Empty Spools, 2026

This is one reason you go to Empty Spools. There are many others! For 42 years Empty Spools has hosted some of the most influential and inspiring artists from across the globe. The very foundation upon which current textile art and quilting stands has been built in part by those who have taught there. I pinch myself that I have taught there for 5 years and am scheduled to teach in 2027.

I had the most wonderful visit this year in Session 1. My class was packed and full at 20. This is an independent study class where each student brings a project they want to work on and I help them with design, quilting and more. I had 3 students that were brand new to free motion quilting, having never lowered their feed dogs. And I had several very advanced students. I had to rise to the occasion as I have never had 20 in independent study!

But wait, there’s prep before I get there:

651 pages, yup. I do a lot of handouts because I know you don’t remember all you were exposed to in class. And I also don’t want students to try to take notes as they are learning a new design or technique. This way I go home with them.

I’m not sure why, but I had less stuff than last year. I did bring 3 machines too; good thing I did. Because I am in my car, I bring extra machines in case someone’s machine blows up in class. You don’t want to pay all that money and take all that time just to be left without a machine to use. The rental machines are all lent out, so this way students can keep going.

This was the nicest room I’ve had. The Center is a historical site, so there are significant restrictions on what can be done. I have previously been in an older area where the rooms are lovely but smaller and darker. I appreciated this lovely retro room!

Apparently I was not authorized to be in this area.

So, on to the classroom:

Look at that glorious classroom! We were in a walk-out basement type of situation, but we got plenty of afternoon sun. This room made a huuuuuge difference! The previous 4 years I was in cramped quarters with little room for extra tables and no room for quilt racks. This room had an abundance of large moveable tables, decent lighting and lots of room to move in! It was luxurious to be able to have space to display, gather round, and lay out quilts for discussion.

Yes, all that made me very happy and yes, I DID skip a few times!

I caught this little vignette one afternoon as the sun hit my work. I love the texture of free motion quilting!

The class was the BEST I could have possibly asked for. The class became an organic thing, coming together, helping each other, lending encouragement, support, and joy. It was just so cool to see it emerge. We had a few finishes while there:

Trish brought this quilt to work on in class. She added the butt stitching and the tattoo…

and she also decided to add trapunto to the butt, and the martini glass!

She didn’t want the other ladies to feel left out so she trapunto’d the other lady butts too!

You may not understand this concept, but….

Kathy made a quilt for herself!! She was very pleased with the result and had to do a test drive.

Katherine from last year’s class dropped by to show off this beauty:

Beautiful painting and the perfect edited quilting. I think she’s happy with the result!

On the last night, a “walkabout” is held. It’s an open house for each class. Students can wander about, checking out what others were doing. It’s also a good time to pick out next year’s teacher. All my students put their work out and we had quite a show. Here we go:

What a huge variety of projects and talent! Some of these students were new to free motion quilting. I am so so proud of each one.

There are “camp meetings” 3 of the 5 nights. Each teacher has time to present their work or whatever they want to talk about. I chose to talk about imperfection and I got a tremendous response! It is a topic that resonated deeply with other quilters.

After the talk you have your own table to sell things or show your quilts. I got so many comments on my talk; it was gratifying.

Del Thomas was the Artist in Residence. I regret that I have no photos with her. I adore her and she always has a fabulous hat to match her outfit. She has a magnificent collection of work from many prominent art quilters:

Part of what is so fun about Empty Spools or any muti-teacher situation, is getting to hang with other teachers and see new and old friends:

Susan Edmonson! We had not seen each other in several years. It was a brief time, but wonderful to see her.

And friends from my area, all Pioneer Quilt Guild I think!

It’s a wrap! I am honored to teach at Empty Spools. This was just a fantastic year and I guess I really can handle 20 independent study students! My heart is full. Quilting and teaching give me great joy. It is always my hope that students go home equipped to find joy and confidence in free motion quilting. Because it feels so. good. when you finish your own quilt and it’s all yours!

Until next year! 2027 schedule here!

I’ll be linking up:
Nina-Marie’s Off the Wall Friday