Patchwork and Quilting Classes & Courses
Welcome to our teaching schedule of Patchwork and Quilting Classes, Courses, Workshops and Open Days. We hope you find a class that will inspire you. All of the classes are held in the comfortable surroundings of The Cotton Patch Studio in Hall Green, Birmingham. Parking is available at the rear of the building or at The Cotton Patch shop which is only a few minutes walk away. Directions will be provided with your joining instructions. There is a kitchen at the Studio with a ready supply of tea and coffee where you can also eat lunch on the day-long courses. If there are courses or workshops that you would like to see in the future please contact us at mailorder@cottonpatch.co.uk or call in at the shop and write on our Class Wish list. We'll see what we can do!
For pictures of our Patchwork and Quilting Classes please visit our Flickr page - http://www.flickr.com/photos/cottonpatchuk/
Please call 0121 702 2840 to book your places on our Classes and Workshops.
Bookings must be made in advance and be accompanied by full payment.
A refund can only be given if four weeks notice of cancellation is received (less a £5 cost for administration). Monies cannot be transferred to another class. Occasionally due to a lack of demand or exceptional circumstances we may have to cancel a class. If we cancel a full refund will be given.
Full details on requirements for the courses will be sent two weeks before the start date. Materials are not included unless stated otherwise.
For full-day workshops please bring a packed lunch with you. Waitrose is close by if required.
If there are courses or workshops that you would like to see in the future please email us at mailorder@cottonpatch.co.uk or call in at the shop and write on our Class Wishlist. We'll see what we can do!
Introduction to Patchwork and Quilting 
Learn the basics skills required for successful patchwork and quilting on this 8 week course which is suitable for complete beginners.
A range of techniques will be covered including rotary cutting, using templates, getting the best from your sewing machine, making colour choices, hand and machine piecing, applique, hand and machine quilting as well as basic construction methods. Throughout the 8 weeks you will make a number of small projects using your new skills such as a pincushion, needle case and tote bag.
Some basic course materials are included but fabric is not included to allow you to make your own fabric selections.
L131-2012 The 3-hourly sessions will be held over 8 weeks on Thursday mornings from 9:30am to 12:30am on the following dates: 7th, 14th, 21st June, 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th July and 2nd Aug 2012.
Total course cost £125.
L132-2012 The 3-hourly sessions will be held over 8 weeks on Thursday afternoons from 1:30pm to 4:30pm on the following dates: 7th, 14th, 21st June, 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th July and 2nd Aug 2012.
L146-2012 The 3-hourly sessions will be held once a month on Saturdays mornings from 9:30am to 12:30am on the following dates: 26th May, 23rd June, 28th July, 25th August, 22nd September, 27th October, 24th November, 15th December. Total course cost £125.
L147-2012 The 3-hourly sessions will be held over 8 weeks on Fridays from 9:30am to 12:30am on the following dates: 19th October, 26th October, 2nd November, 9th November, 16th November, 23rd November, 30th November, 7th December. Total course cost £125.
Beginners Lap Quilt Course
Measuring approximately 40” by 40” this smaller quilt version is ideal if you have completed the Introduction to Patchwork & Quilting course or you have similar knowledge and are looking to make your first quilt.
This 8 week course will take you through all the stages you need to complete your quilt. You will consolidate techniques for cutting, block piecing, sashing, borders, layering, quilting, binding and finally adding a quilt label.
Fabric is not included to allow you to make your own fabric selections.
The 3-hourly sessions will be held over 8 weeks on:
L129-2012 Friday Mornings - 9:30am-12:30 on the following dates: Friday 1st, 8th, 15th, and 22nd June, 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th July.
L130-2012 Friday Afternoons - 1:30pm-4:30pm on the following dates: Friday 1st, 8th, 15th, and 22nd June, 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th July.
Total course cost £125.
L148-2012 Thursdays Mornings - 9:30am-12:30 on the following dates: 18th and 25th October, 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th November, 6th December.
Getting to Know Your Sewing Machine for Patchwork and Quilting
For customers who are new to Patchwork and Quilting, using a sewing machine, either for the first time or perhaps after years of it gathering dust in a cupboard somewhere, can be a daunting task.
