Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Retreat Updates and Fall Classes at The Cabin

Wow.  Summer sure has a way of flying by. We have enjoyed many classes and retreats here at The Cabin.
   
This is Lynne at a retreat working on an embroidery for one of her very special grandchildren.  Lucky Tor.
Here's Sue working on an embroidery design.  She's making a pretty pillow for her home.
This is Pat working her quilt...it's on the design wall just over her shoulder.  She was able to get quite a lot done in a day.  Way to go Pat.
Laura is having fun working on a beautiful machine applique quilt.  Very intricate work.  Check out those maple leaves by the window.  All cut out by hand.  Beautiful.

Barbara finished her fish wall hanging.  The picture above shows a very happy Barbara.  The photo below shows how intricate the quilting on this project is. 


Barbara has been very prolific at the retreats.  She has finished a lot of quilts.  I love this quilt top.  It's going to be quilted by the very talented Lauren Tolhurst. 
This is a very happy Tricia.  Her and Barbara were table mates...I can't believe how much was accomplished at that table. 
Jo-Ann, right, Linda, left, and Barbara with her back to the camera working hard on the quilt up on the design wall.  Jo-Ann was sewing together very tiny pieces to create her block, just look at that focus.  Linda was working on the cutest bags for her and her buddies...
The stitchery is done by hand and so adorable.  The original design only had two best friends so she added the third herself.  Great work Linda.
I have posted photos of Bernie's signature Caesar Salad in the past...yummmm
But...I have never posted a picture of a fresh cooked Dungeness Crab.  Woweeee...  Bernie "Kicked it up a Notch" at this retreat.  For lunch he made us "That's the best burger I've ever  had..." according to one of the ladies at the retreat.  For supper Bernie headed up to The Crab Shop  in North Vancouver and brought home fresh Dungeness Crab for all of us.  "That was the best meal of my summer" was called out to Bernie.  We had a wonderful day and evening.
 See that temporarily abandoned plate of crab and Caesar salad guess who that belonged to?
Linda enjoyed every morsel of her crab.  I think it was a big hit.  I know I loved mine...
Bernie teaching Serger Savvy.  Look at the intensity...I prepared lunch that day...I know that the ladies enjoyed it as they were starving by the time I got everything prepared.  I'm a quilter...need I say more?

For Show and Tell...This beautiful stitchery was created by Linda.  Just stunning.  I love it.


I have posted the new class list below.  I hope we get to see you and your smiling face here at The Cabin this Fall. 

Update Fall 2012

Welcome to our neck of the woods.
We have scheduled fall classes and retreats.  Day classes from 10:30am - 4:30pm include cinnamon buns, coffee, tea, juice and lunch.  In most of our classes you will have the benefit of two instructors, one to help you with the project or technique and the other to help with your sewing machine.  This provides for more one on one attention and ensures the class flows smoothly.  Our goal is to provide you with knowledge and teach you how to get the best result out of your sewing machine.  For your comfort space for Day classes is limited to eight people and Day retreats are limited to six people.

Please note:  If you have registered for a class and don’t see the date listed on the new schedule it means that class has filled.

Day Retreats - New Dates
We have lots of space in the classroom and studio for cutting, pressing, basting and more.  There is a table set up for rotary cutting including two large mats 23” x 35”.  There are also several smaller mats, 45mm rotary cutters and rulers of various sizes available for you to use.  We have one large and two small pressing stations set up with irons.  We have food here in the morning including cinnamon buns, fruit, coffee and tea.  For lunch we will have sandwiches and snacks.  For dinner Bernie will fix us something special.  You are welcome to bring soft drinks or any other food or drink you would like.  Please remember to bring your sewing machine, cord, foot control and presser feet.  If you are working on a special project you will need to bring any needles, thread, basic sewing supplies, fabrics, etc., necessary to complete your project.  If you forget something I’m sure I will have it here in the studio, in a pinch Wineberry Fabrics is only 15 minutes away.  We would love to see what you are working on and any finished projects you would like to share with us. 

$90.00                                                  
9:00am – 9:00pm
Wednesday, August 22nd or 29th
Tuesday, September 18th
Saturday, October 13th or 27th
Saturday, November 10th
Saturday, December 8th
The Cabin awaits...
 
