Technically it’s still September… but good grief, did this month fly by! October’s newsletter will be hot on the heels of this one.

We finally got the shop put back together after vending at the Pumpkin Patch Quilt Show earlier this month. What a wonderful weekend it was—thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello and support us. (For the record, I think I discovered my car’s true limit—one more fat quarter and it might have burst at the seams right along with me!)

Back at the shop, we’ve been busy hanging quilts, rearranging displays, and diving right back into class prep. This newsletter may have arrived a little later than planned (October’s will be timelier, promise!), but while you’re here, take a peek at what’s coming up:

We’ve got a hands-on T-Shirt Quilt workshop, a couple of cozy Midnight Sew sessions, the Double Zip Gear Bag 2.0, a festive No-Sew Ornament class, another round of our popular House and Steps class, and of course our always-loved Finish-It Fridays. The holidays are right around the corner—what better excuse for some dedicated sewing time?

We hope to see you soon! 

WHAT WE'VE BEEN POSTING

Cindy has been busy, busy, busy putting together kits this time around! We’ve also added a nice batch of new products to the website. But if I don’t hit “send” soon, this newsletter will turn into October’s instead of September’s.

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

• If you sign up, please show up!
• Can’t attend? See our Class Policies.
• Payment: cash/check directly to instructor.
• Online schedule shows one month at a time. Just click the Prev or Next for other months.

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
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

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

T-SHIRT QUILT (2 Day Class)

Bring your stack of treasured t-shirts and sweatshirts and turn them into a one-of-a-kind upcycled quilt! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to cut and prepare your shirts—pockets, collars, logos, and all—then stitch them into a memory-filled small throw quilt.

The process is simple to learn, endlessly creative, and a wonderful way to preserve your favorite shirts in a quilt you’ll cherish. While you won’t have a finished quilt by the end of class, you’ll be well on your way and ready to complete it at home. This is a two-Saturday class, with time in between sessions to keep working on your project.

Minimum number of students: 4
Maximum number of students: 6

• Dates: Friday, October 25 AND Saturday, November 8
  Time: 10:00 am - 2:30 pm
• Cost: $40
• Skill Level: Confident Beginner
• Instructor(s): Kelly Monroe
• Pre-class homework: Laundered T-shirts and/or sweatshirts WITHOUT fabric softener; Do NOT cut apart anything before class!!
• Supplies: 
  • T-shirts and/or sweatshirts - laundered WITHOUT fabric softener
    
    • 12-15 Adult-sized t-shirts/sweatshirts OR 15-20 Kids sized t-shirts/sweatshirts
    • 6 yards light-weight iron-on interfacing (we carry SF101)
    • Paper scissors
    • Fabric scissors/shears LARGE size
    • 10-20 Clover Wonder Clips, classic size
    • Neutral thread, 1 large spool or 2 small spools
    • Highlighter, Pencil, Pen and Scotch tape
  • 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.
    • Rotary cutter, mat and ruler
    • 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

MIDNIGHT SEW

Settle in for an evening of stitching and fun! Just like our Finish-it-Friday, you can bring along any project you’d like to work on—quilting, piecing, or handwork. No instructor this time, just a relaxed space, good company, and light snacks to keep you going.

Come join us and sew the night away!

(Please note: the time on the online class listing shows 11:45pm because our class program won't let us put midnight.)

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

• Dates: Saturday, October 18 OR Saturday, November 15
• 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.
• Class Policies: Please read our Class Polices for additional information

DOUBLE ZIP GEAR BAG 2.0

• Dates: Saturday, November 1
• Time: 10:00 am - 2:30 pm
• Cost: $45
• Skill Level: Confident Beginner
• Instructor(s): Dayna Dickison
• Pre-class homework: Fabric must be quilted and pieces cut out
• Supplies: 
  • Pattern (see back of pattern for list of supplies)
  • Walking foot
  • 1/4" foot
  • Double-sided tape
  • Basic sewing/quilting supplies
• Class Policies: Please read our Class Polices for additional information

NO SEW ORNAMENT

Create a beautiful no-sew fabric-folded ornament in this fun, hands-on class with Dayna! Bring along a light, medium, and dark fabric (as shown in the sample, listed in supply list), and learn the simple folding technique that transforms them into a stunning holiday keepsake.

Whether you’re decorating your own tree or making a thoughtful handmade gift, this project is sure to add a special touch to the season. Join us for a creative day of holiday cheer!

We require a minimum of 4 students for this class to happen.

• Dates: Saturday, November 15
• Time: 10:00 am - 2:30 pm
• Cost: $30 (Kit available for $5)
• Skill Level: Beginner
• Instructor(s): Dayna Dickison
• Pre-class homework: None
• Supplies: 
  • (3) 2-1/2" strips - one light, one medium, one dark
  • 3" styrofoam ball
  • Steel straight pins (tiny flat head, at least 200 pins)
  • Ribbon 1/4" and 5/8"
  • Soft measuring tape
  • KIT (if purchasing) - includes styrofoam ball, pins and 3 strips of fabric
• 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.