Guild of Quilters of Contra Costa County upcoming events

BOARD MEETING: September 2026 (September 30, 2026)

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 02:00:00 GMT

Please register for if you would like to attend this meeting. You will receive a confirmation email with the Zoom link. You will also receive an email with the meeting agenda a couple days before the meeting.

If you have any questions, please contact the Recording Secretary via the Contact form.

WORKSHOP: "Japanese Knot Bag" with Reba Siero (IN-PERSON) (October 17, 2026)

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Registration Opens
Members: August 18, 2026.
Non-Member/Sister Guilds: August 25, 2026

Have you ever thought it would be fun to make your own Japanese Knot Bag, but never got around to it? Here's your chance to do just that.

We will go from start to finish to create a small Japanese Knot Bag. The lining technique is pretty cool, and can be used for other soft bags you may want to create.

This workshop is suitable for all levels of sewists who know the basics of how their machine operates.

Fee does not include supplies. If desired, a kit may be purchased from Reba for $25 that contains 1/2 yard of Japanese Cotton Dobby - Nara Homespun fabric, 1/2 yard coordinating quilting cotton, and two colors of coordinating thread. Contact Reba directly before October 1st if you would like to order the kit.

If you do not wish to purchase a kit, fabric requirements are listed below in the Supplies List. The pattern will be provided in class.

Doors open at 9:30 for setup, workshop starts at 10:00 am. You should be able to finish by 1 pm or so; but we can stay later if needed.

SUPPLIES LIST

Cancellation allowed until October 3, 2026

GENERAL MEETING: "One Thing Leads to Another" with Fern Royce (IN-PERSON) (October 19, 2026)

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 02:00:00 GMT

Fern Royce

Improvisational quilting is an intuitive way of creating quilts. Fern often starts her quilts by playing with scraps or an idea, drawing a rough sketch or wondering: What if? In this lecture Fern describes her quilting process and how each decision informs the next, keeping her engaged, focused and often unsure of what happens next.

More About Fern

Fern was born and raised in Northern California, surrounded by sewing, textiles and quilts. She took her first quilt class in 1995 and learned the basics, but never followed patterns. She studied old quilts and quilt books – focusing especially on antique, Amish, and African American quilts. She was also greatly influenced by the books and work of Gwen Marston. and quickly followed her sharp left turn onto the Liberated Quilting path. In 2012, with Gwen’s blessing and encouragement, she started teaching.

Check out her website at fernroycequilting.com

SPEAKER CLASS: "Sew Kind of Wonderful Quick Curve Ruler" with Yvonne Phenicie (IN-PERSON) (October 24, 2026)

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Registration opens for members on July 26, 2026; non-members on August 9, 2026

This is a "Choose Your Own Pattern" class! Come and join Yvonne who is a Certified Sew Kind of Wonderful teacher. She will lead you through the steps to measure, cut, sew the curve, and then trim to square up your block - using just one ruler. Using this ruler and these techniques will take all the fear out of "curves" and will lead to many beautiful quilts in the future!

RULERS: The rulers being taught are the Sew Kind of Wonderful "Quick Curve", "Quick Curve Mini" and "Quick Curve Wonder." Rulers will be available for purchase at the class; but if you wish to purchase ahead of time they are available from the Sew Kind of Wonderful website - RULERS - or from other online shops. Some of you may already own the rulers from taking previous Guild workshops or classes, so bring them instead.

PATTERNS: Compatible patterns can be found on the Sew Kind of Wonderful website - PATTERNS. Yvonne will also have free patterns available for each of the rulers, if you would rather use those. Samples are shown here.

SUPPLIES: The SUPPLY LIST indicates what you will need to bring to class, including the fabric requirements if you want to use one of the free patterns. If you are using your own pattern, follow the fabric requirements for your chosen pattern.

This class is suitable for anyone wanting to dive into curve piecing for the first time, as well as for those who want to increase their curve repertoire. Whether you have used one of these rulers before or not, you will enjoy the class.

