WMQFA will be closed on Thursday, November 27 to allow our staff and volunteers to spend Thanksgiving with their families. We will reopen our regular hours Friday, November 28.
The Museum will be closed between Monday, December 8 and Wednesday, December 10 for an exhibition change. We apologize for any inconvenience!
No tours will be available during this time.
Sit and Create with Friends You Know and Friends You’ll Make
2025 Dates:
January 16, February 20, March 20, April 17, May 15, July 17, August 21, September 18, October 16, November 20, and December 18
10:30am – 3:30pm Third Thursdays each month!
Sessions do NOT need to be consecutive.
Join the casual and productive fiber-arts-social program on the Third Thursday of each month.
Bring your project in progress or planning and get feedback and encouragement from other fiber enthusiasts. Whether you are sewing, quilting, mending, knitting, crocheting, embroidering, tatting, weaving, all projects are welcome. Fiber Friends is an ideal opportunity to pick up tips, try new techniques, and share your love of fiber arts with others. Schedule some “me” time to get that project finished or to spend the day with like-minded makers who enjoy sharing the creative process.
During this time, Fiber Friends participants have exclusive access to WMQFA's extensive research library.
Sewing supplies, irons, large worktables, and coffee/teapots are available for your use during each session.
WMQFA will be closed on Wed & Thurs, December 24 & 25 to allow our staff and volunteers to spend Christmas with their families. We will reopen our regular hours Friday, December 26.
WMQFA will be closed on Wed & Thurs, December 31 & January 1 to allow our staff and volunteers to spend the New Year’s holiday with their families. We will reopen our regular hours Friday, January 2.
Happy New Year!
The Museum will be closed between Monday, March 9 and Wednesday, March 11 for an exhibition change. We apologize for any inconvenience!
No tours will be available during this time.
The Museum will be closed between Monday, March 9 and Wednesday, March 11 for an exhibition change. We apologize for any inconvenience!
No tours will be available during this time.
Sit and Create with Friends You Know and Friends You’ll Make
2025 Dates:
January 16, February 20, March 20, April 17, May 15, July 17, August 21, September 18, October 16, November 20, and December 18
10:30am – 3:30pm Third Thursdays each month!
Sessions do NOT need to be consecutive.
Join the casual and productive fiber-arts-social program on the Third Thursday of each month.
Bring your project in progress or planning and get feedback and encouragement from other fiber enthusiasts. Whether you are sewing, quilting, mending, knitting, crocheting, embroidering, tatting, weaving, all projects are welcome. Fiber Friends is an ideal opportunity to pick up tips, try new techniques, and share your love of fiber arts with others. Schedule some “me” time to get that project finished or to spend the day with like-minded makers who enjoy sharing the creative process.
During this time, Fiber Friends participants have exclusive access to WMQFA's extensive research library.
Sewing supplies, irons, large worktables, and coffee/teapots are available for your use during each session.
Cost: Free (registration strongly recommended)
Location: Nancy Nicholas Hall, UW-Madison
Thanks to a special collaboration between WMQFA and the Nancy M. Bruce Center for Design and Material Culture (School of Human Ecology, UW-Madison), get your quilt treasures documented in Madison.
Please select one time slot per quilt. Thanks to a grant, the documentation is free.Find out more about your quilted treasure by having our expert volunteers look at your quilt. Pre-registration strongly recommended. $20 per quilt.
Calling all quilts and the people who love them! Help us save the stories in the stitches by bringing your precious family heirlooms (or modern creations) to Documentation Day at the Winter Quilt Show at Washington County Fair Park. We will record the history of the quilt, create a detailed description, take a digital image, and save this information in our archives.
We will include your quilt in an online database, the Quilt Index, where it can be accessed and studied for years to come, at no charge. Our trained volunteers can tell you when and how your antique quilt was made, and give suggestions on proper care and storage.
During the documentation event, our volunteers will help you fill out a detailed form (Quilt-Documentation). You may already have some information. Please bring this along to the documentation.
2025 Class Offerings:
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Friday, April 11, 2025
Saturday, May 31, 2025
Friday, September 12, 2025
Thursday, November 6, 2025
(10am-4pm)
Class Fee: $145/ WMQFA Members (with member code); $170/Non Members
Kit Fee: $25 included in price
Workshop Description:
In this class you will learn to complete a small woven mat in a color of your choice in
one lesson. You will learn to read a pattern, make a warp, thread a loom, choose a weft,
weave an article, and secure ends. At the end of the class you will take home your
work, a copy of the pattern you used and a new knowledge of the ancient art of
weaving. Use of a Table Loom, warping boards and shuttles will be provided for use in
the class.
