EDUCATION
Due to new government restrictions regarding the Coronavirus pandemic, AQS staff are currently sheltering at home.
Registration for AQS QuiltWeek – Grand Rapids 2020 will open in May. AQS Members will receive advanced notice by email when it is time to register. If you have questions, please email shows@americanquilter.com. Thank you for your patience!
After online registration has ended, admission and classes may be purchased at the show.
A Bevy of Beautiful Bindings – #58504
Day: Wednesday, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Grand Gallery Overlook AB
Teacher: Linda Thielfoldt
Level: Beginner, Intermediate
Member: $56 Retail: $70
(Plus Handout Fee)
Come learn several unique and fun ways to finish off the edges of your quilts from an award-winning quilter who always gets high marks for her bindings. Straight, bias, curved, pieced and piped, and two-tone binding will be covered in this fun class. Join Linda for some great tips on binding your quilts, including the super-fast, totally-by-machine method she uses on all her charity quilts. If you struggle with binding your quilts, this class is not to be missed!
All-Star Review – #STAR
Day: Wednesday, 5:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Ballroom D
Teacher: Various
Level: All Levels
Member: $24 Retail: $30
Join us for our ever-popular All-Star Review and learn techniques from many of this year’s instructors. Each instructor will give a 10-minute demonstration to all participants from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. After 6:30 p.m., meet the instructors and purchase their books, patterns, and tools. You can even get an autograph or two. A booklet with printed handouts is provided to each participant. This event always sells out fast, so hurry and get your tickets today!
An Abundance of Stars Quilt: Piecing Perfect Star Blocks – #57101w
Day: Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Grand Gallery Overlook CD
Teacher: Phyllis Fay
Level: All Levels
Member: $88 Retail: $110
(Plus Pattern Fee)
Stars look best when every point is sharp. Join Phyllis for the day as you piece this wallhanging (38″ x 40″) from Deb Tucker of Studio 180 Design. Learn to use the Wing Clipper I from Studio 180 Design for making perfect Flying Geese in multiple sizes. Units are made slightly oversized and trimmed to precision to save every point. Both right- and left-handed instructions will be provided, so this technique is doable for everyone! Don’t miss your chance to learn how to get perfect points in your quilts while you work on this beautiful wallhanging.
Registration for this class includes show admission for Wednesday.
An Evening with Cynthia England: Stories and Trunk Show – #CYNTHIA
Day: Friday, 5:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Ballroom D
Teacher: Cynthia England
Level: All Levels
Member: $28 Retail: $35
Join Cynthia England for an intimate and enlightening conversation about her multiple-award-winning technique, “Picture Piecing.” Learn how she got the idea for her method and find out about the mistakes she made (and corrected!) along the way. You’ll learn key elements of the process, like enlarging the design, selecting your fabrics, and organizing all the pieces for a successful quilt. Find out how Cynthia stays motivated while working on a time-consuming project and learn techniques to help you stay focused and inspired as you create. Don’t miss this entertaining and eye-opening tour of 46 years of quiltmaking with Cynthia England.
An Evening with Sue Nickels: Tips of the Trade – #SUE
Day: Thursday, 5:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Ballroom D
Teacher: Sue Nickels
Level: All Levels
Member: $28 Retail: $35
In this informative event, learn Sue’s secrets to successful machine quilting on the home sewing machine. In this ever-changing world of machine quilting, see how she works to quilt even her large quilts on the home sewing machine. Starting with a PowerPoint presentation of her quilts, Sue will move on to show you her sewing room, then teach you how to manage the actual quilt. You’ll get Sue’s top tips to make free-motion quilting fun and relaxing at the home sewing machine. Sue will end by showing some of her actual quilts and answering your burning questions about machine quilting. Don’t miss your chance to get up close and personal with Sue Nickels!
Animal Portraits: Create Your Best Friend in Fabric – #54103f
Day: Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: River Overlook EF
Teacher: Esterita Austin
Level: All Levels
Member: $88 Retail: $110
(Plus Kit Fee)
There is nothing like the expression of unconditional love from your best friend. In this fun and inspiring class, Esterita will teach you how to create a visual memory of your pet in fabric that you will want to keep forever. You’ll learn many of Esterita’s award-winning techniques, like her favorite tricks for color selection and fusing. Don’t miss your chance to create a beautiful tribute to your pet!
Beginning Bargello (First Offering) – #57507
Day: Thursday, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Grand Gallery Overlook EF
Teacher: Judi Kirk
Level: All Levels
Member: $56 Retail: $70
(Plus Kit Fee)
This quilting style was originally inspired by the Bargello embroidery stitch, which is also called flame stitch, and it is easy to see why! The class offers a choice of three designs, and although they look complicated, they are suitable for beginners as well as the more experienced quilter. There will be lots of hints and tips to make construction easier. By the end of the workshop, you will not only be on the way to creating a gorgeous quilt, you will also be able to design Bargello patterns for yourself. This is a class not to be missed!
Beginning Bargello (Second Offering) – #57518
Day: Saturday, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Grand Gallery Overlook EF
Teacher: Judi Kirk
Level: All Levels
Member: $56 Retail: $70
(Plus Kit Fee)
This quilting style was originally inspired by the Bargello embroidery stitch, which is also called flame stitch, and it is easy to see why! The class offers a choice of three designs, and although they look complicated, they are suitable for beginners as well as the more experienced quilter. There will be lots of hints and tips to make construction easier. By the end of the workshop, you will not only be on the way to creating a gorgeous quilt, you will also be able to design Bargello patterns for yourself. This is a class not to be missed!
