Thursday, 19 March 2026

A Needle Pulling Thread - Issue 70


My Eternal Love Anniversary Quilt is a gem-inspired design that honours 20 years of A Needle Pulling Thread Magazine with meaning and elegance. 

It was included in ANPTmag Issue 70

A green, turquoise and white quilt
Eternal Love

Symbolizing growth, harmony, and lasting commitment, the quilt features emerald tones and platinum accents across three striking blocks assembled into a 48½” x 48½” layout. 

Versatile for use as a lap quilt, table topper, or wall quilt, it includes step-by-step piecing instructions and is suitable for all skill levels. 
The pattern also features my original “Happy Asterverstarry” free-motion quilting motif instructions, inspired by the traditional 20th anniversary flower, making this a meaningful and creative celebration.

You can purchase the individual pattern here:

I would love to see pictures of your quilts made from this pattern!

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #450

Machine stitching of small leaf clusters with orange thread on green fabric
New Free Motion Quilting Design #450, "Autumn Wishes"

Woo-hoo! 

It’s time to celebrate with my 450th new, free motion quilting design!

Perfect for any Autumn quilt, this 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, October 26, 2025.

This design is now called “Autumn Wishes”.

Thank you and congratulations to Kathy Coupe Walker.
Kathy is from Port McNeill, Vancouver Island, BC.

Registering Now
In-person and Virtual workshops and presentations for Guilds/Groups and Conferences 2026/2027/2028

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #449

Red machine stitching on turquoise coloured fabric
New Free Motion Quilting Design #449, "Sheriff's Star Blast"

More fun with in-and-out designs, where a curved connecting line travels directly through the main design element.

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, October 19, 2025.

This design is now called “Sheriff’s Star Blast”.

Thank you and congratulations to Peggy Corder of Beaumont Texas, USA for suggesting this wonderful, winning name.

Have Fun stitching this design!

Now booking, workshops for guilds, groups and conferences for 2026/2027/2028.

Wednesday, 18 March 2026

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting #448


Orange machine stitching of a free motion quilting design on purple fabric
New Free Motion Quilting Design #448, "Sparklers"

I’m still experimenting with what I like to call in-and-out designs, where a curved connecting line travels directly through the main design elements.

This new, Free Motion Quilting design is stitched this way.

It was named by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram) at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, October 12, 2025.

When a design is suggested by multiple people, I go with the earliest time stamp when selecting the winner, while all other suggestions count as votes.

This design is now called “Sparklers”.

Thank you and congratulations to Amy Lund Allen of La Grande, Oregon, USA for suggesting this wonderful, winning name.

My heartfelt gratitude to all who are playing along!


Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #447

Gold coloured machine stitching on blue fabric
New Free Motion Quilting Design #447, "Seastars on a String"

All continuous line quilting designs need to have a way to connect the individual design elements.

This connection also helps the design travel across the quilt.

I’ve been experimenting with what I like to call in and out designs, where a curved connecting line travels directly through the main design elements.

This week’s new Free Motion Quilting design is stitched this way.
Named by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram)at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, October 5, 2025 this design is now called “Seastars on a String”.

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

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #446

Orange/red machine stitching on grey fabric
New Free Motion Quilting Design #446, "Periwinkle Vine"

This new, free motion quilting design, inspired by the wonders of Autumn (yes, I'm still doing catch-up), has been named.

The winner was chosen by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram) at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, September 28, 2025.

This design is now called "Periwinkle Vine".

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

Julies Quilt Class - New Free Motion Quilting Design #445

Light yellow machine stitching on soft teal blue fabric
New Free Motion Quilting Design #445, "Fairy Wings"

This new free motion quilting design, once again, continues the transformation of my previous design.

It was named by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram), with a little help from a random name picker, at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, September 21, 2025.

This design is now called "Fairy Wings".

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

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #444

White machine stitching of flowers on green fabric
New Free Motion Quilting Design #444, "Julie's Garden"

This new free motion quilting design continues the transformation of my designs from the last couple of weeks.

It was named by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram)at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, September 14, 2025.

This design is now called “Julie’s Garden”.

Thank you and congratulations to Glynda Pruetz Croix for suggesting this wonderful and very special, winning name!

