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Previous Speakers featured by BVQ
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July 9, 2019
Jessica VanDenburgh of Sew Many Creations - 7:00PM
Jessica started sewing in earnest in 2005 and specializes in bags of all sizes with a focus on the use of premium quality metal fittings and clasps that are as beautiful as they are functional. Her use of cork fabric in her bags and the utility of her patterns give the maker opportunities to personalize each piece with pockets and zippers galore. Jessica gave the guild a lot of quick tips and was very encouraging to those who have not yet attempted to make a beautifully executed bag! Jessica has begun to design fabric for Windham Fabrics with her second line hitting the market this fall!
Jessica VanDenburgh of Sew Many Creations - 7:00PM
Jessica started sewing in earnest in 2005 and specializes in bags of all sizes with a focus on the use of premium quality metal fittings and clasps that are as beautiful as they are functional. Her use of cork fabric in her bags and the utility of her patterns give the maker opportunities to personalize each piece with pockets and zippers galore. Jessica gave the guild a lot of quick tips and was very encouraging to those who have not yet attempted to make a beautifully executed bag! Jessica has begun to design fabric for Windham Fabrics with her second line hitting the market this fall!
June 11, 2019
Cheryl Sleboda - 7:00PM
Cheryl Sleboda proved to us that she is "........not your grandmother’s quilter. I like vintage linens and heirloom sewing, but I also like light up technology and high tech gadgets. I make every kind of quilt, from traditional, to art, to modern." We enjoyed a one hour Powerpoint presentation, including her award winning quilts as a mini trunk show and her hilarious take on how being a little weird can make you a better quilter.
Cheryl Sleboda - 7:00PM
Cheryl Sleboda proved to us that she is "........not your grandmother’s quilter. I like vintage linens and heirloom sewing, but I also like light up technology and high tech gadgets. I make every kind of quilt, from traditional, to art, to modern." We enjoyed a one hour Powerpoint presentation, including her award winning quilts as a mini trunk show and her hilarious take on how being a little weird can make you a better quilter.
May 14,2019
Joan Radell - 7:00PM
Joan, a long-time sewer, quilter and sewing teacher is the designer behind Bucklebee Bags, Bucklebee by Me patterns and the specialty notions offered for sale. She does her design and production at the Bucklebee Workshop in the beautiful Endless Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania. When she's not working on new designs or making handbags, Joan enjoys cooking and baking (pies a specialty!) or puttering around her raised-bed straw garden.
Joan presented an interesting lecture and slideshow on handbags and general sewing tips. During the day she had a workshop on the thoughtfully designed Bucklebee Charming Handbag - a slim, structured, and deceptively spacious handbag. It's a perfect first bag; easy and quick to construct. Charming is 8” tall, 10” wide, and 4” deep at the base, and can be worn as a cross-body or shoulder bag. The interior features Bucklebee's signature large zipper pocket and two flat pockets to keep your essentials close at hand. Charming is the perfect bag for a lunch date, an afternoon of shopping, and makes a welcome gift.
Charming looks gorgeous made up in ultrasuede, lace, or patchwork, too! It's easy shaping lends itself well to specialty fabric.
Click on the Spotlight on BVQ page to see examples of the beautiful handbags made by our members at the workshop!
Joan Radell - 7:00PM
Joan, a long-time sewer, quilter and sewing teacher is the designer behind Bucklebee Bags, Bucklebee by Me patterns and the specialty notions offered for sale. She does her design and production at the Bucklebee Workshop in the beautiful Endless Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania. When she's not working on new designs or making handbags, Joan enjoys cooking and baking (pies a specialty!) or puttering around her raised-bed straw garden.
Joan presented an interesting lecture and slideshow on handbags and general sewing tips. During the day she had a workshop on the thoughtfully designed Bucklebee Charming Handbag - a slim, structured, and deceptively spacious handbag. It's a perfect first bag; easy and quick to construct. Charming is 8” tall, 10” wide, and 4” deep at the base, and can be worn as a cross-body or shoulder bag. The interior features Bucklebee's signature large zipper pocket and two flat pockets to keep your essentials close at hand. Charming is the perfect bag for a lunch date, an afternoon of shopping, and makes a welcome gift.
Charming looks gorgeous made up in ultrasuede, lace, or patchwork, too! It's easy shaping lends itself well to specialty fabric.
Click on the Spotlight on BVQ page to see examples of the beautiful handbags made by our members at the workshop!
April 9, 2019 - 7:00PM
AnnMarie Rowland presented a musical trunk show.
"Pieces of Time" stitches together quilts (small pieces of fabric sewn together with color, pattern, and story) and song (a quilt with invisible pieces). Through song, story, and a collection of quilts, AnnMarie took us along on a happy trip through time and place. We laughed, and we cried, and will maybe view the quilts in our live just a bit differently.
AnnMarie Rowland presented a musical trunk show.
"Pieces of Time" stitches together quilts (small pieces of fabric sewn together with color, pattern, and story) and song (a quilt with invisible pieces). Through song, story, and a collection of quilts, AnnMarie took us along on a happy trip through time and place. We laughed, and we cried, and will maybe view the quilts in our live just a bit differently.
March 12, 2019 - 7:00PM
Helen Ernst presented a trunk show "Something Old From Something New".
Helen shared many pieces that she has created combining something old with something new - old linens, tablecloths, clothing …. She discussed her thought process, where to look for these treasured pieces and gave many suggestions for how we can create our own vintage pieces.
Helen is also a long arm quilter.
Please browse her website to enjoy quilts that she has had the privilege to have spent time with.
Helen Ernst presented a trunk show "Something Old From Something New".
Helen shared many pieces that she has created combining something old with something new - old linens, tablecloths, clothing …. She discussed her thought process, where to look for these treasured pieces and gave many suggestions for how we can create our own vintage pieces.
