HOUSTON FESTIVAL 2025
Full class catalog

Welcome to the colorful and diverse craft of Contemporary Crazy Quilting! Begin this vivid project working by hand in class. Then take it with you to work on any time, any place. Learn basic hand embroidery, consider new color/design choices, think about how to up-cycle fabrics, and visualize how to personalize your own work. Students work in “bees” (tables set together facing center) so you often meet new people and can chat and exchange ideas. Relax and enjoy this fun class. www.peppercory.com

Walking foot quilting is an easy and attractive way to quilt your own quilts. Get excellent results, stay in control of the quilting process, and the learning curve is short. Learn to prepare your quilt and set up your machine. Make samples of straight-line quilting, stitching in the ditch, freehand curved lines, circular spiral quilting, quilting with special stitches, radiating lines, invisible thread joins, matchstick quilting, square spirals, and designs stitched on a grid. You will also learn to stitch short perfectly straight lines without marking, and how to quilt curved designs using easy-to-make templates. www.carolquilts.com

Each year a new quilt kit is designed by Charlotte just for Quilt Festival. It is laser-cut and ready to sew when you get to class. Once you have used one of these kits, it's hard to go back to cutting the parts yourself. There will be laughing and talking and loads of fun since we are making a mystery and have no worries! The supply list is short. The fabrics are great. It's gonna be fun, y'all! www.charlotteangotti.com

Join Cristina in this hands-on workshop designed for quilters ready to push their boundaries. Unleash your creativity and master the art of using rulers to create contemporary, intricate designs by quilting two panels provided by the instructor. Be ready for a day of exploration, experimentation, and skill building. One person per machine, limited to 18 students. www.crisarcbono.com

Have Charm Packs you don't know what to do with? Learn four fast and fun blocks using 5 inch squares to make 3 inch blocks. Techniques taught include paper piecing, speed piecing Flying Geese, Nine Patches so fast, and X Blocks—stack and shuffle. All techniques can be used for larger blocks as well. Gain confidence in using quilter's math and master cutting, sewing, and pressing. Students love the versatility of this class and learn lots of tips that improve all their quiltmaking. www.bbquiltmaker.blogspot.com

Been afraid to try free-motion quilting? Let Nina hold your hand...while learning ALL the basics and more. Learn how much fun free-motion quilting on your domestic machine can be. We REALLY do start at the very beginning. Leave with new found confidence and a sampler you can refer to for many different designs that you'll create. Let's start the fun! Advance Preparation Required (prepare quilt sandwiches). www.ninaquilts.com

We'll "paint" with random cut fabric scraps to fill in our line-drawn scene. No art skills, no matching, no templates needed! All materials provided. Learn the secrets of the masters and how to use all kinds and values of prints to create landscapes that shimmer. Learn to make a line-drawn pattern from your photo, and how to quilt all parts of a landscape. Use Phyllis' pattern in class and be ready to do your own with your new skills. www.phylliscullenartstudio.com

Spend a day creating a fun and fanciful town from the land down under in this exciting, technique-laden class! Make several of each of three different blocks. Kimberly will share her best precision piecing and machine raw-edge appliqué techniques so the construction process will be enjoyable and completely stress free! A complete kit with all the exact fabrics as shown from Kimberly's line, "Rooville" by Benartex, will be provided including the complete pattern, stabilizers, and threads for appliqué. Perfect for beginners with at least some rotary cutting experience, or intermediate quilters who are looking to hone their construction skills. Bring your basic sewing supplies, rotary cutter, and 6 inch x 24 inch ruler, and be ready to cut, sew, and jump right into the fun of making Roos, cheerful Gum Trees, and Outback Huts! www.kimberlyeinmo.com
Supply list available after July 1, 2025.

