Class Policies

• Payment is required when signing up for a class. We can not reserve a space without payment.

• Payment is made directly to the instructor in the form of check or cash. We can not accept credit cards.

• Your purchase of supplies from Prairie Queens allows us to keep our classroom available for classes. We encourage you to purchase these items here and we will give you 10% discount on supplies, fabrics, notions and patterns (excluding any clearance fabric).

• For the courtesy of other students, please put your cell phone on vibrate and take any calls outside.

• All teachers, students and customers need to park in the front of our store. Rear parking is for employees only. Cars will be towed.

• Prairie Queens has a limited supply of cutting mats and rulers in the classroom. To ensure that your time in class is used efficiently, bring your own cutting supplies.

• We appreciate your business and understand you may want to set up early, but please do not disrupt the classroom during another class.

• If your class begins at 10:00 A.M., we will happily let students in 5 minutes prior to the store opening.

• Finally, in order to facilitate a good class experience, we ask that students do not bring children, pets or any unpaid guests.

Class Calendar

Here is our latest Class Calendar that runs from July 2008 through November 2008.

Links to the direct months:

July 2008
August 2008
September 2008
October 2008
November 2008

Class Descriptions
Teacher Bios

Click on the appropriate month for printable versions of our calendar and class schedule. These are Adobe Acrobat files.

July 2008
August 2008
September 2008
October 2008
November 2008

Class Descriptions

Class Descriptions

Click on any photo thumbnail for larger view.

OPEN SEWING
Join our open sewing group to work on a current project or start a new one. Fridays with Mary from 10:00 - 3:00 pm
Level: All
Fee: $10 a session

NOTE: No classes: July 4 (store is closed), July 11, September 26, October 17, October 31, November 28

BACK TO BASICS
In this new beginning class, the students will learn how to make a quilt from the very beginning, including learning about fabric, using rotary tools and basic supplies, and then sewing while learning basic piecing techniques. The students will end the course with a finished sampler and a new skillset that will allow them to move on to more advanced quilt making. This course will be centered on the book Quilts! Quilts!! Quilts!!!: The Complete Guide to Quiltmaking by Diana McClun and Laura Nownes. This book is considered the bible for quilt making.
Level: Beginner
Instructor Debbie Thornton
Dates: 11 weeks, Thursdays starting September 11, September 18, September 25, October 2, October 9, October 30, November 6, November 13, November 20, December 4, December 11
Time: 6:30 - 9:00 PM
Fee: $195.00

BACKYARD GARDEN CLASS IS FULL
Now for something a little bit different. Turnips, corn, eggplant, and other vegetable delights will be our subject for this easy to stitch quilt designed by Jeana Kimball. This class is a rare opportunity as Jeana has graciously allowed the instructor to copy this out-of-print book for the class. You'll have fun with this simple pattern while you learn “cheater” hand-appliqué techniques. Great for beginners!!!
Level: Confident Beginner
Instructor: Penny Tucker
Dates: Wednesday evenings, October 29, November 12, December 17, January 14, February 11, March 11
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Fee: $60 plus pattern fee (TBD)

BATIKS IN MOTION
Join us in learning to sew curves using only two pins! You'll have fun twisting and turning these blocks to create your own design without having to match seams. The key is using a variety of values and print scales to provide contrast in each block. This quilt is a "show stopper"! The pattern is included in the class fee.
Level: Advanced Beginner
Instructor: Delores Roseveare/Nancy Nemec
Date: Saturday, September 6 - This class is full. We have another class available on Saturday, November 8
Time: 10:00 - 3:00 PM
Fee: $55

BEGINNING SASHIKO
This is a techniques workshop on the basics of the traditional Japanese art of sashiko embroidery. You will learn the basic "do's" and "don'ts" of the sashiko running stitch and how sashiko can be used traditionally and in new ways to enhance quilts or contemporary garments. The workshop will include a mini trunk show of Leilani's sashiko pieces and complete instructions and sashiko patterns for the table runner on display in the shop.
Level: Beginner
Instructor: Leilani Bennett
Dates: Monday, August 25
Time: 10:00 - 1:00 PM
Fee: $35