Tuesday, 17 March 2026

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #443

Deep blue machine stitching of flowers on purple fabric
New Free Motion Quilting Design #443, "Dahlia Delights"

This new, free motion quilting design continues to build on designs 441 and 442.

I eliminated some of the detail in the centre of the flowers and added more to the outside.

The addition of playful leaves helps the design travel.

This design was named by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram) with a little help from a random name picker at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, September 7, 2025.

It is now called "Dahlia Delights".

Thank you and congratulations to Kathy Schroter of Nanaimo BC for suggesting this wonderful, winning name!

Would you like to stitch designs like this?

Join my Free Motion Quilting - Design of the Month.
Details are under the Register Now - Virtual Classes Tab at the top of this page.

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #442

Variegated orange machine stitching of flowers on teal fabric
New Free Motion Quilting Design #442, "Pansies."

I promised that last free motion quilting design would morph into something even more amazing!

I’m using FabuLux, trilobal polyester thread for this sample so I’m stitching the design fairly large and I think that it may be a new favourite!

Named by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram) at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, August 31, 2025, this design is now called “Pansies”.

Thank you and congratulations to Carol Matthews-Kostamo for suggesting this wonderful, winning name!

Carol is from Campbell River, BC.

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting design #441

Soft gold machine stitching on green fabric
New Free Motion Quilting Design #441, "Crackle"

I had a wildly busy week, teaching at the Free Motion Quilting Summit 2025, and loved every minute of it!

This new free motion quilting design was inspired by technology and nature.
Quite the combination, I know!

If you think it’s gorgeous now, wait until you see what it will morph into next week!

This design was named by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram) at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, August 24, 2025.

It's now called “Crackle”.

Thank you and congratulations to Pam Bretz Sommers for suggesting this wonderful, winning name. 
Pam is from Forest, Indiana, USA and she’s been on quite a winning roll!

She says that this design reminds her of those fireworks that spin out gold, crackly things. 
Thanks for sharing Pam.

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #440

Purple machine quilting on an off white fabric
New Free Motion Quilting Design #440, "The Golden Snitch"

This new free motion quilting design is admittedly a bit of a wild child, but it's super fun to stitch!

It was named by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram) at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, August 17, 2025.

This design is now called “The Golden Snitch”.

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

Pam is from Forest, Indiana, USA.

Have Fun stitching this new design.

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #439

Soft purple machine stitching on a beige fabric
New Free Motion Quilting Design #439 "Coffee Beans"

This new, free motion quilting design, inspired by a news article about the rising cost of this global favourite morning ritual, has been named.

The winner was chosen by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram) at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, August 10, 2025. Yep, I'm doing a major catch up :)

There were many brilliant name suggestions and lively voting on both the original post and several shares.

The winning name was however, your clear favourite.

This design is now called “Coffee Beans”.

Thank you and congratulations to Pam Bretz Sommers who had the earliest time stamp for suggesting this wonderful, winning name.

Pam is from Forest, Indiana, USA.

Thursday, 5 February 2026

Be My Valentine - Virtual Quilt Along

 

A poster for a Valentine's quilting event

Be My Valentine - Virtual Quilt Along

The live event has passed, but you can still enjoy all the patterns and support.

$35.

Learn how to make a variety of lovely, Valentine-inspired projects.


A PDF of the presentation, including all patterns and instructions, plus lifetime email support, is included with your purchase.

This year's projects include two quilts, placemats, a project organizer, quilted Valentine cards, a sweet recipe or two, and more.

Register with PayPal or eTransfer to juliesquiltclass@telus.net

Click on the link below to register with Visa, MasterCard, or American Express.

Thursday, 29 January 2026

New Facebook Group for Machine Quilters

 

Feather quilting with leaves on a yellow fabric
Botanical Feather Quilting

I'm pleased to announce that I've started a new Facebook Group, just for machine quilters!

Join me at the Machine Quilters Show and Share.

This group is for all types of hand-guided, free motion quilting, ruler quilting, and walking foot quilting. 

All skill levels are welcome to join. 

You'll find a safe place to share your work, ask questions, and encourage one another. 

On Mondays, quilting instructors may post information about Virtual Workshops.

On Tuesdays, I'll post a series of helpful "Tips".

For standard bed, mid-arm, and longarm machines.

Come join in on all the fun!

