Friday, June 17, 2011

New AQS Blog - Get Your Quilt Views and News Here!

AQS continues to bring you more news and new features on the Internet. Our latest change is to combine our four blogs into one blog where you can get all of the Quilt News & Views in one place -- news from AQS Publishing, American Quilter, The Quilt Life, and Quilt Shows are now under www.QuiltViews.com .

Be sure to save this site as a favorite - we are discontinuing the AQSQuiltNews.blogspot.com site.

Click here to view the NEW Quilt Views and Quilt News site! Save as a Favorite on your computer so you can return often.

Bonnie Browning
Executive Show Director

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Meet Knoxville Instructor Barbara Cline


The temperature isn't the only thing heating up .. so is the excitement for the 2011 AQS Quilt Show and Contest. This year's show is at the Knoxville Convention Center, Wednesday July 13 thru Saturday July 16. Doors open at 9 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. everyday except Saturday when they close at 5 p.m. We are very excited about this year's show and the many talented people who will be teaching. One of the teachers is Barbara Cline. Here's more about her love of quilting and what she likes best about teaching in her own words.

My interest in quilting began 38 years ago. I was inspired by my mother who is an oil and china painter and my sisters who are creative quilters. My first quilt was a simple one that I gave as a gift. The thing I enjoy most about quilting is the creativity in designing and then seeing the finished product. My favorite type of quilts are ones that have dimension and depth. The thing I enjoy most about teaching at quilt shows is how each teacher brings their creativity and unique ideas to share with other quilters.

I can quilt anytime of the day, but there is usually one or two days a week I can quilt all day and into the evening. Other days I quilt about one-to-three hours throughout the day. My sewing room is part of our living area. My design area is the floor where the children sometimes have to walk around or over my projects. I love being with my family when I sew.

Barbara is married and has five children ages 19, 20, 22, 23, and 24. They enjoy camping, working together, and playing Rook. One interesting tidbit about Barbara you might not know is -- she is a turkey farmer's wife.

There's still time to sign up for Barbara's lecture and workshops. Her lecture is: #22804 Creating Designs in a Lone Star, and you can join Barbara and her sisters, Julia Graber & Polly Yoder for:
#22401 Brunch with the Mennonite Sisters: Quilting Journey.

Her workshops are:
#27105 Pinwheel Spin
#27503 Shenandoah Star
#27506 Star Tricks II.

To learn more about the Knoxville show including lectures and workshops just click here.

#27105 Pinwheel Spin
#27503 Shenandoah Star   
#27506 Star Tricks II.

Meet Knoxville Instructor Paula Reid

The excitement continues to build as we get closer to the 2011 AQS Quilt Show and Contest in Knoxville, Tennessee. We have lots of fun things in store for our quilters.There's still time for you to sign up for our wonderful lectures and workshops. One of our Knoxville teachers is Paula Reid. She began teaching workshops in Southern California back in 1993. Now, she spends weeks at a time on the road teaching others her techniques. Here's a little more about Paula and her love for quilting in her own words.

I became interested in quilting in 1990 thanks to my best friend, and life-long quilter, Mary Ponce. I made my first quilt while staying home from work one day. I enjoy every part of quilting, but especially the actual machine quilting, I kind of race through the piecing to get to the good part.

I have two rooms in my home dedicated to my quilting. Both have good lighting and lots of space. Since I travel a lot I consider it a gift to spend time on my machine. So, anytime I have a few minutes, I'm there.

In my spare time I like to cook and read. My husband works from home, so when I'm in town I cook three meals a day. I also read 15 to 20 books a month. I also enjoy traveling with my husband, eating at good restaurants, and collecting wines.

Join us for the 2011 AQS Quilt Show and Contest at the Knoxville Convention Center, Wednesday July 13 thru Saturday July 16. There's still time to sign up for Paula's lecture and workshops.

Her lecture is #22807 The 10 Commandments of Successful Machine Quilting.
Her classes are:
#28101 Intro to Machine Quilting
#28102 Borders and Binding
#28512 Trapunto by Machine
#28513 Free-Motion Quilting.
To learn more about the show in Knoxville and register just click here.

#28102 Borders and Binding
#28512 Trapunto by Machine

Monday, June 13, 2011

Prize Package Winners

Have you made your hotel reservations yet for the AQS Quilt Show - Knoxville?

These two lucky winners did, and they won free lodging plus a package of other goodies:

Vendor Package Winner:  Brenda Groelz, North Salt Lake, UT
Quilter Package Winner:  Anita McClure, Tellico Plains, TN

T3 Travel will be contacting these winners with all of the details for their free hotel rooms and tickets for Knoxville attractions included in the prize packages. June 1 was the deadline for entering.

