The Crazy Quilt Retreat 2005 will be held June 3-5, in Omaha, NE. Plus pre- and post-conference workshops. All classes and events will be at the Doubletree Suites Hotel at 72nd and Mercy Road.

We have an outstanding faculty for 2005 -- Helen Gibb, Martha Green, Rita Goff, Nancy Kirk Bonnie Turner and Lisa Caryl. Each day there will be three different five-hour classes -- select one per day.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Friday Evening, 8:30 -- Great FEX -- The Great Fiber Exchange. Bring 30 one-yard pieces of stitchable or couchable fabulous fibers or ribbons or fancy yards -- each in a small baggie. Trade for 30 different pieces. This is for FIBERS, not FABRIC.

Friday Evening, 9 p.m. -- The PROM DRESS SWAP. Bring a prom dress or other fancy dress and a pair of scissors. Put it on the center tables. When the whistle blows, go around and cut a piece of everyone else's dress.

Saturday, 3:30 p.m. -- Scholarship Auction and Show and Tell. Bring something to auction and money to bid. The funds raised provide scholarships for next year's conference.

Saturday, 5 p.m. -- Raffle Quilts Drawing. At the end of the Scholarship Auction we will draw the names of the winners of the raffle quilts. The quilters on the Quiltropolis List have outdone themselves once again. Proceeds are divided between the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Research Foundation and the Crazy Quilt Society Scholarship Auction.

Crazy Cups -- All weekend. An exhibit of Crazy Quilted and Embellished Bras. Please create an entry. Clirck on the Exhibit link to the left.

Classes will go from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day with an hour off for lunch. On Friday afternoon there will be plenty of time to attend the Omaha Quilters Guild Show at a nearby community center. On Saturday night, we recommend a trip to the Old Market area for dinner.

Lisa Caryl is an Iowa crazy quilter and embroiderer extraordinaire. Lisa started doing embroidery at age 8 began crazy quilting 10 years ago. She has taught professionally for the past six years at quilt shops in Iowa and for quilt guilds regionally. She was a featured teacher at the 2004 Crazy Quilt event at the Hotel Patee.

Helen Gibb, a native of Australia now residing in the United States, has been designing in the craft and needle art industry since 1985. Her design work includes ribbon art, decorative painting, fabric painting, rubber stamps, silk flower arrangements and children's kits. As a CHA certified professional demonstrator in the craft industry, Helen's talents are often tapped by manufacturers to test, develop and demonstrate new products.

She has taught a wide variety of ribbonwork classes both nationally and internationally, has written painting instruction books, three ribbon books and is the author of many projects featured in magazines. Helen's current passion is Ribbonwork, which she demonstrates on - HGTV's Carol Duvall Show, PBS Creative Living, and Shop At Home in addition to Denver TV network news programs.

She is the author of The Secrets of Fashioning Ribbon Flowers, Heirlooms For The Next Generation (1998) and Heirloom Ribbonwork (2001), and Ribbonwork, The Complete Guide (2004). She has also contributed ribbon projects to Treasured Wrappings (Sept.1999), Ribbon Art (2001) and Joann's Let's Create (2001).

Helen's ribbonwork designs and projects have appeared in numerous magazines including Better Homes and Gardens publications, Australian Embroidery and CrossStitch, Sew News and Doll Costuming. She is a regular guest on The Carol Duvall Show delighting viewers with her ribbonwork and half dolls.

Martha Green is a textile artist from Oklahoma and proprietor of the Carny Roadside School of Crazy Quilting. Martha brings a unique vision and spirit to Crazy Quilting and has developed three great projects for this year's conference.

Rita Goff, a long-time member of the Crazy Quilt Society has become an accomplished artist and teacher of Brazilian-style raised embroidery. She has taught on the East Coast and for the University of West Virginia Extension Program and will be teaching Brazilian embroidery for Crazy Quilters at this year's conference.

Nancy Kirk, president of the Crazy Quilt Society, has been organizing these conferences for eight years, and teaches crazy quilting throughout the country. She will be offering the Beginner's class as a pre-conference workshop, and an Advanced Post-conference class for crazy quilt teachers on marketing and promotion for teachers.

Bonnie Turner will introduce cray quilters to the art of flower pounding, to make unique fabrics and motifs to incorporate into their quilts. An article by Bonnie is appearing in an upcoming issue of the Crazy Quilt Society Newsletter.

Where All events will be at the Doubletree Suites Hotel at 7270 Cedar St. in Omaha. It is fully handicapped accessible (be sure to ask for a handicapped room if needed). Rooms are $99 per night (single or double) which includes a cooked-to-order breakfast. For each person over 2 add $10 per night. Make your own reservations by calling 1-800-222-TREE (800) 222-8733. If you have trouble making reservations at the 800 #, call the hotel directly at 402-397-5141. Tamara is our conference coordinator. If there are any problems making reservations, ask for her directly. (Be sure to say you are with the Crazy Quilt Society.)

