Three New Ribbons...

For The Love Of A Corgi - D. Liljegren

  I showed three pieces at the It's A Stitch Quilt Guild Show this past weekend. I'm so grateful to have received a ribbon on every piece I entered. "For The Love Of A Corgi" earned an Honorable Mention ribbon.  

Over The River - My Way. D. Liljegren

"Over The River - My Way" faced heavy competition. I was pleased to receive a Third Place ribbon for my efforts. The annual quilt show is held by the It's A Stitch quilt guild, and they have quite a few talented members, and other entrants. They ask that photos not be taken of other members' quilts, so I won't share the second and first place pieces. (They were beautiful, and definitely worthy of the ribbons they earned.)

 

Posey, The Patchwork Pachyderm - D. Liljegren

 

Last, but certainly not least, "Posey, The Patchwork Pachyderm" earned another second place win. The beautiful, curvy table runner (vertical, on the far left) won the first place ribbon. 

I was asked (more than once) which pattern I used for my sweet elephant. I smiled and explained that I had drafted the pattern for her, and that she was completely my own design. She was definitely a hit with the attendees.

This is my first Wisconsin show. I'll definitely enter this one again next spring. Posey may compete in another Wisconsin venue in September, but I'll be entering a few other new pieces by then, too. (I just have to get busy and sew!!)

My pal, Kathy entered eight pieces, only having seven judged. She won a ribbon on every piece that went for judging, and she even placed "in the money" with one of her gorgeous quilts. Thankfully, we didn't compete against each other in a single category.

All in all, I'd say we had a pretty darned successful weekend!

I'll be in the studio today, working on new commissions. I hope you have something fun planned, too.

 

Over The River And On The Wall...

Over The River Quilt

I've been thinking about this since I got back to the farmhouse. I wasn't sure whether or not we'd install a window on this wall (between our kitchen/back entry) as part of the kitchen remodel, so I delayed hanging up a quilt. Yesterday, Handsome and I decided against the window, so it was time to hang up my "Over The River" quilt.

My dear uncle came over with a section of scaffolding to span the basement staircase, and get high enough to attach the hanging hardware to the wall. Twenty minutes later, the quilt was hung.

Entry With Over The River Quilt

 

Handsome likes this installation as much as I do. Now the farmhouse has my favorite quilt hanging in the hall of our "friends and family" entrance. I think the only thing left to do in this area will be to change out the flooring when we do the kitchen. Every little thing we do for our farmhouse makes me love it more, and it seems to love us right back.

 

Over The River Is Home Again...

She's home again!

When I opened the box, I was expecting the judges critique sheet, but there

were other treats tucked inside, too! Are you ready to see what came back?

I received a National Quilting Association quilt label for my quilt. It 

records that it was included in the "Going Green" show this year.

I'll be putting a fabric border on the label (just like I did for the one that's 

already on the back of my quilt) and then sew it on above my regular label.

I also received a program for the show and a ribbon as an "entrant" in the show.

It's already hanging up on my ribbon frame along with the few others I have.

I promised I'd share the judges' critique sheet when it came back. Well, here it is. I'm happy with the comments and will remember their feedback as I create future quilts and other sewn and quilted projects.   Overall, the most difficult part of participating in the NQA show was boxing  up and shipping off my quilt. That was nerve-wracking for me. I was so concerned that it would be lost in transit, and I most relieved when I found  the box delivered to our front lanai when I got home yesterday morning.    The extras in the package were icing on the cake. Really. I am happiest just  having my quilt back and hanging up in its appointed place in our home. I can  stop fretting and be content to  run my hand over the fabric on my way by. I think "Over The River" will just stay home from now on. Yes. I think so.

Fly Away...

 I have a really short post today. I'm too nervous to even talk!

"Over The River" is going on a little trip.

 

I'm on my way out the door to the UPS Store™ to send off my

first ever entry in the National Quilt Association Quilt Show.

