Special Events

HOWELL‘S AT THE MOON
On the second Friday of each month we will get together to quilt or sew and howl at the moon. Howell’s will provide the food. Work on your own project or try the alternative project offered below. Teens and older welcome. Sign up ahead of time so we know how many to prepare for. Howell‘s meets the 2nd Friday of the month.
Please bring all materials & equipment needed. Machine, scissors, pins, etc. Forgotten items available for sale.
Days: Fri, Apr 9, May 14, Jun 11, Jul 9; 2:00 - 8:30ish
Class Fee: $15 per session - covers cost of dinner
Instructor: Howell’s Staff

SPRING SEWING RUMMAGE SALE

Watch the Web Site for upcoming information regarding the Spring Rummage Sale for your sewing related items. Let's clear out those sewing rooms and garage treasures with related items and sell them in our parking lot. Just think about the freeway exposure on a Friday. Tenative date Friday May 28, 8 am - 3ish. If you know of anyone interested in being a food vendor, have them contact MaryLynn at 530 885-9624

Sewing & Fun

KIDS CORNER
This is for ages 10 & up. And it’s all about having fun and CREATING!!!!!! These two hour classes will cover many types of crafts for the young adult. We have felting, bangles, masks, rugs, we will make dolls, dream catchers, beginning sewing projects and if the time is right we will even make a special present for Mom and Dad! Come join the fun.....but space is limited!
Dates: Mon, Apr 12, Apr 26, May 3, May 10; 2:30 - 4:30
Class Fee: $25 per session, includes supplies
Instructor: Mary Prantil

SUMMERS HERE....IT’S KID’S CORNER ALL DAY
Same great fun and creativity, new projects.....repeats of the favorites!!!!! 3 sessions in one day to choose from!
Dates: Mon, Jun 7; Mon, Jun 14; Jun 28, Jul 19 & Jul 26
Times: 9 - 11, 12 - 2, 3 - 5
Class Fee: $25 per session, includes supplies
Instructor: Mary Prantil

BEGINNING ADULT SEWING
Part 1 --This class is for the beginning sewist; it is a class designed for someone who knows nothing about sewing. You will learn how to operate the sewing machine, how to interrupt a pattern and pattern envelope, what sewing supplies to use to be successful when sewing. You will make a Flange Pillow and a simple apron during the class.
Dates: Sun, May 16, 23, Jun 6, & 13; 1 – 4
Class Fee: $50
Instructor: Jean Baxter

BEGINNING ADULT SEWING
Part 2 -- This is the second part of Beginning Adult Sewing. Students need to have an understanding of how to operate the sewing machine and have made several simple sewing projects or have successfully completed Beginning Adult Sewing, Part 1. More advanced projects will be completed in this class, such as a robe or pair of pajama bottoms.
Dates: Sun, Jun 20, 27, Jul 11, & 18; 1 – 4
Class Fee: $50
Instructor: Jean Baxter

BLACK BELT SEWING
Imagine three days to sew with no interruptions; Black Belt Sewing gives you that chance. Bring your latest projects to Howell’s and set up your sewing machine and supplies and enjoy three days of sewing with others who like to sew as much as you do! Space is limited and this is a popular event, so plan to sign up early for your spot in Black Belt Sewing.
Dates: Thu, Fri & Sat, June 3, 4, & 5th; 9:30 – 4
Class Fee: $25
Instructor: Jean Baxter

FIT FOR YOU
Based upon the Palmer/Pletsch system of pattern fitting, you will be fitted in a basic bodice to find your best pattern size and how your body varies from the “sloper” from which patterns are designed. You will then alter the pattern and create your “body map” to enable you to alter any fashion pattern. As time permits, you will alter any pattern so that it is ready to sew into a beautifully fitting garment.
Dates: Tue, May 4 & 25; 9:30 - 3
Class Fee: $65 includes pattern for sloper
Instructor: Jean Baxter

OPEN SEWING
This class affords you the opportunity to have five hours of uninterrupted sewing, on a project of your choosing, with help from a certified sewing instructor and enjoy the company of people who love to sew as well.
Day: Sat, Apr 10, May 8, Jun 12, Jul 10; 12:30 - 5:30
Class Fee: $20 per session
Instructor: Jean Baxter

