Handi Quilter Through the Decades: June 26-29, 2024

Handi Quilter Through the Decades

June 26-29, 2024 • $1,495.00

Davis Conference Center, Layton, UT

To stay up to date on the latest information – including a video with tips on how to register, please join our Handi Quilter Academy Facebook group 

  • Two and a half days of world-class machine quilting education. From fan-favorite educators to up-and-coming personalities, you’ll get direct instruction and inspiration from the best-in-the-industry National Handi Quilter Educators and Handi Quilter Studio Educators.
  • Education Tracks designed to take you somewhere new! You’ll learn new skills and progress wherever you are on your quilting journey. From free-motion basics to PS Designer, there’s a track for quilters of every skill level.
  • Daily hands-on class time on machines or software and lecture demos to instruct and inspire you. This includes 3 hands-on classes and 6 interactive lecture demonstrations.
  • Tote bags that are perfect for your souvenirs and door prizes. In addition, you’ll get exclusive deals on Handi Quilter products.
  • Enjoy additional technique and product skill builders to get up to speed on the latest trends, methods, and products.
  • A welcome reception, keynote dinner, and other meals plus an all-day snack raid are included.

Academy 2024 Track Descriptions

Free-Motion Tracks:

Free-Motion Quilting – Basics – Frame-Mounted & Stationary Options (Beginner)

Are you ready to take a few steps outside your comfort zone and venture into the terrain of free-motion quilting? Let’s do it! We will be going through a variety of hands-on, lecture, and demo classes focused on free-motion skills and quilting with rulers. If you’re ready to take your free-motion quilting to the next level, this is the track for you.

Teachers: Annette Look & Karen Woolley

Free-Motion Project – Frame-Mounted & Stationary Options (Intermediate)

Are you ready to design and quilt an original wholecloth quilt? No two quilts will be the same! This might be new terrain for you but so much fun. Debby and Sandy will guide you step-by-step through the entire process so you leave with a completed free-motion project. Through hands-on classes, lectures and demos, you will develop the skills needed to complete your project.

*This is a project centered class for intermediate quilters with experience with rulers and free-motion designs using specialty threads. You should be very comfortable with tension and have intermediate free-motion skills.

Instructors: Debby Brown & Sandy Rindlesbach

Pro-Stitcher Tracks:

Pro-Stitcher – Basics (Beginner)

Cruise your way to the wonderful world of computerized quilting on the Pro-Stitcher track. You will be amazed at the things that this program and machine can do for your quilting. There will be a combination of hands-on classes and lectures. This track will be taught on Amara 20’s with Pro-Stitcher Premium, but will also cover the basics for Pro-Stitcher Lite.

Instructors: Janel Metsker & Lori Brothers

Pro-Stitcher – The Next Step (Intermediate)

If you are well on your way and comfortable using Pro-Stitcher, quilting edge-to-edge designs, repositioning designs, and using the tools Pro-Stitcher offers, then join us in the intermediate group. The courses will be split between hands-on classes taught on Amara 20s with Pro-Stitcher Premium and lectures, where you will be working with your computer in Simulation Mode. This group will be full of tips and tricks for using both Pro-Stitcher Premium & Lite.

*This class will NOT cover Pro-Stitcher basics. It is intended for quilters with moderate experience with their Pro-Stitcher.

A personal laptop with a trackpad or wired mouse (too many wireless mice in one room can cause interference), and a laptop charger will be required for this track.

Instructors: Cynthia Gill & Kim Maurin

Pro-Stitcher Project (Intermediate)

If you consider yourself an “Intermediate” Pro-Stitcher user, quilting edge-to-edge designs, repositioning designs, and using the basic and more common tools Pro-Stitcher offers, but would like an Advanced Intermediate Pro-Stitcher Challenge, come join us for the Pro-Stitcher Project Track! This is a project-based track. We will be completing a table runner project with Pro-Stitcher, using lots of fun techniques and tools that you may not be familiar with. The project will be available to take home on the last day. We will explore some of the more advanced Pro-Stitcher techniques and use Pro-Stitcher tools that you may not be familiar with. The track will combine hands-on machine work as well as using Pro-Stitcher in Simulation mode on your laptop. This track will be full of cool tips and tricks for using Pro-Stitcher. In addition, we will show you how to edit basic designs in PS Designer.

* This class will NOT cover Pro-Stitcher basics. It is intended for quilters with moderate experience with their Pro-Stitcher.

