28 February, 2012

Mid-Atlantic Musings


There is much to report from my recent time away. First, this photo was taken in the vendor's mall by Marcie's friend with her camera. Marcie posted it on her blog over at Patchalot and I lifted if from her! What a huge delight to run into my bloggy-buddy early on Friday. The Princess of Patchalot is fun and friendly; we picked right up where we left off when we last saw each other... two years ago! In fact, we lingered together at a table where we compared purchases and traded tips on products and patterns. I introduced her to my friends and she did likewise to hers, the conversation was easy and free-flowing. It was a great meeting of minds and hearts; hard to believe that we haven't been longtime, real-life, friends. Cultivating friendships is what Quilt Festival is all about.
The first purchase that I made on Wednesday evening at the Vendor's Mall preview was this book. I shopped from a list (much less dangerous that way) and this newly published one was first on my list, I found it right away. The remainder of my purchases were slow and methodical, all from that same list; threads, needles and a few long arm tools. The impulsive buy was limited to a few clever short-cut rulers, (and a few unplanned fat quarters), I easily rationalized those: better tools, more quilts in a shorter time! Shopping fun is what Quilt Festival is all about.

There was time for dinner out with long-time friends, and not just any dinner either; Surf Rider serves up the very best Crab Cakes I have ever tasted. We waited outside, in the rain, for an hour just to get a table inside this restaurant... that's how good the food is here! Do any of us look unhappy or disappointed in this photograph? Time spent strengthening old friendships in familiar places over delicious meals is what Quilt Festival is all about.

I attended a lecture presented by Ami Simms: Living With Quilts... A Survival Guide, it was fun and humorous, she shared photos and told stories of her quilting life at home. Ami has a wicked sense of humor. There were door prizes awarded before the lecture began and I was the lucky recipient of this book. I already have a copy here at home and would like to offer this prize to one of you. If you find yourself burdened by blue ribbons or overloaded with cash awards from entering your quilts into judged competitions this book covers the finer points that will help you out of that dilemma! Leave me a comment and I will draw a lucky name on Friday morning. Surprises is what Quilt Festival is all about.

This is a small portion of a the AAQI traveling exhibit that was part of the quilt show. This exhibit, "Heartbreak to Hope" raises funds and promotes awareness, through art quilts, of the dreadful disease that is Alzheimer's. The long purple banners bear the names of those who now have, or have had, Alzheimer's or a similar dementia diagnosed. These panels represent friends and loved ones; seeing them displayed, row after row, is a powerful visible reminder of the people behind the diagnosis. This exhibit had a profound effect on me; I couldn't take it all in at one time. I visited "Heartbreak to Hope" in several different time segments, going slowly and reading each and every story one at a time. Quilts with a purpose is what Quilt Festival is all about.
I took a class on Saturday, String Quilting, from Ami Simms. The class was relaxed and educational all at the same time! I learned a new technique for piecing some fast (and cute) string blocks and came home with this stack of twenty-five blocks all ready to set together. Learning new tricks and gaining inspiration from knowledgeable instructors is what Quilt Festival is all about.

As usual, it all went by too fast! I can't wait to make plans all over again for next year; it's always good to get away and yet, even better to come back home again. My quilt battery is fully charged and my energy level has been boosted through all that I saw and experienced; because, like the hokey-pokey, that IS what Quilt Festival's all about!
Life is Good!
Update: The book giveaway is officially closed, a winner has been chosen. Congratulations to Liz A.!


20 comments:

StitchinByTheLake said...

I'd love to take a class from Ami Simms - I know that had to be tons of fun! blessings, marlene

Kathy ... aka Nana said...

Sounds like I need to add Quilt Festival to my traveling bucket list.

Everywhere I turn, I'm seeing strip quilts ... I think I need to add a string quilt to my quilting bucket list. I wonder if Ami Simms has a book showing her string piecing technique ... I'd sure be interested. ;-)

Jo Vandermey said...

I love Ami Simms when I have seen her online. I hate taking myself too seriously. I am the designated clown of the family.
I have yet to make it to a large quilt festival and would love the experience with friends. I hope to go to the Vermont quilt festival in June this year.
I have Ami's hand quilting book.
Someday our plan here is to travel, hit some quilt shows and while I browse my husband can go golfing, read or snooze!

lindsey said...

Looks like you had an amazing time and so nice to meet up with friends!

Glenda in Florida said...

Sounds like you had a great time at the show. I've been to that one twice. I'd love to win that book--I check for Ami's newsletter on the first of every month. I did catch a lecture once in Houston, and hope someday to be able to take a class from her. Thanks for the chance to win.

Cathi said...

I'm not so new to quilting..been at it for about 7 years now, but have been in a slump! Perhaps a new book would bring me back. LOL

Janet O. said...

Looks like such a good time, Mrs. G. And I gather that is what Quilt Festival is all about! Never been to a quilt festival of any kind. Would love to do it someday. I guess I don't need the book--I don't enter quilts in anything. The burden of ribbons would be my Mother's problem. : )

Teresa in Music City said...

I must check out that quilting designs book - looks good!!! Thanks for sharing. Now that I know what Quilt Festival is all about I may need to add it to my list of things to do! =^..^=

regan said...

Too funny.....I was thinking Hokey Pokey before I got to the end! lol

I think that Alzheimer's exhibit has impact! Just looking at the picture was powerful; I can't imagine the feelings I'd have seeing it in person.

How smart of you to take a list.....the temptation is so great at shows, and I always give in to it so easily!

I have a friend who took a class with Ami Simms years ago.....she still talks about her, and how great an instructor and quilter she is! Fun!

LizA. said...

It sounds like a wonderful Tim. Such restraint--sticking to a list! The AAQI exhibit is something I want to see. My aunt's name is on one of those purple strips.....

Nane said...

I hate I missed the Alzheimer's exhibit, and the crabcake! Oh yeah and hanging out with ya'll.

AnnieO said...

Marcie's posts always make me laugh--I would love to meet her in person. What a great plan for your festival time--and allowance for going off list :) Glad it was a wonderful time. I would love to win a copy of that book!

Sharon said...

I have only entered one quilt in our small local show. No ribbon so no real burden there. But I would love the book. Love your blog and loved reading the Great Closet Clean out!

Beth said...

Hello
It sounds like this conference should be on my bucket list - along with the crab cakes! I have not had the opportunity to take a class with Ami, but the book would be a great start!

Your blog is on my list of "regular reads". Thank you for sharing :)

Susan said...

I've never entered a quilt in a show so I'm not burdened by blue ribbons! The book sounds like a fun read though. Loved the pictures of the show. Maybe I will get to go when I retire.

Carrie P. said...

fun! one of these days I am going.

Carole said...

Looks like it was such a wonderful time. I would love to run into Marcie! ;o) She is such a wonderful quilter. Thanks for sharing!

45th Parallel Quilter said...

I have learned MANY wonderful tips from Ami Simms ... it would be wonderful to take a class from her! Please enter my name in your drawing ... I would love to add this book to my quilting library.

Jeanne said...

Glad you were able to take a class with Ami (which rhymes with salami). Isn't she a hoot along with being a wonderful person and quilter!

MARCIE said...

Very nice post. I love the crab cakes at Surfrider! So fun seeing you and meeting your friends too! I bet your class with Ami Sims was fun. I love sewing strips! Also, the Alzheimer exhibit was amazing. Very touching and creative.