Upcoming classes & groups

To Book: Scroll to end of listing and click on ‘ADD TO CART’  Once it’s added to your cart make sure you are booking the correct date. Then follow the prompts to make payment.  NOTE: NO CLASS IN APRIL, JUNE or AUGUST

These sessions are for any of you who need a bit of extra assistance. From the total beginner or newbie patchworker to the rusty maker who has forgotten everything.  Or even the experienced dressmaker or home decor sewist who wants to have a go at patchwork but doesn’t know where to begin.

Maybe you are half way through the project and can’t remember where you’re up to. Maybe you’d like to begin to sew or quilt but don’t know where to start or what equipment to use. Maybe you’ve never stitched anything at all…. Well we can help you out in this session.

If you would like to make a basic couch quilt, a baby quilt or small sewing project but don’t know where to begin we can get you started. You can make cushions, bags, placemats or just learn the basics of rotary cutting and patchwork stitching equipment and terms.

The class is taken by Shop Owner Sharon Thomson who loves to see people learn new things and discover new skills. Sharon is very patient with timid beginners. She is can help those of you who want to learn some skills and then have a go at designing your own work in a supportive environment.  Sharon specialises in help with UFOs. Especially puzzling through projects half-made with patterns or fabric requirements lost or not working out. Sharon has had many students who have an idea of the quilts they want to make but cannot find a pattern. If this is you, Sharon will help you design your quilt and work out fabric quantities. 

There is no need to lock in for a term or even to come for the whole day so they are perfect for busy people. It is suitable for casual attendance or regular class members but is limited to 4 in class only.  This small class size is so that people are able to have individual attention as needed and it is not an overwhelming prospect to join in for the first time.

You will need to book and pay in advance, at least two days prior to class to ensure that there is availability in the classroom. This class does often book out so please phone in advance. I provide morning and afternoon teas and all day beverages. Gluten free catered for. Class members BYO lunch or visit a nearby café.

Costs

Full Day Classroom Access :: 10am – 3pm 5 hours -$55pp Bookable via this web listing. 

Half Day Classroom Access :: 10am – 12pm OR 1pm – 3pm Up to 2 Hours $40pp Please phone the store to book a half day. 

Fine Print:

ALWAYS check availability of a class in advance by phoning the shop. Classes depend on student and teacher availability. Classes are for patchwork and quilting style projects. Simple dressmaking and some soft furnishings and bag projects can also be undertaken. This class is not for sophisticated dressmaking, tailoring or drapery.

Places are limited Bookings are necessary. All bookings are subject to our Terms and Conditions

TO BOOK: Scroll to end of listing and click on ‘ADD TO CART’  Then follow the prompts to make payment.  Before adding to cart please make sure you are booking the correct date. 

Helen Draper’s classes are running every month in 2018. The class runs on the third Thursday of each month (except April because of easter – Date of Class is April 26th) and is the perfect low stress place to build up some patchwork and quilting skills. Participants in Helen’s classes are all working on their own projects at their own pace so you are able to join Helen’s class at any point in the year, subject to availability. Helen is a delightful and relaxed teacher who enjoys getting to know her class members and sharing her love of hand stitching, fabric and quilt design.

Helen’s love is hand stitching! In this class Helen is able to teach you traditional or modern hand quilting techniques. By this, we mean the actual quilting stitches that hold the three layers:, top, wadding and backing together. Helen can show you the very traditional ’10 stitches to an inch’ elegant hand quilting using a waxed thread for heirloom quilts to the ‘big stitch’ colourful quilting using thicker perle threads for a more modern or rustic effect which has become popular lately.

You can begin with an already made and sandwiched quilt and Helen can work you though ideas for quilting it or you can start with a cushion sized sampler or plain fabric to get the knack before you go on to another larger project. Helen teaches a method using a quilt hoop but you are also able to work without one if you prefer. You will learn methods for marking quilt designs on your quilt and you’ll cover threads, needles and the types of designs that are appropriate for your quilt.

You are also able to learn to stitch quilt blocks together by hand in this class. We call this hand piecing. When hand piecing the block is cut out, seam allowances are marked and it is then stitched together by hand rather than machine. It is often a geometrically pieced traditional block. There are a few tips and tricks to learn to make your patchwork durable and accurate and there are a few ways to incorporate templates when making multiple blocks that are all the same but once learnt, you will be able to make anything any time with only a pencil, ruler, scissors, needle and thread. It’s a very portable technique to know. You can learn hand piecing by making one of Helen’s original quilt designs pictured below or by progressing block by block through a range of traditional designs ending up with a ‘sampler’ quilt.

