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
Social Mixer Kickoff
We will begin the evening with a relaxed social mixer—an easy, friendly way to get to know fellow guild members. Whether you’re new to the group or a long-time member, it’s a great chance to chat, mingle, and make new quilting friends.
Favorite Apron Show & Tell
Do you have an apron with a story? Maybe it’s one you sewed yourself, inherited from a loved one, or wear proudly in your sewing room. Bring your favorite apron and share the tale behind it during our special Show & Tell segment!
Traditional Bingo with Quilty Prizes
We’ll wrap up the night with some classic bingo—quilter-style! Join in for a chance to win fun quilt-related prizes that may inspire your next project.
Snacks Welcome!
If you feel inspired to bring a snack or treat to share, please do! A little something sweet (or savory) makes the evening even more delightful.
January 12, 2026 7PM Zoom
Sarah Ruiz
Aerospace Engineer & Quilter
Sarah is a modern quilter, engineer, and creative storyteller known for her bold use of color, clean geometric designs, and thoughtful approach to quilt making. Her work has been featured in quilt shows, publications, and online tutorials that blend precision with playfulness.
In addition to quilting, Sarah has been employed as an engineer at NASA’s Johnson Space Center since 1997. Her most ‘glamorous’ role was working as a flight controller for the space shuttle from 2005-2011.
During our virtual gathering, Sarah will:
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Share her quilting journey — how she balances engineering and creativity, what inspires her designs, and the evolution of her style.
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Show a selection of her quilts — including works-in-progress, favorite finishes, and pieces that highlight her unique design approach.
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Offer insights and tips — from color choices and piecing techniques to finding your own creative voice.
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Answer questions — so come curious and ready to engage!
Zoom link and meeting details will be emailed to members the week of the event. We will start at 7pm sharp with the guest speaker, then follow with the usual business meeting. This meeting will be 100% zoom meeting, no in-person meeting at the church.
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 7PM
Joleen Green
"Quick Tie Quilt Method":Fast, Finished and Fabulous
Looking for a fast, attractive way to finish your quilts—without sacrificing durability or style? The Quick Tie Quilt Method may be just what you need! This wonderful technique can be used on any size or type of quilt, from table runners and baby quilts to twin and king-size quilts. It works beautifully on pieced or whole-cloth quilts, and on fabrics such as cotton or flannel, making it an excellent choice for quilts that get lots of use and frequent laundering.
One of the great advantages of the Quick Tie method is its flexibility. You can use it for the entire quilt or combine it with hand or machine quilting to complement and embellish your pieced design. The process is portable and easy—no hoop required—though you’re welcome to use a hoop or quilting frame if you prefer. Best of all, it creates a hand-finished look without the fuzzy yarn ends often associated with traditional tying. Quick Tie truly lives up to its name: it’s quick, easy, and effective.
This is the perfect technique to help you finish those quilts you’ve been working on all winter, last year’s lingering project, or that special quilt needed for a new baby or graduate.
The Quick Tie method was developed by Jolene Green, who will be sharing both verbal and written instructions, along with a trunk show of quilts made using this technique. You won’t believe your eyes—these quilts must be seen to be appreciated!
Please bring your thimble and small scissors to the meeting. If you have fabric and batting remnants to make a quilt sandwich close to fat quarter size, bring some along to get started practicing the quick tie before moving on to a quilt. It will help to have a practice project to take home to help you start your own project later. We will have #8 pearl cotton available but feel free to bring some if you have some to use up.
March 10, 2026 9AM to Noon
Joleen Green
Quick Tie Method Practice Day
Ready to try the Quick Tie Quilt Method for yourself? Join us for a Quick Tie Method Practice Day on Tuesday, March 10, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, for a relaxed, hands-on opportunity to learn and practice this fast and effective finishing technique.
