Deep in the heart of the great American Midwest, spanning from the bustling city of Chicago to the tranquility of the Mississippi River, lies the splendid state of Illinois. A place as immense as it is diverse, with prairies as vast as the imagination and skyscrapers that seem to touch the stars themselves. Now, you may ask, "What makes Illinois so special?" It's not the deep-dish pizza or the magnificent Lake Michigan, not even the iconic Wrigley Field. It's the self-proclaimed "Sewing Superstars" of Illinois, a group of extraordinary kids, who possess the magical power to turn a simple piece of cloth into a masterpiece, with just a needle and thread. Leading these Sewing Superstars is Professor Pincushion, a mystical character with thimbles for eyes, thread for hair, and a measuring tape for a belt. His laughter sounds like a sewing machine on a race, "brrrr-brrrr-brrrr." He can turn anything into a sewing project - from gigantic dinosaur onesies to tiny mouse slippers. Our Sewing Superstars aren't just ordinary kids. They stitch, embroider, and quilt with such finesse that even Professor Pincushion's button eyes gleam with pride. Their secret? Well, it's their contagious laughter and wild imaginations. They believe that every stitch tells a story. Oh, and pizza. Lots and lots of deep-dish pizza. So, here's to the Sewing Superstars of Illinois, transforming the state one stitch at a time, making it a place as colorful as their patchwork quilts. They weave tales of friendship and fun, proving that with a dash of creativity, a sprinkle of humor, and a needle and thread, anything is possible!
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Chi-Slam Table Tennis Club (Age 6–Adult) is Chicago’s premier table tennis destination, welcoming players of all ages and skill levels—from beginners just getting started to advanced competitors. Founded in 2003 and located at 2412 W. North Ave, Chi-Slam offers everything a table tennis enthusiast could want: one-on-one and youth lessons, open play sessions, league play, table rentals, and even pro shop selections like Butterfly equipment. Lessons are tailored by Coach Ardy, who brings over 20 years of experience and a passion for teaching that not only builds skill but also fosters confidence, coordination, and competitive spirit. Whether you’re looking for a fun after-school activity or serious training for tournaments, Chi-Slam delivers a community-oriented, energetic environment that makes every swing count.

At Parents Magazine, we are here to help you get started. We have a curated collection of modern and imported fabric from quilting cotton to home decor and apparel fabric, hand-dyed yarn, indie patterns and specialty notions that will help you bring your ideas to life. Sewing and knitting are timeless skills that can be passed down through generations. We want to help you make something special that will be treasured by your family for years to come. Whether you want to make a quilt or a sweater, we have the supplies you need to get started. Our collection of modern and imported fabric, hand-dyed yarn, indie patterns and specialty notions will help you create something unique and special. Let us help you bring your ideas to life and start a new tradition that you can share with your family for years to come.