Would someone please tell me where the summer has gone? I saw school supplies for sale at Walmart the other day. It simply can’t be true that school begins in less than one month. I’m so not ready for summer to be over. I’ve still got so much to do!
But as previously promised, I want to post an update about my wonderful, incredible, amazing week at the Vermont Quilt Festival. And wow — what an incredible week is was! It was a whirlwind from the Monday I left Tampa until early the following Monday morning when I arrived home! But I wouldn’t have traded or missed a moment of it for the world. I had the extreme privilege to work with three other incredible judges to judge the spectacular quilts: Mary Stori, Barbara Broshous, and Cindy Erikson. I simply love judging quilt shows — the opportunity to get up close and personal and to really study the quilts is something I consider a privilege. And this show did NOT disappoint! The caliber of the quilts for this non-juried show was tremendous. I’m in awe of the quilters from all over the country (and the world) who entered this year’s show!
After the judging was complete and the prizes were awarded, the classes began. My classes were held in classrooms at St. Michael’s College and although the classrooms were full to the brim, no one really complained. It was actully quite wonderful that all of my classes were full of students who were there to learn, create, and stretch their creativity muscles! The first class was the all day mystery quilt class, I love Vermont. I was amazed at how many students completed their tops or at least finished their blocks by the end of the day!
The second day I taught two half day classes: Jelly Roll Magic and my ever-pleasing crowd favorite lecture/demo/technique class, “They Put Those Lines on the Mat for a Reason.” The students LOVED this class! I’m always amazed that there is so much information to share, and I’m happy to impart so many tips and tricks for successful rotary cutting — which leads to precious piecing.
The next day was another mystery quilt class, Star Gazing. The colors and fabrics chosen by the students were astounding. You should have seen the exquisite quilts! And finally, I taught the Chain Saw quilt from my book, Jelly Roll Quilts & More. What a great way to end the week — on an absolute high note! And in between the classes there was an awards ceremony, the fabulous chocolate and champagne reception for the opening of the show, the judges’ forum, and finally, the much-anticipated students’ show and tell. All the events were great and I just couldn’t recommend this particular show more. I hope to be able to returne to Vermont for another VQF in the future, and I hope if you find yourself in the New England area in June, you’ll make plans to attend this MUST-SEE show!
Photos are up and ready to see under the PHOTOS tab at the top of the page…..
I just had to spend a few minutes this morning looking over the photos from VQF, and reliving the fun. I took the “I Love Vermont” mystery quilt class with my cousins, and we still talk about how much fun it was–thanks! My quilt isn’t quilted yet, but it is in the pile, ready and waiting. Enjoy the rest of the summer.