About Empty Spools Seminars
Empty Spools Seminars is a premier educational company dedicated to inspiring creativity, craftsmanship, and community within the fiber arts world. For decades, we have brought together passionate makers, exceptional instructors, and curious learners through immersive seminars, workshops, and events centered on quilting, embroidery, mixed media, and textile arts.
At the heart of Empty Spools Seminars is the belief that creativity flourishes when people gather to learn, share, and connect. Our events are thoughtfully curated to offer not only outstanding instruction, but also a welcoming environment where friendships form, ideas are exchanged, and artistic confidence grows. Whether you are a seasoned artist or just beginning your creative journey, Empty Spools Seminars provides a space to explore, experiment, and be inspired.
Our Legacy
Empty Spools Seminars was founded by three visionary women — Gayle Wells, Suzanne Cox, and Diana McClun — whose passion for fiber arts and dedication to community laid the foundation for everything we do today. At a time when opportunities for immersive creative learning were limited, they recognized the power of gathering artists together to learn from outstanding teachers, support one another, and celebrate the joy of making by hand.
Their vision extended beyond education. They created a culture rooted in generosity, encouragement, and deep respect for both the craft and the people who practice it. The sense of belonging they fostered continues to define the Empty Spools experience and remains central to our values.
Carrying the Vision Forward
That original vision lives on through the next generation of leadership. Wendi Wells, Gayle’s daughter, and Penny Wells, Gayle’s granddaughter and Wendi’s niece, have continued the tradition of Empty Spools Seminars with care, integrity, and deep appreciation for its history. As stewards of the company, they honor the founders’ legacy while guiding Empty Spools Seminars forward, ensuring that the spirit, quality, and sense of community remain strong for future generations of makers.
Our Community
Empty Spools Seminars is more than an event — it is a community. Over the years, thousands of attendees, instructors, and volunteers have become part of a vibrant network of creatives who inspire one another far beyond the classroom. The friendships formed, skills learned, and creative breakthroughs experienced at our seminars are what make Empty Spools Seminars truly special.
As we look ahead, we do so with gratitude — for the founders who imagined what Empty Spools Seminars could be, for the generations who have carried that vision forward, and for the community that continues to bring it to life. Together, we celebrate creativity, connection, and lifelong learning — one stitch, one idea, and one gathering at a time.
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