Vegas Again – Barb and her Quilt

OK…….so this may be the last post regarding my trip to Las Vegas but no guarantees. 

A little history is in order.  Back in 1999 I saw Mary Ellen Hopkins on Simply Quilts and knew that I “had” to take a class or workshop from her.  After convincing my sister, Melinda, that she wanted to take a class with me and searching the internet we found out that Mary Ellen had a couple of hands-on workshops.  At that time Melinda lived in the Chicago area so we decided to attend a 5 day workshop in Wisconsin.  Unfortunately, or fortunately as it turns out, it was full but we were told of a small ME workshop in Las Vegas.  The contact for the Las Vegas workshop was none other than Barb Tryon.  That first year we were a very small group but it has continued to grow and grow.  Last year was the last time Mary Ellen attended but the group has become so close that we continue on without her.  We are all very thankful to her for bringing us all together.  I have made wonderful lifelong friends from around the country and as far away as Australia.

As I mentioned before, many of us contributed quilt blocks for a quilt for Barb Tryon who spends a great deal of time planning and organizing our annual Las Vegas week.  She is dedicated to the group and works tirelessly though out the year. 

The blocks were brought to Vegas by each of us and assembled there.  Originally, Jan Krueger volunteered to add the sashing and sew it all together.  Jan is a fast sewer but it was a big job.  Melinda and I decided to stay behind one evening and help Jan with the assembly.  We made quite a team, sewing as fast as we could and we managed to get it finished before everyone’s return.  In fact the quilt top was presented to Barb that evening.

So here’s a picture of Barb and her quilt.  I’m pretty sure she was very surprised.

The quilt went home with Melinda (she is a fabulous long arm quilter) to be quilted and then returned to Barb. 

Thank you Barb for all your hard work.  I can hardly wait for next year.

The Whole Gang

There were 34 of us at the Las Vegas retreat which is held each year at Palace Station.  This is the first year that we actually took a photograph of all of us together.

The quilt that is being held was made for Barb Tryon in appreciation for all she does every year to bring us all together.  We were each asked to make a 12” star block using batiks.  Barb is the one holding the quilt up on the left.  She was very surprised and “almost” speechless.  Thank you Barb, you are loved.

IQF – Long Beach 2009

I’m slowly recovering from the International Quilt Festival that was held last weekend.  It was fun, exciting and exhausting all in one. 

I love seeing all the friends I’ve made over the years and am delighted to be able make so many new ones.  Over the years, I’ve come to realize that vending at these shows is not just about selling, it’s about the wonderful relationships that are formed.  Quilters are the very best, and I am blessed to have so many as friends.  

As promised last week, here’s a picture of the Two Wacky Women booth this year.

Back to Vegas

While at a retreat in Las Vegas two weeks ago, I taught a one day class “Wacky Devine Nine”.  This is a really fun pattern that utilizes a stack and slash method.  I was hoping to get pictures of all of the quilt tops made that day but unfortunately I only got some of them.  Some of the quilters actually made more than one. 

Here is a sampling……

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Quite a variety don’t you think? 

If you’ve made a ‘Wacky Devine Nine” please send me a picture so that I can share it with others.

Tote Along

The IQF show in Long Beach is over.  We had a great time and got to see many old and new friends.  I think that’s probably the best part of vending at a show like this. 

Now it’s time to get back to sharing my retreat week in Las Vegas.  On Tuesday I taught my pattern “Wacky Devine Nine” (more about that later) but I also shared my pattern for a “Tote Along”.  My sister Melinda, talked everyone through the process while I sewed. 

This is a tote bag that folds up into itself and then can get tucked away in your purse so that it’s always there when you need it.  It takes 1/2 yard of fabric and 1/2 hour to sew.  The pattern is available at www.twowackywomen.com

Just about everyone made at least one and several people made more than one.  Here’s a picture of a bunch of them all stacked up.

As you can see, everyone had a different fabric in mind from Oreo Cookie fabric to flip flop fabric to 30’s, it all works and was a lot of fun.

More on Vegas and the show to come.  Stay tuned!

IQF – Long Beach, CA

 

Starting Thursday night and continuing on through the weekend is the International Quilt Festival in Long Beach, CA.  Two Wacky Women will be vending at the show again this year.  Marilyn and I will be in booth 1333 and 1335.  If you’re attending the show, please stop by and say hello.  We’d love to see you. 

Here’s a picture of our booth from last year. 

 

This year we have many new quilts, patterns and kits to showcase. 

More Patchwork Borders

Last Monday, while in Vegas, Jan Krueger taught a new border class.  This is the third in a series of border workshops she teaches.  This one is called “More Patchwork Borders for the young at heart”. Here are the samples I made.

This first one is One Fish Two Fish – or Ducks.  I think I like the ducks the best.

Second is The stay on your grid checker board with the good corner.  Simple, but effective.

Third is Blossoms in Tasmania.  These are kind of hard to see because I have three of them stacked on top of each other so use your imagination.

Forth is a variation of the blossoms called Half Blossoms Make Hearts. 

Fifth….Baby Food Jars.  What can I say, little and cute.

Sixth is a Delectable Fence Posts, unfortunately mine have a minor oops.  It suppose to look like this.

Oh well, it’s just a sample.

Seventh…..Stay on your grid – Rectangle Windows

Looks like a film strip, doesn’t it?

Eighth…..Giant Rick Rack – or Prairie Point’s

This is clearly my favorite.  The real trick is using a wonderful stripe to begin with.  If you click on the picture it should get much larger so that you can see the great prairie points.  The stripes alternate directions.  I can hardly wait to use this technique in a future border.

Ninth and final Border – Baby Bows

Simple four patches turned on point but what a great looking border.

Hope you enjoyed this little show and tell.  I’ll be posting more of my week in Vegas later in the week. 

Right now I have to continue to get ready for the big IQF in Long Beach.  No rest for the weary.