February seems to be short and sweet, but good grief, it's more than half gone. 

I hope you had a nice Valentine's Day and maybe celebrated with a treat. And Phil (the groundhog) saw his shadow, so I guess we'll see if his prediction of six more weeks of winter is true.

As a reminder try to take in the PVQA Quilt show Feb 22 and 23 (that's THIS coming weekend).

Our big summer event, Shop Hop by the Bay will take place June 18-22. Just in case your calendar might be filling up, you might want to pencil it in. More details will be coming soon.     

March promises to be longer and more eventful for me. We’re putting SEWcial and Simply Cindy dates on the March calendar. Please stay tuned for details.

PAJARO VALLEY QUILT SHOW

For the first time Family Threads will be a vendor at the Pajaro Valley quilt show, It's HIP to be SQUARE.

This show features 300 quilts on display, a merchant mall with vendors (which is where we'll be), a live quilt auction, a bed turning full of quilts and of course door prizes!

The featured speaker is Thom Atkins. He's known for his Bead Embellished Quilts where he continues to find balance between fiber and bead work.

DATES: Saturday, February 22 and Sunday February 23
TIME: Saturday, 10-5, Sunday 10-4
WHERE: Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, Watsonville, CA
FEATURED SPEAKER: Thom Atkins

For more information visit the Pajaro Valley Quilt Association website.

TOWN EVENTS & THE SHOP

Two events will be happening in San Juan Bautista soon - the Craft Fair and the Rib Cook Off. Because of the chaos and lack of available parking we will be closed two Saturdays.

Closed: Saturday, March 29
(Craft Fair - is actually both Sat and Sun)

Closed: Saturday, April 26
(Rib Cook Off is actually Fri, Sat and Sun)

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

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 
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 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.

You can sign up for one per month, BUT you can call the WEEK OF the next one to see if there's space. We just want to give everyone a chance to come and we don't like having to bump people. 
Please don’t just show up! 

Maximum 9 people

ONGOING/MONTHLY
CHATSWORTH

Dates: Third Saturday of the month Starting April 2025
Time: 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Cost: $60 FLAT FEE FOR THE YEAR
Skill Level: Intermediate
Instructor(s): Sheila
Pre-class homework: N/A
Supplies: (Book) Chatsworth, (Optional) ruler or papers

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.

CLASS
ORANGE BLOSSOM

Dates: Saturday, February 22
Time: 10:30 am - 2:30 pm
Cost: $40 + pattern
Skill Level: Confident Beginner
Instructor(s): Aneda and Joanna
Pre-class homework: Cut out fabric for at least 4 blocks
Supplies: 

• Fabric according to pattern
• Cut Rite Heavy Duty Freezer Paper (sold in packs)
• 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

Looks can be deceiving! The curved Orange Blossom quilt blocks are super easy to make, you might even be shocked by how easy. The method you’ll learn in class uses a technique that’s not only fast but accurate and really fun. Pattern features sizes in table topper, baby, lap, throw, queen and king.

BLOCK-OF-THE-MONTH
AMISH WITH A TWIST (6 MONTHS)

Dates: Saturday, March 1, April 5, May 3, June 7, July 12, August 2
Time: Lecture 9:00 am - 10:00 am 
Cost: $80 for all 6 months and included ruler; if you want to stay and sew while Aneda is here +$25 per session
Skill Level: Confident Beginner
Instructor(s): Aneda and Joanna
Pre-class homework: 
Supplies: 

• Book: Amish with a Twist V (we have in the shop for 20% off)
• Fabric - supply list in the book; if you want the colors Aneda used she'll have a list
• If you are going to pay, stay and sew:
  • 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

Once a month Aneda will be here with a sample of the month’s block and a chat about the block’s construction. Aneda will actually give some slightly different cutting instructions than in the book. You’ll be able to ask questions. You can work on your blocks at home and bring them in for show-and-tell on your next class visit.

We are also offering…if you want to keep yourself on track with guidance from Aneda you can pay an additional $25 for that day.

EVENING CLASS
SOPHIE'S SAMPLER (4 WEEKS)

Dates: Thursday evening, March 6, 13, 20, 27
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Cost: $125 (pattern included - this is the only way to get this pattern)
Skill Level: Confident Beginner
Instructor(s): Aneda and Joanna
Pre-class homework: At the end of each class, instructions for pre-cutting for teh next class will be given. So yes, there's some homework.
Supplies: 

• Pattern included in class
• Fabric - (8) 1/2 yard pieces, 1-12 yards of background
• 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

This is a fabulous four week sampler quilt class. Joanna and Aneda, the designers of this quilt, will be teaching lots of different techniques and throwing in tips they've learned along the way.

CLASS
THE ART OF ASSEMBLING YOUR QUILT: SASHING AND BORDERS

Dates: Saturday, March 8
Time: 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Cost: $25
Skill Level: Beginner
Instructor(s): Aneda and Joanna
Pre-class homework: 
Supplies: 

• Pen and paper for note taking
• Class Policies: Please read our Class Polices for additional information

Ever wonder why your quilt won't lay flat? Want to figure out what size your sashing or borders should be?

You're going to love this! Aneda will be here talking you through the proper way to assemble quilt blocks with sashing and figuring out borders (because remember flags wave, quilts should not).

This is not a hands on class but more of a lecture and how-to.

EVENT
SEWCIAL

Dates: Wednesday, March 12
Time: 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Cost: FREE

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!

While this isn't going to be an actual sewing event, if you want to book a seat and sew afterwards, you know, since you're already here, the cost is $5.

CLASS
SIMPLY CINDY

Dates: 4th Wednesday of the month
Time: 10:30 am - 2:30 pm
Cost: $35 with kit; $20 without kit
Skill Level: Confident beginner
Instructor(s): Cindy
Pre-class homework: None
Supplies: Vary with each project

• • 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.
    • 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

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
JELLY ROLL RUG

Dates: Saturday, April 12
Time: 10:00 am - 2:30 pm
Cost: $45
Skill Level: Confident 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 design’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 2-1/4” or 2-1/2” 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 Make Tool (Clover) This is not required but INCREDIBLY helpful.
• 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
• And extension table for your machine is helpful
• 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.
  • Scissors (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.

Prep work is required! Please see below under “Pre-class homework”.

We require a minimum of 5 students.

CLASS
WHIRL

Dates: Saturday, April 26
Time: 10:30 am - 2:30 pm
Cost: $40
Skill Level: Confident Beginner
Instructor(s): Aneda and Joanna
Pre-class homework: Pick your fabrics
Supplies: 

• Pattern
• Fabric according to pattern
• 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

Whirl is a colorful modern quilt pattern using simple half square triangle blocks and an easy foundation paper piece block to create a fun colorful statement.

Sizes included in the pattern: Baby quilt (about 40 x 60"), throw (about 50 x 72"), twin (about 75 x 89") and queen (about 90 x 111") are included.

CLASS
HOUSES AND STEPS (2 DAYS)

Dates: Friday, May 9 AND Saturday, May 10
Time: 10:30 am - 2:30 pm
Cost: $80
Skill Level: Confident Beginner
Instructor(s): Aneda and Joanna
Pre-class homework: 
Supplies: 

• BOOK Miss Rosie's Farmhouse Favorites: 12 Captivating Scrappy Quilts by Carrie Nelson (this book is OUT OF PRINT, you can find used copies on places like Amazon)
• 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

Stay tuned for more info!

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, you can rent our room.

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.