Designing Fabric - Deb Strain
Deb Strain’s engaging lecture will share her journey as a fabric designer and walk us, as quilters, through the creative process behind her hand-drawn designs and finished quilts.
“Bees and Lavender” Embroidery Class - Deb Strain
Deb Strain is a licensed artist with over 28 years of experience, living in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Inspired by nature, she creates hand-drawn and hand-painted artwork sold worldwide on a wide range of products.
Deb teaches Bees and Lavender, a beginner embroidery workshop where participants learn basic stitches and create a nature-inspired design using a provided kit.
Trash talk, Sustainability in Focus - Maday Delgado
Maday is a bilingual art educator and published artist devoted to sustainability and the storytelling power of textiles. Inspired by cultural traditions and her Cuban heritage, she creates vibrant, environmentally conscious work while inspiring others to make art with purpose.
Sashiko Works
Maday draws inspiration from cultural textile traditions to unite students of all skill levels while sharing her passion for vibrant, sustainable art. In her “Sashiko Works” workshop, inspired by hands-on study with a Japanese Sashiko master, participants will learn the stitching process using pre-printed cloth and then draft their own traditional Sashiko patterns.
My Passion in Pixels-Dee Bushrod
Have you ever wondered how you can take a picture and turn it into a quilt? Join Dee Bushrod as she presents a Zoom lecture titled, “My Passion in Pixels”. This presentation will describe how an image that has been “pixelated” can be transferred onto fabric. You will see how you can take any image you want and make it into a picture in quilt form.
Quilt to Coat-Teresa Coates
Teresa Coates is nationally adored for all things fabric. She teaches, she quilts, she writes. Teresa designs patterns for her own woman company, Crinkle Dreams.
Teresa’s presentation, “Coat to Quilt”, will give an overview of the history of quilted outerwear, from the 1300s to modern-day, with a deep dive into ways of personalizing your coat in ways that will let you share your love of quilting with everyone you meet. She will discuss best practices and material types. Teresa will also talk about ways to incorporate your piecing and quilting skills into coats, dresses, tops, bags, and shoes, with lots of inspiring examples.
"From Quilt to Coat" - Teresa Coates
Have you ever seen someone wearing a quilted coat but were too afraid to tackle one yourself? Join Teresa Coates, a nationally known sewing educator, accomplished quilt maker, and pattern designer as she will teach us her "From Quilt to Coat" workshop.
This workshop will turn a quilt, quilted fabric, or even that vintage tablecloth hiding in your closet, into a one-of-a-kind coat you’ll actually want to wear. Using her Elemental Coat pattern as the foundation, she will walk us step by step through the process of transforming textiles into garments, with plenty of tips along the way.
You’ll learn how to:
Work confidently with pre-quilted fabrics and vintage linens
Customize your coat with piecing, repurposed textiles, and design variations
Adjust length, sleeves, and neckline to suit your style
Gain practical garment-sewing insights from a quilter-turned-pattern-designer
By the end, you’ll have the skills (and courage!) to cut into that quilt and stitch it into a wearable piece of art that’s uniquely yours. This all day workshop will have students leave with a completed coat.
Each workshop will have its students view a one-hour Zoom session on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 7:00pm to prepare the students and answer questions so they can be ready to cut and sew their coats in class. Zoom connection information will be sent to attendees closer to the presentation.
In addition to the supply list, Teresa has the following suggestions: A twin or larger quilt gives more flexibility in layout. A throw-size quilt is not recommended. Workshop attendees may also quilt 3 yards of regular fabric or 2 yards of wideback fabric.
No kit is needed, but each attendee must order Teresa's "Essential Coat" pattern (available on her website, crinkledreams.com) for $24.99.
Teresa has had great reviews for this class. As one attendee said, “She was fabulous! I finished my first coat in class. It’s made from a quilt that my great-grandmother pieced and my grandmother had quilted; my own wearable hug. I’m relatively new to garment sewing, and I love the Elemental Coat pattern!”
