QUILT SHOW THIS WEEK!

We had an absolutely LOVELY story in today's Midland Daily News - the Accent issue did a wonderful photo spread of some of the work by Guild Members ( Kathy Malllory, Carol Bornsheuer, Darlene Smith, Linda McGibbon, Karen Adamick). Thank you ladies for graciously letting the paper use your art to help promote the show. Unfortunately they don't show the pictures outline so hopefully you can grab a copy...

So - as a reminder to all...

Set up is Thursday, April 14th - please be sure to have you Quilts at the Heritage Park - Carriage House no later then Noon - if you CANNOT drop off then please bring to our monthly meeting Tuesday night or arrange for someone to pick up and drop off for you. ALSO - all bazaar items need to be dropped off on the Thursday - we will not accept items during the Show.

Pass the Tiara - Wish You Were Here
Friday April 15th 10-5
Saturday April 16th 10-5
Sunday April 17th 1-4
Admission only $3.00!
Maxwell Carey Blacksmith Guild will be doing demos too!
Bring your family and friends - it will be a great show...

UPCOMING QUILT SHOWS!

Of course the BIG event is our own Quilt Show April 15th - 17th - check out the link under our banner ABOVE... But there are lots of other shows going on - here are a few to consider: Quilt Guild of Metro Detroit - April 8th-9th

Genesee Star Quilt Guild - April 29th - 30th

Columbiaville Quilt Show & Fine Arts Festival - April 30th Capitol City Quilt Guild- May 21st - 22nd Have fun! Jewels

Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Host AQS Show!

News Flash - The American Quilter’s Society announces that the DeVos Place, Grand Rapids, Michigan, has been selected as the location for the summer AQS Quilt Show & Contest beginning August 22 – 25, 2012. AQS signed a 3-year agreement that will bring an estimated 15 million dollars to Grand Rapids for each show. Attendance of more than 10,000 annually is expected, with quilt enthusiasts coming from 40 states and 10 countries.

Pack your bags!

It Takes a Guild...

...to make a Quilt Show work!
Like Mary Ann who worked on prize ribbons...(apparently while sick on her couch)

...and ballots - do you believe we ran out and she had to go make more!

And Jean - a first timer who took on the big task of managing all our entries

JoAnn and Ann who made our Blind Auction such a success
And Karen, who distributed posters, worked with the Newspaper to get our great story done, and took care of Radio spots
Carol too, who with her trusty glue made sure our very popular Give Aways stayed "stuck" together
And Johanna who made sure shifts were staffed, we had the supplies we needed, posters were made and covered general duties through the three days.
Janna who, every year, seems to figure out the best way to display everything ....she IS the Master Hanger!
Our Featured Quilter, Robyn, who graciously volunteered to have her collection on display for all to enjoy.
Spouses who helped set up and break down - all the heavy lifting

It takes volunteers who help to hang quilts, set up the Bazaar, man (or lady ;->) the Admissions and Bazaar tables, answer questions on quilting techniques used and take head count (one of the tougher jobs!)... And Earlene making sure the money gets to the bank!

It takes all of our quilters who entered their lovely pieces of art into the show...

It also takes great partners like the Midland County Historical Society who have allowed us to use this wonderful venue for so many years..the weather may not have been that nice, but the grounds sure looked pretty...
... and new partners like the Max Carey Blacksmith Guild - what a fun bunch of folks - they had a great time to.

THANKS to everyone who helped to make our show such a success this year! We have lots to report at our May meeting so hope you are able to come and hear the news on how we did and our Viewer Choice award winners.

And please come with your ideas, suggestions and feedback for next year (we have some already in mind) - we can only get better....
Cheers to all of you, Jewels

What a Wonderful Show

This past weekend, Q2 had it's seventh annual show (I think that's right) and from the numbers I hear, it is our most successful show to date! The official number I don't have but I do know that is was over 400. We all owe a big thank you to Julie Oman and her hardworking crew that were responsible for this great event. I am not going to try and list all of the girls who worked so hard since I would be sure to leave some out. However, in a later post, they will receive the credit that is due. There are so many that put so much time and energy in our show - above is how the hall was set up to receive the quilts. A crew came in Wednesday evening and did all the assembly of the partitions.

After the girls did the hanging of the quilts on Thursday, the hall looked like the above picture.

We had many, many gorgeous quilts and innovative ways had to be put into practice to get all of the lovely pieces on view. This beauty goes around a corner to be displayed.

