The A, B, C’s of Machine Quilting introduces the fundamentals of quilting layers together using a domestic sewing machine. Students will learn two primary techniques: walking-foot quilting, including stitch-in-the-ditch, grids, channels, and gentle curves; and free-motion quilting, where the quilter moves the fabric freely under the needle to create lines, loops, swirls, meanders, and feathers. The class covers essential machine setup and tools—needles, presser feet, thread choices, basting methods, and other helpful accessories—along with techniques for starting and stopping stitches, bringing threads to the top, and testing for proper tension. Through guided exercises and practice samples, students will build control over stitch size and movement while developing designs that become as personal and unique as handwriting, gaining the skills to use free-motion quilting for backgrounds, borders, all-over designs, and more. THIS CLASS REQUIRES A FREE MOTION FOOT AND A WALKING FOOT FOR YOUR MACHINE. EACH MACHINE REQUIRES A FOOT SPECIFIC FOR THAT MODEL. WE ARE HAPPY TO ORDER SPECIFIC FEET FOR STUDENTS, ORDER DEADLINE FOR FOOT TO ARRIVE BEFORE CLASS IS APRIL 14TH.

Next Level Machine Quilting is designed for quilters who already have some experience handling a quilt and are comfortable moving it under the sewing machine needle. This class focuses on expanding your quilting “design inventory” while building confidence and creativity with free-motion techniques. After a brief review of basic guidelines and warm-up exercises, students will practice free-motion stitch-in-the-ditch, quilt individual motifs, create borders, and explore background fills such as stippling. You will also learn how to develop a quilting “plan of attack” to approach a project with intention and efficiency. These skills will be applied to a small class project provided, giving you the opportunity to practice new techniques while adding more variety and fun to your quilting. THIS CLASS REQUIRES A FREE MOTION FOOT FOR YOUR MACHINE. EACH MACHINE REQUIRES A FOOT SPECIFIC FOR THAT MODEL. WE ARE HAPPY TO ORDER SPECIFIC FEET FOR STUDENTS, ORDER DEADLINE FOR FOOT TO ARRIVE BEFORE CLASS IS APRIL 14TH.

Are you curious about felting? Want to incorporate felted pieces into your sewing projects? Join us for a special class taught by Deb Gaynor, of Philo Llamas, all about flat felting. In this class you will learn how to prepare your "quilt block" and you will leave with an 8" x 8" block that can stand alone as a wall hanging or be incorporated into a pillow or larger sewn piece. The fiber and tools for felting are included in the cost of the class. Other common supplies like pins and ruler, will be student responsibility.

Carla is continuing a special project that will continue through the end of 2026. As we celebrate our Semiquincentennial, we’re connecting with our ancestors by exploring techniques used by generations before us—only this particular project will show us how to use these ago-old techniques on today’s modern machines. Join us throughout the remainder of the SemiQ as we learn, create, and build this project together over the coming year! This Saturday we take a small break from the SemiQ Project to Welcome Guest Speaker Norma Ippolito to teach us all about blocking your finished quilts!