Classes

Quilting A la Carte

Pick and choose from these classes to learn the basic   sewing and quilting techniques. While these classes do build on each other, if you have some cutting, sewing or quilting experience you can skip a class or two.

Each class priced separately or Special $75 if you sign up for all 5 classes!

Cut It Up
Mon. May 12                     10am – 12pm
Thurs. July 24                 6:30pm–8:30pm
$15                   Teacher: Muriel Pfaff
If you have never used the rotary cutter…this is the perfect class. Learn  basic cutting techniques and safety skills. You will  cut  the fabric for a lap quilt.

Sew It Up
Mon. May 19                   10am - 1pm
Thurs. July 31                 6pm – 9pm $25 (includes pattern)      Teacher: Muriel Pfaff
In this class you’ll learn machine piecing and  how to assemble your pre-cut quilt pieces. Attending the “Cut it Up” class, or basic knowledge of rotary cutting is required, as your quilt pieces are cut before class. The class will focus on strip piecing and half square triangles.

Square It Up
Mon. June 2                    10am – 12pm
Thurs. Aug. 7                 6:30pm – 8:30pm $15                        Teacher: Muriel Pfaff
Make sure your patchwork blocks are perfectly square with the technique you’ll learn. Once your blocks are all the same size, you will piece your quilt top together.

Border It Up
Mon. June 9                   10am – 12pm
Thurs. Aug. 14                6:30pm – 8:30pm
$15                   Teacher: Muriel Pfaff
Having trouble getting your quilts to lay flat? Join Muriel and you’ll learn the correct way to attach borders and sashing. This class will focus on attaching borders to a pre-sewn quilt top.

Quilt It Up
Mon. June 16                  10am – 1pm
Thurs. Aug. 21                 6pm - 9pm $20                   Teacher Muriel Pfaff
After you’ve cut your fabrics…sewn your blocks together….this class shows you how to mark and machine quilt a  lap sized quilt top. You’ll learn about battings, basting, including ‘spray basting’, and begin quilting your top.

Hand Piecing
Mon. June 23                  10am – 1pm
Mon. Aug. 25                  1:30pm – 4:30pm
$20 (includes pattern)      Teacher: Anne Anderberg
The perfect class to learn  the basics of patchwork. Anne shows you how to make templates and mark the fabric. She’ll show stitching techniques to hand piece patchwork blocks. This class will take the “puzzle” out of patchwork.

Hand Quilting
Sat. June 28                  1:30pm – 4:30pm
Wed. Aug. 20                  10am – 1pm $25 (Kit included)            Teacher: Anne Anderberg
Discover, or rediscover, the lovely relaxing art of hand quilting. Learn the basics -  the fundamentals for marking, basting, quilting, finishing…even hanging your finished quilt!  If you have a quilt top ready, bring it for discussion and Anne will show you how  to prepare it for  hand quilting.

Binding Your Quilt I
Wed. May 21                 10am – 1pm          
Mon. July 7                    10am – 1pm
Thurs. Aug. 28                6pm – 9pm $30 (includes kit & pattern)   Teacher: Muriel Pfaff
Learn the secrets of continuous double-fold binding, mitered corners, machine or hand finishes.  Many different types of binding will be taught.   You will turn your sample piece into a cute “3 Pocket Purse!” We will also discuss  “mock” and “pillow turn” bindings. If you have a quilt ready for binding, Muriel will help determine which method to use.

Color Plan Your Quilt
Wed. June 4                   10am – 11:30pm
Sat. Aug. 9                       1pm – 2:30pm $10                   Teacher: Mary Ellen Von Holt
If you have trouble selecting fabrics for your projects, let us show you how we plan our quilts and patchwork projects with fabrics and color combinations. Learn how “Magic Fabrics” can add a sparkle to any style of quilt making.  Bring fabrics for a future project for discussion and help.

Hand Appliqué
Wed. June 18                  10am – 1pm $20 (includes pattern)     Teacher: Anne Anderberg
Applique is all the rage!  Have you tried, but not liked it? Using a simple floral appliqué, Anne will teach the needle turn method along with the importance of using the correct needles and thread. This is the perfect class for beginners or those wanting to improve their appliqué techniques.

