Exploring the World of Online Quilting Resources - Amanda Oros - Program 08/21/25
2025-08-21 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Boise) | ID
Exploring the World of Online Quilting Resources
Guild member Amanda Oros is the owner of Sweet Pea Design Co. and the host of the podcast “Not Your Granny’s Quilt Show.” Join Amanda for an insightful session on navigating the vibrant world of online quilting. From traditional patchwork to modern improv, Amanda will share trusted resources, websites, and digital communities where quilters of all styles and skill levels can find inspiration, tutorials, and connection. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to expand your quilting toolkit, this talk will guide you to the best places online to learn, grow, and stay inspired

"Quilts Feed My Soul" Program: 2025 Quilt Show Featured Quilter - Maureen Stevens
2025-09-18 19:00 - 21:00 | ID
Maureen Stevens is the guild’s featured quilter for 2025. Her quilts will be displayed in a special exhibit at our quilt show, and her quilting journey is the featured presentation of tonight’s program. Maureen says,
“I was born and raised on a farm in Wendell, Idaho. I’m the middle child of seven but the oldest girl. I attended BYU and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Interior Design. I got married that summer and we moved to Oregon where we lived for the next 8 years where my husband went to school. We moved to Boise in 1982 and have lived in the same neighborhood (but not the same house) ever since. I have 5 children; 3 girls and 2 boys. Those children have given me 14 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren and they live in Oregon, Texas, Virginia, North Carolina and Rexburg, Idaho. I’m very active in my church and it plays a big part in my life.
I have always loved fabric. I learned to sew in Jr. High and made all my own clothes up until the patterns didn’t fit anymore (isn’t that a strange thing?) I made clothes for my children and some for my husband and formals for my daughters and even their wedding dresses.
I started quilting in 1997. I decided I was going to do it right so I took a beginning quilting class from The Quilt Crossing. From there I learned about Boise Basin Quilters so I came to my first guild meeting sometime in the spring of 1998. I joined a small quilt group and I haven’t stopped since. I have learned so much from BBQ and my fellow quilters. Some of you are my dearest friends. I’ve taken lots of classes and tried new things. I have served in various capacities and been on numerous committees, designed patterns for the website and taught Schoolhouse classes.
Moslih Eddin Saadi wrote:
“If of thy mortal goods thou art bereft,
And from thy slender store two loaves are left,
Sell one, and with the dole
Buy hyacinths to feed the soul.”
To me quilts are the hyacinths that feed my soul. I could not survive if I didn’t have quilting as a creative outlet. I need the friendships and the love that you, my fellow quilters give me. I feel so honored and blessed to be a part of this quilting community.”

Boise Basin Quilters 2025 Quilt Show
2025-09-26 10:00 - 2025-09-27 17:00 | Expo Idaho, Garden City, Idaho, 5610 N Glenwood St, Garden City, ID, 83714, United States

Boise Basin Quilters 2024 Quilt Show
2025-09-27 10:00 - 17:00 | Expo Idaho, Garden City, Idaho, 5610 N Glenwood St, Garden City, ID, 83714, United States

The Joy of Using Paint and Thread to Color Your Quilt - 2-Day Workshop (10/16/25 and 10/18/25)
2025-10-16 10:00 - 16:00 | Boise Rigging Supply, 6750 West Victory Road, Boise, ID, 83709, United States
Note: This is a two day workshop scheduled for Thursday, October 16, 2025, and Saturday, October 18, 2025.
This two-day workshop walks participants through the hand-painting and thread-painting process that Judith uses for her quilts. She says, “Painting on fabric can be so much fun. Seeing the colors come to life on your cloth and actually creating a design on fabric that is just yours can be so rewarding, and I hope quilters come away with the realization that it isn’t as hard as many people think it might be.”
In this workshop, students will learn the basics of painting and using photos to design their own fabric A supply kit that includes the necessary fabric paints and a set of twelve threads will be put together by Judith and can be purchased directly from her at the workshop for $55. (Kit is optional if students already have the appropriate paint and threads and prefer to use their own.) If you plan to purchase a kit, please let Judith know by Sept. 1st so that she can have enough time to put one together for you.
On the first workshop day, Thursday, participants will learn how to transfer a photo to fabric. They will then paint the block. Judith has designed blocks specifically for use in the workshop, and they are beautiful! (See examples shown.) Students may paint as many or s few of the bloks as they wish, as time permits.
On Friday, there is no class! Students may finish painting their blocks or paint additional ones in their own time and space. they must also use this day to sandwich their blocks and prepare them for thread painting!
When participants return on Saturday, October 18, Judith will share tips and techniques for thread painting, and students will spend the day thread painting their projects under Judith’s tutelage. Finishing techniques and ideas for the blocks will also be touched on briefly.
Note that this class is not intended for beginning quilters. Participants should have at least some experience in free-motion quilting. No painting experience is necessary: you must simply have the confidence to attach painting on your own blocks.
Registration maximum is 15 students. This workshop is currently sold out. You may add your name to the waitlist by sending an email to programs@boisebasinquilters.org. Refunds for cancellations are available until September 1, 2025, after which registrations become nonrefundable…and any remaining openings will be opened to nonmembers.

