PLEATS + PINTUCKS with Heidi Parkes

Transform FLAT fabric into rich, IRRESISTIBLE textures

Join Heidi Parkes for an immersive exploration into pleats and pintucks—two techniques that bring texture and depth to any fabric project. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to fold, sew, and iron fabric to create clean, structured textures with a machine or by hand. You’ll walk away with versatile skills you can use to transform any textile project.

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WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS WORKSHOP

  • The difference in pleats and pintucks

  • Hand & machine approaches for each technique

  • How to create illusions of intricate seamwork with simple folds

WORKSHOP BENEFITS

  1. Gain fast and efficient methods for adding texture to any fabric project

  2. Learn how to add visual complexity without extra work

  3. Explore optical patterns with striped fabrics

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YOUR INSTRUCTOR

My good friend Heidi Parkes was practically born into the world of fabric art.

In 1982, before she even arrived, her grandmother coordinated a family-made quilt to commemorate her birth.

Now based in Milwaukee, Heidi’s quilts celebrate memories and community through rich material symbolism. Known for her use of heirloom fabrics, hand-sewn details, and experimental techniques, Heidi’s work has been featured in galleries and textile museums nationwide.

Currently the Pfister Hotel’s 2024 Artist in Residence, Heidi shares her expertise with thousands online and in person, inspiring a return to handcraft through workshops, social media, and her YouTube channel.

WORKSHOP DETAILS

WHEN

Monday, December 16 at 2 pm CST for approximately 90 minutes

WHO
Anyone who gets excited by handmade techniques

HOW MUCH
$10 includes the workshop AND a whole month's access to the NOOK

RECORDING?
Absolutely! Watch at your convenience

COMMITMENT?
No membership commitment (but you might decide to stick around a bit!)

THIS WORKSHOP IS PERFECT FOR YOU IF….

  • you are looking to add more unique texture to your work

  • you are excited by handmade techniques, whether by machine or hand

  • you are curious to create optical effects with simple yet powerful fabric techniques

The NOOK never sleeps! While you’re eagerly awaiting our next workshop, you can enjoy immediate access when you join:

An Ever-Expanding Library of Master Classes
Study at your own pace with renowned artists like Youngmin Lee, Ekta Kaul, Maura Grace Ambrose, Heidi Parkes, Luke Haynes, and many more.

Daily Virtual Sewing Circles
Never quilt alone again! Join fellow makers almost every day of the week in our casual, supportive online sewing circles.

A Thriving Creative Community
Share your works-in-progress, finished quilts, and creative journey with fellow quilters who get it. Our supportive space is perfect for both seasoned quilters and those just starting their journey.

DESTROY THIS QUILT Challenge
Want to push your quilty comfort zone? Our unorthodox quilt-along provides 24 boundary-pushing prompts that will challenge your creativity and help you develop your unique artistic voice.

Come for the workshops, stay for the community. There's always something happening in the NOOK!

WHILE YOU’RE WAITING…

Cancel anytime! No membership commitment

That’s our current monthly workshop

Now let me show you the NOOK!

Join a world of quilters exploring, learning, and growing together

WHAT’S THE NOOK?

The QUILTY NOOK is a nurturing online community for quilters and textile artists connecting you with like-minded makers from all over the world

I asked NOOKERS TO DESCRIBE US and here’s what they said

fearless brave bold vulnerable wild wonderful magical mysterious mystical playful intentional sassy introverted mindful grateful intuitive

fearless brave bold vulnerable wild wonderful magical mysterious mystical playful intentional sassy introverted mindful grateful intuitive

open-hearted warm inspired dynamic scrappy clever thoughtful quirky resourceful passionate creative generous kind inspiring imaginative

open-hearted warm inspired dynamic scrappy clever thoughtful quirky resourceful passionate creative generous kind inspiring imaginative

experimental inquisitive feral action-oriented supportive expressive unique open-minded enthusiastic knowledge-hungry sharing global diverse intelligent

experimental inquisitive feral action-oriented supportive expressive unique open-minded enthusiastic knowledge-hungry sharing global diverse intelligent

social welcoming renegade rustic freeform eclectic varied international community-minded collaborative inviting helpful

social welcoming renegade rustic freeform eclectic varied international community-minded collaborative inviting helpful

How can the NOOK support you in your creative growth?