Bloomers Quilt: Machine Appliqué – #53102t
Day: Thursday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Grand Gallery Overlook GH
Teacher: Karen K. Stone
Level: All Levels
Member: $88 Retail: $110
(Plus Kit Fee)
Join Karen for the day and learn how to make a manageable quilt that looks like it took months to make! With just three basic shapes and three blocks, you can create the impression that there’s a lot more going on than there really is. Karen will share good basic machine appliqué technique and some unique ways to connect everything with amazing precision. This scrappy quilt will look great in your home year-round.
Registration for this class includes show admission for Thursday.
Blue Heron Quilt: Learn Picture Piecing – #57106t
Day: Thursday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Grand Gallery Overlook CD
Teacher: Cynthia England
Level: All Levels
Member: $88 Retail: $110
(Plus Kit Fee)
Join Cynthia England for the day and learn how to create a realistic Heron quilt with only straight lines. Cynthia will guide you through the process as you Picture Piece this beautiful quilt. Her technique is easy to master and very forgiving. There are no papers to tear out, because the quilt is not paper-piecing! You’ll love learning this amazing technique from its creator, and you’ll create something you are truly proud of.
Registration for this class includes show admission for Thursday.
Building LeMoyne Star Blocks: Create Actual Points! – #57512
Day: Friday, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Grand Gallery Overlook GH
Teacher: Phyllis Fay
Level: Intermediate, Advanced
Member: $56 Retail: $70
(Plus Kit Fee)
Learn to make perfect LeMoyne Star blocks using a strip-pieced method without Y-seams and without any volcanos in the center of the block. Deb Tucker’s Rapid Fire LeMoyne Star tool eliminates the need for cutting odd shapes. Plus, you can make 10 different size of blocks with the same tool. Phyllis will show you six more variations of LeMoyne Stars that you can create with the tool. Both right- and left-handed instruction will be provided.
Cat Nap Quilt: Picture Piecing – #57510
Day: Friday, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Grand Gallery Overlook EF
Teacher: Cynthia England
Level: All Levels
Member: $56 Retail: $70
(Plus Kit Fee)
Learn how to sew realistic pictures using only straight lines while making this cute gray tabby lounging on a quilt. This is not foundation-pieced; there is no paper to pick out. Let award-winning quilter Cynthia England share her unique sewing technique. She’ll include lots of tips and tricks to make things easy!
Create 5 Different Blocks with The Amazing Tucker Trimmer – #57519
Day: Saturday, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Grand Gallery Overlook GH
Teacher: Phyllis Fay
Level: All Levels
Member: $56 Retail: $70
(Plus Kit Fee)
Gain hands-on experience learning how to make 5 different precision units using the Tucker Trimmer from Studio 180 Design. You will love the endless design options and multiple sizes you can create with just one tool, and you’ll be amazed by the design possibilities that will suddenly be at your fingertips. Precision piecing doesn’t have to be difficult; let Phyllis show you how!. Both right- and left-handed instructions will be provided.
Creative, Free-Motion Background Fillers for the Longarm – #58509
Day: Thursday, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Grand Gallery AB
Teacher: Sue Patten
Level: All Levels
Member: $100 Retail: $125
(Plus Kit Fee)
This class will inspire you to be a confident quilter. It is packed full of unique, one-of-kind designs that are quick, easy, and perfect for all styles of quilting. The designs used in this class are also wonderful allover designs that can be incorporated easily to fit into sashings, borders, and cornerstones. There are more than a dozen unique designs in all, and every handout has step-by-step instructions to follow when you return home. This class takes the art of fillers to a whole new level of design and fun. Come join us and discover for yourself why your choice of fillers can truly transform your quilt!
Dorset Buttons: A Traditional English Craft – #59522
Day: Friday, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: River Overlook CD
Teacher: Catherine Redford
Level: All Levels
Member: $56 Retail: $70
(Plus Kit Fee)
Come relax and enjoy this traditional English craft that’s experiencing a resurgence! Learn how to make functional buttons you can use to embellish your next project, wear as jewelry, or just do up your cardigan. You’ll love making buttons that represent your own unique style. Students start with a basic cartwheel before exploring other options. Then it’s up to you!
Exploration of Embroidery: Stitches, Techniques, and More – #56101t
Day: Thursday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: River Overlook CD
Teacher: Catherine Redford
Level: All Levels
Member: $88 Retail: $110
(Plus Kit Fee)
If you’ve ever been interested in hand stitching, this is the class for you. Students will start with the traditional stitches of ethnic embroidery before moving on to some more advanced stitches and special embellishment techniques. You will work with hand-dyed threads on a preprinted sampler panel and then prepare your own design to carry on the adventure at home. Catherine will have you learning and laughing in this fun, information-packed class.
Registration for this class includes show admission for Thursday.
Fabulous, Fancy Feathers on the Longarm – #58510
Day: Thursday, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Grand Gallery AB
Teacher: Sue Patten
Level: Beginner
Member: $100 Retail: $125
(Plus Kit Fee)
This is a three-step class to help you master the beloved feather. If you are new to the longarm world or have ever wanted to learn the art of mastering feathers without the extra work of marking or the extra cost of stencils and pantograph designs, then this is the class for you. This is a free-motion class that takes you step-by-step from stem to feathered finish, with extra tips and tricks and a multitude of inside feather filler designs and spine ideas that allow you to work both sides of the feather in the same direction. The feathers learned in class may be used for borders, blocks, and sashings. So put away your feather fears and come fly with us as we master the art of the feather together!
