Friday, February 12, 2010

Hello Friends!

We have photos of our class projects and other info on our new website:  http://www.beefabrics.ca/
Thanks for visiting!

Friday, January 15, 2010

2010 Knitting & Sewing Classes

Social Drop-ins (Stitch 'n' Bitch!) *NEW*

Third Thursday of the month (January 21st, February 18th, ...) 6 - 8PM

First Saturday of the month (February 6th, March 6th, ...) 2 - 4PM

This monthly event is free for all knitters, sewers or crafters. Join us for a chat, while you work on that unfinished project, share your work, give and receive advice, or just come to have some fun!

Mitten Knitting *NEW*

1.5 hours x 5 classes

Tuesdays, January 19 & 26, February 2 & 9, March 2, 5:45PM - 7:15PM

Taught by Jodie Godwin

Now that we know how to knit socks (well, some of us do!), our toes are all toasty, and we're sad that the sock class ended because it was so much fun, here's something to look forward to during those cold, dark winter nights! Jodie will teach us to knit mittens in the round, on double-pointed needles, so if you've never used them before, this is a good project to start with. Basic knitting knowledge required.

Cost: $40 (all 5 sessions) + materials

K1P1 - An Introduction to Knitting

1 x 2.5 hour class

Evenings:
Wednesday, February 10, 6:30PM - 9PM
Thursday, March 4, 6:30PM - 9PM
Thursday, March 25, 6:30PM - 9PM

Afternoons:
Saturday, January 30, 2PM - 4:30PM
Saturday, February 20, 2PM - 4:30PM

Taught by Kate Leathers

This class will teach the skills that you need to start creating your own knitted projects. We will cover reading patterns, choosing between different yarns, selecting the right needles, and of course, how to knit and purl!

Students will leave the class with new knowledge, a knitting resource package, and a first project already underway. This class is suitable for both those who have never held needles before, and those who want to relearn the basics.

Cost: $20 + materials

Project: a small lined purse. The student can choose to make it in stockinette, garter or a more complex pattern. Sewn liners with cord will be provided. Students will knit the shape, sew the seams and the liner into the top opening.

Supplies: one 50g ball pima tencel & 4.5mm needles

K2P2 - Textures & Twists (intermediate knitting)

2 x 2 hour classes

Evenings:
Wednesdays, January 20 & February 3, 7PM - 9PM
Tuesdays, March 2 & 16, 7PM - 9PM
Wednesdays, March 17 & 31, 7PM - 9PM

Afternoons:
Saturdays, February 13 & 27, 2PM - 4PM

Taught by Kate Leathers

This class is for students ready to move past scarves and blankets into intermediate level patterns, such as sweaters and other shaped pieces. Intermediate level knitting techniques will be taught over two classes. Students will be taught theory and given practical instruction in interpreting patterns and charts, knitting textures, and shaping pieces (increasing and decreasing techniques)

There is a selection of project patterns to choose from, and students are encouraged to bring their own projects if they have one in mind. The first class will be focused on learning new techniques and starting the projects. The second class is scheduled two weeks later so that students will have time to work on their projects and bring their discoveries and questions to the class. At this time, further techniques and pattern theory will be explored.

Cost: $30 (for 2 sessions) + supplies

Supplies will depend on what pattern is chosen. Suggested patterns can be found in store.

K2togYO - Lace & Entrelac (intermediate knitting)

2 x 2 hour classes

Evenings:
Tuesdays, February 2 & 16, 7PM - 9PM
Wednesdays, February 24 & March 10, 7PM - 9PM

Afternoons:
Saturdays, March 13 & 27, 2PM - 4PM

These classes are for students who wish to expand their knitting repertoire to include textures, openwork lace, and entrelac. Students will be taught theory and given practical instruction in lace work, and the class project is an elegant lace wrap.

The first class will be focused on learning techniques, reading charts and starting the project. The second class is scheduled two weeks later so that students will have time to work on their projects and bring their discoveries and questions to the class. At this time, further lace techniques and the entrelac pattern will be taught.

Cost: $30 (for 2 sessions) + supplies

Lace Project: Suggested patterns can be found in store.

Supplies: Arequipa, 30 st = 4" on 3.5mm needles
One skein will be enough for a large shawl or stole
3.5 or 3.75mm needles

C4F C4B - Cable-work (advanced knitting)

2 x 2 hour classes

Evenings:
Thursdays, February 11 & 25, 7PM - 9PM
Tuesdays, March 9 & 23, 7PM - 9PM

Taught by Kate Leathers

These classes are for students who wish to expand their knitting repertoire to include cabling. This traditional knitting technique is what makes the Irish Fisherman's sweater so interesting, but it is used in all kinds of patterns. Cabling looks complicated, but it is actually a fairly straightforward technique - you just need an extra needle and a bit of patience.

This class will teach both cabling and false cabling (twisting stitches) techniques. The first class will revolve around reading patterns and charts, and learning a basic 4-stitch cable. Students will be given simple cable charts to work on for two weeks, and then return in two weeks to learn and practice a more complex cable. These pieces will come together to form a pillowcase.

