WELCOME TO COTE BROTHERS SEWING MACHINES
Ron and Lisa would like to welcome you to Cote Brothers Sewing Machines, now with two stores, Auburn and Bangor. Boy we have so much to tell you about. We have added a new classroom in our Auburn store this past month and next time you come in it will be even wider (at your request). See, we listen! This will allow for better-uninterrupted instruction with a lot less distractions. We have a projector and screen for lectures and software classes. Speaking of software, we have some great news. Leslie McNeal from Bernina will be teaching the software club on Fridays in the Auburn store. This is very exciting for us as she has been working with OESD and traveling the country teaching the software. Sign up early for these classes as they will fill up fast and we have a cut-off at 17. Feel free to bring your laptops.
We have a new store manager in Auburn, “Steve Ames”. Please welcome him (see related article). Natalie will be taking a more active roll in education. We have renamed some of our classes such as “Sewing/Quilting 101” will now be “SEW WHAT” where you can bring in your project, or technique. We have also renamed the “Sewing One on One” to “Sew to Know” where we will give you private instruction. We will hook you up with the right instructor and give you undivided attention. We are always looking for contract teachers to teach classes. If you feel you would like to teach something you are good at, please see the store manager of each store. We will need samples prior to the class in order to get the interest and get people excited.
The Bangor store is doing great and if you haven’t had the chance, stop in and see Debbie and her “TEAM”. Her husband Jeff is the service manager and is doing very well. He has been to some of Bernina’s schools and is working on any brand of machines. He has even been rebuilding some old industrial machines for the CoteQuilter10.
If you haven’t seen the new Aurora sewing and embroidery machines come in for a demo and check out the “BSR” on these machines.
Bernina University is coming early this year at the end of April, not quite in time for this newsletter but we expect some more new ideas and products on our return. Ron will also be going to Chicago in June as he sits on the Bernina Dealer Panel with 10 other top dealers from around the country. This is where they discuss new products, pricing, promotions, and education among a whole list of other things.
We have another Bernina educator coming to the Auburn store on June 23rd, Barbara Alenci. You won’t want to miss this one! This is the “Garden Party” and again, there may be limited space as this will be a big event. We welcome our Bangor customers to join us, see Debbie about car-pooling.
As I’m writing this, we have a bus trip going on and Lisa, Debbie and Kay are hosting a group to Keepsake Quilting in New Hampshire. I called a few minutes ago and from the laughter in the background they are having a blast. I’ll get a full report upon their return. We have these trips occasionally and if you would like to go we can put you on a list. Also, if you have some ideas on where you would like to go let the store managers know.
Well, that’s all for now. Lisa and I hope you have a wonderful spring and summer of sewing and we sincerely hope to see you in the store.
Ron & Lisa Blake
Auburn Classes & Events
Basic Class Information: When you come to class, remember to bring your basic sewing supplies: scissors, pins, seam ripper, thread, needles, tape measure, stabilizer, embroidery threads, etc. If you are taking a specialty or quilting class perhaps, you will need a rotary cutter or other special tools. Supply lists will be available for those classes that do not have the supplies listed. Most class projects will be completed in class, except for perhaps some handwork at home, such as sewing on the binding of a quilt. If the class requires a considerable amount of homework, we will state that in the description.
You will notice class fees have increased. This decision was made after much deliberation. We talked to others, looked at the cost of classes throughout our area, and made the decision to stay closer to these prices. We offer a wide variety of subjects and many types of classes, hands on sewing, lecture demo, and computer classes. Class size is limited to 8 for hands on sewing and 17 for computer or lecture classes. Because of this, we ask that you sign up early.
We would again like to ask for your help in class registration. A deposit of 50% of class cost will be required at time of registration and the remainder due on the first day of class. If you are planning to attend, call early. We do have a class minimum or the class may have to be canceled. Unfortunately sometimes, after cancellation has taken place, others have called to sign up. Please sign up early!
Sew What: Cost $15.00 per session. Instructor varies. Mondays, 10:00-1:00 & 6:00-9:00 and Saturdays 2:00-5:00. This is a unique type of class in that it offers you the opportunity to brush up on your sewing skills or just to receive a little help finishing your current project. We offer assistance with everything from garments to crafts and quilting to home decoration. Come join others and see how much fun we have.
Beginner Classes with Free Machine - “New” 16 hours of classes to learn how to sew. Complete the 16 hours and receive a “Bernina Bernette 50” free. Learn all the basics of sewing, button holes, ziz-zags, free arm, free motion sewing, decorative stitching, hemming, and much more. You will learn to use your machine to the fullest and touch on many types of sewing such as quilting, home décor, or making your own clothes.
What a great gift this would make. At $225, you get 16 hours of classes plus a brand new machine.
Guide classes: Bernina and Brother Guide classes are free to customers that have purchased their machine from Cote’s Sewing Machines. You are encouraged to take the series more than once if you would like, or if you feel like you need a refresher. They are given often and the numbers refer to the lessons on the Mastery Guide that is used during the class. Please call in advance to register for a class, even those free guide classes. You will be given a copy of this at your first class.
Software Club: Auburn. Pricing for this class per session is $15.00 if you purchased your software from Cote Brothers, and $25.00 if purchased elsewhere. Software Club will meet once a month on the days as described. These are lecture demo classes, feel free to bring your laptop and work along.
Natalie will be teaching a basic class in the May club, come in and I think you will be surprised what you may learn.
June, July and August club we have a very special treat for you, “Leslie Macneil” from Bernina will be teaching the class. She has been working real close with OESD and traveling the country teaching the software. We are very fortunate to have her available. She will also be working with our staff to better equip us to teach. This is very exciting mark your calendars.