Field of Flowers Quilt: Learn Picture Piecing – #57102w
Day: Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Grand Gallery Overlook EF
Teacher: Cynthia England
Level: All Levels
Member: $88 Retail: $110
(Plus Kit Fee)
Learn the award-winning Picture Piecing technique from the creator herself! Beautiful wildflowers were the inspiration for this design. Cynthia will guide you through the Picture Piecing process, which uses only straight lines and no insetting. Sewing is on the right side, and there is no paper to pick out, because this technique does not use foundation piecing! Come join Cynthia for a fun day of sewing with friends and make something beautiful.
Registration for this class includes show admission for Friday.
Folk Art Embroidery Stitches: A Trip Around the World – #51801
Day: Wednesday, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Ballroom D
Teacher: Catherine Redford
Level: All Levels
Member: $12 Retail: $15
Join Catherine for a humorous, educational, and interactive lecture that includes a game with prizes! Catherine will take you on a trip around the globe with the hand-embroidered quilts from her special collection. You’ll get up close and personal with Catherine’s quilts as she explores the hand stitches that made their way into her work from all over the world. Learn how she found her inspiration, the stitches she used, and the finishing techniques she employed. Supplies are not required for a lecture, although you may want to bring a pen and paper to take notes.
Follow the RuleR: Domestic Machine Quilting with Rulers (First Offering) – #58505
Day: Thursday, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Grand Gallery EF
Teacher: Sue Nickels
Level: All Levels
Member: $56 Retail: $70
(Plus Kit Fee)
Join Sue Nickels and explore rulerwork for the home sewing machine. Play with the BERNINA Adjustable Ruler Foot and rulers to achieve curves and straight lines. You’ll start with some basic concepts and then continue with lots of interesting ideas for using rulers. Join in the fun of using rulers for creative ways to quilt your quilt tops. Sue will also show you ways to incorporate free-motion fillers to add interest to your rulerwork. Come find out what all the fuss is about!
Follow the RuleR: Domestic Machine Quilting with Rulers (Second Offering) – #58517
Day: Saturday, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Grand Gallery EF
Teacher: Sue Nickels
Level: All Levels
Member: $56 Retail: $70
(Plus Kit Fee)
Join Sue Nickels and explore rulerwork for the home sewing machine. Play with the BERNINA Adjustable Ruler Foot and rulers to achieve curves and straight lines. You’ll start with some basic concepts and then continue with lots of interesting ideas for using rulers. Join in the fun of using rulers for creative ways to quilt your quilt tops. Sue will also show you ways to incorporate free-motion fillers to add interest to your rulerwork. Come find out what all the fuss is about!
For the Birds Quilt: Learn Picture Piecing – #57517
Day: Saturday, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Grand Gallery Overlook CD
Teacher: Cynthia England
Level: Beginner, Intermediate
Member: $56 Retail: $70
(Plus Kit Fee)
It’s feeding time for the chickadee, cardinal, blue jay, and goldfinch featured in this fun Picture-Pieced wall quilt by Cynthia England! Hang this wallhanging near your window, then brag to your friends that there are birds at your bird feeder around the clock. You’ll love learning how easy this piecing technique is as you create this fun and beautiful piece!
Foundation Piecing: Wild Women Don’t Get the Blues – #57516
Day: Saturday, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Grand Gallery Overlook AB
Teacher: Karen K. Stone
Level: Intermediate
Member: $56 Retail: $70
Wouldn’t it be great to share some wonderful patchwork, beautiful colors, and wild and crazy friends? Karen will give you a better understanding of color and introduce you to her original method of foundation piecing. You will not only learn many things to help you with your piecing and color selections, but by the time you leave this class, Karen will have introduced you to some new, wild friends that never get the blues.
Free Film Viewing of “Bob Ross: The Happy Painter” – #BOB
Day: Thursday, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Location: Ballroom D
Teacher: Various
Level: All Levels
Member: $0 Retail: $FREE
You’ve seen him before: he’s the quiet, soft-spoken guy with the fuzzy afro hair, painting mountains and trees with big brushes in a matter of seconds. Bob Ross is public television’s most beloved personality. This docu-story reveals the personal life of Bob Ross through the loving accounts of close friends and family, childhood photographs, and rare archive footage – what you know: his unwaivering dedication to wildlife, for example, and what you don’t know: Bob’s straight hair, his fascination with fast cars, and so much more. You’ll see rare film clips of Bob Ross with mentor William Alexander and the very first rough-cut Joy of Painting episode, and you’ll learn how one little TV commerical to advertise local painting classes slowly turned this gentle-mannered fellow from simple beginnings into a viral phenomenon that continues to allow millions around the world to realize their dreams of becoming an artist. Bob Ross: The Happy Painter is a 60-minute film presented in three parts: “The Man”, “The Television Artist”, and “His Legacy.”
Fun and Fancy Rulerwork on the Domestic Machine – #58111f
Day: Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Grand Gallery EF
Teacher: Sue Nickels
Level: Intermediate, Advanced
Member: $88 Retail: $110
(Plus Kit Fee)
Students will learn to machine quilt using rulers on the home sewing machine. Start with straight line framework, then continue with circles and arcs. Sue will take you step-by-step through the process of quilting with rulers, then show you how to complement your rulerwork with feathers and fillers. This is a great class to hone your machine quilting skills.
Registration for this class includes show admission for Friday.