A personal laptop with a trackpad or wired mouse (too many wireless mice in one room can cause interference), laptop charger. Pro-Stitcher and PS Designer should be installed on your laptop, but assistance will be provided on check in day, if you need assistance installing onto your laptop. Designs used in this track will be provided on a flash drive.

Instructors: Patty Sliney & Karen King

Pro-Stitcher Sim with MK (Confident Beginner)

Do you want to master using Pro-Stitcher in Simulation mode? Then this is the track for you! Join Melissa as she walks you through the steps of conquering this handy tool. You’ll cover topics from edge-to-edge designs, borders, and mixed layout techniques. This track will be taught through lectures and demos, with practice time for you to try out some of the techniques at the end of each session.

Need: A personal laptop with a trackpad or wired mouse (too many wireless mice in one room can cause interference), and a laptop charger, will be required for this track.

Instructor: Melissa Kruschwitz

Designer Tracks

PS Designer – Basics (Beginner)

Ever wish you could edit a quilt design or even create your own designs using the PS Designer software? Then this is the track for you! We will start off showing you the available tools and how to edit and create mini projects along the way to build your designer confidence. We will also show you how to audition designs using the Backdrop Tool to make sure your quilt has just the look you want!

*This track will cover how to use the PS Designer software. It does not cover how to use your individual computer. You should be comfortable downloading and opening a design and checking email on your computer in order to participate in this class.

A personal laptop with a trackpad or wired mouse (too many wireless mice in one room can cause interference), and a laptop charge will be required for this track. If you need help with loading PS Designer onto your laptop, we will be happy to help you during registration. Just bring your serial number so you can save all of your awesome new original designs!

Instructors: Karen Arnold & Jeannine Grabowska

Designer + Pro-Stitcher Combo Track (Intermediate)

Join Nick and Megan to learn all about Designer and Pro-Stitcher working  and how they can work together for you. This new track showcases how Designer and Pro-Stitcher work together to create fantastic designs for your quilts.

We will get started with several projects geared to move you forward in your creativity. Carousel, Words and lettering, digitizing and editing will all be part of the projects we will be working on. Let your creativity burst with what you will learn with a couple experts. This track will be taught through lectures and demos, with hands-on sessions on Amara 20s with Pro-Stitchers for you to try out some of the techniques.

* This class will NOT cover Designer OR Pro-Stitcher basics. It is intended for quilters with a working knowledge of Designer and Pro-Stitcher.

A personal laptop with a trackpad or wired mouse (too many wireless mice in one room can cause interference), and a laptop charger, will be required for this track. Design files will also be available to download.

Instructors: Megan Best & Nick Turcan

Additional Information:

  • All tracks will include hands-on as well as lecture- and demo-style classes.
  • The free-motion, frame-mounted machine classes are hands on and taught on an HQ Amara with two people per machine.
  • The free-motion, stationary machine classes are hands on and taught on an HQ stationary machine with two people per machine.
  • The Pro-Stitcher hands-on classes are taught on an HQ Amara with the latest version of Pro-Stitcher and two people per machine.
  • Skillbuilder mini classes will be held for more hands-on opportunities.

Wednesday, June 26
2:00-4:30 PM: Check-In at the Davis Conference Center
5:00 PM: Welcome dinner at the Davis Conference Center

Thursday, June 27
7:00 AM: Breakfast
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Classes
11:15 AM – 12:00 PM: Skillbuilders
12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch
1:00–5:00 PM: Classes
4:15–5:00 PM: Skillbuilders
5:00 PM: Dinner

Friday, June 28
7:00 AM: Breakfast
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Classes
11:15 AM – 12:00 PM: Skillbuilders
12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch
1:00–5:00 PM: Classes
4:15–5:00 PM: Skillbuilders
6:00 PM: Dinner

Saturday, June 29
7:00 AM: Breakfast
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Classes
12:00 PM: Academy finished!
12:30 PM: OPTIONAL ADD-ON ACTIVITY: Trunk ‘n Lunch with the Studio Educators

Picture of Laurel Barrus, Handi Quilter Founder

Laurel Barrus – Handi Quilter Founder

With a life-long interest in sewing, Laurel Barrus, founder of Handi Quilter, had the idea for the “Handi Quilter” portable frame when she was looking for a way to take a portable machine quilting frame to her family cabin. She could not find anything to suit her needs in the marketplace, so she created something that could be used with her own home sewing machine. It had to be light and small enough to carry in her car, yet adjustable so it could accommodate small or large quilts. When her friends saw the portable, adjustable frame she had created, they wanted one too.

