Hen & Chicks Studio

We went LIVE from Garden of Quilts in Utah to share something exciting—Lori Holt’s brand-new TYPEography Notebook from Riley Blake Designs! This clever little notebook is exactly what every quilter needs to keep projects, lists, and ideas organized. It’s practical, fun, and perfect for jotting down everything from quilting goals to everyday tasks. (Sooz even adds things to her list just so she can check them off!)

Watch the video recap here:
👉 youtube.com/shorts/26y7aDg_CH...

At Hen & Chicks Studio in Conrad, Iowa, we love all things Lori Holt. From her bright, cheerful fabrics to her handy notions and inspiring patterns, Lori’s designs spark creativity for quilters everywhere. And now, with this TYPEography Notebook, you’ll have a place to capture every bit of that inspiration.

You can pre-order the notebook today so we can bring one home for you. While you’re at it, explore our full selection of Lori Holt fabrics, patterns, notions, and more right here:
👉 www.henandchicksstudio.com/loriholt

Looking for a central Iowa quilt shop and retreat center that keeps creativity at the heart of everything we do? Hen & Chicks Studio is your destination. Whether you’re shopping fabrics, signing up for a retreat at The Nest or The Coop, or finding your next quilting project, we’re here to make your experience joyful and inspiring.

3 months ago | [YT] | 2

Hen & Chicks Studio

Stitch, Relax, and Create – The Perfect Quilting Retreat Awaits at Hen & Chicks Studio!


The Joy of a Quilting Retreat
Imagine a space where you can quilt without interruption, surrounded by inspiration, fabric, and friends who share your passion. At Hen & Chicks Studio in Conrad, Iowa, we provide the perfect retreat experience with The Nest and The Coop, two inviting retreat centers designed for quilters, scrapbookers, and creative minds. Whether you’re planning a solo getaway or gathering a group of friends, our retreats offer the ideal setting to focus on your projects, connect with fellow makers, and simply enjoy the creative process.


The Nest has been open since November 2011 and has hosted hundreds of retreaters. The Coop opened in July 2024 is a convenient ground-floor retreat center and has been a favorite among guests who love easy access, great lighting, and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. If you haven't experienced The Nest or The Coop yet, now is the perfect time to plan your next creative escape!


The Benefits of a Quilting Retreat
• Dedicated Time & Focus – Escape the daily distractions and immerse yourself in sewing and creativity.
• Connection & Camaraderie – Build friendships, learn from fellow quilters, and enjoy the support of a creative community.
• Comfort & Convenience – The Nest is located directly above Hen & Chicks Studio, and The Coop is just steps away from our retail store, making it easy to grab supplies, browse fabric, or find inspiration whenever you need it.
• Inspiration & Productivity – Retreat guests often finish more projects in a few days than they do in months at home!


How to Prepare for a Quilting Retreat
Preparing for a retreat ensures you get the most out of your experience. Here are some tips to help you pack and plan:
• Plan Your Projects – Choose your quilting projects ahead of time and gather all necessary fabrics, patterns, and notions.
• Pack Smart – Bring essential sewing tools, but remember that we have many common quilting supplies available at Hen & Chicks Studio if you need something extra.
• Dress for Comfort – Layered clothing is ideal, as room temperatures can vary. Bring a cozy sweater or jacket for added comfort.
• Stay Organized – Use bins, rolling totes, or project bags to keep your supplies easily accessible and your workspace tidy.
• Bring Snacks & Hydration – Our retreat centers have fully equipped kitchens, but having your favorite snacks and drinks on hand makes for a more enjoyable experience.


What to Bring: Your Quilting Retreat Checklist
To help you pack, here’s a handy checklist:
✅ Sewing Machine (with power cord & foot pedal)
✅ ¼” foot for accurate piecing
✅ Rotary cutter, mat, and ruler
✅ Fabric & pre-cut kits for projects
✅ Thread, bobbins, and needles
✅ Seam ripper, pins, and scissors
✅ Small iron & pressing mat (optional)
✅ Personal comfort items (pillow, cozy socks, snacks)
✅ Notebook for project notes & ideas
✅ Light jacket or sweater
✅ A positive attitude and excitement for creativity!