*4-heddled table top looms, warping board, and shuttles are supplied for use during class.
(You may also bring your own 4 heddle table loom- with prior approval. Please email education@wiquiltmuseum.com to request approval.)
Savor the Beauty and Culture of Japan with WMQFA and Award-Winning Artist Heidi Parkes!
November 2-15, 2025
Total Cost: $8,950.00 (Deposit: $4,475.00; and Final Payment: $4,475.00, due June 27, 2025)
Please note, the Deposit is non-refundable. Membership discount code applies to both installments. Airfare to/from Japan is your responsibility. The trip is limited to 16 people.
Cost of the trip is for a single occupancy.
Experience hand quilting and design inspiration in Japan with artist Heidi Parkes. Featuring sewing time with Heidi (bring a project!), hands-on workshops, tours, and more, this intimate tour is the perfect way to travel.
This trip is for you if:
You are a creative person.
You want to travel with an artist and professional quilter who will help you find creative inspiration as you travel.
You want to travel with a Japanese native who speaks the language and understands the culture.
You want to try wonderful Japanese cuisine.
You want to experience something totally new & different!
Heidi’s Trip Inspiration Statement:
I love to sew while traveling! There's plenty of downtime on trains, in waiting areas, on airplanes, and while resting my feet that I find it's easy to return home with some stitching completed. I'm excited to invite you to join me in sewing and exploring Japan. I first learned about the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi in a ceramics class at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and I'm always eager to deepen my knowledge on this appreciation of the rustic, ephemeral, and collaboration with nature.
Takako is a dear friend and trusted guide. She first took me to Japan in 2024 to see the cherry trees blossom, and this trip to see the autumnal leaves, a quilt exhibition, and to explore more fabrics stores together is going to be a treat.
We'll learn about art, food, language, culture, and more, and return home eager to continue our sewing. Students are very welcome to join me in creating a Travel Diary Quilt, but they are also welcome to bring a project of their choice. Sashiko samplers, embroidery, patchwork, hexies, clothing, stitch journals, anything that can fit into a tote bag will be easy to transport and pull out for some sewing time. We'll meet together on Zoom before embarking on our journey to brainstorm our sewing, learn some of my favorite techniques, and create a strategy for the productive fun that we'll have together!
Find out more about your quilted treasure by having our expert volunteers look at your quilt. Pre-registration strongly recommended. $20 per quilt.
Calling all quilts and the people who love them! Help us save the stories in the stitches by bringing your precious family heirlooms (or modern creations) to Documentation Day at the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts. We will record the history of the quilt, create a detailed description, take a digital image, and save this information in our archives.
We will include your quilt in an online database, the Quilt Index, where it can be accessed and studied for years to come, at no charge. Our trained volunteers can tell you when and how your antique quilt was made, and give suggestions on proper care and storage.
During the documentation event, our volunteers will help you fill out a detailed form (Quilt-Documentation). You may already have some information. Please bring this along to the documentation.
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (with a 30 minute lunch break)
Class Fee: $145/ WMQFA Members (with member code); $170/Non Members
Kit Fee: $25 included in price
Workshop Description:
For the intermediate weaving class, students should have familiarity with a 4-shaft table
loom and understand the process of making a warp and dressing the loom, as well as
the basics of weaving.
We will be making a small bird's eye sampler with a focus on playing with color interest
between weft and warp, as well as how variation in yarn weights effects a finished
piece. WMQFA has yarn options on hand but if there is something in your stash you
think would make interesting weft feel free to bring it along!
*4-heddled table top looms, warping board, and shuttles are supplied for use during class.
(You may also bring your own 4 heddle table loom- with prior approval. Please email education@wiquiltmuseum.com to request approval.)
Join us on Saturday, October 18 to visit four quilt & fiber exhibitions across southeastern Wisconsin!
For this daylong adventure, coach buses will shuttle visitors between the Center for Design and Material Culture (Madison), the Textile Art Center (Madison), and the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts (Cedarburg). These venues will have unique quilt & fiber exhibitions on view.
Thanks to a grant, the trip is free, but spots are limited and registration is required.
Buses will depart from both Madison and Cedarburg. Free parking is available in both locations.
Sit and Create with Friends You Know and Friends You’ll Make
2025 Dates:
January 16, February 20, March 20, April 17, May 15, July 17, August 21, September 18, October 16, November 20, and December 18
10:30am – 3:30pm Third Thursdays each month!
