2025 AQS Creativity Challenge: My Dream _______ Cabana (You Fill in the Fun!)

By American Quilter's Society
Mar 11, 2025

AQS Creativity Challenge: My Dream ____Cabana (You Fill in the Fun!) Exhibit

Escape to your dream getaway! This AQS special exhibit, sponsored by WonderFil, showcases a collection of quilts inspired by the idea of the dream cabana. From cozy sewing spaces to vibrant gardens, serene mountain retreats, wintry wonderlands, and tranquil fishing spots, these quilts capture the essence of relaxation and personal paradise.

C-01

My Dream- Fairy Quilt Community -Cabana

Jill Sauld, Washburn, WI

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Hand), Appliqué (Wool), Decorative Stitching, Embellishments (Beading), Embellishments (Couching), Embellishments (Ruching), Embroidery (Hand), Embroidery (Silk Ribbon), Fabric Painting, Quilting (Hand), Cross-Stitch and Hardanger

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

Jill lives in her dream cabana and lives a hermit’s life in her happy quilt space. So, her inspiration was her experiences of going alone to quilt shows, events, and quilt shop hops. Jill’s always impressed with the sense of community, camaraderie, and belonging, she never feels alone. And who doesn’t love FAIRIES for a little dreaming, fantasy, and creative inspiration - a most welcoming place indeed.

C-02

My Dream- Backyard Pocket Garden -Cabana

Carole Behan Berry, Dover, NH

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Hand), Appliqué (Wool), Decorative Stitching, Embroidery (Hand), Piecing (Foundation), Quilting (Hand)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

If Carole’s backyard, a small fenced area surrounded by her colorful pocket garden, had a cozy cabana, she’d be set for life - just give me some stitching, nature, and relaxation, and I’m one happy camper.

C-03

My Dream- Lakeside -Cabana

Wendy Nicol, Ontario, Canada

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Machine), Appliqué (Wool), Binding Technique (Facing), Decorative Stitching, Embroidery (Free-Motion), Thread Painting

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

This scene represents Wendy’s lakeside home in the summer, with her two dogs by the water. Inside is her sewing room and her husband, hopefully he’s cooking dinner. The biggest inspiration was the chance to use her thread painted (on tulle) trees which she made years ago but have never had a place to use, with the Blue Spruce being her favorite.

C-04

My Dream- Solitary Woodland -Cabana

Libby Riemersma, Holland, MI

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Wool), Embellishments (Beading), Embroidery (Hand)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

Libby was inspired by the trips she used to take to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Staying in a small cabin on Lake Superior. It was so quiet and dark at night and you could fall asleep to the sounds of the lake. Her dream solitary woodland cabana would be like that. A place where she could be alone to read and craft all day long.

C-05

My Dream- Cottage Garden -Cabana

Elaine McCain, Rexford, NY

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Hand), Appliqué (Raw Edge), Appliqué (Wool), Binding Technique (Facing), Collage, Decorative Stitching, Embellishments (Beading), Embroidery (Hand), Embroidery (Silk Ribbon)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

Elaine loves flowers and has always dreamed about living in an old cottage with a classic English garden.

C-06

My Dream- Boujee -Cabana

Elaine McCain, Rexford, NY

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Hand), Appliqué (Raw Edge), Appliqué (Wool), Binding Technique (Facing), Collage, Embellishments (Beading), Embellishments (Couching), Embellishments (Crystals), Embroidery (Hand)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

Elaine loves to make crazy quilts and embellish everything she can. Her ideal cabana would be a place in which to surround herself with all her treasures and isolate away from worldly disruptions.

C-07

My Dream- My Own Backyard -Cabana

Lori Overbeek, Grand Rapids, MI

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Hand), Appliqué (Wool), Decorative Stitching, Embroidery (Hand), Piecing (Hand)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

The year round beauty of Lori’s backyard is her dream.

C-08

My Dream- Beach -Cabana

Tish Starr Leupen, Ontario, Canada

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Hand), Appliqué (Machine), Appliqué (Raw Edge), Appliqué (Wool), Decorative Stitching, Embroidery (Hand)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

Tish loves the beach, especially at night. She also loves flower gardens, cats, and hand embroidery. Of course, a shooting star was needed, too.