Fun Feather Foundations – #58518
Day: Saturday, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: River Overlook AB
Teacher: Sarah Thomas
Level: Beginner, Intermediate
Member: $56 Retail: $70
(Plus Kit Fee)
Are you new to quilting or comfortable with basic free-motion quilting and now want to add a few feathers to your quilt tops? Join Sarah as she takes you through a handful of feather motifs and styles that work well together and can be customized to each individual’s likes and abilities. This class will have you both drawing and working on the machine to determine your personal feather style as well as learning various techniques to create feather blocks, borders, and motifs. You will be sharing a BERNINA Q20 sit-down longarm machine with a partner in this hands-on class. The skills taught in this class are transferable to your home domestic sewing machine.
Glorious Hummingbirds Quilt: Learn Picture Piecing – #57511
Day: Friday, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Grand Gallery Overlook EF
Teacher: Cynthia England
Level: All Levels
Member: $56 Retail: $70
(Plus Kit Fee)
Colorful hummingbirds sip nectar from beautiful morning glories in Cynthia England’s 17″ x 26″ design. It uses the Picture Piecing technique that she is known for with straight-line seams, no “set-ins,” no tracing, and no pesky paper to pick out. You’ll love learning this fun and versatile technique as you create something you’ll be proud of!
Going Full Circle: How to Do it All in Your Quilts – #51805
Day: Thursday, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Ballroom D
Teacher: Cynthia Wismann
Level: All Levels
Member: $12 Retail: $15
Have you ever wondered where you fit in in the quilting world? Have you asked yourself, “Am I a piecer or a fuser? Am I a traditionalist or an art quilter?” Cynthia says, “Let’s do it all!” The quiltmaking process is fun and exciting, and there’s no reason to limit yourself. See a trunk show of quilts that range from traditional to modern and include a wealth of techniques. It’s a parade of quilts! Let Cynthia show you how you can “do it all!” Supplies are not required for a lecture, although you may want to bring a pen and paper to take notes.
Innovative Appliqué: Ogee Lotus – #53101w
Day: Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: River Overlook CD
Teacher: Karen K. Stone
Level: Intermediate
Member: $88 Retail: $110
(Plus Kit Fee)
Join award winning quilt artist Karen K. Stone and realize this glorious design utilizing her unique method of construction. You’ll learn Karen’s techniques for creating beautiful and unique appliquéd art quilts as you work on this stunning piece. You’ll complete one glue-basted lotus in class and leave ready to continue your quilt and finalize the machine stitching, on your own. Karen will share her tips on how to find inspiration in your work, and you’ll leave with the confidence to create beautiful things.
Registration for this class includes show admission for Wednesday.
Inspirational Journeys: Find Quilt Inspiration in Your World – #51803
Day: Wednesday, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Ballroom D
Teacher: Esterita Austin
Level: All Levels
Member: $12 Retail: $15
There are places and people that inspire creativity in the most unlikely of locales. A facade of a building may look ordinary at first, but on second glance, there are textures, shapes, and colors that may be the spark for fresh inspiration. The world around us is our muse, and with a camera phone at hand, we can find that inspiration just by looking at something through a lens other than our eyes. Let award-winning quilt artist Esterita Austin take you step-by-step through her process of inspiration, and you’ll start seeing the world -and your quilts- in a whole new way. Supplies are not required for a lecture, although you may want to bring a pen and paper to take notes.
Intro to Free Motion Quilting on a Sit-Down Longarm Machine – #58102w
Day: Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: River Overlook AB
Teacher: Sarah Thomas
Level: Beginner
Member: $88 Retail: $110
(Plus Kit Fee)
Have you always wanted to free-motion quilt but were too anxious to try? Join Sarah in this hands-on class and be liberated with free-motion quilting! With a bit of humor and a lot of encouragement, she will take you through a series of designs that are simple yet highly effective on your quilt tops. By the end of the class, you will surely feel more comfortable and brave with using a variety of shapes & designs in different sizes. You will be working on a sit-down BERNINA Q20 longarm machine with a partner. Use each other for feedback and bounce around quilting ideas with quilters like you. The skills taught in this class are transferable to your home domestic sewing machine.
Registration for this class includes show admission for Wednesday.
Introduction to English Paper Piecing – #57515
Day: Saturday, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: River Overlook CD
Teacher: Catherine Redford
Level: Beginner
Member: $56 Retail: $70
(Plus Kit Fee)
Learn the time-honored technique of English Paper Piecing using precut card templates. You will stitch a simple flower and appliqué it to your chosen background, ready for a small pillow or mug rug. You will even be introduced to some traditional and innovative quilts for inspiration for your next project. Come learn why English Paper Piecing has stood the test of time in this fun and enlightening class.
Leather is the NEW Cotton: Creating with Leather at Home – #51808
Day: Friday, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Ballroom D
Teacher: Cathy Wiggins
Level: All Levels
Member: $12 Retail: $15
Did you know you could create with leather using the machine you have at home? Join Cathy Wiggins, the pioneer in quilting leather, and see all the possibilities, including quilting, painting, dying, molding and so much more. It’s fun, it’s easy, and anyone can do it! Supplies are not required for a lecture, although you may want to bring a pen and paper to take notes.
Let Me Surprise You (Just a Little)! Mystery Quilt – #57520
Day: Saturday, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Grand Gallery CD
Teacher: Charlotte Angotti
Level: Intermediate
Member: $56 Retail: $70
(Plus Kit Fee)
Have you always wanted to take a mystery class with a laser-precut kit, but didn’t want an all-day class or a big kit? This is the class you have been waiting for! Now is your chance to spend a relaxing morning with a smaller kit all cut and waiting for you to sew. You’ll love having fun with Charlotte and other quilting friends as you create something you can be proud of. Join Charlotte for lots of laughs and a great mystery project.
