Last month you saw us working on this quilt. Today it's finished and kits are available in the shop and on our website. I think Keira did a great job arranging the squares. Next time I'm going to see if she'll sew it as well.

It was wonderful to see so many of you in Los Banos at last weeks Pumpkin Patch Quilt show. Wasn't it an amazing display of quilts and decor? A great variety of vendors made for an enjoyable day. 

This Saturday (September 14) we will be in Merced for a beautiful one-day outdoor show (see details below). If you missed out last weekend, consider taking a drive.

Classes are going on the calendar so be sure to check out the schedule (below and on our website).

Fabrics arrive weekly and we are looking forward to inspiring you to get those holiday projects underway. The daylight hours are geting shorter, so I hope you have a bright light so you can stitch the nights away. Speaking of light, we have the Cutterpillar Machine Lights, and also a Lighted Seam Ripper (just in case).

Quilts on Forist Lane Quilt Show

For the first time Family Threads will be a vendor at the Gateway Quilters' biennial quilt show, Quilts on Forist Lane.

This is an enchanting outdoor quilt show that allows you to view each quilt easily as you take a short stroll down a paved tree lined street in Merced. The beautiful quilts are hung along the green lawns and gardens or among the shady trees. We have chairs and tables for you to take a quick refreshment break.

Featured artist is Diane Swenson who is known for her talent in color selection and quilting skill. Diane hand appliqués many of her quilts.

DATES: Saturday, September 14, 2024
HOURS: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
WHERE: 2860-2899 Forist Lane, Merced
FEATURED ARTIST: Diane Swenson

For more information visit the Gateway Quilter's Guild website.

RECENTLY ADDED TO OUR WEBSITE

These are a few new things we've added to our website. Just click on the picture and it'll take you to our site. 

WHAT'S NEW AND EXCITING

A recap of what we've been posting on social media - just in case you missed it.

ONGOING/MONTHLY
QUILTING OPEN SEW

Dates: 2nd Thursday of the month (starting in October)
Time: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Cost: $25
Skill Level: All
Instructor(s): Aneda Phillips
Pre-class homework: N/A
Supplies: Vary according to your individual project

Do you have a quilting project you'd like to start or have started but need a little help? Why not set aside time to get some help.

Aneda will be here once a month (the 2nd Thursday). She's been a quilter for decades and has knowledge of piecing, appliqué and paper piecing (machine, not English Paper Piecing EPP). This is NOT a structured class, nor should it be considered a private lesson but rather answering questions and offering help to get you going.

ONGOING/MONTHLY
WOOL APPLIQUÉ OPEN SEW

Dates: First Friday of the month
Time: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Cost: $25
Skill Level: Intermediate
Instructor(s): Beth Upstill (West Coast Wool)
Pre-class homework: N/A
Supplies: Bring your own wool project and wool stitching supplies

ONGOING/MONTHLY
FINISH-IT FRIDAY

Dates: 3rd and 4th (or sometimes 5th when the month has them) Friday of the month
Time: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Cost: $5
Skill Level: N/A
Instructor(s): None
Pre-class homework: N/A
Supplies: Whatever you'd like to sew on.

Come and sew on whatever you'd like. Call to sign up. Please don’t just show up. 

So that everyone gets a chance, you may sign up for more than one a month but you might get bumped.

Maximum 9 people

ONGOING/MONTHLY
PERFECT PATCHWORK

Dates: Third Saturday of the month Starting April 2024
Time: 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Cost: $60 FLAT FEE FOR THE YEAR
Skill Level: Intermediate
Instructor(s): Sheila Galindo
Pre-class homework: N/A
Supplies: (Book) The Perfect Patchwork System we offer 20% off; (optional) acrylic templates

In this Block-of-the-Month program, you'll be following along with Sheila as she guides you through each month's block(s).

All of your block construction will be sewn at home, but each month she'll talk about which blocks you'll be working on and how they are made. You can bring your completed block(s) the following month for a little show-and-tell.

