We are excited to present our Give It A Try series again in 2026!
Our sign-up was a success. Soon our 2026 classes will start!
GIVE IT A TRY 2026 CLASS LIST
Class #1 – Hexie Mug Rug by Jessica McAdoo Thursday, January 8, 2026 // 10 AM - 1 PM Come try your hand at English Paper Piecing (EPP) and make a mug rug. This class is in Westminster Students need to bring: -Thread in a couple of colors of your choice - A medium hand sewing needle - small thread cutting snips/scissors Jessica will provide: - A piece of batting & backing - paper hexagons - 2 1/2 in squares of fabric for the hexies.
Class #2 or #4 - Coffee Bags by Nadine Ridder Saturday, January 10, 2026 or Saturday, January 17, 2026 // 12:30 PM - 4 PM Burlap bags from coffee roasters I will furnish the bag at the sign up. $6.00 fee for supplies. Participants need to cut the burlap (22W x 18 D) and use 101 fusible interfacing. Supplies list: 3 &1/2 yards straps 1 yard fabric for lining 1 12 inch zipper to match lining Sewing machine, scissors, thread to match, extra needles, cutting board and rotary cutter
Class #3 - Dig Into Your Family Genealogy by Kathy Emmel Friday, January 16, 2026 // 1 PM – 4 PM Using your own laptop computer (and my internet connection), I will help you set up a free account on the genealogy website, familysearch.org. This site holds billions of records and I can show you how to access many of them. Bring with you a list of what you know - relatives' names, places of birth, places where they lived, etc. Especially helpful is information about grandparents, great-grandparents, and such. You will be amazed at what is available. I will also demonstrate some other sites (paid and unpaid) to show you what you can find. Also bring paper or a notebook, a mouse and mousepad (if you use one), and your power cord.
Class #5 or #6 – Let’s make Postcards by Chris Pennel Friday, January 23, 2026 or Saturday, January 24, 2026 // 9 AM – noon This class is in Golden. Let's practice some stitching techniques: Applique circles, flowers, contemporary designs… Embellish with buttons, couching, and decorative stitches by hand or machine, pin tucking… Piecing - precision, paper, strip… Or any techniques on small projects Lets' make 2-4 mailable postcards to keep as samples or mail to friends and family. Bring your sewing machine and sewing feet
Class #7, #14, or #25 – How to put on a quilt sleeve without hand sewing by Rhonda Kennedy Saturday, January 31, 2026, Saturday, February 21, 2026, or Saturday, March 21, 2026 // 10 AM - noon Need to attach a quilt sleeve, but are intimidated by having to hand sew it? Learn how to attach a quilt sleeve without hand sewing! No materials needed - this will be a demo
Class #8 – Celestial Seasonings Factory Tour and Tea Tasting by Jeanette Jenks Wednesday, February 4, 2026 // 12:30PM – 2:30PM This class is in Boulder. Anyone for tea on a cold winter day? Let's go to Celestial Seasonings and tour the factory and taste their lovely teas, then browse the shop afterwards. Depending on interest, we can meet at the church and carpool. $6.00 fee for tour.
Class #9 – EQ8 Basics by Maria Viegas Friday, February 6, 2026 // 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM Do you own EQ8 software and would like to learn more about how to use it? Come with your laptop and learn some basics from Maria. Students need to have purchased EQ8 and have it installed on their personal laptop before class.
Class #10 – Sew-in by Linda Wiedenhoff Saturday, February 7, 2026 // 9:30 AM – finish Assist your daughter, granddaughter, niece, neighbor (or a boy), at a sew-in to make a simple table runner. If you want to come by yourself to sew, bring materials to make two separate table runners as it won’t take long for an experienced sewer to make one table runner. Items needed: 12” piece of WOF; 18” piece of coordinating WOF (can be holiday, seasonal or year-round fabric); sewing machine; thread; wound bobbin; scissors; and 2 “fancy” buttons. You can also bring a cutting board, mat, ruler and rotary cutter, or we can share. Please accompany your guest to help them as needed - straight-line sewing with a little zig zag stitch for overcasting.
