AQS Quilt News

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

2011-06-17T16:58:00.000-05:00

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

Meet Knoxville Instructor Barbara Cline

2011-06-14T14:24:00.000-05:00

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

2011-06-14T14:08:00.000-05:00

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

Prize Package Winners

2011-06-13T08:04:00.000-05:00

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!

Special Treat for Knoxville Show

2011-06-08T13:29:00.002-05:00

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.

Let's Have Fun in Knoxville

2011-05-28T15:48:00.000-05:00

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!

Memories in the Closet

2011-05-27T16:00:00.000-05:00

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.

Turn Tears Into Smiles

2011-05-23T16:35:00.000-05:00

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

2011-05-23T10:14:00.000-05:00

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

Paducah Webcasts Still Available

2011-05-09T13:50:00.000-05:00

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

2011-05-09T12:32:00.000-05:00

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.

Learn from the Best in Knoxville!

2011-05-06T10:40:00.000-05:00

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

A Prepared Quilter

2011-05-04T16:22:00.000-05:00

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

2011-05-04T15:24:00.000-05:00

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!

City of Paducah Floodwall Cameras

2011-05-03T11:48:00.000-05:00

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.

Scenes from the Show - Paducah 2011

2011-05-02T10:35:00.000-05:00

This is a review of the Week that WAS!

The 27th AQS Quilt Show started off as usual with the AQS staff moving the quilts and all of our equipment to the convention center on Friday. Saturday and Sunday were judging days. The judging crew had just enjoyed a hot luncheon with our spouses when about 1 p.m., we had a visit from the Mayor, City Engineer, and other city officials telling us that we had to vacate the Expo and Convention Centers by Monday because they had to install the flood gates. (For those of you not familiar with Paducah, we have 12 miles of flood wall with 47 gates to protect the city from the waters of the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers that converge at Paducah.)

(Click on any photo to view it larger.)

The judging still had to be completed so some of us continued on with that while other members of the AQS staff proceeded to go look at empty buildings that could possibly be used for the show. Soon we even had a tornado siren go off and we moved the judges into an interior lower level room of the convention center. Always safety first when you hear those sirens. That didn't stop us from judging though, we just moved the miniature category with us and the judging continued. Soon the all clear was sounded and we moved back across the hall to finish the judging.

By 8 p.m., we all had returned from looking at churches and other buildings to determine what we could do. The decision was to hold the classes at the First Baptist Church where they had 10 classrooms on one floor and the Chapel would be used for the lectures, plus the Great Room there would hold the small wall quilt categories in the AQS Quilt Contest. The former Office Max and former Circuit City buildings in the Kentucky Oaks Mall area would hold vendors and the special quilt exhibits. So the challenge began - how could be accommodate all of our vendors - many of them were already in town? We found that we could make room for all of the vendors but most of them would only get one booth.

Monday and Tuesday were exhausting days for the Freeman crew, who now had to reset all of the pipe and drape for the vendors and quilt exhibits in these new locations. Everyone worked long hours on those days - we are blessed to have an experienced AQS staff who know what needs to be done, and the Freeman crew that has worked with us for many years.

Ann Denton greets the quilters at the
entrance of the Pavilion.

The Pavilion would hold the Admissions and Workshops desks, the sponsors and vendors from the Expo Center, the Janome Best of Show and the other top awards, the bed quilts and large wall quilt categories, plus the miniatures.

Viewing the contest quilts in the Pavilion.

Crowded aisle in Office Max building

The Office Max building would house the vendors from the Pavilion, plus the 2011 winners from the AQS Quilt Show in Lancaster, PA, and the 2012 Pilgrim/Roy Challenge.

Winning quilts from the 2011AQS
Quilt Show in Lancaster

Shopping at vendors at Circuit City

Circuit City would hold the vendors from the 1st and 2nd floors of the Convention Center, plus the Alliance for American Quilts contest quilts, and the AQS Authors' Quilt Exhibit.

Alliance for American Quilts Contest

The winners of the AQS Quilt Contest were announced at the Awards Presentation at the Carson Four Rivers Center at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Congratulations to Pat Holly who won the Janome Best of Show Award with her quilt Paisley Peacock!

Click here to view the complete list of winners.

The doors opened right on schedule at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, April 27. Anchor Trailways made changes in the shuttle routes to handle the changes in the schedule and the increased numbers of riders because of the lack of parking near the Pavilion - the headquarters for this year's show.

Vendors were busy with quilters trying out their machines. When you are looking to purchase a new sewing machine, attend a show and try them out.

And you could register to win one of three Janome sewing machines that were given away (I'll post the winners' names in my next blog).

We did have some rain throughout the week but most of it occurred overnight. We were all pleased to see the sun shining brightly on Thursday, Friday, and most of Saturday.

This was definitely a week to remember -- but you all proved that neither rain from the heavens nor increased water levels in the river will keep quilters from being at the AQS Quilt Show in Paducah. We did everything we could to make this year's event as seamless as possible even though we had to move quilts and vendors to other locations.

The Ricky Gaga look -
enlarge the photo to
view the background

If you did stay home or didn't get a chance to attend all of the events, you can still enjoy the lectures and special events through the AQS Webcasts, sponsored by Pfaff.

Just click here to subscribe to the webcasts (including Ricky Tims' concert).

If you missed the dogwoods this year, here are a couple of photos I took just before the show started.

Dogwoods in Paducah - 2011

Put the dates for next year's AQS Quilt Show in Paducah on your calendar: April 25 - 28, 2012.

Tell us your Paducah stories - just go to MyQuiltPlace.com to set up your own web page and let us know what was memorable about your trip to Paducah this year.

See you next year!
Bonnie Browning
Executive Show Director

Quilters' 1950s Fun Night

2011-04-27T22:16:00.000-05:00

Photo by Heidi Kasand

We have just finished this evening's event, and what a fun time we had. Charlotte Angotti and I co-hosted the event, and our special guest stars were the APQS Rebels (aka Jim Langland and Mark Caraher from American Professional Quilting Systems). Yes, Elvis was in the building this evening.

Our 1950's costume contest had a stageful of participants, and the winner was "the church lady" who came dressed in her best black with white polka-dotted dress, red hat, and white gloves (with ruffles on them). We reminisced getting ready for Easter with our hats and gloves. There were mother and daughter poodle skirts; and "Bob" with the traditional dress of a guy in the 50s - blue jeans, white T-shirt with the cigarettes rolled into the sleeve; and we even saw a poodle pin - the kind that had two parts with a chain connecting them.

There were lots of prizes donated by vendors, sponsors, and AQS. One lucky quilter won an AccuQuilt Go machine with lots of plates to go with it. Thanks to all of the quilters who participated in the costume contest and the Hoola-Hoop-Off - these quilters proved they can still swivel those hips!

I didn't get to take any photos, but I hope Heidi Kasand from APQS won't mind me sharing two photos from her Facebook page.

Photo by Heidi Kasand

Be sure to ask Mark how those 4-inch heels feel? Stop by the APQS booth in the Pavilion and take a test drive of their longarm machine. Thanks Jim and Mark for sharing your talent with us!

Live Quilt Auction will Not be Webcast

2011-04-27T21:56:00.000-05:00

Live Quilt Auction on Thursday: Due to technical difficulties, the National Quilt Museum's live quilt auction will NOT be webcast on Thursday, April 28, at 6 p.m. The Live Quilt Auction will now be held inside the National Quilt Museum, 215 Jefferson St.

If you ordered the grilled chicken dinner, it will be served in the Food Tent in the parking lot behind the museum on 2nd Street, starting at 5:00 p.m.

Reminder: If you need to pick up your registration packet, a name badge holder, or want to purchase tickets for workshops, lectures, or special events, come to the Workshop Desk in the entrance of the Pavilion (also known as the Big Marshmallow) in downtown Paducah.

All workshops and lectures are being held in the First Baptist Church, 2890 Broadway on the second level. Just look for the room named the same as in the Registration Guide. There is food available at the church.

Quilts & Vendors: Don't miss any of the quilts or vendors at the AQS venues - the Pavilion in downtown Paducah (corner of 4th Street & Executive Blvd.), which is also the AQS Bus Stop for the shuttles going to hotels and attractions who are participating; the AQS Vendors on Kentucky in the Finkel Building (200 Kentucky Avenue); and the vendors in the Kentucky Oaks Mall area - the former Office Max building and the former Circuit City building where you will find special quilt exhibits and vendors. The small wall quilts in the AQS Contest, including the Best Wall Quilt, are at the First Baptist Church (2890 Broadway) where there is plenty of parking available.

Day 2 of the show is coming up - see you there!

Quilt Show Setup has Begun

2011-04-25T23:30:00.000-05:00

While the water is rising in the Ohio River, the AQS staff is busy with alternate preparations for the 27th AQS Quilt Show & Contest. Yesterday we had a 12-hour period to decide what we would do when the city told us they were planning to install the flood gates in our flood wall and that we must evacuate the Expo Center and Convention Center, both of which sit on the river side of the flood wall.

After visiting a variety of buildings and churches, here are the alternate plans we have in place:

Pavilion (also known as the Marshmallow) in downtown Paducah:

Vendors who were in the Expo Center will be moved to the Pavilion.
Best of Show and other top awards in the large quilt categories, all of the quilts in 9 categories and their winners, plus the Best Miniature and the miniature category will be displayed here.
Admissions, Workshops, and AQS Membership Desks will be at the front of the Pavilion, as well as the First Aid Station, Package Check, and the Paducah Visitors Bureau.
Certified quilt appraisers will be on hand to appraise quilts - this booth is located on the last aisle of the Pavilion.
American Quilter editors will also be located on the last aisle of the Pavilion.
The Quilt Life editor Jan Magee will have a booth next to the Ricky Tims' booth in the Pavilion. You can subscribe and meet Ricky Tims too.

