Presenters and Workshops
2025-2026
September 8, 2025 7PM
OCQG
"I've Got a Notion" and "Spreading Kindness"
We all know that the right tools can make or break a quilting project, but sometimes, it’s not the expensive fabrics or high-end machines that get the job done — it's the humble sewing notions. These small, often overlooked accessories can either be a quilter’s best friend or their worst enemy!
At our next guild meeting, we’ll be sharing and discussing the best and worst notions in your sewing studio. Whether it's a tool you swear by or one you wish you had never bought, this is your chance to share your experiences with fellow quilters and discover new gadgets (or ditch some duds)!
Best Notions:
We’re curious to know which notions have saved you time, made your sewing process smoother, or helped you achieve that perfect finish. Is there a particular rotary cutter, ruler, or pin that you can’t live without? Perhaps a fabric marking tool that works like magic, or a pressing tool that’s improved your seams? We want to hear your top picks!
Worst Notions:
On the flip side, we’ve all bought that one tool that looked amazing in the store but ended up being a complete flop. Maybe it’s a seam ripper that doesn’t “rip,” or a ruler that distorts your fabric. Or maybe it’s a fancy tool that’s just too complicated to use. Come share your least favorite notions and warn fellow quilters before they make the same mistake!
This program will not only help you discover new tools and techniques, but it’s also a great way to bond with fellow members and learn from one another’s experiences. We’re all in this quilting journey together, and sharing what works (and what doesn’t) makes us all better quilters.
We encourage everyone to bring their favorite and/or least favorite notions to the meeting — show and tell style! Have a handy tip or a funny story about a particular tool? Bring it along! The more we share, the more we all learn.
We can’t wait to hear about your notions and the stories behind them. See you there!
During the September meeting we will also be working on a project to spread kindness in our community. Here’s all you need to bring in order to participate: red thread, hand sewing needle, and small fabric scissors.
October 13, 2025 7PM
Karen Macon & Julie Doy
"Bags and Totes"
We are thrilled to welcome The Bag Ladies—Karen Macon and Julie Doy—to our upcoming guild meeting for a fun, informative, and inspiring program all about bag making!
These two talented makers bring decades of experience in quilting, sewing, and design—and they’re ready to share their passion for bags with us!
Karen Macon has been quilting for over 40 years and began her journey into bag making about 25 years ago. While working part-time at a local quilt shop, she began creating display totes and specialty bags, and her love for the art form has only grown. She’s captivated by the wide range of styles and techniques that have emerged over the years and is always up for trying something new. Whether it’s a classic tote or a clever twist on a favorite pattern, Karen brings enthusiasm and curiosity to every stitch.
Julie Doy began quilting in the early 1990s and added bag making to her repertoire about 12 years ago. Since then, she’s designed her own bag patterns, taught classes through local quilt shops, and presented lectures and workshops for area guilds. Julie is also a pattern tester for American Patchwork & Quilting magazine and works closely with local designers to refine and improve new projects. Her deep experience in both quilting and bag construction makes her an invaluable resource for creative sewing.
Together, Karen and Julie are The Bag Ladies—a perfect blend of creativity, technical skill, and love for fabric in all its forms. Their presentation will include a trunk show of their fabulous bags, a discussion of different styles and techniques, and plenty of tips to help you get started or take your bag-making to the next level.
Whether you're a seasoned quilter looking to try something new or someone who’s already caught the bag-making bug, this program is sure to be sew much fun!
October 14, 2025 9AM to 4PM
Karen Macon & Julie Doy
"Oxbow Tote"
Workshop
Whether you’re a seasoned bag maker or a beginner, this workshop is a great opportunity to expand your sewing skills and create a gorgeous new project — the Oxbow Tote, pattern by Noodlehead.
The Oxbow Tote is a stylish and functional bag with an elegant design, perfect for everyday use or as a gift. This pattern features sturdy construction, practical pockets, and a beautiful curved shape. It’s a perfect blend of form and function!
What You’ll Learn:
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Bag Construction Techniques: Learn how to construct a fully lined tote with a zipper, neat seams and professional finishes.
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Pocket Design: Master adding interior and exterior pockets to keep your items organized.
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Bag Hardware Tips: Tips and tricks for adding bag hardware, like rings and straps, to give your bag a polished, high-end look.
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Tips from The Bag Ladies: The Bag Ladies are known for their detailed and easy-to-follow instructions, making even advanced techniques accessible for all skill levels.
Not only will you walk away with a beautiful handmade tote, but you’ll also gain valuable sewing skills and meet fellow quilters who share your love for making beautiful projects. Plus, the expertise and fun energy of The Bag Ladies make this workshop a must-attend event!
November 10, 2025 7PM
Heartland Cottons, Dewitt, IA Quilt shop
"Remember Me Patterns" and "180 Degree Ruler Technique"
We are thrilled to welcome Sherri Freyermuth, owner of Heartland Cottons in DeWitt, as our featured presenter. Sherri brings with her not only a passion for quilting but also the delightful and imaginative world of the Remember Me Pattern Company, housed right inside her charming shop. Known for their whimsical and unique patterns, Remember Me designs bring personality and creativity into every stitch.
Joining Sherri will be Cathie Lockhart, a certified instructor with Deb Tucker’s Studio 180 Design. Cathie has been quilting since childhood and began her professional teaching journey in 2014. She brings a wealth of knowledge about precision piecing tools and innovative techniques that make Studio 180 tools both fun and empowering for quilters of all skill levels. Whether you’re curious about making your flying geese fly straighter or improving your half-square triangles, Cathie will help you unlock new skills with confidence.
Program Highlights Include:
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A presentation by Heartland Cottons and the Remember Me Pattern Company
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Demonstrations of Studio 180 Design tools by Cathie Lockhart
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Q&A time to ask your quilting questions
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Pop-Up Shop with fabrics, patterns, notions, kits, and more!
Heartland Cottons is known for its dedication to helping sewists and quilters succeed — whether it’s through beautiful fabrics, thoughtful classes, or expert long arm services. Be sure to stop by the pop-up shop to stock up on supplies and maybe even start your next big project!
December 1, 2025 7PM
(1st Monday)
Holiday Social
Bingo, Favorite Apron Show & Tell
January 12, 2026 7PM Zoom
Sarah Ruiz
Aerospace Engineer & Quilter
February 9, 2026
OCQG Service Day
The annual Service/Sew Day has a long history of generating a large number of quilts to be donated to our community agencies, including UI Hospitals and Clinics, Veterans Administration Hospital, 4Cs Child Care Center, Domestic Violence Intervention Program, Visiting Nurses Association, and Houses into Homes.
March 9, 2026
Joleen Green
"Quick Tie Quilting Method"
March 10, 2026 9AM to Noon
Joleen Green
Practice on Service or Personal Quilts
Workday
April 13, 2026 7PM
Ilene Bartos
"Quilted Leaves"
April 14, 2026 TBD
Ilene Bartos Workshop
"TBD"
May 11, 2026 7PM
Jane Darin
"Ups and Downs of Quilting"
May 12, 2026 9AM to 5PM
Jane Darin
"Fast, Fun and Furious Quilts from your Stash"
Workshop
June 8, 2026 7PM
OCQG Challenge Results
Potluck
"Red, White and Blue"
July 14, 2026 7PM
Shop Hop Sisters
"Fun Adventures in Area Shops"
OCQG Election