Summer may still be in full swing, but around here the holidays are coming at warp speed—and fabric continues to arrive weekly (sometimes even daily)!

Now’s the time to get busy, and we’ve got plenty to keep your sewing machine humming. New kits and fresh classes are ready for you (check out our full class listings—the photo shows off our Pumpkin or Tree class coming the beginning of September), exciting projects are in the works, and gorgeous new quilts are off to the quilter. Plus, we’re gearing up for the Pumpkin Patch Quilts show on September 6–7—mark your calendar, because it’s going to be a good one!

Whether you’re sewing for Christmas, Halloween, or just because, now’s the perfect time to dive into something new. Stop by, browse the latest arrivals, and get inspired—because the best projects start with beautiful fabric and a spark of creativity.

Wishing you a wonderful August,

ANNUAL PUMPKIN PATCH QUILT SHOW

Join us for the annual Pumpkin Patch Quilt Show, hosted by the Los Banos Arts Council! This beloved event is brimming with gorgeous quilts, fabulous vendors (including us!), raffle baskets, fresh pumpkins, and so much more. 

Dates: September 6 & 7, 2024
Hours:
 Saturday – 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
 Sunday – 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Where: Ted Falasco Arts Center, 1105 5th Street, Los Banos, CA

Swing by our booth, say hello, and be sure to grab a flyer at the shop!

LABOR DAY HOURS

We’ll be OPEN Saturday, August 30 for all your quilting needs, but CLOSED Monday, September 1 for Labor Day.

Wishing you a wonderful holiday weekend filled with fun, relaxation, and maybe a little stitching time! 

WHAT WE'VE BEEN POSTING

A quick look back—our posts have been filled with festive fabric bolts, cheerful bundles, and holiday inspiration galore, making the shop feel a bit like Mrs. Claus's quilting room.

Follow along for the latest arrivals, project inspiration, and behind-the-scenes fun:
Facebook: FamilyThreadsQuiltShop
Instagram: @familythreadsinSJB

Don’t forget to tag us and use #familythreadsquiltshop—we love seeing (and sharing!) what you’re making.

Until next time, keep calm and stitch on!

CLASSES

Helpful Reminders!
Before signing up, please visit our Class Policies page for full details.

Payment Info:
Class fees must be paid directly to the instructor by cash or check.

Viewing Classes Online?
When browsing our online Class Schedule, keep in mind:
Each page only shows that specific month’s classes—not the full year. So be sure to check other months for more options!

View Class Schedule

QUILTING OPEN SEW

Got a quilting project you’d like to start—or one that’s been patiently waiting for attention?
Set aside some time to get the guidance you need! Aneda, with decades of quilting experience, will be here once a month (on the 2nd Thursday) to offer her expertise. She’s skilled in piecing, appliqué, and machine paper piecing (note: not English Paper Piecing), and she’s happy to answer your questions and help get you moving in the right direction.

This isn’t a structured class—it’s a relaxed, supportive space for project help and quilting encouragement.

Please don’t just pop in—give us a call to reserve your space! We want to make sure everyone gets the time and help they need.

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

Class Policies: Please read our Class Polices for additional information

WOOL APPLIQUÉ OPEN SEW

Set aside some stitching time just for you! If you have a wool project you’d like to start or need a bit of direction, Beth will be here to help. This is an open sew session — not a structured class — but Beth will be available to answer questions and guide you along the way.

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

Dates: First Friday of the month (Date change for September, moved to 2nd Friday 9/12)
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

Class Policies: Please read our Class Polices for additional information

FINISH-IT FRIDAY

We’d love to have you join us for one Finish-It-Friday each month!
Hoping to squeeze in another? Give us a ring the week of to see if there’s room — we want to make sure everyone gets a fair shot at some finish-it fun.

And pretty please, don’t just pop in — let us save you a spot!

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.

Class Policies: Please read our Class Polices for additional information

CHATSWORTH

Join Sheila for a year-long adventure in quilting! Each month, you’ll follow along as Sheila guides you through the construction of a new block (or two!).

You'll do all the sewing at home, but each month, Sheila will walk you through the upcoming blocks and provide helpful tips on how to make them. Then, bring your completed block(s) to the next session for a fun show-and-tell with fellow quilters!

