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) : )