You can still book your hotel rooms at the AQS-reduced rates by clicking here to book online or call Toll Free 877-865-2018 ext. 5, or 865-386-0713.

To register for workshops, lectures, special events or admission, click here.
Or call 270-898-7903 and ask for Quilt Show Registration.
If you register for a workshop or lecture, you'll receive a free lecture as our Thank You for supporting the Knoxville Quilt Show!

See you soon in Knoxville!


Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Special Treat for Knoxville Show

Knoxville Convention Center - Headquarters of the AQS Quilt Show
The AQS Quilt Show and Contest in Knoxville is almost here. The show runs Wednesday, July 13 thru Saturday, July 16. We have a surprise for anyone who registers for a lecture or workshop at this year’s show. How does a free lecture sound? It's our way of saying thank you.

For those who registered by June 1, your free ticket will be mailed to you along with your name badge. After June 1, you can pick up your free ticket and name badge at the Workshop Desk located inside the exhibit hall at the Knoxville Convention Center.

The free ticket has no monetary value. If you already signed up for a lecture – you cannot get a refund for that lecture, but you can attend another lecture or invite a friend. Present the ticket at the door of the Lecture Hall for admission to the lecture of your choice. To read a description of the lectures, just click on this link.

So, as our time comes to a close in the Marble City, we want to say a special thank you to the Knoxville Tourism and Sports Corporation (Visitors Bureau), the Knoxville Convention Center, and our host quilt guilds – the Smokey Mountain Quilters of Tennessee and the Village Quilters, for helping to make our three shows in Knoxville a success. The 2012 summer AQS Quilt Show will be held in Grand Rapids, MI, to take our event to quilters in another part of the country.

To learn more about AQS, just click here.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Let's Have Fun in Knoxville


Knoxville Convention Center
We are excited about our next show at the Knoxville Convention Center in Knoxville, Tennessee, July 13 - 16. Why would you want to register now?
  • To get your choice of classes. Classes are filled on a first come basis.
  • Save on your show admission. Advance admission is $8 daily/$15 multi-day for AQS members or $10 daily/$30 multi day for non-members.
  • Name badges will be mailed for registrations received by June 1, 2011; registrations received between June 2 and July 5 will be held for pickup at the show. All international name badges are held for pickup at the Workshop Desk at the show. Advanced registration is recommended.
  • Last day for advance registration is July 5, 2011, at 3 p.m. (Central Time) for individuals and tour groups. After that date, registration will be handled at the show on a first-come basis.
And don't miss these fun special events:
Cruise to the beginning of
the Tennessee River while
you enjoy a Southern dinner
and solve the mystery!
Wednesday: Elvis Murder Mystery Cruise on the Star of Knoxville; Quilter’s Fun Night with Laura Wasilowski and Bonnie Browning

Thursday: An Evening with Karen K. Stone – Interplay of Color and Pattern to Make Extraordinary Quilts

Friday: Art Quilts the Musical by Laura Wasilowski

Saturday: Brunch with the Mennonite Sisters: The Quilting Journey of Barbara Cline, Julia Graber, and Polly Yoder; and All-Star Review.

Click here to begin your online registration. If you want to review all of the classes and lectures offered, you can click on the pdf version of the registration guide at this link to check them out before you register online. You can also call the AQS office on Tuesday to register by telephone: 270-898-7903, ask for Knoxville Registration.

Don't forget to make your hotel reservations.

Use this link to book your room online.

Book your hotel rooms early and have a chance to win this package of fun in Knoxville:
  • Free multi-day admission to the AQS Quilt Show, July 13 – 16, 2011.
  • 3-night stay during the 2011 show at the Holiday Inn Downtown (closest hotel)
  • Experience Knoxville Fun Pack with attraction passes and discounts, including 2 passes for a luncheon cruise aboard the Star of Knoxville, 2 regular adult admissions to the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, 2 admissions to Voices of the Land: The People of East Tennessee at the Museum of East Tennessee history, and 2 free tours of the Blount Mansion.
  • This package is non-transferable and has no cash value.
Deadline for booking your rooms to win this package is June 1, 2011.
Winner will be announced on the AQS Quilt News blog on June 3, 2011.

We have more than 600 quilts in our exhibits at Knoxville this year. They include the Alzheimer's Illustrated: From Heartbreak To Hope, curated by Ami Simms; Quilted Treasures: Prizewinning Quilts by Linda M. Roy; New Quilts from an Old Favorite: Orange Peel; 2012 Pilgrim/Roy Invitational Quilt Challenge; The River Runs Through It by the Rogue Art Quilters in Oregon; and all of the quilts in the AQS Quilt Contest - don't miss this show. Let's make this the best show ever in Knoxville!

