In 2018, Quiltworx.com designed its fifth “Technique of the Month” pattern. The Dinner Plate Dahlia quilt brings together a wide-range of techniques for Foundation Paper Piecing, leaving students with the ability to move on to many other Quiltworx patterns once they have completed this design. Because of Judy’s dedication to teaching, she has also gone through the steps to provide training for our  Certified Instructors so they can provide training to their students and customers as a monthly or weekly program that includes consecutive workshops ranging from 6 to 8 classes, depending on the class structure. These classes will help you understand the process and steps needed to complete the pattern.

The Dinner Plate Dahlia includes many of Judy’s techniques for paper piecing, including cutting, stacking, chain piecing, curved paper-piecing, smart corners, the use of Transition and Registration Point (TRP) Lines, and our newest technique, curved strip piecing.

Join Certified Instructor Nancy Strath as she teaches this pattern in a fast paced retreat style setting over 5 days.  Every day you will learn a new unit and as you complete them learn to join to the next unit, with the goal of putting one section together over the week, so you can complete the quilt at home.  The pace of this class will require you to have everything pre cut and organized prior to the first class, there will not be time for cutting fabrics or papers during class.  Several organization classes will be offered prior to the retreat if you would like Nancy’s assistance with this.

If the fast pace of a retreat format is not appealing to you, Nancy will be offering this as individual classes  every two weeks starting in September,

Nancy will teach daily from 9:00am – 5pm, you are welcome to arrive early and stay later to sew into the evenings.

Bow Bench Retreat does not have overnight accommodations, however you are welcome to bring your RV, trailer, motorhome and stay on sight, this would be dry camping, there are no hook ups, the retreat center has a bathroom with shower and a full kitchen for your use. A continental breakfast is provided every morning, and a light lunch provided daily, if you choose to stay into the evening please bring your own supper. There are some other local accommodation options please ask Nancy for  details.

Retreat dates: 

Friday July 26 – Tuesday July 30, 9:00 – 5:00, you can sew before and after class, Nancy teaches from 9 – 5.

Retreat Cost : 

$500 Includes: daily instruction, continental breakfast daily, light lunch daily, use of tools, notions, equipment at Bow Bench. 

$150 deposit due at registration

Pattern Cost: 

Wall Size 80”x 80”: $135

Queen Size 99” x 99”: $170

Information Evening:  Friday May 31 7pm-9pm at Bow Bench Retreat

I will discuss the class structure, give a tour of “Quiltster” the online program used to choose colors for your quilt, and answer any questions you may have,  everyone is invited to the information evening to determine which class is better for you.

Pre Retreat Preparation Classes are optional, Nancy will demonstrate how to cut your foundation papers, templates and fabrics to help you get ready for class, you will still have homework to complete as it takes more that 4 hours to organize your project. These classes are optional if you are comfortable doing this at home on your own, just remember you must have everything cut and prepared prior to the start of retreat.

Pre Retreat Preparation Class #1: Friday June 14,  7pm – 9 pm Cost $25

Pre Retreat Preparation Class #2:  Friday July 5, 7 pm – 9 pm Cost $25