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
Friday, June 17, 2011
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Meet Knoxville Instructor Barbara Cline
The temperature isn't the only thing heating up .. so is the excitement for the 2011 AQS Quilt Show and Contest. This year's show is at the Knoxville Convention Center, Wednesday July 13 thru Saturday July 16. Doors open at 9 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. everyday except Saturday when they close at 5 p.m. We are very excited about this year's show and the many talented people who will be teaching. One of the teachers is Barbara Cline. Here's more about her love of quilting and what she likes best about teaching in her own words.
My interest in quilting began 38 years ago. I was inspired by my mother who is an oil and china painter and my sisters who are creative quilters. My first quilt was a simple one that I gave as a gift. The thing I enjoy most about quilting is the creativity in designing and then seeing the finished product. My favorite type of quilts are ones that have dimension and depth. The thing I enjoy most about teaching at quilt shows is how each teacher brings their creativity and unique ideas to share with other quilters.
I can quilt anytime of the day, but there is usually one or two days a week I can quilt all day and into the evening. Other days I quilt about one-to-three hours throughout the day. My sewing room is part of our living area. My design area is the floor where the children sometimes have to walk around or over my projects. I love being with my family when I sew.
Barbara is married and has five children ages 19, 20, 22, 23, and 24. They enjoy camping, working together, and playing Rook. One interesting tidbit about Barbara you might not know is -- she is a turkey farmer's wife.
There's still time to sign up for Barbara's lecture and workshops. Her lecture is: #22804 Creating Designs in a Lone Star, and you can join Barbara and her sisters, Julia Graber & Polly Yoder for:
#22401 Brunch with the Mennonite Sisters: Quilting Journey.
Her workshops are:
#27105 Pinwheel Spin
#27503 Shenandoah Star
#27506 Star Tricks II.
To learn more about the Knoxville show including lectures and workshops just click here.
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| #27105 Pinwheel Spin |
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| #27503 Shenandoah Star |
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| #27506 Star Tricks II. |
Meet Knoxville Instructor Paula Reid
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.
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| #28102 Borders and Binding |
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| #28512 Trapunto by Machine |
Monday, June 13, 2011
Prize Package Winners
Have you made your hotel reservations yet for the AQS Quilt Show - Knoxville?
These two lucky winners did, and they won free lodging plus a package of other goodies:
Vendor Package Winner: Brenda Groelz, North Salt Lake, UT
Quilter Package Winner: Anita McClure, Tellico Plains, TN
T3 Travel will be contacting these winners with all of the details for their free hotel rooms and tickets for Knoxville attractions included in the prize packages. June 1 was the deadline for entering.
You can still book your hotel rooms at the AQS-reduced rates by clicking here to book online or call Toll Free 877-865-2018 ext. 5, or 865-386-0713.
To register for workshops, lectures, special events or admission, click here.
Or call 270-898-7903 and ask for Quilt Show Registration.
If you register for a workshop or lecture, you'll receive a free lecture as our Thank You for supporting the Knoxville Quilt Show!
See you soon in Knoxville!
These two lucky winners did, and they won free lodging plus a package of other goodies:
Vendor Package Winner: Brenda Groelz, North Salt Lake, UT
Quilter Package Winner: Anita McClure, Tellico Plains, TN
T3 Travel will be contacting these winners with all of the details for their free hotel rooms and tickets for Knoxville attractions included in the prize packages. June 1 was the deadline for entering.
You can still book your hotel rooms at the AQS-reduced rates by clicking here to book online or call Toll Free 877-865-2018 ext. 5, or 865-386-0713.
To register for workshops, lectures, special events or admission, click here.
Or call 270-898-7903 and ask for Quilt Show Registration.
If you register for a workshop or lecture, you'll receive a free lecture as our Thank You for supporting the Knoxville Quilt Show!
See you soon in Knoxville!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Special Treat for Knoxville Show
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| Knoxville Convention Center - Headquarters of the AQS Quilt Show |
For those who registered by June 1, your free ticket will be mailed to you along with your name badge. After June 1, you can pick up your free ticket and name badge at the Workshop Desk located inside the exhibit hall at the Knoxville Convention Center.
The free ticket has no monetary value. If you already signed up for a lecture – you cannot get a refund for that lecture, but you can attend another lecture or invite a friend. Present the ticket at the door of the Lecture Hall for admission to the lecture of your choice. To read a description of the lectures, just click on this link.
