Newsletter

Winter is almost Here!

Hi All! It is freezing as I write this. It’s the perfect time to stay inside and get some good piecing and quilting done during the winter months. Since I started and have now finished we still have had very few mild days. I think we are in for a cold one!

End of Year Sale! Selected fabrics (including many batiks) will be downstairs in the classroom at 30% off. In addition if you end a bolt or buy more than 6 yards of fabric off any bolt upstairs, you will get it at 30% off.

Quilt photography service! Pam Prouty, one of the Intown gang, is now offering a professional photography service for your quilts, if you need a picture for a show or magazine submissions. We will have a few scheduled days where you can reserve a spot and we will also offer the option of dropping your quilts off to be photographed at Pam’s convenience. More details at the end of the newsletter.

I am working on both my kids’ school auctions. The Paideia auction, raising money for scholarships, and the Druid Hills High School auction, raising money for the Athletic Foundation and the PTSA. I would love donations from any of you who are willing to donate. Please email me if you have a donation to make and I will get you a donation form.

Happy Quilting! Sarah Phillips



Exciting new things at IQ!

New Special Event Strip Exchange Winter 2009 Demos 1/3 & 2/7 11am In the fall of 2008, Phoenix Quit Guild did a batik strip exchange, where folks received a yard of cut strips for every yeard of fabric they added to the grouping. The response was so enthusiastic, that the guild plans to do it again and include the wider quilting world. Strips will be cut in two color ways. In February, the beige/brown/neutrals group will be first. In April we will cut “brights”. As people sign up, fabrics will be selected and available for you to see. Taffy will do a brief program (free) at Intown Quilters to show what to do with these strips. Times are Saturday, Jan 3 and Saturday Feb 7 at 11a.m. There will be a few books, patterns and quilts for you to see the possibilities.

New Quilt Guild Fearless Friday Quilt Guild First Friday each month 10am There is a new quilt guild that will meet on the First Friday of every month in the classroom downstairs at 10am for about an hour or two. This is a group of folks who came together because there was a need for a local day guild. The group is interested in supporting each other in furthering their creative expression through quilting and or sewing. There is a small informal challenge each month to expose the group to different techniques. There will be a sit-n-sew for guild members in the classroom that day until 6pm.

Definitions: Quilting definitions to help you understand the wording of class descriptions.

Cutting- For many quilt patterns cutting with a rotary cutter, ruler and cutting mat is the most accurate way of cutting. When you cut accurately, your pieces go together better, causing less problems.

Piecing- sewing together cut-up pieces of fabric in order to make a design that will be the top of a quilt. This can be done by hand or machine in many different ways.

Batting- the filler that goes in between the top and the back of a quilt. This can be made of cotton, poly, wool, bamboo, Alpaca, corn, or recycled plastic bottles or sometimes a blend of these fibers.

Basting- the process of temporarily holding the top, batting and backing together for quilting. This can be done with large stitches (done with a needle and thread), safetly pins, a basting gun (like a pricing gun with the little plastic things that shoot through fabric) or a temporary spray adhesive called spray baste. If sending a quilt to a long-arm quilter, you do not baste it at all.

Quilting- the process of adding stitches to the layered top, batting and back of a quilt to hold the three layers together. This can be done by hand with several different thicknesses of thread and sizes of stitches, by a regular sewing machine (must be able to lower the feed dogs or cover them with a plate and have a walking foot for straight quilting and a free-motion foot for any curvy quilting) or on a long-arm machine (which you usually send out for a long-armer to do unless you rent time on a long-arm machine).

Beginning Quilting Classes

Please note: These classes do require a sewing machine. A simple, basic sewing machine is just fine, but it might be good to have it serviced if it has not been used recently. You should learn how to thread the machine and wind a bobbin before class. A manual can usually be purchased for machines online if you do not have one.

Beginning Quilt-making 101 Class* 1/4, 1/18 & 2/1 Sundays1-5p $85 book required This class fills up quickly so don’t hesitate! Learn to make a lap size quilt from beginning to end. In this class, the intimidation of quilting will be eliminated. You will be taught many techniques and rules, such as cutting, strip piecing, seam allowance, pin-basting, quilting, binding and more. The class is taught in 3 sessions (4 hours each) and requires homework and a sewing machine. A sense of humor is also helpful. Taught by Maxine Moore.

Beginning Quilt-making 101 Class* 1/22, 2/5 & 2/19 Thursdays 10a-2p $85 book required This class fills up quickly so don’t hesitate! Learn to make a lap size quilt from beginning to end. In this class, the intimidation of quilting will be eliminated. You will be taught many techniques and rules, such as cutting, strip piecing, seam allowance, basting, quilting, binding and more. The class is taught in 3 sessions (4 hours each) and requires homework and a sewing machine. A sense of humor is also helpful. Taught by Clare Jones.

