Thursday July 17, 2025, 1:00pm – 2:00pm Marion Public Library, Meeting Room B, 600 S Washington Street, Marion, IN

Join accomplished quilter Doris Goins for an inspiring journey through two decades of fabric artistry in response to the prestigious Hoffman Challenge. In this motivational lecture and trunk show, Doris will present her remarkable collection of challenge quilts—one from each year from 1996 through 2017.

The Hoffman Challenge has long been renowned in the quilting world for pushing creative boundaries. Each year, participants receive a collection of fabrics and a theme, then must craft a quilt or fabric art project that demonstrates their technical skills and artistic vision. Through Doris’s 21 challenge quilts, you’ll witness the evolution of quilting trends, techniques, and her personal artistic growth across more than two decades.

Doris will share the stories behind each piece—her inspiration, the challenges she faced, the techniques she employed, and how she interpreted each year’s theme and fabric constraints. Most importantly, she’ll encourage you to step outside your comfort zone and participate in the Hoffman Challenge yourself!

Whether you’re a seasoned quilter looking for fresh inspiration, a beginner curious about quilt competitions, or simply an admirer of textile arts, this trunk show promises to be both educational and motivational. Come discover why Doris believes everyone should “Accept the Challenge, Just Do It!”

Saturday, May 31, 2025 1:00pm – 4:00pm, Marion Public Library, Maker’s Space with Kathy Boxell.

Join us for a workshop to assemble the Quiltsmart Big Bright Star. Beginners have no fear! This pattern is super fast and accurate! No inset piecing, only straight strips to cut – no angles or diamonds, perfect intersections and beautiful points! This star can be used to create a throw, a twin, or a queen sized quilt. Registration includes a kit which includes the Quiltsmart foundation material to complete one star as shown in the photo. You provide your favorite fabrics.

Space is limited so register today!

Note: If you are a member of The Quilters Hall of Fame enter ‘member’ into the coupon code field for a $5.00 discount on your workshop.

Fabric requirements to complete one 58″ x 58″ star:

• Fabrics #1 and #5: 1/2 yard
• Fabrics #2 and #4: 3/4 yard
• Fabric #3: 1 yard

Fabric requirements for optional sizes:

• Optional border: 1 yard
• To create a twin border: 2 1/2 yards
• To create a queen border: 6 yards

Also, bring the following supplies:

• Sewing machine
• Rotary cutter, ruler, and mat
• Thread and bobbins to match fabric
• Scissors, pins, and any other items you like to sew with

This workshop will be taught by Kathy Boxell. Kathy has been sewing with Quiltsmart products for 15 years and has recently been certified to teach Quiltsmart methods.

Saturday, July 19, 2025 9:00am – 12:00pm Marion Public Library, Maker’s Space, 600 S Washington St. Marion, IN

Get ready to twist and twirl your way through this fun and eye-catching quilt design! Braided Whirligig is a dynamic and modern quilt pattern that combines the playful movement of whirligigs with the timeless charm of braided blocks. Perfect for confident beginners and seasoned quilters alike, this fat quarter friendly project makes the most of your favorite prints while minimizing waste.

Whether you’re looking to bust your stash or showcase a brand-new bundle, Braided Whirligig is the perfect pattern to let your creativity shine. Join us for a class full of inspiration, technique, and joyful quilting energy! Grab your favorite NINE fat quarters and join the fun!

About the Teacher: Shannon Arnstein, the creative mind behind the Braided Whirligig pattern, brings infectious energy and enthusiasm to her classroom that immediately engages students of all skill levels. Her vibrant personality creates a welcoming environment where creativity flourishes. What truly sets Shannon apart is her genuine honesty—she provides constructive feedback that helps students grow while maintaining their confidence and excitement for the craft. As both designer and teacher of this workshop, Shannon offers unique insights into the pattern’s development and countless tips for making your Braided Whirligig truly spectacular.

Saturday July 19, 2025, 1:00pm – 4:00pm, Marion Public Library, Maker’s Space Marion Public Library, Maker’s Space 600 S Washington St, Marion, IN

Join us for an informative workshop all about caring for and maintaining your beloved Singer Featherweight sewing machine! Often referred to as the “Perfect Portable” for its lightweight design and ease of use, the Featherweight model revolutionized home sewing when it was introduced in the 1930s. Today, quilters love this machine for its portability and ease of use. This three-hour workshop will provide hands-on instruction for keeping your Featherweight running smoothly for years to come. You’ll leave the workshop confident in your abilities to care for this cherished sewing machine.

