LLQG / LLES Sewing Club
A collaborative partnership between Ladies of the Lake Quilt Guild and Lower Lake Elementary after-school enrichment program. This program offers fourth- through six-grade students (ages 9-11) hands-on sewing skills and experience. Three six-week sessions are offered each year: Fall, Spring, and Summer, with dates to be announced. We are always looking for volunteer teachers; please contact Lan Ali-Adeeb for further details.
Announcement: The LLQG/LLES Sewing Club program will resume in Fall 2026, as KUSD’s summer program will be held at the Burn Valley Elementary School campus. Please check back around July for updates on the Sewing Club program.
04/03/2026 (Spring 2026 Session) Lan Ali-Adeeb
This spring, our Sewing Club wrapped up with great success. New and returning students learned how to safely use sewing machines, build basic skills, and complete their own projects with growing confidence.
By the final session, it was wonderful to see their creativity and pride shine through in everything they made. Each student showed real progress—not just in sewing, but in patience and problem-solving.
This successful season would not have been possible without the dedication of our amazing volunteer teachers, whose guidance and encouragement made a lasting impact on every student. We are so proud of what this group has accomplished and look forward to seeing even more young sewist join us in the future!
This spring, our Sewing Club wrapped up with great success. New and returning students learned how to safely use sewing machines, build basic skills, and complete their own projects with growing confidence.
By the final session, it was wonderful to see their creativity and pride shine through in everything they made. Each student showed real progress—not just in sewing, but in patience and problem-solving.
This successful season would not have been possible without the dedication of our amazing volunteer teachers, whose guidance and encouragement made a lasting impact on every student. We are so proud of what this group has accomplished and look forward to seeing even more young sewist join us in the future!
02/20/2026 (Spring 2026 Session) Lan Ali-Adeeb
Each new season of our youth sewing program brings excitement, creativity, and the joy of seeing young makers grow in their skills and confidence.
Our 2026 Spring session began on Friday, February 20, and will run each Friday through April 3, from 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM. We are delighted to welcome 16 students to our club this season.
All ten students from last fall have returned, and it was such a pleasure to see them again. It is truly inspiring to watch the confidence and impressive skills these returning students demonstrate while working with fabrics and sewing machines. Seeing their progress reminds us that we are on the right path in helping these young talents grow and continue their creative journey.
We look forward to another wonderful season of learning, creativity, and sharing the art of sewing together.
A special thank-you to Lan Ali-Adeeb, Debbie Heltzel, Suzanne Hoytz, Jane Smith, and Kathy Verstoppen for their continued support in making this program possible.
Each new season of our youth sewing program brings excitement, creativity, and the joy of seeing young makers grow in their skills and confidence.
Our 2026 Spring session began on Friday, February 20, and will run each Friday through April 3, from 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM. We are delighted to welcome 16 students to our club this season.
All ten students from last fall have returned, and it was such a pleasure to see them again. It is truly inspiring to watch the confidence and impressive skills these returning students demonstrate while working with fabrics and sewing machines. Seeing their progress reminds us that we are on the right path in helping these young talents grow and continue their creative journey.
We look forward to another wonderful season of learning, creativity, and sharing the art of sewing together.
A special thank-you to Lan Ali-Adeeb, Debbie Heltzel, Suzanne Hoytz, Jane Smith, and Kathy Verstoppen for their continued support in making this program possible.
11/20/2025 (Fall 2025 Session) Lan Ali-Adeeb
Stitching the Future: Beginner Sewing Club Graduation!
Stitching the Future: Beginner Sewing Club Graduation!
We wrapped up our Fall Session with hearts full of appreciation—both from our students and our teachers. To celebrate, we hosted a cheerful “Beginner Sewing Club Graduation” pizza party. The teachers were surprised with the sweetest gift bags from their students, each one containing a thoughtful note and a beautifully hand-painted apron. In return, we congratulated each student with a certificate of completion and a promise to continue our creative journey together in the Spring.
We also proudly finished all of our in-progress projects. Many students stitched something personal for someone special: stuffed hearts for mom and dad, a quilted heart for grandma, a mug rug for a family member, and more.
Our hope is that we’ve sparked a glowing ember of sewing curiosity—something that inspires creativity, builds confidence, and gives these young makers a sense of accomplishment they can carry forward.
💖📍🪡Here’s to sewing, creating, and growing together! ✂️🧵💕
We also proudly finished all of our in-progress projects. Many students stitched something personal for someone special: stuffed hearts for mom and dad, a quilted heart for grandma, a mug rug for a family member, and more.
Our hope is that we’ve sparked a glowing ember of sewing curiosity—something that inspires creativity, builds confidence, and gives these young makers a sense of accomplishment they can carry forward.
