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classes | workshops | lectures

I am currently booking events/programs for guilds, groups, retreats, shops, and conferences.

Contact Me for more information on my current hands-on instructional classes & workshops, as well as lectures and trunk shows - I look forward to building your custom event!

*Booking 2025 events | Please Note: availability may be limited based on my current schedule - please inquire directly to reserve your event date(s).

October 12, 2024 | pins and needles (Middleburg Heights, Ohio)

Quilted Sneakers

Fashion-forward footwear in custom style!

Join Elissa on Saturday, October 12, 2024, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm as she hosts a workshop to make your pair of quilted shoes! Workshop includes Elissa's Quilted Sneakers Guide, a sneaker pattern, a complete supply list to customize your sneakers, sizing guidelines, Plan & Prep checklists, 7.5 hours of hands-on instruction, lunch, and an exclusive workshop SWAG bag!

Space is extremely limited! The cut-off date for registration is FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2024. To secure your seat in the workshop, all registrations must be paid in full when signing up.

This hands-on experience will leave you with the satisfaction of knowing that your shoes are one-of-a-kind and made by you!

SOLD OUT - Please contact the store directly to be added to the waiting list!

Pins and Needles Ohio - Register and More Info

November 8, 2024 | The Sewing Box Quilt Shop (Meyersdale, Pennsylvania)

What's In Your Bag | Lecture & Trunk Show

Whether you’re just getting started in bag making, or have experience as a bag maker, there is something for everyone in this lecture that is sure to inspire. Discussing and demonstrating everything from interfacing and stabilizers, to zippers, hardware, bag bases including cotton, vinyl, and cork, as well as her must have tools.

Join Elissa as she breaks down the ins and outs of “all things bags”. Elissa will cover the basics that go into beautifully constructed bags of all sizes, including those designed for sewing storage and organization, to travel and everyday bags that are both functional and fashionable. Elissa will share her own bags with you and the inspiration behind each, including how she thinks outside of the box for special finishing details including ribbons and trims, quilted bag construction, and foundation paper pieced detailing to serve as inspiration and get you started on your own path in bag making.

Space is extremely limited!

Reserve your seat directly via the link below - contact The Sewing Box Quilt Shop directly for any questions.

The Sewing Box Quilt Shop - Register for Lecture

November 9, 2024 | The Sewing Box Quilt Shop (Meyersdale, Pennsylvania)

Quilted Sneakers

Fashion-forward footwear in custom style!

Join Elissa on Saturday, November 9, 2024, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm as she hosts a workshop to make your pair of quilted shoes! Fashion-forward footwear in custom style! This full day hands-on instructional experience will leave you with the satisfaction of knowing that your sneakers are one-of-a-kind and made by YOU! Participants will complete one quilted sneaker in its entirety in class; finishing the second sneaker at home.

Workshop includes Elissa's Quilted Sneakers Guide, a sneaker pattern, a complete supply list to customize your sneakers, sizing guidelines, Plan & Prep checklists, 7.5 hours of hands on instruction/demonstration, sneaker inspiration, and lots of fun!

This hands-on experience will leave you with the satisfaction of knowing that your shoes are one-of-a-kind and made by you!

Extremely limited seats remain available!

Reserve your seat directly via the link below - contact The Sewing Box Quilt Shop directly for any questions.

The Sewing Box Quilt Shop - Register and More Info

March 18, 2025 | Etowah quilt guild (Emerson, georgia)

Trunk Show & Lecture | Quilted Garments: Coats, Jackets, and Shoes

Quilters and sewists rejoice … Exploding onto fashion stages worldwide, quilted garments have quickly become the “must-have” fashion item - wearable art! Quilted garments are practical fashion and take on a wide variety of unique styles, colors, and design elements – join Elissa as she shares tips, tricks, and techniques and get inspired by Elissa's head to toe looks including quilted coats, sneakers, and bags.

*This event is open to guild members only at this time.

Click the link below to contact the guild directly and inquire about more information for the event!

