"Pumpkin Palace" with Julie Porter October 20-24, 2025

"In October’s embrace, gather with cheer for a not-so-scary quilt retreat! Stitch, create, and find cozy friendships awaiting!"

About this Event


Julie Porter, of Farmhouse Cottons, began quilting as a young mom, learning from primitive quilters and being inspired by simple quilts of the past. She has had a longarm business for 20 years and began her pattern company, Farmhouse Cottons, in 2015. Her patterns have been published in Quilt Mania, Simply Vintage and Primitive Quilts and Projects magazines.
Julie has been teaching quilting for 15 years. Her unique style of applique has brought her to classrooms throughout the country and into homes worldwide. She loves to teach and meet new people. Inspiring others to create and do something they love brings her great joy. She believes that it is important for us to be together; to laugh, share our stories, lift one another and build lasting friendships.


Julie will be teaching her pattern, "Pumpkin Palace" that was designed specifically for her retreat here at Missouri Star.


Happy Quilting!

What to Expect From MSQC:

Sleeping Rooms - All rooms are upstairs and are shared - there are no private rooms available and a chair lift is available for assistance. There are two ADA rooms available upon request.

Meals - Dinner will be served on Tuesday evening. A continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served on Wednesday and Thursday. On Friday morning, enjoy a hot "farewell" breakfast before you check out and get on the road! Of course, for you early birds Monday evening, a continental breakfast will be served Tuesday morning.

Snacks - We set out a snack table - because sewing definitely makes us all snack-y. We provide light snacks for the group but if there is something particular you crave, feel free to bring it.

Sewing Table Seating - We do have assigned seating for the well-lit 4' sewing tables (personal sewing lamps are optional). If you are traveling with a friend or friends and would like to sit together - no problem! Please just indicate this on your registration form with the names of the people you wish to sit by. We also provide cutting/ironing tables, and power strips and small side tables.

Sewing Machines - As we have said above, you are welcome to bring your own sewing machine (don't forget all your cords)!! But if you want to travel light, you can absolutely use one of our machines at a cost of $75 for the duration of the retreat. If you do need to reserve a machine, please indicate this on your registration form.

Add-Ons: This retreat has several "Add-On" options including a kit for the project. Please note.

• Sewing Machine Rental - $75 payable at registration, please pay at checkout
• Early Bird Registration - $50 payable at registration, please pay at checkout. Early Bird arrival is 4 pm on Monday the 20 of October. Early Bird registration includes continental breakfast on Tuesday morning.
• Project Kit. Julie has curated a kit that has all the fabrics for making this quilt top including binding.

We know things happen, but if for some reason you need to cancel after you have booked your reservation, please let us know as soon as possible. The retreat is only fully refundable 60 days in advance of the start date. In the event that you are past the 60-day notice and are unable to attend, you may transfer your reservation to someone else or move to another retreat at a later date.

If you need to cancel or have further questions, please email us at cmV0cmVhdHMgfCBtaXNzb3VyaXF1aWx0Y28gISBjb20= or call us at (816) 265-1812.

Pumpkin Palace

63" square

If you wish to use your own fabrics for this project, here is the supply list. A kit is available for purchase at time of registration.

Project Supplies:

• Fat Eighth of 2 different oranges - cut (4) 6 1/2" x 8 1/2" rectangles
• 1/3 yd Orange Inner Border - cut (2) 2" x 48 1/2" ; cut (2) 2" x 51 1/2"
• 1/8 yd Light Brown - cut (4) 1 1/2" x 2 1/2"
• 1/3 yd of 4 different Blacks for stars using Fast Flying Geese method - (28) 2 5/8 squares, (2) 3" x wof strips and (28) 3 1/2" squares, (1) 3 1/2" strip

Applique: FQ of Black for Vines & Leaves; FQ of Orange

• 1/3 yd Black - House - cut (2) 2 1/2" sq chimney; (1) 8" x 16" Right Roof; (1) 8" sq Left Roof; (1) 4 1/2" x 6 1/2"; (4) 2 1/2" x 4 1/2"; (1) 2 1/2" x 6 1/2"; (1) 4 1/2" sq; (2) 2 1/2" x 12 1/2"
• 1 1/8 yd for outer border - cut (2) 6 1/2" x 51 1/2" and (2) 6 1/2" x 63 1/2"
• 1/2 yd binding
• 1 2/3 yd for background - cut (4) 8 1/2" x 20 1/2"; For stars cut (28) 4 1/2" sq and (112) 2" sq. For house cut (1) each 2 1/2" x 3 1/2", 2 1/2" x 9 1/2", 2 1/2" 10 1/2" and 2 1/2" x 12 1/2". Also cut (4) 2 1/2" x 4 1/2". For pumpkin cut (8) 2 1/2" x 4", (4) 1 1/2" sq and (16) 2" squares.

Cutting instructions are given for ease in preparing for the class. You may wait to cut until you arrive at the Retreat Center.

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