Thursday, May 17, 2012

The Shock of My Life

If you've been reading my posts, I mentioned yesterday that I would be attending the Machine Quilter's Showcase at the Overland Park Convention Center. I entered two quilts in the show. This morning, on the first full day of the three-day event, I went to the show by myself. First thing, I wandered the aisles, admiring gorgeous longarm quilted quilts, one after another.

When I reached the last aisle, I spied my Snowflake Medallion quilt, and was thrilled to see a ribbon attached to it. Hoping for an Honorable Mention, I peered closely and nearly fainted when I saw this.

When I stepped away, emitting garbled squeals, I saw this.

Oh my goodness! That's when the tears began to flow, and I dropped to my knees! Literally. I couldn't stand up for the shock. I didn't have friend or family with me, so the lovely women who happened to be standing nearby during my break-down were there to talk with me, and offered to take my picture.

I still can't believe it.

Snowflake Medallion, 77" X 77"
Domestic machine-quilted on a Pfaff Grand Quilter with wool batting and Sulky thread
After calling my husband and then my friend, Lola, it occurred to me to check my other entry. Another shocker... another ribbon!  

Second place!
"Life is a Celebration: Nature" 22" X 28"
Eventually, about an hour later it occurred to me that I ought to find out if I won anything. After a bit of investigating - and MQS staffers' inquiries as to why I didn't attend the awards ceremony the previous night (I knew nothing about it!) - I learned what I won. More tears!

For the Best of Show "Snowflake Medallion" quilt I won a Bernina Aurora QE 440 sewing machine! That's the one that includes a BSR (Bernina Stitch Regulator) which I've never used, and a walking foot. Myron Schwery, owner of Bernina Sewing Center of Overland Park was the nice man whose shoulder I cried on, again.

For the second place "Life is a Celebration: Nature" quilt I won $300 worth of YLI thread! Nancy in the YLI Thread booth helped me select a variety of cone-sized threads - cotton solids, cotton variegated, and polyesters, in assorted weights for piecing and quilting. 

I'll humbly say that these honors go a long way toward affirming any doubts I've had about my free motion quilting. The possibilities should serve to remind all of us who domestic machine quilt that we can compete with the "big girls."

After spending the whole day at the show, wearing my "Winner" and "Winner" ribbons on my badge, looking at other quilts, encountering a few quilters I know, phoning and texting friends, and generally walking on air, I returned home with my prizes. What a day! Whew. I hope I can sleep tonight!

And tomorrow is quilt market! Linda

71 comments:

  1. Congratulations Linda. How wonderful for you. Hugs,

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  2. Woot woot! Fantastic news - glad you were so richly rewarded for all of your time investment! But the real question - will you actually use the Snowflake quilt once it's done making its rounds at quilt shows??

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  3. Congratulations! You will love your prize. Your quilts were beautiful and Snowflake definitely deserved top honors. (And lucky you, going to Market!)

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  4. And I'm thrilled I was among those first phone calls!!!!! When I got off the phone I turned to Tricia and said I should have asked " well, have you blogged it yet?" LOL!! We've been watching for your post! Congrats!

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  5. Congratulations, what a fabulous day.
    Shame that you didn't have a friend with you, but as we can see, you managed very well.

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  6. Oh Wow, Linda...congratulations!
    That is fantastic...and well deserved, such beautiful work.
    Enjoy youe prizes.
    Julia ♥

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  7. Oh Linda! Congratulations! :)
    I remember telling you when you were working on your Snowflake Medallion quilt that it was sure to win a blue ribbon at the Iowa state fair. Now just look at you winning ribbons left and right-and prizes too! I'm so happy for you. Congratulations again! Keep up the good work and keep posting.

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  8. Congratulations Linda! A shock for sure, but such a wonderful shock!! It's too bad that you didn't have anyone to share it with (and hold you up!!).

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  9. I was squealing with delight for you as I read your post! HUGE grins! Congratulations!!!Oh wow! Wish I had been there with you when you spotted the ribbons. Mind you, they are well deserved wins. Your work is beautiful! (and I have to say it...lol...didn't we tell you how good they were?)

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  10. Oh WOW Linda, I'm so excited for you!!!!! I got goosebumps reading your post. Both quilts are absolutely stunning & you certainly deserved your wonderful prizes. Hehe I love it when the good guys win. :-))))

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  11. Now to the one who can do infinitely more than all we can ask or imagine according to the power that is working among us- Eph 3:20. I cheered and cried for you as a sat and read about your day! God is so faithful to us when we follow his leading. Now the the million dollar question. Does the new Bernia go into storage or into the car with you on your way to Florida?

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  12. WhooooooHoooo! I'm so happy for you! I'm not surprised at all that you won. You're so talented and the quilts are stunning!