SERGER 101
Do you have a serger you are “afraid” to use or haven‘t used because you cannot thread it or bought from someone and had no lesson on how to use it? Then this is the class for you! You will become familiar with the parts of your serger, such as loopers, differential feed, stitch finger, etc; how to thread the serger and how to do simple serging. When you complete this class you will be ready to try a simple project such as napkins, simple blouse, placemats, etc.
Date: Wed, Jun 9; 9:30 - 1:30
Class Fee: $30
Instructor: Jean Baxter

BEGINNING PIN WEAVE
Here’s a fabulous way to learn the basics of weaving without a loom. In this class we will explore free form sculptural weaving using a variety of materials. Here is the time to raid your drawers of all those :special” tidbits that you just knew would come in handy some day!! We’ll be making a small abstract woven piece and discuss in class how it could be used or displayed.
Dates: Sat, Apr 17, 2 - 5 & Thu, Jun 10, 10 - 1
Class Fee: $50 per session
Instructor: Mary Prantil

ADVANCED PIN WEAVE
In this class we will explore advanced weaving techniques to create more texture in your woven piece. You will learn how to add beads, do Soumak wrapping and work with ribbons. This is a class in color, texture and design. Your end result can be a beautiful wall hanging, an insert for pillows, a purse or even clothing.
Dates: Sat, May 1 & Jul 24; 10 - 4:30
Class Fee: $75 per session
Instructor: Mary Prantil

BEGINNING WOOL AND SPINNING
So you have your own fiber animals or maybe a spinning wheel that is a decoration in your home. This is were you will learn to use them! Learn the basics of turning raw wool into gorgeous yarn that you will use to knit, weave or crochet into an heirloom!
You will learn the basics of fiber and what to look for in raw material and what types of wool are available. You will also learn how to clean and card the wool as well as blend colors. You will learn what to look for in a spinning wheel, general maintenance and care. Best of all you will be spinning wool and learning how to ply it into yarn.
Date: Sat, May 24: 10 - 2
Class Fee: $50
Instructor: Mary Prantil

ADVANCED SPINNING CLASS
OK, now you have the basics! You can spin and ply.....but what about all the other fiber out there? In this class we will try out a wider variety of fiber.....Angora goat, cashmere, Buffalo, Yak, Camel, silk, soy, Alpaca, rabbit!!! We get a taste of it all. Wool has a mind of its own and tells you how thick or thin it wants to be spun. Learn the different weights of yarn and how they are best used.
Date: Sun, May 9; 1 - 4
Class Fee: $50
Instructor: Mary Prantil

BEGINNING NEEDLE FELTING
Learn the basics of needle felting while making a fun and easy project. We will be working with wool roving and novelty yarns to create a small clutch or purse. You will have a chance to work with both hand needles and a machine embellisher. You will amaze yourself!
Dates: Sun, May 2; 1 - 5 & Fri, Apr 16; 10 - 2
Class Fee: $50 per session
Instructor: Mary Prantil

FELTED RUG
Let’s get wet!!! You tried your hand at dry felting, this time we are going to work with wet felting! We will learn the basics of making a rug/wall hanging that is not only gorgeous but durable and washable as well. You will marvel at how soft and wonderful it feels under your feet. Luxury!
Dates: Sun, Apr 25, 1 - 5, Sat, Jun 19, 10 - 2
Class Fee: $50 per session
Instructor: Mary Prantil

FLOWER POWER
Discover the joy of Fabric Sculpture with wool felt! Delightfully easy to work with and requiring not much more than a sewing machine and a hot glue gun. Let your passion for flowers guide you into creating a special bouquet for your home or a gift for a friend.....better yet bring her along!
Dates: Fri, Apr 30, Sat Jul 17; 10 - 3
Class Fee: $75 per session
Instructor: Mary Prantil

NUNO FABRIC EXPLORATION
A combination of felt with fabric, we will explore the design possibilities and the unique effects obtained from different fabrics, wools and techniques. This is an exploration class for those who want to know more about the process. You will leave with a sample book ready to reference for your own creations!
Dates: Fri, May 7; 10 - 2
Class Fee: $65 per session
Instructor: Mary Prantil

SHIBORI FELT SCARF
This is a Japanese technique for embellishing textiles by knotting and binding before dyeing. In this class we will learn the basics of twisting, folding, stitching and dying either felt or pre-felt. Shibori makes dramatic scarves that you will love to show off!
Dates: Fri, Jun 18; 10 - 2; Fri, Jul 16; 10 - 2
Class Fee: $75 per session
Instructor: Mary Prantil