BINDING 101
Want to learn the secrets of beautiful straightedge binding? Ever wonder how people make those perfectly mitered corners? Well, this is the class for you!!! By the end of the class you'll know everything you need to complete quilts with beautiful straightedge bindings, including techniques for mitered corners and what looks like “seamless” binding. The included kit will provide you with the fabric you'll need for this class.
Level: Beginner
Instructor: Penny Tucker
Dates: Saturday, August 16
Time: 1:00 - 5:00 PM
Fee: $25

CAROLEA'S GIRLS
This is an open sew group that originated at Carolea's Knitch. It is open for anyone who wants to join this fun group.
Level: All
Dates: Third Thursday of every month (except for October which will be the last Thursday of the month)
Time: 6:00 P.M. - 9:30 P.M.
Fee: Free

EMBELLISHER
Learn how to create a whimsical landscape using needle felting techniques. We will be using the embellisher machine. You will learn how to layer roving and other bits of fiber and fabrics to create this little landscape. This is fast and easy.
Level: You must be able to thread a needle and push it through fabric
Instructor: Suellene Petersen
Dates: 2 part class, Tuesday, August 5 and August 19
Time: 1:30 - 5:30 PM
Fee: $65
Optional supply kit available from instructor for additional price.

EXPLORING COLOR
As a quilter do you struggle with color choices in picking out fabrics? Or have you ever been inspired by nature and want to create something just as beautiful in a quilt? Learn about color theory and relationships as you experiment in class with fabrics. As part of this 3 session class you will make a quilt featuring a different color scheme in each block. You will also learn different methods of choosing fabrics for quilts and how to take your color inspiration from other sources.
Level: Advanced Beginner (some piecing experience)
Instructor: Sharon Freeman
Dates: Day or Evening classes; 3 part class, Thursdays, August 14, August 28, September 11 from 10:00 - 1:00 PM OR Wednesdays, October 22, November 5, November 19 from 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Fee: $55.00

GIANT OR REGULAR TOTE BAG
This is another version of the Zip That Tote, but in a larger version that you can use to carry a lot of stuff. These make good bags for shopping, beach trips, or whatever you need to carry something large.
Level: Beginner
Instructor: Carole Hanlon
Date: Monday July 14 OR Monday September 15
Time: 10:00 - 4:00 PM
Fee: $35 Plus $2.00 kit fee

GIRLS NIGHT OUT
Take a little time out for yourself and come join this fun evening class. Bring a UFO or start a new project with the help of Mary. We will be quilting until midnight and will have lots of food and laughs. Sign ups are required and a 10-person maximum will be enforced.
Level: Beginner
Instructor: Mary Berthiaume
Dates: Fridays, July 18, July 29, August 1, August 15, August 29, September 12, October 3, October 24, November 7, November 21
Time: 5:00 PM until Midnight
Fee: $15 + dish to share

GOT SCRAPS - MAKE A QUILT I
Gather your scraps from projects and those fat quarters, then choose from three 9 patch variation patterns that use 3 inch squares and create a quilt. This is a machine piecing project for any skill level. This is a great class to go beyond matching every fabric and to begin to understand that contrast is more important than color in scrap quilts.
Level: Beginner and up
Instructor: Marie Strait
Date: Saturday, August 9
Time: 10:00 - 4:00 PM
Fee: $45

INDIAN SUMMER
Come join us in making this great, easy beginning paper-pieced quilt. This is an excellent pattern for batik or Asian print fabrics, or choose some from your favorite collection. If you've always wanted to learn paper piecing, this is the class for you! Come learn this fast and accurate method and make a beautiful quilt for your home.
Level: Beginner
Instructors: Nancy Nemec/Dolores Roseveare
Date: Saturday, October 11
Time: 10:00 - 3:00 PM
Fee: $55

IS IT A BLOUSE OR IS IT A JACKET?
You decide. I've taken a current Vogue pattern, tweaked it a little (mostly redesigned their unattractive sleeve) and fooled around with the closures. What we now have is a very elegant, easy-to-make and even easier-to-wear top. Class includes fitting the pattern to you and the how-to's of redesigning sleeves.
Level: Intermediate
Instructor: Leilani Bennett
Dates: 2 part class, September 8, September 22
Time: 1:00 - 5:00 PM
Fee: $65

