Boise Basin Quilters

Nine-Patch Pizzazz Schoolhouse - April 26, 2025
2025-04-26 10:00 - 16:00 (America/Boise) | Boise Rigging Supply, 6750 West Victory Road, Boise, ID, 83709, United States
Guild members Carolyn Blackwelder and Phyllis Kizer would love to share with you the fun, simple “Nine-Patch Pizzazz” technique that they have used to create some very delightful quilts. This is a beginner-friendly endeavor that quilters of any level will enjoy!
To meet fair-use criteria with respect to Judy Sisneros, each person participating in the class should have their own copy of her book, “9-Patch Pizzazz: Fun, Fast, and Finished in a Day.” This is an older book, but is readily available both as a paperback and a digital file from many online sources.
Participants will need a panel that they are willing to cut up, along with a few fabrics that have been selected to go well with the panel. Landscape panels or ones featuring sea life (as in the samples shown) are ideal.
Supply List:
1. Fabric
• 1 ½ yards focus fabric
• ½ yard second focus fabric
• ½ yard each of two companion fabrics
• ½ yard for inner border
• 1 yard for outer border
• 1 ½ yard flannel for design wall
2. Notions
• Rotary cutter
• Medium mat
• 12 ½” square ruler
• 6” x 12” ruler
• Thread to blend with fabrics
• Seam ripper
• Straight pins
3. Sewing machine in good working condition with a new needle
4. Paper & pen for notetaking
5. Book: 9-Patch Pizzazz by Judy Sisneros
Before class read pages 4-10

One Block Wonder Schoolhouse - 07/12/25 & 07/26/25
2025-07-12 10:00 - 16:00 | Boise Rigging Supply, 6750 West Victory Road, Boise, ID, 83709, United States
Former guild president Jennifer Price will show you how to create a “One-Block Wonder”! This is a two-part class, but your $15 registration fee will get you into both sections! In the first class you will learn to line up your panels, cut your triangles to create the hexagons for your quilt. We will talk about techniques to keep your cut hexagons organized and how to assemble them, and begin sewing them together.
In the second class, you will come with all of your half hexagons sewn together and you will learn how to assemble your quilt. This is when your creativity will get to shine. We will talk about different ways to design and lay out your quilt design.
You will need:
Seven (7) fabric panels, all alike.
60 degree triangle ruler (I have one that can be shared, but you will probably want your own)
24” Ruler for cutting
Flat head pins (the flowers work best)
A fine point Sharpie, or a regular pen and lots of small scraps of paper
Cutting Mat and rotary cutter (There will be a couple of cutting stations but you may want your own.)
Sewing Machine
Neutral or matching color thread (wind bobbins for class to save some frustration)
Scissors or snips
Usual Notions
You may also want to locate one of the books written by Maxine Rosenthal and Nancy Miller on this technique. The book is not required for the class (nor is “One Block Wonder” a copyrighted technique!) but you might find the book helpful later in remembering the steps and processes.

Tiny Treasures: Tips and Techniques for Foundatio Paper Piecing by Esther Kleinkauf 10/24/26
2025-10-17 08:00 - 17:00
More information to follow.

Quilt as You Go Schoolhouse by Kathy Hansen 10/25/25
2025-10-25 10:00 - 16:00 | Boise Rigging Supply, 6750 West Victory Road, Boise, ID, 83709, United States
Kathy Hansen describes her Quilt As You Go Class as a flexible quilting technique that is fast, fun and scrap friendly. There are many variations to this technique which we will discuss in class, but I will show you how to strip piece and quilt at the same time. When your four blocks are completed, we will attach them with sashing on the front and back of the quilt. Voila, a completed 4 block quilt ready to bind.
We will make strip quilt blocks in class, but this technique can be used with any block, and even borders can be attached with the sashing. The back can be one fabric, or a variety of coordinating fabrics can be used to make a reversible quilt. You may choose to keep adding blocks to make a larger quilt. The strip placement can be random or organized to form a pattern. This technique can be personalized in many ways.
Things to consider:

The size you want this quilt to be. The 4 blocks can be bound as a small wall hanging/table topper or be the beginning of a larger
The back pieces can be the same on all the blocks, or they can be random fabrics.
If you choose to make more than the four blocks, you will need more of the sashing fabric. The sashing fabric requires more yardage than expected, as there are pieces on the top and bottom.
You can make your blocks random or use the same fabrics in each block to form a You can even make a portion of the block a single piece of fabric.
Adding quilting on the top of a finished block adds more interest, and it is a good opportunity to use the decorative stitches on your sewing machine.