So, as our time comes to a close in the Marble City, we want to say a special thank you to the Knoxville Tourism and Sports Corporation (Visitors Bureau), the Knoxville Convention Center, and our host quilt guilds – the Smokey Mountain Quilters of Tennessee and the Village Quilters, for helping to make our three shows in Knoxville a success. The 2012 summer AQS Quilt Show will be held in Grand Rapids, MI, to take our event to quilters in another part of the country.
To learn more about AQS, just click here.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Let's Have Fun in Knoxville
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?
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:
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!
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| Knoxville Convention Center |
- 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.
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| Cruise to the beginning of the Tennessee River while you enjoy a Southern dinner and solve the mystery! |
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.
Winner will be announced on the AQS Quilt News blog on June 3, 2011.
We have more than 600 quilts in our exhibits at Knoxville this year. They include the Alzheimer's Illustrated: From Heartbreak To Hope, curated by Ami Simms; Quilted Treasures: Prizewinning Quilts by Linda M. Roy; New Quilts from an Old Favorite: Orange Peel; 2012 Pilgrim/Roy Invitational Quilt Challenge; The River Runs Through It by the Rogue Art Quilters in Oregon; and all of the quilts in the AQS Quilt Contest - don't miss this show. Let's make this the best show ever in Knoxville!
Bring the whole family to Tennessee for vacation and attend the AQS Quilt Show while you are here. Knoxville is only 38 miles from Gatlinburg - enjoy the beautiful Smoky Mountains and the AQS Quilt Show - all in one trip!
Friday, May 27, 2011
Memories in the Closet
I know it's not polite to go through other people's closets. However, it's a practice you may want to adopt.
A few years ago, I visited a friend over Memorial Day weekend. We were invited to dinner by his golfing buddy and his wife, named Ann. Ann is a quilter, so we had lots to talk about. She gave me a tour of her fabric stash, machines, equipment, and books. Her quilting supplies were housed in the spare bedroom, 1/2 the sun porch and part of the living room. Ann's number one complaint-- not enough room for quilting. Doesn't that sound familiar?
We were just about done with the tour when her husband suggested that she show me the "postcards." Ann rummaged around in a closet for a while and came out with a bundle wrapped in an old tablecloth. When she unfolded the contents. I couldn't believe my eyes. Inside was what appeared to be a patchwork quilt -- but it was actually 144 picture postcards, crocheted together and bound with delicate silk tassels.
The postcards had been written to Ann's mother by her father during WWI. Ann's parents both lived in Italy and her father sent the cards while he was in the army--until he was captured by the Austrians and put in a prisoner-of-war camp. The pictures were fascinating and in pristine condition. On the back of every card was a message to her mother from her father. After, we viewed the postcard "quilt", Ann carefully wrapped it up and put it back into the closet, someday to go to her daughter.
When we returned to my friends house, I happened to glance at the top shelf of his closet. There, wrapped in an old sheet, was what appeared to be a crazy quilt. He brought it out for me and again, I was astounded. The old family quilt was dated 1874. It had suffered the fate of many old crazy quilts. The silk was shattered and it had obviously been well used over the years. However, the embroidery was still intact and the quiltmaker's story was still there to decipher. We carefully wrapped the quilt in its sheet and put it back into the closet.
The moral of this story? While some people may keep skeletons in their closets, I bet far more of us keep precious memories.
A few years ago, I visited a friend over Memorial Day weekend. We were invited to dinner by his golfing buddy and his wife, named Ann. Ann is a quilter, so we had lots to talk about. She gave me a tour of her fabric stash, machines, equipment, and books. Her quilting supplies were housed in the spare bedroom, 1/2 the sun porch and part of the living room. Ann's number one complaint-- not enough room for quilting. Doesn't that sound familiar?
We were just about done with the tour when her husband suggested that she show me the "postcards." Ann rummaged around in a closet for a while and came out with a bundle wrapped in an old tablecloth. When she unfolded the contents. I couldn't believe my eyes. Inside was what appeared to be a patchwork quilt -- but it was actually 144 picture postcards, crocheted together and bound with delicate silk tassels.
The postcards had been written to Ann's mother by her father during WWI. Ann's parents both lived in Italy and her father sent the cards while he was in the army--until he was captured by the Austrians and put in a prisoner-of-war camp. The pictures were fascinating and in pristine condition. On the back of every card was a message to her mother from her father. After, we viewed the postcard "quilt", Ann carefully wrapped it up and put it back into the closet, someday to go to her daughter.