Helen is also a long arm quilter.
Please browse her website to enjoy quilts that she has had the privilege to have spent time with.
November 13, 2018 - 7:00 PM
Diane Knott (Butterfly Threads Quilting)
Diane shared strategies for making quilts from the fabric you already have - the secrets and steps she uses for making scrap quilts that really sparkle. We learned how to avoid the “jumbled mess” look and create quilts you can live with and love. Her presentation featured all 16 quilts from her first book SCRAP QUILT SECRETS by C&T, which is available on her website at http://www.butterflythreadsquilting.com/ . Her new book, Strip Quilt Secrets, is available for pre-order.
Diane Knott (Butterfly Threads Quilting)
Diane shared strategies for making quilts from the fabric you already have - the secrets and steps she uses for making scrap quilts that really sparkle. We learned how to avoid the “jumbled mess” look and create quilts you can live with and love. Her presentation featured all 16 quilts from her first book SCRAP QUILT SECRETS by C&T, which is available on her website at http://www.butterflythreadsquilting.com/ . Her new book, Strip Quilt Secrets, is available for pre-order.
October 9, 2018 - 7:00 PM
Donna Clauer Stufft
Donna Clauer Stufft is an avid quilter with a severe fabric addiction, Donna has been sewing since she was 12, inheriting her love for quilts from her mother’s Pennsylvania Dutch ancestors. Inspired by their work, Donna started quilting 35 years ago. In 1997 she began to explore ‘surface design’ techniques in fiber and to incorporate them into her quilts, resulting in “Art Quilts’… quilted wall hangings that from a distance look like traditional art. Donna shared some of her stunning quilts with us.
Currently, Donna finds inspiration in nature. She enjoys being outdoors gardening and fishing with her husband, Derry. No longer just a hobby, Donna’s fiber art is a “consuming passion”.
Donna teaches, lectures and exhibits her work throughout the northeast and mid-Atlantic region, participating in national quilt shows as well as local art/craft events. She is a three-time winner in Quilting Arts Magazine’s annual calendar contest (2005, 2006, 2008) and a 2007 winner of their Judge’s Choice Award.
To learn more about Donna and her works of art visit her Website or contact her by Email.
Donna Clauer Stufft
Donna Clauer Stufft is an avid quilter with a severe fabric addiction, Donna has been sewing since she was 12, inheriting her love for quilts from her mother’s Pennsylvania Dutch ancestors. Inspired by their work, Donna started quilting 35 years ago. In 1997 she began to explore ‘surface design’ techniques in fiber and to incorporate them into her quilts, resulting in “Art Quilts’… quilted wall hangings that from a distance look like traditional art. Donna shared some of her stunning quilts with us.
Currently, Donna finds inspiration in nature. She enjoys being outdoors gardening and fishing with her husband, Derry. No longer just a hobby, Donna’s fiber art is a “consuming passion”.
Donna teaches, lectures and exhibits her work throughout the northeast and mid-Atlantic region, participating in national quilt shows as well as local art/craft events. She is a three-time winner in Quilting Arts Magazine’s annual calendar contest (2005, 2006, 2008) and a 2007 winner of their Judge’s Choice Award.
To learn more about Donna and her works of art visit her Website or contact her by Email.
September 11, 2018 - 7:00PM
Janneken Smucker, author, public historian, digital content specialist, teacher, presented a lecture and slide show on Amish Quilts. She recently authored Amish Quilts: Crafting an American Icon (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2013), and lectures and writes widely on the topic of quilts for both popular and academic audiences. Janneken has been able to combine her worlds of quilts and digital history, serving as co-curator and lead content strategist and editor for World Quilts: The American Story, a project of the International Quilt Study Center & Museum at the University of Nebraska—Lincoln. She also works closely on the digital projects of the Quilt Alliance, a national non-profit dedicated to documenting, preserving, and sharing the stories of quilts and quiltmakers and has served as a board member of the Quilt Alliance since 2005, and is its current president.
Janneken Smucker, author, public historian, digital content specialist, teacher, presented a lecture and slide show on Amish Quilts. She recently authored Amish Quilts: Crafting an American Icon (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2013), and lectures and writes widely on the topic of quilts for both popular and academic audiences. Janneken has been able to combine her worlds of quilts and digital history, serving as co-curator and lead content strategist and editor for World Quilts: The American Story, a project of the International Quilt Study Center & Museum at the University of Nebraska—Lincoln. She also works closely on the digital projects of the Quilt Alliance, a national non-profit dedicated to documenting, preserving, and sharing the stories of quilts and quiltmakers and has served as a board member of the Quilt Alliance since 2005, and is its current president.
June 12, 2018 - 7:00PM
Anne Holte presented "Friends and Family: The Lancaster Diamond Sampler Quilt"
Ann fell in love with this quilt and has been studying it and making the blocks since 2009 - she just keeps discovering more interesting and mysterious features every day about the quilt and the unknown quilter who created it. This fun and informative lecture and trunk show lasted about one hour. Ann discussed the various techniques used in these quilts and shared some surprisingly easy geometry. This quilt will remind you why you got into quilting in the first place.
Anne Holte presented "Friends and Family: The Lancaster Diamond Sampler Quilt"
Ann fell in love with this quilt and has been studying it and making the blocks since 2009 - she just keeps discovering more interesting and mysterious features every day about the quilt and the unknown quilter who created it. This fun and informative lecture and trunk show lasted about one hour. Ann discussed the various techniques used in these quilts and shared some surprisingly easy geometry. This quilt will remind you why you got into quilting in the first place.
May 8, 2018 7:00PM
Michele McLaughlin presented "Project Sunway: The History of the Sunbonnet Quilt Pattern".
Michele has been quilting for over thirty years and sewing since she was a child. She is the founder of the Lehigh Valley Quilt Study Group and has membership in various quilt organizations including the American Quilt Study Group.
