Quick Start Quilting : UsefulBox (Marrickville)
2026-05-10 10:00 - 15:00, 2026-08-16 10:00 - 15:00 (Australia/Sydney) | UsefulBox, 39-43 Shepherd St, Marrickville, NSW, 2204, Australia
Quick Quilting: Quilt-As-You-Go Placemats
This fun, fast-paced quilting class is perfect for absolute beginners and for those who’ve dabbled in quilting and want a satisfying, low-pressure project.
Using the quilt-as-you-go method, you’ll create a beautiful, practical quilted placemat while learning the essential building blocks of quilting — without the overwhelm of a full quilt. It’s a great introduction to quilting or a confidence-boosting refresher.
More details here:
Quick Start Quilting : QAYG Placemat

3rd Saturday Class - My Sewing Supplies (Sylvania)
2026-05-16 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-06-20 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-07-18 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-08-15 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-10-17 10:00 - 16:00 | My Sewing Supplies, 208 Princess Hwy, Sylvania, NSW, 2224, Australia
Ring Cycles Quilt

Make a modern style quilt with Lorena Uriarte
3rd Saturday of the month
10am – 4pm each day
2026 DATES
7 FEB (This date is an exception and is the 1st Saturday)
21 MAR
18 APR
16 MAY
20 JUNE
18 JULY
15 AUG
NO CLASSES SEPTEMBER (Morroco Trip)
17 OCT
21 NOV
$90 Tuition fee is per class – BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL!!

Lorena has many of her own quilt options and styles to choose from, Opal Essence, Winding Ways, Kawandi, Court House Steps, Ring Cycles, Sakura Breeze just to name a few.

Or you could learn the basics for patchwork piecing by making one of Lorena’s other quilts including a sampler quilt. It has options to do varying blocks or to make a quilt repeating the block you like. Lorena will show you how to make blocks and guide you to make a quilt that has your style built into it.

The fabric/ requirements, templates and if needed commercial patterns are in addition to the tuition fee. Price will depend on what you choose. We have a big selection and price point in store. We are happy to help you.

This class is held at our Sylvania Store
208 Princes Highway Sylvania NSW 2224

Please read our terms and conditions prior to booking
Terms and Conditions | my-sewing-supplies (mysewingsupplies.com.au)

Please select in store pick up as your freight option to avoid the minimum charge.

Requirements list is available if you want to see them before booking. Please reach out online or in store.

Quilt Coat Workshop: My Sewing Supplies (Sylvania)
2026-05-20 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-06-17 10:00 - 16:00 | My Sewing Supplies, 208 Princess Hwy, Sylvania, NSW, 2224, Australia
Make your very own quilt coat in this two day workshop held at My Sewing Supplies (Sylvania)
20 May & 17 June

Contact the shop for more details regarding patterns and requirements.

Precious Time Fabric & Quilts: Toowoomba (Qld)
2026-05-22 - 2026-05-23 | Precious Time Fabric & Quilts, 29 David St, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
Come and sew with me on my annual trip to Patrina’s gorgeous shop in Toowoomba!
Projects to be advised.
Call the shop to make your booking.
Precious Time Fabric & Quilts
29 David St, Toowoomba, QLD, 4350

Quilt Coat Workshop: The Quirky Quilting Co (Springwood)
2026-05-28 - 2026-05-31 | The Quirky Quilting Co, 3/15 Dennis Rd, Springwood, Queensland, 4127, Australia
Thrilled to be invited to teach two quilt coat workshops at Lisa’s colourful shop in Springwood near Brisbane.
Bookings are directly through the shop.
Call or email them for all the details.

Singleton Quilters; NSW
2026-06-06 - 2026-06-07 | NSW
Guild event…
Details to be advised.