Class #11 - Hand Quilting - Get Started or Get Going! by Chelsey McNeil Saturday, February 7, 2026 // 1 PM - 4 PM Learn to quilt by hand, a relaxing and artistically satisfying way to bring a quilt project to completion. We will focus in on hand quilting technique and decisions related to design. Bring a small project of your own in need of quilting, prepared to quilt. You will find how quickly you will cover "mileage" on your quilt top with technique! Supplies required from the student: ~Small patchwork or whole-cloth quilt project of your choice, ironed, sandwiched with batting/backing, basted (with long basting stitches or with safety pins), and ready to quilt. Minimum size is 24"" on a side, but slightly larger is ideal. Think lap quilt, table topper, or wall hanging. Backing and batting can be about 2"" larger than top on each side (not 4-6"" as is often required for long-arming by machine). ~Thimble you are comfortable wearing on the middle finger of your dominant hand ~Thread(s) to match your project. Best options are Gütermann Hand Quilting Thread, or Perle Cotton #8 or #5. ~Small snip scissors Optional: needle-nose pliers like those used in jewelry making or small household repairs Supplies provided: (Supply fee: $25 per student) ~Dritz 14"" quilting hoop ~2-3 Hand Quilting Needles ~Marking Tools/Rulers to try out ~Other threads to try out Extras - we'll enjoy tea/coffee and goodies while sewing; feel free to bring a plate to share.
Class #12 – Jelly Roll Rug by Scotty McCarthy Friday, February 13, 2026 // 9 AM - 3 PM Learn to make a jelly roll rug from 21/4 or 2 1/2 in strips and batting. Bring your sewing machine, open-toe foot and neutral thread along with 2 1/4 or 2 1/2 in strips and corresponding batting strips
Class #13 – Snuffle Mat by Peg Rogers Saturday, February 21, 2026 // 9 AM - noon It's been said that 10 minutes of sniffing is as beneficial for your dog as a half hour walk. And solving puzzles are good for their brains. Plus, many dogs don't eat their kibble, they inhale it! So let's make a snuffle mat that you can use to enrich your dog's day through sniffing and puzzle solving or to stretch out dinner time a little longer. A snuffle mat can be used to hide kibble or treats, providing sniff and search enrichment for the oh-so good fur baby in your life. I'll supply the materials for the mat and you'll bring your sewing machine. This class is in Westminster
Class #15 or #22 – Upcycled Bowls by Heather Weibel Sunday, February 22, 2026 or Sunday, March 8, 2026 // 1 PM - 4 PM Let's use all those thread clippings and fabrics strings that land in your trash can to create a beautiful bowl! Student needs to bring the following: -Sewing machine -Bowl (glass or similar material- no wood & 10" in diameter or smaller) -Fabric scraps & thread scraps. If you want to get fancy you can bring ribbons, trims, fiber or strands of metallic fluff or chenille yarns or even artificial silk flowers. -Thread color to sew that matches your theme of scrap fabric and thread. -scissors Heather will provide ($5 lass material fee) Water soluble stabilizer (I like Sulky ultra solvy or super solvy). Heather will provide 2 12" squares.
Class #16 – Ruler Bag by Peg Rogers Saturday, February 28, 2026 // 9 AM - 4 PM Let's make a bag that holds a minimum of four rulers (up to 6 x 24) and a rotary cutter or two. Use that bag when you go to a class, or on a retreat, or just free up shelf/drawer space in your sewing room by hanging them in the bag. I followed the pattern and learned the flaws so now you can make a bag that's better than mine! I'll supply the fusible fleece (not batting!) and Velcro. You'll supply the fabric and bring your sewing machine. Lunch provided. $5 class materials fee. This class is in Westminster.
Class #17 – Hooks and Books by Rhonda Cratty Saturday, February 28, 2026 // 1 PM to 3 PM Have you always wondered if you could crochet? Maybe you have always wondered how to make a simple shawl. In this class, you can gain the knowledge and supplies to make a crocheted change stitch shawl. You will leave with plenty of supplies and clear instructions to complete the task. NO worries, you can always come back if you need help or a cup of tea.
Class #18 – English Smocking by Pat Lamprey Wednesday, March 4, 2025 // 1:30 PM – 4;30 PM Curious about English Smocking? Come learn about the variety of stitches, see samples, and understand how to create them. No supplies, equipment or materials required.