After college, she worked for the United States House of Representatives before becoming an administrator at Cedar Crest College. In 2003, she retired to spend more time with her grandchildren and focus on quilt history. She has completed various classes in quilt appraisal and history and has a special interest in the relationship between textiles and women's studies.
"I love visiting guilds and museums. Quilters in particular are such special people, always focusing on using their skills to help others, they inspire me."
Sunbonnets remain one of the most beloved--and maligned--quilt patterns of the 20th century. Project Sunway remains one of Michele's most popular programs and provides an insight to the development of this quilt pattern.
Michele's trunk show featured over 50 different examples and demonstrated the versatility and humor this pattern continues to provide quilt makers.
Audience members were encouraged to bring their own sunbonnet quilts for Michele to review and possibly identify the pattern.
Michele McLaughlin presented "Project Sunway: The History of the Sunbonnet Quilt Pattern".
Michele has been quilting for over thirty years and sewing since she was a child. She is the founder of the Lehigh Valley Quilt Study Group and has membership in various quilt organizations including the American Quilt Study Group.
After college, she worked for the United States House of Representatives before becoming an administrator at Cedar Crest College. In 2003, she retired to spend more time with her grandchildren and focus on quilt history. She has completed various classes in quilt appraisal and history and has a special interest in the relationship between textiles and women's studies.
"I love visiting guilds and museums. Quilters in particular are such special people, always focusing on using their skills to help others, they inspire me."
Sunbonnets remain one of the most beloved--and maligned--quilt patterns of the 20th century. Project Sunway remains one of Michele's most popular programs and provides an insight to the development of this quilt pattern.
Michele's trunk show featured over 50 different examples and demonstrated the versatility and humor this pattern continues to provide quilt makers.
Audience members were encouraged to bring their own sunbonnet quilts for Michele to review and possibly identify the pattern.
.April 10, 2018 7:00PM
Jacolin Kelso presented a trunk show of quilts made with Judy Niemeyer paper pieced pattern and techniques.
Jacolin's passion is quilting Judy Niemeyer patterns. Judy Niemeyer Quilting is a family owned and operated business that incorporated in 1996. Their first patterns were created to be used as teaching tools to assist Judy in teaching, what was to her, a new technique called Foundation Paper Piecing. She saw the ability in this technique for quilters with minimal previous experience to be able to create intricate and complex heirloom quality quilts. Judy’s insight was based on 20 years of experience as a professional hand quilter where she struggled with the different methods used to create new quilts, finish other peoples’ quilts, or repair damaged quilts. What she saw in Foundation Paper Piecing was a complete set of easily trained skills that creates an overall process that can be taught over several days.
After our speaker Jacolin met Judy for the first time while taking a 2 week retreat, she shipped 2 boxes of fabric, 1 box of notions and at least 5 Judy patterns out to Montana, making sure she had everything she needed to complete all these patterns. Through perseverance, patience and encouragement, Judy harnessed her over enthusiastic student into her coral and transformed her into a Certified teacher.
Whimsical by nature, Joclin's teaching style can be described as eclectic and humorous.
Visit http://www.quiltworx.com/instructors/jacolin-kelso/ to read more about Jacolin and see her gallery of quilts.
Jacolin Kelso presented a trunk show of quilts made with Judy Niemeyer paper pieced pattern and techniques.
Jacolin's passion is quilting Judy Niemeyer patterns. Judy Niemeyer Quilting is a family owned and operated business that incorporated in 1996. Their first patterns were created to be used as teaching tools to assist Judy in teaching, what was to her, a new technique called Foundation Paper Piecing. She saw the ability in this technique for quilters with minimal previous experience to be able to create intricate and complex heirloom quality quilts. Judy’s insight was based on 20 years of experience as a professional hand quilter where she struggled with the different methods used to create new quilts, finish other peoples’ quilts, or repair damaged quilts. What she saw in Foundation Paper Piecing was a complete set of easily trained skills that creates an overall process that can be taught over several days.
After our speaker Jacolin met Judy for the first time while taking a 2 week retreat, she shipped 2 boxes of fabric, 1 box of notions and at least 5 Judy patterns out to Montana, making sure she had everything she needed to complete all these patterns. Through perseverance, patience and encouragement, Judy harnessed her over enthusiastic student into her coral and transformed her into a Certified teacher.
Whimsical by nature, Joclin's teaching style can be described as eclectic and humorous.
Visit http://www.quiltworx.com/instructors/jacolin-kelso/ to read more about Jacolin and see her gallery of quilts.
March 13, 2018 7:00 PM
Janella MacBeth presented "ScrapStashtic Quilts".....fall in love with using every last piece of fabric that you own!
Janella discussed "The ScrapStashtic System," - a set of rules and guidelines regarding the preparation, storage, and use of quilting scraps that allows both the maximim amount of creativity and flexibility in scrap quilting, as well as making it easy to have a rapid turnover in a fabric collection.
The ScrapStashtic System is designed to function as a cohesive, stand-alone unit, or to interact with other patterns, systems, and specialty rulers . Janelle's system makes it easy to fall in love with using every last piece of scrap fabric. Janella showed us how this system functionally supports our hobby and provides a basic structure that allows scrapping creativity to soar.
If you have more stash than you know how to use, or you are inundated with rumpled scraps that you “should use, someday,” the ScrapStashtic System is a great way to learn how to ‘direct’ your creativity into your scrap quilting. It is also a great way to develop quilting habits that will increase your quilting productivity. Using the ScrapStashtic system on a regular basis will allow you to spend more time enjoying the hobby you love, without increasing the amount of money you spend on your hobby.
Click here to purchase a copy of ScrapStashtic from Amazon, available as an eBook or in print, and sign up for
Janella's newsletter to receive information about deals and promotions!!!!!
Janella MacBeth presented "ScrapStashtic Quilts".....fall in love with using every last piece of fabric that you own!
