Classes
Our classes for July, August and September are now posted!
Please scroll down for our current Class List below. Here is our Printable Schedule.
General Information about our classes:
How to sign up for classes: You may sign up for our classes online and use Paypal for immediate online payment. Paypal is a highly secure internet payment service. We can accept all credit card types for web payments. You may still pay by phone or in the store if you prefer. After you register for a class, within a day or two you should receive a confirmation email that includes the Supply List.
But there is no date listed! If you click on "Find out more" and see no dates listed for a class,
this is because the class has already occurred. However, we may offer
it again next quarter.
There is a date, but no Sign Up button! If a class has no fee, there will not be a "Sign Up Now" button for it. However, you may still register online for a no-charge class by sending us an email.
What if a class is already full? You will be notified by email and placed on the waiting list. If a spot opens up we will call or email you. If you do not get in to the class and have paid, we will give you a full refund. We try to make a note below the class description as soon as possible when a class is full.
What if I sign up and pay, then need to cancel? We make a commitment to our teachers one week before the class. If you need to cancel and give us at least 7 days notice before the start of the class, you will be given a full refund. We will apply a store credit in your name, unless you specifically request otherwise. The same policy applies if we need to cancel due to low enrollment. We normally make this decision one week prior to the class.
BEGINNERS / BASICS
No quilting experience is necessary except as noted. Machine quilting classes require that you own a portable sewing machine that you will bring to class. Your machine should be in good working order and you should be familiar with your own machine’s features. If you are not comfortable with your machine, please take Welcome to Your Machine first.
ON-GOING GROUPS AND CLASSES
Basic quilting experience is required. Please know your sewing machine. It should be in good working condition. Please register by email even for classes that have no fee. We need to know how many students are coming and there may be a supply list.
MACHINE PIECING, QUILTING and CRAFTS CLASSES
Basic quilting and rotary cutting experience is required. Please know how to operate your sewing machine. It should be in good working condition. Bring your manual. All supplies should be gathered prior to the day of class. We will be glad to help.
Beautiful Bindings
Learn to finish your quilts neatly and professionally with a continuous double–fold binding and perfect mitered corners.
(1 session)
This will be offered again during the summer.
Karen West
Beginning Sewing-Amy Butler Laundry Bag
This three-part class will help you begin to sew on your machine (any model) and get you going on a construction project to help build your sewing skills. Pre-requisite: Welcome to Your Machine (or permission from the instructor). You will be working from Amy Butler's book, In Stitches. (3 sessions)
Eileen Hogan
Beginning Sewing-Immediate Gratification 1
In this 3-hour class you will begin to gather basic sewing skills by making a handy and functional fabric grocery sack. Pre-requisite: Welcome to Your Machine. (1 session)
Eileen Hogan
Beginning Sewing-Immediate Gratification 2
This class will build on the skills you learned in IG 1, but may also be taken independently. You will create a unique little zippered pouch called a Humbug Bag. You will learn to install a simple zipper and you will be introduced to quilting. Pre-requisite: Welcome to Your Machine. (1 session)
Eileen Hogan
Beginning Sewing-Immediate Gratification 3
This class will take you to a step further in learning to sew as you follow a sewing pattern. You will make an apron using an Amy Butler design. Pre-requisite: Welcome to Your Machine. (1 session)
Eileen Hogan
Beginning Sewing-Kimono
This three-part class will help you begin to sew on your machine (any model) and get you going on a project to help build your sewing skills. This class, the Loung Pants, and the Laundry bag may be taken in any order. (3 sessions) Pre-requisite: Welcome to Your Machine (or permission from the instructor). You will be working from Amy Butler's book, In Stitches.
Beginning Sewing-Lounge Pants
This three-part class will help you begin to sew on your machine (any model) and get you going on a project to help build your sewing skills. This class, the Kimono, and the Laundry bag may be taken in any order. (3 sessions) Pre-requisite: Welcome to Your Machine (or permission from the instructor). You will be working from Amy Butler's book, In Stitches.
