For a little over a month now, Joe has been running Two Accordions full-time.  Yup, that's right, we have taken the plunge, embraced what may come (our waistlines can afford to starve a little!) by putting our faith in doing what we love.  Since then, he has been busy just creating quilts quilts quilts.  It takes so much time to create a quilt from start to finish, that we used to average one or two a month.  So it's exciting to see him design and produce several quilts a week!  He has even come around and has started using our amazing HQ16 machine.  For those of you aren't familiar with longarms - they are pretty much just a large sewing machine on wheels and tracks, which we do our freehand/freemotion stitch designs with.  His stitch control is great and has even come up with his own signature design - check out the "G's" in his latest quilts.

This weekend, we made a trip to San Francisco just to go to Britex and get us some goods.  Ah, this place is so wonderful!  I feel like a little kid in a very expensive candy shop!  But we have been saving our pennys and it was time to splurge.  It is a wonderland of only the best.  Imported cottons from Japan and Africa temp me (and I succumb!), but they have an awesome selection of Robert Kaufman's' Kona solids and that's what we were there for.  Curry, Cayenne, and Cadet were the main Kona colors to go a hunting for (found 'em!).   And, of course we brought home a few more. 
Thank you for being you, Britex Fabrics.  You have your quirks, but wouldn't change you for the world.  We also love the helpful and knowledgeable Gregory.  He's purdy great, too.
Sorry for the lack of pics, by the way.  Sometimes I forget (mostly, all the time) that I gotta blog.  You can also visit us on Instagram, under TwoAccordions. --R

We love it when our friends do super cool things!  And then we get all inspired when by doing those super cool things they are able to scrape a living at it! 
As you know, Joe and I like to combine art with craft, and this upcoming Holiday Fine Art Market is just that.  Plus we get to hang out with said friends and get all inspired again! 
I think you will be, too.  We would love to see you there! 
Saturday Dec. 8th noon-8pm.  ahem, and plus this place is called The Factory and if you are a nerd like me (I think you might be!), that is pretty keen stuff.

I am so in love with Hobbs wool batting.  Thanks to Betheney's  suggestions, I have been itchin' to try it out and with my latest quilt, finally was able to do so.  First of all, when I opened the bag, there was no pollen-like aroma, no shedding, and it felt like the softest thing ever.  In doing my usual movin' and groovin' thru the quilting machine, I'm used to having to be super delicate with my touch, but I noticed the wool could take more 'abuse' than the usual cotton batting.  And to add icing to the cake - it's made in the good ol' USA!  Down in Waco, Texas.  Love it!

Info from their website on the batting I used:  http://www.hobbsbondedfibers.com/products-retail.html
"Tuscany Wool batting is made with the very best super wash wool, which eliminates most or all of the shrinkage. It is then carded and resin bonded to help retard bearding. Tuscany wool batting provides superb insulation and the fiber breathes allowing excess heat to dispense away from the body. It can be quilted up to 4" apart and is washable. We recommend washing in tepid water by hand and laying out flat to dry. It hand quilts like a dream, and is wonderful for machine quilters as well."

For my birthday I'm hoping for two things - a new camera and a Korg Kaossilator.  But for all practicality purposes, the camera would be best.  I need to show ya'll how our creations turn out!

I finished this past week a most awesome commission for our Kinetic! quilt design.  Using the wool batting, it turned out stunning.  I mean, I love the Kinetic! design as it is, but the wool really took it to the next level.  Both Joe and I felt inspired by the material and are excited to go forward with it.

Machine Quilting Workshop for Beginners

Sunday November 11th 9am-4pm

location: University Art (2610 Marconi Ave, Sacramento)
*please arrive on time to set up your machine*
$99
to sign up: email us at info@twoaccordions.com

Three years ago, we didn’t know how to quilt either.  The Machine Quilting Workshop for Beginners may sound intimidating, but it’s not.  No quilting experience is necessary, but the basics on your sewing machine’s use and maintenance is required (control settings, needles, thread, accessories, etc.).  To make this possible, Two Accordions will provide the fabric, batting, cutters & mats, rulers, pins, ironing stations, and even provide coffee, snacks and lunch!  The only thing we ask you to bring is the 100% cotton muslin (if you’re not familiar with you local fabric retailers, this is a good excuse to browse). The course is bit of a marathon, so we’ve decided to use one of our designs and give you a choice of color palettes.

Space is limited.  Email now to sign up!  A materials list will be provided upon sign-up or inquiry.

Ruth Hansen & Joe Gallegos

info@twoaccordions.com

A Few Fabric Retailers Near University Art

Jo Ann
3130 Arden Way
Sacramento, CA 95825
916-481-6650

Fabric Garden
2922 Fulton Ave.
Sacramento, CA 95821
916-483-2955

Our 2nd Beginner's Quilting Workshop was held today at University Art.  We had a great time getting to know three new quilters and watching as their quilts took shape from start to finish.  Thanks Elsa, Sophia and Annette for giving us the honor!  We look forward to seeing what you do next!

Our next workshop will be Sunday September 2nd from 9am-4pm.  Contact us for more info and to sign up.

We woke up early, after spending our umpteenth night up into the wee hours quilting, to drive to the Fort Mason Pavilion.  The weather was crisp, bright, and not more than 70 degrees out.  As we descended down Divisidero, the Golden Gate Bridge emerged and in stark contrast to the clear morning, was nestled in an immense armchair of fog.  It caught me by surprise and my entire being felt like it was smiling.  We had arrived at the Renegade Craft show in SF, along with about 200 other vendors.  We shared booth #120 with the wise, cool and calm jewelry designer Upper Metal Class. And, we learned more this past weekend about operating a business than I think we have in the past two years.  We couldn't be more thankful to all the experienced vendors around us.  Also, very thankful to The Renegade Team who was so well organized and the entire show was a joy to experience.  Every element was thought through.  The DJ was great (couldn't stop tapping my foot), the food was great, they had a mezzanine bar, and the venue was customer friendly in every way.  We had success in that we have officially sold out of last years California Stockings, so I suppose we should start thinking about this years stocking collection...  (so many to-do's at this point!)  We met many people and it was great talking to everyone who came through our booth.  Thank you Alan, Stephanie, Lou, Heidi, Barb, Wes, and Adeline.  We look forward to hopefully doing this again and growing each time. - R