Wow!
I had a fantastic time this past weekend at the West Virginia Quilt Festival. I was honored to be invited to teach at an amazing event with an amazing group of fellow quilters.
I arrived on Thursday afternoon, checked into my hotel room and then headed over to the convention center with great excitement. The diversity of quilts was great, each with a story behind it. I always enjoy being awed by the work of my fellow quilters.
There was a great assortment of vendors – what quilter can resist purchasing at least something that they “just have to have”?! It is rarely about a need for us quilters but about purchasing that thing you want to add to your collection, to make each quilt better. I for one had to make a couple of purchases. I treated myself to a 24 ½” square ruler, certainly not a necessity but makes squaring up those large blocks a piece of cake. I also purchased a new 40” x 72” cutting mat for the top of my cutting table.
After my shopping spree, I headed off to my classroom to get set up for class on Friday.
Friday morning my students arrived. They included individuals I have had in several of my classes from around West Virginia. I also had several new students. We enjoyed a wonderful day learning, sharing, and buckets of laughter.
The students were taught the quilt Starry Garden. It is made up of 12 piece blocks and 6 applique blocks – click [here] for more detail. Here is Donna’s finished project! Great work!
On my lunch break Friday, I snuck away and drove to downtown Summersville to see The Quilt Shoppe, a local quilt store, it came highly recommended to me by several students. Vicki the owner has done a fantastic job developing the store! Kudos to her!
Saturday was Teacher Medley Day.
Seven teachers gathered in one large classroom to teach various skills to students. I liken it to speed dating (which my daughter would appreciate). Each teacher is assigned a table (they stay put) then 5-6 students rotate to each table and are taught about a particular the skill that the teacher is known for or specializes in. Each teacher has 15 minutes to share tips, techniques, etc., with the students before the students move on to the table until they have made their way around the room.
I was asked to share my skills with wool appliqué, felting wool and using wool in your quilt top. I provided wool, instructions, and encouragement to students with their first attempt with wool. I used the Sheep’s Quilt as an example…
Then it was time to pack up the car and head home. It is always bittersweet leaving but know I will be blessed with more wonderful quilters eager to learn and share their skills with me.
Thanks West Virginia Quilters, Inc. for inviting me.
