Long Beach International Quilt Show and More

I live in Long Beach, California. This is a view of our downtown, where the Long Beach International Quilt Show has been held each July for the last three years. We quilters are so lucky and wait, albeit impatiently, for July to arrive. It is right here in our own backyard. This year it opened on my birthday. ON MY BIRTHDAY. Happy Birthday to me.

I took this class with my good friend and business partner, Robin. It is called Scrappy Layered Log Cabin, taught and designed by Karen Eckmeier. It was a three-hour class on Thursday morning, opening day of the quilt show (did I mention it happened to be on my birthday). I loved making this wonky block. And, I had a great time.

My BFF took me to Claire's for my birthday lunch. Take a look at that setting. This is the restaurant attached with the Long Beach Art Museum.

Here is a photo of the Long Beach Convention Center where the show is being held. We returned to the show at 5:00 PM to take advantage of the preview night. This is a good night to attend as it is less crowded than the rest of the show hours. We managed to view the quilts and most of the vendors.

Friday morning, Robin and I took this Shibori Ribbon Flower class, taught by Glenis Dolce. I can see these used for a number of things, purses, hair clips, headbands, not to mention lapel pins. I'll think of some more uses unless you can help me. After the class we spent more time at the show and had lunch at P. F. Changs.

And the birthday week still wasn't over because Friday night I was relaxing under the stars at the Hollywood Bowl, listening to the Los Angeles Philharmonic along with four girlfriends. George Fenton conducted to clips from Planet Earth. It was breath taking and a perfect end to a great week. I hope your birthday week is just as wonderful as mine has been.

Quilt happy,

Marilyn