Supplies:
Fabrics:
Enough strips, at least six inches long and any width, precut or cut before coming to class, to make four blocks 12 1/2 inches square. I use mostly 2 1/2-inch strips, and a jelly roll can be used.
1/2 yard of a sashing fabric. We will cut the sashing in class
4 -13 1/2 inches squares of batting
4 -13 1/2-inch squares of backing, all the same or a variety of fabrics

You will also need:
Sewing machine
Rotary cutter, mat,
Rulers, one to cut sashing, and a 12 1/2 inch ruler if you have one Thread, and quilting thread if you want to add quilting
Seam ripper, pins, scissors
Other sewing tools you regularly use

01/31/26 - No-Sew Braided Rug Schoolhouse Janice Black
2026-01-31 10:00 - 15:00 | Boise Rigging Supply, 6750 West Victory Road, Boise, ID, 83709, United States
Would you like to try your hand at making a small braided rug entirely from braiding, with no sewing at all involved? If so, this class is for you! Janice Black, our Schoolhouse chair, would love to share this technique with you!
Supplies and Fabric Choices:
You can make your rug as scrappy or as color-coordinated as you like, but I have found that choosing a single fabric and including it throughout most of the rug (like the solid dark red in one of the rugs shown, and the dusty solid plum color in the other rug) can help tie everything else together. You will find that colors play together very differently in a braided rug than they do in a quilt, so once you have found your main “foundation” fabric to use throughout the rug, you may find it the most pleasing to pull colors from just one other color family to use with it. Your fabrics do not need to be carefully chosen to exactly match . . . they will end up blending in a way that is similar to mixing paint. So, for example, two different shades of pink that would look terrible if used together in a quilt would probably look just fine when braided together.
I’m really not sure how to estimate how much fabric you will need, but you’ll probably need more than you would think! It partly depends on the size of rug you’d like to complete, and on how wide you choose to cut your strips (which is what determines the thickness of the rug). To keep your cost down, I would recommend purchasing an old sheet or two from a thrift store that could be used to create the major part of the rug. There is no need to use high-quality quilting cottons for this. The red rug is one that I made for my daughter from vintage double-knit fabrics, and it turned out really well!
To help with guesstimating the amount of fabric needed . . . I used about seven yards of the solid plum fabric, so probably a total of more than fourteen yards of fabric in all. For a small rug just big enough to allow you to learn the technique, I’m guessing you would need at least 3-5 yards of fabric.
You will also need a pair of scissors or small but heavy-duty snips for cutting slits to join the strips together. The strips can also be cut with scissors, or you may want to bring a rotary cutter for that. I do not recommend cutting all of your strips in advance, because stopping periodically to cut strips can give your wrists a break from the repetitive motion of braiding the rug.
Additional Recommendations: Please note that knowing how to braid before coming to class would be very helpful. The class will probably also be easier for you if you are familiar with the concept of increasing on curves from having done some crochet or knitting (although I can certainly try to guide you through this if you are not familiar with it). Finally, I would not recommend the class for someone who currently experiences a lot of pain in their wrists or hands.

02/28/26 - Quartered Stripes Baby Quilt Schoolhouse by Barbara Doogan
2026-02-28 10:00 - 16:00 | Boise Rigging Supply, 6750 West Victory Road, Boise, ID, 83709, United States
This can be a baby quilt or a wall hanging. There is the option to make it bigger. All you need is a striped fabric and a border fabric (or two). The most difficult part is actually finding a striped fabric you like. Although a fabric with regularly spaced lines will work just fine. Try to find a fabric with irregular stripes. The amount of fabric listed will yield 16 blocks. There are 2 different blocks. You can add applique’ or replace some blocks with other designs. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination!
Supplies –
• 1 ¼ yard of striped cotton fabric
• Coordinating fabric for borders
The body of this quilt finishes about 36” plus the width of any border you want to add. Double the amount of fabric if you want a larger quilt
• Straight stitch sewing machine-cleaned, oiled, new needle
• Pins and clips
• Thread
• Rotary cutter with a new blade
• Rotary mat (minimum 12×18” Use larger mat if possible)
• Square ruler with diagonal line 10” or bigger
• Rotary ruler – longer than 10”
• Rotary turntable 10” or larger (Optional)
The registration and cancellation deadline is February 21, 2026.

