My lectures are entertaining and informative. I aim in particular to inspire attendees to broaden the range of fabrics and fibers they use in their quilts. I love to travel for in person engagements and am fully equipped to deliver lectures via Zoom.
Lecture fee for engagements thru end Dec 2027: $450 via Zoom, $500 in person. All presentations last 45 to 60 minutes and include a trunk show of my quilts.
Fees for engagements Jan 2028 and beyond: $500 via Zoom, $550 in person.
“It was joyous to see your work!” – Deb, Quilters Anonymous, Seattle
‘We received very positive feedback about the lecture and presentation ‘Everything but the Cotton’ you did for us. We will be hosting a members ‘upcycle’ trunk show and you were the inspiration’. Barbara, Allatoona Quilters Guild
Ghost Quilts
Inspired by Depression-era quilts, Ghost Quilts are created by layering a new, sheer quilt over an older, well-worn quilt. The original quilt becomes the hidden layer—or “ghost”—beneath the new surface. Its blocks and patterns remain faintly visible, creating unexpected secondary designs as the two quilts merge into a single work.
In this lecture, I demonstrate the techniques I use to create these layered quilts, including working with sheer fabrics, cutting away layers, trapping objects between fabric surfaces, and piecing extremely fine fabrics.
The Lone Robin
When the Covid 19 pandemic hit, I devised The Lone Robin as a fun project for quilters in my two guilds. Part mystery quilt, part Round Robin, instructions were given each month and we built our quilts, safely in our own sewing rooms, month by month and round by round. This lecture tells the story of the quilt I made and the varied fabrics and techniques I included. You’ll also see Lone Robin quilts made by members of San Francisco Quilt Guild and East Bay Heritage Quilters, each maker interpreting the directions in their own unique way.
Rescue Me!
From vintage ‘orphan’ quilt blocks to long-forgotten linens, from textiles collected on travels overseas to thrift-shop clothing finds, many fabrics are too precious to be left hidden away. In this presentation I show how I transform these treasures into vibrant new quilts, sharing both inspiring stories and practical techniques for working with unusual materials. This one-hour lecture includes a slide show, trunk show, and Q&A.
Everything But the Cotton
When quilters don’t have cotton, they get creative. From wool and silk to polyester, neckties, saris, and kimonos, quilters have always turned to unexpected textiles to make their art. In this lively one-hour program, I share antique and modern examples of “not cotton” quilts, along with a trunk show of my own work that proves just how inspiring unconventional fabrics can be. Includes time for Q&A.
Patchwork Luxe: Silk Quilts through the Ages
Learn about silk quilts through the ages. From treasured neckties to shimmering kimonos and saris, silk has found its way into quilts for centuries. Join me on a journey along the “Silk Road” to explore the history of silk in patchwork, see inspiring examples past and present, and learn techniques for working with this most luxurious fabric. This one-hour program features a slide show, trunk show, and time for Q&A.