OUR ANNUAL GATHERING

Isn't this fun??! The sign on the chair says "George won't mind!" A little spoof on the AQS ad for their longarm. You can see it in the background. This was one of the little displays that greeted us at our Annual Gathering hosted by the Wallingford, CT chapter - Heritage Quilters on Saturday. As I previously posted, all of the chapters get together a few times a year to share our love of quilting. There are, I think, 13 chapters, with total membership of about 600 quilters. Unfortuately, with our busy schedules and children, etc. , there were about 150 members in attendance on Saturday.

This is one of the fabulous quilts completed by one of the Heritage Quilters. They had many of their challenge quilts on display. This one is from the applique challenge. On our arrival, there was a fabulous quilt and about 25 theme baskets filled with all types of fabric, tools, books, etc. which were put together by the members and which we could buy raffle tickets for. There was coffee and all sorts of goodies to eat while we gabbed before the speakers began. Of course, there were also about 15 vendors there so we could spend our $$$$.
This is a picture of a quilt which was shown during Jude Patoka's discussion of the history of quilting. Isn't it beautiful?? I have a soft spot for crazy quilts. The quilt dates back to 1889. This picture is of the separate "pillow topper" that was framed in lace.
Jude's discussion was really interesting. She spoke of the rise and fall of the popularity of quilting through the years and the significance it has had for women.

After a lunch break, I did my shopping!! I was a pretty good girl. Since I am going to Houston, I only bought a few things - a kit to make wool Christmas ornaments, a book of machine quilting patterns, a book with patterns for purses and bags and some doo-dads, buttons, ribbon and silk from the Linen Lady for crazy quilting.

Our second speaker was Anita Shakelford. Anita has been quilting for over 30 years and has judged quilts for AQS among other major shows. She had a slide presentation and discussion of what judges look for in competition quilts. For those of us who have entered a quilt show or are thinking about it, it was fabulous information. Anita encouraged everyone to enter shows, local or national.

I didn't win any of the raffle items but I sure had a great time.

Well, this will be my last post til I get back from Houston. I have prepped the wool Christmas ornaments so I can work on them during the plane ride that will be my handwork. Looking forward to getting away with my 3 favorite quilting gals!!! Everyone have a great weekend!! I'll be back on Monday and hopefully will be ready to post some pics by Wednesday!!!