Classes

Bernina Pfaff Sewing Center provides a wide variety of classroom training at various times to accommodate your busy schedules.

You will find quilting, hand appliqué, embroidery, bear making and beginning sewing classes.

We provide the largest and most comfortable classroom in the Tampa Bay area.  In a class with ten students, everybody has their own 6 foot table.

 

Classroom Tampa & Brandon

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Clubs

Classes

Select by teachers or scroll to see all the classes.

Cathleene Tokish

Claudia Ingram

Donna Jensen

Debra Sidler

Gregor Sidler

Leslie Hickland

Maggie Winsbro

Nancy Smith

Pat Fairbanks

Pat Otto

Shirley Pope

 

 

 

Classes with Nancy Smith

One Block Wonder Sample    To top of page
One great fabric + One Shape = One stunning quilt. Create a complex look with no fussy cutting - just simple techniques.  The first class will be making the hexagon blocks and the second class will be designing your one-of-a-kind quilt.  This has been a great class and students have found this quilt to be very addicting.  You will more than likely have to make more than one!  So come and have a lot of fun! 

Tampa
Fri. June 6                    10:00-4:00                   $45

       and 20                   10:00-1:00    

Brandon
Tues. June 17               10:00-4:00                   $45

         and 24                 10:00-1:00    

 

Diamonds Jubilee Bargello Sample    To top of page

This is an original design by Nancy Smith.  Looks complicated... but its not!  Fabric selections (11 fabrics) flowing from light to dark in color value will create this unique bargello style artwork.  A clever construction method offers efficiency and ease in making this dynamic diamond jubiliee quilt!  Join Nancy in this class to learn her tips and tricks to making this a wonderful project.

Tampa
Sat. Aug. 2 and Aug. 23           10:00-3:00       $50

Brandon
Sat. June 21 and July 26           10:00-3:00       $50

 

Quilter's Large Tote Sample    To top of page

Calling all quilters… this carry-all bag is great for carrying your 24” cutting mat, 6” x 24” ruler, acrylic table extension, iron, bolts of fabric… whatever you think you need for easy transport to and from classes.  Come and personalize your very own bag to your liking.  You will not leave home without it! 

Brandon
Sat. Aug. 16                 10:00-4:00                   $35

 

Winding Road - Bargello Sample    To top of page
This is a great BEGINNER BARGELLO, but...  Warning!  Making Bargello Quilts is habit forming.  This quilt will amaze you with its visual complexity and delight you with its ease of construction.  Practice with rotary cutting and the simple technique of strip piecing.  This is a great class to get a taste of Bargello piecing so that you can begin to build your very own collection of these beautiful quilts.

Brandon
Sat. July 12                  9:30-12:30                   $35

      and Aug. 9             10:00-1:00

 

Catch-up Class     To top of page
This class is a chance to bring any project that you need help with from a class you took previously with Nancy.  RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED. Be sure to let Nancy know what project you will be working on so she can be prepared!   

Tampa

Sat. Aug. 30                 10:00-4:00                   $20

Brandon
Thurs. July 24               10:00-4:00                   $20    

 

Classes with Cathleene Tokish

Wild Things Sample    To top of page

Have you ever wanted to go on Safari-well, here’s your chance.  We will be doing Sharon Malec’s free standing appliqué technique.  It is a method of making pictorial quilts using freezer paper as templates and a glue stick as basting with machine applique.  The animals of choice are the Lion (the easiest), Elephant, Tiger, and Orangutan (the hardest).

Tampa

Sun. July 13 and 27                  1:00-5:00         $35

 

Contra Dance Sample    To top of page

This is an easy technique for on-point settings, but no diagonal rows and no setting triangles.  It is constructed with 3 simple blocks.  We will be making the baby quilt size 43” x 53” in class.  This is an easy ‘second’ quilt, after you have taken beginning quilting.

Tampa

Sun. June 1 and 29                   2:00-5:00         $35

 

Quilting 101 Sample    To top of page

In this class you will learn to choose fabrics (color combinations), rotary cutting, piecing, quilting, and binding.  This is a six week course.  You will have a finished quilt.

Tampa

Mon. May 19, Wed. May 28,

Mon. June 2, 16, 23, 30           6:00-9:00         $60

 

Quilting Bee     To top of page

Come join me for a relaxing afternoon.  Quiet time away from the phone ringing, TV blaring, laundry, and housework.  It can all wait!!!  I will provide assistance with any patchwork or quilting project.  If you don’t need help, just come and enjoy the camaraderie with your friends.