Office Max building at Kentucky Oaks Mall:

Vendors who were in the Pavilion will be moved to the Office Max Building.
Winners of the 2011 AQS Lancaster Quilt Show, and the 2012 Pilgrim/Roy Challenge will be on display.

Circuit City building at Kentucky Oaks Mall:

Vendors who were in the Convention Center (1st and 2nd floors) will be located here.
Special quilt exhibits include the Alliance for American Quilts Contest quilts, and the AQS Authors' Quilt Exhibit.

Food Tent:
No Paducah quilt show is complete without some southern barbeque, strawberry shortcake, ribs from Larry-Larry & Darrell, and many other treats. We couldn't disappoint you there either. We will have them all, but they will move just a couple of blocks - to the parking lot on 2nd Street, just behind the National Quilt Museum.

Live Quilt Auction:
One change is that the Live Quilt Auction will be held inside the National Quilt Museum, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday. Enjoy a grilled chicken dinner at the Food Tent from 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. and then head across the street to the museum for the auction.

AQS School of Quiltmaking:
All classes - workshops and lectures - will be held at the 1st Baptist Church, 2890 Broadway. There is plenty of parking on three sides of the building. Look the AQS Quilt Show sandwich board sign for the entrance.

Lectures will be held in the Chapel on the first floor.
The Best Wall Quilt and all of the entries in the small wall categories will be displayed in the Great Room on the first floor of the church.
All workshops will be held in ten classrooms on the second floor of the church; there is an elevator just inside the entrance for easy access to the classrooms.
Special Events being held at the 1st Baptist Church include the All-Star Review, the AQS Authors' Roundtable, Stitched - the Movie, and the evening with Charlotte Angotti. All of these events will take place in the Chapel/Lecture Hall.
If you have any questions, Educator Coordinator Marcelle Cashon, Klaudeen Hansen, and Sylvia Thomas will be at the church to assist you.

Special Events at the Carson Four Rivers Center:
All activities at the Carson Center will be held as scheduled. Shuttle service from the AQS Bus Stop at the Pavilion will begin 45 minutes prior to the start of the events.

There will be shuttle service to all of these venues, plus the AQS Vendors on Kentucky (Finkel Building) where more vendors and the AQS "Hurt Book" Sales are located. The bus drivers can tell you which route they are running and where they can stop.

If you need to pick up your advanced registration packet, a name badge holder, and wish to purchase tickets for workshops, lectures, or special events, check at the Workshop Desk inside the entrance to the Pavilion. The Workshop Desk will be open from 12 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 25, and from 8 a.m. to close on show days.

Tomorrow the quilts will be hung and the winners of the AQS Quilt Contest will be announced at the Carson Four Rivers Center, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m., and the show officially opens at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday.

Phew... what a week, but we did it. We can't wait for you all to see the beautiful quilts on display this year!

See you at the show!

Bonnie Browning
Executive Show Director

A Few Show Changes

2011-04-25T09:46:00.001-05:00

Due to high water along the lower Ohio River at Paducah, the floodgates that protect the city are being installed. To protect the safety of visitors to the American Quilter's Society annual Quilt Show & Contest, events usually held at the Paducah-McCracken County Expo and Julian C. Carroll Convention Center have been moved.

Best of Show, category winners, and bed quilts will be on display at the Pavilion at the corner of 4^th Street and Executive Boulevard. Vendors that were in the Expo Center will be there, too.

At Kentucky Oaks Mall, 3470 James Sanders Boulevard, The Alliance for American Quilts display will be at Circuit City. The Pilgrim/Roy 2012 Challenge display and AQS Lancaster 2011 winners will be at Office Max, also at the mall. Vendors that were in the convention center will be located at Circuit City. Vendors that were in the Pavilion will be at Office Max.

All classes and lectures and All Star Review will be held at First Baptist Church, 2890 Broadway, where the Wall Quilt contest and winners will be displayed.

The Food Tent and Live Auction will relocate just two blocks to the Farmers Market located behind the museum at the T-intersection of 2^nd Street and Monroe.

As always, there will be Vendors on Kentucky at 200 Kentucky Avenue, also known as the Finkel Building, and the Hurt Book Sale.

Events planned for Carson Four Rivers Center and The National Quilt Museum will continue in place. The Yo Yo ladies and Silent Auction will be at The National Quilt Museum.

Shuttles will run between all venues so visiting quilters may travel safely.

A little water can't stop the 2011 AQS Quilt Show in Paducah. Come see us!

Parking at the Paducah Quilt Show

2011-04-21T20:17:00.000-05:00

Since the Executive Inn is now completely torn down, we will have a lot more parking places where the hotel once stood.

Here is a link to a map that shows you the Parking areas, the bus route, and the locations of the Expo Center, the Convention Center, and the Pavilion.

You will also see the bus route marked. The AQS Bus Stop is directly in front of the Expo Center. The route will be used by the Anchor Trailways shuttle buses that travel to/from the hotels and local attractions, and the charter buses coming to the show.

The Food Tent is located in front of the Convention Center. Find your favorite barbeque, burgers, and the Boy Scouts' famous strawberry shortcake at the food tent. In addition, the concession in the convention center will be open in the morning and lunch, plus the concession stand in the Expo Center where you can get some grab and go goodies.

We will be holding the Quilt Museum's Annual Quilt Auction in the Food Tent this year. Don't forget that you can also participate in the auction through our webcasting this year - you will even be able to call in bids as the auction takes place. Here is the link to sign up for this year's webcasts (sponsored by Pfaff) that include lectures, special events including Ricky Tims, and the Quilt Auction. Even if you can't attend the show this year, you can enjoy some of it right at home on your computer.

All Around the Color Wheel: Color 101

2011-04-20T14:09:00.000-05:00

Are you afraid of color? Is it difficult for you to pick out fabrics that go together? If so, you aren't alone. Fear of color and buying the wrong fabric combination rank as some of the top concerns for many quilt makers.

Let's take a step back to our elementary school days and review some of the basic concepts of color. We will start with the basics and over the next few weeks we will also review some of the more complex color theories. Hopefully, this review will give you the information you need to walk into your fabric store with confidence and help you make even more beautiful quilts.

You are looking at the most widely used artists' color wheel. It's been around a while. Sir Isaac Newton is credited with developing the circular color wheel in 1666.

This color wheel is based on the three primary colors of blue, red, and yellow. The corresponding secondary colors are green, orange, and violet. Next, you'll find the tertiary colors which are red-orange, red-violet, yellow-orange, yellow-green, blue-violet, and blue-green. That gives us 12 main color divisions on our wheel.

Here's a basic rule about using the color wheel that will come in handy for any project. The colors opposite each other on the color wheel are considered complimentary. For instance red and green. So, if you want to play it safe, use your color wheel to pick colors that will go together. However, we are just starting our color journey...and, we won't always be playing it safe.

If You Love Fabric, Don't Miss the Fabulous Fabric Flurry on Friday

2011-04-19T22:01:00.000-05:00

How much fabric can you stuff into a "Flurry Bag?" To find out, stop at the National Quilt Museum on Friday from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. or until the fabric is gone. For just $10 you will get all of the fabric you can stuff into a "Flurry Bag."

Look for the tent on the Museum lawn (at 215 Jefferson Street in downtown Paducah). Come early for the best selection. Event ends when supply runs out.

If you are ready to clean out your stash and want to donate to the Fabulous Fabric Flurry, drop off clean, 100% cotton fabric in fat quarters and 1 yard lengths or more at the Museum when you arrive in Paducah so the staff can get it ready for the Flurry.

For more information, contact Susan Edwards, Director of Marketing at (270) 442-8856 x214 or email her at: sedwards@quiltmuseum.org.

What a great way to add new fabrics to your stash. Don't miss it!

Bid at the Quilt Auction from Home

2011-04-19T16:52:00.000-05:00

Don’t miss the National Quilt Museum’s live quilt auction, Thursday, April 28, 6 to 8 p.m. This year you can call in bids using the AQS Webcast of the auction. The webcast will be live and will be free for anyone who wants to watch or bid.

If you subscribe to other Webcast events plus the quilt auction, you will receive a code for access to watch your subscribed events including the auction.

If you just want to participate in the quilt auction, you will need to log into the webcast site at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 28. Here is how to do that:

Go online to www.AmericanQuilter.com
Select Quilt Shows
Choose Paducah 2011
Click the Webcasts tab
Then click the Watch Live Webcasts button
Scroll down to: Special Event: The National Quilt Museum's Live Quilt Benefit Auction (Thur 6pm) FREE EVENT - Just visit this website at Auction time to participate.

The phone number to bid is 270-538-9222; this line will be activated at the start of the auction.

Join the fun and you might win the bid for a beautiful quilt!

Knoxville - Lodging and Special Events Info

2011-04-16T16:11:00.000-05:00

The summer AQS Quilt Show and Contest will be held July 13 - 16, 2011 at the Knoxville Convention Center, 701 Henley Street, Knoxville, TN 37902.

Information on the show and registration information is available here.

Lodging - Book Early and You Could Win!
Book your hotel rooms early and have a chance to win a package of fun in Knoxville. Just click here to book your room online.

Early Bird Prize Package:
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 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.

Special Events
There are plenty of activities for having fun at the show.
Here is the complete list of special events.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011
22101 Awards Presentation, Exhibit Hall, 8:40-9AM Free
22102 The Quilter's Link, Lecture Hall, 10-11AM Free
22103 AQS Authors' Roundtable Andi Reynolds, Lecture Hal,l 4:30-5:30 PM Free
22104 Quilters' Fun Night Laura Wasilowski and Bonnie Browning, Lecture Hall, 7-8:30 PM $15

Thursday, July 14, 2011
22201 Elvis Murder Mystery Cruise-without transportation, Star of Knoxville, 6-9pm $45
22251 Elvis Murder Mystery Cruise-with transportation, Star of Knoxville, 6-9pm $52
22202 An Evening with Karen K. Stone, Lecture Hall, 7-8:30pm $15

Friday, July 15, 2011
22301 Art Quilts - The Musical - Laura Wasilowski, Lecture Hall, 7-8:30pm $15

Saturday, July 16, 2011
22401 Brunch w/ the Mennonite Sisters: The Quilting Journey of Barbara Cline, Julia Graber and Polly Yoder, Ballroom A, 9-10:30am $26
22402 All-Star Review, Ballroom A, 1-3pm $15

Click here to go to online registration, or call 270-898-7903 (Monday thru Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
Photos of projects and supply lists are available online; you can also print the registration guide under the Registration tab.

