Karen Bolan
Journey Into Quilt Design
Five-Day Quilting Retreat
July 25, 2027, 5:30 pm: Meet & Greet
July 26-30, 2027
$1395
How can you design a quilt that tells the story you want to tell?
You want to share a special memory, a special place, or a special message. Translating that idea into a quilted form may feel difficult or scary – technically or emotionally. In this retreat, Karen will guide you to move beyond other people’s patterns to be in control of each step. Let your emotions, thoughts, and message guide you in creating a quilt that expresses your distinct perspective. You are ready to take this step, and you don’t have to figure it out alone.
The design process in class is a form of structured improvisation. You may not know what your quilt will look like in the end. This may feel uncomfortable at first, but the guided process will feel intentional and controlled throughout. Your process will evolve as you create your plan, pivot to add more feeling into each step, and complete an expressive quilt you’re proud of.
In class, you will construct a unique quilt as you learn the design process using advanced piecing and finishing techniques. You will build a 24” quilt from start to finish.
Learn how to design quilts, from choosing an inspiring image to creating a plan. You’ll explore composition, main and supporting elements, and how to develop your own style.
This retreat combines lectures, discussions, demonstrations, interactive activities, and individual support.
Expect to leave with a complete, one-of-a-kind quilt and a supportive group of artists ready to cheer on your next project.
This retreat includes a pre-retreat prep session to help students clarify their project in advance. Date and time are to be determined.
Learning Objectives
Our objective is to create a unique design from a meaningful inspiration image, then complete a quilt based on the design.
Students should come with an eagerness to progress into creating original quilts with unique designs. Essential skills to have before class include:
Experience in using a sewing machine
Ability to sew straight seams with accurate seam allowance
Experience with quilting with a walking foot or free-motion
Ability to learn and apply new techniques quickly
Design & Sewing Techniques
Design skills covered: design process, structured brainstorming, geometric block design, block resizing, composition with the elements and principles of design, quilting planning, evaluation and goal setting
Sewing techniques covered: use of templates for precise cutting and piecing, partial seams, curved piecing, quilt facing with complex edges
Skill Level
Students may be confident beginners and beyond.
What's Included In The Retreat
This retreat includes a pre-retreat prep session to help students clarify their project in advance. Date and time are to be determined.
Meet and greet with hors d'oeuvres on Sunday, July 25th at 5:30 pm
Five days of instruction--Monday through Friday
Five lunches
Retreat Schedule
-
This retreat includes a pre-retreat prep session with Karen Bolan, where we will share inspiration, discuss supplies and color. Karen will also answer any pre-trip questions. Date and time are to be determined.
-
Sunday, July 25th at 5:30 pm
Hors d'oeuvres will be served
Join us for an informal gathering with the instructor and participants. Hors d'oeuvres will be served.
-
Review your inspiration.
Lecture about engineering design process.
Brainstorming activities
Block design demonstration and activity.
-
Scaling block demonstration and activity.
Technique demonstration of template design.
Begin sewing support blocks
-
Lecture on composition
Technique demonstrations of partial seams and curves
Arrangement and composition activity
Sewing time
-
Lecture on developing a quilting plan
Quilting plan activities
Sewing time
-
Lecture and demonstration of finishing techniques
Sewing time
Group show and tell with guided critique and planning
-
Group show and tell
Virtual gallery
Plan next iteration
The schedule is fluid during the retreat. Below are the pre-retreat meetings and a possible cadence for your five days during the retreat.
Supply List for Karen Bolan Retreat
Source of Inspiration
Bring a photo that you have taken, that represents a special memory or idea that you want to use to inspire your quilt. Print one color copy and two black and white, on letter-sized paper.
Sketching Supplies
Sketch pad or loose pages of blank white paper, at least 50 sheets.
At least one pen or pencil, and 3-5 different colored pencils or pens.
12” ruler
Paper scissors
Fabric
For Practice:
1⁄2 yard each of four different fabrics in a value gradient: dark, medium-dark, medium-light, and light
For Top:
At least four different fabrics (we will discuss in the pre-class virtual meeting), 2 yards of primary fabric, 1⁄2 - 1 yard of secondary fabric(s), 1⁄4-yard of accent fabric(s). Note, these are minimum quantities; you may want to bring more (variety or quantity) to suit your inspiration and your style.