Kings B'day Long Weekend
2026-06-08 | NSW

2nd Saturday Class: 60 Stitches (Warriewood)
2026-06-13 10:00 - 15:00, 2026-07-11 10:00 - 15:00, 2026-08-08 10:00 - 15:00, 2026-09-12 10:00 - 15:00, 2026-10-10 10:00 - 15:00 | 60 Stitches, 1301/ 4 Daydream St, Warriewood, NSW, 2101, Australia
Join a friendly group of quilters in this monthly class at 60 Stitches in Warriewood, on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
Bring your own project or choose from one of my designs. I’ve even been known to create something special for my regular students! With over 20 years of experience, I’ll guide you through any technique, whether you prefer hand or machine quilting.
All cutting and pressing tools are there so all you need to bring is your project, your machine and general sewing supplies.
Plus, you’ll have access to 60 Stitches’ beautiful selection of fabrics and notions to inspire your next creation.
Class fee is $85 per month which includes coffee, tea and my famous home baked treats!
ONLINE BOOKINGS HERE!
2026 DATES
10 JAN
’14 FEB
14 MARCH
NO APRIL CLASS (AQC)
9 MAY
13 JUNE
11 JULY
8 AUG
NO CLASS SEPTEMBER (MOROCCO TRIP)
10 OCT
14 NOV
12 DEC

Quilt Coats @UsefulBox (Marrickville)
2026-06-14 10:00 - 15:00, 2026-06-21 10:00 - 15:00 | UsefulBox, 39-43 Shepherd St, Marrickville, NSW, 2204, Australia
2 day workshop
Sunday 14 June & 21 June
10am – 3 pm each day
Skill level: Basic skills to advanced. Students must be confident in using sewing patterns and machines. The quilt must be quilted prior to the class. Studio machines are available or bring your own.
Learn how to confidently transform a quilt or quilted panels into a quilt coat.
If you’ve got any quilts that no longer spark joy, turn them into a coat! If you have one that sparks a lot of joy and you want it always with you, turn it into a coat!! Or want to be warm and cosy in the latest cottagecore trend?
In this workshop you will learn how to transform your quilts into cosy coats using a pattern suitable for most sizes. You can use a completed quilt, pre-quilted fabric or specifically make quilted panels according to the coat pattern requirements.
Learn how to choose the right pattern, how quilting and wadding can affect drape, how to cut pattern pieces including collar, hood and pocket options if applicable. You’ll also learn how to sew together a quilt coat, the technique of adding bias-binding to seams and see demonstrations of buttonhole and press stud closures. You will leave with a completed quilt coat with possibly some binding to stitch at home.
This is a great opportunity to repurpose those orphan blocks and unfinished projects. If you need us to professionally quilt your tops / fabric please let us know as soon as possible so that we can schedule you into the queue. (This would be an additional fee)
By the end of this workshop students should have a constructed a quilt coat, some binding may need to be done at home.
Students need to bring:

Sewing machine in good working order. 1/4 inch and walking foot to suit. STUDIO MACHINES are available
A quilt with a minimum of 60″ x 60″ usable space OR pre-quilted fabric of the same size OR quilted panels pre-cut according to the pattern requirements. 70 x 70 inches if you would like pockets, a hood, a longer length or if you would like a size 18 or greater
6-8m premade 1″ bias binding; store bought or handmade with 2″ strips (or bring fabric to make in class)
Heavy Jeans or size 90-100 Superior Topstitch needles
Sewing notions including coordinating thread
Fabric scissors, wonder clips, pins, fabric markers
Coat pattern, with pieces traced and cut out in full onto Trace & Toile or similar to your size.
Recommended patterns are:

Tamarack Jacket by Grainline Studios
Chore Coat by Patchwork & Poodles
Elemental Coat by Crinkle Dreams
Oscilatey Coat by Erin Hall
Wildwood Jacket by Helen’s Closet.

Students need to purchase their own pattern, they may trace the masters with proof of purchase to save on printing.
If you are making a quilt for this purpose a backing (lining) that is more lightweight such as a cotton sateen / lawn gives a nicer, less bulky fit.
Wadding – be aware the thicker the wadding the bulkier your quilt / jacket will be. You need to be aware of this for binding your seams. We also ask that you consider the look on your body so that you can get your desired result.

