Creative Spark Event Team
16+ Hours of Content (Live & Recorded)
16+ Hours of Content (Live & Recorded)
Quilt Fusion is a two-day event all about quilt color, composition, and techniques! We gathered some of the best quilt experts to share all their pro tips, tricks, and techniques with you.
Day one will begin with three sessions of breakout rooms lasting 40 minutes. In each session, you’ll get to pick who you want to see LIVE and choose your learning adventure with just a click. Recordings of the other breakout rooms will be available to watch through your Creative Spark account and will never expire. We’ll finish the day off with our Keynote Speaker, Kathy Doughty.
About our Keynote Speaker: Kathy has taught internationally for quilt groups, guilds, shops, and events, including Empty Spools, MISA, QBL, AQS, L'Amour Du Fils, Quilters Affair, and more. She’s the C&T author of “Organic Appliqué,” “Mixing Quilt Elements,” and “Adding Layers Color Design & Imagination.” In Kathy’s keynote, she will share her journey of cultivating a distinct quilting style, helping you unlock your quilting potential along the way. Prepare to learn how to infuse your projects with a splash of excitement and individuality, while embracing your own signature style.
Day two will begin with a special edition of The Quilting Hour where Lee Monroe will be in conversation with Amy Smart and Heather Valentine to talk all about color and color design for quilts. After the lively color panel discussion, you will be able to dive into three sessions of the breakout rooms with more instructors! Take your pick and hang out with the experts you're most excited to see live. We’ll finish off the event with final raffle prizes but will be giving out prizes throughout the two days.
How do you get to watch the Live sessions? Let’s break down the breakout rooms:
You’ll get 8½ hours of live content in this two-day event using the magic of technology. Quilt Fusion will have nine 40-minute breakout rooms each day. You’ll pick three you want to see LIVE each day and choose your learning adventure with just a click. Recordings of the other breakout rooms will be available to watch through your Creative Spark account and will never expire.
A two-day LIVE, virtual event for learning everything about quilting—fabric scraps, color composition, modern quilting, quilt seams, and more—taught by expert instructors. Get ready for exciting demonstrations, quilty giveaways, and inspiration to fuel your future projects.
Kathy Doughty has dedicated her life to learning and experiencing every patchwork technique and global style possible. Kathy has taught internationally for quilt groups/guilds, shops, and at major events, including Empty Spools, MISA, QBL, AQS, L'Amour Du Fils, Quilters Affair, and more. Her career consists of designing quilts and fabric collections for Freespirit and Figo Fabrics, writing six books, and participating in the quilt industry at every level. Kathy aims to convert everyone to being as obsessed with quilting as she is!
Keynote Presentation: Make Confident Fabric Choice Beyond the Jelly Roll
Presentation Description: Ever catch yourself thinking, "I'm just not good at choosing fabrics"? Well, it's time to banish those doubts and add serious pizzazz to your quilts! Get ready to infuse your creations with excitement and uniqueness, all while expressing your distinctive style. In this inspiring keynote, Kathy will take you on a journey through her experience developing a personal quilting style to unlock your quilt potential.
Alex Anderson is a founding partner of The Quilt Show and The Quilt Life magazine and has authored 30 books. Her approachable quilting technique instruction, wealth of knowledge, and positive vibe make her one of the most sought-after instructors and lecturers in the international quilting and sewing industry.
Piece Like a Pro
Elevate your piecing skills with a few tool and thread changes! Alex shares tried-and-true tips that you don’t want to miss. From understanding issues with a bias to pressing like a pro, Alex shares a nugget of her knowledge with you from her years of quilting.
Amy Smart is the author of the popular blog, Diary of a Quilter, where she shares her passion for quilting. Amy has taught quilt classes, contributed to numerous books and magazines, and authored dozens of published quilt patterns. Her favorite part of teaching is helping new quilters get started and ‘catch the fever.’ Amy has also designed multiple fabric collections for Riley Blake Designs.
Amy is a guest on the special edition of The Quilting Hour on Friday.
Arounna Khounnoraj is a maker and textile artist living in Toronto, Canada. In her studio, she makes bags and original art. Arounna’s passion for creating and love for handmade items has allowed her to become a sought-after source as a mentor and educator, teaching, writing books, and traveling worldwide for workshops. These experiences have allowed her to meet creative people everywhere and to help instill the joy of creating.
