Monday, August 13, 2018

Back to School


Not trying to scare anyone with young children, but you know what's coming.

Well - back to school isn't just for children - it's for adults too! For many, September is more important as a "new year" than January. I love September. New classes, learning new techniques, meeting new people, setting the schedule - it's an exciting time.

I thought I'd share with you the classes that I have booked at The Hobby Horse in Georgetown. And you had better sign up because there are some really fun and exciting things happening. Please contact the shop directly to sign up for any class. Make sure you get a requirements list so you can come to class prepared.


Applique - with Swan Amity patterns

September 15, October 6 and December 1   (all 10 AM-Noon)

What you’ll learn –
1st class – how to identify which applique technique to use for certain pieces/shapes/styles, prepping for hand and/or machine applique
2nd class – perfecting the applique stitch whether by hand or by machine.
3rd class – follow up on the stitching techniques and a discussion of how to quilt your finished project.

There’s ample time between classes to keep up to date with the project. If you’re new to applique or want to brush up on your skills, the multi-class format will ensure feedback on your applique technique.

One of three patterns to choose from 


No Measure Bargello

September 15 and October 6 - 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM


1st Class – assistance in choosing the colors for a successful bargello (if necessary) and sewing the strip sets together.
2nd class – cutting the strips sets (strata) apart and assembly of the quilt top.


The multi-part class ensures that all components of the bargello will be covered so you’ll end up with a finished quilt top. 



Easy Attic Window

September 16 - 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM

We’ll be working with a polar bear panel and coordinates to create an attic window quilt. The class techniques will work for any panel, so you can go home and start cutting up those extra panels you’ve acquired. We’re going to touch on the perspective of your window sashings, as well as how important value is in this process. The size (scale) of the window sashings will also be explored.





Machine Quilting 101 (Basic)

FRIDAY - September 21  - 1 PM - 4 PM

There’s a lot of variables involved in machine quilting than just your sewing machine. This class will look at all the variables involved and show you how to control each one so when you sit down to quilt, you’ll know what to do when something goes wrong. We’ll be looking at needles and threads, your workspace and many other things that will affect how successful you are with your machine quilting. How to develop your own quilting patterns and how to stitch a large quilt will all be covered in this basic machine quilting class. 

NOTE:  I know this class is on a Friday, but this is a very informative class. If you've never taken a machine quilting class before, this is the ONE to take. We don't just sit down and quilt - OH NO - check out the description above. Loads of stuff is covered and I've never had a single person leave this class disappointed.

I do recommend a book - it's small and not too expensive. But you need to have something to rely on when I'm not there for you!  Buy it and READ IT!


The recommended book for the class



Hello Sunshine - Kimberbell

September 22, October 27 and November 24  - 1:00 PM - 3:30: PM


This pattern comes in two different formats – regular fusible applique or machine embroidery applique. You can choose either method depending on your sewing machine capabilities. The same quilt will be worked on by both groups. The focus of this class is fusible applique and the various decorative stitches that can be used for applique. You’ll learn some great embellishment tips and other techniques. 


Hello Sunshine by Kimberbell



This quilt is SUPER cute. LOADS of techniques will be covered in this class and if you're fairly new to machine embroidery, you'll get some great tips. And if you're going to do it the traditional way, it's still going to be easy. None of the blocks are complicated which means it'll go together fast.


Mandarin Vest

October 14 and 21 - 12:30 PM - 3PM

Sewing clothing is back in vogue! This gorgeous vest comes in two lengths and two different styles of pockets, depending on the length you’ve chosen. It’s a loose fit, so no need for angst over a precision fit. You’ll be able to take your quilting skills into the world of garment sewing with few problems. The multi-class format will ensure that any issues are covered and that you’ll end up with a beautifully finished garment. 

Mandarin Vest



Machine Quilting 201 (Free motion)

Friday - October 26  1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Now that you’ve mastered the basics in the Machine quilting class, it’s time to step up your game. This class is totally focused on free motion. Any problems from the Machine quilting class will be discussed. We’ll also cover all the ins and outs of free motion. How to transfer designs to fabric, how to learn new patterns, what free motion foot is best, how to break down a large quilt to make it manageable on the domestic sewing machine. All this and more will be covered. Your confidence level is going to soar when you leave the class. 

The recommended book for Free motion class
Again - you will NOT be disappointed in this class. Loads to learn.




Orange Peel

November 18 and December 2 - 12:30 PM - 3:00 PM

This is a fun applique class that can be done in a very short time. It’s also a very versatile pattern. Make it big, make it small. We’ll be using the fusible applique technique for this quilt.

1st Class – discussion of the various machine applique techniques and the preparation of the appliques, as well as various stitches/thread that you can use.

2nd class – assembly of the project, ideas for machine quilting and finishing the project. 

Orange Peel 



Machine Quilting 301 (with the Handiquilter ruler)

November 23 - 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM


Looking for something new? We’re going to use rulers to jazz up our machine quilting. Whether you’re doing free motion stitch in the ditch or some background fills, rulers will help take the “wiggle” out of your stitches. And we’ll explore exactly what designs can be made with the rulers and how the rulers can be your friend. 

The recommended book for the ruler class



Please NOTE - this is NOT a Westalee ruler class. We will only be using ONE ruler - the Versatool from Handiquilter. But you will need a RULER foot for your sewing machine - the same that works with the Westalee Rulers.


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Now isn't that super exciting????   Pick one of the classes, learn something new or just come for the social time. We've tried to split the classes up over multiple dates so you can be sure to get the feedback necessary for a successful project and learning experience.


If you have any feedback on the classes (dates/times/topics) please send me an e-mail. And if you have a class that you'd like to see for the winter session - let me know. I'm already trying to search out new stuff for January.

Keep your eyes peeled for the upcoming January (year-long classes). I'll be showing you those next week.

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