Julie

A continuous line quilting design
"Spring Breeze" is a continuous line quilting design.




Wednesday, 28 January 2026

Free Motion Quilting - Design of the Month

 

A poaster for a Free Motion Quilting program with Julie Plotniko


Free Motion Quilting-Design of the Month

Now, two ways to register!
An exciting new way to learn how to free motion quilt or to improve your existing skills from the comfort of home.

All skill levels, all machines welcome.

The program will run from January to December 2026 and will focus on improving skills such as fingertip control and fluidity of motion with a relaxed and inclusive approach to learning.

Each month, you will receive an email with instructions on how to stitch one of my exclusive, free motion quilting designs.

Included in the program will be bonus seasonal designs, information about machine setup, tips and tricks, bonus videos, frequent Zoom meetings, access to an exclusive Messenger group, full support by Messenger and email, discounts on other helpful Zoom workshops, exercises on working with different threads, and much, much more.

Instructions for assembling your practice “blocks” with a quilt-as-you-go technique will be included with this program.

Yearly
$89. (CD)
That’s less than .25 per day!
Register with PayPal here
https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/2YLUEWEWTPG2W

E-transfer to juliesquiltclass@telus.net
Use the link below to register with Visa, MasterCard or American Express

Please scroll all the way to the bottom and click ‘Place Order’ to finalize your sale.
Quarterly
$25. (CD) per Quarter
Register with PayPal here
https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/Q9235EPRFBCGQ

E-transfer to juliesquiltclass@telus.net
Use the link below to pay with Visa, MasterCard, or American Express


More On Quilt Canada 2025

The logo for Quilt Canada 2025

Of course, my review of Quilt Canada 2025 wouldn't be complete without showing you at least some of the fabulous quilts!

I was able to take a few photos, but there are much better ones on the CQA website, so I've included the links to help you find them.


Best in Show, "After the Fires" 


The winner of Best in Show was "After the Fires" by Wanda Lumsden of Chilliwack, BC.
This piece is absolutely stunning and evokes a strong emotional reaction from the viewer.

See all of the award-winning quilts here.


And the 2025 TrendTex Challenge here.

The future of quilting is in good hands with the JN Harper 2025 Youth Challenge.


A quilt show and merchant mall viewed from above
A bird's eye view of the Merchant Mall and Quilt Display! 



I had a few minutes to take in the Merchants Mall and say a quick hi to some old friends, and make some new ones.



The WonderFil Specialty Threads booth at Quilt Canada 2025
The dynamic and knowledgeable group at WonderFil Specialty Threads 


Thank you to everyone at WonderFil Specialty Threads .
You did an amazing job of putting the thread kits together for my workshop, "The Magic of Thread Painting."

The beautiful quality 50-weight cotton thread used in my workshop, "Free Motion Quilting with Stencils", was WonderFil Konfetti.

All of my students were thrilled to be able to shop for such a wide selection of quality threads and supplies.


A package of orange, yellow and green threads
The personalized thread kits from "The Magic of Thread Painting."


I had a chance to meet with Roy, who, along with his wife Ursula owns and operates LDH Scissors.
Standing for Love, Dedication, and Happiness, I have to say that I love my new LDH  shears and rotary cutter.


The LDH Scissors booth at Quilt Canada 2025
Roy from LDH Scissors


No photo, but after an extended game of hide and seek, Carla from A Needle Pulling Thread and I managed to get together for a bit of a chat. 


A big thank you to WonderFil Specialty Threads and Soak Wash Inc. - Canada for providing all of the door prizes to be given out at my workshops.

Though not everyone wanted a photo, they were all thrilled with their prizes!

A door prise winner at a Quilt Canada 2025 workshop



A quilter is smiling after receiving a door prize

As mentioned in my previous posts, thank you to Husqvarna VIKING Canada for providing the fantastic TOPAZ 50 Sewing and Embroidery machines, along with the excellent threading and bobbin winding demonstrations for all of my workshops. These machines really can do it all!

Finally, my heart felt thanks to my class helpers!

These ladies volunteer their time to help in any way they can, to ensure that the workshops run smoothly.
They do everything from student check-in to handing out kits, helping thread machines, managing the door prizes, taking photos for me, and more.
They really are invaluable.

A very special thank you to Jane S.

