Ellicott City Sew Vac
Sew What's New
October 2019
30th Anniversary Sew Fair
November 7th, 8th, 9th
Sign-up coming October 5th !
New Notions Arrivals
We're going batty for the new Baby Lock Shirring Foot! For easy shirring and gathering on lightweight to medium fabrics using the overlock or chain stitch settings on your serger.
We now carry an even larger selection of Aurifil thread! This fine, low-lint thread is a favorite among quilters of all skill levels. Need that matching color? Come in to see our brand new selection.
We're going goblins over Madeira thread! We now stock Madeira PolyDeco and Rayon, for embroidery, and Decora thread, for serger use.
Invisafil thread by Wonderfil is a silk-like polyester that acts like a cotton with the strength of polyester. Perfect for English Paper Piecing, applique, and freestanding lace, this 100wt thread will knock you off your broomstick, and we now carry the full line!
Upcoming Events
Ryan's Case for Smiles
Charity Sit and Sew!
Thursday, October 31st
10:30am-3:30pm

Join Sew Vac and make pillowcases for children in need!

Ryan's Case for Smiles is dedicated to bringing joy and comfort to children healing in hospitals. Each pillowcase made will be delivered to local area hospitals. 
Pillowcase patterns will be provided the day of the event. Simply bring fabric, your sewing machine or serger, and favorite sewing supplies . For your fabric, think bright, novelty prints. These pillowcases are meant to brighten a child's day, so bring the fun! 
Also, it's a pizza party! Pizza and light refreshments will be served throughout the day. Space is limited so sign up today for a great cause.
Upcoming Classes
Dimensional Thread Painting with Joyce Hughes
Thursday, November 21st &
Friday, November 22nd
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
$250.00

Beginner
Want to learn Dimensional Thread Painting but you think it is too hard? I often hear, "I am not creative" and "Can my machine do this?". Yes, you are creative and Yes, you can do this on your domestic sewing machine!!!! In this class you will start with a beautiful 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 the various thread selections, setting up your machine for stitching techniques with free motion quilting of zig-zag and straight stitching, bobbin work, and embellishing with netting and crystals. 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 dimension to your quilting project. You will leave with a full knowledge of Dimensional Thread Painting and create a One of a Kind piece of Art!

Techniques to be taught: Free Motion Quilting, Dimensional Thread Painting, Overlay Application, Crystal Embellishment, and Bobbin Work.

 Class fee includes the kit with your panel, all threads, batting and backing.

