Sunday, January 23, 2011

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

11 comments:

Diana said...

Wow I love those braids so many different combinations and really like the use of the cornerstones.
I can imagine how much fun it would be to do a Mary Lou course ahh well in my dreams.Can't wait to see yours when done Marilyn.

Beeshebags said...

I too like the look of the Dia de los muertos display Marilyn....Looks like you had fun with MLW and BH....love the braids. Hugs Naomi

Karen Mallory said...

Looks like you had a great time. Maybe one day I will get there too! LOve the story quilts. She spoke at my guild once.
hugs Karen

Khris said...

What a fantastic weekend...you lucky girl...you know I am green with envy...hugs Khris

hetty said...

What wonderful inspiration! Love the MLW quilts! The braid looks fantastic! What fun! I learned about the Dia de los muertos quilts when you were making one on your blog for your step daughter. Wow! What fun!

Needle in a haystack said...

Love the look of that completed Texas Braid. Can't wait to see all of the Wackos fabric choices.

Barb said...

Love your new look.

You sure get to take alot of fun classes....what great opportunities...

Melissa ;-) said...

You are a woman after my own heart when it comes to Dia de los Muertos. And Mary Lou is quite a brave woman to lay those quilts on the ground where everyone's drool will dribble all over them! Love them!

Frances Moore said...

What a great week!

Unknown said...

Marilyn,

Boy, do I wish I could have been there! Awesome sources of inspiration...

hugz
Pam

Pamela O said...

Marilyn...I love the look of your blog. Someday maybe can help me re-decorate mine. Road was so fun this year, I loved my classes too.