Ellicott City Sew Vac

Sew What's New


March 2023



Fast forward into March! With guest instructors, special workshops and lectures, plus our usual clubs and classes, March and April will be busy months. We’ll be bringing back some of our favorite instructors for lectures and hands-on workshops, so get out your sketch pads and notebooks and join us for some great projects! 



Our March Kit of the Month





Take a little bunny along to celebrate Year of the Rabbit and hop into Spring! Our cute Hip Hop Bunny Bag kit is just $9.95 and includes everything but the thread!

Virtual Event - Save the Date!

Join us from the luxury of your own sewing room for a Quilt-in-the-hoop Facebook Party with Hoopsisters! Enjoy how-to videos, giveaways, lots of fun and a live trunk show!

Monday-Wednesday, March 27th, 28th, 29th – Free! 

More information and sign-up details coming soon.

Upcoming Special Workshops

Barbara Dann of Alleycat Quiltworks will offer three different hands-on workshops.

Supply lists are available for all classes and include cutting instructions.

Any questions, contact [email protected] directly.


Take one class for $135; choose any two for $250;

or join us for all three for $300!



Fun Poinsettia Table Runner

Wednesday, April 5th,10:00am-4:30pm $135


The Poinsettia is a beautiful tropical flower that's not just for Christmas! Choose your favorite colors to make this unique addition to your décor. Finished runner is 20”X60” – sew multiples together to make a larger quilt!

 




Moon Dance Revival” 

Thursday, April 6th,10:00am-4:30pm $135


A popping 60” by 60” quilt that will shine with your fabric choices!

Starry Night

Friday, April 7th,10:00am-4:30pm $135


Let’s start a holiday quilt in April – why not? Class will cover the “O Holy Night” segment of the larger "Starry Night" quilt. Learn and get inspired to complete the whole quilt, or stop there for a special table topper or wall hanging.

Plus - welcome back, Joyce Hughes!


Special guest instructor, award-winning quilter and fiber artist Joyce Hughes returns for a two-day workshop:



Photo to Pattern to Fabric to Threads

Thursday-Friday, April 27th and 28th 10:00am-4:00pm $250


Joyce Hughes will use her own photograph of a sunflower to walk you through the steps of converting the photo to a pattern, choosing fabrics, then finishing using dimensional thread painting! Class fee includes thread and fabric kit.

May kicks off our SewFair - all month long!

Please note there will be no clubs or Baby Lock Machine owner classes in May. Instead, look for these events and more, with details to follow soon!

Guest educator Adele Scott joins us for three fun days!


“My Favorite Products, Tips and Techniques”.


Tuesday, May 16th, 10:00am-1:00p OR

Tuesday, May 16th 1:30pm-4:30pm


Lecture - free.


A fast-moving fun lecture & demo on a variety of sewing topics. Solve problems, learn to save time, eliminate trouble and make sewing more enjoyable - something for everyone, and always the latest notions! This is a free lecture.


"Westalee Sampler Set - New or Review."

Wednesday, May 17th, 10:00am-4:00pm

$125


A hands-on workshop that is a perfect new or review for the Sampler Set. We will cover setting up for ruler work, trouble-shooting typical problems, and how to create many design options. A great warm-up for the "Let's Use that Sampler Set" workshop described below.




"Let's Use that Westalee Sampler Set!"

Thursday, May 18th, 10:00am-4:00pm

$125


We'll create a beautiful topper, combining Westalee rulers and templates. You'll have a choice between a square topper or rectangular runner, and many design choices using a variety of rulers. You should have a basic knowledge of ruler work (see the "New or Review" workshop above!).

Sewing Classes

Camp Shirt with Pattie Otto

Friday, March 17th

10:30am-4:30pm

Class Fee: $60


Skill Level: Intermediate

Create a relaxed fit camp shirt with drop shoulder and turn back collar for unlimited possibilities! Fabric options include cotton prints, batiks, and rayons. Class begins with accurate measurements and try-on samples to help you determine your pattern size. Pattie will assist in any fitting issues you might have and show you how to alter the pattern. Class also includes cutting and construction assistance as well as interfacing tips while you create your shirt. 

Beginner Sewing: Ten-pocket Tote with Pattie Otto

Saturday, March 25th

10:30am-3:30pm

$75 (Class fee includes fabric and thread.)



Skill Level: Beginner

Are you new to sewing or looking for a refresher? This class will introduce you to sewing while you create the go-everywhere Ten Pocket Tote. Class includes the basics of your sewing machine -- mechanics, threading, bobbin winding, and use of seam guides to sew simple seams. You will select fabrics, cut out your tote and learn all about seams, hems, topstitching and even embellishments!