Starman Workshop : My Sewing Supplies (Sylvania)
2026-07-15 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-08-19 10:00 - 16:00 | My Sewing Supplies, 208 Princess Hwy, Sylvania, NSW, 2224, Australia

Retreat Bag @UsefulBox (Marrickville)
2026-07-19 10:00 - 15:00 | UsefulBox, 39-43 Shepherd St, Marrickville, NSW, 2204, Australia
Quilted Retreat Bag Workshop with Lorena Uriarte
Skill Level: Basic Knowledge of Machine Sewing
Join Lorena Uriarte, a renowned Modern Quilter, to make this charming zip pouch featuring your own quilted panels. Perfect for gifting or treating yourself, the Emmaline Retreat Bag is a clever design by @emmalinebags, featuring special hardware that allows the bag to open wide for easy access to your items.
What You’ll Learn:

Inserting a zipper
Creating boxed corners
Basic bag construction

Use up your scraps for a Kawandi-inspired exterior, or incorporate Boro, Sashiko, or other quilted panels. Have some orphaned patchwork blocks or a special piece of fabric? They’ll work beautifully for this pouch! To make the large version, you’ll need two pieces of fabric at least 18.5” x 12” each.
Special Offer:
You can take Lorena’s Kawandi class on 22 March and bring your finished piece to use for your Retreat Bag! Book both classes and get $25 off—details provided when you book the Kawandi class first.
What’s Included:

Expert tuition with Lorena and 5 other students
Unlimited tea, coffee, and maybe a special treat from Lorena herself

What to Bring:

Studio sewing machines available or bring your own!
Two pieces of outer fabric (at least 18.5” x 12” each)
Two pieces of inner fabric (at least 18.5” x 12” each)
Glasses, if needed
Lunch—microwave, sandwich press, and fridge available, or explore the local cafes

Kits:

Small kit: $45
Large kit: $55
Kits with interfacing and frames must be ordered when booking your spot.

Dates Available:

Sunday 19 April, 10 am to 3 pm
Sunday 19 July, 10 am to 3 pm

Sign up now for a fun and creative day of bag-making!

SewClusion Retreat 2026 : Galong (NSW)
2026-07-31 - 2026-08-03 | St Clements Retreat Centre, Galong, NSW, Australia
SewClusion 2026
Thursday 30th July – Monday 3rd August 2026
St Clement’s Retreat & Conference Centre, Galong

Mandy & I are thrilled to introduce our second Sew Clusion Retreat, specially designed for you to take a break, relax, and explore your creativity over four enjoyable nights.

The Location:

St. Clement’s Retreat and Conference Centre is a historic venue situated in the beautiful Hilltops region of NSW, along Kalangan Rd in Galong. It’s approximately 3.5 hours from Sydney and 1.5 hours from Canberra, nestled on 800 acres of stunning landscapes, expansive gardens, and a serene, tranquil environment.

The Workshops
Lorena Uriarte

Join Lorena Uriarte for a day of playful exploration and stripe bending magic! With over two decades of quilting experience and a love of colour, movement and meticulous detail, Lorena is known for transforming simple fabrics into dynamic, eye catching compositions. Her stripey quilts in particular have a habit of surprising people and now she’s sharing the tricks behind them.
Spend a day bending stripes to your will! In this hands on workshop, you’ll explore just how far a simple (or complex) striped fabric can go. Through three engaging exercises, you’ll learn to fussy cut with intention and use a mix of machine piecing, appliqué and English paper piecing to coax stripes into movement, direction and unexpected secondary patterns.
As you play, you’ll discover how small shifts in placement create rhythm, illusion and delightful surprises. Your samples can become a handy sewing caddy or project pouch or you can keep building on the ideas to design your own stripe inspired masterpiece. And throughout the day, you’ll be guided and inspired by Lorena’s own quilts, where stripes step out of line and transform into something truly special.
Rachael Daisy

Nothing makes a person happier than having a happy heart.” Celebrate all your favourite fabrics with this happy scrappy heart quilt under Rachael’s direction discover a quilt that uses a mix of easy hand applique and machine piecing.
‘Groove Is In The Heart’ has a fresh, modern, vintage feel with lots of dots, checks, small geometrics, flowery florals and a few novelty prints for a whimsical touch. So perfectly pretty and cosy, the way a heart quilt should be, but then some other colour themes that I can imagine would be..
-A Valentine’s Dream – classic reds on low volume fabrics.
-Pretty Liberty fabrics on contrasting solids.
-Civil War beauties on shirting backgrounds.
-Bright popping colours on black/white backgrounds.
-Black and white hearts on an aqua background.
-30’s prints or feed sacks always bring smiles
-A colourful mish-mash of all colours, sometimes the more you throw in the better it looks.
The heart blocks are made with machine pieced backgrounds and easy hand applique for the hearts using freezer paper applique to help achieve easy crisp curves.
The original quilt is 77in x 85in however the size can be adjusted by adding or subtracting rows.

