Ellicott City Sew Vac
Sew What's New
May 2025
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Welcome May Flowers!
It’s Almost Summer and Sewing is HOT.
As we prepare for Sew Fair on May 15th, 16th and 17th, we are also adding some exciting new offerings in June and July! From a Sewing Camp for kids to the return of fiber artist Joyce Hughes, this summer is shaping up to be very exciting and inspirational! Read on for all the details!
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Spring Sew Fair 2025 is This Month!
This Spring Sew Fair is May 15th, 16th and 17th; the schedule is below. All the sessions are free – including lunch! – sign up for as many as you like. There are still seats but a few of the sessions are nearly full!
Come in or give us a call at 410-465-6366 to register!
Note: Doors open each day at 8:45AM
Thursday May 15th
9:00 – 9:30 Door Prize Drawing and Announcements
9:30 – 11:30 Dimensional Thread Painting Demo with Joyce Hughes
In this demo, Joyce will guide you step by step through the fascinating world of Dimensional Thread Painting, showing you just how fun and accessible this technique can be. You'll learn the essential techniques of stitching and threadwork, how to select the right threads, set up your sewing machine, and layer threads like paint to create stunning highlights, shading and dimension.
11:30 – 12:30 Shopping and Lunch Break
Have lunch on us, and get some shopping done while you’re at it!
12:30 – 2:30 Finding the Correct Quilt Recipe with Denise Schober
The language quilters use can be confusing and a lot to remember. Join Denise as she helps navigate quilting 101. During this lecture/demo she will talk about sandwiches, batting, fabric, thread and needles and well as the basics of quilting on your home machine or an embroidery machine.
3:00 – 5:00 “Embroidery From Novice to Expert” with Denise Shober
Denise will break down the recipe for great embroidery, show her favorite techniques and give you all the reasons why she loves the process of embroidery. She will also be sharing her trunk show with tons of samples for you to be inspired by.
Friday May 16th
9:00 – 9:30 Door Prize Drawing and Announcements
9:30 – 11:30 The Ins and Outs of Garment Design with Pattie Otto
Pattie Otto, the creative mind behind Great Copy Patterns, brings a wealth of expertise to the art of garment design and sewing. In this session, Pattie will demystify the fitting process behind her patterns and share straightforward techniques that make achieving the perfect fit easier than you think. Learn what sets her patterns apart and discover methods that take the frustration out of garment sewing, making it a smooth and enjoyable process.
11:30 – 12:30 Shopping and Lunch Break
Have lunch on us, and get some shopping done while you’re at it!
12:30 – 2:00 “My Journey Into Quilting” with Joyce Hughes
Join award-winning quilt artist, teacher, and author Joyce Hughes for an inspiring lecture and live thread painting demonstration as she shares her incredible journey into the world of quilting. In this engaging session, you’ll not only learn about Joyce’s personal journey from discovering quilting to becoming and award winning artist, you’ll gain valuable insights, techniques and expert tips to elevate your quilting skills.
2:30 – 5:00 The Spectacular Notions Commotion with Debbie LaFrance
New tools, classic favorites, and everything in between—Debbie LaFrance has you covered! Join this fast-paced, entertaining seminar where she’ll showcase all the latest must-have sewing gadgets and gizmos.
Saturday May 17th
9:00 – 9:30 Door Prize Drawing and Announcements
10:00 – 12:00 Sergers 101 with Denise Schober
A serger is Denise’s best friend and could be yours, too! It’s not just for finishing edges of garments or hidden seams. Join Denise to learn about how a serger saves you time and how to use three or as many as eight different threads for so many creative techniques!
12:00 – 1:00 Shopping and Lunch Break
Indulge in some retail therapy and grab a free delicious lunch to refuel for the creative journey ahead.
1:00 – 3:00 Let Your Feet Do The Work with Denise Schober
So many feet and attachments for a serger – why? Because the right tool for the right job makes all those fancy techniques easier! Denise will show you what they do and share many beautiful samples along the way.
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Sew What’s New with Deb?
Cost – Free
Debbie’s back, with an all-new club packed with her favorite tips, tricks, and techniques!
Next up:
Sew What’s New with Deb: Machine stitching collage with Debbie LaFrance
Wednesday, June 11th, 2:00pm-4:00pm
Skill Level: All Skills Welcome Cost: Free
This month, Debbie will demonstrate how different machines and techniques work together to make awesome fabric collages which can be turned into wall hangings, bags, even jewelry!
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Summer Kids Camp!
