FREE MOTION & Feathers
Free Moton Quilting Classes taught by Loretta Saenz
FMQ is as easy as 1,2,3!
- Register separately for each class. Class fee is $50.00 payable at the time of registration
- Instruction time is 10:30 -3:00 There will be a 40 min break around noon
- Early arrival and machine set up 10:00 – 10:30
- Parking available behind Howell’s Sewing and Vacuum for easy access to classroom
Feathers 101 (Prerequisite – FMQ Basics 101)
FMQ Feathers 101 class teaches fundamental techniques to quilt feather designs, covering machine setup, basic feather construction with a spine and echoing half-heart shapes, and variations like "bump-back" or "no-backtrack" methods. Students learn to control their machine's speed and tension, manage quilt movement for large-scale feathers, fix common frustrations, and build confidence to create beautiful, personalized quilt designs.
$50.00 One day class: Friday, April 24
Time: 10:30 -3,
FMQ Feathers 102 (Prerequisite – FMQ Basics 101 or equivalent)
After practicing what was learned in FMQ Feathers 101, students will hone skills to create various feather designs and integrate them into different quilting areas. Techniques for forming a more deeply curved spines and petals, fitting feathers into complex shapes and adding decorative details to give feathers dimension will be explored. The class provides hands-on practice to improve student’s ability to control fabric movement and achieve smooth, consistent stitches while looking at many examples for using feathers in future design work.
$50.00 One day class: Friday, May 1
Time: 10:30 - 3
FMQ Basics Academy 101
Learn the basics of good quilting habits along with good ergonomics, what it takes to be successful at "Free Motion Quilting”, using your sewing machine in free motion mode, basic patterns to practice, marking your top and more.
Date: Tuesday, March 17
Time: 10:30 - 3
FMQ Basics Academy 102
Learn more patterns, and practice what you have already earned! Motifs presented in class will focus on the family of designs that are related to a circle, or variations of a circle.
Emphasis will be placed on how to incorporate motifs into your quilting (Prerequisite – Date:Saturday, March 28 or
Tuesday, April 7
Time: 10:30 -3
FMQ Basics Academy 103
103 Looks beyond beginner motifs learned in Basics 101 and Basics 102. Motifs presented will focus on half-circle based designs. In addition, grid organization will be explored.
Date: Saturday, May 9
Time: 10:30 - 3
FREE MOTION with RULERS
Free Moton Quilting Classes taught by Loretta Saenz
- Register separately for each class. Class fee is $135.00 payable at the time of registration Kit fee for rulers $110
- Instruction time is 10:30 -3:00 There will be a 40 min break around noon
- Early arrival and machine set up 10:00 – 10:30
- Parking available behind Howell’s Sewing and Vacuum for easy access to classroom
2 Day Ruler Workshop
Westerlee Ruler Work Kit - Pre-order with Howell's 2 weeks prior to class
This 7-piece template set will work perfectly with the new ruler foot for your machine! Class covers proper use of rulers with domestic sewing machines.
In addition to learning to use rulers, students will complete a sewn Ruler Work Tote Bag with individual pockets for each ruler and a larger pocket for small supplies. The outside of the Bag will be decorated using the new rulers and skills learned in class. Pattern for tote bag is included. Instructor will guide students through steps of the project in tandem to learning each ruler.
Dates: Tuesdays, May 12 & 19
Time: 10:30 3 with 40 min lunch break
Ruler work Tote for rulers
Know Your Machine
KNOW YOUR MACHINE
We will teach you about maintenance, troubleshooting and the functions of your machine. We will learn to do a blind hem, stitch over bumps without breaking needles, buttonholes, edge finishing and more as time allows. You are always encouraged to ask questions
Date: Saturday, March 21
Time: 1:30 - 3:30
Fee: ($45) No charge with machine purchase
Supply list
Please bring these items to class:
Your new machine with the power cord and foot control
All the accessories that came with this machine
Owner’s Manual
Small scissors
Something with which to take notes
Open Sewing & Social Share
Come sew with us
Need a space to work on your project where you have room to spread out? Good lighting and Irons available as well as a light amount of coaching. Bring your supplies and plan to be productive while enjoying a little socializing with other like-minded people.
Date: Friday, March 13,
Wednesday, March 25
Friday, April 17
Wednesday, April 29
Time: 10-5
$10 or Free with machine purchase
Beginning Quilting
Using a Villa Rosa Pattern called Wild Rover you will learn the basics of quilting and good quilting habits. Working with a very patient teacher you will learn about achieving accurate 1/4" seam allowance, fabric/color selection, how to square up your blocks, and how to complete the quilt top.
Date:TBD
Time: 10:30 - 2
Machine set up 10 am
Class Fee: $160/4 meetings
Instructor: Loretta Saenz
Loretta is a retired High School teacher gone quilting teacher. That means she is very patient, organized and likes to have fun. She has tips and tricks to teach you like you won't find in books or videos. You will learn lifelong skills for successful quilt-making.
MORE CLASSES
Our Mission
At Howell's Sew n Vac, our mission is to provide the best sewing experience for all our customers. We aim to offer high-quality products, expert advice, and exceptional customer service. We strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and supported in their sewing journey.
Serger basics
SERGER BASICS
Do you have an "overlock" machine in the closet that you are afraid to use or you forgot how to use it? Then this is the class for you. We will focus on getting you comfortable with threading and understanding how this machine works while learning 3 basic stitches.
Date: TBD
Time: 2 - 4:30
Fee: $35