Space is limited, so register today! Workshop fee is $50. If you are a member of The Quilters Hall of Fame, enter ‘member’ into the coupon code field for a $5.00 discount on your workshop.

Topics covered will include:

• Basic cleaning and oiling techniques
• Identifying and resolving common issues like tension problems, skipped stitches, motor problems
• Adjusting pressure foot, needle plates, bobbin cases
• Safety best practices

Bring your Featherweight machine and the following supplies:

• Screwdriver that came with your machine
• Sewing machine oil
• Sewing machine grease, if you have it
• An old bath towel to cushion your machine
• Two colors of thread that are the same weight and from the same manufacturer
• Scrap fabric
• Scissors
• Ear swabs
• Toothpicks
• Apron (optional)
• Rubber gloves (optional)
• Any other tools you use on your machine

This workshop will be taught by Vivian Lemmon. Vivian’s Featherweight journey started in 2015 when she saw a Featherweight and thought it would be fun to have one to take to retreats. That led to learning how to maintain them. In 2018 she flew to Idaho to take two classes from The Featherweight Shop. She has since serviced a number of machines as well as gained more skill and a greater love for the precision of these little machines. If you have questions for Vivian, her email is [email protected].

Saturday 9:00am – 10:00am Marion Public Library, Meeting Room B, 600 S Washington St, Marion, IN

Step into the fascinating world of one of quilting’s most mysterious figures in this illuminating lecture on Hubert Ver Mehren and his significant impact on the quilt world of the 1930s.

Despite his remarkable influence, Ver Mehren remains largely unknown to many quilt enthusiasts—a creative genius who marketed his extraordinary patterns anonymously or under pseudonyms. This presentation pulls back the curtain on his secretive career and showcases the breathtaking scope of his design sensibility.

Ver Mehren’s patterns are considered some of the most complex and dramatic designs of their day, ranging from spectacular giant medallions to elegant embroideries. The lecture will explore his distinctive aesthetic and why his work represented the pinnacle of quilt design during this vibrant period in quilting history.

Learn how Ver Mehren’s artistic vision challenged conventional design boundaries and influenced quilting trends of the era, even as the man himself remained in the shadows. Discover why quilt historians consider his rediscovery so significant and what his work reveals about the evolution of American quilting.

This presentation complements the special Hubert Ver Mehren exhibit currently on display at The Quilters Hall of Fame museum, offering deeper context and appreciation for these remarkable works.

About the Presenter: Susan Price Miller holds a B.A. in history and has done studio work in both drawing and painting. A quilt maker and designer since 1983, she specializes in 20th-century quilt topics in the Midwest.

Susan’s journey researching Ver Mehren began at the encouragement of leading quilt historian Cuesta Benberry, who recognized the significance of Ver Mehren’s Des Moines business, Home Art Studios. In the 1980s, when Susan began her research, many aspects of Ver Mehren’s work and life remained unknown to the quilt world. Her dedicated scholarship has helped uncover the story behind his original pieced patterns, preprinted kits, and superior catalogs that were marketed nationally.

Friday, July 18, 2025, 11:45pm – 2:00pm, Matter Park Garden House, N River Rd &, N Quarry Rd, Marion, IN

Cost: $50

Join us for a special celebration as we induct Laurel McKay Horton into The Quilters Hall of Fame. This prestigious recognition honors her exceptional contributions as a distinguished quilt scholar, researcher, author, editor, lecturer, consultant, and teacher. Her impressive career includes ten years as editor of “Uncoverings,” the American Quilt Study Group’s prestigious annual publication.

The festivities begin with a musical performance by the talented Horton Family Musicians from 11:45 AM to 12:00 PM, setting a joyful tone for this memorable occasion. Following the performance, guests will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch.

Renowned quilter Marianne Fons will deliver remarks celebrating Laurel’s significant contributions to the quilting world before the presentation of the award and commemorative plaque. The celebration continues with an open mic session, providing attendees with the opportunity to share personal stories and congratulations with our honoree.

This luncheon offers a wonderful opportunity to recognize Laurel’s lasting impact on quilt scholarship and to connect with others who appreciate her valuable contributions to preserving and advancing quilting heritage.

Please join us for this meaningful celebration!