Class #19 – Apple Core Curved Piecing by Jessica McAdoo Thursday, March 5, 2026 // 10 AM – 1 PM Come learn curved piecing with large 'Apple Core' shapes that next together. What students need to bring: - sewing machine, thread (need to be able to sew in class) - rotary cutter - at least 9 10" squares of fabric - willingness to learn What Jessica will provide - cutting mats - apple core templates to share - iron & ironing board This class is in Westminster
Class #20 – Let’s Talk Color by Jessica Starbird Saturday, March 7, 2026 // 10 AM - noon Do you have questions about the color wheel? Have a gorgeous print and you're not sure what other colors to use. Ask Jessica Starbird, graphic designer and happy quilter. Bring your color questions, something to take notes with, and possibly a focus fabric that you would like to coordinate colors for.
Class #21 or #23 - Landscape Art Quilt by Peg Rogers Saturday, March 7, 2026 or Saturday, March 14, 2026 // 9 AM - 4 PM If you have wanted to try making an art quilt but thought it would be too difficult, this is the class for you. I'll teach you the basic techniques for layering fabric on fabric to complete a simple landscape. Once your top is finished, we'll applique stitch down the layers and add an art binding. We'll stick with a small 8 x 11 project so you can go home with a project ready to hang on your wall. I will supply the materials for the top, backing, batting, and binding. You'll need to bring your sewing machine and an assortment of threads. Lunch provided. This class is in Westminster $5 material fee.
Class #24 or #28 – Rope Bowl by Linda Kennedy Monday, March 16, 2026 or Wednesday, April 8, 2026 // 1 PM – 4 PM Make a rope bowl from clothesline! So many possibilities and shapes, but we will make a round bowl approximately 3 - 4" tall and 5 - 6" around at the bottom. They make great gifts for filling with candy, hair doodads, desk supplies, etc. You need a sewing machine with a new sharp needle and thread. Clothesline will be provided. This class is in Broomfield. Class #26 or #27 – Accuquilt intro by Kathy Murphy Wednesday, March 25, 2026 (10 AM – noon ) or Saturday, March 28, 2026 (1 PM – 3 PM) Are you curious about the Accuquilt cutting system? If so, come see at demo with Kathy and learn how versatile and time saving the Accuquilt system. Columbine Quilt Guild owns a couple of cutters and a variety of dies that are available to member so check-out! No materials needed - this will be a demo
Class #29 – Taming Curves by Lorraine Green Saturday, April 11, 2026 // 10 AM – 2 PM Intimidated by curved piecing? Come learn techniques to sew smooth curves Participants should bring the following: - A picture/pattern of a future project with curved piecing - working sewing machine - sewing tools and supplies - neutral thread - 4 background fabric squares 81/2 x 8 1/2 in - 4 accent fabric squares 5 x 5 in - your own lunch
Class #30 or #31 – Cycle the Platt River Trail by Paula Pahl Wednesday, April 22, 2026 or Monday, April 27, 2026 // 9 AM start Join Paula for a CASUAL (i.e.—slow) bicycle ride along the Platte River. We will meet at the Riverdale Regional Park in Brighton, have a brief review of riding in a group, and then take a ride south on the Platte River Trail. The trail is paved and flat, so any bicycle is appropriate. A list of what to bring will be sent out ahead of time. All riders are required to wear a properly fitted helmet. This will be a 5-mile out-and-back ride, with stops to look for wildlife (mostly waterfowl), to check on a bald eagle’s nest, and to see the new Adams County Veterans Memorial. After we return to the starting point, anyone wishing to go further is welcome to continue north on the trail with me. PLEASE NOTE: The dates are subject to change based on weather conditions. If you can’t make a different scheduled date, I will arrange to take you out for a ride with me whenever you can go.
Class #32 Quilt Stitch Design by Hannah Pietsch Saturday, May 2, 2026 // 9 AM - noon How to decide what to stitch where. Bring a quilt that needs to be quilted and we will discuss stitching design choices.
Class #33 – Leopold Bros Distillery Tour and Tasting by Julie Marsh Saturday, April 18, 2026 // 11 AM – 1 PM Leopold Bros Distillery produces at least 24 spirits from gin and vodka to absinthe to a couple of kinds of rye a bourbon. They now offer a non-alcoholic aperitivo with real flavor and their peach and red wine vinegars are almost ready for bottling. A new tasting room has been added—with food! Must be 21 or over. Make it a family affair and get a head start on 2026 holiday gifts.
Give It A Try is a fund-raiser for the guild where guild members volunteer their time, talent, and homes to provide workshops, tours, experiences, and retreats for a nominal fee.
Give It A Try fund-raiser is NOT for members only... friends and family can take advantage of the wide variety of opportunities. All purchases are non-refundable but may be transferred to a friend if you can not attend.
