LECTURES

Artist and educator Josef Albers acknowledged how tricky color can be. In his words, "Color deceives continuously." Luckily, by using the four rules of color interaction, we can predict how color tries to deceive us, thereby increasing our color confidence. MJ Kinman will introduce you to the four rules and how to apply them to create dramatic effects. www.mjkinman.com

In this lively presentation, Linda shares her design process that takes you through her (sometimes middle of the night ephipany) "concept" to "quilted" (the final pattern, book, or fabric). She'll show her initial inspiration and how that goes through the design process, including submissions (to books/magazines), fabric design process, timeline considerations, copyright considerations, color selections, and much more. www.froghollowdesigns.com

In Adventures in Improv, Michelle shares her personal journey of discovering the joy and freedom of piecing without a pattern. She'll walk you through her creative process, from the first hesitant stitches to the bold quilts incorporating swaths of negative space that followed. This lecture is all about exploration, choosing which rules to embrace, and finding fun in the unexpected twists of improv quilting. www.quiltingchemistry.com

Look at the Big Picture—the five things that go into making an award-winning quilt. Barbara shares how to make all your quilts better, even if you don't want to enter an international competition. After this lecture, view and appreciate quilt show exhibits with new eyes. www.bbquiltmaker.blogspot.com

Tucked inside closets around the world are antique quilt tops that were never finished. This lecture will inspire you to dig out those old tops and give them new life by quilting them on your longarm or domestic machine. Veteran researcher and quiltmaker Teresa Duryea Wong will share tips on how to get started, plus and the ins and outs of working with these long forgotten and fragile tops. Teresa will share tips for preparing each quilt top for the machine and the best free-motion stitching motifs to honor the original patchwork. After finishing some 30 antique/vintage quilt tops, Teresa has thought deeply about how she has forever changed these objects and based on her experience and research, she will add new insight into the age-old debate on whether altering an antique destroys value or creates value. www.teresaduryeawong.com

Full title—Let’s Get Sewcial: Building the Next Generation of Sewists. Sewing is evolving—and so are the people who want to learn it. In this engaging and practical lecture, Bree of The Sewcial Box shares how modern-day quilt shops, guilds, bees, and educators can better connect with today’s sewists, including busy adults and the next generation of youth makers. Learn how to remove overwhelm for beginners, create engaging, repeatable class experiences, build community-driven programming that keeps customers coming back, approach inclusivity and accessibility with a diverse mind. With real-world insight from both retail and classroom experience, this session offers actionable ideas to help grow a more inclusive, thriving sewing community. www.thesewcialbox.com

Garments that use quilting for embellishment blend texture, dimension, and craftsmanship to elevate the fabric beyond its functional purpose. Rather than serving solely for warmth or structure, quilted details become decorative focal points, adding visual interest through intricate stitching, layered motifs, or sculptural surface design. These embellishments may take the form of trapunto, channel quilting, or free-motion quilting designs transforming clothing into wearable art. www.sara-elizabeth.com

Thinking about trying your hand at teaching? Linda shares how to get started, contracts, dealing with "difficult" students, supply lists, samples, presentation, class timing, payment options, teaching from other's patterns/books, follow ups, and much more. There will be ample time for Q&A (with nothing off the table) which she'll answer with no sugar coating. www.froghollowdesigns.com

Quilters often consider unfinished quilted objects, or UFOs, to be a burden, something that needs to be completed before a new quilt can be started, or even as a source of guilt. Do UFOs really deserve that bad reputation? In this lecture, consider the positive aspects of UFOs and the ways in which they have been a benefit to your journey as a quilter. Laugh as you see some UFOs from my collection. Begin to approach your own UFOs with warm feelings instead of dread, and leave with ideas for how to deal with your UFOs in a fresh way. www.carolquilts.com

In quilt photography there are five quilt shots every quilt deserves to have taken. Learn the five specific shots you need to photograph for each quilt: Full, Close-up, Back, Label, and Vignette. There are very specific reasons each of these images are important in telling the story of your quilt. Trudy will describe why they are so important and how to shoot these images with your smartphone. Each of the five categories serve a purpose and are taken using specific functions on the smartphone. She will go over each one, why it is important, and how to get the best image for a professional looking result. Learn how you can take these five shots, save them, and use them in creative ways. www.trudycleveland.com

Thread is at the heart of every stitch, the fiber that holds our quilts together and lets creativity shine. In this engaging lecture, Karen explores the world of cotton thread, from delicate 80wt to bold 8wt. Discover how fiber, weight, and ply influence stitch texture and design for piecing, quilting, appliqué, and embellishment. Gain insights into the production process—from premium Egyptian cotton to the finished spool. Blending tradition with fresh perspective, Karen shares samples, expert needle, bobbin, and tension tips, and her passion for thread as both a functional and creative tool. You'll leave inspired and ready to create with intention. www.redbirdquiltco.com