Why Choose The Nest & The Coop for Your Next Retreat?
• Flexible Scheduling – Book for a weekend or a midweek getaway with no minimum group size required.
• Great Amenities – Clean and well-organized workspaces, comfortable sleeping areas, and fully equipped kitchens.
• Prime Location – The Nest is conveniently located above Hen & Chicks Studio, and The Coop is just steps away from our retail store. If you need more fabric, thread, or inspiration, it's all within easy reach!
• All-Inclusive Setup – Each retreat space includes ample cutting and sewing areas, great lighting, comfortable seating, and Wi-Fi access for those who like to mix in a little digital inspiration.


We’d love for you to experience the joy of a retreat with us in central Iowa! Whether you’ve been here before or you’re planning your first visit, now is the perfect time to book your stay and create something special.

📌 Want to book your next retreat? Visit Hen & Chicks Studio at www.henandchicksstudio.com/retreats.htm or call us today at 641-366-3336!

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3 months ago | [YT] | 3

Hen & Chicks Studio

🐔 Big news at Hen & Chicks Studio! One of the highlights of our fall calendar is Girls’ Night Out on September 18 from 4–6:30 pm—and we’re thrilled to welcome The Whole Country Caboodle as our special guest!

Leanne and Kaytlyn always bring so much creativity and joy with their appliqué kits, patterns, and fun projects. It’s the perfect chance to shop their designs in person, be inspired, and meet the makers behind this beloved brand. Pair that with food vendors, local shopping, and the cozy atmosphere of Conrad, Iowa, and you’ve got an evening you won’t want to miss.

Of course, that’s just one of many exciting events we have on the calendar—from our Rule the Roost Retreat to our 100 Days to Christmas Celebration and our upcoming 14th Anniversary in October.

📺 Watch Heidi’s full video recap of all the upcoming events here: https://youtu.be/8MiPhJmgKYA

Hen & Chicks Studio is your quilt shop and retreat destination, both in-store and online. Stop in, shop fabrics and kits, join a retreat, and discover why quilters coast-to-coast love being part of our creative community!

4 months ago | [YT] | 3

Hen & Chicks Studio

Wiggle Room Quilt – From Scraps to Finished Project

The Wiggle Room quilt is finished! What started as a pile of leftover fabrics became a beautiful, textured quilt—cut, pieced, quilted, and bound right here at Hen & Chicks Studio in Conrad, Iowa.

We’ve captured the entire process in a series of videos, showing each step from cutting 5-inch squares with the Stripology ruler, sewing triangle-squares, arranging blocks on the design wall, quilting on the longarm, and adding the final binding. Along the way, you’ll find practical quilting tips, scrap-busting ideas, and inspiration to help you make your own Wiggle Room quilt.

Hen & Chicks Studio is your central Iowa destination for quilting, creativity, and connection. Our quilt shop is filled with high-quality fabrics, patterns, kits, and tools to support quilters of all skill levels. Plus, our two retreat centers—The Nest and The Coop—offer comfortable, well-equipped spaces for groups or individuals to sew, relax, and recharge.

Whether you’re looking for project inspiration, want to improve your quilting skills, or are planning your next creative getaway, this video series has something for you.

Watch all the Wiggle Room videos and discover more quilting tips here:
www.henandchicksstudio.com/stripology

4 months ago | [YT] | 7

Hen & Chicks Studio

Scrap Quilt Progress – From Cutting to the Design Wall at The Nest Retreat Center

The Wiggle Room quilt is taking shape here at The Nest Retreat Center in Conrad, Iowa! This morning, I started at the cutting table, turning fabric scraps into perfect 5" squares with the Stripology ruler and sewing them into triangle-squares. Now I’ve moved to the design wall to start arranging the blocks.

A design wall is a game-changer for quilt layout. It lets you see your quilt full-size, move blocks around for the best color balance, and step back to view the overall flow. I also love taking photos of each layout—looking at the quilt in a picture often reveals new ideas for placement.

Watch the progress in these two videos:
1️⃣ Cutting and prepping scraps for Wiggle Room – https://youtu.be/fQ2lqsRqsS4
2️⃣ Laying out triangle-squares on the design wall – youtube.com/shorts/hYBe2497Sg...

