Considering Quilting Trends

I'm occasionally asked to write something for a special project at AQS and this is always a delightful task. I did, after all, begin my career as a writer before becoming an editor.

The 2011 Kentucky Visitor's Guide will have a very short piece by me in it about Kentucky's quilt heritage. This topic has been admirably covered by others, including Jonathan Holstein and Shelly Zegart, and I make no claim to improving ground they have so capably made flourish; I'm just reporting.

What I do want to say, though, is that researching that super short article has reminded me once again of how accomplished 19th and 20th century quilters were. With very few tools, bad lighting, not a lot of time and questionable fabric and thread, they created quilts that would stun us today, even if made with the very latest in everything quilting.

Take a look at Kentucky Quilts 1800-1900  (Pantheon Books, 1982) to see what I mean. Whether your taste is what you see or not, you must be impressed with the creativity, artistry and workmanship in those quilts. In the 21st century, we have embarked on a campaign to make quilting as quick, easy, fun and painless as possible. I can't say if this is good or bad, and I don't mean to. I just think it's astonishing, when we take the time to look back, at what our foremothers made happen with needle and thread, unsupported by an almost 4 billion dollar industry.

We should give thanks every day that we have so much creative and artistic support, from fabric manufacturers to thread makers to tool creators to teachers and, yes, publishers like AQS. The list is becoming endless, and that, in itself, is cause for celebration. Quilters have never had it so good.

Take some time to really examine the much older quilts we are lucky to have available to us, whether in books, in exhibits or in person. My hope is that you will have an epiphany similar to mine.

Spice Up Your Quilts

It's so much fun to find (and buy) gadgets and gizmos that bring out your creativity, we sometimes overlook the tried-and-true we already have.

Consider the sewing machine. Whether sort of old (like some of us) or loaded with bells and whistles (also like some of us), not many people take full advantage of the machine's properties when making quilts.

Enter 9 very talented Janome educators. Led by editor Nancy Fiedler, they have compiled a nifty book that explains 11 different techniques (plus 4 variations) and designed 13 really creative projects to teach how to take make the best use of what you probably already own. Make an oval table runner, a bed scarf, even a fringed journal for sketching or noting your best ideas. Wallhangings, quilts and pillows are in this book, from traditional to contemporary in style.

In addition, the book has "Bright Idea" boxes with suggestions of taking each technique further or in a different direction.

The contributors are (in order of appearance in the book): Kim Schultz, Valora Hammond, Carol McKinney, Nancy Fiedler, Mary Carollo, Marilyn Gatz, Nancy Burg, Louis Carney and Patsy Shields. Their names may be familiar if you've taken classes at AQS shows where Janome machines are used, or if you've been to other sewing events where class instructors are assisted by these oh-so-knowledgeable sewing machine experts.

Once you've read Creative Sewing Techniques by Machine, you'll never make ho-hum projects again, and your machine will truly be your creativity ally. (AQS # 8235; 1-800-626-5429)

Very Three Dimensional

Remember the warning not to "fold, spindle or mutilate?" Well, maybe spindling and mutilating are still bad ideas, but folding is definitely in!

Co-authors Geesje Baron and Esther Vermeer have written a great book on making folded blocks that will take every project into the third dimension. There are 70 blocks to choose from to make 12 unusual projects, and the best thing is that any block can be adapted to any project. Learn the basic folds and go to town creating your own folded blocks.

There's a handy visual block reference so you can go straight to the blocks that interest you and mix and match at will. Plus, each block is rated for ease, so you can start where you're most comfortable.

Enjoy taking your piecing into another world with 3D Folded Blocks. AQS #8158 (1-800-626-5420)

Avail Yourself of AQS Expertise

If you're involved in planning guild programs or retreats, you know it can be a head-scratcher to think of someone to present lectures, workshops, programs or trunk shows. You have years of quilting expertise available via AQS authors!

Many of our authors, past and present, are active teachers, criss-crossing the country to share their passion and knowledge. To see if someone you're interested in is available, search the Internet for a web site; most teachers list their classes and schedules right up front. Others give contact information so they can tailor what they do to your guild's needs.

Can't locate someone on your own? Contact AQS. We'll contact the author and share your interest in having her teach, and she'll get back to you. We're sure you'll get great programs your guild members will love from AQS authors.

'Tis the Season

If you're a gardener as well as a quilter, as many of us are, then Spring and Summer are joyously creative seasons for you indoors (sewing) and out (planting). Here at AQS Publishing, mid-May is a bonanza of beautiful quilts and creative ideas as our latest round of manuscripts and finished projects arrive.

If you think you have a good quilt book idea, you may submit a book proposal anytime. The guidelines are on our web site under the "Authors" tab. As you develop your proposal, never hesitate to call or email with any questions or concerns you may have. That's what I'm here for!

We review book proposals mid-month in January, February, May, June, August, September, November and December, so you never have to wait long for our response to your book idea. In the other four months, we are hosting quilt shows, and I am there to meet you in person to discuss your ideas (see the schedule below). I also give a lecture -- it's free -- on publishing with AQS, and it's a wonderful way to discover what's involved in getting from idea to book with us. We also host either an Authors' Roundtable or a Book Fair so you can meet and speak with AQS authors and talk with them about their publishing experiences.

Come see me and everyone at AQS at these upcoming shows and bring your best book ideas!

Lancaster, Pennsylvania: March 16-19, 2011; March 14-17, 2012
Paducah, Kentucky: April 27-30, 2011;  April 25-28, 2012
Knoxville, Tennessee: July 14-17, 2010; July 13-16, 2011; July 18-21, 2012
Des Moines, Iowa: October 6-9, 2010; September 28-October 1, 2011; October 3-6, 2012; October 2-5, 2013

Andi

Look Who's in the Neighborhood!

Welcome a charming cast of characters into your sewing room! Meet the Yo-Yo Family, small doll folks created by Bobbie McLure Long. Each individual is dressed in a style that matches his or her personality, complete with accessories. They look terrific, but they couldn't be easier to make.

And they each have their own little quilts! These happy little textiles would be at home in any dollhouse or decorating tables, nooks or crannies.

Like most families, the Yo-Yos have pets! You've got to meet Juno the Dog and Missy the Cat.

If you love making yo-yos and are looking for a new way to play with them, this friendly bunch is just waiting to have fun with you. Ask for AQS item # 8157 (800-626-5420).

26th Annual AQS Quilt Show & Contest

WOW! What a great show last week. The quilts were awesome, the merchant mall was filled with a wide variety of quilting products, and the food court outside had that home-style picnic atmosphere. I didn't try all the dishes but I'll be back next year to sample more of the barbecue and yummy desserts.

Congratulations to all the winners and semi-finalists, and thank you for once again making this a successful quilt show.

JANOME Best of Show
This year's award went to Sue McCarty, Roy, UT for her quilt Tribute to Tolkien.
Sue made her prizewinning quilt for her brother Jim. She explains: “My brother is an avid fan of the Lord of the Ring series and the later film adaptation by Peter Jackson, and I also feel it offers something for everyone as a classic story of heroes’ journeys in which all characters undergo change.” Read more...

American Quilter's Society Hand Workmanship

Vintage Button Bouquet by Linda Roy, Knoxville, TN

Click here to view the entire list of winners.

2010 Catalog of Show Quilts
Bring the Paducah quilts home with you! Enjoy the beauty, creativity, and ingenuity of this year's show at home. The 387 semi-finalists are juried entries from 47 states and 10 countries. 
Book or CD-ROM Retail $20.00 Member price $16.00
 

Book #8155

CD#8285