DAY CLASSES: Although most of our classes are held in the evening, we may be able to work with you to schedule a day class. Please contact Bia for more information.
Beginner (new to sewing)
Almost Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate Plus
Advanced
Please select a class that is at your sewing level. When class begins, you will not have time to figure out how to use your machine and how to sew. If your machine is not working well, we recommend that you have it serviced. A great sewing machine makes sewing more enjoyable.
Twice Is Nice is the class fee for individuals who have completed a class and would like to take the class again.
It does not include any supplies.
Sewing Survival Skills (Youth) - Private Lesson*
No sewing skills needed.
Ages 10+
Did you get a sewing machine as a gift? Are you a little lost when it comes to seam allowances and different stitches? Have no idea what all those knobs and numbers on a machine do? Learn these basics along with other introductory information in this private lesson. We'll spend some time reviewing all the different parts on a machine, practice sewing on fabric, test out some basic stitches. Once you've sewn some samples on the machine, you'll showcase your skills by making a pillowcase! When you leave, you'll have the fundamental skills to get you started sewing...and an awesome new project!
TOTAL DURATION: 2.5 hours
INSTRUCTOR: Bia Bernum
COST: $45 - includes handouts, thread, and practice fabric/supplies (machine will be provided if you don't have one)
SUPPLY LIST: Prewash all fabric.
Your sewing machine and manual
Any sewing supplies that you have - this is optional, but it will help you understand them
3/4 yard of main fabric - cotton quilting weight
1/3 yard of edge fabric - cotton quilting weight
1/8 yard of small band fabric - cotton quilting weight
*available on a limited basis, depending on schedule.
If you are totally new to sewing or haven't sewn in years, this workshop is for you. The Basics covers the basics of sewing - including the parts of a sewing machine, the necessary notions, an introduction to utility stitches, and a review of rotary cutting techniques. We'll go at a relaxed pace so you won't get overwhelmed with all the new information. You'll make a pillow case, a tote bag, and a drawstring bag and will leave with a great foundation to build on.
Because each session builds on the previous session, you must attend the first two classes to learn the foundation skills. There are no make-up sessions.
TOTALENROLLMENT: 4
SESSIONS: All sessions are from 6:30 pm to about 9:00 pm
Mondays - January 23rd, 30th, Feb. 6th, and 13th -- CLASS IS FULL!
Thursdays -February 16th, 23rd, March 1st, & 8th
TOTAL DURATION: 10 hours
INSTRUCTOR: Bia Bernum
COST: $95* - includes binder with 40-page workbook, some fabric and materials, and use of sewing machine.
*$30 deposit due at registration - send check to the address above, drop it off at the studio, or request an electronic bill.
Supply list will be handed out in first class. If you have a machine, bring it and the manual to the first class. If you do not have a machine, we recommend that you wait to purchase one; you can use one of the studio machines.
Beginning Quilting: The Basics
Must know how to use a sewing machine and a rotary cutter.
Must know how to sew.
Must have own sewing machine and know how to use it.
If you think you want to quilt but are a little overwhelmed with the process, then this is a great workshop for you. You'll make a simple quilt, from start to finish, including quilting and binding! We'll stick to the basics and give you a chance to digest it all. Then you can move on to Level One when you are ready! You'll learn about cutting, seam allowances, pressing, and basic construction. Finished quilt is approximately 58" x 68".
Part One: Cut Fabric - bring fabric, thread, 1/4" foot, and machine
Part Two: Piece Fabric - bring fabric, thread, 1/4" foot, and machine
Part Three: Add Borders - bring fabric, thread, 1/4" foot, and machine
Part Four: Quilt - bring backing fabric, thread, basting pins, batting, and walking foot
Part Five: Attach Binding - bring thread, fabric, and walking foot
TOTAL ENROLLMENT: 6
DATES: Saturdays, March 3rd (Parts 1 - 3) and March 10th (Parts 3 - 5)
*We'll try to get everything done during class! Bring your lunch.