Judith Phelps Guild Presentation/Trunk Show - Program 10/16/25
2025-10-16 19:00 - 21:00 | ID
Judith Phelps, of Battle Ground, Washington, is an award-winning art quilter who often incorporates a combination of techniques such as applique, paint, thread painting, piecing, and 3D objects to produce unique and eye-catching pieces.
The workshops that she has planned for the BBQ guild focus on two of her favorite techniques: hand painting a fabric piece from a photo and then thread painting it. Here are two beautiful examples of quilts that Judith has made using these techniques: “Solitude” and “Horse with No Name.” Both of these pieces were created for themes from the Storytellers Group, of which she is an active member.

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

Creative Design Workshop by Joe Cunningham 10/16-17/26
2025-10-17 08:00 - 17:00 | ID

Solar Printing Workshop by Jessie Swimeley 06/27/26
2025-10-17 08:00 - 17:00 | ID

Thread Sketching 101 - Adding Detail and Texture to Your Quilt - 1-day Workshop
2025-10-17 10:00 - 16:00 | Boise Rigging Supply, 6750 West Victory Road, Boise, ID, 83709, United States
Registration is now open to everyone!
This class is intended to be accessible to people who may not be ready to follow through with Judith’s whole process, although all registrants must have some past experience with free-motion quilting.
Master the art of using thread to enhance the colors and textures of your quilt in this hands-on class. You will explore various types of threads and learn how to choose the best ones for your project. Additionally, the course will guide you in selecting the right battings and interfacings to achieve your desired results, along with determining the appropriate sewing machine needles for the task. We will also touch on free-motion stitching techniques and how to put more emphasis on design details. Students can either work with botanical panels painted by Judith and printed by Spoonflower or bring their own panels. If you opt to bring your own, please send a photo of your panel to Judith at least two weeks before the class so that she can provide feedback on the pros and cons of your chosen panel and how to choose the appropriate thread.
Besides having the eight different botanical blocks that she has designed for the workshop printed by Spoonflower, Judith is also putting together thread sets for each block. Kits that include a botanical block (approximately 12 x 14″) and 12 spools of polyester or rayon thread chosen for that block will be $35, payable directly to Judith at the workshop.
If you prefer to supply your own threads (or if you’d just like some extra blocks so that you can continue practicing your new thread-sketching skills!), you may also purchase blocks separately for $6 each.
Please let Judith know by Sept. 1st whether you plan to purchase a kit and/ or individual blocks from her, and if so, which block(s). She will be printing blocks and purchasing thread for the sets based on this information.
To order a kit or block (or if you have any questions about the class or supply list), please reach out to Judith at phelpsjudith@yahoo.com .
Supply List:
(If you have purchased the supply kit, please exclude the first two items. If you have purchased the fabric panel, please exclude the first item.)
1. Fabric panel
2. 12 polyester threads or rayon threads to match colors in panel.
• Fat quarter for backing fabric, measuring 18” x 22” (I prefer black). Ensure the backing is larger than both the top and batting, allowing you to fold it over to the front to cover the batting. This helps maintain a cleaner surface for thread painting.
• Batting, approximately 14” x 16” (I use Warm and Natural)
• Interfacing: 2 pieces 12” x 14” – nonwoven fusible light weight or medium weight (Pellon can be used)
• One each black and white spools of polyester or rayon thread
• Pencil (I use a mechanical for fine line)
• Black ultra fine point Sharpie
• Sewing machine in good working order
• Extension table for sewing machine if you have one
• Open Toe sewing foot (Free Motion Foot also known as a Darning Foot)
• An extension cord
• A sample sandwich to test tension
• 12 empty bobbins for your sewing machine or bobbins filled with your thread colors
• Scissors: fabric and small scissors to cut threads
• Tweezers: optional but really helps when trying to control threads
• Marking tools – your preference – I use Frixon Pens – can be found at Office Supply Stores or Michaels
• Microtex Sewing Needles 70/10 (Schmetz)
• Safety pins
• Straight pins
• Portable light (optional)
• Pressing cloth – can be old sheets
• Seam ripper
• Camera: optional
Cost for the workshop is $55. Refunds for cancellations may be requested until Sept.1st, 2025. After that date, registrations become nonrefundable, unless we are able to find someone to fill your spot.

