Monday, July 20, 2009

Kathy's Excellent Quilting Adventure

Just got back from Marion, Indiana, where I taught some classes at the Quilters Hall of Fame Celebration. They were honoring the induction of Merikay Waldvogel as well as celebrating Marie Webster's 150th birthday and the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Quilters Hall of Fame. Marie Webster was the first "Quilting Celebrity" and an influential quilt designer of the early 1900s. She wrote the first book on quilting in 1915--the first history of quilts. She started a successful quilt pattern business after her designs were featured in the Ladies Home Journal in 1911 and is thought by many to be responsible for the 20th century quilting revival. Marie made her first quilt when she was fifty. Seeing some of her original floral appliqué designs up close was truly inspiring. Here are a few of my favorites:






The classes I taught were held in a classroom at the local middle school. There were quite a few other classes and workshops held throughout the 3-day event as well as lectures, auctions, Marie's quilts on exhibit at the Marion library and an exhibit of some of the quilts in Merikay Waldvogel's antique quilt collection. Eleanor Burns, Barbara Brackman and Nancy Odom were teaching as well. Wish I had been able to take some classes myself.



Wait, who's that in the back of the class I'm teaching???



Imagine my surprise when I walked in and found that ELEANOR BURNS signed up to take my class!! We had a lot of fun with her that day and she gave us a few tips as well. Wonder if she learned anything by making my scrappy little doll quilt??? LOL.



Here's one of my favorite quilts from Merikay Waldvogel's antique quilt collection:




Later that evening, there was a garden party dinner under a tent, amid beautiful gardens and a waterfall:





All in all, an excellent adventure and one I won't forget for a long time.

10 comments:

antique quilter said...

that is so funny!
oh I love that basket quilt beautiful
What an opportunity to be there as well as teach.
Kathie

Elin said...

What a surprise to see Mrs. Burns? Today I received your book, I just love it. And guess who has started a basket quilt??

Robyn said...

How fun! Eleanor Burns. I hear she's a real hoot. Sounds like a fun time all the way around.

Kathleen Tracy said...

I was so proud to tell everyone in the class that I'm working on my 4th quilting book. Then someone asked Eleanor how many she's written and the response was "104"!! LOL, I have a ways to go I guess.

Karen said...

What an excellent adventure!

Quilting Bear Gal said...

If it were me teaching, I would be SOOOOO intimidated (but honored) by the presence of Eleanor Burns in my classroom! I bet it was a fun day.

Kathleen Tracy said...

I WAS pretty nervous at first. But she's such a sweet person, it didn't matter. And she puts other people at ease because she's a pro.

Sherry said...

It was wonderful to have you teach at Celebration and comments from your classes were great! So glad you had a good time and now the adventure continues!

Pam said...

I had a great time taking your class and getting the chance to meet you! I have had your first two books for quite some time and have enjoyed them immensely. What a treat to see the quilts from your books 'in person'. They are actually nicer than what is seen in the books. I look forward to your new book and I hope you will come back to Celebration to teach again!

Kathleen Tracy said...

Thank you Pam and Sherry!