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