FLOWER LARIAT
For all you flower lovers, this is a fun felting class that will amaze you! Find your favorite flower and learn how to make a Lariat scarf to adorn the Goddess within!
Dates: Fri. June 25 & Sat. July 31; 10-3
Class fee: $75 per session
Instructor: Mary Prantil

FAIRYLAND
You admire those little Sprites, here’s your opportunity to create your own! This is a fun class using Basic sewing skills. In this class we will be using many different tricks to create and embellish your personal fairy. Come join the fun and see who flies in!!
Dates: Sat. June 26 & Fri. July 23; 10 - 2
Class Fee: $75 per session
Instructor: Mary Prantil

Creative Sewing

DECORATED HEARTS PILLOWSHAM
In this two session class you will use decorative stitches to create beautiful heart appliqués as the focal point of your pillowsham (or wall hanging), then create free standing lace appliqués to further embellish your project, customize a particular decorative stitch to create the border for your project, make a ruffle to attach to the outside of your project and be ready to show off your new talent as well as your gorgeous new creation.
Date:Tue, Apr 13 & 20; 9:30 – 3:30
Class Fee: $50.00
Instructor: Marilyn Reeves

QUILTED CRAZY PATCH TABLE SET
This unique table setting can be created in any number of color ways to celebrate a season, holiday, or other festive occasion. It will also provide you with just the perfect project to utilize that ‘special’ fabric you’ve been saving… and… teach you how to stipple on your fabric in a new and easy way. Come join us for two fun days of learning and sewing!
Date: Tue, May 11 & 17; 9:30 – 3:30
Class Fee: $50.00
Instructor: Marilyn Reeves

BLUE INDIGO LAP QUILT
Come join me to learn the techniques involved in bringing this beautiful and unique wall or lap quilt to life. You’ll learn how to enlarge a pot holder size quilt pattern to fit a larger block as well as tips and tricks to make your quilt piecing exact without having a nervous breakdown in the process. Then you will learn how to use your new Viking Texture Hoop to create companion blocks that add ‘pizzazz’ to your project. You’ll be ready to show off your new creation to all your admiring fans! P. S. You will also be ready and able to enlarge this quilt to any size you heart desires when you complete this three session class!
Date: Tue, June 15, 21 & July 13; 9:30 – 3:30
Class Fee: $75.00
Instructor: Marilyn Reeves

Designer Diamond Technique Studio
MAJESTIC FLOWER WALL HANGING
Learn how to create a Majestic Hoop design directly on your Designer Diamond. Then learn how to set up your Diamond with Viking’s Yarn Couching Foot using Spangle yarn or other heavy yarn of your choice. The result will be a stunning wall hanging to adorn a wall in your home or to give to someone very special.
Date: Mon, Apr 19; 9:30 – 3:30
Class Fee: $25.00
Instructor: Marilyn Reeves

8-WAY STITCHED BORDERS
Learn to program Omnimotion stitches on your Designer Diamond. Then sew your stitches ‘on the straight and narrow’ to create a beautiful “designer” border on the hem of your newly made pillowcase.
Date: Mon, May 17; 9:30 – 3:30
Class Fee: $25.00
Instructor: Marilyn Reeves

QUILTING IN EMBROIDERY MODE
Learn about the new tapering stitch as well as utilizing Viking’s stipple stitch on your Designer Diamond Sewing Machine. Then use these stitches to create a novel table runner or small wall hanging.
Date: Mon, Jun 21; 9:30 – 3:30
Class Fee: $25.00
Instructor: Marilyn Reeves

VINTAGE STITCHES IN THE BAG
Practice using your Designer Diamond’s new Vintage Stitches and then use them to embellish this unique bag that can be created in many different shapes and styles to carry all your “goodies” in.
Date: Monday, July 12; 9:30 – 3:30
Class Fee: $25.00
Instructor: Marilyn Reeves

BLACK BELT DIGITIZING
This is a whole day to bring your laptop and work on projects you have been wanting to digitize and need a long span of time to concentrate on your design. You can work on any project you want to complete with the help of other members in the Digitizing group.
Dates: Wed, May 5 & Jul 14; 9:30 - 3
Class Fee: $10 per session
Coordinator: Jean Baxter