THE KOOS KLUB
Be inspired to create unique wearables that fit with the personal guidance of designer, Leilani Bennett. Work at your own pace. Leilani will be teaching the fine sewing techniques she uses in her one-of-a-kind wearables under the leilani bennett design label.
Level: Advanced Beginner
Instructor: Leilani Bennett
Dates: Wednesdays, July 2 and 16, August 20 and 27. Starting September, these will be moving to Tuesdays and there will also be a daytime Koos Klub class: September 2, September 16, October 14, October 28, November 11, November 18
Time: Daytime classes are 2:00 - 5:00 PM and Evening classes are 6:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.
Fee: $15 per session

MINNIE'S PICNIC
Overcome your fear of applique with this exclusive quilt designed by Penny. Baskets holding applique flowers create a medallion center that you add additional pieced borders around. Good for both the advanced quilter as well as beginners, this quilt can be done in 30s prints, batiks, reproductions, or whatever suits your taste. You'll learn a number of "cheater" techniques for accurate piecing, as well as freezer paper applique, bias bars, circle templates, and half-square triangle paper. Pattern and half square triangle paper is included in class fee.
Level: Confident beginner to advanced
Instructor: Penny Tucker
Dates: Wednesdays, June 11, July 9, August 13, September 10 - CLASS IN PROGRESS. CLOSED TO NEW STUDENTS
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Fee: $47.50

MUST HAVE BUCKET BAG
Use a combination of your most favorite fabrics to make this bag. It can be either "too too mahvelously," or gorgeous, or downright funky. It's all in the fabric and embellishment choices. But any way you make it, it is roomy and practical with inside and outside pockets galore. Hint: The Holidays will be here before you know it and this would make a wonderful personal present for Mom, Sis, or that very special friend. The class fee includes the original pattern by leilani bennett design.
Level: Intermediate
Instructor: Leilani Bennett
Dates: 2 part class, Thursdays, October 2 and October 9
Time: 1:00 - 5:00 PM
Fee: $90

PRIZE WINNING QUILT
This quilt gives you the opportunity to use all of your large prints in a fresh new way. This layout will show off your fabrics to their advantage in this dramatic prize winning quilt. We will show you several methods to make half-square triangles in class. Easy piecing will make this quilt a fast and fun favorite of yours.
Level: Beginner
Instructor: Nancy Nemec/Dolores Roseveare
Date: Saturday, November 15
Time: 10:00 - 3:00 PM
Fee: $55

RETRO CHIC
This beautiful quilt is made from one simple block created with gentle curved piecing. Many design options can be achieved through variations in fabric selection, placement and block rotation. The sample quilt is a diagonal design achieved with fabrics that both contrast and blend together. Don't be intimidated by the curved piecing – Christie will show you an easy and painless construction method. Pattern “Retro Chic” from Artichoke Collection required for class.
Level: Advanced Beginner
Instructor: Christie Batterman
Date: Saturday, September 13
Time: 10:00 - 4:00 PM
Fee: $55

SASHIKO TRIPTYCH
This very unique and beautiful three-panel screen will become a treasured heirloom. Class fee includes the original pattern by leilani bennett design: the complete instructions and diagrams to make the screen, three sashiko patterns and dowels.
Level: Previous sashiko class is a prerequisite
Instructor: Leilani Bennett
Date: Monday, September 29
Time: 1:00 - 5:00 PM
Fee: $45

SEW SIMPLE
Learn basic sewing and complete your choice of the following projects: Lap quilt (recommended for beginners), 15 square patchwork quilt, pants (or shorts), or tote bag.
Level: Beginner
Instructor: Michelle Zeiler
Dates: Tuesdays, July 1, July 15, July 29, August 12, August 26, September 9, September 23, October 7, October 21, November 4, November 18
Time: 5:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.
Fee: $25 if you bring your own machine/$30 if you need to rent one