Ever wanted to create a realistic picture out of fabric? Here is your chance! Let Cynthia England guide you through her organized process. This technique is not paper pieced and avoids the hassle of backward sewing and picking out paper. Work right sides together and if you make a mistake you can fix it. Even chain stitch with this technique. Join Cynthia for an eye-opening fun workshop! www.englanddesign.com

Take your collage skills to the next level with Jean's hands-on portrait quilting workshop! In this class, create and sew a "Fabulous Face" single portrait while learning Jean's innovative double quilting techniques that bring your artwork to life. Whether you're a returning student building on your previous experience or a beginner diving in for the first time, this class ensures a fun and creative journey. By the end, leave with a fully quilted portrait and the confidence to craft more on your own. Jean will also guide you in naming your masterpiece, adding a personal touch to your creation. www.sewjean.com

In six hours, learn how to design and create a beautiful 2 foot x 2 foot board. Class instruction includes the techniques and guidance through all processes needed to complete your quilt blocks. These blocks are made of materials for displaying your boards outdoors on barns, garages, and fences. This class also offered as 318 on Wednesday. A smaller version is offered as 217 on Tuesday. Please don't enroll for more than one. www.quiltblocktrail.com

Let's play at being architects and urban planners improvising our own urban landscape. Learn many techniques such as how to freehand cut to construct buildings with all kinds of windows and balconies, sew very thin strips, improv piece to create beautiful trees with fun shapes, and use two different application methods including reverse appliqué. Then follow directions to put together the composition of your choice, even if your buildings are not straight! www.ceciliakoppmann.com

Assemble this beautiful and colorful "Toucan" using a mix of collage and fusing appliqué techniques. Have fun choosing the colors of your feathers and learning about the light and shadow technique. Create your quilt top in just one class. Interpreter will assist the teacher.

Build your EQ confidence! Tour the workspace and begin designing a variety of beautiful quilt styles. Search the EQ8 libraries for the perfect block or fabric to turn your quilt designs into reality. You can also add fabrics from your own stash. Learn how to print yardage estimates, rotary cutting charts, and more. Nicely paced and encouraging class for those who want to understand and practice the basics. Windows and Mac users welcome. www.lorimillerdesigns.com

Sunny days sailing...who never dreamed? Let's do some hand felting with the addition of several organic designs to compose this panel in pastel tones. Learn to paint with wool, with the delicacy of mixing colors. Learn to quilt. Giving the sea and wind movement is so liberating.

Complete title—Persian Feathers 18 Inches x 21 Inches. Imagination and fabric—put the two together and see how far your creativity can soar! Using the needleturn appliqué technique, enjoy working with fabric to create your very own "Persian Feathers". Create a tree and learn how to add skinny branches to the tree trunk. Add in some broderie perse to help design flowers, birds, leaves, and more. Then watch the creativity take on a life of its own. You are only limited by your own imagination. www.denarosenberg.com

The first half of class is spent creating a stack of fabric monoprints made on small 4 inch x 6 inch soft gel print plates (often called Gelli Print Plates). See fun and easy print techniques using botanicals, stencils, and texture tools. Print on a variety of pre-cut fabrics. In the second half of the day, use your stack of little prints to create a quick fabric collage composition fused on felt. Then use a lot or a little hand stitching to finish. No experience with fabric collage or hand stitch required. All materials for printing supplied. www.lisathorpe.com

Master the basics with solid structure to give your designs more balance. Stitch straight lines and curves with more confidence. Make your designs fit in unusual spaces, such as on garments (sleeves, collars, etc.). Get a feel for using colors and how they accent different aspects of your work. Sashiko can be so much more than white on blue! www.kimonomomo-shop.com

If by chance you have lots of scraps of fabric, then this project will be a great way to use some of them. See amazing techniques to create a beautiful pillow using decorative threads and a Ladder stitch on the serger. Make piping and insert a zipper. Bring some of your own scraps to class, but a kit will be provided. www.cuttingedgesergerdesigns.com

Imagine the cool peace of the woods on a snowy day when you make this quick and easy seasonal table runner. Learn the basics of foundation paper piecing, then create this quilt that can decorate your home for the holidays or become a gift for a special person. www.danajonesquilts.com

Unlock the magic hidden in non-stretch woven fabric by working on the bias. Learn to adjust a tee pattern to create a sleeveless bias top. Follow a step-by-step slide show before we get started. The bias grainline runs at a 45 degree angle from the selvage edges of the fabric, offering wonderful stretch. Discover fabrics that are appropriate for bias garments and how to adjust the pieces to create the right amount of ease needed to get a great fit! www.jsterndesigns.com

