Ellicott City Sew Vac

Sew What's New


May 2023

Here we are, our favorite time of year: SEW FAIR!

Check out all the informative, fun events - many of them are free, and there's still time to sign up! There are many discount days this month - on furniture, notions, fabric, and more, plus great door prizes!

Check out the special financing, too: from May 12-17th, Bernina purchases of $3,000 or more qualify for 0% interest for 60 months financing. For two days only, May 26 and 27th, Baby Lock will offer 36-, 48-, and 60-month financing at 0%.

The Arrow Great American Chair Challenge is back, all month, with America's most popular sewing chair - in so many cool fabrics - regular price $449, now only $299!

Let the commotion begin!



Our regular classes and clubs resume in June - why not learn to sew or refresh your skills, try out a special feature of your sewing machine, join us for Hoopsisters, Kimberbell, or advanced embroidery techniques, or learn to use your serger for more than finishing seams (yeah!)! We're here to help you find the perfect fabric, notion, machine, or technique for your latest project.


May Kit of the Month




Check out this handy sling bag that's especially great for beginners! Easy to make and includes everything but the thread. Embellish as you wish, or keep it simple with our pretty fabrics. Just $15.95.

Join us in May for 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!

Get clever quilting and sewing advice from Quilters Select, featuring Ashley Dell!

Free Kaffe Fassett Virtual Lecture!

“Color Inspiration” with Kaffe Fassett


Saturday, May 6th, 12:30PM-1:30PM (+15-minute Q&A); FREE IN STORE Event!


Attend a Live Virtual Color Inspiration Lecture from Kaffe Fassett designed to inspire and motivate! Kaffe’s online lecture presentation highlights work from projects and collaborations, past and present, including his patchwork, fabric, needlepoint, mosaics, painting and knitting designs inspired by his travels throughout the world. This lecture will inspire you to create and develop your "mind's eye”. Come get invigorated, entranced by Kaffe's sense and use of color, and be ready to try it yourself! The slide show lasts approximately one hour followed by a Question &Answer session for approximately 15 minutes.

Notions Commotion is Back!

“The Original Notions Commotion!” with Debbie LaFrance!


Tuesday, May 9th, 10:30am-3:30pm; FREE event!


Let the frenzy begin! Join Debbie for demos of some of the coolest new notions! Time savers - yes! Effort saving? You bet! You’ll be amazed. One of our most popular events!

Join Pattie Otto for Sewing "Trade Secrets"!

"Bias Binding Made Easy for Garments and Quilting!"


Friday, May 12th, 10:30am-12:00pm


This is a FREE lecture!


Bias binding has so many uses, from the finishing touch on jackets, quilts and wall hangings and the perfect edge to home decor and bag projects.

 

Let Pattie show you why bias is such a superior finish, where to use it, and how to handle problems with curves and corners. She will include tips for perfect topstitching and other finishes.

 

Pattie will also share her extensive trunk show of sample garments and other projects.

"Machine Embroidery on Sweaters."


Friday, May 12th, 1:00pm-2:30pm


This is a FREE lecture!


Those luscious spring sweaters are just begging to be embroidered! Flower, swirls - whatever makes it uniquely yours.

Pattie will show you how easy it is to embroider on sweaters as you learn to stabilize and hoop without damaging the sweater, the proper toppers to use for the lofty sweater fabrics and which designs work best and which ones to avoid.

 

Learn Pattie’s secrets when trying to match your favorite sweater. As always, Pattie has so many samples to share with you.

"A Million MORE Little Tips – For All Your Sewing"

 

Saturday, May 13th, 10:30am-2:30pm


This is a FREE lecture!


Well, not quite a million …. but so many tips to help you perfect your sewing techniques that you’ll gain confidence when sewing both woven and knit projects.

A continuation of Pattie’s November Sew Fair presentation, these tips will improve all aspects of your sewing to get more professional results.

She will include more tips on everything from pre-treating fabrics to layout, pattern handling and construction techniques that make sense. Sometimes it’s the little steps that can make a big difference in the final project.

 

Let Pattie show you how it's done!

Adele Scott Presents Lecture and Workshops!


“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


In this HANDS-ON WORKSHOP, 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!).

Pick Up Tips For Beautiful Embroidery From Floriani Expert Debi Denny!

Sewing and Embroidery Classes


HoopSisters "In Bloom" Round Table Topper

with Terri Miller



Friday, June 2nd AND

Friday, June 16th

10:30am-2:30pm


Class Fee: $95


Skill level: Intermediate

"In Bloom" features a vine meandering along the edges with stunning floral and leaf applique. Embroidered flowers complement the applique and add a charming touch to this table topper. Make "In Bloom" in its original layout for a round dining table or add on blocks to create a longer table topper, perfect for a rectangular dining table. Round Table Topper finished size: 19.5" x 19.5".




Organizer Bag with Pat Brousil

Monday, June 5th, 10:30a-3:30p


Skill Level: Beginner/Confident Beginner       

Fee: $50

This very popular bag will become a staple of your wardrobe. You'll be amazed at how much this small purse can hold with its many zippered pockets! One of our most popular classes!

Maui or Long Island Pants Class with Pattie Otto

Friday, June 9th, 10:30a-4:30p

Skill Level: Intermediate

Fee: $60

Pants can be so easy to sew. Let Pattie Otto show you how along with some expert fitting advice. Knit or woven fabric? The choice is yours. Great Copy Maui Pants is a full leg pant or capri designed for lightweight fabrics such as cottons, batiks, rayon challis, etc. The Long Island Pant is a slim leg pant for light to mid weight stable knits such as cotton jersey. Both patterns have pull-on elastic waists and slit pocket options. Pattie will have try-ons of all sizes, and will help with pattern adjustments, layout and cutting, and, of course, construction!.

