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Family Threads - September 2026 (because August is over)

This month I'm standing in for Cindy. She's doing okay - getting ready for her big treatment this month. The medical world certainly seems to be a lot of hurry up and wait. But she's being very well cared for, and we really can't say enough about her wonderful team of doctors.

The shop has been buzzing with some fun wearable classes lately. They're especially fun to see when someone walks out at the end of class actually wearing what they made!

Otherwise, I've been a little slow posting all the new things coming into the shop, but that doesn't mean they haven't been arriving. It's really just a matter of fitting everything in—and there never seems to be quite enough hours in the day.

We've been working on some new samples, and I want to give a HUGE thank you to everyone who's been sewing for the shop—Mary, Jenice, Patti, Dayna and Connie. I really can't thank them enough for generously sharing their time and talents with us. It is very much appreciated!

Hope to see you soon!

Holly for


LOOK WHAT WE'VE BEEN MAKING

We've had some really wonderful classes at the shop lately—and all were brand new for us!

This past weekend, Karen Sullivan of Sully's Upcycled was here teaching her Upcycled Hoodie Workshop, and I think it's safe to say the ladies had a hoot of a time - with music AND a little dancing. :) Karen teaches the most wonderful upcycling classes, and by the end of the day, everyone had transformed quilts and cloth into one-of-a-kind, wearable pieces. I really can't thank Karen enough for reaching out, coming to teach and sharing her creativity with us!

Be sure to check out Karen and all the wonderful things she creates at her website, Facebook and Instagram. And yes, she does sell the pattern for the hoodies (on her website) if you weren't able to make the class.

We've also had two fun hat classes—a Reversible Bucket Hat and Jelly Roll Visor. Once again, everyone left class with a finished project, ready to wear out into the sunshine! A big thank you to Susie for teaching these fabulous classes and making them so much fun.

It's been such a treat seeing all the different projects coming out of our classroom lately—and there's more ahead! Be sure to check out what's coming up, including a Charming Rag Quilt, Flower Bow, Cyanotype (Sun Print) Needlebook and Wool Appliqué Sand Dollar Sampler.

We hope you'll come learn something new with us!


PUMPKIN PATCH QUILT SHOW

The 17th annual Pumpkin Patch Quilt Show, hosted by the Los Banos Arts Council, is coming up quickly!

While we won't be there vending this year (maybe next year!), there will still be plenty to see, shop and enjoy.

This beloved event brings together an inspiring display of quilts, great vendors, raffle baskets, fresh pumpkins and more. If you're looking for a fun quilty outing this month, be sure to add it to your calendar!

Dates: September 12 & 13, 2026
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


LABOR DAY

We will be closed for LABOR DAY on

MONDAY, September 7

But don't worry, we'll still be here Saturday from 10-3.

We hope you enjoy your holiday weekend.


A SLIGHT CHANGE

We’re closing a little earlier on Fridays.

Friday afternoon traffic is...well...getting here can sometimes be challenging.

So our Friday hours are 10am–3pm. 

What this does mean is that our Finish It Fridays will be shorter.

Our updated shop hours: 
Monday: 10am–5pm
Tuesday: 10am–5pm
Wednesday: CLOSED
Thursday: 10am–5pm
Friday: 10am–3pm
Saturday: 10am–3pm
Sunday: CLOSED

As always, we appreciate you shopping with us and supporting our little quilt shop!


WHAT'S NEW AND HAPPENING

There's always something arriving at Family Threads! Fabrics, books, patterns, kits we're working on, and other quilting treasures. Think of this as our monthly catch-up, where we round up shop happenings.

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

 

 

 


CLASSES

At Family Threads, we believe sewing is about more than finishing a project—it's about creativity, friendship, and having fun along the way. Whether you join us for a project-based class or a relaxed open-sew session, we'd love to have you at the table. Visit our Classes page to see what's coming up!

Our classroom is also available to rent! It’s a bright, comfortable space that’s perfect for creative gatherings. See our classroom page for details.


Block-of-the-Month: Pulsar
Third Saturday of each month
Beginning April 2026
Cost: $60 flat fee; pattern and ruler required and purchased separately.

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

For more details →

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 Friday of the month 
(NONE ON JULY 24)
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Cost: $5

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

Call ahead to reserve your space →

Cyanotype Needlebook
Saturday, September 12
10:30 am – 2:30 pm
Cost: $30

Bring your curiosity and some sewing notions to print 2 cyanotype prints—aka sun prints—and stitch up your own one-of-a-kind needlebook! 

For more details →

Charming Rag Quilt
Saturday, September 26
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Cost: $30

Fast, fun, and wonderfully cozy! Learn how to make a charming rag quilt that's perfect for beginners and experienced quilters alike.

For more details →

Flower Bow
Saturday, October 24
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Cost: $75

Add a cheerful touch to your home with this beautiful fabric flower bow. Featuring latyered petals, a dimensional center, and flowing ribbon tails.

For more details →


Wool Applique Sand Dollar Sampler
Friday, October 9 and Saturday, October 10
10:00 am – 2:30 pm
Cost: $100

Using Sue Spargo’s Sand Dollar Sampler as inspiration, you’ll explore texture and embellishment while creating a wool sampler featuring 20 appliquéd circles. Experiment with a variety of threads, beads, ribbon and decorative stitches to make each circle uniquely your own.

For more details →

WORD(S) OF THE MONTH

Abgesang and Fugleman

"As the fugle(wo)man of our quilting group, she declared that the abgesang of every project should be the same: binding finished, label sewn on, and absolutley no UFOs left behind."

DEFINITION
Abgesang (n) — the concluding section of a poem, song, or musical composition; more broadly, it can refer to the conclusion or final part.

Fugleman (n) — A person who leads the way, sets an example, or acts as a guide for others.

 

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.


Thanks so much for reading. Until next month!
Here’s to quilts, community, and many more years of stitching together.
We can’t wait to see you in the shop soon.