0
As predicted there were many more windmills on the journey and these are only a few of the ones I photographed. And then of course, my heart lept when I saw the mountains come into view - even though I was still two and a half hours from home.
My thanks again to all of the shops and students who participated in the tour. I'm going to take the rest of the day to crash - and then - back to work - lots to do - catch up catch up!
0
My granny used to say she was buriser than a windmill in a whirlwind. We'll, the whirlwind of classes are behind me. I'd like to thank al of the shops who hosted events and all of the people who took time to attend. I feel very fortunate to be able to do what i do. The journey through life somehow continues to help me realize that we all need each other. The compliments, kudos, and thank yous are much appreciated but I assure you we are all in this together. Without you, my voice would fall on empty chairs. Without you, my thouths about life, love and quilting would not be heard
The Quilt Show is no different. We can wish and hope for this site to really be an overwhelming success, and we can work to bring you the most full-service interactive site with rich, worthwhile content - but without your membership and support it would all be futile. - So thank you - World Quilt Commuhnity - for your support and encouragement. It's just the beginning of the New Day - and I'm looking forward to the ride!
Speaking of the ride - I'm traveling north and should be home sometime tormorrow. Along the way I will be seeing plenty of wonderful windmills. These silent giants are plentiful on the landscape in this part of the country. I'm always reminded of Don Quixote when I see them.
0
San Antonio is known as a destination spot for vacationers. The river walk is world reknowon. It was home to the 1968 World's Fair and perhaps it's greatest claim to history is that it is home to the Alamo.
I've had two great days here already. The first day featured two lecture-demo classes at Creative Sewing Center with Terry and Vince. Yesterday was a enthusiastic class of students who were there to make my Harmonic Convergence quilt. As you can see - a LOT of progress was made. Some students even made TWO quilts - the Harmonic Convergence and a variation. WOW! Yes, there is a pattern and a book - visit www.rickytims.com or ask at your local quilt shop.
A group of us walked next door to a new pizza place for lunch - called Incredible Pizza. It was not your ordinary lunch spot. This place has a huge pizza buffet AND it had go-carts, miniature golf, all sorts of games, and bumper cars. Yours truley attempted the bumper cars with a group of 9-11 year olds. I say - LIVE A LITTLE and let your hair down. Darn -lunch time was just too short yesterday!
For those who don't know - The Alamo, a mission established in 1718 by the Spanish missionaries, was the scene of the famous battle where every defending Texan was killed by Santa Anna's troops during the Texas war of independence. The battle cry "Remember the Alamo" was made famous in the subsequent battle when General Sam Houston defeated the Mexican army and won the war at the battle of San Jacinto - the epochal battle that established the independent Texan Republic, on April 21, 1836.
Here is a map of Texas in 1845. It it appears that while I curretnly live in Colorado - back then, La Veta was part of the Republic of Texas. So - I guess it is arguable whether or not I left Texas when i moved to Colorado. - Just a fun fact.
0
Ready to Sew in Cedar Park really did it up. They provided cowboy boot cups to each participant - a tribute to moi. Then, this little buckaroo - Ayden - showed up in his boots looking for the quilter/cowboy - hes' wearing my hat - priceless! Thanks to Ronna and Mike and the entire crew at Ready to Sew for putting on a great event and selling out all the spots in less than 48 hours! I autographed just about every boot cup that was given out!
Then, I drove on to San Antonio to get ready for my morning class. I arrived in town and stopped at FIVE hotels before finding a room about 11:00pm. No - I didn't do reservations ahead of time because i wasn't sure what town I would stay the first night. Then, the hotel - a very comfortable one - was having internet complications so I could not get online. I've made my way to a Starbucks - with T-mobile - just to post to you thins morning.
Thankfully, I have a different hotel for the next two days and maybe they won't have connection problems. Ah - the joys of the traveling quilt teacher! I'm typing as fast as I can - and will proof this post later today - so don't whine if I've misspelled enythang! I'll also poat another photo of the Ready to Sew gang later.
0
Hi gang! I realize not everyone would know the geography of Texas, so I've made this map of my journey. It started in La Veta, through Wichita Falls (where I was born, and my family sill live there) - to Tyler, West Monroe, LA, Beaumont and now the Austin area.
I have arrived in Cedar Park (near Austin, the capitol) but since the day getting here was a travel day there's not much to tell you. I spent the drive working out details of the taping of the shows with Alex and talked a bit with justin about our upcoming San Diego Super Seminar. I arrived at my hotel and began working with Web Guru Bob on yet another new aspect of this site that will be rolled out to you soon - List your Quilt Show - Find A Quilt Show!
The next few days will really be tight. I'm teaching all afternoon here - then have to be in San Antonio tonight - then teach there Friday - Saturday - and Sunday - before heading north toward Colorado. I'll do my best to keep you posted.
In the meantime - here are some interesting facts about my native state - Texas.