Beginning Quilt-making 101 Class* 2/14, 2/28, & 3/14 Saturdays 1-5p $85 book required First Time Quilt making This class fills up quickly so don’t hesitate! Learn to make a lap size quilt from beginning to end. In this class, the intimidation of quilting will be eliminated. You will be taught many techniques and rules, such as cutting, strip piecing, seam allowance, pin-basting, quilting, binding and more. The class is taught in 3 sessions (4 hours each) and requires homework and a sewing machine. A sense of humor is also helpful. Taught by Maxine Moore.

Hand-work classes

These classes teach how to work by hand without a machine.

Hand Quilting* 2/8 Sunday 1:30-4:30 $45 (kit provided) Learn to hand-quilt. This class will introduce you to hand-quilting stitches. You will also learn about the different types of frames, batting, needles and threads used in hand quilting. This class does not teach you how to piece anything, only to do the quilting stitches that hold the three layers of a quilt together. Taught by Sheila Blair. Limit 6

Fabric Beading* 2/14 Saturday 10a-3p $45 $5 supply fee bring a lunch If you have wondered how to go about stitching beads onto fabric so that you can embellish a quilt or any other item you wish, this is your chance to learn. Martha will teach you how to start your stitches and then she will teach you different looks you can achieve with beads on fabric. Taught by Martha Dudley.

Needle-turn Appliqué * 3/14 Saturday 9:30-12:30 $35 Learn how to hand appliqué with Mary Lou Mojonnier, featured in Appliqué magazine. Mary Lou will cover all aspects of appliqué, from selecting fabric, needle and thread, to preparing templates and stitching the needle-turn method.

Portable Patchwork* 3/7 Saturday 1-5:30p $55 Explore various methods of handwork that are easily portable: Hand piecing; English paper piecing; and reverse applique. Great for taking along on car trips, to ball games, etc. Materials will be provided. Just bring scissors for both fabric and paper. Taught by Mary Lou Mojonnier.

Technique classes

These classes are for those who already have some sort of piecing experience. A technique is learned in the class that will then be finished at home.

Introduction to Machine Quilting** 1/3 Saturday 2-5p $35 This class will introduce you to the basics of machine quilting. You will learn several different types of machine quilting designs using a walking foot and a free motion foot. Taught by Taffy McLaughlin.

Arboretum** 1/10 Saturday 1-5p $45 pattern required bring a snack or a lunch Learn to make the neat pieced leaf blocks that make up this beautiful quilt. It is a really fun technique that incorporates some strip-piecing with curved piecing. There is no appliqué involved in this pattern. Taught by Elizabeth Zipperer.

Confetti** 1/11 & 1/25 Sundays 2-5p $50 book required This is a really fun quilt made from the book by Possibilities, Super Simple Fat Quarter Quilts. It will introduce you to mild angles that do not have to fit together perfectly because you will trim the blocks to the same size. You can’t go wrong with this one! Taught by Pogo Grant.

Free-motion Quilting I *** 1/15 Thurday 9:30-12:30 $35 Book required Machine Quilting by Sue Nichols A practice session to explore some of the many possibilities of free motion machine quilting. Planning the quilting design and filling the space. Students must have experience machine quilting. Taught by Taffy McLaughlin. limit 6

Tri, Tri, Triangles ** 1/18 Sunday 1-5p $45 Learn the in's and out's of sewing with triangles. Patty will teach you the math behind calculating half and quarter square triangles, flying geese and some great tricks to sew them together without making waves. You'll leave class feeling confident about sewing on the bias and taking the next steps to making beautiful quilts! Taught by Patty Murphy.

Log Cabin (traditional style)** 1/24 Saturday 1:30-5:30p $40 Book required The log cabin is one of the most loved and most versatile of the traditional quilt blocks. Learn how color placement affects your block and how block placement impacts your design. You will end up beginning the blocks for a lap size quilt that will be quick and easy to finish up on your own. Taught by Maxine Moore.

Spiritual Banner Making* 1/24 Saturday 11a-12:30p $10 Are you interested in making banners for churches? Curious about designing original works of art for your house of worship? If so, this informational meeting is for you! We will explore different methods of creating banners, especially large scale appliqueing, quilt piecing, and embellishing.Topics of discussion will include determining subject matter, sources of inspiration, the design and planning process, size considerations, and possible materials. If you cannot make this meeting and/or would like us to set up another meeting for your group or church, please let me know. Taught by Laci Lee Adams.

Floorquilt Basics* 2/14 Saturday 10a-12p $25 $10 material fee book required Looking for another way to incorporate gorgeous fabrics into your home, or are you just seeking a new creative outlet? Join us for an informational make & take session on how to make a fabric decoupaged floorquilt - no sewing experience is necessary. Fabric floorquilts are very durable, hold up to high traffic areas, are easy to clean, and are perfect for the allergy-free, or pet-filled home. In this class, you’ll learn about the tools and materials for making floorquilts & other projects and will begin a small project to take home for completion. All in-class materials will be supplied. Taught by Pam Prouty.