If you're looking for a little sewing time, you might consider coming to one of our Finish-It-Friday monthly events.

ONGOING/MONTHLY
SIMPLY CINDY:
Granny Square 2

Dates: 4th Wednesday - August 28
Time: 10:30 am - 2:30 pm
Cost:  $35 (includes kit); $20 (no kit provided, you bring your own supplies)
Skill Level: Advanced beginner
Instructor(s): Cindy
Pre-class homework: None
Supplies: 

• • Sewing machine in good working order AND you must be familiar with it (thread it, wind a bobbin and use a straight stitch.) Cindy cannot take time away from other students to troubleshoot your machine.
  • 1/4" foot
  • Scissors (trimming threads)
  • Seam ripper (just in case)
  • Rotary cutter (45mm is standard) You must be familar with how to use it.
  • Thread(s) to match your project or neutral for piecing
  • Class Policies: Please read our Class Polices for additional information

Simply Cindy is a monthly hands-on class (not just a demo) where you'll make a small project. Each month Cindy will be picking something different but simple.

The class will meet the 4th Wednesday of each month (unless otherwise noted). You'll need to bring your sewing supplies including your machine. You can also bring a snack if you'd like as there will be no scheduled lunch break.

We're offering two options. $35 with the kit, $20 without. If you chose the version without the kit, you'll still need to purchase the pattern.

CLASS
WHIRL

Dates: Saturday, September 14
Time: 10:30 am - 2:30 pm
Cost: $40
Skill Level: Confident Beginner
Instructor(s): Aneda Phillips and Joanna Johnson
Pre-class homework: do NOT precut pieces
Supplies: 

• • Pattern - Whirl by Williams Street
  • 16 copies of paper piece paper
  • 12-1/2" ruler
  • Small iron and ironing mat
  • A light table if you have one but if not we will have one to share.
  • Basic Quilting Supplies include:
    • Sewing machine in good working order AND you must be familiar with it (thread it, wind a bobbin and use a straight stitch.) Instructors cannot take time away from other students to troubleshoot your machine.
    • 1/4" foot
    • Scissors (trimming threads)
    • Seam ripper (just in case)
    • Rotary cutter (45mm is standard)
    • Small to medium cutting mat and ruler(s) (we have a large mat and a couple rulers to share)
    • Thread(s) to match your project
  • Class Policies: Please read our Class Polices for additional information

Whirl is a modern quilt pattern using simple half square triangle blocks and an easy foundation paper piece block to create a fun colorful statement. Pattern includes layouts for a baby quilt (about 40"x 60"), a throw quilt (about 50"x 72"), a twin size bed quilt (about 75"x 89") and a queen size bed quilt (about 90"x 111").

You will leave the class knowing how to put together the blocks and top, but you probably won't leave with a finished quilt top.

CLASS
Porch Rails

Dates: ON HOLD FOR THE MOMENT
Time: 10:30 am - 2:30 pm
Cost: $45
Skill Level: Confident Beginner
Instructor(s): Karen Coatsworth
Pre-class homework: Please iron your fabric - especially if you pre-wash.
Supplies: 

• • Book - Pretty Darn Quick 3 Yard Quilts (page 14)
  • Fabric - 3 (1) yard cuts
  • Basic Quilting Supplies include:
    • Sewing machine in good working order AND you must be familiar with it (thread it, wind a bobbin and use a straight stitch.) Karen cannot take time away from other students to troubleshoot your machine.
    • 1/4" foot
    • Scissors (trimming threads)
    • Seam ripper (just in case)
    • Rotary cutter (45mm is standard)
    • We have a large cutting mat, but if you don't want to wait you can bring your own.
    • Thread(s) to match your project
  • Class Policies: Please read our Class Polices for additional information

Porch Rails is a super simple design that delivers a fun quilt with every fabric choice. This quilt features 8" blocks that would be perfect for showing off a nice focus fabric.