Surface Design Fabric
Learn how to create different surface patterns on cloth using simple tools and materials that can be easily found in your home! In this demonstration, Arounna will make a surface design painting with soy milk, over-dyeing it with avocado pits, and painting it with iron water. Arounna will also demonstrate how to create a print using ink, potatoes, and other found objects for different textures, like bubble wrap and plant matter.
You may know Becky Goldsmith by her quilting name, Piece O’ Cake, the business she and Linda Jenkins started in 1994. Becky has been around the “quilting” block since then… writing books, patterns, and teaching. Her classes are upbeat and always full of helpful techniques to help you become a more confident sewist. She is a wife, mother, grandmother, lover of two cats and one grand-dog), and yoga teacher who strives to find balance in all things.
Which Colors Are Right for You?
Bold and bright or calm and quiet—how do you know the best choice for your quilt? In this demonstration, Becky will showcase quilts and talk about her color choices, explain why she made them, and—even better—tell you what she would change if she made the quilt again. The discussion will include how solids, prints (small and big), and directional fabrics work together to create the look you want.
Candyce Grisham has been sewing and quilting since she was a teenager; it has been her lifelong passion. She loves (almost) everything about quilting and has learned that sharing these skills is one of her greatest joys.
Piecing within a Shape as a Design Element
Learn how to play with your quilt designs and shapes, starting with the ever-versatile wedge! Candyce will share a treasure trove of tips and techniques that will transform your designs within this simple shape. She also shares how fabric choices can elevate your quilt game. The fun doesn’t stop there—Candyce shows how these tips can be applied to all sorts of shapes to make your crafting possibilities endless!
Carole Lyles Shaw is a contemporary quilt designer, author, and workshop teacher who has spoken at over 100+ guilds in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. In 2019, she launched virtual classes to attract students from all over the world. Her students find her classes inspiring and, above all, fun. Carole has featured articles in the Modern Quilt Guild Journal, Uppercase Magazine, Today's Quilter and Patchwork Magazine, and Love Patchwork and Quilting. Carole’s quilts have been juried into numerous national and international quilt and fine arts shows. In 2024, she will hold a solo exhibit at the Art Center in Sarasota, FL.
Eccentric Quilting: A Unique Approach to Quilting Your Modern Quilt
Your new quilt top is pieced, but now you may be wondering how to quilt that contemporary or modern quilt in a style that goes beyond ‘grid’ style quilting designs. Join Carole in a lively and action-packed demonstration where she'll walk you through the art of creating quilting designs with your unique and improvisational style. She calls it 'eccentric quilting,' which will revolutionize your game! During this session, Carole will share her tools and techniques for eccentric quilting. Get ready to go 'off the grid' using a walking foot, and discover the magic of heavyweight and variegated threads for an eccentric touch.
Christina Cameli has endeared herself to fans worldwide through her books and classes. Christina’s gentle, supportive spirit is equally suited to teaching quilting and her career as a nurse-midwife. She is never bored as a fabric designer for Maywood Studio and a non-stop quilt designer. Christina finds her greatest joys with scrappy patchwork, free-motion quilting, and wedge-based piecing. Christina is the author of five quilting books published by Stash Books, an imprint of C&T Publishing.
Using Fabric Scraps with Intention
Unlock the hidden potential of your fabric scraps! In this exciting session, Christina will show you how to harness the power of value in creating compelling compositions. A scrap stash can be overwhelming, but Christina will guide you through a straightforward approach to make the most of your leftover fabric treatures.
Heather Valentine, from The Sewing Loft, is a scrap fabric junkie, lover of colorful things, Frenchie "collector," and serial quilt block maker! After years of working as a technical designer in the garment industry, she switched gears and fell in love with the art of all things Quilty. Her design style blends traditional techniques with modern designs to create playful block patterns that are easy to make. In addition to designing quilt patterns, her debut fabric collection with Windham, Color Club, arrived in local quilt shops earlier this summer. Heather is a Baby Lock brand ambassador, Annie’s Creative Studio expert, and has served on the board of directors of the International Quilt Association.
How to Become Scrap Savvy
Learn tips and tricks to creating stunning quilt blocks from your treasured fabric scraps! Through the art of selecting, preparing, and harmonizing your fabric selections, Heather will guide you in creating mesmerizing quilt blocks that suit your personal style. Discover precise cutting and piecing techniques that ensure impeccable results that elevate your quilt blocks to new heights. You’ll leave the session feeling inspired and empowered, equipped with the knowledge and techniques to create captivating patchwork quilt blocks from your favorite fabrics.