Janella discussed "The ScrapStashtic System," - a set of rules and guidelines regarding the preparation, storage, and use of quilting scraps that allows both the maximim amount of creativity and flexibility in scrap quilting, as well as making it easy to have a rapid turnover in a fabric collection.
The ScrapStashtic System is designed to function as a cohesive, stand-alone unit, or to interact with other patterns, systems, and specialty rulers . Janelle's system makes it easy to fall in love with using every last piece of scrap fabric. Janella showed us how this system functionally supports our hobby and provides a basic structure that allows scrapping creativity to soar.
If you have more stash than you know how to use, or you are inundated with rumpled scraps that you “should use, someday,” the ScrapStashtic System is a great way to learn how to ‘direct’ your creativity into your scrap quilting. It is also a great way to develop quilting habits that will increase your quilting productivity. Using the ScrapStashtic system on a regular basis will allow you to spend more time enjoying the hobby you love, without increasing the amount of money you spend on your hobby.
Click here to purchase a copy of ScrapStashtic from Amazon, available as an eBook or in print, and sign up for
Janella's newsletter to receive information about deals and promotions!!!!!
February 13, 2018 7:00 PM
Joyce Hughes
Joyce is a self taught quilter and fiber artist. From her first quilt (a tee-shirt quilt), she quickly forged into the design of landscape quilts, raw edge applique, thread painting and using embellishments. Not knowing the "rules" of quilting, she broke a lot of the them with exciting results. Joyce presented "My Journey into Quilting". This lecture was an open and inspiring talk about how Joyce started quilting and the transformation into Thread Painting and using Panels as Art Quilts
Joyce Hughes
Joyce is a self taught quilter and fiber artist. From her first quilt (a tee-shirt quilt), she quickly forged into the design of landscape quilts, raw edge applique, thread painting and using embellishments. Not knowing the "rules" of quilting, she broke a lot of the them with exciting results. Joyce presented "My Journey into Quilting". This lecture was an open and inspiring talk about how Joyce started quilting and the transformation into Thread Painting and using Panels as Art Quilts
January 12, 2018 - 7:00 PM
BVQ Member Mary Alice Peeling spoke and showed 5 generations of quilts from her family. All except Mary Alice’s were either made and quilted in Somerset County PA or quilted there. Her mother’s family has lived there since the mid-1700. Click here to see some pictures of the quilts that she shared.
BVQ Member Mary Alice Peeling spoke and showed 5 generations of quilts from her family. All except Mary Alice’s were either made and quilted in Somerset County PA or quilted there. Her mother’s family has lived there since the mid-1700. Click here to see some pictures of the quilts that she shared.
November 14, 2017 - 7:00 PM
Jody Beck presented Jody's Jems Trunk Show and Demo
We enjoyed seeing Jody's quilts and having the opportunity to purchase her patterns.
Jody writes........"I praise God for the gift and ability He gives us to make quilts. Quilting brings great joy to those who create them and comfort, peace, and love to those who receive them. I’ve been honored to teach hundreds of people of all ages the art of making quilts since 2002. Quilting brings friends, purpose, value, healing, and entertainment into our lives. We can make a difference. It brings me great joy and a sense of excitement and energy to teach beginners how to make quilts; teach new techniques and tools to more experienced quilters; and help people of all ages feel valuable by making angel wraps and comfort quilts.
In 2003, I started writing patterns, to go with the quilts I created, so I could teach them.
October 10, 2017 - 7:00 PM Gyleen Fitzgerald presented "Make Mine with Scraps"
Focusing on traditional utility quilts, Gyleen shared her expertise in using up, cutting up or recycling what you have on hand to make stunning quilts. We learned how to harmonize exchange and friendship blocks and clear our clutter with strips and squares.
Gyleen Fitzgerald makes quilts that blend color, pattern, and texture to provide a contemporary essence in traditional quilting. Her strength as a quilter is demonstrated by the infusion of engineering tools and innovative techniques to simplify visually complex quilts. She shares her enthusiasm for quilting through interactive lectures and workshops. As a writer, Gyleen centers on haiku poetry, quilt project books, magazine articles and children's books.
An avid quilter, Gyleen has earned Best of Show honors and as a publisher, she is a Gold Medal winner for Quilts: Unfinished Stories with New Endings. She is best known for inspiring Trash to Treasure Pineapple Quilts and the creation of the Pineapple Tool by Gyleen.
Gyleen has appeared on The Quilt Show and Lifetime TV promoting a contemporary spirit in traditional quiltmaking.
For Gyleen, dreams hold no limits. Ray, her husband, is her shining light and quilting is her passion; together they color her world in a very special way.
Gyleen is a Philadelphia, PA native, who spent her formative years in Taiwan and Japan.
September 12, 2017 - Nancy Mahoney presented "Treasures from the 1930's".
Digital Presentation and trunk show....
Looking for something to do with all the scraps you've collected in bags, baskets, and boxes? In this informal and light-hearted presentation, Nancy shared more than 50 scraps quilts, including vintage quilts from her collection. We heard how her love of vintage quilts has influenced her approach to quiltmaking. Nancy shared tips for making stunning scrap quilts and expanding our thoughts about making scrap quilts.
June 13, 2017 - Maxine Rosenthal - Workshop and Lecture
In her workshop, Maxine shared her serendipitous and adventurous approach to design. The hexagons created from fabric ultimately form the foundation of a quilt and once all the blocks are completed, the final quilt is designed on a design wall. The primary fabric does the bulk of the work, defining the color palette. The fun is to then paint with this palette, to move the shapes around the design wall, to play with the colors, to move from one color to the next, to rearrange the kaleidoscopes to your liking. It is hard to walk up to a design wall and not rearrange, just a little bit. How would this one look like here? How would that one look next to this one?
