2025 Classes

I need to set up my second bird feeder and install the darn new pole, but there isn't time. Then the birds will come back, and the ones that like the suet will be with them. Thanks to Tammy for keeping me updated on the birds—I'm terrible at knowing who is who! 

But it isn't so much time; it's like I'm in hibernation mode. I've been napping a lot this week. Is it because I'm tired? I'm getting decent sleep, but perhaps not as long as needed. Is it because it's cold and I'm a bear? Is it because I'm very dehydrated? Or is it because my brain is overwhelmed with what I've assigned it, and it is just saying, "No?"

It's probably a combination of all those things. Despite having someone come to discuss a quilt I will make for them, and Murphy going to the vet for her regular check-up, I managed to get all four presentations done or mostly done. I'll sort the slides on the last one at lunch! That's cutting it close!

Murphy is such a "brave" dog when she's on her own terms. She was pretty well-behaved at the vet and only barked a few times, which is a significant improvement. But when it came time to get on the table? WHOA!!! You are NOT putting me up there!

MOM - why can't we leave? 

Once on the table, she was OK with everything except the second needle. MOM - that HURTS. I need to go home NOW!!!!

And the second she was off the table and had a treat, she was her usual self! 

I am now even further behind on other things that need to be done, but it will be quiet after today. I knew it would be crazy to prepare for those four presentations, two of which were moved because of the holidays. This should be the last time that happens, at least for these sessions, which end in June. 

Here's an interesting thing about classes. Before Zoom, hosting an online class was almost unheard of. Everyone would trudge their sewing machines and supplies to the store. And if I were offering lectures like I've done since 2003. people would come to the store for a one-hour look at the new assignment for the month. 

I did a random and unscientific survey on what people want as we plan for 2025. Guess what? Online is the way to go, especially for the lectures. Think how much time it saves everyone. No one needs to pack up their stuff, and everyone gets a front-row seat to see exactly what is being explained—it was never like that! 

Best of all, at least for my students, is the follow-up. They get a recording of the class for 30 days, the slides, and many other handouts as applicable. That NEVER happened in the in-person classes. 

I am a firm believer in online classes. You can do it online if you have the right technology and knowledge. I don't have to take a bunch of step-outs to show my progress, and I don't have to pack and carry a bunch of stuff. And when I get home, I have to unpack it all. 

While some of you out there prefer hands-on, I get it. We all have different ways of learning, but as we age and are still thirsty for knowledge, I think online is the way to go. It is excellent to have platforms like Facebook where you can share photos or ask for help. It is so much better than it used to be when we all went home with a list of blocks to make, and you were required to take notes or remember! 

Speaking of online classes, I saw a crazy new paper pieced BOM. I'm not allowed to publicly share that photo, but it's very cool, and I wonder if there would be enough people wanting to do a paper piece Block of the Month? It would start in February or thereabouts. I think that is when the pattern is being released. When the pattern can be shown, I'll let you know. 

I promised to list my class and club offerings for 2025 on the blog, but I haven't done so yet. So here's a quick recap. Note that nothing much new is being added at this point. I am trying to be very reasonable with my schedule; nothing new has been added. One thing will go away (Out of the Box). I'll cut back on others at some point, but for now - this is what it is. 

NOTE: ALL classes mentioned are on Zoom. And if there is room in one of my clubs, I've noted it. 

The Hobby Horse Quilt Shop: 

Crossing the Finish Line - (started in October) will continue until June

Crossing the Finish Line - demand was so high that we're going to run a second class from January to June (a shorter version - but I want all classes to finish before the summer)

Chatsworth - Will run as a monthly class from January to June. 

You can sign up for Chatsworth on the website, and I'll check on the second Crossing the Finish Line. I may not have provided dates for that one yet. 

Thimbles and Things: 

Dear Jen - continues until June 2025. 

That leaves an opening for a second class. Do people prefer the technique lectures (Saturday Sampler), or would you like a project class? I have several ideas, but I'm open to anything. 

CrazyQuilteronabike: 

Spice Market - continues until June.

UFO Club One and Two - will continue for 2025 (January to December). I may have ONE or TWO spots open, but everyone loves it so much that no one wants to drop out. 

Machine Embroidery Club: will continue for 2025 (January to December). Again, I may be able to squeeze one or two more people in, but it's very popular. 

Digital cutter club: will continue for 2025 (January to December). There will be spots available in this one - we are cutting anything - paper, vinyl, and fabric. 

Many Blocks: will continue for 2025 (January to December). This class is similar to the UFO Club but without a financial commitment. The projects are those quilts with MANY blocks (like Dear Jane, Town, and Country, 365-Day Challenge, 100 block challenges, and temperature quilts) that we had great intentions of completing and did not! You set your goal! There is space in this club for anyone who has that type of project and needs motivation. It's free, but I would prefer you not start a project just to join. I would prefer that you are trying to finish an existing one. 

Embroidery software (mySewnet)

I will continue to teach classes at Stitch by Stitch in Kingston and Needleworks Studio in Cochrane. You must check the stores' schedules for information. I have yet to provide the new dates and topics to the stores, but we are continuing the sessions. NOTE: Each store will have different monthly topics, so all sessions will be different.  

And now I better organize myself as it will be a long day in front of the computer!!!

Have a super day!!

Ciao!!!