You will leave the class knowing how to put together the blocks and top, but you probably won't leave with a finished quilt top.

CLASS - 3 THURSDAY EVENINGS
QUILTING 101 EXPRESS

Dates: Thursday, September 19, 26, October 3
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Cost:  $95
Skill Level: Beginner
Instructor(s): Aneda Phillips and Joanna Johnson
Pre-class homework: pick out fabric or purchase kit
Supplies: 

• • Pattern Card - Frame Up
  • Basic Quilting Supplies include:
    • Sewing machine in good working order AND you must be familiar with it (thread it, wind a bobbin and use a straight stitch.) This is NOT a machine basics class. Instructors cannot take time away from other students to troubleshoot your machine.
    • 1/4" foot
    • Scissors (trimming threads)
    • Seam ripper (just in case)
    • Rotary cutter (45mm is standard) The first night of class they'll be showing you different types of rotary cutters, so if you don't have one you might want to wait until you see them. 
    • Small to medium cutting mat and ruler(s) (we have a large mat and a couple rulers to share)
    • Thread(s) to match your project
• Class Policies: Please read our Class Polices for additional information

In person classes are great because you not only learn a new skill and learn from someone with years of experience but you also have the opportunity to make new friends, share your successes or struggles (all quilters have them whether you're new to quilting or a seasoned quilter), and learn from others' questions. All this, while learning to quilt!

While working on a small project, you'll learn how to:

• Cut using a rotary cutter and mat
• Learn the quilters seam
• Baste your finished project
• Simple machine quilting
• Roll-over binding technique

CLASS
JELLY ROLL RUG

Dates: Saturday, October 5
Time: 10:00 am - 2:30 pm
Cost:  $45
Skill Level: Beginner
Instructor(s): Rori Jensen
Pre-class homework: Please read the pattern and sew your binding strips together. Sew short ends of the 20 strips together using the diagonal binding method making one continuous long strip. Accordion fold and tie with a ribbon, as per pattern instructions.

Supplies: 

• • Pattern - Jelly Roll Rug by RJ Designs
  • 1 Jelly Roll OR (20) 2-1/2” x 42” strips of a particular designer's fabric line or make your own color theme. In class WE WILL ONLY BE USING the 20 STRIPS you sewed TOGETHER in the pre-class homework. Choose a dark strip to end your rug.
    
  • Batting strips (CHOOSE ONLY ONE OPTION)
    
    • One 25 or 50 yard roll of Bosal Katahdin-on-a-roll 2 ¼” or 2 ½” strips OR
    • Batting strips (any type of batting will work in your rug,  cut into 2 1⁄4” strips before class)
      Pattern says 2-1⁄2 “ but I think 2-1⁄4 “ is easier to work with.  
  • Fabric Tube Maker tool (Clover) This is not required but INCREDIBLY helpful (A note...here at the shop these have been backordered until late September. We cannot promise that we will get them before class.)
  • Batting seam tape - If you are making your own batting strips (optional: join all batting strips, short ends together, prior to class time)
    • Size 14-18 jeans/denim needle (bring a needle for stretch fabrics as you might experience skipped stitches)
    • 1 large spool 50w of thread to blend or contrast with your fabrics (I used light grey. It is helpful if you pre-wind 3-4 bobbins prior to class)
    • Quilting gloves
    • A box or a basket to hold your rug coil between your feet while you sew your rug together
    • Walking foot
    • Clover clips
    • An extension table for your machine is helpful
    • Machine must be able to do zig-zag stitch
  • Basic Quilting Supplies include:
    • Sewing machine in good working order AND you must be familiar with it (thread it, wind a bobbin and use a straight stitch.) Instructors cannot take time away from other students to troubleshoot your machine. Sewing machine must be able to do ZIG ZAG
    • Scissors (for trimming threads)
    • Seam ripper (just in case)
• Class Policies: Please read our Class Polices for additional information

Come and join the handmade rug craze! These rugs are so much fun to make.

