Handi Quilter Academy: Save the Date
June 14-17, 2022
Davis Conference Center, Layton, UT
Thank you to all those who attended this year’s HQ Academy, our quilters this year had great energy and were ready for some quilting fun! Click here to check out the photo booth gallery.
- Anyone who already has a Handi Quilter machine and wants to finish more quilts
- Anyone considering the purchase of a Handi Quilter longarm quilting machine or Pro-Stitcher — try before you buy (and then take advantage of Handi Quilter Academy show pricing)
- Handi Quilter retailers who want to improve their own skills
- Anyone who wants to become proficient in free-motion quilting
- Anyone who wants to become proficient in using Pro-Stitcher
- Anyone who wants to become an advanced user of Pro-Stitcher
- Anyone who wants to become proficient in using Pro-Stitcher Designer
- Anyone who wants to further their machine-quilting skills and connect with other quilters
We are working closely with the Davis County Convention Center and considering state and federal guidelines to ensure the safest education environment possible. We have limited attendance and adopted education tracks with a staggered schedule. This will provide appropriate physical distancing and opportunities for disinfecting machines and other high-touch points. While local and CDC guidelines may change between now and June, we will closely follow all recommended safety protocols throughout the event. Academy participants must agree to follow the same protocols in order to participate.
Academy is happening, but because safety guidelines may change between now and June, we ask for your patience as we finalize safety protocols in June.
In order to meet safely, we’ve organized classes into skills and education-focused tracks. These classes are available to quilters of different skill-levels but are designed to make sure you’ll leave Academy 2021 a more advanced quilter with stronger skills than when you arrived! Choose the track that best suits your skill-level.
Free-Motion Quilting tracks:
Free-Motion Quilting on a Stationary Machine
If you are finishing your quilts on a stationary machine from domestic to long-arm and would like to increase knowledge and improve your skills this group is for you. We will cover ways to manage large quilts, free motion techniques like feathers or filling negative space, how to use rulers & a fun project or two.
Free-Motion Quilting on a Movable-Carriage Machine
We will have a variety of hands-on and lecture/demo classes focused on free motion skills & ruler work. We will cover techniques such as feather work, quilting on modern to vintage quilts. We want you to have some fun and leave more confident in the use of your longarm machine.
Pro-Stitcher Quilting tracks:
Pro-Stitcher Beginner
If you are new to computerized quilting or just want to learn more about the features that your Pro-Stitcher Premium offers, please join us in this track. You will be amazed at the things that this program and machine can do for your quilting. We will have a combination of hands-on classes and lectures with simulation mode on your computer. This track will also include an intro class for Pro-Stitcher Designer.
A personal laptop, a trackpad or a wired mouse (too many wireless mice in one classroom causing interference) and usb stick will be required for this track. Design files will also be available to download.
Pro-Stitcher Intermediate
If you are comfortable using the Pro-Stitcher, confident with edge-to-edge quilting, repositioning and the tools that the Pro-Stitcher offers, then join us in the intermediate group. The courses will be split between hands-on and lecture, where you will be working with your computer in simulation. This group will be full of tips and tricks for using Pro-Stitcher Premium. Also included: a class on how to edit basic designs in PS Designer.
This class will NOT cover Pro-Stitcher basics, if you do not have the skills outlined in the Pro-Stitcher Beginner class, you will be moved into that track to better suit your needs.
A personal laptop, a trackpad or a wired mouse (too many wireless mice in one classroom causing interference) and USB stick will be required for this track. Design files will also be available to download.
Pro-Stitcher Designer
A full course on how to use the stand-alone software package, Pro-Stitcher Designer, from editing existing designs to creating your own designs. Three full days of learning all about this amazing system to elevate your skills as a designer so you achieve new creative heights with your quilting.
Note: Hands-on classes for this track will be focused entirely on Pro-Stitcher Designer software in simulation mode. In order to fully explore the software, this class doesn’t include Pro-Stitcher basics or machine time.
A personal laptop, a trackpad or a wired mouse (too many wireless mice in one classroom causing interference) and USB stick will be required for this track. Design files will also be available to download.
Additional information:
- Each track will be split into two groups so that we can safely disinfect machines and work spaces between classes and to limit the size of groups in classrooms, hallways and dining spaces.
- If you are attending with a friend, let us know so we can try and get you into the same groups.
- The Pro-Stitcher hands-on classes are taught on the latest version of Pro-Stitcher on an HQ Amara with Pro-Stitcher, with one person per machine.
- Bring your tablet or laptop with Pro-Stitcher Simulator loaded and up to date for a hands-on experience.