Primitive Gathering Club
Wed. May 28   Watermelon Slices            10am – 12:30pm

Wed. June 25  Patriotic Pinwheels             10am – 12:30pm 

     
Wed. July 23   Liberty Flags                    10am – 12:30pm

Wed. Aug. 27   Summer Baskets                 10am – 12:30pm

Evening Sessions: same dates                    6:30pm – 9pm  

 
$20 per class (includes patterns)
Teaching Team: Barbara Barnes & Kathy Niemann
If you like homespuns, scrappy quilts, and cozy folk art…join our monthly primitive gathering where we will create projects designed by Cheri Saffiote-Payne.  Projects include seasonal themes - hearts, pineapples, stars, herbs, baskets, and more. *Some patterns  exclusive to club members. They’ll guide you into the ‘world of primitives’  with a different project monthly, along with fun and frivolity!

Appliqué - 12 Ways
Wed. July 2 & Wed. July 9          6pm – 9pm
Fri. Aug 22 & Fri. Aug. 29            10am - 1pm
$35 - two sessions              Teacher: Wanda Hizer
Have you tried applique and just can't get the hang of it? This is the class for you. It’s great for beginners and those who wish to polish their appliqué skills.  In the 6 hour class, you’ll learn many methods of applique, including stems and circles, and be able to choose which methods are best for your future projects. Use your little hearts for the little quilt "You've Stolen My Heart”,  in Elly Sienkiewicz’s book.

Invisible Machine Applique
Wed. June 11                 10am – 1pm
Sat. Aug. 23                     1:30pm – 4:30pm
$25 (includes pattern) Teacher: Dottie Richey
Do you love the look of appliqué, but don't think you have the time to do it?  Try this easy method that looks like hand appliqué, but can be sewn in a fraction of the time!    No sticky glue, wetting, or trimming required!  Learn to prepare templates, choose fabric, thread, shape appliqué pieces, and adjust the stitch on your machine to give you that "hand sewn" look.

Machine Quilting I
Wed. June 4                   12:30pm – 3:30pm
Sat. Aug 2                      10am – 1pm $20                   Teacher: Linda Wirtz
Machine quilting is…marking…layering the top, choosing batting and backing…free motion…in the ditch…straight line… Learn about thread, batting and other tools, while you work on samples. Bring quilt tops for discussion.

Scalloped Edges
Sat. July 26                   10am – 1pm
Thurs. Aug 28                    1pm – 4pm $15                               Teacher: Muriel Pfaff
Discover how easy it is to make perfect scalloped edges.  You’ll work on a placemat in class, learning the technique to apply to quilts, clothing, pillows, table runners,  and more!

Free Motion Quilting
Sat. May 31                      1:30pm – 4:30pm
Mon. Aug 4                      10am – 1pm $20          Teacher: Linda Wirtz
Free yourself from straight lines in your machine quilting projects. Learn to design your own patterns, draw feathers, and use no-mark designs, stippling, meandering… and more! You should have some machine quilting experience. All work will be done with the darning or free motion  foot.

Precision Machine Piecing
Fri. June 27                      10am – 3pm
$30 (includes pattern)             Teacher: Wanda Hizer
Are you interested in advancing and improving your workmanship in machine piecing? Wanda will show you the proper steps for pinning, cutting, sewing and pressing. You’ll master the ¼” seam allowance, sew straight, and get those perfect points. 

Blooming Nine Patch
Sun. Aug. 24                    12pm – 5pm
$35 (includes pattern)             Teacher: Debbie Prah
Learn how to make perfect intersections every time! You’ll start on a “Blooming Nine Patch” quilt from the book Traditions with a Twist, while learning to make your corners meet perfectly. You will also learn three different methods for sewing Nine Patch blocks. Choose the one you like best…you’re on your way to a quilt you’ll be proud of. Ideal for all levels from beginner to advanced.

Storm at Sea
Sun. May 4                           12pm -5pm
$35 (includes patterns)         Teacher: Debbie Prah
Paper piecing is so easy using this method. Debbie shares how to  adapt traditional blocks into a paper piecing project whenever possible. The Storm at Sea pattern is a very versatile pattern that consists of two sizes of Square-in-a-Square blocks and a diamond-in-rectangle block.  You'll start on a lap quilt that can be made using scraps or using a planned dark/light fabric combination. After this class you will start looking at traditional blocks in a new way.