In previous Jelly Roll Rug classes Rori has taught, students used a whole Jelly Roll (42 - 2-1/2" strips). This takes quite a bit of time and usually means you don't get to finish. 

In this class you'll be using only 20 strips to make an oval rug which finishes about 22-1/2" x 17-1/2". (For reference, a full Jelly Roll will make a rug about 30" x 44".)

Want some inspiration? Follow #jellyrollrug on Instagram.

CLASS - 2 DAYS
CACTUS WREATH

Dates: 2 Day class - Friday, Oct 11 AND Saturday, Oct 12
Time: Friday 10:30 am - 4:30 pm; Saturday 10:30 am - 2:30 pm
Cost: $80
Skill Level: Confident Beginner
Instructor(s): Aneda Phillips and Joanna Johnson
Pre-class homework: Cut out fabric per pattern instructions
Supplies: 

• • Pattern - Cactus Wreath
  • Fabric** (See below)
  • Starch
  • Small iron and ironing mat
  • Basic Quilting Supplies:
    • Sewing machine in good working order AND you must be familiar with it (thread it, wind a bobbin and use a straight stitch.) Aneda and Joanna cannot take time away from other students to troubleshoot your machine.
    • 1/4" foot
    • Scissors (trimming threads)
    • Seam ripper (just in case)
    • Rotary cutter (45mm is standard)
    • Small to medium cutting mat and ruler(s) (we have a large mat and a couple rulers to share)
    • Thread(s) to match your project
  • Class Policies: Please read our Class Polices for additional information

This popular class is back again. Cactus Wreath starts with a medallion and grows from there. The pattern offers three sizes – wall hanging 60” square, throw 72” square and queen 92” square. You can use any colors for your strips - pick from a collection for a coordinated look or go for scrappy. 

During this class you’ll be shown how to make the blocks and put the quilt together. You will probably not have a completed quilt in 2 days.

**FABRIC If you look at pattern cover: Color 1=RED and Color 2=GREEN

EVENT
MIDNIGHT SEW

Dates: Saturday, October 12
Time: 5:00 pm - Midnight
Cost: $25
Skill Level: N/A
Instructor(s): None
Pre-class homework: N/A
Supplies: Whatever you'd like to sew on.

We're having a late night sew-in. Similar to our Finish-it-Firday, you can bring whatever you'd like to sew on. There's no instructor, but there will be light snacks provided.

Call to sign up. Please don’t just show up. 

CLASS
DROP ZONE ZIPPER POUCH

Dates: Saturday, October 19 FULL
2nd Date added: Saturday, September 28
Time: 10:00 am - 2:30 pm
Cost:  $45
Skill Level: Confident Beginner
Instructor(s): Dayna Dickison
Pre-class homework: PRE-QUILT your fabric
Supplies: 

• Pattern - Drop Zone
• Fabric + other supplies (On the class listing on our website  we have the pattern back cover)
• Basic Quilting Supplies include:
  • Sewing machine in good working order AND you must be familiar with it (thread it, wind a bobbin and use a straight stitch.) Instructor cannot take time away from other students to troubleshoot your machine.
  • 1/4" foot
  • Zipper foot
  • Scissors (trimming threads)
  • Seam ripper (just in case)
  • Rotary cutter (45mm is standard)
  • We have a large cutting mat, but if you don't want to wait you can bring your own.
  • Thread(s) to match your project
• Class Policies: Please read our Class Polices for additional information

In this class Dayna will be showing you how to make ByAnnie's Drop Zone pouch. It's a zippered, multipurpose pouch that opens to create a shallow tray - giving great visibility to what's inside and easy access to contents. Use it to store and carry personal items or a variety of art, office, and craft supplies.

