Lora and I had a wonderful time together last week. We gave our "What is Modern Quilting?" program to about 150 quilters at Quilting Guild of The Villages (QGOTV). I'm happy to say that we received some welcome feedback, including one person who said that our program was one of the two best ones she's ever heard! Now that's positive reinforcement!
We might have impressed QGOTV with the 17 door prizes we brought, thanks to generous book donations by AQS (Modern Quilts and More, among other titles) and Storey Publishing (Quilting With a Modern Slant), and seven battings for this event from Quilter's Dream. All good stuff!
Following our presentation, an extra special addition to our modern trunk show was having Sandi Snow join us, from Lutz, Florida, to show two of her award-winning quilts.
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| (L) Lora, and Sandi |
Sandi's other quilt was the AccuQuilt Challenge winner. If it looks somewhat familiar, you've probably seen it in AccuQuilt print ads, in quilting magazines.
The day after our program, Lora and I led two Improvisational Block workshops. Students made these 15-1/2" X 15-1/2" blocks using fabrics Lora and I pulled and cut from our own stash. Yah, that was somewhat painful. By weight, each bundle was wrapped into a 3 kit.
The morning class was full. That's Lora (in the orange top) and me, lower left front, with 13 of our quilting friends.
The afternoon class was smaller, but no less enthusiastic! I have no doubt whatsoever that we'll be seeing some of these quilters at future Central Florida MQG meetings. Maybe even tonight!
After I was featured on the Quilter's Dream blog as their June battgirl, I learned I was being sent a box of "thank you" battings! Look at the great assortment I received! Looks like I've got a few quilts to make! In my next quilt, I'll be using a combination of Dream Poly (request) and Dream Wool - that's something new for me to try - and then I'm anxious to use Orient. The pink pin at the bottom of the photo says I'm a BattGirl.
On Wednesday two-weeks/eight hours of Beyond First Time Quiltmaking starts. Besides making the 54" X 60" quilt top with a variety of pieced blocks, students will learn how to make my favorite binding - the one with no tails to join, and machine-sewn mitered corners, like the tutorial here. To demonstrate, I prepared this 32" X 42" quilt and binding.
So, everything is ready, though I'm just now getting to quilt the quilt! I'm feeling a little free-motion-rusty, but as I keep quilting every day, I can tell I'm getting back in the groove.
I'm trying to include quite a bit of straight-line quilting, so students will see how effective it is, and very do-able.
It's been two weeks of too much fun! Linda
Wow, Linda! Your improv demo might have been painful, but it was very generous purging - good for you! I have some blocks like those that I should make into a quilt someday. Have fun FMQg.
ReplyDeleteSo fun! I bet your lecture was amazing :-)
ReplyDeleteIf only I could have been a mouse in the corner! I"d so love to hear your lecture!! I"m sure that you made some converts, Linda.
ReplyDeleteLucky girls! So, when you straight line those small triangles, are you stopping/starting with each line, or just going back and forth? It looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteYou sure are a busy girl. Good luck for the days ahead!
ReplyDeleteWhat an exciting time you're having! I hope you find time to make some quilts for yourself soon with your new battings. Fun,
ReplyDeleteWhat an busy and fun time you've had again lately. Dream Wool is one of my most favorite batting, I'm eager to hear how you like it. More fantastic classes you've taught; I can't believe you've given them fabric from your stash. You are a sweetie, but then I knew that already ;)!
ReplyDeleteYou are BUSY!!! I laughed when I read your email this morning about being ready soon for a break from the "fun" stuff. I kind of feel the same way and I'm not nearly as busy as you are. Lucky students to have such a dedicated teacher. Be sure to enjoy the process.
ReplyDeleteWhat an enriching time you've had with the guild program! Those blocks look so pretty hung up together- it looks as if it was worth the stash raid. All those batting packages- you have your work cut out for you (no pun intended).
ReplyDeleteYou're quite the celebrity now! :D I love watching all your sharing fun - although I know it's a ton of work, too. The straight-line quilting looks really nice in that one, and it sets of the partial-circle motifs very nicely.
ReplyDeleteGiving a talk to 150 people - Gulp! Teaching a two week class - yikes! You never slow down. Love the improv blocks and how you generously share knowledge, and now, your stash.
ReplyDeleteI always love your quilt designs Linda. I haven't yet tried the little circles but I think I might practice that a bit this week - I love the way it looks. blessings, marlene
ReplyDeleteSo glad the lecture went well, I never had any doubts.
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