Quilt Connection Guild

In 2011, quilting wasn’t even on Katrina’s radar. She didn’t have a fabric stash, a dream pattern, or even a design wall at the time, or any thoughts of quilt shows. That all changed at her church’s annual summer fundraiser-a lively afternoon of games, bounce houses, and raffle baskets-when her husband casually dropped a raffle ticket into the quilting basket instead of sewing basket. A few days later, the phone rang, and she won an oversized basket filled with pins, rulers, marking pencils, and a handful of mysterious tools she couldn’t name. They sat untouched for months until curiosity finally got the best of her. Katrina signed up for a beginner’s class at her local Joann’s store in February of 2012. Her very first lesson was making a churn dash block.

From there, she learned to add sashing, cornerstones, create a quilt sandwich, quilt it, and bind it. For her first project, her son asked if he could pick out the fabrics-Chicago Bears dark blue and orange, with bright orange and white solids. It wasn’t perfect, but I learned so much, and my son loved it. From that moment I was hooked. Fast forward 13 years and Katrina has developed a fearless approach. Nothing scares me, I’ve tried it all! Small pieces? Even better. Complicated techniques? Sign me up!

I’ve never been shy about ripping seams out to get something right. A habit inspired by a friend early in my journey: “If in doubt, rip it out”. My love of learning has taken me through countless classes, techniques, and challenges.

We meet at Christ United Methodist Church located at 8540 US 31 S, Indianapolis, IN 46227. Please bring a couple of canned goods with you for their food pantry to thank them for hosting our meetings.

October’s Program Submitted by Vera Bogle October 2nd – Katie Jones – Fabric Art & Doll Making Although I’ve always held a deep appreciation for art in all its forms, it wasn’t until I retired from a career in manufacturing information systems in 2008 that I was nally able to release the artist within. Over the years, I’ve dabbled in watercolor and acrylic painting, but my creative focus has since shifted toward more tactile and dimensional forms of expression. Today, I primarily work with fabric and clay, creating sculptures, wearable art, and intricate fabric “paintings.” Recently, I’ve become especially captivated by the process of using fabric and thread to create what are essentially paintings—blending color, texture, and stitch work to evoke the feel of traditional brushstrokes. It’s a rewarding challenge that allows me to express beauty in a unique way. My motivation is simple: I create for the sheer love of creating something beautiful. I strive to make pieces that spark memories, evoke emotions or simply offer a moment of visual pleasure.

Please join us at 7PM at Christ United Methodist Church at 8540 S US 31 S, Indianapolis, In. Bring a couple of items with you to donate to the Church Food Pantry. We will be meeting in a different room at the church to accommodate their craft fair. See you on Thursday 10/2 at 7PM!

September’s Program – Submitted by Vera Bogle.
Our next QCG meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 4th at 7PM and it is our popular member demo night. It is a great opportunity to learn new quilting techniques or refresh your skills. Demos typically last 15-20 minutes. Five round tables will be set up in the middle/rear of the room for each demo. We anticipate ~7-8 members per round of demos. All members will be afforded the opportunity to move from table to table to view all five demos. We will be meeting at Christ United Methodist Church which is located at 8540 US 31 South, Indianapolis, Indiana.

Name Topic / Technique
1 Suzanne Miller – “10 Things I wish I Had Known Sooner”
2 Carol Henke – Trapunto
3 JoAnn Gates – Fabric Post Cards
4 Sandra Wilson – Hanging Sleeves
5 Wilma Davison – “It’s a Mystery”

Remember to bring items for the church’s food pantry to thank them for hosting our meetings at the church.

August’s Program Submitted by Vera Bogle.

Our August meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 7th, 2025, at 7:00 PM at Christ United

Methodist Church, which is located at 8540 US 31 S, Indianapolis, IN 46227.

Leigh Layton will bring many quilts for her trunk show and present a PowerPoint lecture, discussing how she began quilting and her journey. She will showcase projects and the process of using photos and share insights on printing images onto fabric.

Along with an overview of useful iPad apps for quilting, and a discussion on mosaic creation and the use of digital cutter. A special photo from her quilting experience will be highlighted.