In this 6-hour class, enough kaleidoscopes were created so that the design elements could be taught and so that the attendee could practice these theories and watch what happened as they moved the kaleidoscopes around the design wall. Border techniques were also taught. The quilt does not need to be rectangular, it could have a banner border, it could be in panels, the possibilities are limitless.
In her lecture that evening, Maxine, author and teacher discussed her techinique and shared a trunk show of her own "One Block Wonders".
Visit her website at https://sites.google.com/site/maxinerosenthal/aboutus to learn more.
In her workshop, Maxine shared her serendipitous and adventurous approach to design. The hexagons created from fabric ultimately form the foundation of a quilt and once all the blocks are completed, the final quilt is designed on a design wall. The primary fabric does the bulk of the work, defining the color palette. The fun is to then paint with this palette, to move the shapes around the design wall, to play with the colors, to move from one color to the next, to rearrange the kaleidoscopes to your liking. It is hard to walk up to a design wall and not rearrange, just a little bit. How would this one look like here? How would that one look next to this one?
In this 6-hour class, enough kaleidoscopes were created so that the design elements could be taught and so that the attendee could practice these theories and watch what happened as they moved the kaleidoscopes around the design wall. Border techniques were also taught. The quilt does not need to be rectangular, it could have a banner border, it could be in panels, the possibilities are limitless.
In her lecture that evening, Maxine, author and teacher discussed her techinique and shared a trunk show of her own "One Block Wonders".
Visit her website at https://sites.google.com/site/maxinerosenthal/aboutus to learn more.
May 9, 2017 - Karen Dever, Quilt Appraiser presented "Appraisal - Should I?" Karen discussed the appraisal process and reasons for having our quilts and collections appraised. She demonstrated how a quilt is appraised.
Karen, an award winning quilter, has been involved with quilting for over 20 years and is a teacher, designer and an AQS Certified quilt appraiser. She presently works and teaches at The Village Quilter Quilt Shop in Mt. Holly, NJ. She has had several designs published in McCall's, For the Love of Quilting and Quilter's Newsletter. For many years she has been collecting antique and vintage textiles. Currently, she is a member of many guilds, professional quilt groups, and quilt study groups. Karen lectures to guilds on changes in our quilting styles through the years, and the importance of appraisals. A new lecture on the topic of collecting quilts has been added.
Karen has a B.A. degree from Glassboro College (now known as Rowan University) in Glassboro, NJ and a Master's degree from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pa.
When asked about her work, Karen says, "A deep love of history and quilting was the beginning of my journey. That journey spans over twenty years involving designing quilts, conducting workshops, lecturing, creating competition quilts and the publication of my designs. My journey has allowed me to transfer my passion into a new career; from the creation of new designs, and the dating of antique, vintage textiles to viewing contemporary fiber art - where each tells its own story. My experiences have covered a range of fields within the quilt world."
To contact Karen Dever:
101 S. Lincoln Ave.
Moorestown, NJ 08057
856-816-6628
njquiltappraisr@aol.com
Karen, an award winning quilter, has been involved with quilting for over 20 years and is a teacher, designer and an AQS Certified quilt appraiser. She presently works and teaches at The Village Quilter Quilt Shop in Mt. Holly, NJ. She has had several designs published in McCall's, For the Love of Quilting and Quilter's Newsletter. For many years she has been collecting antique and vintage textiles. Currently, she is a member of many guilds, professional quilt groups, and quilt study groups. Karen lectures to guilds on changes in our quilting styles through the years, and the importance of appraisals. A new lecture on the topic of collecting quilts has been added.
Karen has a B.A. degree from Glassboro College (now known as Rowan University) in Glassboro, NJ and a Master's degree from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pa.
When asked about her work, Karen says, "A deep love of history and quilting was the beginning of my journey. That journey spans over twenty years involving designing quilts, conducting workshops, lecturing, creating competition quilts and the publication of my designs. My journey has allowed me to transfer my passion into a new career; from the creation of new designs, and the dating of antique, vintage textiles to viewing contemporary fiber art - where each tells its own story. My experiences have covered a range of fields within the quilt world."
To contact Karen Dever:
101 S. Lincoln Ave.
Moorestown, NJ 08057
856-816-6628
njquiltappraisr@aol.com
April 11, 2017 Barb Vedder presented "Scrap Quilts: The Secret to Success" and shared a trunk show of scrap quilts.
Barb shared a PowerPoint Presentation using antique quilts and her own work to decode the secrets and patterns of success scrap quilt making. Through a study of these quilts, she discussed design techniques such as color, contrast and composition and how they are employed to create beautiful quilts. The lecture was followed by a trunk show
Learn more about Barb at https://funwithbarbandmary.blogspot.com/.
Barb shared a PowerPoint Presentation using antique quilts and her own work to decode the secrets and patterns of success scrap quilt making. Through a study of these quilts, she discussed design techniques such as color, contrast and composition and how they are employed to create beautiful quilts. The lecture was followed by a trunk show
Learn more about Barb at https://funwithbarbandmary.blogspot.com/.
January 10, 2017 Kelly Meanix of West Chester presented a lecture and trunk show.
Kelly is an active member of Penn Oaks, Calico Cutters in West Chester and most recently, Modern Quilt Guild in Lancaster. She is a very creative quilter who shares her passion for, not just quilting but gardening, decorating, cooking and most of all, family through her blog http://pinkadotquilts.blogspot.com. Kelly shared her quilts and her stories with us. Intrigued by the "new" magazine, "Quilter’s Newsletter", Kelly started quilting about 36 years ago. At the time there were not a lot of new books on quilting, so she learned how to piece by hand and using templates. She eventually took some classes but is mostly self-taught. Her early quilts were very much traditional and pieced. In the 1990s, an applique class had her hooked, as it opened so many more possibilities in the quilt world. She feels that her next step in quilting will be without rulers and rules….a much more free and exciting way to quilt with many possibilities.