Backing - 1 yard
Binding(facing) - 1⁄4 yard (Match the backing or primary color from the front recommended)
Batting - 30” square
Sewing Supplies (Labeled with your name on them)
If you’d like to rent a sewing machine click here
Thread for piecing
Thread for quilting (variety)
Rotary cutter, 12x18 cutting mat, and rulers: 6”x24”, 121⁄2” square, 6” square (specific ruler sizes are not required, but these three sizes are what I use most for this work.)
Fabric scissors
Hand-sewing needle
Painter’s tape
Your favorite notions like pins, clips, seam ripper, thread snips, stiletto, marking tools, seam roller, seam gauge, etc.
About Karen Bolan
Karen Bolan is a quilt artist from Santa Rosa, California. Her engineering background helps her quilt in an organized way, balancing her structured nature with her creative side. Her goal upon starting quilting was to learn every technique by incorporating a new skill into each project, a practice she has continued for over 13 years.
She loves the learning that comes from experimenting and is most drawn to the layers of design and expression within the quilting medium. Her designs are one-of-a-kind, blending geometry, exploration, connections, depth, and texture.
Magazines, museums, and shows have featured Karen’s award-winning quilts and patterns.
Karen teaches and writes quilting patterns with an encouraging and engineering-influenced approach. Her classes combine lectures, demonstrations, and discussions with plenty of time for students to try out new techniques and get personal guidance. She teaches in a way that’s both fun and helps students develop skills. She kindly encourages them to push their boundaries, resulting in greater enjoyment, creativity, and proficiency.
Karen is guided by the conviction that making quilts we love enhances the world. Through both the process and the product, we honor the traditions of quilting, other quilters, and humanity. Karen shares her passion for quilting with the hope that you can experience the thrill of discovery and the satisfaction of creating meaningful and warm treasures.
Website: https://www.karenbolan.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karen.bolan
Rent a Sewing Machine
Retreat Sewing Machine Rental
We rent the Bernina 350 Ricky Tims' Special Edition which is a great machine for quilters. Standard accessories for the sewing machine includes the slide-on extension table, the practical Free Hand System (FHS), the BERNINA walking foot as well as two additional feet for quilting and patchwork.
There are a limited number of machines available for rent, so reserve yours when you book your retreat. If you don't see a machine rental option, it means all the machines have already been rented.
$100 per retreat
Important Information Read Before Registering
Cancellation Policy
If the Estelle Center cancels a retreat, you will receive a full refund of all payments made.
The $500 deposit is non-refundable.
If you cancel your reservation and the Estelle Center is able to fill your space with another participant, your $500 deposit will be refunded minus a $100 cancellation fee.
If you cancel within 45 days of the retreat's Meet & Greet date, no refunds will be issued unless the Estelle Center is able to fill your spot. In that case, any refund will be subject to the $100 cancellation fee.
We have limited guest accommodations. If you cancel your room reservation at any time, you will be refunded your payment minus a $150 cancellation fee.
Payments
A deposit of $500 is required to register. The balance of $895 is due by May 26, 2027, 60 days before the start of the retreat.
After May 26, 2027, the full retreat cost of $1,395 is required to register.
Meals & Lodging
The Journey Into Quilt Design Five-Day Quilting Retreat includes meet and greet with appetizers, five lunches, and five days of instruction. Other meals and lodging are not included in the registration fee.
Guest rooms at Estelle's Upstairs are available for retreat participants. There are single, double, and triple occupancy rooms that share a large bathroom down the hall. To book a guest room, scroll down to the payment section below.
Click here to learn more about our guest rooms.
Click here to find other accommodations in La Veta.
What To Expect Next
Please add sunshine@estellecreativearts.com to your safe senders list to make sure you receive our emails.
Service Animal Policy
To preserve a calm and welcoming space for creativity and connection, we ask that guests do not bring pets or emotional support animals.
Service dogs, trained to assist and supported by law, are always welcome. Thank you for helping us hold this space with care. If you have questions or specific needs, we invite you to reach out ahead of your visit.
Click here to learn more about the The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Service Animal Policy.
