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Open Sewing and Handwork
Bring your slippers, your sewing project, your favorite coffee, tea and mug and plan to sew the day away. You will have use of the irons & ironing table, fridge, toaster oven or microwave. Bring your cutting tools and sewing supplies as well as your machine. Someone will be available to answer questions or show you an embroidery stitch or two.
Dates: Friday, March 14, April 25,
Time: 10 - 4 all or part
Cost $10
Sign up now to reserve your spot. Call 530-885-9624
SERGER BASICS
If you have a serger/overlock machine that has been sitting in the closet because you are not sure what to do with it, then this is the class for you. If it's been sitting too long, it may need to be serviced before the class. You will learn to thread it, how to set the tensions and how a serger works. you will learn 2-3 stitches as time allows and be ready to hem a table cloth or hem a dress.
Date: Saturday, March 22
Time: 2 - 4
Class Fee: $45 or free with machine purchase
BeginningQuilting
If you are wondering if your sewing skills are up to making a quilt then wonder no more! Beginning Quilting is a class that will meet you right where you are in your sewing journey.
Using a gorgeous (but easy!) pattern from Villa Rosa Patterns, this class will teach the basic skills used in all quilt top construction. Learn to properly use a ruler, rotary cutter, 1/4 " foot and much more. In 4 class sessions you will have a completed quilt top ready for quilting.
This class is appropriate for all levels.. Our supportive environment gives you the encouragement and skills you need and the freedom to sew at your own pace.
Dates: 4 Thursdays, April 17, 24, May 1 & 8 (Next Session-different pattern- Thursday May 29, June 5, 12 & 19
Time: 10:30 - 1:30
Class Fee: $160 + pattern $2
Know Your Machine
KNOW YOUR MACHINE
This class is designed to 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, April 26
Time: 2 - 4
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
Free Moton Quilting Classes
FMQ 101
Taught by Loretta Saenz, you will 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. $50.00
One day class – choose from:
Date: Tuesday, April 29
Time: 10:30 -1:30
FMQ Beginning 102
Once you have taken Loretta's FMQI you are ready for more fun, patterns, and practice. Feel free to take this class a second time and pick up a few new ideas.
$50.00
One day class
Date: Saturday, April 5, 2025
Time: 10:30 -1:30
FMQ Beginning Feathers (Prerequisite – FMQ I ) Learn the basics of the continuous and formal (bump back) feather. Instruction will focus on foundations of basic shape and sewing a graceful s-curve feather.
$50.00
One day class
Dates: Monday March 24, 2025
Time: 10:30 -1:30
Materials for any FMQ class listed above:
- Sewing Machine with ****Extension Table**** (required) --Bring your ‘User’s Manual if you have one
- Free motion feet – all that you have. Make sure the feet you have work with your machine.
- 2 quilt practice sandwiches (at least): about 24” square. Solid, or near solid color will be best for seeing your results
- Variety of quality threads. You will be experimenting, so color, type will be interesting. Stick to medium weight
- 80/12 Topstitch needles, 90/14 topstitch needles, 80/12 quilting needles, 90/14 quilting needles. – just bring what you have. **I personally prefer the topstitch needles in my Janome
- Fabric markers if you have them: wash out, air erasable, plain old chalk. We will be discussing a variety.
- Long ruler, such as 18” – 24”
- Basic sewing supplies: scissors, seam ripper, tweezers, thread snips, etc.
- Note taking supplies – pencil, paper; as you get serious about fmq, you will want a journal for sketching ideas. I use a spiral bound notebook of graph paper for mine.
- Blank unlined paper to sketch on, at least letter sized. Bigger is better. I like to use blank newsprint sheets because it is inexpensive, mostly you will be tossing these sketches so don’t invest in expensive drawing paper
****Check with MaryLynn at Howell’s Sew and Vac if you do not have, or have questions about either the extension table or quilting feet.
Learn to sew or sharpen your sewing skills
Fun Fridays Free Motion
Take your free motion skills on an adventure of freedom to play
Friday, March 21
Friday, April 11
Time: 10:30 - 1:30
Class Fee: $40
Instructor:Loretta Saenz
Once you have taken FM 101 & 102, you can unleash your inner quilting beast. Let's play!
Free Motion Potpourri
Join Loretta once a month to learn new patterns, techniques and tools for taking your Free Motion experience to another level...Nirvana!
Date: Wednesday, April 16
Time: 10:30 - 1:30
Class Fee $50
Supplies are the same as for FM101, 102 & Feathers
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.
FREE MOTION I
FREE MOTIONS 101
Learn the basics of good quilting habits along with good ergonomics, you will learn what it takes to be successful at "Free Motion Quilting" You will learn about your sewing machine, ergonomics, basic patterns to practice, marking your top and more. You must have an extension table for your machine and we can order it for you.
Dates:Saturday, March 1
Time: 10:30 - 1:30
Class Fee: $50 or Free with machine purchase
Instructor: Lorette Saenz
Loretta has been obsessed with free motion quilting and has been winning ribbons and awards in the shows she enters them into.
Our Mission
FREE MOTIONS 102
More ideas for taking your free motion quilting to the next level. Free Motion I recommended but prior FM experience helpful.
Saturday, April 5
Time: 10:30 - 1:30
Class Fee: $50
Teacher Loretta Laenz
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 and using 3 basic stitches.
Date: Saturday, March 1
Time: 2 - 4:30
Fee: $35