Quilts and Other Stuff from Frances
Workshops & Programs
Bring engaging, high-energy quilting programs to your guild or group! My lectures, trunk shows, and hands-on workshops are packed with inspiration, practical techniques, and a good dose of fun. Whether you’re looking for scrap quilting, color exploration, free-motion quilting, or beginner skill building, you’ll find a program your members will love.
Lectures & Trunk Shows
Viewing the World Thru
Quilt Colored Glasses
A vibrant, fast-moving presentation exploring how color, pattern, and everyday experiences inspire quilt design. Includes dozens of quilts and behind-the-scenes insights into how ideas become finished pieces.
You’ll Learn:
How to find inspiration in unexpected places
How different palettes change a project
Practical ways to expand your creative vision
Format: In Person or Zoom
Length: 45–60 minutes
What Guilds Say About "Viewing the World...."
“Your lecture was a smash hit!!
Everyone was coming up to me with ear-to-ear grins and telling me they loved it!
I did, too, and what a whirlwind of gorgeous designs. It was incredibly inspiring! And bonus—I didn’t expect you to not only show us your quilts, but to explain how you accomplished them. I must say, in my opinion, yours was the most interesting and relatable lecture I have hosted in my four years as Program Chair.”
— Belknap Mill Quilters Guild
Photos -- Off of the Sim Card
and
Onto the Quilt
Turn your favorite photos into stunning quilt designs! This lecture walks through the full process—from capturing the image to translating shapes, color, and contrast into fabric.
You’ll Learn:
What types of photos translate well to quilts
Simple methods for drafting patterns from photos
Fabric selection tips for photo-based quilts
Format: In Person or Zoom
Length: 45–60 minutes
The Challenge of Challenges
Dive into the world of quilt challenges—how they spark creativity, push boundaries, and lead to unexpected ideas. Includes challenge quilts, behind-the-scenes process, and practical tips.
You’ll Learn:
How to overcome challenge “block”
- New ways to think about challenges
How constraints can fuel inspiration
Format: In Person or Zoom
Length: 45–60 minutes
Scrap Quilting -
Stop Thinking, Start Scrapping
A fast-paced, joyful lecture that helps you bust your scrap bins and eliminate decision fatigue. Learn my simple, stress-free system for turning scraps into gorgeous quilts.
You’ll Learn:
How to cut, sort, and store scraps for easy use
3 Scrappy Principles to remove multiple decisions and make piecing fun!
Various techniques that encourage accurate piecing
Thoughts about quilting your creations
Format: In Person or Zoom
Length: 45–60 minutes`
Size Matters -- At Least Where
Quilts are Concerned
A humorous and eye-opening look at scale, proportion, and visual impact in quilt design. Learn how size choices affect movement, balance, and the overall “wow factor.”
You’ll Learn:
When to scale up—and when to scale down
How size affects pattern clarity
How to adjust pattern sizes without math headaches
Format: In Person or Zoom
Length: 45–60 minutes
Yes, You CAN Quilt It Yourself!
A friendly, accessible guide to free-motion quilting, including choosing quilting designs without stress. See real quilts, real examples, and simple decision-making paths.
You’ll Learn:
- How to set yourself up for machine quilting success
How to select quilting designs that enhance—not fight—the quilt
Quilting patterns for common quilt styles
Resources that develop a mindset for confident quiting
Format: In Person & Zoom
Length: 45–60 minutes
Climbing the Creative Family Tree
....or....
How I got From There to Here
A four-generation trunk show exploring the creative “DNA” that shapes us as quilters. Part storytelling, part inspiration, and filled with personal quilts and memories.
You’ll Learn:
How creativity is passed down
How life experiences shape your quilting
Encouragement to explore your own creative path
Format: Trunk Show (In Person Only)
Length: 45–60 minutes
Read what Guild members have said:
2027 Program Pricing
Zoom programs are $325 for a 1-hour lecture.
In-person programs are $375 plus traveling expenses.
Hands-On Workshops
Skill-building, technique-focused workshops designed for classroom settings—available for guilds, retreats, and groups.
Beginning Machine Quilting Workshop
Perfect for new free-motion quilters! Learn the fundamentals of machine setup, tension, movement, and simple designs to build confidence.
Students Will Learn:
Setup and machine basics
Foundational FMQ patterns
How to practice effectively
Format: Workshop (3 hours or 6 hours)
Skill Level: Beginner
MOVE IT!!!....a Free-Motion Quilting Bootcamp
A high-energy, hands-on bootcamp for quilters ready to take their FMQ skills up a notch. Explore movement, rhythm, control, and dozens of designs.
Students Will Learn:
How to improve control and rhythm
Repeating and connecting motifs
Techniques for smooth curves & consistent spacing
Format: Full-Day Workshop
Skill Level: Intermediate
