Time began! It's still cold, wet, gray and dreary here in the Northwest, but Spring is SLOWLY starting to creep in. The crocuses are starting to come up and there is some new, baby green leaves beginning to show on some of the early growing plants.

In January I asked you to send ideas on how you "Beat the Winter Blahs" and there were over 50 responses. The responses are still posted on the Longarm U website and I'll keep them there for a while. I did receive a suggestion that they be put into a printable format so they could be read away from the computer - and I did so. On each page of the Winter Blahs, there is now a downloadable, PDF file, of the "Blah Beaters" on that page. Feel free to print out a copy for yourself and your quilting friends. To view the Winter Blahs Click Here

Since the Winter Blah Beaters was such a huge success, let's do the same thing but with a Spring Theme!

I know it is REALLY SPRING when ....

Finish that phrase and send it to LongarmU@aol.com I will post the answers and we can vote again for the best one. The winner will receive a $25 Gift Certificate from Longarm University. The number of winners will depend on the number of entries received.

For me, it is really Spring when it's still significantly light out after 7 pm (after Daylight Savings begins). Right now, it's still almost light at 7pm, but not quite "significantly." By the end of the month I know that I'll be able to wear my sunglasses at 7 pm - or later! 

Have you ever wondered how Daylight Savings Time began? Here is link to an article on the National Geographic website

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/11/110311-daylight-savings-2011-time-savings-when-does-spring-forward-nation/
 

Thought of the Day

A few weeks ago I started something new called the Thought of the Day and already a few of you are participating!  You have to sign up to receive the Thought of the Day in an email and there is no selling, ONLY the special Thought of the Day. I usually send out the Thought in the morning (Pacific Time) but it can come to you at almost any time of the day. There is no obligation and you can cancel at any time.

For more information on the Thought of the Day and to sign up Click Here

NEW!! Online Class Coming Soon
I am putting the final touches on a NEW online class that I have been working on for a LONG time.

Borders, Corners & More  
Working From the Back of the Machine
is exactly what the title says. I show you how to quilt borders using paper/pantograph patterns, how to "turn the quilt", how to quilt individual or "motif" patterns in specific places on the quilt and MUCH, MUCH more!

Even though the class is not on the Longarm Classroom website yet, it will be VERY SOON! On the web page with all the details there is a place where you can sign up and when the class is ready, you will be the first to know!

For complete details about this exciting new class Click Here

Online Classes Special Offer

Do you want to get the Online Class Bargain of the Year?
If you answered YES, check out the Special Offer on the Longarm Classroom website. For a relatively low fee, you will receive access to ALL the classes that are posted to the Longarm Classroom website in 2011! At this time there are 7 classes that have been added in 2011 and there are more classes to come!

For complete details Click Here 

Online Class Survey Results are Posted
Several months ago I asked for your help for an article I was working on for OnTrack Magazine about participating in online classes. The results are in and the article has been written and published on the IMQA website www.IMQA.org  (International Machine Quilters Association).

You can read the article by Clicking Here Below the covers of the magazines (that has some fabulous quilting on them) click on the link next to the RED letters that say READ

Quilting Stuff For Sale
New items, mostly pre-wound bobbins and thread, have been added to the Longarm U "Quilting Stuff for Sale" page. This is a GREAT way to stock up on the basics. Supplies are limited and when they are gone, they are gone!

For details Click Here

Quilting Business Survey
I have just completed a NEW online survey about your machine quilting business. I am planning on writing some articles on machine quilting as a business and would like your input and to find out YOUR most pressing business issues.

Please take a few moments to complete this brief survey
(only 11 questions) by Clicking Here

Longarm U Website
I have been working on upgrading and updating many of the pages on the Longarm U website. I have converted most of the video to a new system which should make the video load faster and there should be fewer problems when viewing the video.

Check out the Tutorial Page which has a LOT of video tutorials to see the changes. To view the Tutorial Page Click Here

Check out the latest addition "How to Stitch a Free Hand Border Without Turning the Quilt". To view Click Here

April Beginning Machine Quilting Workshop
The four day, Beginning Machine Quilting Workshop, April 8 - 11 has a few more spaces available. This workshop, along with teaching you the basics of using your longarm machine (any brand) also emphasizes how to start your own machine quilting business.

For complete workshop details and to register Click Here