The onset of the bazaar - an extremely popular part of our show and a big money maker for us. Our members made many fun, useful items that were very popular - pin cushions, fabric bowls, thread catchers, purses, and other great things that shopping quilters enjoy. Also, the books, magazines and fabric that were brought in were very, very popular. Some of our showgoers head to the bazaar first, then enjoy the show at a leisurely rate.

An eyecatching display in a corner of some of the items in our "other" category to cover pieces done by our members that are not quilts or wallhangings. The lovely collage in the antique picture frame is by Julie, our "Mother Hen" for the quilt show. And the adorable doll is by the very talented Ann Ward - how does she do it? Her work is just plain wonderful.

We also had a blind auction that featured items made by our members and also by the Blacksmiths who were holding a demonstration of their work in the building next to us. That was a very nice feature. We are so fortunate to have this wonderful place to hold our show and do owe the Historical Society our sincere gratitude for being able to use the wonderful facilities.

Can't wait for guild to hear all the news - the winners of the different categories, the final figure of show goers, the amount of money brought in.

Thank you so much!! See you Tuesday. (Click to enlarge)


P. S. The slideshow is up on the right sidebar. I didn't get good pictures on Thursday (had my camera on some goofy setting, I think) but I did get back in time Sunday afternoon to get a few more. Enjoy.

Great Quilt Show Photos

A Bay City Times photographer was on site Friday to take some great snaps of our show...

You can see the full Gallery here with more details - Enjoy!
P.S. Attendees as of Saturday 5pm - 341!

Quilt Show Tips

I know we are not as big as the Quilt Shows in Houston, Paducah, Chicago or other big cities. But heh, we’ve been going strong for SEVEN years now so something keeps folks coming back!
In preparation for enjoying our show I thought I’d provide some tips for you to follow…

1. Bring a quilting buddy (or two or more!) – Someone who you can discuss the a. fantastic skills b. choice of fabric c. clever color combinations d. intricate appliqué work etc. etc. etc. of our quilters (I’m not kidding – they really are fantastic).

2. Be sure to “ooh and ahh” loud enough for us to hear you (but please don’t faint if you are overwhelmed by our stuff – my first aid is rusty). You might want to practice with your buddies in the car on the way to our Show. After all, we want to know we’ve got your attention! And while you’re at it be sure to vote for your favorite piece – it’s always a pleasure to be considered “viewers choice”!

3. Bring plenty of small bills – the ladies working the Bazaar area will appreciate it – and we promise you this is one of the favorite parts of our show. We’ve got the best deals in town on fabric, magazines, books and other neat “surprises”. I know you’ve got small change squirreled away somewhere – this is the weekend to spend it! (And we provide discrete shopping bags in case you feel the need to smuggle items back home - hee hee)

4. Unlike other shows, you really can bring your “significant other” and they won’t be bored – they are CERTAIN to enjoy watching the Blacksmiths in action – what a great compliment to our fabric art hanging next door! You’ll be amazed at their work – including items in our first ever Auction!

5. Comfortable shoes are a must – no we don’t take up “acres” of space but while you’re at the show why not wander around Heritage Park too and see the lovely buildings. Or take a quick stroll up the Pere Marquette Rail Trail – maybe break in those new tennies you bought for the summer (LOL). All quilters know you CAN burn calories doin the show stroll!

6. Bring your camera – we love people taking pictures of our masterpieces – lots for us to be proud of – and we don’t mind that you might just get inspired by what we’ve done.

7. Finally, have a GREAT time – we have often received wonderful comments on how fun our show is – just like minded folks who want you to enjoy their craft as much as they do.

Yes it will be nice weather this weekend (that’s what I’m predicting and I ‘m sticking to it) but why run the risk of getting a sun burn (you’ve got all summer after all)? Come on indoors and enjoy our lovely show April 30th, May1st and May 2nd – you won’t regret it. Jewels

More Auction Stuff

Another item you might be interested in at our Auction coming up next weekend...
If your into collecting vintage sewing items you might like this entry...
Old buttons, a piece of feedsack, old patterns, a needle card - there are a couple of reproduction pieces like the needle holder - and more. All in an old cigar box...

We also have long arm machine quilting time you can bid on ...

Look forward to seeing everyone! Jewels

WOW!

Keep your Toes Cozy - Leslie Peterson and Janet Moll

Wall Art as only Caroline Freeman can do!

Hard to believe we are a WEEK away from our Quilt Show! There are lots of folks working behind the scenes on last minute details - THANK YOU ONE AND ALL! We had a great meeting this morning at the Carriage House and everyone is very enthusiastic....

