A Look Inside Beginner Quilting Classes At Fiber Lab In Menomonie
'we could all be quilting the same pattern, but the fabrics you choose make a big impact on how your quilt will turn out'
words & photos by Measha Vieth |
I collect hobbies like the Cookie Monster devours cookies, constantly curious about new things, yet the motivation to teach myself isn’t quite as strong as my desire to gobble up the knowledge.
At the start of 2026, my friend Anna and I were discussing our goals. Tucked between traditional goals of exercise – healthy eating and reading more – we found a unique, shared vision for the year; a goal your grandma would probably be proud to hear: attend a sewing class.
We eagerly searched Eau Claire for sewing classes and upon expanding our search we remembered Menomonie is home to Fiber Lab (301 Main St. E Suite A), a local fabric and textiles shop.
This sweet little fiber shop hosts a variety of classes, ranging from crochet sweaters, sewing pot holders, quilted bags, knitting and even our adventurous newfound commitment, a beginner quilting class.
Uncertain at first, due to it’s 8-9 week commitment, we wondered how amazing it would be to learn new skills while creating our very own quilt masterpieces.
In our first class we were greeted by Sherry Schlosser, who’s been sewing for nearly 42 years, and Kris Isaacson, Fiber Lab’s owner since 2023. Kris brings with her a lifetime of sewing knowledge, from crafting her entire wardrobe to graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Stout in apparel and manufacturing.
Kris has found new Fiber Lab instructors through the store’s long-time shoppers, including Sherry; Fiber Lab offers courses which coincide with the school year: fall to winter and winter to spring.
“We had been offering around 30 classes per year, between knitting, crocheting and quilting/sewing. But now, with the new space, we’ll be offering about 60 classes per year,” Kris said.
“You build camaraderie in your class and that camaraderie goes with you wherever you go.”
sherry Schlosser
instructor, fiber lab
Both smiling faces greeted five wiry students – uncertain of what we were getting ourselves into. After some introductions, we ran through a plethora of quilting vocabulary, tools and timelines before we were unleashed into the world of fabrics and thread.
After picking out our core three fabrics for quilting (I switched between themes and color palettes a dozen times; I landed on a colorful Alice in Wonderland mushroom print, a bold pink floral pattern and a bright olive green), we learned how to construct the basics: making two different quilt blocks, adding a border, measuring and sewing a quilt back, the middle batting (what you stuff/sandwich between the quilt top and back) and how to bind it all together.
Having an in-person instructor was very beneficial. Opposed to watching a tutorial on YouTube or TikTok, we could get swift one-on-one feedback, tips and support during the process.
I would say quilters spend more time measuring, cutting, ironing and pinning fabric than actually sewing. Our quilt group also bonded as we all struggled and succeeded together.
“You build camaraderie in your class and that camaraderie goes with you wherever you go,” Sherry said. “When you go to a quilt shop you’re feeling that same camaraderie like when you took that class but with people you never even have met.
“Pretty soon everyone becomes friends,” she continued.
Fiber Lab’s classes wouldn’t exist without Kris’s 20-year dream to open a yarn store; when the previous owners of Fiber Lab announced their retirement, she jumped at the opportunity to take the reins.
As a former instructor at UW-Stout, Kris really enjoys welcoming new students of all backgrounds to the storefront.
“My teacher heart likes to see people learning new things. So I’m always happy to bring people in and welcome them to the hobby, that goes for the knitting and crochet side of it too,” Kris said. “You get to watch that spark – those 'aha' moments and watch people get excited about something that you are also excited about.”
Fiber Lab also offers social shopping events – in partnership with other fabric stores throughout the region – including a statewide shop hop (like a scavenger hunt) in June; the “Falling Leaves Shop Hop” at the end of September; and the “Wisconsin Shop Hop” in September and October.
In the near future, Kris plans to open up the classroom space of Fiber Lab for area groups to sew together, plan their own quilt or knitting retreats and serve as a welcoming space for the community to gather.
I can truly say taking this class has given me the confidence to attempt sewing and quilting on my own. Sherry and Kris are genuinely passionate and thrilled to share their knowledge with the community.
After many pin pricks, clumped bobbin thread, late nights sewing blocks and borders together – I can now say I have completed my first-ever quilt!
Upon leaving our last day, I came to realize not only had I gained new skills, but a new network of wonderful people who will support me in all my sewing woes and achievements to come.
Visit Fiber Lab (301 Main St. E Suite A) in downtown Menomonie to learn more about its offerings; sessions are currently scheduled on Tuesday evenings or weekends. Learn more about its quilting and sewing courses online via www.thefiberlab.com/classes.
