May 14, 2009

Hmqs Experience

First - my parents have made it here safely and we are having a great visit! Mom loves her Bible cover too :) Ella's birthday yesterday was a whirlwind of activity, with birthday shopping and cake baking - she's such a blessing to us!

The most asked about quilt in the comments was "A Mother's Love" - It received 1st place in Applique and was pieced by Joyce Stewart, and Ann Seely, and quilted by Sue McCarty. I did a tiny bit of research online and found that Joyce and Ann are sisters and have a book published together, but I did not find a pattern for any of the blocks. It is entirely appliqued - that much I remember - absolutely stunning!! I think of all this is my favorite too - so much love shown and reminders of the everyday, that with reflection, I'm reminded is beautiful in real life too :)

After wandering through all the quilts and photographing them, I started into the vendor booths. I was on a mission to find a easy dresden ruler, since Stephanie's tutorial, and Rita's obsession, I've been wanting to have a try! I also had in mind I needed a few fat quarters of Wonderland, it wasn't anywhere to be found, until I stumbled on Judi's shop! I was excited to find another young mom with an obvious love of fabric! My final purchase was a rotary cutter - I didn't think it was on my shopping list until I got to try it out! This thing is amazing!! It's ergonomic and simple to use. Already my cuts are more accurate and my arm doesn't tire! I cut the straps for my mom's cover - 4 layers of both fabric and heavy interfacing - with ease. No major pressure needed! I'm loving this new tool :)
They had lots of other tools too - worth checking out their site, though they did say that the prices are better at shows :) Apparently they are not quilters, and so they come to it with a fresh perspective and aim for more ease in their tools. I'm sold!

Later, I was watching a demonstration of the Accuquilt system, when I noticed someone else looking at and talking about this little pin cushion with dresden petals on it. I mentioned that I had found one, but had looked for it where we were standing since I saw that pin cushion. She pulled out the pattern, while telling me that she usually sells it but . . . I could have one! One look at the pattern and I knew I was talking to Kari, local Utah pattern designer, I explained that I was a blogger, and then she knew just who I was! So fun! I've left comments on her blog in the past, she checked out some of the links to the quilt festival - and so began our conversation!

In all my wanderings I had passed a booth of a new fabric manufacturer - Kari and I went back to look at the fabrics together at the Riley Blake booth. Also local to Utah, using scrapbooking paper designs, for really fun fabrics :) The flannels they had printed are so nice and heavy weight, and the colors are fun! They have a new line coming out each month and the first is due in stores next week. Check out their site a bit - it's only going to get better! And the velvet ric-rac they are making is beautiful!!! I'm sure you could ask your local shop to look into carrying it, and hopefully they have some good online retailers too.

All in all I had a great time talking and being surrounded by all things quilt! I hope that you are having a great day.
Blessings -
Amy

11 comments:

Feedsack Fantasy said...

What a fun day for you .. bumping into Kari unexpectedly. The world is small ...

And, a wonderful visit with family together celebrating Ella's bday. Happy Bday Ella ...

Sounds like lots of fun all the way around ...

Love that quilt!

TTFN ~ Marydon

Sherri said...

This was a great post...so much information! The applique' quilt is wonderful, and it's nice to know more about the designers/quilters. The new rotary cutter looks great...does it come in the larger size like the Olfa's do? Thanks again for sharing!

Artfulife said...

What an amazing quilt. I think some or most of the blocks are inspired by Mary Engielbreight illustrations. I have the lower right as a magnet hanging on my fridge. So wish I had this quilt instead. Amazing!

Janis said...

Don't you love it when things like that happen?! Too cool. The quilt is beautiful, your cutter looks great and best of all it sounds like you had lots of fun.

Enjoy your visit with you parents! :)

Scrappy quilter said...

First, that quilt is stunning. Beautiful applique work.

Sounds like you had a wonderful time at this quilt show. Quilt shows are so much fun. My dear hubby always teases me and says I should leave my wallet at home when I go to one. I just tend to let it go in one ear and out the other. Can't go to a quilt show w/o you wallet, can you. Lots of info in this post which is always helpful.

Terriaw said...

Wow, what a fabulous experience! I love going to those quilt shows. And that rotary cutter looks pretty cool - I'm going to look for that. I have been seeing those Accuquilts in the magazines and wondered about them. So fun to hear all the people you ran into!

amylouwhosews said...

I need to get myself to a quilt show. Stat! Too bad I have no one to watch my kids this weekend or I'd be in Pittsburgh stalking all the Fabric Designers!

So what kind of rotary cutter were you using before?

Dresden Quilter said...

Thank you so much for the information about the dresden petal pin cushion. I am in a pincushion swap and I think I will be making it.

Sheree said...

I want that red rotary cutter, just because it is red! It is adorable!!

The quilt tour was wonderful! So many lovely quilts!

Have fun with your new fabrics and toys!

Hugs,
Sheree

Tipper said...

Glad the B-day was good. Love the cutter-neat!

Cindra said...

I love the pin cushion. Did you say you had pattern posted some where. I followed all the links and did see the tutorial for a square. I do have to make a block!