Quilting Classes

Three-Yard Quilt with Pat Brousil

Class Fee: $75

Two sessions:

Friday, March 24th, 10:30am-1:30pm plus

Friday, March 31st, 10:30am-1:30pm


Skill Level: Confident Beginner

BEST FRIENDS is a quilt made with one yard each of three different coordinated fabrics. Virtually all of the fabric is used. It introduces techniques used in strip piecing and making half-square triangles. Students should be comfortable using the rotary cutter and sewing ¼” seams before taking the class.

Serger Classes





Little Girl’s Dress From a Tee Shirt!

with Lisa Cowan

Monday, March 6th,10:30am-2:30pm

Class Fee: $50


Skill Level: Confident Beginner

Choose a plain or patterned tee and convert it to an adorable little girl’s dress with decorative serger details. 


Serger Wreath with Lisa Cowan

Friday, March 10th

10:30am-4:30pm

Class Fee: $75


Skill Level: Beginner

You can create a serger wreath for any holiday or special event – or to match any décor! Broaden your serger skills with five different techniques, including beading. Lisa will take you through each step in creating a lush wreath completely on your serger.

Knits for the Absolutely Terrified with Pattie Otto

Monday, April 17th

10:30am-12:30pm

Class Fee: $20

Skill Level: Beginner

Knits are everywhere, so why aren't you sewing with them? A bit hesitant, maybe? Put your fears to rest with this fun class. Includes advice on selecting the right knit for your project, layout and cutting, and construction tips for professional results. Pattie will also share her tips for handling the new ITY and other curly knits. This is a lecture class.

Knit Serger Techniques (and how to use the Knit Binder) with Pattie Otto

Monday, April 17th

1:00pm-4:00pm

Class Fee: $60 (Includes fabric for samples and “Knits for the Absolutely Terrified” booklet)


Skill Level: All Levels

Master the four basic techniques needed to serge knits: seaming, neckbands, hems and applying elastic. This hands-on class covers basic seaming on a variety of knit types and where and when to use stabilizers and topstitching. Practice four different neckband techniques, several hemming options, and simple elastic waistbands for pull-on pants. You will complete multiple samples with detailed class notes that you can apply when making knit garments. 

Knit Pullover with Pattie Otto

Saturday, April 29th, 10:00am-3:30pm

Class Fee: $65


Skill Level: Intermediate

With Pattie Otto, you’ll learn invaluable techniques for creating a knit pullover that will become a wardrobe staple and leave you wanting to create more.

Choose from three Great Copy patterns: #2550 Savannah Tee, #2660 LaBelle Tunic, or #2840 Charlotte Dress and Pullover. All patterns have four sleeve lengths as well as petite, average and tall sizing from XX-Small to XXX-Large.

Pattie will have all sizes of try-on pullovers available to help you select your correct size and length. She will also show you how to easily cut and stabilize, serge and hem knit fabrics with your serger.

New Baby Lock Machine Owner Classes

Know Your Baby Lock Machine!

We are committed to helping you learn your new Baby Lock machine. These hands-on, 2-hour classes are designed to help you get acquainted with your new Baby Lock machine. Bring your machine, power cord, manual, feet, accessories and thread. Each session is FREE for machines purchased from Sew Vac.

Introduction to your Baby Lock Sewing Machine

This class will focus on basic machine operations, what the various icons allow the user to do, and identifying the basic feet. Part 2 will focus in on stitch selection, stitch editing and identifying the basic feet and their purpose.

Introduction to your Baby Lock Sewing Machine:

On the Jubilant:

   Saturday, MARCH 11th, 1:30pm - 3:30pm OR

   Tuesday, APRIL 11th, 10:30am - 12:30pm

Introduction to your Baby Lock Sewing Machine, PART 1:

On the Aventura, Vesta, Brilliant, Lyric, Soprano, Presto, Verve, Bloom, Aurora, or Accord

  Thursday, MARCH 16th, 10:30am - 12:30pm OR

  Tuesday, APRIL 11th, 1:30pm - 3:30pm

On the Aerial, Altair, Aria, Ballad, Chorus, Crescendo, Destiny, or Solaris

    Thursday, MARCH 16th, 1:30pm - 3:30pm OR

   Saturday, APRIL 8th, 1:30pm - 3:30pm

Introduction to your Baby Lock Sewing Machine, PART 2:

On the Aventura, Vesta, Brilliant, Lyric, Soprano, Presto, Verve, Bloom, Aurora, or Accord

Thursday, MARCH 23rd, 10:30am - 12:30pm OR

Thursday, APRIL 20th, 10:30am - 12:30pm

On the Aerial, Altair, Aria, Ballad, Chorus, Crescendo, Destiny, or Solaris

Thursday, MARCH 23rd, 1:30pm - 3:30pm OR

Thursday, APRIL 20th, 1:30pm - 3:30pm

Introduction to your Baby Lock Embroidery Machine

This class will focus on identifying the various embroidery mode icons, hooping, stabilizer basics and more! Part 2 focuses on design placement and editing.

