BJ's Critters & the Gathering of the Herd - Saturday, April 21, 2011

Instructor:  Laura Piliaris
Class Fee:  $35
Time: 10:30 - 4:30

The creative genius at BJ Designs (aka Barbara Jones), has created a menagerie of fun critters that have captivated our staff and customers. Join Laura and make La Luna Lobo (shown). Or you might choose to make Rhonda, the Rhino or Kandy the Kangaroo or any one of BJ's critters. You choose the critter and the fabric. Laura will show you how to make it come alive! 

Warning: These patterns are addictive. Once you learn the "stitched edge" fusible technique Laura will present in class, you'll want to go on to make Fiona and Ellie and Morley and Laredo and Zoey and GerriAnn and Spot ... and all their chums. Before you know it you'll find yourself at the bottom of your scrap bag with no scraps and a whole menagerie.

The Gathering of the Herd

To add to the fun, the class will break from 1 - 2pm for a special show and tell. Past class members will be invited to share the "Critter" quilts they have made from BJ's Designs.

Supply List

-Pattern:  The critter pattern of your choice by BJ Designs
-Fabric:  See pattern requirements for your chosen critter. Some of the patterns have pieced backgrounds, but if you would prefer a solid background, you will need 1 yard of a fabric that will provide a good contrast with your critter.
-Sewing machine that you are familiar with. For this project a machine with a zig-zag or other edge finishing stitch is required. Bring the accessories box (including a quarter inch foot and a walking foot for your machine if you have them), extra bobbins, and the power cord and foot pedal!! Please make sure your machine is in good working order. Treat your machine to a new needle and a bit of oil before class.
-A good quality surge protector for your machine. (Using a surge protector is a smart thing to do anywhere you sew, but especially in a classroom where multiple machines, irons and other miscellaneous power tools are using the same circuit … I'm just sayin' ...)
-Rotary Cutter
-Self-healing cutting mat (An 18”x24” is generally recommended. With this size, you can cut a whole, folded width of fabric.
-Rotary cutting ruler (6 x 24 inch or equivalent).
-Glue-baste-it (not required but helpful)
-Freezer paper or iron-on tear away stabilizer
-1 and 1/2 yards of Lite Steam-a-Seam 2
-Non-woven, non-fusible, lightweight stabilizer (Pellon or equivalent stabilizer like we used in clothing construction in Home Ec - just make sure it's NOT the fusible kind). Check your pattern for the amount. The maximum required for any of the patterns is 1 and 1/2 yards. We have a nice one available at Ruby Street Quiltworks.
-Thread to match or compliment the critter fabric. We highly recommend our Aurifil! (Filling a couple of bobbins ahead of time will allow more time for your project in class.)
-Sewing machine needles: Microtex or topstitch needles size 70 or 80 work well for this project.
-Your sewing kit with your favorite sewing notions: fabric shears, craft scissors, thread snips or scissors, marking tools, seam ripper, straight pins, basting pins, etc.

Homework:  Complete steps 1 - 3 under "Holly Construction" as directed in the pattern. When you trace all lines and numbers onto the stabilizer, use a light hand. You will be building your critter on top of the stabilizer and dark markings might show through your fabric. If you find the directions confusing, a mock-up will be hanging in the classroom a week before class for reference.  

Class Reservation and Parking Information

You can reserve a spot in this class with full payment of the class fee. If you are not able to attend the class please notify us as soon as possible so your space may be offered to a student on the waiting list. A full refund will be made in the form of a store credit, which may be used towards another class or any purchases in the shop, so long as you notify us at least 72 hours (3 days) in advance of the class.

While attending class, we kindly ask that you park against the chain link fence or on the street alongside the shop. There is also an additional parking lot just across the street from our back door. That will allow access to patients of the chiropractic office and other businesses in our building. Of course you are welcome to pull right up to the door for unloading. Thank you for understanding.