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• IQI's Annual Fall Retreat

  • Start
    October 23, 2026
  •  
    3:00 PM
  • End
    October 25, 2026
  •  
    3:00 PM
  • Location
    Hyatt Regency Deerfield, 1750 Lake Cook Road, Deerfield, Illinois
  • Spaces left
    10

  Registration is closed

  Join us at the Deerfield Hyatt  for quilting, food, and fellowship.  Bring your project(s) and sewing supplies.  The hotel will provide a light dinner Friday night, three meals Saturday and breakfast on Sunday morning. Go to bed early or stay up sewing all night. Each of us will have a 6-foot work table, but cutting and ironing stations are shared. And bring your show-and-tell! We'd love to see your work. 

  
  

  
  

  Payment Information:

  We are trying very hard to have most transactions go through the website using a credit card. The website is directly tied to our bank account and provides Ellen Pomes, our Treasurer with reports and deposits. It is much less work for Ellen if you pay by credit card. 

  We have initiated a procedure that if you wish to pay in two installments, the first one must be paid by credit card using the site. This automatically creates a report of registrations that will need to be invoiced. 

  If you don't pay by credit card--you will receive invoices automatically until the payments are reconciled. This is true if you use Zelle, pay by check, or give Ellen cash. We prefer that you don't pay in cash. 

  Meals: 

  If you have any special food requirements, send an email to Ellen Pomes.

  pomesellen@gmail.com 

  Mail-in Registration:

  If you need to send a check or register by mail please print and mail this form in either Word or PDF format:

  2026 Fall Retreat Registration form.docx

  2026 Fall Retreat Registration form.pdf
  

  
  

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• IQI Holiday Party

  • When
    December 03, 2026
  •  
    6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    Lutheran Church of the Ascension

   

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• Lecture: : "The Art of Realistic Fiber Art" with Bonnie Langenfeld VIA ZOOM

  • When
    January 07, 2027
  •  
    6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    ZOOM Lecture

  Bonnie Langenfeld covers the essential art elements and techniques for realism, e.g. using lines of perspective and use of color for depth. It explains much of what she has developed over several years, specifically regarding fabric choices and stitching techniques, as well as how to construct a fabric picture, and much more. Many pictures of her in-progress work, and completed pieces will be shown. It's 'threaded' with humor and enthusiasm. Audience questions are welcome.

  
  

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• "A Fresh Take on Traditional Patterns" with Lynn Dykstra

  • When
    February 04, 2027
  •  
    6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    Lutheran Church of the Ascension, Northfield

  Traditional blocks and patterns are the backbone of quilt making. Let us take a look at how they can take a refreshed look with alternate approaches. We have much to learn from the Modern Quilt movement, by using new construction techniques, and by taking alternate approaches to these blocks. Lynn will bring quilts that take these traditional blocks as a guide.

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• A Fresh Look at the Simple 4-Patch with Lynn Dykstra

  • When
    February 06, 2027
  •  
    9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    Lutheran Church of the Ascension
  • Spaces left
    17

  Register

  The 4-Patch is often a beginning sewer’s entry into the world of quiltmaking. Let us spend the day returning to it and see how versatile and rewarding simple sewing can be. Several layout ideas will be offered.
  Your creativity will be sparked by the choices of fabrics you bring to the table.
  Novices and Experts are welcome!

  
  

  We will:

  -Celebrate the simplicity of the 4-patch block
  -Look at examples of 4-patch quilts
  -Decide on a setting style for your quilt
  -Getting started on blocks for your quilt
  
  NOTE: There is a sewing machine or no sewing machine option for 
  

  Supplies:

  Preparation BEFORE class:
  A preparation sheet will be provided before the workshop. I HIGHLY recommend you coming with the preparation steps done. You can still have a successful day waiting to do these steps during the workshop, but you will see more progress by having them completed before the workshop.

  The Workshop Packet will be available by email for home printing at no cost. Bring the packet to the workshop.
  Email Lynn to have the packet emailed to you.
  Lrdykstra@aol.com
  A limited number of workshop packets will be available for $15 the day of the class paid directly to Lynn with cash or Venmo.
  Email Lynn to reserve a packet: Lrdykstra@aol.com
  

  (Watch for complete workshop packet to be emailed to you with the pre-workshop prep-sheet and the complete supply sheet.)

  
  -Bring cutting mat/cutter/ruler and pins or clips to group your block decisions.
  -Ruler: I like to use a 6 by 12-inch ruler.
  -If sewing, also bring your machine and all needed to piece.
  If not sewing, bring lots of pins!
  
  SPECIAL SUPPLIES

  Fabric choices are up to you. Here are a few suggestions:
  -A genre of scraps with a constant contrasting solid or print.
  Suggested genres could be low volumes, 30s reproductions, patriotic, plaids, etc.
  -All solid scraps in a tight color range with a constant contrasting solid .
  -Scraps of all values and genres divided into darks and lights
  
  The workshop materials will be based on 2 ½ inch squares for the 4-patches. If you decide to make double 4-patch blocks, the setting pieces will be cut 4 ½ inches.
  You are free to adapt the pattern to any size you prefer working with, such as 1 ½ inch squares, 2 inch squares, 3 inch squares, etc.
  
