This is a perfect beginner project for those of you who have not yet tried out your machine, or want to start with the basics. You’ll be guided through the construction of this great, super handy tote bag at a comfortable pace. After three weeks you’ll have all the confidence you need to tackle the next project, and a great bag!

Skill level: beginner

Instruction cost: $60

Instructor: Sally

Secondly, there are two new “Cute Skirts” classes added to our May / June class schedule.  The dates are May 20th and 27th and June 10th and 17th, both will be from 7 to 9 pm.  Please call the store to check space availability, 503.287.2658.

Lastly, there is once again a TON of new things in the store.  Most recently, the gorgeous line, “Drawing Room,” from Anna Maria Horner, arrived and will surely fly out the door.  Be sure to come quick to see these beautiful, contemporary, colorful prints–and they’re on 54″ cotton sateen that is a lovely home decorating weight!

See you soon.

A quick post to let you know the latest breaking news around the store.

1.  Our April store-wide sale is right around the corner!!! Mark your calendars and call your friends.  On April 11th-13th (Friday-Sunday) ALL FABRIC will be 10-50% OFF!!!  You know that crazy twice-a-year sale we have, when you can find really fantastic prices on all sorts of goodies.  The store is more than well stocked right now too–we don’t have room on our shelves for all of the fabric we’ve received in the last two weeks.  We’ll also be marking down a selection of patterns, books and notions.  The store will maintain its regular hours (Fri 10-6, Sat 10-5 and Sun 11-4), so be sure to come early on Sunday–we’ll have to close up promptly at 4 to set up for class. 

2.  The new Amy Butler line, Midwest Modern, has arrived.  We ordered the full line, and it’s already starting to move off the shelves.  Great designs, lots of sweet, spring colors.  Come check it out soon! 

3. Save the date!! Well loved designers Heather Ross and Denyse Schmidt will be in town for the upcoming Quilt Market in May and will be at Bolt the evening of May 16th!!  Details are still being decided, and I’ll certainly keep you posted!

See you soon.

With it’s clean lines and modern style, this tunic will be great for any spring or summer wardrobe. You will learn to properly measure yourself for a good fit, and will learn techniques to modify the tunic if you are between sizes or if your bust measurement doesn’t match the hip measurement listed for your size. The tunic has a neck facing and gentle front gathers, two useful skills to learn.

Skill level: Intermediate 

Instruction cost: $40

Instructor: Sally

This has been a great class for many a bolt customer.  We’ve seen some really great designs come out of this class!  In this two hour class we’ll explore both the basic technique and go over several variations that will help you on your way to a whole new way of personalizing your projects.

The $5 material fee provides the paint, freezer paper, and some basic images to choose from, and fabric scraps for testing.  Students need to provide their own cutting surface (e.g., an old plastic cutting board), an exacto knife, black and white images or silhouettes that are easily traceable, and one or two of the following in light colored 100% cotton t-shirt (any size), skirt, apron, tote bag, or pieces of fabric (at least 12″ square). No-sew class!  All levels welcome.

Cost: $25 (includes $5 materials fee)

Instructor: Melissa

Ok, so maybe you’ve been wooed by all those great embroidery transfers out there, or maybe you’re into making your own designs…and you wish the finished project looked as cool as it did in your head.  Learn an assortment of stitches, and how to keep the backside looking just as fine as the front! 

Skill level: beginner

Instructor: JoLyn

Instruction cost: $20

Wednesdays, May 21st and 28th, 6:30-8:30 pm

Do you love wearing skirts? This class will be great for you! Learn how to take basic body measurements and relate that to flat pattern making. Create a basic skirt pattern and learn techniques to manipulate patterns to create the style of skirt that you designed.  This is a no-sewing class.  (This class will not be offered again until the fall.)

Skill level: beginner

Instructor: Christina

Instruction cost: $40

You know the one–that Favorite Things pattern that is ever popular!  A paneled skirt, flat waist in the front, elastic in the back makes for easier construction, and a flattering fit.  It looks great in all different fabrics.  So, think spring and come pick out some great new fabric to spruce up the ol’ wardrobe!

Skill level: beginner

Instruction cost: $40

Instructor: Sally

This class is designed for students to develop a basic front & back bodice. You will learn how to take measurements of the upper half of the body and relate it to flat pattern making.  You’ll be whippin’ up those customized tops in no time! (This class will not be offered again until the fall.)

Skill level: beginner

Instructor: Christina

Instruction cost: $40