Join us for an enchanting presentation celebrating Marie Webster, a pioneering figure in American quilting and a prominent figure in Marion, Indiana history. Discover the legacy of this influential quilt designer, historian, and entrepreneur from the early 1900s.

Experience:

• A curated selection of 20 quilts featuring Marie Webster’s timeless designs
• Expert commentary by collectors Pat and Arlan Christ
• The artistry of Webster’s floral applique patterns, inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement

Learn about:

• Webster’s groundbreaking role as the first quilt historian
• Her 30-year success as a businesswoman in the quilting industry
• The enduring impact of her designs, still cherished and imitated over a century later

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore a significant chapter in Indiana’s contribution to American quilting heritage!

Thursday, July 17, 2025, Marion Public Library, Meeting Room B, 600 S Washington St, Marion, IN

In this PowerPoint presentation, Judy Martin shows photos of a wide variety of her original quilts from her 55+ years as a quilt maker and discusses a wealth of ideas that you can incorporate into your own quilts. Judy is known for her innovative block and quilt designs in a largely traditional style. She has no shortage of ideas for her next quilt. In fact, each quilt Judy designs gives her multiple ideas for future quilts. Sometimes she explores related possibilities concurrently in Adobe Illustrator. This may result in multiple quilts that dance around a single idea. At other times, she revisits an idea, sometime years later, when it is the perfect moment to use it in a quilt. Judy discusses her toolbox of ideas and shows photos of multiple quilts to illustrate each one.

About the Presenter: One of the world’s foremost quilt designers, Judy Martin has long sought to bridge the gap between the traditional and modern. In the wake of the Bicentennial Quilt Revival, Judy was an enthusiastic proponent of machine piecing and helped bring pattern presentation into the modern era. Her work remains rooted in the shapes and styles of traditional quilts but feels fresh and original. Judy’s inventive plays on Log Cabin and Lone Star Quilts—each the subject of multiple books and a dazzling array of variations—have become two of her hallmarks. Over the course of her prolific four-decade career, Judy has inspired and empowered quilters to do their best work.

Friday, July 18, 2025, 10:30am – 11:30am, First United Methodist Church, 624 S Adams Street, Marion, IN

Step back in time with this special presentation featuring remarkable quilts from the 1920s and 1930s created using the patterns designed by the influential Ruby Short McKim. The Quilters Hall of Fame Collections Committee will showcase these historical treasures while sharing insights into McKim’s significant impact on American quilting history.

Ruby Short McKim was one of America’s most beloved and widely recognized quilt designers of the early 20th century. Her innovative block patterns were syndicated in newspapers across the nation, bringing quilting instructions directly into homes during a time when the craft was experiencing renewed popularity. While McKim herself designed the patterns, quilters throughout America brought her visions to life, creating beautiful works that reflected both her artistic sensibility and their own craftsmanship.

During this presentation, you’ll examine authentic quilts made from McKim’s designs that now reside in The Quilters Hall of Fame collection. You’ll learn about her distinctive design aesthetic, the cultural context of her work, and the stories behind her popular newspaper-syndicated series like “Quaddy Quilties” and “Flower Garden Quilt.” Committee members will discuss McKim’s artistic influences, her business acumen, and her legacy in the quilting world.

Whether you’re a quilt historian, a collector of vintage patterns, or simply fascinated by the evolution of American quilting traditions, this presentation offers a rare opportunity to see these historical interpretations of McKim’s designs up close while learning about one of quilting’s most influential pattern creators.

Join beloved TV personality Eleanor Burns for this exciting workshop where you’ll create a stunning 24″ x 24″ patriotic wall hanging!

In this hands-on session, you’ll work with beautiful patriotic fabrics (included in your kit) that have been pre-fused with interfacing and precision-cut into an eagle shape using an Accuquilt cutter. Eleanor will guide you through the raw edge appliqué technique, showing you how to enhance your eagle with colorful threads using a buttonhole stitch around the outer edges.

Eleanor’s warm personality and expert instruction make this workshop not just educational but truly entertaining. Don’t miss this opportunity to create a beautiful patriotic piece while enjoying time with one of quilting’s most charismatic teachers!

Kit Included: Pattern, pre-cut eagle, fabric for 24″ square wall hanging, and binding.

Tools to Bring:

• Sewing Machine with buttonhole stitch and wide mouth throat plate
• Scissors
• Stiletto
• Seam ripper
• Thread in red, yellow, green, and blue

Notes: We will have some machines available for loans. Please make a note on the checkout page if you would like to reserve one. Machines are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are a TQHF member, enter “member” into the coupon field on the checkout page for a $5 discount.

