Classes
Our classes are now posted through March 2012. If you are new to us, please review the general information below.
Please scroll down for our current Class List below.
General Information about our classes:
How to sign up for classes: You may sign up for our classes online and use Paypal for immediate online payment. Paypal is a highly secure internet payment service. We can accept all credit card types for web payments. You may still pay by phone or in the store if you prefer. After you register for a class, within a day or two you should receive a confirmation email that includes the Supply List.
Full Classes: Please pay attention to a note that a class is FULL. Due to people signing up in the store, there is not a counter that will prevent you from signing up for a full class!
No date listed: If you click on "Find out more" and see no dates listed for a class,
this is because the class has already occurred. However, we may offer
it again next quarter.
You see a date, but no Sign Up button: If a class has no fee, there will not be a "Sign Up Now" button for it. However, you may still register online for a no-charge class by sending us an email.
Cancellations: We make a commitment to our teachers one week before the class. If you need to cancel and give us at least 7 days notice before the start of the class, you will be given a full refund. We will apply a store credit in your name, unless you specifically request otherwise. The same policy applies if we need to cancel due to low enrollment. We normally make this decision one week prior to the class.
BEGINNERS / BASICS
No quilting experience is necessary except as noted. Machine quilting classes require that you own a portable sewing machine that you will bring to class. Your machine should be in good working order and you should be familiar with your own machine’s features. If you are not fully comfortable with your machine, please take Welcome to Your Machine first. If you do not yet own a sewing machine we have Berninas available to rent for the day. Please reserve in advance.
ON-GOING GROUPS AND CLASSES
Basic quilting experience is required. Please know your sewing machine. It should be in good working condition. Please register by email even for classes that have no fee. We need to know how many students are coming and there may be a supply list.
MACHINE PIECING, QUILTING and CRAFTS CLASSES
Basic quilting and rotary cutting experience is required. Please know how to operate your sewing machine. It should be in good working condition. Bring your manual. All supplies should be gathered prior to the day of class. We will be glad to help.
Basic Sewing for Homeschoolers (9-13 year olds)
This is a basic level class. Students will be introduced to how the sewing machine works, how to care for and maintain it. Students will learn about woven fabric, use different tools for measuring, learning basic geometry concepts and draw their own patterns for the class projects. Projects are chosen for this class to help the student build cutting, pinning, marking, and stitching skills. In addition they will be challenged with putting in a zipper, machine quilting, 'building' a pocket and constructing a lining. Students will be required to finish each project before moving on to the next. During the course students have the opportunity to complete a tool roll, a drawstring bag, zippered pouch, and a 'That's The Point' Apron. (5 sessions)
Pre-Requisite: understanding of fractions helpful, but not required
Eileen Hogan
Beautiful Binding
Once and for all, learn how to do a continuous binding with perfect mitered corners every time. This class will give you the confidence to enjoy binding instead of dreading that last important finishing step. You will need a small finished quilt ready to bind. A crib or lap size is recommended. (1 session)
Karen West
Beginner Sewists-NEW!
This class is for the novice or never-before sewer. You will learn the basics of the sewing machine and sewing tools. You will choose (with assistance from the instructor) a project that is suitable to developing skill quickly and completely. This class will be offered regularly each month, so that you can move at you own pace. (ongoing-2 sessions per month) Note: meets only once in March. ($30)
Eileen Hogan
Beginning Sewing-Kimono
This three-part class will help you begin to sew on your machine (any model) and get you going on a construction project to help build your sewing skills. Pre-requisite: Welcome to Your Machine (or permission from the instructor). You will be working from Amy Butler's book, In Stitches. (3 sessions)
Eileen Hogan
Every Trick in the Book
Diane is known for her collection of tools and gadgets. In this lecture-format class, she brings her sewing room to you, and using her array of fun goodies, and her extensive knowledge, she teaches you every trick in the book, and some that aren't in a book. Because of the hauling involved, she does not offer this very often, so don't miss it!