C-09

My Dream- Treehouse -Cabana

Karen Michele Snow, Galesburg, IL

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Hand), Appliqué (Wool), Decorative Stitching, Embellishments (Beading), Embellishments (Ruching), Embroidery (Hand), Quilting (Hand)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

Karen always wanted to live in a treehouse with the sounds of cicadas, frogs, crickets, and owls as her music. They make good neighbors.

C-10

My Dream- Fantasy -Cabana

Christine Pochwat, Beaufort, NC

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Raw Edge), Appliqué (Wool), Binding Technique (Facing), Decorative Stitching, Embroidery (Hand), Button Embellishments

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

A picture that Christine saw in a Laura Wisilowski book on fanciful stitch quilts titled Colorful Quilts.

C-11

My Dream- Warm & Welcoming as Grandma's Place! -Cabana

Peggy Sue Johnston, Victoria, IL

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Hand), Appliqué (Wool), Decorative Stitching, Embroidery (Free-Motion), Quilting (Free-Motion), Tatting

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

Peggy Sue’s friend, who bought the kit then decided she wanted another color!

C-13

My Dream- Christmas -Cabana

Sue Flynn, Kalamazoo, MI

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Hand), Appliqué (Wool), Embellishments (Beading), Embroidery (Hand)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

My love of wool appliqué, second only to my love of all things Christmas!

C-14

My Dream- Hana Hou -Cabana

Cherry Nutting, Fairfax, VA

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Broderie Perse), Appliqué (Hand), Binding Technique (Facing), Decorative Stitching, Quilting (Hand)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

Cherry’s home in Hawaii.

C-15

My Dream- Railroad -Cabana

Rick Ware, Grand Blanc, MI

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Wool), Embroidery (Hand), Felting, Quilting (Hand)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

If Rick had the money and land, he would build a miniature railroad like the one he has visited in several places. Not just for himself, but also to invite others to come run their trains too.

C-16

My Dream- Dream Catcher -Cabana

Kerry M. Cohen, Greenville, FL

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Wool), Embellishments (Beading), Embroidery (Hand), Fabric Painting

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

Kerry was inspired by her love of dream catchers and the idea of building the life you want. The Native American dream catcher is to hang above the bed and catch bad dreams in the web and then the sun rises and burns away the bad dreams. She has worked hard over the last 20 years to create her home and gardens into her ”dream” place to live, including a moon garden that shines bright under the moon in summer. But living in the Big Bend of Florida, three hurricanes in 13 months threatened her happy home. Luckily, her house survived with only cosmetic damage though the yard and trees still bear the marks of the storms. The Dream Catcher Cabana has ”caught” the three nightmares of the storm in its web and protected her home.

C-17

My Dream- Tucson Christmas -Cabana

Ceil Bereskin, Ocala, FL

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Hand), Appliqué (Reverse), Binding Technique (Facing)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

This is my dream Tucson, Arizona, Christmas with cactus and chili peppers.

C-18

My Dream- Pirate -Cabana

Ceil Bereskin, Ocala, FL

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Hand), Appliqué (Reverse), Binding Technique (Facing)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

This is how Ceil imagines a pirate island found would look with its own cabana

C-19

My Dream- Beach -Cabana

Marlene T. Dennis, Louisville, KY

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Machine), Appliqué (Wool), Binding Technique (Facing), Quilting (Free-Motion)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

At the beach, Marlene enjoys a cabana with sand, her flip flops, a hammock, a cold pineapple drink, and a chance to find many ocean treasures. This cabana has all those things with an added touch of a palm tree and pinecones.

C-20

My Dream- Cruz Bay -Cabana

Roxanne Garrett, Richardson, TX

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Hand), Appliqué (Machine), Appliqué (Raw Edge), Appliqué (Wool), Embellishments (Beading), Embroidery (Hand)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

Roxanne has spent wonderful vacations on the island of St. John. It is amazingly beautiful. There are so many beaches, with each having something different and unique to offer.

C-21

My Dream- Tree Top -Cabana

Bonnie Sturdevant, Emerald Isle, NC

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Hand), Appliqué (Wool), Binding Technique (Facing), Collage, Decorative Stitching, Embellishments (Beading), Embellishments (Couching), Embroidery (Hand), Quilting (Hand)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

Bonnie’s resident beach owl who lives here at the beach.

C-22

My Dream- Gingerbread House -Ornament

Mary Henris, Havelock, NC

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Hand), Appliqué (Raw Edge), Appliqué (Wool), Decorative Stitching, Embroidery (Hand)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

Mary’s inspiration for her cabana is multiple because she collects cookie recipes, cookie cutters, and Christmas ornaments.