Timetable for the Royal Wedding... in Paducah Time

2011-04-16T15:20:00.000-05:00

The wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton takes place on Friday, April 29, at 5:00 a.m. Paducah time.

If you want to get up really early while you are at the AQS Quilt Show, here is the timetable for all of the activities before and after the ceremony.

Ceremonial Timings for the Wedding Day

• 2:15am and 3:45am Paducah Time:
Between 8.15am and 9.45am: The general congregation will arrive at the Great North Door of Westminster Abbey.

• 3:50am Paducah Time:
From 9.50am: Governors-General and Prime Ministers of Realm Countries,the Diplomatic Corps, and other distinguished guests arrive at the Abbey.

• 4:10am Paducah Time:
10.10am The Bridegroom and Prince Henry of Wales leave Clarence House for Westminster Abbey. They arrive at the Abbey at 10.15am.

• 4:20am Paducah Time:
10.20am Members of Foreign Royal Families arrive at Westminster Abbey from Buckingham Palace.

• 4:20am Paducah Time:
10.20am Mrs. Michael (Carole) Middleton and Mr. James Middleton leave the Goring Hotel for Westminster Abbey. They arrive at the Abbey at 10.27am.

• 4:25am Paducah Time:
10.25am Members of the Royal Family (except those listed below) leave Buckingham Palace for Westminster Abbey. They arrive at the Abbey at 10.30am.

• 4:35am Paducah Time:
10.35am The following Members of the Royal Family leave Buckingham Palace for Westminster Abbey. They arrive at the Abbey at 10.40am:
- The Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence
- The Duke of York
- Princess Eugenie of York
- Princess Beatrice of York
- The Earl and Countess of Wessex

• 4:38am Paducah Time:
10.38am The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall leave Clarence House for Westminster Abbey. They arrive at the Abbey at 10.42am.

• 4:38am Paducah Time:
10.40am The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh leave Buckingham Palace for Westminster Abbey. They arrive at the Abbey at 10.45am.

• 4:48am Paducah Time:
10.48am The Bridesmaids and Pages leave the Goring Hotel for Westminster Abbey. They arrive at the Abbey at 10.55am.

• 4:51am Paducah Time:
10.51am The Bride, accompanied by Mr. Michael Middleton, leaves the Goring Hotel for Westminster Abbey.

• 5:00am Paducah Time:
11.00am The Marriage Service begins. The Marriage Service will be relayed by audio speakers along the Route.

• 6:15am Paducah Time:
12.15pm The Carriage Procession of the Bride and Bridegroom with a Captain’s Escort of the Household Cavalry, followed by The Queen’s Procession with a Sovereign’s Escort of the Household Cavalry, leaves Westminster Abbey for Buckingham Palace.

• 6:30am Paducah Time:
12.30pm The Bride’s Carriage Procession arrives at Buckingham Palace.

• 6:40am Paducah Time:
12.40pm Members of the Royal Family and Members of Foreign Royal Families arrive at Buckingham Palace.

• From 6:40am Paducah Time:
From 12.40pm: Other guests for the Reception arrive at Buckingham Palace.

• 7:25am Paducah Time:
1.25pm The Queen and the Bride and Bridegroom, together with their Families, appear on the Balcony.

• 7:30am Paducah Time:
1.30pm Fly Past by the Royal Air Force and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

And after you've enjoyed the wedding festivities, it's time to head downtown to the Expo Center to enjoy the Paducah Quilt Show. The show opens at 9:00 a.m.

Tune in to 750 AM - Home of Quilter Radio

2011-04-14T12:02:00.000-05:00

While you are at the AQS Quilt Show in Paducah, April 27 - 30, tune in to 750 AM, WTHQ, for quilting information all day long. This station will be featuring:

Quilt Show Information
Class Times
Nationally-known Quilters Talk Radio
Pat Sloan's Creative Talk
... and more

Whether you are staying in Mount Vernon, IL; Cape Girardeau or Sikeston, MO, or Clarksville, TN, you should be able to tune in to We're the Home of Quilters at 750 AM on your radio dial.

Thank you to Stratemeyer Media for providing this special programming for our guests at the AQS Quilt Show.

Get the Scoop on Writing a Quilt Book

2011-04-13T21:42:00.000-05:00

In just a few days, the 27th annual AQS Quilt Show and Contest will open in Paducah! If you have contemplated or even just dreamed about writing a book on quilting, then Andi Reynolds, executive book editor for AQS, is just the person for you to see during the show.

There are several opportunities to learn what is involved in authoring a book and getting it published.

Potential book authors can also attend the lecture, Get into Print!, on Wednesday, April 27 from 10 to 11 am in the Eisenhower Room on the first floor of the convention center. Tickets for Lecture # 2802 will be available at the Workshop Desk; this is a free event.
Later that afternoon, also in the Eisenhower Room, Andi will moderate the Author's Roundtable from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm. Come hear what five AQS authors have to say about what it’s like to publish with AQS. This is your time to ask all the nitty-gritty questions you can think of about what it is like to write a quilt book. Invited authors are Dilys Fronks (Dual Image Appliqué); Linda J. Hahn (New York Beauty Simplified); Sally Terry (Pathways from Quilt Top to Quilted); and Linda K. Johnson and Jane K. Wells, aka The Crafty Ol' Broads (Cuddly Snuggly Quilts). Tickets for Special Event # 2202 will be available at the Workshop Desk—and it’s free, too!
If you have given some thought to writing a quilt book, you can bring just an idea or a full-blown proposal or anything in between. Andi's office will be on the second floor of the Julian Carroll Convention Center, to the left as you come up the stairs or off the elevator. There will be a sign indicating where to find her. The field editors for American Quilter magazine will have space there, too.

(Advance registration for the Paducah show is now closed. Pick up your tickets for these events at the Workshop Desk in the Paducah Expo Center - opens at 12 noon on Tuesday and 8 a.m. on show days.

If you'd like to talk about a book or magazine idea, you can prepare in advance by reviewing the AQS book proposal guidelines. Click here to view or print the guidelines.

Both of these events should help explain the process of becoming an AQS author, but you don't need to attend them to talk with Andi. Walk-ins are welcome, or you may make an appointment by emailing her at andi@aqsquilt.com no later than Wednesday, April 20.

See you soon in Paducah!

Dogwoods in Paducah

2011-04-13T21:19:00.000-05:00

The dogwoods are blooming now in Paducah and with the warm temperatures we are having, they likely will be gone during the quilt show... so I took my annual tour around town and shot some photos of the dogwoods to share with you. (You can enlarge any of the photos by clicking on them.)

We know spring is here when the Dogwood Trail banners go up and the dogwood trees bloom like this beauty on Jefferson Street.

Also on Jefferson Street is this yard that includes blooming azaleas, wisteria, and both pink and white dogwood trees. The wisteria is especially pretty this year, including in my own yard, where the blossoms are in clumps 10 - 12 inches long.

These "red" dogwood blossoms (the pink ones are much lighter) are on a tree at the Episcopal Church on Broadway.

I like this scene where the bench says "Rest Ye Awhile" in front of the

dogwood tree at the Episcopal Church. Very inviting!

You see many scenes like this one around town where the yards

are filled with pink, red, or white dogwoods.

The azalea bushes are starting to bloom, like this row of red ones

behind the red dogwood tree. What beautiful colors.

This tree on Madison Street was my favorite this

year - each dogwood was just perfect.

While the dogwoods may be gone when you arrive, there will still be plenty of

other blooming trees and flowers when you come for the AQS Quilt Show.

Last weekend Wayne and I made a quick trip to Iowa for a family

celebration and those of you coming from the north will still get to see the

wild dogwoods in the timber along I-24 as you drive south. Our trees are

two or three weeks ahead of what we saw along the interstate during our travels.

See you soon in Paducah for the quilt show. We are busy preparing for you!

We can'twait for you to see the beautiful quilts in the contest this year.

Bonnie Browning

Executive Show Director

Janome Sewing Machine Drawings

2011-04-13T08:48:00.000-05:00

The 27th AQS Quilt Show and Contest in Paducah is just days away. As you are making your list of things to do, don't forget to register for the Janome 3160 sewing machines that will be given away.

Look for the registration slips at the display near the Quilter's Park in the Paducah Expo Center. The display is close to the Janome Best of Show quilt and the other top winning quilts.

One machine will be given away each day at 3:00 p.m. - Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

See the Movie "Stitched" in Paducah

2011-04-13T08:36:00.000-05:00

During the 2010 AQS Quilt Show, Houston-based Picturesmith Productions taped part of the movie, Stitched, in Paducah. This year the movie is finished and ready for viewing!

The movie lasts 72 minutes and will be shown in the Eisenhower Room at the following times:

Tuesday, April 26, 4 p.m.

Wednesday, April 27, 6 p.m.

Friday, April 29, 6 p.m.

Saturday, April 30, 4 p.m.

Tickets ($12) can be purchased at the Workshop Desk in the Expo Center Hallway at the show.

Stitched follows three art quilters, Caryl Bryer Fallert, Hollis Chatelain and Randall Cook, for one year as they compete for some of the quilting world’s top prizes and attend the biggest quilt shows. Along the way, these artists juggle busy careers and challenges as they race to finish their quilts to enter in the these shows.

Caryl Bryer Fallert

Hollis Chatelain

Randall Cook

Wednesday - 1950s Fun Night

2011-04-09T10:01:00.000-05:00

Woweee - what an evening is planned for Wednesday evening at the Carson Four Rivers Center, 7 - 9 p.m. it's the 1950s Fun Night!