Diane Donovan
Help! My Stash is Growing and I Can't Make it Stop!
This is a special lecture by guest teacher, Annie Smith, the well-known podcaster and author from Northern California. Annie will take a humorous look at the quilter’s nature to multiply. Take a sneak peek into the inner sanctum of quilter’s stashes. This is for the quilter who loves fabric and needs to find creative ways to manage and get control over their stash. Isn’t that just about every quilter you know?
Mitered Borders
Mitered borders give your quilt a different look and are more efficient to sew when adding multiple borders. In this class you will learn how to make a perfect 45 degree miter every time. You will need a small quilt top that is finished except for the borders. (1 session)
Karen West
Quilt School I by Machine
Learn to make a small quilt or wall-hanging from start to finish. This class is designed to introduce you to the techniques used to make beautiful quilts quickly and accurately. You will learn rotary cutting, piecing, applying borders, basting, simple machine quilting, and binding. Sewing machine and basic machine sewing skills are required. If you are not familiar with all the functions and parts of your sewing machine please take Welcome to Your Machine first. (4 sessions) Please follow the "Sign Up Now" buttons across for the start date of each 4-week session.
The January 23rd class is FULL! Please do not register. You may email us to be placed on the waitlist.
Karen West
Quilt School II by Machine
Build on the new skills you learned in Quilt School I by taking this class specially designed to take you a step further in the quilt making process. This lap size quilt involves slightly more intricate rotary cutting and piecing, using triangles. Prerequisite: Quilt School I (taken recently) (4 sessions)
Required book: Quilts from the Quiltmaker's Gift. We will reserve a copy for you when you sign up for the class.
Diane Donovan
Thread Your Serger
Four threads and no bobbin! Loopers, needles, and a zillion little slots and spots. This class focuses on just one thing-how to thread your serger. You will leave feeling much more confident and ready to use your serger. This class is required before taking any other serger classes. No charge if you just purchased your serger in our store. (1 session)
Eileen Hogan
Welcome to Your Machine
This class is open to owners of any brand of sewing machine that is in good working order. You will discover what all those feet, accessories, buttons, dials and funny-looking icons are all about. You will also learn the basics of how to thread and manage tension (of the machine, that is!). You will show off your new skills by sewing a scarf designed by Amy Butler. Don't let a piece of machinery intimidate you! If this is your first class be sure to read the Supply List that will be emailed to you. Let us know if you need help gathering your supplies. (1 session)
The January 11th class is FULL!
Eileen Hogan
Start Sewing for Kids (age 8-12)
(Formerly titled Welcome to Your Machine) This class is open to kids ages 8-12 using any brand of sewing machine. The machine must be in good working order. They will learn how to operate their sewing machine and will begin to sew, making a fabric headband as their first project. We recommend having the sewing machine serviced prior to class if it has not been used recently, or has not been serviced in the past year. This helps avoid machine-problems in class. When signing up please send us the name and age or your student and what brand and model of sewing machine she/he will be using in class. You may send this information in the "Message to Seller" field, or in a separate email via our Contact page. (1 session)
Eileen Hogan
Beyond Beginner Sewists-NEW!
If you are comfortable with the basic function of your sewing machine and have moved onto more challenging projects, this class is for you. If you want assistance with fitting, clothing design, tailoring or advanced sewing techniques, this is the class to attend. Classes will meet regularly each month, so there is time between for homework and practice (or not!) (ongoing-2 sessions per month) Note: meets only once in March ($30).
Eileen Hogan
Finish-It Friday
Bring in those unfinished projects, and we’ll provide dinner and five hours to get them done! If you would like to join us, but don’t have a project going, Celeste will help you get started on a great quilt. (on-going monthly)
Please note that this class is for adults only (over 21), and is intended for quilters beyond the beginner level.
Celeste Lestienne
Fee per month
Beginning Machine Applique
Do you love the look of needle-turn applique but prefer to work on your sewing machine? This is the class for you. With a few simple tips, glue sticks, orange sticks, wash away foundation and a sewing machine that sews a narrow zig zag stitch you will create the look of needle-turn applique in a fraction of the time. Pattern provided. (1 session)
The December class is FULL!