Miniature Paper Piecing
Sun. July 20                     12pm – 5pm $35 (includes patterns)              Teacher: Debbie Prah
I HEARD YOU!  You said, “I could never do something like that!”…or anything that small! The truth is you can, once you’ve learned the techniques.  Hint: the fabric pieces that you work with are much larger than what you see on the quilt.  Have confidence in yourself and join us!  We’ll work on a 6 inch miniature quilt that includes Flying Geese, Square in a Square, and twisted Square in a Square blocks.

Beginner Foundation Piecing
Thurs. July 17                    6:30pm – 9pm
Tues. Aug 26                    10am – 12:30pm
$15 (includes booklet)        Teacher: Janice Kuhns                     
Come and learn the basics of how to piece on paper foundations. You will learn how to copy patterns and learn tips to help make your piecing easier. You will complete a house block and you will be well on your way towards making a darling wall hanging or baby quilt.

Super Simple “One Step” Quilt
Mon. Aug 11                    10am – 2pm
$25 (includes pattern)             Teacher: Fran House
If you need a fast and easy quilt, this is the class for you. Make a quick baby quilt…a yoga mat…or a dorm quilt. Gather 6  fat quarters, and Fran will show you how to cut, sew the strips in order, and sew these to the batting and backing all in one step. You can even finish the top in class, all you will have to do is the bind! Fran has a shortcut for that too!

Crazy Charm Square Blocks
Sat. May 17            10am – 1pm $25 (includes pattern)             Teacher Linda Wirtz
Have you been collecting 5” charm squares packets just waiting for a way to use them in a quilt? Learn how easy and fast you can make crazy patch blocks and piece a quilt. Many other great ideas for charm squares will be shown.

Wool Appliqué
Wed. July 9                    10am – 1pm
Sat. Aug. 2                     1:30pm – 4:30pm
$25 (includes pattern) Teacher: Fran House
Piece together this simple background then learn the basics of wool appliqué to create a wonderful primitive look. Appliqué patterns for simple shapes will be provided in class. This is a great class for a beginner to learn simple piecing as well as simple wool appliqué with the buttonhole stitch.

Double Trouble
Thurs. Aug. 7     10am – 1pm     
$20                   Teacher: Kathy Niemann
Make two quilts with the same time and effort as one.  Make SUPER simple strip-pieced blocks.  Each strip set is special cut so that you make two completely different quilts from the same fabrics.  There are dozens of design options, just by rearranging placement of the blocks.  You will be so clever!  Kathy’s sample makes one reproduction style quilt, and one Kaffe Fassett style quilt using the same strip pieced fabrics.  How can that be?

Shading with Oil Pastels
Thurs. June 19                10am – 12pm
$12 (plus supplies)                   Teacher: Wanda Hizer
Explore the art of shading with oil pastels. Create a dimensional look for fruit and flower petals, learn the shading of cloth used in the 18th and 19th century theorem paintings. Wanda will show you how Baltimore Album students used this technique in their quilts.  It can be used with any type of appliqué or to create great silhouettes. You’ll find many uses for this technique.

Dimensional Appliqué
Thurs. July 10                     10am – 3pm
Sun. Aug. 10                         12pm – 5pm
$45 (includes kit)       Teacher: Wanda Hizer
Bring your sewing supplies, spend the day, receive a fabric kit and learn how to make dimensional flowers like ruching, folded rosebuds, bluebells, strawberry blossoms and many more. You will be able to spruce up all your quilts. No formal block will be made during class.

Vintage Christmas Stocking
Wed. July 2                       10am – 1pm
$15                        Teacher: Fran House
It's never too early to start those Christmas projects. This Christmas stocking was first featured in a Land's End Catalog several years ago. Learn how to assemble the patches in a systematic order to complete this stocking with very little waste. Use fusible batting to quickly quilt the piece before turning it into a stocking ready for Santa. Add some lace and ribbons to complete the look.

Amy Butler Bag..."Once in Love with Amy…"
Thurs. May 15                      10am – 2pm
$25                                Teacher: Linda Rice
You'll use Amy Butler's "In Town Bags" pattern to create a drawstring bag showcasing different fabrics of your choice. We'll explore and learn various trim techniques, and take the fear out of making a simple buttonhole. This fun class will definitely inspire you to create a wardrobe of bags for yourself and for gifts.

