I am coming out of lurkdom to seek ideas. I have recently become involved with a local store (a staff member) and need ideas to bring people in... projects, classes, etc. We are a very small store with limited quilting fabric but lots of fashion yarn. I need to come up with ideas for quilting/sewing classes, etc.
Any help is greatly appreciated.

Beginning sew/quilting class came to my mind.

I agree. Beggining classes for someone who may have no other resource to learn to sew.

Technique classes normally are good things to have. Something that is a new technique so that you can get a different effect.

Mastering mitered corners & binding I think would be a popular topic.

HOw about fabric embellishment?. I make a fabric sandwich with fat quarters and a firm poly batting (can't remember the name). You need to pin the sandwich. then couch novelty yarns all over to quilt the sandwich. You can do swirls or straight lines. You can then make a tote, using binding to cover the raw edges. I've gifted all the ones I've made or I'd post a picture :-) you can make a small lunch size tote from a pair of FQs, or a larger one from 4. Or, do a bunch, recut into squares & make a scrp quit.

A foot class. I have been wanting one of these classes for a long time. I don't do much sewing other that quilting because I haven't learned how to use my other feet.
It would be nice to find a class where you'd make some kind of apparel or item that uses a zipper foot, button hole foot, blind hem foot, and maybe some others. And, maybe even put some elastic in there.

I hope this is "allowed".

I take my classes through a LGS called Earthly Goods in Edmonton, Alberta. They have a website: http://www.earthlygoodsquilting.com

On the site they post their newsletter, classes and descriptions, etc. You might browse through their classes and get some ideas for yourself.

They do all sorts of classes these days too from quilting, bags, home decor, stuffed friends, embelishments, etc.

Tara

How about a pillowcase class. Not too much fabric needed so it would keep the cost down, great as a gift, easy to learn and it is fun.

My LQS offered a class to make a knitted scarf. You had to buy the long loopy wool/acrylic? there and it was supposed to be real easy. It made a fabulous long loopy varigated colour scarf. Super Cool! Perhaps see if there is interest in a beginners knitting/crochet classes. I know you can find DIY demos on the net but it isn't the same as learning a skill in person.

MY choices would be..
a binding class (i am still looking for one of these)
beginers class
appl. class.
Like the pillowcase class

I think an Introduction to Rotary Cutting would be helpful. Show people how to change blades on their cutter, show how accurate rotary cutting is mastered and how important correctly cut pieces are to a successful quilting outcome.

1. have a free time that others can bring in sewing machine, projects to sew to get to meet other quilters and learn at the same time (pitch in supper or order pizza)
2. newsletter
3. make it take it days
4. demonstrations
5. gift cards
6. ask your customers for ideas what things they want

I would love to do a class/quilting day where you sew the jellyroll together in one long strip and then starting sewing it together in strips? I think some do it as a race? What a fun way to chat with other quilter while finishing a simple quilt! :)

short 'project' classes are great that one can build on when they get home.
block of the month is always fun.
for knitting: scarves, chemo caps(pm me if you need an easy direction), afghans, cape like scarves are great with wonderful yarns.

Have fun
Kate

How about something like machine couching using the yarn the store sells? Art quilts, scarves, and placemats can be made doing this. Quick and easy.