Download the supply list
*Please note that the workshop will now be located at the same place as our regular guild meetings: Grace United Methodist Church, 244 E. Center Ave., Lake Bluff, IL 60044
Indigo Dyeing in Japan-David Owen Hastings
David Owen Hastings is a modern quilter, graphic designer, and textile artist living in the Pacific Northwest. He creates richly layered contemporary artwork and modern minimal quilt designs. Sharing knowledge, encouraging creativity, and teaching new skills are personal passions of his. David gives lectures and workshops on branding, art, textile, and modern quilting techniques. He enjoys helping people bridge the gap between modern art and modern quilting!
David explores how his love of Japanese culture, travel, textiles and “blue and white” came together in a fantastic journey to Japan. In this textile talk, he takes you virtually with him to an indigo dyeing workshop in the country near Mt. Fuji. He will explore two kinds of Japanese indigo dyeing processes that use resist: katazome (paste resist dyeing using stencils) and shibori (bound or stitch resist dyeing). He will talk about how his particular modern design approach is influenced by Japan, and how he likes to incorporate these traditional fabrics into modern quilt compositions.
Stitched Paper Collage-David Owen Hastings
Paper collage meets quilting in this fun and adventurous workshop.
Yes, you can stitch paper with your home sewing machine!
Using your home sewing machine, create immediate creative collages with paper and thread. No waiting around for glue to dry! David will guide you through a series of hands-on exercises and share his 20+ years of experience as a paper collage artist, including all his tips and ideas for simple but striking compositions.
This is a 3-hour workshop.
Workshop overview
Discuss what papers work best, from art store purchases to junk mail
Cut base paper into standard 6″ x 6″ shapes or print templates from the supplied PDF
Mark off the composition area with drafting tape guides
Test your sewing machine stitch length and tension
Cut and/or tear up paper to be added to your composition
Sew strips of paper onto base paper, building as you go
Carefully remove tape guides
Review options for framing and additional construction ideas
Download the supply list
Brown Bag Hustle
Brown Bag Hustle is a fun evening where you donate unused articles from your sewing room and/or stash and purchase more from the Hustle to take their place. What makes it adventurous is that you just might find a hidden jewel that turns into a prized possession!
Note the early start time! Drop off begins at 5:00 p.m. and the meeting begins at 6:00 p.m.
Please help us make this a huge success by bringing guests. The guest fee has been waived.
Village Quilters Annual Business Meeting
Come join us in person at our Annual Business Meeting!
We will start off with an old-fashioned ice cream social at 6:30 p.m., complete with all the toppings, provided by your Board members. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Spring 2026 Retreat
This retreat is now full. See the Retreat page to join the wait list.
The cost is $64 for three days of sewing. You can go home each night and sleep in your own bed, or reserve a hotel room. You'll have a blast if you attend a retreat.
Brown Bag Hustle
Brown Bag Hustle is a fun evening where you donate unused articles from your sewing room and/or stash and purchase more from the Hustle to take their place. What makes it adventurous is that you just might find a hidden jewel that turns into a prized possession!
Note the early start time! Drop off begins at 5:00 p.m. and the meeting begins at 6:00 p.m.
Please help us make this a huge success by bringing guests. The guest fee has been waived.
Fun with Rope - Celia Stratman
Our very own, Celia Stratman, will be teaching us how to make rope bowls.
Join this three-hour workshop that should provide you no stress or force you to make lots of decisions. Make a rope Bowl! Rope Bowls can be used to store so many things, spare change, jewelry, car keys, candy, pens, and binding clips. The list is endless!
Celia will supply you with the rope. Once you learn the techniques that Celia will teach, you will be ready to explore all the possibilities and make your bowl.
Note: Workshop fees are non refundable unless the Guild cancels the event.
Save Your Body and Do What You Love – Gail Abbey
Gail will be presenting to the Village Quilters of Lake Bluff/Lake Forest a lecture called, “Save Your Body, and Do What You Love.” Topics will include, how to set up a safe and functional workspace for quilting tasks, injury prevention techniques, and the benefits of stretching. Attendees will learn about the effects of aging on the body, the importance of posture and body mechanics, common upper extremity repetitive stress injuries, and specific pre and post quilting exercises to help prevent discomfort. This will be an interactive presentation and questions are always encouraged.
