Daily Blog

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Congratulations to TQS Member, genevacarroll, June Cleaver on Acid, just won Best Use of Color at the Denver National Quilt Festival.  Geneva's quilt is the TQS 2009 BOM, Stars for a New Day.

Here's what she had to say about her quilt upon completion, "Well, here it is! What a journey! This quilt was made with stash fabrics w/a few newbies thrown in. Mine ended up 87" x 87", who knows how or why? This quilt is very, er, colorful... Please wear sunglasses when viewing it! I accept no responsibility for burned retinas! I must say, I've enjoyed making the quilt, which goes to the quilter today, but I have really enjoyed making friends w/all the 2009 BOMers. What a fun group! Thank you to each of your for your comments and your quilts. I've learned so much! geneva"

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Who would have guessed that The Quilt Life would be prophetic? As the rain storms rumble, the current issue's theme is H2O - Water.

This is pretty amazing considering what the folks of Paducah are dealing with right now during their annual world class quilt show. The flood walls are up and despite the reorganization of this year's event - everyone is in high spirits.

Then to top it off -  This June's centerfold is Pat Holly, actually Pat Holly's quilt - which WON best of show this year.  Editor-in-Chief, Jan Magee shows that The Quilt Life gives you an up close view- (available now at stores near you).

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Are there days when you wish you could travel back in time? When things were simpler and fabric was cheaper? Have you stashed away some old patterns, books, newspaper clippings? Do you have any favorites you'd like to share?

Submit a comment and let us know, "How old is that newspaper clipping; what was it for? Did you inherit that book from someone; do you cherish it? Do you have paper patterns handed down from another generation? What did fabric cost per yard when you started quilting?

Let's share our quilting past!

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Best of Show 2010-Sunset and Sandhill Cranes by Joanne Baeth

The Denver National Quilt Festival VI opens today, April 28 and runs through May 1.  It will be held at the Denver Merchandise Mart.

There will be many special exhibits including Bonnie Leman's Anniversary Sampler created in 1994 in anticipation of the Quilter's Newsletter Magazine's 25th Anniversary.  Forty-nine of Bonnie's friends contributed to the large center blocks including those by Paula Nadelstern, Jinny Beyer, Nancy Crow. The sixty border blocks were made by her children, other family members, and the staff of Leman Publications.  Since it was a group project, there were a few problems along the way, but all was resolved and the quilt was presented to Bonnie on the anniversary date of September 21st. This quilt was a complete surprise to Bonnie and she kept it displayed in her home for the rest of her life. You won't want to miss seeing this quilt.

Teachers this year include: Bobbie and Joel Bergquist, Debora Konchinsky, Dierdra McElry, Jeananne Wright, Karen Turchan, Marjan Kluepful, and Pepper Cory.  And as always, there will be vendors galore.

(P.S.  Keep your eyes open, you might run into TQS Editors Lilo Bowman or Mary Kay Davis loose on the show floor.)

Viewer's Choice Winner 2010-The Quilt Show by Laura Peterson

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TQS was very well represented at Paducah this year.  Just a few of the winners include:

Pat Holly, her quilt, Paisley Peacock won Best of Show.

Deborah Kemball. Her Hearts Desire, won First Place, Hand-Quilted, Large Wall quilts.

Susan K. Cleveland won Second Place, Home Sewing Machine Quilted, Large Wall quilts for Psychedelic Big Bang.

Robin Gausebeck, won Second Place in Miniature Quilts with Un Petit Peu de Nouveau.

Karen Watts and Patricia T. Mayer won Second Place, Longarm/Midarm Machine Quilted for New York Jazz.

Stay Tuned for More From Paducah.

Watch: Episode 608 - Pat Holly - Mastering Machine Applique

Watch: TQS Interviews Deborah Kemball

Watch: Episode 109 - Piping Hot Curves! - Susan Cleveland

Send Robin Congratulations!

Send Karen Congratulations!

Paisley Peacock

Hearts Desire

Un Petit Peu de Nouveau

 Psychedelic Big Bang

New York Jazz

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Nancy Prince, a master teacher and thread painting expert, is bringing TQS a wonderful class.

Learn the stitches, the movements, sketching vs painting, and more.  To make your learning even more complete, she has included instructions and patterns that can be downloaded to your computer and printer.

Watch the introduction and then go to the classroom to see the entire course plan.  Now you can learn this skill easily at home.  Here's your chance to practice this important & fun process.

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Did you know that--just like the foods in your fridge and pantry--thread has a shelf life? While you may love the vintage threads you inherited from Grandma's collection, Bob Purcell explains why it might not be the best choice for your quilting projects.

A good quality thread today will last much longer than thread which was made 15 or 20 years ago.  Even the best quality cotton thread of a generation ago did not have processing techniques available to us today and it would probably be best to avoid using them.  However, a top quality cotton thread manufactured today will probalby be fine to use 40 or 50 years from now.  The difference is due to a higher quality of cotton and advancements in spinning, dyeing, and twisting technology. 

As for polyester thread, the color may fade over the years with exposure to sunlight but there is no evidence that the thread deteriorates so it will last a lot longer than we will.

This great tip was found in the School of Threadology Manual.  The book and accompanying DVD lay to rest many of the myths we have heard for years, as well as a great 'hands-on' tips to make your sewing smooth sailing.  For more great thread tips check out the complete set available through Superior Threads.

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Ricky is reporting this news from Paducah, KY. Here are the facts from AQS regarding this weekends show: Due to high waters rising on the Ohio river the town has put up the flood gates. Typically the show is held in the convention center and expo hall which are located outside the flood gates in unprotected area.

The town and show organizers have made last minute reorganization efforts so that the show will go on.

If you are planning to attend don't let the weather stop you, the show will just simply be relocated to various venues around town.

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Take a look at these two photos of Alex's latest quilt.  Look how the colors changed when the flash was used. Does this happen to you?  Then you should watch Episode 509 - Machine Quilting Magic with Joanie Zeier Poole and Photo Man, Gregory Case.  He tackles the problem of changing colors when you use the flash and gives you tips for getting the best shots possible.

Other TQS episodes that give you tips on quilt photography include:

Episode 103 – Visualizing Color! (Joen Wolfrom)

Episode 205 – Digi BobbE – An Embroiderer’s Dream (Bonnie McCaffery)

Episode 308 – Artistry on a Long arm (Gina Perkes)

Episode 807 – Shhh!!! A Prize-winning Quilter Shares Some Secrets

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Photo by Gregory Case Photography

It’s time for quilter, teacher, Silver Star Award winner, author, and TQS co-host Alex Anderson to take the floor in an on-location episode that’s all about the fine art of paper piecing. In this “from start to finish” lesson, Alex introduces the tools you’ll need to do the job, and then—using the New York Beauty block—she covers choosing fabrics, fabric placement, the basics of paper piecing…even how to paper piece curves and thoughts about quilting designs.

As an added bonus, Alex takes you on a tour of host (and quilter) Cynthia Elliott’s sewing room, and learns about making pizza in Cynthia’s on-site wood-fired oven. Quilting and food? Perfect!