I finished a new quilt! In record time, might I add! Seriously, I started this on a Saturday afternoon and it was washed and hanging on the wall by Wednesday morning. And yes, I did sleep and eat and do all the other things I like to do! The pattern is called Piano Keys from Rangoli Designs. It’s no secret around the shop that I am in love with Laura Gunn’s new line Poppy, so when I saw that this pattern recommends mid to large scale prints, there was no question what fabrics I would be using!

I had the pleasure of meeting the pattern’s designer, Sujata, and she showed me a sample she had made. Using just 10 fat quarters, you can make a completely unique work of art! The pattern’s instructions are clear and the cutting is simple. All the blocks are the exact same size! Arranging the cut blocks is so fun, mostly because you really can’t go wrong. Sujata recommends laying out the quilt and sewing piece by piece, so you see the quilt forming before your eyes! It’s not often that you get instant gratification in quilt making but this definitely fits the bill.

I finished off the the quilt by backing it with a Kaffe Fassett woven check, and quilting with a variegated thread. I chose the wavy line design that I had seen in the sample. This was surprisingly simple and very relaxing. Normally, I am a stitch-in-the-ditch kind of girl, and quilting this way was very freeing. I highly recommend it!

I made the baby quilt size, which is 44″ x 48″, but the pattern also includes instructions for a 72″ x 80″ version. I love this so much, I made up kits for the shop. Each kit includes 10 fat quarters in the fabrics shown and the pattern. I am so pleased that Sujata will also be teaching a class on this quilt in May. Please check our class page for details!

There are still a few spots left in our March quilting class, starting this Saturday. This six week course is a great way to build your sewing skills and meet other quilt-minded crafters! You will learn to assemble this simple quilt top from start to finish. In the process you will explore fabric selection, rotary cutting, chain piecing, and machine quilting. The finished quilt makes a great baby gift, wall hanging, or lap blanket.

If you’d like to join us, please call the shop to reserve your space. See you soon!

The details:

Beginning Quilting
$120 plus materials
Saturdays, March 6, 13, 20, 27, April 3 & 17: 10AM-12PM

Materials:Materials: thread, batting, 4.5 yards of fabric total. Use of our sewing machines, rotary cutters, scissors, mats, and rulers are included for class sessions.

You should be familiar with sewing machine basics to take this class. There is sewing homework required to complete your quilt, so you should own a sewing machine or be prepared to rent time on our machines.

I know that there is still 2 feet of snow on the ground outside the shop, but I am looking forward to Spring in a big way! The recent completion of these Simple Tanks are a big part of the reason! I made a one using Kwik Sew 2498 last summer, and it quickly became a wardrobe staple. I am not a big fan of stretchy, clingy tanks in the warm weather, and I love that with one yard of cool cotton you can make a breezy top in different styles.

Elizabeth sewed up these versions in a rosy pink Shot Cotton, and one in Kaffe Fassett’s Serape Stripe. I thought the rosy one needed a little something extra, and since we recently got some gorgeous embroidery floss in at the shop, I decided to embellish! I carefully stitched a row of little french knots along the neckline. They were easier to make than I thought, and I love the shine of the mercerized thread. Sparkly!

If you’d like to get a little dose of Spring this weekend, we will be having a Simple Tank class. Here’s the details:

Saturday, February 20: 10AM -2PM
$45 plus materials

Materials: Pattern, thread, .75- 1.5 yards of fabric depending on size. All materials are available for purchase at Spool. Use of our sewing machines, rotary cutters, scissors, mats, and rulers are included for class sessions.

Please call the shop to reserve your space. See you soon!

Plan ahead for Valentine’s Day and give your sweetie a playful, handmade gift – one of a kind boxers! I love an opportunity to use wild fabrics, and this simple pattern fits the bill perfectly. We used Kwik Sew 1672, and 1 yard each of Alexander Henry’s Dot, Art Gallery Fabrics Living Elements, and Jay McCarroll’s Ivy League Bees. So fun!

If you’d like to give these a try, we’re having a class next weekend. Here’s the details:

Boxer Shorts
$45 plus materials

Sundays, Jan 31 & Feb 7: 12:30-2:30PM

Materials: pattern, thread, 1- 1.25 yards fabric depending on size, 1.25″ elastic. All materials are available for purchase at Spool. Use of our sewing machines, rotary cutters, scissors, mats, and rulers are included for class sessions.

Please call the shop to reserve your space. See you soon!

We had a great day on Saturday during Jay McCarroll’s Mystery Bag Class! Just look at those smiling faces! Everyone was very excited to get know Jay, and hear what he had to say about color, design, and the creative process.

Last week, Jay and I made up Top Secret Mystery Bags filled with beautiful fabrics from Spool’s stash and Jay’s Woodland Wonderland and Germania lines. The ladies opened up their bags, and got their assignment: Create a one of a kind patchwork fabric to make into a versatile tote bag.

We set up design walls for each student to arrange their fabric pallets. Jay did demonstrations on using fusible web for applique, and rotary cutting fabric quickly and efficiently. Liz loved it ( as you can see above!) and says it will totally change her sewing process!

With Jay’s help, the students got to work collaging and stitching their fabrics. They worked hard and created gorgeous patchwork tapestries! Great job, ladies!