Did you know? Texas is the only state whose flag can fly at the same height as the US flag. Why? It was negotiated when Texas, then its own country, became a state. Also, Texas has the only US capital building that is larger than the US capitol building. We are a peculiar people, loud - proud. Because Texas was a republic, the independent mentality and strong herritage still prevail. Much like Cornwall in England or Bavaria in Germany. Anyone agree? Disagree?
0
I think of Valentine's Day as being almost another day of Thanksgiving -a time to remember all those we love and a good opportunity to tell them just how much they mean. On this day - remember to tell all your Valentines how much you love and care for them.
I can easily speak for Alex and our entire crew in wishing you all a very happy day and would like to say thank you for your support of this endeavor. We are truely doing it becasue we care about you!
Happy Valentines Day.
0
Wow! What a rain strom! However it ended during the evening and clear skies prevailed for my mini-semianrs at Sew What in Beaumont, Tx. I'm hear a lot of you are blanketed in snow and ice - right? Hope you are keeping warm and staying safe.
While the weather was cool, the hearts were warm and the day was just outstanding. Patty, one of the students, purchased a new sewing machine, was expecting a call about the birth of a new grandbaby, and also won a door prize. It was surely a good day for her! I told her to name hew sewing machine after the baby.
Finally, I wanted to see Anita Murphy. Many of you konw Anita as a legend in the quilt world. She was teaching long before it was popular. She was the Texas winner in the 1986 Statue of Liberty quilt contest. She has also been the person who has organized the raffle quilt for the Inteternal Quilt Association show each year. Anita told me that she will turn 80 in a few months. She looked beautiful (as always) and was witty as ever.
There are so many like Anita that paved the way for us and are responsible for building the quilting industry. Our quilt heritage is rich with with folks like Anita. Let's not forget to remember and thank them. - Who was your inspiration?
Thanks you Glenda and staff for putting on such a great event!
0
I have made it to south Texas where it has rained most of the afternoon. The worst of it looks to be over so I can head on into Beaumont tomorrow morning for a full day of classes. However, I had to get online long enough to share the following with you.
Quilters and food just naturally go together. Yesterday, during the class break in W. Monroe, LA, there was an incredible snack on the table. I asked if I could get the recipe to share with you and it arrived in my email box today. So - - here it is. How many of you have a quilt event in the next week or so where you'll need to prepare a treat? Here ya go!
Graham Cracker Cookie
1 1/2 sticks margarine
1 c. sugar
1 egg
1/2 c. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 c. graham cracker crumbs
1 c. coconut
1 c. nuts
1/2 stick margarine
2 Tbsp. evaporated milk
1/2 box powdered sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla
whole graham crackers
Mix the first 4 ingredients and boil 2 minutes. Remove from heat and add the vanilla, graham cracker crumbs, coconut and nuts. Cover bottom of a 9 x 12 pan with whole graham crackers. Spread filling over layer of whole graham crackers. Cover with second layer of whole graham crackers. Combine 1/2 stick margarine, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk and spread on whole graham crackers.
Cover with foil and refrigerate. Take out and cut in desired pieces.
Courtesy of Norma Steffenson
Quilt N' Stitch
0
West Monroe, LA - Suday I made the drive from Tyler, TX to West Monroe, LA to visit Christy Dulaney and the wonderful shop she manages called - Quilt N Stitch. The shop is in a house and it feels so good going from room to room. I taught two mini-seminars during the day to a perfectly proper group of southern belles! Just look how many students were packed into this classroom!
This was the first time Christy had a national teacher in her shop. Naturally, she was excited and anxious, but I think that after this, she'll be bringing other teachers to the area. It was a great success!
Monday I'll be headed to south Texas, near Baytown - just east of Houston. I will be teaching in Beaumont, but Justin's mom lives near Baytown so I'll get a chance to visit with her. If you don't have all the particulars of where I'm headed - I'll be in Beaumont - Cedar Park, near Austin - and finishing up the tour in San Antonio. If you are near any of these venues, I'd love to see you - however I think most of the classes are full. But it never hurts to ask!
0
Tyler, TX - I taught two mini-seminars to a room full of enthusiastic quilters, pictured here holding up their Quilt Qhow bokmarks. It is always so funny to me that during the morning session the quitlers are quiet and well-behaved. They soon figure out that I'm all about cutting up and cutting loose. In the afternoon they start joining in the fun. After all - when it stops being fun it's time to move on - right?
After class we went back over the A Nimble Thimble for a drawing for a new 430! Congratulations to Donna Bowers who won the machine. Thanks Katie and all the gang in Tyler for making the first stop on my tour such a success! Today I'm off to West Monroe, Louisanna. I'll keep you posted.
Gift Memberships
Give a Full Year of Quilting
.jpg "2019 Sponsor - BERNINA Q 24")
Learn about
Apliquick appliqué tools!
Watch Show 1912
with Rosa Rojas (free!)
Apliquick - 3 Holes Microserrated Scissors