Heather is a guest on the special edition of The Quilting Hour on Friday.
Judy Gauthier owns Bungalow Quilting in Ripon, Wisconsin, and is the author of six books by C&T Publishing. She is a designer for Studio e Fabrics and a faculty member at the International Quilt Festival in Houston. Judy has recently been a guest on Sewing with Nancy, a now-syndicated sewing show for Public Television. She loves to teach and get people excited about using most of their fabric stashes.
Demystifying the Color Wheel for Scrap Quilting
Discover the art of scrap organization and unleash your creativity! Learn innovative piecing and cutting techniques using your trusty tools. In this demonstration, Judy will guide you through the world of colors based on your vibrant scraps and help you discover the magic of the color wheel for a stunning quilt palette. Plus, Judy will give tips on incorporating previously unused, unloved, or hard-to-place fabrics into your quilting projects. Get ready to turn your fabric scraps into treasures!
Kelly Ashton is a BERNINA ambassador who approaches quilt design and construction with an appreciation for the theoretical while searching for and developing skills and shortcuts that are practical. Kelly is passionate about patchwork with a near-obsession about working with the 60-degree family of shapes. Kelly loves to teach as much as she loves to make quilts, and her teaching style is EPIC (Entertaining & Enthusiastic, Practical & Pragmatic, Interesting & Informative, Clear, Colorful, & Creative). You'll find her singing and playing in the kitchen when she isn't piecing, teaching, or dreaming quilts.
Partial Seams? "Y-Seams"? WTF (Wipe-out The Fear)!!!
Level up your patchwork skills and conquer those tricky seams like a pro! Join Kelly and dive into the fascinating world of partial seam technique and the infamous "y-seam" (set-in seam) technique, focusing on applying these piecing methods to the 60-degree family of patchwork shapes. In this fun session, Kelly will define "partial seam" and "set-in seam" while exploring their specific applications. Kelly will also show a variety of constructed quilt blocks using each technique with step-by-step demonstrations.
Lee Chappell Monroe has been creating since she first discovered crayons at the age of two! She loves everything fabric—from zippy pouches to queen-size quilts—and everything in between. With a love of color and bold graphic shapes, Lee enjoys designing patterns and teaching classes while sharing her adventures on her blog, maychappell.com. Lee is also a BERNINA Ambassador and Craftsy instructor. Lee lives in beautiful North Carolina with her dog, Agnes.
A Guide to Speedy & Accurate Sashing
Join Lee, an expert piecer and long-time problem solver in piecing, and learn her simple, foolproof steps to cut, mark, and piece your sashing like a pro. By the end of this session, you'll be itching to add sashing to your next project so that you can put these incredible techniques to the test! Get ready to elevate your quilting game and make your blocks pop like never before!
Lee is the host of the special edition of The Quilting Hour on Friday.
Lori Kennedy is the author of three books on machine quilting and the popular instructional website Lori Kennedy Quilts. She is best known for her whimsical quilt motif tutorials and video shorts found on BERNINA’s We All Sew blog. Lori makes quilting fun by breaking up the process into small, manageable steps every quilter can achieve. She prefers quilts with a hand-drawn look (over ruler perfection) and teaches quilters to doodle their way to better quilt design.
Motif Mania: Fun Motifs for Every Quilter
Meander no more! Dive into the world of quilting alongside Lori Kennedy as she unveils her most beloved designs. Sketch out charming motifs such as sailboats, owls, dogs, fish, and beyond. Next, master the art of selecting the perfect thread to bring your motifs to life. Uncover how these small yet intricate quilting details inject personality into your creations. Embark on a thrilling quilting journey filled with motif enchantment!
Maude MacDonald, the Retro Quilter, is a modern quilt pattern designer with a retro flare. She has been quilting since 2019 and a pattern designer since 2022, when she released her first pattern, Boogie Nights. Boogie Nights forced Maude to learn everything about sewing curves, and she hasn’t stopped sewing them since. Maude hopes to share her love for retro and curves with all quilters and to inspire folks to get out of their comfort zone and try something groovy! Maude quilts with the philosophy of “fun and done” and encourages practice to progress over perfection.
