Workshops

Featherweight Spa Day 

Half Day Workshop

Our sewing machines are much like our cars. You don’t need a full service every month but routine maintenance will help it run smoothly for the time in between. I will walk you through a checklist of things that you can do on your own to give your lovely beauty a spa day and keep it running smoothly. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced sewist, understanding the inner workings of your Featherweight sewing machine and knowing how to perform regular maintenance tasks is essential for smooth and trouble-free sewing. 

A Featherweight sewing machine is required. A small supply list will be provided in advance.

This workshop can be modified to be general enough to cover a variety of contemporary machines.

Ahead of the Curve – Unleashing Creativity with the Quick Curve Ruler (QCR)

Full Day Workshop

I am a certified instructor in using the Sew Kind of Wonderful Quick Curve Ruler methods. There is no pinning, no clipping, no finding the center, and best of all, no tears! We’re just going to cut, sew, and square up. There is minimal waste and a lot less stress.

There are a variety of different patterns to choose from for a full day workshop. The regular or mini versions of the Quick Curve Ruler are required, depending on the pattern. Participants can rent the ruler to use during the class. If they choose to purchase, the rental fee will be applied to the price. 

A sewing machine is required. A supply list will be provided in advance.

Chickadee Backpack – 2 Full Days Workshop

With the world beginning to get back to travel, come join the fun with me as we make this adorable backpack! This pattern comes from the talented pattern maker, Sara Lawson of Sew Sweetness. Her patterns are very well-illustrated and fully detailed to give everyone the confidence to try something new.

Over two days, we will be making this lovely pattern called the Chickadee Backpack. This  roomy bag pattern will have us using a variety of techniques including installing zippers, making mesh pockets, and using foam as a stabilizer. It’s a great pattern to use that focus fabric you’ve been holding onto, waiting for the perfect way to showcase it. It can be a great travel case, backpack, or even a diaper bag! 

A sewing machine is required. A walking foot will be helpful. A supply list will be provided in advance. Pattern must be purchased ($9) & printed by participants.

Baby Clothes & Heartstrings – A Memory Quilt

Full Day Workshop

In this workshop, we will be taking those lovely items that tug at your heartstrings and make them into something you can enjoy for years to come.

These items can be just about anything. Possible items that you may want to use: dresses, scraps of a well-loved blanket, scraps from clothing you have sewn for your child, trousers, Onesies, shirts, jackets, nightgowns, sleepers, or dressing-up costumes. You can also use pullovers & cardigans, though thin ones are best. 

We will discuss finishing techniques using either flannel or Minkie or perhaps something you already have. 

A sewing machine is required, along with basic sewing supplies. A fabric supply list will be provided. 

Foundation Paper Piecing with Freezer Paper – Half Day Workshop

In this class, I will teach you how to make a circle of flying geese, using a foundation paper piecing pattern designed by Beth Maddocks, of Piece by Number. Not to be confused with English paper piecing, Foundation Paper Piecing uses a paper “foundation” on which to build the design. I will demonstrate how to use a traditional foundation piece as well, but the class will focus on the method using freezer paper.

A sewing machine is required, along with basic sewing supplies. Freezer paper will be supplied. A small supply list for the fabrics will be provided in advance. Finished size is a 12″ block. Pattern can also be reduced to make a pincushion.

Trapunto by Machine – Half Day Workshop

In this workshop, I will teach you how to do trapunto (stuffed work) by machine, to give your quilting projects more definition. We will be using water-soluble thread, and basic sewing supplies to create a project that can become a cushion cover or small wall hanging.

A sewing machine is required, along with basic sewing supplies. A small spool of water-soluble thread will be provided, and  a small supply list will be sent in advance.

English Paper Piecing – Half Day Workshop

In this workshop, I will teach you how to hand-stitch pieces together to create a design. Not to be confused with Foundation Paper Piecing, with English Paper Piecing, fabric is wrapped around fabric shapes made of thin paper cardboard or heavy paper. We will have two different designs to choose from. We will hand sew the shapes together one at a time to create a more intricate design. The paper or cardboard is removed once the shape has been sewn to another shape on all sides. 

You can choose to make a hot pad trivet, mug rug, or a pincushion.

No sewing machine is required as all stitching is done by hand. Paper templates will be provided and a small supply list for the fabrics will be sent in advance.

T-Shirt Quilt – Full Day Workshop

What a great gift for graduations, birthdays or just for preserving memories! In this full day workshop, I will teach you how to stabilize your t-shirts before cutting, use a square ruler to choose the best orientation, how to measure for sashing (the fabric strips that “frame” your t-shirts) what type of backing to use and we’ll discuss finishing techniques.

Front and back designs of shirts can be incorporated – each will count as a square. Each shirt design is cut to 12” or 13”, depending on the graphics.

Square rulers are available for use during the workshop.

A sewing machine is required, along with basic sewing supplies.

Fundamentals of Quilt Making – Full Day Workshop

In this workshop, I will be teaching you the fundamentals of quilt making while designing a quilt that is uniquely yours. We will be using a pattern called a Disappearing Pinwheel. Depending on the fabrics you use and the layout you choose from the 12 we will discuss, the effects can be strikingly different. We will cover everything from pattern design, fabric and colour choices, construction techniques by hand and by machine, and finishing techniques.

You will need at least two colours (1 main, 1 background) but can also use a layer cake (10″ squares of different fabrics) and yardage of a background colour. Approximate size of a 12-block quilt is 35″ x 45″ and is easy to enlarge. 

A sewing machine is required, along with basic sewing supplies. A supply list will be provided in advance.

 Applique – Half Day Workshop

In this workshop, I will teach you how to applique simple designs by hand, machine, and fusible interfacing. You can choose to make a mini quilt, a mug rug, or a small book cover. A variety of designs will be available.

A sewing machine is required, along with basic sewing supplies. A small supply list will be provided in advance.