Machine Techniques

Supplies & Equipment List for Machine Piecing Classes:
–Rotary rule or equivalent (24" long)
–Rotary cutter
–Triangle or 2nd ruler for squaring up (optional)
–Sewing machine (cleaned, oiled and ready to use)
–Basic sewing supplies including a seam ripper
–Lunch for all day classes
–Fabric (prewashed and pressed).
Note: We now have a “classroom” set of cutting mats so you don't need to carry yours to class with you.

Click on the following links to see a specific class, or scroll down to see the complete list.
Beginning Rotary Star Sampler
Weaver Fever
Blooming Nine-Patch
Crazy Curves
Rapid Fire Hunter's Star
Winner's Bouquet
Invisible Machine Appliqué
Machine Quilting for Beginners
Mystery Weekend #42

• Beginning Rotary Star Sampler—Annemarie Yohnk
This class will teach the fundamentals of rotary cutting and piecing by machine. Several techniques will be covered in the classes, including mastering the 1/4" seam allowance, connector triangles, strip piecing, borders, basting and binding. Machine quilting will be demonstrated in the final class. Stop into the shop before the first session to see the sample and for help selecting the fabric for your quilt. Also, see *Supplies and Equipment list.
Click here to view sample
4 sessions • fee: $40.00
Tuesday • Sept. 23, 30, Oct. 7 & 21 • 6:00-8:30

• • Weaver Fever—Susan Dyer
This bargello style quilt gets its woven look by using value-graded sets of 2 different colors. It is made by piecing several different strip sets, crosscutting them and rearranging the segments into blocks. The book Weaver Fever includes instructions and yardages for a variety of sizes. You can choose to make any of the quilts that are in the book. They include quilts that use 3 prints of each of the 2 colors, 4 prints of each of the 2 colors or 5 prints of each of the two colors. During the 1st class you will organzie and sew strip sets. During the 2nd class you will cut your strip sets into segments and sew them into blocks. Come into the shop before the 1st class to pick up your supply list and to see our sample. We will be happy to assist you in your fabric selection. You will need to pre-cut strips before class. Also, see *Supplies and Equipment list.
2 sessions • fee: $25.00 plus purchase of book
Saturday • Sept. 13 & 27 • 1:30–4:00

• • Blooming Nine-Patch—Susan Dyer
We are bringing back one of our favorite classes. This gorgeous quilt appears complicated, but is actually very simple to make. It's constructed by alternating Nine-patches and plain squares. The design is created by the placement of colors from one row to the next. You'll follow the techniques in the book Tradition with a Twist by Blanche Young & Darlene Stone. Come into the shop before the first class to pick up your supply list, pre-cutting instructions and to see the inspiring samples to help you with ideas for fabric selection. Also, see *Supplies and Equipment list.
Click here to view sample
2 sessions • fee: $25.00 plus purchase of book
Saturday • Sept. 13 & 27 • 10:00–12:30

• • Crazy Curves—Susan Dyer
Curves can be fun! Learn to do curved piecing on your sewing machine while making a “Crazy Curves” quilt. You will use the 7" Crazy Curves acrylic templates from Elisa's Backporch to cut the pieces with your rotary cutter. You will then sew them together into squares. The blocks can be layed out in a variety of ways—from traditional drunkard's path to a “crazy” layout. Come into the shop to see our sample and pick up your supply list. This quilt is “fat quarter friendly”. In addition to your basic rotary supplies, you will need the 7" Crazy Curves templates.
Click here to view sample
1 session• fee: $25.00 plus purchase of templates
Saturday • Sept. 6 • 10:00–4:00

