In order to hold a class, we must have at least four pre-paid participants registered at least one week prior to the class. If you want to take a class, you MUST sign up in advance so we can order supplies. Since class fees go to pay your teacher, it is quilt shop etiquette to purchase your supplies at this store so that we can continue to offer classes and provide you with the most up-to-date fabrics and gracious facilities you deserve. 

= Suitable for Beginners

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Batik Choices Workshop: Put together a unique quilt with the help of noted designer, Cheri Maniz, one of the founders of Cheri Good Quilt Designs.   Cheri and her partner, Audrey, have been asked by Hoffman and Fine Lines fabric to design patterns for their fabrics, and you’ll see why the leading companies are seeking their expertise when you look at their patterns!  Take this one day workshop and you’ll learn how to make strata and maneuver one basic block into at least six different patterns.   Cheri is coming in from Arizona to teach this class.  She’s dynamic, energetic, and knowledgeable.  She used batiks, but you can choose any of our thousands of beautiful fabrics. Select your fabric and cut beforehand.   Maximum of 12 students.  Bring your lunch or we’ll call out.   $40.00 + supplies. 
Tuesday, May 18th, 10:00-4:00.

Supply List:  Basic Sewing supplies and a 12” ruler.  Cheri likes to use Invisigrip on her rulers.  If you have a digital camera, bring it since pictures may help you decide on the final layout of your blocks.

Fabric Dying for Beginners:   If you love color and artistry, then this class will excite you!   Edy teaches you how to free the artist within using various techniques of dying.  $20.00 includes instruction and kit. 
Monday and Tuesday, May 10 & 11, 9:30-11:00.  $20.00

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Jacket Retreat:  Unleash your creativity and make a unique jacket while enjoying the camaraderie and insights that only an overnight retreat can provide.  Marge Perkins of “Designs by Marge,” inspires and motivates you to try new things….wonderful fabric placements, variations on cuffs, lapels, and sleeves, ways to use trims, jewels, patchwork, appliqué, and embroidery.  Each person will create her own unique garment on a sweatshirt foundation.   This is a two night, three day workshop/retreat and prior sewing experience is required.   Only 8 participants are allowed, so book now. Because of the overwhelming popularity of this class, our jacket retreat is scheduled twice during the summer months. 

 $100 includes a two-night stay at the retreat and motivation and guidance from Marge.
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, August 12, 13, & 14th.  Stay Saturday night for an additional $30.00.
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, September 16, 17, & 18.  Stay Saturday night for an additional $30.00.

Check out her jackets online here.

Kid’s Summer Sewing Camp:  Kids learn the fundamentals of sewing and using a machine while putting together a fun & funky “flip pillow.” They’ll have cookies every day and pizza on the last day of class.   8 years old is the minimum age.  Maximum number of children allowed is 8, so call now.
Monday through Friday, July 26 – 30th, 9:30-12:00.  $25.00 + kit.

Learn to Quilt:  A FREE workshop that teaches you how to cut, measure, piece, quilt, and bind.  You’ll leave with a quilted trivet.   Free kit, but you must call and register!   Bring a friend.  WE CAN PROVIDE MACHINES FOR YOU! 

Thursday, May 10th, 5:00-7:30.
Monday, June 21st, 9:30-12:00.
Saturday, July 24th, 12:30-3:00.

Learn to Sew:  A FREE workshop that teaches you the fundamentals of sewing:  French seams, straight seams, contrast trim while you put together a stylish pillowcase.  You’ll love this project, and these pillowcases make practical, pretty, personal gifts for all occasions.  Purchase your materials for the pillowcase which averages between $8.00 and $12.00.  No charge for instruction.  WE CAN PROVIDE MACHINES FOR YOU!  Call to register.

Saturday, May 15, 9:30-12:00
Wednesday, June 9th, 1:00-3:30.

SPECIAL MOM & ME / “LEARN TO SEW” SESSION FOR MOTHERS / GRANDMOTHERS / AUNTS AND THEIR OFFSPRING STARTING AT AGE 8.

Saturday, July 31, 10:00-3:00.   Bring lunch or we’ll call out.

Shop Hop Special Workshops:   Traveling around on the shop hops?  How about making great use of your time to make a stop, meet new sewing friends, learn an interesting technique, and have a great place to stay?    Get a workshop and a night at “Threads and Beds Retreat” for just $50.00 + supplies.  You must arrive before 6:00.  Workshops start at 7:00 and go until 8:30.  These slots will fill up fast, so don’t delay in calling us to make your reservations.

