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• Creations in Stitch

  • Start
    Saturday, September 13, 2025
  •  
    1:00 PM
  • End
    Thursday, October 23, 2025
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    ACAC

  
  

  The grand opening is Saturday September 13 from 1 - 4 pm and the artist, Lynda Watson will be there to talk about her exhibit.  Light refreshments will be served. 

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• Sampler Quilt 2 with Jane Walker

  • Start
    Wednesday, October 01, 2025
  •  
  • End
    Wednesday, November 26, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    8 sessions
  • Location
    ACAC 160 D Main Street, Ailsa Craig, ON., N0M 1A0
  • Spaces left
    2

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  Learn to use your skills that you mastered in Beginner Quilt Class. This class builds on those skills with new techniques. You will learn 9 patch piecing, machine applique, paper piecing, log cabin, curved piecing,  pinwheel stars & borders and more. You will end up with a lap-sized quilt.

  The classes will be on Wednesday afternoons from 1:00 - 4:00 There will be 8 classes . To be successful I don’t want you to rush you so we maybe will be looking at a drop-in class as well.

  Students will buy the pattern from me and will need all the necessary quilting supplies (sewing machine with manual, rotary cutting equipment, pins, needles – both hand and machine, neutral threads to match your fabrics, template plastic, fabric markers and scissors.)

  Fabrics – You could make yours scrappy from fabrics you already have in your stash, or a “planned” scrappy where you would choose a main colour and then choose your smaller pieces to go with the main colour.

  Fabric requirements:

  50 cm of each for medium and light borders

  60 cm of a matching dark colour for border and binding

  Fat quarters of 3 or more light and medium fabrics

  Small amounts (15 cm) of 5 more ligjhts and darks fabrics

  1.35 m for backing fabric  &  40” x 54” of batting

  Jane Walker is a well known quilter and teacher in the North Middlesex area. Past students have praised her classes for their clarity and professionalism.  Jane has offered to go on a road trip to Stratford should students wish help in selecting fabrics.  

  Registration for this class is limited to 5 students to ensure maximum attention is given.

  Students are to bring a sewing machine in good working order and its manual.

  thread, scissors,

  a rotary cutter and mat (the centre does have a mat if a student needs to borrow one)

  A clear quilting ruler for cutting.

  
  

  member $190 for 8 classes

  non member $210 for 8 classes

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• Junior YACAC - Ages 8- 11 years

  • When
    Tuesday, October 14, 2025
  •  
    6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    160 D Main Street, The ACAC
  • Spaces left
    2

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  Registration is now open for the October 2025

  new, JUNIOR YACAC session!

  (Youth + Ailsa Craig Arts Centre)

   Junior YACAC is an arts focused, youth group for ages 8-11 years of age that offers a space for youth in our community to immerse themselves in the arts! Together we explore a variety of art mediums with the hopes our youth can find a form of creative expression that speaks to them. We will continue to explore a variety of new art mediums and techniques on the second Tuesday of the month from 6:30-8:00 pm at the Ailsa Craig Arts Centre.

  Current Session date: Tuesday October 14 , 2025

  Please register for each session that your youth plans to attend so that we can organize supplies. Please note that space may be limited due to volunteers and location.

  Junior YACAC is a brand new group that has been launched to expand accessibility of YACAC to area youth while allowing for more age appropriate programming.
  

  If your child is unable to attend, please notify the ACAC so supplies are adjusted or another child may participate. Should you fail to notify YACAC of your child's absence on two occasions, your child will not be eligible to attend. It is simply not fair for those children on the waiting list.

  We would like to thank the Optimist Club of East Williams for sponsoring the YACAC so that area youths can participate without any cost for membership, supplies or materials.

  Don't forget to remind your children to say "thank you" at the end of the evening -lol.

  Registration is open to North Middlesex residents only 

  Program cost is a donation to the Ailsa Craig Food Bank.

