June 23, 2012

This and That

I've almost recovered from the Quilt Symposium of Alabama.  I should probably say I've almost recovered emotionally from having to leave the Quilt Symposium of Alabama.  It was hard to go back to work last Monday after having so much fun in Birmingham.  The Symposium was hosted by the Evening Star Quilt Guild, and they did such an amazing job putting everything together.  The quilt show was excellent, I wanted to buy everything in the vendor mall, and I had so much fun in the classroom.  Even though hosting an event that big was an enormous job, the Evening Star folks made it seem like quilting fairies put everything together by magic.  No worried looks, no swearing, no crying -- just smiling faces everywhere. 

These are a couple of my favorite smiling faces.  Terry on the right (my "boss") was the event coordinator.  At least I hope she was, because people were always asking her for stuff.  Mary on the left is Terry's sister, a non-quilter, who volunteered to help with the Symposium.  I wonder if she knew what she was getting into. :-)  She must have walked 8,000 miles. 



These three (Beverly, Ella, and Sandra) always looked like they were having way too much fun.  They sure made me giggle.  And check out those yo-yo hats.  Adorable, right? 



Yes, it took this many people to guard the opportunity quilt so I wouldn't run off with it.  It was fabulous!




It was really cool to meet a fellow blogger, Lisa (right).  She's adorable!  She's helping Judy hold up a quilt that Judy made using the Over and Under pattern from my book.  Judy made only a quarter of the blocks, added red "berries" and a bow, and it looks like a beautiful Christmas wreath!  Unfortunately, my photography skills are terrible, but trust me when I tell you this was really pretty.



Here's a whole family of quilters -- Betsy, Suzie, and Gary.  Betsy was in one of my classes.  What a sweetheart.  And a mess.  She kept me in stitches.  Pardon the pun.  Gary won awards for his hand quilting, including the Judge's Choice award.  They're such sweet people, and I wanted to bring them home with me. 


Here are pictures of one of Gary's award-winning quilts, My Blue Heaven.


Can you believe all the stitches in this quilt?!  It's easy to see why it's adorned with ribbons. 



By the way, thank you, Meg, for changing the settings on my camera so that my pictures aren't dark as night.  I'll read the manual, I promise. :-)


I squealed when I walked into the quilt show and saw a quilt made from my Summer Breeze pattern.  It's such a lovely version made with batik fabrics and an extra border.  I later discovered that it was made by one of my students, Shirley.  And of course I squealed again when I found out it was her first quilt


She did a fabulous job!


I couldn't take my eyes off this quilt, so I had to buy the book.  So many great ideas for string quilts.  And so many more to add to my bucket list. 


If you're in the Birmingham area, check out the Evening Star Quilt Guild.  Lots and lots of very nice people and super-talented quilters.  And be sure to give all of them a hug from me. :-)

Have a super weekend!

Kim

19 comments:

Abby and Stephanie said...

What fun! Gary is one amazing quilter!!! Shirley's very first quilt is stunning. That is the most awesome string quilt I've seen and so different.

Deanna said...

What fun you had! After attending my first quilt show this year I can understand better how you must be feeling: tired, but wishing for more!

Debbie said...

What beautiful quilts. I especially love the Summer Breeze Batik. What an amazing "first" quilt.

Jan said...

thanks for sharing these beautiful quilts with us.
Can you send me your email, I want to send you a pic of one of your quilts I Made for a raffle. Love your patterns.
sjcopas@yahoo.com

Lynn said...

Looks like you had a great time! It's always so hard to get back to reality after an experience like that. Makes you want to stay immersed in quilting.

Wendy said...

So glad you had a marvelous time!! A true treasure for your heart and thank you for sharing all the wonderful smiles :)

Wendy said...

So glad you had a marvelous time!! A true treasure for your heart and thank you for sharing all the wonderful smiles :)

Barb said...

OH wow, wonderful quilts and a ton of fun...

Anonymous said...

Kim, you were a blast to have at the Symposium! I hope we meet again soon! Rena N.

Unknown said...

Looks like you had a great time. I might have to purchase the string quilt book, that quilt is great.

Thimbleanna said...

Sounds like you had a wonderful time. And looks like Gary is giving his wife a run for her money LOL!!!

Sinta Renee said...

Lots of fun and visual stimulation... and by the looks of it, lots of laughter too! I love the last quilt and that opportunity quilt is stunning! Thanks for sharing your amazing adventure:)

Mama Pea said...

Oh, that Summer Breeze quilt is great. And her first quilt! Wow! I love that string quilt, too. I will have to check out that book! Thanks for the lead. Nice to "see" you again!

MamaT said...

So nice to see you're back! I can't take my eyes off that black string quilt either. What's the name of the book you bought?

Litamora's Quilt & Design said...

Looks like you had a nice time :-) Gorgeous quilts! Glad to see you're back in Blogland :-)

Marsha said...

I loved going to the quilt show with you!!!! I mean, here on your post of course!!! I am in love with Summer Breeze and perhaps even Gary! Seriously, Summer Breeze is gorgeous. Thanks for letting me stop by.
Marsha
QuilterinMotion

Tammy said...

that looks like SO much fun, you all look very happy, that´s nice :D

Amanda said...

All of these are looking so brilliant! And i like your caps, too =)

Anonymous said...

I love the summer breeze quilt, where can I find the pattner, donna