The first few weeks of the new semester are always a little bit tricky. The new Sewing times is not done yet (so not available to view online), but there are classes that start in the next week or so. In order to try to give these classes a fighting chance at getting some enrollment, I thought I’d write a special blog post just for them!
First there are a few new Sewing Labs coming up quick.
For those of you who don’t know what a Sewing Lab (also known as a U.F.O/ Unfinished Object) is- think of it as open sewing time. Arlene or Diane host these classes, and you can bring whatever project you are working on to class and they are there to help you out with any questions. I’ve seen people use these classes to layout quilt blocks and get opinions about layout, or get some help with assembling a complicated purse pattern, or even just get out of the house to finish a project! These classes are tons of fun- sometime I think the gals spend more time laughing and eating than sewing…but don’t worry- I won’t tell anyones husband! The upcoming dates and times are: In Williamsville, on Sunday May 4th from 10am-3pm and/or Tuesday May 21st from 9am-2pm with Arlene, and In East Aurora on Monday May 5th from 9am-4pm and/or Monday May 19th from 9am-4pm with Diane.
We’ve got a few new Silhouette Cameo classes coming up as well;
If you have purchased your Cameo from us you are entitled to free guide lessons on the operations of the machine- There will be a Cameo guide class in Williamsville on Wednesday May 7th from 6pm-8:30pm. If you are looking for more hands on projects for the Cameo, Cathy N. has put together a variety of Cameo project classes- one called “Silhouette to Sewing” will be held in Williamsville on Saturday May 17th from 9am-11:30pm and in East Aurora on Tuesday May 27th from 1pm-3:30pm. Cathy describes this class as: “Design a shape in Silhouette to either send to your Digitizing software, or cut out to appliqué by hand.” So you can use your cameo software to create a shape and then cut that shape out of fabric to use as an applique! There are so many amazing things that can be done with this machine!
Diane will be teaching this very striking “Spiderweb Table Runner or Quilt” in Williamsville on Thursday May 8th from 9am-4pm.
Use the Creative Grids spider web ruler to make this runner- the blocks create a kaleidoscope effect that is so quick, easy and striking! You may want to keep making blocks an turn this project into a quilt!
One of our most popular tote bag patterns is called “The Chubby Charmer”
Donna will be teaching this great bag class in Williamsville on Thursday May 8th and 15th from 5:30-9pm. This easy pattern is a great BIG bag! Its wide bottom is fantastic for many uses. As an overnight bag, beach bag, diaper bag, etc. The bottom is wide enough to fit a 9″ x 13″ casserole pan! Approx. 14″ tall x 18″ wide x 10″ deep. We made ours using Soft and Stable interfacing which give it a great “vera bradley-ish” feel.
A really exciting new class we are offering this semester is called “Bonding with your Embroidery Machine” which is being taught by Barb Perry in East Aurora on Friday May 9th, 23rd and 30th from 9:30am-12:30pm.
The cool thing about this class is that it’s open to ALL brands of embroidery machine. If you bought an embroidery machine from us or someone else and just haven’t used it much- this class is for you! You’ll be using your machine making 3 different projects to be sure you and your machine will be “bonded”! (There will be kits required to purchase for this class).
Have you ever wanted to use your embroidery machine to quilt?
Diane will show you how to use your embroidery machine to quilt your quilts! “Quilting in the Hoop” will be held in East Aurora on Tuesday May 13th from 9am-4pm.
Ready for some new spring Decor?
“Tulip Garden” will be taught by Diane on Saturday May 17th in East Aurora from 9am-4pm. This is another great runner from Disa Designs, and uses fresh fabrics and applique to create a great table runner for your spring and summer tablescape!
Want to use your Serger to make a fun summer scarf?
Join Cathy N. for “Flouncy Serger Scarf” in East Aurora on Thursday May 22nd from 9am-1pm. She will be showing you how to use your serger to make this adorable light weight summer scarf.
Speaking of serger classes, join Arlene on Tuesday May 20th from 9am-12pm in Williamsville for “Serged Satchel”.
This flirty feminine purse features ruffles galore with serged edges highlighted using variegated or contrasting thread. The ruffles can be made using jelly rolls or 2 1/2” strips of your favorite fabrics. There are two handle attachment options included; one handle is attached directly to the purse, while the other handle is connected with rings. An inside pocket completes the purse. How cute is this purse?!
Last but certainly not least, Diane will be teaching this adorable quilt;
it’s called “Candy Store North” and the class will be held in Williamsville on Tuesday May 20th, 27th and June 3rd from 6-pm. This quilt is a modern presentation of half square triangles artfully arrange with bright colors in a borderless quilt. Perfect for a baby quilt for that modern mom!
I think that will do for now….all of the classes are posted online, you can view the East Aurora classes by clicking HERE. and the Williamsville classes by clicking HERE. I promise we’re working as fast as we can on the print version of the Sewing Times, but isn’t it great to live in an age where we can share these great classes with you in the mean-time?
Some important things to note for May, both stores will be closed on Sunday May 11th so that all of our employees can celebrate Mother’s day. We will also be closed on Sunday may 25th and Monday May 26th for the Memorial day weekend, so mark your calendars!
So tell me…what classes are you most excited to take?
The Aurora Sewing Center Blog 