We have merged newsletters
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MK Quilts provides a lot of services related to quilting. MK Quilts finishes quilts on the longarm machines that it sells. We share this experience - especially related to our computerized longarms - through our MK Quilts University and related social media. We also sell some unique tools and accessories through our online store. Unfortunately that does not leave us a lot of time to do individual newsletters. We will do our best to have something of interest for everybody.
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New (and old) MK Owners are reminded that there is an extended live training scheduled via Zoom on Saturday June 6th at 11 am Eastern time. The live training is only available to people who have bought their systems from MK Quilts. However, the recording of the session will make its way to the MK Quilts University site.
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Longarmers hate shredding thread
When you are running into intermittent shredding of your thread, check your hopping foot height. So here is the background story...
MK's Infinity (she calls it Mk'Finity) would stitch perfectly, unless it was doing a straight line from the lower right to the upper left. It may have amplified the issue because it was stitching back over the thread.
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The bigger problem for MK was that it also happened when she was doing her famous 'wiggle ditching' from left to right. Did we mention that Mr. MK had recently serviced MK-finity and was therefore blamed for causing this problem?
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There will be a full video posted on MKQU to explain this in greater detail as to how we used a second brand new Infinity machine to troubleshoot. Through comparison and testing, we noted that the hopping foot on MK-finity was slightly higher at its lowest point than the hopping foot on the new Infinity. (We could force a business card between the foot and the base plate on MK-finity. One rotation of the hopping foot lower resulted in the pattern to stitch without shredding thread! (The foot does have a spring, but don't overdo it.)
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BUT... when we did wiggle ditching, we still started to see some shredding and the stitching was not great.
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We had originally suspected that MK-finity had a little 'play' in the needle bar. She does have over 94 million stitches and is 5 years old. After sending the video to Handi Quilter for review, they had recommended that the needle bar bearings be replaced. This requires a special press that is at the HQ factory. MK can not go without an Infinity for 3-6 weeks! So we ordered the new Infinity to use while her MK-finity was repaired. It looks like we will be doing this and then selling THE NEW INFINITY floor model.
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Before we could finish and publish this newsletter, someone saw our live feed posted to YouTube and has decided to put money down on the 'new' floor model Infinity. We still have a Forte floor model ready to go.
If you are still interested in an Infinity or Forte floor model, contact us. We may be able to 'move floor models through our shop' more often and save you extra money.
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MK Quilts began as a longarm quilting business and remains a premier provider of Edge to Edge and Custom Quilting. Do not wait for a long time to get your quilts back. Most quilts are completed the same week that they arrive. Contact our studio to discuss drop-off times or how to mail your quilt to us. 727-935-1739 and press #1.
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MK Quilts University News
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MKQU members can ask to join the private Facebook group to actively participate with the community.
So much is being added to the site, that we have implemented a 'bell' notification utility for the latest updates.
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You do not even need to be logged in to see this list. Just scroll through to see what is going on.
Members get other benefits like 30 minutes of free scheduled support and direct access to our trainers.
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Has Covid-19 changed the way we do business?
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MK Quilts has not tried to be the lowest price in all cases because we provided custom installation and training services that others do not. We have had to adapt during the quarantine because we could only do 'remote installations'. So that expense was removed. MK could not go and spend a full day with the new owner, so that expense was removed. The virtual quilt show pricing bottom-lined prices.
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What we discovered at MK Quilts was that we were already doing this type of open pricing. The retailer price that we 'pay' Handi Quilter for a system does not change. We simply deal openly with our customers to cover our expenses for services such as installation and training. Our ongoing support and training resources are what sells the machines. Going forward, we will break out the prices for you and even work to keep expenses down on installation and services.
The MK Quilts University - included for 2 years free to our owners - has proven to be a tremendous training resource with hundreds of people giving amazing testimonials. We will continue to offer a free year of MKQU to the person that buys your old system when you upgrade with MK Quilts. This has been an amazing help in selling a used system to a new longarmer.
