Sunday, September 20, 2015

Utah Quilt Guild Quiltfest--People and Projects

I spent three days this past week at the Utah Quilt Guild annual Quiltfest. This was my first time attending and I had a blast. 
Wednesday I had a class from the very talented Marsha McCloskey. She was teaching the English Ivy block you see behind her, to the left, in the photo below. 


Marsha likes to make sure you understand how to draft the pattern before you embark on the cutting and stitching. She patiently walked us through the steps of how to draft the ivy block in one of two sizes--6" finished block, or 3" finished block. Which do you think I chose? Marsha had her little sample of the 3" block in a frame. So cute.

The goal was to learn the drafting process and then actually complete one block in the class, which I happily did.  Don't we look happy about it? This woman loves mini quilts as much as I do.
Marsha is an excellent teacher, and she really knows her stuff! This was the last conference she is going to be attending that requires travel by air. So in the future, if you want a class from Marsha, you will have to go to her!



 After dinner that night I went to my hotel room and set up to sew. I was struck by this stipple patterned chair and ottoman in my room. Then I was struck by a migraine, which made sewing a challenge, but I powered through it.








         




I turned the ottoman into my cutting station.
The desk was my sewing table.



And a small end table rounded things out as my pressing station.
By the time I was ready to turn in for the night I had completed three more blocks. It felt so good!
I know I am going to make a small quilt. Just can't decide whether to set the 4 blocks, go for 6 blocks, or take it all the way to 9 blocks. (Just in case the thought crosses your mind, Julie L., no--I am not going to make an entire bed quilt with blocks this size.)

Thursday I was in class with Lisa Bongean as teacher. I have had class from Lisa before and I knew I was in for a good time.
 She is very thorough, and extremely patient with her remedial students, like myself. Did I mention that she is a lot of fun? You can see our project on the table in the photo below.
 She had a friend with her, which made for twice the laughs. Do you recognize Geoff's Mom? Well, I didn't, but I sure will now. I knew the pattern name, but didn't know her name or her face. So I was talking to her for some time before it clicked. I felt brilliant. : )

I took a couple of my small projects that were designed by Lisa, and I did get her signature on the label of "Burgoyne Strikes Gold".








My project is far from completed, but I do have everything on the front two scallops stitched. I love this cozy little piece. It is named Winter Cabins.









I missed Friday, but on Saturday I was back and spent the first part of the morning manning the hand quilting station. Can you see what is behind me? How appropriate.
 The rest of my morning was spent taking tickets for the quilt show/vendor mall.

In the afternoon I browsed the show and vendor mall and then sat and stitched on my Winter Cabins candle mat.
Now and then I would stretch my legs, and on one of those ventures I happened upon Sandra Starley's class on vintage quilts. She invited me in to take a look at the quilt that was currently being discussed.
 I've seen Sandra do a trunk show before, but someday I'd love to sit in her class.

Next time I will share quilts with you. Both Marsha and Lisa did trunk shows and displayed quilts in their classes. And there was a quilt show, too, remember? Don't worry, I didn't photograph everything, but there will be plenty of eye candy.

Until then,
Janet O.

P.S. The night before attending Quiltfest, I stayed with my friend, Gayle (Middle Sister blog). Her home is a quilt show all by itself. There were dozens of little quilts, hooked rugs, and needle punch projects at every turn, displayed with lovely vintage and prim decor. This woman is so talented--creativity is evident throughout her home. And her studio is amazing. I strongly encouraged her to post about her home, and I really hope she does so that you can all enjoy it as I did. (hint, hint) : )

30 comments:

  1. What a great quiltfest you attended! Excellent teachers..I think Marsha was one of the first quilters I heard about back in the day, and I continue to love her quilts! As for Lisa, awesome that you got to attend her class and that she signed your Burgoyne mini! Love seeing your hotel room sewing studio. You have made some gorgeous blocks!

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  2. oh nooooo....say it ain't so about marsha!!! i have been wanting to take one of her classes for eons!!!....maybe she will go the video route like bonnie? i hope so....looks like you had an awesome time with all these great professionals....can't wait to see what you make from all this....

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  3. I assume you saw the "shout out" Lisa gave you on her blog the other day? I have to say that I agree with her ... that your little Burgoyne Surrounded is Paducah worthy! How awesome that she signed the label. I love your little English Ivy blocks - cute. And impeccably done ... not that I would have expected anything less. I'm looking forward to Gayle's tour/quilt show. Ha!

