AQS Grand Rapids and it's time to come clean, everyone...

Me and "Folk Art in the Vineyard"

I had WAY too much fun in Grand Rapids at the AQS show last Friday.  My black "Folk Art in the Vineyard" wall hanging just seemed to melt into the black draped display, making it look a little mysterious.  My quilt was hung not too far from Lori Smith's booth (From My Heart To Your Hands)...she just had to lean over a little to see it.  The center blocks from my quilt were made from her pattern, "Folk Art Applique."

Jo, Judy and me

It was fun to go with Judy and meet up with other quilting friends for lunch, dinner, and show-and-tell of our purchases.

I had the opportunity to meet Sharon (currently no blog), a cyber quilting friend, in person and take pictures in front of our quilts! We have so much in common (born in the south, re-planted in the Midwest, love hand applique...).  She brought me this beautiful little bag of goodies that she had made (I was so overwhelmed!).

I am still discovering little details like the homemade attached rose and the little eyeglasses zipper pull...too cute!

And look at all the fun stuff inside!  (including a matching little tissue holder...)

Jill, of Berry Wood Lane, and I were hoping to meet at the show, but we ended up going on different days...this is her beautiful "Sunshine Sherbet," made with cheerful, sunny 30's fabrics, (picture posted with her permission).

I did my part for the economy, but found that I didn't need to report my credit card as "stolen," LOL.  I was a GOOD girl!  I did get a couple of patterns from Lori's booth...I love EVERYTHING she does.

I also stopped by the Primitive Gatherings booth...danger, danger!! I bought a wool applique kit to make as a Christmas gift.  Can you believe that I have never worked with wool?!?  I don't own any, so I had to buy a kit.  Their sample was just irresistible...I guess that is why they make them...

Look at all the beautiful colors of wool!  It will be fun not to worry about turning the edges under for a change...

Of course, my kwazy kat had to "staple" all the pattern and kit bags that I brought home (he was a stapler in a previous life).

I also got a cone of Aurefil thread for piecing and these cute little "minders" for balls of pearl cotton embroidery thread.  Don't they look just like the little goodie containers holding prizes that came out of those machines you put 25 cents into (next to the bubble gum machine, in the arcade)?  I bought them because they are practical and because I was feeling a little nostalgic.

And look what I found for a certain someone recovering from a knee procedure...I think I really shocked my show companion when I stopped at THIS booth (this is all they were selling in that particular booth, and they were making a KILLING!).

Yes, I am afraid it IS what you think it is..."bow-chicka-bow-bow..."

OK...now time to pose a question...

What is the funniest/weirdest way you have sneaked quilt show or quilt shop purchases into your house/stash?  I've heard stories of disguises and secret compartments, spare tire storage areas of car trunks filled with bags of fabric (but no tire...).  Time to fess up (WE won't tell...).

In stitches,
Teresa   :o)

Sauder Village Quilt Show, Part I

The Sauder Village Quilt Show was fun and inspirational.  Even though I was disappointed not to have my music quilt hanging, it was totally wonderful to wander around and soak up all the glorious quilts and their stories.  I took three quilts and received 3 ribbons, and I feel humbled to have quilts hanging with so many pretties!

"Folk Art in the Vineyard" won a second place ribbon in the Wall Quilt, Applique, and Hand Quilted category.  The center blocks are from the pattern "Folk Art Applique" by Lori Smith (the borders are my design).  It measures 44 x 53.

"True Friends," which I made for my husband a few years ago, won a third place ribbon in the Bed Quilt, Mixed Technique, Hand Quilted category.  It is from a book by the same name by Nancy Halvorsen, and is 86 x 100.  I used the fabric lines "Folk Art Christmas I and II" by Robin Pandolph (back when she was with Moda).  I LOVED that fabric...it was hard to cut up and use, if you know what I mean.

"Candy Parade Log Cabin" was a baby quilt I made for my daughter (during 2AM - 5AM, when she had me up, kicking the stew out of me and turning cartwheels, every night the last 3 months of the pregnancy).

I hate that it was hung on point, and kept wanting to re-pin the bottom, where the quilt had settled.  I had so much fun inventing and hand quilting the "sunshine" motifs in the white parts of the log cabin blocks.  It measured 52 x 52.

I think this Best of Show wall hanging won a first place ribbon at AQS Lancaster in March (I need to look back through the program book).  It is so beautiful.

Wow...just look at all those nice, skinny points...

A quilting acquaintance here in Ann Arbor made this Blackbird Designs quilt.  Some day I will get back to my baskets...

LOVED the bunnies...

More bunnies to love...

 This quilt fascinated me.  The tiny dresses were so beautifully made (smocking, embroidery and all kinds of amazing detail)...were they made for the quilt, or from a doll collection?  The owner didn't put any details on her tag...I may have to look her up and call her to put my curiosity to rest.

I loved this quilt, hated that they hung it on point, and around a corner...ick!  It won the overall "Best Traditional" award in addition to a second place ribbon.

I am a sucker for vibrant bargello quilts, and here are two of them!

This Blackbird Designs quilt is hexies on applique steroids!

Yippee!  Weiner dogs!

This was so elegant and stunning in person...with the fabric choices and the little mirrors in the centers of the posies, it really sparkled.

This is such a nice use of pink and brown reproduction fabrics...loved it.

 Very Sweet baby quilt...

This quilt was so exciting...it really popped.  Where's the ribbon, where's the justice??

Sweet dreams to ewe...hee-hee-hee.

My friend Mary Jones made this beautiful quilt from a pattern designed by Ola Rosselot, Mary and myself a couple of years ago (from a shop hop).  I love, love, love Ola's amazing center applique design!  It is made entirely with Jo Morton reproduction fabrics.

Another quilt featuring spools, this time by Edyta Sitar. Everything about this quilt was so beautiful!

I hope you found these as inspiring as I did!  There's nothing like a quilt show to lift the spirits.  I will post more next time.

In stitches,
Teresa  :o)