IQ: Keeping you in stitches

Oct. 4, 2016

    Our classroom is hopping this month, with classes to suit a variety of interests and schedules. Whether you're looking to start quilting or try your hand at a new knitting technique, it's all at Intown Quilters in October.

    We're loving the growth of our sit-and-knit sessions and hope you'll make plans to visit. Leslie will not be at tonight's session (5-8 p.m.) but don't let that stop you from grabbing your yarn and needles/hook and heading over! Of course our daytime session on Thursdays (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) is a great alternative if Tuesday night doesn't work for you.

    If hand piecing/English paper piecing are more your style, come hang out with the amazing Mary Lou Mojonnier at our Friday sit-and-stitch sessions! Bring your work-in-progress and hang out from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. to catch up on your handwork with other like-minded quilters.

    We're often asked if we offer classes on alterations and mending ready-to-wear garments -- and now we do! The newest member of the IQ crew is sharing her expertise in some great $10 classes this month. Jess will give you essential tips on sewing buttons, invisible hems, and creating machine-sewn hems (perfect for those who want to alter their own ready-to-wear garments).

Happy stitching,

Sarah & the IQ crew

Classes

Classes are listed below and on the website. Don't put off signing up for a class you are interested in because some fill up quickly and you don't want to miss out because you forgot to sign up right away.

Ongoing IQ Class Policies

* You should receive a class supply list about 2 weeks prior to the class by email unless you have stopped by the shop to get one in person.

* Students may set up their spaces no more than 15 minutes prior to the start of the class.

*Class cancellation policy: You can cancel a class up to two weeks prior to class for a full refund. We will only cancel a class if we have to. If you miss a class we can try to get you in the next class with a fee (fee is determined by the length of the class) to cover the lost spot in that class.

Quilting/Sewing Classes

2016 Block Swap
Now through 12/18 $5

Our Quilt Boss, aka Taffy McLaughlin, is at again: She's launched another block swap! If scrappy, fun quilts made with friends are your thing, you won't want to miss out. The 2016 Block Swap features a square-in-a-square block that finishes at 5" (yours will be squared up at 5-1/2"). Read all the details and join the swap fun here. Taffy made a display explaining the process of creating the block for the swap. Stop by, check it out and sign up!

"I've Got Your Back"
Wednesday, 10/5, noon-1 p.m. $10
Take your quilt backs from plain to wow with suggestions on pieced backs. Also discuss the basic mechanics of choosing backing fabrics and requirements for quilting your quilts, including what you need to accommodate a long-arm quilter. This is a technique/lecture class. Students should be prepared to take notes. Taught by Taffy McLaughlin.

Machine Quilting I, an Introduction
Saturday, 10/8, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $45
This is a hands-on class to introduce the basics of machine quilting. You will learn several types of machine quilting: straight stitch, in the ditch, and a bit of free motion. Concepts discussed include selecting the design and thread to complement the quilt. Book required: Machine Quilting by Sue Nickels. Taught by Taffy McLaughlin. Class does not cover construction of a quilt top.

Machine Quilting II, Free-motion
Sunday, 10/9, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $45
A practice session to explore some of the many possibilities of free-motion machine quilting. Includes planning the quilting design and filling the space. Students must have experience machine quilting. If you sign up for Machine Quilting I on 10/8, you will not be able to register for this class without instructor approval. Students must bring their own sewing machine capable of free motion quilting: ie, a free motion foot and the ability to lower the feed dogs. Book required: Machine Quilting by Sue Nickels. Taught by Taffy McLaughlin.

Featherweight Gathering Day
Sunday, 10/9, 1:30-5:30 p.m. $5
Bring your Singer Featherweight to IQ for a gathering of Featherweights in honor of the anniversary of the first production run of everyone's favorite Singer sewing machine. You can sit and sew in the company of local featherweight specialist Sharon Henderson or just bring your machine in for some show and tell. There will be a discussion of a Featherweight Sewing Club lead by Sharon.

Buttons and Hooks
Thursday, 10/13, noon-1 p.m. $10
Lost buttons? Threadbare hooks? Don't throw it out -- make do and mend! Learn to hand sew buttons and hooks. Taught by Jess Seiz.

Beginning Quilt Making
Saturdays, 10/15, 10/29, 11/12 & 12/3, 1:30-5:30 p.m. $120
This class fills up quickly so don’t hesitate to sign up! 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 4 sessions (4 hours each) and requires homework and a sewing machine. A sense of humor is also helpful. Taught by Lisa Kaupp.

Zippered Cross-Body Bag
Saturday, 10/15, 1:30-5:30 p.m. $45
Begin your tote hacking adventures in this fun bag-making class! This versatile bag features both zippered and slip pockets, making it perfect for those jaunts to the farmers market or anytime you need a smaller bag. Book required: Hack that Tote! by Mary Abreu. Taught by Mary Abreu.

Slip Stitch and Blind Hem
Tuesday, 10/18, noon-1 p.m. $10
Invisible hemlines are perfect for dress pants, skirts, dresses, or window treatments! Learn to hand sew a slip stitch and blind hem. Taught by Jess Seiz.