Skill Level: Suitable for confident beginners and beyond

Techniques Learned: Raw edge appliqué, decorative buttonhole stitching

Friday, July 18, 2025, 3:00pm – 4:00pm, First United Methodist Church, Parlor, 624 S Adams Street, Marion, IN

Join us for a fascinating bed-turning presentation celebrating the South’s rich quilting heritage. Renowned quilt expert Mary W. Kerr will guide you through a curated collection of Southern quilts, revealing the distinctive characteristics that set them apart from quilts of other regions.

During this immersive experience, Mary will showcase the unique elements that define Southern quilting traditions—from distinctive pattern choices and the meticulous use of tiny pieces to characteristic color palettes that reflect regional influences. As each quilt is unveiled, you’ll discover the stories behind these textile treasures and develop a deeper appreciation for their historical and cultural significance.

Learn how the South’s diverse quilting traditions developed across all socioeconomic levels and within various communities, including African American, Scots Irish, and German settlements. Mary’s expert commentary will illuminate how these cultural influences shaped distinctive regional styles and techniques that continue to inspire quilters today.

Whether you’re a passionate quilt historian, a collector of Southern textiles, or simply curious about America’s rich quilting heritage, this bed-turning presentation offers a rare opportunity to examine these remarkable quilts up close while learning from one of the field’s most knowledgeable experts.

Saturday July 19, 2025 10:30am – 11:30am Marion Public Library, Meeting Room B, 600 S Washington St, Marion, IN

Bertha Meckstroth (1875-1960) created during her lifetime 180 iconoclastic quilts she called “sculptures in cloth.” Utterly original, her masterpieces featured reverse applique, trapunto, and hand quilting. Her will stipulated the 89 works still in her possession be kept together, citing the $70,000 she set aside for their stewardship. Instead, her life’s work was scattered to the wind. In a probing and entertaining presentation that received a standing ovation at QuiltCon 2024, Mary Fons relates the shocking story of a woman done wrong.

About the Presenter: Mary Fons is a writer, editor, and livestreamer who specializes in quilt history and the life of quilts in popular culture. Her livestream broadcast, Quilt Nerd, airs twice a week on Twitch.

Since 2016, Mary has worked in various capacities at Quiltfolk, serving as editor of Quiltfolk magazine (2017-2021), and contributes currently as a writer and online workshop instructor. In 2023, she became the creative director behind the Quiltfolk Foundry project. Prior to that, Mary was editor and creative director of Quilty magazine, and developed, produced, and hosted more than 250 episodes of Quilty, a how-to show for beginner quilters on YouTube with combined views in the millions. On television, Mary hosted or co-hosted Fons & Porter’s Love of Quilting on PBS alongside her mother, Marianne Fons. She is the author of Make & Love Quilts: Scrap Quilts for the 21st Century (C&T/StashBooks) and Dear Quilty (F&W Media). She has served as a columnist for Quilts, Inc., and her articles on quilt history and culture have appeared in publications such as Quiltfolk, Blanket Statements, Curated Quilts, Modern Patchwork, and Love of Quilting, among others.

Saturday July 19, 2025 1:00pm – 2:00pm Gethsemane Episcopal Church, 111 E 9^th St. Marion, IN.

The Quilters Hall of Fame is proud to present Laurel McKay Horton as its 2025 honoree. A distinguished quilt scholar, researcher, author, editor, lecturer, consultant, and teacher, Horton has made significant contributions that have shaped the world of quilting in research, publications, museums and preservation. Horton’s impressive career includes ten years as editor of “Uncoverings,” the American Quilt Study Group’s prestigious annual publication.

Laurel’s presentation compares and contrasts two early American white bed covers and details the lives of their makers. Maria Upshaw (1770-1852) was born to a wealthy Virginia family and came to Kentucky with her husband in 1801. Elizabeth O’Neal (1786-1892) grew up in a large family on a farm in Nelson County, Kentucky. They were among the numerous daughters of Revolutionary War veterans who silently expressed their identity as patriotic American women through their quilts and embroidered and woven counterpanes. This presentation summarizes the results of Laurel’s two decades of research on the origins and significance of these largely ignored and misinterpreted textile treasures, serving as an example of the scholarship and skills for which she is widely recognized.