Last night I learned about a Facebook post called a story. If I understand correctly it’s basically a picture and a sentence. Just one small sentence. I will never again dwell on my newsletter opening paragraphs because in comparison my short piece could be considered a novel! Right?    

Life has so many new things, beyond my comprehension. And ok things that are becoming trendy again like rag quilts and bell bottom jeans. Has it really been that many years? It doesn't seem like it.

Did you see our recent video post on Facebook and Instagram of the back room? Solids are abundant and oh such a beautiful array of colors! The Colorworks line is high quality and priced at an affordable $7.70 per yard. Solids display a vast variety of looks, from vintage to modern. Ever consider a solid for a backing? The quilting would have a whole cloth quilt look.

We are fully stocked with beautiful fabrics and as always working in samples and kits. Classes are going on the calendar, also consider a sew day. Stop in when you’re over our way, we hope to inspire you!

(And no, Cindy didn't get a new car. One of our fabric reps drives this and graciously let us use it in the newsletter.)

SMIDGE OF A MAKEOVER

We think it might be safe to say that we can't fit any more new shelves in - although we are quite creative, so you just never know.

Did you know we now have OVER 4,000 bolts!
A few breakdowns...
239 solids
111 Moda Grunge (including dots)
475 Batiks
70 Sale Fabrics

And we've been notified our next round of new solids has shipped as well as a few others. Just look at all that color! 

WIDEBACKS

Did you know we have 50 different widebacks? With our little makeover we moved them into our classroom now. We have 108" cottons, some 60" and 90" Cuddle (Minky) and a few others.

SUMMER WILL BE HERE SOON!

The way the months are flying by summer will be here before you know it. And that means Shop Hop by the Bay will be here too.
Be sure to pencil us in for:

Wednesday, June 18 - Saturday, June 21
10am-5pm each day

Visit the official Shop Hop by the Bay website to find out all the details including the 8 participating shops.

TOWN EVENTS & THE SHOP

The Rib Cook Off will be happening this month and because of the chaos and lack of available parking we will be closed.

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! 

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

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.

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

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

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.

JELLY ROLL RUG

Dates: Saturday, April 19
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”.

SIMPLY CINDY

Dates: April 23 
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.

WHIRL

Dates: Saturday, April 26 (the shop will actually be closed due to the Rib Cook Off, but the instructors have a key)
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.

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

If you enjoy scrapping piecing, you’re going to love this 2-day class. The quilt you’ll be working on features bursts of color - a center of courthouse step blocks surrounded by borders including one with sweet little houses.

Aneda and Joanna will walk you through everything you need to know to create the blocks and put the quilt together.

MACHINE BASICS, LEARN TO SEW AND BEYOND, SEW FOR LOVE

Dates: Saturday, June 14 and Sunday, June 15
Time: Sew for Love all day; any classes choose between 9am-12; 12:30-3:30pm, 4-7pm or 7-10pm
Cost: $60
Skill Level: Beginner
Instructor(s): Michelle Zeiler
Pre-class homework: 
Supplies: Please see Michelle's list below
Class Policies: Please read our Class Polices for additional information

MACHINE BASICS (ages 8+) Michelle will walk you through the basics of the sewing machine - thread, needles, tension, bobbins, and stitch count. You can bring your own machine or can rent one from Michelle.

LEARN TO SEW AND BEYOND (ages 8+) If you want to broaden your sewing skills Michelle offers instruction for all levels, from beginners to intermediate students. Each student works at their own pace on their own project. You can start with one of Michelle's projects – lap quilt (any age), 15” square patch quilt (age 12+), pajama pants (age 12+), drawstring tote bag, pillow case, reversible apron.

SUPPLIES YOU’LL NEED FOR ANY OF MICHELLE'S CLASSES

• Package of long pins (yellow preferred but pearl ok too)
• fabric marking chalk or pen in both light and dark
• GOOD fabric scissors
• hand needles assorted
• metal sewing gauge 6"
• tape measure
• seam ripper
• pin cushion (like Grabbit)
• thread basic polyester or cotton
• sewing machine with empty bobbin, foot pedal and pressure foot OR you can rent a machine

----------
SEW FOR LOVE ♥ This is a volunteer sewing program Michelle started back in 2000. Benefitting local charities with items such as quilts, hats, cubie chairs, pet beds and tote bags – Michelle is always looking for volunteers to sew these simple items, stuff chairs or just help out.

You won't need any supplies to volunteer for Sew for Love all are included

ICE CREAM SEWCIAL

Dates: Wednesday, July 9
Time: 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Cost: FREE

Cindy's putting together this deliciously fun event in honor of July being National Ice Cream month. We'll of course be serving ice cream. She also has some non-caloric fun things planned. 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.

SIMPLE QUILTING

Dates: Friday, July 11 AND Saturday, July 12
Time: Fri 11:00 am - 5:00 pm; Sat 10:30 am - 2:00 pm
Cost: $80
Skill Level: Confident Beginner
Instructor(s): Aneda and Joanna
Pre-class homework: 
Supplies: 

• A finished quilt top no bigger than 60" x 60" (about a lap size)
• Backing sewn together, needs to finish 4" BIGGER than you quilt top
• Elmer's Washable School Glue (4 ounce size is fine)
• Walking foot
• 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)
  • Thread(s) to match your project
• Class Policies: Please read our Class Polices for additional information

Now that you have your quilt top done, let's get it together!

In this TWO DAY class you're going to sandwich your quilt together and then learn how to do a simple stitch-in-the-ditch quilting method.

For this class we're asking that your quilt top be NO BIGGER than 60" x 60" (about a lap size) which will allow you to atually finish.

This class does NOT including learning to bind.

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.

Thank you for supporting Family Threads Quilt Shop.
We're in our 15th year of business!
We appreciate you so very much and look forward to seeing you soon.