Tampa

Sun. June 22, July 20, Aug. 17, and/or Sep. 21                  1:00-4:00                $10 each session

 

Classes with Sue White

Start Quilting Sample    To top of page

Learn how to make a quilt from start to finish.  You will learn to rotary cut, machine piece, machine quilt, and bind your first quilt.  You are welcome to use one of our machines at no charge.

Brandon

Mon. June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, July 7        6:00-9:00         $60

 

Wandering Stars Sample    To top of page

This is a great pattern for beginners to learn the process and simplicity of foundation paper piecing.  This quilt is surprisingly fun and simple to make

Brandon

Tues. June 10, 24 and July 8     3:00-6:00         $45

 

BQ 2 Sample    To top of page

The center squares are off center giving the quilt a fun contemporary look.

Brandon

Mon. July 14 and 28                 6:00-9:00         $30

 

Classes with Debra Sidler

My Precious Feet     To top of page

Explore and experiment with the additional Bernina and Pfaff feet. I will share with you how these feet can make your sewing project easier. The class will include the following fee: Pintuck, Gathering, Fringe, Cording, Piping, Ruffler, Bias Binder and Roll Hemmers. For this class you must own a Bernina or Pfaff sewing machine. Cost is $10 if machine is purchased from Bernina Pfaff Sewing Center, otherwise $20.

Tampa

Sat. June 14                             1:00-4:00

Brandon

Sat. May 10                             1:00-4:00

 

Winter Wonderland Sample    To top of page

This quilt is a must for everyone who loves snowmen. A combination of redwork by the embroidery machine and traditional piecing techniques are used to create this snowmen’s winter wonderland. A 5”x7” embroidery hoop is required.

Tampa

Sat. May 24 and June 28          10:00-4:00       $45

 

Chit Chat Backsack Sample    To top of page

A versatile backpack with lots of pockets. This is a great class for an intermediate beginner sewer. Definition of intermediate beginner: A person who can thread their sewing machine, cut with a rotary cuter and sew a semi-straight line.

Tampa

Sat. May 31                             10:00-4:00       $30

 

Pfaff Creative Dream Hoop Workshop Sample

Tues. July 8                              10:00-1:00      

 

Chantilly Lace Quilt Sample    To top of page

From Michelle’s Designs (Chantilly Lace Ensemble) create a small heirloom quilt by combining machine embroidery, ruffing strips and double needling.

Tampa

Tues. May 13, June 3 and 10    10:00-4:00       $50

Brandon

Thurs. May 15, 29 and June 5    10:00-4:00     $50

 

Classes with Maggie Winsbro

Introduction to Machine Quilting     To top of page
This class introduces all the basics of quilting with your sewing machine.  You will learn both quilting with an even feed foot and free motion.  After this class you'll be ready to start to work on all those tops you have at home.
Tampa

Sat. July 26      10:00-2:30                   $25

 

Bind Those Edges     To top of page
In this class you will learn how to finish the edges of your quilted projects.  You will bind a small quilted piece using double fold binding, have beautifully mitered corners and a virtually invisible joining where the binding meets.  We will discuss other methods of binding, alternatives for traditional binding, and adding a rod pocket to your quilted project.
Brandon

Sat. Aug. 2                   10:00-12:30                 $15

 

Disappearing 9-Patch Sample    To top of page

You’ve made your 9 patches bloom with Nancy and they’ve had an attitude with Leslie.  Now lets just make them disappear completely.  This is a fun and easy quilt that looks a lot more complex than it really is because it starts with big simple 9 patches.

Brandon

Sat. May 24                 10:00:4:00                    $35

 

Quilt As You Go – Reversible Quilt Sample    To top of page

This is a fun lap size quilt that is made using an updated "quilt as you go" method.  Add another quick and easy method, "sew and flip", and you truly have a no stress COMPLETED QUILT not just another top.

Tampa

Sat. June 7  10:00-1:00 and Sat. June 21 10:00-4:00

                                                                        $45

 

The Cross Town Carry Tote Bag Sample    To top of page

This fun shaped bag has braided handles and a great inside pocket.  It’s not too big or too small and it’s perfect for what ever your toting needs may be for the day.

Brandon

Sat. Aug. 23                 10:00-4:00                   $35

 

Classes with Gregor Sidler

Eddy Kite Sample    To top of page

In this class you will make a kite. Yes you read correctly. We will be sewing a Diamond or Eddy kite with real kite fabric (Rip Stop Nylon)

You have to know how to sew to take this class. Later this fall we will have a kite fly again with everybody that took the class. Check out www.prodcutsunshine.com and click on the SiwindiS link. You will see how much fun kite flying can be for any age! The complete kit for this class is $15. Kit required!

