Daily Blog

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Off Kathy and I went up to Hoovers in Mifflinburg, for another fabulous Bernina event. Oh sure, you might think it is all about sewing machines (please don't tell Martin Favre President of Bernina USA, about this aspect of my journey), but we did get side tracked. First I fell in love with Daisy, the perfect pocket companion. I tried to convince Mr. Hoover that she needed to relocate to CA., but "no". Then off to meet Dancer, a 4 day old pony colt! Just how can a person possibly fall in love twice in one day?!

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Today I had the pleasure of spending my time with Mr. and Mrs. Zimmerman of Hinkletown / Bernina. The event was held in a snazzie facility and we had a TON of people attend. I love doing these "gigs" as I am with my people..............and that would be you! Imagine my surprise when Julie came up with her Quilt Show name tag on. THANK YOU JULIE!!!!! You made me smile even more than I was before I saw you!!! Thursday I get to spend the day with the Hoovers..............I love being a part of the Bernina family!

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First off let me admit that U.S. history was/is not my strong point. How in the world did I breed a child that is teaching 8th grade U.S. history? In fact, next week her class will be discussing the Civil War. With one day to hang out around Harrisburg and because of Adairs passion for U.S. history, I decided Gettysburg was the way to go. The day's events were simply specatular. I drove to the National Cemetery and befriended a park ranger, who herself was an 8th grade teacher, and she guided my viewing with skill and insight. Acre after acre you could view monuments where WE fought each other for our country's democratic system. Thought it was so long ago, in the scheme of world history it was just yesterday.

Probably most of you are also aware of the underground railroad and the history that surrounds that. I had the opportunity to see an establishment where they hid the slaves on their way to freedom. All in all, this day has made me commit to learn more about who we are in the United States as a people and rejoice in the freedom we enjoy.

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It was my first Market. The first time I have had a chance to join Alex in this sea of booths. The show is for businesses selling to businesses. It’s a cacophony of sounds and smells. It’s an organized carnival of vendors who show and explain and talk and laugh. It’s a outdoor bazaar carried on indoors.

There are beautiful quilts everywhere you turn. There are fabrics from around the world—Asia, India, Europe and Japan. The fabrics form a garden of colors in every shade. There are solids and prints and special designs. At some booths I couldn’t figure out what they were selling and I was too embarrassed to ask. There were sewing machines of all sizes, and tools, rulers, triangles and stencils. Some booths had items for consumers and some had programs and aids for shop owners. There were magazines and books. There were a lot of famous quilters I recognized from Simply Quilts. Mostly I remember friendly neighbors and people saying “It’s a New Day” and getting a special “TheQuiltShow.com” pin.

But now I’m home while Alex travels on to Pennsylvania. She called on the answering machine. She had several concerns. Here are the answers:

See you soon.

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At market we are struck by so many inspirations, not only to the eye, but to our hearts. I met up with Meryl Ann Butler (author of 90 minute quilts www.MerylAnnButler.com ) who is a Hokie mom. Struck with the terror of that day, she was moved to make a quilt for her daughter, a med student.. Butlers search for fabric in school colors led her to Jeff Pollack, president of Print Concepts Inc, the only U.S. manufacturer of collegiate print textiles. Jeff suggested that in addition to a quilt for her daughter she should consider making a quilt for the college.Fortunatly she took his suggestion to heart. This womderful wallhanging will be presented to the school at graduation. Meryl would like to remind us that in addition to the 33 grieving families the campus remains with incredible post truamatic stress and there are funds set up to help all of those who are reliving and trying to heal from the trauma. Gifts may be made to"Virginia Tech Foundation Inc" and sent to: Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund, University Development (0336), V Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061. In addition, both Ricky and I thank you for the effort that has been both spear headed and implimented on this site.