SILK PURSE
Learn how to create a beautiful small silk purse that you can hang around your neck and use for hands free shopping. It is big enough to carry a credit card, cash, key and lipstick (I also carry a business card or two). Using silk fabrics, elegant prints of Victorian ladies, silk ribbon, dyed lace and beads you will design your own unique purse. We will only be using three simple embroidery stitches on this project. The purse construction is simple and can be sewn either hand or machine. Our main focus is to learn how to create a small, beautifully embellished area. The concepts that you learn can also be used in crazy-quilting and other embellishment projects. Additionally, when you wear your silk purse and someone asks where you bought it, you will enjoy smiling as you tell them “I made it”.
Level: You must be able to thread a needle and push it through fabric
Instructor: Suellene Petersen
Dates: 2 part class, Thursday, August 7 and August 21
Time: 1:30 - 5:30 PM
Fee: $65
Optional supply kit available from instructor for additional fee.

SILK RIBBON HEART PILLOW
This is a project class in which we will concentrate on skill development. The skill set we want to build include practicing 7 basic stitches that can be used to create many silk ribbon embroidery designs. Additionally we will introduce bead embroidery as an element of embellishment. Thus, our objective is to compose a flower garden that will be worked in surface embroidery, silk ribbon embroidery and embellished with beads. The concepts and skills learned can be applied to any project that you want to work in the future. Since the heart pillow is small, the flower garden embroidery is also small which means that you can learn a lot and work a little. In other words, it is a fast project to do.
Level: You must be able to thread a needle and push it through fabric
Instructor: Suellene Petersen
Dates: 2 part class, Tuesday, September 9 and September 23
Time: 1:30 - 5:30 PM
Fee: $65
Optional supply kit available from instructor for additional fee.

STUDIO CHIC
Studio Chic is a highly geometric pattern that lends itself to many styles and colors.  The store sample uses subtly patterned fabrics, but bold patterns can also work well.  A wide variety of samples will be on display at the class, which will be led by Studio Chic's designer.
Level: Advanced Beginner
Instructor: Mary Jane Kelly
Date: Tuesday, August 26
Time: 10:00 - 4:00 PM
Fee: $55

SWEET TREATS
This class is designed for beginners who are interested in doing a quick and easy wall-hanging that can be replicated for any season. The student will learn basic cutting techniques, piecing and machine applique techniques. Pattern purchase is a requirement for this class.
Level: Beginner
Instructor: Eli Bailey
Dates: 2 part class, September 23 and 30
Time: 10:00 - 1:00
Fee: $55

TUMBLING BLOCK
Make the traditional baby blocks pattern with strip piecing methods. Using a pattern by Diana McClun and Laura Nownes, create your quilt as you learn to make Y-seams with ease. This project is for the quilt maker with some piecing experience. Pattern purchase is required.
Level: Advanced Beginner
Instructor: Marie Strait
Date: Saturday, August 30
Time: 10:00 - 4:00 PM
Fee: $45

VERNAL EQUINOX
Using the pattern of the same name, work with large prints and some stripes, make this striking quilt. Learn to cut a 60 degree angle with ease. The project is machine pieced and appropriate for any quilt maker with some experience using the rotary cutter and ¼” seams. Pattern purchase required.
Level: Beginner and up
Instructor: Marie Strait
Date: Thursday, September 18
Time: 10:00 - 4:00 PM
Fee: $45

WE BEE STRIPPIN
On the fourth Saturday of each month, Kathy Hilton will be unveiling a new quilt that is made using strips. As in other strip clubs, we will take sign ups ahead of time and if you pay for the strips at that time, we will give you 10% off. On the day of the workshop, you will then get a copy of the strip club pattern and get a chance to see the finished quilt, as well as get help picking out any additional fabrics. You will not need to bring your sewing machine. Each month will have a different pattern and set of strips from our wonderful lines of fabric.
Level: Beginner
Instructor: Kathy Hilton
Dates: Fourth Saturday of each month (except September - class will be first Saturday in October) - July 26, August 23, October 4, October 25, November 22
Time: 1:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M.
Fee: Free workshop. Strip sets fluctuate depending on the size of the strip sets and final quilt.
Click here to see an archive of the previous month's strip quilts. We still have some strip sets and patterns available for purchase. For more info, come on in or give us a call.

