Lorena Uriarte

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Retreat Bag @UsefulBox (Marrickville)

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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!

Kawandi @UsefulBox (Marrickville)

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Lorena stitches kawandi with bright colourful fabrics.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

Kawandi Retreat Bag - SmallKawandi Retreat Bag - Big and SmallRetreat Bag Workshop

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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!

Melbourne : GJ’s Fabrics

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Join me for a Crafty Extravaganza from June 28th to 30th!

Are you ready for a creative adventure that spans three exciting days? Join me for three days of workshops where you get to choose your own crafting path!

Workshop Details:

Dates: Friday 28th, Saturday 29th, and Sunday 30th June

Location: The spacious and well-lit classroom upstairs at GJ’s in Fairfield. Enjoy ample street parking and a shop stocked with all the supplies you’ll need.

Classes Offered:

  • Quilt Coat Class: BOOK HERE!
    • Time: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
    • Dive into creating your very own quilt coat. This class spans two days to ensure you can perfect your creation.
  • Retreat Bag Class: BOOK HERE!
    • Time: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
    • Craft a stylish retreat bag perfect for carrying your crafting essentials. This class is designed to be completed in a single day.
  • Kawandi Class: BOOK HERE!
    • Time: 10:30 am – 3:30 pm
    • Explore the traditional quilting technique of kawandi. While this class can be completed in a day, those wishing to turn their kawandi piece into a bag may need additional time or careful instruction.

Workshop Logistics:

  • Each day, classes will have staggered start times to accommodate all participants.
  • A friendly workshop assistant will be on hand to provide guidance and support throughout the sessions.

Fees:

  • from $150 per day: This fee covers the workshop session, morning tea, and lunch.
  • Please note: The fee does not include your choice of quilt coat pattern. A prep & requirement list is provided in each class description. An additional fee is charged for larger kits in the Kawandi or Retreat Bag classes.

Additional Kits:

  • Extra or larger kits are available to order.

Reserve Your Spot:

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to do these popular classes! Whether you attend for one, two, or all three days, you’re guaranteed to have a wonderful time crafting and connecting with fellow quilters. Reserve your spot now and get ready to create something fun!

Fabric & Notions Requirements for Quilt Coat Class:

  • Quilt Sizing: For sizes up to 18, a 60” square quilt will typically suffice. Larger sizes or hooded coats may require additional quilted pieces or a larger quilt. Ensure you have enough quilted fabric by printing out pattern pieces and checking them before class. You can also opt to patch and quilt pieces separately for each pattern piece rather than cut up a full sized quilt.
  • Preparation: If possible, pre-shrink your quilt by washing it with cool water and colour catchers.
  • Quilt Style: Simple one-block quilts are easiest to work with, quilts with multiple or large borders can pose challenges but can work with proper pattern placement.
  • Quilting Density and Wadding: Lighter quilting and wadding result in a lighter and softer coat. Opt for all-over, diagonal, or gridded quilting patterns, avoiding densely or horizontal line quilted fabrics.
  • Backing/Lining Fabric: Consider backing your quilt with cotton lawn, voile, or sateen to reduce bulk.
  • Bias Binding: You’ll need at least 5 meters of 2” cut bias binding. You can make your own bias binding or purchase pre-made bias tape. Alternatively, reuse old quilt binding.
  • Buttons or Press Studs: 4-5 1” buttons or heavy-duty metal press studs.
  • Thread: Use 40wt cotton for machine piecing and 50wt cotton for slip-stitching binding.
  • General Sewing Supplies: Ensure you have a walking foot, pins, wonder clips, hand sewing needles, permanent marker, erasable marker or chalk pen, scissors, fabric glue, and a quick unpick.

Pattern Options:

Remember to download and print out your chosen coat pattern in the correct size, and follow the individual pattern instructions for measuring, sizing, and printing at home. If unsure, size up. Trace pattern pieces onto Trace & Toil (or mid weight interfacing), cut the left & right front and sleeve pieces, and ensure all relevant pattern markings are copied. Don’t forget to label each piece with your name.

Feel free to email me with any questions!

Requirements for Retreat Bag Class: 

  • Fabric Selection: Students are required to provide their own fabric for the outer shell and lining of the retreat bag. For a small bag, you’ll need a Fat Quarter for the outer fabric and half a meter for the lining. For a large bag, you’ll need half a meter of each fabric for the outer and lining.
  • Notions: Bring along matching thread, top stitching sewing machine needles , pins, scissors, a rotary cutter and cutting mat (if preferred), measuring tape, and a seam ripper.
  • Sewing Machine: Bring your sewing machine in good working condition, along with its manual and any accessories you may need, such as a quarter inch foot, zipper foot or walking foot.
  • Iron and Ironing Board: Irons and ironing boards will be available for use during the class. You may wish to bring a small personal iron for pressing seams and applying interfacing as needed.

Ensure you have all necessary materials and tools prepared before the class, as the printed pattern, interfacings and hardware required for constructing the retreat bag will be included in the provided kit.

Lorena stitches kawandi with bright colourful fabrics.

Requirements for Kawandi Class:

  • Personal Items: Don’t forget to bring your glasses if you require them for close work. Additionally, bring your favorite thimble to aid in hand stitching, as well as a small pair of scissors for trimming threads and fabric.
  • Provided Kit: A complete kit containing everything you need to make a 45cm kawandi will be provided for each participant. This kit includes all necessary materials such as fabrics, threads,  pins and needles.

Cancellation Policy: We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise, leading to the need for cancellation. However, due to travel arrangements from interstate, we kindly request a minimum of 7 DAYS notice for cancellations. This allows us to attempt to fill your reserved spot or accommodate any changes effectively. Alternatively, you are welcome to send a replacement attendee in your place.

For participants who have purchased kits, arrangements can be made to have them mailed to you upon cancellation. Please note that rescheduling of the workshop in Melbourne will not be possible in 2024.

Regrettably, failure to provide notice within the stipulated timeframe or non-attendance on the day of the class will result in forfeiture of the entire class fee. This policy is in place to account for the costs incurred in travel arrangements and the inability to fill the vacant spot at short notice.

In the event that we need to cancel or reschedule a workshop, every effort will be made to notify you promptly. If rescheduling is not feasible or if you prefer not to reschedule, a full refund of the class fee will be provided. We strive to provide more than 48 hours notice for any cancellations or changes.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation regarding our cancellation policy. If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.

c. 2015 Lorena Uriarte