Chop it Like it’s Hot! Nina Clotfelter
We asked Nina what her favorite workshop was, she replied, Chop it like it’s Hot! ’s Hot! You cannot make mistakes, it’s fun and relaxing while you learn a variety of techniques. Watch her video describing the project.
Threads – What’s the big Deal? Nina Clotfelter
Speaker Nina Clotfelter will teach us all the things we didn’t know we needed to know about thread! Nina is an educator for WonderFil Specialty Threads and is here to share her knowledge. Not only is Nina knowledgeable, but she is very enthusiastic about thread, and how different threads can enhance your project.
Learn about thread weights, ply, specialty threads and how to work with them. You will leave full of information!
January 2026 Retreat
Set your alarm for 8:00 a.m. on December 1 to sign up for our Winter 2026 Retreat.
The cost is $64 for three days of sewing. You can go home each night and sleep in your own bed, or reserve a hotel room. You'll have a blast if you attend a retreat.
My Quilting Journey – Michael Nardi
Michael will present his life’s path as a young Italian boy from the Southside of Chicago to his life as a quilt pattern maker and quilt instructor while presenting his unique quilt patterns and quilts. He will also talk about the amazing women who have positively impacted his life.
Fall 2025 Retreat
Set your alarm for 8:00 a.m. on September 1 to sign up for our November Retreat.
The cost is $64 for three days of sewing. You can go home each night and sleep in your own bed, or reserve a hotel room for $139. You'll have a blast if you attend a retreat.
Preparing for Our Quilt Show
The quilt show meeting will be held at the church. Please come and be informed with all you need to know.
Star Spangled Dresdens – Susan Marth
We chose this workshop for three reasons:
Susan will introduce you to a new “quilt as you go” method of quilting. If you have not tried this method, you will be very pleased with how efficient and easy it is.
Susan is a whiz at teaching the Dresden plate block. When you have mastered the Dresden plate block, you have arrived!
You can make this table runner or place mat for any season or holiday. Imagine spring prints for the strips and solid pastels for the Dresden plate flowers. Ooooh, so cute!
Me, Myself & My Quilts – Susan Marth
Susan vended at the 2024 Madison Expo and her booth was a delight and busy! Her patterns are creative and will get the your creative juices flowing. You’ll be inspired by her patterns when you think of your stash and what you can create using her patterns. Sit back and enjoy.
From Pixels to Patchwork: AI-Inspired Impressionist Quilts – Theresa Benson
Ready to mix a little modern technology with your quilting passion? Join me for a six-hour adventure into the world of AI and quilting, where we’ll make the tech stuff approachable and fun. We’ll kick things off with an easy-to-understand intro to AI—no tech expertise required. Then, we’ll see how AI can inspire your quilt designs, pulling ideas from famous art styles like Impressionism and Pop Art.
This is a hands-on workshop, and here’s the special twist: every student will receive a custom-designed 18×18 inch quilt pattern, tailored just for them. You’ll get plenty of time to play with ideas before you start bringing your project to life in fabric. You’ll learn how to transition designs into quilt-ready images, pick the right colors and materials, and start playing with fabric. While we may not finish the entire project in class, you’ll leave with all the know-how and enthusiasm you need to complete it on your own.
If you’ve got a basic handle on raw edge applique and are curious about adding a little tech flair to your quilting, this workshop is for you. Let’s create something amazing together!
Where Technology Meets Tradition – Theresa Benson
Theresa Benson (@theaiquilter) is an award-winning quilter, enthusiastic learner, and dynamic speaker. With an Electrical Engineering degree and expertise in artificial intelligence, she makes complex tech topics accessible for all. Her innovative workshops cover everything from color theory to AI in quilting, empowering quilters of all skill levels to create confidently. Follow her on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook, where tradition meets innovation in the digital age.
Perfecting your Quilting Techniques – Rebecca Lidstrom
Star Table Runner Description
Star blocks are popular in quilts and there is no need to fear making them. In this class, we will focus on star blocks that are made with half-square triangles, quarter-square triangles, and flying geese. These basic block units can be used to make a wide variety of different star blocks. In class, we will make the Ribbon Star, Ohio Star, and Sawtooth Star blocks which will then be joined into a 12 x 48 table runner.
