Sew with a Quiltworx
Certified Instructor
Your Project, Your Pace
March 3 – 7, 2027 | 50 Acre Woods – Palmyra, TN
Step into a one-of-a-kind Quiltworx experience with Julie Connell, Certified Instructor, where you’ll receive expert guidance tailored to you and your quilting journey.
For this special March workshop, Julie brings two exclusive colorway designs she has personally created, giving you the opportunity to work with fresh, inspiring patterns you won’t find just anywhere.
Prefer to keep working on something you’ve already started? You’re welcome to bring your own Quiltworx project and take full advantage of Julie’s expertise to troubleshoot, refine techniques, and finally move forward with confidence.
This retreat is designed to meet you where you are—whether you're beginning a new Quiltworx design or finishing a long-awaited project. Julie’s instruction will help you master the precision, organization, and techniques that make Quiltworx quilts truly stand out.
Come ready to learn, create, and enjoy a focused, supportive quilting experience at 50 Acre Woods, where every detail is designed to help you succeed.
quiltworx with julie connell, certified instructor
Meet the Instructor
Julie Connell
Certified Instructor
Quiltworx
Learning Quiltworx is a completely different experience when you have the right guide—and that’s exactly what you’ll find with Julie Connell, Certified Instructor.
Julie is known for her ability to take complex Quiltworx techniques and make them feel approachable, organized, and achievable. Whether you're starting your first project or working through one that’s been sitting unfinished, she meets you where you are and helps you move forward with confidence.
Her teaching style is patient, encouraging, and hands-on—giving you the support you need while helping you truly understand the process. Many quilters leave not only with progress on their project, but with skills they’ll use for years to come.
At 50 Acre Woods, you’ll have the rare opportunity to learn directly from a Certified Instructor in a relaxed, focused retreat setting—where questions are welcome, progress is celebrated, and every quilter is supported.
Julie Connell, Certified Instructor – Quiltworx
Julie Connell has been sewing since the 6th grade, when she first learned the craft from her mother. Her passion for textiles only grew as she went on to study Textile Design at the University of Iowa, where she began designing her own garment patterns. While raising her five children, Julie continued sewing—creating clothing, Halloween costumes, and exploring her love of fabric, color, and creativity.
Although she long admired the artistry of quilting—the precision, attention to detail, and intricate piecing—it wasn’t until 1993, after the birth of her youngest son, that she took her first hand quilting class. She was instantly hooked. For more than 25 years, quilting has remained a constant passion, with Julie continually refining her skills and techniques.
In 2014, Julie’s quilting journey took a transformative turn when she began working at Batiks Plus in St. Louis. There, she discovered Quiltworx through an online class taught by Certified Instructor Jackie Kunkel. Inspired to go deeper, Julie traveled to Montana to train with Judy Niemeyer, where she experienced firsthand the organization, precision, and step-by-step methods that define Quiltworx patterns. That experience sparked a deep appreciation for the process—and a passion for mastering it.
Since then, Julie has completed more than 40 Quiltworx projects, ranging from small table toppers to large, intricate quilts. She has trained with multiple Certified Instructors and brings a depth of experience that allows her to guide quilters through even the most complex designs with confidence.
Julie now shares her knowledge through workshops, quilt shops, guilds, and private classes across Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, and Tennessee. Known for her patient, encouraging teaching style, she loves helping quilters build confidence and successfully complete their Quiltworx projects.
Biography
About the workshop
This workshop is designed to give you the flexibility to work on what matters most to you—while receiving expert guidance from a Quiltworx Certified Instructor.
You are welcome to bring any Quiltworx project you are currently working on, whether you’re just getting started or looking to finally finish a quilt that’s been waiting. Julie will provide hands-on instruction, helping you with organization, technique, troubleshooting, and next steps so you can move forward with confidence.
For those who would like to start something new, Julie has CREATED a custom-designed Mixer pattern along with beautifully coordinated fabric options just for this retreat.
While this pattern is not part of a published Quiltworx release, it is not considered exclusive. However, because it is not widely distributed or available online, it is unlikely you will come across this design again—making it a unique opportunity to work on a fresh and distinctive project under Julie’s direct guidance.
Kit & Pattern Options
Participants may choose to purchase the following:
Custom Mixer Pattern designed by Julie Connell
$110Custom Curated Colorway Kits (68” x 68”) – $168
Includes binding (backing not included)Available colorways:
• Sundance
• Poppy
As a special offering for this retreat, participants will receive 20% off these kit and pattern prices.
Whether you bring a project or begin something new, this workshop is all about progress, learning, and enjoying the process in a supportive, inspiring environment.
