Classes and Workshops
Check out “What We Do“ to see an overview of everything we do!
We’re making selected recording classes available on-demand. Those classes are available in our store. You can find that page here.
Don’t see what you’re looking for? Email Kathy and let’s get the class or event on the calendar!
Read What Others Are Saying about Our Classes and Workshops
Thank you Kathy…
Thank you for help. I loved the card you gave us for the steps on paper piecing. Quiltworx University was a large class, so I really appreciated all the times you came to my station to offer help and advice.
Great Customer Service from the BKQ Store!
Wonderful Class – Talented Instructor
- This event has passed.
BobKat’s Spring 2024 Retreat in Shipshewana, Indiana
We had so much fun in April of 2023…
Your Classes are Fabulous!
I thoroughly researched many educators offering classes for the Quiltworx Jungle Magnolia and BobKat Quilts was the best fit for me! Your classes are FABULOUS! I’m so glad that I found you!
Mary T.Fun instructor who teaches to all levels of skill
Hi,
Just wanted to post a little note. I am very new to sewing and especially quilting. My friend, who lives in Indiana, asked me if I wanted to take a quilting class with her. So I did. Kathy was beyond fantastic. She is a true instructor who understands how not to overwhelm students who are trying to learn a new skill set. It was super fun, relaxing and I learned a lot. There were some very experienced quilters in the class who also learned a lot. I’ve already decided that I’m going to Shipshewana again next year (2025)!
Thanks for a fun week!
Dana ARetreat, Videos, In-Person – Great ways to learn!
I really like your hybrid teaching concept with great in-person instruction, supplemented with videos shared before and available for review after the retreat. I think that is more of the way the future will look. Many traditional quilters like the in-person sessions, and I understand that. But those of us with jobs and kids and other responsibilities cannot afford to be away for long periods of time. While this was a table topper class, I did purchase a queen size pattern, so it was worth going thru the class versus doing something from videos only.
Gina VivianoYoder's Department Store - Shipshewana, IN“My First Retreat! — What A Blast!”
What a blast! The “Best Little Quilt Retreat in Texas” was my first retreat, my first paper piecing project, and a first-class teacher 
. Thank Kathy for making the Judy technique doable for me!
Terri J.M. Best Little Quilt Retreat in Texas 2023I learned a LOT!
I have special needs children and really needed a 2-day respite, but the pace was faster than I expected, so I didn’t get much rest! The videos you shared ahead of the retreat were a life-saver! However, with that said, I did enjoy my time at the retreat. I appreciate how you were able to attend to everyone in the place they were as we got going. You were thorough in your explanations, which was great. And you shared some invaluable tips and tricks to surviving a “Judy project”. Meredith the other instructor from Yoder’s Department Store was a strong, stable persona in the room the entire time and that helped as well! I enjoyed getting to know you and the ladies in the group, which is rare for me as an extreme introvert! Thank you for the experience!
Gina VivianoYoder's Department Store - Shipshewana, INHer first Paper Piecing Project – WOW!
Kathy’s note: This was Elaine’s first paper piecing project! All I can say is WOW!!!
Thanks Kathy! Couldn’t have done it without you! You are a great teacher. I highly recommend her for your quilting projects.
PS The Quilt is even more beautiful in person!
Elaine Y.S.Can’t Recommend Kathy Enough!
Take one of Kathy’s classes- live and/or zoom. You will be guided through the process with as much support as you need. I can’t recommend Kathy at BobKat quilts enough!
She is wonderful!
Wendy SBobKat’s Retreat – The Value is Phenomenal!
Can’t say enough about how fun, laid back, and informational this retreat has been! I can’t truly say I’m “bummed” about missing her next one because I’m going to Quiltworx (!!!) in October, but if it weren’t for that I’d be doing everything I could to be here. But that just means my seat is open for someone else! This retreat WILL fill up! If you have the time, you should be here — The value is phenomenal.
Thank you Kathy for a fantastic week!
Tabitha A.I Loved the Retreat!
I joined Kathy at her BobKat Quilts Shipshewana Retreat where I worked on my 1st Quiltworx Quilt Carnival Flower. I loved the retreat and Kathy’s world of knowledge!
If you get a chance, join Kathy at one of her future in-person or zoom classes or at an upcoming retreat
Daphney CThank You for a Fantastic Week!
Thank you so much for a fantastic week. This is my first time making a JN quilt and Kathy made the whole process understandable and enjoyable. She is an outstanding instructor and I will be taking future classes with her.
Wendy SOutstanding Retreat!
Your Shipshewana Retreat was Outstanding!!! Had a great time with great people. And I will go home with my Carnival Flower in Tula colors 3/4 assembled. Couldn’t quite get that last slice in there but will finish at home. I learned so much this week 
Janet L.Great class with Kathy Groves
I really enjoyed our class in Shipshewana doing Zen Garden. I thought your teaching was right on. Loved all of your short cuts and tips so our projects would come out perfect. Even at home as I continue my project, I can use your tricks.
We really didn’t go thru the instruction book. I don’t know if that was a good thing or not. I certainly have had no problem following along now that I’m at home.