Kelly is an active member of Penn Oaks, Calico Cutters in West Chester and most recently, Modern Quilt Guild in Lancaster. She is a very creative quilter who shares her passion for, not just quilting but gardening, decorating, cooking and most of all, family through her blog http://pinkadotquilts.blogspot.com. Kelly shared her quilts and her stories with us. Intrigued by the "new" magazine, "Quilter’s Newsletter", Kelly started quilting about 36 years ago. At the time there were not a lot of new books on quilting, so she learned how to piece by hand and using templates. She eventually took some classes but is mostly self-taught. Her early quilts were very much traditional and pieced. In the 1990s, an applique class had her hooked, as it opened so many more possibilities in the quilt world. She feels that her next step in quilting will be without rulers and rules….a much more free and exciting way to quilt with many possibilities.
September 13, 2016 Trish Chambers of Trish Chambers Productions discussed the history, legends and personal stories that make up the rich heritage associated with the Underground Railroad.
THE LEGEND OF THE FREEDOM QUILTS AND THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD
Performed in period costume, Trish explored how African traditions and the use of story cloths documented the history of tribes and set the stage for the slaves to learn the lessons needed for survival during their arduous journey to freedom. African slave songs (Spirituals) and the lessons contained in them were also discussed. Using a facsimile of a freedom quilt, the presentation also shared one family's legend regarding the use of quilt patterns and the survival lessons associated with them.
July 12, 2016 Pat Sloan held a workshop called “Wild and Free ” during the day and that evening presented an entertaining slide show and trunk show of her quilts, "Quilting with Espresso...Quilts, Creativity and Fun Chat with Pat Sloan".
Pat is a designer, author, lecturer, and with her weekly radio show... and truly is the "Voice of Quilting". Pat has had her designs published in national magazines, she has written 31 quilt books and has designed many lines of fabric for Moda Fabrics. When Pat took her passion to the internet she built several quilt communities, the largest is her group on Facebook with over 41,000 quilters from around the world. Visit her website – www.patsloan.com - to see her designs, listen to podcasts, and find out more about Pat.
In July, as a guest speaker and workshop leader for BVQ, Pat shared tricks to punch up quilt backgrounds on appliqued quilts - no more neutral tan or beige backings - and bring on the color and the pattern to make quilts sing! Pat’s classic and popular “Mama’s Garden” was the project quilt at the workshop. For pictures and more, see Pat ’s website. That evening Pat shared her quilting story with BVQ with an entertaining presentation of her ideas and quilts - "Quilting with Espresso...Quilts, Creativity and Fun Chat with Pat Sloan". Pat's fun, fast moving and very lively slide presentation took attendees from her 'First First Quilt' to her latest and greatest adventures in quilting. Along the way she shared some great tips to faster quilting, how she does her appliqué, figure out what it means to work in series (it's good!), and find out where she is on the internet so you can hang out with her!
May 10, 2016 Andrew Joslyn presented"Know it when you see it, Modern Quilting"
Andrew Joslyn lives in Philadelphia but also lived for several years in Tokyo. He is an Environmental Engineer but spends his free time quilting and on Modern Quilt Guild activities. He was president of the Philadelphia MQG for three years and is one of the organizers of
the Mid-Atlantic MOD quilting retreat. He got started quilting when he decided he needed a creative hobby! His sister was pregnant at the time with his first niece, so he decided to make a baby quilt. Andrew spoke about the Modern Quilting Movement and what Modern Quilts look like.
http://www.phillymodernquiltguild.com/2011/04/spotlight-on-andrew.htm
Andrew Joslyn lives in Philadelphia but also lived for several years in Tokyo. He is an Environmental Engineer but spends his free time quilting and on Modern Quilt Guild activities. He was president of the Philadelphia MQG for three years and is one of the organizers of
the Mid-Atlantic MOD quilting retreat. He got started quilting when he decided he needed a creative hobby! His sister was pregnant at the time with his first niece, so he decided to make a baby quilt. Andrew spoke about the Modern Quilting Movement and what Modern Quilts look like.
http://www.phillymodernquiltguild.com/2011/04/spotlight-on-andrew.htm
April 12, 2016 Deb Finan presented
"An Inside Look at Quilting Publications"
In April, our own member Deb Finan talked to us about quilt publications. Debra lived in Pennsylvania until 2006, when she moved to Iowa to work for Fons and Porter. She was happy to move back to PA and continues to work as managing editor for all Fons and Porter titles, working from her home in Drexel Hill. Debra has more than 40 years of experience making quilts and has added longarm quilting to her skills. Deb spoke to the Guild on her experiences as an editor in the quilting world of magazines and shared with us actual quilts that have appeared in those magazines.
"An Inside Look at Quilting Publications"
In April, our own member Deb Finan talked to us about quilt publications. Debra lived in Pennsylvania until 2006, when she moved to Iowa to work for Fons and Porter. She was happy to move back to PA and continues to work as managing editor for all Fons and Porter titles, working from her home in Drexel Hill. Debra has more than 40 years of experience making quilts and has added longarm quilting to her skills. Deb spoke to the Guild on her experiences as an editor in the quilting world of magazines and shared with us actual quilts that have appeared in those magazines.
March 8, 2016 Deb Kalenty presented
"Innovative methods and tools for quilter - Studio 180 Certified Instructor"
Deb Kalenty, a certified Studio 180 Instructor, the creation of Deb Tucker, who has developed innovative methods and tools for quilters. Our speaker, Deb, shared some of the Deb Tucker methods and tools, and wowed us with a trunk show of her own quilts.
Debbie Kalenty is the shop owner of Quilter's Obsession in Flagtown, NJ and has been an avid quilter for about 22 years. She had always dreamed of opening her own shop. Deb says......."Just being around fabric gives me that "unique" thrill, that only other quilters can understand. Have you ever just walked around a quilt shop hugging a bolt of totally scrumptious fabric with a BIG smile on your face?!! That's me!!" That certainly sounds like all of us at BVQ!!
