The Kousins are Back in Stitches!

The Kackling Kousins kicked off the fall season with four fantastic events, plenty of laughter, lots of learning, and a whole lot of quilting! From barn blocks and machine-quilting rulers to the history of the Dresden Plate and Civil War potholder quilts, we covered a lot of quilting ground. We even explored a Quilt-As-You-Go technique that has stood the test of time.

Our first week was anything but quiet!

Event #1 - American Barn Sampler (Hoovers' Bernina Sew, Mifflinburg, PA)

Our first class of the American Barn Sampler Block-of-the-Month was a huge success, with 20 quilters joining us for the first installment of this amazing project! We’re looking forward to having lots of fun over the next seven months as we work our way through the sampler.

Take a look at everyone who attended—and the progress they’ve already made!

Event #2 - Unraveling the History of the Dresden Plate

Our third event took us to the Northern Columbia Quilt Guilt (Stillwater, PA) for “Unraveling the History of the Dresden Plate.” We explored the origins of this beloved design, how it evolved, and the many different Dresden variations quilters can create.

To complement the lecture, the Kackling Kousins published three Dresden patterns, giving quilters an opportunity to take what they learned and put it into stitches!

It was a wonderful evening of history, inspiration, and, of course, sample quilts.

 

Event #3 - Machine Quilting with Rulers (Hoovers' Bernina Sew, Mifflinburg, PA)

Tuesday brought our second event: Machine Quilting with Rulers. The quilters were eager to give the rulers a try, and they jumped right in! Everyone worked diligently to learn the techniques and achieve the results they were looking for.

Event #4 - Our fourth event took us to the Susquehanna Valley Guild (Muncy, PA) on Friday and Saturday.

We kicked things off Friday evening with a lecture on “Quilt-As-You-Go Civil War Potholder Quilts.” On Saturday morning, we followed up with a hands-on workshop featuring the Quilt-As-You-Go technique.

What a great group of quilters! We had a wonderful time sharing, learning, laughing, and quilting together. Just look at those smiles! 

Four events, four opportunities to learn, create, and enjoy time with fellow quilters. What a way to kick off the fall 2026-27 season!

The Kackling Kousins Kick Off Fall 2026

The Kousins are returning to the quilting world after taking the summer off to be with their grandchildren,  We will be at Hoovers on Monday, September 21, to start the new block-of-the month, the American Barn Sampler Quilt, by Eleanor Burns.  This class will continue for seven months.

Monday evening we will be presenting our new lecture, "Unraveling the History of the Dresden Plate,"  to the Northern Columbia Guild in Stillwater, PA.  The Kousins had the opportunity to work with this Guild in the past, and are very much looking forward to returning.

On Tuesday, September 22, 2026, we will return to Hoovers to teach the Machine Quilting with Rulers class from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.  

If you have not registered for the two classes at Hoovers, you still have time to call and register. 

We are anxious to be back and hope to quilt with you soon.

Upcoming Classes

Monday, October 20, 2026  - Free Motion Quilting (Hoovers)

Monday, November 27, 2026 - Mini Dresden Notebook Cover (Hoovers)

Monday, December 7, 2026 - Catherdral Window Holiday Mat (Hoovers)

Contact Information

Hoover's Bernina Sew LLC

570-966-3822

Mifflinburg, PA

       

Free Motion Quilting - Ready for a Summer Break

On Tuesday, June 16, 2026 the Kackling Kousins offered a class on Free Motion Quiting, before summer break at Hoovers. See below highlights from the day.

The Kackling Kousins will resume their teaching schedule in September 2026 with a new block of the month, American Barn Sampler Quilt, by Eleanor Burns.  Registration is required.

American Barn Sampler Quilt - NEW BLOCK OF THE MONTH, Starting 9/21/26

Free Motion Quilting, 6/16/26

Eli's Kitchen BOM in the Books

The Kackling Kousins just finished the 2025-26 BOM, Eli's Kitchen at Hoovers!  These ladies were very dedicated to completing this quilt.  Take a look at one of the quilts . . .

Kackling Kousins Travel to NJ for Guild Presentation

The Kackling Kousins traveled to Belvidere, New Jersey to spend the afternoon with the Evening Star Quilters' Guild.  What a great group of quilters!  They were so welcoming and attentive to the Quilt-As-You-Go Civil War Style lecture. 

The Evening Star Quilters' Guild was founded in 1987.  The guild promotes interest and knowledge in the art of quilt making and a commitment to educate people in all aspects of quilting, while engaging in charitable projects.  

The Evening Star Quilters' Guild will always be known as the first presentation the Kackling Kousins made outside Pennsylvania.  Thank you for having us.

Website:  www.esqg.com

Facebook Page:  Evening Star Quilters' Guild, Belvidere, New Jersey

Evening Star Quilt Guild, 2026 Raffle Quilt    

New Block of the Month Offering - American Barn Sampler Quilt

The Kackling Kousins are excited about the new block of the month offering this fall--American Barn Sampler Quilt, by Eleanor Burns.  The block of the month series will begin on Monday, 9/21/26 at Hoovers in Mifflinburg and will continue for seven months. 

Classes will meet on the 3rd Monday of each month from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.  Registration is required.  Call Hoovers today to reserve a space at 570-966-3822 and don't forget to pick up the class handout so that you have all the information you need for the first class.  

Sharing Something Personal with the Quilting Community

Over the years, this blog has been about more than quilting.

It’s been about people.

The conversations, the laughter, the stories shared while creating something with our hands.

And that’s really what led to this…

Kelly, one-half of the Kackling Kousins duo, recently published a book.

It’s a collection of true stories from her life—moments that made her laugh, shake her head,  and say,“...you have got to be shitting me – life rarely checks.”

In many ways, it’s not that different from quilting.

Each story is a little piece… and when put together, they tell something bigger.

Sharing it here, even though it’s not quilting-related, just felt right. This community has been such a big part of the journey.

If you are curious, the book is available on

Amazon