Let Me Surprise You! Mystery Quilt – #57103w
Day: Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Grand Gallery Overlook GH
Teacher: Charlotte Angotti
Level: Intermediate, Advanced
Member: $88 Retail: $110
(Plus Kit Fee)
Use a kit designed just for you – all cut and ready to sew! Spend a relaxing day sewing, laughing, and enjoying this one-of-a-kind mystery class. This project is not expected to be finished in class, but you are welcome to try. Don’t miss your chance to learn from Charlotte and create a beautiful quilt top!
Let’s Be Friends! A Mystery Quilt Class – #57108t
Day: Thursday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Grand Gallery CD
Teacher: Charlotte Angotti
Level: Intermediate
Member: $88 Retail: $110
A mystery class is always fun but this one is extra special! Join Charlotte for the day and get to sewing as you create a beautiful quilt while making new friends along the way. This class uses only batik fabrics, which create a beautiful, dynamic quilt. You will exchange batik strips with other students so every quilt is unique. Then cut your strips and sew into Charlotte’s wonderful mystery pattern! You’ll leave class with something you’re proud of (and maybe a new friend or two)! Registration for this class includes show admission for Thursday.
Longarm Machine Quilting: “Patten-ted” Tips and Tricks for the True Beginner – #58103w
Day: Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Grand Gallery AB
Teacher: Sue Patten
Level: Beginner
Member: $248 Retail: $310
(Plus Kit Fee)
After years of longarm quilting, Sue has developed a few skills that she would like to share with beginners. Everyone will get their own longarm to work with for the whole day, so get ready for a fun-filled day of hands-on learning! This class begins by covering the basics: Sue will teach you about mounting and floating, squaring off a quilt so that it is square every time, and choosing the perfect thread, needles, and batting. Then, you will learn how to master free-motion quilting so that no matter what the project is, you’ll be saying, “No problem; I can quilt that!” You’ll learn about tension, texture, and balance while getting a full day’s experience on a longarm machine, no sharing required!
Registration for this class includes show admission for Wednesday.
Luminous Painted Irises – #54501
Day: Wednesday, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: River Overlook EF
Teacher: Esterita Austin
Level: All Levels
Member: $56 Retail: $70
(Plus Kit Fee)
Spend the morning with Esterita and learn a new and unique form of art quilting! This process is unlike any other printing or painting process, and it’s a breeze to incorporate the written word and to layer imagery as collage. This is monoprinting reimagined! You’ll learn how to utilize fusible web to transfer your imagery to organza using any medium. You don’t have to be an artist to succeed with this fun and user-friendly method. You’ll make a beautiful painted flower while you learn how to incorporate Esterita’s versatile technique in all your quilts!
Machine Quilting: The Basics – #58101w
Day: Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Grand Gallery EF
Teacher: Sue Nickels
Level: Beginner
Member: $88 Retail: $110
(Plus Kit Fee)
In this basic workshop, students will learn many techniques needed to master machine quilting. Sue starts with a discussion on machine quilting supplies, including thread, needles, and notions. Next, you will practice the basic techniques of straight-line and free-motion machine quilting on small quilt packages. After teaching the skills to feel confident with these techniques, Sue will show a short PowerPoint to solidify your knowledge. With Sue’s patient guidance, learn all the basic skills needed to master machine quilting on your home sewing machine.
Registration for this class includes show admission for Wednesday.
Mastering the Art of Rulerwork: Longarm Machine Quilting – #58515
Day: Friday, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Grand Gallery AB
Teacher: Sue Patten
Level: All Levels
Member: $100 Retail: $125
(Plus Kit Fee)
This class will introduce you to rulerwork. You will use a wide range of different rulers, including curves, circles, straight line, a full range of shapes, and more. You will learn which ruler works best for the design and area of the quilt you are tackling, and Sue will share all her tips and tricks for using rulers safely and accurately. If you have ever wondered if rulers are the right tool for your style of quilting, then this is the class for you. Come join in this class to explore and learn to Master the Art of Rulerwork.
Mega Impact with Micro Quilting – #58508
Day: Thursday, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Location: River Overlook AB
Teacher: Sarah Thomas
Level: Beginner, Intermediate
Member: $56 Retail: $70
(Plus Kit Fee)
Add dimension, interest, and personality to your quilt designs with micro quilting! Feel the difference between stitch regulation settings and experiment with many designs as you stitch miniature in this class. From micro-stippling to pebbles, radiator coils, and more, Sarah will help you navigate through the many miniature options and combine average-sized designs with micro quilting to achieve a stunning finished result. Just like handwriting, everyone’s micro quilting will have its own unique variations, so there’s no wrong way to achieve your micro-quilted “signature.” We’ll also discuss and demonstrate how thread can impact and change the appearance of your quilting. You will be sharing a BERNINA Q20 sit-down longarm machine with a partner in this hands-on class. The skills taught in this class are transferable to your home domestic sewing machine.
Modern Log Cabin Quilt: Tradition with a Twist – #57514
Day: Friday, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Grand Gallery CD
Teacher: Judi Kirk
Level: All Levels
Member: $56 Retail: $70
Take the classic Log Cabin block and give it a modern twist in this cute little quilt. Not ready for a modern quilt? The design also looks good in batiks, solids, Christmas fabrics, etc., and would make a delightful baby quilt. You will start the day with a quick chat on how to sew your blocks with more accuracy, then move on to make four blocks as in the sample. However, be warned: most people get hooked and want to make more blocks for a larger quilt!