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  4. Oh how FUN! I am so glad you got to go!

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  5. I have never had a class with Marsha but have admired her quilts for years and thought she must be a good teacher.

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  6. Woohoo! Great post....sounds like a very full weekend. I agree with Lisa....send that mini to Paducah. Just this one time.

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  7. Yes...you should definitely make that into a bed sized quilt! Glad you had a great time - can't wait to see more pictures.

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  8. Thank you for sharing your pictures! So much fun to see these when it's too far to attend!

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  9. No doubt for me !! You had a wonderful week with wonderful persons !! :)
    Your little blocks are soooo cute !
    Thank you for all these beautiful photos !

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  10. Your little 3" English Ivy blocks are so pretty as little flowers, which is how I choose to perceive them. Nice work and so sorry you had to ignore a migraine in the process. You really set up your hotel room into precious little sewing stations, good girl!

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  11. Way to soak up plenty of quilty molecules to fuel your passion even more! Love that.

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  12. Wonderful that you could attend and be taught by Marsha and Lisa. Cute little blocks you made. They would give me a migraine, LOL. It's the final day of our Local Quilt Festival. After Church I'll go take pictures of the Ribboned winners. Have a great and restful Sunday!

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  13. This post has so much eye candy! I really love Winter Cabins. It's time for me to get out a wool project I think.

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  14. Wonderful, Janet, it sounds like you had an amazing and inspiring time. Love the wee blocks you made. Looking forward to seeing more from your time away. So cool that Lisa signed your quilt, as well!

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  15. Janet, it looks like you had a great time. I love how your English Ivy blocks turned out. They look like they're a lot of work, although probably less than some of your others. Love your minis!!

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  16. What a fun few days for you and beautiful projects started as well. it is sad to me that our favorite gurus are winding down so to speak and making changes to make their quilting lives a bit simpler. It just never entered my mind that this was bound to happen. I am certainly looking for ways to make my life simpler as I get older! I am sure Lisa was blown away seeing your quilts and it is so nice you got them signed by her. Super fun time!
    Mary

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  17. Wow! What an awesome opportunity to learn from the best. Sounds like Lisa loved your mini Borgoyne S. (But what's not to love). Glad you had a great time and got to hang out with Gayle as well.

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  18. Sweet little blocks and so many amazing quilts and minis, wonderful opportunity to learn from some great teachers, thanks for all the photos!

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  19. Enjoyed reading your post very much and hearing about quilt fest. Thanks for sharing!

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  20. What a fun filled post! I would love to take a class from Marsha. Your english ivy blocks will make a lovely quilt. I'm impressed you were able to make 3 more that evening and with a migraine. She must have been very inspiring.
    So much eye candy in this post. Thanks for sharing and I look forward to more.

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  21. That old saying "if there is a will, there is a way" is so true, you set up your hotel room for convince and comfort. Way to go, you had it all right there. Your English Ivy block is lovely, the size you made is perfect for your style of quilting, lol the smaller the better for you, lol Glad that you enjoyed you class with Marsha and you were able to get three more finished. Good Job, Janet

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  22. What a fabulous opportunity to have such great teachers in your area. Love your blocks!

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  23. Looks like you have a wonderful time! Love all of the quilts and blocks.
    Kristie

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  24. Looks like you had a wonderful time learning new things and meeting people. I loved your hotel room sewing studio!
    Your tiny blocks looks perfect.

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  25. Oh what fun! Thank you so much for sharing!

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  26. So fun Mom! I really like that english ivy block! So sorry about your migraine :(...but it looks like you were super productive anyway :)

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  27. Just saw your cute face on Lisa Bonjean's blog. I agree you should enter your quilt at Paducah. What a great endorsement!

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  28. HI Janet - So fun to see all that you got to do at Quilt Fest - You were a very busy lady! Very cozy set up you made for sewing in your room - and I agree with Lisa - you should enter your little quilt in Paducah. I know you're not at all self-promoting, but you owe it to the mini quilt loving public so it would be a service to us all! Thanks for your kind words about my house - I loved having you here for the evening - you're welcome to come anytime!

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  29. That looks like so much fun! One of these days, I would love to take a class at a quilt show! I have had some classes, but never at a show. I love the 3" English ivy block. Of course, I knew you wouldn't make the larger one. :-)

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