Lastly, I would like to know how you organize your instruction book(s). I know a lot of people use highlighters on certain instructions. How do you do it?
Again thank you for a great class. I am looking forward to seeing you again in Shipshewana for future classes.
Debra RYoders/Cotton CornerEnjoyable and relaxing
I enjoy Kathy’s method of teaching. It’s relaxed and free form. I can progress at my pace. Kathy is always happy and open to suggestions. She had a terrific solution to a fabric problem. I didn’t need to recreate a section or buy more fabric! I wish the workshop was four days. I felt that I was just understanding the methods of construction plus making progress when it was over! I am looking forward to her return to Shipshewana.
Marilouise HYoder Department Store and The Cotton CornerGreat Instructor, I highly recommend her!
Very nice, patient and knowledgeable teacher. Easy to follow her instructions. Kathy has great tricks that she easily shared and made sure we understood before moving on. Highly recommend one of her classes.
Debra RYoders and The Cotton CornerGreat group instructor…AND personal follow up!
Kathy was very helpful during Qultworx University. She provided helpful tips and shortcuts, written cue cards. I found her group instructions to be helpful and appreciated individual follow up after the demonstration. She was also quick answer individual questions and requests for help with problems. I enjoyed learning to know and work with Kathy.
Sarah Buller FentonGreat instructor! Very easy to understand…
Kathy is very patient and knowledgeable. She teaches in a way that is very easy to understand no matter your level of experience
Sandra Berg-WhileyAfter your class…I am having a ball!
I can’t believe how smoothly my quilt is going together. I’ve been sewing 2-3 hours a day! Thanks for the joy you have brought me through your class!
Sherri W.A.Cotton Corner, Shipshewana, IN
Look at what we have planned for April of 2024!
Your Classes are Fabulous!
I thoroughly researched many educators offering classes for the Quiltworx Jungle Magnolia and BobKat Quilts was the best fit for me! Your classes are FABULOUS! I’m so glad that I found you!
Fun instructor who teaches to all levels of skill
Hi,
Just wanted to post a little note. I am very new to sewing and especially quilting. My friend, who lives in Indiana, asked me if I wanted to take a quilting class with her. So I did. Kathy was beyond fantastic. She is a true instructor who understands how not to overwhelm students who are trying to learn a new skill set. It was super fun, relaxing and I learned a lot. There were some very experienced quilters in the class who also learned a lot. I’ve already decided that I’m going to Shipshewana again next year (2025)!
Thanks for a fun week!
Retreat, Videos, In-Person – Great ways to learn!
I really like your hybrid teaching concept with great in-person instruction, supplemented with videos shared before and available for review after the retreat. I think that is more of the way the future will look. Many traditional quilters like the in-person sessions, and I understand that. But those of us with jobs and kids and other responsibilities cannot afford to be away for long periods of time. While this was a table topper class, I did purchase a queen size pattern, so it was worth going thru the class versus doing something from videos only.
“My First Retreat! — What A Blast!”
What a blast! The “Best Little Quilt Retreat in Texas” was my first retreat, my first paper piecing project, and a first-class teacher . Thank Kathy for making the Judy technique doable for me!
I learned a LOT!
I have special needs children and really needed a 2-day respite, but the pace was faster than I expected, so I didn’t get much rest! The videos you shared ahead of the retreat were a life-saver! However, with that said, I did enjoy my time at the retreat. I appreciate how you were able to attend to everyone in the place they were as we got going. You were thorough in your explanations, which was great. And you shared some invaluable tips and tricks to surviving a “Judy project”. Meredith the other instructor from Yoder’s Department Store was a strong, stable persona in the room the entire time and that helped as well! I enjoyed getting to know you and the ladies in the group, which is rare for me as an extreme introvert! Thank you for the experience!
Her first Paper Piecing Project – WOW!
Kathy’s note: This was Elaine’s first paper piecing project! All I can say is WOW!!!
Thanks Kathy! Couldn’t have done it without you! You are a great teacher. I highly recommend her for your quilting projects.
PS The Quilt is even more beautiful in person!
Can’t Recommend Kathy Enough!
Take one of Kathy’s classes- live and/or zoom. You will be guided through the process with as much support as you need. I can’t recommend Kathy at BobKat quilts enough!
She is wonderful!
BobKat’s Retreat – The Value is Phenomenal!
Can’t say enough about how fun, laid back, and informational this retreat has been! I can’t truly say I’m “bummed” about missing her next one because I’m going to Quiltworx (!!!) in October, but if it weren’t for that I’d be doing everything I could to be here. But that just means my seat is open for someone else! This retreat WILL fill up! If you have the time, you should be here — The value is phenomenal.
Thank you Kathy for a fantastic week!
I Loved the Retreat!
I joined Kathy at her BobKat Quilts Shipshewana Retreat where I worked on my 1st Quiltworx Quilt Carnival Flower. I loved the retreat and Kathy’s world of knowledge!
If you get a chance, join Kathy at one of her future in-person or zoom classes or at an upcoming retreat
Thank You for a Fantastic Week!