Thursday,  June 17th or Friday, July 9th, 7:00- 8:30.  Hand Embroidery Workshop:  Learn and practice the beautiful stitches of hand embroidery.  $50.00 includes workshop & accommodations / $6.00 kit fee

Friday, June 18th or Thursday, July 8th, 7:00-8:30.  Beginning Sashiko Workshop:  Get into the newest art form for quilters and stitchers….Japanese Sashiko.   $50.00 includes workshop & accommodations / $12.95 kit fee.

Turning Twenty:  This is a wonderful way to get started with quilting.   Using large, simple rectangles and blocks, you can make a stunning quilt while learning all the essential fundamentals of quilting.   You choose your own fabric using fat quarters.   Betty leads the way, offering Saturday classes.  Just $25.00 for five weeks of instruction + fat quarters.
Saturdays, May 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29, 9:30-12:00.

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Valances:  Advanced Lined Rod Pocket Valance:  If you loved what you could do with the basic valance, you’ll go crazy for what you can do with the lined ones!  Learn different techniques for decorating and changing the looks of a lined valance.   Pre-requisite + Beginning Valances.  Class enrollment limited to 6 so that you are guaranteed personal attention.  Basic sewing knowledge required. 
Wednesday,  May 5th, 10:00-4:00.  Bring lunch or we’ll call out for delivery.  $20.00 + 1 yard of fabric + Do-Sew or pattern tracing paper.

Valances:  Designer Green Valance:  You have “oohed and aahed” over the lovely green valance hanging over our office door.  This green valance is one of Dee Lambert’s own designs, so if you want to replicate it, you’ll need to take the class to get the pattern.   Sign up for this beautiful window hanging that will add grace to your home.  You need to have basic sewing knowledge to take this class.
Wednesday, June 9th, 10:00-4:00.  $20.00 + your choice of fabric.

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Try It Before You Buy It!  Trial Run and Fun! If you want a new machine but are hesitant about buying one without really knowing how it feels, this is your chance to “Try It Before You Buy It!” Valora, our fantastic Janome educator, will let you take the reins and run the machines through their paces.   Heard about the fabulous 11000SE – the all-in-one quilting, embroidery, & sewing machine – but been afraid to invest?  Test drive it first.   Have you read all the advertisements about the Horizon 7700?  Now is your chance to check it out.   FREE SEMINAR, BUT WE HAVE LIMITED SPACE, SO YOU MUST REGISTER!
Saturday, July 31, Session 1:  9:30-12:00  OR
Saturday, July 31, Session 2:  1:00-3:30.

Treasures of the Caribbean: Illiana Shop Hoppers who purchased the “Treasures of the Caribbean” kit can come to 2 free classes to get you started on this gorgeous project.  Mary Bird, who created the quilt, will teach you how to cut and lay out this beauty.  
Monday, June 28, 10:00-1:00  and Monday, July 26, 10:00-1:00.

East Central Shop Hop Quilt / Threads of Time Version: 
If you loved the way we finished our East Central Shop Hop Quilt, then purchase the kit and come to a class that helps you get it cut and started…..No more putting it in the closet and starting a few years later!   Take advantage of this free class that will get you going on this fabulous project.  
Monday, August 2nd, 10:00-1:00.

Circle Play with Sashiko:  Mary DeRay’s Circle Play classes have been a tremendous success!  Learn to utilize circles in your quilts for an artistic and interesting effect, and then take that a step further and use Sashiko stitching to enhance your design.   Come for an all-day workshop during the Illiana Shop Hop. 
Thursday, June 18th,  9:30-4:30.   $30.00 + supplies   (If you don’t already own the Circle Play book, you’ll need to purchase one.)

Asian Elegance Wallhanging:  Learn how to utilize Sashiko stitching and sophisticated Asian elements in this fabulous project.  Take an all-day class during the East Central Shop Hop and enjoy Mary DeRay’s expert instruction. 
Thursday, July 8, 9:30-4:30.  $30.00 + supplies.  (Basic Sashiko kit available if needed.)

Best Foot Forward Seminar:  If you purchased a Janome 11000, a 7700 Horizon, or a 6600 from us, come to this FREE seminar with Valora, our favorite Janome educator who will show you to make use of all those specialty feet!    Using the right feet can make all the difference and can make any project fast and easy.   This is a FREE class, but we only have 12 slots open for each session, so you MUST call and reserve:
Friday, July 30, Session 1:  9:30-12:00  OR
Friday, July 30, Session 2:  1:30-4:00

Carol Doak “Shopping & Cutting Day”:  If you have tickets for the Carol Doak workshop and would like help in selecting and cutting your fabric prior to the workshop, then come in on Tuesday, June 1st, from 10:00-3:00.