 The Show is in Columbus, OH from May 23 - 25 this year - and this is  my entry number. I packaged my quilt with TLC, according to the show requirements, sealed up the box and almost immediately got all queasy.    I've never entered a national show before. My throat is a little dry just thinking  about it. (Oh, gosh. Will they like me? Will I get a ribbon? Will they realize they  made a mistake and just box my quilt back up to return to me?) I kinda panicked.
If you're in Columbus while the show is in town, please look for my quilt. I'd love it if you snap a picture of it hanging up at the show to send to me.   I know the competition is fierce, but I'm looking at it as a learning exercise. Yeah. That's it. A learning exercise. Right.
 Wish me luck!

They Liked Me...

A

 Before I start a new week, I want to show you the ribbons I earned

at our 2014 Disconnected Piecers Quilt Guild Show. I was truly grateful

for the recognition for quilts I created over the past two years. Only one

was actually created to be a competition piece, and I was thrilled to have

it awarded for my efforts. So without further ado, let's get to it, shall we?

 "Over The River - My Way" earned a First Place ribbon in the

Collaborative - Bed Quilt - Small - Mixed Technique category.

You'll notice two blue ribbons. One is for me and the other will

go to Pat Alderman for her stellar longarm work. She made my

handwork and piecing look even better! (Thanks, Pat!) 

The third ribbon (in the first photograph), was awarded to the quilt

for "Viewers Choice".  After people viewed the show, they chose 

their favorite quilt and left their vote in a ballot box on their way

out. They liked me! I'm honored and humbled to have received this

ribbon, because it was given by a vote of my peers. (squeeeeeee!)

"Princeton Plates" received a Second Place ribbon in the Collaborative - 

Bed Quilt - Large - Mixed Technique category.  Pat Alderman

also did the longarm work on this quilt, so the second red ribbon is hers,

too. The large ribbon on this quilt is for "Best Track-Mounted Machine

Quilting". That ribbon will also make its way to Pat, as it was specifically

awarded for the work she did to enhance this quilt. She really deserved it!

 You can just imagine how pleased Handsome was to hear that "his"

quilt received this recognition. The quilt now resides on the guest room

bed, and it's perfect and soft for afternoon naps. He's got braggin' rights!

 "Martinique Plates" competed against "Princeton Plates" in the same category. 

It earned a Third Place ribbon. The judge later told me the difference between 

Second and Third was her assesment of the quality of fabrics used in one over 

the other. ("Moda™ Martinique vs Northcott™ Princeton.) Northcott™ won.

Susan Slaton did the machine quilting on this quilt and we stood next to 

each other during the judging. She was disappointed that her work didn't win 

the category, but I assured her that I adore this quilt and will cherish it always. 

 "Princeton Plates" earned a Third Place ribbon so Susan and I will each have a

ribbon to place on our wall for this quilt. (Thanks, Susan for your fine work!)

 I'm so glad that I was able to take photos of these quilts as they hung in the 

Exhibition Hall. The lighting really helped to show off all the beautiful 

longarm work, and we can see the entire quilt to its best advantage. It's back

 home in our master bedroom now, and I'm glad it's where it belongs again.

 You may remember that I made this small quilt as a model for a 

hand-applique' class  at Crazy Quilters last fall. When I finished

the quilt top, I asked Pam Wyka (who works there) to do the longarm

work. She did such a nice job. This quilt also earned a Second Place

ribbon for me, but this time in the Collaborative - Wall Quilt category.

One ribbon is mine and the other will go to Pam. (Thanks, Pammy!)

 This quilt now sits on our dining room table and looks right at

home against the same soft, muted colors in our area rug in the room.

 Last, but not least, is an Honorable Mention ribbon for The Pink Panther.

It competed in the Wall Quilt - Small - Applique' category.

 This quilt was a fun exercise in generating a realistic reproduction of 

an image - a well-known image at that! - in fabric and fiber. I had a 

great time creating it, and appreciate the recognition for my effort.

This show proved to be so much more than I ever dreamed or expected. 

By the time we got to returning quilts to our members, I was so tired.

Susan Slaton's "Dots & Jots" received a First Place ribbon.