Cancellation allowed until September 22, 2026

BOARD MEETING: October 2026 (October 28, 2026)

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 02:00:00 GMT

If you have any questions, please contact the Recording Secretary via the Contact form.

SPECIAL EVENT: 2028 Opportunity Quilt Sew-In - Session 1 (November 01, 2026)

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Take part in creating the 2028 Opportunity Quilt!

We are using the “Alaska” pattern from Laundry Basket Quilts, by Edyta Sitar. The pattern is based on a kaleidoscope block in variations. No foundation or paper piecing, and no Y-seams. The patchwork blocks can be sewn by anyone comfortable with sewing straight lines.

Fabric pieces will be pre-cut for the participants for consistency and to minimize errors. Just sew the blocks together and assemble the top in a few sessions at the farmhouse. All materials are provided and pre-cut into kits—we just need your help sewing them together! No special techniques are required -- just straight stitching -- so all skill levels are welcome.

Come for the sewing, stay for the fun and camaraderie! Whether you’re an experienced quilter or a beginner, your contribution will help bring this colorful creation to life.

What to Bring: Your sewing machine, light gray or white thread, and basic sewing/quilting supplies.

Extras: A light lunch will be provided.

This is the first of three sessions. Click on the links below to register for the other upcoming sessions:

Session 2 -- November 8, 2026

Session 3 -- November 22, 2026

SPECIAL EVENT: 2028 Opportunity Quilt Sew-In - Session 2 (November 08, 2026)

Sun, 08 Nov 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Take part in creating the 2028 Opportunity Quilt!

Come for the sewing, stay for the fun and camaraderie! Whether you’re an experienced quilter or a beginner, your contribution will help bring this colorful creation to life.

What to Bring: Your sewing machine, light gray or white thread, and basic sewing/quilting supplies.

Extras: A light lunch will be provided.

This is the second of three sessions. Click on the link below to register for the last upcoming session:

Session 3 -- November 22, 2026

GENERAL MEETING: "The Allure of Japanese Quilt Shows" with Patricia Belyea (ZOOM) (November 16, 2026)

Tue, 17 Nov 2026 03:00:00 GMT

Patricia Belyea

Join Patricia for a flashback of the Tokyo Quilt Festival and a tour of the 2024 Yokohama Quilt Festival. She will also show her own quilts, made with vintage Japanese cottons, and will talk about how these special fabrics inspired her.

More About Patricia

A creative quilt maker, speaker and teacher, Patricia co-owns Okan Arts with her daughter Victoria. The small family business imports vintage Japanese textiles, hosts online quilting workshops and in-person retreats, and leads textile tours to Japan.

Patricia also writes a blog, speaks at quilt guilds and teaches workshops around the US. She is the author of East-Meets-West Quilts: Explore Improv with Japanese-Inspired Designs , a book about making improv quilts with Japanese fabrics, released in 2017.

Check out her website at okanarts.com

WORKSHOP: "Mystery Quilt 2026" with Kris Cisse (IN-PERSON) (November 21, 2026)

Sat, 21 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Registration opens:
Members: September 22, 2026
Guests/Sister Guilds: September 29, 2026

Kris is back for the fourth consecutive year to lead the Mystery Quilt workshop! This year's project will be made with five fabrics, each measuring 1-yard. The pieced top will come out to approximately 59” x 71” with suggested borders.

This pattern does not have curves, Y-seams, applique, or paper piecing. It can be made in a one-day session, so it is not an intricate pattern. The challenge is in taking the leap of sewing without having the visual in advance.

It is recommended to have a light, a medium, and a dark fabric, and two multi-colored, medium-to-large print fabrics. The light fabric is considered your background. It is best to not use directional fabrics in a Mystery Quilt, since you have no idea which direction they will turn, but if that doesn’t bother you, use whatever you would like!

Here are some 5-fabric samples, to help you get an idea of what would work in this quilt:

This workshop is suitable for all levels of experience. There is some "homework" for cutting the fabrics and sewing strip sets. This prep work will help the day go faster.

