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 Creative Grids University at Yadkin Valley Quilts

Yadkin Valley Quilts (YVQ) offers a monthly Creative Grids University (CGU) program featuring Creative Grids rulers & tools, starting with the basics. Each tool is manufactured with Creative Grids’ trademark non-slip embedded grip and accurate easy-to-read black and white markings. Creative Grids provides a complete package — quality product, patterns and books specific to the products, and education.

With more than 130 tools to choose from, you could theoretically have a “degree” in Creative Grids by the time you complete the program! 

What is CGU?

CGU is all about unleashing your creativity using the most versatile line of rulers available. Yadkin Valley Quilts is offering an educational opportunity that resembles a piecing club, a block-of-the-month program, and a class – all wrapped up into one! 
 

Do I have to participate in every session?

You are not required to participate in every session, however, you will get the most from the program by committing to attending monthly. We have designed the schedule to help make this commitment practical, with three sessions to choose from each month for each class level: Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday. Each session is scheduled around the second Saturday* of the month. Example: the Saturday session is the second Saturday of each month, and the Tuesday and Thursday sessions are in the week leading up to the second Saturday session.

*Classes may shift periodically due to special events and will be noted accordingly on our online calendar.

What if I need to miss my selected class?

If you need to miss a session that you are registered for, you may attend one of the other scheduled sessions that month. Just let us know 24 hours in advance so that we may plan accordingly.
   
What is the cost to participate?

Sessions range in cost depending on how you choose to pay.
$25/session – Pay-as-you-go each month
$20/session – with the purchase of a 6-Session Punch Card
$15/session – with the purchase of a 12-Session Punch Card

Shop rulers are available for student use during the class. The purchase of the monthly featured ruler(s) is not a requirement for attending class — but you will certainly want to fill your quilty toolbox when you see all that these rulers will allow you to do! (What better way than one month at a time?)
   
Why does YVQ like Creative Grids rulers so much?

Why? What’s not to love? We love Creative Grids rulers because they are the best that we have worked with and they offer the widest variety of applications. They truly make our job much more efficient, productive, accurate, and fun!

Creative Grids rulers are great for all skill levels, but especially helpful for new or timid quilters. The grip on the back of the rulers helps with accurate cutting. Some rulers can minimize imperfections and/or reduce the need for perfect piecing.

The more you use the tools, the more confident you become and the better equipped you are to use them with all of your quilting projects.

What Creative Grids tools will we be using?

We start with the basics – the 6 ½” x 12½” and 6½” x 24½” that we use for new quilters, Creative Grids cutting mats, the Stripology series of rulers, various angles and squares, and more!

Each session we tackle a different tool — or series of tools — from Log Cabin to Cat’s Cradle to Flying Geese and beyond!

Click here to see what's on the schedule!

What will we make during the program?

Each participant will be provided with the fabric needed to make a block using the featured ruler(s) each month. Shop rulers will be available for student use during the class, and finished blocks may vary in size – 4”, 6”, 8”, 12”.

Blocks made in class are intended to aid in learning how to use the ruler and master the technique but may be incorporated into a student-designed quilt or transformed into a pillow, mug rug, table runner, etc. The possibilities are limited only to your creativity once you learn how to use the tools!

What do we need to bring to class?

At the first class session (101), YVQ will provide you with a class notebook with graph paper and lined notebook paper for designing and notetaking, along with a pen and mechanical pencil. We ask that you bring your smiling face and eagerness to learn something new to each class!  

Fabric for the class project is provided.

You will need a sewing machine in good working order, as well as basic sewing/quilting supplies for each class. We recommend using your own machine (we will valet your machine each session for you if needed), as you know the machine and will not have to spend time working with a learning curve. If you need to use one of our machines, we are happy to loan you one for the class. Please contact the shop at least 24 hours in advance so so that we can prepare accordingly.

Basic sewing/quilting supplies include, but are not limited to: sharp rotary cutter, cutting mat, standard rulers you use regularly, seam ripper, thread, small scissors, small iron, pressing mat, etc.

What does the typical class look like?

Each class period we will spend 30-60 minutes demonstrating the featured rulers/tools for the session. The remainder of the time will be for students to have hands-on time with the tools to make at least one block to take home.

When students bring items they’ve made using rulers/tools from previous sessions, we will take time for Show and Share.

What is a Student Discount?

Student Discounts are special discounts available only to our CGU students during class sessions. Due to Creative Grids Minimum Advertised Price policy, we may not publish the Student Discount, but we are happy to share that with you verbally! 

Students also receive 10% off all patterns purchased during class that correspond to the featured rulers.

Questions?
Please call or stop by the shop and ask for Andrae.