Amy Butler Purse…"Always in Love with Amy"
Thurs. July 3                         10am – 2pm
$25                           Teacher: Linda Rice
A follow up to the "Once in Love with Amy" class, using the same "In Town Bags" pattern. Two great fabrics and a few notions are all you need to create Amy's "smart handbag". You could even bring your own bag pattern and Linda will help you with details in the construction. You don't have to have taken the first class but you'll love them both.

Learning EQ6
Sat. June 28                  10am – 1pm
Sat. Aug 23                    10am – 1pm $20                   Teacher: Chris Ison
Have you been curious about the computer drawing program from Electric Quilt. It’s easy to learn. Our beginner's guide will show you just how user-friendly the program is - by the end of class you will  design your very own quilt, and have the confidence to continue designing.  Best of all, EQ can serve as a virtual design wall, to audition fabrics, block placement, setting options, border sizes, etc.  See before you sew!  This is a hands-on class, bring your laptop with EQ loaded.  If you’re  thinking of purchasing the program,  share the workstation in the classroom.  Your computer can become an important tool in your sewing room.

Little Landscapes
Sat. June 21                   10am – 1pm
Wed. Aug. 6                    10am – 1pm $20                   Teacher: Amanda Smallwood
Let your creative side go with one of The Quilted Lizard's Accidental Landscape Patterns. Choose a pattern and Amanda will guide you as you create a small fabric landscape. You can also bring a photo or picture you would like to try adapt with this fun technique.  Bring your own personal "view" to life and experiment with your fabrics to make an easy, small treasure to frame as an art piece.

T Shirt Quilt
Sat. May 31            10am - 1pm
Sat.  Aug. 30                  1:30pm – 4:30pm $20                      Teacher: Dena Rosenberg
Gather up  T-shirts and get ready for some fun! Learn how to build your own T-shirt quilt with your shirts! It's easy! There are no rules and every quilt turns out different. In addition to learning to prepare your T-shirts, we will explore other options to making T-shirt quilts. Whatever way you choose, it will be a wonderful way to preserve special memories. It also makes a great gift!

‘Big Stitch’ Quilting
Tues. July 22                 10am – 1pm
Mon. Aug. 25            10am – 1pm
$20   Teacher: Barbara Barnes
You’ll love this different technique for hand quilting using the ‘quilting big stitch’. This fast, fun, and easy stitch will look great on many projects. Using pearl cotton and a hoop, Barbara shows how to plan your quilting pattern (without marking!) and ‘big stitch’ your way to an amazing finish.

Rug Hooking
Fri. June 20                  10am - 2pm
Wed. Aug. 13                   10am – 2pm $25              Teacher: Mary Ellen Von Holt
Lelarn the  wonderful craft of making rugs from wool.  Every step in the process is covered while making the rug from a kit you purchase from us, (discounted price for students). Rug hooking is soft, quiet and the end result is an heirloom. We carry 100%  wool (hand dyed), foundations, books, dyes, everything you need for rug hooking.

Needle Punch /  Rug Punch
Thurs. June 12                      10am – 12pm
Sat. July 26                           2pm – 4pm
$10                         Teacher:  Mary Ellen Von Holt
Needle Punch or Rug Punch….In this class you’ll see both techniques….you choose the supplies for one or both! They are similar but also quite different. Needle punching creates small masterpieces with embroidery floss or pearl cotton, that look like small hooked rugs, ideal for framing or finishing many other ways. Rug punching is basically the same but done with hand dyed wool yarn, and has the look of a larger hooked rug.

Wool Works
Fri. May 9, June 13, July 11, Aug. 8  
10am – 12:30pm 
$5 per session
If you’re working with wool…come join us! That’s the only requirement. We’re gathering on the 2nd Friday of each month to work on any project using wool…rug hooking, rug punching, penny rugs, knitting...anything as long as wool is one of the fibers. We’ll share tips and ideas and the latest books and patterns. Meet quilters, rug hookers and punchers, rug braiders, knitters…even spinners! Join us!