When we returned to my friends house, I happened to glance at the top shelf of his closet. There, wrapped in an old sheet, was what appeared to be a crazy quilt. He brought it out for me and again, I was astounded. The old family quilt was dated 1874. It had suffered the fate of many old crazy quilts. The silk was shattered and it had obviously been well used over the years. However, the embroidery was still intact and the quiltmaker's story was still there to decipher. We carefully wrapped the quilt in its sheet and put it back into the closet.
The moral of this story? While some people may keep skeletons in their closets, I bet far more of us keep precious memories.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Turn Tears Into Smiles
Quilts for Kids, Inc. is a 501 (c)3 non-profit, which in the past eleven years has donated tens of thousands of hand-made patchwork quilts to seriously ill children and children of abuse.
In our experience, quilters are the most generous people anywhere, always using their skills to help others, and we realize that you are all involved in charitable efforts, worthy causes, all. But if you would like to help Quilts for Kids by making a comfort quilt (just approximately 38" X 45"), you may visit our website www.quiltsforkids.org to order a free kit or you can make a quilt from your own stash, which is particularly welcome!
We like to say we turn tears into smiles because that is literally what happens when a child receives a hand-made patchwork quilt from one of our volunteers. Seriously ill children are comforted, and their families uplifted by the thought that someone cares enough to create a beautiful gift to help them through critical and difficult times.
Everyday, we receive notes from patients' families and from hospital personnel expressing their heartfelt thanks, and telling us how much the quilts mean to the kids. So, please, when you can find the time, join the QFK staff, quilters one and all, in making a difference in a child's life.
Click here to visit our website and learn more about what we do.
Thank you,
Linda, Nancy, Cindi, Kristin, Sally, and Pam
Winners at Spring Quilt Shows
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
Amazing Ways to Use Circles and Rays by Renae Haddadin
Freemotion Quilting by Judy WoodworthMonday, May 9, 2011
Paducah Webcasts Still Available
The Paducah show is over, but you can still enjoy some special events and learn from lectures through the AQS Webcasts, sponsored by Pfaff.
Just click here to view the list of events available, subscribe, and you can watch them on your computer at your leisure.
If you missed the evening with Ricky Tims, you missed one of his best programs ever. You'll enjoy some music, quilts, and stories, all in Ricky Tims fashion! A special treat was the opening act - Joyce Stewart and Ann Seely. Don't miss it! This program is only available on the webcast until May 29.
Just click here to view the list of events available, subscribe, and you can watch them on your computer at your leisure.
Des Moines Quilt Contest Deadline is Approaching
Entries must be postmarked or received by May 20, 2011 for this contest. Click here to view or print the rules and entry form.
Enter your quilts today - you could be the winner of the $10,000 Best of Show award!
You will also find the rules and entry form for the International Sunbonnet Sue Quilt Contest using the Des Moines Contest link. There is still time to make an entry for this contest - deadline is September 9, 2011 (quilt must be sent by that date). The International Sunbonnet Sue Contest quilts will be displayed at the Des Moines show.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Learn from the Best in Knoxville!
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.
| Location of the AQS Quilt Show, July 13 - 16: Knoxville Convention Center, 701 Henley St., Knoxville, TN 37902 |
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
A Prepared Quilter
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
The winners are:
Elizabeth Zwicke, Waukegan, IL
Mary Ann Abell, Paducah, KY
Judy Perleberg, Janesville, WI
Congratulations... and happy quilting with your new Janome!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
City of Paducah Floodwall Cameras
The City of Paducah has installed cameras on the river side of the floodwall.
Click here to see the current status of the Ohio River. Be patient because it takes a short time for the images to upload; they are refreshed every minute.
You can see that the water has gone over the Executive Inn berm. Another berm was built closer to the convention center buildings - the river crest will determine whether that kept the water out of the buildings.
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.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Scenes from the Show - Paducah 2011
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.)
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.
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| Viewing the contest quilts in the Pavilion. |
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| Crowded aisle in Office Max building |
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| Winning quilts from the 2011AQS Quilt Show in Lancaster |
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| The Ricky Gaga look - enlarge the photo to view the background |
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.
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| 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
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Quilters' 1950s Fun Night
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.
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!
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| Photo by Heidi Kasand |
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.
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| Photo by Heidi Kasand |
Live Quilt Auction will Not be Webcast
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!
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!
Monday, April 25, 2011
Quilt Show Setup has Begun
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:
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.
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
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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
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 4th 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 2nd 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!
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