ka-BLAM*

*the sound of my head exploding after awesome Quilt Superstar overload!

Last night's TMQG meeting was the BEST YEST! (sorry for the excessive use of exclamation points, but c'mon, peeps, TOTAL QUILT GIDDINESS).

We met at Karen Gray Design, a change in venue for this special meeting. Bittersweet for me, Karen has sold this gorgeous bastion to a delightful young quilter, Gina. BUT Karen is staying in the area pursuing other creative endeavors. Expect to hear great new things from her!

Our guest speaker? 

Yes, the quilt-stud himself! Quilt Dad, John Adams!
Can I just say, besides being a great quilter, imaginative, tall and handsome, he is such a nice guy and a true gentleman. He was delightful. He told his quilt story, showed his awesome work, answered questions and hung out.  His quilts are beautiful. As an extra, several of the quilts were quilted by the Superstar, Angela Walters. And let me tell you, her work is more inspiring in person. We also got to see his 2 Nightshade quilts featured in the current issue of FatQuarterly. Again, gorgeous!

One more awesome Angela quilt was shown, by the sweet Gina (new owner of the shop "The Little General"). And you can read about it here!

New Class Sample

September always heralds "Back to School" and at the LQS, that means a new schedule of classes. I have been teaching FMQ, a beginner and advanced for about 18 months now. I really feel good about my Beginner level class. I take the time to talk about needles, threads, battings, basting, setting up the machine and sewing space, as well as introducing great accessories to make it more fun, and maybe a little less intimidating.

I have made several samples to use, but I get tired of looking at the same old stuff, so I cranked out a new class sample:

I used polyester thread on the top and cotton on the bottom so my students can compare the two.

I have a BIG announcement coming up, and once that is in the rear view mirror, I am going to make a large, densely quilted sample to hang in the shop.

So many quilts to make, so little time!

on a roll..

Another completion! 

 Daydreams

This is a small (16"x18") art quilt for a challenge at my LQS (Sewingly Yours). We each received a small pice of fabric to design a quilt around. My fabric is the orange mottle fabric. I love orange and this fabric is so bright. It was fun to work with no set plan in mind. 

I pieced the background and appliqued the sun. The free motion was so fun. My new Baby Lock is awesome!

This is also a Viewer's Choice show. Maybe I'll get some votes!

Great Class!

I teach FMQ* at my LQS once each month. Last year was all beginner, and this year, I have developed an advanced level class. Yesterday was the first of my advanced class. 

I had 4 super, sweet and talented quilters, and we had such fun! We chatted about family, fabric, machines, oil prices. If only the world leaders were quilters, (sigh).

These ladies inspire me so, they all do absolutely beautiful work and I am humbled by their attention! And fearlessness, they will try anything!

All of them do such wonderful work. They do not seem to realize that for them, I am less of a teacher, but more of a coach. And I learn so much from them!

Thank you so much Phyllis, Connie, Linda and Marjorie! You made my Saturday so great!

*FMQ = Free Motion Quilting