Unlock Your Creative Potential

Experience a safe space to explore your artistic voice without fear of judgment

Connect with a Creative Community

Join a network of like-minded quilters for collaboration and support wherever you are on your quilting journey

Find a Welcoming, Inclusive Space

Be part of a positive environment where experimentation is always encouraged

WHAT MEMBERS SAY ABOUT THE NOOK

I felt immediate kinship when I joined the NOOK!  I am a beginner and I adore experimental quilting but I need to feel connected to others in order to learn.

This community is so welcoming, accepting and open. I feel encouraged and enlivened to create my way.

I didn't have any friends who quilt, so before I found the NOOK, I had to cobble together techniques from YouTube. Now I have access to a whole community who can answer my questions.

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MEET THE NOOK TEAM

Host of the QUILTY NOOK

My entire life has led me to create this warm and curious space we call the NOOK. Eighteen years in the public school classroom taught me how to build community. Working with textiles has continued to teach me how all of our lives are interwoven and the power of what we can do when we come together. I look forward to personally welcoming you when you join the NOOK!

ZAK FOSTER

Community Moderator

Zak and I first met in one of his Tiny Quilt workshops, and I appreciated his approach to sewing and bringing people together, I knew I wanted to join the NOOK as soon as it opened in 2021. We've grown so much since then, and it brings me joy to help connect people to this wonderful polycrafterous community.

SHAN REIMER

EVERYTHING YOU GET WITH YOUR MEMBERSHIP

  • virtual sewing circles nearly everyday

  • monthly creative challenges

  • the NOOK Book Club

  • our COMMUNITY CLOSET like a thrift store where everything is free!

  • daily inspiration to nurture your creative growth

  • an entire community of warm and supportive quilters to keep you motivated

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Excited about the NOOK and have some questions?

  • The NOOK welcomes ALL skill levels, from beginners to seasoned quilters. You’ll find resources to learn and grow at your own pace.

  • Each month we invited a different visiting artist to share a new skill, process, or creative framework with us. Workshops cover a wide range of topics, from beginner techniques to advanced skills, and include tutorials on creative ways to manipulate textiles, improvisational sewing, and artistic expression through fabric.

  • The NOOK is flexible and designed to fit into your schedule. Every workshop is recorded and available on demand in our ever-growing workshop library. And since our community is truly international, we are intentional about planning events that accommodate time zones around the world. All together, you can work through the resources at your own pace, making it a perfect fit for busy lifestyles.

  • If you’re passionate about textiles, eager to learn more about quilting, and looking for a supportive creative community, the NOOK will feel like home, no matter whether you're a beginner or seasoned quilter.

    We welcome and embrace ALL kinds of quilting, from pattern to improv.

    Many of us have a wide variety of creative interests and one of the most fascinating parts of the NOOK is seeing how people bring all these influences together into quilting.

  • Our diversity is our strength, and we do our best to make sure everyone feels invited, welcomed, and valued in the NOOK. We regularly invite queer makers and makers of color to lead workshops and guide the direction of the NOOK. There are also private rooms set aside in the NOOK for both BIPOC and LGBTQ+ makers to connect.

  • Yes, the NOOK offers flexibility with membership. You can join, pause, or cancel at any time.

  • The NOOK focuses on fostering deep connections, creative exploration, and a supportive, non-judgmental atmosphere where everyone can thrive. It’s more than just a learning space; it’s a collaborative and vibrant community.

My commitment to you is to create a safe and inclusive space for learning, growing, and connecting. I’ll provide continuous opportunities for creative exploration while fostering genuine connections between members. My focus is on helping you discover your unique artistic voice with encouragement and open communication, ensuring the NOOK evolves to meet your needs and inspires your creative journey every step of the way.

It’s all right here

waiting for you

Cancel anytime! No membership commitment

I can’t wait to personally welcome you to the NOOK.

QUESTIONS? Feel free to email me at zak@zakfoster.com