Sewing Classes
Basics Jacket with Pattie Otto
Friday, October 11th
10:30am-4:30pm
$60 
Intermediate
A good jacket is the pillar of any wardrobe and constructing one is easier than you think. Join Pattie as she helps you construct one of her classic jackets. Class will begin with measurements to help determine the correct size. Try-ons will be available to aid in selecting the correct size and style as well as any pattern alterations that are needed. Basic jacket construction includes stabilizing, seaming, facings and binding as well as finishing touches such as buttonholes and shoulder pads. All patterns are sized for petite, average and tall figures. Note: Sizes are limited to the measurements listed on the pattern back cover. Choose from one of Pattie’s Basic Jacket Patterns listed here: #2420 Bristol Jacket – Semi Fitted Jacket, #2545 Barcelona Jacket – Long Curved Front Jacket, or #2585 Tahoe Jacket – Front Pocket Jacket.
Beginning Sewing with Pattie Otto
Monday, October 14th
10:30am-4:00pm
$65
Beginner
 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. Class fee includes fabric and thread for the 10 Pocket Tote.
Oven Mitt with Pattie Otto
Monday, October 21st
10:30am-2:30pm 
$43
Confident Beginner
 Get crafty with this popular and practical oven mitt from Great Copy Patterns. Class will include working with insulating/heat resistant batting, basic quilting and Pattie's method for perfect bias binding on bulky layers. Choose from a wide variety of fabrics from kitchen or hobby themed prints to coordinate with your decor. These also make great gifts for guys! Class fee includes enough pre-quilted fabric for the project. 
Versatile Wave Bag with Pat Brousil
Thursday, October 24th 
10:30am-3:30pm
$50
Beginner
 Join Pat in making this interchangeable purse with attitude. Once you make the base bag you won't be able to stop making covers for every occasion! 
Pretty Panel Pouch with Margaret Cureton
Friday, November 15th
1:30pm-4:30pm
$30
You know that piece of fabric you have that you can't quite figure out what to do with? Maybe it's a piece of embroidery, or an English paper piecing design, or a fabulous section of fabric that you want to feature? This is the class where you can finally make that pretty into something useful! The Pretty Panel Pouch is a zipper bag with a middle panel that features whatever you want it to be! Grab that panel piece (measuring at least 8"x14") and some coordinating fabric and Join Margaret to make a perfect pouch complete with a zipper. 
Hat and Mittens with Pattie Otto
Monday, November 18th
10:30am-1:30pm
$40
These cold weather must-haves are quick and easy to sew as well as embellish! Patterns are sized from toddler to adult. Learn the basics of sewing fleece. Class fee includes Class Kit: Polartec® fleece, thread, optional yarn trim, elastic or ribbing for cuff.
Slice Rug with Lisa Cowan
Wednesday, December 4th
10:30am-4:30pm
$60
Jelly roll rugs are taking the sewing world by storm, and Lisa is back with another class! The Slice Rug pattern is a crescent-shaped rug that makes a great addition to any room. You'll learn how to fold your jelly roll strips, tips for piecing everything together, and most importantly, how to keep your rug flat and tidy! Start the day with strips of fabric, and end the day with a fabulous new rug!
Quilter's Caddy with Lisa Cowan
Monday, December 16th
10:30am-3:30pm
$50
Turn a paint bucket into a handy quilting caddy! You'll learn how to work with screen and how to ease around a curve with no problems. You'll be making them for everyone on your holiday gift list! 
Serger Classes
Knit Pullover with Pattie Otto
Friday, October 18th
10:30am-4:00pm
$50
Beginner
 Sergers and knits go together like cookies and milk (sorry, no cookies will be served). Let Pattie show you how easy it is to serge and hem knits with your serger. Choose between two fabulous tee patterns, Great Copy Savannah Tee or Soho Tunic. Both patterns are sized XX-Small to XXX-Large (Bust 31-54 and hips 30-53). Class will begin with measurements and try-on samples to help you select your correct size. Pattie will then help you with fitting and pattern adjustments. She will also show you how to easily cut, stabilize, serge and hem knit fabrics with your serger. 
Coverstitch Serger Scarf with Debbie LaFrance
Monday, October 25th
10:30am-1:30pm
$30
Making a delicate thread scarf on your coverstitch serger is so fun and makes a great gift! Join Debbie as she takes you through every step of making a scarf totally out of thread. You'll want to make one for every season!
Quilt as You Go with Lisa Cowan
Monday, October 28th
10:30am-4:30pm
$60 
Intermediate
 Ever wanted to try quilting on your serger? Now's your chance! Join Lisa as she shows you how to create a fabulous quilt top on your serger. It's easier than you think!
Knits for the Absolutely Terrified with Pattie Otto
Tuesday, November 19th
10:30am-12:30pm
$20
Beginner
Racks are filled with them, as are your closets and drawers. Knits are everywhere, so why aren't you sewing with them? Are you a little hesitant? Are your palms a bit sweaty? Admit it. You're terrified of sewing with knits. Put these fears to rest with this fun and exciting class. Included will be advice on how to select the right knit for your tees, tanks, cardigans, pullovers and more as well as layout and cutting pointers and super quick construction tips for professional results every time. Pattie will also share her tips for handling the new ITY and other curly knits. You'll be amazed at how easy knits really are to sew. This is a lecture class.
Knit Serger Techniques Class (also How to use the Knit Binder) with Pattie Otto
Tuesday, November 19th
1:00pm-4:00pm
$30
Beginner
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 including how and when to use the Knit Binder. Several hemming options will also be covered including cover stitch basics on a variety of knit fabrics. Simple elastic waistbands for pull-on pants will be explored as well as a professional cover stitch option. You will complete multiple samples with detailed class worksheets that you can apply when making knit garments. There is $15 kit fee payable to Pattie at the time of class. The kit includes Knits for the Absolutely Terrified booklet, worksheets and fabric for samples. 
Quilting Classes
Westalee Table Runner with John Anderson
Wednesday, October 2nd
10:30 am - 4:00 pm
 $50
Confident Beginner
Did you purchase the Westalee Starter Set (Free Motion Ruler Foot & 12" Arc Template) but have yet to take it out of the package? Then this is the class for you! John is going to walk you through using the 12" Arc template. Learn how to position the template, plot your path, and create awesome quilting.
One Block Wonder with Pat Brousil
Thursday, October 10th, 10:30pm-3:30pm and Thursday October 17th 1:30pm-3:30pm
$70
Intermediate
You've seen it, you've heard about it, now come make it! Using Maxine Rosenthal's technique, Pat will show you everything you need to know about this trendy technique. Movement, texture, swirl--Pat will cover it all, and then some! Bring your favorite ruler and get ready to design like a pro.  
Vienna Lone Star with Pat Brousil
Tuesday, October 15th and Tuesday, October 22nd
10:30am-3:30pm 
$100 
Intermediate
 Lone Star quilts are a staple of any quilt collection, and Judy Martin's book Singular Stars provides a fantastic strip-piecing method to make an out of this world quilt. Pat Brousil expertly navigates you through each step of the Vienna Lone Star, resulting in a one-of-a-kind quilt that's just for you!
Quilter's Math with Pat Brousil
Tuesday, December 3rd
10:30am-1:00pm
$25
All Skill Levels
Quilting and math go hand in hand, and sometimes it can be a struggle to get all those calculations turned into a perfect quilt. Pat Brousil is here to save you from all your quilt math struggles! In this class you will learn about straight setting, lattice setting, borders, backing, and binding. You will also calculate two different types of quilt blocks--half square triangles and flying geese set on point. Bring your favorite calculator and colored pencils and you'll never fear quilt math again!
Rotary Magic with Pat Brousil
Thursday, December 5th
10:30am-3:00pm
$40
All Skill Levels
How many times have you measured twice and cut once only to accidentally make the wrong cut in your beloved fabric?? This class with Pat Brousil will teach you all the finer points of rotary cutting. You will draft and cut a variety of different shapes, including squares, rectangles, half-square triangles, quarter-square triangles, trapezoids, hexagons, and more! Join Pat and learn how to rotary cut with confidence.
Clubs
Beginner Free Motion Club
John Anderson
Saturday, October 5th - 10:30 am-12:30 pm
Saturday, November 20th - 10:30am-12:30pm
Saturday, December 7th - 10:30am-12:3opm
$10