Jane took my Inspired Free Motion Quilting workshop at Quilt Canada 2022 in Vancouver, BC.

At the end of the workshop, I asked her what she thought of the class.
Her response was both unusual and memorable, as she said, "Great, I didn't cry!"
She went on to explain, with her friend's confirmation, that she had cried at every previous workshop that she had ever attended, and apparently, there were a lot!

Well, Jane lives in the Toronto area, and she made a point to sign up to be one of my class assistants.
"Free Form Botanical Quilting With Applique" actually had quite a few students who were brand new to free motion quilting.
Jane's presence as the afternoon helper was like a ray of sunshine.
She cheerfully told everyone that if she could do it (free motion quilt) and not cry, then so could they!
What a lovely way to instill confidence in everyone she meets.
As I said earlier, class helpers are the best!











Tuesday, 13 January 2026

Recapping Quilt Canada 2025 - Saturday Afternoon

 

Free Motion Quilting with Stencils


A group of ladies holding small quillted squares

I had a wonderfully busy day on Saturday at Quilt Canada 2025 with two sold-out workshops.

My afternoon workshop on Saturday was “Free Motion Quilting with Stencils".
Students had a wonderful afternoon learning how to use versatile and cost-effective quilting stencils to mark and stitch beautiful, detailed free motion quilting designs!

Thanks to Husqvarna VIKING Canada for providing the wonderful TOPAZ 50 machines for my classroom.

All designs were quilted with Konfetti 50 weight cotton from WonderFil Specialty Threads

Monday, 12 January 2026

Recap of Quilt Canada 2025 - Day 3

 

The Magic of Thread Painting

A group of quilters holding their thread painted roses


I had a wonderfully busy day on Saturday at Quilt Canada 2025 with two sold-out workshops.

First up in the morning was
“The Magic of Thread Painting"

Students learned:
The principles of using a photo editing program to simplify a photo that can be used to make a line drawing or appliqué pattern.
How to make a base image for thread painting with fusible appliqué.
Basic thread painting with a straight stitch, side motion zig zag, free motion satin stitch, slanted satin stitch, and open zig zag.
How to use a variety of different types and weights of thread.
Correct hand and body positioning and more.

An applique of an orange rose on a sewing machine


An orange fabric rose on a green background


It’s fabulous to see everyone just have fun and let the creativity flow!

A group of quilters at sewing machines


Thanks to Husqvarna VIKING Canada for providing the wonderful TOPAZ 50 sewing and embroidery machines for my classroom.

Thank you to WonderFil Specialty Threads for making the custome thread kits for this workshop.

Wednesday, 7 January 2026

A Recap of Quilt Canada 2025 - Day 2



Inspired Free Motion Quilting


A group of happy quilting workshop participants

   

Fridays, full-day workshop at Quilt Canada 2025 was “Inspired Free Motion Quilting”.

A soft blue quilted table runner
Inspired Free Motion Quilting, class sample

Students learned how to use straight-line quilting (stitched with either a walking foot or ruler foot and template), to divide negative space into sections that add areas of calm to accent their free motion quilting.

A group of quilters at their sewing machines

They chose their favourite design from a variety of stencils to quilt the center of a table runner, then learned and stitched a simple background fill to quilt the area around the stencil.

A group of quilters

To complete the runner, they learned how to stitch four of my exclusive, free motion quilting designs.

Everyone made wonderful progress and went home armed with the knowledge of how to complete their masterpieces.

Thank you to Husqvarna VIKING Canada for providing the beautiful TOPAZ 50, sewing and embroidery machines for my classroom.



Quilt Canada 2025 - A Quilty Sew & Tell



A poster for a quilting event

For "A Quilty Show and Tell", each of the participating Quilt Canada instructors were asked to present a fifteen-minute mini-workshop, trunk show, and PowerPoint, showcasing our quilting journey and what we do.

A quilter is giving a slide presentation


This is an incredibly fun and entertaining format, kind of like a quilter's version of speed dating!

Presenters were myself (Julie Plotniko), Brett Lewis, Ruth Ann Berry, Tina Harris, Celeste Compion, Orbital Quilting (Aline and Natasha Bugarin), Tamara Kate Serroa, and Ana Buzzalino


Julie Plotniko holding a quilt