Seeing her friends’ interest in her new frame, Laurel named it the “Handi Quilter”. She worked with several suppliers, produced a prototype, and took it to the International Quilt Festival in Houston in October of 1999. On the first day of the festival, she called her fabricators and told them she had received enough orders to keep them busy until Christmas.

The business continued to grow and in 2002 Laurel recognized the potential of the home machine quilting market, if a quality product could be offered at an affordable price and fit in the home environment. She invested in the design and production of an entirely new line of products – the “HQ Sixteen” quilting machine and the adjustable frames to support it. She hired her own electronic and mechanical engineers and support staff, established the manufacturing infrastructure for the new products, and created a new distribution network that could sell and service the machines.

If your preferred track is unavailable, it is sold out. You can request to be placed on a waitlist for your preferred track.

To be added to a waitlist, please select that option in the registration process. We will let you know if availability opens up, but we cannot guarantee it.

If a spot becomes available, you will receive an email confirming this availability. You will have 24 hours to claim the spot before we will move on to the next person on the waitlist. Be sure to carefully read the Terms & Conditions before registering. We do not offer refunds, only transfers.

 

Academy Cancelation/Transfer policy

If you need to cancel your registration before May 31, 2024, you are welcome to apply your payment towards Academy 2025 only. 
You may transfer your payment minus a $250 transfer fee. Transferring your payment does not guarantee a spot in Academy 2025. 
This transfer fee is waivable upon extenuating circumstances (such as a military deployment.)  No-shows will not be given a transfer option. 

The conference hotel for Handi Quilter Academy is the Hilton Garden Inn in Layton, UT.

Make your reservations by phone: (801) 416-8899, ask for the Handi Quilter block rate (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). Be sure to mention Handi Quilter to take advantage of the reduced rates we have negotiated for Handi Quilter Academy.

Hotel details
Hotel amenities
Maps and directions
Guest Rooms

Guest rooms offer one king or two queen or two double beds, hospitality center, high speed Internet access, large business desk, iron/ironing board, hair dryer, coffeemaker, refrigerator, microwave, two line phones and voicemail.

You may also choose one of the other hotels near the Davis Conference Center. Many are within walking distance, but if not, you will be responsible for your own transportation to and from the Davis Conference Center.

Home2Suites by Hilton, Layton – (801) 820-9222 Special Rate Available
Fairfield by Marriott, Layton – (801) 444-1600
Hampton Inn, Layton
Holiday Inn Express, Layton
Best Western Plus Layton Park, Layton
Towneplace by Marriott, Layton
Courtyard by Marriott, Layton
Comfort Inn, Layton
La Quinta, Layton

***PLEASE NOTE: Handi Quilter is not responsible for transportation or details. We merely provide options here for our attendees.***

Flying – Salt Lake International Airport

“The approach to Salt Lake International Airport is one of the most impressive in the country, with the Wasatch Mountains rising abruptly to the east and the Great Salt Lake glistening to the north. From the air you get a great view of Salt Lake’s downtown district and you see just how close, and convenient, the airport is to the city.

Salt Lake City International Airport is located just five miles northwest and 10 minutes away from downtown Salt Lake City. Buses, trains and parking lots are all accessible at the airport. The airport works with all major U.S. airlines, including American, Alaska Airlines, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, US Airways, Continental, SkyWest, JetBlue, and United; it services several non-stop international flights.”

(Utah.com)

The Davis Conference Center is located off I-15 in Layton, Utah, and is just 20 minutes north of the Salt Lake International Airport. Utah’s Frontrunner Commuter Rail system is only minutes away. The Salt Lake International Airport Website provides additional transportation information for your convenience including Trax, buses, shuttles, cabs, Paratrans, and route/parking information.

Express Shuttle – 801-596-1600 – Use code 38570
Uber
Lyft

Utah Transit Authority – (Trax, Bus & Trolley)

Public transportation to and from the Salt Lake City International Airport is provided by the Utah Transit Authority (UTA)

www.RIDEUTA.com.

The address to enter for your destination is:

1651 North 700 West
Layton, Utah  84041

 

Shuttles, Taxi, Uber, Limo, or other transportations can be found on their pages, or summarized on the Salt Lake City Airport Transportation Page.

Other Ground Transportations including Rental Cars, Taxi and other options can be found at: https://www.visitsaltlake.com/getting-around/ground-transportation

My spouse or friend is coming with me, but he or she isn’t going to attend the training. Can he or she eat meals with me?