A light lunch will be provided – bring your own beverages.

Doors open at 9:00 for setup, workshop starts at 9:30 am.

SUPPLIES LIST AND PREWORK

Cancellation allowed until November 7, 2026

SPECIAL EVENT: 2028 Opportunity Quilt Sew-In - Session 3 (November 22, 2026)

Sun, 22 Nov 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Take part in creating the 2028 Opportunity Quilt!

Come for the sewing, stay for the fun and camaraderie! Whether you’re an experienced quilter or a beginner, your contribution will help bring this colorful creation to life.

What to Bring: Your sewing machine, light gray or white thread, and basic sewing/quilting supplies.

Extras: A light lunch will be provided.

BOARD MEETING: December 2026 (December 02, 2026)

Thu, 03 Dec 2026 03:00:00 GMT

If you have any questions, please contact the Recording Secretary via the Contact form.

GENERAL MEETING: "Holiday Social" (IN-PERSON) (December 14, 2026)

Tue, 15 Dec 2026 02:30:00 GMT

Join us for a special Holidays Around the World event at the guild’s end-of-year celebration.

No passport or plane ticket is required, just simply register.

Non-members are welcome to this event at no charge, but please register so we know you are coming!

Secret Pal Gift Exchange -- a friendly reminder for those participating:

• Please bring a wrapped gift labeled with your Secret Pal’s name and your own name.

• Handmade gifts are encouraged — but remember, it’s the thought that counts!

• $30 maximum value, please.

Evening Highlights

• Games – with fun prizes!

• Food – At event registration, you’ll be prompted to indicate the finger food you’ll bring to share as either an appetizer or dessert. International flare encouraged!

• Holiday Quilt Show-and-Tell – Please bring a favorite to share.

GENERAL MEETING: "Pagtinabangay: The Quilts and Quiltmakers of Caohagan Island" with Dana Jones (ZOOM) (January 19, 2027)

Wed, 20 Jan 2027 03:00:00 GMT

Dana Jones

You will be transported to a tiny island -- just 13 acres -- in the central Philippines as you enjoy images and stories of the colorful quilts and the more than 100 quiltmakers of Caohagan Island. You’ll see photos of more than 50 of these handmade, one-of-a-kind quilts plus be introduced to the unique techniques developed by these quiltmakers whose tools are simply fabric and scissors, needle and thread.

Dana spent more than a month on the island, quilted with the residents, went fabric shopping with them on nearby Cebu Island, and snorkeled the reef that surrounds Caohagan. Those who view the quilts come away smiling, inspired by the creativity of these women and men.

More about Dana

Dana became passionate about quilts in 2003, when she began taking classes and attending quilt shows whenever possible. She began teaching In 2007, and in 2009 she moved to Colorado to work as an editor for Quilters Newsletter magazine. Within a year was running the magazine. She was also an editor of the SAQA Journal (Studio Art Quilt Associates) prior to leaving to research and write the book "Pagtinabangay: The Quilts and Quiltmakers of Caohagan Island."

She lives at 9,200 feet in Colorado in the Rocky Mountains where she designs and makes quilts, teaches, and speaks and writes about quiltmaking and quiltmakers. She is also a regular teacher at several quilt shops in Colorado and has taught at Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum.

Check out her website at danajonesquilt.com

BOARD MEETING: January 2027 (January 27, 2027)

Thu, 28 Jan 2027 03:00:00 GMT

If you have any questions, please contact the Recording Secretary via the Contact form.

GENERAL MEETING: "Oompah! Accordion Sewn HST's" with Beth Helfter (ZOOM) (February 16, 2027)

Wed, 17 Feb 2027 03:00:00 GMT

Beth Helfter

This presentation will have you thinking about half square triangle construction in ways you never thought possible!

Beth's "Accordion Sewn HSTs™" technique is a way to make half square triangles without identical twins, less waste when you want to be scrappy, and can even be used in concert with appliqué, quarter square triangles, and so much more! She will bring you through the whole basic process with a short, live narrated video, and then we will be off to check out all sorts of quilts made using its various iterations and techniques. You will never look at making half square triangles the same way again!

