Learning Paper Piecing with Judy Niemeyer at a Quiltworx Retreat

Last Updated on 03/18/26 by Rose Palmer

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.

What is it like taking a Judy Niemeyer class at a Quiltworx retreat?

The Quiltworx tag line is “Teaching the world to paper piece.” Judy Niemeyer, creator and owner of Quiltworx, has made a lifelong career from designing and selling intricate and beautiful paper pieced quilt patterns.

I was impressed to learn that the company is very much a family-run business. Judy Niemeyer, Brad Niemeyer, and daughter Judel Niemeyer all play key roles in designing and producing patterns, fine-tuning techniques, and certifying Quiltworx instructors.

Many quilters have used her patterns to create award-winning competition quilt designs. I have seen the distinctive Quiltworx designs incorporated into winning quilts at both the Tokyo International Quilt Festival (when it was still going) and the AQS Paducah quilt show.

I was excited to take a class led by Judy at the Quiltworx retreat center, developed specifically for teaching her paper piecing techniques. When possible, I like to attend quilting classes in interesting locations (like the classes I have taken with Empty Spools Seminars in Monterey, California).

As a passionate traveler, the location of the Quiltworx company and retreat location on Flathead Lake, near Kalispell, Montana, was one of its greatest attractions. With its diverse and beautiful scenery, Montana is one of my favorite states to visit. The town of Kalispell was a half-hour drive from the entrance to Glacier National Park and was also the closest airport gateway to both the National Park and to Quiltworx.

rooms at the Quiltworx retreat center — Beds are covered with Quiltworx designed quilts for inspiration

The retreat facility was specifically developed for quilting retreats. There were enough bedrooms and bathrooms to accommodate up to ten people in single beds. Since I was not attending the class with someone I knew, I shared a bedroom and bathroom with a stranger (not really something I like to do).

The retreat rooms were decorated with many examples of Quiltworx quilts. They were a great inspiration for a variety of color schemes, as well as providing marketing samples for purchasing additional patterns.

The sewing room was large and was well equipped for 10 students to work comfortably at individual stations. There were also cutting stations and ironing stations with really good, hot irons. Each student’s work station was set up with a cutting mat and a small pressing mat (I had to bring my own small iron to use at my station).

A very helpful retreat supply list made sure I brought everything I needed for the class. If I forgot anything, Quiltworx had a good selection of basic supplies that I could purchase. Most attendees (including me) brought their own sewing machines, though I could also rent one for the week if I wanted.

a Quiltworx quilt — Another beautiful Quiltworx quilt

At the 5-day class that I attended, the level of previous experience with Judy Niemeyer patterns ranged from quilters who had never paper pieced to quilters who were very experienced, having previously completed many designs. Some of the quilters brought Quiltworx projects that they had already started and wanted to finish during the week. Others, like me, just brought a pattern and the precut fabric necessary to start a new project.

Regardless of the level of expertise, Judy spent quite a bit of time with each member of the group, providing detailed instructions on her specific techniques and offering tips to successfully make her intricate Quiltworx patterns.

All the meals during the class were included and were catered in. The food was fine, and there was a lot of it. Water and tea were always available and also included, but sodas, beer, and wine were not and were paid for on the honor system. I could also bring my own drinks and snacks if I chose.

Quilters who complete quilt tops during the week gett to show them off for photo ops — Quilters who complete quilt tops during the week show them off for photo ops

There was a lot of sewing time each day. The sewing room was available whenever we wanted to be in there. As a night owl, I always sewed late into the night.

For distractions from sewing, a few shopping excursions were also scheduled. Kalispell supports two independent and unique quilt shops: The Quilt Gallery and Glacier Quilts. Both shops were well stocked with Quiltworx patterns, with her fabric lines, as well as with a very wide selection of other fabrics and patterns.

There was also a Quiltworx shopping opportunity where I could purchase the company’s patterns from their warehouse at a discount. The week started with a trunk show, showcasing many quilts with the latest Quiltworx patterns and fabrics, which was a great inspiration for future projects.

quiltworx quilt — Another Quiltworx quilt from the trunk show

I went into this paper piecing class with very minimal previous experience, and left feeling significantly more confident with the technique. Eventually, I finished the Prismatic Star pattern that I started in the class (and which I exhibited at the 2019 Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show in Sisters, Oregon).

My Prismatic Star quilt is on display at the Sister Outdoor Quilt Show

Once the quilt class ended, I rented a car and spent a few days in nearby Glacier National Park and the adjacent Waterton National Park in Canada. Glacier NP is one of my favorite US National Parks, and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to visit it again.

Then, because I had to make a flight connection in Seattle, I also spent some time sightseeing in the Seattle area as well. Being able to combine the quilt class with such great travel experiences really made for a fantastic vacation.

The latest information on Quiltworx classes: https://new.quiltworx.com/quiltworx-retreat-center-information/

Note that since I took this class, Judy has built a new, dedicated retreat center on the company property near the Quiltworx warehouse, which seems to offer even more space for 10 students to stay and to sew.