If you’re ready to make the most of your fabric stash, visit Hen & Chicks Studio in Conrad, Iowa, or shop online at www.henandchicksstudio.com for quilt patterns, rulers, and tools to help you create beautiful projects from every scrap.

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4 months ago | [YT] | 0

Hen & Chicks Studio

Scrap Busting at The Nest Retreat Center – Wiggle Room & Easy Bake Quilts in Progress

At Hen & Chicks Studio in Conrad, Iowa, we love turning fabric scraps into something beautiful! In today’s live video from the cutting table at The Nest Retreat Center, Goldie is cutting into her stash for the Cluck, Cluck Sew Easy Bake quilt pattern, while I’m working on Wiggle Room from the Master Your Stripology Ruler book.

The Stripology ruler made quick work of cutting my scraps into perfect 5" squares. I’m now sewing them into triangle-squares following the pattern instructions, and I’ll be back later with an update on my progress. We also showed off the new Iron Matik pressing mat we’re testing out—perfect for quilters who want a smooth, crisp press on every block.

Whether you have a small box of leftovers or bins full of fabric, these patterns are perfect scrap-busting projects. Watch the video here to see the action: https://youtu.be/fQ2lqsRqsS4

Visit us in-store or online at www.henandchicksstudio.com to shop quilt kits, rulers, and tools to help you make the most of your fabric stash.

4 months ago | [YT] | 2

Hen & Chicks Studio

🌅 Sunrise Roost is here!

We’re so excited to share our Row by Row Experience 2025 block — Sunrise Roost — designed in collaboration with our friends at ‪@TheWholeCountryCaboodle‬ . Inspired by the peaceful glow of a sunset after a day of creativity, this fused appliqué block is full of charm and color.

🐓 Stop in to Hen & Chicks Studio in Conrad, Iowa, to get your FREE pattern, or grab your full kit online:
🧵 Sunrise Roost Kit at www.henandchicksstudio.com/shop/c/p/Row-by-Row-202…

✂️ Can’t make it in person? Download the digital pattern here for just $5:
📥 Download the Pattern at rowbyrowexperience.com/collections/pdf-download-ce…

🎥 Want to see it up close? Watch the full video where I show you what’s in the kit and share the story behind the design:
▶️ Watch the Video below

We’d love to hear if you’re collecting blocks this year — tell us in the comments!
#RowByRow2025 #HenAndChicksStudio #SunriseRoost #TheWholeCountryCaboodle #QuiltKit #TheGreatOutdoors #QuiltYourAdventure

4 months ago | [YT] | 1

Hen & Chicks Studio

Celebrate National Dog Month with Woof Wednesday at Hen & Chicks Studio! 🐶
At Hen & Chicks Studio in Conrad, Iowa, we’re all about creativity, connection—and a little canine fun! This Woof Wednesday, we’re spotlighting the adorable precut and fused dog appliqué kits from The Whole Country Caboodle. These fabric friends are perfect for dog lovers who want to add a playful, heartwarming touch to quilts, pillows, tote bags, and more.

Each appliqué is:
✔️ Precut and fused—no tracing or cutting required
✔️ Designed by The Whole Country Caboodle, a beloved brand known for cheerful, character-filled fabric kits
✔️ Great for quick gifts, pet projects, or teaching kids to sew
✔️ Available in a wide variety of dog breeds and styles

Located in Central Iowa, Hen & Chicks Studio is your destination quilt shop, offering a carefully curated selection of quilting fabrics, patterns, notions, and kits. We also have two onsite retreat centers—The Nest and The Coop—perfect for group sewing getaways and creative weekends.

🛒 Shop all The Whole Country Caboodle dog appliqués and more:
www.henandchicksstudio.com/shop/The-Whole-Country-…

📍 Visit us in-store or online for everything you need to stitch your next masterpiece—with a little puppy love!

#QuiltShopsInIowa #HenAndChicksStudio #TheWholeCountryCaboodle #QuiltShopNearMe #DogApplique #NationalDogMonth #WoofWednesday #ConradIowaQuiltShop #PrecutAppliques #CreativeQuilting

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4 months ago | [YT] | 6