The guild sponsors many classes and workshops through the year, usually taught by our monthly speakers. It’s a fun way to learn new techniques and to get to know your fellow guild members.
Workshops are $45 Members, $50 Non-Members
REGISTRATION: You may register online for one or more workshops on this page and send your check by postal mail service. We do not accept credit cards or Pay Pal – just cash (in person) or checks. We must receive payment to reserve your place in the class. Please note that workshop fees are non-refundable; if you are unable to attend a workshop, you may find another person to take your place.
All classes are held at Celtic Quilter, 5080 S. 108th St, Omaha, NE.
CLASS: Pocket Compass Quiltworx Workshop
Connie Lange; August 13, 2024, 9:00 AM- 4:00 PM
The Pocket Compass pattern is a great beginner Quiltworx pattern to learn Judy Neimeyer’s Paper Piecing techniques. This pattern is constructed using three sections. Group J is comprised of eight center diamonds, Group G is a pieced border added to the center diamonds to make a 32” square. Group B is an outer border added to the quilt center.
You will get an introduction to Judy’s organization and detailed instructions, along with basic Paper Piecing techniques and curved piecing. This is a great pattern for beginners to try a new technique, and experienced quilters that have used other techniques to create a quick compass quilt.
Connie Lange, Norfolk, NE
Over 20 years ago, Connie took a class from Internationally known designer Judy Niemeyer, at Material Girl in Grand Island. Connie had tried paper piecing before, but she wasn’t satisfied with the process. The class was a revelation with Judy’s method of using paper templates to cut fabric and organizational tips for every step of the way. Using these techniques, even a difficult-looking quilt became much easier.
Connie began teaching Judy Neimeyer paper piecing patterns t years ago. She became a Certified Instructor for Quiltworx in 2015. As a Certified Instructor she is excited to share Judy’s techniques with beginners that have never paper pieced before, and others that are experienced piecers that have used other techniques.
$45 Members, $50 Non-Members
CLASS: Piano Keys
Sharon and Jackie; October 8, 2024; 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Come and make a stunning quilt that is a study in contrasting colors. This quilt uses two contrasting colors-light and dark. It does not need to be black and white or solids. However, stripes or directional fabric is not recommended.
Sharon and Jackie, SJQuilts.com
Sharon and Jackie are SJ Quilt Patterns: sisters, best friends, twins born 3 ½ years apart. Quilting is our art. We design traditional quilt patterns with a modern twist.
Giving someone a quilt is giving them a hug to snuggle up in when you can’t be there. We hope to inspire people to take their sewing machine out of the closet, dust it off, thread the needle, and start sewing.
Our goal is to provide patterns for all skill levels, where the only special tool you need is a desire to make something beautiful.
$45 Members, $50 Non-Members
CLASS: String Quilts Revisited
Sandi Griepenstroh; November 12, 2024; 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
“String Quilts” all based on the book: String Quilt Revival by Virginia Baker and Barbara Sanders. These blocks take the basic block (Block One) and elevate it to exciting new levels! Block Two includes a square in the center of the block to create a whole new focal point. Block Three uses a half square triangle ruler with some planned scrap placement to create a secondary design. Block Four uses a template in the center of a 6 1/2 inch foundation to end up with a four pointed star–It is fabulous! Finally, Block Five uses planned scrap placement to create a pretty secondary design using the absolutely simple basic block and looks like a twist around a pole when finished.
Sandi Griepenstroh, Ltdquilting.com
Sandi Griepenstroh has quilted for over 30 years, and taught quilting for over 15. She has been published in AQ Magazine, taught beginners at Central Community College, and taught at QNE 2014, 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2023. She was a co-chair for QNE in 2022, and has also taught at Threads in 2017, 2019, and 2022. Sandi started her longarm quilting business Lone Tree Designs Quilting (LTD Quilting) in the fall of 2009 and has quilted well over 1000 quilts using her hand-guided Nolting 24. She enjoys writing a blog on her website: ltdquilting.com. Sandi manages a Facebook page called Sewing with Sandi, and her business page LTDQuilting. She is a member of seven quilting guilds.