What You’ll Accomplish:
Make meaningful progress on your Quiltworx project—whether starting fresh or continuing a work in progress
Gain clarity and confidence in your next steps, eliminating confusion and overwhelm
Organize your project in a way that makes sewing smoother and more enjoyable
Complete key sections of your quilt with precision and accuracy
Leave with a clear plan to confidently finish your project at home
Enjoy focused, uninterrupted sewing time in a supportive retreat environment
poppy
Sundance
Skills You’ll Learn:
Foundation paper piecing techniques specific to Quiltworx patterns
Precision cutting and organization methods that reduce errors and frustration
Color placement strategies to enhance movement and visual impact
How to read and follow Quiltworx pattern instructions with confidence
Troubleshooting common challenges and correcting mistakes without starting over
Efficient workflow techniques to improve speed and accuracy
Photo Library
Materials & Supplies
Provided by Instructor:
Instruction from Julie Connell, Quiltworx Certified Instructor
Hands-on guidance, troubleshooting, and technique support throughout the workshop
Access to Julie’s custom Mixer pattern and curated colorway kits (available for purchase)
Pre-class preparation guidance to help you arrive ready to sew
Provided by 50 Acre Woods:
Spacious, well-lit workspace with adjustable table lighting
Comfortable seating and tables at ideal working height
Filtered drinking water, snacks, and beverages throughout the day
Hot, home-cooked meals and relaxing lodging each evening
A welcoming, creative environment designed specifically for focus and creativity
What to bring
To get the most out of your workshop experience, please come prepared with the following:
Sewing Essentials
Sewing machine in good working order
(with ¼” foot and open toe foot if available)Machine manual and basic tools
Power strip or extension cord
Cutting & Tools
Cutting mat (18” x 24” or larger)
Ruler (6” x 24” or similar)
Rotary cutter (45mm or 60mm — bring both if you have them)
Extra rotary blades
Scissors
Seam ripper
Tweezers
Purple Thang
Notions & Supplies
Size 70/10 needles (Microtex Sharp recommended)
Fabric glue stick (water-soluble, UHU or similar)
Glue pen (Fons & Porter, Sewline, or Avery — with refills)
Repositionable glue stick (3M Scotch preferred)
Flower pins
Scotch tape
Permanent marker (medium tip, black recommended)
Specialty Tools
Add-A-Quarter rulers (6” and/or 12” recommended)
Template plastic or cardstock
(cut to 3” x 12” and 3” x 18”)Small iron and pressing mat
Project Materials (Choose One)
Julie’s Custom Mixer Pattern and Fabric Kit (available for purchase)
ORYour own Quiltworx project
Preparation (Important!)
To maximize your time in class:
Please cut all fabrics and prepare foundation papers prior to arrival
Organize your materials using bags, clips, or binders
Review pattern instructions at least 2 weeks before class
Helpful tip:
Many students use labeled Ziploc bags, jumbo paper clips, and binders with sheet protectors to stay organized.
You may also find helpful preparation videos on Quiltworx YouTube resources.
Preparation Instructions
Prepare Your Pattern & Materials in Advance
Please read through your pattern instructions at least 2 weeks prior to class.
All foundation papers should be prepared, and fabrics should be cut and organized before arrival. This ensures we can focus on sewing and learning during our time together—not prep work.
Organize for Success
Organize your project in a way that makes sense to you before coming.
Many students find success using labeled Ziploc bags, jumbo paper clips, or binders with sheet protectors to keep units, papers, and fabrics sorted. A well-organized project will make your workshop experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Come Ready to Learn & Sew
Arrive with your sewing machine in good working order and all required supplies ready to go.
This workshop is designed to maximize your time with a Certified Instructor—so being fully prepared allows you to focus on learning, making progress, and getting the most value from your retreat experience.
Dates: March 3 - 7, 2027
Time: Arrive anytime after 3:00 PM on your retreat start date (March 3, 2027 - Wednesday). Orientation will begin after dinner at approximately 6 PM.
Instruction will begin at 9:00 AM on the first full day of your retreat (March 4, 2027 - Thursday)
Check-out is anytime in the morning on the last day of your retreat (March 7, 2027 - Sunday)
Location: 50 Acre Woods, 3419 Jarman Hollow Road, Palmyra, TN 37142
Cost: Approx. $725 per person. This includes lodging, 3 meals/day, sewing amenities, taxes, and all the fun you can bring!
Deposit ($350 non-refundable) due upon registration.
Final payment (remainder of balance) due November 1, 2026
Refund Policy for This Event
This refund policy supersedes all other published policies.
The deposit is non-refundable. All other payments are:
100% refundable up to 120 days prior to the event
No refunds are available within 120 days of the event.
Skill Level: All Levels
Class Details
Testimonials
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"I had a Quiltworx project sitting in a bag for over a year because I was too intimidated to continue. After just one day with Julie, everything finally clicked. I made more progress in this retreat than I had in months at home. The support and guidance were incredible."
— Linda R., Nashville, TN
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Julie has a gift for breaking down complex patterns into manageable steps. I came in feeling overwhelmed and left feeling confident and excited to keep going. Plus, the experience at 50 Acre Woods made it even more special—such a beautiful and relaxing place to create."
— Karen M., St. Louis, MO
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Bringing my own Quiltworx project was the best decision. Julie helped me fix mistakes I didn’t even know how to approach and taught me techniques I’ll use forever. This retreat was worth every minute—and I’ll definitely be back."
— Debbie S., Paducah, KY
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