How to Make a Quilt From Start to Finish – Final Class

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Just in case you missed it, be sure to check out updates from class one, class two, and class three.

You’ll find the entire current class listing in our quarterly newsletter.

You may recall that I boasted about having plenty of time for finishing homework since we had a week off between classes this time.

Half Finished Homework

Yeah. Unfortunately that didn’t happen. So here’s my half quilted project. I just have to get those lines quilted the other direction and I’ll be ready for squaring up and binding.

The good news is that I had a small item to use for the binding lesson, so I’m not an entirely delinquent student. Nancy loves me anyway, I think!

Practice Piece - FrontPractice Piece - Back

I’m ridiculously happy with my practice piece. The picture on the right was supposed to be the back of it, but I think I almost like it better than the front. We’ll just have to wait and see how it gets used.

At the risk of repeating myself, there are several benefits to taking a quilt class (or any class) at Erica’s.

  • You have time set aside to work on your projects.
  • You have access to a teacher with YEARS of experience.
  • There are other people learning along with you.
  •  You learn tips and tricks you will NEVER learn from any book or on your own.
I am so glad that I took this class. My confidence is through the roof now. I just really can’t wait to get to work on finishing all those quilt tops I have at home. They’ve been waiting an awfully long time to be finished into quilts.And as for my little “Minnie” sewing machine? Remember her from week 1? I really wasn’t sure I would be able to do my quilting with her but it did work. She was working really, really hard when I was sewing over a spot where several seams came together.Also, it looks like this crib size quilt is pretty much the limit as to the size quilt I’ll be able to fit through her when I’m doing the quilting. Basically, I think she’s great for piecing but if I want to do any more serious quilting or bigger projects then it’s going to be time for an upgrade. Break my heart, right?

So if you need me, I’ll be up in the Sewing Department trying out the different models to see which one’s right for me. Do you have any comments? Do you remember your first sewing machine and when you realized it was time to upgrade?

I hope you’ve enjoyed this short series of articles about classes at Erica’s. If you’re local, I really hope that you’ll join us for a class soon. I’m already signed up for three more! See you there!

Be sure to “like” us on Facebook! You’ll see great projects from customers and Erica’s employees, new items just into the store and be eligible for great giveaways!
Now you can also follow us on Pinterest and Twitter.(To find an item or event on our web page after clicking on the highlighted words, hold down the “Ctrl” key and touch F. Enter the item number in the box, press enter, and you’ll be taken to that item.)

You can see What’s New at Erica’s almost every day! Any page of our website has a column on the left that tells you where to find things, and all you have to do is look for “New Items” in purple, and click to find out.

Executive Carryall

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We’re off to Quilt Market in Kansas City, and a few weeks ago Lacy and I decided to make the Executive Carryall (A16564) to take along.

However, it seems I was the one doing all the work, while Lacy slept on the job every chance she got! 

Lacy the CatLacy the Cat

I love working with Soft and Stable (A13750) used in Annie’s patterns. It makes the items look so professional, and it’s light weight for all the stability it gives to the projects!

Executive Carryall in Progress

Because it’s thick, I used Wonder Clips (A12995 and A12996) instead of pins when I got to this point. 

With all Lacy’s help, I finally got it done, and here it is!

Erica with Executive CarryallLacy with Executive Carryall

I’ve used Soft and Stable with purses and placemats (A16219), too. I also made a smaller bag for my netbook, but more on that in another post!

placemat

Be sure to “like” us on Facebook! You’ll see great projects from customers and Erica’s employees, new items just into the store and be eligible for great giveaways! Now you can also follow us on Pinterest and Twitter.

(To find an item or event on our web page after clicking on the highlighted words, hold down the “Ctrl” key and touch F. Enter the item number in the box, press enter, and you’ll be taken to that item.)

You can see What’s New at Erica’s almost every day! Any page of our website has a column on the left that tells you where to find things, and all you have to do is look for “New Items” in purple, and click to find out.

How to Make a Quilt From Start to Finish – Class Three

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Just in case you missed it, be sure to check out updates from class one and class two.

You’ll find the entire current class listing in our quarterly newsletter.

This week I have lots of pictures to share with you. My fellow classmates are making some amazing quilts. I can’t wait to see them next class time when they’ll all be quilted.

Without further ado, here they are so far.

Beautiful Batik Quilt

Red Floral and Checks Quilt

Pretty Purple Quilt

Quilt Floral

Pink & White Quilt

The last one is mine and it’s turning out way better than I had hoped. I wasn’t too excited about my fabric choices after the first couple of weeks but once the borders were sewn on I decided it was really very pretty.  It’s impossible to show in a picture but the white fabric is a white on white leaf design. The backing will be a different but similar design.

