Teaching
Lynn Christiansen is an award-winning quilt pattern designer, instructor, and the creative heart behind the Wanderlust Quilt Society. Her unique designs are deeply inspired by her travels, reflecting the colors, textures, and traditions of the places she’s explored—from European cities to quiet coastal towns. Her work has been featured in magazines, quilt shows, and podcasts, celebrated for its originality and storytelling through fabric.
With nearly 30 years of teaching experience, Lynn is passionate about bringing quilters and crafters together to create art that feeds the creative soul and brings joy. Her warm, approachable, and encouraging teaching style makes students feel at ease both in-person and online. A lifelong fabric artist, Lynn began her journey with embroidery lessons from her great-grandmother and has never looked back.
Through her patterns, classes, and online community, Lynn invites quilters to explore the world one stitch at a time, and to find connection, creativity, and joy along the way.
Interested in booking a lecture or workshop? Contact Lynn: lynn@emeraldfallsquilts.com
Below are general descriptions of the lectures and workshops that Lynn offers. Contact her at lynn@emeraldfallsquilts.com to custom tailor the program for your group.
Lectures - 45 Minutes - $350
From Passport to Patchwork
A 45 minute program where Lynn takes the audience on a creative journey inspired by a trip down the Rhine River. This presentation showcases the quilts A Viking View, Castor's Light, Dutch Porcelain, and the Rhine River Sampler detailing how the stunning landscapes, medieval castles, and historic towns along the Rhine River influenced the design and composition of the piece.
Through this presentation, attendees will gain a deeper appreciation for how travel can serve as a powerful source of inspiration for quilting and artistic expression. Lynn will walk the audience through her creative process, from the initial sketches and fabric selection to the techniques used to bring the quilt to life. Attendees will leave with ideas on how to draw from their own experiences to create art that reflects their personal journeys and passions.
Why Wool?
A 45 minute program where Lynn explores the unique characteristics of wool and why it is an exceptional material for quilting, especially in applique and collage projects. The presentation delves into examining its durability, texture, and vibrant color possibilities. Lynn explains how wool can elevate quilting designs, offering depth and warmth unlike any other fiber.
Students will leave the presentation with a comprehensive understanding of why wool is a fantastic choice for quilting projects. They will gain practical tips for working with wool, including how to care for and store it properly to ensure longevity in their creations. Whether experienced quilters or new to the world of textiles, attendees will come away with fresh inspiration to incorporate wool into their future projects.
Use the Ugly Fabric
A 45 minute program where Lynn encourages quilters to rethink the fabrics they’ve been avoiding in their stash—those so-called “ugly” fabrics—and embrace their potential in collage quilting. In this presentation, Lynn will guide the audience through the creative process of turning overlooked or mismatched fabrics into unique and stunning works of art. She’ll share tips on how to see beyond the fabric's surface and use color, texture, and layering techniques to transform these materials into integral elements of a collage quilt.
Attendees will learn how to break free from traditional rules and unleash their creativity by experimenting with fabric combinations that they might not have considered before. Lynn will share her own experiences and examples of successful collage quilts where "ugly" fabrics played a starring role. The goal is for quilters to leave the presentation feeling inspired and confident to use every part of their stash, transforming forgotten fabrics into beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces.
Laura Heine Collage Quilts
A 45 minute program where Lynn shares the basics of collage quilting, focusing on the creative techniques popularized by Laura Heine. The presentation covers key elements such as selecting the perfect fabrics, choosing the best fusible products, and utilizing Lynn’s favorite tools to achieve stunning results. Attendees will also enjoy a trunk show featuring Lynn's collage projects, showcasing a variety of designs and applications.
Guild members will leave the presentation with a solid understanding of collage quilting fundamentals and practical tips for creating their own masterpieces. From fabric selection to finishing touches, this program inspires quilters of all skill levels to explore the art of collage quilting with confidence and creativity.