The pattern contains three different sizes - in this class you'll be making the MEDIUM sized pouch.
Measures: 2-1/2"H x 7"W x 5"D when open, 2-1/2"H x 7"W x 2½"D when closed

CLASS
EVERGREEN or WIND BLOWN

Dates: Saturday, October 26
Time: 10:30 am - 2:30 pm
Cost: $45
Skill Level: Confident Beginner
Instructor(s): Aneda Phillips and Joanna Johnson
Pre-class homework: None
Supplies: 

• Fabric according to pattern
• Ruler - Kitty Cornered CGRDH5 
• Starch
• Small iron and ironing mat
• Basic Quilting Supplies include:
  • Sewing machine in good working order AND you must be familiar with it (thread it, wind a bobbin and use a straight stitch.) The instructors cannot take time away from other students to troubleshoot your machine.
  • 1/4" foot
  • Scissors (trimming threads)
  • Seam ripper (just in case)
  • Rotary cutter (45mm is standard)
  • We have a large cutting mat, but if you don't want to wait you can bring your own.
  • Thread(s) to match your project
• Class Policies: Please read our Class Polices for additional information

You can choose between these two projects because they both use the same ruler:

EVERGREEN 
In reds and greens, this is the perfect centerpiece for holiday decorating. Or, change the color-way and give it a cottage or lodge feel so you can use it all year round. Measures: 20 x 40

WIND BLOWN
In this quilt, it's all about tossing leaves this way and that. Using nine fat quarters, a background and a ruler you'll have a pile of leaves to put your quilt together. Measures: 55 x 70

CLASS
NO SEW ORNAMENT

Dates: Saturday, November 2
Time: 10:30 am - 2:30 pm
Cost: $30 (includes kit fee)
Skill Level: Beginner
Instructor(s): Dayna Dickison
Pre-class homework: None
Supplies: 

• (3) 2-1/2" strips - one light, one medium, on dark (Kit includes 3 strips, but if you want to bring your own you can)
• Cloth measuring tape
• Class Policies: Please read our Class Polices for additional information

In this class you'll be making a no-sew fabric-folded ornament. It's best to have a light, medium and dark fabric as you can see by the picture. Why not join Dayna for a day and learn how to make these. Perfect for your holidays or to give away as a special gift.

CLASS
APPLIQUE 3 WAYS

Dates: Saturday, November 16
Time: 10:30 am - 2:30 pm
Cost: $53 (includes kit fee)
Skill Level: Confident Beginner
Instructor(s): Aneda Phillips and Joanna Johnson
Pre-class homework: None
Supplies: 

• Awl (like Clover Tapered Tailor's Awl 486 - no ball point stylus, needs sharp point)
• Basic Quilting Supplies include:
  • Sewing machine in good working order AND you must be familiar with it - which means you should be able to thread it, wind a bobbin and use a straight stitch. Instructors cannot take time away from other students to troubleshoot your machine.
    Sewing machine must be able to do ZIG ZAG or BLANKET STITCH
  • Sharp machine needles
  • Open toe foot
  • Scissors (trimming threads)
  • Seam ripper (just in case)
  • Rotary cutter (45mm is standard)
  • Small to medium cutting mat and ruler(s) (we have a large mat and a couple rulers to share)
  • Pencil
  • Thread(s) to match your project
• Class Policies: Please read our Class Polices for additional information

Have you ever wanted to learn how to appliqué? Well here’s your chance.

There’s lots of different methods and in this class Aneda will show you not 1, not 2, but 3 different techniques. Two will be machine based, one by hand. With all these options you’re sure to find a technique to fit your needs.

BOOK OUR CLASSROOM

Need a place to sew or meet up with your stitching friends?

During our regular shop hours (M-F 10-5, Sat 10-3), and when it's not in use, we've started renting out our classroom.

We have TWO different options:

• $5/person gets you a seat in the room
• $50/day gets you (your group) the room exclusively 

What we have:

• Chairs for up to 10 people
• Dedicated cutting and ironing stations
• A few standard rulers to share

You bring your own supplies/sewing machine. You can bring lunch or visit one of the town's restaurants.