03/14/26 - Seeking Sunflowers! Schoolhouse - Becky Kinzer
2026-03-14 13:00 - 17:00 | Boise Rigging Supply, 6750 West Victory Road, Boise, ID, 83709, United States
Seeking Sunflowers! From 1:00-5:00 on the afternoon of March 14th, please join our 2026 Programs Chair, Becky Kinzer, in stitching one of two 12 ½” sunflower block designs.
Blue and yellow are the colors of the Ukrainian flag, and the sunflower is Ukraine’s national flower. The blocks that Becky has selected for this class are suitable for donating to “Wrap The World In Quilts,” a non-profit organization providing quilt blocks to Ukraine. It is Becky’s hope that after learning these patterns and methods, you will choose to donate one or more of the blocks created in class to Wrap the World with Quilts’ Ukrainian Project. The patterns will be yours to keep, and you can create as many blocks as you wish after class has ended.
For one of the blocks, Becky will teach a method to create multiple half-square-triangles that results in a beautiful flower. The other block does not use HST but makes a fast Bear Paw block that depicts a sunflower.
Becky plans to donate any teaching fees that she receives to Wrap the World with Quilts. Guild members may also choose to participate in this class for free if they plan to donate the blocks they create in class. If you are choosing this option, please send an email to schoolhouse@boisebasinquilters.org so that we will know how many participants to prepare for!
Any blocks that participants choose to donate will be used to build a 1,100 meter-long quilt to stretch the length of Kyiv’s main street. Blocks provided by over 36 countries will create a demonstration to symbolize unity, resilience, and peace. The blocks will then be made into quilts for distribution to civilians and soldiers there.
If you choose, you may also talk to Becky about how to donate blocks on your own if you are not participating in the Schoolhouse class.
Supplies Needed:
Fabric* (See note below.)
Straight stitch sewing machine
Neutral Thread, a few pins
Rotary Cutter and mat
Rulers helpful are 6 ½” square and 12” or longer ruler
Pencil or chalk marker
Iron, pad and extension cord (or you can use the iron provided)
*Please bring yellow, blue and any other supporting colored fabric that you choose (green, brown and white were used in these examples). Some blue and yellow fabric will be provided so feel free to come even if you do not have that fabric. If you plan to bring your own fabric, cutting it to size as per the block instructions before coming to class will help to ensure that you have time to finish the block in class!

04/18/26 - 4-Patch-Posie Schoolhouse by Dianne Kane
2026-04-18 09:30 - 16:00 | Boise Rigging Supply, 6750 West Victory Road, Boise, ID, 83709, United States
Dianne Kane has agreed to teach a “4-Patch Posie” Schoolhouse Class for us on April 18th, 2026.
Are you ready for some surprises? Like a simplified form of stack-n-whack, this technique will create surprising new blocks, each with its own special design. It’s as satisfying and addictive as eating a box of chocolates, because every block you make will automatically create four design options and you’ll get to choose your favorite! Because you’ll be making 4-patches, the process will go pretty quickly, and it’s likely that you’ll get many of the blocks made during our sewing time. We’ll also talk about how you can set and lay out the blocks: for example, with or without sashing or borders; on-point; with mitered strips on 2 sides; courthouse steps; and more. This is a technique that you’ll want to use again and again – just because each block is a pleasant surprise!
Supplies
Matt (bring the largest one you can)
Rotary cutter (consider a new blade)
Ruler (at least 4 x 12″ up to 8½ x 24″)
Sewing machine (only need straight stitch)
Thread for piecing
Scissors, seam ripper
Pencil & paper for taking notes
Flat head pins
Optional
(Bring along if you have them but no need to purchase)
Pattern: 4-Patch Stacked Posies by H.D. Designs
A folding mirror
Design wall
Digital camera
Square rulers (any and all sizes 3″ to 12½”)
extension cord
Fabrics
This technique works best with a “busy” fabric. A piece with lots of variations in color will create a variety of unique blocks. Retro, floral, geometric, and Asian are all good choices. (Batiks are not a good choice for the focus fabric.) Because there are so many options in the cutting and layout of the fabrics, it’s hard to provide specific fabric requirements.
You will be sent a supply list with more detail about this, but be aware that you must have at least 4 repeats of the design in the focus fabric. (Look along the selvedge edge to help you find the repeats.) You might consider buying extra yardage for borders or get at least one more repeat to use on the backing. It’s fun to use a piece of the “mother” fabric somewhere so others will know what you actually started with! If you want a large quilt and the repeat is only 12″ you might consider getting 8 repeats.
You may want to purchase coordinating fabrics for sashings or borders. Or, you may want to wait until you’ve made some blocks and decided how you will lay out the design.
The deadline to register for the class (or to cancel and request a refund) is April 16th.
If you have questions, please contact Dianne.

