January 12:   Button It Up Quilt Challenge

Our members have been challenged to create projects that use buttons, the word "button" or button prints.  It will be great fun to see how buttons have inspired some unique creations!

February 9:  Marla Day, Curator of Kansas State University Historic Costume and Textile Museum, presents Dress for Success: Nelly Don and the American Fashion.

You can’t mention 20th-century women’s wear without thinking of Nelly Don. The Parsons native built a fashion empire on the vision that women deserved affordable, stylish clothing regardless of means or status. From humble beginnings, Don built a company that treated her workforce of women fairly, brought fashion to millions of American women, and became the largest dressmaker of the century. Ellen “Nell” Quinlan Donnelly’s story is one of innovation, triumph, and hard work—all rooted in her small-town Kansas upbringing. 

March 9: Kathy Menzie presents "Landscaping with Fabric, Not Dirt." 
I am a quilt artist from Topeka, Kansas. Although I have sewn all my life, I didn’t begin quilting until 2015. After a career in public relations and higher education, I retired and had time to quilt. A new direction took me from making quilts for beds, to making quilts that hang on the wall. I use mostly my own photos for scenes and designs. The techniques involve using fused fabric, raw edge quilting, and thread painting to create all of my art quilts.

My inspiration and ideas come from scenes in Kansas and from the places I’ve traveled. Most of my quilts are representational, but there are also elements of folk art and whimsy in many of the designs.

Afternoon workshop: Tree Workshop 

The technique Kathy will be teaching is different than the collage we've seen before. This supply list looks a little daunting, but it's mostly items you have around the house.  You can see samples of Kathy's work and read a little more about this workshop on her website.  You can be as creative as you like.  Come join the fun!  Class fee is $40.

April 13: Quilt Guild Round Robin Mini Lessons
Learn or get a new take on skills from our very own members. 

Mimi Benedick - Sashiko

Carla Williams: Punch Needle

Lori Gray: Making Perfect Flying Geese

Dona Koster: Making Perfect Circles

May 11: Laura Soelter Presents Tackling that SABLE One Quilt at a Time (STASH ACQUIRED BEYOND LIFE EXPECTANCY)

This month we are featuring our member, Laura Soelter.  Laura joined our guild in 2025, coming from Abilene and parts beyond. 

June 8: Candy Grisham
Candy was scheduled in January 2025, but had to cancel due to weather. She will be with us to share Reimagined Dresden Quilts and Blocks.

I have been fascinated with fabric, sewing and quilting since the age of nine, when I took my first sewing class and won a prize for my corduroy jumper and print shirt. When I saw an ancestor’s quilt in the Smithsonian at age thirteen, I was hooked. I taught myself to quilt from a book and used cardboard templates and scissors to make my first quilt, a Log Cabin. It has been a love affair ever since.

I love using fabrics, themes and colors from nature, but also lean more and more to bright fabrics with prints. Many of my works have a “traditional with a twist” quality. I rely on inspirations from generations gone by and put a contemporary feel to my designs.

Afternoon workshop: Hollyhocks Wall Hanging 

Participants will create a small wall hanging with a single type of Dresden Plate made with modified edges, leaves, and stems to create a flower arrangement. The workshop requires an 18 degree wedge template. Hollyhocks Wall Hanging Supply List. Participants who are interested in making a second option should bring 5-6 additional fat quarters or an equivalent.  Class fee is $40 plus the cost of the pattern.

July 13: Lorelai Kuecker presents Stitch by Stitch, a Youth Quilting Journey

Pigs in a Blanket Quilting is a youth-owned business that creates unique artwork, innovative designs, and inspires other young artists.  You can hardly miss seeing Lorelai at quilt shows, on Facebook, and in area quilt stores.  She is taking the quilting world by storm.  Lorelai says, "I have embarked on a crazy adventure through quilting, designing, and now, garment sewing! What began as a box of fabric strips, is now my passion!

August 10: Deb Rowden: My Scrap Obsession

Note: The meeting location this month only is Pottorf Hall, 1710 Avery, Manhattan.

Deb has shared that she is a fifth generation Kansan from Lawrence. However, she was born in Manhattan with roots in Pottawatomie County and holds a degree from Kansas State in Home Economics and Journalism which led to an editorial career. During her final decade in this field, Deb was editing quilt books, which she considered a "dream job."

Deb has collected and made many quilts. In retirement, she sews for the joy of it, chasing a longtime dream of finding her own voice.

Deb's current fascination is improvised quilts, made with fabrics gathered over the years.  Many are thrift shop shirts, as well as scraps...lots of scraps. Deb looks forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones.

September 14: Nicole Moore presents The Quilted Path

Nicole describes her work as "hip, modern, trendy, and handmade." From my humble beginnings to my own quilt designs, I will take you on my own creative journey.  This presentation showcases a chronological review of my various quilts and projects while discussing the inspiration and technique behind each one.

Afternoon Workshop: Turntables Mini Quilt

This workshop will focus on mastering curves and blocks.  The project is a small quilt or wall hanging. Watch for more information later.  Class fee is $40 plus the cost of a pattern.

October 12: Klonda Holt: My Quilting Journey

Klonda Holt is an experienced instructor from the Kansas City area.  She frequently teaches classes at KC Maker, the Fabric Chic, and Harper’s.  Klonda will take us through her quilting journey with a trunk show of a variety of quilt styles and quilting techniques.

November 9: Presentation of Quilts of Valor and Quilts from the Heart

December 14:  Holiday Party: Food, Fun, and Fellowship