Tampa

Sun. June 8                   9:00-3:00                     $20

 

Classes with Shirley Pope

Miss Posey Sample    To top of page

Here she is back for a repeat performance, Miss Posey will adorn anyone's bedroom, sewing room or hall.  She is fused appliqué, using the blanket stitch and oh so easy to make.  Delight that special child in your life with this adorable quilt, or just delight your inner child.  Come join us for a day of fun making this whimsical little lady.

Tampa

Sat. Aug. 9                   10:00-4:00                   $35

 

T-Shirt Quilt Sample    To top of page

The word has spread and you asked to have this back, so here it is.  Bring in all those T-Shirts that are under the bed and in the corners of the bedroom and we will make a wonderful cozy memory quilt.  Learn my method of making this quilt, it is fast and easy.  So, start washing up those shirts and come join the fun.

Tampa

Sat. July 19                  10:00-4:00                   $35

 

Trash Quilt Sample    To top of page
Okay ladies, it's time to use all those odds and ends of fabric that we usually toss in the trash.  This is a wonderful quilt with no particular color or design theme.  It's a curious mishmash of all the fabrics and leftover blocks we've used in our quilts or fished out of the garbage after a class. Bring those abandoned blocks or those "too ugly to finish" projects and WHACK them up for the trash quilt.  We will transform them into a beautiful quilt.  It is a fun and unusual quilt.

Tampa

Sun. Aug. 17                10:00-4:00                   $35

 

Christmas Scrappy Tumble Sample    To top of page

Here's another great scrap offering from Shirley!  It's made with her special templates shaped like Tumblers.  Her sample contains about 600 fabrics, and she's made more than one of them, because they're so easy that they're highly addictive.  Swapping fabric in class will make your quilt even more special. Come join the fun and lets get an early start on those Christmas gifts.

Tampa

Sun. July 20                  10:00-4:00                   $35

 

Beginning Paper Piecing Sample    To top of page

In order to take the Block of the Month Paper Piecing, you must take this class, unless you already know how.  We will show you all the basics so you will learn to PP the easy way. We will be making a Small Star Wall Hanging.  We will be using Carol Doak methods and books, Come join the fun.

Tampa

Sat. May 10                 10:00-4:00                   $35

 

Block Of The Month Paper Piecing Sample    To top of page

Join us for the Block of the Month using Carol Doak 300 Paper Piece Block book.  We will be making (hopefully) all 300 blocks through out the coming year.  We have a picture of the quilt that has used all 300 made by Carol. We will meet the last Tuesday of the month.

Tampa

Tues. May 27, June 24, July 29, Aug. 26 

                                                10:00-8:00       $40

 

Classes with Pat Otto

Thinking Outside Of The Block Sample    To top of page

Throw out traditional thinking and break some rules.  This snappy little piece is a cinch to make.  Relax and speed piece your way to some really great blocks. Hope to see you on June 25th.

Brandon

Wed. June 25               10:00-4:00                   $35

 

Double Cutting Sample    To top of page

Looks complex but...you won't believe how fast and fun this one is.  Cut  2...swap...sew...repeat. Free form cutting with no rulers allowed until you square up your blocks.  Come have some fun on  July 25th.

Tampa  

Fri. July 25                   10:00-4:00                   $35 

 

Recipe For An Art Quilt Sample    To top of page

STEP 1 Throw out most quilting rules for the day.  

STEP 2  Learn to freely cut your fabrics. No pattern and no templates.

STEP 3 Sew a little crooked on purpose.

STEP 4 Play and have fun and use up some scraps.

STEP 5 Walk away with an art quilt.

Don't just let the kids have fun...schedule your play date on August 15th.

Tampa

Fri. Aug. 15                  10:00-4:00                   $35

 

Classes with Donna Jensen

Little Girl Top & Pants Sample    To top of page

This is another pattern from the book, Baby Couture.  Make this summer outfit that will look cute on any little girl.  Easy enough for beginners and quick enough to whip up for a last minute gift.

Tampa

Thurs. May 15 and 29              6:00-9:00         $30

 

Little Girl's Collared Dress Sample    To top of page

The collar on this dress can be embellished in any way you choose or left just plain because of its unique  shape.  If you've never sewn from a commercial pattern, we'll learn the basics.  If you have, its a good refresher course.  Make some special little girl happy by making this for dress for her.

Tampa

Thurs. Aug. 14, 21, 28 6:00-9:00         $40

 

Hankie Blankie Taggie Sample    To top of page

Children love to touch things that are small and soft or silky.  They also love to stroke satin or ribbon. 

You can include all of these in this project.  A must have for a toddler, baby or grandchild.

