Trunk Shows

Whether you call them trunk shows, lectures or guild programs, they’re all about quilts, inspiration and entertainment. I’d love to visit your group to share my quilts and what I’ve learned. My experience includes 30 years of quilt making and more than a decade in the quilt industry. I will bring from a few dozen to more than a hundred quilts, depending on the topic. We’ll have a great time together!

» Print a color flyer with trunk show descriptions.

Taste Test: Sampler Quilts to Love (Spring 2021)

Brand new and so much fun! I make sampler quilts of various types because I love the variety. Each quilt is unique and holds my interest from the first stitch to the last.

MerryJoyAndCheer by Diane Harris. Photo by Kristin Laing Photography.

There’s something for everyone in this trunk show. From improvisation to lovely tradition, from modern quilting to quilting bee quilts, each quilt holds a few lessons about how to pull together a bunch of blocks or rows or shapes, or whatever!

Scarlet Sampler, designed by Diane Harris. Made by Diane Harris, Keri Wheeler, Jan Wilson and Glenda Herz. Quilted by Kris Vierra. Owned by Deborah Hickman.

There are bed-size quilts and wall quilts, fancy quilting and basic stitches, bright colors and demure palettes.

Petit Patchwork, designed and made by Diane Harris.

If you want something a little different, this is the one for you. While you’re at it, check out the new class on creating your own Improvisational Quilt Sampler.

One Hundred Small Quilts

This program is a trunk show of about 125 small quilts I have made and collected over the past three decades. The small quilts offer a perspective on changing styles, techniques and fabrics over the years. They tell the story of one quilter’s journey from Nebraska 4-H member to quilt industry professional. I use the quilts to share tips on fabric and color selection, design ideas, quilting inspiration and more.

Nested Nicks by Diane Harris. Photo by Mellisa Karlin Mahoney. Used with permission.

This program works best if the audience can gather in closely to see the quilts. It’s least effective in a large auditorium, so please keep this in mind. Sometimes I can help you adjust your accommodations so that everything works well.

Dresden Delight by Diane Harris. Photo by Mellisa Karlin Mahoney. Used with permission.

Scrappy Baskets by Diane Harris

Moon Shadow by Diane Harris

Untitled improv quilt by Diane Harris

Make Extraordinary Scrap Quilts

How do you make a successful scrap quilt? Learn my best tips and a few secrets during this trunk show of more than 50 scrappy quilts made over many years.

Swoopers by Diane Harris. Photo by Mellisa Karlin Mahoney. Used with permission.

What is a scrap quilt? Who can make a scrap quilt? Why would you create one? How is it done? Discover ways to pull your scraps together, strategies for using your stash and even what does not work. You may never make an ordinary quilt again!

Love Letters by Diane Harris. Photo by Mellisa Karlin Mahoney. Used with permission.

The start of a beautiful scrap quilt!

This little basket quilt features Christmas-like fabrics.

See more of Diane’s scrap quilts.

Let’s Play Drezzup!

A little bit lecture, a little bit hands-on demo: That’s what Let’s Play Drezzup! is all about. Learn how a Dresden Plate quilt block is made, and then see many amazing variations on this traditional pattern. There are infinite ways to jazz it up and they’re all so much fun—you won’t know where to begin!

All Drezzed Up by Diane Harris. Photo by Mellisa Karlin Mahoney. Used with permission.

Get tips on fabric selection and using acrylic templates. And best of all, wrap your mind around the math behind Dresdens. More fun than you’d ever imagine!

One of many Dresden Plate variations you’ll see in the “Let’s Play Drezzup” lecture/trunk show.

Diane’s Dresdens aka 28 Dresden Drive by Diane Harris. Photo by Mellisa Karlin Mahoney. Used with permission.

See more Dresden Plate quilts.

Jingle Bells Trunk Show

No matter the time of year, my Jingle Bells trunk show of Christmas quilts is sure to get you in the mood for holiday sewing.

Twinkling Bright by Diane Harris for McCall’s Quick Quilts Dec/Jan ’18

Large and small, pieced and appliquéd, modern and traditional—there’s a little something for everyone.

Tiny Baubles by Diane Harris. Photo by Mellisa Karlin Mahoney. Used with permission.

These aren’t just red and green quilts. There are inspired color recipes of all sorts!

MerryJoyCheer by Diane Harris. Photo by Kristen Laing Photography.

Soon you’ll be planning a Christmas quilt of your own, or maybe one for every family member.

This presentation is suitable for any time of year. Let me help you get your jingle on!

Wonky modern Christmas trees by Diane Harris, based on a tutorial by Amy Smart, Diary of a Quilter

Windy Wonders: A Quilt Block Grows Up

From one humble block comes this parade of unique quilt designs in a brand new trunk show. I started making Baby Windmills years ago and soon realized how many things I could do with them. Now I’m on a lifelong quest to make every such quilt that lives in my head.

Christmas Dance by Diane Harris. Photo by Kristen Laing Photography.

I’m so excited about these quilts. Every week I have a few new ideas. There are enough to keep me busy for a decade!

Spinster by Diane Harris. Photo by Mellisa Karlin Mahoney. Used with permission.

During this trunk show, we’ll talk about value, scale, color and creativity. I think you’ll enjoy seeing how one simple idea can take root, grow, morph and reproduce in exciting ways.