ZIPPER POUCH
Here is a wonderful gift or holiday item that can easily be made in one hour. Don't let the zipper scare you. Carole will teach you the best and easiest way to make this pouch in only one hour.
Level: Beginner
Instructor: Carole Hanlon
Dates: 3 opportunities: Monday, August 11 from 11:00 - 12:00 PM, Monday, October 6 from 11:00 - 12:00 PM and Monday, November 3 from 1:00 - 2:00 PM
Fee: $10

Teacher Bios

Elisheva Bailey
Eli Bailey has been designing and making quilts for the past 10 years. Eli has had two designs published in Quilts With Style magazine and has recently completed a quilt for The Children's Discovery Museum and San Jose Junior League. She has had award-winning quilts shown in Gig Harbor Quilt Festival, Taste of Morgan Hill and the 2006/2007 Pacific International Quilt Festival. As a mother of two children, Rachael and Sarah, Eli quilts to maintain her sanity and fill her walls with the beauty of color and fabric.

April Basuini
April has been quilting for 15 years. As one of Prairie Queens earliest employees, she is both an employee and valued teacher. She finds joy in teaching others how to quilt and helping them create their own family heirlooms. She enjoys many different types of quilting and has had award-winning quilts displayed in Taste of Morgan Hill. She is married and has three beautiful children, 17, 13 and 10 years old.

Christie Batterman
Christie Batterman began quilting in her 40's, inspired by a lifelong love of fabric and art. She began sewing at a young age when her mother taught her to make dresses for her doll and progressed into making her own clothes. In 2003, she retired from Visa International, culminating a 30-year career managing software applications development. Retirement lasted only a few weeks, however, as Christie went to work part-time in a local quilt shop, expanding her quilting pursuits to include teaching and creating original designs. She is partial to colorful, contemporary quilts. Christie's work has been included in three books from C&T Publishing, “More Elm Creek Quilts,” by Jennifer Chiaverini; “Machine Quilting Solutions,” by Christine Maraccini; and “A Laurel Burch Christmas,” by Laurel Burch. In 2007 Christie and a colleague launched a pattern company called “Artichoke Collection,” which features unique designs with simple techniques for every style.

Leilani Bennett
There are two kinds of wearable art: Runway Wearable Art and truly wearable Wearable Art. Leilani Bennett is a textile artist who designs, makes, sells and teaches Wearable Art. She has three goals in all of her classes: The garment must be artistically balanced; it has to be truly wearable; and, everyone MUST have fun!

Mary Berthiaume
Mary has been sewing most of her life but she has been quilting since August of  2000 because one of her daughters bought a beautiful mountain home in Colorado and said to her, "Mom, my new home would look great with lots of Quilts in it, do you know how to quilt???"  Well, with help of a friend, she made her first quilt which was a King Sized Double Wedding Ring for her daughter and she had so much fun doing it, that Mary was then hooked on quilting for life. In the six years since then, Mary has made over 150 quilts of all sizes and now every one in her family has at least several in their homes. Mary has given lots of them away, but now she makes more challenging quilts and keeps them for herself. Her kids can have them much later.

Sharon Freeman
Sharon has been sewing since she was a teenager and although her granddaughters now enjoy many colorful dresses, her passion is creating colorful quilts. She decorates her home walls with quilts that change with the seasons. Sharon also loves to garden and often takes her inspiration from nature.

Carole Hanlon
When Carole retired from her job in the "real world," she thought she might like to learn to quilt. Carole took a class and has never looked back. Although she enjoys spending time quilting, she also looks for ways to use fabric to make non-quilted gifts for relatives and friends. Nothing says lovin' like a handcrafted gift made especially for you.

Kathy Hilton
Under the tutelage of her grandmother, Kathy made her first quilt at the age of 7-years. A “few years” later, following college, marriage, career, two sons, a second career and business ownership – Kathy discovered her passion for quilting. She became a member of Santa Clara Valley Quilt Association in 1989, was president in 1999, and was the featured local quilt artist at SCVQA's Quilted Pieces of Our Lives 2007 Quilt Show. She served two years as a Director and Executive Board Officer at the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles. Kathy has made over 300 quilts as gifts, for family, for her “family” of friends, and upon request. With her legendary collection and ever-increasing fabric stash, she loves to “turn others on to the Dark side” of quilting and has been teaching at local quilt shops for seven years. She has quilted by hand, loves to machine-piece traditional and original patterns, and is known for her color selections. Since 2005, in addition to finishing many bed-sized quilts, she has made over 50 Ricky Tims' Harmonic Convergence quilts. With his permission, she has been teaching workshops at guilds and quilt shops in California .

