Expo Classes and Lectures
We've got lots of classes for you to choose from. Scroll to see all classes in every category, or click to jump down to: Lecture/Demo classes, Creative Handwork classes, Make and Take classes and Mid and Long Arm classes.
Classes are offered on Thursday (T-numbers) Friday (F-numbers) and/or Saturday (S-numbers). Here are the calendars for each day: Thursday, Friday, Saturday.
Lecture/Demo Classes
Northwest Quilting Expo—T101, F111, S121—$5
365 Days of Notions
In this show-and-tell lecture, Geri teaches you how to simplify your sewing tasks while getting professional results by selecting the latest notions and accessories on the market. She’ll cover everything from how to stay organized to discovering the newest items in the industry. You’ll learn where to spend your hard earned money while getting the perfect notions for your needs!
Saf-t-Pockets Patterns—T103, S122—$5
Accessories, Accessories, Accessories
Here is a class that will help you clean out your stash. The projects take minutes to whip up and make wonderful gifts. You’ll see great totes, easy to make and wear scarves and other great ideas.
Jean’s Impressions—T100—$5
Construction and Different Hand Quilting with Aunt Becky
In this class you will learn different ways to construct quilts, and the technique of letting Aunt Betty do all the hand quilting for you!
Averill’s Rag Cabin Quilts—F112, S120—$5
The Finer Clips of Rag Quilts
Learn about the use of fabrics, designs and color for your own quilt. We will discuss whether to use batting or not, the best technique for clipping and easy assembling.
Nancy Goldsworthy—T102, F112—$5
Flat or Fluffy: The Batting in Between
Nancy unravels the mysteries of battings. How are they made; what fibers are used; and what determines loft? She will show you how to choose the right batt for your next project.
Saf-t-Pockets Patterns—F115—$5
It’s in the Details
Details are what take a garment from ordinary to amazing. Marsha will show you how to make and apply unique trims, closures, and embellishing treatments. There will be sample garments with great details to stimulate our imagination and to get you started.
Nana’s Pretties—T105, F117—$5
The Magic of Fusique
If you are appliqué challenged, this class is for you. Nancy will lead you step by step through the process of fusible appliqué featuring Steam-a-Seam 2. You will also learn a technique for using metallic threads without breakage and overlaying with organza for a “gossamer” finish.
A Common Thread—T102, S123—$5
My Label—Finally a Pattern Software that Fits
Join us as we give you a demonstration of My Label, the new Bernina pattern design software. We have all had the frustration of making a garment from a pattern, that no matter what we do, just doesn’t fit us as it should. This remarkable software takes out the guess work, and allows you to make patterns that will work for your body style.
Reets Rags to Stitches—F110—$5
Rug Punch
This class is an introduction to rug punch. Join us as we discus the techniques and share many design and color samples.
Superior Threads—T106, F113, S124—$10
Thread Therapy with Dr. Bob
Whether this is the first time you’ve attended Bob’s seminar or you are returning for a refresher course, you’ll find it’s the absolute best, easy-to-understand, information-packed seminar you’ll ever attend. This lecture will help resolve your frustrations with decorative threads and solve most problems you have experienced. Bob teaches how to distinguish quality of all types of threads including regular and decorative. You’ll know what to look for and what the labels really mean. Learn the pros and cons of all major thread types, thread characteristics, the importance of needle selection, and properly setting machine tension. Learn how to use threads successfully, regardless of the type of sewing machine you own. You won’t sleep during this seminar: it’s interesting and entertaining. A detailed handout is included.
Creative Handwork Classes
Embellishment Village—T206, F210—$10
Amazing Angelina
(left) Learn to use the magical “Hot Fix” fiber and new film. We will make appliqués, collages and a postcard. Kit $15, pay instructor
Quilted Gypsy—T200, F212—$10
Button Sculpture
Use ribbon, beads wire and buttons to create a unique closure or ornament. Kit $10, pay instructor
Fabric Depot—S222—$10
Continuous Line Fusible Appliqué
(right) Learn Marje Rhine’s techniques for continuous line fusible applique, using a pattern based on Marje’s original machine quilting designs. In class you will do a little fusing and a bit of cutting and end up with centers for two place mats to finish at home. A choice of patterns will be provided. Kit $15, pay instructor; makes two place mats, batting and backing not included.
