Retreats

Book now and get 10% off listed prices. Offer valid until Jun 16, 2025.
  • The NeedleNest Suite · Upper · Shared · 4 Guests – $450.00
  • The Patchwork Pair · Upper · Shared · 2 Guests – $450.00
  • The Patchwork Pair · Upper · Private · 1 King Bed – $720.00
  • The Lazy Daisy · Lower · Shared · 2 Guests – $450.00
  • The Lazy Daisy · Lower · Private ·1 King – $720.00
  • The Purl Room · Lower · Shared · 2 Guests – $450.00
  • The Purl Room · Lower · Private · 1 King – $720.00
  • The Crop Room · Lower · Shared · 4 Guests – $450.00

Date & Time Details: Day 1 – Arrival & Welcome | Day 2 – Trunk Show / Inspiration & Design | Day 3 - Create & Explore | Day 4 - Wrap up & Farewell | * Optional Outing to Quilter's Trunk Quilt Shop

Location: Hidden Falls Farm

Address: 711 Flatwoods Rd, Nancy, KY 42544, USA

Contact: Toni Raynolds
Info@hiddenfallsfarm.com
859-240-0722

Email us about program

Quilt Theory: Designing a Quilt around Panels

With Mary Beth Dunn

July 17 - 20, 2025

Have you ever fallen in love with a beautiful fabric panel—then found yourself wondering what to do with it? This creative retreat will guide you step-by-step through the process of designing a stunning quilt around that irresistible panel.

Join award-winning quilter Mary Beth Dunn for an inspiring, hands-on workshop that begins with a gallery of 20+ panel quilts. She’ll explore a variety of layout strategies and design ideas, sharing tips, techniques, and resources to jumpstart your own creative vision.

What you’ll gain:

  • 📝 A handout breaking the design process into manageable steps

  • 📐 A cheat sheet for calculating yardage—perfect if you’re dreaming of writing your own quilt patterns

  • 🎨 Insight into Mary Beth’s fabric selection process

  • 💡 A goldmine of resources to inspire your quilt design journey

Once you’re fueled with ideas, it’s your turn. With Mary Beth’s guidance, you’ll begin building your custom quilt design—turning ideas into a cohesive, creative plan you’re excited to sew.

By the end of this workshop, you’ll leave with:

  • A visual layout for your personalized panel quilt

  • Confidence in designing quilt patterns

  • A creative vision to guide you as you begin sewing in class—and continue confidently beyond


Supply List:
The retreat kicks off with a design and planning session, so bring a pen and your favorite note-taking tools. Then, starting Day 2, it’s time to dive into your design.

Please bring:

  • Your fabric panel

  • Coordinating fabrics (fat quarters, scraps, or yardage)

  • Ruler, pencil, and any block/quilt design books you love

  • Sewing machine and basic sewing supplies

Note: Electric Quilt software is not required and will not be taught, but if you have it, you’re welcome to reference its block library for inspiration.

Leader

Mary Beth Dunn
Kentucky-born and raised, Mary Beth Dunn is a proud “blue-blooded” quilter with a passion for teaching, creating, and sharing the joy of quilting. After retiring from a distinguished civil service career as an oceanographer with the federal government in 2014, Mary Beth dove headfirst into the quilting world—and never looked back. Known for turning complex techniques into fun, accessible experiences, Mary Beth is especially skilled in improvisational piecing and creative panel quilting. Her award-winning designs often incorporate machine embroidery and reflect her love of nature and animals—she’s designed quilts featuring everything from horses and llamas to alligators, bulls, and flamingos.…
Learn more about Mary Beth Dunn