Tackle Curves Three Ways!
Get ready to up your quilting game and easily create stunning curves! Maude will discuss her tried-and-true cutting and template techniques, glue basting tips, and her expert pinning method for handling curves like a pro that has never failed her. Learn how to sew curves in three ways with confidence and no special tools required! Maude will also demonstrate her technique for flawless pressing that will give your quilts that perfect finish. Gear up to elevate your curving skills and effortlessly craft breathtaking quilts!
Meet Nicole Moore, the vibrant quilting guru behind Sew Much Moore. With years of experience under her sewing machine, she’s not just stitching fabrics, she’s stitching fun and functionality into every course she teaches! Known for her modern, contemporary style, Nicole is on a mission to help you turn those Pinterest board dreams into cozy, quilted reality. She's your go-to gal for learning to quilt like a pro, whether you're a newbie threading your first needle or a seasoned quilter looking to shake things up. So grab your fabric and let's create some quilt magic together!
Fussy Cutting with Foundation Paper Piecing
Discover how to strategically place fabrics to create visual intrigue and add layers of complexity to your designs! Join Nicole Moore to explore the basics of paper piecing and practical techniques accessible to beginners. Discover how you can strategically place fabrics to create visual intrigue and add layers of complexity to your designs. Say goodbye to wasted fabric with tips and tricks that make your materials go the extra mile. Whether you're new to the quilting scene or looking to up your skills, this demonstration will give you the tools you need to create more impactful and efficient projects.
Patty Murphy is the perfect mix of serious and sarcastic. She loves to laugh through teaching and wants everyone to leave class learning something and having fun! She has a lifetime of knowledge she's happy to share with you and is thorough without being a bore. You will leave class refreshed and inspired and learn great tips and techniques!
Aether Quilt: Creating a Rainbow
Dive into the fascinating world of the Aether Quilt—a captivating Orange Peel design that requires no curved piecing! In this session, Patty will take you through the magic behind this quilt's creation and why it works harmoniously. Prepare to embark on a colorful journey as she shares valuable insights on color placement, scale, hue, and value. You'll also explore various appliqué techniques, making this project accessible to quilters of all levels. Most of the session will be dedicated to honing your fabric placement and design skills. So, get ready to channel your inner artist and create your masterpiece!
Shannon Leigh Roudhán and Jason Bowlsby are the dynamic DIY duo from Seattle, Washington. Shannon and Jason have published 11 books, including the best-selling Boro & Sashiko and the newly released Contemporary Kogin-zashi from C&T Publishing. Their mastery of the subjects they teach (including history and evolution), enthusiasm, quirky sense of humor, and relatable teaching style have made them sought-after teachers in local and national venues. The “edu-tainment” experience of a class with Shannon & Jason will leave you informed, empowered, and in stitches (see what we did there?).
"DUCK" The Color Wheel - Color Theory for Regular People
Look at color from the point of view of someone who did not receive their master's in art history and just wants to have a little fun with some color combos. Shannon & Jason show you how to choose a color scheme when you have no idea where to start and talk about what colors look best to you, and why. Springboarding ideas for your personal color palates can be as easy as opening your closet door or flipping through the pages of your favorite magazines. They’ll even share one of their favorite (and probably unexpected) sources for color inspiration and a list of resources, including favorite books and apps for color inspiration. We all need a little inspiration boost sometimes. Join Shannon & Jason and see why (sometimes) ignoring the "rules" of color theory pays off!
Teresa Coates is a nationally known sewing educator, accomplished quilt maker, travel writer, pattern designer and relentless adventurer. She wants you to love sewing as much as she does!
Quiltmaking for Clothing
Learn how to upcycle your quilts and turn them into clothes! You've worked hard to develop your quilt-making skills, but sometimes you want to use those techniques for something other than quilting. It's the perfect time to put that know-how to use in your daily wear! Join Teresa for an inspiring discussion about giving new life to your quilts, seamlessly using your piecing skills for garment sewing, and jazzing up your wardrobe—whether store-bought or handmade—with some extra stitches and patchwork flair that’s all about showcasing your unique style.
Vicki Conley has been a professional artist for 40+ years, working with ceramics, printmaking, and art quilting. She lives in the mountains of sunny New Mexico, where she owns a gallery. Vicki enjoys teaching quilting techniques, hoping others can add them to their toolbox. The natural world inspires her work, and she’s most known for her national park art quilts.