Create the illusion of 3-D with color, value, and contrast. Using the new Stripometric ruler, cut and build columns of measured strips with 60 degree cut ends. This new updated cutting and constructing method eliminates the need to sew a long series of identical triangles. Create the perfect project for a math-loving, mechanical, or engineering gift recipient and spend much less time doing it. www.quiltersclinic.com

This winter beauty is so fun to create and EasyPiecing Grid makes it fun, fast, and accurate! This is great for a very traditional or scrappy look. Finishes 52 inches x 63 inches before borders. For 1½ inch finished squares cut 2 inch squares. www.tensisters.com

Sue Heinz has brewed a selection of energy-infused designs that will look stunning on your next quilt! Based on her Caffeinated Quilting, 2020, self-published, book, this drawing workshop will leave you filled to the brim with new grid, block, and linear designs that are easy to master, especially with Sue's one-on-one teaching style. Come play—leave caffeinated! www.sueheinz.com

Complete title—Confetti Gardens—A Floral Free-Motion Paradise. Immerse yourself in a "Floral Free-Motion Paradise" in this hands-on, sit-down quilting class, as you skillfully combine intricate floral designs, leaves, cherries, swirls, feathers, butterflies, bees, and baubles throughout. Learn the techniques to create vibrant, dynamic quilting, where creativity blooms freely in every stitch. One person per machine, limited to 16 students. www.forever-quilting.com

In this beginner-friendly class, learn easy embellishing techniques like twin needle quilting and couching basics while completing this pumpkin pillow panel. These skills can be applied to embellishing any project you are quilting. www.bernina.com

With easy placement of sizing material to your specific measurment, making a garment will become faster and much more accurate. Learn to make simple adjustments on the form to fit your shape instantaneously and eliminate your frustrations. www.frencheuropeaninc.com

Do you have any unfinished projects? You are not alone! This great project will help you keep all the bits and pieces together and is totally made using a serger. Insert a zipper, stitch on vinyl, and use decorative thread for quilting. See how fast and fun this project will be and you won't feel bad about those UFOs! Kit will be provided. www.cuttingedgesergerdesigns.com

Learn how to customize a pants pattern to agree with your unique shape. Pick the best starting size and trace the pattern pieces. Then see which easy body-specific fit adjustments you may need to customize the pattern for a personal fit. Did you know that a lot of fitting can be accomplished by adjusting the angle of the center front/back edges? Learn how to do that, plus more, like removing excess ease on the back leg before cutting out the fit muslin. Leave class with a pattern and fabric pieces that are ready for fitting. www.jsterndesigns.com

Bargello construction is an easy technique that produces complex looking results. Create the illusion of curves, motion, and depth with strip-piecing and straight seams. Create strip sets, cut them into Bargello segments, build vertical columns, and cover all the tips and tricks to stay organized and keep the process simple. www.quiltersclinic.com

If you've ever wanted to try a mini quilt, this is for you! So fun and simple with EasyPiecing Grid. Get great points every time. Cut 1 inch squares for an amazing ½ inch finished. Finishes 18 inches x 18 inches before borders. It can be made smaller or larger very easily. Great confidence builder on color and design. www.tensisters.com

Complete title—Transfers with a Twist—Vintage Charm & Holiday Fun. Embark on a creative journey through three inspiring projects designed to showcase your unique artistic flair. From nostalgic quilt patterns to cheeky holiday snark, these projects blend timeless charm with modern creativity. Project One: Quilt Pattern Transfer—Channel the heartwarming nostalgia of a grandmother's handmade quilt! This project lets you experiment with intricate patterns to create your own cozy masterpiece. Choose colors and designs that make it uniquely yours, capturing the charm of tradition with a modern spin. Project Two: Vintage Sewing Machine Transfer—Celebrate timeless craftsmanship with a vintage-inspired piece! Using elegant designs and embellishments, craft a complementary wood creation to pair with your quilt pattern from Project One. This project bridges past and present with stunning results. Project Three: Freaking Jolly Transfer with Permanent Inks—End on a high note with this fun and snarky holiday project! Design trendy, humorous towels using permanent inks, perfect for spreading laughter and cheer during the holidays. These bold creations are sure to impress your guests and showcase your artistic wit. Discover the Possibilities—Chalk Couture's versatility unlocks endless opportunities, transforming fabrics, chalkboards, glass, canvases, and more. Whether you're creating heartfelt gifts or unique decor, this class will inspire you to push boundaries and experiment with a variety of surfaces and techniques. Get ready to craft, laugh, and create something unforgettable! www.chalkcouture.com/eileenhendricks