Eileen Hogan
Quilt School I by Machine
Learn to make a small quilt or wall-hanging from start to finish. This class is designed to introduce you to the techniques used to make beautiful quilts quickly and accurately. You will learn rotary cutting, piecing, applying borders, basting, simple machine quilting, and binding. Sewing machine and basic machine sewing skills are required. If you are not familiar with all the functions and parts of your sewing machine please take Welcome to Your Machine first. (4 sessions)
Required book: First-Time Quiltmaking. We will reserve a copy for you when you sign up for the class.
Karen West or Barbara Wilson
Quilt School II by Machine
Build on the new skills you learned in Quilt School I by taking this class specially designed to take you a step further in the quilt making process. This lap size quilt involves slightly more intricate rotary cutting and piecing, using triangles. Prerequisite: Quilt School I (taken recently) (4 sessions)
Required book: Quilts from the Quiltmaker's Gift. We will reserve a copy for you when you sign up for the class.
Diane Donovan
Serger Basics and Mastery
This is our Serger Mastery Series that is now open to owners of any brand of serger. You will create a notebook of samples that you can refer back to when making projects on your serger. You may take this class at no charge if you have just purchased a serger in our store. (Please sign up by email if this applies to you) Pre-requisite: Thread Your Serger
Eileen Hogan
Tamari Apron for Teens
This is a beginner level class. The techniques that will be covered include basic machine use and applications. You will begin to use decorative stitches, learn about fabric grain, create borders with ribbon and machine stitches, measuring techniques, pinning, cutting, and marking. Students may purchase a Bernette 46 at a special class price of $149. Otherwise they need a basic sewing machine in good working order. (1 session)
Thread Your Serger
Four threads and no bobbin! Loopers, needles, and a zillion little slots and spots. This class focuses on just one thing-how to thread your serger. You will leave feeling much more confident and ready to use your serger. This class is required before taking any other serger classes. No charge if you just purchased your serger in our store. (1 session)
Eileen Hogan
Welcome to Your Machine
This class is open to owners of any brand of sewing machine that is in good working order. You will discover what all those feet, accessories, buttons, dials and funny-looking icons are all about. You will also learn the basics of how to thread and manage tension (of the machine, that is!). You will show off your new skills by sewing a scarf designed by Amy Butler. Don't let a piece of machinery intimidate you! If this is your first class be sure to read the Supply List that will be emailed to you. Let us know if you need help gathering your supplies. (1 session)
The July 1st class is FULL!
Eileen Hogan
All About Machine Embroidery
Monthly project-based embroidery club designed to increase your knowledge of machine embroidery and introduce new ideas and products. All makes and models of embroidery machines welcome. Comfort working your machine is necessary.
Each month will have additional kit fee. You will receive one free embroidery design each month that you attend.
Sharon Callaham
Evening of Embroidery
Experienced and newbie embroiders come stitch together for an evening and see what everyone else is working on. We will order Amante pizza and salad and socialize while our machines do the work! (on-going once a month)
Stephanie Pennington-Grant and Karen West
Fee per month
Finish-It Friday
Bring in those unfinished projects, and we’ll provide dinner and five hours to get them done! If you would like to join us, but don’t have a project going, Celeste will help you get started on a great quilt. (on-going monthly)
Please note that this class is for adults only (over 21), and is intended for quilters beyond the beginner level.
