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Family Threads News - November 2025

The quilt in the photo is off at the quilter’s, and after a delightful (and very productive!) retreat, I’m feeling inspired and ready to dive into the holiday rush. We’ll be stitching bindings and cutting kits soon.

I love this time of year — the evenings get a little cozier and just right for some hand stitching by the fire (or at least under a good lamp!). I hope you’ve got a few holiday projects keeping your needle busy and your heart full. If not, stop by the shop — there’s plenty of inspiration waiting!

This Saturday, join Dayna for a no-sew ornament class and learn how to fold three coordinating fabrics into a beautiful holiday keepsake — no stitching needed!

And while you’re in the holiday spirit, pot holders and bowl cozies make quick, cheerful gifts that are always a hit.

As we head toward Thanksgiving, I hope your holiday is filled with good food, warm company, and a few quiet moments to be grateful (and maybe sneak in a few stitches, too).

We’re also sending out our 12 Days of Christmas list early so you can mark your calendars! And don’t forget, gift certificates make perfect presents for your favorite quilter (or a little treat for yourself).

We’ve listed our holiday hours below, and while I’m not singing with the Oriana Chorale this year, I’ll still be cheering them on — it’s always such a beautiful event to welcome December.

And finally, thank you to everyone who helped us celebrate 15 wonderful years! We’re so grateful for your friendship, laughter, and creativity through every season. Here’s to our 16th year — and the next fabric adventure we’ll take together!

We hope to see you soon!


12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
COMING SOON!

Mark you calendars for our 12 Days of a Very Quilty Christmas, here's what's in store this year...

  • Mon, Dec 8
    All Patterns 20% off
  • Tue, Dec 9
    Panels 20% off
  • Wed, Dec 10
    Rotary cutters, blades, cutting mats 20% off 
  • Thu, Dec 11
    Notions (excludes rulers, rotary cutters, blades, cutting mats - they have their own day) 20% off
  • Fri, Dec 12
    Wool and Rolled felt 20% off
  • Sat, Dec 13
    Already cut fat quarters and already cut half yards, fat quarter bundles 20% off
  • Mon, Dec 15
    Kits 20% off
  • Tue, Dec 16
    Thread, embroidery floss, interfacing, batting and stuffing 20% off
  • Wed, Dec 17
    Rulers 20% off
  • Thu, Dec 18
    Precuts (Mini Charms, Charms, Jelly Rolls, Layer Cakes - excludes Fat Quarters) 20% off
  • Fri, Dec 19 AND Sat, Dec 20
    Fabric 20% off (1/2 yard minimum)
  • Our books are ALWAYS 20% off

We can special order, but must prepay. There are NO RETURNS, REFUNDS or EXCHANGES on anything special ordered.


ORIANA CHORALE

"Home for the Holidays"
2025 Winter Season 

Friday, Dec 12 at 7:30 pm
and Sunday, Dec 14 at 3:00pm 
Christ Fellowship Church
2066 San Benito Street
Hollister

Wednesday, Dec 17 at 7:30 pm
Mission San Juan Bautista
406 Second St
San Juan Bautista

Tickets Available at the door or in advance at
Hollister Postal Graphics
Adults $25 Students $15


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.


WHAT'S NEW AND HAPPENING

We try to keep up with social media, but when threads are flying and the shop is bustling, the newsletter sometimes gets the news first. So think of this space as your cozy insider update — the latest arrivals and all the fun we’re stitching up behind the scenes.

If you’d like to follow along between newsletters, you’ll find us here:
Facebook: FamilyThreadsQuiltShop
Instagram: @familythreadsinSJB

And don’t forget to tag us and use #familythreadsquiltshop — seeing what you’re creating is truly one of the best parts of our job.

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 PoliciesPlease 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 PoliciesPlease 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 PoliciesPlease 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 PoliciesPlease 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. 


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 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.


WORD(S) OF THE MONTH

CORYBANTIC and MORII

"I’ve been in a corybantic blur of cutting, piecing, and pressing, all in pursuit of that cozy morii—the wish to press pause like it’s a perfect seam so I can savor every stitchy moment before the bobbin runs out."

DEFINITION
Corybantic (adj) — wild with enthusiasm.
Morii (n) — names a feeling - the longing to freeze a fleeting moment in time.

Each week our good friends at Machine Medics come to pick up/drop off your sewing machines.

Each week Luis (with Karen's help sometimes) brings us a word and we have to figure out the definition. It's now become a source of entertainment we thought we'd share.


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.