Level: All Levels Class Type: Lecture/Demo Category: Other Machine(s): Not required
Here are the things to consider when you begin looking.
Which Machine? There are a lot of different manufacturers out there, so you owe it to yourself to research and try them all. (Innova, APQS, Gammill, A1, Handi Quilter, Tin Lizzie, and Nolting to list just a few)
Yahoo Groups. Almost every long arm brand has a group for owners to talk and compare notes. Check the different sites, and ask how satisfied customers truly are. This is a great source for real input.
Used Machines. Why are some brands highly available, and others not? A few good sources to check are Long Arm University, Craigslist, and eBay.
How does it drive? Is it smooth, and does it feel light? Is it easy to operate? Does it catch or grab when running?
Stitch Quality. Does it have a stitch regulator? Are all the stitches uniform in length and quality? Is a digital stitch regulator available, and what is it?
Horsepower. How strong is the motor? The stronger the motor, the less drag you will feel when driving and the fewer problems you will have sewing through multiple layers of fabric, as well as tougher fabrics.
The Frame. Some suppliers will tell you pieced poles are good, but in actuality, a solid pole is better because a pieced pole will give you a joint, which is a weak point. The integrity of the spacing between the poles is crucial for creating a good quilt. The stronger the poles, the better.
Set up and Delivery. How do you get the machine? Who delivers it? Who puts it together? Is it set up for you, or do you have to do that yourself?
Training. Is training included with the purchase? If not, how much does training cost? If included, where do you go for training? How much training do you get?
Support. You have a problem; what do you do now? Is there phone support? Is there local support? Who comes to work on the machine if you do need something?
Warranty. How long? What is covered?
Upgradability. If you want to add something later, can you? Can you add automation after the fact?
Size. The larger the throat, the less you have to roll the quilt to complete it. If you are considering automation, you might want a larger throat.
Where is it made? There are actually only a few machines that are made in the US. Is that important to you?
Class Type: Entertainment / Lecture, Q&A, Quilts to Share Category: Special Event / Quilting
This lecture is about inspiration and evolution. Through slides, I show how I started, how I work now, what I’ve learned, and the obstacles I’ve encountered throughout my creative journey. My intention is to encourage by example. I am hoping attendees will leave inspired and feeling that if I can do it, they can too. I like to bring as many quilts as I can and am open to all questions.
Level: All Levels Class Type: Hands-on Category: Piecing Machine(s): Sewing Machine required
Working with improv can be wonderfully freeing, yet the outcome can seem overwhelming to the senses. Choosing constraints at the outset of an improv project can not only lower the decision-making burden that can seem overwhelming, it can also ensure your composition finishes with dramatic flair.
In this class, you will explore several different variations of improv triangles, and experiment with variables that will alter the look of each variation. You will then incorporate these blocks into a large wedge layout to make a 24" square quilt top that can be finished as either a wall hanging or throw pillow cover. This class is appropriate for intermediate quilters or confident beginning quilters with a willingness to explore.
* SEWING MACHINES ARE NOT PROVIDED IN THIS CLASS. Bring your own machine in good working order, pedal and cord.
Sewing Machine and Supply storage: For your convenience, we have available, free of charge temporary and overnight storage at the class registration desk located at Nevada Office 1, across the hall from classroom N5 on the lower level of the hotel.
Level: All Levels Class Type: Hands-on Category: Serger Machine(s): Not required BERNINA L890 Overlocker/Serger Machines in this room are provided by Going Batty Quilt Shop.
Tired of tees that are too boxy, sleeves too short, and generally don't fit? Come join us and make a crew or scoop neck tee with a straight or curved hem. So quick and simple, it's sure to become a staple in your closet.
Kit/handout Fee: $35 (Paid to the teacher in the classroom). Kit includes: Two yards of knit fabric and pattern.
Student supply list: Basic sewing supplies.
BERNINA L890 Overlocker/Serger Machines in this room are provided by Going Batty Quilt Shop.
Level: All Levels Class Type: Hands-on Category: Serger Machine(s): Not required BERNINA L890 Overlocker/Serger Machines in this room are provided by Going Batty Quilt Shop.