FOR MORE INFO & WAITING LIST CONTACT: Mandy Schiller at Fabric Sauce

Quilt Coat Workshop: Thorpe's (Boolaroo)
2026-08-22 - 2026-08-23 | Thorpe & Co, 15A Main Rd, Boolaroo, NSW, 2284, Australia
I’m back at this fabulous central coast quilt shop teaching quilt coats or maybe something else?
At the time of posting we haven’t quite decided. Maybe you can request your favourite class?
For more details contact the shop directly 🙂

Quilt Coats: Treehouse Textiles (Mornington, VIC)
2026-08-29 - 2026-08-30 | Treehouse Textiles, 64 Main St, Mornington, VIC, 3931, Australia
Yay, I’m going back to see Emma and her lovely staff in this beautiful and cosy patchwork shop.
And the delightful people who sew there.
Mornington is magical, we’re going to have a great time!
Contact the shop directly for bookings and info.

Morocco Textile Tour w/ Amazhig Cultural Tours
2026-09-07 - 2026-09-21 | NSW
MOROCCO TEXTILES TOUR
with LORENA URIARTE
7 – 21 September 2026 – SOLD OUT!
1 – 15 May 2027 – Bookings open
Marrakech, Atlas Mountains, Sahara, Fes, Chefchaouen, Rabat
Travel with artist Lorena Uriarte and explore the traditional Amazigh (Berber) crafts of Morocco at a grassroots level where women’s cooperative ventures present a range of textile creations melding age-old skills with new innovations.
In Marrakech we visit the exquisite new Yves Saint Laurent Museum featuring his fashion design as well as the Berber Museum that houses the Moroccan textiles and jewellery that inspired his work.
We then venture into the High Atlas Mountains and follow the ancient trade routes across the Tizi’n’Tichka Pass from Marrakech to the Sahara. Weavers of carpets and cloth, embroiderers and basket weavers are found in remote locations where they still employ their skills and maintain their traditional life style.
Next we make our way north to Fes and the blue city of Chefchaouen for a feast of colour and Islamic culture, finishing in the capital city of Rabat.
The tour includes hands-on experiences and demonstrations with local artisans. On the road in the mountains and Sahara we learn some exquisite traditional Moroccan embroidery techniques, tie knots to make rugs, explore some eco-dyeing using Rose Madder and more.
Guest artist Lorena Uriarte will share her skills and experience to allow participants to develop their ideas for textile design, drawing inspiration from the sublime landscape and rich cultural environment provided by the art and architecture of Morocco. The tour is not an intensive workshop as there is too much to see and experience in Morocco, but time will be devoted to sharing ideas and to creating a special hand stitched project as we travel. You will be encouraged to develop a visual diary to create studies incorporating your ideas for the future.
ABOUT LORENA URIARTE
Lorena Uriarte is a Sydney based, internationally recognised modern quilter known for her bold use of colour, inventive techniques and original designs.
Her award winning quilts have been exhibited at prestigious events such as QuiltCon, AQC, the Sydney Craft & Quilt Fair and will be featured at the Carrefour European Patchwork Meeting in September 2025. Lorena’s quilts are celebrated for their vibrant palettes and creative construction.
With a background in education and hospitality, Lorena is an experienced and passionate teacher, regularly leading workshops across Australia and internationally. She inspires students to explore their creativity and develop their own artistic voices through textile art.
Active on social media as @lorena_in_syd, Lorena shares her mindful, creative approach to quilting, encouraging others to embrace the beauty of handmade textiles.
Beyond quilting, Lorena enjoys exploring other cultures, architecture and cuisine. She’s an enthusiastic cook, gardener and ocean pool swimmer.

