October has been a busy and exciting month! Fall is in the air — I even wore jeans the other day! I started the month with a trip to Nevada, hitching a ride with a kind friend to spend four wonderful nights with the younger grandkids. They counted down the days, and of course, they went by far too quickly.

After a quick stop home for a few workdays, it was off again — this time to St. Francis Retreat with our local guild friends (and a few lovely out-of-towners). It was a wonderful weekend of sewing, sharing, creativity, and laughter. I even celebrated my birthday there with an unexpected surprise — decorations, singing, and a decadent Death by Chocolate cake! Thank you, my beautiful friends, for making it so special. 

And while we’re celebrating… it’s also our shop anniversary! To mark the occasion, we’re having a sale — see the details below. It’s been such an amazing journey, guided by Holly’s endless talent, experience, and the patience of a saint. I’m beyond grateful for my incredible staff, generous friends, and loyal customers who’ve become part of the Family Threads family. You’re the heart of what makes this place special.

So if you’re in the neighborhood, please stop by during our sale to say hello! ‘Tis the season for crafting cozy holiday treasures — from potholders and bowl cozies to quilts for gifting (or keeping for yourself). Be sure to peek at our new fabrics and panels, too — the bins are full to bursting (oops, I might’ve gotten a little carried away again).

Happy fall, and thank ya’ll for being part of our story! 

We hope to see you soon! 

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

We’re celebrating 15 wonderful years of Family Threads — and stepping happily into our 16th year thanks to you, our amazing customers and friends!

To celebrate of course we're having a sale!

Wed, Oct 22 - Sat, Oct 25

• 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)

SCRAPS

We’re sorry for the short notice, but we can no longer accept fabric scraps of any kind.

Thank you for understanding — and for all the thoughtful scrap donations you’ve shared with us over the years. They’ve helped in countless projects, and we truly appreciate your support.

HOLIDAY HOURS

It’s that time of year when our shop hours do a little shifting to make room for holiday cheer. Here’s a quick look at when we’ll be open so you can plan your visits.

November
Close at 2pm Wed, Nov 26
Closed Thur, Nov 27 - Fri, Nov 28

December 
Close at 2pm Tues, Dec 23
Closed Wed, Dec 24 - Fri, Dec 26

January 
Close at 2pm Wed, Dec 31
Closed Thur, Jan 1, 2026

WHAT WE'VE BEEN POSTING

We haven’t posted as much this month — things just got away from us — but we’ve still added plenty of fresh finds for you to enjoy.

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

T-SHIRT QUILT (2 Day Class)
STARTS NEXT SATURDAY - One spot left!

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: Saturday, October 25 AND Saturday, November 8
  Time: 10:30 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

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, on 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

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, 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

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.