Sessions do NOT need to be consecutive.
Join the casual and productive fiber-arts-social program on the Third Thursday of each month.
Bring your project in progress or planning and get feedback and encouragement from other fiber enthusiasts. Whether you are sewing, quilting, mending, knitting, crocheting, embroidering, tatting, weaving, all projects are welcome. Fiber Friends is an ideal opportunity to pick up tips, try new techniques, and share your love of fiber arts with others. Schedule some “me” time to get that project finished or to spend the day with like-minded makers who enjoy sharing the creative process.
During this time, Fiber Friends participants have exclusive access to WMQFA's extensive research library.
Sewing supplies, irons, large worktables, and coffee/teapots are available for your use during each session.
Saturday - Sunday; September 20 - 21, 2025
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM with a 30-minute break for lunch each day
Class Fee: $225 WMQFA Member (with member discount code) / $250 Non Member
Class Description:
This class starts with building your subject by fusing; then completing the background with strips (torn and/or cut) of fabric fused to batting. This background is straight stitch machine quilted. After background is built, your real or somewhat real subject is fused and free motion quilted down. All work is done by machine. Must have some sewing experience and be comfortable with your machine. Machine required and should be capable of free-motion stitching. Finishing options will be discussed.
Sit and Create with Friends You Know and Friends You’ll Make
2025 Dates:
January 16, February 20, March 20, April 17, May 15, July 17, August 21, September 18, October 16, November 20, and December 18
10:30am – 3:30pm Third Thursdays each month!
Sessions do NOT need to be consecutive.
Join the casual and productive fiber-arts-social program on the Third Thursday of each month.
Bring your project in progress or planning and get feedback and encouragement from other fiber enthusiasts. Whether you are sewing, quilting, mending, knitting, crocheting, embroidering, tatting, weaving, all projects are welcome. Fiber Friends is an ideal opportunity to pick up tips, try new techniques, and share your love of fiber arts with others. Schedule some “me” time to get that project finished or to spend the day with like-minded makers who enjoy sharing the creative process.
During this time, Fiber Friends participants have exclusive access to WMQFA's extensive research library.
Sewing supplies, irons, large worktables, and coffee/teapots are available for your use during each session.
$165.00
Sunday, September 14, 2025
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Class Fee: $140 WMQFA Member (with member discount code) / $165 Non Member
Class Description:
Spend the day learning to naturally dye silk and paper with fresh flowers!
Natural dye technique using student-provided fresh or dried flowers. The teacher will prepare paper and textile with a mordant ahead of time that will be ready for the students to make a test print, and work on paper and a silk scarf.
Recommended skill level for participants: no experience necessary
Age level of participants: 18 and up
Join us for an afternoon celebrating the opening of “Rosemary Ollison: Know My Heart.”
Enjoy an engaging conversation featuring artist Rosemary Ollison and textile historian Dr. Sharbreon Plummer, along with a signing of the exhibition catalog.
2025 Class Offerings:
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Friday, April 11, 2025
Saturday, May 31, 2025
Friday, September 12, 2025
Thursday, November 6, 2025
(10am-4pm)
Class Fee: $145/ WMQFA Members (with member code); $170/Non Members
Kit Fee: $25 included in price
Workshop Description:
In this class you will learn to complete a small woven mat in a color of your choice in
one lesson. You will learn to read a pattern, make a warp, thread a loom, choose a weft,
weave an article, and secure ends. At the end of the class you will take home your
work, a copy of the pattern you used and a new knowledge of the ancient art of
weaving. Use of a Table Loom, warping boards and shuttles will be provided for use in
the class.
*4-heddled table top looms, warping board, and shuttles are supplied for use during class.
(You may also bring your own 4 heddle table loom- with prior approval. Please email education@wiquiltmuseum.com to request approval.)
Don't miss your chance to bid on one - or many - of the items offered in the online auction. Thanks to the generous donation of artists, members, and friends, all are invited to bid on quilted and stitched treasures, fiber arts experiences, fabric collections, bags, bangles and more.
All bids support WMQFA, so bid often and generously!
Sit and Create with Friends You Know and Friends You’ll Make
2025 Dates:
January 16, February 20, March 20, April 17, May 15, July 17, August 21, September 18, October 16, November 20, and December 18
10:30am – 3:30pm Third Thursdays each month!
Sessions do NOT need to be consecutive.
Join the casual and productive fiber-arts-social program on the Third Thursday of each month.