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

Programs Committee Meeting
2025-10-27 08:00 - 17:00 | ID
First Meeting of the 2026 Programs Committee to be held Nov. 11th at 6:00 pm at Boise Rigging Supply, 6750 W. Victory Rd., Boise. Anyone who is interested in being a part of the Programs team is encouraged to attend.

Introducing Rachaeldaisy - Membership Meeting Program - Zoom
2025-11-20 19:00 - 21:00 | Boise Church of Christ, 2000 Eldorado Street, Boise, ID, 83704, United States
Add Aussie sunshine to chilly November and step into a world of vibrant colors, innovative designs and storytelling with Australian quilter, Rachaeldaisy Dodd’s trunk show. Featuring an array of quilts that showcase her unique style and passion for blending tradition with modern techniques, this show is a celebration of creativity and beauty. You’ll see and hear the stories about denim quilts with a touch of rugged charm, Yo-Yos that create playful textures, quilts with a thousand Prairie Points and many more.
Rachel’s website is: http://rachaeldaisy.com/
Note: This is a ZOOM Presentation.

Origami Stars Schoolhouse - 11/22/25
2025-11-22 10:00 - 15:00 | Boise Rigging Supply, 6750 West Victory Road, Boise, ID, 83709, United States
Former guild president Maureen Stevens has agreed to teach an Origami Star Hot Pad class. Learn how to make the round, traditional “origami” stars featured in some of the Rachaeldaisy Dodd’s quilts, and leave with a hot pad suitable for gift-giving or for holiday decor!
Supply list:

Machine in good working order
¼” foot for machine
Walking foot for machine
Pins, scissors, rotary cutter, mat, ruler
Iron and ironing surface
Fabric glue stick
Hand sewing needles
12″ design board

Fabric for each trivet:

Four 3 ½” squares and one 2″ square for center of star
One 5″ width of fabric strip for 2nd layer
One 5″ width of fabric strip for 3rd layer
One 5″ width of fabric strip for 4th layer
One 9″ square of fabric for back
One 1 ½” x 27″ BIAS strip for binding
One 1 ¾” x 5″ strip for hanger
One 9″ square of cotton batting or Insul Bright

Some of the fabrics can be repeated but there needs to be contrast between the layers for the pattern to show. For instance the backing and layer 4 could be the same fabric or layer 1 (center) could be the same as layer 3 or 4.
It takes me about 1 hour to do the cutting and pressing, 1 hour to do the sewing and 1 hour to hand sew on the binding. You might take more or less time than that for each one. You could come with materials to make two trivets and finish the 2nd one later at home.

Happy Villages and Accidental Landscapes BBQ Membership Meeting Program - Zoom
2026-01-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Boise Church of Christ, 2000 Eldorado Street, Boise, ID, 83704, United States
Karen Eckmeier describes herself as compelled to create” as creating gives her energy and she wants to share that energy with others. Her art is happy and upbeat, concentrating on the positive and whimsical side of life.
In her lighthearted and informative Zoom presentation, she will share two totally different techniques with the same fun results! Two favorite approaches to playing with fabrics are fabric collage (the focus of her book Happy Villages) and layered/topstitching (the technique featured in her book Accidental Landscapes).This presentation will show you how the techniques evolved and will inspire you to try fabric collage or layered/topstitching in your own creations.
Note: This is a ZOOM Presentation and a link will be emailed to all member prior to the start of this presentation.