C-23

My Dream- Mountain Dream -Cabana

Yvonne P. Riffil, Sweetser, IN

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Wool), Binding Technique (Facing), Decorative Stitching, Embroidery (Hand), Quilting (Walking Foot)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

Yvonne loves being in the mountains.

C-24

My Dream- Wild Iris -Cabana

Lucy Rees, Denton, TX

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Hand), Appliqué (Wool), Embellishments (Beading), Embroidery (Silk Ribbon)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

My cabana would be in the mountains under the pines with a tin roof to hear the rain. Wild irises are blooming. And quilts are nearby.

C-25

My Dream- Pearl -Cabana

Johna Madden, Broken Arrow, OK

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Hand), Appliqué (Machine), Appliqué (Raw Edge), Collage, Decorative Stitching, Embellishments (Beading), Embroidery (Hand), Embroidery (Silk Ribbon), Fabric Painting, Piecing (Machine), Quilting (Free-Motion), Overlock Binding

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

Johna’s inspiration was the outdoor chapel on the premises of the inpatient hospice facility where her father was resting when he passed. The pearls were of remembering her mother, who had been gone for sometime by then, and was never seen without her lovely strand of pearls. This small quilt is a celebration of their lives.

C-26

My Dream- Embellished -Cabana

Jennifer Louise Morlock, Pemberville, OH

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Hand), Appliqué (Wool), Decorative Stitching, Embellishments (Beading), Embroidery (Free-Motion), Embroidery (Hand), Quilting (Free-Motion), Thread Sketching

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

Jennifer honestly had a dream about her Cabana and brought it to life. Hundreds and hundreds of beads can be found along with my fabric stash in my quilt studio. She adores utilizing beads in her work. Making an Embellished Cabana has been a thrill for her. She loved every minute of it! Approximately 200 plus beads, bring her project to life. Beads form the windows, front door, and outline the Cabana. They are flowers both large and small, “stones” in front of the Cabana, and add texture throughout the piece. Also, “Stitch” the grey kitten resting alongside the Cabana is one of her favorite beads. All beads are sewn by hand and secured with Nymo beading thread. Hand embroidery also secures the wool pieces and brings the flower garden to life. The sun is machine appliquéd and thread painted, while the sky is freemotion quilted that brings it all together. Jennifer’s heart is full, she loves My Dream Embellished Cabana!

C-27

My Dream- Waterside -Cabana

Michelle Monger, Reston, VA

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Raw Edge), Appliqué (Wool), Binding Technique (Facing), Embroidery (Free-Motion), Embroidery (Hand), Quilting (Free-Motion)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

Michelle’s Dream Cabana is a tropical beach vibe, with a cozy house and a bright red door, inspired by her late aunt’s house. The colors and details bring to life the relaxed, sunny feel of the beach and appreciation for nature.

C-28

My Dream- Mountain Meadow -Cabana

Bonnie Landon, Plano, TX

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Hand), Appliqué (Raw Edge), Appliqué (Wool), Collage, Decorative Stitching, Embroidery (Hand)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

Bonnie loves gardening and staying in a cabin in the mountains, so it just made sense that she would combine the two for my dream cabana.

C-29

My Dream- Retirement -Cabana

Carol Christensen, Tucson, AZ

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Hand), Appliqué (Wool), Quilting (Walking Foot)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

When Carol retires, she would like to have a quiet, comfortable place to sit and sew and quilt.

C-30

My Dream- She Shed -Cabana

Leela Baikadi, N. Abington Township, PA

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Hand), Appliqué (Raw Edge), Appliqué (Reverse), Binding Technique (Facing), Decorative Stitching, Embroidery (Hand), Inking, Piecing (Improvisational), Quilting (Hand), Thread Sketching

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

Leela’s love of travel. Being in a peaceful setting with a view of the water with a book in her hand and a dog by her feet is the ideal destination.

C-31

My Dream- Cayman -Cabana

Nancy Lehmann Gauthier, Rockville, MD

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Raw Edge), Appliqué (Wool), Binding Technique (Facing), Embellishments (Beading), Embroidery (Hand), Quilting (Hand)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

Nancy loves to visit Grand Cayman Island! She loves the building colors, bright flowers, sun, sand, and sea. Her Dream Cabana would be on the beach, next to the clear blue ocean. It would have a special room at the back with windows on three sides, overlooking the beach and water. Nancy’s sewing machine, ironing board, and a comfy chair would be ready for sewing at all hours of the day! There would be several palm trees and lots of hibiscus, lantana, and bird of paradise flowers. Her creativity flows, her batteries get recharged, and she is surrounded by her favorite things!