Ready to expand beyond free-motion quilting on your sit-down machine? Join Dorie as she teaches how to quilt precise straight-line designs using rulers. Learn a variety of techniques, including piano key patterns, crosshatching, and tips for stitching in the ditch. By the end of this class, have the confidence and skills to incorporate straight-line ruler work into your next quilt project. One person per machine, limited to 16 students. www.forever-quilting.com

Explore combining inks with different media to create unique fabric backgrounds. Dive into the art of transformation as you use spray, marbling, and stenciling with Tsukineko inks to turn a 9 inch x 9 inch piece of fabric into a stunning Birch forest scene. This enchanting design, featuring a subtle background with the intricate beauty of Birch bark, will yield a unique fabric square perfect for a quilt, a stylish tote bag, an embellished jean jacket, or as a statement piece for a quilted vest. The skills acquired will elevate your creative journey to new heights! www.teacherstamp.com

Learn basic pattern making skills in this combined lecture and hands-on experience. Work in groups using a dress form to drape a bodice, then convert it into a sloper for your individual size and figure. All these wonderful skill sets will be taught through the tips and tricks we use on television celebrities. Everyone deserves the opportunity to become a fitted celebrity. www.frencheuropeaninc.com

We'll take a line drawing of a face pattern, with values marked, chop up sixty or so printed fabrics, divide them into values, and fill in the areas on a sticky background with our fabric scrap "brushstrokes". Once the class project is completed, watch how to make a pattern with your own photo and have the skills to do an impressionist portrait. Finishing demonstration included. www.phylliscullenartstudio.com
Supply list available after June 1, 2025.

Charlotte is back with another "Surprise" class! Small supply list, no cutting, relaxed and fun class, with a ready to sew laser-cut mystery kit. What else could you want? Each kit is the same in class, but by adding borders and a few extra touches, you can add your own flair. Find out what the excitement is behind Angotti's closed classroom doors. www.charlotteangotti.com

Use your favorite fabrics to make this fast and easy quilt that just looks hard. Only one block to learn. Choose neutrals or bright fabrics, you decide. This stash buster and skill builder class teaches a lot and is the perfect "gift" quilt. Be amazed how fast this comes together. www.bbquiltmaker.blogspot.com

This technique is very much like piecing together a jigsaw puzzle. Raw-edge fusible appliqué is used, leaving a negative space between each piece. The background fabric can be any color, but if black is used the piece will have a wonderful stained glass look. With this technique, students can continue to use what they have learned with any line drawing. There are two different patterns available in class. Choose whether to create the "Sunrise/Sunset" or the "Mountain Majesty" wallhanging. This is a fun class for both beginner and experienced quilters. www.thewackydoodlequilter.com

In this fun practice class for confident beginner/intermediate level machine quilters, learn how to bring texture and create an amazing background with balance and movement. This class is also an introduction into microquilting. One person per machine, limited to 16 students. www.fabiadiniz.com

Do you love to make mystery quilts? Or does the thought of making a quilt for which you have no idea what the finished result will be scare you? Fear not! Whether you are a seasoned veteran and you enjoy the intrigue and suspense of not knowing the final outcome, or if you have never had the courage to tackle making a mystery quilt before, Kimberly's ultra-popular mystery quilt classes and patterns are perfect for you! She has designed the entire process to be simple and stress-free so you can take a risk with your fabric selections or risk nothing at all. Step out of your "quilt comfort zone" and try something new! If your fabrics have good contrast, look great when lined up together, and match the values given in the fabric requirements table, then they'll look absolutely beautiful when sewn together. If you're not sure of your choices, simply email Kimberly at Kimberly@kimberlyeinmo.com and send her a photo of your fabrics. She'll make sure you're on the right track! www.kimberlyeinmo.com Supply list available after July 1, 2025.