Thank you so much for a fantastic week. This is my first time making a JN quilt and Kathy made the whole process understandable and enjoyable. She is an outstanding instructor and I will be taking future classes with her.
Outstanding Retreat!
Your Shipshewana Retreat was Outstanding!!! Had a great time with great people. And I will go home with my Carnival Flower in Tula colors 3/4 assembled. Couldn’t quite get that last slice in there but will finish at home. I learned so much this week
Great class with Kathy Groves
I really enjoyed our class in Shipshewana doing Zen Garden. I thought your teaching was right on. Loved all of your short cuts and tips so our projects would come out perfect. Even at home as I continue my project, I can use your tricks.
We really didn’t go thru the instruction book. I don’t know if that was a good thing or not. I certainly have had no problem following along now that I’m at home.
Lastly, I would like to know how you organize your instruction book(s). I know a lot of people use highlighters on certain instructions. How do you do it?
Again thank you for a great class. I am looking forward to seeing you again in Shipshewana for future classes.
Enjoyable and relaxing
I enjoy Kathy’s method of teaching. It’s relaxed and free form. I can progress at my pace. Kathy is always happy and open to suggestions. She had a terrific solution to a fabric problem. I didn’t need to recreate a section or buy more fabric! I wish the workshop was four days. I felt that I was just understanding the methods of construction plus making progress when it was over! I am looking forward to her return to Shipshewana.
Great Instructor, I highly recommend her!
Very nice, patient and knowledgeable teacher. Easy to follow her instructions. Kathy has great tricks that she easily shared and made sure we understood before moving on. Highly recommend one of her classes.
Great group instructor…AND personal follow up!
Kathy was very helpful during Qultworx University. She provided helpful tips and shortcuts, written cue cards. I found her group instructions to be helpful and appreciated individual follow up after the demonstration. She was also quick answer individual questions and requests for help with problems. I enjoyed learning to know and work with Kathy.
Great instructor! Very easy to understand…
Kathy is very patient and knowledgeable. She teaches in a way that is very easy to understand no matter your level of experience
After your class…I am having a ball!
I can’t believe how smoothly my quilt is going together. I’ve been sewing 2-3 hours a day! Thanks for the joy you have brought me through your class!
This time the featured patterns are:
Steampunk Fairytale (99" x 99") and White Swan Salvia (80" x 80"). White Swan Salvia can be enlarged to King with King Expansion. Other expansion options for both patterns can be discussed. And , of course, you are always welcome to bring the pattern of your choice.
These are new patterns and are sure to be favorites! Certified shops will soon have kits available for purchase -- or use Quiltster to design you own. Not sure how to use Quiltster? You have 2 options:
- Take my Zoom Quiltser class -- it will soon be available as an "on demand" class -- with ongoing support for questions as needed.
- Purchase a Quiltser Consultation and I'll operate Quiltster but you tell me where the colors go! Shop your stash or favorite shop! Either way you'll be able to create your personally designed colorway!
About the retreat:
WHEN: April 23-27, 2024.
WHERE: The Farmstead Inn in Shipshewana, Indiana
WHY: Because you'll have 5 days of fun, sewing, shopping, eating and spending time with other Quiltworx Quiltmakers! Oh, and I'll be there to help you every step of the way (before, during and after the retreat!!!)
Added benefit: If you choose one of the featured patterns -- you'll have access to the FULL ZOOM SERIES at no additional cost! A great benefit and a huge savings! Looking to do a different pattern? No problem, bring your own pattern and you'll still get great support (and Zoom support if available!)
COST: The retreat is $550 and does not include meals or lodging. Contact The Farmstead Inn directly to make your reservation -- tell them you are with the BobKat Quilts Retreat for a bit of savings on your room! Looking to come but would love a roommate? I'm not a matchmaker -- but I can share your contact information and you can explore the opportunity with other registrants.
Reserve your spot today with a deposit of $150 (refundable less a $10 processing fee).
Payment in full is due by March 15th, 2024. Payment is refundable through February 1st (less a 7.5% processing fee). After February 1st you receive a credit toward Zoom Classes, notions or Quiltworx patterns. I can make arrangements for a payment over time option starting November 1st - 5 monthly payments.
I'd love to have you join us! Space is limited (last year we had a full house -- so don't wait -- reserve your spot today!)
Timing not right? Want to join us in the fall? Check out our Fall 2024 Shipshewana Retreat
Related Events
Learning to piece Autumn Pines Quilt.
I give Kathy a five star rating. Her class was very informative, and interesting. She shared lots of tips and tricks which will help me on future Judy Niemeyer quilts to come. Thank-you for all your help Kathy!
She follows through! The BEST!
Everything that Kathy tells you she will do, she follows through! She is ALWAYS there to assist you to finish your quilt! You couldn’t pick a better Quiltworx Certified Instructor!
Great Instructor, I highly recommend her!
Very nice, patient and knowledgeable teacher. Easy to follow her instructions. Kathy has great tricks that she easily shared and made sure we understood before moving on. Highly recommend one of her classes.