Accidental Landscape: Mountain Views ZOOM Workshop 01/17/26
2026-01-17 09:30 - 12:30 | ID
The workshop is called “Accidental Landscape: Mountain Views” by Karen Eckmeier and will be held on Jan. 17th from 9:30 to 12:30 via ZOOM.
The price will be $25 and the maximum number of ticket sales 24. Tickets will go on sale on Oct. 16, 2025. The deadline to register for this workshop (or to cancel and request a refund) is Jan. 16th.
Create this surprisingly simple quilted scene using Karen’s layered topstitching technique. Gentle rolling hills of green fabric strips combine with distant peaks to create peaceful vistas. Include a lake or a field of wildflowers. The variations are endless! You will also learn how to embellish the landscape with beads, yarn and Angelina fibers to give it sparkle. Finished size: approx. 9” x 12” without borders (size varies)
To view more color photos of this workshop go to pages 8-13 and 50-51 in Karen’s Accidental Landscapes book.”
Here is the supply list:
Fabric

Sky: ¼ yard “dramatic” fabric with clouds, or sun, or a hand painted fabric. The sky fabric sets the mood for your entire scene, so be sure you love it!
Rolling Hills: ¼ yard 5-7 greens gradated from light to dark (look for small scale prints – not necessarily “landscape” fabrics. For example: irregular stripes, random dots, mottled, etc.
Distant Mountains: scraps or 1/8 yard each of white, gray, medium purple, or gray blue
Wildflowers (optional): ¼ yard small scale floral that looks like growing flowers
Lake/River: blues OR use a section of the sky fabric (the reflection of the sky is usually visible in the water)
Outer Border: ¼ yard your choice – dark neutrals, such as black, brown and gray work nicely as borders that act as picture frames or a window frame to surround the scene

Supplies

Sewing Machine (Featherweights are fine)
Rotary cutter, ruler, and mat
Iron and ironing pad (mini iron will work)
Threads for topstitching – select threads to match fabrics or use variegated threads Neutral thread for bobbin
Fabric scissors
Pins (I recommend the long flower head pins)
Fabric glue (for adding optional details)
Ruler for rotary cutting borders
Quilter’s Square for squaring piece (only if you already own one)
Book: Accidental Landscapes by Karen Eckmeier $21.95 (highly recommended but not required)

Most students get to the quilting stage before the workshop ends. This is what you will need for quilting:

Threads for quilting (machine or hand)
Needles for machine quilting or hand quilting
100% cotton batting (approx. 18” x 22”) + half yard fabric for backing
“Walking Foot” and/or Darning Foot for Machine quilting
Pins for Basting (for tiny quilts like these, pins are great)

Color Tips/ Techniques: Photo Palettes - Janice Black - Program 02/19/26
2026-02-19 19:00 - 21:00 | Boise Church of Christ, 2000 Eldorado Street, Boise, ID, 83704, United States
Janice Black, our Schoolhouse chairperson, will share some brief tips about choosing colors for quilts. with a special focus on one of her favorite techniques– building a quilt palette from a favorite photo.