This workshop equips educators with proven strategies to enhance classroom engagement and student satisfaction. Participants will learn to develop compelling Course Descriptions that will attract and motivate students through clear, appealing course outline; plan and prepare effectively to organize lessons, manage costs and fees, and anticipate classroom challenges; strengthen communication skills that foster meaningful connections and deliver information with clarity. Led by an award-winning instructor with over 50 years of experience, the session includes practical guidance and interactive discussions, encouraging participants to share successful teaching methods and lessons learned from past challenges. www.morningglorydesigns.com

Discover how to transform quilts into one-of-a-kind wearable art in this inspiring lecture on quilt coat design. Carling will share her step-by-step approach to planning, designing, and executing quilt coats using vintage heirlooms, modern quilts, store-bought quilts, or orphan blocks. Learn how to select the right quilt, consider batting weight and size, and thoughtfully design features like collars, hoods, pockets, and reversible styles. She will also discuss practical techniques, including Quilt-As-You-Go methods and managing bulky seams. Perfect for adventurous quilters ready to take their creativity off the wall and into their everyday wardrobe. www.carlinglovescats.com

Quilt book author, former quilt magazine editor, and career photojournalist Dana Jones will provide guidance in organizing your ideas for a book, preparing a book proposal for a publisher, considering self-publishing, preparing images, working with editors and designers, and more in this lecture. Ample time will be provided for discussion and Q&A. www.danajonesquilts.com

There is a culture of cuteness in Japan that is so pervasive it has its own name, Kawaii. These days, Kawaii means almost anything tiny, cool, beautiful, or fashionable, including a new genre of quilts that Naomi Ichikawa and Teresa Duryea Wong have dubbed Kawaii quilts. In this lecture, Teresa will explain how an obscure set of laws in the 1600s set an entire country on a course to adore tiny things, and Naomi will be present through three short, pre-recorded videos. These veteran researchers will also share how centuries of Hina Matsuri celebrations have influenced quilting. They will introduce Yoko Sekita, Aki Sakai, Reiko Kato, Akiko Yoshimizu, Megumi Mizuno, and Hiroko Akita and show incredible close-up images of their stunning quilts which are covered with tens of thousands of tiny patches to create exquisite works of art that are distinctly Japanese, and most definitely Kawaii. www.teresaduryeawong.com

In this informative and entertaining trunk show, Cindy will demonstrate how to transform a panel you love into a truly unique quilt. She will share her "good, bad, and ah-ha" moments learned from working with various panel styles, and show you how adding custom block treatments, borders, and patchwork or appliqué can result in a one-of-a-kind piece. Now updated and expanded, this presentation includes quilts from Cindy’s new book, Quilt Panel Magic: 15 Projects with a Creative Twist, 2026, C&T Publishing, and explores creative options for using panels you already have on hand with diverse patterns and designs. www.cedarridgequilting.com

A stolen kiss, a surprise return home, a starring role—special moments lead to quilts that warm the heart of a special recipient, or everyone at the quilt show. Phyllis and Cindy will show many examples and discuss how to find (or stage!) the photo, how to adjust it for maximum impact, and how to create a pattern in several different styles with easy phone apps or computer programs. They will cover how facial expressions, lighting, poses, color mood, props, and focus all help to create the emotional impact. The lecture will include an extensive list of resources that will be available to attendees via a link provided onscreen. Bring a pen or camera! Phyllis’s books with Cindy Richard, It's All About the Face: Quilted Fabric Portraits, 2020, and especially their second book More Than just a Pretty Face: Quilted Portraits, Figures, and More, 2023, are recommended to expand on the ideas, tips and guidelines taught in the lecture. www.quiltedportraitsandmore.com

Have you ever wanted to make a landscape quilt but thought it was out of your reach? Join Jaimie for an insightful look at how to create a one-of-a-kind quilt even if you've never thought of yourself as an artist. Follow along as she shows how she uses Google Images, a copier, and a light box to "build" a pattern. Enjoy lighthearted stories of her less-than-successful landscapes and the principles for success she discovered along the way. www.loopytulips.com

We all have the same 24 hours each day. Barbara shares many tips for utilizing your available time to get quilting tasks done. Rethink your sewing space, storage, equipment, and files to make the most of the time you have. Many quilters say months later how much these tips helped them accomplish more. Learn at least one "Take Away" to improve your productivity. www.bbquiltmaker.blogspot.com

Every quilt has a back. Learn about durability issues, as well as pieced backs, labels, and hangers. A professional longarm survey reveals info for long arm customers and domestic quilters. This lecture is suitable for all levels and styles of quilting. Colleen has been sewing since 4-H days and quilting for over 25 years. She is a NACQJ Certified Quilt Judge. www.quiltjudgecolleen.com