Cost: $30 (for 2 sessions) + supplies

Pillow Project: A small pillow cover that can fit over a 15" square pillow. The front will consist of three panels: a complex cable in one colour and two flanking panels of twisted cords in a complimentary colour. The back can be knitted in stockinette, entrelac, or using the same cable pattern.

Supplies: Cascade 220 (wool) or Cloud Cotton (cotton), 18 st = 4" on 5mm needles
5mm straight needles, 1 cabling needle

Machine Sewing 101

1 x 2 hour class

Evenings:
Thursday, January 21, 5:30PM - 7:30PM
Thursday, February 18, 5:30PM - 7:30PM
Thursday, March 18, 5:30PM - 7:30PM

Mornings:
Saturday, January 30, 10AM - 12PM
Saturday, February 27, 10AM - 12PM
Saturday, March 20, 10AM - 12PM

Taught by Susan Bowslaugh

If you've never used a sewing machine or if you just need a refresher, this class will give you the basic skills to confidently complete a beginner's project. This class introduces you to the sewing machine and how to use it. You will learn to thread, wind bobbins, select stitches and sew seams. Then you will put your newfound skills to work by making a cloth shopping/beach bag!

This is a great class to take with your daughter/granddaughter, or we can arrange a custom class for 3-4 friends

Cost: $20 + supplies

Supplies: 2 - 18"x18" or 18"x20" pieces of fabric
2 - 18"x4" pieces
OR 2 fat quarters
additional 8" of fabric for beach bag (handles)
matching thread
scissors

Quilting - An Appetizer

1 x 2 hour class

Mornings:
Saturday, January 23, 10AM - 12PM
Saturday, March 13, 10AM - 12PM

Afternoons:
Thursday, January 28, 1PM - 3PM
Thursday, February 18, 1PM - 3PM
Thursday, March 18, 1PM - 3PM

Taught by Susan Bowslaugh - Niagara Heritage Quilters Guild

If you've always wanted to try quilting, this is the workshop for you! We will touch the basics of quilting, do some cutting and sew a patchwork pillow to take home at the end of the day. This 2-hour class will give you a small taste of quilting without investing a lot of time or money and if you like it, you can join us for the Quilting Buffet

Cost: $30 + supplies

Supplies: 1/2m in total of 2 fabrics OR 2 fat quarters (coordinating or contrasting)
matching thread
basic sewing kit

Baby Quilt

1 x 3 hour class

Thursday, January 21, 1PM - 4PM
Saturday, February 13, 10AM - 1PM

Taught by Susan Bowslaugh - Niagara Heritage Quilters Guild

Who doesn't have a baby in their lives who deserves only the very best, lovingly handmade quilt? This is a great project for the impatient quilter (oxymoron, anyone?), just 3 hours on a Saturday morning will result in an heirloom.

Cost: $30 + supplies

Log Cabin Quilt *NEW*

4 x 3 hour classes

Tuesdays, January 19, 26 & February 2 & 9, 6PM - 9PM

The Log Cabin pattern is sophisticated yet simple to make and provides infinite possibilities for colour play and showcasing stunning patterns and combinations. Put your own twist on a classic pattern and make your personal, unique log cabin!

Cost: $85 (all 4 sessions) + supplies

Quilting Buffet *NEW*

6 x 3 hour classes or pay as you go

Every Tuesday, starting January 19, 1PM - 4PM (these classes are ongoing, start anytime!)
Every other Saturday starting February 6, 10AM - 1PM (Feb 6 & 20, March 6 & 20, ...)

Taught by Susan Bowslaugh - Niagara Heritage Quilters Guild

Is there a quilt you've always wanted to make? A UFO (un-finished object) in your life? Bring your own pattern and supplies or browse through our pattern library and purchase your supplies at Bee at a student discount and we will provide the machines, a cozy, bright and distraction-free workspace, and of course, Susan's expert advice to guide you through the making of your quilt.

This class is also suitable for the Quilting Appetizer (1 session), Log Cabin Quilt (4 sessions) and Baby Quilt (1 session), to learn paper piecing and other quilting techniques or how to finish your quilt once the piecing's done.

Cost: $30 per single class
$65 for 4 sessions
$75 for 6 sessions

Applique Appetizer

1 x 2 hour class

Thursday, January 28, 4PM - 6PM

Taught by Susan Bowslaugh - Niagara Heritage Quilters Guild

We will introduce you to the freezer paper technique of hand applique. This method is versatile and can lead to creative, artistic results. We will make one block that can be made into a pillow, tote bag or mini quilt.

Cost: $30 + supplies

Cloth Doll Workshop #1

2 x 3 hour classes

Taught by Maureen Augerman

Learn to make a cloth doll and personalize her with your creative talent! The doll we will be making in this class is a "Geo" style doll.

Cost: $60 (includes kit - everything you need to make your doll: fabric, stuffing, hair, etc...)

Cloth Doll Workshop #2

2 x 3 hour classes

Taught by Maureen Augerman

Learn to make a cloth doll and personalize her with your creative talent! The doll we will be making in this class is a "Groovy Gal" style doll.

Cost: $60 (includes kit - everything you need to make your doll: fabric, stuffing, hair, etc...)