Join us for a fun class making a skort! Prefer a skirt? Pockets? One or two? A flounce? These are all options to customize it just how you want it.
Kit/handout Fee: $45 (Paid to the teacher in the classroom). Kit includes: 2 yards of peached performance fabric and pattern
Student supply list: Basic sewing supplies.
BERNINA L890 Overlocker/Serger Machines in this room are provided by Going Batty Quilt Shop.
Level: All Levels Class Type: Lecture/Demo Category: Longarm Quilting Machine(s): Not required Sew So Shop is providing the Innova Longarm Quilting Machine in this room.
Edge-to-edge quilting can be beautiful, efficient, and surprisingly versatile. In this lecture/demo, Gina demonstrates how to choose an edge-to-edge design that works with your quilt, how to plan the quilting, and techniques for achieving a polished, balanced look. She’ll also discuss when an edge-to-edge design is the perfect choice—and when you may want something more custom. A variety of freehand edge-to-edge designs will be demonstrated and explained.
Kit/handout Fee: None
Student supply list: Sketchpad/pencil or pen
Sew So Shop is providing the Innova Longarm Quilting Machine in this room.
Level: Beginning Class Type: Lecture/Demo Category: Appliqué Machine(s): Not required
This is a quick tour of a journey from earning the basics of quilting to a joyful obsession with wool appliqué. If you love to create quilts that tell a story, appliqué is one of the most versatile ways to express creative ideas. Working with felted wool is a tactile experience and is an extremely forgiving medium to work with to create appliqué pieces.
This lecture will highlight my personal journey in finding that quilting outlet that is both creative and easily constructed. I’ll share the ease of implementing designs, the challenges, and lessons learned from working on felted wool projects. Foundational skills such as finding and creating felted wool will be discussed. Preparation time and methods, plus embellishing basic embroidery stitches, will be included.
Level: All Levels Class Type: Lecture/Demo Category: Longarm Quilting Machine(s): Not required Sew So Shop is providing the Innova Longarm Quilting Machine in this room.
Thread and tension can make or break your quilting—and knowing how to troubleshoot common problems can save you a lot of frustration. Gina demonstrates thread choices, needle selection, tension adjustments, and common issues such as thread breakage, eyelashes, loops, and skipped stitches. This is a practical, problem-solving class designed to help you feel more confident at the machine.
Kit/handout Fee: None
Student supply list: Sketchpad/pencil or pen
Sew So Shop is providing the Innova Longarm Quilting Machine in this room.
Level: All Levels Class Type: Hands-on Category: Piecing Machine(s): Not required Bernina Sewing Machines are provided by Going Batty Quilt Shop in this room.
Do you have a treasure trove of unused scraps in bins and Ziploc bags stuffed in every corner of your sewing space? Do you struggle with what to do with all these special leftovers from your beloved quilts? Fret no longer, tiny piecing is here! Giuseppe Ribaudo of Giucy Giuce designed his foundation paper pieced Mini Series with scrap busting in mind.
Join Giuseppe as he teaches you all the tips and tricks for tiny piecing success. These blocks are more than just cute little quilts. Use them to embellish bags and pockets, make holiday ornaments or coasters with them, frame them for your studio.... The possibilities are endless! You'll learn every trick Giuseppe has up his sleeve, from construction to fabric choices. This class is ALWAYS a blast! Don't be intimidated by the size of the piecing. You'll be amazed at what you can achieve with just a little courage. No prior FPP experience required.
Kit/handout Fee: $15 (Cash please) Paid to the teacher in the classroom. Kit includes: Pattern, printouts for class, and complete pattern PDFs.
Student supply list: • Mini Series blocks (Courthouse Step, Pineapple, Stretched Geese - provided in class) PATTERN FEE: $15 • Scrap/small cuts of fabric at least 1.5” in size (quilting cotton suggested) • FQ or 1/2 yard background fabric • Small rotary cutter (28mm suggested) • Cutting mat • 80 wt thread (Decobob by Wonderfil suggested) If using Decobob, manufacturer recommends 70/10 or 80/20 microtex needle for machine • Add an Eighth ruler or small ruler with clear 1/8” increment • Seam roller • Pins or glue stick • Paper scissors • Fabric scissors • Seam ripper • Transparent tape
Bernina Sewing Machines are provided by Going Batty Quilt Shop in this room.
