Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Happy Spring!

The bushes, trees and bulbs are beginning to show signs of life here in our neck of the woods.  




A little catch up...

Our grandson Dylan turned One year old! 


I bought a new Bernina 750 Quilters Edition! 
I love my new machine.  I am so impressed with the technology.  The Bernina 9 hook is pure genius.  The bobbins hold more thread than any other machine I've ever owned.  

I have been working on several different projects from piecing tiny little squares like my Bear Hugs blocks...3" finished with 1/2" sashing strips...

to designing and finishing my Notion Nest which included many different techniques like sewing beads on by machine, working with vinyl, machine applique and binding.  No matter the technique, the thickness of fabric, batting or vinyl my 750 handled all with ease. 

In the fall/winter 2012 TopStitchers Club we created "Notion Nest".  

I finished hand stitching the binding yesterday.  I began by placing a small drop of Roxanne's Glue in the seam allowance.  Then I held the binding in position with the small red clamps until the glue dried.  I removed the clamps and hand stitched all the way around, mitering the corners as I went along.  Roxanne's glue, thimble and needle made hand stitching such a pleasure. 
(No, I don't own any shares...LOL)




I wanted to add beads to the outside of my Notion Nest and decided to stitch clear beads, with the hole up, on top of the printed pins on the background fabric.  The color of the pin heads reflect inside the beads making the printed pins look like colorful glass-head pins.  I love the results.



Below are some pictures of my finished Notion Nest and pin cushion.

I love purple.  I decided to put all the purple notions I could find into my Notion Nest.  On Thursday at Peace Arch Quilters I am attending a hand piecing class with Dianne Senra who will be teaching us the "gentle art" of hand piecingI'm all packed are ready to go.

The Notion Nest Pattern will soon be available for purchase.  If you are interested please email me at littleoakpattern@gmail.com


Free pattern!  
I designed this embellished tote to carry my iPad and accessories inYou can find the pattern and complete instructions in the Web bonuses section under the American Quilter magazine tab at www.americanquilter.com
Happy Stitches,
Shelley 










Spring Classes and Retreats at The Cabin

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 from your sewing machine.  For your comfort, space for retreats is limited to six people and space for classes is limited to eight people.

Day Retreats
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 have soup and/or 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
Saturday, March 9 or 23
Saturday, April 13
Tuesday, April 16
Saturday, May 11
Wednesday, May 22
Saturday, June 8


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. 


1.  Mastering Bernina Embroidery Machine and Module  
    with Mariann Thompson
In this series of hands on classes you will learn a variety of basic embroidery techniques and skills as well as master the embroidery functions on your Embroidery Sewing Machine and Module with confidence.  I warn you in advance...Machine Embroidery can be addictive!  There are endless creative possibilities!  We look forward to getting you started on your journey to mastering machine embroidery! 
This is just the beginning...In a relaxed and fun class environment with patient skilled teachers to assist you throughout the class, you will master the following machine embroidery skills with confidence:
      · The relationship of hoops, stabilizers, needles and threads
      · Master a variety of the Embroidery Function Buttons on your machine  
        ie, arrange, rotate, rescale, mirror, duplicate, etc.
      · Insert a motif, prepare fabric, hoop fabric and stitch the design
      · How to insert text
      · Embroider lace
      · Embroider an appliqué design
      · Saving and deleting designs on your embroidery machine
      · Embroidery Design Management
      · Inspiration on what’s next in our “Creative” Machine Embroidery journey.
Come join us and the creative world of machine embroidery
$100.00
$10.00 kit fee for each class includes fabric, stabilizers and class handouts
10:30am – 2:30pm
Coffee and tea provided.  Please bring a sack lunch.
4 Classes: Wednesday, April 3rd, May 8th, June 5th and July 3rd.
Sewing machine and embroidery module.  Supply list.

2.  Bernina 710, 750 and 780
 






  




We have created a class to help you learn your wonderful new 700 series sewing machine.  The class will be in two parts.  First, Bernie will teach you about the technical, practical and special features.  The second part of the class will focus on putting your new knowledge to practical use. You will learn about your new presser feet, temporary altered stitch memory and when to use the dual feed.  Techniques include finding a perfectly scant ¼” seam, using beautiful 9mm decorative stitch combinations, embellishing, and much more while creating a Mini Tote bag. 
$30.00
Pre-cut Mini Tote Kit: $15.00 includes pattern, fabric and embellishments.
10:30am – 3:30pm
Monday, March 18, 25 or April 15
Sewing machine.  Supply list.

