Road 2015- 20th Anniversary Show « The Backroads to Road to California

Archive for the ‘Road 2015- 20th Anniversary Show’ Category

Road 2015 Faculty Spotlight: Meet Donna Thomas

Monday, October 13th, 2014

Donna will be teaching four classes: 4013C Batik Feathers on Thursday, 5012C Fearless Fabric Play on Friday, 6011C Party Poppers on Saturday, and 7006C Interlocken on Sunday.

Personal: Donna Thomas loves her pets so much that she named her company after her cats: Pre-Furred Qulits! When she is not quilting, Donna likes doing big puzzles. Donna is a devoted fan of the Outlander book series. She has the 8th book waiting for her to finish re-reading the last three books so she can refresh her memory of the details. She is almost done with A Breath of Snow and Ashes.

How did you get interested in quilting? My mother loved making clothes and so I sewed all my life from age 3 or 4 in some form or other, but mostly hand needlework and later clothes. In 1975, between my sophomore and junior years of college, I met this awful boy while at my summer landscaping nursery job. He used to tease me horribly. Finally, at the end of the summer, he asked me out on a date. He turned out to be quite a nice guy. That fall, he had a birthday coming and I had no money but I did have a bag of home economic scraps from the late 60’s and early 70’s and a picture of an antique Dresden Plate quilt. So I made this monstrosity from double knits, polyester denim, two extra loft poly batting, and no instruction—I just dove in. I cringe when I think of it. But I loved the colors, all the prints, the puzzle-like aspect of it—- and there were no zippers or buttonholes! Well, yup, I married the guy and we still have it. I take it to local lectures sometimes. It’s too heavy to ship for out of town trips!

Where do you find inspiration for your quilting? I love the old blocks—mixing them, changing them here and there, or designing my own. I’m a puzzle fiend and math geek so I love the geometry and intricacy of piecing.

What is the one quilting tool you can’t live without? My hands!! Why? I couldn’t imagine not being able to sew. I love hand piecing as well as machine piecing so at a minimum as long as I can cut and sew pieces, hold and thread a needle, I can make quilts. Not to say I don’t love my machines and rotary tools. But without my hands I couldn’t do any of it.

Where is the farthest you’ve traveled that was quilt related? I had the opportunity to live in Germany and teach at a German quilt shop in Bad Soden for several years. I also taught to American and German guilds around the country while I was there. I happened to be teaching in Berlin the week the wall started to come down. My family was with me and my sons got to chop off pieces of the wall and get their pictures taken with the Soviet soldiers on the other side. It was quite amazing to see history in the making.

What has been the best class you have taken? Harriet Hargrave’s machine-quilting class. I took it twice and I flunked it twice. But being a bit stubborn, someday I intend to conquer and master free-motion machine quilting!

What do you like best about teaching? When what I’m teaching ‘clicks’ and you can see it in someone’s face and they’re so excited and proud. There’s nothing better.

What do you want your students to get out of your class? Skills mastery, success, and hopefully some fun too!

What is your best quilting tip? Learn to master making an accurate quilter’s 1/4” seam allowance. In addition to cutting accurately, there is nothing more important for frustration-free piecing. It’s hard to enjoy the process if your pieces don’t fit.

Visit Donna on her blog, Donnalynnthomas.blogspot.com

]]>

Tags: Harriet Hargrave, Outlander Series, Pre-Furred Quilts
Posted in Faculty, Road 2 CA Blog, Road 2015- 20th Anniversary Show | No Comments »

Unique International Flair at Road 2015

Friday, October 10th, 2014

What is the next international group to visit Road? The Tentmakers of Cairo with their exhibit Stitch Like an Egyptian.

Curated by international textile artist Jenny Bowker, this exhibit sheds light on the art of Egyptian tent making. This ancient, intricate craft has been facing struggles, as machines try to replace hand-made items and unscrupulous businesses copy and sell their unique designs. By hosting Stitch Like an Egyptian’s California premiere, Road hopes to bring attention to the beautiful yet shrinking art of the few remaining Tentmakers who continue to ply their trade.