Level: Confident Beginner Class Type: Hands-on Category: Piecing Machine(s): Not required Bernina Sewing Machines are provided by Going Batty Quilt Shop in this room.
Get a jump start on your holiday sewing with Giucy Giuce's brand new Mini Series Holiday pattern! Don't be intimidated by the scale. Like all of the patterns in his popular Mini Series, these are designed as a skill-builder that is sure to sharpen your foundation paper piecing skills! From playful trees to houses, mittens, and snowflakes, the pattern contains adorable designs you can use in all your holiday sewing. Think of all the ways you can use these fun little 4" blocks: stockings, tree skirts, table runners, ornaments, even just framed for your crafty BFF. The possibilities are endless! Everything you'll learn in this workshop can be applied to every pattern in the Mini Series. Giucy has been teaching tiny piecing for over a decade and has yet to have someone leave class without having improved their skills. Be amongst the first to take the latest of Giucy Giuce's tiny piecing workshops!
Kit/handout Fee: $20 (Cash please) Paid to the teacher in the classroom. Kit includes: Class materials and PDF of the complete pattern, which features 13 new holiday-themed FPP blocks.
Student supply list: • Scrap/small cuts of fabric at least 1.5” in size (quilting cotton suggested) • 1/2 to 1 yard background fabric • Small rotary cutter (28mm suggested) • Cutting mat • 80 wt. thread (Decobob by Wonderfil suggested) If using Decobob, the manufacturer recommends 70/10 or 80/20 Microtex needle for machine • Add an Eighth ruler or small ruler with clear 1/8” increment • Seam roller • Pins or glue stick • Paper scissors • Fabric scissors • Seam ripper • Transparent tape
Bernina Sewing Machines are provided by Going Batty Quilt Shop in this room.
Level: All levels Class Type: Hands-on Category: Collage Techniques Machine(s): Not required
Learn how to make realistic-looking trees with multi-fabric trunks and fiber lace foliage using water-soluble stabilizer and fused applique. Free-motion machine embroidery, thread painting, bobbin drawing and couching techniques will be discussed, but you will sew your quilt at home.
Kit/handout Fee: Pattern $10 (optional) (Paid to the teacher in the classroom). Kit includes: Tree pattern of your choice (optional).
Student supply list: 2 yards of paper-backed fusible web (Pellon 805: Wonder Under or Steam a Seam) fat quarters of batik browns (2 lights; 3 mediums: 2 darks); 1 yard of background fabric. Hand-dyed fabric will be available for sale. Rotary cutter and mat, pencil, Sharpie, scissors, Teflon pressing sheet, and fabric glue stick.
Level: All Levels Class Type: Lecture/Demo Category: Other / Quilting/Sewing - No Machines Machine(s): Not required
The assortment of Sewing Machine Feet available for every machine on the market is enormous! There are feet to make many tasks so much easier. You can sit up straight in your chair to work on projects without hovering over the needle with bent shoulders when you use the appropriate foot for the task. The proper foot can make you look good when you are sewing on dark fabric at midnight! Learn about Linda's favorite feet to make the task a breeze. Accomplish many techniques that seem impossible with perfection when you sew with the correct feet.
Level: All Levels Class Type: Hands-on Category: Other Machine(s): Not required
We'll make easy, very colorful flowers with a little wool roving, soap, and water. I'll show you every step for a few different styles. Then we will do some easy and fast beadweaving centers (you could also use these for earrings or pendants) that look like you spent hours. Two fun techniques in one class, with so many possibilities! Bet you can't make just one!
Kit/handout Fee: $30 (Paid to the teacher in the classroom). Kit includes: Bubble wrap, 2 pieces at least 12” x 12" Nylon netting (tulle) Several colors of wool roving Red wool batting Various embellishment fibers: bamboo, viscose, silk, curly locks, sari waste Beading needles, regular and big eye Beading thread (enough for a dozen beaded centers) Three sets of beads plus loose small beads to go with all three felted balls 2 water containers, hot and medium temp Olive oil soap or dish detergent Spray bottle, scissors, two dish towels