For machine piecing and quilting you need quite a few skills that are reliant on a knowledge of using your sewing machine. For this reason we've put together a 2 1/12 hour session which is for customers who are new to patchwork and quilting and for those just about to attend our Introduction to Pathcwork and Quilting or Beginners Lap Quilting course. It doesn't matter what your machine is we'll show you how to :
- Thread your machine
- Wind the bobbin and insert it
- Change the needle
- Change the presser feet
- Adjust stitch width and length
- Sew a 1/4" seam Select and use alternative stitches
- Drop the feed dogs
We'll also talk about some of the specialist feet available such as 1/4" feet, darning feet (free-motion feet like the Big Foot) and Walking Feet.
If you have questions and would like to find out if this course is suitable for you please email or call us.
L133-2012. This workshop will be held on Thursday 31st May from 10am to 12:30pm and costs £20.
L145-2012 This workshop will be held on Friday 12th October 2012 10am to 12.30pm and costs £20.
Colour and Scale Workshop
Are you scared of making the right fabric choices? Do you worry about colours not working well together? Are you confused by patterns that talk about shades and tones or lights and darks? If so then come and join this fun and interactive workshop. There’s no sewing involved so you can concentrate on learning how you can apply some basic principles and techniques to help you make inspired and dynamic choices.
L149-2012 Thursday 6th September 2012 half day workshop from 9:30am to 12:30am Total cost £25.
L150-2012 Friday 14th December 2012 half day workshop ffrom 9:30am to 12:30am Total cost £25.
Grace Frame Introduction Workshop.
This interactive day for new or inexperienced Grace Frame owners will take you on a journey through the basics needed to help you get the most out of your frame. The day will cover a number of elements including loading your quilt, using different needles, threads, tension, stitch regulation and speed control, free motion quilting, ruler work and setting pattern designs. You will have the opportunity to be hands on. Small class numbers ensure lots of time for individual practice and learning.
Full day workshops will be held on the following dates from 10am to 4.30pm and costs £50.
L134-2012. Monday 23rd July 2012 10am to 4:30pm.
L152-2012 Friday 7th September 2012 10am to 4:30pm
L153-2012 Thursday 11th October 2012 10am to 4:30pm
Join the "Quilting Buzz"
Come and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in relaxing surroundings and find out what’s new in the quilting world. Each month there will be demonstrations, new fabrics to view and top tips to collect. Sessions will be held from 1.00pm to 3.00pm on the second Saturday of each month in 2012 as follows.
| 9 June 2012 | 13 October 2012 |
| 14 July 2012 | 10 November 2012 |
| 8 September 2012 |
There is no cost for these monthly sessions but it is essential to register in order to attend. Please quote the reference L122-MthYr ( e.g January 2012 is L122-0112)
Making Friends with your Sewing Machine
This one day workshop has been specifically designed for people who have recently bought a new Pfaff sewing machine through The Cotton Patch.
Experience has shown that investing some time in learning about your machine at the outset will enable you to make best use of the features available to you. As a result you will improve your patchwork and quilting experience. Learn and practice in a relaxed and supportive environment and leave with a range of samples for future reference.
L155-2012 Thursday 13th September 10am to 4.30pm. .
Customers who have bought a Sewing Machine from The Cotton Patch Cost £20 You will receive a £20 Cotton Patch Voucher on attendance making the class free!
Non-Cotton Patch Sewing Machine Owners Cost £45
You are welcome to join us but priority will be given to Cotton Patch Pfaff Customers.
Picture it Crazy Workshop
Using an eclectic mix of fabrics and embellishments combined with hand stitching techniques you will make your own work of art and frame it for posterity. A range of different coloured materials, embellishments and frame are included but feel free to bring along some cherished pieces for inclusion.
L154-2012 This full day workshop will be held on Monday 30th July 2012 from 10am to 4:30pm and costs £50.
Vintage Rouge Six Month Block of the Month Program
Vintage Rouge, by Vicki Bellino of Bloom Creek, is a classic quilt with flair. The 78" x 78" quilt utilizes both piecing and appliqué and is absolutely stunning. The fabrics will be exactly as shown from the Vintage Rouge collection by Faye Burgos of Marcus Brothers.
This 6 month Block of the Month Program is suitable for both improvers and experienced quilters. The course includes patterns plus top fabrics, borders and binding and a 3 hour class each month from June to November 2012. There will also be a final full day class to enable you to sandwich your completed top and receive guidance on quilting it.