Do you have a future seamstress, tailor, quilter, or fabric artist at home? Join experienced seamstress and teacher Pattie Otto for 4 days of sewing camp! Recommended for ages 10-13, each camper will receive a brand new Baby Lock sewing machine! Already have a Baby Lock? No worries – kids can attend camp with any Baby Lock sewing machine -- please contact us for the details. They’ll learn how to use the machine and conquer sewing basics with simple projects and lots of practice in-between. Projects will include a simple pillowcase and easy lounge-around pants! Camp is designed for beginners, though we welcome kids with some light sewing experience. Bring your own lunch - campers will have a 30-minute break for lunch each day.
When: Tuesday, July 22nd through Friday, July 25th; 11:00am-4:00pm each day
Cost: $499 includes machine, pants pattern and fabric kits for the pillowcase and simple projects.
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Welcome Back Artist Joyce Hughes
Join award-winning quilter, designer, teacher, and author of “Creating Art Quilts with Panels” Joyce Hughes, as she inspires, guides, and builds confidence in free-motion stitching, while you create your own work of art!
This summer, Joyce is bringing us something completely new! It’s not just a beautiful thread-painted panel; we’re going to thread paint it and then we’ll turn it into an eye-catching tote bag! In the first part of class you will start with an exclusive digitally printed panel to create a piece of Art! You will learn the proper steps of Dimensional Thread Painting and find it to be a fun and creative technique. Explore thread selection, and set up your machine for stitching techniques with free motion quilting using zig zag and straight stitching. See the fabric come to life as you sew and layer the threads on top of your design. You will use Thread as Paint –sew with different types of threads and color combinations. Learn how to create interesting texture and add dimension to your quilting project.
Next, we will take the finished thread painted panel and create a One-of-a- kind handbag! Learn to custom size a bag that is perfect for you while showing off your beautiful work.
You will leave with a full knowledge of Dimensional Thread Painting and Bag Making, plus a stunning artistic tote bag!
Tuesday, July 15th through Friday July 18th; 10:30am-4:30pm each day
Cost: $379 includes panel and thread.
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Learn to Sew (or learn to sew again!) Beginner Garment Sewing - Sonoma Tee for Kids or Adults!
with Pattie Otto
Saturday, May 31st, 10:30am-3:30pm.
Skill Level: Beginner
Class Fee: $50
Want to get yourself or your ‘tween involved in a new creative hobby? This class is designed to help beginners with the basics of looking at a pattern, identifying fabrics, laying out and cutting fabric, seaming and hemming a garment. All ages from 12 upward are welcome. Although this is a beginner class, you should know the basics of your machine including bobbin winding, threading, and basic stitching. There are two Sonoma Tee patterns - one for Teens & Tweens, the other for adults. A fine pattern for a spring tee made of cotton batik. Great for a "mother/daughter" day of sewing!
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Tilda Doll in Rain Coat and Boots with Lisa Cowan
Monday, June 16th and Monday, June 30th, 10:30am-3:30pm both days
Skill Level: Confident Beginner Class Fee: $95
This Tilda doll is so adorable and ready for rain! Whether you’re an experienced sewist who’d like to try doll-making, or a Tilda enthusiast, Lisa will walk you through doll construction and wardrobe. Tips for using fiberfill, how to get realistic expressions, and adding little custom details will be included. This picture is from the book "Tilda's Seaside Ideas" you will be using to make your doll. You’ll leave with a doll you’ll be proud to display!
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Manchester Jacket Class with Pattie Otto
Friday, June 20th and Friday, June 27th,
10:30am-3:30pm both days
Skill Level: Intermediate
Class Fee: $100
A good jacket is the pillar of any wardrobe. The Manchester Jacket by Great Copy is a stylish classic with great lines, hood or collar option, in-seam front pockets and a back seam accent. Choose from a variety of fabrics and seam finishes. (The sample shown is made with pre-quilted fabric, but you can make your own quilted fabric - ask us how!) Class will include measurements to help you determine the correct size. Try-ons will be available to aid in selecting the correct size as well as any pattern alterations that are needed. Jacket construction includes layout, cutting, stabilizing facings, seaming, and hemming. You will leave with a finished jacket.
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Learn to quilt with us!
Easy Quilt Project in a Day
with Pat Brousil
Tuesday, July 8th, 10:30am-4:30pm
Skill Level: Beginner
Class Fee: $80 (includes kit with all fabric and batting)
This is a great class for those who have not quilted before, or if you have created a top (or several) and aren't sure what to do next! Take the mystery out of the quilting process. Pat will lead you through making a simple pieced block, quilting it, and then binding it. You'll leave with a pretty table topper you'll be proud to show off as your first project - or as a gift!
A kit with all necessary fabrics is included in the class fee.