Each hotel room is a suite, with two double beds (or one king if you prefer) in the bedroom, and a living room with a double sofa sleeper. Depending on how good your friendship is, each suite will comfortably hold three, more if you share beds.

Meals

You will be responsible for your own meals. Each day the hotel will offer a limited menu for lunch. You will need to turn in a lunch order by 10 a.m. if you want the hotel to have a lunch ready for you at noon (the restaurant is not open to the public at lunch). If you prefer you can cook in your room (each room has a full kitchen), eat at the Village Inn across the street or a nearby steak house. There are many nearby restaurants for dinner, and the hotel will provide a complimentary shuttle on a space available basis or cabs are available at modest prices.

Register Here

First select the days you plan to attend. Non-members will be charged an additional $30 (Note: it's cheaper to join).

Then check the class you want as first choice and second choice each day. We will honor your first choices as much as possible. If you have not yet joined the Society, please add your membership at this time. (Because the non-member price is higher than the member price plus the membership, it's silly not to.)

When you have made all your selections, click on "Add to Cart" at the bottom of the page to register your name, address and complete your payment. You will have the option to print your registration and mail it in with a check.

Registration

Choose the box(es) that apply (prices for members; non-member prices are $30 more):

I want to register for classes on all three days $225

I want to register the one-day Pre-Conference Intro to Crazy Quilting Workshop with Nancy Kirk $100

I want to register the one-day Post-Conference Marketing and Promotion Workshop with Nancy Kirk $100

I want to register for classes on Friday and Saturday only $175

I want to register for classes on Saturday and Sunday only $175

I want to register for class on Friday only $100

I want to register for class on Saturday only $100

I want to register for class on Sunday only $100

I want to register as "Just Visiting" $30 (enjoy the Prom Dress Swap, Scholarship Auction, get a tote bag, have option to order lunches and visit with friends -- no classes.)

Thursday, June 2, 2005

Pre-conference workshop

Nancy Kirk, Crazy Quilt Adventure.

For beginning crazy quilters or those who would like to explore more piecing traditions. We piece a basic crazy quilt block by hand in the morning and do some basic embellishments in the afternoon. A good preparation for the other classes you will take through the weekend. We will also discuss finishing techniques and ways to make sure your quilt lies flat when you finish. Kit available for $25.

Supply List if not buying a kit:

16-20 pieces of fancy fabrics or cottons if you prefer. Try for a variety of colors, textures, and visual textures.

1 piece of muslin or white cotton broadcloth 12"x12"

Sewing thread

Sharps for appliqué

Chenille needle size 18

Variety of buttons, trims, charms, lace

Embroidery floss or perle cotton size 8 that contrasts with your fabric colors. A yellow/gold is always a good choice.

Nancy Kirk, A Crazy Quilt Adventure

Friday, June 3, 2005

Helen Gibb, English Cottage Garden Flowers - Helen will teach many ribbon flower techniques in this class. You'll use the very best materials in the world that include ribbons and trims from France and Japan. Use these flowers in a jardinière and then frame the entire composition; or use the design as the centerpiece in a crazy quilt project of your own.

Kit - $48, includes jardinière, ribbons, crinoline, needle and thread. Bring scissors, ruler or tape measure. A copy of Helen's book - Ribbonwork The Complete Guide is optional but could be helpful in class. If you need a copy of Helen's book please let her know and she will bring one for you.

Martha Green, Little Books Create wonderful small books with Crazy Quilt Covers. Each one is unique and Martha will bring out the creative artist in everyone.

Supply List

Fabric Books

We are making small books. They may have a theme or just be designed to show off all your embellishment skills. A theme may be triggered by a word, thought or deed. Color may be your inspiration. If you have a theme in mind you want to bring a few images on fabric, charms, or cloth transfers that reflect your interest. Anything that would advance your subject would work well. You don't need more than about 10 images and you should keep the images small. They should not exceed a 5 inches by 5 inches. $10 required lab fee.

You will need

A bag of scraps include some small images you might like to be subject for a book
A trash bag, piece of plastic or newspaper to cover your work area One half yard of untreated canvas (the thinner the weight the better)
2 small paintbrushes
One half yard of Wonder Under
4 felt squares
2 piece of crescent board cut 61/2 inches by 71/2 inches
Ribbon, trim, embroidery thread, beads, charms, buttons etc.
A thimble
A plastic cup filled with water
Fabric markers

Lisa Caryl, Combo Crazy Quilt Stitches. Lisa will guide you through an embroidery sampler to perfect your embroidery stitches and learn to combine them in a wide variety of ways. Lisa is an accomplished stitcher and teacher who is able to work with stitchers at all levels of experience.