Embroidery Basics: Cost $15.00 per session. Learn from the ground up and improve the appearance of your final product. This class will walk you through the use of and types of stabilizers, threads, and needles. We will also demonstrate how to use a hoop and more. Don’t be afraid to embroider that special design anymore.
Sew to Know: Cost $25 per hour. We are always here to help you get out of those difficult sewing situations. Are you having trouble with a pattern, or need to know how to do a rolled hem, or do you need help with your computer or software? These problems usually occur after hours, but we could at least try to answer your questions during the day. Just call us and schedule a “Sew to Know” one on one session at $25 per hour and we will match you up with the best instructor for your needs.
Embroidery Club: Cost $15.00 per session. 10:00-1:00. This class meets on the 1st Tuesday of the month. This class offers not only a design to be stitched out and a project to complete but also a technique to help in other designs you may be embroidering. These projects will be completed in class.
Hooded Baby’s Bath Towel: May 3rd. A project featuring “Special Delivery” using a bath size towel & washcloth. Perfect for a shower or the special baby in your life.
Bookmarks Revisited: June 7th. We will repeat this class from a couple of years ago. You will be able to stitch out 2 different bookmarks.
Christmas in July Pillows: July 5th. Christmas is coming, let us get a head start. This snowman scene will be appliquéd by embroidery. It will be created on a pillow. You could repeat the project on a sweatshirt if you like. You may choose to add your pillow at home.
Embroidered Wreath: August 2nd. Adorn your house with this cute little embroidered wreath or make the perfect house-warming gift for someone special. You may also want to add buttons for special effect.
Martha Pullen Club: This class meets on the 2nd Tuesday of the month, 10:00-1:00, Cost $15.00 per session. Instructor Natalie. These classes are based on projects provided by Martha Pullen. In this club, we will create a different project using a combination of techniques; some are creating a block for a quilt. However, we discuss other uses for these techniques. These are beginner techniques. However, if you like fine detail in your sewing, this is the class for you.
Lady’s Cosmetic Bag: May 10th. Terrific little quick gift idea for you this month. Learn serpentine quilting with decorative tacks.
Dainty Detachable Yoke: June 14th. See how easy it is to make this detachable yoke for a little girl’s dress. Learn to apply embroidered edging.
Baby Burp Cloth: July 12th. Great gift for a new mother. Give it as a shower gift or use it for a precious little one in your own family. It’s not just your everyday burp cloth. Learn how to apply rickrack around corners.
Swirling Blossoms Sachet: August 9th. This cute little sachet can even be enlarged to make a pillow. Embroider the center, embellish, or it can also be changed to a monogram photo transfer.
Bernina Club: Cost $15.00 per session. This club meets 10:00-1:00 on the 3rd Tuesday of the month. Instructor Natalie. This class is open to “ALL BERNINA USERS”. We would also like to welcome all Bernette users to come and join us as well. We will try a different technique each month. There will be no class in July and August.
Finishing Touch on a Purchased Shirt: May 17th. Ever thought about ways to dress up a plain shirt? Learn about different stitch recipes & give that plain shirt a makeover.
Checkbook Cover: June 21st. Create this decorative cover while learning embroidery. Learn how to make a mock binding.
Kids Sew In: This group meets on various Saturdays from 10:00 - 1:00 Cost $15.00 per session Instructor Judy It is designed with younger sewers in mind. This class is for beginner sewers aged 8 and up.
Father’s Day Card: May 14th. Make a card using your sewing machine for Father's Day. Supplies will be provided for a kit fee ($5.00), which will allow every child the opportunity to be creative and surprise Dad, Grandfather, Uncle, or any male for their special day.
Beach Bag: June 18th. Make a beach bag to hold everything you will need to take with you for a swim.You will need at least a yard of outer material and a yard of contrasting material to line the bag.
Pillow: July 9th. Make a pillow using “Seam-A-Seam2” to fuse a design for the front of the pillow and then use decorative stitching to hold it in place. You will need to buy pillow foam and enough material for the front and back. Different scraps of material to create a design for the top, thread to use for attaching the designs.
Skirt or Pants: August 6th. Come learn how to make a skirt or pants to get you started on your school wardrobe. You will haveto have a pattern of your choice, along with the required material and notions to complete the project - do not forget to get an "Easy" pattern so that you can complete it during the class time.
Kids Sewing Camp: We will again offer sewing camp for kids. Instructor Judy, it is designed for those sewers age eight and up. Each week will be different, sign up for one or both weeks. The class meets from 9:00 to 12:00 every day Monday thru Friday during the weeks shown. Cost $75.00 per week.
Week 1: July 18th - 22nd: We will make a quilt that features your own handprints.How about creating a dog, rooster, elephant, or even a zebra???Lots of fun - Come in, see an example of the finished product, and pick up the supply list.
Week 2: August 15th - 19th: Get Ready for school - come in and make a lunch bag, book cover, glitz a shirt for the 1st day of school, a fleece throw with which to stay warm, & a tote bag to carry everything in!!!
Other Scheduled Classes
Pie Carrier: May 12th. Instructor Kay. Cost is $15.00. Bring a pie to a friend’s house. A great gift.
Windows Basics: May 13th. Instructor Steve. Cost is $15.00. Learn how your computer “Operating System” works and your software gets a little easier to use. What is a window, an icon, a desktop, or multi-tasking? We will show you and it can be fun.
Ladies Fat Quarter Jumper: May 19th, & 26th. Instructor Natalie. Cost is $30.00. These next 2 weeks using Fat Quarters you will make this spring jumper to welcome warm weather.
Spring Fling Table Runner: May 21st, & 28th. Instructor Sarah Kolb. Cost is $30.00. Welcome spring with this patchwork and appliqué table runner. Learn the importance of accurate rotary cutting, basic appliqué, decorative stitching, and embroidery with this adorable and easy to piece table runner.