Off the Edge Purse-a-nality: Create a Cute Selvage Bag – #59521
Day: Wednesday, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Grand Gallery Overlook AB
Teacher: Linda Thielfoldt
Level: All Levels
Member: $56 Retail: $70
(Plus Handout Fee)
Gather up all those printed selvages you’ve been saving and come channel your inner Vera B.! You will be making a cute lined tote that you can use to carry all the fun stuff you find at a show! Learn how to choose the correct interfacing and batting, how to make and add a pocket, and even how to install a zipper the fast and easy way using Linda’s time-tested method. Be the envy of all your quilting pals when you show up with this fun tote! If you have never made a quilted purse and have always wanted to, this is the class for you!
Organizing Color in Scrap Quilts – #55501
Day: Friday, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Location: River Overlook CD
Teacher: Karen K. Stone
Level: All Levels
Member: $56 Retail: $70
Sometimes even the most personal and expressive aspect of quiltmaking, color and fabric selection, can be uncomfortable for quilters in the beginning. Karen will help you build confidence in color by spending time instructing you on how to develop and create several palettes for quilts. She will take the mystery out of color building, and you’ll unlock your creativity like never before. Soon, your friends will be asking for your color secrets!
Piece, Quilt, and Bind: “On the Plus Side” Quilt – #57513
Day: Friday, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Grand Gallery CD
Teacher: Judi Kirk
Level: All Levels
Member: $56 Retail: $70
(Plus Kit Fee)
This fun and information-packed workshop covers a little of everything and will suit both beginners and more experienced quilters. Kits will be provided so that you can start to stitch this simple little quilt top straight away. Then, you’ll create your quilt sandwich and machine quilt in a choice of modern design. Finally, add a flange binding, and your quilt will be complete. This is a fun and accessible project that you’ll be proud of!
Pyramid Power Quilt: Create a 3D Effect – #57105t
Day: Thursday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Grand Gallery Overlook AB
Teacher: Phyllis Fay
Level: Intermediate, Advanced
Member: $88 Retail: $110
(Plus Pattern Fee)
Pryamid Power is a modern pieced quilt that offers so many design options that your toughest decision will be selecting your fabrics! Consider using pairs of a light and dark value of the same color to create the pyramids. Those sharp points come naturally when you use the CP II and CP III tools from Deb Tucker’s Studio 180 Design. Both right- and left-handed instruction will be provided so everyone will be successful. What are you waiting for? Raid your stash, and we’ll see you in class!
Registration for this class includes show admission for Thursday.
Quilted in a Flash! Walking-Foot Quilting on Your Home Machine – #58506
Day: Thursday, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Grand Gallery EF
Teacher: Judi Kirk
Level: All Levels
Member: $56 Retail: $70
You may love to free-motion quilt yourself, or you may find it easier and more effective to “quilt by checkbook” and send tops to be longarm quilted. But what can you do with charity quilts, baby quilts for your neighbors’ relatives, or other times when you may not want to spend a lot of time or money to get a quilt finished? Judi will show you how to use the walking foot on your domestic sewing machine, combined with straight or decorative stitches, to create a host of easy designs that will allow you to get quilts finished faster and easier than you ever imagined! You may even find that you like the look of this quilting style so much that you want to use it for all your quilts.
Quilting on Leather: Create a 3D Panel – #59141w
Day: Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Grand Gallery CD (1st half) River Overlook EF (2nd half)
Teacher: Cathy Wiggins
Level: Intermediate
Member: $88 Retail: $110
(Plus Kit Fee)
Join Cathy for a full-day, two-part class creating dimensional leather art. Choosing from a selection of patterns (horse, rose, Celtic heart, and daisies, to name a few), students will spend part 1 transferring their image to leather, followed by quilting. Part 2 covers using leather dyes to add shadows and dimension. Students will leave with a completed leather panel that can be used as wall art, a journal cover, a tote bag pocket, etc. The possibilities are endless. You’ll love how fun and versatile creating with leather can be.
Registration for this class includes show admission for Wednesday.
This class will be held in two different rooms.
First half: Grand Gallery CD (8:30 – 11:30 a.m.)
Lunch Break (11:30 a.m – 1:00 p.m.)
Second half: River Overlook EF (1:00 – 4:00 p.m.)
Ruler Basics and Beyond on a Sit-Down Longarm Machine – #58512
Day: Friday, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: River Overlook AB
Teacher: Sarah Thomas
Level: Beginner, Intermediate
Member: $56 Retail: $70
(Plus Kit Fee)
Are you ready to add the structured look of quilting with rulers to your quilt tops? Perhaps you want to mix and match free-motion quilting designs with perfect lines, arcs, and waves? This is the class for you! Sarah will guide you through three hours of hands-on quilting utilizing basic straight edge, curve, and wave rulers to create crosshatching, arcs, and more! Whether you’re new to using rulers or simply want to hone your skills, you will leave this class with an abundance of ideas, encouragement, and motivation to add ruler quilting to your repertoire! The skills taught in this class are transferable to your home domestic sewing machine.
Sheer Floral Fantasy: Create with Sheer Fabrics – #54102t
Day: Thursday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: River Overlook EF
Teacher: Esterita Austin
Level: All Levels
Member: $88 Retail: $110
(Plus Kit Fee)
Sheer fabrics are the building blocks for a translucent, shimmering floral piece that will glow and sparkle while adding depth to your fiber art. Create a beautiful iris and see the possibilities when new shapes and colors are created by simply overlapping transparent fabrics. Various manipulation techniques will be incorporated to make an amazing flower. Add more creative tools to your fiber art repertoire and have fun while you’re at it!
Registration for this class includes show admission for Thursday.