Many of the participants in Helen’s classes have come along to learn one of the techniques discussed above and end up staying on because they fall in love with one of Helen’s quilt designs. As an advanced or intermediate quilter you are able to join Helen’s class to get a kick start on any of her original projects that are listed in her Patchwork Bliss web shop. You can purchase the pattern from Helen’s website or let us know when enrolling which quilt you like and we will organise for Helen to bring the pattern with her to class. As with all our classes you can book in as a regular class member or you are able to dip in here and there as space permits. You can see if spaces are available for casual class members at the end of this entry, where it will allow you to add the class to your cart if there is space. If you would like to book for more than one month, click through the calendar to the next month and add that class to your cart as well.

Lastly, while Helen loves to hand stitch she knows that many of you don’t! So most of her patterns are adaptable for machine and you are able to learn by machine in Helen’s class. Make sure you make contact with us to discuss what you’d like to do if you’re unsure.

Places are limited Bookings are necessary. All bookings are subject to our Terms and Conditions

Helen Draper Quilting Teacher

The very popular Feeling Groovy Quilt. This quilt can be made with crazy florals and looks just as good made with totally random scraps.

Helen’s latest Quilt, the versatile Berry Bliss. This quilt can be customised a number of ways and features some interesting techniques.

Close up of the Perle 8 hand quilting on Shadowplay.

The very pretty Kiku Blossom Quilt. Features chubby dresden plates and the clever card trick block.

Helen’s Shadowplay quilt made with off-the-shelf tone on tone prints.

TO BOOK: Scroll to end of listing and click on ‘ADD TO CART’  Then follow the prompts to make payment.  

The Christmas Bells class is another in our series of wildflower art quilt classes with Denise Griffiths. Denise is an award winning local quilter, having exhibited and been awarded at the Sydney Quilt Show and Internationally in Houston TX USA. We are very lucky in Berry to have a series of quilt classes programmed with Denise this year. It is an opportunity for quilters to be inspired to step outside the box with their making. You will be able to try of some of Denise’s art quilt techniques that may take you on a technicolour quilt making journey beyond traditional piecing. 

In the two days of class you will learn to make the appliquéd Christmas Bell flower, stem and leaves. The class sample is designed to be a wall hanging on it’s own or you could make multiple flowers and leaves and save them up to make into an incredible multi flower composition similar to Dotty Roo or Flora Australis below. There is usually some dense machine embroidery and 3D shaping on the small flower bud (which is optional) and Denise’s ‘baglique’ technique forms the bulk of the workshop. 

*Note** Even though we have listed this class to learn a particular flower please enquire if you would like to complete a flower you have begun in another class.  (Subject to numbers and mix of abilities this could be possible. Make sure you get in touch before booking and we will see what we can do to accommodate you.) 

Read more about Denise as a teacher on our Teacher information page.

Bookings Necessary. All bookings subject to our Terms and Conditions.

Denise Griffiths Christmas Bells Class Sample 65cm x 100cm

Christmas Bells (detail)

 

Denise Griffiths Teacher with Gum Drops Quilt

Denise Griffiths Teacher with Waratahs

Below are some of the flowers that have been made in Denises classes at Berry Quilt & Co. This gives young idea of the kind of flowers that have been taught and could be created or combined your quilts. 

Banksia Flower & Pod Class Sample Quilt

Denise Griffiths Flannel Flower Quilt Class Sample

Denise Griffiths Bottle Brush Class Sample Quilt

Denise Griffiths Medium Waratah

Cooktown Orchid Class Sample Quilt

Kangaroo Paw Class Sample Quilt

Denise Griffiths Large Red Waratah

Gymea Lily Sample 65cm x 100cm

Wednesdays are a Sit & Sew opportunity. Most Wednesday’s throughout the year this group meets to catch up and enjoy their sewing home away from home. The only weeks we don’t meet are early January and occasional Wednesdays in School holidays when we might run a holiday activity. If you’re unsure please phone the shop to book in.

This is a great group, the regular girls have been meeting for many years, almost ten now I think! The girls sew anything and everything and sometimes don’t sew at all. It’s not a formal class with tuition. Just a lovely relaxing sit and sew! A chance to concentrate on your work for a day or to chat and meet other happy quilters. Whilst there is a core group who come regularly they are very welcoming of newcomers to the area or occasional visitors to Berry. 