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Ricky and Alex spent a day greeting shop owners and letting them know all about TQS. There were many members who came to say "It's a New Day!" and many more merchants who had never heard of this new endeavor. Please don't assume your friends and shop owners know about the site. Help us spread the word.

Recently released is Alex's new book on machine quilting published by C&T called Machine Quilting with Alex Anderson: 7 Exercises, Projects & Full-Size Quilting Patterns. Who else but Alex could make machine quilting easy enough for all of us, and so much fun that even the hesitent quilter can't wait to get started? Learn to set up your space, adjust your machine, choose the right supplies, and mark and baste your quilt. And, oh, you’re going to love these gorgeous projects!

Ask your LQS if they have it. To read more about it visit our site sponsor C&T. Under their Catalog secion on Quilting and Sewing, click through and then select Quilting by Hand and Machine.

There is so much more to share - and two more days of Market, so we will extend this series. Check back for more great Market news.

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For all you digitized embroidery lovers (how many do we have?), Ricky has created nine new designs called Rhapsodie Fantastique. These designs are based on his Rhapsody album series and you'll see that they relate to the design style of Reverie, posted in yesterday's blog. These designs will be on CD rom and will be formatted for all embroidery machines.

Better yet, Superior Threads is producing a new set of threads just for these designs. The new threads are called Art Studio by Ricky Tims. There will be three sets of 12 colors (36 new colors in all). The colors used to create this quilt are called Rain Forest. The other two sets are Flower Garden (jewel tones) and High Desert, for those who love dusty tones. The instructions will give the three different color-ways for all nine designs. Only two of the designs are presented on this quilt. Just imagine the possiblities with NINE different designs!

Each of the designs create five-inch blocks. One helpful aspect of the embroidery is that, when the design is completed, a five-inch outline of basting is stitched around the design so when the design is removed from the hoop it can be cut 1/4 inch outside the basting so you don't have to worry about how to center the design.

Shops will be able to order these CD-roms from Tims Art Quilt Studio and most major distributors. The threads can be obtained from Superior Threads. Quilt shops will be able to also get the designs and the threads by early Summer.

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I just got into my hotel room and wanted to write while my thoughts are still fresh on my mind. I have traveled to wonderful places and seen wonderful things. I've met some of the greatest people on the planet and I have been welcomed with warmth and love all over the world. How lucky am I? How can anyone be blessed more than that?

However, in most of my travels I rarely get to do 'special' things. I'm on the road to work - to teach. The extent of my sight seeing is mostly limited to the hotel room and the classroom. I have had the occasion to have a quick treat, but it is more rare than usual.

Most of you know that music has always been my passion. I've had the great privilege of performing, producing, and conducting. The last concert I ever conducted before moving into a full-time traveling quilt teacher career was one of the most memorable moments of my life. I conducted a concert in St. Louis with an 85 voice community chorus and 30 members of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. It was amazing. Choral music has been a big part of my musical life and I love hearing great choirs. Choral music stirs my soul in ways that other music cannot.

Today was set up and Schoolhouse day at market. However, tonight I was free - rare for sure. I guess the stars were aligned because tonight was also the open rehearsal for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir - just around the corner from the convention center in Temple Square. I went!

The 360 voice choir was rehearsing with the orchestra for next week's performance of "Elijah," an Oratorio by Felix Mendelssohn. I will mark it down along with my other "most inspiring musical experiences." Even though it was 'just a rehearsal,' It left me humble, reflective, and numb.

So why would I share this on our blog? Because it is this sort of experience that I wish for each of you to enjoy. I hope that you are able to find those opportunities that blow you away. That inspirational moment that is few and far between. The rehearsal reminded me that excellence is of the utmost importance and that, while the technical aspects of a discipline is important, doing it with passion rules above it all.

What experiences have you had that have moved you - sharpened your skills - paved your way to reach beyond the ordinary and strive for the sublime? Tonight, for me, was one of those times and I just wanted to share it with all of you. Thanks for letting me - Ricky