Beginner
Let John show you how to improve your free motion skill in this monthly class! Bring your machine and extension table and prepare to have fun.
Intermediate Free Motion Club
John Anderson
Wednesday, October 16th - 10:30am-12:30pm
Wednesday, November 20th - 10:30am-12:30pm
Wednesday, December 18th - 10:30am-12:30pm
$10

Confident Beginner or Intermediate
Been free motioning for a while and want to learn something a bit more complex? Join John in this class for advanced techniques! Bring your machine and extension table and prepare to have fun.
Serger Club with Lisa Cowan
Thursday, October 17th or Saturday, October 19th, 10:30am-12:30pm
Thursday, November 14th or Saturday, November 16th, 10:30am-12:30pm
Thursday, December 19th or Saturday, December 21st, 10:30am-12:30pm
$10
All Skill Levels
Lisa will show you threading and applications to help you achieve the best results with your serger.
Solaris Club with Terri Miller and John Anderson
Saturday, October 12th, 10:30 pm - 12:30 pm
Introduction to IQ Designer with John Anderson

Saturday, December 14th, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Embroidering Quilt Border Patterns with Terri Miller
$10

All Skill Levels
Learn every facet of your Baby Lock Solaris sewing machine with Terri and John! Club is lecture/demo, so bring a notebook and prepare to learn!
Embroidery Club with Terri Miller
October Technique: Built-In Fonts
Wednesday, October 9th-10:30am-12:30pm
$10
All Skill Levels
Join Terri in exploring your machine’s built-in fonts. You’ll practice everything you can with your fonts--size, spacing, arrangement, and so much more!





Embroidery Club with Terri Miller
November Technique: Freestanding Lance
Wednesday, November 13th-10:30am-12:30pm
$10
All Skill Levels
Join Terri for this Free-Standing Embroidery lecture/demo. We will discuss what free-standing embroidery means, determining whether a design is lace or applique, and stabilizing techniques to obtain the best results. Have you purchased a design pack and don’t know where to start or didn’t like the results? Bring it to class. We’ll look at the design to determine the best approach for achieving stunning results.
Embroidery Club with Terri Miller
December Technique: Kimberbell In-The-Hoop Mug Rug
Wednesday, December 11th-10:30am-12:30pm
$20
In a floppy hat with embroidered pompom this stitched snowman just might pass for a ski bunny. And, he’s guaranteed not to melt under your steaming cup. Mug rugs make a perfect gift paired with hot cocoa mix or coffee cup. Or, embroider a set so the whole family has one to use after a day of snow play. Class fee includes embroidery design, fabric and batting for the mug rug.
Destiny Club with Debbie LaFrance
Wednesday, October 9th - 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Technique: O Christmas Tree
Wednesday, November 13th - 1:30pm-3:30pm
Wednesday, December 11th - 1:30pm-3:30pm
$10

All Skill Levels
Get into the festive spirit with this versatile holiday tree. Once you see how easy it is to create in IQ Designer, you'll want to make one for every holiday!
Floriani Club with Brad Martin
Monday, October 7th - 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
No Floriani club in November
Monday, December 2nd - 1:30pm-3:30pm
$10

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.
Sit N Sew
Friday, October 4th - 10:30am-3:30pm
Friday, November 1st - 10:30am-3:30pm
Friday, December 6th - 10:30am-3:30pm
Free!

Come in with your projects to finish and enjoy sewing with friends. Seating is limited so you must reserve a spot.