Learning has never been so much fun!

Quilting in the Hills 2023
September 21-23, 2023

Join us for three days of workshops and SOYO while we learn new techniques, make new friends and enjoy spending time with our fellow quilters. The retreat is Thursday through Saturday at The Box Event Center, 631 Watiki Way, Box Elder, SD.

Registration is open for members only until July 15

Thursday's 360° Grids is sold out. Please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you would like to be put on the waiting list. 

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Retreat Refund Policy
Cancellations before July 31, 2023, will receive a 50% refund on workshops.
Cancellations between July 31, 2023, and Aug. 21, 2023, will receive a 25% refund on workshops.
The registration fee is non-refundable. There are no refunds after August 21, 2023.

Meet the Instructor for the 2023 Retreat - Sue Heinz

Sue’s passion is teaching and she brings to each of her classes a Fine Arts and Education background, over 25+ years of quilting experience, a sense of humor, design expertise and a commitment to help each of her students reach new levels of quilting excellence. She has authored five books, each brimming with fresh design ideas for free-motion quilting, patented several innovative marking tools and has designed some awesome free-motion rulers – all to delight, intrigue and inspire. In addition to teaching at guilds and national shows, Sue has been featured on online TV and national and international publications. Please visit her website: www.SueHeinz.com

Workshop Descriptions for 2023

All workshops are applicable to any sewing machine - from domestic to longarm. Each class will consist of 3 - 3.5 hours of lecture (students will be drawing), with sewing in the remaining class time.The classroom will be available for practice on Friday from 6:30 to 8:30 pm to those who took Sue's Thursday or Friday workshop.

Supply List for all workshops    Supply List 

360^o Grids: Create Mesmerizing Designs that are Oh, So Easy to Sew!
Class is Sold Out!
Thursday, September 21, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm

Let Sue show you her innovative technique of combining simple grids with her patented, easy to use tools. Add Sue’s original sashing shapes and step-by-step instructions and get ready to take your quilting to the next level! (See picture in brochure)

Fill Harmonics
Friday, September 22, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm

Create a symphony of background designs that harmonize well together on any type of quilt – or use just one for a dramatic textural effect. You’ll learn how to draw an array of Sue’s unique free-motion and grid pattern backgrounds while she demonstrates with step-by-step illustrations and how-to hints. Your quilt will be shouting, “Bravo!” (See picture in brochure)

Caffeinated Quilting
Saturday, September 23, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm

Sue has brewed up energy-infused, organic designs that will look stunning on your next quilt! Based on her latest book, this class will leave you filled to the brim with new grid, block and linear designs that are easy to master – especially with Sue’s one-on-one teaching style. So, what are you waiting for? Come play – leave caffeinated!

SOYO (Sew On Your Own) will be offered:
Thursday, September 21, 9:00 am - 8:30 pm  
Friday, September 22, 8:30 am - 8:30 pm  
Saturday, September 23, 8:30 am - 6:00 pm

Evening Programs

You've Got a Friend Named Elmer, Thursday, September 21 at 6:30 pm

Imagine a world where every seam you stitch is perfect…every block true to size. Can you also imagine precisely matching stripes, accurately piecing circles (with ease) and eliminating bias stretch forever? Wanna dream even more? Imagine never having to rip again! Sue guarantees you will achieve your wildest piecing dreams when you use this simple technique that requires no pins, clips, or gadgets. A MUST-SEE lecture that will rock your piecing world!

Schedule of Event

Meals and Lodging

The Box is conveniently located steps away from several hotel options, which are listed below. All room reservations should be made directly with the hotel of your choie. There are multiple dining options from fast food to sit down restaurants in the immediate area.

Courtyard by Marriott        (605) 791-0945
Residence Inn by Marriott (605) 791-9600
La Quinta                          (605) 718-7000
Fairfield by Marriott           (605) 718-9600
Home2 Suites                  (605) 791-4662

Calling All Teachers

We are always looking for new instructors offering techniques that provide a variety of interest for our guild. If you would like to teach a class, please submit your application online OR download and print the form, fill it out and mail it to us. Please provide as much information as possible.  We will try to contact you within a few weeks but if you don't hear from us, submit your application again or Contact Us.  Thank you!

   Click here to open the ONLINE Instructor Application Form

   Click here to Download and Print Instructor Application Form

Planning Ahead

Future Quilting in the Hills Retreat Dates

       October 10 - 12, 2024