LAUGHTER CHALLENGE

Our small fiber art group....PTA.....entered the AQS Ultimate Guild Challenge....our 8 quilts were accepted. We didn't earn a ribbon....but the event was a wonderful road trip for 7 of us yesterday.

Our 'challenge' was to create a 32" square quilt featuring a letter of the word LAUGHTER, which we drew from a paper bag. Upon retrospect, we know our pieces weren't as cohesive as they might have been.....but no regrets on our part....... This group works and plays together ver well.

I hope you enjoy our little display....unfortunately the hanging system and the poor lighting didn't show our work off at its best. They will all be exhibited at the Biltmore Estates in the fall where I'm sure they will shine.

"L" - made by Connie Brown

"A" - made by Mary Stori

"U" - made by Barbara Swinea

"G" - made by Georgia Bonesteel

"H" - made by Lynne Harrill

"T" - made by Jodie Smith

"E" - made by Kate Weston

"R" - made by Dort Lee

QUILT SHOW JUDGING

I've had the honor of judging most of the large and many smaller guild quilt shows over the last 20+ years of teaching. Today I was at the other end.......as a volunteer helper for the first of two days of judging for the Asheville Quilt Guild's Annual Quilt Show which will be held at the WNC Arborteum - Aug. 7-9, 2009.

It's always a great show and this year is no exception.....the quilts are fabulous!

Most of you have never seen the inner workings of quilt judging, so perhaps you are curious.

Each group/association handles this task differently, in part due to facility availability. Many shows held at large conference venues will have us judge the quilts as they are already hung. Others, like AQG must hang the quilts just prior to the show, which doesn't allow for the two days necessary for the judges to properly view and critique them.

Our guild uses a large, well lighted room at the Arboretum. The day before judging begins, all entered quilts are dropped off by their owners, along with the proper entry forms. Each is assigned a number and placed in its proper category. Since there are over 300 entries in this show, with amateur and professionals separated, that adds up.

As judging begins on the first of the two days, here's a view of the room.......groups of quilts have protective coverings and await the judges.

This is a long view as the two judges begin, viewing and selecting ribbon winners from each category. First the quilts are fanned to give them a quick overview.....next each one is held up by two holders as the judges decide whether to 'hold' or 'release' the quilt. The 'held' quilts are then further examined, one by one as they are critiqued....and the 'release' process continues until the 3 ribbon places are awarded. (Sometimes more if honorable mentions or a other special award is given.) Scribes note the judges comments which will be presented to the quilt's owner at the end of the show.

From all the first place ribbon winners in every category, a BEST OF SHOW quilt is selected....which bumps up the second and third place winners one position in that specific category.

The judges make thoughtful comments, both positive and constructive about the design, workmanship, fabrics etc. Though the maker must remember, it's only the opinion of the judges that day.......it can help to provide guidance for improvement.

Judi Gunter

Judi Gunter, a certified NQA judge presented a program for the Asheville Quilt Guild's monthly meeting. Her collection of antique quilts and other memorabilia were featured in her lecture focusing on First Ladies of this country. Beginning with Martha Washington, she told interesting tid bits about how each piece related to the life and times of that time period.

I wish I'd had taken notes so I could share the history of these photos......hopefully you'll have the opportunity to hear her speak sometime. But, please enjoy these vintage pieces....

QUILT FEST 2009 FAREWELL

There couldn't have been a nicer finale to the close of Quilt Fest 2009 then a farewell dinner at the home of the owner of Tennessee Quilts, one of the best quilt shops I've ever set foot in. If you are ever near Joneborough or Johnson City, TN.......stop in. Heck, even if you aren't near....make it a point to go! If you are attending the AQS Knoxville show this week......seek our their booth too.

The conference was as well organized as I've ever had the pleasure of working. No detail was too small......I'd go back in a heartbeat.

Linda's home is about 20 mins. outside of Jonesborough......and what a view. It's on family property which they've farmed for generations. They own just about as far as you can see....well at least to the tree line from this view.

Her home is tastefully decorated with QUILTS prominently displayed!! Linda custom designed these three panels to fit into the high front hall entry alcove. I hadn't realized she was such a fan of glitz......my kinda gal.....the bead fringe on the pieces was the perfect touch.

I couldn't resist asking her who hung this quilt which was at least 20 feet from the floor......her painter!

Here's another......

