What's New in Des Moines

 Iowa Events Center, Des Moines, Iowa

We are really excited about having our 3rd Annual AQS Quilt Show at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, Iowa, October 6 - 9. Here are some of the quilting stars who will be presenting special events there -- Eleanor Burns (who will have us all Down on the Farm), Joe Cunningham (who can pluck that guitar), Jim Shore (famous for his collectibles featuring quilt patterns), and Flavin Glover (who is famous for her Log Cabin quilts and who will give us treatment remedies for being quiltaholics).

As you make your plans to attend the show, don't miss taking a walk across the new Center Street Bridge, a 400-foot span usable by pedestrians and bicyclists that connects the east and west sides of the Des Moines River. This is part of the Principal Riverwalk project that will ultimately include 1.2-mile trails on each side of the Des Moines River between the Center Street Dam to the north and the retrofitted Union Pacific Railroad Bridge south of Court Avenue. Here's a photo to show you this beautiful new landmark in downtown Des Moines.

Center Street Bridge for pedistrians and bicyclists

Also, don't forget the AQS-sanctioned events:
Iowa Hall of Pride: These wonderful interactive exhibits of people and groups related to Iowa are located right there in Hy-Vee Hall in the Iowa Events Center - the same building where the quilt show is located. If you are a history buff, a sports enthusiasts, or just want to have some fun, check out the Iowa Hall of Pride.

These Iowa personalities are included in the Hall of Heroes: Nile Kinnick, Peggy Whitson, Andy Williams, Meredith Wilson, Dr. Frank Spalding, Donna Reed, John Wayne, Glenn Miller, Grand Wood, Mauricio Lasansky, James Van Allen, Roger Williams, and a lot more. Check it out! You can purchase your tickets when you register for the show.
 
Des Moines Botanical and Environmental Center: The Botanical Center will feature quilt-themed displays on the grounds, plus a special exhibit of quilts in the Northwing Gallery, lobby and Show House corridors. Admission is free with your AQS name badge. Open daily, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. The Riverwalk Cafe serves lunch Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. You can jump on the free shuttle bus to get there.

Historic Valley Junction welcomes you to the Quilter's Open House: Free bus service from the Iowa Events Center will take you to Valley Junction in West Des Moines. Stores will showcase quilts in their front windows, and there is a special Quilt Walk from Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A special Quilter's Open House will be on Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. (shuttle service is extended on Thursday evening until 8 p.m.) Free admission.

To learn more about these sanctioned events or to register for the show, click here.

The leaves on the trees are usually really pretty in early October in Iowa - a perfect time and place for a fall trip.

What's Happening at the AQS Quilt Show in Knoxville

Today is Day 3 of the AQS Quilt Show at the Knoxville Convention Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. Here's a glimpse of what you can see at the show. There is still time to see the more than 550 quilts on exhibit and shop in the huge merchant mall with every supply you might need to make your quilts. The hours today are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; hours for Saturday are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Free slideshow personalized with Smilebox

Advanced registration recommended for Des Moines AQS Quilt Show

Even though the AQS quilt show staff will all be in beautiful Knoxville, Tennessee, all week for our show there, you may still register online for our upcoming AQS Quilt Show in Des Moines, Iowa, October 6 - 9.

Don't miss any of these spectacular special events:
Wednesday, Oct. 6, 7:00 p.m.: Eleanor Burns: Quilt Blocks on American Barns
Thursday, Oct. 7, 7:00 p.m.: Joe the Quilter: Joe Cunningham
Friday, Oct. 8, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.: Jim Shore Signing Event
Friday, Oct. 8, 7:00 p.m.: An Evening with Jim Shore
Saturday, Oct. 9, 9:00 a.m.: Brunch with Flavin Glover: Treatment Goals of a Quiltaholic
Saturday, Oct. 9, 1:00 p.m.: All-Star Review

Advanced registration is recommended as many classes fill quickly! Browse this complete directory of classes and events. You can register by mailing the registration form to AQS, PO Box 3290, Paducah, KY 42002-3290; by faxing the form to 270-898-1173; or click here to register online. Telephone registration will open on July 28.

Book your hotel room by calling one of the hotels on this list that have special rates for AQS attendees.

Make your plans now to attend the AQS Quilt Show in Des Moines!