Workshops - 3 Hours - $450
Charleston Pink House Workshop
Love mini quilts, but feel overwhelmed by the idea of working with tiny pieces? Then this class is for you. Create the charming Charleston Pink House and learn foundational techniques for creating a mini quilt with precision and confidence. We’ll cover smart cutting strategies, tips for accurate piecing on a small scale, and simple quilting methods that bring your design to life. By the end of the workshop, you’ll be well on your way to mastering mini quilts with confidence and creativity!
Wool Appliqué Workshop
In this engaging workshop, students will explore the world of wool appliqué. Students will create a charming wool project, while learning the essentials of working with wool, best practices for using fusibles, and simple embroidery stitches that add texture and personality. Students will leave with newfound confidence, inspired creativity, and a finished piece they’ll be proud to show off. The specific project for the class can be selected by the event host to best suit the audience and setting.
Laura Heine Whatevers! Workshop
These tiny 8" x 8" patterns are a quick and fun way to master many of Laura Heine's collage techniques. Turn fabric scraps into captivating masterpieces and embark on a unique artistic journey. Students will complete one or two of Laura Heine's Whatevers! Patterns in this workshop. With over 50 patterns to choose from, students will have endless opportunities to create a collage they will love.
Workshops - 6 Hours - $650
Charleston Pink House Workshop
Love mini quilts, but feel overwhelmed by the idea of working with tiny pieces? Then this class is for you. Create the charming Charleston Pink House and learn foundational techniques for creating a mini quilt with precision and confidence. We’ll cover smart cutting strategies, tips for accurate piecing on a small scale, and simple quilting methods that bring your design to life. By the end of the workshop, you’ll be well on your way to mastering mini quilts with confidence and creativity! (This class is similar to the 3 housr workshop, but there is less prep work involved and students are more likely to finish).
Ozzie the Cardinal Collage Workshop
Create a vibrant cardinal full of personality in this fun and creative collage class! You’ll learn the fundamentals of collage quilting, including how to use fusible web for assembling fabric pieces, techniques for layering to add depth and texture, and best practices for successful fabric collage. This striking project features a bold cardinal perched on a winter branch, perfect for adding charm to your home or gifting to a fellow bird lover.
Viking View Collage Workshop
Step into a world of castles, folklore, and Nordic charm as you create Viking View, a stunning collage quilt inspired by the Rhine River’s timeless landscapes. In this class, you’ll learn the art of fabric collage while building your own whimsical scene—complete with a majestic castle, colorful village houses, lush hillsides, and playful details like flowers, animals, and starlit skies.
Contact Lynn at lynn@emeraldfallsquilts.com to set up a program or workshop today!
Testimonials
"After 20 years of not taking any quilting classes, I recently signed up for Lynn's collage class. I was a bit nervous and apprehensive, but she was terrific and my doubts quickly disappeared. Lynn was knowledgeable and patient. She encouraged all 6 of us in the class and I left the class feeling energized and excited and looking forward to exploring more about fabric collage and will be looking to sign up for some quilting classes also. Lynn also said that she is available by email if we have any questions about collage---she said once we were her students, we are always her students. Thanks Lynn for inspiring me." ~Paula
“I have taken several classes with Lynn. She is an excellent Teacher! I can't recommend her enough.” ~ Sue
“I so enjoyed your class in wool and never have done wool crafting. You made it so simple and your teaching skills are spot on. Look forward to a future class.” ~ Donette
“I took Lynn’s Laura Heine Teeny Tiny class and absolutely LOVED this class and the instructor. What an amazing new technique. Lynn is an amazing instructor and made this so enjoyable. I plan to do more of these in the future and will take more classes by Lynn if the opportunity arises. You will not regret taking any class with Lynn.” ~ Nancy
“I took this collage quilt to step out of my comfort zone and learn a new technique: raw-edge appliqué with a collage of fabrics. Lynn broke down the pattern into manageable chunks, and taught the steps to each part with both lecture and demonstration. She met each student “where they were” with their projects, and she acknowledged frustrations and helped me see past them and work through them. I’m excited to keep practicing the new techniques and can’t wait to finish the project!” ~Michelle
“LOVED the class and my family loved my flamingo!” - Laura
“Lynn is a delight!” - Global Quilt Connection Member
“The best program our guild had this year.” - Jenny