💖📍🪡Here’s to sewing, creating, and growing together! ✂️🧵💕
11/13/2025 (Fall 2025 Session) Lan Ali-Adeeb
We had a big hit at the club this week—the Crinkle Cat Toy! Ms. Debbie showed everyone how to use the precut kits to put the toy together with bright, colorful fabrics, crinkle paper, a little catnip, and soft polyester stuffing. The kids loved how it made a fun crinkly sound, and the project was simple enough for everyone to enjoy. It was so much fun that about half the class finished their toys before the end of the lesson, and the rest are excited to finish theirs next time. Eris Fields was so proud and excited to finish her very first quilt, made especially for her 22-year-old bear, named Bear-ie.
We had a big hit at the club this week—the Crinkle Cat Toy! Ms. Debbie showed everyone how to use the precut kits to put the toy together with bright, colorful fabrics, crinkle paper, a little catnip, and soft polyester stuffing. The kids loved how it made a fun crinkly sound, and the project was simple enough for everyone to enjoy. It was so much fun that about half the class finished their toys before the end of the lesson, and the rest are excited to finish theirs next time. Eris Fields was so proud and excited to finish her very first quilt, made especially for her 22-year-old bear, named Bear-ie.
11/06/2025 (Fall 2025 Session) Lan Ali-Adeeb
The 20-minute circle-of-sharing at the beginning of each class holds a unique kind of magic. It’s more than just a routine—it’s a time to connect, share, and spark inspiration. As we present hand-made quilts, unique pieces of clothing, and anything else that might capture the imagination, we’re not just sharing objects; we’re offering stories, history, and creativity. The students’ faces light up with curiosity and wonder as they engage with these treasures, and watching their interest grow is nothing short of enchanting. It's a moment that brings the class to life, creating an atmosphere of anticipation and excitement that sets the tone for the entire session. During our fourth lesson, we guided students in crafting Christmas stockings—a vibrant and joyful project that added a festive splash to our creative journey.
The 20-minute circle-of-sharing at the beginning of each class holds a unique kind of magic. It’s more than just a routine—it’s a time to connect, share, and spark inspiration. As we present hand-made quilts, unique pieces of clothing, and anything else that might capture the imagination, we’re not just sharing objects; we’re offering stories, history, and creativity. The students’ faces light up with curiosity and wonder as they engage with these treasures, and watching their interest grow is nothing short of enchanting. It's a moment that brings the class to life, creating an atmosphere of anticipation and excitement that sets the tone for the entire session. During our fourth lesson, we guided students in crafting Christmas stockings—a vibrant and joyful project that added a festive splash to our creative journey.
10/30/2025 (Fall 2025 Session) Lan Ali-Adeeb
The kids learned how to make pillowcases with their own fabric choices of colors and prints. They even got to take home the pillowcases and some of them will use it for Halloween trick-or-treating. It was such a delightful afternoon to spend with young students.
The kids learned how to make pillowcases with their own fabric choices of colors and prints. They even got to take home the pillowcases and some of them will use it for Halloween trick-or-treating. It was such a delightful afternoon to spend with young students.
10/23/2025 (Fall 2025 Session) Lan Ali-Adeeb
Our 2nd class was equally fun. Ms. Marj demoed an antique chain stitch Wilcox and Gibbs sewing machine from 1858 that raised intrigue in both students and teachers. Most of our students finished making small pouches, about 12”x15”, that they will use to keep their sewing materials and unfinished projects.
Our 2nd class was equally fun. Ms. Marj demoed an antique chain stitch Wilcox and Gibbs sewing machine from 1858 that raised intrigue in both students and teachers. Most of our students finished making small pouches, about 12”x15”, that they will use to keep their sewing materials and unfinished projects.
10/16/2025 (Fall 2025 Session) Lan Ali-Adeeb
Stitching the Future: Launch of the LLQG/LLES Sewing Club (2025/2026)
Stitching the Future: Launch of the LLQG/LLES Sewing Club (2025/2026)
It all started in March 2025 when Kelly Bonfante and Megan Handy—the teacher and Director of the after-school enrichment program at Lower Lake Elementary School—reached out to us through our website with a fantastic idea: a sewing class for students. What better way to share the art form we love with the next generation?
As a guild, we're already committed to giving back through quilting—creating baby quilts for new parents at Adventist Health Hospital in Clearlake, comfort quilts for local residential homes, and heartfelt donations for disaster victims. So, when the opportunity came to pass on our skills to young makers, we were all in.
