Welcome back everyone!
Quick update on Appleton - We are all moved into the new space!
We are still located right next door to Going to Pieces at 1017 W Northland Ave.
Stop by and see the new space Wednesdays-Saturdays!
We will be having an expansion party as soon as the work is done for Going to Pieces in our old space.
Today we’re talking longarm quilting education.
I know you’ve heard this before, but education is truly our top priority at The Quilting Connection! When a customer purchases a machine through us, we always tell them, the more time you are willing to spend with us learning your machine, the faster you will feel comfortable!
But classes don’t help if you can’t attend them. Our solution – offering a variety of classes, in different formats, on varying days and times.
And classes don’t help if they don’t match your knowledge and skill level. Our solution – adapting all of our classes to the skill and experience level of the participants.
Today, I’m going to share an overview of the longarm classes we offer. Following these basic descriptions, you’ll find a link to our website where you can get detailed class information, date and time specifics, and costs.
The Basic Classes
Beginning Rental Longarm Class
If you want to rent time on the Handi-Quilter machines in either our Elkhorn or Appleton shops, this is the class for you.
We’ll teach you how to prepare and load your quilt back and top. Then you’ll get to experience three different types of longarm quilting: edge-to-edge via the Pro-Stitcher, pantograph and free motion. You’ll also receive a set of the Quick Zip™ zippers for loading your quilt on the longarm frame.
This half-day class is offered monthly and by request. Classes are held in both Appleton and Elkhorn.
Machine Owner Classes
These classes are included with the purchase of a Handi Quilter longarm system through The Quilting Connection.
Beginning Longarm Quilting - Load it, Square it, Quilt it!
Pro-Stitcher Edge to Edge - Basic
Pro-Stitcher Custom Quilting - Advanced
Beginning Longarm Quilting covers the basic operation and maintenance of your machine. It also provides instruction in quilting with pantographs if you’ve chosen that quilting option. The basics portion of the class is offered in the morning, followed by the pantograph portion in the afternoon.
Pro-Stitcher Edge to Edge covers the complete process needed to use Handi Quilter’s Pro-Stitcher for computerized quilting. This is a one-day class.
Pro-Stitcher Custom Quilting takes your Pro-Stitcher skills to the next level. It introduces you to the concepts needed to use the computer to truly individualize your longarm quilting.
By the way – we know these classes cover a lot of information. Machine owners can retake them at no cost as often as needed. The more time our machine owners are willing to invest in the training, the faster they feel comfortable with their new longarm!
Video Classes Available on USB
Load It! Square It! Quilt It! Class
This video covers attaching the Quick Zip System™ to your quilt back and top, then loading your quilt on the frame.
It also shows you how to use channel locks to keep your quilt square.
Pro-Stitcher Edge to Edge Basics Class
This video covers the complete step by step process for using the Pro-Stitcher to complete your quilt using edge-to-edge designs.
Zoom Classes
Offering Zoom classes allowed us to provide learning opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, we have found that this format still works best for some of our customers.
Zoom classes are taught by Handi-Quilter Educators from across the country and cover a wide variety of longarm related topics.
Currently, these two-hour classes are offered on the second Monday night of every other month.
There are three more Zoom classes scheduled for 2023. July’s class is Pro-Stitcher Basics in Simulator. September’s topic is Happy Feet. And November’s class is Customizing Your Free Motion Foundations.
Traveling Teachers / Handi-Quilter Truck Events
At least once a year, we host a special in-person, hands-on educational event.
Sometimes we invite a nationally recognized, traveling teacher to share his or her special knowledge of longarm quilting. Other times we hold Handi Quilter Truck events that allow you to work on Handi Quilter machines while learning new techniques from a Handi Quilter Educator.
For 2023, we are hosting four days of training with National Educator Waynna Kershner. She will be with us on September 25th and 26th in Elkhorn and September 28th and 29th in Appleton. Two one-day classes will be offered at each location: All Day Free Motion and All Day Pro-Stitcher Designer.
Skill Building Classes
Throughout the year, we also offer in-person, hands-on classes designed to build your confidence and skill level.
In 2023, we are offering a series of free motion quilting classes taught by award winning, local quilter, Wendy Fuller.
If taking classes in Appleton, look for Freemotion Fridays. Three classes, offered one per month on a Friday afternoon, cover free motion quilting, quilting with rulers, and free motion quilting focused on feathers, flowers and leaves. Upcoming class dates are June 16th, July 7th and August 18th.
If taking classes in Elkhorn, the free motion concepts are covered in a one-day class. Free motion basics will be taught in the morning and the more advanced feathers, flowers and leaves will be taught in the afternoon. This class is scheduled for Saturday, September 19th.
For More Information …
CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE CLASSES TAB OF OUR WEBSITE. You’ll see the current class schedule with detailed descriptions, dates/times, and costs.
You can also sign up for our emails. We'll let you know when new classes are added to the schedule.
That’s it for this post.
As always, if you have any questions or want additional information, please call us at (262) 723-6775 or email us at info@QuiltingConnection.com.
You can also visit us online at QuiltingConnection.com or in person at 21 Adams Street in Elkhorn, WI (usually M-F 9-4, please call to confirm we’re open) or 1017 W. Northland in Appleton, WI (W 10:30-5, Th & F 10-4, S 10-3).
And finally, check out our blog at QuiltingConnection.com/blog and our Facebook posts.
Please share your thoughts and questions with us. We love to hear from you!
Angie