The Simple Quilters Club
Must know how to quilt.
This is not a class!
Once a month, join your friends at Sew You Can for a few hours of non-stop quilting. The quilts are simple but the ideas are plenty...because we'll all be working on different quilts. This isn't a class; it's open-quilting with a group of SYC regulars!
You asked if the Bernina Embroidery Club could include those who don't have a Bernina. And the answer is, "YES!" Once a month, join your friends at Sew You Can for a few hours of non-stop embroidery. You'll work on your own projects and will be able to see what others are doing! it's open-embroidery with a group of SYC regulars! I'll have some thread and stabilizer just in case you don't have what you need.
DATES:
Thursday, January 12th - we'll be experimenting with in-the-hoop. Go to Digi Stitches for the free in-the-hoop business card holder. Be sure do download it in the correct format.
Monday, February 20th - want to embroider a t-shirt? Learn the tricks to working with knits. Bring a t-shirt (prewash) and a design you'd like to embroider on it.
Monday, March 19th - it's almost summer...and time to head to the pool. Why not make your beach towels extra fancy with a personalized embroidery design? Bring a towel (pre-wash) and a design you'd like to embroider on it!
Monday, April 16th - add some pizzazz to those pants! We'll be embroidering on jeans and/or pants. Bring a pair of pants, a design, and thread.
Monday, May 14th - try some applique! Check out the free applique designs at DigiStitches - bring fabric, design, and thread!
TIME: 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
TOTAL DURATION: once-a-month for 3 hours
INSTRUCTOR: Bia Benrum
COST:$10 per session
SUPPLY LIST:
Bring all embroidery supplies.
SYC FOOT BOOK Club
This is not a class!
Open to all machines!
Join us anytime and work at your own pace.
You've got a great collection of feet but probably only use one or two. Why not create a "Foot Book" to store your ideas and put those feet to use! You'll get access to threads, buttons, and scrap fabric as you create your Foot Book.
Prior to the club meeting, please visit your machine manufacturer's website for information about the feet. The link to the Bernina website (below) is for general pattern/directions. It is not machine/brand-specific.
Typically, your first two meetings will be spent making you front and back cover, then you'll be able to start working on your feet pages.
DATES: Mondays - January 16th, February 27th, March 26th
TIME: 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
TOTAL DURATION: 3 hours
INSTRUCTOR: Bia Bernum
COST: $10 (includes use of Sizzix die cutter, scrap fabric,stabilizer, fusible web, and tools)
SUPPLY LIST:
Refer to the Bernina website - we'll be starting with the General Directions and The Cover.
Pre-cut pieces of felt - the felt will be your "foundation" or the pages of your book
Take a yard or so of coordinating fabric, add some ties, punch it up with a bit of color and this is what you get. It's so much fun, you'll want to wear it all the time. And you'll learn some great techniques along the way...like a mitered corner and a short cut to making ties. This is a great class for confident beginners.
TOTAL ENROLLMENT: 6
DATE(S): Tuesday, March 13 - 6:30 - 9:00
TOTAL DURATION: 3 hours
INSTRUCTOR: Bia Bernum
COST: $25 - includes pattern (Vanilla House)
SUPPLY LIST: PRE-WASH all fabric. Avoid directional fabric like stripes and scenes.
1 yard of cotton quilting weight (mid-weight) fabric for front
1 1/6th yard of cotton quilting weight (mid-weight) fabric for back, trim, straps, pocket, and ties.
Please note: I used three different fabrics because I didn't have enough of the pink for the back.
This adorable bag introduces something a little new - a purse frame! It's also pieced and quilted! Double the fun! In this class, you'll spend one session piecing, quilitng, and embellishing the exterior. Then we'll spend the next evening putting the bag together.
The purse goes together rather quickly, so if you are feeling ambitious, bring some extra fabric and make two bags!