Introduction to your Baby Lock Embroidery Machine, PART 1: 

On the Accord, Aurora, Aventura, Bloom, Flare, Flourish, Verve, or Vesta 

    Tuesday, MARCH 14th, 10:30am - 12:30pm OR

   Tuesday, APRIL18th, 10:30am - 12:30pm

On the Aerial, Altair, Meridian, Pathfinder, Destiny, or Solaris

Tuesday, MARCH 14th, 1:30pm - 3:30pm OR

Tuesday, APRIL 18th, 1:30pm - 3:30pm

Introduction to your Baby Lock Embroidery Machine, PART 2: 

On the Accord, Aurora, Aventura, Bloom, Flare, Flourish, Verve, or Vesta 

Tuesday, MARCH 21st, 10:30am - 12:30pm OR

Saturday, APRIL 22nd, 10:30am - 12:30pm

On the Aerial, Altair, Meridian, Pathfinder, Destiny, or Solaris

Tuesday, MARCH 21st, 1:30pm - 3:30pm OR

Saturday, APRIL 22nd, 1:30pm - 3:30pm

Clubs
Beginner Free Motion Club with John Anderson
Learn to free motion quilt in this monthly club. Each club features a different technique. Bring your machine and extensions table and prepare to learn!





March Beginner Free Motion:

Beginning Feathers


Saturday, March 4th

10:30AM -12:30PM

$20









April Beginner Free Motion:

Ribbons and Ivy


Saturday, April 1st

10:30AM -12:30PM

$20


Intermediate Free Motion Club with John Anderson
Want to learn something a bit more complex with your free motion quilting? Join John in this club for advanced techniques! Bring your machine and extension table and prepare to learn. This club is open to Confident Beginner or Intermediate level quilters.



March Intermediate

Free Motion:

Border Quilting


Wednesday, March 15th

10:30AM -12:30PM

$20






April Intermediate

Free Motion:

Westalee Spin-E-Fex Snowflake


Wednesday, April 19th

10:30AM -12:30PM

$20

Embroidery Club with Terri Miller
Learn about your embroidery machine, stabilizing, design selection, design placement, and embroidery techniques. All embroidery machines welcome!




March Embroidery Club:

In-the-Hoop Pin Cushion




Thursday, March 9th

10:30AM -12:30PM

$20




 April Embroidery Club:

Embroidery on Ribbon



Thursday, April 13th

10:30AM -12:30PM

$20

Solaris Club

with Terri Miller


Learn every facet of your Baby Lock Solaris sewing machine with Terri! Bringing your machine is optional, so grab your notebook and prepare to learn.  





Solaris March Technique: Embroidery Design Placement

Saturday, March 11th

10:30am - 12:30pm

$20




Solaris April Technique: Embroidery Edit Tools

Saturday, April 8th

10:30am - 12:30pm

$20


IQ Designer Club

with Terri Miller


Get creative with IQ Designer Club - for all machines with IQ designer capability. Welcome Solaris, Destiny, Altair, Meridian owners. All levels welcome - so many features to explore! So many, and so exciting, in fact, that we are offering two sessions per month. Both sessions offer the same content, we just want to give everyone a chance to participate.



March IQ Designer Club: 

Welcome Banner


Thursday, March 9th

1:30pm - 3:30pm OR

Saturday, March 18th

1:30pm - 3:30pm

$20



April IQ Designer Club: 

Embossed Towel


Thursday, April 13th

1:30pm - 3:30pm OR

Saturday, April 15th

1:30pm - 3:30pm

$20

Serger Club with Lisa Cowan

Join Lisa as she teaches you all about your Baby Lock serger!






March Serger Club:

Turning Corners - Inside and Out!


Saturday, March 18th 

10:30am-12:30pm

$20



April Serger Club:

Stabilizing the Seams


Saturday, April 15th 

10:30am-12:30pm

$20


Floriani Club with Brad Martin

All Skill Levels


Join Brad as he explores all the many things you can do with Floriani Total Control U. Just bring your computer and a USB Drive, he'll take care of the rest.


Monday, March 13th 

1:30pm-3:30pm

$20


Monday, April 10th 

1:30pm-3:30pm

$20


Class Policy
Buy your class supplies with us!
Supplies purchased for our classes and clubs receive a 20% discount.
Payment for classes must be received at the time of registration. If you cancel 7 or more days before class you will be issued a store credit. There will be no refunds or credit for cancellations less than 7 days before class. If we have to cancel a class, we will reschedule the class when possible or refund the fee.
For inclement weather, we follow the Howard County School System schedule.
Store Hours
Monday- Friday 10-6
Saturday 10-4
Sunday CLOSED
Ellicott City Sew Vac
8480 Baltimore National Pike
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 465-6366
www.sewfair.com