Charlotte Angotti

Do you remember the 1950s – the era of the Pop Rebellion with its Doo Wop music, Elvis Presley, and Chuck Berry? Funny lady Charlotte Angotti and show director Bonnie Browning will co-host the event. It will be a crazy evening with games - we'll refresh your memory with some trivia, dances, and also featuring the APQS Rebels (Jim Langland on the keyboard and Mark Caraher on vocals). You haven’t lived until you have seen Jim and Mark in action live on the stage. Yes, we bet Elvis will be in the building!

Bonnie Browning

Will you win the prize for the quilter in the best 1950s dress? Come dressed in 1950s’ style and vie for some prizes – think bobby socks, poodle skirts, blue jeans and white tucked-in T-shirts, pedal pushers, petticoats, saddle oxfords, and let’s not forget the pompadour and duck-tail hairdos.

Don’t miss this evening of fun, games, audience participation, and more. AccuQuilt has donated a "GO" machine to be given away, plus lots of other great prizes have been donated by sponsors and vendors. Be there or be square!
.
Bus transportation will leave the AQS Bus Stop starting at 6:15pm and will return you to the bus stop at the conclusion of the presentation.
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Advance registration will be open until 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 13... so there is still time to order your tickets... just click here to go to online registration or call 270-898-7903 and ask for the Registration Desk. Order #2204 Quilters’ 1950s Fun Night, $15.

Eve's Diary at the Paducah Quilt Show

2011-04-07T15:31:00.000-05:00

Attend the AQS Awards Presentation on Tuesday, April 27, at 5:30 p.m. to enjoy Eve's Diary, adapted and performed by Gayle Stahlhuth, based on several of Mark Twain's stories and essays, including Eve's Diary, Extract from Eve's Diary, and Papers of the Adams Family. Life IS difficult to figure out without a dictionary!

Gayle Stahlhuth (performer/playwright) has performed off-Broadway, in national tours, regional theater, and radio. Her plays have been produced in NYC and regionally, including her own one-woman plays based on Louisa May Alcott, Catherine Beecher, Edna Ferber, and her own life, and many were written due to commissions. Since becoming Artistic Director of the East Lynn Theater Company (ELTC) in 1999, she has produced 57 different plays/musicals (some returned for another season), including 14 world premieres and 8 NJ premieres, and directed 31 of them.

She is a member of Actors' Equity Association, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, Screen Actors build, and the Dramatists Guild.

Eve's Diary is one of East Lynne Theater Company's touring productions. This Equity professional company, founded in 1980, celebrates the American Spirit on Stage through timeless classics and provocative new works. ELTC operates all year long with the following programs: Mainstage Production Season in Cape May, NJ; touring Shows throughout the country; and Educational Outreach for all ages. The name "East Lynne" derives from an enduringly popular 19th-century American play.

To order tickets online to the Awards Presentation, click here; or call 270-898-7903 and ask for the Registration Desk.

Hidden Gems in the AQS Paducah Teacher Line-Up

2011-04-07T13:57:00.001-05:00

Lucky you, if you haven’t yet chosen which classes to attend on your trip to the AQS Quilt Show and Contest – Paducah, April 27 – 30. Two amazing instructors still have openings in their classes, and their techniques will truly expand upon and improve your quiltmaking.

Called “Dilys the Quilt” per the custom of her Welsh homeland,
Dilys Fronks has taught innovative quilt designs and techniques across the US and Europe for more than 20 years. Appearing in Paducah for the first time in several years, she will teach a positive/negative appliqué technique that she calls 2-4-1. That is, when you cut your appliqué shape 1 time, you get 2 possible blocks. “2 quilts for 1 effort” is another way to phrase it, as is the title of her very successful book, Dual Image Applique, (AQS, 2010). Dilys has an unusual way with color, too, so if spicing up your quilts and getting the most out of the time you spend quilting—2-4-1 style—then Dilys’s classes are not to be missed. Be happy you caught up with her while she’s in the US!

Sign up for these classes with Dilys:

3501: Hand Reverse Applique Using a Cast Iron Design

3503: Positive and Negative Hand Applique

3102: 2-4-1 Applique

3505: Template-free Hand Applique

Marianne Hatton hails from the Boston area now, but this native South African, a newly-minted U.S. citizen, brings an unmistakable continental flair to sampler quilts. Forget boring 6, 9, or 12 set quilts incarcerated by sashing and weighed down with cornerstones.

Marianne shows you how to make a dynamic sampler quilt quite simply by using a super simple grid. Mix and match blocks and go to town. Create themed quilts that look like landscapes—but the blocks are just as easy as any beginner sampler class! Create a memory quilt of a trip to Europe or bring your garden indoors. The sheer versatility of the process she explains in Simply Dynamic Sampler Quilts (AQS, 2010) will blow your mind in her very popular classes. Marianne doesn’t come South very often, so if you can snag a class with her this year, count yourself fortunate.

Spend a day learning these great techniques from Marianne:

5102: A Simply Dynamic Sampler Quilt!

7107: A Simply Dynamic Kaleidoscope!

Call 270-898-7903 or click here to register online.

Don't delay, advance registration closes at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 13.

Winners - AQS It's In the Bag Contest

2011-04-06T09:33:00.000-05:00

Thank you to all of the contestants who entered the AQS It's In the Bag Contest. All of the bags are donated to the National Quilt Museum and will be auctioned during the Paducah Quilt Show.

Here are the winners:

Best Bag in the Contest – Marilyn Fromherz, Calimesa, CA

Category #1 Purse - 1st Place Winner – Janet M Scovic, Paisley, Orlando, FL

Category #2 Tote Bag - 1st Place Winner – Maxine Parker, Strawberry Shortcake, Las Vegas, NV

Category #3 Bag Full of Pockets - 1st Place Winner – June Schwierjohn, Posies Full of Pockets, Alton, IL

Category #4 Functional Bag - 1st Place Winner – Jean Dodson, Melon Bag, Arlington, TX

Category #5 Embellished Bag - 1st Place Winner – Marilyn Fromherz, Marilyn Fromherz, Calimesa, CA

Category #6 Green Bag - 1st Place Winner – Irma Dempsey, Quilted Flour Sack Patchwork, Indianapolis, IN

Category #7 Specialty Bag - 1st Place Winner – LynDee Lombardo, Look Whooze Back in Town, Olympia, WA

No entries for Category #8

Bucket List of Rituals for Paducah

2011-04-05T12:07:00.000-05:00

Attending the AQS Quilt Show in Paducah should be memorable. Here is a bucket list of the rituals every quilter should perform in Paducah…

• Attend the Awards Presentation on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.
• Be at the Annual Quilt Auction, either live at the Food Tent in front of the Convention Center or by attending the free live webcast
• Cast your vote for Viewer’s Choice in the Expo Center for large quilts, and on the 2nd floor of the Convention Center for the wall quilts
• Donate items to the Museum’s Annual Quilt Auction

• Eat southern barbeque, strawberry shortcake and other good eats in the Food Tent at the Convention Center
• Find the Hurt Book Sale and vendors at the Finkel Building
• Go see Klaudeen Hansen and collect autographs of quiltmakers at the Quilt Art Autograph Party
• Have a seat and enjoy the free demonstrations at the AQS Grandstand
• Increase your stash at the AQS Merchant Malls
• Join or renew your AQS membership at the show
• Keep your packages safe at the Package checks in the Atrium of the Convention Center and at the entrance of the Pavilion (hint: remember where you left them)
• Learn something new in a workshop or lecture in the AQS School of Quiltmaking
• Mail your postcards and letters with the AQS Show Cancellation Stamp and packages from the U.S. Post Office booth in the Convention Center
• Note all of the familiar faces you see at the show year after year
• Offer to be a white-gloved hostess/host and you’ll receive the collectible AQS volunteer pin
• Park yourself at the Quilter’s Park in the Expo Center or find a chair in the hallways of the Convention Center to give your feet a rest
• Quilt on charity quilts at the Build Quilts for Love booth #1124
• Ride the free shuttles to the AQS-sanctioned events: The National Quilt Museum and the 23rd Annual Rotary Antique Quilt Show and Vendor Mall

• Spend Friday evening at An Evening of Inspiration and Entertainment with Ricky Tims, sponsored by Ken’s Sewing Center
• Try out a new sewing machine – all of the manufacturers will have booths with models to test drive
• Update your calendar for entry deadlines for all of the AQS Quilt Contests – pick up the rules at the Workshop Desk
• View the movie, Stitched
• Watch the live AQS Webcasts online, sponsored by Pfaff
• Xerox your itinerary so you don’t miss a thing
• Y’all come back now, y’hear
• Zzzzz… don’t forget to get some rest

You can still register until April 13 at 3:00 p.m. (central time); your registration will be held for pickup at the Workshop Desk in the Paducah Expo Center – open on Tuesday from 12 to 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on show days.

Let us know how you do in completing the Paducah Bucket List!

Decorah Eaglets #1 and #2 Have Hatched

2011-04-03T08:30:00.000-05:00

Two of the eaglets a the Decorah nest have hatched, one on 4/2 and one on 4/3.

April 2: 1st eagle has barely hatched in this photo. Notice the cracked shell still in the nest.

Later in the day, the eaglet was fed some rabbit. I think the eaglets look like little aliens at this point. Wait until you see how fast they grow. Two more eggs to hatch.

Bob Anderson of the Raptor Resource Group that is responsible for putting the camera on this nest periodically zooms so we can get some great closeups of the eagles. Good camera work, Bob!

April 3: This morning both eagles were on the nest - there were lots of birds around making a lot of noise.

April 3: We get our first peak at the second eaglet - it's right behind #1 here. See what I mean about looking like little aliens? The eyes are black and so is the beak.

Mom eagle is ready for a nap this morning - must have had a busy night with the hatching of #2.

