Hi, my name is Rob Appell. I’m a California native, and it shows—surfing, hiking, and playing the guitar are at the top of my list, when I’m not behind a sewing machine. I have an awesome, supportive family. My wife and two kids are the center of my world. I love teaching people to sew and I’m jazzed to share my passion with you! If you’re wondering how I got started quilting, it all began when I was working in my mother’s quilt shop. I caught the quilt pox and there was no cure! I taught myself to quilt and my personal style emerged. Quilted seascapes became my trademark. After a few years, I started designing fabric for Free Spirit. Not much later, I was designing quilts for Michael Miller’s new fabric releases too. After that I spent four years as the host of Missouri Star’s Man Sewing channel. Now I’m on to new adventures with Stitchin’ Heaven in Quitman, TX. I have a new Youtube Channel - Sew Well with Rob Appell. It’s been amazing to reach out to all of you and share my love of sewing and quilting. Thank you for being a part of this wild, creative journey!

Robin Phippins found her passion when she was introduced to free motion quilting in 2007. Before then, she would piece quilts and send them to a longarm quilter. Then, she became the longarm quilter others seek out for her unique style of free motion and custom quilting. After building her longarm business, Robin left her corporate job in 2013 to join a local quilt shop as sales manager for longarm quilting and domestic sewing machines. Being in the shop also allowed her to offer classes focusing on various techniques and styles. Free motion quilting brought her into longarm quilting, but she also enjoys sharing the use of rulers for another style of quilting. Students in her classes learn quilting on a domestic machine using Robin’s guidance in building their confidence and showing what they can accomplish when willing to stretch and try new techniques. Accomplished quilters in class discover new ideas to expand their design library. Robin’s talent has led pattern designers to use her as a pattern tester, and she has quilted their pieces for Quilt Market in Houston, TX. Robin considers herself an always learning curious quilter who loves working with many different techniques. She is always on the lookout for new ideas, designs and visions. When at home in Virginia, Robin enjoys being with her husband, their children and grandchildren, fur babies and chickens.

Kathy Shalda's grandmother taught her to sew at an early age and she has enjoyed the creativity sewing inspires ever since. Kathy has a degree in dental hygiene and practiced in the field for 25 years. After making an out-of-state-move Kathy retired from dental hygiene and began a new career at a local quilt shop. She spent 13 years working at the shop teaching quilt classes, selling on the floor and creating quilt patterns. About that time, the store that serviced her machines was looking for help and Kathy went to work for them. She taught classes, worked the floor and helped plan and execute special events, eventually becoming the assistant store manager. Kathy moved to Texas in 2013. Later that year she was invited to join a new team. She has enjoyed being part of the Event Team ever since and is starting the 9th year on the team. Kathy resides in the suburbs of Dallas, Texas with her husband Jim. Together they have 3 sons and 8 grandchildren.

Shelly Fitzgerald comes into your event or classroom with a mixture of enthusiasm and knowledge that quickly attracts and holds the interest of the participants. From overlocking to software, garment sewing to machine embroidery, quilting to home dec, Shelly has a love and understanding of the topics and machines, software, feet and accessories that accomplish each task. Sewing and crafting all of her life allows years of experience to be passed on in a lively and informative way. She freely admits to reading all the manuals for pleasure and then loves teaching what she has learned to her classes. Bringing the out of the ordinary to front and center by encouraging everyone to change their settings (gasp!), use a punch tool (eek!) ruffle, ruffle, ruffle (wow!) and sew with their left foot (no way!) she shows how easy it is to kick it up a notch or two. She makes it fun, not hard and leaves everyone excited about their new tools and skills. Through her company, Sew Shelly Quilts, LLC, Shelly creates and presents original patterns and classes to bring the extended capabilities of sewing machines to life. Her classes are rich with techniques and software is her passion. Since 2014 Shelly has been a member of the Event Team. YouTube is another favorite way of Shelly’s to engage stitch enthusiasts world wide. Her channel can be found at WWW.YOUTUBE. COM/SEWSHELLYQUILTS where she has many up close videos on techniques that can be used with various materials, machine feet.