Greenbaum’s Quilted Forest—T204—$10
Hand Quilting using Thimble Lady Methods
You will learn the revolutionary hand quilting technique developed by Liuxin Newman, the Thimblelady. Our Thimblelady certified teacher, Debbie Padilla, will show you how these deeply dimpled thimbles dramatically improve the quilting process for beginners and skilled quilters alike—faster, easier and more even stitches with only three hours’ practice. Never a sore finger again and oh my, look that those lovely stitches! Kit $40, payable to instructor Optional Perfect Hand Quilting Without Pain book $40, pay instructor
Ululani Stitches & Creations—S224—$10
Hawaiian Appliqué Potholder
(right) Come learn the traditional way of Hawaiian Appliqué, which is needle turning, we will also discuss other appliqué techniques Kit $10, pay instructor
Ululani Stitches & Creations—F216—$10
Hawaiian Hand Embroidery with Embellishment
(left) Enjoy a relaxing class of hand embroidery with one of Ululani’s designs, then embellish it with beadwork. Kit $6, pay instructor
Shibori Dragon—T202, F214—$10
Introduction to Sashiko
Learn the basics of Sashiko and how to incorporate it into your quiltmaking, wearable art, and home decoration projects.Work on a preprinted sampler in class; instructions will be given for making your own designs. The 12” x 12” sampler can be used as a pillow, wall hanging, or addition to a garment. The history of sashiko along with historical samples will also be covered. Kit $12, pay instructor
Greenbaum’s Quilted Forest—S220—$10
Texturing Fabrics
(left) Discover the magic behind the newest generation of embellishment: Shiva Paint stiks allow you to embellish fabrics subtly but strikingly, giving you the ability to enhance your projects with an enticing glow. And since “new generation” of products adds up to new “ease of use,” you’ll love the rapid process and the easy cleanup. Kit $29, pay instructor
Make and Take Classes
Bella Nona—F314—$10
Baby Boondoggle Apron
(right) This is an adorable and reversible half apron using fun fabrics. You’ll learn techniques for matching boondoggle points. Kit $35 ($25 if you already have ruler), pay instructor
Embellishment Village—S422—$10
Beaches Accidental Landscape
(left) Learn Karen Eckmeier’s landscape technique and make a peaceful beach scene. Kit $20, pay instructor
Bella Nona—S324—$10
Blended Hearts Wall Hanging
(right) Create a split design heart wall hanging, and see how fast, fun and forgiving this technique is! (28” x 32”) Kit $45, pay instructor
Canby Quilt & Fabric—F310, S322—$10
Easy Fold & Flip Pillowcase
(left) This fold & flip method of sewing pillowcases is easy and fast, with all seams hidden. You will become a pillowcase junkie. They make great gifts. Kit $15, pay instructor
The Pine Needle—T304, F312—$10
Interchangeable Purse
(right) Want a different handbag for each season? This is the class for you! Choose your favorite finish from the beautifully crafted interchangeable handles. Make one in bag in class, then use the handles and pattern to create a wardrobe of purses to fit your every mood! We offer lots of fabric choices! Kit $55.95, pay instructor; includes handles in your choice of silver, bronze, gold or pewter finish, plus fabric and interfacing.
The Pine Needle—T302, F410—$10
Lilly’s Apron
(left) You will be one hot cookie in the kitchen when you wear this apron. The full baby doll style protects you from splatters and drips and comes with adjustable straps for easy fitting. This is a jaunty little number that will surely get compliments! Kit $26.95, pay instructor, fabric options
A Common Thread—F416, S420—$10
Machine Quilting and Threadplay with a BSR
(right) Make a beautiful maple leaf block and learn how to quilt, embellish and get a lovely trapunto effect all using the BSR on the Bernina. Kit $18, pay instructor Ululani Stitches & Creations—T406—$10 Mesh Fabric Bag or Purse We will put together a small mesh bag with fabric accents, great as a gift, beach purse or remote holder Dimensions are 8” x 5” x 4”. Kit $12, pay instructor
Ululani Stitches & Creations—T406—$10
Mesh Fabric Bag or Purse
(left) We will put together a small mesh bag with fabric accents, great as a gift, beach purse or remote holder Dimensions are 8” x 5” x 4”. Kit $12, pay instructor
Greenbaum’s Quilted Forest—T402—$10
Paisley Daisy Runner
(right) National teacher, Karla Alexander, teaches you nifty techniques to create this joyful table runner, with easy piecing & fusible appliqué. Kit $30, pay instructor
Bella Nona—F316—$10
Queen Anne’s Lace Wall Hanging
(left) Hand-dyed silk petals pair with batiks and beautiful embroidery thread using zigzag machine stitching to whip up this beautiful 24” x 24” wall hanging. Kit $30, pay instructor
The Pine Needle—T306, S320—$10
Quick as a Wink Table Scarf
(right) This 9” x 45” table scarf is created with our original pattern and uses four beautifully coordinated fabrics. Choose from a selection of kits in gorgeous fabrics. You will love making this easy kit; think of the gifts you can make for the holidays! Kit $16.95, pay instructor, selection available
PerfectBorders.com—S400—$10
Quilted Pillowcase
(left) Add pizzazz to your pillowcases by adding quilting to match your fabric choice. The possibilities are endless. Kit $20, pay instructor, selection available
PerfectBorders.com—T400—$10
Quilted No-Topple Tote Bag
(right) Personalize your No-Topple Tote with quilting to match your fabric choice. Kit $35, pay instructor, selection available
Nana’s Pretties—T300, F414—$10
Sewing the Magic of Fusique Way
(left) Learn about fusible appliqué with Steam-a-Seam 2 as you make a placemat from our new pattern ‘Scaredy Cat’. You’ll have time to embellish with metallic thread and will learn a simple method to avoid thread breakage. You’ll also learn how use an organza overlay for a gossamer effect. Kit $18, pay instructor; includes pattern with additional projects, decorative buttons from Just Another Button Company and Hillcreek Designs, spool of Sulky metallic thread.
