This month’s podcast is all about how I combine travel with my creative crafting interests.
Podcast link: Creative Travel: Exploring Global Crafts and Cultural Traditions
Category: Quilting
I started quilting over 25 years ago and it continues to be one of my creative outlets. Here I share all my quilting content to inspire your next creative experience.
Tips for Seeing the Sisters Quilt Show
The sister Outdoor Quilt show is one of the most unique quilt shows you can attend. For one day only, the buildings in the Town of Sisters, Oregon act as a backdrop for 1400 quilts. This is a unique gallery showcasing amazing art and craftsmanship in a beautiful setting. I am sharing my tips on how to visit and get the most out of a Sisters Outdoor Quilt show experience.
The sun is shining. A soft breeze keeps the temperature comfortable. Not far in the distance, the snow-capped Three Sisters mountains glow in the early morning light. It is the second Saturday in July in Sisters, Oregon, and there is a festival-like atmosphere engulfing this small western town. A week of diverse quilting events and activities has been the prelude to this single day – the day of the Sisters Quilt Show.
My “Hot Prismatic Star” Quilt
My first paper pieced quilt in hot shades of pink, red, yellow and purple. This Prismatic Star quilt certainly brightens up my room on a dreary rainy day.
This Prismatic Star Pattern by Judy Niemeyer was my first attempt at paper piecing. I started the quilt when I took a class at her retreat center in Kalispell, Montana.
Learning Paper Piecing with Judy Niemeyer at a Quiltworx Retreat
I learned how to do paper piecing with Judy Niemeyer at a Quiltworx retreat in Kalispell, Montana
I enjoy taking quilting classes and learning new techniques. I had the opportunity to learn paper piecing in one of the Judy Niemeyer classes at the Quiltworx retreat center on Flathead Lake, Montana, near Kalispell. It was a relaxing week with lots of instruction, lots of learning, and lots of sewing.
Continue reading “Learning Paper Piecing with Judy Niemeyer at a Quiltworx Retreat”
Making a Kaffe Fassett Quilt – Taking a Class With the Master of Glorious Color
Not long ago I had the opportunity to make a Kaffe Fassett quilt with Kaffe Fasset himself and watch him teach his glorious color magic to an enthralled audience
If the quilting world has a crown prince, it has to be Kaffe Fassett. Known for his exuberant use of colour, Kaffee has built a design empire that extends to fabric, knitting, needlepoint, mosaics, and patchwork. Whether it’s a sweater, a needlepoint pillow, or quilting fabric, his uniquely colourful style is instantly recognisable.
He has published many books, including over 20 beautifully photographed quilt pattern volumes, which make it easy to produce one of his trademark designs. But making a Kaffe Fassett quilt in a class taught by the master of “Glorious Color” brings you up close and personal to his creative genius.
Continue reading “Making a Kaffe Fassett Quilt – Taking a Class With the Master of Glorious Color”
“California Dreamin” – Original Quilt Design
Quilt Inspiration – The colors of the surf and sand
I used two charm packs in shades of blue and yellow by Stonehenge to design a quilt that reminds me of a warm day on a California beach. I set half-square triangle blocks in a fishhook pattern, randomly mixing the different shades of blue and gold together.
Continue reading ““California Dreamin” – Original Quilt Design”
Expanding My Quilting Creativity With Empty Spools Seminars at Asilomar, California
Sharing my experiences taking an Empty Spools Seminars quilting class at the historic Asilomar Conference Center located on the scenic Pacific Ocean coast in California.
It’s important with any craft to continue to hone your skills. Whether it’s blogging, photography, or quilting, I like to try classes that offer a different perspective, but they also need to be in interesting locations. One of my favorite quilting class experiences is offered by Empty Spools Seminars at the Asilomar Conference Center located in beautiful Pacific Grove, California. In fact, I liked it so much, I’ve gone twice.
My Wish List of Unique Quilting Classes, Quilting Workshops, Quilting Retreats, and Quilting Holidays
Over the years, I have amassed a wish list of quilting classes, quilting workshops, quilting retreats and quilting holidays that combine both great instruction and inspiring destinations.
For me, attending a quilting class or workshop is as much about the location as it is about the quality of the quilting instruction – it has to have both.
Be a Quilt Volunteer – Where to Donate Quilts for Charity in 2026
Sharing my comprehensive list of 50 organizations that are happy to receive quilts, fabric and other sewing supplies, as well as ideas for local organizations where quilts can be donated
Do you love to quilt or sew but don’t know what to do with everything you make? Is your fabric stash getting unmanageably large? Do you have too many UFO’s (unfinished objects)? Do you have fabrics you are no longer thrilled with? Do you have bins full of scraps? Do you have too many quilt patterns you want to try?
If you are asking yourself, “Where can I donate quilts?”, there are a large number of organizations that are thrilled to receive finished quilts or quilting supplies. I’ve put together this comprehensive list of places to donate quilts to charity to make it easy for you.
Continue reading “Be a Quilt Volunteer – Where to Donate Quilts for Charity in 2026”
“Quilter on the Orient Express” Original Quilt Design
Quilt Inspiration – I wanted to commemorate our 30th wedding anniversary trip on the Orient Express from Venice to London with a special quilt. Continue reading ““Quilter on the Orient Express” Original Quilt Design”