Bring the whole family to Tennessee for vacation and attend the AQS Quilt Show while you are here. Knoxville is only 38 miles from Gatlinburg - enjoy the beautiful Smoky Mountains and the AQS Quilt Show - all in one trip!

Friday, May 27, 2011

Memories in the Closet

I know it's not polite to go through other people's closets. However, it's a practice you may want to adopt.

A few years ago, I visited a friend over Memorial Day weekend. We were invited to dinner by his golfing buddy and his wife, named Ann. Ann is a quilter, so we had lots to talk about. She gave me a tour of her fabric stash, machines, equipment, and books. Her quilting supplies were housed in the spare bedroom, 1/2 the sun porch and part of the living room. Ann's number one complaint-- not enough room for quilting. Doesn't that sound familiar?

We were just about done with the tour when her husband suggested that she show me the "postcards." Ann rummaged around in a closet for a while and came out with a bundle wrapped in an old tablecloth. When she unfolded the contents. I couldn't believe my eyes. Inside was what appeared to be a patchwork quilt -- but it was actually 144 picture postcards, crocheted together and bound with delicate silk tassels.

The postcards had been written to Ann's mother by her father during WWI. Ann's parents both lived in Italy and her father sent the cards while he was in the army--until he was captured by the Austrians and put in a prisoner-of-war camp. The pictures were fascinating and in pristine condition. On the back of every card was a message to her mother from her father. After, we viewed the postcard "quilt",  Ann carefully wrapped it up and put it back into the closet, someday to go to her daughter.

When we returned to my friends house, I happened to glance at the top shelf of his closet. There, wrapped in an old sheet, was what appeared to be a crazy quilt. He brought it out for me and again, I was astounded. The old family quilt was dated 1874. It had suffered the fate of many old crazy quilts. The silk was shattered and it had obviously been well used over the years. However, the embroidery was still intact and the quiltmaker's story was still there to decipher. We carefully wrapped the quilt in its sheet and put it back into the closet.

The moral of this story? While some people may keep skeletons in their closets, I bet far more of us keep precious memories. 

Monday, May 23, 2011

Turn Tears Into Smiles


Quilts for Kids, Inc. is a 501 (c)3 non-profit, which in the past eleven years has donated tens of thousands of hand-made patchwork quilts to seriously ill children and children of abuse.

In our experience, quilters are the most generous people anywhere, always using their skills to help others, and we realize that you are all involved in charitable efforts, worthy causes, all. But if you would like to help Quilts for Kids by making a comfort quilt (just approximately 38" X 45"), you may visit our website www.quiltsforkids.org to order a free kit or you can make a quilt from your own stash, which is particularly welcome!

We like to say we turn tears into smiles because that is literally what happens when a child receives a hand-made patchwork quilt from one of our volunteers. Seriously ill children are comforted, and their families uplifted by the thought that someone cares enough to create a beautiful gift to help them through critical and difficult times.

Everyday, we receive notes from patients' families and from hospital personnel expressing their heartfelt thanks, and telling us how much the quilts mean to the kids. So, please, when you can find the time, join the QFK staff, quilters one and all, in making a difference in a child's life.

Click here to visit our website and learn more about what we do.

Thank you,
Linda, Nancy, Cindi, Kristin, Sally, and Pam

Winners at Spring Quilt Shows

Congratulations to Kim Brunner who was named 2011 Teacher of the Year at the Home Machine Quilting Show in Salt Lake City, UT.

Kim will be teaching at the AQS Quilt Show in Knoxville, TN in July. Click here to register for Kim's lecture/demo classes. If you want to study with a pro at Twirly Whirly Feathers and more, here is your chance!

AQS authors continue to win at the spring quilt shows across the country.

MQX East in Providence:
  • Miniature: 1st – Renae Haddadin – Golden Snowflake
  • Wholecloth Large: 1st – Judy Woodworth – Avatar Revisited

Machine Quilters Showcase in Overland Park, KS
  • Machine Embroidery: 3rd - Fairy Dust - Judith Woodworth
  • Whole Cloth Innovative: 2nd - Avatar Revisited - Judith Woodworth
  • Miniature: 1st - Golden Snowflakes - Renae Haddadin
  • Wearable Runway: 1st - Belle For A Day - Renae Haddadin
To learn from these prizewinning quilters, check out their books below:

Amazing Ways to Use Circles and Rays by Renae Haddadin

Freemotion Quilting by Judy Woodworth 
 

Monday, May 9, 2011

Paducah Webcasts Still Available

The Paducah show is over, but you can still enjoy some special events and learn from lectures through the AQS Webcasts, sponsored by Pfaff.

Just click here to view the list of events available, subscribe, and you can watch them on your computer at your leisure.