Abstracting from Reality Workshop by Lisa Flowers Ross 02/26-27/26
2026-02-26 - 2026-02-27 | Idaho State Archives, 2205 Old Penitentiary Road, Boise, ID, 83712
Lisa Flowers Ross has agreed to teach a two-day “Abstracting from Reality” workshop for us from 8:45-3:45 on Feb. 26 & 27, 2026. The workshop will be held at the Idaho State Archives building, 2205 Old Penitentiary Rd., Boise, 83712.
Lisa Flowers Ross is a celebrated textile artist who creates colorful, modern, contemporary art. Because Lisa is local, we have the unique opportunity of being able to host this design workshop at less than half the cost that it has been offered elsewhere!
Lisa describes her “Abstracting from Reality” workshop this way:
“Exploring different perspectives will lead to discovery of new ways of seeing. The focus of this workshop is to learn various approaches to abstraction that can be used in designing future artworks.
Using their own photos for inspiration, participants will work through several exercises on paper that explore design elements and principles such as line, shape, repetition and value. Different ways to translate these elements into fiber will be discussed.
Participants will leave with a mostly completed project using either fused fabrics or collaged papers. Hand stitching may be worked on in class, but any machine stitching and finishing will need to be completed outside of class.”
Ticket sales will open on Oct.1st and are limited to members of the Boise Basin Quilt Guild until Jan. 1st. On Jan. 1st, the general public is invited to register for any remaining spots. The registration deadline (and the last day to request a refund) is Feb. 21st
Supply List:
Participants will do several exercises on paper before working with chosen material for their individual project.
Supplies to bring for design exercises:
– pencil (regular 2B)
– eraser
– paper scissors (please do no use your fabric scissors for paper)
– stapler, if you have one
– staple remover, if you have one
Photos to bring:
Bring several color or black & white photos printed out on paper with image size at least 5″ x 7″ up to 8″ x 10″ (They don’t have to be super high quality, as long as you can see the photo and some details). Photos of landscapes, cityscapes, architecture, interiors, plants, nature or objects will be the easiest to
start with. It will be good to have a minimum of 5-10 pictures (more gives you more options). You might want to bring a variety to chose from so that you don’t have photos that are all landscapes or all
flowers, for example.
Independent Project Supplies:
First we will work on paper exercises together. Then, students will apply the exercises to their own project. For the individual project, students will use one of their photos as inspiration to create an abstract design. This piece will be approximately 9 x 12″. Students will choose to create a fused fabric piece OR a collage with colored papers. I recommend bringing solid colored cotton fabrics or papers (see notes below), so that details can be added later with
stitching (or markings on paper).
If you choose to make a fused fabric piece for the independent project, you need to bring:

a selection of pre-fused solid colored cotton fabrics. (Iron fusible webbing to the back of the fabrics.)
Small prints that “read” as solid may work as well.
Tighter weave fabrics are better, as they do not fray as much.
Be sure to bring a range of values from light to dark. The colors do not have to be realistic to what you have in your photos.
*Please make sure fabrics are fused and ready to use.

We will not spend time in the workshop preparing the fabrics. The fused fabric will not be used until the second day. So if you are local, you can wait to
decide what colors to bring after the first day, if you like.

a piece of fabric or batting for the base on which to fuse your design, at least 13″ x 16″. If you want
the base fabric color to show as part of your background, then bring several colors to chose
from. Otherwise, a white or neutral color is fine.
fabric scissors
fabric marking tool (i.e. fabric pencil, chalk pencil)

OR if you choose to make a paper collage piece for final project, you need to bring:

a selection of solid colored papers. Papers that have small prints that “read” as solid may work, too.
Suggestions: scrapbook papers, construction papers, art papers, found papers, painted papers,
magazine papers with solid sections that can be cut out
a sturdy backing paper on which to glue your pieces
Bring a selection of at least 3-5 colors for this, if you choose to let the background show. If you
plan to cover the entire background with the cut out papers, then the color of the support paper
doesn’t matter.
your favorite adhesive to attach papers
(I will provide a glue stick but you may prefer to use Elmer’s, scrapbooking glue or dots, etc.)
pens, markers, colored pencils, etc. to add details if you choose.

Supplies the instructor will supply:

blank white paper
materials for value studies
“view finder”
glue sticks
tracing paper

If you have any questions about supply materials, please feel free to contact me at
lisa@lisaflowersross.net. I look forward to working with you!
Lisa Flowers Ross

Quartered Stripes Baby Quilt Schoolhouse by Barbara Doogan 02/28/26
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.

