An organized sewing area is the essence to maximizing quilters' creative energy. This lecture and slideshow will offer quiltmakers tips and ideas to make their workspaces more efficient and oranized to save both time and money. A few of the ideas and tips this lecture will cover include, but are not limited to; fabric storage (both yardage and scraps), tool storage, thread management, inventory and maintenance of books/magazines and works-in-progress.

This is a lecture of sharing the story of quilts in my family. I share with you the quilts as I tell the stories of my family from the late 1800s through the Great Depression and on to the present. It shares stories of determination, happiness, sadness and how quilting was a part of their lives. I also show a few quilts I am making today and reflect on the inspiration my past has given me. The showing is approximately 20 quilts.

Learn how judges use the judging pathway to evaluate quilts for design and workmanship. In addition, Kathie will explain the two types of judging systems, show how a judging room is set up, and do a short mock judging.

Tired of getting your quilt finished only to find out that it is not lying flat, your corners aren’t square, your edges are wavy, or it’s just plain crooked? Has your longarmer given your quilt back to you to be fixed because it is completely out of square? Have you gotten a quilt back from your quilter that has tucks quilted in because it would not lay flat enough? Pam will share her knowledge and experience with you to be able to create a quilt top that is "square" and lies flat. Tips include: cutting, piecing and pressing; proper measuring, cutting and stitching of borders; and binding tidbits. Whether you do your own quilting or entrust your quilt top to another for quilting, these tips will increase your pride and satisfaction with your work with just a smidgen of extra time and effort.

Barn quilts are replicas of traditional cloth quilt patterns, painted on wood and then mounted on buildings—often barns—for passersby to enjoy. There are over 4000 such quilts on display in forty-four states and Canada. Suzi spent three years traveling the country talking with barn owners and others who have participated in this new form of "quilting." She will take you on a journey along the quilt trail, beginning with the very first barn quilt, which stemmed from one woman’s wish to honor her mother’s quilting art. Suzi’s presentation features over one hundred stunning photographs of barn quilts, some of which rival cloth quilts in their intricacy. You will hear stories of some of the individuals who have painted quilt blocks to honor loved ones or their local culture, along with a few humorous anecdotes. The presentation is both informative and entertaining, as Suzi explores the way in which our quilting heritage takes on new meaning as this movement continues to expand.

Whether a quilt or a garment, textiles often tell of an event or experience in our lives or those who came before us. Preserving these textiles and stories require practical archival storage options. Learn from a museum professional how to properly store your textile treasures safely in your home.

Everyone receives a precious piece of art from a special child. These pieces are often are not made with archival supplies and therefore will not stand the test of time. Using these original pieces of art to inspire you next quilt is a great way of immortalizing our children’s creativity! I will share the various tools and techniques I use to recreate these treasures while sharing many of the quilts I have made over the years.

Pam shares all of her favorite gadgets, tools and other items that she has collected over the years to help make her quilting and sewing experience better. She has a weakness for gadgets and tools and has repurposed some household items to use in her sewing and quilting room. She will demonstrate their use or uses and will share where they can be found or purchased.

Everyone receives a precious piece of art from a special child. These pieces are often are not made with archival supplies and therefore will not stand the test of time. Using these original pieces of art to inspire you next quilt is a great way of immortalizing our children’s creativity! I will share the various tools and techniques I use to recreate these treasures while sharing many of the quilts I have made over the years.

You have lived and worked on this quilt for some time, and now it’s ready to be sent off for exhibit. Breathe! Learn how to properly pack and ship your work for safe arrival at the venue.

Ever wondered why a quilter would spend extra time on the back of the quilt? This is your chance to see the "Fun Backs" on Mary Anne’s quilts as she shares how she goes about creating the "Fun Backs" on her quilts. You will experience how making a fun back can be liberating and learn about many of the added benefits.

Cindy will share her love of minis and little quilts! Get lots of tips and ideas on making your own "little" collection.