Bias Binding** 2/21 Saturday 2-5p $40 (kit provided) Make your own bias binding. You will cut, piece, iron and sew your bias binding together. Then you’ll learn to sew it onto the quilt. With a little practice you’ll be a master binder and maybe overcome that fear of binding. Taught by Patty Murphy.

Shining Sunflower Piec-lique*** 2/22 & 3/8 Sundays 2-5p $50 pattern required Maxine is teaching this really great curved piecing technique using a pattern by Sharon Schamber. Maxine’s beautiful quilt is hanging in the shop. Come see! This class is filling up quickly!

Forget-Me-Not Cabins Quilt** 2/28 Saturday 1-5p $45 book required Come let Elizabeth Zipperer show you how to make this bright, colorful, free-style log cabin quilt out of Kaffe’s Quilts in the Sun book. Taught by Elizabeth Zipperer.

Rachels’ Star*** 3/7 & 3/21 Saturdays 9:30a-12:30p $60 Pattern required This is a great quilt to make up in any colors for a neat wall hanging or tablecloth. It looks really beautiful in Hannukah colors for holiday décor or as a great gift. Taught by Angela Gruber

Circle Play** 3/21 Saturday 1-5p $45 book required This class allows you to showcase a collection of special fabrics. You use circles on pieced triangle background blocks to create mystery in your designs by learning to recognize and control fabric textural lines. Construction involves simple piecing and hand or machine appliqué. This pattern offers an opportunity to use either a collection of fabrics or one great fabric. Circle Play by Reynola Padusich required.

Clothing/Sewing Classes

Prairie Girl Dress** 1/10 Saturday 9:30a-12:30p $35 Pattern required Learn to make this great dress or top for yourself or a young person in your life. There is a pattern for adults and one for kids that you can pick to make. Taught by Elizabeth Zipperer.

Sewing/Pattern Drafting Overview 1/13 Tuesday 11-12:30 $10 If you want to learn to sew come to this meeting for an overview of pattern reading/drafting and sewing. Mary will cover choosing fabrics and patterns, why a muslin is a good idea (with tips), how to measure yourself for the right fit and thinking beyond the envelope with tips for altering and embellishing patterns. Taught by Mary Abreu.

Indygo Junction Teatime Coat** 1/17 Saturday 1-5p $45 Pattern required This trendy princess-seamed coat is the perfect wardrobe essential for spring. It would look great with the new Robert Kaufman Cool Cords we've just gotten in or with Anna Maria Horner's home dec line. Taught by Mary Abreu.

Beginning Sewing* 1/31 Saturday 10a-4p $65 Bring in your machine and a manual for it (you can get one online if you do not have it) and we will help you learn how to thread it, wind a bobbin, and begin sewing. You will have a choice of several small projects to make in the second part of this class and we will help you pick out your fabric to make it. Taught by Mary Abreu.

Smarty Pants** 2/21 Saturday 1:30-5:30p $40 pattern required bring a lunch or snack Another pattern to put your favorite fabrics to good use as your favortite piece of clothing. The “pull-on” pants and shorts from this pattern by Favorite Things are very flattering and easy to make. Mary can even show you how to alter the pattern to make long pants for the fall and winter. Taught by Mary Abreu.

Nighty Night** 2/28 Saturday 9a-12p $35 Pattern required Have you been wishing you had a simple cotton nighty for the warm weather. This is it. It would also make a great top for those who will still wear a cute camisole type shirts out in the warm weather. This pattern is available for adults and children. Taught by Elizabeth Zipperer.

Barcelona Skirt* 3/15 Sunday 1-5p $55 Pattern required This is a great A-line skirt pattern by Amy Butler that would be a great addition to any wardrobe. A few of us have them and just love them! Taught by Mary Abreu.

Sew what! Skirts, Wrap Around Skirt* 4/18 Saturday 1-5p $40 book required bring a lunch or snack Julia Byrne will teach you how to make a wrap skirt so you can wear your favorite fabrics any time you wish. She has had so much fun making her skirts and she looks so cute that we talked her into teaching it.

Purse/bag classes

Flea Market Purse* 1/19 Monday 10a-1p $35 Pattern required This is a really cute little handbag pattern from the book, The New Handmade. You will want this one in your wardrobe. This would be a great class for kids who are off school this day. Taught by Mary Abreu.

Patchwork Bag* 2/15 Sunday 2-5p $35 Pattern required From the book, The New Handmade. This is a great tote to showcase your favorite colors or a new line of fabric you just love! It is a really simple project for beginners or advanced sewers. Taught by Mary Abreu.