Both sessions have the same HQ educators, the same quilting expertise, the same HQ Academy experience, the same safety protocols, just on different days! Choose the session that best suits your travel plans, but hurry! Tracks will fill up quickly.
*Times may vary up to 30 mins depending on which group you will be in.
Session 1 / Session 2:
June 10 / June 14
6 PM: Welcome reception & hors d’oeuvres at the Davis County Conference Center
June 11 /June 15
7 AM: Breakfast provided
8:00 AM – 11 PM: Hands-on classes
11-12 PM: Explore mini class & demonstrations
12-1:00 PM: Lunch provided
1-5:30 PM: Lectures and demonstrations
6 PM: Dinner provided. Keynote speaker – Renowned creator, author and potter, Ben Behunin
June 12 / June 16
7 AM: Breakfast provided
8:00 AM – 12 PM: Hands-on classes
12-1:00 PM: Lunch provided
1-5:30 PM: Lectures and demonstrations
Dinner – On your own
June 13 / June 17
7 AM: Breakfast provided
8:00 AM – 12 PM: Hands-on classes
12-1:00 PM: Lunch provided
1-5:30 PM: Lectures and demonstrations
Dinner – On your own
The conference hotel for Handi Quilter Academy is the Hilton Garden Inn in Layton, UT.
Make your reservations by phone: (801) 416-8899, ask for the Handi Quilter block rate (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). Be sure to mention Handi Quilter to take advantage of the reduced rates we have negotiated for Handi Quilter Academy.
Hotel details
Hotel amenities
Maps and directions
Guest Rooms
Guest rooms offer one king or two queen or two double beds, hospitality center, high speed Internet access, large business desk, iron/ironing board, hair dryer, coffeemaker, refrigerator, microwave, two line phones and voicemail.
You may also choose one of the other hotels near the Davis Conference Center. Many are within walking distance, but if not, you will be responsible for your own transportation to and from the Davis Conference Center.
Home2Suites by Hilton, Layton – (801) 820-9222
Fairfield by Marriott, Layton – (801) 444-1600
Hampton Inn, Layton
Holiday Inn Express, Layton
Best Western Plus Layton Park, Layton
Towneplace by Marriott, Layton
Courtyard by Marriott, Layton
Comfort Inn, Layton
La Quinta, Layton
Please note Handi Quilter is not responsible for transportation or details. We merely provide options here for our attendees.
Flying – Salt Lake International Airport
“The approach to Salt Lake International Airport is one of the most impressive in the country, with the Wasatch Mountains rising abruptly to the east and the Great Salt Lake glistening to the north. From the air you get a great view of Salt Lake’s downtown district and you see just how close, and convenient, the airport is to the city.
Salt Lake City International Airport is located just five miles northwest and 10 minutes away from downtown Salt Lake City. Buses, trains and parking lots are all accessible at the airport. The airport works with all major U.S. airlines, including American, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, US Airways, Continental, SkyWest, jetBlue, and United; it services several non-stop international flights.”
The Davis Conference Center is located off I-15 in Layton, Utah, and is just 20 minutes north of the Salt Lake International Airport. Utah’s Frontrunner Commuter Rail system is only minutes away. The Salt Lake International Airport Website provides additional transportation information for your convenience including Trax, buses, shuttles, cabs, Paratrans, and route/parking information.
Express Shuttle – 801-596-1600 – Use code 38570
Uber
Lyft
Utah Transit Authority – (Trax, Bus & Trolley)
Public transportation to and from the Salt Lake City International Airport is provided by the Utah Transit Authority (UTA).
The TRAX/light rail Green Line leaves the airport every 15 minutes on weekdays and every 20 minutes on weekends. The TRAX stop is located at the south end of Terminal One. To locate the TRAX stop, visit our Airport Terminal Map.
Weekdays: 5:42 a.m. to 11:27 p.m.
Weekends: 6:31 a.m. to 11:11 p.m.
Local Bus 628 – The Midtown Trolley
The Midtown Trolley provides a free local service every 30 minutes around the area including service to Layton and Clearfield Stations on the FrontRunner Train. At the airport you can buy a $3.70 Frontrunner Ticket to Layton and then you can take any Trax Light Rail (Green Line 704 toward West Valley Central) 5 stops to North Temple Bridge / Guadalupe Stop, transfer to FrontRunner (750 toward Ogden – FrontRunner is closed on Sunday) 3 stops to Layton and take the free 628 bus to your hotel or the convention center. If you just buy the 2.50 Trax Light Right ticket at the Airport, don’t worry. At North Temple Bridge you can pay only the extra 1.20 by specifying you have a transfer from Trax.