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Create a Cozy Quilted Jacket with Sandra Thomas

  • Start
    Friday, October 17, 2025
  •  
  • End
    Friday, October 31, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    2 sessions
  • Location
    ACAC 160D Main St., Ailsa Craig, ON., N0M 1A0
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  

  NOELLE’S JACKET 

  We guarantee you will enjoy creating this stylish jacket with Sandra Thomas, an experienced quilting teacher.  This unique garment features no-match patchwork, drop shoulder styling with a stand-up collar and deep roomy pockets and a variety of sleeve finishes.  You can sew the entire jacket on your machine.  You’ll want to wear it all the time once you hear all the compliments that will come your way.  The jacket is comfortable, warm and can be dressed up or worn with jeans. Imagine how wonderful you will feel, knowing you are creating a uniquely you, quality jacket in a world of "fast fashion".

  An an overview, this class features easy assembly of the 5 pattern pieces in sizes 6 through 24.  This is a two day workshop.  During the first class students will lay out, stitch and prepare for and start quilting our first “lap quilt”; then you will prepare the two others at home and wash them and bring to the second class where we will cut out and stitch and fit the jacket.

  Supply list - This project is the ultimate stash buster!

  The pattern is available for $20 payable in cash at the first class

  22 fat quarters (each about 18 X 22”) or, assorted scraps to equal about 5 ½ yards of 100% cotton fabrics

  4 ¼ yards 44/45” wide lining - cotton (great as there is no slippage when quilting and will last longer)

  4 ¼ yards 44/45” wide 100% cotton flannel or thin cotton batting (Warm & Natural) or one you are comfortable using that is washable

  5 – 1” diameter buttons

  Thread 100% cotton for piecing that blends well with the fabrics chosen

  Rayon embroidery or  cotton thread for quilting.

  Machine needles: 80/12 for piecing, quilting or embroidery for quilting with rayon or cotton threads.

  Walking foot for your machine (with a guide extension if possible). 

  Sewing machine, cleaned and oiled, instruction manual, extension cord if possible.

  Instructions ask that you do not preshrink your fabrics, I will leave that decision  to you because I shrink all of my fabrics as I  want to know if a fabric runs and you will be washing and drying your quilted lap-quilts before cutting once anyways.

  Tape measure, seam ripper, straight pins, safety pins for pin basting  (approx. 250),  cutting shears, small scissors to use as sewing machine to cut threads, masking tape to use as a guide when quilting

  Please cut the patchwork fabrics using a rotary cutter, mat and ruler into 5 ½” wide strips.  Then, cut the 5 ½” wide strips into assorted  2 ¾”, 4 ½”, 5 ½”, 7 ½” and 9” lengths before class if possible.  Please bring rotary cutter, mat & rulers to class.

  Students are asked to bring a lunch and a beverage. There is a Cloverleaf store across the street where sandwiches and small salads are usually available.

  Class Cost for Members:  $75.00 + $20 pattern fee.

  Non Members: $85.00 + $20 Pattern fee.*

  Dates: October 17 and October 31st 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

  
  

  
  

  * Why not become a member of the Ailsa Craig Arts Centre? We'd love to have you and you will be able to take classes at a discount, while participating in the many wonderful groups the centre hosts.  Groups such as creative writing, water colour painting, card making, knitting or start one of your own!  Memberships have been kept low so everyone can join in and help us keep this lovely little centre running.

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• Felting a Highland Coo with Natashja Spenler

  • When
    Saturday, October 25, 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Location
    The ACAC Is located at 160 D Main Street, Ailsa Craig, ON
  • Spaces left
    5

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  Who doesn't love an adorable Highland Coo?

  The ACAC invites you to join Natashja Spenler on October 25th to create one of these adorable creatures.  This class is suitable for all levels of felting expertise.

  Natashja is well known throughout South Western Ontario for her whimsical creations and approachable teaching style.  We have enjoyed having her teach at the ACAC numerous times and classes always sell out quickly.

  Included in the class fee is a complete kit of all materials. This includes all the merino fibre, hand formed and waxed horns and hooves, a leather strap with small cow bell.  

  Cost: Members $80

  Non Members $90

  A waitlist will be enabled when the class sells out but only registrants who leave their phone number will be contacted. 

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• Learn Granny Squares!

  • When
    Wednesday, October 29, 2025
  •  
    6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    ACAC 160 D Main Street, Ailsa Craig, ON., N0M 1A0
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  

  Granny Squares are so much fun! Whether you are combining them for a bright, cottagey afgan or a cute summer top, there are so many applications for this fun crochet pattern.

