Do you any of you have your own bucket list? You know, that list of things that you want to do before you die. I'm sure that even if it's not an official list, there's likely one or two things each of us could name that we'd like to complete before we kick the bucket. On our trip to Montana, I got to scratch one more off my list of famous quilters to meet. Yes, yes... A bit of a weird list to keep I guess, but it is what it is!
The first famous quilter I got to meet was Jackie Robinson of Animas Designs. Jackie designs fabric for Maywood Studios in fabulous coordinating colours. Her lines often have a floral note to them and usually there is a fabulous border fabric to tie everything together. One of her more famous patterns is Eureka which is so named for the town in Montana (also where the quilt show is every year). Above is a picture of me with her in 2008 at the show.
Then, the next big name on my list - Jo Morton! I had a great time taking one of her applique classes at Traditional Pastimes in Calgary. It was the summer and we were supposed to be camping, so I twisted the arm of Mr. Confessions to let me drive separately so I could attend the class. Mr. Confessions went off with Little Miss to set up at the site and I had a wonderful afternoon with Jo and the other class participants. Jo is well known for her books and patterns as well as the lines of fabric she designs for Andover. The picture was a quick snap between her tutorials.
In the spring of 2010 I went to Montana with a dear friend to take a week long seminar/retreat with Judy Niemeyer. It was the first group they hosted at their new retreat center with full catering and all the amenities. It's nice because you can take any pattern of hers you like as opposed to signing up at a shop to take a class where the pattern is usually pre-assigned. I chose the Bali Wedding Star, but instead of using batik fabrics I chose civil war era fabrics in blues and blacks. One day it will actually be finished and I'll show and tell all about it when that happens.
Then, later in the year I was able to take a 2 day applique class with the queen of Baltimore Applique - Elly Sienkiewicz. What an absolute delight! The class and the lady herself! I didn't get a lot of work done because every time she wanted to show us something new, give a quick tutorial on something not specific to our project, or chat in general I was all eyes and ears! I can work on the block any time, I can't learn from Elly and pick her brain for ideas any time. The picture shows Elly and Eleanor (blond) who is an employee at Traditional Pastimes where the class was held, but also a master at applique and Elly's graphic designer.
And now... Drum roll please... Can you feel the anticipation? Take a breath - I sure had to! My latest famous quilter to scratch off my bucket list - Eleanor Burns!!! (...and the crowd goes wild...) Eleanor was this year's special instructor at for the quilt show event. Every year they bring in someone fabulous to teach classes for several days before the show and this year was no exception on the fabulous. I wasn't able to take any classes, but I did snap a picture and get a hand set of rulers that included a 2.5" fussy-cut square. Sooo made my day!
And, just as an aside on the same topic of bucket list. My Mom got to cross something off her list that has been on the list for ages. Have you ever seen a movie where they eat Chinese food out of Chinese take-out containers? Well, in Canada those containers are few and far between - in fact you'd be hard pressed to find a restaurant anywhere that carries them for take-out. Well, the eatery next to our hotel was a just the ticket! you can see Mom in the pic above happily eating her Chinese take-out, but dining in!
Look out Kaffe Fasset the Quilt Market world - Here I come with my bucket list and camera!
Heather
(Oh drats! I just realized I could add Mark Lipinski, but I can't find the picture. You'll just have to take my word for it! He was here for Quilt Canada in 2010)
4 comments:
You have a WONDERFUL list of meetings and classes with famous quilters. Be still my heart! I'm so envious.
I totally agree with your stopping sewing so you could watch and listen to the teacher. That's the way to use the opportunity wisely. Meeting these great ladies (and men) may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We don't want to waste a minute.
I've been fortunate to meet and take classes with five authors/ designers/ designing teams-- Pat Speth, Avis and Tammy from Joined at the Hip, Debbie Caffrey, Susan Nelson (not as well known), and Darlene Zimmerman. All were special ladies and great fun to meet and work with.
All those names are very familiar to me and how wonderful that you had the chance to learn from these fine needlewomen/quilters!
I have only met one, when I did a four day retreat in Gympie, Queensland, with Kaye England! She was just awesome, we all learned a lot from her! I would do another retreat like that in a heartbeat, but way down here we don't get opportunities like that very often!!!!
You lucky quilter, you!
What a great post, thanks for sharing!
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