Black Forest Purse** 3/1 Sunday 2-5p $35 Pattern required I fell in love with this bag the first time Mary walked in with it on her shoulder. Neat pockets and lots of room without being big an bulky. It is really fun! Taught by Mary Abreu.

Out and About Laptop Bag** 3/21 Saturday 1-4 $35 Pattern required This is the best laptop bag. The instructions include how to measure to make your bag fit your computer. Everyone should have a laptop bag this pretty. Taught by Mary Abreu.

Paper-piecing Classes

Paper-piecing use a paper foundation, that is later removed, to help sew complicated patterns more accurately.

Paper-piecing Sit-n-Sew *** Saturdays 1/10 and 3/14 and Sunday 2/8 1-5p $25 for all three Enjoy some uninterrupted time to work on your paper piecing projects. Bring your choice of project to work on (cut, sew, organize, etc.) during the sit and sew. If you run into a problem, Patty will be there to help. We will meet the second Saturday in January, the second Sunday in February and the second Saturday in March. Led by Patty Murphy.

Introduction to Paper-piecing*** 3/1 Sunday 2-5p $35 This class will teach you the basics of paper-piecing and help to alleviate any fears or frustrations you have related to paper-piecing. You will be surprised how doable it really is. Taught by Patty Murphy.

Dyeing/Painting Classes

Fun with Painstix* 1/17 Saturday 10-1 $35 $5 cash materials fee paid to teacher Learn how to add images to a proect, enhance your fnished quilting, and add pizzazz to any project using Paintstix. You’ll be surprised how fun and rewarding playing with Painstix can be. Taught by Casey Green.

Fabric Painting* 3/7 Saturday 1-5p $45 $5 cash materials fee paid to teacher Learn simple water-color techniques using Dynoflow liquid fabric paint. You’ll develop skills for fabric painting while having great fun. Taught by Casey Green.

Intown Quilters’ Retreats

IQ Quilt Retreat 12/27-12/30 and 1/2-1/4 10a-6p Free must reserve a spot Come sit-n-sew in the company of others for a long weekend. You can leave your things all spread out so each day you can come in and get to work. This is the perfect time to get really motivated to work on some of those projects you have been hoping to get started or get finished. Max 8 sewers. On 1/3 and ¼ the retreaters will need to be in the smaller, back classroom.

IQ Quilt Retreat 3/26-3/29 in back classroom 9a-7p Free must reserve a spot Come sit-n-sew in the company of others for a long weekend. You can leave your things all spread out so each day you can come in and get to work. This is the perfect time to get really motivated to work on some of those projects you have been hoping to get started or get finished. Max 8 sewers.

Monthly Happenings

These are classes, clubs or meetings that happen on a monthy or semi-monthly basis.

Wonderful Wednesdays - a stitch-in day each week in the classroom. You are welcome to come to the shop at 10am to sit-n-sew until we close at 6pm. This is a great time to bring your machine and get some good sewing done! Please reserve your spot ahead to make sure there is room and that it is not cancelled!

BOM Saturday 10am Patty and Taffy are both teaching their boms on the first Saturday at 10am. Don’t forget to come in to get yours. Please make sure to come in right at 10am if you want to hear the teachers’ tips when you are picking up your block.

2009 Saturday Sampler BOM First Saturday of every month at 10am on the dot. Asian inspired block of the month in purple, gold, teal, and red. You’ll love this new mix of colors that Patty has come up with. This block of the month is limited to 25 people so sign up quick. We will email out a picture in about two weeks just before it goes to Regina for quilting. Led by Patty Murphy.

Appliqué Club 3rd Saturday 10-11:30a beginning 1/17 $25 Pattern Required Join Mary Lou in making your own version of Millie’s Garden appliqué pattern. Mary Lou will be there each month to give you tips and help you with any questions you have. If you would like a kit made for for this quilt, please let us know. Led by Mary Lou Mojonnier.

Doll Guild at Intown Quilters: 3rd Saturday every-other-month 4pm Group will meet next February 21st and then April 18th. A group of fiber artists dedicated to sharing talents and ideas in helping others connect to the ageless art of cloth doll making and fabric sculpture. The group is made up of all levels of doll makers who work in various mediums. We will be very active with different demos, workshops, projects and lectures every other month. Members commit to sharing techniques, participating in challenges and swaps, and bringing completed works and works in progress to every meeting. For more information contact Deborah deborah@urbanwildflowerdolls.com.

Pam’s photo service

There will be a $15 charge for the first quilt photographed and $5 for each additional quilt photographed at the same time. You will receive a computer cd with your photos that you can print photos of as you need. Pam will make individual prints for a charge, but you can also take your cd to any photo print shop for prints (taking advantage of sales and coupons) or print them off your own compter/printer as you need them. Call or email the shop for more details.