06/20/26 Machine Applique' Schoolhouse - Maureen Stevens
2026-06-20 09:00 - 15:00 | Boise Rigging Supply, 6750 West Victory Road, Boise, ID, 83709, United States
Saturday, June 20, 2026, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Boise Rigging Supply
6750 West Victory Road, Boise, Idaho
This is a learn it-and-do it class. We will learn about several types of machine appliqué. We will explore using different materials and stitches on our machines. I hope to cover fusible, faced, turned under edges and raw edge. I will provide you with a handout of instructions and a packet of products to use in the appliqué process. We will use the blind hem stitch, zig-zag, and blanket stitch on our sewing machines. If your machine only has a straight stitch we do have some machines that can be rented. Talk to Janice Black about that. I will give you instructions and patterns and have different products for appliqué for you to try. We will make a “sampler” of techniques and products and if desired make a pillow-top using one of the techniques. Come prepared to have a great time with fellow class members and try out some new techniques and ideas. Cost is $15.00.
Supply list:
Sewing machine in good working order
needles and feet for machine to do various stitches
rotary cutter, mat and ruler
pins, scissors and seam ripper
pencil or marking instrument
iron and pad (we will have a couple of irons and boards available)
applique pressing sheet (or can use baking parchment paper)
Scraps in various sizes and colors (for the pillow top you will need a 7″ square of green and a 7″ square of a fall color)
Fat quarter of muslin for the “sampler” piece
A 12″ square of a suitable background for the pillow top
Thread colors to match your scraps
Permanent ink pen to write on the muslin (no Sharpie–it bleeds)
Please note that June 13 is the deadline to either register for the class or request a refund.

10/24/26 "Fearless Foundation Paper Piecing: Tips and Techniques to Make FPP Easier and More Fun" by Esther Kleinkauf Schoolhouse
2026-10-24 10:00 - 17:00 | Boise Rigging Supply, 6750 West Victory Road, Boise, ID, 83709, United States
This class is for someone who has done some FPP, especially if some part of the process is frustrating to you. I really want to invite anyone that has tried FPP and given up on it. You are missing so much!
We will discuss everything from what constitutes a quality pattern to why the size of the pieces is not what defines the difficulty (and what does). I will give you ideas on how to organize your fabrics and how best to cut pieces to minimize frustration from too small pieces. We will also look at what “paper” is best to sew on and you will get to try 3 different kinds.
You will be making at least 3 blocks designed especially to demonstrate and practice the ideas discussed.
Supply List

Sewing Machine – Set up with a #70 needle and a Straight Stitch Foot. (I prefer a clear plastic foot)
Thread – The “best” choice is 80 wt Deco Bob. If you are just starting out, buy a mini cone in a light shade of your favorite neutral. If you have 100’s of spools of thread , like I do, you can use other fine threads. I would not recommend anything heavier than Aurifil 50 wt.
“Add a Quarter” and “Add an Eighth” rulers. For this class you need the 6 inch ones. The ones labeled “Plus” are not more useful.
Small and large (45mm) rotary cutters, small cutting mat, small rotary cutting rulers (nothing larger than 6in x 12 in}.
Small Scissors or thread snips.
Small ironing board and small iron. The classroom will have irons.
A rectangle of heavy/crisp plastic for folding back pattern sections. Mine is 3.5 inches by 7 inches for no particular reason. You can also just use the heaviest advertising/political postcard that shows up in your mailbox.
Glue stick -I was once told that the UHU brand is the best for fabric to paper gluing.
Pins – You won’t need more than a half dozen. My preferred pins right now are Clover Patch work pins with the blue and yellow heads. They have the right balance of thinness and length.
Clover MINI clips. I have some to give out if you don’t already own any.
Acorn Precision Piecing Pen – You can buy the Essentials pack or the Starter kit and get their Easy Press fabric treatment, but you can fill the pen with other liquids such as Best Press, Magic Starch or even water…but you really need the pen!
Ballpoint awl/stiletto
Paper and pen to take notes.

Optional Supplies:

Light box with translucent mat
Roxanne’s or other glue
Tailor’s clapper
Seam ironing bar

11/21/26 Quilting on Your Domestic Machine by Madeline Trainor Schoolhouse
2026-11-21 10:00 - 16:00 | Boise Rigging Supply, 6750 West Victory Road, Boise, ID, 83709, United States