Looking for some extra sewing time? Consider joining our Finish-It-Friday monthly events for a little additional motivation.

Let’s block out some time to quilt! 

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

Class Policies: Please read our Class Polices for additional information

PUFFY QUILT

Make Your Own Puffy Quilt – A Hands-On Class with Kelly

Come stitch up something cozy, colorful, and completely irresistible—a puffy quilt! In this hands-on class, Kelly will guide you through every step: from planning your layout to stitching and stuffing each puff, plus how to finish your quilt at home.

Charm packs make prep a breeze, so you can dive right into the fun.

Choose the size that suits you best:
36" x 36"
48" x 56"
60" x 60"

You won’t finish your quilt in class, but you will leave with the skills, confidence, and momentum to complete your snuggly masterpiece on your own.

Join us for a creative workshop—you’ll leave with a great head start and a quilt-in-progress that's just waiting to be cuddled!

Date: Saturday, August 23
Time: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Cost: $40
Skill Level: Confident Beginner
Instructor(s): Kelly Monroe
Pre-class homework: You'll need to pre-cut 5" squares of scrap (back of puff). See chart below.
Supplies: 

• Charm squares (see chart below)
• 90/14 Universal needle
• Quilting pins
• 10-20 Clover Wonder Clips (classic size)
• Polyfil stuffing
• 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.
  • Scissors (trimming threads)
  • Seam ripper (just in case)
  • Thread(s) to match your project
  • Depending on how you finish, you will need Pearle Cotton Thread

Class Policies: Please read our Class Polices for additional information

SIMPLE QUILTING

Join us for this TWO-DAY class where you'll learn how to:
- Layer and sandwich your quilt
- Quilt it using a simple stitch-in-the-ditch method

To make sure everyone can finish, please bring a quilt top no larger than 60" x 60" (lap size).

Note: This class does not cover binding.

Dates: Friday, September 5 AND Saturday, September 6
Time: Fri 11:00 am - 4:30 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

PUMPKINS OR TREES 

Create a cozy, charming quilt just in time for the season! Using Lori Holt’s special 10" iron-on papers, you’ll choose between two delightful designs—the adorable Pumpkin Quilt or the timeless Tree Quilt. These papers make cutting and piecing a breeze—and unlike paper piecing, you won’t have to fuss with tearing the papers out at the end.

In class, you’ll learn the technique, complete several blocks, and leave with the skills and confidence to finish your quilt at home.

Finished size: approx. 61" x 69"
Dates: Saturday, September 13
Time: 10:00 am - 2:30 pm
Cost: $40
Skill Level: Confident Beginner
Instructor(s): Rori Jensen
Pre-class homework: None
Supplies: 

• Lori Holt 10" Pumpkin Quilt Papers OR Tree Quilt Papers
• Seasonal Layer Cake (samples used Pumpkin and Tree)
• Microtex 80/12 machine needles
• Rotating cutting mat or small cutting mat (large enough to cut/trim 10" block)
• 12" x 6" ruler
• 7-1/2" square ruler (pumpkins); 8-1/2" square ruler (trees) OR 9-1/2" square 
• 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) With a new or relatively new blade please
  • 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

FLATMATES POUCH TRIO

Looking for a fun and functional sewing project you can finish in class? Join Dayna for this hands-on workshop featuring the Flatmates Pouch Trio by Minki Kim!

You’ll learn to sew these sweet and stylish zippered pouches—perfect for organizing notions, cosmetics, or gifting to a friend. Dayna will walk you through each step, offering tips and techniques along the way. You’ll go home with at least one or two completed pouch and the confidence to finish more on your own.

These charming zippered pouches come in three handy sizes:

• Small: 5 ½" x 6"

• Medium: 6 ½" x 8"

• Large: 7 ½" x 10"

And there's no homework—just bring your machine and be ready to sew! All the stitching happens right in class, so it’s a perfect project for a productive and inspiring sewing day.