A Club is Born
After six months of careful planning and preparation by 10 dedicated guild volunteers--Marj Sweeney, Rene Schultz-Hein, Suzanne Hoyt, Debbie Strickler, Linda Debolt, Martha Ball, Kathy Verstoppen, Theresa Dapiran, Jane Smith, and Lan Ali-Adeeb—the Lower Lake Elementary School Sewing Club officially launched on Thursday, October 16, 2025. We were thrilled to welcome our first group of ten enthusiastic young sewists!
The Fall session runs from October 16 to November 20, meeting every Thursday from 2:45 to 4:45 p.m. Details for Spring and Summer sessions will be posted on both the LLQG and LLES websites soon—stay tuned!
A Warm Welcome
The first day came with a mix of excitement and first-day jitters, especially for those of us leading the club for the first time. Fortunately, Jane Smith—a guild member and LLES teacher—created a helpful "Teacher Cheat Sheet" to help guide us. And retired 4th grade teacher Kathy Verstoppen gave a wonderful introduction, helping students and teachers connect with ease. Her thoughtful approach made students feel comfortable enough to share their questions and ideas right away. It was a joy to witness their enthusiasm.
What’s Ahead
We began by reviewing classroom rules and safety guidelines, then introduced students to sewing tools and the basic parts of a sewing machine. To spark their creativity, we shared the exciting projects they’ll be working on—where they’ll pick and personalize their project with fabric colors and prints from stacks of pre-cut fabrics:
To build confidence, students practiced sewing straight lines—first on paper without thread, then with thread, and finally on fabric scraps. By the end of class, our youngest member, a 9-year-old 4th grader, proudly completed a small 6"x4" fabric bag. It was a wonderful moment that showed just how quickly these students are learning and growing.
It all started in March 2025 when Kelly Bonfante and Megan Handy—the teacher and Director of the after-school enrichment program at Lower Lake Elementary School—reached out to us through our website with a fantastic idea: a sewing class for students. What better way to share the art form we love with the next generation?
As a guild, we're already committed to giving back through quilting—creating baby quilts for new parents at Adventist Health Hospital in Clearlake, comfort quilts for local residential homes, and heartfelt donations for disaster victims. So, when the opportunity came to pass on our skills to young makers, we were all in.
A Club is Born
After six months of careful planning and preparation by 10 dedicated guild volunteers--Marj Sweeney, Rene Schultz-Hein, Suzanne Hoyt, Debbie Strickler, Linda Debolt, Martha Ball, Kathy Verstoppen, Theresa Dapiran, Jane Smith, and Lan Ali-Adeeb—the Lower Lake Elementary School Sewing Club officially launched on Thursday, October 16, 2025. We were thrilled to welcome our first group of ten enthusiastic young sewists!
The Fall session runs from October 16 to November 20, meeting every Thursday from 2:45 to 4:45 p.m. Details for Spring and Summer sessions will be posted on both the LLQG and LLES websites soon—stay tuned!
A Warm Welcome
The first day came with a mix of excitement and first-day jitters, especially for those of us leading the club for the first time. Fortunately, Jane Smith—a guild member and LLES teacher—created a helpful "Teacher Cheat Sheet" to help guide us. And retired 4th grade teacher Kathy Verstoppen gave a wonderful introduction, helping students and teachers connect with ease. Her thoughtful approach made students feel comfortable enough to share their questions and ideas right away. It was a joy to witness their enthusiasm.
What’s Ahead
We began by reviewing classroom rules and safety guidelines, then introduced students to sewing tools and the basic parts of a sewing machine. To spark their creativity, we shared the exciting projects they’ll be working on—where they’ll pick and personalize their project with fabric colors and prints from stacks of pre-cut fabrics:
- A drawstring pouch to hold their in-progress work
- A personalized pillowcase
- A quilted Christmas stocking kit made possible by Pat Dandy’s generous donations
To build confidence, students practiced sewing straight lines—first on paper without thread, then with thread, and finally on fabric scraps. By the end of class, our youngest member, a 9-year-old 4th grader, proudly completed a small 6"x4" fabric bag. It was a wonderful moment that showed just how quickly these students are learning and growing.
More Than Just Sewing
Our Sewing Club is about more than fabric and thread. It’s about building creativity, confidence, and the joy of making something with your own hands. We’re excited to see where this journey takes our students—and we’re proud to be part of it.
Our Sewing Club is about more than fabric and thread. It’s about building creativity, confidence, and the joy of making something with your own hands. We’re excited to see where this journey takes our students—and we’re proud to be part of it.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this first day a success. We look forward to many more inspiring afternoons with our talented young makers.
A special thank-you to an anonymous donor whose generous support allowed us to print color student booklets.
A special thank-you to an anonymous donor whose generous support allowed us to print color student booklets.