One Block Many Ways – Rebecca Lidstrom
Have a go-to block you love using but don't want to make the same quilt over and over again? Join Rebecca for this trunk show as she shows you how you can use one block and some simple design changes to make a versatile collection of quilts.
the options are endless. x
LOGistics – Lynn Schmitt
The project will complete as a pillow cover, a table mat or a wall hanging.
You will construct 2 large two Log Cabin. Each will finish piecing at 15” square. They finish smaller once they are sewn into either project. A silk chain will run through the blocks in one diagonal direction.
Lynn’s Trunk Show – Lynn Schmitt
Lynn’s trunk show will be a feast for our eyes. She will show us how she uses color and texture to create amazing quilts, pillows and wall hangings. Her use of piecing, appliqué and needlework will impress
Annual Meeting and Potluck
Come and join us for the Annual Board Meeting. We will start the evening at 6:00 PM with a potluck dinner.
Spring Retreat 2025
The Retreat Is Now Full; Join the Wait List
Contact Marti Austin immediately through email and ask to be put on the wait list.
Abstraction Distraction 2.0 With or Without a Pattern – Pat Bishop Workshop
Pat is creating a special starter class for us to experience working abstractly! Either bring your own meaningful photo, or magazine inspiration, or use one of Pat’s two composition options to make your very own abstract collage.
You will learn how to think abstractly and expand your creativity with no rules or rulers. What?? NO RULES OR RULERS?? YEP! NONE!
Quilt Like an Artist — Pat Bishop
Pat Bishop makes art because she loves to create! Her art is based on a memory of things that mean a lot to her; she feels that with her art she is saving memories.
In our guild presentation, Pat will share some tips and her experiences as an artist and share some quilts she has made as a reflection of her artistic endeavors. She will also tell us a bit about her background and a unique Wisconsin/Illinois group of which she is a part, called Women Who Run With Scissors.
Please join us on March 18th when she comes to our regular guild meeting, to meet this creative, artistic speaker! (Don’t you want to learn about making art that saves your memories? Yes, you do!)
Fall Foliage — Krista Moser Online Workshop
Krista Moser is BAAACK! After our delightful Zoom lecture with Krista back in February 2024, we’re bringing her back for a whole day Zoom workshop! Krista is the creative force and inspiration behind Krista Moser, The Quilted Life, and we already know just how creative and inspirational she can be! She designed the 60-degree diamond rulers for Creative Grids and has published dozens of patterns using the rulers. She loves symmetry, clean lines and bold colors! Don’t miss it!
Annette Kennedy – From Photo to Quilt, and Enhancement for Visual Depth and Details
Since 2003 Annette has been creating pictorial art quilts that incorporate hand dyed, painted, commercial fabrics, and paint and thread, based on photographs she has taken. Her work focuses mainly on nature, including landscapes and flora, but also includes some architectural pieces. Her goal is to express her personal experience with a place or subject in a way that gives beauty, peacefulness and a sense of awe to those who view it.
“Ultraviolet Radial” - Online Workshop with Cotton & Bourbon’s Audrey Esarey
In this Saturday Zoom workshop you will work on your very own Ultraviolet Radial quilt! You will begin several blocks and Audrey will help you refresh your techniques, including precision piecing and making some paper pieced arcs!
Cotton & Bourbon: Audrey Esarey - “Finding My Voice in Modern Quilting”
Join in to hear award winning Audrey Esarey share her journey and to see her trunk show of amazing quilts! Audrey’s lecture focuses on her path to becoming a modern quilter and how she has applied many traditional techniques in her modern quilts. She will share the progression of her work and show her Radial Quilts, Watercolor Quilts, and a few others too!
Holiday Party
Get together for an evening of food and fun with your fellow guild members.
NOTE: The meeting will start at 6:30pm.
Reframe Your Color Story
Join Amy Struckmeyer, QuiltCon 2024 speaker, as she shares how to build color palettes for your quilts that create a specific mood, are dynamic, and that tell a story… YOUR story.
Amy will end with a trunk show of her quilts, examples of her continuing experimentation with design and color.