 I had just received the Viewers' Choice Award and Susan and I were

folding and stacking our own quilts to take home with us. She said 

that she could have sold this quilt about 18 times over the weekend,

and I told her, "19. I love that quilt! It's so darn happy looking!"

l-r: me, Susan Slaton

As we continued to talk, Susan folded, placed it on my pile and gave it to

me as a gift. I asked her if she was serious and she assured me that she was.

I started to cry as I thanked her. She hugged me, told me to stop bawling 

and I whispered in her ear, "I think I need a nap."

It's Show Time...

"Over The River - My Way"

It's finally time...This week is Quilt Show Week for our guild.

I've entered five quilts for competition and display.

"Flutterby"

All of my quilts involve applique'.

If you've been reading my blog since I first learned this technique, you

may even chuckle a bit. You'll know that "I've come a long way, baby!".

"Martinique Plates"

I know that my friend, Flo would be proud of me if she were still here.

"Princeton Plates"

The week begins today with quilt judging for ribbons. Our guild has

about one hundred forty quilts, and most were submitted to be judged.

"The Pink Panther"

These are all my entries. I'm also having "Over The River" and

"Martinique Plates" appraised. Once "Martinique" is valued, I'll

know that "Princeton Plates" will be approximately the same value.

I'll be scribing (taking judge's notes) and helping turn quilts for

evaluation all day today. I'll be back on Wednesday to let you 

know the results. (Especially if there's anything "crow worthy"!)

 This is the week we've been working toward for the past two years.

We'll be crazy busy, but I want to savor it all.

I have to run. Judging starts at 8 o'clock this morning.

Wish me luck!

(There's still time to order raffle tickets, too! Just send me an email for details.)

Childhood Memories In A Quilt...

 I got to see Pat Alderman again last weekend when I went to pick up

my "Over The River" quilt. I went to her home on Saturday morning,

and I could have squealed with joy when I saw my quilt again.

She greeted me at her front door and we immediately went into her

studio. The first thing I saw was my quilt spread out on her table. I can

say, without hesitation or exaggeration, "Pat is a Quilting Goddess".

I don't expect you to take my word for it. All you have to do is look

at the images I've posted for you today. I'm sure you'll agree.

 Exhibit One: There is a lot of snow stitched into the first panel.

Pat highlighted the snow on the trees, rooftops and in big, billowy

piles on the ground. She also contoured the road that passes over

the bridge, gave the horse and carriage added dimension, and 

added swirls to the sky to show movement in the background.

Still need convincing? Keep reading...

 Exhibit Two: My large border is a repeating acorn and leaf pattern, 

and then she added a leafy pattern in each of the flying geese blocks. 

So sweet! Well, don't stop here. There's still more!

 Exhibit Three: There are two different blocks between the stitcheries. One 

is a square in a square block, and the other is a star. Pat did two completely 

different designs for these two blocks. The square in a square blocks have 

oak leaves in the center, as well as each corner block. ahhhhh. I'm in love!

Her choices for those blocks were perfect and so beautifully executed.

 Exhibit Four: Look how the trees look so dimensional, and I can

almost feel the chill of the snow on the barn. I'm so glad I decided

to stitch a corgi onto the weather vane, and our initials into the tree.

Exhibit Five: Looking at the quilted detail in my "Over The River" version reminds me
of a kid's game we used to play called "Eye Spy". The more I look at the details, the
more cool stitching I find. The are acorns worked into nearly every aspect of my quilt!

This quilt is a tribute to my grandparents from Wisconsin. Both of them have passed,
but this quilt incorporates so many elements that remind me of those childhood trips
to Grandma and Grandpa's house. Our drive used to take us past an old church in
Winchester, WI (which I called "Winchester Cathedral", like the then-popular song),
many farm fields and cow lots housing productive Holstein cows, a lot of oak trees

 bearing their acorn fruit, and deer that would graze in the cornfields or dart across
the road just as our car was getting close. Our visits were fun-filled and happy times.

 Pat immediately picked up on my vision, and executed it perfectly. While 

the images reflect the countryside and scenery along the way, there was so 

much more to our drives to see my grandparents. We were little kids who 

couldn't wait to see Gramma and Grampa and spend time with them. There 

was always great food, lots of cuddles and family to see. Childhood bliss. 