2016 Block Swap Preview
Wednesday, 10/19, noon-1 p.m. $5
Join Taffy McLaughlin as she covers all you need to know to take part in the 2016 Block Swap. The 2016 Block Swap features a square-in-a-square block that finishes at 5" (yours will be squared up at 5-1/2"). Read all the details and join the swap fun here. Taffy will preview blocks and answer any questions you may have. Bring your fabric, sewing machine and supplies to sit and work on your swap blocks in the classroom that afternoon after the class.

Building Blocks
Sunday, 10/23, 2-5 p.m. $35
We are happy to offer three classes based on our teacher Patty Murphy's new book, Piecing Makeover. Each class will go over a variety of blocks in a specific section of her book. You can come to all classes or just one! The first class in the series is Building Blocks. In this 3-hour class, Patty will demonstrate proper technique for perfecting Half-Square Triangle blocks, Quarter-Square Triangle blocks and Flying Geese.

Machine-Sewn Hem
Tuesday, 10/25, noon-1 p.m. $10
Just needs a hem... sound familiar? Finish up your work in progress or quickly alter and repair the hemline on your ready-to-wear clothing. Learn to machine sew a simple hem. Taught by Jess Seiz.

Classic Favorites
Sunday, 11/13, 2-5 p.m. $35
We are happy to offer three classes based on our teacher Patty Murphy's new book, Piecing Makeover. Each class will go over a variety of blocks in a specific section of her book. You can come to all classes or just one! The second class in the series is Classic Favorites. In this 3-hour class, Patty will teach you how to make quilters' perennial favorites like the Ohio Star and pinwheels.

Modern Favorites
Sunday, 12/11, 2-5 p.m. $35
We are happy to offer three classes based on our teacher Patty Murphy's new book, Piecing Makeover. Each class will go over a variety of blocks in a specific section of her book. You can come to all classes or just one! The third class in the series is Modern Favorites. In this 3-hour class, Patty will show you how to make some of quilters' favorites like hexagons, triangles, and work with y-seams.

Knitting Classes

Sit & Knit
Tuesdays, 5-8 pm
Thursdays, 10 am-2 pm
Drop in any time during the posted hours for some yarn fun with friends!

I Love Yarn Day
Saturday, 10/15
Join the IQ crew for a fun day full of yarn and yarn-related projects! Watch for more details in next week's newsletter.

Fair Isle Cowl
Sunday, 10/23, 2-5 p.m. $35
Fair Isle knitting, or stranded knitting, involves knitting with two or more colors in the same row to create a color work pattern. This class will teach you the basics of Fair Isle knitting while making the lovely two-color Garner Cowl by Tanis Knits. Once you've learned the technique, you'll be ready to tackle any Fair Isle project that strikes your fancy! Please note: Homework is required prior to the start of the class. Taught by Leslie Piper.

2016-17 Clubs

Snow Flurries Sew-Along
   Come join our paper piecing teacher Wanda Earley as she leads a sew-along for the Snow Flurries quilt by Crab-apple Hill beginning Tuesday, 9/6. The quilt, which finishes at 60-1/2" x 60-1/2", combines traditional piecing, foundation paper piecing and hand embroidery. The sessions take place during her monthly paper piece sit-and-sew club (club members are free to work on the project of their choosing).

     Pick up your Snow Flurries pattern online (follow this link) or in the shop.

     This group meets from 4:30-7:30 p.m. on the 1st Tuesday of the month. The club is $10/month or $60 for the entire year. You can sign up online, in person at the shop or via phone (404-634-6924).

By Hand-the Art of Slow Quilting
   Sometimes it is good to take a break from doing everything fast. Handwork is a great way to slow down and enjoy the process of creating. When you do handwork, you can often take it with you to take advantage of times when you are just waiting for something else, you can actually talk to friends and family while working on your projects, and it is relaxing. We will get together and work on quilting projects by hand - hand piecing, English paper piecing, hand appliqué, hand quilting. This is the time where you can bring in any project that you are working on or want to begin working on and we can help/encourage/get inspired by each other. This group will meet on the 3rd Saturday from 9:30am-1pm. $5 per month.

Coupons

We have our IQ loyalty program, which is good for 20% off all regularly priced merchandise. Since launching our new computerized point-of-sale system, we are changing from paper cards to an electronic rewards system. No more forgetting your cards at home! We are happy to add your existing IQ cards to our system; just bring them in with your name and email address written on them.

We do occasionally give out coupons during shop hop and other special events like quilt shows. Coupons cannot be used on special orders or sale items, cannot be combined and there are no rain checks.

Help Dalton Davis

Many of you probably remember Dalton Davis, who used to work at the shop before he went off to college. Dalton was a foster kid in Atlanta and then was on his own trying to make his way through college. He has finished school and is now trying to make it in NYC in his Fashion Design field. He still needs a bit of help while he gets started. I have been helping him the past five years, along with some regular help from a few of our very dedicated (and generous) customers, who Dalton and I thank very much! I am reaching out to you again because this talented young man really could use some financial help as he gets going in the working world. If you are willing, click on this paypal button to make a donation or mail or drop by cash or a check made out to Dalton Davis. Anything will help.