We do not offer meal tickets. Meals and snacks are for paid Academy attendee’s ONLY.

What is there to do in the area?

The Davis County Office of Tourism is your comprehensive link to one of the most beautiful and thriving areas along Utah’s Wasatch mountains—visit their website to catch a glimpse of what Davis County has to offer. From renowned and mature golf courses to sea kayaking on the Great Salt Lake, you’ll have plenty to keep you busy weather you’re visiting for business or for pleasure

What dining options are available in the area?

There are dozens of restaurants near the Davis Conference Center.

I recently purchased my Handi Quilter machine. Will Handi Quilter Academy be too advanced for me?

Certainly not! We are offering classes for all skill levels. If you are still getting to know your machine, you may want to consider registering for one of the Free-Motion Quilting tracks.

Are there any quilt shops in the area?

There are several quilt shops to choose from. However, you will need a car to get to them.

K & H Quilt Shoppe (4.2 miles) 250 W 200 N #4, Kaysville, UT – (801) 444-4375
Quilter’s Attic (19.9 miles) 2155 So. Orchard Drive, #102 , Bountiful, UT – (801) 292-1710
My Heritage Fabrics (15.2 miles) 1843 Valley Drive (in Rainbow Gardens), Ogden, UT – (801) 621-2202

I don’t yet have a longarm quilting machine, but am considering one. Does it make sense for me to attend Handi Quilter Academy?

Definitely. In fact, we recommend that you register for the Free-Motion Basics track. It is designed to give the novice a basic understanding of how the machine and longarm quilting works.

What is the cancellation policy if I have to cancel?

If you need to cancel your registration before May 31, 2024, you are welcome to apply your payment towards Academy 2025 only. 
You may transfer your payment minus a $250 transfer fee. Transferring your payment does not guarantee a spot in Academy 2025. 
This transfer fee is waivable upon extenuating circumstances (such as a military deployment.)  No-shows will not be given a transfer option. 

What will the weather be like during Handi Quilter Academy?

June has an average high temperature of 79 degrees and an average low temperature of 55 degrees. You can check the weather forecast within about 10 days of academy weather here: https://weather.com/weather/tenday/l/USUT0139:1:US

We will be driving to Handi Quilter Academy. What’s the best way to get there?

Here is a link to the driving directions for the Davis Conference Center. The address is: 800 West Heritage Park Blvd., Layton, Utah 84041

  • Start out going northwest on TERMINAL toward LONG TERM PARKING A.
  • Continue going straight onto AIRPORT EXIT.
  • Merge onto I-80E towards Ogden/Provo.
  • Merge onto I-215N via exit #117 towards Ogden. Merge onto I-15 N.
  • Take exit #331 for Hill Field Road and turn right onto Hill Field Road.
  • Continue on Hill Field Road for about .6 mile and turn left onto 1550/Heritage Park Blvd.
  • The Davis Conference Center is at 800 Heritage Park Blvd. If you are staying at the Hilton Garden Inn, it is at 762 West Heritage Park Blvd.Google Maps Directions

NOTE: If you are not renting a car, be sure to reserve a shuttle, Uber or Lyft to and from the airport.

What should I wear?

We invite you this year to join us in some fun with your wardrobe. During Academy this year, feel free to wear outfits that reflect styles worn during the following decades: 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and the 1990s. We will have a more detailed schedule close to Academy. This is optional! In general, we encourage you to wear comfortable cloths and shoes. Layers are also highly recommended because temperatures fluctuate in the conference center.

What safety guidelines are in place?

We work closely with the Davis County Convention Center to ensure the safest education environment possible. We will closely follow all recommended safety protocols throughout the event. Academy participants must agree to follow the same protocols in order to participate.

Anyone who

  • Already has a Handi Quilter machine and wants to finish more quilts
  • Is considering the purchase of a Handi Quilter longarm quilting machine or Pro-Stitcher (You can try before you buy and then take advantage of Handi Quilter Academy show pricing!)
  • Is a Handi Quilter retailer and wants to improve their own skills
  • Loves Handi Quilter machines and the HQ community as much as we do
  • Wants to become proficient in free-motion quilting
  • Wants to become proficient in using Pro-Stitcher
  • Wants to become an advanced user of Pro-Stitcher
  • Wants to become proficient in using PS Designer
  • Is interested in furthering their machine-quilting skills and connecting with other quilters

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