Tampa

Sat. Aug. 16                             10:00-4:00       $30

 

Animal Towels Sample    To top of page

Brought back by request, these hooded towels are popular with kids and mommies alike.  They are great for bath or pool towels.  Pick out your favorite animal from the pattern, a towel & washcloth, and we're ready to go.

Tampa

Thurs. July 10 and 17               6:00-9:00         $30 

 

Classes with Leslie Hickland

Fine Hand Quilting Sample    To top of page

Learn the ins and outs of the art of hand quilting!  Of course, we will discuss marking, batting, basting and the tools of the trade.  But, we will spend much of our time stitching, as practice really does make perfect!  Leslie will bring many of her hand-quilted projects for show and tell.  What better way to spend a hot, summer day?

Tampa

Sat. June 21                 10:00-4:00                   $35

 

Nine-Patch with an Attitude Sample    To top of page

I had to really search for the 9-patch in this pattern!  Can you find it?  The twist on this traditional block is the addition of EASY to sew curves that give the block a totally different look.  Bring your favorite fabrics and we'll have some fun!

Brandon

Sat. June 14                 10:00-4:00                   $35

 

Beginning Needleturn Applique - Wreath of Roses Sample    To top of page

The Wreath of Roses is one of the best-loved appliqué designs to come out of the 19th century.  Join Leslie in learning the needleturn method of hand appliqué, stems using bias bars and perfect (no kidding!) circles.  We will start from scratch so beginners are welcome as is anyone who would like to brush up on their appliqué skills. 

Leslie has had several requests to bring this pattern back to you so come spend the day with us!

Brandon

Sat. July 19                  10:00-4:00                   $35

 

Maggie Walker Block of the Month - 'Shell Collection' Sample    To top of page

Our 8-month advanced hand appliqué adventure is half way over but you are still welcome to stop by and see the project for yourself!  'Shell Collection' was just introduced at the International Quilt Market in Houston last fall but students are welcome to stitch on any of Maggie's block of the month patterns.  If you have any questions about the class or Maggie Walker you are welcome to get in touch with the shop or Leslie.

**The patterns for 'Shell Collection' are available at Bernina/Pfaff Sewing Center.  You do not need to take the class to purchase the patterns.

Brandon

Sat. June 7, July 12, Aug. 2, Oct. 4, Nov.1                               1:00-4:00         $20 each session

 

Classes with Pat Fairbanks

Patches Sample    To top of page
This small patchwork bear has lots of colors and pieces.  It is a collectible teddy bear of imported Mohair that has been dyed specifically for this patchwork project.  He was inspired by a book.  Due to the number of pieces, this class is more fun for the experieced bear maker. 

Kit fee $40
Tampa

Sat. June 7                   10:00-4:00                   $35

Beginning Bear
Sample    To top of page
This is a child-safe toy teddy bear of domestic fur.  You will learn how to sew fur, joint your teddy bear (to make the head, arms and legs, move), stuff him/her and add finishing touches.  No experience is necessary.  Kit fee $25   Child with adult welcome.

Brandon

Sat. June 28                 10:00-4:00                   $35

Design Your Own Teddy Bear
    To top of page
This is an intermediate class for those teddy bear makers who want to design their own teddy bear pattern.  This will be a two-part class. The first class will be approximately 3 hours.  You will receive suggestions and assistance in designing your own teddy bear. The second class will be the process of making your design come to life.  There will be no kit fee unless you wish to purchase supplies for your new bear from Pat.  
Tampa

Sat. July 26 (Design process)    10:00-1:00

Sat. Aug. 2 (Make your bear)   10:00-4:00         $45

 

Classes with Claudia Ingram

Bow Tucks Tote Sample    To top of page

"Bow Tucks Tote" is a great bag for all your needs.  It's an easy-to-sew design with roomy pockets inside and a pocket outside.  Choose nursery prints for a great diaper bag!  At the end of the class you'll be walking out the door with a great bag over your shoulder. 

Tampa

Thurs. June 26              10:00-4:00                   $35

Brandon

Mon. June 16               10:00-4:00                   $35

 

 

Kids Classes     To top of page

These classes are designed to teach you some of the basics of the sewing machine and simple sewing techniques. Come join the fun and make some cute projects!

 

Small Purse Sample

Tampa

Wed. June 25               10:00-12:30                                         $15 plus kit fee $6

Brandon

Thurs. July 17               10:00-12:30                                         $15 plus kit fee $6

 

Patchwork Quilt Sample

Tampa

Tues. July 14 and Wed. July 15            10:00-12:30                 $15 plus kit fee $25

Brandon

Wed. July 30 and Thurs. July 31           10:00-12:30                 $15 plus kit fee $25