Click here if you would like to watch the Decorah eagles. More than 145,000 people from all over the world have logged on at one time to watch the Decorah eagles. There have been nearly 7 million page views of this site so far. This is watching nature at its very best! The arrival of the second eaglet even made Good Morning America this morning.

Stitched - See the Paducah Premier of the Movie About Quilters

2011-04-01T14:25:00.000-05:00

During the 2010 AQS Quilt Show, Houston-based Picturesmith Productions taped part of the movie, Stitched, in Paducah. This year the movie is finished and ready for viewing!

Stitched follows three art quilters, Caryl Bryer Fallert, Hollis Chatelain and Randall Cook, for one year as they compete for some of the quilting world’s top prizes and attend the biggest quilt shows. Along the way, these artists juggle busy careers and challenges as they race to finish their quilts to enter in the these shows.

Watch a trailer about the movie.

Purchase your tickets online or call 270-898-7903 and ask for the Registration Desk.
Tickets are $12 and the movie will be shown in the Eisenhower Room at the Carroll Convention Center.
The movie will be show four times during the show. The movie runs 72 minutes so it will go slightly beyond the times listed.
#2851 Tues., 4–5pm
#2852 Wed., 6–7pm
#2853 Fri., 6–7pm
#2854 Sat., 4–5pm

Don't Miss these Events at the National Quilt Museum

2011-04-01T12:14:00.011-05:00

National Quilt Museum's
2011 Special Hours and Events
During the AQS Quilt Show

The Museum will begin opening 7 days a week, starting in April. The Museum is open the Sunday prior to, and after the Quilt Show. Due to the timing of this year’s show, the Museum is open Easter Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Regular Admission Sunday – Tuesday: $10 Adult; $8 Senior

Sunday, April 24: Museum is open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Monday: Museum is open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Tuesday: Museum is open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

More events on Tuesday:

10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.: George and Virginia Siciliano Demonstrations – Starting Tuesday, the Sicilianos will be in the lobby demonstrating their techniques most days throughout the week.

10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Bill Ford. – Demonstrating and promoting his painted aprons.

5:30 – 7:00 p.m: AQS Awards Presentation – (Carson Four Rivers Center, 100 Kentucky Ave.)

7:30 – 9:30 p.m.: AQS Sneak Preview – Be the first to see the prizewinning quilts in this year's AQS Quilt Contest; the merchant malls will be open too. Remember the Museum benefits from the proceeds of this event! (All Exhibit Areas)

Discounted Admission During AQS Show, Wednesday – Sunday: $8

Wednesday: Museum is open 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.: NQM’s Silent Auction – (Convention Center 1st Floor Hallway)
10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 2 – 4 p.m.: Jim Shore Signing – (National Quilt Museum (NQM) Lobby) &am
7 p.m.: Jim Shore Lecture – (NQM Classroom) You can purchase tickets for this event by calling (270) 442-8856 x205 or online at www.quiltmuseum.org/JimShore. Tickets are $15.
Gift Shop Open 8 a.m.-7:30 p.m.

Thursday: Museum is open 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.: NQM’s Live Auction Preview (Convention Center 1st Floor Hallway)
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Bill Ford Museum is open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Demonstrating and promoting his painted aprons.
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Book Signing – Mary Tatem, author of numerous books including: Quilt of Joy, Quilt of Faith and Quilt of Life. (NQM Lobby)
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.: Live Quilt Auction (Convention Center Food Tent) – NEW this year is the ability to participate in the live auction online through the AQS Webcasts. Click here to subscribe for webcasts at this year's AQS Quilt Show.
7:00 p.m.: Evening Upstairs at Your Library Lecture Series “More than Preaching to the Choir: The Role of the Museum in the Current Quilt World” presented by The National Quilt Museum Curator of Collections and Registrar, Judy Schwender. 7 p.m. at McCracken County Public Library in the upstairs community room. For additional information contact Bobbie Wrinkle 270-442-2510 X 119 bwrinkle@mclib.net – Free

Friday: Museum is open 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Samples of Fabric for Fabulous Fabric Flurry

8 a.m. – 12 p.m.: New this year, the Museum will hold its first Fabulous Fabric Flurry on Friday during Quilt Week (April 29th) from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. or until the fabric is gone. Just $10 gets you all the fabric you can fit into your “Flurry Bag.” Look for the tent on the Museum lawn. Come early for the best selection. Event ends when supply runs out. Have fabric you would like to donate for the Fabulous Fabric Flurry? We are looking for clean, 100% cotton fabric in fat quarter and 1 yard lengths or more. Just bring them to the Museum and drop off for the Flurry! Or contact Susan Edwards, Director of Marketing at (270) 442-8856 x214 or sedwards@quiltmuseum.org.
10 am – 12 p.m.: New Quilts from an Old Favorite: Orange Peel Book Signing – See these exciting quilts and meet some of the quiltmakers. Admission to Gallery required. (NQM Gallery)
10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.: NQM’s Silent Auction – (Convention Center lst floor Hallway)

Saturday: Museum is open 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sunday: Museum is open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
.

Eagle Hatch Watch is ON

2011-04-01T11:38:00.000-05:00

Have you been watching the Decorah eagles online? They have three eggs in their nest and today is the date for the first egg to hatch.

Click here to go to the eagle website to watch the live camera that runs 24/7.

This is watching nature at its best!

Here is a link to a PBS documentary about this eagle nest that gives a lot of information about these Decorah, Iowa eagles. The photography and information is very good.

Soon there will be a lot of action in the eagle nest as both parents work to keep the eaglets fed. If you have school-age children, I highly recommend this site. If you click on the UStream words in the upper right corner, you can gain access to the chat room where the discussion is only about eagles. (Right now there are more than 100,000 people logged into the site so it is very hard to get into the chat room.)

Bonnie Browning
Executive Show Director

National Quilt Museum Celebrates 20 Years

2011-04-01T10:50:00.000-05:00

The National Quilt Museum celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.

Do you have the museum on your schedule while you are attending the AQS Quilt Show, April 27–30?

Here are some of the special activities going on at the Museum during Quilt Show week:

20th Anniversary Fabric: MODA Fabrics has designed a beautiful line of fabrics especially for the Museum. "Dogwood Trail, Sentimental Studios" will be available in four colorways and matching blender designs - you will be able to get this fabric exclusively at the Museum's Gift Shop during the show (it will be in fabric stores in late summer). MODA is donating a portion of the proceeds from the Dogwood Trail Collection to the Museum.

Exhibits at the Museum to View during the Quilt Show:

20 Quilts for 20 Years: The museum’s quilt collection, which began with 85 quilts in 1991, has expanded to more than 300 quilts. Twenty additional quilts will be unveiled during this year's 20th Anniversary Celebration.

Celebration!: The Studio Art Quilt Associates (SAQA) made these quilts to celebrate the Museum's 20th anniversary

New Quilts from an Old Favorite 2011: Orange Peel: The 18 semi-finalists in the Museum's annual New Quilts from an Old Favorite Contest

The Color Orange: Antique Quilts from the Pilgrim Roy Collection

The National Quilt Museum Collection Quilts: The main gallery features a selection of quilts from the Museum's Collection

“Oh, Wow!” Miniature Quilt Collection

Watch for the next blog about all of the fun events that will be happening at the Quilt Museum during the AQS Quilt Show.

AQS and Alex Anderson invites you back to Knoxville in 2011!

2011-03-24T14:57:00.000-05:00

Who won the Janome Sewing Machines in Lancaster

2011-03-24T13:36:00.000-05:00

These three lucky winners each won a 3160QDC Janome sewing machine at the AQS Quilt Show in Lancaster, PA.

• Hillary Bounds,

Baltimore, MD

• Lorraine Markowski,

Mays Landing, NJ

• Beth Corey-Smith,

West Gardiner, ME

Congratulations! Enjoy your new machines.

List Your Quilting Event at My Quilt Place - The Place for Everything Related to Quilts and Quilters

2011-03-23T12:51:00.000-05:00

Does your quilt guild hold a show? Are you looking for ways to advertise your event?

You can list your event at MyQuiltPlace.com at no charge? The only requirement is that you need to register for My Quilt Place (click here to register) and you will have complete access to the site. It's the place for everything related to quilts and quilters.

On My Quilt Place, click on Events in the burgundy navigation bar, and then click the "+Add" button at the top of the Events page to add your event. Don't forget to include some contact information in case someone has questions about your event.

And while you are there, you can set up your own page, add photos of your quilts, join groups on topics of interest to you, join a forum, and read the blogs. That's a lot to do on MyQuiltPlace.com. Invite your friends to join too! See you there.

Lancaster Winners and Live Webcasts of Lectures and Special Events

2011-03-17T09:00:00.000-05:00

Good morning... the AQS Quilt Show in Lancaster is in full swing now. Quilters from across the U.S. and around the world are viewing the beautiful quilts on display, shopping the merchant mall (their bags look very heavy already) and classes are underway for the day.

If you aren't able to attend the show, you can still view some of the lectures and special events through our live webcasting. Click here to register for the live webcasts... you will see the entire list of events being offered via the webcasts. Remember, once you have subscribed, you can view the lectures and events any number of times "on demand" for up to 90 days following the event.

Congratulations to all of the winners in the AQS Quilt Contest - the competition was very stiff, so you all should be very pleased to be chosen as the top quilts in the contest.

The show runs through Saturday at 5:00 p.m. Come see the beautiful quilts!

