Home From New England

My husband and I arrived home late last night from eight wonderful days visiting New England.  We began our trip in Augusta, Maine where I was a member of this year's faculty for the Maine Quilts Annual Quilt Show.  And...what a show it is.!!  Admittedly, I was so taken with and drawn into the entire show experience, I completely forgot to take pictures of the show!!!  (Now..is this a bad thing to be "present" in what's happening in your life at the moment?  I would say yes until the regret sets in when I wish I had photos to share and remember!)  So, I'll have to paint a picture for you.  

The show is comprised of the work of 2100 members of the Pine Tree Quilters Guild, the one and only guild in all of the state of Maine.  The guild has chapters within local municipalities , and the show displays the work of the members within.  The quilts hanging for viewing were spectacular, to say the least.  You can image the great talent and body of work among a large group such as this. (Truly kicking myself right about now for not taking pictures!)  Their raffle quilt was an amazing quilt that was designed by Edyta Sitar, and was pieced and applique perfection.  I didn't win as surely I would have a photo of that!!  Teehee! (Click on the show link above to see a photo.)

They invited six national teachers and offered classes from each teacher everyday, as well as noon lectures while you enjoyed your lunch.   Raffle baskets and a silent auction rounded out a bevy of activities.  There was so much to enjoy over the weekend, and many, many quilters did just that!

Me and Cyndi Black of The Busy Thimble Quilt Shop

Off in a room all its own was a separate display of antique quilts curated by Cyndi Black of The Busy Thimble Quilt Shop.  Cyndi and several of her extremely talented quilter friends showcased these antique quilts and made miniature versions of each!!  Unbelieveable!  The photos just don't do justice to the quilts....as always.  The collection was called Small Inspirations from Antique Quilts.  

Cyndi and I are standing in front of a an antique potholder quilt on loan from a Maine museum.  It was such a feast for the eyes in so many ways.  Notice Cyndi's miniature version to the left behind me.

Here is a full view of the original, antique quilt....velvet rope and all.

This is Cyndi's miniature reproduction.  If you'd like to see more about Cyndi's piecing adventures with this quilt, you can visit her blog, The Busy Thimble.  I had the pure pleasure of visiting her shop, The Busy Thimble, and will post photos of that very soon.  

Here's more eye candy of some of the other antique quilts and the miniature reproductions in the exhibit.....

This quilt was one of my favorites because of the workmanship and challenge of the blocks in miniature.  The Lone Star in the upper left corner for instance....so difficult...for me, at least!  

But what really blew me away was this Compass Rose!!  How spectacular is that?!!!  All hand pieced, too.  I should hope I am ever this good!  

If you ever get the change to visit and take classes at this annual event, don't pass it up.  It was one of the most memorable quilt shows I've ever attended.  Click here for the Maine Quilts website and follow news of upcoming shows.

My thanks to Callie and all the volunteers at the show, and to all of warm and wonderful quilters whom took my classes and lecture.  You made me feel very welcome and I enjoyed every moment with all of you!!  

More about The Busy Thimble Quilt Shop and my travels to Burlington, VT, and the Shelburne Museum coming soon. 

Make your needle happy and go stitching!