Please note:  If your focus is on embroidery we have sturdy tables that will support your machine.  We have a solid base of knowledge regarding sewing machines, embroidery modules, software, stabilizers, threads and designs.  Join us for a fun day of creativity. 

Group Retreats:  If you have a group that would like to get together for a retreat at The Cabin give us a call and book a day. 
 
Sewing Machine Service

A little TLC goes a long way...


Now is a great time to get your sewing machine serviced so it is ready for the sewing season.  Bernie offers in-home sewing machine service in some areas.  If you would like to have your sewing machine serviced please call Bernie at (604)505-9287 or email berniefixessewingmachines@gmail.com.

The KeyStone Series:  We have added new classes for the fall.

1.  KeyStone:  Build a Better Relationship with YOUR Sewing Machine
Is the honeymoon over or do you just want to get to know your machine better?  This is the perfect class for you.  You will learn how to solve the “tension” problems between you and your sewing machine and how to understand what your machine is trying to communicate to you when it is not giving you the results you expect.  Start a new relationship on the right “foot”.  In a fun filled class rekindle the romance with your machine and be able to walk hand in hand through your sewing projects. 
$60.00 includes kit and lunch
10:30am – 4:30pm
Wednesday, October 3rd
Sewing machine, Supply list

2.  KeyStone:  It’s All About the Stitch – New Date
In this class you will sew with a variety of threads, needles and fabrics in order to gain a thorough understanding of their characteristics.   Learn how the combination of needle and thread can make the difference on any fabric.  We will discuss your sewing machines’ personality and shine a light on the black art of tension, all in a fun and informative way.  This is a great class for beginner to advanced sewers.  Any brand of sewing machine is welcome.  In order to standardize, a kit with thread, needles and fabrics will be provided.
$60.00 includes kit and lunch
10:30am – 4:30pm
Saturday, September 1st
Tuesday, October 2nd
Sewing machine.  Supply list

3.  KeyStone:  Free-motion Fun-Damentals
In a relaxed atmosphere learn the fundamentals of free-motion quilting including which free-motion foot works best for your sewing machine.  We will give you hints and tips to help you understand your sewing machine and its tension.   We will discuss thread, needle, fabric and batting combinations that work well together for quilting success.  In addition you will learn some tricks of the trade and how to properly handle the quilt while guiding the fabric under the needle.  Join us and build both your confidence and your skills. 
$45.00 includes lunch
10:30am – 4:30pm
Tuesday, October 23rd
Sewing machine.  Supply list

4.  KeyStone:  Rotary Cutting and Machine Piecing Tutorial
Learn the basics of accurate rotary cutting, machine piecing and proper pressing in this class designed for the beginner quilter and the intermediate quilter who would like to enhance skills.  We will begin with cutting, piecing and pressing strips of fabric to find that perfect ¼” seam on your sewing machine.  Later we will explore cutting squares, triangles and rectangles.  You will learn how to strip piece, press, sub-cut and sew together straight of grain squares and bias squares accurately.   This class is a must when it comes to mastering accurate cutting, pressing and piecing techniques.
$45.00 includes lunch
10:30am – 4:30pm 
 Saturday, September 15th                                                             
Sewing machine.  Supply list.  Rotary cutting equipment.

5.  KeyStone:  Machine Appliqué
Machine appliqué can be used on a quilt top, for home decor or for jazzing up clothing.  Learn how to select the right fusible web for the pattern, what thread, needle and stitch to use for machine appliqué.   Learn about an overlay, how to prepare the background and appliqué fabric, how to trace the shapes onto fusible web, how to arrange and fuse the shapes onto the background fabric, how to stitch around the shapes and much more.  A kit and pattern will be provided.
$55.00 includes lunch and kit
10:30am – 4:30pm
Tuesday, November 27th
Sewing machine.  Supply list.

6.  KeyStone:  Serger Savvy
If you’re tired of looking at your serger just sitting in the box or gathering dust on your sewing table join us for an informative 6 hour serger class.  Everything from trouble shooting to techniques.
$55.00 includes fabric kit and lunch
10:30am – 4:30pm
Monday, August 20th
Tuesday, November 20th
Serger.  Supply list.
 
