HMQS sightings

A little eye candy to start things off right! This was one of my favorite quilts at the show--very traditional. And there weren't as many of these as I would have liked to see.

I just returned last night from two days at the Home Machine Quilting Show in Salt Lake City. As amazing as all the quilts are (and we'll get to those later), what is really fun is seeing all the people. First there are the "big names" that teach the classes. They are the authors, designers and quilters extraordinaire. And they are real people, too!
My first class was with Karen McTavish. I had been taught McTavishing once in a FMQ class last year, but that was about all I knew about her. I was amazed at how traditional her approach is to machine quilting, and as somewhat of a traditionalist myself, I must admit that I loved it.

I must have been star-struck here. I look like a deer in the headlights. I guess that doesn't mean much to you if you've never lived around deer.
This class was about deciding how to quilt a top and I learned many good things that hopefully will help me get beyond the "thinking about it" stage and on to the "doing" part.


My next class was from Sally Terry. It was about fillers and meanders in "wiggle room." Again, there were many good ideas in this class, but I think I lean more toward Karen's style (though I love Sally's feather method). Sally was awarded the HMQS show Teacher of the Year award for 2012 at Thursday's awards assembly.

My last class was yesterday morning from...well, I'll let her tell you...

Her system of using stencils that just give you the register lines within which you create your design is very intriguing, and freeing! She is a delightful teacher and was very thoughtful of the cameraman assigned to her class. That impressed me.

Then there are the people that you have met through blogs and finally get to meet in person. Sandra, of Textile Time Travel  blog, had a booth for quilt appraising. I was able to drop in and visit. Look at that incredible vintage quilt behind us. What a study in fabrics.

Robin, of Solstice Studio blog recognized me from the recent post where I met up with Carla. As I walked by and heard my name I looked around for a familiar face and didn't see one. I knew Robin was coming to the show, but for some reason I had it in my mind that she wouldn't be there until Saturday, when I would be home. But as soon as I saw her I realized who it must me. She is such a fun gal. We had a good time visiting, along with her friends. Thanks, Ladies!

Finally, a most heartfelt thanks to DH for getting me there and back and to his cousins and my good friends, Cindy and Teresa, for hosting me while I was there.

I'll leave you with another lovely quilt and I'll try to squeeze in a post tonight showing some of the amazing quilts. Many of them have been in other shows that have been going on around the country, but I think there are some you haven't seen. There are some real showstoppers, but these traditional quilts are what warm my heart. : )

There were a few tagless quilts in the show, and unfortunately this happened to be one of them, so I don't know who did it. I love the extra something that this type of sashing can add to an already lovely quilt.

Until next time,

Janet O.