  Will you finish a top? No! But we will get a lot done!

  
  

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• "Everything but the Cotton" with Julia McLeod

  • When
    March 04, 2027
  •  
    6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    Lutheran Church of the Ascension, Northfield

   

  When quilters don’t have access to a stash of quilter’s cotton, what do they turn to? In this one hour lecture, trunk show and Q & A session we will explore quilts – antique and modern – made of wool, silk, polyester and more. We’ll observe how the use of unusual materials gives rise to alternative construction techniques and design choices..

  

  The trunk show of Julia’s work shows what you can create with neckties, saris, kimonos and other unusual, ‘not cotton’ textiles.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Julia McLeod is a quilt maker, presenter, instructor, quilt judge and author living and working in Northern California’s San Francisco Bay Area.

  She specializes in making quilts from rescued textiles, particularly silks. Neckties, saris, kimonos and furnishing fabrics all find their way into her quilts.

  
  

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• Earn Your Stripes with Julia McLeod

  • When
    March 05, 2027
  •  
    9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
  • Location
    Lutheran Church of the Ascension
  • Spaces left
    16

  Register

  
  

  Make stripey blocks two ways: On the straight and narrow, or by exploiting the bias. Use up stash scraps, deconstructed neckties or up cycled clothing to create striped blocks; neat and precise or curiously curved.

  
  

  Supplies:

  • From stash scraps, deconstructed neckties or clothing, cut strips of varying widths

  (from 1” to 2” wide). For the first technique, strips can be cut on the straight of grain; across the width of fabric or running parallel to the selvedge.

  • For the second technique of curved stripes, cut strips on the bias. The bias runs diagonally in relation to the selvedge of your fabric. Strips should be 9” or longer. If cutting neckties, cut long strips in line with the length of the tie: Neckties are already cut on the bias. Cut freehand. Precision is not important at this stage.

  • 1/2 yd quilters cotton fabric with a design of printed stripes. Any color or scale. Wait for cutting instructions in class.

  • 1/2 yd quilters cotton, any plain color or subtle print from your stash. Wait for cutting instructions in class.

  • Sewing machine, cord and pedal, bobbins

  • Thread in a neutral color

  • Scissors, thread snips and seam ripper

  • Rotary cutter with a good blade

  • Cutting mat and ruler

  • Iron and ironing surface

  • Pins

  • Regular presser foot

  • Notebook/Sketchbook and pen/pencil

  See Julia’s work at www.juliamcleodquilts.com or on Instagram @juliamcleodquilts

  Questions? Contact Julia at juliamcleodquilts@gmail.com

  
  

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• Starting with Silk with Julia McLeod

  • When
    March 06, 2027
  •  
    9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    Lutheran Church of the Ascension
  • Spaces left
    16

  Register

  Many of us have silk treasures from trips abroad, neckties or prom dresses that are too special to cut up so we leave them tucked away in a drawer or box. It’s time to get them out and make something beautiful!

  
  

  

  This workshop has three elements: You’ll begin by determining the fiber content of your fabrics by using the burn test. We will then cover two very different ways to work with silk: First, a very free, improvisational crazy piecing technique and second, a foundation piecing method that gives stability and ultra-precise results, even with the lightest weight silks.

  Working with your stash, you’ll construct elements in these two techniques that can be combined into a small, pillow-sized finished piece.

  Supplies:

  To prepare for this class, watch these short videos on How to Deconstruct a Necktie and Applying Fusible Interfacing. 

  This 3 minute video describes Starting with Silk in more detail.

  • This class can be completed using about 10 neckties. Other silks from scarves, furnishings and clothing are also suitable. Avoid super sheer silk chiffon.

  • For the background of the Flying Geese; about 1/4 yd of plain, contrasting fabric; silk dupioni or quilters cotton.

  • 1 or 2 yds lightweight iron-on fusible interfacing. Good lightweight choices are Pellon's P44F, 906F and SF101 or Quilters Select Fabric Prep

  • 4 pieces lightweight pre-washed cotton muslin 6” x 10”

  • Sewing machine, cord and pedal, bobbins

  • Thread in a neutral color

  • Scissors, thread snips and seam ripper

  • Rotary cutter with a good blade

  • Cutting mat and ruler

  • Iron and ironing surface

  • Pins

  • Regular presser foot or walking foot.

  • Notebook/Sketchbook and pen/pencil

  Questions? Contact Julia at juliamcleodquilts@gmail.com

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Lecture: "Gradations" with Chris Lynn Kirsch

  • When
    April 01, 2027
  •  
    6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    Lutheran Church of the Ascension, Northfield

   

  Gradations can produce lovely effects in your quilts. Discover fun ways to use the gradation fabrics you may already own. Then learn how to choose a gradation of colors and/or values for your next quilt. A trunk full of quilts will be shared.