Improv Gems Workshop by MJ Kinman 03/19/26
2026-03-19 09:00 - 12:30 | The Hampton Inn and Suites, 7499 W. Overland Rd., Boise, ID, 83709, United States
On March 19, 2026, from 9:00-12:30, MJ Kinman will teach a half-day workshop called “Improv Gems.” The workshop will be held in the Arrowrock South Meeting Room at the Hampton Inn/ Boise Spectrum, 7499 W Overland Rd, Boise, ID 83709.
Ticket sales will open Jan. 1st and the workshop will be made available to everyone — Guild members and the general public alike! The price is $35. Refunds for cancellations may be requested until March 1, 2026.
MJ Kinman, maker of giant gemstone quilts, will show you how to create sparkling gem blocks in a whole new way using the power of improvisational piecing.
Learn how to use improvisational strip-piecing techniques to create emerald-cut, baguette-cut, and Asscher-cut diamonds. These are diamonds that feature long, lovely facets – the “hall of mirrors” that highlight the interior clarity of a gem.
During class, MJ will discuss color selection for gems. (Hint: there is no wrong answer!). She’ll show you how to make your gem sparkle with value contrast, and how to make your gem glow with saturation contrast. Finally, she’ll demonstrate simple assembly techniques to piece together your lovely creation.
Activities include:
• Creating a color palette that brings you joy.
• Playing with high value contrast and saturation contrast to incorporate sparkle and glow into your gem.
• Strip-piecing the interior facets of your gemstone.
• Assembling the strip-pieced facets to create your own unique gemstone.
Supply List:
Note: MJ will bring basic freezer paper templates for members to use. However, if students wish to purchase their own, they can do so by purchasing it at their local grocery store OR from Amazon. The freezer paper should be 18” wide.
• 18” ruler & Small ruler with a ¼” measurement
• 6-8 business-size envelopes
• Scissors and rotary cutting tools (cutter and small personal mat) Bring 2 rotary cutters if you want to cut paper with one and your fabric with another.
• Fabric – Fat Quarters of cotton solids or gradients. Consider bringing a range of values (light, medium, dark) within one or two colorways. This project works best when you have a very dark value, a very light value, and a range of 2 or 3 medium values. White and black also work well to bump up the “bling” in your gem.
• Iron and ironing mat
• Sewing machine and basic sewing supplies
Instructor Contact Information:
MJ Kinman, 709 Fairhill Drive, Louisville, KY 40207 Cell Phone/Text (Eastern Time Zone): 502-287-3034 Email: mjkinman709@gmail.com Website: https://www.mjkinman.com

Gems & Joy: Featuring the Gem Quilts of MJ Kinman Program March 19, 2026
2026-03-19 19:00 - 21:00 | Boise Church of Christ, 2000 Eldorado Street, Boise, ID, 83704, United States
When people ask MJ Kinman what she does, she likes to tell them, “I make the biggest diamonds in the world . . . but instead of using the hardest substance on earth, I use the softest– cloth!”
MJ says, “The most beautiful gemstones capture light and reflect it back to us with unique brilliance, revealing their fiery personalities. Every gem has a story to tell…just like people.
This slide lecture and trunk show chronicle my own story – my 25+-year adventure learning how to create the world’s biggest diamonds in cloth. Most importantly, though, the underlying message to my audiences throughout my presentation is the importance of choosing joy and saying “no” to fear, both in our creative lives and in our personal lives.
During my presentation, I’ll discuss how I’ve learned to spot gemstones with personality – the unique configuration of light and color that translate into a successful work of art. I’ll discuss my techniques to create and assemble the hundreds of pieces in each diamond, materials I use to create the wash of color and light across a gem’s surface, and the quilting techniques that enhance a gem’s facets. We may even talk a little bit (maybe a lot) about Kentucky Bourbon, as I describe the gem quilts in my series “Bourbon Diamonds”!
And as so often happens with any artist’s decades-long journey, I’ll share insights gleaned from my walk away from corporate life and into the creative life.”
MJ has been featured in many of the world’s top quilting magazines. Her work is included in collections as varied as Maker’s Mark Distillery, the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, KY (where she has also taught workshops and had a solo show) and the International Quilt Museum in Lincoln, NE. We are honored to have her here in Boise!
Website: mjkinman.com