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Handi Quilter Promotions vary throughout the year. Some are better than others but all have a time limit in order to move sales along. This is paid for by HQ and is never 'retained by the dealer' as you may see elsewhere. We promise to make you aware of these promotions when we know of them.
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A new normal.
Things are starting to feel a little more normal. Albeit slowly and with societal changes in place. Which is a good thing. Getting back to business but protecting others in the process. Indeed a good thing.
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In the studio, Ellen is back to working her normal hours and her back-to-business is way normal. She's a very focused quilter when she's working for me and she's gotten much of the back log of quilt tops finished up over the last month. For my longarming customers, we're ready and able to accept all those tops you finished during quarantine. Turn-around times are quick and we're looking forward to seeing your beautiful creations.
On the training side of the house, all my travels were cancelled as you know, but training for MK Quilts University has been going full steam ahead. This platform I know was a Godsend for many who were pent up at home with their longarms w/Pro-Stitcher and I'm happy to have been an outlet for learning during that time. University members, please share your creations based on what you've learned from my courses over on the closed MK Quilts University Facebook group.
As I close out this article, there is much still going on in our country. Unsettling stuff for sure. A huge part of how I live is to bring joy and beauty to our world through quilting. I know you do too. Keep it up. Our world needs it.
MK :)
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Can we pay you $500?
This is the honest truth. We set aside a percentage of every sale for our marketing efforts. We would much rather pay you than pay Google! Our store credit offer is simply an honest way to encourage you to talk to others about MK Quilts. See our website for details.
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Special Products
Don't forget to check out these and other discounted items and others on our MK Quilts online store.
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New Product:
HQ Bobbin Tree
How cool is that!
Were you wondering where you were going to store your 30 purple bobbins that you bought last month?
This rotating bobbin tree can help you stay organized.
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We may consider a club scenario in the near future. We'd like to get our initial order in and a little stock on the shelves and then see how it goes and how we can best serve those who may like Glide sent to them on a consistent basis.
Free Shipping on Glide orders over $75
The first offering is a Pre-Order offer.
Our initial order will be going in Monday 6/8/2020.
I've spoken with the manufacturer. They insist they haven't been experiencing a lot of out stock situations. We'll see, right?
One thing that is not available at this time are Glide Color Cards.
Apparently they're being re-worked or redesigned or something. When they are available, we'll let you know and add them to the website.
We're going to be trying Glide in the studio too.
Please place your orders by Sunday evening for the initial order. It will help Paul feel better about investing thousands of dollars for Glide inventory.
We will continue to carry our Omni thread and continue with that thread club.
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"I don't need no stinking needles!"
Watch the product video MK has made for these magnetic wonders. Just click the picture and scroll down. You will realize why we these are flying off our shelves.
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20% off Super Leaders
We forced Theresa, our shipping manager, to model with one of our Super Leaders. Handi Quilter is having a sale on leaders this month and we honor all HQ specials. (You may need to tell us about them.)
Put one on both backing bars and make your life so much easier.
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POPULAR ITEM
HQ Bungee Grabbers set of 2 - Sidearm enhancement
Start with one set of two or order enough to replace all positions on your sidearms. One handed bungee management.
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Why is MK Quilts so special?
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MK Quilts is a national retailer with the best customer satisfaction!
We have hundreds of MKQU members who appreciate our focus on training.
Dozens of discounted orders go out of our online store each week.
Three computerized longarms are busy finishing quilts in the studio.
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This map only reflects our machine owners over less than three years! We have thousands of followers and customers around the world. Just ask about MK Quilts on any public social media and you will get a dozen testimonials from our community. (Unfortunately, some social media groups remove these comments as if they were promotions by a business instead of dynamic responses.)
Share this newsletter (forward it now) to your friends and guild members.
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Quarantine yourself with a new machine!
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Samson's Corner
I don't know why humans can't figure out this demonstration and rioting thing...
Bark, but don't bite!
Basic puppy 101.
Samson
- Mascot and official greeter for MK Quilts.
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