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.!