The Garden of Quilts event in Lehi, Utah, hosted by Riley Blake Designs, was an inspiring and fun-filled gathering that exceeded expectations! Held amidst the stunning backdrop of Ashton Gardens at Thanksgiving Point, this year’s event brought together quilters, crafters, and designers in a celebration of creativity and community.
The Setting
With thousands of beautiful quilts displayed throughout the gardens, it was an incredible sight to behold. The natural beauty of Ashton Gardens perfectly complemented the artistry of the quilts, creating a dreamy experience. Walking through rows of vibrant quilts fluttering in the breeze was pure magic, especially with the sun filtering through the trees.
Personal Highlights:
Filming at the Riley Blake Designs YouTube Studio
One of the most exciting parts of my trip to Utah was the opportunity to spend almost three full days filming in the Riley Blake Designs YouTube studio! This was a dream come true, as I had the chance to teach some of my favorite projects to a broader audience. The studio was the perfect environment to dive deep into each technique, with all the tools and materials on hand to bring the vision to life. The experience was both fun and rewarding—working with the Riley Blake team to film step-by-step tutorials while sharing tips and tricks made for an amazing creative exchange. Keep an eye out for upcoming Sew A Story tutorials and the launch or Machine Embroidery videos on the Riley Blake Designs YouTube channel.
Strawberry Basket Quilt Pattern Class
The Strawberry Basket Quilt Pattern class was a sweet start to my teaching schedule! This project combines EASY, pieced basket blocks with fresh, whimsical strawberry blocks, set on point in a fun an easy method! Making this pattern perfect for quilters who love blending traditional techniques with playful designs. In the class, I walked through the process of creating clean, crisp points, choosing the right fabrics, and piecing the quilt for a balanced, cohesive look. We also explored fun ways to personalize the pattern with fabric choices and layout options. It was so much fun to see quilters bring their own spin to the pattern, making each strawberry basket uniquely theirs!
North Pole Village Quilt Pattern Class
The North Pole Village Quilt Pattern class brought the magic of the holiday season to life! This pattern features charming village scenes with pockets for Santa's workshop felt panel characters, turning a traditional quilt into an interactive experience. Teaching this class allowed me to showcase a unique blend of quilting and 3D embellishments. I guided participants through constructing the village blocks, adding pockets for the felt characters, and bringing a touch of whimsy to their quilts with detailed applique techniques. Watching attendees light up as their North Pole villages came to life—complete with Santa’s workshop, elves, and reindeer—was pure holiday joy!
Machine Embroidery Grandma Doll Class
The Machine Embroidery Grandma Doll class was especially close to my heart. This project is more than just a doll; it's a celebration of family and tradition, with the added touch of personalization through machine embroidery. In the class, I walked participants through the process of designing and creating a fully embroidered doll, from digitizing the face and details to assembling the doll with soft fabrics that bring warmth and character. We explored how machine embroidery can be used to add intricate details and even incorporate family heirloom elements into the doll. The sense of nostalgia and creativity that came from this project made it a memorable experience for everyone, and I loved seeing how each doll took on its own personality!
Workshops and Presentations
In addition to my filming and teaching time, I also taught machine embroidery sessions for Riley Blake Designs at the Shop Owner’s Track—a focused track for quilt shop owners looking to expand their machine embroidery offerings. It was such a rewarding experience to teach techniques that could help elevate their businesses!
I also had the privilege of presenting in the lecture tent, where I spoke about my journey as a fabric designer and my niche in creating early years educational fabrics, quilts, dolls, and felt panels. Sharing my story and hearing from others was truly special, as we connected over our love for fabric design and quilting.
Fun with Friends: Meet the Maker Event
The sense of community at the Garden of Quilts was palpable. We had so much fun with both old and new friends during the event, and the Meet the Maker event was a blast! We even broke out into a dance party, which was the perfect way to let loose and celebrate after a day of quilting, learning, and connecting.
Riley Blake Designs Showcases
Riley Blake Designs made the event extra special with their stunning fabric collections on display. Their new releases were full of gorgeous florals, playful novelty prints, and fresh modern designs. The live demonstrations at their booth and the chance to see their fabrics used in various quilts throughout the event sparked endless ideas for new projects.
Memorable Quilts and Quilt Show
The Quilt Show was a standout moment for many, as quilters from around the world proudly shared their work. The variety of techniques, patterns, and stories behind each quilt was inspiring, reminding us all of the power of quilting as an art form and storytelling medium. It was a joy to see how each person added their unique flair, whether through intricate piecing, embroidery, or fabric choices.
Final Thoughts
Garden of Quilts 2024 was a beautiful mix of creativity, connection, and celebration. Whether through teaching classes, presenting, or simply walking through the displays, it was an experience I’ll cherish. I came away inspired and excited for new projects, and I’m already looking forward to next year!
If you attended the event, I’d love to hear your favorite moments, and if you didn’t, I hope this recap gives you a glimpse of the magic we experienced in Lehi. Until next time, happy stitching!
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