Lorena Uriarte, Winding Ways

WORKSHOP with Lorena
Lorena has designed a special project for this tour – a stitched souvenir that can be sewn into a drawstring bag or small pillow, as a lasting reminder of our adventure together in Morocco.
We’ll be stitching on a digitally printed fabric map of our journey, adding details inspired by the places we visit. Using simple appliqué, embroidery stitches and English Paper Piecing, you’ll personalise your map with colour, texture and little treasures collected along the way.
The project kit includes the printed fabric map, a selection of yarn dyed fabrics, EPP templates, an assortment of threads and an ideas booklet. This gentle, creative stitching is a beautiful way to reflect on our travels – and to share our story with family and friends when we return home.
MORE ABOUT THE TOUR
Accommodation is provided in the most comfortable traditional guesthouses, where we enjoy the extraordinary delights of Amazigh food and hospitality. You will discover the highlights of Morocco and the indigenous Amazigh culture that evolves and continues largely through the extraordinary textile traditions. We also enjoy music and a complete range of traditional cultural experiences and crafts.
Traveling with a small group of like-minded people and an experienced team of co-hosts the program offers an innovative and creative way to explore a new place that is stimulating, supportive and safe.
CONTACT : info@amazighculturaltours.com

This trip is sold out but BOOKINGS ARE OPEN for May 2027!
more info here https://amazighculturaltours.com/textiles-tour-with-lorena-uriarte/

Thread House Retreat w/ Karen Lewis at Harewood House (UK)
2026-09-22 - 2026-09-25 | Harewood Estate
Harewood House – 22-25 Sept 2026 { SOLD OUT}
I am delighted to be returning to the Harewood Estate in the heart of Yorkshire for 2026.
The retreat will be taking place over three nights and is designed to be a retreat in the real sense of the world – a chance to get away from the outside world, slow down and unwind.
My guest for September is the wonderful Lorena Uriarte all the way from Sydney, Australia! Lorena is an exemplary teacher and will be joining me in providing mindful workshops over the weekend.
Accommodation will be in cottages set within a terraced complex. These Grade II Listed buildings ooze character and have been stylishly, luxuriously and very comfortably renovated.
Harewood Sewing Retreats have an emphasis on mindful slow stitching and exploring your creativity. The demos and guided tutorials will have a relaxed, intimate feel and encompass a range of hand stitching and embroidery techniques. Lorena and Karen have designed a project especially for the retreat.
Includes full board and lodging for a fun and friendly secluded chill out (but does not include the optional lunch at the estate café on the day of arrival).
The retreat starts on Tuesday afternoon on 22nd September to the morning of Friday 25th September 2026.
This retreat is sold out but you can join Karen’s newsletter to hear of any future events.
https://karenlewistextiles.us15.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=a7f692f188de2a22c2a4c102a&id=c087a23532

Kawandi @UsefulBox (Marrickville)
2026-10-18 10:00 - 15:00 | UsefulBox, 39-43 Shepherd St, Marrickville, NSW, 2204, Australia
Kawandi with Lorena Uriarte
Skill Level: Absolute Beginner – Ready to Learn!
Join Lorena Uriarte for a fun and informative class where you’ll learn the basics of Kawandi Quilt-as-You-Go.
What You’ll Learn:

Fundamental scrap patchwork principles
The unique technique behind Kawandi stitching

Special Offer:
Book Lorena’s Quilted Retreat Bag Class on 23 March and use your completed Kawandi piece for your bag! Enjoy a $25 discount when you book both classes—details provided upon booking the Kawandi class first.

Retreat Bag – Add on class 23 March!
What’s Included:

A full kit with needles, thread, pins, fabric, and batting
Expert tuition with Lorena and 11 other students
Unlimited cups of tea and coffee

What to Bring:

No sewing machine needed—everything is provided for hand stitching
A thimble (Clover silicon with metal tip recommended)
Glasses, if you need them
Lunch—microwave, sandwich press, and fridge available, or pop up to a local café

Dates:

Sunday 20 March 2026, 10 am to 3 pm
Sunday 18 October 2026, 10am to 3pm

Sign up now for a fun and relaxed day of quilting with expert guidance and great company!

Thorpe & Co : Boolaroo (NSW)
2026-10-24 - 2026-10-25 | Thorpe & Co, 15A Main Rd, Boolaroo, NSW, 2284, Australia
I’m back at this fabulous central coast quilt shop teaching quilt coats or maybe something else?
At the time of posting we haven’t quite decided. Maybe you can request your favourite class?
For more details contact the shop directly
