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

A Star (or Two) is Born!

Today, April 27, is the day our own Bonnie Browning and upcoming AQS author Judy Woodworth appear on The Quilt Show! Be sure to tune in and watch both quilting experts. Judy will show how to stitch freeform feathers, and Bonnie shows all kinds of ideas for finishing a quilt's edge.

Then, when Judy's first book, Freemotion Quilting Handbook, comes out early this Fall, you'll know something about her.
Her book includes all kinds of tips and techniques she uses to longarm amazing, award-winning quilts.

Click here to enjoy the show!

It's Show Time!

The quilts are up, the vendors are in, the quilters are arriving every minute. The dogwoods are hanging on to their blossoms just long enough for everyone to get that last glimpse, and the weather is gorgeous. The National Quilt Museum has fabulous exhibits up and the area merchants are all decked out with quilts to welcome everyone. It's show time in Paducah!

If you aren't here or on your way here, stay tuned to www.americanquilter.com for the latest: photos of the show winners and later, a video overview of what you missed. The new Pavilion is a wonderland inside with vendors, Quilter's Park and special exhibits, and the Expo Center and Convention Center are their friendly familiar selves, packed to the gills with quilts, quilts and more quilts, and vendors galore. The Best of Show quilt will knock your socks off. The classes are outstanding and several are still available; check the Workshop Desk during show hours (9am to 6 pm Wed - Fri, 9am to 5 pm Sat). There are even seats available to hear Kaffe Fassett, Eleanor Burns and Ricky Tims at the Carson Four Rivers Center! Don't you wish you were here!

I'm expecting to meet several authors and would-be authors during the show. It's always exciting to see what creative people have in mind for a book or article, so the show is a special time for AQS Publishing. Chris Brown, Editor-in-Chief of American Quilter and I will have office space on the second floor of the convention center past the Admissions Desk. Jan Magee, Editor-in-Chief of our new magazine, The Quilt Life with Ricky Tims and Alex Anderson, will be in Booth 4008 in the Pavilion. If you are in Paducah, stop by to see us!