Sew Inspired "Snips & Pieces"

Have you ever wondered what to do with your collection of buttons from the 40's?  Or the shoe box full of novelty yarn bits left over from your knitting craze circa 2004?  Well, we have the answer for you: Fabric Embellishing.  We are offering a new and exciting monthly class taught by Laurie Dhandapani.  She has taught fabric embellishing for the Greater Hartford Quilting Guild and the Farmington Valley guild, as well as other quilting shops, and now she's here with us!

This is a series of classes that meets monthly.  Laurie starts with basic techniques and builds from there - the sky is the limit.  As you attend the various classes you'll build a fiber art book of ideas and techniques.  While you can join us at any point, the classes do build on each other, so I say - begin at the beginning with us and experience the entire journey!  Here's the deets (the younger generation's slang for details):

• Classes are the second Monday of the month from 1:00 - 3:30pm and the second Tuesday from 6:00 - 8:30pm.  You choose what works best for you.
• Open studios with Laurie are the fourth Tuesday of the month from 6-8pm.
• Each class is $35
• Each open studio is $25
• You can purchase a class "Pass" for $150.  This entitles you to three months worth of classes and open studios.  It essentially saves you $5 per class as well as $5 per open studio.

Come to the studio for more details and to see samples of what will be taught in class!  I think you'll be amazed at what you can do with fabric and a few embellishments!

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You all know that Sew Inspired is the place to go if your needs tend toward the quilting.  But, did you know that we are now expanding into clothing patterns and classes as well?  I know - pretty neat huh?  I've written before that we are now KwikSew dealers, and we've started up a garment sewing workshop to kick things off.

Karlie Lebatique, a Palmer/Pletsch Certified Sewing Instructor, is going to be our resident KwikSew expert.  She's going to run our workshops for us and we couldn't be happier.  Here's how it's going to work.

We have selected basic garment patterns for you to choose from: 2 skirt patterns, apron, and kids or adults lounge pants.  You choose one of the patterns and buy a "Sewing Pass" for $75.  This pass gives you access to 4 sewing classes.  Your first class will be one of Karlie's "kick off" classes.  This is where you will learn very basic garment sewing skills, such as taking measurements, reading the back of a pattern, and determing what size you are.  Once you've done the kick off event, you can attend any three open sewing sessions where you are free to work on your garments at your own pace.  Karlie will be there to assist you and will offer tips throught the sessions that can and will be used for almost any garment pattern. 

Once you finish your fourth sewing session, you should have the skills to tackle any basic garment pattern.  However, we know you'll simply fall in love with Karlie (I mean come on - she's wonderful - you'll see, it'll be hard to not fall in love!) and will want to come to even MORE sessions.  That's cool with us!  Sewing passes will continue to be $75 for four classes, but once you've done the kick off class, you don't need to repeat it, so you can simply pick four open sew sessions and again, work at your own speed on any beginner patterns.  I can see it now: skirts and pajama pants for the whole family!

Our kick off events will run every other month throughout the summer and fall, and open sewing sessions will run on Monday mornings, Wenesday evenings, and occasional Saturdays.  Spaces are filling up, so stop by or give us a call to reserve your spot!

Posted by sewinspired at 03:18 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Don't know if you remember, but I wrote about the coming of the new Electric Quilt software a few weeks ago.  Well, it's now here Kats and Kittens!  If you didn't pre-order your copy, it's okay, as we have the software in stock in the shop.

And, of course, now that you own (or soon will) this super-cool software, don't you want to learn how to use it?  I'm sure you do.  Whether you're an EQ newbie or a hardened veteran, we have the class for you.

Sandy, our resident Gadget / Technology girl is set up downstairs to start an army of EQ users!  We have a big screen and a projector so you don't even need to bring a laptop to class to follow along, although that is certainly an encouraged option.  Here's the details for the classes:

• Starts in July
• Day and Evening classes
• Meets: 2nd Wednesday evening of the month from 6-8pm OR 2nd Friday of the month from 10 - Noon.  (July's class is Friday the 16th)
• Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced users are welcome!
  

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NEW Schoolhouse series starts May 2

It's a Schoolhouse series for students who would like an opportunity to “play” with embellishing materials and techniques! The workshop instruction is free - you pay only a small materials fee for a kit of supplies to use during class. Demo followed by hands-on play! Come to one or all, choose either the 1st Saturday morning (11AM-1PM) of the month or third Thursday evening (6-8PM).

Posted by sewinspired at 08:33 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Fabric Portrait Workshop with Marilyn Belford

Portrait Quilts with Marilyn Belford
Coming...October 4, 2008. Full day workshop with Marilyn Belford. A Workshop that guides you through the transference of design, applying fabric, and free-motion machine embroidery for embellishment of Portraits. Now accepting pre-emrollment by phone.

The new Timeless Treasures Complexion Collection is a 10-piece collection of beautifully shaded skin tones is perfect for doll making, photo quilts, and appliqued faces. The subtle shades transition from Alabaster to Java.

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Spring & Summer Classes and Events Online Now!

It's been a busy two weeks of quilting and show activity! We vended two wonderful quilt shows this past weekend - Pioneer Valley's Pieces of Time and CT Piecemakers Spring Shower of Quilts. Just as we were done unpacking, Trudy's Statler arrived and is being installed as I type. Our Spring & Summer newsletter is complete - check out the events and classes online. Next week we head to Machine Quilters Exposition (MQX) in New Hampshire for classes and fun and to scope out new products for machine quilting. Don't miss our Earth Day promotion... yes, a re-usable purple bag!

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New Paint Sticks 101 added; Hand Quilting re-scheduled

Our paint stick classes are proving to be very popular and as we've filled the intro class in March, we've added another date in May. Check out the "Art of Quilting" on our website.

Due to weather, our hand quilting class scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 13th, has been rescheduled to Wednesday, March 5. Please check the "Skill Builders" on our website.

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Back Basting Applique

Back basting applique is a needle turn technique that uses no templates! The pattern is marked on the wrong side of the background material. Using these lines as sewing lines, applique pieces are basted to the front. The basting lines become the guide for the needle turn sewing. This is a great technique that Betsy is excited to share with you! Requires some hand applique experience. Join us in April. (See Skill Builders on our website.)

Posted by sewinspired at 08:16 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)