C-32

My Dream- River Front -Cabana

Holly Ann Watson, North Port, FL

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Machine), Appliqué (Raw Edge), Binding Technique (Facing)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

Holly had a boat on the river for years. It would have been fun to own a cabana on the river and enjoy it every day, including the birds and other wildlife.

C-33

My Dream- Baba Yaga -Cabana

Wendy Edsall-Kerwin, Elizabethtown, PA

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Hand), Appliqué (Wool), Decorative Stitching, Embellishments (Couching), Embroidery (Hand), Quilting (Hand)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

Wendy read Slavic folk tales that talked about the witch, Baba Yaga, who had a hut that traveled through the woods on chicken feet. Wendy likes the idea of having a magical cabana that moves through the woods where she can always find a bit of solitude away from it all. And of course, brew up some magical concoctions.

C-34

My Dream- Simple Life -Cabana

Lorraine C. Tomaine, Greenfield Township, PA

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Wool), Binding Technique (Facing), Decorative Stitching, Embellishments (Beading), Embellishments (Crystals)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

Lorraine’s dad, a kind and gentle man, who always lived his life simply.

C-35

My Dream- Creative -Cabana

Noreen Conrad, Perkasie, PA

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Hand), Appliqué (Wool), Binding Technique (Facing), Embroidery (Hand)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

Noreen’s dream Cabana would be a place she could just sew, quilt, and embroider to my heart’s content. A spot in the country, mountains behind, surrounded by trees and flowers. And of course, accompanied by our three cats - Clyde, Squirrel and Blackjack.

C-36

My Dream- Emerald Falls -Cabana

Lynn Christiansen, Cary, NC

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Hand), Appliqué (Wool), Decorative Stitching, Embellishments (Beading), Embroidery (Hand)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

Everyone always asks if Emerald Falls is an actual place. It is not, but Lynn’s cabana reflects what Emerald Falls would be if it were real. Emerald Falls are beautiful turquoise green waterfalls that flow from dark green mountains into a babbling river. Her cabana is a cozy cottage next to the falls that is surrounded by flowers and fireflies.

C-37

My Dream- Indiana -Cabana

Debra Kerns, Lafayette, IN

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Broderie Perse), Appliqué (Hand), Appliqué (Machine), Appliqué (Raw Edge), Appliqué (Wool), Collage, Embroidery (Free-Motion), Quilting (Hand)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

Growing up on the farm.

C-38

My Dream- Seaview -Cabana

Mary D. Iaffaldano, Milford, CT

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Machine), Embellishments (Beading), Embroidery (Machine Digitized)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

Cheryl from Yankee Quilt Shop in Seymour, CT, added her logo on the life preserver on the quilt.

C-39

My Dream- Mountain -Cabana

Vickie Ayres, Bringhurst, IN

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Hand), Appliqué (Wool), Decorative Stitching, Embroidery (Hand), Quilting (Hand)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

Trips to the Smoky Mountains, chairs and conversations by a fire, in the spring when everything is SO many different colors of green!

C-40

My Dream- Quilt Haven -Cabana

Jan W. Gezon, Lawrenceville, GA

Quilting Techniques: Embroidery (Hand), Fabric Dyeing, Felting, Piecing (Hand), Quilting (Hand)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

Quilt Haven is a special place for Quilters to come and enjoy fellowship. The “Cabana” was inspired by the old Victorian houses, with lots of rooms to spread out and create in. The scene is set in spring and depicts the “airing of the quilts.”

C-41

My Dream- Quilt Barn -Cabana

Jan W. Gezon, Lawrenceville, GA

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Hand), Appliqué (Wool), Binding Technique (Piped Edging), Embroidery (Hand), Fabric Dyeing, Felting, Piecing (Hand), Quilting (Hand), Quilting (Ruler Work)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

My Quilt Barn Cabana is on a Smoky Mountain Christmas tree farm. The old barn features a barn quilt and has been converted to a Quilt shop and Retreat Center. The main floor of the barn houses the quilt shop with a large selection of fabrics, including wool. The greenhouse space was added to provide a light, airy space for quilters to sew. The loft space has comfy quilt covered beds, a kitchen, and gathering area.

