Spring, like this newsletter, has been a long time coming this year! It seems like it will never be warm and sunny (where I am in the Seattle area, has been cool, rainy and more than dreary for a LONG time!) and that summer doesn't really exist, it is just an idea in someone's imagination!

Even though the weather has not been co-operating, evidence of Spring is showing through in bits and pieces. I noticed last night that it was still light (twilight) out at 9 pm! When did that happen!!! The flowers are about a month behind in blooming, but the grass is green and growing - which means it has to be cut - and the weeds are growing, boo hiss!  I guess this weekend will be spent working in the garden along with a little bit of quilting, too!

Way back in early March I asked the question "You Know It's REALLY Spring When..." and I received several great responses. I have compiled the responses and you can vote on which one you like the best. The person with the most votes wins a $25 Gift Certificate from Longarm University.

To view the responses and to vote for your favorite one
Click Here

Let's also remember about the people who have lost everything in the recent tornadoes in the South and Midwest. Please donate to a charity that will help these survivors. I cannot imagine how it feels to have a house and home and in a few seconds it is all gone! My heart, my thoughts and my prayers go to all of those who have been affected.

Machine Quilters Showcase
Earlier this month I attended the Machine Quilter's Showcase in Overland Park, KS. It was a great event full of wonderful classes, amazing quilts and fabulous vendors. I was there to to teach classes and as a vendor. I saw many familiar faces, met with old friends and made many new quilting friends, too.

I would like to personally thank my sister, Sharon Schranz, who came with me to MQS to help me in my classes and in my vendor booth. She has been with me at MQS many times in the past and I have to honestly say, if she wasn't there helping me, I don't know what I would have done. Thank you Sis - I love you!!

I drove to Kansas this year, making a stop in Chicago to visit with my family before MQS. I spent Mother's Day with my Mom, Dad and siblings and their families. It was a great time! Even the neighbors came over and joined the party!

Buy the time I returned home I have drove over 5,000 miles, by myself, through too many states to count! (Do you know that Montana is a HUGE state that seems to take forever to cross!)

I LOVE traveling, but it is always SO good to be home!

New Product!! Bobbin Mate
I found a new product which, I think, is one of the slickest things I have seen in a while. It is called a Bobbin Mate and it was designed by a longarm quilter. It looks like a plug and it fits into the top of a cone of thread and the bobbin goes on top of the plug. The bobbin is securely held and it is way too cool!! This product looks strange by works really well and I made a brief video of how it works.

To view the Bobbin Mate video Click Here

Thought of the Day
A little bit ago I started the Thought of the Day and there has been a great response! Here is how it works - You 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. The Thought of the Day can be humorous or something to think about. It is a great way to start your day!

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

Online Classes Update
The last few months I have been in online class overdrive! There have been TWO NEW classes posted and a third class is almost ready!  Both of these classes are OPEN and you can sign up to attend them at any time. Remember, when you sign up for an online class, you get 24/7 access to the class for 60 days. You will also receive, at no additional charge, a DVD of the class. If you can't get online videos, don't worry! You can order a DVD of the class. (Click on the photos below for a larger view.)

If you would like more information or a copy of this report
Click Here

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

NEW Mini Tutorials 
Check out the Longarm University Tutorial Page which has a LOT of video tutorials on basic machine quitting techniques. 

To view the Tutorial Page Click Here

Check out the latest additions  -
Cleaning Templates, 
How to Stitch a Free Hand Border Without Turning the Quilt"

Also check out A Quilter's Confession which is below. It is only about minute long and I am sure you will enjoy viewing it.

Please feel free to send a comment to Cindy at longarmu@aol.com

American Hero Quilts
If you are looking for a quilting charity, I would highly recommend American Hero Quilts at www.americanheroquilts.com.  They make quilts for wounded service members and are always looking for machine quilters. I have quilted many quilts for them and personally know the people who run this charity. They are good people doing a great job for our wounded warriors!  

Just the Basics of Machine Quilting Workshop, July 9 & 10

The two day, Just the Basics of Machine Quilting Workshop, July 9 & 10 has only a few more open spaces. This workshop, will teach you how to use your quilting machine, no matter what brand of machine you have!

For complete workshop details and to register Click Here