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Family Threads Newsletter - February 2026

I hope you’re busy working on a project—or happily searching for the next one! I haven’t been at the shop lately, as I’m dealing with some health issues and need to take a little time to rest and heal. My 50-year-old son has officially grounded me—yes, really! I had to laugh and ask him how it felt now that the shoe is on the other foot. He certainly had his share of growing up with no leniency, and I can only say… he’s more like his mom than he realizes.

I’m incredibly grateful for my amazing staff and dear friends who are keeping the shop running smoothly, and I can assure you that new fabric is still arriving. I miss seeing everyone and look forward to being back when I can.

At this time I can’t have visitors or flowers, but prayers and well wishes are truly appreciated. If you’d like to send a note or card, the shop will be sure it gets to me—I’ve already received a few, and I can’t tell you how much your kindness and concern mean to me.

I hope to see you soon!


HAPPY HEARTS

As we head into the weekend, we’d like to wish you all a very Happy Valentine’s Day.

Whether you’re celebrating with someone special, your sewing machine, or a quiet moment with fabric you love, we hope your day is filled with warmth, creativity, and a little extra sweetness.


FAMILY THREADS SIGN

During the windstorm we had a while back, our shop sign decided to take an unexpected adventure and completely blew down!

Thankfully, a wonderful customer (Jeannie) spotted it tucked into the shrubs near our classroom and let us know.

We definitely felt a little naked without it, but we’re happy to say it’s now fixed and back up where it belongs. Huge thanks to our amazing community for always looking out for us!


TOWN EVENTS

Two events will be happening in San Juan Bautista in the next few months - the Craft Fair and the Rib Cook Off. Because of the chaos and lack of available parking we will be closed two Saturdays.

Closed: Saturday, March 28
(Craft Fair - is actually both Sat and Sun)

Closed: Saturday, May 9
(Rib Cook Off is actually Fri, Sat and Sun)


WHAT'S NEW AND HAPPENING

This month caught us a bit by surprise, and while we try to keep up with social media, not everything makes it to our feeds right away. As the month unfolds, you’ll start seeing more pop up on social media.

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

Our class schedule is lighter right now as our main instructors are currently out, and we don’t yet have a timeline for when regular classes will resume. While things are quiet on the class front, the shop remains a welcoming place to gather, sew, and connect—and we’ll be sure to share updates here in the newsletter.

Did you know? Our classroom is also available to rent! It’s a bright, comfortable space that’s perfect for guild meetings, small workshops, or creative gatherings. We kindly ask that people using the space be mindful of shop hours when making end-of-day purchases and packing up, so our staff isn’t kept late. See our classroom page for details.


Block-of-the-Month: Chatsworth
Third Saturday of each month
Beginning April 2025
Cost: $60 flat fee for the year

***February date change: Meeting 4th Saturday (2/28), NOT 3rd***

A year-long quilting journey you work on at home, with monthly guidance, tips, and show-and-tell to keep you motivated and connected.

View full details & learn more →


Wool Appliqué Open Sew
First Friday of the month
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Cost: $25

Dedicated stitching time for your wool appliqué projects, with Beth available to answer questions and offer guidance.

Email or call Beth to register →

Finish-It-Friday
3rd & 4th (sometimes 5th) Friday of the month
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Cost: $5

A relaxed open sew day for any project — perfect for motivation and uninterrupted stitching time.

Please call ahead to reserve your space →

WORD(S) OF THE MONTH

INCONDITE and LALOCHEZIA

"With a little chiaroscuro for depth and diaphanous layers for softness, this quilt proves that light, shadow, and fabric can have just as much fun together as we do."

DEFINITION
Chiaroscuro (n) — An artistic term describing the strong contrast between light and dark, often used to create depth, drama, and dimension.

Diaphanous (adj) — Light, delicate, and translucent; allowing light to pass through softly.

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 going into our 16th year—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.