Award Winners

2011 AQS Quilt Show & Contest- Lancaster
March 16 – 19, 2011

Best of Show Award
#124 SIMPLY SANTE FE, Cindy Seitz-Krug, Bakersfield, CA

Best Hand Workmanship Award
#209 MARY SIMON REDISCOVERED, Nancy Kerns, Skillman, NJ

Best Machine Workmanship Award
#120 CHRISTMAS ALL AROUND, Sherry Reynolds, Laramie, WY

Best Longarm Workmanship Award
#203 EMILY, Kathi Carter, Lanett, AL
Best Wall Quilt Award
#501 GYPSY ROSALIE, Ronda K. Beyer, Tualatin, OR

Bed Quilts, Pieced
First #123 SHOOTING STARS, Birgit Schueller, Riegelsberg, Germany
Second #111 SOUL SHINE, Karen Kielmeyer, Bella Vista, AR
Third #127 MA-TSU-RI (JAPANESE FESTIVAL), Mitsuyo Takasaki, Utsunomiya, Tochigi, Japan
Hon. Mention #133 DOUBLE WEDDING RING, Beverly J. Willis, Mansfield, OH

Bed Quilts, Appliquéd
First #210 SEW IS LIFE, Barbara Korengold, Chevy Chase, MD
Second #212 RYLIE’S GARDEN, Mary Martin, Clive, IA
Third #211 MY BEAUTIFUL MEMORY, Masako Kumagawa, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma, Japan
Hon. Mention #217 THE GRAPES OF BATH, Wendy Caton Reed, Bath, ME

Wall Quilts, Hand Quilted
First #314 MIDNIGHT GARDEN, Deborah Kemball, Santiago, Chile
Second #312 WINDY, Janeene Herchold, Redding, CA
Third #301 BIRDS IN THE FOREST, Jenny Bacon, Maryborough, Victoria, Australia
Hon. Mention #303 RED BIRD WINTER, Betty Lu Brydges, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Wall Quilts, Home Sewing Machine Quilted
First #413 JUDY IN THE SKY WITH STITCHES, Judy Robinson Ehrnst, Springville, AL
Second #430 TOUCHES OF THE ORIENT, Jaynette Huff, Conway, AR
Third #437 ZIPPER HOUSE, Cheryl Kerestes, Wyoming, PA
Hon. Mention #453 A LOVE/HATE RELATIONSHIP WITH PAISLEYS, Ann L. Petersen, Surprise, AZ

Wall Quilts, Longarm/Midarm Machine Quilted
First #508 MY GEMS, Diane Johnston, Pahrump, NV
Second #518 MAYNARD, David M. Taylor, Steamboat Springs, CO
Third #504 HISTORY AND TRADITION, Judy Eselius, Lake Oswego, OR
Hon. Mention #509 AUTUMN FLOWER, Linda McGibbon and Carol Rose, Beaverton, MI

Don't Miss These Events in Lancaster

2011-03-14T10:22:00.000-05:00

The AQS staff is already in Lancaster and setting up the show at the Lancaster County Convention Center.

Put these things on your "must do" list to make your experience at the AQS Quilt Show in Lancaster a memorable one:

Don't forget to pick up your copy of the AQS Showbook - it's your guide to everything at the show. $1.00 at the Admissions Desk

1. There will be quilts and vendors on three floors of the convention center. Contests quilts and two special exhibits are in Freedom Hall; A Perfect Journey exhibit by Karen Kay Buckley is on Level 2 in the Commonwealth Ballroom, and the Botswana Collection - Fiber Revolution & Kalahari Quilts and the AQS Authors' Exhibit are on Level 3 in the Heritage Ballroom. Be sure you visit all three floors at the convention center!

2. There will be a special quilting bee with artisans from the Mennonite Information Center and Lancaster textile artisans at the Lancaster Quilt and Textile Museum, 37 N. Market Street - a short walk from the convention center. There is also a special exhibition coordinated by the museum and Franklin and Marshall College exploring the connection between the quilts collected by Doug Tompkins, founder of the Esprit Corporation, and the fashions produced by Esprit in the 1980s. Special hours during the quilt show are: Monday - Friday, 9am to 7pm, and Saturday, 9am to 5pm. Admission is $6.00.

3. The Quilt Museum at The Old Country Store, 3510 Old Philadelphia Pike in Intercourse, will have special hours during the quilt show: Monday/Tuesday, 9am to 5pm; Wednesday/Thursday, 9am to 8pm; Friday, 9am to MIDNIGHT; and Saturday, 9am to 8pm; closed Sunday. See A Showcase of Quilts: Dazzling Contemporary Creations exhibit, plus Innovative Scrap Quilts by Elsie M. Campbell, who will also have a special book signing from 6 to 8pm on Wednesday with guided museum tours. Midnight Madness is on Friday until midnight, with special drawings between 9 and 11pm.

4. The Ricky Tims Concert is from 7 - 8:30pm on Friday evening in the Chapel at the Lancaster Bible College, 901 Eden Road. This will be a fun evening with humor, quilt stories, and music. Tickets are $15. There is free parking near the Chapel.

Special Exhibit at the Lancaster Textile & Quilt Museum

2011-03-09T16:33:00.000-06:00

THE GRID: AMISH QUILTS, ESPRIT CLOTHING, AND POSTMODERN DESIGN - On Exhibit during the AQS Quilt Show at the Lancaster Quilt and Textile Museum, 37 N. Market Street, in downtown Lancaster

Contact: Wendy Nagle, Executive Director
wnagle@lancasterheritage.com
Phone: (717)-299-6440

THE GRID: AMISH QUILTS, ESPRIT CLOTHING, AND POSTMODERN DESIGN

LANCASTER, PA - THE GRID exhibition, opening First Friday evening,

March 4, 2011, is a joint project between Franklin & Marshall College’s

Art and Art History Department and the Lancaster Quilt & Textile Museum.

Featuring the “Esprit Collection” of Amish Quilts as well as artifacts from 1980’s

fashion and culture, this exhibit demonstrates the influence of traditional Amish

designs on postmodern art and fashion.

Used as design inspiration in Esprit headquarters during the creation of their iconic

1980s fashions, the 'Esprit Collection' of Amish quilts is shown here in the company

of Esprit objects for the first time. Paired with Esprit sweaters, advertisements, and

other objects of postmodern design, this exhibition celebrates the traditional Amish

culture in a magnificent display of color, style, and aesthetic beauty. Titled THE GRID,

the exhibition examines the common reliance on the grid as a design matrix by both

Amish quilters and modernist designers, and compares these with postmodern

experiments in 'breaking' or 'exploding' the grid.

This first-time collaboration between Franklin & Marshall College and The Heritage

Center of Lancaster County, seeks to attract viewers interested in local tradition,

fashion, and brilliant design. Dr. Amelia Rauser, Associate Professor of Art History

at F&M led a fall seminar of six students who studied these quilts. Dr. Rauser states,

“THE GRID exhibition presents a wonderful opportunity to travel back in time to the

1980’s and see how our local culture revolutionized the American ideas of art and

fashion.” Wendy Nagle, Executive Director of the Heritage Center of Lancaster

County, which owns and operates the museum, shares the story behind the

development of the exhibition. “The idea of looking at these THE GRID: AMISH QUILTS, ESPRIT CLOTHING, AND POSTMODERN DESIGN quilts through

the lens of 1980’s Esprit fashion was brought to us by Gloria Mast, a local

adjunct professor of art history and curatorial consultant to our museum. This

past summer during a museum focus group at F&M, we shared the concept with

Dr. Rauser, who immediately saw the connection between the quilts, fashion and

art. We were excited by the possibilities, and delighted to be able to make these

magnificent historic objects accessible for the students’ study and observation.

It is our hope that this will be the first of many future collaborations with our

higher-education community.”

The museum will open for the season Tuesday March 16, just in time for the

American Quilter’s Society’s Lancaster event week. Hours during the quilt

show are: Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Daily admission is $6 per person, which includes admission to the

textile and Christmas exhibit galleries, and the magnificent Grand Banking Hall.

The museum gratefully acknowledges our 2011 exhibit sponsor:

Two Dudes Painting Company.

Look Me Up in Lancaster

2011-03-09T15:35:00.000-06:00

Andi Reynolds here, sniffing wonderful things in the air. It’s not just Spring—it’s the start of Show Season in the Quilt world. A most exciting time!

Next week AQS will host the first of four shows in 2011. We will be at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, March 16 – 19.

Being at each AQS quilt show is always exciting for me, because as the executive book editor for AQS, I get to meet so many creative people with such interesting ideas. If you have given some thought to writing a quilt book, come to the quilt show and see me! Bring just an idea or a full-blown proposal or anything in between.

My office will be the Susquehanna Board room, which is on the fourth floor of the Marriott at Penn Square. The Marriott and convention center are attached; just use the hotel’s elevators and you’ll find me.

If you'd like to talk about a book idea, you can prepare in advance by reviewing our proposal guidelines, click here to read or print the guidelines.

You can also attend my lecture, Quilt Book Publishing 101, which will be Thursday, March 17 (Happy St. Patrick’s Day!) from 12 pm to 1 pm in the Southern Market Council Chamber. Southern Market is across Vine Street from the convention center. Ask for Lecture # 42805 at the Workshop Desk at the show.

Later that afternoon, also at Southern Market, I will moderate the Author's Roundtable. From 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm come hear what four AQS authors have to say about what it’s like to publish with AQS. This is your time to ask all the nitty-gritty questions you can think of about what it is like to write a quilt book. Invited authors are Kathie Alyce (Flip Flop Block Quilts); Dianne S. Hire (Vivacious Curvy Quilts); Sally Terry (Pathways from Quilt Top to Quilted); and Sue Nickels (Machine Quilting: A Primer of Techniques). Ask for Special Event # 42201—it’s free.

Both events should help explain the process of becoming an AQS author, but you don't need to attend them to talk with me. Walk-ins are welcome, or you may make an appointment by Friday, March 11 by emailing me at andi@aqsquilt.com. You can always ask for me at the Workshop Desk, too.

I hope to see you soon in Lancaster!

It's AQS Quilt Show Time in Lancaster, PA

2011-03-09T13:48:00.000-06:00


Lancaster Co. Convention Center

It is almost show time in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, March 16 - 19, 2011! Our staff is busy packing boxes and tubs of materials for the show. Do you have your bags packed yet?

Here are a few reminders about the show...

