EMPTY SPOOLS SEMINARS -- THE PEOPLE

Teaching a 5 day seminar to one group of students at EMPTY SPOOLS SEMINARS is one of the best jobs possible in the quilt/fiber art world. And it is one of the BEST EXPERIENCES for creative people.

PART ONE: The PLACE—See it HERE

The STUDENTS:  This is the "end of class" group photo, minus Terrie who was dealing with a car issue. Three of these women are repeat students--Mollie and Anne for the third time, Connie for the second. It is a treat to have familiar faces and happy, dedicated students. The others came as strangers, but all left as friends:

Terrie, not to be forgotten

Some students at each Session are "first timers", all of them say they will be back. "Why did I wait so long for this amazing experience?" Some come every year, currently poring over the 2027 Class Catalog to make their first and second choice selections. (Registration opens June 20, 2026 for the 2027 Seminars.)

The chance to learn from one teacher for 5 days in an in-depth setting is just hard to describe. Many students try out new-to-them techniques. Others are looking to expand their knowledge in a new direction. The class offerings are a mix of so many techniques/learning opportunities.

My goal for ALL my classes, whether 5 hours or 5 days, is that each student, regardless of skill level, will leave class learning more than they expected to learn. I often say "I am here to teach you everything I have learned in the last 40+ years as a quiltmaker." The Empty Spools experience allows that to happen.

Two of these students told me straight away this was their first quilting class ever. They thought they would be slow or even over their heads. Both did great work, learned a lot, and never felt behind. I "advance for the swift, and repeat for the deliberate." Each student gets all the help they need or want.

Two rented sewing machines as they flew in--there is always a learning curve at a new machine. They both did fine, learned what they needed to, and will proceed to make full star blocks at home.

Their WORK:

The STAFF:  

Wendi is the daughter of Gayle Wells, one of the founders of Empty Spools Seminars, now in it's 41st year. Penny is the granddaughter of Gayle, so niece to Wendi. They do an excellent job, learning the ropes with each new year. While living full lives, with full time jobs "on the side".  

Wendi Wells

Penny Wells

Suzanne Cox, the other founder is a delight, still attending in an advisory capacity. Photo in the lower left is Wendi, Suzanne, and Penny:

The FACULTY:

It is always good to be surrounded with amazing teachers. Some of this Session's teachers I have known for years, the rest I was happy to meet. Traditionally, the teachers go to dinner together on the one night of the Session when there is no evening program. We go to The Fish Wife restaurant, a short walk from campus. It is a great chance to find out things in the quilting/fiber art community and to make new connections:

From left to right: Sue Benner, Gloria Loughman, Timna Tarr, Maria Shell, Jenny Haynes, David Taylor, me, Cindy Grisdela, Kevin Womack.  Great food, even better conversation.

Each teacher has an assigned night to present a brief show of their work and introduce themselves to the entire audience. Merrill Hall is the "Seminar Central" all week--a beautiful building. My view from the stage:

The audience

Janet Fogg's quilt behind me--she was the Artist in Residence this week

It isn't easy to keep to the specified 9 minutes time--I did my best--and since no one was after me a few extra minutes to show off students work from prior years was ok.

The RELATIONSHIPS: 

Many of the students meet others here and form lasting friendships. They return year after year, to learn, discover, unwind, and build on those friendships.

Last year a wonderful woman came to my session the first day, not as a student, but as a member of The Quilt Show for many years. She wanted to meet me. She brought me beautiful flowers from her garden and the most sincere and heartwarming note of appreciation:

2025

This year she was back, as a student in another class during Session 5. I spotted her in the Dining Hall and we had a great but brief Reunion. Next year I will present a Lecture to her local guild:

Linda Herrera and I, 2026

It is moments and PEOPLE like this that keep me going and bring me back to such amazing places on my Joyful Journey as a quiltmaker.

What's NEXT:

February 28-March 5, 2027 SESSION 1 of EMPTY SPOOLS SEMINARS 2027 I will be teaching FULL CIRCLE, a Wendy Williams pattern.  My quilt:

92" square

I taught it in 2024 at Empty Spools, the class filled quickly with more than 20 students. Everyone did very well. Last year Anne and Mollie brought their completed quilts for Show and Tell--it was so good to have them there. They were enthusiastic students who said "Don't try this one without Barbara to guide you."  My 10 page typewritten Addendum to the 32 page pattern is very helpful. Anne and Mollie kindly brought them again this year so everyone could be inspired to join us NEXT year.

Anne Flanigan's FULL CIRCLE

Mollie Gilliam's FULL CIRCLE

As this quilt teaches SO MUCH, it can only be taught in this format, 5 technique-packed days. And as this is the second time I am offering it at Empty Spools it is very likely the last time it will be offered. SO, if this is one you REALLY want to make, NOW is the time to plan on registering--2027 Registration opens JUNE 20, 2026, 10 am PST. Find the FULL CATALOG with all the necessary information HERE

Planning for EMPTY SPOOLS SEMINARS 2028 gets underway later this Summer. I have a few ideas for great classes to propose. What would YOU WANT TO LEARN if you had 5 days to just delve into quiltmaking full time, with all your meals provided, nothing to do but just delight in and ABSORB it ALL?

Let's quilt.

Barbara