More about Beth

Beth is a quilt designer, author, and instructor from Massachusetts who’s been quilting for over thirty years and building a business since 2005. Her work has been featured in Quilters World, The Quilter, Quiltmaker’s 100 Blocks, Quilts From Quiltmakers 100 Blocks, and was a member of the 2014 Quiltmaker “Scrap Squad.”

Her style tends toward the scrappy and her designs mirror her company tagline: "Inspired Designs, Relaxed Attitude." She created the "Accordion Sewn HSTs™" method and authored two books on the process. Beth strives to create a relaxed atmosphere of learning with a fun pattern or technique that doesn’t aim for perfection, but rather a great day of quilty entertainment and learning.

Check out her website at evapaigequilts.com

BOARD MEETING: February 2027 (February 24, 2027)

Thu, 25 Feb 2027 03:00:00 GMT

If you have any questions, please contact the Recording Secretary via the Contact form.

GENERAL MEETING: “Evolution of an Art Quilter” with Marjan Kluepfel (IN-PERSON) (March 15, 2027)

Tue, 16 Mar 2027 02:00:00 GMT

Marjan Kluepfel

This is an educational slide lecture and trunk show with a big dose of humor woven in. You will learn about Marjan's untraditional approach to quilting and how she creates her hand-dyed fabrics. She explains where her ideas and inspiration come from, how her work has evolved over the years and why she does what she does. Learn from Marjan’s mistakes so you won’t make them yourself!

More About Marjan

Marjan grew up in the Netherlands. After living in Florida, Hawaii, South Carolina and Australia, she now makes her home in Northern California. Her inspiration comes from the natural wonders encountered in these places, both on land and under water.

Check out her website at marjankluepfel.com

BOARD MEETING: March 2027 (March 24, 2027)

Thu, 25 Mar 2027 02:00:00 GMT

If you have any questions, please contact the Recording Secretary via the Contact form.

BOARD MEETING: April 2027 (April 28, 2027)

Thu, 29 Apr 2027 02:00:00 GMT

If you have any questions, please contact the Recording Secretary via the Contact form.

GENERAL MEETING: "Scrappy Appliqué®" with Gail Tennis (IN-PERSON) (May 17, 2027)

Tue, 18 May 2027 02:00:00 GMT

Gail Tennis

Learn about Scrappy Appliqué®, a raw-edge collage technique created by Shannon Brinkley. It is fun, freeing, and perfect for all skill levels. It is quick and simple to learn, yet allows for a lot of creative possibilities.

This presentation will introduce you to the technique and will cover the following topics:

A bird’s-eye view of the Scrappy Appliqué® process

Clear guidance on which products work best

Hands-on teach-out samples to spark ideas

A lively trunk show that will inspire you to say “I can do that!”

Gail will be teaching a class, scheduled for July 31, 2027. Keep an eye on the GQCCC website for details.

More about Gail

Gail is an accomplished seamstress, quilter, quilt designer, a machine embroidery professional and a Certified Scrappy Applique® Teacher. Her husband, Kinney, is a also a quilter, quilt designer, fabric artist and longarm quilting professional and a Color Confidence for Quilters® instructor. They have been quilting together ever since their daughter left for college in 2000.

In addition to teaching, they operate Sew Happy Memories in Patterson, California, a studio that offers quilting, embroidery, and longarm quilting services. They also have an online shop that sells patterns, kits, books, and supplies.

Check out their website sewhappymemories.com

BOARD MEETING: May 2027 (May 26, 2027)

Thu, 27 May 2027 02:00:00 GMT

If you have any questions, please contact the Recording Secretary via the Contact form.

BOARD MEETING: June 2027 (June 30, 2027)

Thu, 01 Jul 2027 02:00:00 GMT

If you have any questions, please contact the Recording Secretary via the Contact form.