Simple Beginner Machine Quilting – #58516
Day: Friday, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Grand Gallery Overlook AB
Teacher: Charlotte Angotti
Level: All Levels
Member: $56 Retail: $70
(Plus Kit Fee)
Learn all the little things you need to start machine quilting. With some hints, a few tricks, and the practice that you need, you will be quilting before you know what happened. This class is for the absolute beginner. If you are afraid of machine quilting, this is the place for you! Charlotte will prove to you once and for all that machine quilting is not too much for you to handle. She has just the right mixture of fun and instruction to make you feel comfortable. Don’t miss your chance to spend a fun time with friends and leave with the confidence to quilt your own quilts at home!
Sketchbook Quilting – #58513
Day: Friday, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Location: River Overlook AB
Teacher: Sarah Thomas
Level: Beginner, Intermediate
Member: $56 Retail: $70
(Plus Kit Fee)
Sketchbook Quilting is Sarah’s approachable, uninhibited, “no-rules” style of free-motion quilting. In this fun hands-on class, you will become more comfortable with drawing your own style of free-motion designs and seeing them come to life on the fabric. You’ll turn these designs into multiple groupings and combinations by building off the foundation pieces Sarah will teach. In doing so, you’ll be ready to create your own set of personal “go-to” designs and practice fillers while also developing the muscle memory for quilting. Sarah will also show you how to use a variety of rulers and stencils to help create basic shape and line guides for doodle quilting. This class will teach and encourage you to quilt without rules, thus making each finished quilt unique to your personal style and abilities. The skills taught in this class are transferable to your home domestic sewing machine.
Slow Stitching: Beginning Hand Stitches – #56502
Day: Saturday, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: River Overlook EF
Teacher: Cynthia Wismann
Level: Beginner, Intermediate
Member: $56 Retail: $70
(Plus Kit Fee)
Slow down a little and learn simple hand stitches to make beautiful projects for quilts, home decorating, bags, and even garments. You will be stitching on a hand-painted piece of fabric big enough to make a conversation pillow. The painted design teaches you how to create movement and shadowing with threads, and you will leave class with the confidence to take hand stitching with you wherever you go.
Stitching on Leather: Make a Crossbody Bag – #59542
Day: Thursday, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Grand Gallery Overlook EF
Teacher: Cathy Wiggins
Level: Intermediate
Member: $56 Retail: $70
(Plus Kit Fee)
Join Cathy and learn how easy it is to create with leather on your home machine. During this class, students will learn what leathers work best for quilting, how to piece and sew with leather, and how to install hardware. Bags can be quilted or left plain – the design is up to you! This is a fun, easy project that you will be using for years to come.
Stunning Sashings: Longarm Machine Quilting – #58514
Day: Friday, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Grand Gallery AB
Teacher: Sue Patten
Level: All Levels
Member: $100 Retail: $125
(Plus Kit Fee)
Running out of sashing design ideas? This class is a fast-paced exploration of the balance between design and texture. Students will build confidence in their free-motion skills while learning new designs that maximize the art of texture to enhance their quilt tops. These new and innovative designs will help you achieve that cutting edge in your client, personal, and show quilts. We will explore the age-old question of whether to ‘stitch in the ditch’ or ‘ditch the stitch’ and discuss how to travel throughout the quilt with less stops and starts. This class will change how you view sashing, cornerstones, and ditch work forever, so jump in and join in on this explortation of Stunning Sashings.
Sue Patten’s Tips and Tricks for Longarm Machine Quilting – #58519
Day: Saturday, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Grand Gallery AB
Teacher: Sue Patten
Level: All Levels
Member: $100 Retail: $125
(Plus Kit Fee)
After years of longarm quilting, Sue has developed a few skills that she would like to share. This class covers everything starting with mounting and floating and squaring off a quilt so that it is square every time (regardless of how not-so-square it may have been when it arrived). Sue will show you ways of manipulating fabric on those not-so-perfect tops to make them lie flat without causing any puckers, pleats, or stress. She will also share her tips on getting perfect tension with every type of thread, on every machine brand, using the right size of needle for the thread and fabric you are working with, and on using three degrees of tension to achieve the perfect look for every quilt. Learn how to make your borders look like they were quilted with no stops and starts without ever turning your quilt, plus so much more. Join in the fun and learn tips and tricks that are sure to have you smiling and saying, “no problem, I can quilt that out!”
The Enchantment of Fabric and Tsukineko® Ink – #51804
Day: Thursday, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Location: Ballroom D
Teacher: Joyce Teng
Level: All Levels
Member: $12 Retail: $15
Have you ever had a specific fabric in mind but just couldn’t find it? Have you ever wished to change plain, uninteresting cloth into something bright and beautiful? Come and discover how easy it is to transform fabric into the perfect piece for your quilt using stencils and Tsukineko® ink. Supplies are not required for a lecture, although you may want to bring a pen and paper to take notes.
Therapy Sewing and Designing – #57109f
Day: Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Grand Gallery Overlook CD
Teacher: Cynthia Wismann
Level: Beginner, Intermediate
Member: $88 Retail: $110
(Plus Kit Fee)
Sewing spontaneously makes for an interesting day! Simple color suggestions, simple guidelines, and very simple instructions all come together to make a showstopper quilt. Students will organize their scraps and then rev up their sewing machines to create! This is a fun and exciting exercise to make something beautiful from scraps. You will quickly see that every scrap you have can be saved for a Therapy Day!
Registration for this class includes show admission for Friday.