Contact Etowah Quilt Guild

March 19, 2025 | OUT ON A LIMB QUILT GUILD (Jasper, georgia)

Trunk Show & Lecture | Quilted Garments: Coats, Jackets, and Shoes

Quilters and sewists rejoice … Exploding onto fashion stages worldwide, quilted garments have quickly become the “must-have” fashion item - wearable art! Quilted garments are practical fashion and take on a wide variety of unique styles, colors, and design elements – join Elissa as she shares tips, tricks, and techniques and get inspired by Elissa's head to toe looks including quilted coats, sneakers, and bags.

Follow up this lecture the next day and make your own Quilted Sneakers with Elissa!

*This event is open to guild members only at this time.

Click the link below to contact the guild directly and inquire about more information for the event!

Contact Out on a Limb Quilt Guild

March 20, 2025 | OUT ON A LIMB QUILT GUILD (Jasper, georgia)

Quilted Sneakers

Fashion-forward footwear in custom style!

This hands-on experience will leave you with the satisfaction of knowing that your shoes are one-of-a-kind and made by you!

This full day experience includes plan and prep checklists, your sneaker guide and pattern, hands on instruction/demonstration, sneaker inspiration, and lots of fun!

*This event is open to guild members only at this time.

Click the link below to contact the guild directly and inquire about more information for the event!

Contact Out on a Limb Quilt Guild

March 24-25, 2025 | The Quilt Crossing (Boise, Idaho)

Teach In Extravaganza | Embroidered Sneaker Magic

Discover the art of sneaker customization with embroidery expert Elissa Ziccardi! Join us for an exciting workshop where you’ll learn to transform plain sneakers into personalized works of art using the state-of-the-art Bernina 990 and 790 Pro embroidery machines.

Elissa will guide you through the entire process, from designing your embroidery pattern to perfectly stitching it onto your sneakers. This hands-on class will immerse you in the world of embroidery as you explore the incredible capabilities of the Bernina machines. You’ll learn essential techniques, tips, and tricks for achieving professional-looking results.

Whether you’re a seasoned embroiderer or a curious beginner, this workshop is designed to inspire and empower your creativity. Unleash your imagination and create a pair of sneakers that truly reflect your unique style. All materials are provided, so you can focus on having fun and learning new skills.

Click the link below to contact the shop directly for more information and inquire about this event.

The Quilt Crossing - Embroidered Sneaker Magic

March 26-28, 2025 | The Quilt Crossing (Boise, Idaho)

Teach In Extravaganza | Quilt Coat

Fashion-forward quilted garments in custom style!

Unleash your creativity as you experiment with different quilt designs, fabric combinations, and embellishments. You’ll leave this workshop with a handcrafted coat that not only keeps you cozy but also reflects your personal style.

Elissa will guide you through every step of the coat process, which includes quilting techniques and garment construction. Join us for an engaging workshop where you’ll learn to craft a stylish and warm quilted coat. Discover how to seamlessly blend the art of quilting with the functionality of outerwear!

Click the link below to register for this event - please contact the shop directly for more information and inquire about this event.

The Quilt Crossing - Quilted Jacket with Quilting Elissa

March 29, 2025 | The Quilt Crossing (Boise, Idaho)

Teach In Extravaganza | Quilted Sneakers

Join FreeSpirit Fabrics Circle of Makers Brand Ambassador and Aurifil Artisan, Elissa Ziccardi, for a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn to transform plain sneakers into stunning works of wearable art.


Discover the exciting world of quilting as you apply it to a unique and fashionable canvas. Class participants will receive Elissa’s Quilted Sneakers Guide, a sneaker pattern, a complete supply list to customize your sneakers, sizing guidelines, and Plan & Prep checklists. You will complete one quilted sneaker in class; finishing the second sneaker at home.

Click the link below to register for this event - please contact the shop directly for more information and inquire about this event.

The Quilt Crossing - Quilted Sneakers (One Day Event)

April 28 - May 2, 2025 | Mackinac Island Quilting Arts Seminar (Mackinac Island, Michigan)

Island Retreat | Quilt Coat, Quilted Sneakers, Lecture & Trunk Show

Fashion-forward quilted garments in custom style!

Elissa will have you retreat ready with plan and prep checklists, full color instructional guides and patterns, hands on instruction/demonstration, inspiration, and loads of fun!

Relish in this hands-on experience with Elissa creating your own quilt coat, quilted sneakers ... or both!