Window Dressing Contest in Knoxville

Shops in Knoxville have decorated their windows with quilts. Here's a map so you can check them out on your trip to Knoxville. The winner of the Window Dressing Contest will be announced at The Quilter's Link at 9 a.m. on Wednesday in the Lecture Hall at the Knoxville Convention Center; free admission to The Quilter's Link where you will learn tips for making your visit to this year's AQS Quilt Show a memorable experience.

Click on the map to enlarge.

Parking and Shuttle Service in Knoxville

You have several choices for parking in Knoxville. The easiest is to park at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum and ride the shuttle right to the doors of the convention center. Here is a map of the route the shuttle will take to/from the Civic Coliseum..

Here are all of the options for parking during the show -
* Civic Coliseum including handicapped parking/shuttle
* Limited handicapped parking at the Poplar Street lot
* City parking garages
* Park at your downtown hotel and ride the City Trolley - check the schedule at your hotel

Downtown Show Parking - Knoxville Civic Coliseum

This year's AQS Express Shuttle makes your park and ride experience while visiting the show a breeze! Park in the garages on the north side of the Knoxville Civic Coliseum (500 Howard Baker Ave., Knoxville, TN 37915-2503 (865.215.8900, www.knoxvillecoliseum.com)); pay $5 per day for parking with complimentary same day in and out privileges and then hop on board the AQS Express Shuttle for $1 each way ($2 round trip) and go straight to the Knoxville Convention Center's front door. Return to the Knoxville Civic Coliseum garages by catching the bus right outside the front door when you are finished at the show. Shuttles will run every 15 - 20 minutes. If you are making multiple visits to the show, you can purchase a $5 event pass for the shuttle and have unlimited rides available during the show week. Shuttle service will be available: Wed. - Fri., 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sat., 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be a handicapped shuttle at the coliseum to handle any visitors who need special assistance.

City Trolley Service - use this service if you are staying at the downtown hotels

Complimentary trolley service is available via the Knoxville Area Transit. A map of routes and trolley stops is available on the AQS Web site. The Orange Line and Blue Line have been extended for the duration of the show to include the following times and days. The trolleys provide service to each of the downtown hotels and the Knoxville Convention Center, as well as several downtown attraction areas.

Orange Line - pick up and drop off on the north side of Clinch (Holiday Inn side of Clinch) and on the west side of Locust (across Locust from the Hilton entrance). The Orange line services the Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Four Points Sheraton and Hilton

Wed., July 14:    7 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Thurs., July 15:  7 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Fri., July 16:      7 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Sat., July 17,     7 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Blue Line - pick up and drop off on the west side of Locust (across Locust from the Hilton entrance). The Blue Line services the Hilton, Marriott and Divid Coliseum garages. Both routes service Market Square and Gay Street.

Blue Line Schedule:

Wed., July 14:   7 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Thurs., July 15: 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Fri., July 16:     7 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Sat., July 17:    7 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Limited handicapped parking is available on a first-come basis in the Poplar Street lot, across from the convention Center. Persons parking in this lot will need to walk across the pedestrian walkway to the Knoxville Convention Center. 

City Parking Garages:

Parking is free at all city-owned garages after 6 p.m. on weekdays and throughout the weekend. City-owned garages include those at Locust Street, State Street, Market Square, and the Promenade.

See you at the show!

See You Soon in Knoxville, Tennessee

It's Quilt Show Time!
We have just a few short days until the AQS Quilt Show opens at the Knoxville Convention Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. The show opens on Wednesday, July 14 at 9:00 a.m.; however the Workshop Desk will be open on Tuesday, July 13, from 12:00 - 6:00 p.m. so you can pick up your name badges (for those who have pre-registered and have not received it in the mail) or to purchase tickets for workshops, lectures, and special events.

Show Dates and Hours: Wed., July 14 - Fri., July 16, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturday, July 17, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

We have a new feature at this year's show - the U.S. Post Office will have their mobile postal van parked on Henley Street, just outside the entrance to the show. The hours for the post office are: Wed., Thurs., and Fri., 1 - 6 p.m., and Sat., 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

You will be able to get a special quilt show cancellation stamp - perfect for sending a note to your family and friends from Knoxville. You can also pack your goodies purchased at the show into your suitcase and ship those dirty clothes home. ;-) many quilters do this at our shows.
Just look for this mobile van. They can handle your mailing and shipping needs: letters, postcards, and packages.

