Meet Geraldine Wilkins
- By American Quilter's Society
- Jul 18, 2023

We are thrilled to introduce you to the remarkable Geraldine Wilkins, an accomplished quilting instructor and renowned photographer who will be teaching at the upcoming AQS QuiltWeek - Grand Rapids show. With an impressive background in photojournalism and a deep passion for quilting, Geraldine brings a unique perspective to her workshops that is sure to inspire and captivate quilters of all levels.
Geraldine has a unique passion for helping quilters around the world learn how to successfully quilt their own quilts on their home sewing machine or on a sit-down machine.
Take a look at Geraldine's Workshops
Clambake Ruler Quilting Designs
Take the classic Clamshell quilting design to new heights with Geraldine's advanced acrylic ruler design techniques. From modern edge-to-edge quilting to blocks, borders, and sashing, you'll learn to master various quilting elements using just one ruler. Gain confidence and finish your quilts with professional flair in this hands-on workshop. Suitable for beginners and intermediate quilters.
Diamonds: Quilts That Sparkle
Discover the allure of diamond-based designs with Geraldine's workshop. Geared towards quilters with a good understanding of ruler work, you'll explore multiple continuous and block-based designs in four different sizes. Learn to create dynamic designs with ruler quilting techniques that can be applied to any of your quilting rulers. From practice quilt sandwiches to stunning finished quilts, this workshop will elevate your quilting skills.
Going In Circles Made Fun & Easy
Join Geraldine for a stress-free and beginner-friendly workshop focusing on ruler-based circle designs. From basics to repeatable designs, you'll learn various circle designs that can be applied to almost any quilting project using just one ruler. Perfect for those struggling with or new to ruler work, this workshop includes techniques for edge-to-edge quilting, blocks, borders, and sashing. Gain the skills and confidence to tackle ruler work with ease.
Power Lines: Learn Acrylic Ruler Design Techniques
If you're curious about ruler work or have experienced frustration with it, Geraldine's workshop is here to guide you. Explore ruler work in a fresh and accessible way, learn machine techniques, discover time-saving tips, and master beginner-friendly ruler-based straight and curved designs. With the skills acquired in this workshop, you'll be able to apply them confidently to various quilting projects.
Splendid Spirals and Swirls: Practice Free-Motion Design
Designed for confident quilters seeking to advance their free-motion quilting skills, this workshop is an opportunity to create a free-motion quilting plan for the Radiant Star quilt. Gain essential skills for free-motion quilting, including advanced continuous spiral and swirl design variations. Learn how to apply these designs to add beautiful texture to your quilts, whether as background filler or edge-to-edge designs. Take your quilting from practice quilt sandwiches to exquisite finished pieces. Suitable for intermediate quilters.
Classroom Machines: Sit-Down Longarm
All of Geraldine's techniques are not only ideal for quilting on your home sewing machine but transfer flawlessly to a sit-down longarm. While in Geraldine's workshops, discover the experience of quilting on BERNINA's Q20 Sit-down Longarm. Learn how you can expand your abilities with ease on a BERNINA Q20.
Secure your spot in Geraldine's workshops and be prepared for an enriching and unforgettable quilting experience at AQS QuiltWeek - Grand Rapids. Don't miss this opportunity. Register now and get ready to embark on a remarkable quilting journey with Geraldine Wilkins!
Learn More About Geraldine
Geraldine Wilkins is a renowned quilting instructor and photographer with a diverse background in photojournalism and quilting. Originally from New York, she embarked on a photojournalism career at the Los Angeles Times after moving to Los Angeles in 1993. Her exceptional work in the field earned her a Pulitzer Prize and publication in esteemed outlets such as National Geographic and the Los Angeles Times.
In 2005, Geraldine relocated to Virginia to work for a global Christian magazine while pursuing her passion for quilting. She became actively involved in the quilting community, joining various guilds and co-founding the Fredericksburg, Virginia, Modern Quilt Guild. Her quilting expertise led to collaborations with renowned brands, including Juki America, Sew Steady, Fat Quarter Shop, Clover USA, Island Batik Fabrics, and BERNINA.
Geraldine's teaching journey took her across the United States as a Juki America Educator, conducting workshops and classes at quilt shops and large quilt shows. With her brand, Living Water Quilter, she expanded her reach internationally, teaching at shows like QuiltCon and establishing herself as a BERNINA Ambassador. Geraldine also hosted live shows for Clover Needlecraft and delivered lectures and classes at regional retreats and quilting groups nationwide.
Geraldine's quilts have garnered recognition in local, regional, and national exhibitions, including shows with Hoffman Fabrics, AQS Quilt Week - Paducah, and the Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival. Her work has been featured in curated exhibits at the Virginia Quilt Museum and juried Sacred Threads exhibits.
Geraldine's designs have graced the pages of prominent quilting publications, including Fons & Porter's Quick + Easy Quilts, Quiltmaker, McCall's Quick Quilts, McCall's Quilting, and Pre-Cut Patchwork magazines. She has contributed to quilt books like "1000 Quilt Inspirations," "The Quilter's Planner," and "Free Motion Framework." Furthermore, her quilting expertise has been showcased on the websites of quilt industry partners such as Island Batik, AccuQuilt, Sew Steady, Quilter's Dream Batting, Fat Quarter Shop, Electric Quilt, and Quilt in a Day.
You can visit Geraldine at her Living Water Quilter website.
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