C-42

My Dream- Magical Unicorn -Cabana

Mary Groves, Sumter, SC

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Hand), Appliqué (Machine), Appliqué (Raw Edge), Appliqué (Wool), Binding Technique (Facing), Collage, Decorative Stitching, Embellishments (Beading), Embellishments (Crystals), Embroidery (Hand), Quilting (Free-Motion)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

In Mary’s mother’s final months before she passed, she became magical, like a unicorn. Some days she was with us joyfully and other days, she was elusive, like a unicorn. The crystal butterflies represent my sister and myself as we cared for her during her final months. We know that she’s in a magical place now!

C-43

My Dream- Garden -Cabana

Michelle Standridge, Jackson, MO

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Hand), Appliqué (Raw Edge), Appliqué (Wool), Decorative Stitching, Embroidery (Hand)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

Idyllic English Gardens

C-44

My Dream- Garden -Cabana

Betty Pillsbury, Middleburgh, NY

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Hand), Binding Technique (Facing), Embellishments (Beading), Embellishments (Couching), Embellishments (Crystals), Embroidery (Hand), Embroidery (Silk Ribbon)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

English gardens inspired Betty’s dream getaway.

C-45

My Dream- Cottage -Cabana

Elizabeth Swanchara, Royal Oak, MI

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Hand), Appliqué (Raw Edge), Binding Technique (Facing), Decorative Stitching, Embellishments (Beading), Embellishments (Couching), Embroidery (Hand), Quilting (Hand), Quilting (Walking Foot), Thread Sketching

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

Elizabeth loved her cottage in Northern Michigan. She loves the trees, beach, lake, rocks, daylilies, and mermaids

C-46

My Dream- Fairyland -Cabana

Stacy Ann Gluchman, Richmond, IL

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Hand), Appliqué (Raw Edge), Appliqué (Wool), Binding Technique (Facing), Decorative Stitching, Embellishments (Crystals), Embroidery (Hand), Inking, Quilting (Free-Motion), Thread Painting

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

Stacy was inspired by the stories her mother read to her as a child of the land of Fairy. Stacy imagined tiny houses nestled below the flowers.

C-47

My Dream- Flower -Cabana

Lori Dickman, Rockford, IL

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Wool), Decorative Stitching, Embellishments (Beading), Embellishments (Couching), Quilting (Hand)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

A piece of whimsical floral fabric from Lori’s stash inspired her Dream Floral Cabana, that consists of floral windows, doors & chimney; couched floral trees and bushes, a floral sidewalk and even a couched floral sun! A butterfly, some hummingbirds and a puppy came to live with Lori in her Dream Floral Cabana and beautiful beads and pearls embellished the scene!

C-48

My Dream- Sonoma Hide Away -Cabana

Janske M. Silva, Santa Rosa, CA

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Hand), Appliqué (Raw Edge), Appliqué (Reverse), Appliqué (Wool), Binding Technique (Facing), Decorative Stitching, Embellishments (Beading), Embroidery (Hand), Embroidery (Silk Ribbon), Felting, Quilting (Hand)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

Janske loves the countryside that surrounds her in northern California. Felting and melting the colors of the beautiful sunsets, apple trees, and purple lupin against the adobe soil inspired me to share its kaleidoscope of color.

C-49

My Dream- Northern Retreat -Cabana

Michelle Dove, Almo, KY

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Hand), Appliqué (Wool), Embellishments (Beading), Embellishments (Couching), Embroidery (Hand), Quilting (Hand)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

Michelle’s family has land in northern Wisconsin and this is where they would take their family vacations in the summer when she was a child. This is the place in her life where she finds the most peace and happiness and it’s the one place that she calls home.

C-50

My Dream- Snow Globe Christmas -Cabana

Joanne Cafarelli, Parksville, NY

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Hand), Appliqué (Machine), Binding Technique (Beading), Decorative Stitching, Embellishments (Beading), Embellishments (Crystals), Embroidery (Hand), Quilting (Hand)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

Joanne recollected her fondest childhood memories. The most joyful things always seem to take place in the winter months. Her holiday scene evokes all her favorite Yuletide elements: snow, gingerbread, and of course, Christmas!

