BobKat Quilts … Inspiring Confidence in Quilters Everywhere

Here's what BobKat does...

Classes

I love teaching!   I love figuring things out so they make sense to me, then I love helping others understand how to make it work for them.  Yes, I'm an evangelist for foundation paper piecing and  a Quiltworx Certified Instructor, but my interests are so much broader.   I originally focused on  offering courses through local quilt shops and guilds, but I relocated from Michigan to Texas in early 2019 and then ran smack into the COVID-19 lockdown.   I pivoted to Zoom as my primary teaching vehicle for a time. This unleashed me geographically and because I recorded the classes and made the videos available to my quilters afterward,  they could watch and rewatch classes on their own schedule, freeing us up from clocks and time zones as well.   In addition to students from most states in the US, I've had quilters join me from Canada, Switzerland, Great Britain, India and Australia!   I've taught move than 50 courses over Zoom ranging from the Fundamentals of Quilt making to the latest Quiltworx Technique of the Month, Jungle Magnolia. 

Want to plan your quilt layouts without crayons?  Do you want to convert drawings and photos into quilt patterns?   Have you ever wondered if your iPad, mobile phone or laptop could be put to better use in your quilt-making? Before Kathy was a quilter she was a certified Microsoft Office Specialist,  who taught office professionals how to make better use of their computers.  Now she's not only using Microsoft Office software, but great tools like Quiltster and Electric Quilt (EQ) to help quilters turn their dreams and ideas in to beautiful quilts -- faster and more efficiently.

You'll find a list of classes, patterns and techniques I've previously taught and are ready to go on this page.   I also offer group classes and retreats over Zoom for individual quilters -- you can find those under Classes and Workshops on this website.   Because many of my previous classes are recorded, I've started offering the recorded classes in the BKQ Shop also on the this website.  Interested in a class I've taught previously, but not yet in the BKQ Shop?   Email or call me, and I'll set you up with a recorded class and support you as you complete your project!

Quilting Problem Solving, Coaching and Support for Individual Quilters

If you take one of my classes or workshops, I offer personal support until your project is completed.   Did you start your quilt on your own? Or perhaps you started with class or workshop, then  life happened. That great Quiltworx queen-sized heirloom quilt project ended up in box under your bed.  Now you don't how to get started again?   I offer very reasonably priced one-on-one coaching and support to get you back on track.  We'll set a budget.  Call when you need help.   I'll support you till you finish!  

Presentations, Demos and Trunk Shows

A great way to spice up a guild meeting, add content to a quilt shop demo day, or explore a new pattern or technique with your quilting buddies.  Give us an hour and we'll give you some great tips, tricks and techniques!

I've lost count of the number of Judy Niemeyer quilts I've taught or otherwise made.  It's more than 120 -- and more like 150 or more if you count the duplicates and variations!  I can organize a trunk show around colors, seasons, size and technique. Depending on your time constraints and physical location, I often feature 40-80 quilts in my trunk shows! 

Are you meeting virtually?  Great!  We can ZOOM our way to a great meeting and presentation!  I love to do live presentations and trunk shows, but if distance or travel expense is a limitation, I've done trunk shows with Zoom using live video and PowerPoint slides.  I've even presented to two guilds on the same night: one in Florida and another in California, thanks to the power of ZOOM. 

Check out this special newsletter for guilds -- it includes some thoughts and tips for Zoom presentations and workshops for your guild.

Workshops

Hands-on, roll up your sleeves, learn by doing workshops are our specialty!   We have half day,  full day and multiple day workshops. Each is designed to send participants out with the experience and confidence to execute new skills on their own.  I've customized workshops for needs of a particular guild or group.   Got a question a couple of days later?  Your workshop participants can email, text or call me -- BobKat is there to help put your members' new skills to work.

Multi-day workshops  Want to tackle a Judy Neimeyer Quiltworx pattern? Thinking of a skill-building sewing retreat?  We love to do 2-5 day workshops.  Length depends on the complexity of the task and the experience and skill level of the group.  As a Quiltworx Certified Instructor - Kathy has the training and experience to help you create one of Judy's beautiful heirloom quilts!

Zoom and hybrid workshops that we kickoff with an email and recorded video for prep,  hold a great live 3-4 hour workshop and follow up with a great 1-2 hour zoom video session a couple of weeks later can be really effective.  The combination of media and meeting styles allows us to have the same result of a multiple day workshop at a fraction of the cost.  

We can feature workshop projects ranging from small placemats to queen sized quilts...  look for the pattern and content that calls to you!  I can help you pick one that matches your budget, time frame, and experience profile.    Want one you don't see -- just let me know!

Recent Presentations and Workshops

• How to Eat an Elephant - How to tackle an epic Judy Niemeyer quilt - one bite at a time! 
• Why Didn't Someone Show Me This a Longtime Ago? - Lots of tricks, tips and techniques to improve your accuracy, efficiency, and fun-factor!
• Applique Without Fear - Great techniques no one ever taught you!
• Plug in Your Quilts -  Discussions and demos of Electric Quilt, Quiltster, and other quilting software, plus ways to use MS Word and other office apps to to enhance your quilting.
• Building your Color Confidence - Using color theory and practical planning to make choosing your color-way and fabrics with enthusiasm and confidence!
• My Quilting Journey - Reflections on a 20 year transition from self-taught skills to the classroom, motherhood, corporate trainer, to a Quiltworx Certified Instructor

One of a Kind Projects

BobKat has translated existing quilts into patterns and instructions.  She can develop a custom quilt kits for a guild retreat or special group quilting project.  She can help you organize your first quilt show.  For the past several years, Kathy has been the volunteer director / organizer of  a week-log, county-wide 4-H Quilting camp in partnership with her quilt guild.  If you have a quilt related project, program or challenge, BobKat can help!

Lets Get Started...

The examples and lists above are just a starting point. I'd love to work with you, a group of friends, your guild or your shop to help you plan your next quilt, a workshop, or a retreat; Send me an email or give me a call.  I'd be happy to help you put something together that will be just the right thing for you!