We invite you to join us for our October STBA day.
Our morning speaker will be Jennifer Long joining us from Manitou, Manitoba to share her lecture “Sew a Story”. She is a Riley Blake Designs fabric designer, quilt and doll pattern writer, machine embroidery digitizer, and online educator. She manages the Machine Embroidery Department at Riley Blake Designs and previously led the Pattern Department. Jennifer grew up training to be a professional ballet dancer, later studying early childhood education and costume design. Today, she blends those passions into her career as a designer, creating projects that celebrate storytelling, imagination, and family connection.
As the founder of Sew A Story, Jennifer designs fabric, dolls, and quilts that empower makers to create meaningful, story-filled projects for the next generation. Her work has been featured and licensed by publications, manufacturers, and distributors around the world. Jennifer lives on the Canadian prairies with her husband and four children. She believes creativity is for everyone and is passionate about inspiring others on their creative journey.
Join Jennifer today as she shares her informative trunk show which provides a behind-the-scenes look at Jennifer’s journey as a Riley Blake Designs fabric designer, pattern writer, and educator. Be sure to join us for this Canadian fabric designer as she shares her stories and design insights.
Jennifer has been a featured speaker with Misty Doan from the Missouri Star Quilt Company and was a speaker at Quilt Canada 2026.
In the afternoon we welcome Sandy Summerlin, from Burlington, Ontario, to share her lecture called “Tactile Meets Tech”. This presentation explores how Sandy transforms abstract photos into modern quilts, blending traditional techniques with computer technology. Think beyond EQ quilting: kaleidoscope imagery, digital manipulation, custom fabric, printing, domestic-machine quilting and embellishments all come together in one finished piece. This eye-opening class reveals a whole new side of quilting, with plenty of resources to spark your creativity.
Don’t let the name fool you. If you feel you are not techy – or if you have tech skills and interests – this lecture is for you. Sandy is a six time Canadian Quilter’s Association National Juried Show winner, and has won an award for "Best Hand Workmanship" at the World Quilt Competition in 2006. She has shown her work in many different parts of the world, was a judge at the National Juried Show in Saskatoon, taught all across Canada, and has appeared in numerous magazines throughout her quilting