"Innovative methods and tools for quilter - Studio 180 Certified Instructor"
Deb Kalenty, a certified Studio 180 Instructor, the creation of Deb Tucker, who has developed innovative methods and tools for quilters. Our speaker, Deb, shared some of the Deb Tucker methods and tools, and wowed us with a trunk show of her own quilts.
Debbie Kalenty is the shop owner of Quilter's Obsession in Flagtown, NJ and has been an avid quilter for about 22 years. She had always dreamed of opening her own shop. Deb says......."Just being around fabric gives me that "unique" thrill, that only other quilters can understand. Have you ever just walked around a quilt shop hugging a bolt of totally scrumptious fabric with a BIG smile on your face?!! That's me!!" That certainly sounds like all of us at BVQ!!
January 12, 2016 Jacquelynne Steves presented
"From Sketch to Your Quilt Shop"
Jacquelynne is an artist and illustrator. She designs fabric and quilt & sewing patterns for the quilting industry and writes and illustrate books featuring creative ideas like quilt patterns, craft projects, and recipes. She also writes a blog called The Art of Home where she share lots of ideas. "Because home is the perfect place to indulge our creative urges…"
"From Sketch to Your Quilt Shop"
Jacquelynne is an artist and illustrator. She designs fabric and quilt & sewing patterns for the quilting industry and writes and illustrate books featuring creative ideas like quilt patterns, craft projects, and recipes. She also writes a blog called The Art of Home where she share lots of ideas. "Because home is the perfect place to indulge our creative urges…"
November 10, 2015 Robert DeCarli presented
"Remarkable Rectangles: Story of the "Weaving Quilts"
"Create graphically stunning quilts with unique and beautiful designs featuring circles, diamonds, and squares - all made using only rectangles - inspired by overshot weaving designs.
Bob’s first life was as a math professor at a Catholic girls’ college in Buffalo. He moved on to function as an engineer at Lockheed Martin in Valley Forge, all the while continuing to teach math at local colleges.
In 1992 his wife asked for help in making a quilt for their daughter’s wedding. She showed him how to make a four-patch and he was hooked. As a mathematician, the seemingly endless number of patterns fascinated him. He has designed blocks and quilts since 1993, receiving a ribbon at the Vermont Quilt Festival and a blue ribbon at the Pennsylvania Quilt Extravaganza for “Butterfly” (designed in EQ5).
He discovered EQ in 2005 and has since designed more than one thousand quilts and blocks, including block and quilt settings for his wife’s appliqué projects. His primary interest, besides teaching, is designing various size, interlocking log cabins and converting weaving patterns to quilts. In each area, the number of possibilities is seemingly endless, but he pursues them one at a time.
Robert DeCarli is the AQS author of the books, Hill & Valley Log Cabins and Remarkable Rectangles: Deceptively Simple Strip-Pieced
Quilts.
"Remarkable Rectangles: Story of the "Weaving Quilts"
"Create graphically stunning quilts with unique and beautiful designs featuring circles, diamonds, and squares - all made using only rectangles - inspired by overshot weaving designs.
Bob’s first life was as a math professor at a Catholic girls’ college in Buffalo. He moved on to function as an engineer at Lockheed Martin in Valley Forge, all the while continuing to teach math at local colleges.
In 1992 his wife asked for help in making a quilt for their daughter’s wedding. She showed him how to make a four-patch and he was hooked. As a mathematician, the seemingly endless number of patterns fascinated him. He has designed blocks and quilts since 1993, receiving a ribbon at the Vermont Quilt Festival and a blue ribbon at the Pennsylvania Quilt Extravaganza for “Butterfly” (designed in EQ5).
He discovered EQ in 2005 and has since designed more than one thousand quilts and blocks, including block and quilt settings for his wife’s appliqué projects. His primary interest, besides teaching, is designing various size, interlocking log cabins and converting weaving patterns to quilts. In each area, the number of possibilities is seemingly endless, but he pursues them one at a time.
Robert DeCarli is the AQS author of the books, Hill & Valley Log Cabins and Remarkable Rectangles: Deceptively Simple Strip-Pieced
Quilts.
October 13, 2015: Sujata Shah presented
"Cultural Fusion Quilts: A Melting Pot of Piecing Traditions
"Sujata Shah, a graphic designer and textile artist, is originally from Mumbai, India. The mother of three grown children lives with her husband in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania. She has won awards for her quilts in local and national quilt shows and designed quilt patterns under the name of Rangoli Designs. Her teaching experiences include workshops inspired by the quilts of Gee's Bend, needle-turn applique based on her original designs and color and design workshops in Seattle area and Philadelphia. Her quilts have been shown at AQS in Lancaster and Padukah and the Pacific Northwest Quilt-Fest.
In 2003, She found an instant connection between the abstract utilitarian quilts of Gee's bend and Godharis from India. Her instinctive ability to work with colors and textures combined with education in graphic design has helped her develop a unique style as a designer.
She draws her inspirations from imperfections and irregularities of free-spirited folk art and crafts from around the world. As a calligraphy major, she believes that each handmade craft has a stamp of the maker. In 2014 she wrote the book, Cultural Fusion Quilts - A Melting Pot of Piecing Traditions. In which she introduced free-form blocks, an abstract interpretations of traditional quilt blocks to reflect her theory.
Talking about the process of finishing quilts, she says, ''I find hand stitching therapeutic and nourishing to the soul. Through my quilts I remain connected to my past, my culture and heritage. The more I hand stitch, stories of my daily life get stitched into my quilts. I rarely have a plan before the start of a quilt. Designing a quilt is an evolving process. I believe as the quilt evolves, I simply become the instrument in the making of that quilt.''