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  13. That is so AWESOME! Your Snowflake quit is one of my all time favorite quilts and I am so excited to see you get some amazing recogniiton for your creativity. CONGRATULATIONS!!!

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  14. What amazing quilts! I can't believe you quilted a 77" quilt on a domestic machine. Too bad you didn't make it to the awards presentation. Have a great day tomorrow at Quilt Market.

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  15. Oh my goodness!!!! I am so beyond happy for you. And to win gifts!!! I know this is a feeling you will remember the rest of your life. Wish I was there and could see the quilt in person. Guess you'll have to find room for a few more things in the truck :). Congrats Linda you totally deserve it!

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  16. CONGRATULATIONS LINDA!!! What a wonderful surprise, this is so exciting. You truly deserve it.

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  17. Congratulations, how exciting!

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  18. Congratulations!!! well deserved. I once had a similar experience when I went to Rd to Ca show and found out that I won 3rd place. Couldn't wait to tell everyone at home. Again, congrats....

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  19. Oh what a wonderful experience and so very well deserved. Both your quilts are just fantastic. I can't wipe the smile of my face - so thrilled for you and what a great prize - wow, wow, wow, all this at the start of a new chapter of your life. Well done my friend, I am so proud of you and bubbling with excitement for you. Much love and every good wish and special prayers as you look around for your new home. XXXXX

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  20. Congratulations! That is awesome!

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  21. Oh my gosh, Linda!!!! Look what happens when I take my eyes off Google Reader for a day! "Congratulations!" seems very inadequate, especially since I'm, one of the last people to find out about your fabulous win, but it'll have to do. Your quilt has been a triumph from start to finish, but your careful and fastidious machine quilting was what really made it a work of art. I squealed with joy when I read this post, and my heart is still racing with vicarious excitement! Well done!!!!!!

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  22. Brilliant!! so well deserved!! I want to take a FMQ class from YOU!!! :)

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  23. Having seen your quilt at the MQS, I agree wholeheartedly with the judges!! I am soo proud of you and happy that you are starting your new move on such a happy note!

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  24. Hi Linda ..... wow how amazing and deservedly so..... your work is incredible.... thrilled for you.
    hugz from Africa
    Wendi

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  25. Congratulations! What a pleasant surprise. :)

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  26. A well deserved win. Congratulations Linda. Beautiful Quilts.

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  27. Congratulations! I was so excited to hear about your news. I'm not surprised. When I saw it in person in November I thought it was fabulous.

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  28. Linda, I'm thrilled for you and know you deserve these prices! Congratulations!
    Edith

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  29. Congratulations! No one is more deserving than you. You do beautiful work.

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  30. CONGRATULATIONS Linda. That is fantastic news and well deserved. What a shame you were on your own when you found out. Oh, how I would love to see your quilts hanging, but alas a bit far!
    Enjoy your prizes.
    I am celebrating with you.

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  31. Oh Linda, you have no idea just how happy I am for you. Wish I was nearby so I could pat you on the back. Snowflake Medallion is absolutely gorgeous- the quilting is fabulous and designed by you. What an achievement.
    Your "Life is a Celebration" is also wonderful. Love the pattern and the quilting.
    And, OH, a new sewing machine as a prize. Bestill my beating heart!

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  32. woo-hoo, way to go! And the quilts are absolutely wonderful!

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  33. Congratulations Linda! Your quilts are beautiful - and beautifully quilted - and are deserving winners!

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  34. Congratulations! Stunning quilts!

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  35. Congratulations, Linda! How awesome is that? You quilts are beautiful. Thanks for sharing your journey!

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  36. What a wonderful double surprise! Congratulations they are beautiful!!!

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  37. Congratulations Linda from Sydney, Australia. Your quilts are beautiful and I'm not surprised they won. Daphne

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  38. Congratulations. The quilts look great. Have fun with your new toy...it's the best

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  39. You know, I think the way you found out is almost better than being at the awards ceremony. It sure makes a better story!
    You're right....it's a perfect example for those of us quilting on our home machines.
    You've brought smiles to a lot of faces this morning - and I bet you re-live it over and over and over.

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  40. Congratulations!! How exciting! They are both beautiful quilts. And a new Bernina and $300 worth of thread!! Wow!

    Emily V.