Sharyn Cole
Block Jean-ious...the Wright way
Learn from our most experienced and prolific quilter, Jean Wright, how to make perfect blocks with attention to detail. You will make a different block each week. We will run this class every other month throughout the year, giving you the opportunity to make a stunning sampler quilt. Setting possibilities are endless, but Jean’s quilt is one wonderful example. You may pay class-by-class ($20) or by the month ($75). (8 sessions)
Jean Wright
Chopsticks
Large and small triangles weave a festive Asian flair with this crisscross of another kind. Using a 60 degree triangle ruler, makes cutting this out quite simple. (2 sessions)
Tammy Triglianos
Cityscapes
Have you ever wondered what happens when you don’t follow the rules? Susan's methods will free you up to leave patterns behind and find new freedom in quilting and this class will guide you through the process. You will make your own original city scape. (1 session)
This class is FULL!
Susan Powell
Contemporary Log Cabin
The log cabin block is one of the simplest, yet most versatile designs in quilt block history. Learn the quick piecing method, and you will have a bed size quilt pieced before you know it. Appropriate for all levels after Quilt School I. (2 sessions)
Karen West
Design Your Own Mandala
Gail will teach you how to draft your own pattern for your unique kaleidoscope design, and then teach you how to foundation piece all those intricate little points to create your original masterpiece. (4 sessions)
Gail Greene
Designing Elements of Fine Machine Applique
This is a special 2-day workshop by guest teacher, Annie Smith, producer of the well-known podcast, "Annie's Quilting Stash". Based on her popular “West of Baltimore” machine applique quilt, Annie has designed a special workshop just for those who love applique. Participants will use an encyclopedia of applique elements and artist’s design secrets to design their own unique quilt. Using Annie’s simple technique for fusible machine applique, students will be on their way to making an heirloom-worthy quilt. They will be given ideas and resources that will make the design process easier. The first day will focus on design and the second day students will learn the technical side of fusible machine applique technique and will begin to sew their creations. (2 sessions)
Free-Motion Quilting
This series of classes is intended to teach you how to machine quilt using free-motion. You will learn to enhance the surface of your quilt with or without the use of a pattern. Information on use of various threads and marking methods will be included. (3 sessions)
The February 2 class is FULL! Please do not register. You may email us to be placed on the waitlist.
Stephanie Pennington-Grant
Fusible Applique and Paint Workshop
Fused applique is fast, fun and very creative. Applying a little textile paint to add depth to your flower or landscape can be addicting. Here’s a class where you learn how to do both!! In this class, I provide two patterns to choose from and we take off from there. We will cover the basics of fusing fabric, choosing fabrics and colors to make your piece shine, and painting for depth and realism with a little bit of fabric paint. Your fused and painted piece will then be ready for you to quilt on your own. You can purchase supplies from me, bring your own, or try mine in class without purchasing.
Roxane Lessa
Hoop Sisters Goosetracks
This quilt is entirely pieced and quilted in the embroidery hoop using ingenious digitizing by Hoopsisters. This is offered as a block-of-the-month series. Students learn a new block in class each month. It is so much fun to watch the blocks develop and is another way to get the most out of your embroidery module and your amazing machine. Held one Saturday a month. (on-going) Fee is per month.
Stephanie Pennington-Grant
Hoop Sisters No-Sew
If you would like to make the Goosetracks Block-of-the Month but don't want to bring your whole embroidery set-up, you can join this group and Stephanie will talk you through the steps, and answer questions to get your started and keep you going on the project. You can also share your quilt and see how others are coming along. (on-going for 10 months) Fee is per month.