Bring your own quilt sandwich to work on, or keep it simple by bringing two fat quarters and a batting square to practice the method. Whether you’re finishing a nearly complete quilt or just testing the technique, this practice day is designed to help you build confidence and skills at your own pace. The service committee will also have red, white, and blue service quilts available to work on in order to meet our goal of 250 quilts.
Jolene will be on hand throughout the morning to provide guidance, answer questions, and offer tips as you work. This is a great chance to get one-on-one help and see how the Quick Tie method works in real time.
Best of all, there is no cost for this workshop—just bring your materials and your enthusiasm. Come for the whole time or drop in as you’re able, and enjoy a fun, productive morning with fellow quilters!
April 13, 2026 7PM
Ilene Bartos
"Borders"
Please join us on Monday, April 13 at 7:00 pm for an engaging and inspiring program with quilt artist Ilene Bartos, who will be presenting on one of quilting’s most important design elements: borders. Borders can frame a quilt, enhance the central design, add movement, or completely transform the finished piece—and Ilene will show us how to make them work intentionally and beautifully.
Ilene has been working with fiber arts and quilting for over thirty years, designing both traditional and art quilts. She lives in Urbandale, Iowa, and brings a wealth of experience and a thoughtful design perspective to her work. Using examples from her own quilts and others, Ilene will explore a variety of border styles, design considerations, and creative approaches that go far beyond simply “finishing the edges.”
Whether you’re unsure how to choose the right border or looking for fresh ideas to elevate your quilts, this program promises practical insights and plenty of inspiration for quilters at every level. We hope to see you there!
April 14, 2026 TBD
Ilene Bartos Workshop
"Fall Leaf"
Learn how to enhance a simple leaf shape with fun techniques including: raw-edged appliqué, satin stitching, herky-jerky quilting, foiling, beading, and making a copper wire hanger. Your choice of six leaf patterns (approximately 13”x14”).
Individualized kits will be available to purchase in class for $65 or $75 (depending on fabrics) and will include everything needed to make the top and binding - including the leaf pattern of your choice from seven options. You always have the option of bringing your own fabrics (pattern only is $10). Beads-foils-threads-copper kits will all be available for purchase in class if needed.
The cost for this all-day class is $30, payable at the time of registration.
Learn more about Ilene at her website - https://www.ilenebartos.com/
May 11, 2026 7PM
Jane Darin
"Ups and Downs of Quilting"
Our May 11 guild meeting will feature quilter Jane Darin and her inspiring lecture, “Using Your Scraps and Stash.” This presentation is perfect for anyone looking to make the most of their fabric collection—whether you’re buried in scraps, guarding a treasured stash, or somewhere in between. Originally from Battle Creek, MI, Jane discovered her passion for quilting when she moved to the Quad Cities in 1998.
Jane shows how to take simple quilt units and turn them into spectacular quilts by thoughtfully combining scraps with fabrics from your stash. She discusses practical strategies for conquering piles of leftover fabric and demonstrates how accents, borders, and supporting fabrics can bring everything together into a cohesive, beautiful design.
A key focus of the lecture is the importance of color, value, and fabric choice. Through slides featuring a variety of quilts, Jane illustrates how different fabric decisions can dramatically change the look of the same basic design, encouraging quilters to trust their eye and experiment with confidence.
In addition to the slide presentation, attendees will enjoy a trunk show of many of Jane’s quilts, offering a close-up look at how these techniques come together in finished pieces. The quilts on display provide plenty of inspiration and practical ideas that members can apply to their own projects.
May 12, 2026 9AM to 5PM
Jane Darin
"Fast, Fun and Furious Quilts from your Stash"
Workshop
Floating Tiles (78” x 78”): This pattern by Jane Darin may look complex but it is fun & easy. Learn some ways to scrap piece faster along with a short lesson in applique. Instruction and pattern provided.
The cost for this all-day class is $25, payable at the time of registration.
Learn more about Jane at her blog at Theupsanddownsofquilting.blogspot.com
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