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Family Threads News - October 2024


Family Threads Quilt Shop banner

 

October is a great month to celebrate. Today is my birthday! While I'm not turning a significant number I welcome and am grateful for each one. I’m sure I put a smile on my daddy’s face when I was born… of course every newborn baby put a smile on it! He had an enormous capacity for love! 

We also celebrate our shop anniversary, we're starting year 15!!! I bought the shop 5 years ago, it seems like yesterday. Holly and I have worked together for a long time; I say we make a great team!

By the way…Did someone say anniversary? We’re having a sale! If you have had your eye on something it would be a great time for a little savings. Keep scrolling to get the scoop!

Simply Cindy will return after the holidays, yes they are approaching quickly. This month the 4th Wednesday will be a SEWcial. Call to reserve a seat 10:30 - 12:30 for a little pumpkin fun!

We hope to see you soon!


Happy Anniversary

We hope you'll help us celebrate. 
Wednesday, Oct 16 - Saturday Oct 19

  • 20% OFF All Regular Priced Fabric on the Bolt (1/2 YARD MINIMUM)
  • 20% OFF Already cut Fat Quarters (Includes Bundles)
  • 30% OFF All Halloween Prints on the Bolt
  • FREE GIFT with purchases of $10 or more (one per customer during the event please)

Holiday Gatherings

Need a space to host a stitching holiday gathering?

Our classroom might be the perfect place. Just give us a call to see if it's available. If it is, we'll pencil you in! 

We can't really host potlucks, but there are a number of restuarants in town. (Here's a list, but do call and check with the restuarant.)


Holiday Hours

October
- we'll be here our normal business hours

November
- Close at 2pm Wednesday, Nov 27
- Closed Thursday, Nov 28
- Closed Friday, Nov 29

December 
- Close at 2pm Monday, Dec 23
- Closed Tuesday, Dec 24
- Closed Wednesday, Dec 25
- Closed Thursday, Dec 26
- Closed Friday, Dec 27
- Closed Saturday, Dec 28

January 
- Close at 2pm Tuesday, Dec 31
- Closed Wednesday, Jan 1, 2025


Color, Color and MORE COLOR!

If you love color and solids, we have great news. We carry Northcott's Colorworks line and they're expanding it. Over 120 NEW colors. AND, we're getting them ALL! Shipments start arriving later this year.


Sticky Situation

When using things like Steam-a-Seam, 505 Basting Spray or another sticky substances...

  • Clean your needle REGULARLY
    • Karen from Machine Medics uses a disinfectant wipe
    • Cindy at the shop was given a little screw-top jar with cotton swab pads that had been splashed with isopropyl alcohol)
  • Avoid using your Auto Cutter
  • Schmetz does make a Super Nonstick needle - and while this helps, it doesn't fully elimate the issue

Why you might ask?
Residue ends up on your needle and can actually clog the cutting mechanism, possibly even to the point of it not working or showing an error.

Thank you to Machine Medics for the tip!


NEW TO OUR WEBSITE

These are a few new things (not all though) we've added to our website. Just click on the picture and it'll take you to our site. 


 

WHAT WE'VE BEEN POSTING

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

        


CLASSES

Please visit our website's class policies page for information on: 
• Before taking a class
• You'd like to sign up for a class
• Class day is here! 

Unless otherwise noted, classes require a MINIMUM of 4 STUDENTS.

WHEN VIEWING our online Class Schedule, whatever month/page you are on ONLY shows classes for THAT month (not ALL the classes available for the entire year).


View Class Schedule

 

Rori taught a wonderful Jelly Roll Rug Making class this month. Thank you to everyone who attended.


ONGOING/MONTHLY
QUILTING OPEN SEW

Dates: 2nd Thursday of the month 
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 (not meeting in November)
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

Why not set aside some stitching time for yourself. Have a wool project you’d like to start but need a little bit of direction? Beth will be here the first Friday of the month. Come with your wool project and supplies. This is not a structured class, but Beth’s here to answer questions and help you along the way. 

To sign up please CONTACT BETH DIRECTLY westcoastwool@gmail.com or 408-418-0247.

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

Dates: WILL RETURN AFTER THE HOLIDAYS
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
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 - 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

 

COLOR 1

COLOR 2

BACKGROUND

BORDER

Wallhanging

2-1/2” strips (11) OR (4) ¼ yards

2-1/2” strips (22) OR (8) ¼ yards

2-1/4 yards

none

Throw

2-1/2” strips (11) OR (4) ¼ yards

(8) ¼ yards

2-1/4 yards

1-1/3 yards

Queen

2-1/2” strips (23) OR (8) ¼ yards

2-1/2” strips (27) OR (9) ¼ yards

3-3/4 yards

1-3/4 yards


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
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


EVENT
SEWCIAL

Dates: Wednesday, October 23
Time: 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Cost:  EVENT IS FREE; If you want to reserve a seat to stay and sew afterwards it's $5

Cindy's having another Sewcial event. This is a non-sewing couple of hours where fun is sure to be had. And did we say it's FREE!

Please give us a call and reserve your space - PLEASE do NOT just show up!


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

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.

A gentle note...
Booking our classroom for $5 is for the use of our classroom, not our staff. 

We are more than happy to answer a question (or two),
but we cannot give an impromptu personalized quilt lesson. 

If you need more help,
please consider signing up for Aneda's monthly one-on-one session QUILTING/OPEN SEW.


WORD OF THE MONTH

COSSET and COGNOMEN

She cossetted her new sewing machine - a fancy case with plenty of cushion, a seat belt for safety when traveling in the car. She even gave it a cognomen "Mrs.Bobbin". Oh how she loved her machine.

DEFINITION
Cosset - to pamper or coddle
Cognomen - nickname

Each week our good friends at Machine Medics come to pick up/drop off your sewing machines.

Each week Luis (with Karen's help sometimes) brings us a word and we have to figure out the definition. It's now become a source of entertainment we thought we'd share.

 

Thank you for supporting Family Threads Quilt Shop.
October marks the start of our 15th year!
We appreciate you so very much and look forward to seeing you soon.

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