Multiple colorways available - you choose!
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Twister Tote
with Pat Brousil
Thursday, June 5th, 10:30am-4:30pm AND
Friday, June 6th, 10:30am-12:30pm
Skill Level: Intermediate or Confident Beginner Class Fee: $80
This attractive mid-sized (15”X16”) tote uses quilted and solid panels and is fun to make! The tote is lined and has interior pocket variations and a magnetic closure. The quilted panels on the exterior are made using a clever tool called the “Lil’ Twister”. Experienced quilter and instructor Pat Brousil walks you through the quilting and bag construction steps, as well as various options for interfacing, handles, and other types of closures. Choose your favorite colors and make it uniquely yours!
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Log Cabin Wall Hanging
with Pat Brousil
Wednesday, June 25th, 10:30am-3:30pm
Skill Level: Beginner
Class Fee: $50
This stunning wall hanging goes together easily using foundation paper piecing. Use a paper piecing pattern, some strips of fabric and a sewing machine to creat a traditional Log Cabin block. Repeat. Arrange blocks. Ta da!... you have a quilt top! Use your favorite colors, holiday or juvenile prints; or black, white and red is a classic combo! Continue adding blocks and make a throw or any size quilt. Once Pat shows you the basics, it’s easy to keep going with this mesmerizing pattern!
| | New Baby Lock Machine Owner Classes | |
Know Your Baby Lock Machine!
We are committed to helping you learn your new Baby Lock machine. Start your Baby Lock journey in these hands-on classes with other new owners! 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 Jubilant: | |
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Saturday, June 21st, 10:30am - 1:30pm OR
- Saturday, Juky 19th, 10:30am - 1:30pm
| | Intro to your Baby Lock Aventura, Vesta, Brilliant, Lyric, Soprano, Presto, Verve, Bloom, Aurora, or Accord SEWING Machine. | |
All about SEWING functions:
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Tuesday, June 17th, 10:30am - 1:30pm OR
- Monday, July 7th, 10:30am - 1:30pm
| | Intro to your Baby Lock Accord, Aurora, Aventura, Bloom, Flare, Flourish, Verve, or Vesta EMBROIDERY Machine | |
All about EMBROIDERY functions:
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Thursday, June 19th, 10:30am - 1:30pm OR
- Monday, July 7th, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
| | Intro to your Baby Lock Aerial, Altair, Aria, Ballad, Chorus, Crescendo, Destiny, or Solaris SEWING Machine | |
All about SEWING functions:
- Thursday, May 29th, 10:30am - 12:30pm
| | Intro to your Baby Lock Aerial, Altair, Meridian, Pathfinder, Destiny, or Solaris EMBROIDERY Machine | |
All about EMBROIDERY functions:
- Thursday, May 29th, 1:30pm - 3:30pm
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Clubs
Please note there will be no clubs in May
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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 extension table and prepare to learn! Suitable for all skill levels.
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June Free Motion:
"McTavish'ing"
Saturday, June 7th
10:30AM -12:30PM
Club fee: $20
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July Free Motion:
"Swirling Flowers"
Saturday, July 5th
10:30AM -12:30PM
Club fee: $20
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Embroidery Club with Terri Miller
Learn about your embroidery machine, stabilizing, design selection, design placement, and embroidery techniques. All embroidery machines welcome!
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June Embroidery Club:
"Freestanding Lace Earrings"
Thursday, June 12th
10:30AM -12:30PM
Club fee: $20
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July Embroidery Club:
"Embroider Faux Leather or Leather"
Thursday, July 10th
10:30AM -12:30PM
Club fee: $20
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Solaris Club
with Terri Miller
Learn every facet of your Baby Lock Solaris sewing machine with Terri!
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June Solaris Club:
"Key Fob Coin Purse"
Saturday, June 14th
10:30AM -12:30PM
Club fee: $20
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July Solaris Club:
"Applique Teddy Bear"
Saturday, July 12th
10:30AM -12:30PM
Club fee: $20
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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!
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June IQ Designer Club:
"Embellishing/Quilting with Thread"
Saturday, June 14th
1:30PM -3:30PM
Club Fee: $20
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July IQ Designer Club:
"Stained Glass Butterfly"
Saturday, July 12th
1:30PM -3:30PM
Club Fee: $20
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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 9th
1:30PM-3:30PM
Club fee: $20
Monday, July 14th
1:30PM-3:30PM
Club fee: $20
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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.
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Store Hours
Monday- Friday 10-6
Saturday 10-4
Sunday CLOSED
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Ellicott City Sew Vac
8480 Baltimore National Pike
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 465-6366
www.sewfair.com
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