A Recap of Quilt Canada 2025 - Day 1

Free Form Botanical Quilting With Applique`

Thursday’s all-day workshop at Quilt Canada 2025 was Free Form Botanical Quilting with Appliqué. 

Students learned how to stitch some basic, botanical-inspired, free motion quilting designs such as leaves, ferns, and vines, then took it to a whole new level with the addition of raw edge appliqué, three-dimensional appliqué’s and coloring selected design elements.

 

Even though many of the students were new to free motion quilting, they all trusted me and jumped in with enthusiasm.

As you can see, everyone did an amazing job!

My thanks to Husqvarna VIKING Canada for supplying the beautiful  DESIGNER TOPAZ 50  sewing (and embroidery) machines for my classroom.

They free motion quilt like a dream.

I absolutly loved teaching this group and can't wait to see their finished projects.

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #438

New Free Motion Quilting Design #438, "Feather Duster"

This new, free motion quilting design, inspired by an antique bracelet that I purchased at a local thrift shop several years ago, has been named.

The winner was chosen by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram), with a little help from a random name picker, at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, August 3, 2025.

This design is now called “Feather Duster”.

Thank you and congratulations to Judith Cane from Sackville, New Brunswick for suggesting this wonderful, winning name.
WOW, that’s two weeks in a row Judith.

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #437

New Free Motion Quilting Design #437, "Basil Leaves"

This new, free motion quilting design has been named.

The winner was chosen by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram) with a little help from a random name picker, at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, July 27, 2025.

This design is now called “Basil Leaves”.

Thank you and congratulations to Judith Cane for suggesting this wonderful, winning name!

Judith is from Sackville, New Brunswick.

Join in on all the fun and follow me on Facebook and Instagram.

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #436

New Free Motion Quilting Design #436, "Fan-tastic"

This new, free motion quilting design has been named.

There were lots of fantastic suggestions and lively voting. 

In the end, it came down to a two-way tie.

The winner was chosen by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram) with a little help from a random name picker at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, July 20, 2025.

This design is now called Fan-tastic.

Thank you and congratulations to Nicki Nutter from Gretna, Nebraska, USA for suggesting this wonderful, winning name!

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #435

New Free Motion Quilting Design #434, Geranium"

This new free motion quilting design has been named.

The winner was chosen by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram) at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, July 13, 2025.

This design is now called “Geranium”.

Thank you and congratulations to Carolyn Mullins Stewart of Jackson, Tennessee, USA for suggesting this wonderful, winning name.

Just click on the links above to follow me on Facebook and Instagram to get in on all the fun!

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #434

This new, free motion quilting design has been named.

The suggestions were many and oh so imaginative.
I also have to say that my followers have a fabulous sense of humour!

The winner was chosen by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram) at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, July 6, 2025.

This design is now called
“Blooming Chicken Feet”.

Thank you and congratulations to Jeneen Prieur-Mildge of Richmond Hill, Georgia, USA, for suggesting this wonderful, winning name!

Join in on all the fun.

Click on the links above to follow me on Facebook and Instagram.

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #433

New Free Motion Quilting Design #433, "Morning Glory"

Last week’s free motion quilting design has morphed into something completely different.

Inspired by a morning-blooming vine, there were many imaginative name suggestions and the voting was fierce.

In the end, there was a clear winner.

Chosen by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram) at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, June 29, 2025, this design is now called “Morning Glory”.

Thank you and congratulations to Cathy Martino, cathymsews on Instagram, for suggesting this wonderful, winning name!

Have Fun stitching this design.

Julies Name Game - new free Motion Quilting Design #432

New Free Motion Quilting Design #432, "Wagon Wheels"

 I originally intended to take a quiet moment on one of my classroom machines at Quilt Canada to stitch this week’s design.

I know, ha ha right?

So …. doodled on a restaurant napkin as a nod to artists and musicians throughout the world.

Here for you is this week’s new, free motion quilting design.

Named by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram) with a little help from a random name picker at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, June 22, 2025, this design is now called “Wagon Wheels”.

Thank you and congratulations to Suzanne Knox for suggesting this wonderful, winning name. 

Suzanne is from San Tan Valley, Arizona, USA.

Get in on all the fun!

Click on the links above to follow me on Facebook and Instagram.

Click on the Feedspot link to follow this blog.

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #431

New free Motion Quilting Design #431, "Happy Asterverstarry" 

This new, free motion quilting design was created to celebrate the 20th anniversary of A Needle Pulling Thread magazine. 

A traditional gift to commemorate 20 years is the aster, a unique flower that symbolizes love and wisdom. 

I must say that all the fabulous name suggestions for this design were truly imaginative! 

