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Allbrands.com at Houston Quilt Festival

The Houston Quilt Festival, from October 31-November 3, 2024, is more than just an event; it’s a vibrant celebration of quilting artistry that brings together enthusiasts, professionals, and makers from all corners of the globe. Held annually in Houston, Texas, this festival has become a cornerstone of the quilting world, offering a unique blend of inspiration, education, and camaraderie. Here’s a closer look at what makes the Houston Quilt Festival a must-visit event for anyone passionate about quilting.

Education is at the heart of the Houston Quilt Festival. The event offers a wide range of classes and workshops led by some of the most respected names in the quilting industry. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced quilter seeking advanced techniques, there’s something for everyone. Topics covered can include everything from piecing and applique to machine quilting and fabric dyeing. These hands-on sessions provide valuable learning experiences and the chance to ask questions directly to industry experts.

The Houston Quilt Show is always a special event in the year.
Another special event is the unveiling of the NEW Top-of-the-line sewing and embroidery combination machine…the Brother Aveneer!
With features like the Intelligent Stitch Regulator, PicturePlay, a much larger projection area, and so much more, Brother has really created something amazing.
Please join me and all the other educators in the AllBrands booth for quilt festival so I can show you just how wonderful this new machine really is.
Jerry Granata, Brother National Educator

Each year, the festival features special exhibits and guest speakers that offer additional layers of interest and inspiration. Special exhibits might focus on particular themes, historical quilt collections, or spotlight emerging trends. Guest speakers, including renowned quilters and industry leaders, provide insightful presentations and demonstrations, offering attendees a deeper understanding of the craft and its evolution.

The Houston Quilt Festival is more than just an event; it’s a gathering of a passionate community. The festival provides ample opportunities for networking and connecting with fellow quilters. From informal meet-ups to organized social events, attendees can share their love for quilting, exchange ideas, and build lasting friendships. The sense of community is one of the festival’s most cherished aspects, making it a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.

The festival’s vendor marketplace is a treasure trove for quilters. Spanning thousands of square feet, this bustling area is filled with booths offering everything from high-quality fabrics and cutting-edge sewing machines to quilting patterns and notions. It’s the perfect place to stock up on supplies, discover new products, and get inspired by the latest trends in the quilting world. Many vendors also offer special promotions and exclusive products available only at the festival. Be sure to stop by Allbrands.com booth located under the “big red tent” and across from the Information Booth. We will have live education and demonstrations running throughout the weekend and look forward to seeing you there!

Attending the Houston Quilt Festival is more than just seeing quilts; it’s about immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of quilting culture. The festival’s vibrant atmosphere, coupled with its diverse offerings, makes it an unforgettable experience for anyone with a passion for quilting. Whether you’re there to learn, shop, or simply be inspired, the Houston Quilt Festival provides a unique opportunity to engage with a community of like-minded individuals and celebrate the art of quilting.

New in 2024: Brother EV1 Aveneer Sewing Quilting Embroidery Machine

In August 2024, Brother released their new Aveneer EV1 and Aveneer EV1-LE sewing, quilting, embroidery machine. In the ever-evolving world of sewing and embroidery, Brother has once again made waves with the introduction of the Brother Aveneer. This new machine promises to blend advanced technology with user-friendly features, offering both seasoned sewists and newcomers an exceptional sewing experience. Let’s delve into what sets the Brother Aveneer apart and why it might just be the perfect addition to your sewing arsenal.

The Brother Aveneer is designed with a focus on both innovation and ease of use. It features an intuitive touchscreen interface that simplifies navigation through its extensive range of features. Whether you’re adjusting settings, selecting stitches, or exploring embroidery designs, the interface is designed to make your sewing journey as smooth as possible.

One of the standout features of the Brother Aveneer is its versatility. The machine offers a wide array of built-in stitches, including decorative, utility, and quilting stitches, catering to various sewing projects. With an impressive selection of embroidery designs and fonts, users can effortlessly add a personal touch to their creations. The large embroidery field allows for expansive designs, and the machine supports various embroidery formats, ensuring flexibility in design choices.

The Brother Aveneer is equipped with several advanced sewing features that enhance both functionality and ease of use:

Automatic Needle Threader: Save time and avoid the frustration of threading needles manually with the machine’s automatic needle threader.
Thread Cutting: The automatic thread cutter trims both the top and bobbin threads at the end of a project, adding convenience and efficiency to your sewing.
Dual Feed System: Perfect for handling a variety of fabrics, the dual feed system ensures even fabric feeding, reducing the risk of puckering and uneven stitching.

Embroidery enthusiasts will appreciate the Brother Aveneer’s embroidery capabilities. The machine comes with a large, high-resolution LCD screen that displays embroidery designs in vivid detail. The built-in embroidery editor allows you to resize, rotate, and combine designs with ease. Additionally, the machine is compatible with Brother’s embroidery software, offering even greater design customization options.