Teen and Tween Shorts with Pattie Otto--New Class!

Two weeks:

Monday, June 19th AND

Monday, June 26th

12:00-3:00pm


Skill Level: Beginner--For ages 12-18

Fee: $65 (Includes drawcord)

Comfy shorts are easy to wear and make. This hands-on class will show the basics of measuring and selecting the correct size, laying out the fabric and cutting. They will also learn seaming, pressing and hemming while making drawcord shorts or pants. The Great Copy Teen and Tween Pants and Shorts pattern is designed for kids sizes 8 through 18. Older teens may use Great Copy Maui Pants pattern. Pattie will have try-on samples to aid in selecting the correct size and length. Note: This class will not teach how to use the sewing machine. Students need to be comfortable winding and inserting a bobbin, threading their machine as well as changing presser feet and using scissors and an iron. Pattie will provide the drawcord.

Beginner Sewing with Pattie Otto

Saturday, June 24th, 10:00am-3:30pm



Skill Level: Beginner

Class Fee: $75 (Includes fabric and thread)

Are you new to sewing or looking for a refresher? This class will introduce you to the inspiring world of sewing while you create a versatile Ten Pocket Tote. Class will begin by familiarizing you with the basics of your sewing machine as you learn the mechanics, practice threading, how to wind a bobbin and use seam guides to sew simple seams. After you have selected your fabrics, you will then proceed to cut out your tote using both patterns and rulers. Sewing techniques will include simple seams and hems, seam finishes, topstitching and tips for accurate sewing. Pattie will also demonstrate quick seam finishes, handle variations, easy embellishments and optional closures. 

Beginner Garment Sewing: Sonoma Tee with Pattie Otto

Friday, July 7th, 10:30am-4:30pm



Skill Level: Confident Beginner                          

Class Fee: $60

The Sonoma Tee is a simple pullover and perfect for beginners who want to expand their sewing knowledge while creating their own garment. We will cover basic fabric and pattern knowledge, how to measure and select the correct size, interfacing, seam finish basics, and hemming. Students must have a working knowledge of their sewing machine.

Kimberbell Mug Rug

with Terri Miller

Wednesday, July19th, 1:30p-4:30p


Skill Level: Beginner      

Fee: $30

Choose from any of our five different Kimberbell Mug Rug Design Packs to make these clever, fun mug rugs in the hoop! Let Terri show you how easy it is - you'll want to collect all five!

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:

  • Tuesday, JUNE 13th, 10:30am - 12:30pm OR
  • Saturday, JULY 15th, 1:30pm - 3:30pm

Introduction to your Baby Lock Sewing Machine, PART 1:

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

  •  Tuesday, JUNE 13th, 1:30pm - 3:30pm OR
  •  Tuesday, JULY 11th, 10:30am - 12:30pm


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

  • Saturday, JUNE 10th, 1:30pm - 3:30pm OR
  • Tuesday, JULY 18th, 10:30am - 12:30pm

Introduction to your Baby Lock Sewing Machine, PART 2:

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

  • Tuesday, JUNE 20th, 10:30am - 12:30pm

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

  • Tuesday, JUNE 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 

  • Thursday, JUNE 15th, 10:30am - 12:30pm OR
  • Tuesday, JULY 11th, 1:30pm - 3:30pm

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

  • Thursday, JUNE 15th, 1:30pm - 3:30pm OR
  • Tuesday, JULY 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 

  • Thursday, JUNE 22nd, 10:30am - 12:30pm

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

  • Thursday, JUNE 22nd, 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Clubs

Beginner Free Motion Club with John Anderson

Learn to free motion quilt in this monthly club. Each month features a different technique. Bring your machine and extensions table and prepare to learn!






June Beginner Free Motion:

"Mix and Match Placemat"


Saturday, June 3rd

10:30AM -12:30PM

$20





July Beginner Free Motion:

"Spiral Feathers Edge to Edge"

Saturday, July 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.






June Intermediate Free Motion Club:

Bobbin Work


Wednesday, June 21st

10:30AM -12:30PM

$20







July Intermediate Free Motion Club:

"Spiral Feathers Edge to Edge"


Wednesday, July 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!



June Embroidery Club:

Applique in the Hoop


Thursday, June 8th

10:30AM -12:30PM

$20

July Embroidery Club:

Embroidered Garland


Thursday, July 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.  






June Solaris Club:

Embellishing With Cording Feet



Saturday, June 10th

10:30AM -12:30PM

$20




July Solaris Club:

Sew Many Buttonholes



Saturday, July 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.



June IQ Designer Club:

Cup Cozy



Thursday, June 8th

1:30PM -3:30PM OR

Saturday, June 17th

1:30PM- 3:30PM

$20


July IQ Designer Club:

Ornament



Thursday, July 13th

1:30PM -3:30PM OR

Saturday, July 8th

1:30PM- 3:30PM

$20

Serger Club with Lisa Cowan

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




June Serger Club:

Gathering With the Cover Stitch

(requires cover stitch capable machine)



Saturday, June 17th

10:30AM -12:30PM

$20

July Serger Club:

Stacked Cover Stitch

(requires cover stitch capable machine)



Saturday, July 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, June 12th

1:30PM-3:30PM

$20


Monday, July 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