Stephanie Pennington-Grant
Hoopsisters EmbroidaBlock TNT
Textures & New Techniques is the theme of this amazing new design from Hoopsisters. This quilt is entirely pieced and quilted in the embroidery hoop using ingenious digitizing by Hoopsisters. This is offered as a block-of-the-month series. Students learn a new block in class each month. It is so much fun to watch the blocks develop and is another way to get the most out of your embroidery module and your amazing machine. Held one Saturday a month for 10 months. (10 sessions) Continues through August 2011, skipping December. If you must miss a class you will be given the patterns. Fee includes the entire series of classes.
Stephanie Pennington-Grant
Machine Quilting-Out of the Ditch
This class will help you move beyond the simple quilting you learned in Quilt School I.
Use your walking foot to create texture and dimension to your quilt top. If you have
quilted “in the ditch” because you didn't know what else to do, then this class is for you. (1 session)
Karen West
Moon in the Window
Do you have a collection of Asian fabrics? Use those fabrics that you have been collecting or want to collect. We’ll sew together this stunning quilt made from simple curved piecing. The sewing is easy but the result is sophisticated. (2 sessions)
Stephanie Pennington-Grant
More Wildflowers Block of the Month
This gorgeous large wall-hanging or throw is appliquéd in the embroidery hoop, and then pieced on the machine. Make an heirloom quilt over 6 months. Pre-req: Embroidery Mastery or some experience (6 sessions)
Karen West
Perfect Ten
Learn how to make this super easy lap size quilt top using 10 quarter yards. Shop from your stash or come buy a kit which will look just like Kat’s sample (limited quantity!) (2 sessions)
Kat Nicholas
Royal Radiance
This gorgeous Mariner’s Compass will introduce you to foundation piecing, which just might open up a whole new world to you...the ability to piece sharp points and tiny odd shapes. Diane will demystify this technique for you as you create a stunning wall quilt.(2 sessions)
Diane Donovan
String Quilt
You have been asking for this! In this class you will learn how Gail makes her own fabric and then turns her new fabric into a spectacular quilt. This is easy and appropriate for all levels of quilters after QSI. (1 session)
Gail Greene
Thread Utopia
In this class we will teach you how to use all those pretty specialty threads you have drooled over, but were afraid to use. I’m talking about the sparkly ones, the thin ones, the fat ones, the invisible ones, the shiny ones- you get the idea. We will learn about the importance of needle and bobbin tension, types of needles, what threads to use for different effects. You will have confidence when using these wonderful threads. We will make a sampler and practice with different threads. A small kit of threads will be for sale to practice with or bring your own: metalics, rayon, variegated, monofilaments, glitter, threads to heavy to go in the needle i.e. Candlelight, Razzle Dazzle for bobbin work. (1 session)
Roxane Lessa
Total Eclipse
This is another Judy Niemeyer design, and will be taught by Lucille Amos, a guest instructor certified to teach the technique. This is a one-day class designed to teach you the simplicity of foundation paper piecing. You will learn to make this striking and gorgeous compass block design. (1 session)
Lucille Amos
Total Eclipse Cutting Class
If you need help cutting and preparing for taking Lucille’s quilt class, this is for you. This class is optional. (1 session)
Lucille Amos
Curved Piecing Placemats
Use this simple technique to create four placemats. The curves are made without templates, patterns or pins. It is a quick project that makes a nice gift. (1 session)
This class is FULL! Please do not register. You may email us to be placed on the waitlist.
Gail Greene
Floor Quilt
Floor Quilts are a quick, easy, NO SEW project perfect for home decorating and gift giving. In this class with a simple pattern and fabrics of your choice, you will begin a 24” x 36” floor quilt. Once you learn this technique the possibilities are endless. How about wipeable placemats, table runners, or seasonal floor quilts for a powder room with towels and matching trim. A floor quilt could go under the dog’s bowl, or the baby’s high chair, or could decorate your deck during the summer months. See what I mean, the possibilities are endless. (1 session)
The March 24th class is FULL! Please do not register. You may email us to be placed on the waitlist.
