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In Jewish tradition the groom breaks a wine glass wrapped in a napkin under foot. The kids asked me to make the napkin for them - I used the silk that is in the chuppah and embroidered their initials as seen on the invitations. Also, it is a hand rolled and stitched edge.

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This is a really special present that Wendy has made for Shelly - It is a silk ribbon that is both embroidered and hand beaded with pearls that Shelly will wear inside her dress. It says, Joe and Shelly Anderson August 17th, 2008. Shelly knows nothing of this -it will be gifted to her tonight.

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I volunteered to make the chuppah - thinking a quilt was in order. Early on Shelly sent me an image of what her heart desired for the chuppah and 100% cotton was not in the picture. So Wendy (she was on the recent Baltic cruise with us) helped with the fancy fabric aspect of the chuppah - then I did the hand embroidery on the edges. In Hebrew it says, I am my beloved and my beloved is mine. It will be attached to the stand with hand dyed silk ribbons -

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When ever I told people our son was getting married, the first question was, "do you have your dress?" I have learned that this alone is the hardest part of the wedding - That's Right!!! The horror of finding something that is "snappy" and yet, not competitive with the bride is a universal trauma for the mom of either the bride or groom - (you are out there and I have spoken to you! LOL). I know Mom's who have had 6 dresses as back up dancers - and folks, we are not talking the rich and famous here - just Moms trying to do their very best. Anyway, I was on the quest for the perfect dress. This wedding is VERY formal and in the evening, my marching orders were "red carpet" appropriate. ARE YOU KIDDING? I AM A QUILTER!!!!! LOL. When we were at market in Portland, I talked John into checking out the local stores, just to get started. Eventually we were directed to a local boutique and the gals there were VERY good at what they do. The grabbed this dress (I would have never given it a second glance) and told me to put it on. I didn't really care for it on the hanger - but honestly, when I put it on - that was it. Thank goodness John was there, because it was a bit more than I anticipated to pay (that is putting it mildly), but he said get it! I LOVE my dress!!!!! John's moral of the story - if they offer you a glass of wine---RUN!

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PS: No glasses, fancy shoes and seriuos undergarments (not worn here) - LOL

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It seems just yesterday the kids were underfoot and ever present. At the time I thought "will they ever grow up and/or will I ever get a decent nights sleep"? As everyone warned, treasure these moments, as they too, will soon pass and be only a memory. Another thing I would think about was their wedding day. How would I feel? It would have to be incredibly sad to let your child go - Here we are, on the eve of Joey's wedding and the emotions are overwhelming - not of sorrow (as I imagined when they were young), but of pure, delicious joy! We adore Shelly and everything she brings not only to our son but to our family. Tomorrow we take off to Santa Barbara, Ca for a Sunday wedding. In the mean time, I plan to give you a sneak peek of what we are taking to the event - of course starting with the "mother of the groom dress" - keep posted through out the weekend for my behind the scene details - you might get a good idea or two to use if there is a wedding in your future.  

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Story Submitted by: pknord

I do hope the picture will come through. Way back in 1987, I went to the Paducah quilt show for the first time. The quilts were just so awesome! I was so inspired by them. I came home just bubbling over with ideas. I designed and pieced this top in about two weeks. I tried to get the illusion of light moving across the surface. Then I had no idea how to quilt it, so I tucked it away to ripen. I forgot all about it. In 1997, I was going through some cupboards, and found the top. My friend Agnes had just bought a Handiquilter setup. I passed the top on to her, and asked her to quilt it after she was happy with her new machine. She tucked it away and forgot it. In 2007, she got a longarm machine. She ran across this top and called me to apologise for forgetting about it. I had to have her describe it to me, because I'd forgotten it, too. So after 20 years, the top got quilted. She did free-motion feathers and vines on it. I did Ricky's piped binding on it and finished that up this spring. I love this quilt! Pat in Rockport, TX

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Abandoned Citgo Gas Station in Syracuse, New York

EllenG shared this quilted gas station with us.  Now who wouldn't love to pull up to this gas station?  The entire building and gas pumps are covered in panels created from fabrics, yarns, and other fibers.  This building would distract you from the high prices of gas for a bit.  To see the installation images click here.

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It is wonderful to see so many TQS members here at the Festival of Quilts. Pictured here are just a few of the ones who came proudly wearing their TQS badges or pins. Help me with the name of the myster member. EDITED - The unnamed member is YJenn. Thanks everyone. It was late when I posted and my brain was fried.

Also, Gwenfai Rees Griffiths from North Wales has won first place with her Rhapsody quilt. Can you see me popping my buttons? Gwenfai's quilt will be featured in my next Rhapsody Companion book Celtic Fantasy which will come out this fall. Her original design is all hand appliqued and hand quilted. Gwenfai also told me today it has been accepted into Houston - so let's all cross our fingers for Gwenfai this fall too!

In addition I ran into Bob the Thread Guy and his wife Mother Superior (Heather) which was totally unexpected! And then came Bonnie McCaffery. Bonnie is here teaching. See Bonnie share her bobbin work on episode 205.

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While we were over seas, Ricky told me how pleased he was with Laura's show. Because of Internet connection issues (try about $1.00 a minute on the ship), and "catch up" on the home front, wedding preparations AND a cruise crud cold - I just got to watch the show. It is EXACTLY what the Doctor ordered. WHAT FUN!!!!!! Also, in the show Bob the Thread Guy showed up with great pearls of wisdom and Bunny opened up the TQS treasure chest. If you have not yet enjoyed episode 303, do not delay - it is a refreshing way to beat the summer heat! To watch go here.

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member klwheeler said:

This has got to be one of the best shows ever! I thought the jokes were great, the cast fantastic, and best of all the pace of the show was fast and fun! Laura has one of the best TV personalities and really shines alongside Alex and Ricky. Her information on Fusing is top notch, and I immediately went out and found her teaching at a location near me, signed up and will be a happy student this fall in her class at PIQF.

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I have arrived on British soil! After landing at the London Heathrow airport I boarded a train to Birmihgham. I was greeted with the iconic 'Mind the Gap' at on the train platforms.

After a good rest I headed over to the convention hall to help hang the exhibition of my quilts. Lo and behold I ran into Laura Wasilowski who is here selling her wonderful hand-dyed fabric. Then, I ran into two of my favorite Scottish quilters, Liz Furguson and Morven Roche. They are part of a 10 member Scotish art quilt group called Turning Point and their quilts are being featured in a special exhibit as well.

I've connected with many other quilters from the UK and Europe who I haven't seen in a long while. As I type this, I am finished with setting up my exhibition and tomorrow the doors will open and the hoards of quilters will descend.

Photo 1 - Montage of Mind the Gap, moving train, Paddinton Station clock

Photo 2 - Me with Laura Wasilowski - see her show on TQS

Photo 3 - Morven Roche (L), Liz Furguson (R), and yours truly.

Photo 4 - The crew hangs my quilts.