Bring your project in progress or planning and get feedback and encouragement from other fiber enthusiasts. Whether you are sewing, quilting, mending, knitting, crocheting, embroidering, tatting, weaving, all projects are welcome. Fiber Friends is an ideal opportunity to pick up tips, try new techniques, and share your love of fiber arts with others. Schedule some “me” time to get that project finished or to spend the day with like-minded makers who enjoy sharing the creative process.
During this time, Fiber Friends participants have exclusive access to WMQFA's extensive research library.
Sewing supplies, irons, large worktables, and coffee/teapots are available for your use during each session.
Saturday, August, 16, 2025
9:30 AM- Noon
Class Fee: $55 / WMQFA Members ; $60 / Non Members
Workshop Description:
Enjoy a camaraderie of Chiku Chiku stitching guided by Takako. You will be able to hear a brief history of Japanese textiles and make two coasters and a brooch using colorful Sashiko thread from Niigata, Japan.
The kit fee is included in the class fee. The kit includes fabric for the projects, thread,
needle, batting, brooch pin)
Recommended skill level for participants: basic hand-sewing skills
Age level of participants: 12 years old and up
The Museum will be closed between Monday, August 11 and Thursday, August 14 for an exhibition change. We apologize for any inconvenience!
No tours will be available during this time.
Join us in celebrating the closing of the exhibition “Wit/Whim” with an artist panel discussion featuring Susie Brandt, Will Grimm, Julian Jamaal Hones, and Ai Kijima
Saturday, August 9, 1:00–2:30 PM CST
Please register in advance to secure your spot.
Members: $15 / nonmembers: $20
This program is supported by a grant from the Hoke Family Foundation.
Sit and Create with Friends You Know and Friends You’ll Make
2025 Dates:
January 16, February 20, March 20, April 17, May 15, July 17, August 21, September 18, October 16, November 20, and December 18
10:30am – 3:30pm Third Thursdays each month!
Sessions do NOT need to be consecutive.
Join the casual and productive fiber-arts-social program on the Third Thursday of each month.
Bring your project in progress or planning and get feedback and encouragement from other fiber enthusiasts. Whether you are sewing, quilting, mending, knitting, crocheting, embroidering, tatting, weaving, all projects are welcome. Fiber Friends is an ideal opportunity to pick up tips, try new techniques, and share your love of fiber arts with others. Schedule some “me” time to get that project finished or to spend the day with like-minded makers who enjoy sharing the creative process.
During this time, Fiber Friends participants have exclusive access to WMQFA's extensive research library.
Sewing supplies, irons, large worktables, and coffee/teapots are available for your use during each session.
It's that time of year again!
Items Accepted for the Sale Include: Fabric, patterns, thread, yarn, knitting supplies, wool fabric, craft-related items, crafting and sewing tools, finished craft or fiber art items, quilt and fiber art books, novels related to quilts and fiber arts, cookbooks, children's craft or art books, craft-like decorative and seasonal items.
It's that time of year again!
Items Accepted for the Sale Include: Fabric, patterns, thread, yarn, knitting supplies, wool fabric, craft-related items, crafting and sewing tools, finished craft or fiber art items, quilt and fiber art books, novels related to quilts and fiber arts, cookbooks, children's craft or art books, craft-like decorative and seasonal items.
WMQFA Members!!
To thank you for being a member, we are holding a special early rummage sale shopping opportunity just for you! Join us Wednesday night, June 18, from 5:30pm-7:30pm.
You must be a current WMQFA member to attend. Only 50 members will be admitted.
Be sure to stop in the exhibition before or after your shopping time. The exhibition gallery will be open from 5:00pm-8:00pm that evening.
Light refreshments will be provided. This is a free event, but advanced sign up is required.
Not a WMQFA member yet? Sign up now!
Calling All Auction Items!
WMQFA is excited to launch our 2025 virtual auction! All proceeds benefit the museum.
The auction will be open from 12pm on Thursday, August 21st through 2pm on Monday, August 25th.
Please support the museum with your auction item donations.
Items must be received by JULY 31. They may be dropped off or mailed to the museum.