TOTAL ENROLLMENT: 6
DATE(S)/TIMES: Mondays, March 5th and 12th - 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
INSTRUCTOR: Bia Bernum
COST: $45 - includes pattern from SewPhisti-Cat, purse frame (either silver or bronze - I have three of each), and batting/muslin
SUPPLY LIST:
Fabric scraps to piece two 8.5" x 14 exterior pieces
1/4 yard coordinating fabric OR two fat quarters for lining and top ruffle
Sewing notions
14/90 needle
Walking Foot
1/4" foot
Free motion foot (optional - bring if you plan on doing free motion)
Cording foot (optional)
*I have a limited supply of the long metal strap (shown with this purse). But you can always make your own strap! We'll go over this in class if you'd like, you can make it from leftover fabric!
The Mother Load Duffle
When you need to pack everything but the kitchen sink, you can grab this bag. It's HUGE! But it's light-weight and fun to carry. I think we all need a bag that's as wonderful as the contents in it (and the person carrying it!). You'll learn a lot in this class, including zipper installation, bias binding, and how to sew a square into a tube of fabric. And you'll get a bit of an arm-workout when we quilt a grid design into this! Finished size is 20" long and 12" square.
TOTAL ENROLLMENT: 6
DATE(S)/TIMES: Tuesdays- February 14th, 21st, 28th, and March 6th- 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
INSTRUCTOR: Bia Bernum
COST: $95* - includes zippers, D-rings, tassel/zipper pull, and pattern from Studio Cherie -- check out her ETSY shop for inspiration!
SUPPLY LIST: (this project is not machine washable, so no need to pre-wash fabric) -- if you have any questions prior to purchasing fabric, please email Bia. When you pay for the class, I'll give you the pattern and go over some things with you.
1 1/2 yards polyester quilt batting (8 oz - heavier-weight- is recommended but not required. I have used regular batting with home dec fabric)
1 1/2 yards of exterior fabric (can be home dec or cotton quilting-weight)
1 1/2 yards of lining fabric (cotton quilting-weight)
1/2 yard of handle fabric (cotton quilting-weight)
3.5 yards (126 inches) of jute webbing (found in the upholstery notions - you won't need this until the third class - I can show you a sample).
Seam guide that attaches to your foot (click here for an example) --optional but it makes quilting the bag a lot easier.
Walking Foot
Sewing notions
*TWICE IS NICE FEE: $20
The Cozy Cushion
It's a cat bed. It's a dog bed. It's a floor pillow. It's wonderful. It's something you need to learn to make. This cozy cushion measures 18" x 24" and is the perfect size for just about any human or furry companion. Take this class and you'll learn how to sew a gusset into a rectangle shape (around the corner can be tricky) to create a boxed shape. You'll also insert a zipper and learn how to take this pattern and apply it to any sized cushion. You'll practice, make a muslin insert, and then you'll be able to conquer the "big dogs!"
TOTAL ENROLLMENT: 6
DATE: Thursdays, February 2nd and 9th - 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
So your New Year's resolution is to get organized -- and you keep putting it off...putting it off...Why not get started with something colorful and useful!? These super simple wall pockets will add a punch of practicality to any room. You can slide them onto a rail or add some grommets and screw them onto a cabinet knob. Never lose your keys again! The pattern includes four sizes (9.5" x 8" - 6" x 7" - 6" x 4" - 4" x 4")...you pick! These don't take long to make, so bring extra fabric and make a few!
Maybe you are self-taught quilter who is a bit lost or possibly you have taken a beginner basics class and crave more information, in either case, you'll love what you learn in this class! Ellen will review the basics of fabric selection, help you understand different threads (and needles), and introduce you to batting. She'll also answer all those questions you've been dying to ask, including, "What does 'quilt-by-check' mean?"
DATES: Wednesday, February 15th - 6 pm to 8:30 pm
TOTAL DURATION: 2.5 hour session
INSTRUCTOR: Ellen Reilly
COST: $20
SUPPLY LIST:
Pen/pencil and paper
Twist and Shout!
Must know how to use a sewing machine.
Must know how to use a rotary cutter and ruler.
Must be able to sew a 1/4" seam.