Visit Sujata's blog at http://therootconnection.blogspot.com/
"Cultural Fusion Quilts: A Melting Pot of Piecing Traditions
"Sujata Shah, a graphic designer and textile artist, is originally from Mumbai, India. The mother of three grown children lives with her husband in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania. She has won awards for her quilts in local and national quilt shows and designed quilt patterns under the name of Rangoli Designs. Her teaching experiences include workshops inspired by the quilts of Gee's Bend, needle-turn applique based on her original designs and color and design workshops in Seattle area and Philadelphia. Her quilts have been shown at AQS in Lancaster and Padukah and the Pacific Northwest Quilt-Fest.
In 2003, She found an instant connection between the abstract utilitarian quilts of Gee's bend and Godharis from India. Her instinctive ability to work with colors and textures combined with education in graphic design has helped her develop a unique style as a designer.
She draws her inspirations from imperfections and irregularities of free-spirited folk art and crafts from around the world. As a calligraphy major, she believes that each handmade craft has a stamp of the maker. In 2014 she wrote the book, Cultural Fusion Quilts - A Melting Pot of Piecing Traditions. In which she introduced free-form blocks, an abstract interpretations of traditional quilt blocks to reflect her theory.
Talking about the process of finishing quilts, she says, ''I find hand stitching therapeutic and nourishing to the soul. Through my quilts I remain connected to my past, my culture and heritage. The more I hand stitch, stories of my daily life get stitched into my quilts. I rarely have a plan before the start of a quilt. Designing a quilt is an evolving process. I believe as the quilt evolves, I simply become the instrument in the making of that quilt.''
Visit Sujata's blog at http://therootconnection.blogspot.com/
September 8, 2015: Lisa Calle presented
"Preparing Your Quilt for the Longarmer”
With a degree in Textile Management and Marketing, Lisa found a love on the “other” side of textiles....the artistic side. Never thinking of herself as creative, everything changed once she drove her first longarm. Along her journey she has produced award winning quilts, DVD’s, the Quilter’s Groove line of templates and found she loves to inspire others. The friendships she’s made along the way are just as priceless as the quilts she creates.
Visit Lisa's website at http://www.stonehousequilting.com/
"Preparing Your Quilt for the Longarmer”
With a degree in Textile Management and Marketing, Lisa found a love on the “other” side of textiles....the artistic side. Never thinking of herself as creative, everything changed once she drove her first longarm. Along her journey she has produced award winning quilts, DVD’s, the Quilter’s Groove line of templates and found she loves to inspire others. The friendships she’s made along the way are just as priceless as the quilts she creates.
Visit Lisa's website at http://www.stonehousequilting.com/
June 9, 2015: Carol Singer presented
"Quilting Makes the Quilt”
Have you ever wondered what is the best way to quilt your quilt? We will talk about different types of quilting for your quilts. A trunk show that’s guaranteed to please you. Carol lives in Bucks County, PA. She began quilting in 1990 but has been sewing for many years. She teaches in some local shops and has a machine quilting business. Most of her inspiration comes from nature and currently, she is involved in hand dyeing fabrics.
Visit her website for more info: http://www.csquilts.com
April 14, 2015: Merry May of Tuckahoe, NJ, presented
“What Was She Thinking?” UFOs and the Longtime Quilter
A unique Show ’N’ Tell of UFOs from the studio and/or collection of noted quilter, designer, quilt instructor and historian Merry May. Other quilters show you their best work; this is -well- somewhat different! Some are samples of designs in progress; others are samples that were made for local quilt shops and some that Merry has no idea of how they came to be included in her UFO “collection”. Everything has a story, though, so you can be assured of some entertainment along the way!
Read about Merry's quilting journey at www.merrymayhem.com/meet-merry-mayhem.html.
March 10, 2015: Stacy Koehler of Swarthmore, PA, presented
“What Was That Judge Thinking?”
Stacy Koehler is a quilt designer, teacher and NQA certified judge. She has been teaching quilting since 2000 and has been judging since April, 2007. Stacy shows her work locally and nationally. She entered NQA’s Judging Certification Program in 2002 and became certified in 2005. Stacy serves as technology aide for the show judging staff at NQA’s annual show in Columbus, Ohio. When she is not quilting, Stacy works at a school for special needs students, where she is an occupational therapist. Stacy lives near Philadelphia with her daughter, dog, cats, and a succession of college students, a semi-adopted daughter and about 2000 pieces of fabric.
“What Was That Judge Thinking?”
Stacy Koehler is a quilt designer, teacher and NQA certified judge. She has been teaching quilting since 2000 and has been judging since April, 2007. Stacy shows her work locally and nationally. She entered NQA’s Judging Certification Program in 2002 and became certified in 2005. Stacy serves as technology aide for the show judging staff at NQA’s annual show in Columbus, Ohio. When she is not quilting, Stacy works at a school for special needs students, where she is an occupational therapist. Stacy lives near Philadelphia with her daughter, dog, cats, and a succession of college students, a semi-adopted daughter and about 2000 pieces of fabric.
February 10, 2015: Bobbie Spaid of West Chester, PA, presented
“Making of Memories”
Through slide presentation, trunk show and demo, BVQ member Bobbie Spaid gave us an overview of how to prepare and use everything from T-shirts to wedding gowns to make quilts that record special times. We learned how in incorporate blocks of multiple sizes and avoid bulky seams using “partial seam technique.” Time to get that old clothing out of storage and into a quilt!
“Making of Memories”
Through slide presentation, trunk show and demo, BVQ member Bobbie Spaid gave us an overview of how to prepare and use everything from T-shirts to wedding gowns to make quilts that record special times. We learned how in incorporate blocks of multiple sizes and avoid bulky seams using “partial seam technique.” Time to get that old clothing out of storage and into a quilt!