Quilting Lectures & Workshops
I have delivered lectures and workshops in three countries (UK, Japan and USA) and both online (Zoom and other tools) and in-person. Please contact me if you are interested in having me speak or teach at your event. Information about costs for Guilds is at the end of this page. Each lecture is one hour of content - generally 45 minutes of speaking followed by a Q&A.
I am also available for private lessons and events! See details and pricing here and email me at info@beabyrne.com with any questions.
Quilting Lectures & Trunk Shows
NEW - Why Labels Matter
You've made the top, you basted the layers, you quilted it, you added the binding...now they want you to add a label too? Sometimes a label just seems like one thing too many... but wait! Have you ever considered why we label our quilts? And what it means when we don't? Join Bea to look back at the history of quilt labels, the historic undervaluing of "women's work" and the new generation of quilt makers signing their art like Picasso.
NEW - Quilting & Mental Health
Art therapy has been around for centuries but the term was only officially coined in 1942. Drawing on research and my own experiences, I'll take you into the archives of past and current quilters and artists. We'll look at how art in general and textiles specifically have helped people's mental health, and how they can benefit people currently experiencing or dealing with trauma.
English Paper Piecing with
a Genuine English Woman
This trunk show style lecture begins with my own start in English Paper Piecing, as a child in England. We'll look at how this interest blossomed and accompanied me as I moved around the world and modern trends developed. Attendees will leave with a full appreciation for the breadth of this technique.
English Paper Piecing
Then and Now
This talk goes into the history of EPP and showcases classic patterns and designs before moving forward to the current day and looking at some of the recent innovations. Attendees will be keen to get started on their own projects when they hear about the ease and transportability of this method.
How to Fill Your Life with Quilts!
You've made a beautiful quilt. Now what? You might be giving it away or putting it in a closet until it is needed, but you could do so much more with it. Together we look at taking a photo of your quilt and transforming it into holiday cards, wrapping paper, clothes, shoes, or art to go on your wall. I'll share lots of tips and tricks plus a handout to provide you with all the resources you need to get started.
Kick Out Your Inner Critic & Make It!
Is everyone else making amazing quilts and yours don't seem to measure up? Or maybe you don't enter your quilts into shows because you don't think they're good enough? Or even you'd like to call yourself an Artist with a capital A but you're embarrassed. Anything sound familiar? Imposter syndrome is something that impacts almost everybody at some point. But there's good news! It doesn't have to control you. In this lecture we look at recognizing what's happening and how to conquer those fears. Ideal for encouraging people to enter quilt shows and share their work.
Workshops
I am flexible with Workshop timings and many can be 3 or 6 hour sessions with some expanding or combining to form 2-day workshops.
NEW - Fabric Dyeing Three Ways
Ice dyeing, traditional japanese shibori with indigo, and steamed bundles using natural materials. Each workshop is also available individually as a half day.
NEW - Surface Design Three Ways
Marbling, block carving and printing, and traditional japanese orizome. Each workshop is also available individually as a half day.
English Paper Pieced Portraits
Use hexagons to design and begin a portrait of yourself or your pet. Use my easy, low-tech, paper-based method to design your quilt, pillow cover or wall hanging. See how easy it is to play with scale and abstraction to make a design as simple or as complex as you like! In the half day class you can expect to finish your pattern. In the full day class we'll start cutting and stitching and talk about different finishing and quilting methods.
Make a Kaleidoscope Quilt - Using Almost Any Fabric!
Turn a single piece of fabric into a whirling, mesmerizing design. You'll receive guidance on buying your fabric in advance of the class and then get to work on your first quilt. In the half day class students will learn the technique and get started on making their own quilt. In the full day class we'll go further into how to get different effects and how to make the most of the technique and layout.
English Paper Piecing for Beginners
A half-day introduction to this style of patchwork, different designs, and hands-on work with 1" hexagons. We'll cover 3 different ways to construct your pieces and then how to join them and work with the finished piece. Attendees will leave with a pin cushion or coaster they have made themselves!
Make a Coat from your Quilt
A full-day workshop where everyone makes a coat! I help students choose their size and then discuss pattern placement on the quilt and the effects that can be achieved. We then go step by step through assembling the coat, binding the edges, and simple finishing techniques. (Quilted fabric can be substituted for an actual quilt.)
Make a "Sew Together Bag"
My most popular workshop! Also available on demand. Spend a day with me walking you step by step through making what will be your favorite bag for notions, toiletries and for making as a gift. With 3 zippered pockets, 4 other pockets, carrying handles and an optional needle place and pin cushion this bag has it all.
UV Resin for Quilters
This workshop never fails to please! A half-day workshop where everyone makes 3-8 items they can start using immediately. Pendants, earrings, brooches, name & pet tags, coasters, needle minders, zip pulls and more! You can be wearing your first pair of earrings within the first half hour.
Dyeing with Nature
Use the bounty of nature to dye cotton and silk fabric. We'll talk about local plants that can be used as well as exploring widely used dye materials like avocados, onions, red cabbage, cochineal and more.This half day workshop can be combined with the any of my other dyeing/printing workshops to make a full day or a two-day class.
Create Your Own Art Fabric with Gelli Printing
Let's get creative and spend time printing on fabric or paper/card. We'll revel in the freedom of playing with color and shape while learning specific techniques. This half day workshop can be combined with the any of my other dyeing/printing workshops to make a full day or a two-day class.
Fabric Printing with Daylight
Using specially prepared fabric we will use a cyanotype technique that uses the sun (or possibly a UV lamp) to create amazing prints using everyday objects. This half day workshop can be combined with the any of my other dyeing/printing workshops to make a full day or a two-day class.
Traditional Japanese Shibori Dyeing with Indigo
Learn the traditional japanese techniques to create beautiful blue and white designs on cotton or silk, yardage or existing garments or items like tea towels. This half day workshop can be combined with the any of my other dyeing/printing workshops to make a full day or a two-day class.
Block Print Unique Fabric
Block printing two ways. First we'll use a traditional block and students will carve their own unique design, testing it on paper before using it to print their own cotton fabric. Then we'll create a repeating pattern that can be used to create yardage using a common baking tool. This half day workshop can be combined with any of my other dyeing/printing workshops to make a full day or a two-day class.
Supply lists are available for all workshops.
Quilt Guild Fees
As of September 2026:
- An in-person 45 min lecture plus 15-30 mins of combined trunk show and Q&A is $400 in-person or via zoom.
- An in-person workshop is $400 for a half-day or $700 for a full-day.
- An online workshop is $350/$600 respectively for up to 20 people.
- There are no travel costs if you are within 10 miles of Oakland CA, or if the event is online. For further distances the IRS mileage rate will apply. Overnight stays require a hotel or motel room.
- I am happy to travel outside California - contact me to discuss this further
Workshops for Other Organizations
Contact me to book, or with any questions, using the form below. Or simply email info@beabyrne.com.