Join Cynthia and learn her innovative picture piecing technique. She will share her tips and tricks for beautiful quilts with no curves, no set-in seams, no tracing, and no paper to pick out. The technique will revolutionize your quiltmaking and you will be amazed how forgiving it is! www.englanddesign.com

Create a quilt or table runner that's as fun to make as it is quick to finish! Using your stash, this Quilt-As-You-Go method is so simple you'll have a completed project in no time. Inspired by the timeless Log Cabin block, this technique works beautifully for both modern and traditional styles. With no need for perfect seams or straight lines, you'll enjoy the freedom to craft a stunning wallhanging or cozy lap quilt that's quick, easy, and full of charm. www.sewjean.com

In six hours, learn how to design and create a beautiful 1 foot x 1 foot board. Class instruction includes the techniques and guidance through all processes needed to complete your quilt blocks. These blocks are made of materials for displaying your boards outdoors on barns, garages, and fences. A larger version of this project is offered as 118 on Monday and 318 on Wednesday. Please don't enroll for more than one. www.quiltblocktrail.com

Design your own quilts with a wonderful method that will surprise you! Start by constructing a fabric piece that will be "deconstructed" to arrive at a new design that is fresh and with a totally unexpected rhythm. Review design concepts to achieve a balanced and spectacular composition. www.ceciliakoppmann.com

Learn to represent images using printed fabrics, respecting the concepts of light and shadow. Interpreter will assist the teacher.

You can free-motion quilt on a domestic machine and you can finish your own quilt tops! Learn to free-motion quilt in a supportive and fun atmosphere. Jenny will bring numerous quilts, photos, and samples to illustrate what she is teaching. Projection used for easy viewing. Work on five beautiful and fun motifs that you can put on your own quilts using a domestic sewing machine. Approachable ideas provided to get you started once you get home. www.quiltskipper.com

This class will show how to elevate your clothes to wearable art! Using DTF (direct to film) transfers (a type of iron-on transfer with ink), choose from three patterns to decorate your own shirt or purchase one that Michele will have available for sale. Learn how to apply a DTF using a heat press. Each student will get a complete denim coloring box (to keep) filled with acrylic markers, fabric paint, brushes, and fabric medium. Learn several basic techniques on how to color on denim (and just about any other fabric). When the class is done, take home a beautiful wearable work of art! www.medinadomarts.com

Take the next step learning EQ8. Learn to draw or edit your own blocks to place in your quilt creations. Explore appliqué, stencils, and understand the three layers of the quilt in EQ8. Take a deep dive into borders and Auto Borders. Create personal libraries, use text, photos, and explore free-form quilt settings. By the end of the class, have the confidence to design your own beautiful blocks and quilts. The perfect follow up to 121 on Monday, "EQ8—Start at the Beginning" class. Windows and Mac users welcome. www.lorimillerdesigns.com

May we not lack flowers and colors in this life. And why not include some fish, too? Water is life, movement, and plentiful. We will create our designs with total freedom of expression and echoing organic quiltings. A therapeutic class with lots of shine, content, and a new way to create your satin Wholecloth.

Make an Art Quilt without any pattern or design. The flow of the colors will determine the design. Learn the process of this free-form collage by using your own fabric scraps. Learn to select and place fabrics and colors in such a way that a path/line will be created. Previous experience with collage is nice but not necessary. A generous stash will be needed. Bring fabrics, but (extra) fabrics will also be available for purchase in class. The class is about the design only. Instructions will be provided for finishing at home. www.carlymul.com

From a fashion photo, design a unique composition using elements of improv. While using the photo, provided by the instructor or your own, let the photo inspire color choices and fabric placement. No larger than a cafeteria tray, your piece will encourage you to break free of traditional piecing rules and challenge your creativity. Skills taught will include color and fabric combinations, improv straight and curved piecing, and putting together segments. The afternoon will be spent quilting, using a walking foot, and big stitch hand quilting using Perle cotton. Bring embellishments for added dimension. Finish this class inspired to create more expressive, spontaneous work in the future. www.dreamitquiltit.com

