The Matilda at Village Creek

My mother-in-law, Diane, my daughter, Cedi, and I decided one Saturday afternoon, (after story time at the library) to check out the new quilting shop in Lodi, WI, people had been talking about. We were not disappointed! The owner, Patti Hellenbrand, is a kind and knowledgeable quilter who, to my delight, also teaches classes!

Unfortunately, I had already missed the first two classes of the year and the third was full. Oh, well, the fourth one was the one I really wanted to attend anyway! We were making ‘The Matilda’ a pattern from Indygo Junction. It looked like a fabulous bag and I was really excited to make it! When I read through what I needed I picked out my fabrics – A floral brown and white print with a coordinating brown circle printed fabric. For the interior a gorgeous hand-dyed deep, earthy orange. I went to do some cutting before I got to the class and realized…it’s all from a pattern! I’ve never done a pattern before…better just wait until I get to class.

I arrived a few minutes early last night…I had intended on being much earlier than that but life with two kids just doesn’t allow for that much anymore. Only one other lady, Tykie, was in attendance due to some last minute cancelations. I personally thought that was fabulous. Below is a picture of Tykie cutting out her fabrics using the pattern included in the kit.

Here is my pattern pinned to my fabrics…right sides together.

Here is a picture of Patti, the shop owner and our instructor. It was really nice to have her there guiding us through the steps of the bag and showing us some ‘shortcuts’ or easier way to do things!

I am sewing my first pleat below! (Yeah, I now know the proper way to sew a pleat!)

And here I am…with my finished bag!

I was really glad I took this class. This bag was a pattern in the past that I would have got and immediately just put away to ‘do later’ since I didn’t want to deal with cutting out patterns. Now, I can’t wait to make another!

Patti plans on having another purse class sometime in July…I told her to sign me up! Space is limited so make sure you call early to save your spot!

From the

Lodi Chamber of Commerce Website:

VILLAGE CREEK GIFTS 123 South Main Street Lodi, WI 53555

PHONE: 608-592-5793

EMAIL: vilcreeklodi@aol.com

PATTI HELLENBRAND, owner

A fun and friendly shop in the center of downtown Lodi filled with fabulous fabrics. The selection includes quilting cottons, wool felts, yarns and a wonderful variety of patterns, books and notions. Village Creek also features home décor items such as pictures, candles, florals and seasonal items to decorate your home. You’ll leave with inspiration, treasures and a smile.