Welcome!
Last week, Wendy Fuller taught the first class of her fall series of free-motion and ruler classes. I love these classes! They’re informational, hands-on and there’s so much interaction. And you know how important education is to me!
But I also know that many of you can’t attend our in-person classes. Well, this post is dedicated to introducing you to internationally recognized longarm quilters that you can learn from online. (And occasionally in-person too. Read on for one of these opportunities!)
I’m going to share some introductory information on three longarm quilters. Some have been around longer than others. Some have more name recognition than others. Some you may already know. But all of them are extremely talented!
Quilting with … Karen McTavish
Karen McTavish has been working as a longarm quilter since 1997. She is well known for her freehand quilting techniques, especially her distinctive “McTavishing” style. Don’t know what that is? View this short APQS YouTube video “Learn how to free motion quilt McTavishing”!
This longarm expert is an award-winning quilter at the national and international levels. She has written several books, produced additional DVDs, teaches both in-person and online, and has an active website and YouTube channel.
Karen is based out of McTavish Quilting Studio in Duluth Minnesota. She is an APQS longarm instructor and provides APQS sales and service out of her studio. Like The Quilting Connection, she also rents time on her longarm quilting machines.
Use these links to her website and YouTube channel as starting points. Then continue to explore Karen’s vast resources!
Quilting with … Claudia Pfeil
Claudia Pfeil lives in Germany. She began her quilting journey in the 1980s, starting with hand quilting and transitioning to longarm quilting in the early 2000s.
Claudia’s reaction to touching that first longarm in 2004? “Finally quilting freely, the stretched area in view – and the longarm machine like my pen in hand!” So instead of investing in a new car, she bought her first APQS longarm.
With becoming the first longarm machine quilter in Europe, she also took on the role of APQS representative. Twice a year she organizes APQS open houses featuring a wide range of longarm classes covering design, technology and service.
Claudia is known for her innovative use of color and design. She has won numerous prestigious awards in international quilting competitions. It takes one year for Claudia to produce a new show quilt. Once complete, she sends it on a worldwide trip to various competitions.
Since 2006, Claudia has been traveling the world as a longarm teacher and artist: Europe, Asia, Australia and the USA. In fact, if you have the time and resources, she is teaching a three-day hands-on workshop at the APQS Showroom and National Training Center in Carroll, Iowa on October 22nd through the 24th!
To learn more about Claudia, explore her website … and unless you’re proficient in German, make sure you click English in the upper right-hand corner of the screen! You can also follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
Quilting with … Angela Huffman
Do you recognize Angela Huffman? She is the co-host of PBS’ Fons & Porter’s Love of Quilting!
Angela began quilting in 2000 and started offering professional quilting services in 2007. In 2009, she found APQS. Her studio opened in 2013 in Louisville, Kentucky providing APQS sales and service, longarm training, and machine rental opportunities.
In addition to her television presence, Angela has been featured in several magazines including Love of Quilting, Quiltmaker and Quilter’s Newsletter. She’s also made several instructional videos which can be found on the QuiltingDaily and APQS websites.
Angela’s super-power is breaking down complex topics into approachable … and sometimes whimsical … bits that every level of quilter can understand.
To learn more about Angela, explore her website, Quilted Joy. In 2019, she started the Quilted Joy Clubhouse, a twice-monthly livestream event. She’s also very active on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.
You may have noticed that all three of these expert quilters are associated with APQS. A heads up! Our next post will feature three more experts … all associated with Handi Quilter.
Who are your favorite expert longarm quilters? Please let me know! (They may appear in a future post!)
But before I sign off, I have some event and sale information to share!
October Quilt Show!
Are you up for a road trip to northeastern Illinois? We’ve added this final quilt show to our 2024 schedule of events!
Prairie Star Quilt Guild’s 2024 Quilt Show
Friday, October 18th 9AM – 5PM
Saturday, October 19th 9AM – 4PM
DuPage County Fairgrounds
2015 Manchester Road
Wheaton, Illinois 60187
Please stop by and say hello!
Upcoming Special Events!!
APQS Road Show Longarm Experience
Friday, November 8th – Elkhorn Shop
Saturday, November 9th – Appleton Shop
Learn more about our APQS machines at this free event.
Stay tuned for registration details!
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Superior Thread Event
Friday, November 22nd – Appleton Shop
Saturday, November 23rd – Elkhorn Shop
Learn more about the various types of Superior thread, tension and needles to use.
This is a free event.
Stay tuned for more information!
Sales!!!
Sale #1
Do you love using Superior Thread as much as we do? The Thread-A-Palooza Sale is now in progress!
Thread-A-Palooza Sale
If you purchase in person at either the Elkhorn or Appleton shop,
in stock thread will be available at 30% off.
If you purchase online, use coupon code “thread” to receive 15% off.
NOTE: Discounts can’t be combined. If you use “thread”, you cannot use “FreeShip”.
Sale #2
October Floor Model and Used Longarm BLOWOUT Sale
Take advantage of the biggest savings of the year!!!
Check our website for remaining availability.
Sale #3
Handi Quilter is running a Spooktacular deal for October!
If you’re thinking about investing in a Handi Quilter longarm machine,
take advantage of this bundle special!
So many events and sale opportunities!
Any of the events pique your interest? Please join us if you can! We’ll provide a ton of information and be there to answer any of your questions.
And please take advantage of the sales! We want to help make your quilting journey as economical as possible!
As always, if you have ANY questions or want additional information about ANY of the products and services we offer, please call us at (262) 723-6775 or email us at info@QuiltingConnection.com.
You can also visit us online at QuiltingConnection.com or in person at 21 Adams Street in Elkhorn, WI (usually M-F 9-4, please call to confirm we’re open) or 1017 W. Northland in Appleton, WI (W, Th & F 10-4, S 10-3).
Finally, check out our blog at QuiltingConnection.com/blog and our Facebook posts.
Please share your thoughts and questions. I’d love to hear from you!
Angie