If you are ready to try a different ruler (an equilateral 60 degree triangle) and a different cutting technique, then this is the class for you!
TOTAL ENROLLMENT: 6
DATES/TIME: Wednesdays, February 22nd and 29th -- 6 pm to 9 pm
TOTAL DURATION: 5 hours
INSTRUCTOR: Ellen Reilly
COST: $55 - includes pattern (valued at $7) and Creative Grids ruler (valued at $17.95)
SUPPLY LIST
Please click here - PLEASE NOTE that a ruler is included in the course fee. You only need fabric and notions.
Keyhole Quilt
Must know how to use a sewing machine.
Must know how to use a rotary cutter.
Must be able to sew a 1/4" seam.
Not sure if you are a quilter and want to test it out? Have you learned to quilt and want to make another one but are nervous to go at it alone? If you are thinking about quilting or have some basic skills, this is a great class for you. It pieces quickly and is a time saver because it uses pre-cut jelly rolls! Plus, you'll learn a new piecing technique! Just add fabric for the borders, backing and binding and you'll be done! You'll be making the top only (final size is about 74" x 74").
TOTAL ENROLLMENT: 6
DATES/TIME: Fridays, February 24th, March 2nd*, and Marchl 16th -- 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
*Please note that you'll skip one week to allow time to complete quilt center and be ready to add borders)
TOTAL DURATION: 7.5 hours
INSTRUCTOR: Teresa Simmons
COST: $65 (includes book - On A Roll by Heather Mulder Peterson - and supplemental instructions)
You'll need additional fabric but don't need it for the first class (this information is included in the book)
1/2 yard of cotton quilting fabric for inner border
1 1/2 yards of cotton quilting fabric for outer border
7/8 yard for binding
backing fabric
Calendar Quilts
Must know how to machine applique. Completing the Intro to Machine Applique class is recommended.
This is NOT a class.
You've seen them hanging in the studio and now is your chance to make them! This is a wonderful opportunity for you to practice your applique skills and make a great wall/door hanging for the seasons or months. Ellen will be working on her own on fusible machine applique during each session - why not join her? You can bring your project in and she can provide some moral support or technical support as needed. This is not a class, but an opportunity for you to work on your own Calendar Quilt and ask questions/get guidance as needed.
DATES: Wednesdays, 1 pm to 4 pm - January 18th, February 15th
Must know how to use a sewing machine and be familiar with its stitches. You do NOT need to know how to quilt.
You know that applique' is a wonderful technique that allows you to add dimension and shapes to quilts, apparel, pillows, etc. It can be a bit tricky, so we'll help you get started. You'll learn one method of machine applique' (using fusible web) and will begin to work on a stitch sampler and a small applique piece. For a little practice after this class, consider joining Ellen for “Calendar Quilts” or “Rose of Sharon” sessions. Stay after class and we will do a quick overview of each.
6 - 10 different colors for flowers and leaves (can be scraps or fat eighths)
Thread in colors to coordinate with applique' fabric
*These items are available for purchase (30% discount) at Sew You Can -kit fee is $7.85 + tax
Crystal City Star
Must be able to achieve a 1/4" seam and use a rotary cutter. Good working of your sewing machine is a must.
This quick and easy quilt is named after our own little metropolis of Corning! And who better to teach it than its designer, our own Ellen Reilly!? You can use any fabric, from contemporary to patriotic and everything in between. It's also a great quilt to use up all those fat quarters on!
18 Fat Quarters - high contrast fabric will show off the star better
1/2 yard of cotton quilting fabric for inner border
1/2 yard of cotton quilting fabric for binding
3 3/4 yards for backing (you can wait to get this later if you'd like)
*You will have time to complete most of the blocks. The quilt will need to be completed outside of class or during open sewing/quilting.
Color Analysis with Julie Allen of A New Hue
Arrive to your appointment a little early and wearing no makeup.