C-51

My Dream- Mountain Top -Cabana

Carol Clinton, York, PA

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Hand), Appliqué (Machine), Appliqué (Raw Edge), Appliqué (Wool), Embroidery (Hand), Piecing (Hand), Piecing (Machine), Silk Flowers & Button Embellishments

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

Carol enjoys the solitude of a mountain retreat and enjoys being surrounded by nature, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

C-52

My Dream- Beachside -Cabana

Marci Gimmarro, The Villages, FL

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Wool), Decorative Stitching, Embellishments (Beading), Embroidery (Hand), Quilting (Hand)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

The ultimate relaxing day is one spent at the beach, listening to the waves, maybe reading a good book.

C-53

My Dream- River Bank -Cabana

Susan D. Potenzano, Clarks Summit, PA

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Hand), Appliqué (Wool), Decorative Stitching, Embroidery (Hand), Fabric Painting, Quilting (Free-Motion)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

Susan’s inspiration came from the song, Corner of the Sky, from the musical Pippin. Lyrics include (but didn’t have room for): “Eagles belong where they can fly,” “I want to be where my spirit can run free,” and “Gotta find my corner of the sky.” Susan felt the last included a line that represents our creative need to find our niche where our hearts soar and our spirits run free.

C-54

My Dream- Nativity -Cabana

Debbie Slater, Kirbyville, MO

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Hand), Decorative Stitching

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

To thank and honor the Lord for the ability to sew.

C-55

My Dream- Moving Along -Cabana

Debi Neddo Franklin, Portage, MI

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Machine), Appliqué (Wool), Decorative Stitching, Embroidery (Hand), Piecing (Machine)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

As this challenge was announced, Debi’s husband and she decided to move 23 plus years of stuff into a downsized home. Her sewing area became a mountain of boxes and totes, and clearly had way more fabric than she thought. Giving away large bins of fabric to quilt group members, friends, and thrift shops, and still had an overabundance. Debi’s Dream Cabana would have everything packed, delivered, set up, put away, and ready to sew again without hunting for the tools she needed. Oh, what a dream that is!

C-56

My Dream- Adventure -Cabana

Lorraine Wawzysko, Climax, MI

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Hand), Appliqué (Wool), Binding Technique (Flange), Decorative Stitching, Beading & Lace Embellishments, Embroidery (Hand), Embroidery (Silk Ribbon), Fabric Dyeing, Printing (Photo Transfer), Quilting (Hand)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

Lorraine’s dreams are to travel with her pet, to see the country, then move on to a new location.

C-57

My Dream- In The Aspens -Cabana

Janet Helmbolt, San Jose, CA

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Hand), Appliqué (Machine), Collage, Embroidery (Hand), Quilting (Free-Motion), Thread Painting

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

Growing up in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Janet had an opportunity to see the Golden Aspens every autumn and she enjoyed the hue of the leaves and the whispering sounds they create.

C-58

My Dream- Cosmic -Cabana

Connie Ross, Port Ludlow, WA

Quilting Techniques: Decorative Stitching, Embroidery (Hand), Printing (Photo Transfer), Quilting (Hand)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

Connie’s love for all things related to space travel.

C-59

My Dream- Lake Superior Lighthouse -Cabana

Cynthia Protas Hodges, Calumet, MI

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Machine), Appliqué (Wool)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

Cynthia lives on Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and loves all the beautiful lighthouses.

C-60

My Dream- Port Lockroy -Cabana

Pam Craig, Willowbrook, IL

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Hand), Decorative Stitching, Embellishments (Beading), Embellishments (Crystals)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

Port Lockroy, Antarctica, on Goudier Island in the Palmer Archipelago - a gentoo penguin breeding location.

C-61

My Dream- Painted -Cabana

Rosa Schill, Harrisburg, AR

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Hand), Appliqué (Machine), Appliqué (Wool), Binding Technique (Piped Edging), Decorative Stitching, Embroidery (Free-Motion), Embroidery (Hand), Fabric Painting, Quilting (Hand)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

Rosa’s love of quilting and painting inspired her cabana.

C-62

My Dream- Java Kitty -Cabana

Sue Paone, Paducah, KY

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Hand), Appliqué (Wool), Embroidery (Hand), Quilting (Hand)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

Sue likes a good cup of coffee, gardening, and quilting with cats. Why not enjoy all of these wonderful things in a Dream Cabana! Welcome to the Grand Opening of the Java -Kitty Dream Cabana, where fun is brewing daily. Enjoy a fresh coffee drink and a treat, while strolling the grounds of this special cabana, which include fragrant gardens and a real coffee tree! Indulge in a cup served by friendly feline purrrrristas. We welcome you!