Wall Hanging and Hand Knitted Socks - Linda McGibbon Originals!

We did want to share with you some of the items that will be in our Auction. Unfortunately we don't have pictures from the Blacksmiths but they have entered over 40 items! All kinds of quilt racks (free standing and for your wall) with different motifs and made using different materials (bronze, copper, silver). There is a 30" tripple quilt rack that over 60 hours was put into making it - I can't wait to see the final product!

Lovely Bed Quilt - thank you Alice Jensen...

Meanwhile, our own members have been generous as well -I'm posting pics for you to see just a sampling!

Gotta Have Quilters Bling - How Cute! A Mary Ann Howard production...

Wall Hanging - Oriental Fabrics - looks like a Carol Bornsheuer creation to me

Meet Rosebud - from the imagination of Ann Ward...

A crocheted afghan for TV Time perhaps - from Helen Mudd

There is more - so be sure to come to our Show - take in the lovely entries, browse through Bazaar items, enjoy the Blacksmiths working next door and spend time with friends!

Hope to see you there....

Jewels

Quilt Show Spotlight

We are going to try some new things next year at our Quilt Show (get those dates on your calendar, April 30th - May 2nd 2010). Over the next few weeks we will share how plans are going and get your input including the following!!!!

Great news for hubbies and others who tag along with our "show goers"! Did you know that The Carriage House features an amazing collection of horse-drawn carriages and sleighs, and is home to mid-Michigan’s largest functioning blacksmith’s shop! We will be partnering with the Max Carey Blacksmith Guild, who have graciously agreed to have their shop next door to our Quilt Show open during the show! They will be demonstrating their craft, which FOH and I think is pretty neat. Here is some information about their Guild.

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The Guild was informally begun in the late 1970s by a few men who were passionate regarding the craft and art of blacksmithing. They were led and taught by Max Carey, who had earlier generously donated his extensive collection of horse-drawn vehicles and blacksmithing equipment to the Midland County Historical Society (MCHS) and whose generosity was the primary reason for the construction of the Carriage House in 1975. Soon the group began meeting weekly, and they chose the group's name out of respect and appreciation for the skills, generosity and dedication of Max Carey.

Today the Guild has dozens of members consisting of men and women who carry on the skills and vision of Max Carey, who was so dedicated to continuing the craft of blacksmithing. The group meets most Wednesdays at the Carriage House and welcomes visitors and members to stop by. In addition to creating items of beauty and function for themselves and others, Guild members also assist the MCHS in a wide variety of ways including teaching classes, volunteering for special events and programs, forging items for the MCHS - including the outstanding fencing, arches, and trellises located on the Historical Sites grounds.

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This is where we need YOUR help. The blacksmiths have agreed to make items for our Silent Auction to be held during our show (another new event!). They are looking for suggestions of things they can make - especially if it relates to quilting. If you drop by the MCHS main building you can see some of their work on display (really beautiful stuff). So put on your thinking caps and bring ideas to our November meeting - if you have pictures that would be even better as it gives the blacksmiths something to work from.

ALSO as a reminder - comment on any posting before our next meeting and you could win a FABULOUS prize ;-> Post as many times as you like (the better chance of winning)!

Look forward to seeing all of you on the 10th! Jewels

Quilt Exhibit - Textile Extensions

Browsing through today's Midland Daily News I came across information about an exhibition to start October 21st called Textile Extensions: Quilts in a New Context (click to go to website). Carole Harris (click to see Carole's web site) is the fiber artist and the location is the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum on the campus of Saginaw Valley State University. The exhibit runs until January 28, 2010 - but Carole will be there at 4pm on opening day to give a talk about her work. Call 989 - 964 - 7125 for more information. I'll put a link under Quilty Events...and remember to let us know about any upcoming shows you know about that we can share!

Show Time

Recently I went to a great quilt show put on by the Sarnia Quilters' Guild. They had enough quilts to fill TWO high school gyms.

There was a lot of traditional stuff...

...very intricate work...

A lot of "international" themes...

Melissa would have liked this one...

Some really creative things as well ...

Their "challenge quilt" was Bloomin Business

Here my sister, who accompanied me, had to demonstrate the "interactive" quilt (note she is wearing a glove - LOL).

Have you been to a show lately? Why not tell us about it - and if you have pictures send them so we can post!

October is almost here - don't forget to bring your Show and Tell!