Have you ever wondered what colors bring out the best in you? Wearing certain colors make you look and feel better and save you time and money. Think about all those clothes hanging in your closet that you don't wear. You probably sense that they aren't for you. Let Julie Allen of A New Hue in Penfield, NY help you discover your color and discover yourself. She'll spend time analyzing your color, review your personal swatch book, then help you select cosmetics that play-up your best features.
WHEN: TBA
COST: $125 (includes consultation, personal swatch book, and supplemental materials)
Interested in finishing your quilt or getting some help with a project that you are struggling with? Then join Ellen in the studio for Open Quilting. This is not a class, so you'll receive informal assistance.
DATES:
Wednesday, January 18th- 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
TOTAL DURATION: 3 hours each session
INSTRUCTOR: Ellen Reilly
COST: $10
SUPPLY LIST:
Bring what you need
Open Sewing
Skill Level Varies
If you would like assistance on your project, please call to schedule an appointment. We need to schedule time to help you. Fees will vary.
Bring your projects and have fun with other sewing enthusiasts! Use our machines, tables, and equipment. We've got the space for you to complete your projects. Just come in and we'll get you set up. You must pre-register if you would like any form of assistance.
WHEN: Any time we are open and don't have classes scheduled.
TIME: Whenever! Just let me know when you'll be here.
COST: Depends on assistance needed.
If you need some project ideas, click HERE. Please come to the studio with a project in mind. There are a lot of free patterns online!
Knitting Classes: Some of you have expressed an interest in learning to knit. Please check out our friends at The Wooly Minded on Market Street in downtown Corning. They offer a variety of knitting classes at all levels. They also sell high quality yarns and fibers.
Sewing Survival Skills - Private Lesson*
No sewing skills needed.
Ages 18+
Do you have a sewing machine and have no idea how to use it? Are you new to sewing or haven't sewn in years? If you are short on time and can't take Beginning Sewing: The Basics, this is the lesson for you. You'll learn the basics of your machine including threading, bobbin winding, the feet, and machine needles along with other introductory information in this private lesson. We'll spend some time reviewing all the different parts of a machine, practice threading and winding bobbins, and test out some basic stitches. Once you've sewn some samples on the machine, you'll cut your fabric and make a pillowcase. You'll be amazed by what you learn in such a short time!
TOTAL DURATION: 2.5 to 3 hours
INSTRUCTOR: Bia Bernum
COST: $50 - includes handouts, thread, and practice fabric/supplies (machine will be provided if you don't have one)
SUPPLY LIST: Prewash all fabric.
Your sewing machine and manual
Any sewing supplies that you have - this is optional, but it will help you understand them
3/4 yard of main fabric - cotton quilting weight
1/3 yard of edge fabric - cotton quilting weight
1/8 yard of small band fabric - cotton quilting weight
*available on a limited basis, depending on schedule.
Sew You Can is participating in the Million Pillow Case Challenge organized by American Patchwork and Quilting. During the year, we'll be collecting pillowcases and donating them to charity. What can you do? It's simple: just download the patterns (below) and get busy sewing. You can make as many pillowcases as you'd like.
Please prewash all fabric -- please... no strong detergents and no fabric softeners.
Currently, pillowcases will be donated to Child Protective Services.
If you know of an organization who should receive these pillowcases, please email or call (936-3656). We will be alternating recipients throughout the year.
If your organization is participating by making pillow cases and you'd like me to add you to the list of drop-off sites, please email me with contact information.
Quilt for Kids
Make a quilt and send it to Quilt for Kids! All you need to do is agree to make a quilt and you'll receive a packet of fabric and directions. You make the quilt and return it to them. They send it to a child with a life-threatening illness or who is a victim of abuse.
We have Bernina sewing machines, five Janome Schoolmate sewing machines, and a Bernina serger that can be rented and used for our classes. They cannot be taken outside the studio. Thread and needle are available for an additional fee.
The rental fee is $5 per class session/meeting - so the fee will be higher for classes with multiple sessions.
For open sewing, the fee is $5 per three-hours.
To guarantee a machine, reserve one when you sign up for a class. It's that easy!