Create your own pattern stamps to use again and again on fabric and paper. Learn to carve both simple and elaborate repeat pattern blocks to use as focal points or borders in your fabric art and quilting. Learn how to colorize your designs using Derwent Inktense colored pencils, making the design possibilities endless with the unique and personal stamp blocks. The morning will be devoted to designing and carving up to six repeat pattern blocks in three sizes. In the afternoon, print and learn to color on fabric with the Derwent Inktense pencils to cap off the day. Want a preview? These techniques were featured on “Quilting Arts TV”, episode 3012. www.lisathorpe.com

More than a pretty embellishment, Sashiko adds stability and strength to your garment, bag, or other textiles. Learn what goes on from the inside out to make your Sashiko mends look even better than you expected! www.kimonomomo-shop.com

In this fun and relaxed workshop, discover the charm of free embroidery, a wonderful technique that invites you to express your intuition and creativity while applying it to almost any type of handmade project. Embroider with fabric and appliqués using freehand technique with thread, yarn, and wool in a 12 inch square block. www.afonsofrancotecidos.com.br

This beautiful quilt looks hard, but is SEW easy! Great for stash busting. Create perfect piecing and a flat stable quilt top with EasyPiecing Grid. Finishes 87 inches x 78 inches before border, or make two smaller quilts. www.tensisters.com

Learn to use Derwent Inktense blocks and pencils to create a dry watercolor image. Using water and fabric medium, transform the dry image into a permanent watercolor. Suitable for creating backgrounds, appliqué cutouts, personalized fabric, or complete images. This method is simple and accessible. Swan takes the fear out of fabric painting and allows the artist in every quilter to surface with this simple technique. www.swanamity.com

After customizing the pattern to agree with your shape, watch how to design a simple pocket that fits right into the side panel of these leggings. Customize the size of your pocket to make it as deep as you need. Learn tips and trick to get professional results while sewing them together on the serger. Finish up by creating the custom waistband, hemming the legs, or adding cuffs. Leave class with your new favorite go-to with pockets on cold winter days! www.jsterndesigns.com

Dive into Cristina's favorite free-motion quilting designs to enhance your quilt tops. She will guide you through her fun and easy technique, ensuring you build confidence and creativity in your quilting journey. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this hands-on class will inspire you to bring your quilt projects to life with beautiful unique designs. One person per machine, limited to 18 students. www.crisarcbono.com

Complete title—Beginning English Paper Piecing (EPP). Learn to cut out, glue baste, and hand sew the hexagon pieces together. EPP is relaxing, portable, fun, creative, and you're going to love this technique! There's so many different designs to be made with EPP that are hard any other way. Come join this creative trend. Bring your thimble and thread snips. The kit has everything you need. There will be a cutting mat and rotary cutter for you to use in class. www.ninaquilts.com

Get ready to take your stitching to the next level. In this lively, hands-on class, candy corn goes colossal as we explore advanced techniques like boullion, couching, and twizzles. Perfect for experienced embroiderers, dive into intricate designs, textured and shiny threads, and bold dimensional layers. Bring your creativity and curiosity. We're going over the top in the most exciting, fun-filled way possible. Let's stitch big, bold, and brilliant. www.bethcunningham.com

Creating this small 10 inch Puffin collage is a good introduction to collage, made using Jane's free-form technique with no pattern pieces or fusible products. Learn some simple embroidery stitches to embellish the design and learn how to make your own bird collage pattern. www.janehaworth.com

Get ready to learn practical solutions on how to design and quilt a mandala Wholecloth quilt. In this drawing design class, dissect two styles of mandalas, learn how to create the foundation lines for each style, and how to fill in those spaces with a variety of continuous filler designs. With the help of stencils, rulers, and some free-motion quilting, create your own unique quilted mandala designs. www.forever-quilting.com

MJ Kinman, maker of giant gem quilts, will introduce you to the rules of color interaction and show how to literally change the appearance of fabric right before your eyes, simply by pairing it with another color. For example, MJ will show how to make one color look like two, and two colors look very similar, right before your eyes! MJ's class is based on her new book, Cracking the Color Code: Master the Magic of Color Interaction, 2025, self-published, available in class and on her website. www.mjkinman.com