Celeste Lestienne
Fee per month
Sewing Clinic
Are you stuck mid-way on a clothing project and not sure how to proceed? Do you want a bit of guidance to see you through? Join us for a three hour stretch of coaching and sewing so you can complete those unfinished projects. (1 session)
Eileen Hogan
Sophia Trench Coat
Pre-requisite: Fitting I/Skirt. In this class you will learn to use stiff interlining with soft fabrics creating collars, sleeves and cuffs, and how to create a lining for a garment without a pattern piece. You will also learn how to make fabric covered buttons. This class is a great exercise to complete before taking Fitting II/Dress! (6 sessions)
Tamari Apron-Mastering the Miter
This is an exercise in creating a most unusual apron using both even and uneven mitered corners to dramatize its’ design. You will build confidence in your techniques, and using your own creativity you will begin to see the endless possibilities through use of
embellishments and fabric combinations. (1 session)
Eileen Hogan
Bargello
Bring from 5-64 quarter yards of fabric, and design your own bargello! We will begin by placing the fabrics in a pleasing order, and then design your quilt. You decide the size, make a wallhanging to a bedsize quilt. (3 sessions)
Stephanie Pennington-Grant
Beginning Machine Applique
Do you love the look of needle-turn applique but prefer to work on your sewing machine? This is the class for you. With a few simple tips, glue sticks, orange sticks, wash away foundation and a sewing machine that sews a narrow zig zag stitch you will create the look of needle-turn applique in a fraction of the time. Pattern provided. (1 session)
The July 16th class is FULL!
Sharyn Cole
Bloomin' Nine-Patch
This classic design from the book Tradition with a Twist, "blooms" into a gorgeous bed-size quilt. The first session will be devoted to choosing your fabrics with assistance, to help ensure a healthy bloom. Most of our staff has one of these quilts on their bed, so if you haven't yet made one, don't miss this! (3 sessions)
Kat Nicholas
Bobbinwork Embellishment
Use this technique to apply heavy threads to your quilts and add a new layer of embellishment. (1 session)
Gail Greene
Bond with your BSR
If you are not quite comfortable using your BSR, you are missing out on one of your Bernina’s best features. This class will push you over that hump and help you get to know that amazing little foot backwards and forwards (literally!). We will make a wholecloth table runner. (1 session)
Karen West
Cityscapes
Have you ever wondered what happens when you don’t follow the rules? Susan's methods will free you up to leave patterns behind and find new freedom in quilting and this class will guide you through the process. You will make your own original city scape. (1 session)
The July 24th class is FULL! We will offer this again in the fall.
Susan Powell
Colorplay for Quilters
Finally, the class you've been waiting for....calling all quilters- traditional, art quilters, beginners, advanced and everyone in between. We will explore the element of color in designing your quilts by using simple exercises in FABRIC (after all that's our medium!) First you will learn about value and the importance of it in all your work. We will do some fabric exercises to help you master value. Then you will learn about different color schemes and create 2-3 small abstract fused quilt tops to demonstrate these color schemes. Your confidence in choosing colors for your quilts will be greatly enhanced. Don't be intimidated by all those colors-take your quilts from boring to gorgeous! (1 session)
Roxane Lessa
Crazy Compass Embroid-a-Block
This quilt is entirely pieced and quilted in the embroidery hoop using ingenious digitizing! This is the continuation of a class that has been offered as a block-of-the-month series. Students learn a new block in class each month. This is endless fun with your embroidery module and your amazing machine! The last three sessions are listed below.
Stephanie Pennington-Grant
Free-Motion Quilting
This series of classes is intended to teach you how to machine quilt using free-motion. You will learn to enhance the surface of your quilt with or without the use of a pattern. Information on use of various threads and marking methods will be included. (3 sessions)
Stephanie Pennington-Grant
Hoopsisters Mystery Quilt
Hoopsisters Embroid-a-Block is an innovative techquique that allows you to create gorgeous peiced and embroidered blocks completely in your embroidery hoop. The only pre-requisite is that you own an embroidery module. This year they have cooked up an entirely new mystery quilt! There is no charge to attend the class, but you will sign up and purchase the program for $59 on the Hoopsisters website after June 1st. You may go there now to download an informational flyer, but other than that it is a MYSTERY! Please register with us by sending us an email. (5 sessions)
Stephanie Pennington-Grant
Left-Over Thursdays
So many scraps and so little time! Come in once a month (First Thursdays) and learn how to conquer and tame your mounds of leftover scraps into useable strips, squares and rectangles. Start a new project of your choice with enthusiasm instead of dread, using those new shapes. This is an on-going class to help you use up what you have, and maybe add a little bit of new fabric for punch. You’ll finally empty those boxes and drawers for spring cleaning! On-going monthly.