Dates: Saturday, September 20
Time: 10:30 am - 2:30 pm
Cost: $40
Skill Level: Confident Beginner
Instructor(s): Dayna
Pre-class homework: None
Supplies: 

• • Pattern Flatmates Pouch Trio
  • Exterior fabric: charm pack plus 3 fat quarters (this will make all 3
  • Soft and stable
  • Vinyl
  • Zipper (at least 13") you will need one per pouch
  • Walking foot is helpful
  • 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. 
    • 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

CATS, CURVES & PLUM PRETTY

Fall in love with the charm of Quilts from Tilda’s Studio in this whimsical two-day class! You’ll choose to work on either the sweet Cat Quilt or the elegant Plum Quilt—both full of personality and classic Tilda style.

In class, you’ll learn how to sew gentle curves without using pins (yes, really!) and explore a bit of machine appliqué to bring your quilt to life. And to make the process even smoother, we’re including Aneda’s Fabulous No-Fuss “Get It Right” Block Diagrams—clear, visual guides that take the guesswork out of piecing.

While you likely won’t finish your quilt during the class, you’ll leave with plenty of progress and all the instruction you need to confidently complete it at home.

Whether you’re team cat or team plum, you’ll leave with new skills, fresh inspiration, and plenty of progress on a project that’s as fun to make as it is to admire.

Dates: Saturday, October 4
Time: 10:30 am - 2:30 pm
Cost: $43 (includes Aneda's No-Fuss "Get It Right" Block Piecing Diagrams)
Skill Level: Confident Beginner
Instructor(s): Aneda Phillips and Joanna Johnson
Pre-class homework: Aneda will call a couple weeks before class and give a smidge of homework
Supplies: 

• • Book: Quilts from Tilda's Studio (we offer 20% off)
  • Small to medium cutting mat and ruler(s) (we have a large mat and a couple rulers to share)
  • Small iron and ironing mat (optional, but always nice to have)
  • Small bottle of school glue (like Elmers)
  • Spray starch
  • Steam-a-seam light
  • 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. 
    • Machine must have zig zag or blanket stitch (this is for the appliqué)
    • 1/4" foot
    • Scissors (trimming threads)
    • Seam ripper (just in case)
    • Rotary cutter (45mm is standard)
    • Thread(s) to match your project

Class Policies: Please read our Class Polices for additional information

HOUSE AND STEPS

Scrappy, Happy & Full of Charm – A Two-Day Quilt Class

If you love the joy of scrappy piecing, this class is calling your name! Over two creative days, you’ll work on a quilt that bursts with color—starting from a vibrant center of Courthouse Steps blocks and growing outward with borders, including one featuring the sweetest little houses.

Your guides, Aneda and Joanna, will walk you through every step, from block construction to quilt assembly. We’ll be working from Miss Rosie’s Farmhouse Favorites: 12 Captivating Scrappy Quilts by Carrie Nelson. Please note: the book is out of print, so be sure to bring your copy or order one online—we are unable to supply it.

And to make things even easier, the class includes Aneda’s Fabulous No-Fuss “Get It Right” Block Diagrams—clear, visual guides that simplify the process and help you sew with confidence (and without the seam ripper).

Perfect for visual learners and lovers of all things scrappy, you may not finish the quilt in two days—but you’ll leave with all the skills and know-how to complete your masterpiece at home!

Dates: Friday, October 10 AND Saturday, October 11
Time: Friday 10:30 am - 4:30 pm, Saturday 10:30 am - 2:30 pm
Cost: $83 (includes Aneda's No-Fuss "Get It Right" Block Piecing Diagrams)
Skill Level: Confident Beginner
Instructor(s): Aneda Phillips and Joanna Johnson
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)
  • 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 - 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

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 Friendly Reminder…

Booking our classroom for $5 covers the space, not staff time.

We’re happy to answer quick questions, but if you find yourself needing help, why not sign up for Aneda’s monthly QUILTING/OPEN SEW session? She’s ready to assist with your questions or projects.

Thank you for supporting Family Threads Quilt Shop! We’re excited to be celebrating 15 years in business—and it’s all thanks to you. Your continued support means the world to us, and we’re so grateful to be part of your creative journey.

Here’s to quilts, community, and many more years of stitching together! We can’t wait to see you again soon.