Well, one is already being advertised – Sewing Machine Maintenance class on Saturday, April 20th from 1:30-3:00 p.m. You can find sign up information here.
The other class is Orphan Blocks to Bench Pillow – date TBD, but probably in May. Wondering what to do with single or a small group of blocks left from a previous project? How about a bench pillow?
Here’s the completed pillow front with my 1 – 10″ finished and 4 – 5″ finished blocks. I’ll quilt it using a loopy meander and then do a modified envelope closure for the back.
These truly are from 2 different projects. The center block is week #3 from the 2024 Riley Blake Designs designer challenge. It has too much of a Mardi Gras vibe compared to the other blocks I’d made in that series, so I remade it. The four flower blocks are from Lori Holt’s Flea Market Flowers book and were part of a table runner project that was pushed aside.
Bench pillows come in assorted sizes. This one will finish at 14″ x 28″, which is perfect for the small glider bench on my back porch. Kimberbell and other designers use a 16″ x 38″ size for their bench pillow projects. Remember, you are the boss of your bench pillow! Make it whatever size you like.
Don’t need a bench pillow? How about a table runner or door hanger instead?
One of the quilting mags I read is hosting a log-cabin style QAL that started earlier this week. On a FB post, admin warned group members against posting pictures of the pattern, cut measurements or directions. Such posts would be immediately removed. Posters are to keep questions general or message the magazine staff directly. Readers are then directed to three ways to obtain a copy of the QAL pattern:
Buy a print copy of the magazine containing the pattern.
Buy a digital issue of the magazine via Zinio.
Buy a pdf pattern from the magazine’s website.
As a librarian, I can advise there might be an option not included in the above list. You’ll need a library card, which should be available for free from your local public library. Download the Libby reading app and check to see if that particular magazine is offered in a digital format through your public library. Here’s a screenshot of what’s currently on my Libby bookshelf. And yes, the quilting mag referenced in this post is there!
Unlike e-books, most digital magazines do not limit the number of simultaneous readers. This means you can check-out a magazine for the typical loan period (usually 2-3 weeks) and renew it as needed. No waiting like for a popular e-book title. The magazine will be returned automatically once the loan period expires. If templates are required, magazines will usually have instructions on how to download the templates from their website. Tip: Need a working copy of the cutting instructions so you can keep track of what pieces you’ve cut? No need to hand copy. Use the screenshot feature on your device. Import the image into an app like Goodnotes to make digital notes or print the page and write notes the old-fashioned way (with a pen).
That’s a wrap! Raleigh marked my fourth Quiltcon and the farthest I’ve ever driven to attend one. It’s also the very first time I received one of the coveted swag bags at registration. You don’t know that you’ve been selected to win one until your registration badge prints out. The little shopping bag icon in the lower left corner of your badge identifies you as a swag bag winner. The bag of goodies definitely did not disappoint!
Honestly, the real reason I went to this particular QuiltCon was to see people and shop. I was able to catch up with former ATL quilty peeps, check-in with the very few ATL peeps who’d made the L-O-N-G trek to Raleigh and finally meet a virtual quilty peep – Sharon – in person. It was great! Yes, I did spend a few minutes admiring quilts and took the obligatory photo of my guild’s entry into the group category, which is pictured to the left.
I didn’t take any classes, but opted to do a Friday lecture pass and attend the key note address on Saturday. All lectures were livestreamed this year. Since QuiltCon is in Phoenix next year, it’s doubtful I’ll attend, but viewing lectures at home is certainly an option (depending on the speakers).
While crowded, I think the Raleigh show was well-executed. There were plenty of staff and volunteers on hand to direct folks. Parking was easy to find, reasonably priced and I felt safe in the downtown area. Having the vendor area and quilts on one level instead (of the multiple levels that made up the Atlanta show) was so convenient. There’s one thing I would like to see at future QuiltCon events: more seating in the exhibit hall/concession areas. While the MQG has a decidedly younger audience, about half the attendees I saw sported gray hair. Perhaps an affinity group just for them? Or better yet, chairs or benches in the vendor booth area, tables and chairs in the concession area and more seating in the quilt viewing area? No one should have to sit on the hard concrete floor to eat or simply rest.
If you plan to attend QuiltCon and your intention is to shop until you drop, be there when it opens on Thursday. The booths were packed! I was interested in the new M3 Oliso mini-iron. They were sold out by the time I made it to the booth at lunchtime on Friday. Fortunately, I was able to hold and try out the new iron in the booth. I discovered I didn’t really like the way it felt in my hand, so it wasn’t a big deal that they were sold out. FYI, many of the vendors had sold out of merchandise by Saturday afternoon. Cary Quilting Company and Bernina World of Sewing (the two local quilt shops I visited) were also running low on inventory, as well. I did manage to get stickers and other freebies for my CraftLAB kiddos, a rope bowl book & kit for me, plus a weighted mini-clapper for my travel sewing bag (for a reasonable $15 instead of the fancy $145 one I saw in another booth). The fabric I purchased from the local quilt shops will go for two “boy” quilts I plan to donate to my guild’s community service.
Next year’s QuiltCon will be in Phoenix. The 2026 show location will be announced in April. Hopefully, it’ll be back in the SE again – Charleston, Knoxville, Tampa or Jacksonville perhaps? We shall see.
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