Jean Wright
Raggedy-Edge Couch Throw
Break all the rules and whip this up using a quick quilt-as-you-go method of quilting and all raw edges. This results in a very cuddly quilt that is perfect to keep on the couch. (1 session)
Karen West
Sexy Hexy
This awesome strip-pieced quilt become a series of interlocking hexagons. No one will ever be able to figure out how you made it. Dig into your stash and use a wide variety of light, darks and mediums. All levels after Quilt School I. (3 sessions)
Tammy Triglianos
Tie the Knot
Tie The Knot looks complicated but it is very easy. The single block is rotated to achieve a "depth" look. The blocks appear to lay on top of each other. The quilt is constructed log cabin-style and will go together quickly. (3 sessions)
Stephanie Pennington-Grant
Summer Sewing Camps for Kids (Ages 10-13)
Campers will spend the morning at Thimble Pleasures sewing a wide variety of projects and will go home each day with a completed item. Each camper will bring their own machine, or they may borrow one of our sewing machines for the class. Due to the group instruction format and out of respect for safety and the tools being used, we are firm about the minimum age requirement. (5 sessions Monday-Friday) When signing up, please send us the name and age of your camper and a phone number!
The June camp is FULL!
Kristie Taylor
A Little Duffle Do It
These are the cutest little pouches and you will be sure to delight yourself by finishing it in class! These make great gifts. Rotary cutting skills required. (1 session)
Karen West
Birdie Sling
Use this roomy bag for everyday toting around town or traveling. It will expand to fit lots of baby needs or an extra sweater for yourself. Sewing or quilting experience required. ( 2 sessions)
Tammy Triglianos
Block Portfolio
Here’s the perfect way to transport your quilt blocks in style or store quilt blocks-in-progress. Perfect for using some of those gorgeous large print fabrics currently available, this 18” x18” portfolio goes together in just a few hours. Once you learn how to make one you’ll want to make several more in various fabrics and other sizes as well. (1 session)
Sharyn Cole
Coiled Fabric Baskets
Learn to create these fantastic baskets that make wonderful gifts and household organizing containers. The technique is simple but you will need a sturdy sewing machine that can handle some thickness. Check with us if you are not sure about your machine, and you can reserve a Bernina if yours is not up to the task. (1 session)
Karen West
Library Tote
This is a cute little quickie bag for toting your library books back and forth! The pattern is from Amy Karol’s Bend the Rules Sewing book. A great gift for every mom, or for kids to tote their own! (1 session)
Kat Nicholas
Make Your Own Quilt Labels
Learn to use your computer to print professional looking labels for you quilts. Information about the quilt and the quiltmaker is essential for historical purposes. This information helps quilts hold their value over the years. So make it a habit to clearly label every
quilt you make before it leaves your hands. Bring your laptop or reserve one of ours. (1 session)
Karen West
Minkee Blankees
This is the ultimate cuddle-bug blanket, and if you need a fast and inexpensive baby gift, it is perfect. You will learn to finish this the blanket with easy mitered corners. This is a blankie that toddlers will drag around for years! (1 session)
This class is FULL!
Karen West
Pillowcase Challenge
The One-Million Pillowcase Challenge is a year-long national challenge to create and sdonate one million pillowcases to local charities. We are hosting Pillowcase Workshops through the year to encourage you to participate. All you have to do is come in, buy a kit, and sew a pillowcase. We will provide sewing machines.