Here are ideas for suitable donations:
Quilts of all sizes
Handmade items like bags, totes, needle cases, sewing kits
Wearables like scarves, hats, mittens, aprons, vests, jackets
Woven, knitted or crocheted items
Handmade baskets, punch needle or embroidered objects
Framed art, art or décor items – new, like new, or original work
Pre-cut fabric bundles, threads - new
Gadgets like templates and rulers – new
Other handmade items like barn quilts, bird houses, sets of greeting cards
Themed basket items (e.g. gardening, wine, Italian or other cuisines, quilting accessories, children/toys/crafts, holiday)
Fabric yardage
Gift certificates (e.g. restaurants, stores, coffee, sweets, B&B, motel)
Event tickers/experiences (e.g. sports, plays, concerts)
Vintage fiber related items that would be valued by a collector (e.g. embroidered items, quilt blocks, handmade lace)
For Drop Off, bring item(s) and entry form to:
WMQFA AUCTION
N50W5050 Portland Road
Cedarburg, WI 53012
To Ship Items, send item(s) & entry form to
WMQFA Auction
P.O. Box 562
Cedarburg, WI 53012
Join us for a gallery talk with “Wit/Whim” artist Jeila Gueramian.
Friday, June 13, noon–1 PM
Experience her immersive installation created specifically for WMQFA.
Please register in advance to secure your spot.
It's that time of year again!
Items Accepted for the Sale Include: Fabric, patterns, thread, yarn, knitting supplies, wool fabric, craft-related items, crafting and sewing tools, finished craft or fiber art items, quilt and fiber art books, novels related to quilts and fiber arts, cookbooks, children's craft or art books, craft-like decorative and seasonal items.
Join us for an evening with acclaimed artists Luke Haynes and Nicole Leth at the Cedarburg Public Library. Enjoy a lecture by Luke about his quilting practice and learn about Nicole and Luke's collaborative project, "Affirmation Quilts."
After the lecture, we will walk together to Cedarburg's City Hall to witness Luke and Nicole place an "Affirmation Quilt" in a public space.
When: Monday, June 9, from 6:00–7:15 PM; Lecture from 6:00–6:45 PM; Quilt drop at Cedarburg's City Hall at 7:00 PM.
Where: Cedarburg Public Library, W63N589 Hanover Ave, Cedarburg, WI 53012
Cedarburg City Hall, W63N645 Washington Ave, Cedarburg, WI 53012
This program is FREE and open to the public. Registration is encouraged. Funding is provided by the Hoke Family Foundation.
Program Fee: $10 WMQFA Members / $15 Non Members
Sunday, June 1, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Program Description:
Join us for a special tour with artist Heidi Parkes of her WMQFA exhibition, Heidi Parkes: Soft Magic.
Please register in advance to secure your spot.
Class Fee: $70/ WMQFA Members ; $75/Non Members
Workshop Description:
One day virtual course with Anne Kelly. Birds are everywhere in textile art and it is always fun to include them in your work. Design and make a unique bird in this relaxing and creative workshop. Anne will help you to create a really memorable piece of textile art, using a mixture of textiles sourced and found in your collections.
Before the course, please have a detailed photo or drawing of your chosen bird, with as much detail as possible available, no larger than 8 x 11 inches
You can join us from the comfort of your own home or come to the museum for the camaraderie of your classmates.
Timetable:
10 – 10:30 Introduction and design
10:30 – 12:30 Outlining and start collage
12:30 – 1:00 Lunch break
1:00 – 2:30 Stitching and embellishing
2:30 – 3:00 Finishing and background notes
2025 Class Offerings:
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Friday, April 11, 2025
Saturday, May 31, 2025
Friday, September 12, 2025
Thursday, November 6, 2025
(10am-4pm)
Class Fee: $145/ WMQFA Members (with member code); $170/Non Members
Kit Fee: $25 included in price
Workshop Description:
In this class you will learn to complete a small woven mat in a color of your choice in
one lesson. You will learn to read a pattern, make a warp, thread a loom, choose a weft,
weave an article, and secure ends. At the end of the class you will take home your
work, a copy of the pattern you used and a new knowledge of the ancient art of
weaving. Use of a Table Loom, warping boards and shuttles will be provided for use in
the class.
*4-heddled table top looms, warping board, and shuttles are supplied for use during class.
(You may also bring your own 4 heddle table loom- with prior approval. Please email education@wiquiltmuseum.com to request approval.)
Saturday, May 17, 2025
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Class Fee: $100 WMQFA Member (with member discount code) / $125 Non Member
Class Description:
Improvisational Hand Embroidery on Wool
Create a densely hand-embroidered vignette on wool. Wool fabric is easy on the hands and welcomes hand stitchery with colorful embroidery threads. You’ll learn a swift way to transfer an original design to the wool. Then learn how to use simple embroidery stitches to create lines and pattern along with various stitch combinations to make even more texture.
This project is designed by the student using a kit of colorful embroidery threads, needles, and solid-colored wool fabric. ($30 kit fee)