If you missed the evening with Ricky Tims, you missed one of his best programs ever. You'll enjoy some music, quilts, and stories, all in Ricky Tims fashion!  A special treat was the opening act - Joyce Stewart and Ann Seely. Don't miss it! This program is only available on the webcast until May 29.

Des Moines Quilt Contest Deadline is Approaching

There are just a few more days to enter the AQS Quilt Show and Contest in Des Moines, Iowa.

Entries must be postmarked or received by May 20, 2011 for this contest. Click here to view or print the rules and entry form.

Enter your quilts today - you could be the winner of the $10,000 Best of Show award!

You will also find the rules and entry form for the International Sunbonnet Sue Quilt Contest using the Des Moines Contest link. There is still time to make an entry for this contest - deadline is September 9, 2011 (quilt must be sent by that date). The International Sunbonnet Sue Contest quilts will be displayed at the Des Moines show.

Friday, May 6, 2011

Learn from the Best in Knoxville!

We have assembled some of the best instructors for the 2011 AQS Quilt Show - Knoxville (July 13 - 16) who will teach a variety of techniques. Where else can you learn the Screwdriver Caper method for applique but from instructor Martha A. Nordstrand? What is Zentangle - MaryAnn Scheblein-Dawson will solve that mystery for you. Recently-named HMQS Teacher of the Year Kimmy Brunner covers everything from Feathers to Lions and Tigers and Templates, Oh My. And that is just a sneak peak at some of the great classes being taught by this year's instructors!
Check out all of the workshops and lectures here. You can view and print the Registration Guide or go directly to "register online" from this link.

2011 Knoxville Instructors:
Karla Alexander, OR
Cindy Blackberg, TN
Kim Brunner, MN
Louis Carney, NJ
Barbara Cline, VA
Lenore Crawford, MI
Valora Hammond, NJ
Klaudeen Hansen, WI
Jan Krueger, WI
Billie Lauder, NM
Teri Lucas, NY
Martha Nordstrand, AZ
Paula Reid, CA
Andi Reynolds, KY
Kristin Rodriguez, GA
Mary Ann Scheblein-Dawson, NY
Karen K. Stone, TX
Laura Wasilowski, IL

Be sure to check out the special events too:
Wed.: Awards Presentation, The Quilter's Link, AQS Authors' Roundtable, and Quilter's Fun Night
Thurs.: Elvis Murder Mystery Cruise on the Knoxville Star, and An Evening with Karen K. Stone
Fri.: Laura Wasilowski - Art Quilts: The Musical
Sat.: Brunch with the Mennonite Sisters: The Quilting Journey of Barbara Cline, Julia Graber and Polly Yoder, and All-Star Review.


Don't forget to make your hotel reservations.  
Use this link to book your room online.
Book your hotel rooms early and have a chance to win this package of fun in Knoxville:
  • Free multi-day admission to the AQS Quilt Show, July 13 – 16, 2011.
  • 3-night stay during the 2011 show at the Holiday Inn Downtown (closest hotel)
  • Experience Knoxville Fun Pack with attraction passes and discounts, including 2 passes for a luncheon cruise aboard the Star of Knoxville, 2 regular adult admissions to the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, 2 admissions to Voices of the Land: The People of East Tennessee at the Museum of East Tennessee history, and 2 free tours of the Blount Mansion. 
This package is non-transferable and has no cash value. Deadline for booking your rooms to win this package is June 1, 2011. Winner will be announced on the AQS Quilt News blog on June 3, 2011.


Location of the AQS Quilt Show, July 13 - 16:
Knoxville Convention Center, 701 Henley St., Knoxville, TN 37902

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

A Prepared Quilter

We know that quilters come to the Paducah Quilt Show and they are prepared for their classes, and they have good walking shoes for walking through the show and around the city.

But this year one quilter came prepared for any and all flood waters he might encounter: Wallace Murray, quilter from Prior Lake, MN, had his snorkle and flippers at the ready in case he needed them.

Wallace, we are certainly glad that you didn't need to use your underwater equipment, and that you enjoyed the show!


Winners of Janome Sewing Machines

There were three lucky winners of a #3160QDC Janome sewing machine at the Paducah Quilt Show.

The winners are:
   Elizabeth Zwicke, Waukegan, IL
   Mary Ann Abell, Paducah, KY
   Judy Perleberg, Janesville, WI

Congratulations... and happy quilting with your new Janome!

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

City of Paducah Floodwall Cameras

The City of Paducah has installed cameras on the river side of the floodwall.

Click here to see the current status of the Ohio River. Be patient because it takes a short time for the images to upload; they are refreshed every minute.

You can see that the water has gone over the Executive Inn berm. Another berm was built closer to the convention center buildings - the river crest will determine whether that kept the water out of the buildings.