  

  
  

  Chris Lynn Kirsch is passionate about quilting. She is a quilt maker, designer, teacher, and author from Watertown, Wisconsin. Her award winning quilts have been exhibited internationally.

  Learn more at:

  www.chrisquilts.net
  

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• Seminole Sampler with Chris Lynn Kirsch

  • When
    April 02, 2027
  •  
    9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Location
    Lutheran Church of the Ascension
  • Spaces left
    15

  Register

  Simple strip piecing, cross-cutting and straight or diagonal re-sewing, can add a border that takes your quilt from simple to simply fantastic. Samples of a number of different Seminole patterns will be made to keep as a reference for future projects, or they may be stitched into your own “Seminole Sampler”.

  
  

  
  

  Supplies:

  1. Basic Sewing Supplies (pins,fabric scissors, ripper, name tag, etc.)
  2. Sewing machine (bring instruction manual and all feet)
  3. June Tailor Shape Cut™ ruler (optional)
  4. Rotary cutter, mat and ruler (6″x12″ or close to that size)
  5. Thread in a neutral color
  6. A kit will be provided at a cost of $15/student. The kit will include all the fabric necessary to make 5 different border samples

  Map:

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Compass Capers with Chris Lynn Kirsch

  • When
    April 03, 2027
  •  
    9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    Lutheran Church of the Ascension
  • Spaces left
    16

  Register

  Traditional mariner’s compass quilts are beautiful, but can be difficult and time consuming to piece. This class will change that! Learn to draft a traditional compass using only a pencil, ruler and paper folding techniques. Then sew directly on the pattern using paper piecing – no math or templates! Once the technique is learned, compasses can be made any shape and any size

  Supplies:

  -Basic Sewing Supplies (pins, paper & fabric scissors, ripper, name tag, etc.)

  -Sewing machine

  -Bring one of the following: small iron & ironing surface, wooden finger iron, or small wall paper seam roller

  -Rotary cutter, mat and ruler (6″x24″)

  -Add-a-quarter ruler (optional)

  -Mechanical pencil

  -Colored pencils

  -Transparent tape

  -Fabric:

  1 yard “border” – this is the fabric the compass will be placed on. A multicolor print works well here.

  1/2 yard light background (behind points)

  1/4 yard each of a light and dark value of three different colors (6 fabrics total). These fabrics will make up the points of the compass. The light and dark value of each of the colors gives the points a 3-dimensional look. Pull these colors from the multicolor border fabric.

  Note: Chris will provide paper for drafting the compass.

  Map:

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Lecture: : Trunk show with Sue DiVarco, Mary Meyers, and Martha Ross-Mockaitiis

  • When
    May 06, 2027
  •  
    6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    Lutheran Church of the Ascension, Northfield

  Join us for a trunk show given by our talented members Sue DiVarco, Mary Meyers, and Martha Ross-Mockaitis.

  Details to follow.

  
  

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• IQI Schoolhouse

  • When
    May 08, 2027
  •  
    9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    Lutheran Church of the Ascension
  • Spaces left
    20

  Register

  

                                                                                                                              We will have three schoolhouses given by our members. 

  You will have time to do all over the course of the day. 

  
  

  The longer one is:

  Curved Piecing using Accuquilt with Mary Myers, Jan Skilbeck, and Ellen Pomes. 

  Supplies:

  -fabric for your project or samples, fat quarters or larger. If you prefer you may use IQI fabric to make a block for a service quilt.

  -sewing machine and usual sewing supplies including pins

  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  The second one is:

  Binding your quilt with Karen Courtright

  
  

  Karen is known by most of us for her quilt binding skills.  Come and learn her technique for a beautiful, nonbulky finish to your quilt.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Supplies:

  Please print these instructions and bring them with you:

  Binding Demo.pdf

  A finished quilt project (at least 24" square); or make up a dummy quilt sandwich

  -Fabric to make your binding

  -Seam gauge

  -Thread, pins, snip scissors

  -sewing machine and general sewing supplies

  -(optional) cutting mat and rotary cutter 

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  The third one is:

  Making Complex Quilting Designs Simple with Deborah Himelhoch

  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Learn how to quilt a line drawing or transformed photograph onto your quilt using inexpensive newsprint.

  Supply list:

  -quilt sandwich (It can be the same one you are using for binding.)

  -sewing machine with free motion capabilities, free motion foot, usual sewing supplies

  -threads to contrast with your quilt

  -#2 pencil or similar

  -a couple of straight pins

  -tweezers to help pick out paper

  Various designs will be provided. If you want something special, please contact Deborah at least a week before the class. dahimelhoch@verizon.net 

  Map:

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• June Potluck, Annual Meeting and Challenge Quilts

  • When
    June 03, 2027
  •  
    6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    Lutheran Church of the Ascension, Northfield

      

  Wrap up the year with the June Potluck, election of officers and other guild business, challenge quilt display and voting, and show and tell.  It is always fun and a great way to welcome the summer. More details to follow  

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