Creative Traditions University: 2026 PHD Program

How It Works:

Creative Traditions University: 2025 PHD Program

Projects Half Done? No Problem! It’s time to finish what you’ve started and earn rewards while doing it…

At Creative Traditions, we know that quilters are some of the most dedicated people when it comes to starting projects—but we also know that life gets busy, and sometimes, those projects end up in the dreaded PHD (Projects Half Done) pile. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce Creative Traditions University and the 2026 PHD Program—your chance to turn those Projects Half Done into points, rewards, and accomplishments!

How It Works:

? FREE to Participate: There’s no cost to enroll in Creative Traditions University.

? Register Your PHDs: During each “Semester Enrollment Period,” register all the projects you want to finish in that semester. Your course load is up to you! Register one or up to four… you set the goals you want to accomplish and earn points for completing these goals. PHDs must be brought to Creative Traditions when filling out your Enrollment form -or- complete the form and email back with a photo of the “PHD”s that you are registering for virtual students. These enrollment photos are used to qualify your finished semester projects and earn points toward your degree! Remember PHDs are projects that have been started but not completed, not new projects or project ideas that you want to complete. We want to encourage you to finish what you’ve already begun with this program! DOWNLOAD FORM HERE!

? Earn Points Toward Your Degree: For every semester you successfully complete all registered projects (make sure you set realistic goals that will push you), you’ll earn points toward your official Creative Traditions University Degree. You can also earn points just for enrolling, for attending our in-person or virtual “academic sessions” and for completing a “shop project”! (point system on next page)

? Graduate in Style: Once you’ve earned your credits over the year, we will assign your well-deserved degree! You’ll receive a Creative Traditions University diploma AND a coupon for up to 50% off any class or event at Creative Traditions in 2027.

Monthly Academic Sessions: Join us on the fourth Saturday of each month starting in February for our academic sessions (Virtual option will be offered for those outside the area). These fun gatherings give you the opportunity to:

? Share your progress and completed PHDs with others during show-and-tell.

? Work on your projects in a supportive and creative environment.

? Earn credit toward your degree as you move closer to graduation.

Registration Kickoff Party: We’re kicking off this exciting program on Local Quilt Shop Day, Saturday, January 24th. 2026 at the same time we recognize the graduates from 2025! Stop by Creative Traditions to enroll for the semester with your PHDs, learn more about the program, and celebrate the start of a new quilting adventure. We’ll have refreshments, a chance to meet other participants, and plenty of inspiration to get you started. Don’t miss this opportunity to join a community of quilters who are committed to tackling their PHDs together! Enroll in Creative Traditions University and start earning rewards while doing what you love.

CTU 2026 Schedule

Winter Enrollment: Jan 24, 2026 ends February 14, 2026

Winter In-Person Academic Sessions: Feb 28, March 28, April 25, 2026

Winter “Virtual” Academic Session: TBD

Winter Final Deadlines: Must submit completed semester projects by April 30, 2026.

Summer Enrollment: Starts April 25th, 2026 and ends May 9th, 2026

Summer In-Person Academic Sessions: June 27, July 25, August 22, 2026.

Summer “Virtual” Academic Session: TBD

Summer Final Deadlines: Must submit completed projects by August 30, 2026.

Fall Enrollment: Starts August 22nd, 2026 and ends Sept 12th, 2026.

Fall In-Person Academic Sessions: Sept 26 & October 24, Nov 28, 2026.

Fall “Virtual” Academic Session: TBD

Fall Final Deadlines: Must submit completed projects by December 19th, 2026.

Graduation Ceremony: Jan 23, 2027.

CTU Rewards Program

Complete “coursework” throughout the year to earn points. Celebrate your success with us at our CTU Graduation Ceremony on January 23, 2027 to receive your diploma!

5 points for enrolling in CTU (5 pt max)

5 points for attending any “academic session” (5 pt max)

10 points for completing your semester’s roster

EXTRA CREDIT: 10 pts for completing a “shop project”

10 points: receive an AQ (Associate of Quilting) and a 10% off coupon

20 points: receive a BQ (Bachelor of Quilting) and a 20% off coupon

30 points: receive an MQ (Masters in Quilting) and a 30% off coupon

50 points: receive a DQP (Doctor of Quilting Projects) and a 50% off coupon.

Coupons awarded at Graduation Ceremony and good for use on any class or event in 2027.

DOWNLOAD REGISTRATION FORM HERE!