When I look at my finished quilt now, I'll stop to remember my grandparents 

and the time we spent together in Wisconsin. I'll remember...and smile. 

Thanks, Pat, for bringing your special talent to this project. This will be a 

treasured piece for me, and hopefully an heirloom for our family. I'm so

grateful. I look forward to getting to know you better, bringing more of

my quilts your way, and seeing more of your own fabulous creations.

For my friends: If you're within an hour of Sarasota and are looking for

an awesome long-arm quilter for your projects, please send me an email

and I'll put you in touch with Pat. Believe me. She's well worth the drive.

My Newest "Sweet Treats"...

I have the latest "Sweet Treats" kits for September and October.

There's a lot of orange in the quilty parts, so they're going to add

a lot of pop to my finished quilt (whenever I get to that stage!).

 "Boo" has a jack-o-lantern carrying a Halloween penant. Scary sweet!

 "Give Thanks" is a fruit-filled cornucopia, which will be a wonderful

addition to the quilt. It reflects just how I feel about my life. I'm ever 

grateful for my husband, family, friends - near and far - and all the

 blessings that fill my days. I'm especially going to enjoy stitching this one.

Another week comes to an end and I'm looking forward to a great weekend.

I'll be picking up my "Over The River" quilt, too! I'll get it bound and 

photographed so that I can share it with you by Monday. Talk about excited...

Rest, relax and enjoy, my friends. I'll be back tomorrow.

Meet Pat Alderman...

All my photos today were taken on my iPhone.

 Yesterday was a beautiful day, filled with beautiful quilts.

I drove to Parrish, FL to take two of my quilts to a long-arm quilter that

I've been hearing quite a bit about. My friend, Loreen was the first to sing

her praises, and then I heard more about her from friends, Lunetta and Andy.

I really couldn't wait to meet her, and I was so glad I made the drive!

She lives in a lovely community within Parrish and I was taken with her

home as soon as I saw it. Inside was a real treat for the senses. Not only

were her quilts stunning, but her home is as warm and inviting as she is.

 We started our visit when she invited me into her studio. Look at her

New York Beauty quilt!!! (Remember one of my goals for 2014 is to

create a quilt with circles, and a New York Beauty is #1 on the list.)

Now I have a color and design in my mind to aim for.

 Pat took me into her long-arm room to show me her award-winning

quilt. This stunning quilt was created by her and her daughter. It uses

multiple techniques and is a sampler of her many quilting techniques. My

jaw actually dropped when I first saw it. It's large and truly impressive.

 When I turned around in her long-arm room, Pat pointed out her Dresden 

plate quilt. Rather than stitch down all the points, Pat machine quilted about 

1/2" away from the points, leaving them free at the edge. It gave the plates

more dimension. It's such a pretty quilt - sweet color choices and layout.

 Pat has a large basket in the living room, filled with the most scrumptious 

quilts. This one is machine appliqued' and then machine quilted. It's Pat's 

own design! She used whole-cloth Minke fabric on the back for the softest 

girly quilt imaginable. I'd make this quilt in a heartbeat, but I'll have to wait

because Pat hasn't done a pattern yet. (She said she's thinking about it.)

 This was a kit from Keepsake Quilting. (I want one!)

Pat backed it with flannel, creating another cuddly masterpiece.

 This is the last quilt I photographed and it hangs in Pat's dining room. 

She said that it was designed for wools, but she appliqued' the design 

in cotton fabrics with embroidery. I don't know the name of the quilt,

but it could be "Smitten", because I surely was when I looked at it. 

I loved everything about it.

I am so excited to have Pat quilting my latest completed pieces.

"Over The River" and "Princeton Plates" are in good hands.

I know that she will leave her special artistry on them and they'll

be better than they were. I'm so glad that she could take them in.

Thank you for making time for me, Pat.

I already feel like we're friends because of our mutual acquaintances.

I'm looking forward to forging our own friendship, and sharing more

of our love of fabrics, fibers, patterns and all things quilting.

It was a beautiful day, indeed.