INTERNATIONAL QUILT FESTIVAL PART ONE

Yesterday was the first day of IQF in Long Beach.  They had a preview night on Thursday; but, officially Friday was the first full day.  It is a great show and so much fun to run into so many quilting friends.  Yesterday was a volunteer day.  I was one of the white glove ladies; you know, the ones who remind you NOT to photograph certain quilts, and NOT to touch the quilts.  We can flip a quilt over to show the back with our white glove. I was stationed in O'Canada section.  More on that later.  Here are a few pictures I got before actually getting inside the show. 

Downtown Long Beach before the marine layer burned off. 

Quilters lining up to get in the show. 

I'm going again today; this time to play.

Quilt happy,

Marilyn

ROAD TO CALIFORNIA

I'm back from three days at Road.  Road to California is always inspirational.  Besides the beautiful quilts, they offer some great classes and an opportunity to spend time with friends.  Robin and I took two classes this year.  We took a two-day class from Mary Lou Weidman called Short Story Quilts. We all have that story within us and this is a creative way to get it out.  The first day was about making a cloth canvas to start building your story.  You can see how that would work by seeing some of Mary Lou's great quilts. 

As you can see, Mary Lou is a whimsical person, full of joy and delight. I thoroughly enjoyed this class.  My creative juices are over the top at the moment. 

On Saturday, five of our friendship group took the class, Texas Braid,  from Bonnie Hunter. Bonnie Hunter is a delightful person with a sunny personality.  And we had a great time. Sorry, I didn't get as many pictures.  I spent my time sewing, sewing, sewing.  This is what we are making. Bonnie took it off her bed to have for the class. 

Here are a few photos of the braids.

 

And of course there is a quilt show.  And a good show that is well displayed.  My favorite was the  Dia de los Muertos or "Day of the Dead" exhibit.

Dia de los Muertos is a celebration to honor the dead.  If you are curious, you can find out more about it here. 

Now to apply all this inspiration. 

Quilt happy,

Marilyn