Creative Life Sampler

I can't emphasize enough how important human connection is to the experience of attending QuiltCon. Whether you are standing in line for an event, hanging out at your own quilt, or lingering in front of a quilt you really like, it is so easy to strike up a conversation. People are joyful to be there and pleased to be with other quilters. There is an instant connection because you already know you have quilting in common.  After all, it is a celebration of quilts. Running into a ribbon winner, it is natural to lift them up for their accomplishment. This year when I came across Heidi Parkes in front of her prize winning quilt, I put aside my usual reticence to congratulate her. As we spoke, I was reminded of my first encounter with her work.  Back in 2021, I was doing a lot of hand appliqu é  and hand quilting, but I hadn’t been in the modern guild very long. Sometimes it felt like I was fumbling along, trying to figure out what made modern quilts different. That spring Hei...

They were expecting the Modern Quilt Guild in North Carolina. This greeted us at the Raleigh airport!  What a great way to build excitement!! And here's the view from our hotel room Thursday morning.  Way before the doors opened to the show, quilters were lined up for early classes. First views of the convention center floor.  The left side showcased the quilt show, the right side the vendors. Coming down the escalator, we were able to spot my quilt, Midnight & Noon in the front circle.  At the award ceremony Wednesday evening I learned it had been given the Best Hand Quilting award, sponsored by Wonderfil Specialty Threads. It was such a joy to see people get close to my quilt to really take in the textures and the stitch work. I had so many wonderful conversations with people who were curious and engaged. Having this kind of interaction between creator and audience is a special experience at a large show. That it happens pretty regularly at QuiltCon is unique t...