Monthly classes will be held from 1:30pm-4:30pm on the following dates. Monday 11th June, 9th July, 6th Aug, 10th Sept, 8th Oct and 5th Nov 2012. The final full day class will be held from 10.00am to 4.30pm on Monday 26th Nov 2012.
L139-2012 Vintage Rouge Fabrics, Patterns and Class. Total course cost £300 payable in two instalments of £150.
L142-2012 Optional Vintage Rouge Finishing Class. 26th November £45
Appliqué Skills Workshop 
A purely skills based workshop giving you the opportunity to try out different appliqué techniques so that you can find the one that feels right for you. Using both hand and machine appliqué methods you will build a sampler covering prepared edge, raw edge and bonded appliqué. You’ll be able to refer to this again and again as you move onto new projects. A basic starter kit will be provided.
L136-2012 This full day workshop will be held on Friday 3rd August 2012 from 10am to 4:30pm. £50.
Japanese Folded Patchwork Bag Workshop
This amazing looking bag is simple to make and is an ideal hand project as each folded patchwork piece is made as a separate unit. This means it is possible to make units as you go along during a spare five minutes each day. Most people prefer to use hand stitching throughout the project but options for machine sewing will also be covered where appropriate.
On this workshop you will be shown how to make both square and triangle folded units before tackling the hexagon units needed to construct this bag.
Although you will not be able to completely finish the bag on the day you will have all the information you need to finish it off at home. Suitable for beginners and improvers.
L140-2012 This full day workshop will be held on Thursday 20th September 2012 from 10am to 4:30pm. £45.
Foundation Piecing Skills Workshop
A purely skills based workshop giving you the opportunity to try out this method of piecing.
Foundation piecing is a traditional and very popular technique because it allows a quilter to construct complicated patterns easily and accurately. It is also a very good way to use up small scraps of fabric. When it's done correctly blocks are perfectly made every time, no matter how small their patches are.
In this workshop you will make a number of different sized blocks suitable to include in greetings cards, a larger project such as a bag or quilt or simply to keep as samples.
Suitable for beginners and improvers
L138-2012 This full day workshop will be held on Thursday 3rd May 2012 from 10am to 4:30pm. £45.
L140-2012 This full day workshop will be held on Friday 21st September 2012 from 10am to 4:30pm. £45.
Stained Glass Window Workshop
Measuring only 8” x 11.5” you could be forgiven for thinking this mini wall hanging would be easy to overlook. However, once hung it has all the presence of a larger stained glass window. This is a quirky and fun-to-do alternative to more traditional patchwork and quilting techniques. A full kit is included in the price – just add your favourite hanger and go.
L127-2012 – This full day workshop will be held on Friday 20th April 2012 from 10am to 4:30pm and costs £50.
Marti and Me Club
Marti and Me Club Meetings
Come and join us each month at The Cotton Patch Studio (less than 300 yards from the shop) for our Marti and Me Club. Membership is only £30 for six months and just look at what you get for the equivalent of £5 a month.
A Marti and Me Club pattern worth £7.50
These patterns are in full colour with full size templates and excellent and comprehensive instructions. There is far more to them than just how to assemble a quilt. For example, the Bali Breezes pattern is a 32 page booklet with instructions to make a Table Runner, Wallhanging, Double or Queen size quilts. It is packed with useful information with tips and diagrams on how to create accurate patchwork.
Monthly Demonstrations
Have you ever looked at a ruler covered with numbers and strange markings and thought "I can't use that!"? The Club meeting will feature a demonstration of the ruler or template used to make that month's pattern followed by the opportunity for you to try it out. By trying out the ruler you'll find out how quick and easy the pattern can be!
10% Discount
Each month you can then choose whether you wish to make up the pattern and whether you want to buy the template or ruler featured. Paper templates are included in the pattern if you prefer to use them, but as a Marti and Me Club member you will receive a 10% discount on any of Marti's rulers and templates that you purchase.
Fun!
Meet with like-minded people and spend a morning learning something new. The Club takes place on the 2nd Saturday of each month from 10am to 12 noon so come and join us.
Joining instructions and dates
To join the Marti and Me club please call 0121 702 2840 or come into the shop to book your place for 2012. The dates for 2012 are as follows:
Mondays from 1:30pm to 4:30pm for six months on 17th September, 22nd October, 19th November, 10th December 2012, 21st January 2013, 18th February 2013 Total Cost £60