Future Programs Submitted by JoAnn Gates

August 7th – Leigh Layton Trunk Show & Presentation

September 4th – Demo Night

October 2nd – Katie Jones Fabric Art & Doll Making

November 6th – Katrina Trunk Show

December 4th – Party & Holiday Pitch In

Have a suggestion for the program, send it to Jo Ann Gates & Vera Bogle.

Our July meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 3rd, 2025, at 6:30 PM at Christ United Methodist Church, which is located at 8540 US 31 S, Indianapolis, IN 46227.  

July Program – Fried Chicken Pitch-In & Celebration!!

The guild’s will provide fried chicken for the meeting and we are asking our members to bring a salad/appetizer (last name A-F), side (last name G-M) or dessert (last name N-Z).  There will be games, fellowship, and lots of fun. Folder holders should bring a large bottle of soda, tea or lemonade.

Please bring items for the Church’s Andrews Harvest Food Pantry, to show our appreciation to the Church for the use of the facilities. Canned vegetables, Dry Good (no glass): spaghetti sauce, boxed spaghetti, pancake mix, syrup, macaroni and cheese, Fruit (not fresh/no glass): apple sauce, peaches, mixed fruit, pears, Meats (canned): tuna, salmon, chicken, Breakfast: miscellaneous cereals, Staples (no glass): peanut butter, fruit spreads (jelly or jam), Soups: chicken noodle soup, tomato soup, Toiletries: toilet paper, tooth paste, bar soap, diapers (any size), feminine products.  

If you have a suggestion for a program speaker or for demo night, please contact Jo Ann Gates or Vera Bogle.

Our June meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 5th, 2025, at 7:00 PM at Christ United Methodist Church, which is located at 8540 US 31 S, Indianapolis, IN 46227.

Guest Speaker – Dianne Noe – “Indigo Dyeing”

Dianne Noe is a multidisciplinary uber artist living on the south side of Indianapolis. A retired educator, she has spent the past a number of years pursuing a variety of mediums and techniques, including spinning, knitting, weaving, and sewing.

Inspired by her verdant garden, Dianne also pursues natural dyeing to bring dimension to her materials and explore the history of textiles.

If you have a suggestion for a program, send it to Jo Ann Gates & Vera Bogle

Please bring items for the Church’s Andrews Harvest Food Pantry, to show our appreciation to the Church for the use of the facilities.

Canned vegetables, Dry Good (no glass): spaghetti sauce, boxed spaghetti, pancake mix, syrup, macaroni and cheese, Fruit (not fresh/no glass): apple sauce, peaches, mixed fruit, pears, Meats (canned): tuna, salmon, chicken, Breakfast: miscellaneous cereals, Staples (no glass): peanut butter, fruit spreads (jelly or jam), Soups: chicken noodle soup, tomato soup, or toiletries: toilet paper, tooth paste, bar soap, diapers (any size), or feminine products.

Remember to bring your 2025 Challenge Quilts to our meeting. They will be judged via “Viewers Choice” on Thursday evening. A little birdie also told me that we will be having a QCG anniversary celebration that night! See you all at the meeting!!

Our May meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 1st 2025, at 7:00 PM at Christ United Methodist Church, which is located at 8540 US 31 S, Indianapolis, IN 46227.  

May Program Speaker – Marsha Lawson

The guild’s own Marsha Lawson will be presenting on the topic “Quilting outside your comfort zone.” Marsha made her first quilt in 2015 for her daughter’s high school graduation and fell in love with the process. Without a family background in sewing, most of her knowledge has come from reading books, watching videos, sewing with friends, and lots of trial and error. She considers herself a confident beginner with a million ideas to try.

She will be sharing how quilting outside her own comfort zone has helped her build skills and spark creativity. Plus she will be sharing a new project designed to spark an interest in trying some new techniques or just add some twists to your favorite tried and true techniques.

Please bring items for the Church’s Andrews Harvest Food Pantry, to show our appreciation to the Church for the use of the facilities. Canned vegetables, Dry Good (no glass): spaghetti sauce, boxed spaghetti, pancake mix, syrup, macaroni and cheese, Fruit (not fresh/no glass): apple sauce, peaches, mixed fruit, pears, Meats (canned): tuna, salmon, chicken, Breakfast: miscellaneous cereals, Staples (no glass): peanut butter, fruit spreads (jelly or jam), Soups: chicken noodle soup, tomato soup, Toiletries: toilet paper, tooth paste, bar soap, diapers (any size), feminine products.  