Cracking the Color Code Workshop by MJ Kinman - 03/20/26
2026-03-20 09:30 - 15:30 | The Hampton Inn and Suites, 7499 W. Overland Rd., Boise, ID, 83709, United States
On March 20, 2026, from 9:30-3:30, MJ Kinman will teach a workshop called “Cracking the Color Code: Master the Magic of Color Interaction.” The workshop will be held in the Arrowrock South Meeting Room at the Hampton Inn/ Boise Spectrum, 7499 W Overland Rd, Boise, ID 83709.
Ticket sales will open again on Jan. 1st and the workshop will be made available to guild members and the general public. Refunds for cancellations may be requested until March 1, 2026.
Note that this workshop has a Kit Fee of $10 (for color wheel and fabric), to be paid directly to MJ at the workshop.
Josef Albers, the great artist/educator of the 20th Century, acknowledged how tricky colors can be. In his words, “Colors deceive continuously.” As artists, how do we navigate this world of deception?
Luckily, by using a few simple rules, we can predict how color will try to deceive us and thereby increase our color confidence.
In this hands-on class, MJ Kinman, maker of giant gem quilts, will introduce you to the four rules of color interaction and show you how to apply them to your own quilt design to create dramatic effects – regardless of your subject matter. For example, using strips and squares of solid fabric, MJ will show you how to:
• Add sparkle (“bling”!) to your quilts.
• Create dramatic focal points.
• Add exciting visual movement.
• Make your quilts glow.
• Create powerful transparencies.
• Alter the appearance of a color simply by pairing with another color.
• Create the illusion of metal surfaces without using metallic fabric or thread.
MJ’s class is based on her new book, “Cracking the Color Code: Master the Magic of Color Interaction”, available in class and on her website.
Supplied by Instructor (See Kit fee above):
• Fabric strips and squares for experimentation
• Color wheels
Supply List for Students:
• Notebook and pen
• Rotary cutter and mat
• Fabric scissors
Instructor Contact Information:
MJ Kinman, 709 Fairhill Drive, Louisville, KY 40207 Cell Phone/Text (Eastern Time Zone): 502-287-3034 Email: mjkinman709@gmail.com Website: https://www.mjkinman.com

Lit from Within Workshop - MJ Kinman 03/21/26
2026-03-21 09:00 - 2026-08-17 12:00 | The Hampton Inn and Suites, 7499 W. Overland Rd., Boise, ID, 83709, United States
On March 21, 2026, from 9:00-12:00, MJ Kinman will teach a half-day color workshop called “Lit From Within: Make Your Quilts Glow Using the Magic of Color Interaction.” The workshop will be held in the Arrowrock South Meeting Room at the Hampton Inn/ Boise Spectrum, 7499 W Overland Rd, Boise, ID 83709.
The workshop is open to everyone — guild members and the general public alike!– for $35. Ticket sales will open on Jan. 1st, and refunds for cancellations may be requested until March 1, 2026.
Please note that the content of this workshop overlaps with the “Cracking the Color Code” workshop being offered on March 20th, so we recommend that participants register for only one (not both!) of these two workshops!
Kit Fee: $5 (for color wheel and fabric)
After introducing you to the four rules of color interaction, MJ Kinman will lead you on a deep-dive into the fourth rule – saturation contrast. Using fabric squares of different hues and saturation levels, you’ll learn how to combine colors to create a glowing effect in your quilts, as though they were lit from within.
This class is an exploration of just one of the topics presented in MJ’s new book “Crack the Color Code: Add Drama to Your Designs Using the Secrets Color Interaction.” There is no sewing in this class.
Supplied by Instructor:
• Fabric strips and squares for experimentation
• Color wheels
Supply List for Students:
• Notebook and pen

Playing with Pixels: Find Inspiration Using Photo Editing Apps - MJ Kinman 03/21/26
2026-03-21 14:00 - 15:00 | The Hampton Inn and Suites, 7499 W. Overland Rd., Boise, ID, 83709, United States
At 2:00 on Saturday, March 21, the Boise Basin Quilt Guild will host a lecture by MJ Kinman, Playing with Pixels: Find Inspiration Using Photo Editing Apps. The lecture will be held in the Arrowrock South Meeting Room at the Hampton Inn/ Boise Spectrum, 7499 W Overland Rd, Boise, ID 83709.
The lecture is open to both guild members and the general public for just $15. Ticket sales open on Jan. 1st, and refunds for cancellations may be requested until March 1, 2026.
MJ Kinman, maker of giant gem quilts, will share one of her favorite ways to find inspiration for new work or a new series – playing with images in a photo editing app. These apps allow you to manipulate images in infinite ways, transforming them into intriguing ideas for new work.
MJ will show specific examples of the process she has used to create new mock-ups of current and future work.
Additionally, students will learn more than 20 different ways to manipulate images to create fascinating designs. For example:
• Want to turn a ruby into an emerald? MJ will show you the tool to use.
• Boost the saturation of an image to make your image glow.
• Add a gentle curve or tight twist to your image.
• Pixelate your image into squares or triangles of different sizes.
• Slice your image into segments horizontally, vertically, or both.
• Create an infinite variety of kaleidoscopic images. (Caution: this is addictive!)
• Melt your image into waves of color.
• Tilt an image backwards, forwards, or side to side to add perspective.
• ….and more!
Instructor Contact Information:
MJ Kinman, 709 Fairhill Drive, Louisville, KY 40207 Cell Phone/Text (Eastern Time Zone): 502-287-3034 Email: mjkinman709@gmail.com Website: https://www.mjkinman.com

