Don’t let the approaching heat of the summer get you down. Summer is a great time to start a new project with its long days and the extra daylight hours it provides. Every season is a good season to learn a new technique and start a new project. Let us help get you started at the Summer Trimester Class Preview on Saturday, June 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. We have some fun and interesting classes lined up for you such as the Paper Doll quilt using the adorable Paper Doll fabric from Windham and being taught by Mary Bauer.

Children seem to be one of the focuses this summer with projects with the younger generation in mind such as Pond Pals and Monsters in the Closet taught by Barb Burrows. Learn machine appliqué and how to use panels and border stripes to make quick and fun quilts, respectively in these two classes. Also, let Evelyn Cureton show you how to make designer diaper covers that are very cute for the best dressed baby around. For the little girls, the Natty Jacket is stylish and oh, so cute. Wanda Wiegand will show you how to make this fun jacket from Chelsea Anderson and Pink Fig Patterns. Let us not forget, Prudence the Owl. Prudence is a whimsical creature that serves as a pillow and quilt. Every child should wake up Christmas morning to find Prudence under his/her tree. Let Betty Patterson show you how to make it in August and by Christmas, you can have several made. Last, but certainly not least, there is ‘Whoo’s Your Granddaddy?” This is a fun family tree quilt designed by Carol Morrissey and Lydia Albers.

We are also offering two of our most popular kids classes this summer. Pillowcases and rag quilts are two great ways to learn to sew and they are fun to make. Do you know a young person who would enjoy sewing? Tell them about the kids classes at Among Friends.

We also have great projects for the grown-ups as well. You can learn how to make a chenille wall hanging. Let Betty show you how to take patterned fabric and chenille it for an interesting look and texture. Evelyn has made the practical and fun pincushion scrap bag by Abby Lane Quilts that every quilter and seamstress should have. How about Cathedral Windows? Let Mary Bauer teach you how to make this very popular and traditional block. Want something a little less traditional? Mary will show you how to appliqué the whimsical owl family and all the cousins, aunts and uncles – too cute! For those of you wanting something a little more challenging, we have Bella Louisville. Mary Bauer will take you step by step through this quilt, teaching techniques from the Bella Bella book by Nora McMeeking. It is an exquisite quilt and one you won’t want to give away! In October, Dee Dee Hudson can teach you how to make your very own Christmas tree skirt.

The cold winter days may be gone, but don’t pack away that sewing machine. Let the warmth of the summer sun and the long summer days energize you and let us inspire you with these fantastic projects and more. Be sure to read about and take advantage of the Summer Daze program as described in this issue. Summer Daze classes filled up quickly last year, so remember to enroll early.