Sharyn Cole
Minkie Blankies
This is the ultimate cuddle-bug blanket, and if you need a fast and inexpensive baby gift, it is perfect. You will learn to finish this the blanket with easy mitered corners. This is a blankie that toddlers will drag around for years! (1 session)
Karen West
Stuffie of the Month
Attention crafters!! Small adorable, hand-sewn stuffed animals are all the rage right now. Get in on the fun and make a different cute little stuffed creature with its own personality each month in this new class. (1 session)
January-Mabel Mouse
February-TBA
March-TBA
Karen West
The Tuffet
Tuffets are a touch of whimsy for your home that blend with all decors and bridge the gap between design and function. In addition to being heirloom home accents, they make treasured gifts for special occasions including weddings, new babies, anniversaries and special birthdays.
Learn to sew a gorgeous cover with your choice of fabrics during the first class session and during the second session, turn the cover into an upholstered footstool. A tuffet kit of 6” upholstery foam, upholstery batting, predrilled wood round and T-nuts is available for classroom students. The kit fee is $60. For each class, the first session is 3 hours (you will be sewing), and the second session is 4 hours (you will be upholstering). (2 sessions)
Sharyn Cole
Totally Awesome Toolbag
This tote is specially designed for carrying your essential quilting tools to class. The main pocket holds your mat, and a special pocket is designed for your long ruler and your rotary cutter. There is still plenty of room for fabric and other notions and tools.
Karen West
Weekender Travel Bag
Pack your bag and head out for the weekend with this awesome overnight bag. Pick your two favorite fabrics and create this unique, stylish and personally crafted accessory using Amy Butler's pattern. Sewing or quilting experience is required. The first session will be just cutting. (4 sessions)
Tammy Triglianos
Artista Software Mastery
Open to all Bernina Software owners of Editor Lite, Editor Plus and Designer Plus Versions 5 and 6. This series of training classes is designed to help you feel more comfortable using your embroidery design software for altering, creating and digitizing your designs. Laptops or PC’s are required. Sewing machines are not needed in class. (7 sessions)
Nancy McGilvary
Software Sampler
You will learn tips and techniques to get the most out of your embroidery software, and spark your creativity to digitize designs in new and exciting ways. The class is virtually taught by Bernina Educators and followed-up with hands-on training right after the lesson. Bring your laptop, security dongle and software installed. (1 session)
Stephanie Pennington-Grant
Bernina Machine Mastery
This is a series of classes offered to Bernina owners that are on-going and will help you become more familiar and comfortable using your new machine. Please note that session #1 is repeated the first week of each month. There is no charge if you purchased your machine in our store, but please be sure to sign up! (4-8 sessions) All classes are offered 10 am-1 pm OR 6-9 pm. New Bernette owners may take Class #1 and 2.
The upcoming schedule is as follows:
Class #1: January 3, February 7, March 6
Class #2: January 10
Class #3: January 17
Class #4: January 24
Class #5: January 31
Class #6: February 14 (8 Series only)
Class #7: February 21 (8 Series only)
Class #8: March 13 (8 Series only)
Eileen Hogan
You may sign up by email. Please specify morning or evening in your message.
Embroidery Mastery
Open to all Bernina embroidery module owners! A one day class to learn how to set up your machine to embroider. Includes preparing your design, hooping, stabilizers, threads and stitching-out. There is no charge if you purchased your machine and embroidery module in our store, but please be sure to sign up! You may sign up by email. All sessions are held from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (3 sessions)
Class #1 The Basics and Beginnings-Saturday, January 7
Class #2 Lettering, cuffs, collars and multi-hooping-Saturday, February 4
Class #3 On-line design downloads and computer communication-Saturday, March 3
Stephanie Pennington-Grant
Serger Basics and Mastery
This is our Serger Mastery Series that is now open to owners of any brand of serger. You will create a notebook of samples that you can refer back to when making projects on your serger. You may take this class at no charge if you have just purchased a serger in our store. (Please sign up by email if this applies to you) Pre-requisite: Thread Your Serger.
Please note: This series will be offered again in the Spring 2012 quarter. (April-May-June)
Eileen Hogan