$45 Members, $50 Non-Members
CLASS: Patchwork by Hand
Yvonne Hollenbeck; February 11, 2025; 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Learn the age-old basics of hand piecing and discover how simple and relaxing this method of sewing can be. Students will receive a kit to make a simple nine-patch block with printed instructions, as well as be able to try out various types and sizes of needles, thread and notions used in constructing quilts. You will also receive many hints that will assist you with your hand work, whether it is attaching binding, making simple blocks, or attempting to make an award-winning heirloom quilt. You will receive hands-on assistance and it promises to be a rewarding and fun-filled class.
Yvonne Hollenbeck, yvonnehollenbeck.com
Although South Dakota ranch wife, Yvonne Hollenbeck, is one of the most published and award-winning cowgirl poets in America, she is also an avid quilter and quilt historian, especially regarding quilts made on the great plains. Born and raised a “farmer’s daughter” in the panhandle of Nebraska, Yvonne has a collection of family quilts spanning 150 years, all made by members of her family on farms and ranches on the prairies of Nebraska.
$45 Members, $50 Non-Members
CLASS: Underwater Basketweaving
Karen Burns, March 11, 2025, 9:00 am–4:00 pm
Underwater Basketweaving weaves color in and out, creating an optical illusion. It’s easier than it looks, and starts with 10″ squares. The scrap version and the two-color version look quite different. (I’ve had people argue with me that they aren’t the same pattern!)
59“ x 75“ (Scrap Version) 75” x 91“ (Two-Color Version)
Karen Burns, Warpedspinster.com
Karen has been a quilter for nearly half a century, and a teacher and pattern designer for 20 years. Karen’s goal as a designer and teacher is: “I just want everyone to have as much fun quilting as I have! Because if it isn’t fun, what’s the point? She also enjoys spinning, weaving, knitting, any fiber art.
Karen retired in 2013 from a career as a librarian, and is now able to pursue her (formerly part time) passions full time. Besides quilting, she enjoys spinning, weaving, knitting, embroidery, and just about any fiber art thing she can get her hands on. She lives in southwest Iowa in the U.S., in a home that can house her fiber passions. (She has thought about a tiny home, but hasn’t yet found one that can hold her sewing machines, longarm quilting machine, looms, and spinning wheels.)
She’s on Team Dog and Team Tea, and she loves all things chocolate. Oh, and popcorn. Can’t forget popcorn!
$45 Members, $50 Non-Members
CLASS: Easy Needle-Turn Applique Techniques
Patricia Beaver, April 8, 2025, 9:00 am–4:00 pm
This class is for everyone, even if you have not made a quilt. A sample kit and booklet will be given at the class. Patricia Beaver will teach you easy tricks to needle-turn applique. Because of Patricia’s great teaching style, you never know, you might even learn to love the technique!! The class will practice on Patricia’s sample, and she will help you with any patterns or projects you would like to start. Patricia guarantees that you will be taught how to make a perfect applique circle. This is a must try class!!
Patricia Beaver, Salina, KS
Back by popular demand! Patricia Beaver was here last year with her Crayon Color class. When she presented at our meeting, she mentioned that she can teach applique. Because of the wonderful style in which she teaches and presents, you cannot miss this class!!
$45 Members, $50 Non-Members
CLASS: Modified Quilt as You Go
Diane L. Murtha, May 13, 2025, 9:00 am–4:00 pm
Think of this technique as two-step quilting. This class yields perfect quilted blocks embellished with a variety of applique options, then assembled. Quilting thru each block and batting individually makes quilting easy for both new and experienced quilters alike – no bulk or awkward struggling with a large, sandwiched quilt. A great project for increasing accuracy, as well as small space quilting, like retreats, or in your RV! Add backing fabric and the second step quilting and you are done. Make any size quilt and applique in endless options.
Diane L. Murtha, dianeLmurtha.com
My Grandmother helped me with my first hand-sewn and tied quilt as a young girl, but I didn’t take my first quilting class until the late 90’s. From that moment on, I was hooked. I snatched any quilting time I could get, but a demanding career left minimal time for my quilting hobby, although I was very active in both my Heidelberg, Germany and Northern Virginia quilt guilds over the years. Like many of you, I started with mostly traditional quilting. Gradually I modified patterns more and more, making my quilts unique, as well as creating my own original designs. Over the last 8 years I gravitated to art quilts, specifically participating in art quilt challenges. An early retirement allowed me time to open my creative aperture to explore quilting on even more new levels!
$45 Members, $50 Non-Members
