These quintessential summer days have been a distraction, making it difficult to gather thoughts and write. So just a quickie this month to let you know what's new. Time to get back outside and soak up the vitamin D!

Titanium-coated Topstitch 100 needles are now in stock. This large size needle can accommodate very thick threads - even up to a perle 8. The titanium coating is more wear-resistant than chrome plating, thereby extending the life of these needles by five to eight times. Organ has been producing needles in Japan since the 1930's, and has now joined with Superior Threads in making high quality Titanium-coated Topstitch needles available for the home sewer.

So many of you are now quilting on machines that use the larger capacity "M" style bobbins. SuperBobs in convenient 12-packs are here in the 5 most popular colours (including a neutral assortment), each bobbin containing 215 yds. of 60 wt. Bottom Line thread. These bobbins are suitable for Pfaff Grand Quilter, Husqvarna Mega Quilter, Tin Lizzie, HQ Sixteen, Indigo (Hinterberg), A-1 Elite, Gammill, Innova 18, Ken Quilt, and Babylock Jewel.

King Tut is such a favourite with quilters - a bold 40 wt. extra long staple cotton thread with a precise 1" colour change makes quilting designs stand out and get noticed. I am now carrying 44 of the most-requested colours on 2,000 yd. cones.

Prewound bobbins are popular for use in the machine. But stitchers also like the convenience of having a range of colours available to them in a convenient size that can be popped into a sewing kit for applique, piecing, or any other sewing on the go. Just in are two new collections of Masterpiece 50 wt. 2-ply cotton. Choose from Neutral Darks or Neutral Lights, both in the L style for domestic machines. (A light and a dark bobbin, plus a hand sewing needle, is just the ticket for the summer traveller. No more taping or stapling hems - or worse - while on the road!)

Adaptable Quilting Designs by Sue Patten is her latest collection of inspiration for  quilters who want to add something interesting to their creations. The designs are suitable for any kind of quilting, be it hand or machine.

The CQA Conference dates for next year in London, Ont. are 24-28 May 2011. Be sure to mark your calendars!

Interweave Press has just announced the launch of what looks like a very interesting eMag, In Stitches. Take a virtual tour before ordering, and then wonder how you ever managed without a computer.

If you are visiting the nation's capital between 2 - 27 July you have an opportunity to view the work of the Out of the Box Fibre Artists at the Shenkman Arts Centre. Being shown concurrently is Elaine Quehl's solo exhibit, Shades of Light.

Hard to think about fall just yet, but the annual Art With Loose Threads retreat is being held 29 - 31 Oct. at the Opinicon Resort Hotel. Tutors will be Catharina Breedyk-Law, Pat Lemaire and Wendo Van Essen. Techniques taught - double needle work, silk screening, couching, quilting to create texture, free motion, hand beading, wire work, using wash away stabilizers, needle felting, framing work on wood. Please contact Cathy at catelaw@ripnet.com for more information and to book your spot.

ON THE ROAD

Please visit Events for locations and times.

Sometimes space is limited at venues and I am unable to bring everything (apart from the threads of course!). Avoid disappointment - call or email your order prior to the event and I will have it ready for pick up at the show or class.

10, 11 July - Prince Edward County QG show in Picton. Beautiful destination for a summer's day.