Maybe you are quilter on the road who woful like to stop and sew with company for a day? The girls would love to hear about your adventures and see what you’re making! Maybe you’re a Shoalhaven local who would like some occasional company? Well you are very welcome to book in and join us.  If needed, we have machines to hire.  Machine hire is $10 per day and hirers must provide their own quality thread.

Cost is $20 per person per session. Includes morning tea and all day tea & coffee.

You can book by phone by calling the shop ph 4464 3387 or via our website. When tickets are available an ‘add to cart’ button will appear at the bottom right of this listing. Click on that and follow the prompts to book and pay via the website. Make sure you are on the listing for the correct date that you want before clicking ‘add to cart’. 

The Wednesday Women in the newly renovated classroom April 18

Mary Showing off a pieced quilt back.

Sue & Mardi enjoying a joke, probably at my expense…

Wednesday Women Xmas Parties in the old shop.

You must book in if this class sounds like it’s for you!

Popular teacher Jennifer Corkish teaches all her techniques in two classes a month. These take place regularly on the first Saturday of each month and the Fourth Thursday of each month. Jennifer comes along to each class with new quilts and projects she has designed: from her own take on the popular Japanese Boro technique to applique, English paper piecing, wool applique and stitch embellishment and more…!

Jennifer has been a teacher at Berry Quilt & Co. since we opened and also taught for approximately many years at Berry Patchwork prior to that. Jennifer has built up a number of regular students who have been coming to her classes and making her quilts ever since she began teaching in Berry which is quite a recommendation! Please click through to her teacher profile to read more about Jennifer’s making and teaching experience.

Whilst most people book in to Jennifer’s class on a yearly basis (and access a generous Enrolled Class member discount) it is possible to book in for one or two casual classes (where vacancies exist) to explore a new technique or to begin an ongoing project.

The class has a loose relaxed structure where regular participants work on Jennifer’s original designs at their own pace and build up skills as they progress though the projects. Usually in class all the participants are working different projects and often on more than one project at once. Occasionally, after a number of projects have been completed, class members have requested that Jennifer help them design a unique project, which Jennifer is happy to work on with the student, making it a very personalised class.

Casual participants in Jennifer’s classes often attend to learn Japanese Boro stitching. Pictured below, Boro is a traditional Japanese mending technique utilising layered scraps of material and sashiko style running stitches to hold it all together. Jennifer has devised a method of making boro fabric suitable for our modern fabrics and equipment for use in quilts, bags, table runners, clothing etc.

Teaching Applique using the Hugs and Kisses Applique paper is also a specialty of Jennifers. Beginning with one of the blocks from Jennifer’s well known Flower’s & Urn Quilt, also pictured below is an excellent place to start and this block has been made in so many different color combinations from bright, to Japanese to traditional and reproduction. Begin in one lesson with the starter block and turn it into a wall hanging or cushion OR go on to continue to make the whole quilt.

English paper piecing has featured in many of Jennifer’s quilts over the years and you could begin a project Making Jennifer’s fussy cut cross quilt or a hexagon quilt that gets you started with hexagons without you having to make the whole quilt top from hexagons.

You will find plenty of helpful advice, skills and friendship in this lively class. Jennifer is very good at getting you started on a project and helping you with fabric selection and requirements. All of Jennifer’s students produce quite different and unique results. I’m always amazed at how differently the same quilts can turn out with different fabric choices. As a teacher Jennifer is very open to working with your fabric choices and helping you get the best results from what you begin with. Scroll down to see a number of images of quilts and classes to give you an idea of what the class is like.

Jennifer’s groups are very popular and are often booked out! Casual places, if available, may be booked by phone or via this listing: Scroll to end of the listing and click on ‘ADD TO CART’  Once it’s added to your cart make sure you are booking the correct date. Then follow the prompts to make payment.  

Places are limited Bookings are necessary. All bookings are subject to our Terms and Conditions

Jennifer Corkish Quilt Teacher in Class at Berry Quilt & Co. with two of her 2018 Projects

Jennifer Corkish Quilt Teacher in class with her Japanese inspired work.

A great photo of Janice in class with Jennifer Corkish. This shot shows the applique block in progress, the sample bright block and larger quilt of Jennifer’s design behind her.

Jennifer Corkish ‘Purity’. A small quilt perfect for learning Jennifer’s Appliqué Techniques.