3.  Little Zippered Bag
This little zippered bag has batting and vinyl as a stabilizer so the bag retains its shape and can be wiped clean inside with a damp cloth.  This great little bag is wonderful for sewing accessories, make-up, small knitting projects and more.  Techniques featured on this project include working with vinyl, 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.  If you would like a kit I will send you a photo of fabrics you can choose from. 
Kits are $15.00
$50.00 includes lunch, and pattern
10:30am – 4:30pm
Monday, May 13
Sewing Machine.  Supply list.  

4.  Autumn Splendour 

 
While creating this lovely bag in beautiful spring fabrics and embellishments you will learn 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
Tuesday, March 26 and April 23 or
Saturday, June 1 and 15
Sewing machine.  Supply list.  

5.  Tablet and Accessories Tote
 
Desire a safe and pretty fashion to tote your Tablet 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 Tablet 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. 
$125.00 includes lunch, kit and pattern
10:30am – 4:30pm
Wednesday, June 19 and 26
Sewing machine.  Supply list.

 
6.  Friendship Bear Hugs Quilt
I love friends, the precision of foundation paper piecing and scrap quilts.  So I brought them all together in this Friendship Bear Hugs Quilt.  This is a great class to learn the art of precision foundation paper piecing and how to coordinate your scraps through understanding the relationship of various colors and fabric designs.  Bring your scraps, exchange fabrics, piece some perfect little Bear Paw blocks and have fun. 
$45.00 includes pattern, coffee, tea and snacks
10:30am – 2:30pm
Tuesday, May 7 and 28
Sewing machine.  Supply list.
 
7.  Machine Quilting Fun-Damentals
All sewing machines and skill levels welcome.  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
Wednesday, May 29th
Sewing machine.  Supply list.

8.  Dear Jane 
This quilt created by Jane A. Stickle “In War Time 1863” is so beautiful and complex it is hard to imagine that it was made during the Civil war.  It contains a diversity of blocks featuring many different techniques from hand piecing and appliqué to machine piecing and foundation paper piecing.  History and tradition surround this masterpiece.  Come along and discover some of the oldest and newest quilt making techniques of today while creating your very own history and beautiful work of art.  If you have already started your Dear Jane quilt join us in our journey for hints, tips and inspiration.
$85.00 includes coffee, tea and snacks
10:30am – 2:30pm
Thursday, April, 25th, May 23rd, June 27th and July 25th

9.  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
Tuesday, April 8th
Serger.  Supply list.


Sewing Machine Service
A little TLC goes a long way...

Now is a great time to get your sewing machine serviced.  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.


TopStitchers Club 2013  
This is the front of our Duffle Style Bag ready for embellishing.  In the next class we will be adding decorative threads, cords and beads. 
We have some seats available for TopStitchers Club 2013.  In the first four months of our Club we are creating a fun Duffle Style Bag that can be used at the beach or for your sewing and knitting projects.  Techniques include easy machine appliqué, working with decorative threads, couching, beading by machine, easy zipper insertion, mini piping, ruffles and much more.  If you would like to register please give me a call at (604)506-0241.

TopStitchers meet at the following locations: 
Vancouver, St. Helen’s Hall the 2nd Tuesday of the month
11:00am – 1:00pm, 3:00pm – 5:00pm, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
North Vancouver, Creative Edge the 2nd Thursday of the month
11:00am – 1:00pm, 3:00pm – 5:00pm, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Surrey, Wineberry Fabrics the 2nd Friday of the month
11:00am – 1:00pm, 3:00pm – 5:00pm, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
South Surrey, The Cabin the 3rd Wednesday of the month
11:00am – 1:00pm, 3:00pm – 5:00pm, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
South Surrey, The Cabin the 3rd Saturday of the month
9:00am – 11:00am, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
$175.00 includes kits and patterns

We have seats for TopStitchers available at the following locations:
St. Helen’s Hall:  Evening from 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Creative Edge:  Afternoon from 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Wineberry Fabrics: Afternoon from 3:00pm – 5:00pm and Evening 
from 6:30pm – 8:30pm
The Cabin, 3rd Wednesday:  Evening from 6:30pm – 8:30pm
The Cabin, 3rd Saturday:  Afternoon from 1:00pm – 3:00pm

Please note:  If you would like to join us for TopStitchers Club don’t worry about missing the first class I will prepare your front panel for you. 

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 toward 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.