This week was fun because it was the closest any of us has been to a real live quilting “bee.” We all learned together and helped each other get ready for quilting.

The bummer for me at this point is realizing that my little Minnie sewing machine may really not be up to this challenge of quilting. I think I will be able to accomplish this crib size quilt on it but if I wanted to do anything larger the rolled up portions of the quilt might not fit through the machine.

Only one more class time left! We’re off next week for Mother’s Day so I have plenty of time to get my homework done. And of course to dream up new projects. Soon, I’ll be a beginner no more!

Be sure to “like” us on Facebook! You’ll see great projects from customers and Erica’s employees, new items just into the store and be eligible for great giveaways! Now you can also follow us on Pinterest and Twitter.

(To find an item or event on our web page after clicking on the highlighted words, hold down the “Ctrl” key and touch F. Enter the item number in the box, press enter, and you’ll be taken to that item.)

You can see What’s New at Erica’s almost every day! Any page of our website has a column on the left that tells you where to find things, and all you have to do is look for “New Items” in purple, and click to find out.

Quilter’s Shopping Trends Survey

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Gift Card
You can participate in the Quilter’s Shopping Trends survey for your chance to win fabulous prizes! This year’s sponsors have donated over $1,000 worth of prizes (including a $100 Erica’s gift card). Winners are announced at Quilt Market May 18 at 2pm in Booth #1936, 2037. 
Please let us know if you win any of these really great prizes!

Be sure to “like” us on Facebook! You’ll see great projects from customers and Erica’s employees, new items just into the store and be eligible for great giveaways! Now you can also follow us on Pinterest and Twitter.

(To find an item or event on our web page after clicking on the highlighted words, hold down the “Ctrl” key and touch F. Enter the item number in the box, press enter, and you’ll be taken to that item.)

You can see What’s New at Erica’s almost every day! Any page of our website has a column on the left that tells you where to find things, and all you have to do is look for “New Items” in purple, and click to find out.

How to Make a Quilt From Start to Finish – Class Two

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In case you missed it, you can read Class Update #1.

You’ll find the entire current class listing in our quarterly newsletter.

We had a lot of homework this week! The goal was to return to class with all of our sewing and cutting homework from last week finished. The good news is that I was able to accomplish that much. The not so good news is that I have a lot of homework again for next week!

9 patch

As you can see in the picture above, I did get all of my blocks sewn together during class. However, there are a couple of seams that I need to remove and do again. They need to be straight, darn it! I had also been hoping to get my borders on during class as well but a girl can only do so much, right?

One of the best parts about being in a class with other people is learning along with them. Even though I didn’t get my borders on, two other ladies did during class. That was fantastic because Nancy was able to demonstrate for us twice how to get them measured accurately, quickly, and easily.

It’s also really fun to see everyone else’s fabric choices come alive as the quilt top comes together. Honestly, I’m kind of bored by my fabric choices at this point. That’s why this is called a learning experience, right? But, some of the other ladies have chosen very bold florals, and even a beautiful batik pairing that is lovely. Hopefully next week I’ll be able to share some photos of their quilts as well.

Oh and my sewing machine? Remember that teeny little thing?

Jen's sewing machine Minnie

We have appropriately named her Minnie.

Until next time, may all your stitches be straight!

Be sure to “like” us on Facebook! You’ll see great projects from customers and Erica’s employees, new items just into the store and be eligible for great giveaways! Now you can also follow us on Pinterest and Twitter.

(To find an item or event on our web page after clicking on the highlighted words, hold down the “Ctrl” key and touch F. Enter the item number in the box, press enter, and you’ll be taken to that item.)

You can see What’s New at Erica’s almost every day! Any page of our website has a column on the left that tells you where to find things, and all you have to do is look for “New Items” in purple, and click to find out.

It Was A Happy Anniversary!

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Anniversary CakeWe had a wonderful 38th anniversary celebration a few weekends ago. Thanks to all our friends who were able to join us, new and old. Who would have thought that this many years later, two of our kids would be a major part of our longevity. I found a copy of a flyer that we had them take from house to house and hang on doorknobs in the neighborhood when we first opened.Broecker Family I asked them if they remembered that, and they said, “Are you kidding? It was kind of like…Do you want to eat, or not!” We wouldn’t be able to serve customers world-wide if it weren’t for them and all the other wonderful co-workers we have now, and those who helped us grow over the years.

