If you’ve never attended this event put on by Riley Blake Designs and Ashton Gardens, it’s definitely worth going at least once. I chose this event as my retirement celebration trip last year. I had so much fun!
Registration opens Saturday 4/15. Psst: the class list is already up if you want to take a peek at the class offerings.
The VIP packages are a really good value if you want to take classes. I purchased the Ultimate Quilter’s Getaway ($999) and made sure to choose classes that included the kits. This year I’d do the Quilter’s Weekend Getaway package if I were going. Hubs and I really wanted to return this year, but we couldn’t make it work with our upcoming trip to Alaska.
Edited to add: It appears that many of the classes have a bring your own fabric rather than a kit requirement this year. If you take a 3 hour class, realize that you are only going to have enough time to make 1-2 blocks during that session. For most classes, you need to only bring or precut enough fabric to make 3-4 blocks – not the entire quilt. Label the pieces and place them in a ziplock bag for easier transport. Also pack a small power strip with a 3′-6′ cord and a travel iron & pressing mat. You’ll thank me later.
Bummer for me, yes. I will definitely miss seeing all of the gorgeous quilts hanging in the gardens! However, there’s a good chance several of the instructors will also be teaching at an event closer to me within the next 18 months. Instructors often teach at multiple events – OSQE, AQS, QuiltCon, Mancuso shows, regional quilt shows, quilt retreats, larger quilt shops, etc. Peruse the Garden of Quilts class offerings and make note of any classes that catch your eye. Perhaps you can catch a live class closer to home. If not, there are probably online classes or a YouTube tutorial.
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