C-63

My Dream- Fairy -Cabana

Diana S. Fox, Parker, CO

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Machine), Appliqué (Raw Edge), Decorative Stitching, Embroidery (Free-Motion), Embroidery (Hand), Quilting (Free-Motion)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

Ahhhh, what an idyllic life to live in a fairy house, close to the earth and in peace and quiet. There is a strong emphasis on community and simple pleasures, gardening, and eating good things.

C-64

My Dream- Winter Holiday -Cabana

Constance Upshaw, Raleigh,NC

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Hand), Appliqué (Raw Edge), Appliqué (Wool), Binding Technique (Facing), Embroidery (Hand), Quilting (Free-Motion)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

Constance’s love of the holiday season inspired her. She had just made some Christmas cards and used one of her trees for the design.

C-65

My Dream- Wintry -Cabana

Janet Saulsbury, Charlottesville, VA

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Hand), Appliqué (Raw Edge), Appliqué (Wool), Decorative Stitching, Embroidery (Hand), Quilting (Hand), Button Embellishments

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

Janet’s snowman collection was the inspiration for her cabana.

C-66

My Dream- Norwegian -Cabana

Kristin M. Eoff, Carrollton, TX

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Hand), Appliqué (Machine), Appliqué (Wool), Embroidery (Hand), Quilting (Hand)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

Kristin’s Dream Cabana was inspired by her visit to beautiful Bergen, Norway in 2024. She loved walking on the steep cobblestone lanes among the traditional wooden homes, dotted with colorful roses and tiny gardens. The country and its exquisite homes and breathtaking scenery will always bring forth happy memories for me.

C-67

My Dream- Dive -Cabana

Gail Klepper, Fort Myers, FL

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Machine), Appliqué (Raw Edge), Appliqué (Wool), Decorative Stitching, Embellishments (Beading), Embroidery (Hand), Quilting (Walking Foot)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

Gail always loved the water, especially diving and snorkeling. Her Dream Cabana is an over the water cabana, in a tropical setting. It has a large deck to one side, where she can enjoy sunsets and sunrises over the tranquil blue waters. Steps take her from the front door, into the water for diving & snorkeling the beautiful coral reef.

C-68

My Dream- Get-A-Way -Cabana

Lorraine Wawzysko, Climax, MI

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Hand), Appliqué (Wool), Binding Technique (Flange), Decorative Stitching, Embroidery (Hand), Embroidery (Silk Ribbon), Fabric Dyeing, Quilting (Hand)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

A dream to have a place to relax and do whatever Lorraine feels like at the moment. She also loves being outside playing with her dogs.

C-69

My Dream- Starry Night Camp -Cabana

Marsha Elliott, Highland, IL

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Hand), Appliqué (Raw Edge), Appliqué (Wool), Decorative Stitching, Embellishments (Beading), Embroidery (Hand), Piecing (Improvisational), Quilting (Hand), Ribbon Binding

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

A lifetime of Marsha’s memories of Starry Nights around a campfire was her inspiration. Gathering together family with old and new friends sharing stories and dreams.

C-70

My Dream- Tree House -Cabana

Elizabeth Emery Swanchara, Royal Oak, MI

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Hand), Appliqué (Raw Edge), Binding Technique (Facing), Collage, Embroidery (Hand)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

Elizabeth has always felt the happiest when she was up in the trees. She could see everyone and everything, but others would not see her.

C-71

My Dream- Utopian -Cabana

Sharon L. Schlotzhauer, Aurora, CO

Quilting Techniques: Appliqué (Hand), Appliqué (Raw Edge), Appliqué (Wool), Embellishments (Beading), Embroidery (Hand), Inking, Quilting (Free-Motion)

What Inspired Your Dream___Cabana:

Sharon made a miniature quilt in 2008 entitled “Quilter’s Utopia: Where Fabric Grows on Trees.” It depicts a tranquil island where there are no phones and no technology. Electricity is not needed to run her sewing machine, and colorful fabric grows on trees then falls to the ground to be gathered up! This open-air utopian Cabana is a whimsical sequel to her miniature piece. For Sharon, it would be a quilting dream and delight!