By the end of class, everyone was well on their way to finishing their unique totes. Here’s Rachael posing with Jay and her new bag. So cute!

After class, Jay gave each student a gift bag with adorable items from his web store. Pictures were taken and autographs signed. Jay told me he loved meeting this group of talented women, and is looking forward to teaching more classes at Spool – so stay tuned for upcoming dates!

Thanks to everyone who came, and thanks to Jay for making it so much fun!

The Farmer’s Almanac has predicted a very cold winter this year, and judging by the temperatures in Philly, I’d say it’s on the money! My eyes keep turning towards the super soft, warm bolts of flannel we’ve received recently. On a cold winter’s night, you can’t beat flannel PJ’s and a cup of cocoa. If you agree, perhaps you’ll want to sew some of your very own in our Pajama Pants class this weekend!

Class starts this Sunday! Please call the shop to reserve your space.

The details:

Sunday, Jan 17 & 24: 12:30-2:30PM
$45 plus materials

Materials: pattern, 2.75 yards fabric,thread, 1 pkg. 1″ elastic. All materials are available for purchase at Spool. Use of our sewing machines, rotary cutters, scissors, mats, and rulers are included for class sessions.

You should be familiar with sewing machine basics to take this class. Please stop by the shop prior to class to pick up your pattern and select your fabric. Fabric should be laundered, and the paper pattern pieces cut out for the first class.

See you soon!

We are in Love with Amy Butler’s Frenchy Bag! Since our Frenchy Bag models sold out in our sample sale, I thought it was time for some new ones in new fabrics! When Amy’s new line arrived, Elizabeth was especially taken with this lacy, paisley print. Aubergine and pale chartreuse is one of her current favorite color pairings! Seeing them together, I think they may become one of mine too!

Elizabeth got work stitching up the Shoulder Bag and Handbag versions, both of which are included in the pattern. I think they turned out beautifully, and she did an amazing job of centering the patterns. The contrast between the wild paisley and the more traditional medallion is just lovely!

If you’d like to try your hand at making your very own Frenchy Bag, we are having a workshop on March 7 & 14th. This is great class for getting more confident with sewing patterns. Plus, you know you’ll be dying for a new handbag when Spring rolls around, so why not make your own? Please call the shop to reserve your space. See you soon!

I was so pleased when Jay McCarroll stopped by the shop this week now that he’s back in town after filming his latest reality show in L.A. Not only did he bring lots of silly glasses to try on, but he also let me know he’s ready to teach another class at Spool! Jay is Project Runway’s first season winner and designer of our favorite fabric lines: Garden Friends, Woodland Wonderland, and the new Germania. Jay is known for his amazing sense of color, unique point of view, and fun loving nature.

It has been a treat to get to know Jay this past year, and we are thrilled to offer you an opportunity to do the same. Jay will be teaching a mystery class in creativity on January 16. Intrigued? I thought so!

When you come to class, Jay will hand you a “mystery bag” full of materials to make a top secret project. (Here’s a hint: Whenever you see Jay around town, he is carrying a huge tote bag!) Jay will be your guide, sharing his methods of design, embellishment, and fabric selection. It promises to be a wonderful class in experimentation and color, so be prepared for an adventure!

Here’s the details:

Saturday, January 16: 1-5PM. $80
Materials: Mystery Materials included. You will need to purchase or bring one yard of fabric and thread. Use of our sewing machines, rotary cutters, scissors, mats, and rulers are included for the class session.

Class size is limited, so please call the shop to reserve your space.

Our class schedule is now up and ready through March 2010! Take a little time for yourself in the New Year to learn to sew, make your first quilt, or stitch up a pretty purse. We have new dates of our most popular sessions, as well as all new offerings. Classes are a fun way to improve your skills and enjoy crafty company!

Still wondering what to gift to give the sewing enthusiast in your life? I’ll bet that a gift certificate to one of our classes would be well received. Better yet, you could take a class as well and spend some creative time together. We are happy to mail gift certificates anywhere they need to go, so please call the shop for details.

See you in class!

We had an amazing Saturday in our Jump Rope Dress workshop with Oliver + S designer, Liesl Gibson. Look at all those cuties and their dresses! The students had a wonderful time with Liesl, who is so knowledgeable and so sweet. Her stitching expertise got our eager seamstresses well on their way to creating truly beautiful garments.

Liesl did demonstrations throughout the day, to illustrate the crucial points in making this adorable dress. She covered button plackets, collars, set in sleeves, and gathered pockets. Whew! The ladies in class got to work!

Everyone had amazing focus and it really paid off. Here’s Eve working on the dress placket. She is using one of my favorite new Kaffe Fassett prints. I can’t wait to see a photo of her niece wearing this beauty.

Even though we all worked hard, there were plenty of laughs, as shown by Julie with her Lady Gaga-style ironing!

It was really fun for me to see everyone have their own “Eureka!” moments with their sewing after having Liesl’s careful instruction. Seeing Liesl is always a pleasure for me, and I feel as though I could talk to her forever about sewing, business, and life in general. If you missed this weekend’s workshop, never fear! We are already talking about having her back in 2010. Thanks so much to Liesl and everyone who came and made her feel welcome!