Featherweight TLC
Sat. May 24                   1:30pm – 4:30pm
$50 (Care kit included)                 Teacher: Sharon Henderson
If you are fortunate to own a 221 Singer Featherweight Sewing Machine….it is now  time to learn how to care for it.  This hands-on workshop takes all the scary mystery out of maintenance, cleaning, tension problems and general use of your special machine. You’ll learn the history of the machine…how to clean, and lubricate it. Sharon will share tips, tricks and treats. Included with your fee is a service manual, booklet on the History of the Featherweight…even a keepsake page with a picture of you and your Featherweight. Space is limited, sign up today.

Spinning Stars
Thurs. May 29                 10am – 3pm
Mon. July 14                    10am – 3pm
$25                        Teacher: Linda Wirtz
This intriguing quilt is made from the simple Friendship Star block in different sizes with a pieced border. By using a variety of cutting and piecing techniques you'll learn how easy this block is to construct while eliminating extra seams. Join the fun and enjoy patchwork again!

Jo’s Little Women Club
Tues. May 13, June 10, July 8, Aug 12      10am – 12:30pm
Afternoon Classes: same dates      1pm – 3:30pm
Evening Classes: same dates            6pm – 8:30pm
$65          Teacher: Kathy Niemann
Make small reproduction style quilts from patterns for Jo’s Little Women Club members only. If you are not familiar with  Jo’s style, go to Jo Morton Quilts.  Patterns are designed by Jo Morton, renowned for designing quilts that look like they came from the 19th Century. She also designs fabric to help make the quilts ‘believable reproductions’. Club members get 10% off on her fabrics. You’ll learn a lot by making projects that can be finished by the next class.

Christmas in July Demos
Wed. July 16              10:30am – 11:30am
Thurs. July 17             10:30am – 11:30am
Fri. July 18                 10:30am – 11:30am
$5                        Teachers: Little Quilts Teacher Staff
Projects to get you going on your holiday  gifts using patchwork, appliqué, and other techniques. New patterns, and books with great ideas will be shown.

Rug Braiding Demo
Thurs. May 22                  1pm – 3pm
Sat. July 12                      1pm – 3pm
$5                       Teacher: Anne Caldwell
Come and see what wool rug braiding is all about. Anne will show the techniques for braiding and how to cut your wool. She will have many different projects to show such as mats, chair pads, table toppers etc. You can watch her braid and even take a turn.

Patchwork Society / “Voices of the Past”
Fues. May 27   Martha Washington           10am – 12:30pm
Sat. June 14  Betsy Ross      1:30pm – 4pm
Thurs. June 19      "             1:30pm – 4pm
Thurs. June 19      "             6:30pm – 9pm
Wed. July 30 Helen Taft  10am – 12:30pm
Mon. Aug. 18 Carry Nation 10am - 12:30pm                   
Tues. Aug. 26      "              6:30pm – 9pm
$25 (includes pattern)             Teacher: Muriel Pfaff
Continue your study with two new women in our Patchwork Society Club. The Patchwork Society was started by Kaye England, the well known author and fabric designer, to create and promote awareness of Women in History. You’ll make new friends while learning about famous women and the role they played in history.

Class includes a pattern for a quilt named in honor of the famous woman, plus  smaller quilts and other projects. You’ll learn techniques to make your patchwork easier. Each session will include a wide variety of fun from the past – maybe some poetry, other craft, clothing…even food. Take a step back as we study Martha Washington, and Helen Taft. New this quarter will be Betsy Ross and Carry Nation.

Advanced Baltimore Study
Mary Simon Club
Thurs.  May 22, June 26, July 24, Aug 28    10am 12pm 
Same dates - afternoon session    1:30 - 3:30pm  
$45                    Teacher: Wanda Hizer
Our Mary Simon Club is going strong, and you can still join us if you have Baltimore Album experience. Some members are working on their current project, while others are concentrating on re-creating an antique quilt from that era known as the Mary Simon Quilt from the DAR Museum. Join us as we explore these wonderful quilts.