UTA Paratransit Service
Public transportation for passengers with disabilities is provided by UTA’s Paratransit program. To make arrangements, contact UTA at (801) 287-7433 and visit the UTA Paratransit Services page for more information.
Bus & Trolley Services
You can find any planning and route tools at the Utah Transit Authority Website. Please keep in mind the UTA site generally does not update routes and/or issues with routes more than 30-60 days out. Plan to mark your route using their tools a couple weeks before your trip to Utah. The address to enter for your destination is:
1651 North 700 West
Layton, Utah 84041
This address will pull up information to take Trax or Bus to the North Temple UTA stop. From there you can chose to take Light Rail/Trax to Clearfield and the Trolley or Bus to your destination of the Davis Conference Center.
Shuttles, Taxi, Uber, Limo, or other transportations can be found on their pages, or summarized on the Salt Lake City Airport Transportation Page.
Other Ground Transportations including Rental Cars, Taxi and other options can be found at: https://www.visitsaltlake.com/getting-around/ground-transportation
Will there be options to attend Academy virtually?
While we would love to have everyone attend HQ Academy 2021 in person, we realize that isn’t an option this year. We will have educator-lead classes and an opportunity to share some of the Academy experience virtually this year. Stay tuned!
My spouse or friend is coming with me, but he or she isn’t going to attend the training. Can he or she eat meals with me?
Due to local safety regulations, we do not anticipate being able to offer meal tickets this year.
What is there to do in the area?
The Davis County Office of Tourism is your comprehensive link to one of the most beautiful and thriving areas along Utah’s Wasatch mountains—visit their website to catch a glimpse of what Davis County has to offer. From renowned and mature golf courses to sea kayaking on the Great Salt Lake, you’ll have plenty to keep you busy weather you’re visiting for business or for pleasure
What dining options are available in the area?
There are dozens of restaurants near the Davis Conference Center.
I recently purchased my Handi Quilter machine. Will Handi Quilter Academy be too advanced for me?
Certainly not! We are offering classes for all skill levels. If you are still getting to know your machine, you may want to consider registering for one of the Free-Motion Quilting tracks.
Are there any quilt shops in the area?
There are several quilt shops to choose from. However, you will need a car to get them.
K & H Quilt Shoppe (4.2 miles) 250 W 200 N #4, Kaysville, UT – (801) 444-4375
Quilter’s Attic (19.9 miles) 2155 So. Orchard Drive, #102 , Bountiful, UT – (801) 292-1710
Jewel’s Fabric Stash (17.8 miles) 575 West 2600 South, Bountiful, UT – (385) 777-2957
My Heritage Fabrics (15.2 miles) 1843 Valley Drive (in Rainbow Gardens), Ogden, UT – (801) 621-2202
I don’t yet have a longarm quilting machine, but am considering one. Does it make sense for me to attend Handi Quilter Academy?
Definitely. In fact, we recommend that you register for one of the Free-Motion Quilting tracks. They are designed to give the novice a basic understanding of how the machine works so they are better prepared to take the various classes during Handi Quilter Academy.
What is the cancellation policy if I have to cancel?
If you cancel before April 30, you will receive a 100% refund. Because of commitments to the Davis Conference Center, there is no refund after April 30. Similarly, there are no refunds for no-shows.
What will the weather be like during Handi Quilter Academy?
June has an average high temperature of 79 degrees and an average low temperature of 55 degrees. You can check the weather forecast within about 10 days of academy weather here: https://weather.com/weather/tenday/l/USUT0139:1:US
We will be driving to Handi Quilter Academy. What’s the best way to get there?
Here is a link to the driving directions for the Davis Conference Center. The address is: 800 West Heritage Park Blvd., Layton, Utah 84041
If you are renting a car at the SLC airport, here are driving directions from Salt City Airport: Start out going northwest on TERMINAL toward LONG TERM PARKING A. Continue going straight onto AIRPORT EXIT. Merge onto I-80E towards Ogden/Provo. Merge onto I-215N via exit #117 towards Ogden. Merge onto I-15 N. Take exit #331 for Hill Field Road and turn right onto Hill Field Road. Continue on Hill Field Road for about .6 mile and turn left onto 1550/Heritage Park Blvd. The Davis Conference Center is at 800 Heritage Park Blvd. If you are staying at the Hilton Garden Inn, it is at 762 West Heritage Park Blvd.
NOTE: If you are not renting a car, be sure to reserve a shuttle, Uber or Lyft to and from the airport.