Parking and Trolley Service

Downtown Show Parking - New Parking Area with Shuttle Service
This year's AQS Express Shuttle makes your park and ride experience while visiting the show a breeze! Park in the garages on the north side of the Knoxville Civic Coliseum (500 Howard Baker Ave., Knoxville, TN, 37915-2503, 865.215.8900, www.knoxvillecoliseum.com); pay $5 per day for parking with complimentary same day in and out privileges and then hop on board the AQS Express Shuttle for $1 each way ($2 round trip) and go straight to the Knoxville Convention Center's front door. Return to the Knoxville Civic Coliseum garages by catching the bus right outside the front door when you are finished at the show. Shuttles will run every 15-20 minutes. If you are making multiple visits to the show, you can purchase a $5 event pass for the shuttle and have unlimited rides available during the show week. Shuttle service will be available: Wed. - Fri., 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. and Sat., 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Trolley Service to/from Hotels and Downtown Knoxville
Complimentary trolley service is available via the Knoxville Area Transit. A map of routes and trolley stops is available on the AQS Web site, www.AmericanQuilter.com. The Orange Line and Blue Line hours have been extended for the duration of the show to include the following times and days. The trolleys provide service to each of the downtown hotels and the Knoxville Convention Center, as well as several downtown attraction areas.

Orange Line - pick up and drop off on the north side of Clinch (Holiday Inn side of Clinch) and on the west side of Locust (across Locust from the Hilton entrance). The orange line services the Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Four Points Sheraton and Hilton:
Wednesday, July 14: 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Thursday, July 15: 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday, July 16: 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday, July 17: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Blue Line - pick up and drop off is on the west side of Locust (across Locust from the Hilton entrance). The Blue Line services the Hilton, Marriott, and Civic Coliseum garages.
Wednesday, July 14: 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Thursday, July 15: 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday, July 16: 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday, July 17: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Both routes service Market Square and Gay Street in downtown Knoxville - the location of many restaurants and shopping area.

Handicapped Parking
There will be handicapped parking and shuttle service at the Civic Coliseum garages to take you directly to the Knoxville Convention Center.

Limited handicapped parking is available on a first-come basis in the Poplar Street lot, across from the convention center. Persons parking in this lot will need to walk across the pedestrian walkway to the Knoxville Convention Center.


City Garages
Parking is free at all city-owned garages after 6 p.m. on weekdays and throughout the weekend. City-owned garages include those at Locust Street, State Street, Market Square, and the Promenade. You will be able to park free at these garages (after 6 p.m.) if you are attending the evening events at the quilt show.

We are beginning to pack for the show. Are you?
See you next week in Knoxville!

Sneak Peak at Knoxville's Special Quilt Exhibits

You won't want to miss seeing some very special quilt exhibits at the AQS Quilt Show, Knoxville Convention Center, 701 Henley Street, Knoxville, Tennessee, 37902, from July 14 - 17, 2010.

Here is a sneak peek at a few of the quilts that will be in our special exhibits at the show. They vary from antique quilts from the Nathanael Greene Museum in Greeneville, Tennessee, to prizewinning quilts from The Applique Society members, quilts from the New Quilts from an Old Favorite contest of The National Quilt Museum, Paducah, Kentucky, and Living Colour quilts by members of the American Pacific West Quilters of the Pacific Northwest region.

Antique New York Beauty quilt

from the Nathanael Greene Museum

Coeure du Vigne by Diana De LeClair - The Art of Applique 

exhibit of prizewinning quilts by members of The Applique Society

Sun Flower Duet by Geri Parker and Kathy McNeil of Coupeville, Washington - the second place winner in the New Quilts from an Old Favorite Contest - see all of the other semi-finalists in this contest.

Transitions by Diane Becka, North Bend, Washington - from the Living Colour 

exhibit by members of the American Pacific West Quilters. 

These quilters were invited to create, in fabric, their interpretation of Living Colour

using their choice of artistic expression and construction techniques.

There will be more than 550 quilts on exhibit at the AQS Quilt Show in Knoxville. Put on your most comfortable walking shoes and join us there! See you July 14 - 17.

Registration is now closed for this show, but you can pay admission at the door; check at the Workshop Desk located just inside the exhibit hall, for tickets to lectures, special events, and workshops.

The public is welcome to attend this event. Admission is $9 daily/$17 multi-day for AQS members and $11 daily/$30 multi-day for non-members. Two-day admission is $20. Show hours are: Wednesday, July 14 through Friday, July 16, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, July 17, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.