Informal programs on many subjects relating to quilting are available to individuals, groups, organizations, museums, shops, or collectors.  Call or email for more information.

Quilt appraisal services offered at quilt shows increase attendance and provide a valued service to attendees and guild members. Contact me for more information.

Other programs available upon inquiry. Programs available for guilds and special events

Here's something fun for the spring season!  Gather your friends for a day of shopping in Shipshewana and the Flea Market this year!  Bring me at least 5 quilts between all those in your group and I will devote my day to appraising your quilts while you shop!  I will also reduce your appraisal fee to $50.00 for a written appraisal when you have 5 or more quilts along!  I'll do my best to have them written up by the time you get back from your day of shopping fun!  Just give me a call to schedule!

Programs  

Fabric Dating:
This half day workshop by AQS Certified Appraiser Donna Kooistra consists of an overview of the time periods late 1700’s through the present. There will be examples of specific styles and time periods with time given for class discussion and questions. Students are encouraged to bring quilts to be discussed and dated. Resources and bibliography for fabric dating information will be given.
I also offer this workshop as well as an all day quilt dating class at my home.  Just let me know if you have a date in mind for your group or watch this site for set dates that I will post when I will offer the class.  

Hands On Appraising- This is a two to four hour/half day program explaining appraising with participants bringing personal quilts and given “appraisal” experience.  Very informative and challenging.

Everybody Wins!-an informative yet fun one hour program explaining why and how we appraise with hands-on participation.  If you like Antique Road Show you'll enjoy this

Art/ Non traditional Quilts- This is a Power Point presentation on current art quilters, the "styles" to recognize, construction methods,  and building an appreciation for Art/Non-traditional quilts.  You don't have to make them to enjoy them!  


Is Amish Apple Butter REALLY Better than MINE?  or, Amish Quilts: What events created the market and the excitement for all things Amish?-- This is a Power Point presentation detailing the events from the early 1970's that spurred on not only the Amish quilt market but our own quilt market that has become a multi billion dollar industry today.  Is there still a market for Amish quilts?  Where did it go?  Will it come back?  Very informative and thought provoking.   

Quilts Through Time- This is a 45 minute long program highlighting quilting styles and stories from the mid-nineteenth century to the present.  Lots of historical and humorous information and some quilt scandals to boot! Many quilts used to illustrate time periods and styles, and lots of ephemera to see! 

What Do I Have Here? -Participants bring quilts they have questions about, particularly vintage and antique quilts.  Donna will identify the quilt's time period pattern and more as well as give interesting facts that occurred during the quilt's time period.