While the class will review basics, the focus is on combining stitches and embellishing basic stitchery with more stitches and beads. See some of Lisa's work at www.picturetrails.com/quiltygurl. Bring a practice block or some plain fabric backed with muslin to class. Supply list:

• Pearle cotton or silk pearle threads in size #12 or #8, in your choice of colors.
  
• Chalk-o'Liner or chalk marking pencil. White will usually work on almost all fabrics.
  
• Embroidery Needles for hand sewing
  
• Scissors
  
• John James Straw Needles or Quilting Betweens in size 10, to use for sewing on beads.
  
• Thread for sewing on beads. Gray is a good choice.
  
• Seed Beads in your choice of colors. Two or three colors will be plenty.
  
• One color of Bugle beads. Gold works great. Bugle beads are long, tube shaped beads. Shorter ones, 1/2" or less, will work best.
  
• Tiger Tape-this is usually available in quilt shops and chain fabric stores. Please bring the type that has 9 marks to the inch.
  

I will have 5 yard cards of pearle cotton and small packets of beads available for purchase by students.

Optional supplies:

• Thimble
  
• Embroidery Hoop or Q-snap frame
  
• Ott Lite and extension cord
  
• Magnifier
  
• Needle threader
  

Friday First Choice (choose only one):

Helen Gibb, English Garden

Martha Green, Little Books

Lisa Caryl, Combo Crazy Quilt Stitches


Friday Second Choice (choose only one):

Helen Gibb, English Garden

Martha Green, Little Books

Lisa Caryl, Combo Crazy Quilt Stitches

Saturday, June 4, 2004

Helen Gibb, Victorian Ribbon Bracelet

Using a small selection of exquisite hand made ribbon flowers that you will make in class, a few dimensional flower beads, some leaves and of course some delicious Mokuba ribbons and trims, Helen will guide you through the steps in making a ribbon bracelet.

Finished with a gold closure this lovely piece of jewelry is reminiscent of the Victorian era. The skills learned in this class are easily adapted for a crazy quilt block. An additional, ribbon brooch kit using the same techniques learned in class is also available for sale in the class. If time permits Helen will start that project for those wanting the brooch.

Bracelet Kit - $48, includes ribbon band, ribbons, trims, acrylic flower and leaf beads, seed beads, needle and thread, and gold closure.

Bring scissors, ruler or tape measure. A copy of Helen's book - Ribbonwork The Complete Guide is optional but could be helpful in class. If you need a copy of Helen's book please let her know and she will bring one for you.

Martha GreenCrazy Quilt Hats

Make a one of a kind hat using hand-piecing and embellishments as only Martha Green can teach. Depending on the fabrics you choose this can be a year-round or winter warmth creation. A real fashion statement! $10 required lab fee.

Supply List

Crazy Quilt and Felt Hats

One yard of wool felt for hat
One yard of fabric for lining
One yard of muslin
4 felt squares (keep in mind flowers and leaves)
One half yard of Wonder Under
This project may all be done by hand but of course would go faster by machine.
Sewing machine if you can manage to bring one
I will have a couple there to share
Iron set up if you have one that will travel
Marking pencil
Regular crazy quilt supplies.

Skill level: advanced beginner to advanced

Bonnie Turner, Nature's Bounty: Flower Pounding for Crazy Quilters

What could possibly be better than flowers, silk and crazy quilting? In this class you will create a beautiful wall hanging that combines the best of nature. You will flower pound on silk then include it in a small piece that could be framed or just hung on the wall. I can't think of a better way to enjoy your garden year round.

We will do silk ribbon embroidery and seam embellishment as well. Fabric & flower kit $15 (an assortment of pretreated silk for the pounding & fresh flowers).

Supply list

A small mallet or wooden spoon
1 - 1 ½" roll of Masking Tape (I purchased both the tape & mallet at the dollar store)
1 washcloth (noise factor)
1 - 16" foundation piece of muslin
A scrap bag of crazy quilting fabrics - think about the colors in a garden. I recommend you bring a variety of lights, mediums & darks. Medium tone fabrics tend to enhance your piece.
A variety of threads and silk ribbons in floral and green shades - take a look at the fabrics you have chosen. (2mm, 4mm, 7mm, 13mm) we will try to include whatever you bring).
Any charms, beads or buttons that reflect the garden i.e. bees, butterflies, garden tools etc.
Needles in assorted sizes - embroidery, chenilles (I like a # 22 or # 24) & tapestry for weaving
Small spool of cotton thread in ecru or light gray
Ruler - I use a 1"x 12" omnigrid for marking
A mechanical pencil
A black pigma pen (01 or 03)