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  41. WOWSA!!! I could hardly contain myself when I started reading your wonderful news! As soon as I saw that big Bernina sign beside your gorgeous quilt I wondered, "What did she win?? What did she win?? It must be a machine!!" - YOU GO GIRL!! Your work is beautiful and MOST deserving of the high honours you have earned! And quilt market too! YAHOO! I think one of my friends has a booth there this year - Prairie Quilt Mercantile, if so, say hello to Sharon and Devon for me! CONGRATULATIONS on your ribbons - SOOOO excited for you!! I think you should have some beautiful pictures taken of your 2 winning quilts and show off your quilting and piecing in a special gallery of photos post! Beautiful!
    Blessings,
    Heather xx

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  42. Linda - that's wonderful! You deserve it-your quilts are spectacular. Congratulations and all the best to you with your move to FL.
    Wendy Maliszewski

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  43. OMG! Congratulations Linda - truly well deserved.
    I am blindly jealous of your prizes too - just imagine what you will be able to create with such an amazing machine and with all those threads!

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  44. Congratulations Linda! Both prizes are well deserved. The Snowflake Medallion quilt is one of my all time favourites anyway - it literally was love at first sight and of course I love your tree quilt (I'm a big fan of Kellie's patterns) and the quilting on that is just sublime. Have fun with your new Bernina. I've got the 440 too (among others) and really love it. Hugs ♥

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  45. Congratulations Linda, how exciting and so well deserved, enjoy the thrill....

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  46. Congratulations, Linda. Fabulous news and of course you deserved it! Your fmq is just amazing! Enjoy the moment and especially your lovely Bernina.

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  47. Congratulations. Both quilts are absolutely gorgeous. A deserved win.
    Marilyn[QDU]

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  48. Linda, how fabulous for you! Congratulations. A shame you couldn't get to the Awards night. Joy (QDU).

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  49. Oh Linda congratulations I am so happy and thrilled for you. What a way to start a new life with two big wins. I am not surprised as I have always loved your quilting. I hope that you are walking on the floor once again. Blessings and hugs Sandra

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  50. How wonderful! Congratulations. Those quilts are so beautiful, and very much deserving of the rewards you received.

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  51. Congratulations Linda! Well deserved....I followed your posts on the quilting of the Snowflake Medallion quilt and think I commented then that I was in awe of your work!!! Well done!!!!! I am guessing you will need to find room for the new machine in the moving truck!! LOL

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  52. A well deserved win on both accounts Linda. They are both beautiful. Well done.

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  53. Your both quilts are really beautiful, so both prizes are well deserved!

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  54. Fantastic news, Linda
    I am mildly surprised they didn't contact you before the ceremony to check if you would be there. Never mind, the Bernina will console you, I expect :-!

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  55. Well deserved. Fantastic prizes for even more fabulous quilts!!! Congratulations.

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  56. I just found your blog yesterday
    and so glad I did.
    Congrats! what a way to learn of your awards.
    Pinch yourself. You're not dreaming.
    hugs

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  57. Congratulations are well deserved! You have given all of us who are attempting to learn FMQ on our domestic machines, hope!!!

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  58. Linda It's gorgeous. Congratulations! You used my favourite colours too>

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  59. Linda you deserve every bit of the recognition for your quilts. They are both amazing! Congratulations!!

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  60. Wow! Congratulations on your quilts! They are very well-deserved. You'll love the Bernina 440. That's what I have and I love it.

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  61. isn't that just fantastically wonderful!!! not surprising they won--absolutely beautiful. and your prizes--what fun!! so happy for you--brought tears to my eyes, too, to read all about it. isn't creating fun and then to be rewarded is thick icing on the cake. thanks for sharing and have a super great day

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  62. Congratulations Linda! Well deserved I might add. I can't imagine how excited you must have been - I'd have cried buckets I'm sure. blessings, marlene

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  63. wow Linda - huge CONGRATULATIONS - those quilts are just awesome and you deserve the wins - so glad you got best of show - that is just fabulous - wish I was there to give you big hugs :) have fun with the new machine when you see it again !

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  64. My heartfelt congratualtions on your winnings!! How wonderful for you, the quilts are both beautiful..I can't imagine the thrill you had when finding out you had won, not only once but twice..Best wishes on your new home, I know you will love it. The Villages are beautiful, so well kept and so much to do. I'll keep checking your blog for updates.

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  65. Wow! Linda that is so exciting. I missed these posts. A big Congratulations! So awesome!

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  66. Oh my goodness, Linda! CONGRATS! Sorry I am just now catching on your blog. Oh... wow, I am so happy for you!!!!

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  67. How on earth did I miss this fabulous news??? I'm not at all surprised, your quilt is just magnificent. I can't wait to hear how the new machine compares with the one you quilted your prize winner on???

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  68. Wow!!! How very very exciting for you. I'm catching up on Mid Century Modern Bee blogs and it's so cool to see your work and how well you've done. Congrats big time.

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  69. Just popped over from today's post...I love that Snowflake Medallion! An absolute beauty!! Congratulations on the winning of the two ribbons! And that wonderful new sewing machine!

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  70. Linda, Congratulations on BOS and a sewing machine to boot! Well deserved!

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