Silver Thimble Quilt Club
Sat.  June 7   “Pickets & Posies”                 10am - 3pm
Sun Aug. 3 "White Chocolate"                   12pm – 5pm
$30 (includes pattern)           Teacher: Mary Ellen Von Holt
Join us for more fun projects from the Silver Thimble Quilt Company. “Pickets & Posies” is a project that will make your garden bloom. It’s a table topper that is fast, fun and easy, combining patchwork and “fusible machine appliqué” the easy way. You'll learn to make yo-yo flowers and more!.“White Chocolate” is a beautiful neutral Log Cabin quilt, made with a technique for making perfect Log cabin blocks every time. You decide how large you want it…from table runner to king size! Members purchase their optional kits for a discount, plus a coupon for 20% off backing fabric. Bring your sewing machine, and enthusiasm for a fun day of sewing. Lunch is provided. Space is limited so join today!

Electric Quilt Club
Sundays, May 18, June 22,  July 27,  Aug. 17,        1-3pm
$12 per session or $40 for the series   Teacher: Chris Ison
Calling all EQ users! If you have mastered the basics of EQ, and are ready to expand and improve your skill level, then join us for CLUB EQ. At each club meeting, we explore a new facet of the program, share tips and tricks, solve problems. A favorite part of  class is inspiring each other with Show & Tell of  ‘virtual quilts’,  sometimes even the real thing!  Bring your laptop installed with EQ5/6.

North American Mystery Series
Fri. June 6   New Jersey Shore                        10am – 2pm
Sat. July 19   Texas Cattle Drive                      10am – 2pm
Thurs. Aug. 14 California Red Carpet                10am – 2pm
$50 (includes fabric and pattern)    Teacher: Linda Wirtz
Join us each month on a tour of North America.  Let us take you to exciting destinations from northern Canada to Mexico and many spots in between. You'll create a quilt at each stop along the way. All you need to do is to pack your bag (your sewing bag that is), and we will do the rest. The total package includes your personal guide (Linda Wirtz), instructions, lodging (our classroom), your fabric kit and even recipes. Fabric themes for visiting the New Jersey Shore are ‘Sands of Time’ – tans and browns, ‘Sea Grass’ – blues and greens, or ‘Regatta’ – red, white, and blue. Fabrics themes for attending a Texas Cattle Drive will be ‘Texas Gold’ – black and gold, ‘Yellow Rose of Texas’ – yellows and ‘Lone Star’ which is red, white and blue. In August, walk on  the California Red Carpet and you might choose the ‘Black Tie Affair’ – black and white, 'The Golden State' – yellows and golds, or 'California Poppies' - different oranges. You select the fabric theme  and we will put together your kit. We'll even provide you with a travel voucher card – sign up for all three Mysteries, and upon completion you'll receive a $30  Little Quilts Traveler's Checque!  Other surprises each month. Join us for the fun!

Girl Gang 2008
Tues. May 6, June 3, July 1, Aug. 5             10am-12pm
Afternoon Session: same dates                     1pm – 3pm
 $60  (Aug. – Dec.)                 Teacher: Fran House
This year’s Girl Gang is working from the book, 301 Country Christmas Blocks, by Cheri Saffiotte-Payne. This is the year you’ll get that Christmas quilt made for sure! Each month 3 blocks will be featured. Blocks include a variety of pieced and simple appliqué. The appliqué can be done in cottons, homespuns, or wool. Monthly, Fran  provides an optional additional small project…many will be her own creation. This is a class for sharing ideas, and even some fabric swapping. Don’t miss out on the fun! New members can join anytime and your fees will be  pro-rated.

Children's Classes
#1 Artscapes
Mon. July 28                         10am – 1pm
$30 (includes fabric kit)           Teacher: Amanda Smallwood
This class is for children 10 years or older. No sewing machine will be required as we will be working with a fusible web as we design a small landscape picture, complete with mountains, hillsides, flower, and a sky you can shade with crayons….. A fun class – learn to be an artist with fabrics! Different finishing techniques will be discussed.

#2 Martha Washington
Tues. July 29                  10am – 1pm
$15                       Teacher: Muriel Pfaff
Have your child spend some time with "Martha Washington". She'll be here in historical clothing and give a history lesson, and teach  a small sewing and embroidery project. Learn about her and George's time in Mt. Vernon. There will even be food for treats!

#3 My First Quilt
Mon. July 21                      10am – 1pm
$15                         Teacher: Linda Wirtz
This class is for the young sewer (10 years old and up) who knows how to use a sewing machine and now would like to make a quilt big enough to cuddle up with. Linda will guide them through making a larger, simpler version of the crazy charm square block using their favorite focal fabric and other coordinating fabrics.