September 2024 Newsletter

We started the month with a big bang! In come the 2024 All Ohio Shop Hop participants.  We have welcomed over 900 shop hoppers to date.  It’s been sew much fun seeing all the hoppers having such a great time.  We hope you all enjoyed your visit with us.  Time is flying by with just one more month to go!

Our classroom has also been busy with some great classes. Thanks to the over 60 ladies who attended the binding boot camps. Joanne does such an amazing job.  If you weren't able to attend these sessions, we’ve added more! Binding Boot Camp will be held on November 14th, and Binding Boot Camp II is on November 15th.  Click to register!

Need some BERNINA presser feet, bernette presser feet, or BERNINA BIG BOOKS?  If so, September is your month. Buy one BERNINA/bernette presser foot or big book and get one 50% off.

We’re also offering some financing specials in September and October! Get 2.99% APR for 60 months on any purchase of $3,000 or more from September 10th to 18th.

Save the Date! Super Saturday is just around the corner. Join us on Saturday, October 12th for this one-day-only financing event. This is our once-a-year, 72-month financing offer.  This offer is for any machine purchase of $4,000 and over. Get 3.99% interest for 72 months!

There is still time to join us for our 3rd Annual Runway At The Ridge!  Attend this red carpet affair and watch participants “strut their creative stuff” down the runway. Food will be served at the event, and a BERNINA photo booth will be set up with props, so you and your friends can make memories to last a lifetime! Click to purchase your audience tickets for this awesome event.

Carol Sciarini will be busy in the coming months. She is offering her “Everything but the Machine Tote” class on September 9th. This tote is a must if you take sewing classes, like to sew and travel, or attend retreats where you need to bring everything. All of your sewing tools and notions can now be tucked away in an organized fashion in the 5-drawer case that has an adjustable strap so you can carry it in your hand, on your shoulder, or not at all by using the trolley sleeve! In October, Carol is crafting her ‘’Tools of the Trade’’ carrier. This carrier comes in two sizes and is designed to store, protect, and carry oversized items, including rulers, cutting mats, sketchbooks, and even computers. 

We are extremely excited to welcome artist and quilter Gerald Schwab for his Color Confidence Workshop from September 17th - 19th. Only 2 spots remain for this immersive color experience! Join Gerald as he guides you through the principles of color theory and how to apply that knowledge to quilting. Gerald will share his tips and techniques for pulling colors from different sources, such as fabrics, nature, and everyday objects to create harmonious color palettes that bring visual interest to quilts. The class will also focus on developing individual color styles, helping students to explore their own color preferences, and creating quilts and other projects that reflect their personal taste and style. Joanne Hubbard will be working alongside Gerald to offer a variety of project options on which to work while learning about color, including a project that you choose to bring from home.

We have two wonderful StitchWise events this October, and they both feature top-of-the-line machines. On October 1, we’re hosting StitchWise: The Ultimate BERNINA with Kathy Shalda. Join us for the unveiling of new and innovative products from BERNINA. In this lecture/demo event, explore the industry-leading features and unparalleled precision of the latest BERNINA sewing machine: the BERNINA B 990. Embark on a journey of creativity and craftsmanship, where you will have the opportunity to witness the future of sewing unfold. There are two sessions available: AM and PM.

On October 2, you can experience serging like never before with BERNINA StitchWise: Serger Showcase! Join us for an exclusive opportunity to pioneer the next wave of serging innovation, while also having the chance to unleash your creativity. Whether you are new to serging, or a seasoned sewist, this is a perfect time to discover the power of sergers and unlock the secrets to flawless seams and professional finishes.

This hands-on event showcases the BERNINA L 8 Overlockers and various presser feet and accessories. During the event, explore several cutting-edge serger techniques including the twice-as-nice stitch, flatlock seaming, and serger fringe. All these techniques come together in a wall-hanging project inspired by Barbara Goldkorn’s Wall-Hanging Organizer. Click here to reserve your spot now!