• • • Rapid Fire Hunter's Star—Susan Dyer
Learn how to use the Hunter's Star Template while piecing a small 16 block wallhanging or tablerunner using 6" hunter's star blocks. In the class you will work on the small quilt that is included with the template. We will also cover the steps you would go through to plan the cutting and yardage for other sized blocks and quilts. Come in to see our sample and pick up your supply list. In addition to your fabric, you will need the Rapid Fire Hunter's Star Template (Petite Star) by Deb Tucker. Also, see *Supplies and Equipment list.
1 session• fee: $25.00 plus purchase of templates
Saturday • Dec. 6 • 10:00–4:00

• • • Winner's Bouquet—Susan Dyer
Atkinson Designs has another fun quilt design. This one is fat quarter friendly and comes with acrylic templates for cutting the curved pieces. We will share our tips for piecing those curves and sewing your blocks together. Choose from any of the sizes in the pattern. There is also the optional addition of yo-yos or folded corners. Come in to see our sample and pick up your supply list. In addition to your fabric, you will need the pattern Winner's Bouquet by Atkinson Designs. Also, see *Supplies and Equipment list.
1 session• fee: $25.00 plus purchase of templates
Saturday • Oct. 4 • 10:00–4:00

• • Invisible Machine Appliqué—Annemarie Yohnk
This painless method of appliqué is quick, accurate and almost invisible. Once you learn how quick & easy machine appliqué can be, appliqué projects will no longer seem scary! We will work on one block from the book Quiltmaker's Guide to Fine Machine Appliqué. This book will give you access to all of the "New Century Sampler Quilt" patterns and great helpful hints. With your new found machine confidence and skills you may even decide to tackle the entire quilt. Your own machine and the book are required for the class. Your machine must have an adjustable blind hem stitch or variable overlock stitch. Stop by the shop to see the sample and pick up your supply list. Also, see *Supplies and Equipment list.
Click here to view sample
2 sessions • fee: $25.00 (plus book purchase)
Tuesday • Oct. 28 & Nov. 4 • 6:30–8:30

• • Machine Quilting for Beginners—Dee Legvold
Learn the basics of machine quilting using the new “Skillbuilder” panel and book. The first class will focus on straight line quilting, using a walking foot and different types of thread and batt. The second class will focus on free motion quilting using a darning foot or “Big Foot”, and using stencils and “Golden Threads” pattern paper. We will provide muslin, batt and patterns for practicing. Bring your sewing machine and manual to class. You must have a free motion foot (darning foot or “Big Foot”) and a walking foot for your machine. For best results, clean and oil your machine prior to class. Be sure to come into the shop prior to the first class to pick up a list of additional supplies. Please note: Singer Featherweight machines do not work well for free motion machine quilting. This is the perfect class to learn how to layer and quilt all those tops you've made in other classes! Pre-requisite: “Beginning Rotary Star Sampler” or equivalent beginning machine piecing class. This class does not cover piecing or other construction techniques. There will be some “homework” in between the two class sessions.
2 sessions • fee: $30.00 plus purchase of “Skillbuilder” fabric panel and book.
Monday • Oct. 20 & Nov. 3 • 6:00–8:30

• • • Mystery Weekend #42—Susan Dyer & Nancy Raschka-Reeves
Run away from home and spend the weekend with us! We've specially designed a quilt for this Mystery Weekend. You won't find out what the quilt looks like until you've begun sewing. Teaching hours are from 9:30-5:00 each day but you may stay and sew Thursday or Saturday evening if you wish. Participants should have experience with rotary cutting and machine piecing. You will receive your Secret Supply List about a month before this workshop. Choose between Session A, B, C & D. (Students in sessions A, B & C will be sworn to secrecy!)
Register early—sessions tend to fill quickly! Class registration begins Thursday, August 14.
One weekend session• fee: $60.00
Session A: Sat. & Sun. • Oct. 11 & 12 • 9:30–5:00
Session B: Sat. & Sun. • Nov. 1 & 2 • 9:30–5:00
Session C: Thurs. & Fri. • Nov. 6 & 7 • 9:30–5:00
Session D: Sat. & Sun. • Nov. 8 & 9 • 9:30–5:00