Threadology 101 with Superior Threads – #51806
Day: Friday, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Ballroom D
Teacher: Superior Threads Threadologist
Level: All Levels
Member: $8 Retail: $10
Have you ever looked at the beautiful threads in your quilt shop and thought “I’d have no clue how to use that?” This is the lecture for you! If you’ve experienced frustration when deciding what type of thread to use or how to incorporate decorative or specialty threads, you’re not alone. A Certified Superior Threadologist will teach you about thread, needles, and tension so you can finally get to work with those beautiful threads. Supplies are not required for a lecture, but you may want to bring a pen and paper to take notes.
Threaducation for Machine Quilting – #58507
Day: Thursday, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: River Overlook AB
Teacher: Sarah Thomas
Level: All Levels
Member: $56 Retail: $70
(Plus Kit Fee)
Have you ever said, “My machine doesn’t like that thread” or “I can only quilt with XYZ thread?” Then this is the class for you to learn about different weights of thread for quilting. Education is key, and Sarah will explain the uses and finished effects of 12wt, 28wt, 40wt, 50wt, and 80wt threads as well as cotton, metallic, water-soluble, and monofilament fibers in this hands-on class. Sarah will cover thread basics, including information on weight and ply, spool positioning, needle recommendations, and tension settings. She will offer helpful tips and tricks, then share projects and photos aimed to inspire and expand your use of threads. You will be sharing a BERNINA Q20 sit-down longarm machine in this hands-on class. The skills taught in this class are transferable to your home domestic sewing machine.
VIP Quilt Exhibit Tour – #TOUR1
Day: Wednesday, 7:30 – 8:30 a.m.
Location: Exhibit Hall Show Area
Teacher: Liz Hammonds
Level: All Levels
Member: $12 Retail: $15
Be the first to see the winning quilts and get a special up-close tour with AQS Director of Education Liz Hammonds. Enjoy an intimate tour of the Special Exhibits and learn where each quilt came from and the inspiration behind the artwork. You’ll get a chance to ask questions and get up-close photographs of the quilts before the crowds roll in! Don’t miss your chance to become a know-it-all about the quilts and be first to see the amazing quilts on display!
VIP Quilt Exhibit Tour (Second Offering) – #TOUR2
Day: Friday, 7:30 – 8:30 a.m.
Location: Exhibit Hall Show Area
Teacher: Liz Hammonds
Level: All Levels
Member: $12 Retail: $15
See the winning quilts and get a special up-close tour with AQS Director of Education Liz Hammonds. Enjoy an intimate tour of the Special Exhibits and learn where each quilt came from and the inspiration behind the artwork. You’ll get a chance to ask questions and get up-close photographs of the quilts before the crowds roll in! Don’t miss your chance to become a know-it-all about the quilts and see the amazing quilts on display!
Walking Foot Quilting: Beyond the Ditch! – #58520
Day: Friday, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Grand Gallery Overlook AB
Teacher: Catherine Redford
Level: Beginner, Intermediate
Member: $56 Retail: $70
(Plus Kit Fee)
Learn how you can confidently finish your quilts yourself on your domestic machine with all the control of your walking foot! Class will start with a brief discussion of preparing your quilts for quilting including marking, and then students will make some samples of different styles including modern grids, matchstick quilting, and spirals. Try a different thread and take a look at Catherine’s examples to inspire you to go home and transform your tops into quilts!
What Makes it Modern? Exploring Modern Quilts – #51802
Day: Wednesday, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Location: Ballroom D
Teacher: Judi Kirk
Level: All Levels
Member: $12 Retail: $15
Modern quilts are being featured more and more in books, magazines, and shows. So what makes a quilt “Modern”, and how does it differ from other quilt styles? International quilt judge Judi Kirk is a member of both the USA-based Modern Quilt Guild and the Modern section of the Quilters Guild of the British Isles. Beginning with a brief history of Modern quilting and its development, Judi will highlight the elements that make a quilt Modern. This talk will demystify terms like “alternative grids” and “asymmetry”, and you may find that you have been a modern quilter without knowing it! Supplies are not required for a lecture, although you may want to bring a pen and paper to take notes.
What’s in Your Closet? Stash Adventures – #51807
Day: Friday, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Location: Ballroom D
Teacher: Charlotte Angotti
Level: All Levels
Member: $12 Retail: $15
Join Charlotte Angotti as she explores stash adventures and the real reasons we make so many quilts, have so much fabric, and belong to the underground secret society of Quiltmaking. (Really, there are people out there who have no idea there is a quilt shop in their town.) See quilts, hear stories, bring your cameras, and be ready to laugh. Supplies are not required for a lecture, although you may want to bring a pen and paper to take notes.
Windsor Gardens Quilt: Cut, Place, and Stitch – #53503
Day: Friday, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Grand Gallery Overlook GH
Teacher: Karen K. Stone
Level: All Levels
Member: $56 Retail: $70
(Plus Kit Fee)
Come and join this class using a gala of leafy fabric and lots of color. It is free-cutting, and you will free-motion stitch. Fun is guaranteed for all! Karen will teach you her design and appliqué tips, and you’ll love the freedom this project offers. Everyone should complete their own small quilt and learn to add the machine binding.
Wrapped in Scraps Fabric Bowl – #59523
Day: Wednesday, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Grand Gallery CD
Teacher: Catherine Redford
Level: All Levels
Member: $56 Retail: $70
(Plus Kit Fee)
Make a beautiful bowl from clothesline and fabric on the sewing machine. You’ll start with the basic technique, and then you can choose your project and stitch away. This will be a fun and relaxing class for students of all levels, and you’ll go home ready to start your next fabulous piece.