I will have rulers, pigma pens, pretreated fabric, patterns and kits etc. for sale in class

Saturday First Choice (choose only one):

Helen Gibb, Victorian Ribbon Bracelet

Martha Green, Crazy Quilt Hats


Bonnie Turner, Nature's Bounty: Flower Pounding

Saturday Second Choice (choose only one):

Helen Gibb, Victorian Ribbon Bracelet

Martha Green, Crazy Quilt Hats

Bonnie Turner, Nature's Bounty: Flower Pounding

Sunday, June 5, 2005

Helen Gibb, Edwardian Elegance

This very elegant lady portrait is captured on a fabric print and will be embellished with a stunning arrangement of ribbon flowers. You will learn to make the vintage flat rose, rosebuds, rosettes, blossoms and two varieties of leaves.

The addition of trims and beadwork makes this project a true delight. Adapted from the vintage box project in Helen's newest ribbon book, you will be able to use your embellished piece on any project of your choice - why not make a small pillow, a jewelry roll, a small wall hanging, or use as a needle book cover.

Kit - $39, includes, fabric print, ribbons, trims, beads, needle and thread. Bring scissors, ruler or tape measure. A copy of Helen's book - Ribbonwork The Complete Guide is optional but could be helpful in class. If you need a copy of Helen's book please let her know and she will bring one for you.

Martha Green Victorian Door Pillow

We will create a fanciful keep out pillow to hang on your door handle. This edict is put forth by "order of the Queen." The queen in question being Queen Victoria who was not amused by unnecessary disturbance.

I love working with all thoughts Victorian and especially Queen Victoria who I consider the Patron Saint of Crazy Quilting. We'll work some magic with ribbons, thread and some Carny Roadside Attraction CQ school techniques. $10 required lab fee.

Supply List:

Queens Keep Out Pillow

A bag of queenly scraps
Fat quarter of muslin
Fat quarter of lining
Any images of queens…tobacco silks or reproductions, stamped, iron-off transfers, queenly images on cloth. I will provide a couple but you may have some thing special to try or share. These need to be small 2 inch by 2 inches or so.
Trim fit for a queen
Lace
1 ½ yard of nice ribbon about an inch and a half wide to 2 inches. A baggie of stuffing

Rita Goff, Brazilian Embroidery

This class will introduce you to the art of Brazilian Embroidery. We will cover a history of the art form, use of Edmar Rayon Threads, Needles used, fabrics and transferring patterns, using hoops. nd ten basic stitches.

Supplies: Scissors, tomato pin cushion, embroidery hoop, notebook and pen.

Kit: $20. Includes: Milliner and Chenille needles, Black Beauty Needle Threader, Trigger Fabric to use as doodle cloth, a skein of Glory, Iris, Lola and Nova Edmar Thread,

Beginners Flower Kit....Creeping Flower (6 x 6 inches).... see picture.

Note: The Beginners Flower Kit....Creeping Flower (6 x 6 inches) is optional...please take $10.00 off the price of the Kit if you don't want it.

Sunday First Choice (choose only one):

Helen Gibb, Edwardian Elegance

Martha Green, Victorian Door Pillow

Rita Goff, Brazilian Embroidery


Sunday Second Choice (choose only one):

Helen Gibb, Edwardian Elegance

Martha Green, Victorian Door Pillow

Rita Goff, Brazilian Embroidery

Monday, June 6, 2004

Optional Post-Conference Workshop

Nancy Kirk, Marketing and Promotion for Crazy Quilt Teachers. Whether you teach locally or nationally, learn promotion and marketing techniques to take your career to the next level. We will discuss program development, pricing, public relations, sales and internet marketing.

Nancy Kirk, Marketing and Promotion for Crazy Quilt Teachers

Membership

If you were a member of the Crazy Quilt Society in 2004 your membership will be automatically renewed at no charge since we're so late with 2004 issues of the newsletter. If you were a member in 2004, check here and we will renew your membership.

2005 Renewal Membership with On-line newsletter no charge

Crazy Quilt Society Renewal Membership Print Verson no charge

For New Members: If you haven't joined yet, there is no time like the present!

Crazy Quilt Society Membership On-Line $15(newsletters will be delivered electronically)U.S. or International

Crazy Quilt Society Membership Print Verson $25 (United States)

Crazy Quilt Society Membership Print Verson $35 (International)

We also have new supporting memberships for those who would like to support the Society (All amounts above the basic membership are tax-deductible):

Crazy Quilt Society Sponsor Membership $100

Crazy Quilt Society Contributor Membership $500

Crazy Quilt Society Benefactor Membership $1000

If you would prefer to make a tax-deductible contribution of any other amount, just note it in the "Comments" area when you check out.

We have a few sets of 2002 and 2003 newsletters available for purchase if you were not a member last year.

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