Have a suggestion for a program speaker, then send your info to Jo Ann Gates or Vera Bogle.

Our April meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 3rd 2025, at 7:00 PM at Christ United Methodist Church, which is located at 8540 US 31 S, Indianapolis, IN 46227.  

Program – Guest Speaker – Margaret Fette

Margaret Fette’s passion has always been sewing. She discovered quilting in her 20s (making over 1,000 quilted pieces in that decade alone!), worked on Broadway in her 30s, and finally settled in Bloomington and opened a tailoring and alterations business, The Tailored Fit, in 2006. Excited to grow and expand, Margaret opened the University of Sewing in 2018, selling fabric and notions as a way of serving the sewist community. One week before the COVID shut down in 2020, the University of Sewing officially became a Bernina dealer, and Margaret put her summer in quarantine to good use, putting her ENTIRE inventory online and available for purchase! Over time, the University of Sewing has grown and changed (sadly, Margaret had to decide to close the Tailored Fit in 2023, choosing instead to focus on fabric sales, her position as a Bernina Excellence Dealer, and sewing machine repair shop), but Margaret’s dedication to sewing and creativity has never wavered! The University of Sewing offers dozens of classes, a staff of dedicated and knowledgeable sewists, and a wide range of must-be-touched fabric. Come to Bloomington and visit us in person, or head over to universityofsewing.com for more info!

The title of her presentation will be “Quilted Garments are All the Rage!” She will be bringing patterns specifically designed for quilted garments (or that can be easily reimagined as a quilted garment!), samples, and TONS of inspiration!  Also, Margaret and her husband will bring their fabric truck which will be set up outside of the church at 6PM that evening where you can shop for fabric and patterns.

Please bring items for the Church’s Andrews Harvest Food Pantry, to show our appreciation to the Church for the use of the facilities. Canned vegetables, Dry Good (no glass): spaghetti sauce, boxed spaghetti, pancake mix, syrup, macaroni and cheese, Fruit (not fresh/no glass): apple sauce, peaches, mixed fruit, pears, Meats (canned): tuna, salmon, chicken, Breakfast: miscellaneous cereals, Staples (no glass): peanut butter, fruit spreads (jelly or jam), Soups: chicken noodle soup, tomato soup, Toiletries: toilet paper, tooth paste, bar soap, diapers (any size), feminine products.  

Have a suggestion for a program speaker, then send your info to Jo Ann Gates or Vera Bogle.

March’s Program Submitted by Vera Bogle

Our March meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 6th, 2025, at 7:00 PM at Christ United Methodist Church, which is located at 8540 US 31 S, Indianapolis, IN 46227.

Program – Guest Speaker – Becky Horton:

Along with being an avid reader, writer and storyteller, Becky’s greatest passion is quilting. She delights in donating work to charitable causes as well as making new quilts to ensure that her two sons and six grandchildren have plenty to enjoy.She owns a quilting business named

“Wacky Island Quilting” and has been long-arming quilts for customers for the past 7 years. She enjoys cleaning and repairing vintage quilts and is AQS trained in quilt appraisal. Her plan is to become an AQS Certied Appraiser. She is a member of the Nimble Thimble Quilt Club of Johnson County and resides in Greenwood with her husband, Mark.

Becky’s presentation will answer the question ‘what is a quilt appraisal and why/when do I need one? She will share information on working with your insurance company to make sure your quilts are protected in the event of a catastrophe or robbery. She will speak on cleaning, repairing and storing quilts.

Please bring items for the Church’s Andrews Harvest Food Pantry, to show our appreciation to the Church for the use of the facilities.

Canned vegetables, Dry Good (no glass): spaghetti sauce, boxed spaghetti, pancake mix, syrup, macaroni and cheese, Fruit (not fresh/no glass): apple sauce, peaches, mixed fruit, pears, Meats (canned): tuna, salmon, chicken, Breakfast: miscellaneous cereals, Staples (no glass): peanut butter, fruit spreads (jelly or jam), Soups: chicken noodle soup, tomato soup, Toiletries: toilet paper, tooth paste, bar soap, diapers (any size), feminine products.

Have a suggestion for the program, send it to Jo Ann Gates & Vera Bogle