Quilters and sewists rejoice … Exploding onto fashion stages worldwide, quilted garments have quickly become the “must-have” fashion item, and the trend shows no sign of slowing down. Quilted garments are practical fashion and take on a wide variety of unique styles, colors, and design elements – join Elissa in this class for these immersive and inspiring workshops all week long.

*More details on this event to come from the event host!

Mackinac Island Quilting Arts Seminar

June 20-21, 2025 | Celtic Quilter (Omaha, Nebraska)

Quilted Sneakers

Fashion-forward footwear in custom style!

Join Elissa in the classroom to make your own pair of quilted kicks. Fashion-forward footwear in custom style! This full day hands-on instructional experience will leave you with the satisfaction of knowing that your sneakers are one-of-a-kind and made by YOU!

Workshop includes Elissa's Quilted Sneakers Guide, a sneaker pattern, a complete supply list to customize your sneakers, sizing guidelines, Plan & Prep checklists, 7.5 hours of hands on instruction/demonstration, sneaker inspiration, and lots of fun!

Participants will complete one quilted sneaker in its entirety in class; finishing the second sneaker at home.

Contact the shop directly for more information and reserve your seat!

*More details on this event to come from the event host!

Celtic Quilter

PAST EVENTS

Trunk Show & Maker Meet and Greet | Pins and Needles - Middleburg Heights, Ohio (August 2024)

Bag Maker Series: A Place for Everything 2.0 | Pins and Needles - Middleburg Heights, Ohio (August 2024)

Bag Maker Series: Drop Zone | Pins and Needles - Middleburg Heights, Ohio (August 2024)

LIVE! with Annie | WATCH & LISTEN on YouTube ByAnnie Facebook and Instagram (July 24)

Bag Maker Series: Round Trip Duffle | Pins and Needles - Middleburg Heights, Ohio (July 2024)

Bag Maker Series: Out to Lunch 2.0 | Pins and Needles - Middleburg Heights, Ohio (July 2024)

ROAR! Retreat "Big Bang Quilt" Hands-On Instruction and Retreat | The Sewing Box Quilt Shop - Meyersdayle, Pennsylvania (July 2024)

Happy Hour Maker Meet & Greet | The Sewing Box Quilt Shop - Meyersdayle, Pennsylvania (July 2024)

Bag Maker Series: Bowl Me Over 2.0 | Pins and Needles - Middleburg Heights, Ohio (June 2024)

Quilted Sneakers Hands On Instruction Pins and Needles ~ Middleburg Heights, Ohio (May 2024) **SOLD OUT!

Bag Maker Series: Tools of the Trade Carrying Case | Pins and Needles - Middleburg Heights, Ohio (April 2024)

Quilted Sneakers Hands On Instruction | Pins and Needles ~ Middleburg Heights, Ohio (March 2024)

Bag Maker Series: Running with Scissors Tool Case | Pins and Needles - Middleburg Heights, Ohio (March 2024)

Bag Maker Series: Take a Stand Tote Bag | Pins and Needles - Middleburg Heights, Ohio (February 2024)

Bag Making Lecture & Trunk Show | Pins and Needles ~ Middleburg Heights, Ohio (February 2024)

Let's "CREATE": Mastering Foundation Paper Piecing Font | Pins and Needle~ Middleburg Heights, Ohio (January 2024)

Mastering Curves with Foundation Paper Piecing | Pins and Needle~ Middleburg Heights, Ohio (November & December 2023)

Hands-On Instruction & Lecture | Original Sewing and Quilt Expo ~ Cincinatti, Ohio (October 2023) and Detroit, Michigan (November 2023) - topics included Foundation Paper Piecing, English Paper Piecing, Quilted Garments, Bag Making, Thread Best Uses, and Turning Your Craft into a Business

"Starlines" Foundation Paper Piecing Quilt (7-Session Hands-On Instructional Quilt Along) | Pins and Needles ~ Middleburg Heights, Ohio (September & October 2023)

Quilted Garments - Outside of the Box with Foundation Paper Piecing Lecture & Trunk Show | The Sewing Box Quilt Shop ~ Meyersdale, Pennsylvania (August 2023)

FPP201: FPP Block Mastery | Pins and Needles ~ Middleburg Heights, Ohio (August & September 2023)

FPP101: Fundamentals of Foundation Paper Piecing | Pins and Needles ~ Middleburg Heights, Ohio (August & September 2023)

Quilted Garments Lecture and Trunk Show | Pins and Needles ~ Middleburg Heights, Ohio (July 2023)

Visit Elissa on Instagram

August 3, 2024 | Ohio Valley Quilters Guild (Evendale, Ohio)

Quilted Sneakers

Make your own one-of-a-kind signature sneaks. Choose your colors, choose your prints!