A Common Thread—T404, F412—$10
Techniques for Machine Embellishment
(right) Using your sewing machine with decorative stitches and Bernina feet, find out how easy it is to add embellishments to any project. Kit $15, pay instructor
Mid and Long Arm Classes
Pam Clark—T704, F612—$40
Designs with Lines
This workshop is designed to help speed up the process of long arm quilting. Whether you are a confident beginner or an advanced long arm quilter, you will find this class packed full of valuable information, so simple to learn that you will amazed at the versatile and exciting ways you’ll approach machine quilting. Kit $5, payable to instructor
Pam Clark—T706—$40
Easy Elegant Borders
Learn three border techniques that will change the way you approach your next quilt. Several samples and techniques will be covered in class and you’ll receive a workbook to keep notes. Follow along as Pam draws the borders using an overhead projector, and learn how to design them. Bring a clipboard and colored pencils or pens, a pencil, a small sharpener and eraser. Kit $5, pay instructor
Linda Alexander—T702, S724—$40
Fabulous Freehand “Over Alls”
Linda will teach an array of background fillers, ranging from fast feathers for allovers, to florals, leaves, flames and ferns. There will be plenty of time to watch Linda draw and stitch, plus time to sketch and get feedback.
Linda Alexander—S720—$40
Fast & Funky Feathers!
It’s time to have some fun with all those endless feather designs! It’s a free-for-all of zany feathers! Linda has created many feather designs to spice up your quilting. You will learn how to make a feather look more masculine or less traditional, as well as highly decorated feathers for special quilts.
Pam Clark—T700, F714—$40
Fearless Beginner
Learn the secrets for smooth quilting with basic designs, all from the front of the machine. You’ll save time and gain confidence. If you are new to long arm quilting or not comfortable in front of the machine , this class is for you. It covers marking a quilt top, several background stitches, and the seven basic quilt patterns to create unlimited quilt designs. A workbook full of ideas and practice ideas is provided in class along with several samples. Kit $5, pay instructor
A Common Thread—T602, T606, S622—$40
Introduction to Long Arm Quilting
Want to explore long arm quilting? This class is an introduction to the HQ 16. You will learn the basics of how the machine works, and practice some of the techniques of long arm quilting. We’ll do all the hard work for you; all you need to do is come and play.
Sheila Sinclair Snyder—F710, S722—$40
License to Quilt
This is an all-freehand demonstration class guaranteed to give beginners new ideas and skills to step up your quilting repertoire. Designs can be scaled for use as background and other applications. We’ll go from basic meandered designs to borders, sashing and blocks. Extensive handout included.
Sheila Sinclair Snyder—F712, S624—$40
Men Are From Mars
Have trouble coming up with masculine ideas and motifs for quilting your own or your customers’ quilts? This class focuses on gender-neutral and masculine designs—it stays away from all the frilly girl stuff! It’s a freehand long arm quilting demonstration class, with an extensive handout included.
Nancy Goldsworthy—T604, F610—$40
Specialty Threads on Mid Arm Machines
Are you ready to try some of the great new specialty threads? You will be working on Handi-quilter machines learning how to run threads from trilobal polyester to metallic. Class starts with a short lecture on how threads are made and how needles can make a difference. From there we head to the machines. We will be working in teams of three per machine. There are great handouts and lots of door prizes. This class is for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced.
Sheila Sinclair Snyder—F716, S724—$40
Thoroughly Modern Quilting
This class is absolutely not about heirloom style quilting! Sheila will demonstrate allover freehand designs with a few spunky, contemporary borders and sashings thrown in. You’ll learn contemporary designs for contemporary fabrics in traditional and non-traditional settings. Art quilts, ethnic and folk art styles are included. Extensive handout and great samples to see in this demonstration class. Skill level: for everyone.
Nancy Goldsworthy—F614—$80 (4 hours)
Thread Play Day
This is a hands-on class for all levels of machine quilters. Here is your chance to try all of today’s threads without having to buy them. Nancy will bring her tub of threads for you to play with. She will cover most types of needles and threads in the lecture part of class, then turn you loose to try them out on your domestic sewing machine. Two hour lecture, then two hours to play. Great handout and door prizes too!
Nancy Goldsworthy—T600—$40
Threads—Untangle the Mystery
Here is the true ”nuts and bolts” break down of today’s needles and threads. Is thread sizing a mishmash of unrelated numbers to you? Find out what these numbers really mean. Next we will touch on needles. Find out what all the hoopla is about the new multi-directional needles. Learn now to match the correct needle and thread sizes for the best sewing results. There will be plenty of time for questions and answers as well as lots of hand-outs. Door prizes too!
Sheila Sinclair Snyder— S620—$40
Timeless Treasures
All traditional quilting designs can be mastered and completed freehand. In this demonstration class, you’ll learn a large variety of feathered styles for borders, sashing and blocks. Learn how to complete heavy “close quilting”. We’ll review faux trapunto and talk about specialty threads. Handout included. Skill level: confident beginner to intermediate.