Comfort is key for extended sewing sessions, and the Brother Aveneer delivers in this area as well. The machine features an ergonomic design, with a spacious work area that accommodates larger projects. The adjustable presser foot height allows for sewing on thick fabrics, while the smooth operation ensures a pleasant sewing experience without unnecessary noise.

Brother is known for producing reliable and durable sewing machines, and the Aveneer is no exception. Built with high-quality materials and engineered for long-term performance, the Aveneer is designed to be a dependable companion for all your sewing and embroidery needs. Additionally, Brother provides robust customer support and a comprehensive warranty, ensuring that your investment is well-protected.

The Brother Aveneer represents a significant advancement in the realm of sewing and embroidery machines. With its blend of advanced technology, user-friendly features, and versatile capabilities, it is poised to become a favorite among sewists of all skill levels. Whether you’re embarking on a new sewing project or exploring the world of embroidery, the Brother Aveneer offers the tools and features you need to bring your creative visions to life.

For those seeking a sewing machine that combines innovation with ease of use, the Brother Aveneer is a compelling choice. Embrace the future of sewing with a machine designed to enhance your creativity and elevate your sewing experience.

All About Allbrands Academy

After the return of our live events in 2023, Allbrands.com is gearing up for another season of Allbrands Academies at our stores in the late summer/early fall. I recently sat down and talked with Courtney and Barbara on what you can expect when you attend one of the events.

What’s a typical day like at Allbrands Academy?

Courtney: Expect two full days of education and creating new friendships. You will rotate to different teachers who will teach you new techniques on the latest machines Brother has to offer. Classes are structured with fewer attendees per class so you get more of a one on one experience. With endless giveaways and raffles throughout the day everyone leaves a winner.

Barbara: In the morning, we’ll have coffee and donuts, followed by meetings and shopping. Then, we’ll have opening sessions with giveaways and more! You’ll receive your opening packets and t-shirts, along with savings on merchandise in the store. After that, classes will begin. We have a round-robin style format, so there will be smaller breakout rooms, and attendees get tons of attention and support. It’s also a great way to get to know your classmates well! We’ll have a fantastic lunch and then more classes until raffles, giveaways, and grand prizes at the end. It’s an enjoyable and educational experience where you can make new friends.

What do I need to bring to the event?

Courtney: Your favorite pair of snips and a jacket if you get cold. That’s it we provide the rest!

Barbara: We provide everything that you need! We feature Brother’s latest and greatest technology.

Do I need to bring my own machines?

Courtney: Not at all we provide all the machines you will need for the event. This way everyone has the same features on their machines and no one has to worry about traveling with their machines.

I don’t own a Brother Scan N Cut – can I still attend?

Barbara: Of course! We provide Scan N Cuts and all supplies needed to learn.

My friend also wants to attend, can we be in the same group?

Courtney: Absolutely, when your register please list their name or names under who you would like to sit with.

Barbara: Of course! Although you will be at your machine, we can put you and your friend in the same classroom if you request it during registration.

What’s the difference between Allbrands Academy and a Masterclass?

Courtney: Allbrands Academy is an in person event over multiple days on many subjects. A Masterclass is a virtual course on one subject in extreme detail.

Barbara: AllBrands Academy is an In-person event with Brother experts and educators over 2 days of learning. A Masterclass is a virtual environment where you can learn at your home from your computer in a personal setting.

Do I need to bring my own drink/snack/lunch?

Courtney: We provide drinks, snacks and lunch on both days. If you have any dietary restrictions please let us know when you sign up so we can accommodate them.

Barbara: We have beverages, lunch, and snacks provided each day.

Do I get anything special from coming to the event?

Courtney: In your packet you will get a variety of surprise goodies like an AllBrands Academy shirt. You will also get special coupons and deals that are only available to attendees of the event. And don’t forget about the giveaways and raffles happening every single day.

Barbara: We provide designs and instructions if they are available after the event. You will also have a USB stick to save designs you may make during class. Sometimes, we get to create unique projects.

I went to the event last year/in previous years are the projects new?

Courtney: Brands new projects and classes with new machines that will have just come out from Brother!

Barbara: Yes, the projects are all new for events in a series, so the new events starting in San Antonio and ending in Bossier will have new projects from previous events.

When will you be coming to my city?

Courtney: So far we have announced we will be coming to San Antonio. Make sure to follow us on social media and our email newsletter to be the first to know when we release more dates.

Barbara:

Is there anything that you think someone should know if they are on the fence about coming to the event?