Design Your Own Paper Piecing
with Special Bonus: Learn to design from Photos on the iPad
Learn how to design a foundation piecing pattern! Vicki Conley will show you how to create an abstract paper piecing pattern and how to use that pattern to make a beautiful ombré fabric by the way you label the pattern and sew the pieces. Use freezer paper or a fusible stabilizer to follow along in this demonstration. This beautiful background can then be used as a base for appliqué, stamping, stenciling or as a beautiful backdrop for a portrait. In the second half of the class, learn how to utilize Procreate on your iPad as a powerful design tool. Vicki's expertise extends to blending multiple free photos into your applique designs, elevating your skills to a whole new level. Tap into your artistic potential and design paper piece patterns like a pro!
As the Publisher of C&T Publishing for over 20 years, Amy Barrett-Daffin manages one of the leading craft publishers. Her love of quilts, embroidery, and crafts goes beyond the books she helps create and into her home studio. Amy has a special gift of putting color tools to work, whether pulling fabric, thread, beads, or yarn. You’ll find her teaching how to use the latest tools on C&T’s social media channels.
Color Tools Make Color Stories
Want to learn how to have pleasing colors every time? Check out Amy's demo of C&T's newest color tool, the Essential Color Card Deck! Amy will also show you how to use the color cards to create unique color stories, break out of your color rut, and learn about tints, tones, and shades. This dynamic session will elevate your color knowledge and take your color confidence to the next level.
Really enjoyed this very different event. Liked that there wasn't an investment in supplies or preparation time, just sit, listen, and watch. The organizers were very well prepared, even the tech part, it all went super smooth, very impressive. The instructors were also very well prepared. Lots of variety in the topics covered. Worth every penny. Will definitely sign up for more of these!
I just love all the online workshops that Creative Spark is organizing. I learn so much and am always inspired!
I’ve only scratched the surface. There are so many great teachers and tons of extras. This was my first zoom quilt event and it was so well organized and produced. I didn’t experience any glitches. Very professional.
Each of the sessions provided basic information, with helpful tips, for a technique; this included enough photos of examples to be helpful. I appreciate that these recordings will always be available, so I can refresh my knowledge when needed.
Gain improv piecing confidence with the help of a classic block! Using...
Choosing a quilting design is easier with this systematic approach to fi...
Make a gift or upgrade your pillows with the simple addition of a...
Perfect your piecing in just one course! Level up your quilt-planning sk...
Hand quilting adds beauty and texture that is stitched to last. Learn...
Quilt without creative barriers and experience the joy of creating uniqu...
Stash bust your fabric scraps!! You will be amazed at how easy it...
Create an art quilt featuring three charming donkeys using turned edge m...
Master appliqué techniques, from hand to machine, and create stunning pr...
Piece colorful scrappy circles with string quilting, master basic appliq...
Create wonky, modern quilt blocks from your scrap stash with no measurin...
Master Electric Quilt Software (EQ8) with a clear, concise intro to this...
Learn essential Procreate features and tools to create stunning art quil...
Master precision piecing with expert techniques for flawless quilt tops....
Discover easy, time-saving techniques for precise turned-edge appliqué. ...
Learn the secrets of using African prints in contemporary creative ways ...
Create a stylish statement accessory while you learn to mix and play...
Discover the art of textured appliqué motifs for vibrant quilts!
Watch the art unfold before your eyes! Learn to use simple design...
Explore the world of stunning and picturesque landscape quilts! Joyce Be...
Welcome, beginner quilters. In this skill building series, you will begi...
Y-seam secrets are revealed (but optional) and fabric values are explore...
The best color hack! Foolproof colorwork made easy with ombré fabrics. Y...
Foundation paper piecing makes the construction of the stunning, complex...
All you need is love, six fabrics and a little bit of help...
Learn to make a scrappy wonky log cabin block and all the finishing...
Make a contemporary quilt with the classic bear paw quilt block. Discove...
Improve your quilt piecing skills as your mystery quilt unfolds over twe...
Improve your color confidence with four color composition techniques.
Explore the fun of working with a full range of colors through ombré...
Let it snow beautiful "sewflakes" on your quilts! Create beautiful, intr...
Immortalize your pet in a beautiful quilted wall-hanging by turning your...