Of course here sewing room was to die for.......she has a magnificent view overlooking their property.....plenty of storage, a big design wall......and one of those new electric adjustable sewing tables. We were all pea green at the thought of such a luxury! This gal works HARD.....so she deserves it.

As I was leaving the Inn in the morning.......hauling my suitcases down the brick sidewalk to my car.......I was greeted by this hot air balloon. Life is good!!!

MORE FUN AT TENNESSEE QUILTS

How can you spot a quilter? By the threads on their clothing......

After the evening banquet Friday night for Quilt Fest 2009, we teachers strolled down the charming brick streets of downtown Jonesborough, TN toward the Inn where we were housed. Happily, we stumbled upon 'Music on the Square" which is a free concert every Friday night during the summer. As you can see, it's well attended.

The lively band woke us up so we hung around for about a hour tapping our toes to Wolf Creek.
I was particularly impressed with their sign.......Litter is a HUGE problem in Western North Carolina......beyond belief actually. I appreciate their effort to remind attendees not to litter and hopefully, that will translate actions beyond that evening.

Many folks brought their dogs to join the fun........this pup was very friendly. When we asked what breed it was....the owner said: Tennessee Love Child. Clever......

VIEWS FROM THE ROAD

At the end of day 2 of teaching.......5 teachers and all their 'stuff', plus a driver.....were crammed into a vehicle for our return to the hotel.........despite a long day.....we are still all smiling...

Sue Nickels still looks comfortable.......even sitting on a seat belt clip!

Each noon hour, one faculty member presents a lecture......Jo Morton wowed us with her precious small traditional quilts......

Here's my sweet room in the Historic Eurkea Inn in Jonesorough, TN.......

a lovely place to stay....

HISTORIC JONESBOROUGH, TN

Quilt Fest 2009, is a charming small conference. It's been held for years with a very faithful following that reaches far beyond the nearby states. The teaching facilities are about 15 mins. away in Johnson City.......some of the best I've ever taught in. I'd come back to teach here in a heartbeat! The historic town of Jonesborough, TN, where we teachers are housed is adorable.

The downtown is filled with delightful shops, wonderful restaurants, and great antique stores to roam.

Doesn't this court house scream.......down south!?!

It's always such a pleasure to teach with one's good teacher buddies. Jane Sassaman and I arrived at the same time. We were a bit too early to check into......The Historic Eureka Inn (Highly recommended if you are ever in the area.) I'm sure they don't usually have just two guest that fill their lobby area with their suitcases. Too bad I didn't get a photo about 10 minutes later when Sue Nickels and Susan Cleveland showed up.....with 3 bags each.

Here's Jane......relaxing a bit as we wait to get into our rooms.

We learned that the 2009 International BMW rally was being held in the area.....the town is FULL of grinning respectful cyclist.....on their very shiny turned out bikes. "The husband" rides one too and I was sorry he was missing that adventure.

NEEDLE IN HAND

I'm off today to teach at Quilt Fest 2009 in Johnson City, TN.......workshops and lectures are at The Centre right behind the Carnegie Hotel - Thurs. - Sat.

The husband is holding down the fort here........I resisted giving him a honey do list!

Two of my full day workshops will focus on beading techniques.......can't wait to share the fun with my students!

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS

Have you ever wondered how the Great Smoky Mountains got its name? Gaze upon these pictures.....what appears might be smoke is actually clouds......beautiful no??

You can see this natural wonder in person by joining me as we explore the sights, crafts, quilts, foods, and friendly people of these mountains.....click here for all the details of my Great Smoky Mountain Quilt Tour.

PTA SHOW AND TELL

Like all quilters who gather.......we enjoy show and tell...... I hope you enjoy seeing these fabulous pieces.

Janice Maddox created this piece as a result of a Jane Sassaman workshop.

Linda Cantrell is exploring inspirations from her South Africa teaching trip.

Mary Berry created this fun quilt using food conversation print fabrics.

Judy Simmons has collaged and stitched what she calls 'leftovers' of her printed images....matted them and will have them for sale at the Southern Highlands Craft Fair July 16-19th, at the Asheville Civic Center. I wish I had these kinds of leftovers!!

Kate Weston shared this lovely floral quilt......the border couldn't be more perfect!!

Georgia Bonesteel has a new line of fabric.....sorry this photo doesn't show the quilt in full......she's incorporated the lovely prints into blocks to represent beds.......it was such a clever way to display all the various colorways and designs.