Parking & Shuttles

This year there is one parking lot, located at Burle Business Park (1000 New Holland Ave, Lancaster, PA, 17601), with shuttle service to/from the Burle Parking lot to the Queen Street entrance at the Lancaster County Convention Center, starting at 7 a.m. and continuing until the conclusion of the evening event at the show. The fee for parking is $5 per car per day; shuttle service is $1 each way ($2 daily) payable when you board the shuttle.

Parking is also available in downtown parking garages: Water Street Garage (220 N. Water St.), Duke Street Garage (150 N. Duke St.), Prince Street Garage (111 N. Prince St.), Central Garage (35 S. Prince St.), East King Garage (148-52 E. King St., Penn Square Garage – next to convention center (38 S. Duke St.). These garages will honor a $7.00 flat fee for anyone parking over 6 hours. To get this discounted rate, you will need to pick up a discount chaser ticket at the PA Dutch Convention & Visitors Bureau booth (open during show hours) in the lobby of the Marriott at Penn Square.

There is no shuttle service to/from the individual hotels. Charter buses should drop their passengers off at the Vine Street entrance to the Convention Center. Empty buses can park free of charge at the Burle Business Park - south lot. Vendors will also be parking in the Burle south lot.

Registration has closed but you can still view the workshop and lecture information online. You will need to put in your name and address info to access that information. You can view the class photos and print your supply lists there. Click here to view the class information.

If you need more general information about about the show, click here.

Here are some words of welcome from the AQS Quilt Show staff:

Erin Ulrich, Contest Coordinator: "Good luck to all the Lancaster contest semifinalists – I can’t wait to see which of your beautiful quilts will go home as AQS prize winners! We'll post the winner's list on our website, www.AmericanQuilter.com as soon as we can."

Laura Davis, Registration Coordinator: "We've packed our bags and are heading off to Lancaster! Come see us at the Workshop Desk to purchase any last minute classes, lectures, or special events. We will be at the workshop desk on Tuesday from noon til 6:00 pm if you want to come get your tickets early!"

Marcelle Cashon, Education Coordinator: "Hi Everyone, welcome to Lancaster! We are excited to be here again for our second show and we have four full days of fun planned for you."

Terry Guill: Director of Show Operations: "Welcome to Lancaster! You will love the quilts on display, the merchant mall, classes and lectures."

Bonnie Browning, Executive Show Director: "We can't wait to see you at our quilting party in Lancaster. Don't miss the Quilter's Fun Night with Dianne Hire and me - we'll be giving away lots of great prizes!"

Be sure to wear your most comfortable shoes - we say "dress to the ankles and take care of your feet."

See you all in Lancaster next week!

NEW Event in Paducah

2011-03-09T09:43:00.000-06:00

We have added a new special event at the Paducah AQS Quilt Show...

(#2205) Jim Shore Signing Event

The National Quilt Museum

Wednesday, April 27, 2011, Free event

Jim Shore, internationally renowned artist and creator of the Heartwood Creek collection, will appear for an exclusive signing event at The National Quilt Museum from 10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., and from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Come meet Jim at the museum, choose from a selection of his unique quilt-inspired creations and get your favorite piece signed by the artist.

(#2206) An Evening with Jim Shore

The National Quilt Museum

Wednesday, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m., $15 fee

Meet Jim Shore, creator of the popular Heartwood Creek collection of figurines. A self-taught artist, Jim utilizes his skills as a painter, sculptor, silversmith, and woodcarver to create his popular “heart-crafted” designs that incorporate quilt designs. Learn how he came to love quilt designs and incorporate them into his artwork. You will be inspired. Limited seating!

Click here to purchase your tickets to An Evening with Jim Shore.

Registration is Closed, Parking & Webcasts at Lanaster AQS Quilt Show

2011-03-05T15:14:00.000-06:00

Registration for the AQS Quilt Show in Lancaster is now closed. The staff will need the next few days to finish up the registrations we received recently and to get all of our equipment ready to be loaded onto the truck that will bring our supplies to Lancaster.

Check at the Workshop Desk at the show for ticket available for workshops, lectures, and special event. The Workshop desk will be open on Tuesday, March 15 from 12 to 6 p.m., and it open at 8 a.m. on show days.

You can still go online to view the class photos and supply lists for any classes that you have registered for.

Click here to access the class information. You will need to input your information on the first page to gain access.

Parking at the Show:
This year there will be one parking lot, located at Burle Business Park (1000 New Holland Ave, Lancaster, PA, 17601), with shuttle service to/from that lot to the Queen Street entrance at the Lancaster County Convention Center, starting at 7 a.m. and continuing until the conclusion of the evening event at the show. The fee for parking is $5 per car per day; shuttle service is $1 each way ($2 daily) payable when you board the shuttle.

There will be no AQS shuttle service to/from the individual hotels. Charter buses should drop their passengers off at the Vine Street entrance to the Convention Center and these buses can park free of charge at the Burle Business Park - south lot. Vendors will also be parking in the Burle south lot.

Live Webcasts, sponsored by Pfaff:
If you can't attend the show, you can still participate through the NEW Webcasts of lectures and special events, sponsored by Pfaff.

Click here for more information on subscribing for Live viewing of the Webcasts or "on demand" anytime up to three months following the event.

For general information on the show, click here.

See you at the show, March 16 - 19!

Aprons

2011-03-03T14:10:00.000-06:00

My sister sent this to me, and I bet you remember your Grandmother always wearing an apron, just like I do.

The History of 'APRONS'

Author Unknown

I don't think our kids know what an apron is.

The principal use of Grandma's apron was to protect the dress underneath because she only had a few. It was also because it was easier to wash aprons than dresses and aprons used less material. But along with that, it served as a potholder for removing hot pans from the oven.

It was wonderful for drying children's tears, and on occasion was even used for cleaning out dirty ears.

From the chicken coop, the apron was used for carrying eggs, fussy chicks, and sometimes half-hatched eggs to be finished in the warming oven.

When company came, those aprons were ideal hiding places for shy kids.

And when the weather was cold Grandma wrapped it around her arms.

Those big old aprons wiped many a perspiring brow, bent over the hot wood stove.

Chips and kindling wood were brought into the kitchen in that apron.

From the garden, it carried all sorts of vegetables.
After the peas had been shelled, it carried out the hulls.

In the fall, the apron was used to bring in apples that had fallen from the trees.

When unexpected company drove up the road, it was surprising how much furniture that old apron could dust in a matter of seconds.

When dinner was ready, Grandma walked out onto the porch, waved her apron, and the men folk knew it was time to come in from the fields to dinner.

It will be a long time before someone invents something that will replace that 'old-time apron' that served so many purposes.

REMEMBER:

Grandma used to set her hot baked apple pies on the window sill to cool. Her granddaughters set theirs on the window sill to thaw.

They would go crazy now trying to figure out how many germs were on that apron.

I don't think I ever caught anything from an apron, but love...

AQS Bag Contest - March 1 Deadline

2011-02-27T07:28:00.000-06:00

There are just a few more days until the March 1 deadline for the AQS "It's In the Bag" Contest.

Don't have a pattern for a tote bag - then just click here to find free patterns in any style you might want to make.

The rules are simple:

1. You may enter up to three bags; all bags will be donated to The National Quilt

Museum for their annual auction held during the AQS Quilt Show in Paducah.

2. Entry should be made of fabric and include some quiltmaking techniques (piecing,

appliqué, quilting); other materials can be added to fit the theme of the bag.

3. The bag must be functional and be a minimum of 6” square; any size (6” x 6” or
larger) or any shape (square, rectangular, round, half-round, triangular, hexagon or

other shapes) can be submitted.

4. Handles, if included, can be made from fabric or can be purchased hardware.

Zippers, feet, and other hardware can be added.

5. Complete bag(s) and entry form must be received by AQS or postmarked by

March 1, 2011.

Download the rules here.

Good Luck!

Happy President's Day!

2011-02-21T14:58:00.000-06:00

Today is President's Day, and we have a free pattern for you, courtesy of Michael Buckingham, author of Presidential Redwork.

Click here to download a PDF of the redwork pattern for President Obama, current President of the United States.

Patterns for all of the other U.S. Presidents are available on a CD-ROM so you can just print out the patterns.

Click here to order the CD for $9.98 retail; $7.99 for AQS members.

Webcasting at the AQS Quilt Show - Lancaster

2011-02-21T14:16:00.000-06:00

Lectures and Special Events are being Webcast.

Want to watch your favorite quilt instructors?

Can't attend the show?

Then watching on your computer is the next best thing.

Click here for more information on subscribing

for Live viewing or "on demand" anytime

up to three months following the event.

Paducah named 2011 Distinctive Destination

2011-02-15T11:45:00.000-06:00

This morning, Karen Nickless, Field Representative from the Southern Office of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, announced that Paducah has been named one of the Dozen Distinctive Destinations* for 2011!

If you are a quilter who loves Paducah, please click here to cast your vote for Paducah as the Fan Favorite Distinctive Destination. (You will need to register to vote and there is no cost to do that.) Votes can be cast from February 15 to March 15. Any legal resident 18 years or older can vote once per day for his or her favorite. The winner of the popular vote will be announced on March 16, 2011.

So, quilters, let's show our support for Paducah. Your votes count!

*Since 2000, the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Dozen Distinctive Destination program has recognized cities and towns that offer an authentic visitor experience by combining dynamic downtowns, cultural diversity, attractive architecture, cultural landscapes and a strong commitment to historic preservation, sustainability and revitalization. In each community, residents have joined together and taken action to protect their town’s character.

Scrap-Lique Class by Sherry Rogers-Harrison

2011-02-12T17:05:00.000-06:00

Sherry Rogers-Harrison just sent me some great new samples of her Scrap-Lique technique that she will be teaching on Friday, March 18 at the AQS Quilt Show in Lancaster.

Check out these photos:

You will get a pre-quilted piece in your kit (fee payable to instructor in class) to work on and you'll add all sorts of goodies to the piece. Imagine what you can do to your quilts once you learn Sherry's techniques.