Courtney: Sign up. Trust me we are going to have a lot of fun and everyone always leaves learning something new. I take pride in the fact that we have created an event where people can come together and share their love of creating. We have brought in industry experts and the new top of the line machines from Brother. The events sign up fast so don’t miss out!

New sewing and embroidery Machines from Brother at Brother Experience

Brother held The Brother Experience event in Austin, TX from August 13-17, 2023 to launch their 2023 lineup of new Brother machines and accessories. During the event, Barbara Douthat from Allbrands.com showcased some of the new products from Brother during Allbrands Live, including the Brother Entrepreneur One PR1X, a Disney embroidery machine with a crosshair 2-point positioning laser, a fun and imaginative collection of built-in fonts, and 495 built-in embroidery designs, among other features.

Brother also updated its Stellaire series with new XJ2 and XE2 models. The XJ2 is a sewing and embroidery quilting machine that comes with 760 sewing stitches, including 20 tapering and 3 Sashiko, and a 9.5×14 hoop with 2-point embroidery positioning function and LED pointer. The XE2 is an embroidery machine, also in Disney theme, that comes with 101 built-in Disney embroidery designs and 9.5×14 hoop with 2-point embroidery positioning function and LED pointer.

Additionally, Brother also announced the launch of its much-awaited Brother HLJF1 Print Moda, a DTG Direct to Fabric Printer that comes with a wide variety of built-in templates in Artspira coupled with the printing power of PrintModa. The printer is the ultimate crafting companion, has wireless connectivity, and is powered by the Artspira App. The package will come with a printable cotton fabric roll and black, cyan, magenta, and yellow Inkjet ink.

Finally, the best deals of the year on these new Brother products will be available at the Houston Quilt Festival happening on November 2-5, 2023, at the George R. Brown Convention Center, at our 7 store locations in Slidell, Metairie, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Bossier City, Houston, and San Antonio, and on Allbrands.com.

Machine Embroidery – Western Style (Guest blog by . . . Joanne Banko)

Hello to all my Allbrands friends!

I’m beginning to feel like Louisiana is almost like home away from home for me! Soon, I’ll be in beautiful Baton Rouge and I hope to see many of you at the ALLBRANDS.COM sold out Embroidery Garden Party. I’ll be there along with Angela Wolf and Reen Wilcoxon as we join together for two days of unbelievable embroidery fun!!! I know I speak for all of us in saying that we’re excited to see you all! We’ll stitch six fabulous in-the-hoop embroidery projects, make new friends, eat great southern food, and have more fun than a cowpoke at a western rodeo!

So, what does a rodeo have to do with an Embroidery Garden party? Nothing really, but I’m also writing today to remind you to watch the online version of the popular It’s Sew Easy PBS TV show. Episode 1008, aptly titled Stepping Out will air on the It’s Sew Easy TV website from now until noon on Friday, May 20th, 2016. The show begins with my version of a Rodeo Cowgirl Jacket. Watch the show and you are sure to see that I love western style clothing!!! How about you?

This denim jacket features embroidery designs from my book Wrapped in Embroidery along with built in designs from the Brother Dream Machine. Although the theme is classy, classic western inspired clothing, this segment is all about how to accomplish perfect placement with templates and create continuous border style stitching using a combination of high tech Brother embroidery innovations.

Would perfect embroidery placement on garments be a dream come true for you? Have you ever wanted to embroider from here to the moon and create continuous embroidery designs that are perfectly matched from end to end? Both of these embroidery challenges are possible on any machine when you know the tricks for precise placement.

On the show you will see me use the Brother Dream Machine to accomplish perfect placement with templates and stitch continuous borders by using a basting box and the Droplight® laser. If you own this machine you will love the easy, accurate methods presented in this show. In fact this process will work on many different Brother models. Depending on your Brother machine model, you’ll find there are many more ways to create the same effect.

So, what if you have a machine without these high tech toots and whistles. There is a solution for that! In the second chapter of Wrapped in Embroidery I outline three methods for perfect placement and stitching continuous, endless embroidery on any machine! You are sure to find one or more methods that work for you, no matter what level of capability your current embroidery machine has.

Now, why not make yourself comfortable and CLICK HERE to watch It’s Sew Easy TV episode 1008? In this show you’ll also be treated to an accessory lesson presented by Angela Wolf.

Enjoy the show and I’ll talk to you again soon. Until then, I wish you Happy Sewing!

Joanne Banko is a freelance sewing educator and a self-proclaimed sewing cheerleader. You can see Joanne’s online teaching segments broadcast on the popular PBS TV show, It’s Sew Easy, and online at www.itsseweasytv.com. She is a frequent contributor to Designs in Machine Embroidery magazine and author of the book Wrapped in Embroidery, available at AllBrands.com.

Visit Joanne at her Sewing and Embroidery website, www.letsgosew.com and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/letsgosew