EAST LONGMEADOW – Something is happening this February that will not come again for 89 years. Feb. 2nd’s date was 2-2-22. Furthermore, the 22nd of the month will be 2-22-22.

“I’m a numbers person,” said Valerie Morton, owner of Quilts and Treasures. “It’s special,” she said of the numerical alignment. “It’s 2-2-22 to 2-22-22. Do you realize this is the last time in our lifetime that this kind of thing will happen? The next time will be in 2111 when they can do 1-1-11 to 1-11-11.”
Quilts and Treasures in East Longmeadow is celebrating this occurrence with a month filled with twos.

The business has scheduled an array of classes in-person focusing on the number two, such as the “Two Color Illusion Quilt,” “Table Charm Two” and” Two Too Cute Gnomes,” which will let people make a gnome potholder and trivet. The classes on making a jewelry pouch, diva wallet and soup bowl cozy each use using two fabrics.

“Classes have been tougher because of [COVID-19],” Morton said. “We limit it to six students per class so each person has their own workstation and can be relatively distanced.” Masks are optional but students are required to bring their own cutting mat, rotary cutter, and rulers. There are wipes available to sanitize workstations.

Quilts and Treasures will have a virtual class available for people who prefer to learn new skills from home. An educator from Pfaff, a sewing machine company that Morton works with, will offer “Decorative Stitches with Pfaff.”

The educator will go over the decorative stitching options available on most brands and models of sewing machines, as well as different feet, threads, stabilizers, needles, and techniques. The class is two evenings per week for two weeks for just $22,” Morton said – Feb. 8, Feb. 9, Feb. 15 and Feb. 16 at 7 p.m. Register at https://www.quiltsandtreasuresinc.com/classes.htm
Aside from the classes, Quilts and Treasures is hosting special sales. These include a Quilt’s & Treasures Reusable tote bag for $2 with any purchase, $222 off the Pfaff Expression 710 sewing machine and an Anita Goodesign embroidery for $2.22 with the purchase of one at full price.

“I’m trying to make it affordable, so no one’s left out,” Morton said.
Morton has tied the Two Times the Fun events into the Support Your Local Quilt Shop Day, which was Jan. 28. Customers purchasing $20.22 or more that day received a “Love Note.” The notes can be brought back to the shop in February and with a purchase of $20.22, people can open their notes and redeem the item written inside. The items range from instant cash to special discounts or a gift. If they’re brought back during the Two Times the Fun event, the rewards doubled.

“There’s too much going on. With the winter doldrums, people need something to brighten the mood,” Morton said.

Quilts & Treasures is located at 56 Shaker Rd. and can be reached at 525-4789. More information is available at www.quiltsandtreasuresinc.com or www.facebook.com/quiltsandtreasures.