Monday, April 11, 2011

International Quilt Festival

    I went to my first-ever quilt show last Friday. There were 700 quilts displayed and 500 vendors there. Lots of walking!

    I made a list of some things I wanted to look for a couple days ahead of time. I've got several projects either in-process or in my head. So, I mostly needed fabrics. I'm kinda funny when it comes to shopping, and not just for fabrics. I'm the kind that will "know it when I see it." I'm that way about clothing, and home decorating, gifts--really just about anything. Sometimes I have a preconceived picture in my head, and sometimes I don't, but I always know it when I see it!

    I found the rest of the fat quarters I need for my grandson's quilt. Now I need to uncover fabrics for sashing, borders and a white background. I have a pattern picked out, but haven't really even started cutting anything for it. I need to get busy! I also found about 18 different FQ fabrics for the gray/black/cream quilt I'm planning for my niece and soon-to-be nephew-in-law. Their wedding is April, 2012. Plenty of time!!




    There were also a couple of tool-type items that I was looking for. I found a HST quarter inch seam guide, but didn't find a channel tool. It's a double-sided blade that I can use on template plastic to make my own quilt stencils. Anyone know where I can find one? or if they even still make such a thing. Hand-quilting doesn't seem to be nearly as popular as machine-quilting. Oh, well ...

    I spent just a little time walking through the display section of the show. Honestly, I was a little (or maybe a lot) overwhelmed. I'd thought that I might be inspired by some of the quilts displayed, but it turns out that most of them are what I'd call pieces of art; something no one is allowed to touch; to be displayed behind glass. To me, that's not what quilts are for. Quilts are for remembering its maker and the occasion of its giving. Quilts are for snuggling-up under on a cold winter morning. Quilts are for wrapping someone you love--a new baby, a sick child, a dear friend, an aging parent--in love. So--all that to say--I didn't really enjoy the display portion as much as I thought I might. It was a bit over my head. Or, maybe just out of my league.

    I ended up going to the quilt show with Bev and some of her family--her mom, an aunt, and a couple of her cousins. I had a lot of fun! They all quilt--and helped to show me the ropes. Always good to have someone more seasoned than me to watch, listen to and bounce my ideas off their experience!

    Once again, I've linked-up to Quiltstory's Fabric Tuesday event!!

Fresh Poppy Design

6 comments:

Riel Nason said...

You are so fortunate to get to a quilt show. 500 vendors is CRAZY !!! I can't wait until our quilt shows here start ... Happy Quilting!!

Sew Many Mamas said...

What a fun day! Love the blacks, grays and creams!

Emily said...

Love the rest of the fabrics for Jericho's quilt! I am sure he will treasure it for many years to come. :-)

sallyjj said...

baby quilt it beautiful, love the multi colors, very effective.

sallyjj said...

I also enjoyed the show, mostly the vendors, I agree, the displayed quilts are beautiful but more for looks than what I make. I have to like the looks and usually have a recipient in mind. I learned a lot from the vendors. So happy they choose Cincy for their location, hope they return. I loved going to Paducah and Nashville but can spend the money on stuff instead of hotel etc.

Quiltstory said...

Looks like you found some wonderful fabrics! The blacks are great, I need to add some to my own stash. Thanks for linking to fabric Tuesday :)