Elisa will be back in the classroom with two garment classes. On September 30, Elisa will be teaching How to Copy a Garment without Taking it Apart. In this class, you will learn how to copy and create a pattern for your favorite garment without taking it apart.  This class will focus on basic pattern drafting techniques and strategies. The best part of this class is the satisfaction of drafting a pattern that you know you will like and know will fit. This class does not involve any sewing, only pattern drafting. Eilsa will also be making the stylish and cozy Stanton Hoodie on October 21st. This pattern is custom-fitted to your body, with cup sizes from C-H! Cashmerette patterns are designed for curves to give you an amazing fit at the bustline and the rest of your body. You will be amazed at how fun and easy this hoodie is to make.  We will be using our sergers exclusively for construction and you will be guided step by step in the process

Betty is busy with lots of digitizing classes. The practical digitizing series began on August 27, but there’s still time to study up for class #2 on September 24th which will focus on fills, including satin, step, lace, and fancy fills as well as applique. Students will learn when to use each fill and how to adjust the parameters to best meet their needs. They’ll also learn when and how to use the remove overlaps feature. If you’re looking for something more advanced, there are more advanced digitizing classes in October, November, and December, so be sure to check the website for upcoming classes.

Join us for Claudia’s Creations! The first session is already full, so seats are going fast. There are only 6 spaces left in the second session, running October 17th - 19th! Claudia’s newest design, Autumn Skies, is featured in this workshop. It’s the perfect design for fall with lots of seasonal favorites. However, you can work on any of her designs over the three days. Lodging is also available at the Berlin Grande Hotel. Transform your embroidery forever in this fun-filled, hands-on workshop. Reserve your seat and sign up here!

Master your sewing machine’s features and functions! In this Sewing Savvy block-of-the-month series led by Susan Pfaff, you will create a fun nine-block crazy patch wall quilt while gaining skills that you will use in all of your sewing projects. Each month, you will learn multiple uses for featured sewing machine feet, decorative stitches, needles, specialty threads, and more! You can also use your blocks as stand-alone mini-quilts, decorator pillows, tote bags, etc. September is all about embellished prairie points and ruffler techniques. All makes and models of machines are welcome!

Libby Van Treese is back and ready to help you take your quilting to the next level! Art and Stitch 102 takes a deeper dive into Art & Stitch software. Amp up your quilting with the ability to create and manipulate quilting designs in the powerful program. Students will explore both customization of designs as well as creating their own with the drawing tools. We will explore the “magic” in depth and learn how to create block designs. There are two dates available for this class: October 3rd and October 5th.

Libby is also here to assist with your technique! In Ruler Work for the Q-Series, you'll learn how to use both a straight ruler and the Good Measure Clamshells to create quilting designs. You'll also learn how to use a straight ruler to "stitch in the ditch", and unleash your creativity by using Good Measure Clamshells in new ways to fill blocks or create borders. Learn how to navigate straight-line quilting, how to quilt around curves, and find new ways to enhance your quilting with the use of ruler templates! There are two sessions for this class: AM and PM.

Let us help you get ready for the holidays through our Merry Making Series! Each class is holiday-themed and designed to create or finish quick holiday gifts. We’re kicking the series off by welcoming Kimmy for a Rope Bowl Class on November 18th. In this fun-filled class, you will learn the art of making rope bowls while creating three different bowls: two geared toward the holidays and one sewing-related.   On November 19th and 20th, Joanne will be in the classroom hosting a Panel Pattern Party and spreading her Scallop Border Magic! During the Panel Party, you will have three choices of patterns to use to take any panel to the next level and make it into an awesome quilt that will be perfect when you need a quick gift. In the Scallop Magic class, you will learn how to add an instant “va-va-voom” factor to any quilt by using the Creative Grids Scallop Template which takes all the math and guesswork out of creating these amazing borders. Wrap up the series by taking Practical Digitizing with Betty on November 26th and learn how to make quilt tags and use Word Art to personalize gifts. 

Looking ahead to 2025, we are SEW excited to be hosting Krista Moser twice! Her retreats are some of our most popular events. Luckily, registration is already open, but seats are going fast! You will notice we have two sessions and two events next year. Krista will be here May 13th and 14th or May 15th and 16th.  During the May retreats, students will create a project using Krista’s 1611 Union Street pattern. This pattern is dimensional and has an architectural look without all the piecing. September retreat registration will be opening soon. Stay tuned! This project is to be determined, but we’ll let you know as soon as we can!

Back by popular demand! We’re excited to announce the 2025 Winter Retreat at the Ridge! Join us January 13th - 15th for fun and fellowship. Bring your current projects and get work done while welcoming in the new year and new friends. A block of rooms is available at the Berlin Grande Hotel. Click here to reserve your spot.

As you can see, exciting things are happening at the Ridge! We look forward to seeing you for ALL of our upcoming events! 

Enjoy the rest of summer, but be sure to

take time to go inside and create something!

Dawn, Mike, and the CRS Gang!