Mary Jane Kelly
Mary Jane Kelly has been quilting for almost 20 years, drawn by her love of fabric, color and design.  She started as a casual home quilter, became an increasingly active student of the craft, and has recently cofounded Artichoke Collection, which produces original quilt patterns based on contemporary motifs. Her designs are elegant and versatile and can be used in settings from fun baby quilts to sophisticated wall hangings.

Nancy Nemec
Nancy is a self admitted fabricaholic. Her lifelong love of fabric and sewing led her to graduate from Penn State University with a degree in Clothing and Textiles. She began quilting in 2000, and was involved in the retail end of quilting while working at Whiffle Tree Quilts.  She began teaching classes nearly 4 years ago with Dolores Roseveare. She loves trying new patterns and techniques and has designed a few original patterns of her own.  Her favorite classes to teach are easy curves, paper piecing, and anything with floral fabrics. She and her husband Randy are new empty nesters, so she spends her time happily doing what she loves, quilting, reading, playing with her dogs, teaching quilting classes and adding to her fabric stash.

Suellene Petersen
Suellene Petersen’s business is called Suellene’s Delight because she truly is delighted to do needle-art activities and to work with other people that also love needlework. Although she is a semi-retired C.P.A, Suellene also studied art at SJSU with a major in illustration and minor in fine art. Her move into fiber art occurred seven years ago when she discovered the world of silk ribbon embroidery (SRE), embellishment and fabric painting. Her work spans from the heirloom Victorian concepts to contemporary ideas and processes. She began teaching classes five years ago and now offers embellishment classes that combine elements of SRE, thread painting, bead embroidery, trim and fabric manipulation, experimental fiber arts, fabric painting, lace dying and lace collage.

Dolores Roseveare
Dolores and her sewing machine have been the closest of friends since they met back in third grade. Making clothes went by the wayside when she discovered her passion for quilting in 2000. Since then she has become a class junkie, learning tips and techniques from "The Greats." She and Nancy Nemec have been team-teaching since 2003, bringing creativity, skill, enthusiasm, and fun to their classes. In addition to designing quilts for several fabric manufacturers, her quilts have been featured on the websites of Jane Sassaman and International Artisans, Inc., and in the May/June 2007 issue of Fons & Porter's Love of Quilting magazine . Her grown children affectionately gave her a license plate that says it all, "QLTHEAD" (Quilt-head).

Marie Strait
Working with fabrics, the color, the texture, the softness, the shapes, are reasons Marie has made quilts for more than 30 years. And one of the joys is sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm with others. Marie has been teaching quilting for almost as long as she has made quilts, in quilt shops, in adult education and community college classes, for guilds on the east and west coast, and for conferences. Fast piecing techniques, scrappy quilts and fusing are her favorite projects to do and to teach.

Debbie Thornton
Debbie has been quilting for over three decades and is the owner of Prairie Queens Quilt Shop. Her expertise in color and design makes her the owner of a quilt shop as well as an instructor. Debbie is also a master on the store's long-arm and her award-winning quilts have been seen at a variety of local quilt shows.

Penny Tucker
Penny Tucker has been a quilt instructor for the past 9 years, primarily teaching hand-applique and medallion quilts. She teaches a variety of applique techniques in her classes and often uses her own original designs for the project. Penny received a bachelor's degree in textile design in 1982, and has a particular interest in historic quilts. Her original designs have been included in several publications, including Quilter's Newsletter Magazine and Quilt It for Keepsakes.

Michelle Zeiler
Michelle has been sewing since she was 5 years old. Michelle received a scholarship to attend the Los Angeles Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising where she received an Associate Arts degree. She managed fabric stores and is a clothing and costume designer. Michelle has also been the Santa Clara County Girl Scout Sew-EZ program coodinator for the past 7 years. She holds a full time job as Fabric, Notions, Crafts sales representative for over 26 years.