CUSTOMIZING & EMBROIDERING A PROJECT
Bring your computer and embroidery machine to class with a project in mind. We will help you customize your design for your project, then prepare your project to embroider the design. You will go home with a completed embroidered project customized to your specific plan.
Date: Thu, Apr 1; 9:30-4
Class Fee: $20
Instructor: Jean Baxter

TNT QUILT EMBROIDRABLOCK MEETING
This is the organizational meeting for the new Embroidrablock quilt. Bring a ½” or 1” - 3 Ring Binder for the organizational printed materials you will receive. It is essential that you attend this class if you plan to complete this quilt as you need specific instructions for selecting fabrics.
Date: Tue, Apr 6; 10 – 12
Class Kit Fee: $5 for printed materials
Instructor: Jean Baxter
TNT QUILT * EMBROIDRABLOCK OF THE MONTH
TNT-Textures and New Techniques – Embroidered quilt of the month is the second quilt of this type at Howell’s. Make a block each month in class, then complete three additional blocks at home. This quilt will include trapunto, candlewicking and stippling as well as some traditional piecing of parts of the quilt. All the techniques are completed on an embroidery machine; we have the design for all brands of machines.
Note: because of high demand 3 separate class sequences are offered --- sign up soon to be assured a place in this class
1: Thu, Apr 15, May 20, Jun 17 & Jul 15; 9:30-12:30
2: Thu, Apr 22, May 27, Jun 24 & Jul 22; 9:30-12:30
3: Thu, Apr 22, May 27, Jun 24 & Jul 22; 1 – 4
Class Fee: $15 each session
Instructor: Jean Baxter

Quilting

LONG ARM QUILTING
This information packed seminar is designed to show you how to fearlessly approach finishing your quilt using a long arm machine. Join the growing trend towards finishing your own quilts without basting or struggling with pushing a quilt through the small opening on your home machine. The focus will be on the 5 basic shapes that all designs come from and how to incorporate them into beautiful free motion designing. You will learn about needles, threads & tensions and tools that will almost eliminate the need for marking. This class certifies you to rent the HQ 16 in Howell’s for $10 an hour with no minimum time. Class fee includes a set of leaders ($55). Supplies for class: Mechanical or regular pencil & eraser, sketch pad, graph pad, tracing paper or printer paper. Pick one. Snack & Water (optional). When renting the HQ 16 remember to bring your own scissors, pins & bobbins. We will supply the oil and needles.
Dates: Fri, Apr 23, Sat, May 22; 1 - 4; & Thu Jun 17; 1 - 4
Class Fee: $95
Instructor: Marylynn Matthews

START QUILTING WITH MARYLYNN
If you are a beginning quilter with very little experience or no experience at all then this is the class for you. You will learn good habits to carry with you into the quilting world. Habits like how to hold the rotary cutter, read the ruler properly, attain an accurate ¼” seam allowance and many more little tips and tricks. You will have an opportunity to make a child’s size quilt or larger depending on how much homework you can handle. This class will focus on piecing the top only, and you should have a completed top by week 3.
Dates: Wed, May 5, 12 & 19; 6 - 8:30
Class Fee: $50
Instructor: Marylynn Matthews

JUDY HOPKINS MYSTERY QUILT PROJECT --“Fit For A King”
This mystery quilt is called Fit For A King. It produces a pieced runner or narrow wall hanging 15” X 60” including borders. This project is geared toward quilters who are comfortable with basic rotary cutting and machine piecing techniques. The supply list should be picked up in time to decide what 4 fabrics to use before the first class meeting.
Fabric requirements include fabric for borders and binding.
Total Yardage required: 2-2/8 yards plus backing.
Dates: Thu, May 6 & 13; 5:30 - 8
Class Fee: $35
Instructor: Marylynn Matthews

NORTHWIND QUILT TECHNIQUE CLASS
This is a technique class that will yield beautiful “complicated looking” quilt tops. The secret is in how to make the ½ square triangles. These triangles can be used in a plethora of block designs like, Ocean Waves, Lady of the Lake or Feathered Star. Once you learn this technique, you will be hooked and these little ½ squares. The focus of this class is to make a couple of different blocks out of these ½ square triangles and not to make an entire quilt top, but once you start you could have a finished top in no time!
Dates: Fri, May 7 & 14; 3 - 6
Class Fee: $35
Instructor: Marylynn Matthews