Sewessentials

08/31/2026

08/21/2026

🧵 OPEN SEWING TONIGHT!

Join us tonight from 5:00–7:00-ish at Sewessentials!

Connie Koch will be with us this week and next week to help you with whatever you’re working on. Bring your current project—or if you’re ready to try something new, Connie will get you started on a new project!

And Connie… push those pillowcases! 😉We can ALWAYS use more pillowcases for our Good News of Christmas campaign, especially with our new students. They’re a great project to learn on and a wonderful way to give back!

Come sew, learn, visit and have a little fun!

5:00–7:00-ish — See you tonight!

08/15/2026

What a great way to wrap up the week… thanks everyone!

08/13/2026

A huge thank you to these incredibly gifted quilters who shared their time and talents with our two groups yesterday!

They taught everyone how to create this beautiful American flag quilt block and even went the extra mile by revising the pattern so it could be made into an 18” envelope-back toss pillow.

But this class was about so much more than sewing a pillow! Students learned the importance of working with the grain of the fabric, why trimming the selvage matters, and were introduced to the art of appliqué. These are the kinds of skills that build confidence and make better sewists.

It’s amazing what happens when talented people are willing to teach, encourage, and inspire others. Thank you for sharing your gifts with our Sewessentials students—we appreciate you more than you know!

08/13/2026

Five years ago, she was one of our very first sewing students. Today, she’s headed out of state to pursue a degree in Architecture!

Watching her grow has been such a joy. Not only is she incredibly talented, but she’s also become an amazing seamstress. The handmade creations she’s sharing are nothing short of impressive, and they reflect the creativity, patience, and skill she’s worked so hard to develop.

We’re so proud of you and can’t wait to see all you’ll accomplish in this next chapter. Keep dreaming big—you’ve got this Ciarra Breckenkamp!

08/13/2026

“Blessing Bear” Day was a huge success too!

08/13/2026

Amazing… this was the quilt class… they all turned out great.. they had the most amazing volunteers teaching them too! Thank you ladies

08/12/2026

08/11/2026

Meet our friend, Ella!

Ella is one of our seasoned sewing students and an award-winning 4-H member who is headed to the Illinois State Fair this Saturday!

She’s not selling anything—she’s generously sharing her talent with all of us. This Friday, Ella will be leading the class and teaching everyone how to make a zippered makeup bag.

Come join us, learn something new, and support this amazing young lady. Oh… and thanks to some wonderful supporters, we’ve got new fans to help keep everyone cool while we sew!