Looking for Some Inspiration? Check out these great classes starting soon…

Happy Summer! I hope you all had a great Memorial Day Weekend. I spent all of Saturday working on a whole handful of sewing for the store. I’m designing two quilts, one for each location for the WNY shop hop that’s coming up starting on the 4th of June, as well as two rows for the Row by Row shop hop which is starting July 1st. My Quilt of the month is on the Tiara…so don’t think i’ve dropped the ball on that one, it’s just pushed back a little. (I’m thinking that the 2 quilts for WNY Shop Hop will count for June’s quilt maybe?)

Things are really busy here at the shop, you’ve probably heard that the Sewing Times is back from the printer finally, and classes are filling up. I wanted to let you know of some great classes starting in the next few weeks. Don’t miss out- call to sign up right away if something looks interesting to you! Also, don’t forget about the Summer School Class Pass (Learn More HERE).

I can’t count how many times someone says to me “I wish I knew how to sew…” or, “I’m afraid of putting in a zipper” or, “It’s been so long since I’ve sewn…I feel so rusty”. If this is you- or someone you know- Diane is offering How to Sew in East Aurora on Thursday, May 29th, June 5th, 12th, and 19th from 9:00 am – 12:00 noon.

How to Sew

You’ll make a great tote bag and learn to read a pattern and discover the fundamentals of beginner applique and cutting. Learn topstitching, edge finishes, and zipper insertion. This class is great for beginners and experienced sewers who just need some polish on basic skills.

Always wanted to make a Double Wedding Ring Quilt? Well take a look at this stunner from Sew Kind of Wonderful.

Metro Rings

Metro Rings is a traditional quilt with a contemporary flare. Join Arlene in making this simple quilt using the latest quick curve ruler. Easy and fun! If you saw Jenny and Helen from Sew Kind of Wonderful present at club a few months ago you know how easy it is to make this traditionally fussy quilt. This class will be held on Thursday, May 29th, June 5th, and 12th from 6:00 – 9:00 pm.

Some of the most popular classes we offer are basics, and Cutting Workshop is always a huge success.

Cutting Workshop

 

Do you know the most efficient way to cut your fabric? Are you afraid of your rotary cutter?Do your strips have a bend in them? Are your pieces accurate? Does cutting out new shapes confuse you? Or maybe you are just beginning your quilting journey and want to get started the right way. In any of these cases, this class is for you! Learn how to accurately cut strips and squares, triangles and diamonds, and a whole variety of other shapes to make your piecing easier, more accurate, and more fun. Join Diane in East Aurora for Cutting Workshop on Fri, May 30, 2014 at 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

   Looking to do more embroidery on garments? Diane will be teaching Let’s Embroider on T-Shirts in East Aurora on Sat, May 31, 2014 at 9:00 am to Noon.

Let’s Embroider on T-Shirts

Explore how fast and easy it is to add monogramming to all your t-shirts and sweatshirts. Learn how to properly stabilize, hoop, and place your design to achieve the best results. Kit is available for this class. Note: Please bring a template of your design for placement.  **This Class is Summer School Class Pass Eligible** 

 

Looking for a new tote to carry your class supplies in? Diane is teaching Quilters Tote in East Aurora on Fri, Jun 6, 2014 at 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Quilters Tote

Here is a tote bag large enough for an 18” x 24” cutting mat, plus all your quilting supplies. There are two large pockets on both sides of the lining, where you can store your quilting squares and rulers. This tote bag has small handles as well as a long, over the shoulder strap to keep your hands free. Finished size is 27” x 19” x 3.5” using 40 (2.5”) strips. Easy! **This class is Summer Class Pass Eligible**

Ina is Teaching a beautiful class called Placid Curves in East Aurora on Sat, Jun 7, 2014 at 9:00 am to Noon and Sat, Jun 14, 2014 at 9:00 am to Noon. Create a unique looking quilt with the illusion of curves using a selection of light and medium colored neutral fabrics.

Placid Curves

This quilt is so pretty- up close you can’t see why it’s called Placid Curves, but when you step back the curves pop out at you! It’s so striking..it’s a must see!

I haven’t forgotten about Williamsville, Diane will be teaching Sliced on Tue, May 27, 2014 at 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, Tue, Jun 3, 2014 at 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm and Tue, Jun 10, 2014 at 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Sliced

 “Sliced” is a fun quilt to make. The blocks are cut and sewn back together to make unique mirrored blocks. Setting the blocks on point brings the diagonal cuts back to the vertical, making the quilt quite intriguing.

Cathy N. will be teaching Flouncy Serger Scarf in Williamsville on Wed, May 28, 2014 at 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Flouncy Serger Scarf

If you are looking to learn more about your serger- this easy breezy scarf will fit the bill! Make this lightweight, flouncy scarf, perfect for summer! You’ll get lots of practice doing rolled hems on curves.

Kathy J. will be teaching Flying Geese Table Runner in Williamsville on Thursday, May 29, 2014 at 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Flying Geese Table Runner

It’s a great table runner that looks difficult but it isn’t. Give this project a simple, modern, or elegant look – your fabric will do the talking. Very easy, great in any fabric!

If you are looking to hone your applique skills Arlene will be teaching Paradise Island in Williamsville Fri, May 30, 2014 at 9:00 am to Noon, Fri, Jun 6, 2014 at 9:00 am to Noon and Tue, Jun 10, 2014 at 9:00 am to Noon.

Paradise Island

This quilt uses two panels, one that’s the background and one that gets cut apart and appliqued to create some amazing dimension! I love this quilt…it’s so summery.

Last but not least Arlene will be teaching Tea Leaf Table Topper in Williamsville on Wed, Jun 4, 2014 at 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Tea Leaf Table Topper

Add texture to your table with these placemats and table toppers. “Tea leaves” mimic the look of cathedral window blocks in these projects. **This class is Summer School Class Pass Eligible**

So what classes are you going to take??

 

New Summer Classes Now On-line!

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?