There are still a few seats left in this class. It is class #46504 Scrap-Lique, 1 - 4 p.m. on Friday, March 18.

Click here to register for this class.

NEW Webcasts from Lancaster Show

2011-02-12T14:37:00.000-06:00

We know that not everyone can attend every show, so now we are bringing the shows to you via live webcasting directly from the show. You will be able to register for webcasts of some lectures and special events and view them while they are happening... or you can view them anytime up to 90 days after the show.

A new feature of the AQS Quilt Show in Lancaster this year is the live webcasting of some lectures and special events on Thursday and Friday, sponsored by Pfaff.

How does this work? Just click on this link and follow these easy steps:

• Click the Live Webcast button to open the AQS Webcast eTicket Office.

• Select the items you want to watch. Here are the lectures and special events that will be webcast on Thursday and Friday during this year's Lancaster show:. You can select individual events, choose all of the events on a single day, or choose the best deal -- the all-inclusive ticket:

Why We Quilt - Let Us Count the Ways w/Edyta Sitar (Thurs 10am) $10.00
Quilt Book Publishing 101 w/ Andi Reynolds (Thurs Noon) $10.00
Buy Everything! A Practical Approach to Fabric Selection w/ Mary Sorensen (Thurs 2pm) $10.00
AQS Authors' Roundtable (Thurs 4:30pm) $15.00
Quilter's Fun Night w/ Dianne S. Hire & Bonnie Browning (Thurs 7pm) $15.00
Machine Quilting Tips and Tricks w/ Sue Nickels (Friday 2pm) $10.00

• Select “Show My Order.”

• Select “Buy Now”; payment is Safe & Secure via PayPal.

• Here you have a choice to use your PayPal account if you have one. If not, choose Pay with Debit or Credit card, or call 800-361-0987 for other payment options.

• An eTicket number will be sent to you via the e-mail address you provide so you can log on to watch the event.

• You can watch the events live, or you can view them “on demand” for up to three months following the event.

Now you don’t have to miss the whole show if you can’t travel to Lancaster – view the webcasts online!

Register now for the online webcasts!

Great Recipe - Perfect for Guild Potlucks

2011-02-12T13:53:00.000-06:00

Once each moneh, we at the AQS office celebrate the birthdays for that month. We had our Snack Day for February yesterday and everyone enjoyed the Spaghetti Slaw made by Lynn VanVactor. You can try it too because the recipe is on the AQS website. It's under the Quilt World Connections tab.

You can use this link to get to the Recipe section on the AQS website.

You can add some of your own favorite recipes there too. You'll see that I've added several make-ahead recipes so you have time to quilt and feed the family some good dishes too.

Bonnie Browning
Executive Show Director

The Executive Inn is Falling Down, Falling Down

2011-02-06T13:23:00.000-06:00

This week I decided to give you a different perspective on the demolition of the Executive Inn in Paducah. Caryl Bryer Fallert's studio/shop/home is located just two blocks from the Executive Inn. I visited Caryl to see how the hotel looked from her home.

Note: You can make the photos larger by clicking on them.

From Caryl Fallert's second level back porch, you can see the first and second floors
of the hotel disappearing from the last remaining section - the pool end of the hotel.

This view is from behind Caryl's home, shot with a wide angle lens.
You can see one small section still there on the left - this is where the adjoining wall
with the Convention Center is being worked on so they haven't yet removed all of that
section of the hotel. The restaurant, shops, and the center lobby sections of
the hotel have been completely removed now.

I asked Caryl how she felt about the Executive Inn coming down. She said, "it can't come down fast enough. It is so nice to be able to see across the (Ohio) river into Illinois. It will be nice for the people of Paducah to have use of that section of the riverfront. The river is a great asset for Paducah and the new marina there will make a big difference."

This week on Facebook I saw a picture of the demolition that was taken by photographer Glenn Hall; he gave me permission to share his photo which he titled A Room with a View... and here it is.

This view is from the convention center looking toward the pool end of the hotel. You see piles of rubble where the building has been torn down. They are recycling as many materials as they can from this huge building, including the concrete.

Next, I stopped in Schultz Park to give you a view from the pool end of the hotel.

You can see the first and second floors of the pool section disappearing from this angle.

That's all of our photos for today. Soon we should be able to show you photos without any hotel at all. What happens next to this property? During the quilt show in April we will be using this area for additional parking. After the demolition is complete, the City will be entertaining proposals from developers to build a new hotel in downtown Paducah.

Don't forget to register for the Paducah quilt show. You can register online or call 270-898-7903 and ask for Quilt Show Registration.

If you still need lodging for the Paducah show, the AQS Home Bed & Breakfast application is now available. Click here to go directly to the online AQS Home B&B application form. This program is coordinated by the Paducah-McCracken County Convention & Visitor's Bureau - if you have questions about the program, call 1-800-PADUCAH.

Bonnie Browning
Executive Show Director

Lancaster Show in Just 42 Days

2011-02-02T10:25:00.000-06:00

Wow, do you know that the doors will open for the AQS Quilt Show in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in just 42 days? The show is March 16 - 19. We don't want you to miss a thing -- so here are some upcoming deadlines related to the Lancaster show:

* February 2: Last day to register to receive your name badge in the mail. Watch your mail for the envelope containing your name badge -- it will have a letter confirming all of the events for which you have paid and the badge will be a 3" x 4" piece of paper with your name and item numbers on it. This will be your admission to these events so put the name badge in a safe place and bring it to the show.

* February 23: Last day to process name badges for the show - if you register between February 3 and February 23, your registration will be processed for payment and your name badge will be printed and held for pickup at the Workshop Desk at the show.

* February 24 - March 4: You can still call the AQS office (270-898-7903, ask for Quilt Show Registration) for tickets to workshops, lectures, and special events and they will be held at the show for pickup and payment.

* February 25: All quilts in the Lancaster Quilt Contest must be received at the AQS office today. Contact Terry Guill (terryguill@AQSquilt.com or 270-898-7903, ext. 152) if you have any questions about shipping your quilt.

* After March 4: Registration is closed so we can load the truck, and you will need to check at the Workshop Desk at the show for ticket availability.

* Tuesday, March 15, 12 - 6 p.m.: Workshop Desk is open in the lobby outside Freedom Hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center.

* March 16 - 19: Show Days -- show hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. The Workshop Desk opens at 8 a.m. each day of the show.

You can avoid standing in lines at the show if you purchase your admission, workshops, lectures, and special events in advance. Register now!

Click here to book your lodging or call 1-800-723-8824 to receive the special reduced hotel rates for quilters attending the show. Call for assistance with stays in Amish B&B's.

We will see you soon in the heart of Amish country - Lancaster, Pennsylvania!

And the Executive Inn Continues to Tumble Down

2011-01-30T21:23:00.000-06:00

The demolition crew is making good progress in knocking down the Executive Inn. I stopped on Friday evening and snapped a couple of photos. It is getting harder to get everything from the convention center to the far end of the hotel in one photo. I went across the street this time to try to give you some perspective on the progress.

From this photo you can see what's left of the restaurant end of the hotel on the left. The restaurants and shops section are gone, and so is the lobby section of the hotel. When you see that big hole now, you realize how long this hotel was... and they aren't quite done yet.

This photo will give you some perspective on what is left of the hotel. The white building on the left is part of the Pavilion, and the street in the center is the main entrance to the hotel. All that is left now is the swimming pool section.

By the time you arrive for the Paducah AQS Quilt Show, this will be a bare lot; we'll have some additional parking on the grounds this year. We are working on the parking entrance and shuttle bus routes now and will post a map on our website as soon as it is finished.

We are looking forward to seeing you in Paducah -- have you registered yet? Classes are filling, so don't delay in getting your registration to us. Don't miss seeing the movie "Stitched"; Quilter's Fun Night; the Evening with Charlotte Angotti; the National Quilt Museum's annual quilt auction; or the Ricky Tims Concert, Quilts & More.

You can register for Paducah online here, or call 270-898-7903 and ask for Quilt Show Registration.

Bonnie Browning

Executive Show Director

Fun and Classes in Lancaster

2011-01-25T16:31:00.000-06:00

Want to have some fun and learn from some of the best teacher at the AQS Quilt Show in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, March 16 - 19, 2011? There are still some spots left in workshops... here are some samples. You can register online, or call 270-898-7903 and ask for Quilt Show Registration.

Whether you quilt on a home sewing machine or on a longtarm/midarm machine, Sally Terry will give you lots of tips for quilting those continuous line quilting designs that go around the corners and on patterns like Log Cabin. Discover a new way of easy pattern placement without centering the design in the block for beautiful results. You'll learn all of this in #48506 Terry Twist and a Splash of Inspiration and Asymmetrical Continuous Curve.

In Scrap-Lique with Sherry Rogers-Harrison, you will begin with a prequilted block, add some Jelly Roll ink pens and tons of ideas to use in your quilts and scrapbooking albums. Sherry just won the Best Wall Quilt award at the Road to California quilt show. Here's your chance to learn from a winner! Choose #46504 Scrap-Lique.

If you want to learn about using some new materials - Lutrador and tulle - with your applique, then class #43508 Fabric Vases with Laurel Anderson is the perfect way to try them out. You will applique a vase filled with three tulips - bring spring into your home with this wall quilt!

And then for some fun - if you like quilts and music, then you are in for a real treat at the evening with Ricky Tims in the beautiful Chapel at Lancaster Bible College on Friday at 7 p.m. during the Ricky Tims Concert, Quilts & More, #42301. They have plenty of free parking at the Chapel, located just a short ride from the convention center at 901 Eden Road in Lancaster. Or, if you need transportation from the Lancaster County Convention Center to the Bible College, choose #42350; this bus will return to the Convention Center at the conclusion of the evening program. Be sure to purchase #42301 to get your ticket for the program as well as the ticket for the bus.

Book your room! We have negotiated reduced rates for attendees at the AQS Quilt Show. You can book your room online, click here or call 1-800-723-8824.