In the end, it came down to a tie.

The winner was chosen by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram) with a little help from a random name picker at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, June 15, 2025. (Yep, I'm still playing a bit of catch-up!)

This design is now called
“Happy Asterverstarry”.

Thank you and congratulations to Pam Bretz Sommers of Forest, Indiana, USA, for suggesting this wonderful, winning name!

A Needle Pulling Thread - Issue 69

 

Celebrate the creative magic of scraps with 

A Needle Pulling Thread - Issue 69

As you know, I love scrap quilting, and I'm thrilled to have the first installment of my Stitches and Stories included in this issue.

It contains a bit of history, a free motion quilting design for you to stitch, and a new version of a favorite scrap quilt.

There are so many projects to choose from in this fabulous issue!

Click on the link above to purchase a copy of this issue.

A variety of subscription options are available at  

A Needle Pulling Thread - Subscriptions 

Julies Name Game - New free Motion Quilting Design #430

This new, free motion quilting design, bursting with Spring energy, has been named.

There were many fantastic name suggestions and with your votes, it came down to a tie.

The winner was chosen by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram) with a little help from a random name picker at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, June 8, 2025.

This design is now called “Alfalfa”.

Thank you and congratulations to Pam Bretz Sommers of Forest, Indiana, USA, for suggesting this wonderful, winning name!
Pam says that this design looks JUST like the alfalfa plants in her hayfield and even sent a photo.

I have to agree with Pam. What fun!

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #429

New Free Motion Quilting Design #429, "Daisies"

This new, free motion quilting design can be stitched very small for a beautiful background fill or big and bold for an all-over design.

There were many, wonderful, and imaginative name suggestions!

The winner was chosen by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram) at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, June 1, 2025.

This design is now called “Daisies”.

Thank you and congratulations to Peggy Corder for suggesting this wonderful, winning name!

Peggy is from Beaumont, Texas, USA.

Have Fun stitching “Daisies”.

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #428

New Free Motion Quilting Design #428, "Buttons and Bows"

This new, free motion quilting design of a fun little, fantasy flying creature has been named.

The winner was chosen by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram) at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, May 25, 2025.

This design is now called Buttons and Bows.

Thank you and congratulations to Irene Harvalias of New Westminster BC for suggesting this wonderful, winning name!

Have fun stitching this design.

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #427

New Free Motion Quilting Design #427, "Whirly Birds"

You had so much fun with my last helicopter-style design that I thought we should do another one.

This new free motion quilting design has been named.

The winner was chosen by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram) with a little help from a random name picker at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

This design is now called “Whirly Birds”.

Thank you and congratulations to Leslie McVicar of Ladysmith, BC for suggesting this wonderful, winning name.

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #426

 

New Free Motion Quilting Design #426, "Windmills"

This new, free motion quilting design has been named.

The winner was chosen by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram) with a little help from a random name picker at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, May 11, 2025.

This design is now called “Windmills”.

Thank you and congratulations to Suzanne Knox from San Tan Valley, Arizona USA for suggesting this wonderful, winning name

Wouldn't it be fun to stitch on a children's quilt?

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #425

New Free Motion Quilting Design #425, "Westcoast Wave"

I have to admit to having a soft spot for all types of feather quilting, even as background fill.

This variation sprung to life while recently teaching my workshop, Inspiration to Stitch.

It was named by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram), with a little help from a random name picker at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, May 4, 2025.

This design is now called “Westcoast Wave”.

Thank you and congratulations to Cathy Hodge Crawford of Cobble Hill, BC for suggesting this wonderful, winning name!

I have Virtual and In-person workshops, lectures, demos, and betweens available for guilds, groups and conferences and will happily travel.

Click on the tabs at the top of this page for more information.

Virtual workshops for individuals are listed under the Register Now - Virtual Classes tab

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #424

New Free Motion Quilting Design #424, "Spinning Daisies"

Some free motion quilting designs just want to be bold, beautiful, and maybe even a little wild.

This new FMQ certainly fits the bill!

Named by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram) at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, April 27, 2025, this design is now called “Spinning Daisies”.

Thank you and congratulations to Martha Brooks Stroud of Troy Missouri, USA for suggesting this wonderful, winning name!

Get in on all the fun and follow me on Facebook and Instagram.

Just click on the links at the top of this page.

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #423

New Free Motion Quilting Design, "Butterfliesin Bloom"

Let's catch up on some of my new FMQ designs.

Inspired by vintage ribbon work, this new free motion quilting design takes a little longer to stitch, but I love how it creates areas of light and shadow.

I think it would be lovely stitched on a garden-themed or Easter quilt!

The winning name was chosen by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram)at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025.