7.  KeyStone:  Machine Quilting Fun-Damentals
Quilting your quilt can be a bit scary.  If you have said to yourself “I’m afraid I’ll ruin it” this class is for you.  In a relaxed environment we will teach you how to create the best straight stitch possible on your sewing machine and help you gain a better understanding of the black art of tension.  You will learn about your walking foot and stitching in the ditch.   From there you will learn how easy it is to mark your quilt for hanging diamonds, cross-hatching and more, without leaving unsightly marking lines behind.   You will also learn how to audition quilting lines on your quilt before marking.  We will discuss thread, needle, fabric and batting combinations and show you why the right combination will give you success with your quilting.  
$45.00 includes lunch
10:30am – 4:30pm
Tuesday, November 6th
Sewing machine.  Supply list.


Little Zippered Bag
Get a head start on your Christmas gifts this year.  This is a great little bag for sewing accessories, make-up, small knitting projects and more.  Techniques featured on this project are free-motion and/or decorative, straight stitch machine quilting, easy zipper insertion and precision top-stitching.  This is a perfect project for the beginner sewer and for those who would like to improve on techniques.
$50.00 includes lunch, and pattern
10:30am – 4:30pm
Tuesday, September 4th
Wednesday, October 24th
Wednesday, November 14th
Sewing machine.  Supply list.

iPad Tote
Desire a safe and pretty fashion to tote your iPad and accessories?  While learning how to couch, pin-tuck, create an easy welt zippered pocket, sew beads on by machine and more you will create this pretty iPad, iPod, iTouch/iPhone and accessories tote.  This project will be pre-cut and kitted for your convenience so all the class time will be spent learning new techniques.  A perfect Christmas gift for you or for those you love.
$125.00 includes lunch, kit and pattern
10:30am – 4:30pm
Wednesday, December 5th and 12th
Sewing machine.  Supply list.

Autumn Splendour
Due to the popularity of Autumn Splendour we have added a few more classes for the Fall.  Techniques you learn while creating this lovely bag include precision piecing, couching, corded pin-tucking, stitching with decorative threads, sewing beads on by machine, how to create an easy welt zippered pocket and much more.  This project will be pre-cut and kitted for your convenience so all the class time will be spent learning new techniques.  
$125.00 includes lunch, kit and pattern.                                               
10:30am – 4:30pm
Saturday, October 6th and 20th
Tuesday, October 16th and 30th
Saturday, November 3rd and 17th
Sewing machine.  Supply list.

Snowflake Pincushion and Thread Catcher
Snowflake is a wonderful companion for your sewing area.  She’s not just a charming little Snowflake, she is very useful.  With a head full of crushed glass and mittens and earmuffs made of wool she provides the greatest of care for your pins and needles.  She also helps to keep your sewing area tidy, simply remove her hat from her head and she will hold it open for you to catch stray threads and fabric bits while you sew.  This is a fun project for all ages and stages of sewers.  Snowflake makes a wonderful Christmas gift.  If you have a non sewer on your list Snowflake is happy to sit on a mantle with her hat full of candy.  Join us during this festive season and create a delightful little Snowflake of your very own.
$60.00 includes lunch, *kit and pattern
10:30am – 4:30pm
Wednesday, November 28th
Tuesday, December 4th
Saturday, December 15th
*Kit includes crushed glass, eyes and nose along with all the fabrics.  You will only need to bring thread to match the fabrics. 
Sewing machine.  Supply list.

Under the Stars
These adorable little snowmen are enjoying a glimpse of winter stars while snuggled under a brightly coloured, scrappy quilt made up of simple squares and friendship stars.  This is a lovable Winter project featuring easy machine appliqué and precision piecing.  
$90.00 includes lunch and pattern
10:30am – 4:30pm
Monday, October 29th and November 26th
Sewing machine.  Supply list.
  

TopStitchers Club 2012 resumes in September.  If you are interested in joining TopStitchers Club for 2013 please let me know and I’ll add your name to our list.  If you would like to know more about our TopStitchers Club and locations please email me or give me a call.  We hope you can join us in 2013. 
  

Registration:  
The Cabin doors are open and ready for you ½ hour before retreats/classes begin.  If you have a special table/chair you would like to reserve please let me know.  If you would like to register for any of our Day Retreats or Classes please email me at littleoakpattern@gmail.com or call me at (604)506-0241.  I look forward to hearing from you.

