Time flies when you're having fun and I had a wonderful time at MQS this year. I went a few days early so I could see Cheryl & John before taking them to the airport. They spent time with Cheryl's daughters in Phoenix over Mother's Day weekend and I got to stay at their home and play with Buddy, the cat! Cheryl said I was never around the first few days of MQS, anyway, as I am volunteering to assist with some aspect of the show.
This year, for the first time, I got to help with the unpacking of the quilts. It's quite a process - taking each quilt out of its shipping package, unrolling it, going over it with a lint roller, checking to be certain the quilt matches the information provided on the entry form and then folding it in a specific way to make it easier for those having to handle it in the judging rooms or in the photo area.
I didn't take very many photos this year as I purchased the CD with professionally taken photos. I did have to take a picture of this quilt as I'm very proud of it. My niece, Diane, made this quilt while at Camp Margaret last summer. It's the Anniversary Quilt given to her parents in honor of their 25th anniversary. How can it have been that long?!
Kimmy Brunner who was the Mistress of Ceremonies for the Audacious Auction for Education. Funds raised from this auction are used to provide scholarships to attend classes at MQS in subsequent years. This year, with the help of generous donors, over $11,000 was raised to support the grant program. If you're interested in applying for a grant, check out the IMQA home page and click on the IMQA Foundation tab to learn more about how to apply for a grant. I did that in 2009 and am so glad I did. It's opened up a new world of quilting for me.Here's Kimmy preparing for the auction. She takes pictures of each item and then injects her bubbly personality as she banters with the Auctioneer. |
Both Laura and I were winning bidders. Laura won a beautifully handcrafted bowl by Fred Hill. Check out his website for more of his exquisite wood work as well as items for quilters! I was the lucky bidder that won Nemo in Fiji, a quilt made by Laura Wertwijn. This wallhanging was made as a sample prior to her making a larger wallhanging with the same theme that she entered into the Show. I have the perfect place for it in my house - now to get it hung. |
John with the Buddy quilt. |
Cheers!
Margaret