There were many imaginative name suggestions, and the voting was lively.
In the end, one name proved to be your favourite.

This design is now called “Butterflies in Bloom”.

Thank you and congratulations to Cathy Connell for suggesting this wonderful, winning name!

Perfect Balanced Tension - Virtual Workshop

New Date!

Perfect Balanced Tension is what every quilter wants, but when and how to adjust our machines can sometimes be a mystery.

Learn how your needle, thread, machine setup, and more can affect the tension of your sewing machine, plus when and how to adjust it, with this relaxing, virtual lecture-style workshop.

Yes … you are allowed to touch that dial!

Sunday, September 7

1:00 to 2:00 PM (PDT)

$25.

All Access Pass holders from the Free Motion Quilting Summit 2025, please insert your bonus coupon at checkout.

The coupon is valid until December 31, so I will add additional dates as needed.

Payment can be made with PayPal or e-transfer to juliesquiltclass@telus.net

To pay with Visa or Mastercard, or to use a coupon, please use the link below

Don’t forget to go all the way to the bottom and click on place order to finalize the sale.

https://square.link/u/Qhvmo2VE

Your Zoom invitation will be emailed to you one week prior to the event.

Free Motion Quilting Summit 2025

 

I had an amazing time teaching at this year's Free Motion Quilting Summit!

The Live portion of the event has ended, but the great news is that you still have time to sign up for an        All Access Pass!

Relax and learn at your leisure.

Purchase your All Access Pass by August 31 and receive six months of extended access to all the content and videos.

Exclusive teachers' bonuses for you include shop discounts, templates, instruction sheets, mini-courses, and more. (An amazing $550. value.)

Please use my affiliate link to register today.

https://fmqsummit07--marygoroundquilts.thrivecart.com/...

I'm Teaching at the Free Motion Quilting Summit 2025

I'm thrilled to be one of the instructors for the Free Motion Quilting Summit 2025.

There are lots of workshop videos, free bonuses, prizes, question and answer sessions, and more.

Once you sign up for your Free Pass, you'll receive an option to upgrade to an All Access Pass that will give you six months to watch the videos, plus even more free bonuses.

Happy Quilting!

Julie

Please click on my affiliate link below to register.

https://fmqsummit07--marygoroundquilts.thrivecart.com/...

Recent Workshop Update

 

A look back at several guild workshops from earlier this year.

Introduction to Thread Painting - "Harmony the Hedgehog with the Maine Island Quilters Guild

I've had the pleasure of teaching several workshops for the Maine Island Quilters Guild and this group never fails to amaze me!

They recently decided to take my  Introduction to Thread Painting workshop.

Students in this workshop learn how to do fusible machine applique and how to use both the straight and zig-zag stitch to create a cute and realistic thread painting of a hedgehog.

I had the pleasure of staying overnight with Meryl. 

Thanks, Meryl!

Some students had to leave early to catch a ferry home, so they decided to minaturize their hedgehogs. How cute!

Campbell River Friendship Guild - Introduction to Free Motion Quilting

I have also taught previously for the Campbell River Friendship Guild, and this time the students attending were an enthusiastic group of new free motion quilters. What fun!

 

Our venue was a lovely heritage building facing the beach, and though it was a stormy day, the view was spectacular.

Ellen was my lovely hostess for this event. She even had her completed sample from a previous "Ferns and Favorites" workshop hanging on display. It was good to see you Ellen!

Mary created this beautiful fibre art card, which everyone signed.

It's a keepsake that I'll treasure.

My class helper Barb used her impressive Zentangle skills to decorate the cards envelope with the Free Motion Quilting designs that I taught during the workshop.

I'll be framing both the card and envelope!

Boundary Bay Quilters Guild - Precision Piecing Lecture / Demo 

The Boundary Bay Quilters are another dynamic group that is very involved in their community.

My lecture/demo with PowerPoint presentation on precision piecing was met with enthusiasm and I have no doubt that all those who attended will put the information to good use.

Thanks Liz for inviting me to speak!

I'll bring you up to date about my workshops at Quilt Canada in a series of future posts.

Available Workshops and Presentations, (Virtual and in-person) are listed under the tabs at the top of this page.

Feel free to contact me for further information at juliesquiltclass@telus.net

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #422

New Free Motion Quilting Design #422 "Neutral Network" 

This new free motion quilting design was inspired by solar flares and space dust.

There were many, many imaginative name suggestions, and with all of your votes, we had a tie.

The winner was chosen by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram) with a little help from a random name picker at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, April 13, 2025.

This design is now called “Neutral Network”.

Thank you and congratulations to Val Ansell of Nanaimo, BC for suggesting this wonderful, (with a nod to science), winning name!