"Captivating Compositions" by Deborah Boschert Program (via ZOOM) April 16, 2026.
2026-04-16 19:00 - 21:00 | Boise Church of Christ, 2000 Eldorado Street, Boise, ID, 83704, United States
“Captivating Compositions” is a lively introduction to design and composition. Deborah introduces eight classic compositions and shares inspiring examples from traditional, modern and art quilting, plus examples from fine art! Learn how using these compositions can generate ideas for fabulous, original work.

Learn more about Deborah and her work at www.DeborahsStudio.com

4-Patch-Posie Schoolhouse 04/18/26 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.
If you have questions, please contact Dianne.

Rediscovered (Antique Quilts) Karen Tabor Programs 5/21/26
2026-05-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Boise Church of Christ, 2000 Eldorado Street, Boise, ID, 83704, United States
Karen Taber will give a presentation and trunk show featuring some of her collection of about 100 antique quilts. Quilts from Karen’s collection can frequently be seen at the Rediscovered Bookshop, where she uses them on rotation as part of the seasonal displays.

Cyanotype: Blue Printing History and Modern Explorations Program 06/18/26
2026-06-18 19:00 - 21:00 | Boise Church of Christ, 2000 Eldorado Street, Boise, ID, 83704, United States
Join contemporary cyanotype artist Jessie Swimeley for a discussion of the history of cyanotype– how it came to be and its historical uses. Learn how she puts a modern spin on her work and explore examples of other cyanotype artists working with textiles.
Jessie Swimeley is a contemporary cyanotype artist based in the Treasure Valley. Her lifelong passion for analog photography has evolved into exceptional photo and print-based mixed media art.
Growing up in Wyoming, Jessie found a deep respect and love for the wild and untamed spaces of the American West. She began taking photographs with her father at an early age and processed her own film and prints. She received her BA in Photography from the University of Oregon.
With the glut of technology at our fingertips Jessie has made the intentional switch back to more tangible and analog processes. The pairing of cyanotype with encaustic satisfies her love of process and allows her to capture the raw beauty of the natural world.
You can follow her on Instagram @jessies6005 to see her latest works and projects or explore her work on her website jessieswimeley.com.
Jessie will also be teaching a cyanotype workshop for the guild on June 27th.

Quilters Cyanotype Workshop Jessie Swimeley 06/27/26
2026-06-27 10:00 | ID
This workshop to be taught by local artist Jessie Swimeley is intended to teach members of the Boise Basin Quilt Guild about cyanotype and its use as a quilting tool. Please note that details are still tentative and may change as we get closer to the workshop date!
The deadline to register for this workshop (or cancel and request a refund) is June 20th.
Supply list for students:
Fabric scraps/pieces that they feel goes with the prussian blue color of cyanotype
Unique items to make prints with, the best items have a strong flat silhouette – examples: keys, lace, small items, fancy glass, large photographic negatives
Optional- Photograph to turn into a negative- this can be sent to the instructor before the class and they will receive a negative.
A supply fee of $10 will be charged to cover the cost of the chemicals used for treating paper and fabric and the cost of creating photo negatives. This is to be paid directly to Jessie at the workshop.

Modern Quilting: A Twist on Tradition - Darla Christiansen - Programs 08/20/26
2026-08-20 19:00 - 21:00 | Boise Church of Christ, 2000 Eldorado Street, Boise, ID, 83704, United States
Explore characteristics of Modern Quilting, and find out how a modern approach to quilting is, in many ways, a twist on tradition. See quilts that have been exhibited at QuiltCon in a slide presentation, followed by a trunk show with members of the Boise Modern Quilt Guild.
Darla Christiansen is a Boise native and a past president of the Boise MQG. Her quilt making leans heavily toward scrappy and she often uses rescued fabrics that otherwise might be destined for the landfill. She delights in the challenge of creating beautiful things from others’ discards, and describes her process as design-build. When she’s not sewing (which is most of the time), you’ll find Darla on her bike, in a kayak, tending to her yard, feeding the cat and finding outdoor adventures with her husband.
