Number one: I met Judie Rothermel!! Her Aunt Grace line is so fantastic and I remember purchasing from her booth last year but she must not have been in it at the time because I just didn’t make the connection. This year, I was spoiled with a visit, photos, fabric and kindness. Who could ask for anything more? If you love reproduction fabrics, you know what I’m talking about. She’s a rock star! Mrs. Rothermel is based in Ohio so I imagine she’ll continue with the show when it moves to Cincinnati next year, though I didn’t have the presence to ask. Lucky for us, she has an online store. I’ll share the address if you promise not to buy absolutely everything…save just a little bit for me. http://www.schoolhousequilts.com/
YLI had a booth and you know I had to get some silk thread. Now that I found it, I won’t appliqué with anything else. Fantastic service, amazing thread…I’m a happy girl. Of course, if any companies out there have a silk thread line, I’m more than happy to test them out. I like freebies *hint hint*.
The fantastic people at Pellon have a new line of batting and the whole crew is super nice! I purchased a queen size batting package to test and will give you the heads up on my official review as soon as I manage to complete a project…so it could be a while LOL.
I’m normally a Warm & Natural gal but they may have won me over with great service, good prices and what appears to be a better product.
Illinois quilters can reach Deb Figved (pictured above on the far right) for more information about Pellon products, APQS long arms and other fantastic local goodies, too.
Several companies were there demonstrating the latest must have machines & found some beautiful machines at the Husqvarna Viking booth.
AccuQuilt was there with a smaller booth than last year. I wanted to check out the Studio up close and personal but demos were for the AccuQuilt GO! Fabric Cutter
only. I can see those at the local JoAnn’s store and am surprised people haven’t heard of this machine. It’s been out for over a year and from what I understand pretty popular in the states. I don’t have one because I use so many different sizes and shapes in my quilting, it would cost a small fortune to get everything I’d need. If I had the time to do more charity quilts, I’d definitely invest in one. The strip set alone would save a ridiculous amount of time for quick quilts. Here’s hoping I get lucky and win one someday because cutting is my least favorite part of quilting.
And now for the eye candy…
A small portion of the display quilts, for your viewing pleasure.
How could I not include a Dear Jane? This beauty was created by Sharleen M. Snellman, USA. It's called Reaching New Heights
I wish I had a better shot of this gorgeous quilt. It's an antique Silk Courthouse Steps by an unknown quilter, Circa 1890. You know, I just saw some delicious silk sets online at I have a notion....how fantastic it would be to own a beauty like this!
While the blocks seem large in the photo, they were actually tiny, each one approximately 3" square or so. This is an Unknown Quilter's work from 1930, a Log Cabin Around the World. The fabrics are wonderful, it's in incredible condition and was a joy to see in person.
This beautiful piece is by Rachel Covo of Israel. It's called Metronome.
This amazing piece is so stunning in person---I have to tell you as fantastic as it looks in pictures, the photo definintely does not do it justice. Inspired by dandelions, this quilt is called Spring Field, Artist: Akiko Kawata of Japan.
Have you ever seen photos included in a quilt? They always seem a bit out of place to me...I should say, they always seemed a bit out of place until I saw this incredible wedding quilt:
Titled A Glorious Day, this heirloom was lovingly created by the groom's mother, Harumi Asada of Japan.
Special thanks to my amazing husband for such a memorable day.
Happy Quilting and/or vicarious quilt show viewing,
Heather
Thanks for sharing insights on IQF Chicago. I too am interested in YLI thread and Pellon batting. Can't wait to hear your thoughts, after you've tested them out!
ReplyDeleteSewCalGal
www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com
Everything looks amazing! You have been a busy girl! I havent started my quilting class yet. 4 more weeks of recovery and then watch out quilting world, here i come! Miss chatting with ya!
ReplyDeleteJenn
It looks as if you had a really wonderful day. Nice to see all the photos of the different quilts. Another quilt show to put on my list of "like to visit one day"
ReplyDeleteThanks for the photos of your trip to the Chicago show. I hope to go to that show some year.
ReplyDeleteSadly, the Chicago show is moving to Cincinnati, Ohio next year. I do hope that they'll consider every other year in our area but for 2011, Ohio it is. Boo Hoo.
ReplyDeleteSewCalGal, I LOVE the YLI silk thread! It's the only brand I've tried so far.
Jenn, you're such a sweetie! Glad to hear you're on the mend and can't wait to see your quilty projects and garden ones, too.
I've been slacking on my comments, so sorry for that but something does have to give during gardening season. Our beds are looking good and now we've taken on yardsharing with a neighbor. I will definitely keep you all posted on how that's going...such an interesting idea. Off to plan my side yard garden----I'm expanding!! YAY!
What, no photos of all of the goodies you picked up at IQF??? Thanks for sharing your pics. Mary B MS
ReplyDeleteJudie and her husband Bob are at Jacksonville, FL QUILTFEST every year. I've been seeing them for the past 6 years or so. They are ALWAYS the ONLY ones in their booth there and they get ALL of my $. lol They make the circuit right by themselves... Houston, all over. Never complain. well, don't feel bad for not making the connection,my local quilt shop gal didn't know the first year. I pulled her over there and went... did you know...
ReplyDeleteOf course, I'm a big civil war,etc. repro kinda gal and she wasn't. GREAT BLOG! :)
Let me know if you need anyting signed, I'll be seeing her for my annual visit soon. Oh,and Bonnie Hunter is going to be there this year teaching! My first trip off the island since THanksgiving of last year. It's in Sept... :)