Serger Workshop
Get out that serger that has been sitting unused and make a variety or small quick gift items in this class. You will be amazed at how fast you can whip things up using your serger! Pre-requisite: Thread Your Serger (1 session)
Summer Sunhat
Make this easy and attractive sunhat designed by Amy Butler. Tammy will take you through the project step-by-step! (1 session)
Tammy Triglianos
Sweet Harmony Handbag
Tammy will take you step-by-step through the making of this stylish bag or tote designed by Amy Butler. It has a large piped pocket on the outside and more pockets inside. Fun! Basic rotary cutting and sewing or quilting skills required. (4 sessions)
Tammy Triglianos
The Tuffet
Learn to sew a gorgeous cover from a collection of wonderful fabrics and then come back and turn it into an upholstered footstool during the second session. You will provide your fabric and the bun feet. Sharyn will make the other wood and hardware pieces available to each student as a kit for a fee of approximately $45. (2 sessions)
For each class, the first class is 3 hours (you will be sewing), and the second class is 4 hours (you will be upholstering).
The July 7th class is FULL!
Sharyn Cole
Toothbrush Rugs
Do you have lots of leftover fabric from making quilts? Are the piles getting higher and you have no idea what to do with them? Here is the answer! Turn them into one of these gorgeous, and sturdy rugs. Once you make one, you will be hooked! (1 session)
Karen West
Totally Awesome Totebag
This is a sturdy tote you will make again and again for yourself and your friends. You will go home with a finished tote at the end of the class. Basic quilting and rotary cutting skills required. (1 session)
Karen West
Your Second Tuffet
This class is for tuffet makers who have already taken the two-part tuffet class and would like to create more tuffets. Sew the tuffet top at home on your own and come to class to turn it into an upholstered footstool. You buy the bun feet and a kit will be available for purchase, (approximately $45) which includes the wood circle, foam, batting and other hardware pieces. Be sure to order your kit in advance of the class date. (1 session)
Sharyn Cole
Artista Software Mastery
Open to all Bernina Software owners of Editor Lite, Editor Plus and Designer Plus Versions 5 and 6. This series of training classes is designed to help you feel more comfortable using your embroidery design software for altering, creating and digitizing your designs. Laptops or PC’s are required. Sewing machines are not needed in class. (6 sessions)
Celeste Lestienne
Software Sampler
You will learn tips and techniques to get the most out of your embroidery software, and spark your creativity to digitize designs in new and exciting ways. The class is virtually taught by Bernina Educators and followed-up with hands-on training right after the lesson. Bring your laptop, security dongle and software installed. (1 session)
Celeste Lestienne
Bernina Club
The May Bernina Club will be hands-on and you will make a beautiful spring table cloth. Learn to finish the edges with an easy mitered border. Please join us!
Staff
Bernina Machine Mastery
This is a series of classes offered to Bernina owners that are on-going and will help you become more familiar and comfortable using your new machine. Please note that session #1 is repeated the first week of each month. There is no charge if you purchased your machine in our store, but please be sure to sign up! (4-8 sessions) All classes are offered 10 am-1 pm OR 6-9 pm.
The upcoming schedule is as follows:
Class #1: July 6, August 3, September 7
Class #2: July 13
Class #3: July 20
Class #4: August 10
Class #5A: August 17
Class #5B: August 24
Class #6: August 31
Class #7: September 14 (Artistas only)
Eileen Hogan
You may sign up by email. Please specify morning or evening in your message.
Embroidery Mastery
Open to all Bernina embroidery module owners! A one day class to learn how to set up your machine to embroider. Includes preparing your design, hooping, stabilizers, threads and stitching-out. There is no charge if you purchased your machine and embroidery module in our store, but please be sure to sign up! You may sign up by email. All session are held from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (3 sessions)
Class #1 The Basics and Beginnings-Saturday, July 3
Class #2 Lettering, cuffs, collars and multi-hooping-Saturday, August 7
Class #3 On-line design downloads and computer communication-Saturday, June 5, and September 4
Stephanie Pennington-Grant