  If students are looking for specific colour combinations, then they should bring their own wool in a worsted weight, otherwise, the ACAC will supply sample yarn and crochet hooks for the evening.

  This class is being taught by Wilma Kirmse and Rebecca Bender and we look forward to a fun and creative evening.

  When: October 29, 2025

  6:30 PM- 9:00 pm

  Members: $30

  Non Members $40

  Registration limit: 10

  
  

  Refunds are available up to 2 weeks before the start of the class.

  A waiting list will be established but only those leaving phone #'s will be contacted should a spot open up.

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• Friendship Star Table Top Runner or Mug Rug

  • When
    Tuesday, November 04, 2025
  •  
    6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    160D Main Street, Ailsa Craig, ON., N0M 1A0
  • Spaces left
    4

  Register

  
  

  
  

  Rebecca Bender is well known locally for her prize winning quilts and clear, approachable teaching methods.

  Join us November 4th to learn how to create the versatile Friendship Star block featuring half square triangles.  This block can be used individually as a Mug Rug for your own or, gift use. Alternatively,  three blocks can be joined together to create a welcoming, country-style, table runner. 

  Participants will learn different methods for making half square triangles (HST) and get some tips for keeping a project square.

  Option to make mug rugs (approx. 8 x8 ) or table topper (approx..12 x  20 or 38). If you’re ambitious, you can do both!

  Materials needed are:               

  -3 or 4 coordinating fat quarters -will make several mug rugs

  -3.5 m of yardage at least 10” the width of fabric will make a pointed table topper or runner

  -sewing machine

  Rotary cutter and cutting mat not necessary but may be helpful

  November 4, 2025

  Time: 6:30 - 8:30 PM

  Cost Members $25  and Non Members $30

  If necessary, a second evening will be added to support finishing the runner.

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• Make your own cosy, Shearling Mittens

  • When
    Saturday, November 08, 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    Ailsa Craig Arts Centre, 160 D Main Street, Ailsa Craig, ON
  • Spaces left
    5

  Register

  

  The ACAC is pleased to welcome back Kasper Skinner; our master of leather. This time, Kasper is going to teach us how to create gorgeous shearling mittens. These can last a lifetime and keep your hands dry and warm during harsh Canadian winters.

  Kasper's easy style and deep experience allows him to welcome all levels of leather workers- from complete novices to experienced folk. All will enjoy a day of crafting a luxury item that would make a wonderful gift or a keepsake for yourself.

  Cost for the class is Members $60 and non Members $70

  There is a kit fee of $40 as top quality shearling leather is pricey. Kit fee is paid on day of class directly to Kasper.

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• Carolyn Stone Teaches Fun with Watercolour

  • When
    Saturday, November 15, 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Spaces left
    3

  Register

  
  

  For this class, the ACAC is pleased to welcome Carolyn Stone who will share with us two different styles of Cherry paintings using  Watercolour paints and techniques.  During the class, Carolyn will teach a simple watercolour pour and how to create a botanical style painting. Students will learn how to create dimension through layering and colour combinations. Carolyn will also address negative painting and how to enhance your composition.

  A student supply list is attached.7AF26757-8CAF-4E51-ABC6-B0DC3045D880.png

  Carolyn is a self-taught artist with over two decades of experience translating emotion and nature into luminous works of watercolour and, occasionally, acrylic. Guided by curiosity and enriched through studies with accredited artists, her practice celebrates both bold vibrancy and quiet subtlety.

  Formerly immersed in the corporate world, Carolyn embarked on a creative path as she lived and travelled throughout different cultures and landscapes, shaping her eye for detail and her appreciation for natural beauty.

  Now rooted in Mount Brydges, Ontario, she paints from her home studio/gallery where blooming gardens, beautiful country side and fond memories continue to inspire her. Her work often features botanicals, birds, and whimsical landscapes—expressions of her deep connection to nature.

  Passionate about teaching, Carolyn shares her knowledge through private and group watercolour classes, encouraging others to discover their own voice with their art. .

  She also welcomes commission inquiries, bringing personal stories to life through custom pieces.

  Carolyn is a member of the London Community Artists group and recently has joined Lambeth Art Assoc.

  
  

  
  

  
  

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