Zoom & Live Lectures

All lectures available via Zoom with your guild

or in person at quilt shows or events.

Colleen Carlson’s

Zoom Lectures

Back Talk
Colleen’s most requested lecture was developed for QuiltCon 2024. This lecture is suitable for beginners as well as advanced quilters Every quilt has a back. Learn about durability issues as well as pieced backs, labels, and hangers.

2. Making Design Modern

This is a great lecture for traditional quilters interested in learning about the modern quilt movement as well as modern quilters that are looking for innovative ideas. Take first steps in creating your own design with modern elements and principles.

3. The Judging Process

What happens to your quilt after you drop it off at a quilt show? Who makes the decisions about rules and categories? What does the judge evaluate? Here the perspective of a nationally award-winning quilter and certified quilt judge.

4. Color Beyond the Basics

Where are the neutrals on the color wheel? How can color create more than shapes with hue? The basics of color wheel relationships are important but not part of this deeper dive into color.

5. Accept the Challenge

There are many kinds of challenges available to quilters for prizes or simply to exhibit an entry. Learn about types of challenges, insights for entering, and strategies creating an entry.

6. Engineer Your Own Foundation Paper Pieced Design

Use a framework of ideas to create your own foundation paper pieced quilt. Start small and dream big. Colleen also includes technical tips for assembly.

7. Let’s Face It!

Facing creates a clean, modern edge. Learn six ways to face a quilt for a crisp, artful finish.

8. Tips for Precision Piecing

Assess your construction process to reduce unsewing and increase visual impact. Improve precision and increase the durability of your quilts.

9. A Pattern is Just a Suggestion

From small to complex pattern changes, get inspiration for a personalized design. Great for audiences of all experience levels. This presentation is also suitable for a banquet lecture as many styles are represented in a lighthearted journey.

Zoom lectures are a great resource for guild meeting education.

Each lecture is 50-55 minutes in length plus additional time for audience questions.

Colleen’s goal for presentations is to offer topics that appeal to a wide audience.
Zoom fee is $400 in US Funds. PayPal and Venmo available. Guild checks are accepted.
Zoom lectures are a great group event for guild events. Bring in new topics without the expenses of travel.

Event poster for Colleen Carlson's Zoom quilt lecture titled 'Let's Face It!' scheduled for March 4, 2026, featuring a stylized illustration of a quilted scene with mountains, a sailboat on water, and a sun.

Upcoming Lectures

A flyer announcing a quilt Zoom lecture titled 'Back Talk' by Colleen Carlson, scheduled for May 21, 2026, at noon, organized by Quaking Aspen Quilt Guild.

Flyer for Belknap Mills Quilt Guild New Hampshire featuring an upcoming Zoom lecture and back talk with Colleen Carlson, a NACQJ certified quilt judge, on November 11, 2026. The flyer includes a red, white, and black quilt block pattern and a photo of Colleen Carlson smiling with arms crossed.

Promotional flyer for a quilt Zoom lecture and back talk by Colleen Carlson, featuring a quilt block with the names Houston, Guild, West, and Quiller's. Includes a portrait of Colleen Carlson, date February 17, 2027, and website www.quiltjudgecolleen.com.

Recent Lectures

Image promoting a Zoom Quilt Guild Lecture titled 'Explore Modern Traditionalism' on March 17, 2026, featuring a photo of judge Colleen Carlson with NACQJ certification, and a colorful quilt illustration with houses, trees, the sun, and a city skyline.

Event flyer for the Road to California Quilt Show from January 21-24, 2026, in Ontario, CA, featuring Friday lectures sponsored by Oliso. The flyer includes schedule details for 9:45 am pressing topics and 2:45 pm 'Let's Face It!' session, with a photo of presenter Colleen Carlson, a NAQCJ certified judge, and her website link.

Event announcement for a Zoom quilt guild lecture titled "Back Talk" from Quilt Con 2024 on Thursday, July 11th, 2024, hosted by Minnesota Quilters Inc. Back Talk was presented by Colleen at QuiltCon 2024 in Raleigh North Carolina. Contact Colleen.