Happy Stitches,
Shelley and Bernie

Directions to The Cabin:
The easiest way to find us is to drive along 176th as if you are heading for the border.  Turn left onto 20th.  Cross over 184th and continue down the hill.  Turn right at Willow Acres Equestrian Centre – you will see the sign – there is a chain link fence – please slow down to 5k/h as there are children, horses and other small creatures about – continue straight down the hill, past the barn and down the last little unpaved hill.  You will see two VW’s in the parking lot.  We will be watching for you.

Please Note:
1.  If you are unable to attend a retreat or class that you have registered for please give me a call or email me 10 days prior the start of the class.  I will be happy to issue you a credit towards or transfer you to another class.  If I have less than 10 days notice, class notes and kits will be here for you. 
2.  A supply list for retreats and classes will be sent to you upon registration.  Please check the supply list for homework and preparation prior to class. 
3.  As some people are allergic to perfume we would kindly ask you to avoid wearing any to The Cabin.  Thank you in advance.








Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Classes at The Cabin Update


We have been quite busy here in our neck of the woods.  Below is an update for our summer classes.   We have added new days as the classes are filling up.  All previous dates and classes are a go.  I look forward to hearing from you.

Welcome to our neck of the woods.
Day Retreats and Classes are continuing through the summer.   The Cabin classroom remains nice and cool during the hot summer days.  Day classes from 10:30am -4:30pm include cinnamon buns, coffee, tea, juice and lunch.  In most of our classes you will have the benefit of two instructors, one to help you with the project or technique and the other to help with your sewing machine.  This provides for more one on one attention and ensures the class flows smoothly.  Our goal is to provide you with knowledge and teach you how to get the best result out of your sewing machine.

1.  Day Retreats  - New Dates
We have lots of space in the classroom and studio for cutting, pressing, basting and more.  There is a table set up for rotary cutting including two large mats 23” x 35”.  There are also several smaller mats, 45mm rotary cutters and rulers of various sizes available for you to use.  We have one large and two small pressing stations set up including irons.  We have food here in the morning including cinnamon buns, fruit, coffee and tea.  For lunch we will have sandwiches and snacks.  For dinner Bernie will fix us something special.  You are welcome to bring soft drinks or any other food or drink you would like.  Please remember to bring your sewing machine, cord, foot control and presser feet.  If you are working on a special project you will need to bring any needles, thread, basic sewing supplies, fabrics, etc., necessary to complete your project.  If you forget something I’m sure I will have it here in the studio, in a pinch Wineberry Fabrics is only 15 minutes away.  We would love to see what you are working on and any finished projects you would like to share with us.  Class space for the Day Retreat is limited to six people for your comfort. 
$90.00 
9:00am – 9:00pm
Saturday, August 4th
Wednesday, August 22nd


Please note:  If your focus is on embroidery we have sturdy tables that will support your machine and do not shake while embroidering.  We have a solid base of knowledge regarding sewing machines, embroidery modules, software, stabilizers, threads and designs.  Join us for a fun day of creativity. 

The KeyStone Series
Our KeyStone classes have been well received.  We have added new classes for the summer.


2.  KeyStone Hand Appliqué
In a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere learn the age old tradition of hand appliqué.  Learn how to layer, master inner and outer points create perfect circles and how to achieve a tiny, blind hand appliqué stitch.  A kit, including background, appliqué fabrics and tools of the trade, will be provided for you.  
$50.00 includes kit and lunch
10:30am – 4:30pm
Wednesday, July 11th
Supply list.

3.  It’s All About the Stitch – New Date
In this class you will sew with a variety of threads, needles and fabrics in order to gain a thorough understanding of their characteristics.   Learn how the combination of needle and thread can make the difference on any fabric.  We will discuss your sewing machines’ personality and shine a light on the black art of tension, all in a fun and informative way.  This is a great class for beginner to advanced sewers.  Any brand of sewing machine is welcome.  In order to standardize, a kit with thread, needles and fabrics will be provided.
$60.00 includes kit and lunch
10:30am – 4:30pm
Saturday, September 1st
Sewing machine.  Supply list

4.  KeyStone Free-motion Fun-Damentals
In a relaxed atmosphere learn the fundamentals of free-motion quilting including which free-motion foot works best for your sewing machine.  We will give you hints and tips to help you understand your sewing machine and its tension.   We will discuss thread, needle, fabric and batting combinations that work well together for quilting success.  In addition you will learn some tricks of the trade and how to properly handle the quilt while guiding the fabric under the needle.  Join us and build both your confidence and your skills. 
$45.00 includes lunch
10:30am – 4:30pm
Monday, July 23rd
Sewing machine.  Supply list