This full day experience includes plan and prep checklists, your sneaker guide and pattern, hands on instruction/demonstration, sneaker inspiration, and lots of fun!

*This event is open to guild members only at this time.

Click the link below to contact the guild directly and inquire about more information for the event!

Contact OVQG

August 1, 2024 | Ohio Valley Quilters Guild (Evendale, Ohio)

Trunk Show & Lecture | Quilted Garments: Coats, Jackets, and Shoes

Quilted garments are practical fashion and take on a wide variety of unique styles, colors, and design elements – learn about the hottest fashion trend and learn about tips, tricks, and techniques to get inspired to make your own quilted garments from an existing quilt or the panel approach and create a quilted garment.

Hands on samples, and the inspiration behind each, including how Elissa thinks outside of the box for her signature finishing details.

*This event is open to guild members only at this time.

Click the link below to contact the guild directly and inquire about more information for the event!

Contact OVQG

July 24, 2024 | ByAnnie.com and Patterns By Annie

LIVE with ANNIE!

Join me as I go Live with Annie Unrein and we discuss everything from bags to quilted garments and shoes. Discover how adding personalized details like foundation paper piecing can take your projects to a unique, over the top finish!

Watch and listen as Annie shares about our summer event!

This is a VIRTUAL event open to all on Annie's YouTube Channel!

Click the link below to subscribe to Annie's newsletter and stay up to date for all of the details!

ByAnnie.com

July 20-21, 2024 | The Sewing Box Quilt Shop (Meyersdale, Pennsylvania)

ROAR! Retreat

Work alongside Elissa as she teaches the Big Bang Quilt. You can choose to participate in the retreat AND work on your own projects.

April (and shop dog, Bolt!) will have a variety of kits and patterns available for purchase that are showcased during Happy Hour on the Friday evening preceding the retreat.

This is a 2-Day Retreat, lodging options available.

SOLD OUT! Contact the shop for more information.

The Sewing Box Quilt Shop - Register & More Info

July 19, 2024 | The Sewing Box Quilt Shop (Meyersdale, Pennsylvania)

Happy Hour(s)! Meet & Greet

The Sewing Box Quilt Shop is hosting a meet & greet to ring in the ROAR! Retreat with this special Happy Hour(s) event.

Gain access to a sale on all things TULA PINK! Door prizes, refreshments, and event exclusives. EXTRA DOOR PRIZE TICKET FOR ALL ATTENDEES WHO REGISTER AHEAD OF TIME ONLINE.*Retreat attendance not required.

Click the link below for more information and register today!

The Sewing Box Quilt Shop - Register & More Info

May 18, 2024 | pins and needles (Middleburg Heights, Ohio)

Quilted Sneakers

Fashion-forward footwear in custom style!

This hands-on experience will leave you with the satisfaction of knowing that your shoes are one-of-a-kind and made by you!

This full day workshop includes plan and prep checklists, your sneaker guide & pattern, kit to make the shoes, and lunch. Hands on instruction/demonstration, sneaker inspiration, and lots of fun!

SOLD OUT!!

**STAY TUNED for Fall 2024 date announcement!**

Click the link below for more information and reserve your seat!

Pins and Needles Ohio - Register and More Info

March 23, 2024 | pins and needles (Middleburg Heights, Ohio)

Quilted Sneakers

Fashion-forward footwear in custom style!

This hands-on experience will leave you with the satisfaction of knowing that your shoes are one-of-a-kind and made by you!

This full day workshop includes plan and prep checklists, your sneaker guide & pattern, kit to make the shoes, and lunch. Hands on instruction/demonstration, sneaker inspiration, and lots of fun!

SOLD OUT!!

Click the link below for more information and reserve your seat!

Pins and Needles Ohio - Register and More Info