Apple's iPad can be a powerful design tool, both for using your own photos and using drawing tools provided by apps. It can help with simple solutions that don't require using a complex app like Procreate or Photoshop. The apps presented in this lecture are mostly simple, inexpensive, and generate original images without using AI. See ways to work with improvisational tools that quickly generate many, many image variations, change colors of existing work to discover new color ways, blend and layer images, design thermofax and screen printing stencils, and much more. Attendees will receive a handout of apps to explore as well as links to online tutorials for some of those apps included. www.susiemonday.com

Deborah creates art quilt collages using layers of fabric, paint, and stitch. She'll share her process for turning ideas into expressive visual work, including techniques for composition, mark-making, fabric layering, stitch as embellishment, and intuitive design. See tons of examples and process photos that reveal how the art quilt collages come together. Deborah will also explore how to add meaning and metaphor into both the creative process and the finished work. The lecture celebrates the 10th anniversary edition of Art Quilt Collage: A Creative Joyrney in Fabric, Paint & Stitch, 2026, C&T Publishing, highlighting how Deborah's process and creative practice have evolved over the past decade. www.deborahsstudio.com

Experience the exhilaration of reconnecting with the Creative Muse—the spark that fuels curiosity, courage, and creative momentum. In this uplifting lecture, Ricky Tims explores how inspiration shows up, how to recognize it, and how to keep it close. Along the way, he identifies common creative adversaries—doubt, indecision, self-criticism, and scrutiny—while celebrating the allies that help creativity thrive—cheerleaders, mentors, deadlines, and inner wisdom. Motivating, insightful, and energizing, this lecture leaves participants inspired to create with renewed confidence and joy. www.rickytims.com

Certain conversations must be had between piecers and longarm quilters. How will this be quilted? Which batting should I choose? How do I prepare my backing fabric? How big does my backing fabric need to be? What is this going to cost? How long is it going to take? During this lecture, we will discuss the intimate details of the quilting process and more. You will be sure to leave this class feeling educated about the questions everyone should ask! Both piecers and longarm quilters welcome. Let's have a conversation... www.seamsdivine.com

Do you have a photograph that holds a special place in your heart? What if you could translate that image into a unique and meaningful quilt? Join Certified Teacher, Deb Atchison, for an engaging and inspiring lecture that will demystify the art of portrait quilting. In this lecture, she will not only share some stunning examples of finished portrait quilts, but will also reveal the entire process behind creating them. Discover how to select the perfect photo, learn principles of color value, and see this process broken down into clear, manageable, and beginner-friendly steps. Quilters with all levels of experience are invited to embark on this deeply personal creative journey. Deb's warm, approachable style will provide you with everything you need to create a beautiful, treasured Portrait Quilt of someone you love dearly. This is your chance to transform a beloved memory into a timeless, meaningful heirloom. www.debatchison.com

Discover all things bindings. From traditional to fused, hand sewn to machine, and quilts to clothing, be inspired by an array of binding styles to finish your edges. Join Debbie as she teaches you her tips and techniques on a wide selection of binding options. Examples will be shown on samples and quilts. www.wendtquilting.com

Full title—Multiply Your Brand: Launching Your Very Own Certified Teacher Program. Are you a pattern designer, vendor, or creative entrepreneur looking to scale your business and ensure the quality control of your process and designs? In this intensive 2-hour lecture, learn the step-by-step framework for creating your own successful Certified Instructor (CI) program. Discover how to transition from teaching all your classes yourself to building a trained network of certified teachers who can faithfully and accurately represent your brand, patterns, and processes globally. Deb will cover everything from defining instructor requirements and designing a bootcamp curriculum to implementing legal agreements (licensing, NDA, code of conduct), along with discussing compensation models. Learn how to leverage a CI program to increase kit/pattern sales, maintain brand quality, and turn your expertise into a scalable revenue stream. www.debatchison.com

Quilting traditions of the American Deep South will be presented. Special focus will be on the community of Gee's Bend, Alabama, alongside women from all over the world who continue to be resourceful in the re-use of worn work clothes and cotton. Quilts have transitioned from utility objects to museum collections and masterworks of American art. This presentation looks at improvisational strip piecing, bold geometry, and many fearless designs being quilted today. From social quilting bees to women who quilt to improve our communities today, discover how our shared history and cultural memories give rise to a visual quilted language of artistry in America. www.bquiltin.com

From friendship quilts to presentation pieces, quilts with names and inscriptions preserve heartfelt moments in time. This lecture explores quilts from the 1840s to today that carry stories, names, and sometimes mysteries. www.lequilts.com