5.  KeyStone Rotary Cutting and Machine Piecing Tutorial
Learn the basics of accurate rotary cutting, machine piecing and proper pressing in this class designed for the beginner quilter and the intermediate quilter who would like to enhance skills.  We will begin with cutting, piecing and pressing strips of fabric and find that perfect ¼” seam allowance on your sewing machine.  Later we will explore cutting squares, triangles and rectangles.  You will learn how to strip piece, press, sub-cut and sew together straight of grain squares and bias squares accurately.   This class is a must when it comes to mastering accurate cutting, pressing and piecing techniques.
$45.00 includes lunch
10:30am – 4:30pm 
 Monday, July 9th                                                                             
Sewing machine.  Supply list.  Rotary cutting equipment.


6.  KeyStone Machine Appliqué
Machine appliqué can be used on a quilt top, for home decor or for jazzing up clothing.  Learn how to select the right fusible web for the pattern, what thread, needle and stitch to use for machine appliqué.   Learn about an overlay, how to prepare the background and appliqué fabric, how to trace the shapes onto fusible web, how to arrange and fuse the shapes onto the background fabric, how to stitch around the shapes and much more.  A kit and pattern will be provided.
$50.00 includes lunch and kit
10:30am – 4:30pm
Monday, August 13th
Sewing machine.  Supply list.

7.  KeyStone Serger Savvy
If you’re tired of looking at your serger just sitting in the box or gathering dust on your sewing table join us for an informative 6 hour serger class.  Everything from trouble shooting to techniques.
$55.00 includes fabric kit and lunch
10:30am – 4:30pm
Wednesday, July 4th
Monday, August 20th
Serger.  Supply list.

8.  KeyStone Machine Quilting Fun-Damentals
Quilting your quilt can be a bit scary.  If you have said to yourself “I’m afraid I’ll ruin it” this class is for you.  In a relaxed environment we will teach you how to create the best straight stitch possible on your sewing machine and we will help you gain a better understanding of the black art of tension.  You will learn about your walking foot and stitching in the ditch.   From there you will learn how easy it is to mark your quilt for hanging diamonds, cross-hatching and more, without leaving unsightly marking lines behind.   You will also learn how to audition quilting lines on your quilt before marking.  We will discuss thread, needle, fabric and batting combinations and show you why the right combination will give you success with your quilting.  
$45.00 includes lunch
10:30am – 4:30pm
Monday, July 16th
Sewing machine.  Supply list.

9.  Autumn Splendour – New Date
After many requests we have scheduled a 2 day class for Autumn Splendour, the TopStitchers project from last year.  Techniques you will learn while creating this lovely bag includes precision piecing, couching, corded pin-tucking, stitching with decorative threads, sewing beads on by machine, how to create an easy welt zippered pocket and much more.  This project will be pre-cut and kitted for your convenience so all the class time will be spent learning new techniques.
$125.00 includes lunch, kit and pattern.                                               
10:30am – 4:30pm
Saturday, September 22nd and 29th
Sewing machine.  Supply list.
Please Note:  If you have a colourway that you would prefer please let me know.

Modern Pineapple – New Class
This quilt is created with foundation pieced blocks.  Learn the secrets of successful foundation piecing while creating this beautiful wall hanging. 
$55.00 includes lunch, pattern and printed foundation blocks.
10:30am – 4:30pm
Monday, August 6th
Sewing machine.  Supply list.

Group Retreats
If you have a group that would like to get together for a retreat at The Cabin give us a call and book a day. 

Registration
If you would like to register for any of our Day Retreats or Classes please email me at littleoakpattern@gmail.com or call me at (604)506-0241.  

Happy Stitches,
Shelley and Bernie

Please Note:
1.  If you are unable to attend a retreat or class that you have registered for please give me a call or email me 10 days prior the start of the class.  I will be happy to issue you a credit towards or transfer you to another class.  If I have less than 10 days notice, class notes and kits will be here for you. 
2.  A supply list for retreats and classes will be sent to you upon registration.  Please check the supply list for homework and preparation prior to class. 
3.  As some people are allergic to perfume we would kindly ask you to avoid wearing any to The Cabin.  Thank you in advance.