Hello Everyone,
As many of you know I am a big fan of continuous learning; both as a student and as a teacher. Last week was my turn to learn at the Machine Quilters Exposition in New Hampshire.
I was fortunate enough to take both creative and technical classes from some really wonderful instructors. All the classes I took will help me enhance and deliver more beautiful and professional quilting to my customers.
While attending the festival I ran into a few friends.
My longtime friend Jackie Kunkel of Canton Village Quilt Works was teaching at MQX.
Her online shop is not only a Judy Niemeyer certified shop, but Jackie herself is a certified Judy Niemeyer instructor. She was very busy teaching a few Judy Niemeyer classes - A Party for Four; Sunflower Illusions; Charm Elements. Be sure to check out Jackie's website.
I had the pleasure of seeing and talking to some of the designers that create all those wonderful quilting designs that I use on your quilts.
Here is Anne Bright of Anne Bright designs. Many of my customers (you know who your are) spend their lunch hour perusing her website for designs for their next quilt.
One of the very first instructor I had when I purchased my Gammill with Statler Sticher was Kim Diamond. Kim's instruction over the years has been invaluable to me. It was such a great joy for me to see her at MQX last week. I was also fortunate to meet Janet who works with Kim at Sweet Dreams Quilt Studio. Kim's designs are always the ones that all of you seem to search out for those quilts that you want to make great impact. All those custom and beautiful whole cloth baby quilts. I had such a great time meeting up with Janet and Kim.
I don't think that a quilt show would be complete without some other famous people stopping by as well. I'm sure that all of you know Mark Lipinski.
Well there you have it. Some of the most important people that I have in my life as a longarm quilter. Without these great people I would not be able to do my job for you with enormous confidence and success.
Until next time…
Happy Quilting, Kathy
At the last minute we made the decision to go to the Machine Quilter's Exposition in Manchester, NH. What a great time. I decided to take a class from Elaine Huffman. We made "Arm Candy"! This bag is made from double sided quilted fabric.
It has a zippered pocket on the inside and all the seams are enclosed.
Of course because we left at the drop of a hat, I had no supplies with me for the class. Fortunately sewing machines were provided and Elaine had one piece of double sided quilted fabric that she was willing to part with. All I had to do is fine some thread and a piece of fabric for the inside pocket. As part of the class the pattern and a zipper were provided. It was so nice just to sit and sew for myself. This bag was finished in less than four hours. If you are looking for a really nice gift for someone special this bag just may be the ticket. The Gum Drop Bag finishes nicely. If you pick up the pattern make sure to tell Elaine I sent you.
Just before my class I ran into the creator of Quilter's Home. I'm sure you know the magazine.
While talking with Mark my husband decided we needed a picture for the blog. So quick find the camera. Oooooh yeaaaah, it's in the room. Good place for it! So the next best thing was my husband's cell phone camera. So as you can see, Mark is crystal clear and well I'm a little fuzzy. That will teach us to have the camera with us at all times.
Of course since I was in New Hampshire I had to visit one of my all time favorite quilt shops, Quilted Threads. The shop is wonderful; and the staff is cheerful and very helpful. One of the displays they had was from when Mark was there. 
I just love this shop!
Next year MQX will be moving to Providence, RI. I'm not sure if I will be going. There are rumblings that the Statler Users Group And Representatives (SUGAR) will be meeting in Columbia, MO. Last year the conference was held just before the Machine Quilter's Showcase (MQS) show. MQS is the midwest version of MQX. So if the SUGAR conference is at or near the same time MQS is next year I might just have to go to that show instead.
Keep on piecing those tops,
Kathy