Nancy Hansen NeedleworkNancy Hansen brought in a project that I taught in my very first needlepoint class. (Yes, I did handwork back in those days.) This was from fall of 1974. We were mere children back then!

Chris at Anniversary Celebration

Chris Sikorski not only had the oldest “Erica’s” receipt in our contest some time ago, but she was one of our first customers, and the shipping company she worked for delivered our very first shipment! And she’s been with us ever since. She got started with counted cross stitch when it first came to the US and we had classes in that, too.

Nancy Koski at Anniversary Celebration

Nancy Koski has worked with us longer than any other employee. Twenty nine years! We grew up together, didn’t we, Nancy? (She’s the quilting teacher that Jennifer talked about in our last post.) I knew she was no longer intimidated by me when she first called me “Toots!” She’s been a great friend, too.

Linda at Anniversary CelebrationLinda Ullery was a customer who came to work with us a few years after Nancy. I think I met her first in one of my basket weaving classes, and we’ve seen her kids and grand-kids grow up.

Darleen at Anniversary Celebration

Darleen Davis started just a few years after Linda, when my mother stopped checking in merchandise and we needed someone to take that position. Remember when that was a one person job in the back of the classroom, Darleen? Now she has a whole big room and lots of people working with her.  Our 17 year old fur-child was a brother of two of hers.

Our business has grown from just a friend who volunteered some time to help and me, and keeping track of inventory with index cards in shoe boxes to over thirty people, many with computers to work with. And, still amazing to me, customers from all over the world!!

Dick and I want to thank all of you for your part in keeping us going and making us a “favorite” on your computers.

Please remember to be sure to “like” us on Facebook! You’ll see great projects from customers and Erica’s employees, new items just into the store and be eligible for great giveaways! Now you can also follow us on Pinterest and Twitter.

(To find an item or event on our web page after clicking on the highlighted words, hold down the “Ctrl” key and touch F. Enter the item number in the box, press enter, and you’ll be taken to that item.)

You can see What’s New at Erica’s almost every day! Any page of our website has a column on the left that tells you where to find things, and all you have to do is look for “New Items” in purple, and click to find out.

How to Make a Quilt From Start to Finish – Class One

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This post is the first in our new Classes at Erica’s Series. Enjoy! You’ll find the entire current class listing in our quarterly newsletter.

Quilters who are self taught such as I can still benefit from professional instruction. Even though I’ve made several quilt tops and one actual complete quilt on my own, I decided to take a class to see what I was missing.

Now don’t laugh.

Sewing Machine

Yep. That’s my sewing machine. Isn’t she cute? I think she needs a name. Got any ideas for me?

You may not think you could actually make an entire quilt on a machine like that but a person could and I have. I don’t have as many choices as with more impressive machines, but hey, it gets the job done.

I’m thinking that once I improve my skills by taking a couple of classes I’ll be able to justify a machine upgrade.

Whether you’re a complete newbie or have a little bit of experience, Nancy Koski is a really fantastic teacher. She made class so easy and she’s just really sweet and helpful. But if you hear her say, “Now hold on there, Toots,” then you know to stop what you’re doing because she’s got some instruction for you to pay attention to.

This first week was all about learning to cut strips and put them together to create a nine patch block.

9 patch quilt block

I think I did pretty well, what do you think? For my first ever 9 patch I’m pretty pleased. And would you look at those corners? No overlap. Of course, that’s made possible by following Nancy’s “smoosh method.” But you’ll have to take her class to learn that one.

For next class we get to finish up the nine patches and some more cutting at home. Then next Sunday we’re going to be putting together the actual quilt top. That’s pretty impressive to me that you can come in to a class which assumes no quilting experience and have a quilt top put together in just two class periods.

pinned fabric strips

Fun, huh? And I only poked myself a couple of times. No blood, thank goodness.

Be sure to check back next week when you’ll get to see my completed quilt top. The class runs three more weeks and I’ll post an update after each week!

fabric pieces

Have you taken any classes at Erica’s? We’ve certainly offered a few over the years. We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments.

Be sure to “like” us on Facebook! You’ll see great projects from customers and Erica’s employees, new items just into the store and be eligible for great giveaways! Now you can also follow us on Pinterest and Twitter.

(To find an item or event on our web page after clicking on the highlighted words, hold down the “Ctrl” key and touch F. Enter the item number in the box, press enter, and you’ll be taken to that item.)

You can see What’s New at Erica’s almost every day! Any page of our website has a column on the left that tells you where to find things, and all you have to do is look for “New Items” in purple, and click to find out.