This class is an opportunity to have a go at a few different styles of slow stitching. You may choose to have a go at stitching a Sashiko motif or two or you might like to try your had at a small piece of Japanese inspired Boro fabric layering. If Japanese isn’t your thing you can try your hand at a more modern or floral fabric collage. The class has been designed as a companion class to the bag making day following. 

These small pieces of stitching that you will make during the day then at home during the evening will be perfect to incorporate into the Japanese bags that will be taught the following day Sun 27th Oct. It will be a relaxing day to encounter Sashiko stitching if you haven’t done so before and to have a go playing with the lovely textured effects that can be achieved with simple raw edge fabric layering and securing with an all over running stitch. The Japanese call this Boro, in India, it is Kantha stitching. You aren’t restricted to any particular style but are encouraged to invent your own colours & style. It will be a therapeutic day of inspiration and exploring.  

Booking into this Saturday class on its own will cost $55 but booking the two days together (Sat 27th & Sun 28th) accesses a discount of $10. The two days classes will be $100. You will need to phone to book to access this price. 

Small piece of Boro by Sharon destined for a bag.

Sharon Thomson Teacher

Boro & Sashkio Kinchaku Bags by Bebe Bold

Examples of Sashiko motifs and Boro fabric layering that you could have a play with in class and bags you cidl make in Day 2 of the class. 

Did you know that a bag section huge and prestigious section of the Tokyo Quilt Show? The Japanese make exquisitely complicated and beautiful bags. In this class we will make an exquisitely beautiful Japanese inspired bag but it will not be complicated. Each bag has been chosen for its ease of construction and potential usefulness. I see each bag as the perfectly elegant phone, lipstick & key pouch for a trip to a bar or restaurant. 

Choose from the simple but effective Reversible Loop Bag or the pretty and roomy Olympus Raindrop Bag or the easily embellished and personalised Kinchaku Bag.  You will be required to purchase a pattern for your chosen bag. 

You may choose to attend the class and make the bag from fabric you already have or you can attend the fabric collage and slow stitching day on the day before this class (Sat 26th Oct) and explore fabric collage, stitching techniques and make a piece of fabric during the day to piece into your special Japanese bag.  

Booking into this Sunday class on its own will cost $60 but booking the two days together (Sat 27th & Sun 28th) accesses a discount of $20. The two days classes will be $100. You will need to phone to book to access this price. Note: If attending this class alone and not bringing any embellished or pre-stitched fabric will result in a still lovely but not as detailed a bag as pictured here. 

Boro Reversible Loop Bag by Bebe Bold

Olympus Raindrop Bag by Bebe Bold

Amazing Boro Kinchaku Bags by Bebe Bold

Boro & Sashkio Kinchaku Bags by Bebe Bold

Sharon Thomson Teacher

Wednesdays are a Sit & Sew opportunity. Most Wednesday’s throughout the year this group meets to catch up and enjoy their sewing home away from home. The only weeks we don’t meet are early January and occasional Wednesdays in School holidays when we might run a holiday activity. If you’re unsure please phone the shop to book in.

This is a great group, the regular girls have been meeting for many years, almost ten now I think! The girls sew anything and everything and sometimes don’t sew at all. It’s not a formal class with tuition. Just a lovely relaxing sit and sew! A chance to concentrate on your work for a day or to chat and meet other happy quilters. Whilst there is a core group who come regularly they are very welcoming of newcomers to the area or occasional visitors to Berry. 

Maybe you are quilter on the road who woful like to stop and sew with company for a day? The girls would love to hear about your adventures and see what you’re making! Maybe you’re a Shoalhaven local who would like some occasional company? Well you are very welcome to book in and join us.  If needed, we have machines to hire.  Machine hire is $10 per day and hirers must provide their own quality thread.

Cost is $20 per person per session. Includes morning tea and all day tea & coffee.

You can book by phone by calling the shop ph 4464 3387 or via our website. When tickets are available an ‘add to cart’ button will appear at the bottom right of this listing. Click on that and follow the prompts to book and pay via the website. Make sure you are on the listing for the correct date that you want before clicking ‘add to cart’. 

The Wednesday Women in the newly renovated classroom April 18

Mary Showing off a pieced quilt back.

Sue & Mardi enjoying a joke, probably at my expense…

Wednesday Women Xmas Parties in the old shop.

You must book in if this class sounds like it’s for you!