Originally, this type of artwork used to line tents or screens covered in appliqué that could decorate a whole street. The brilliantly colored appliqué are still used today for ceremonial purposes at weddings, funerals, henna parties, or Ramadan celebrations.

The artists who will be at Road to California are from Khan Khayamiya—the Market of the Tentmakers in the heart of Old Islamic Cairo. Hosam Hanafy Ahmed Mahmoud and Tarek Abdelhay Hafez Abouelenin will be on hand at the exhibit to demonstrate their method of appliqué. The amazing patterns in their pieces are based on geometry, sacred texts, and ancient artwork and convey much of the intricacy and relevance of today’s world of quilts. In addition to their demonstrations, some of their appliqué art will be on sale as well.

Please join us in welcoming The Tentmakers of Cairo and their special exhibit, Stitch Like an Egyptian this January.

Tags: Applique, Bohin, East Los Angeles Stitchers, Tentmakers of Cairo
Posted in Road 2 CA Blog, Road 2015- 20th Anniversary Show, Vendors | No Comments »

Road 2015 Faculty Spotlight: Meet Annie Unrein

Monday, October 6th, 2014

Annie will be teaching three evening classes: 4074C Cosmetic Clutches on Thursday; 5074C Project Bags on Friday; and 6075C iCases on Saturday.

Personal: Annie Unrein was born in Hereford, Texas, the second of five girls. She has two grown children, a son and a daughter. Her son is a CPA/MBA who along with his wife, work with Annie at ByAnnie.com. They are expecting Annie’s first grandchild in the spring.

How did you get started in quilting? Both of my grandmothers were quilters and I loved the look and feel of the quilts that they made. Neither of them lived close enough to teach me how to quilt, so I taught myself by studying the quilts that they’d made me and by reading the limited articles about quilting that were available in the early 1970s.

Does anyone else in your family quilt? I share my interest in quilting with several cousins. My cousin Cindy (who lives in Ojai, California) and I reconnect at Road to California every year!

Where do you find your inspiration for your projects? I now primarily use quilted fabric to make purses and bags to organize my quilting supplies. Seeing a mess and figuring out how to clean it up and organize it serves as inspiration for many of my patterns!

What is the one sewing tool you can’t live without? My trusty stiletto/pressing tool helps me hold pieces in place as I sew, protects my fingers, and enables me to attach beautiful bindings. I feel that it is every bit as important as a rotary cutter!

What has been the best class you have taken? Learning how to use Electric Quilt software opened up a world of design and exploration to me. Working through the lessons in the various EQ books really helped me to understand the many facets of the program.

What do you like best about teaching? I love showing students how to break down a project into manageable steps so that they can make projects that look like they bought them rather than like they made them. . . and seeing the pride on students faces when they finish a professional-looking project.

What is the funniest or most embarrassing moment that you’ve had while you were teaching? I taught EQ classes at a state-wide guild event several years ago. There were so many students registered for the class that tables were packed from wall to wall. There was no easy way to get around them, so I had to crawl under the tables and around the cords to help people who had questions!

What is your best tip for quilters? My best tip that applies to quilting can also be applied to just about anything in life: If you think you can, you can. If you think you can’t, you can’t. Go for it with confidence!

What do you hope your students will get out of your classes? Students will leave my class with the confidence to install zippers in purses and bags and the skills to use ByAnnie’s Soft and Stable in their projects.

You can find Annie at: https://www.byannie.com

]]>

Tags: ByAnnie.com, Cosmetic clutches, iCases, Purses and bags
Posted in classes, Faculty, Road 2 CA Blog, Road 2015- 20th Anniversary Show | No Comments »

Road 2015 Challenge: I Love Embroidery

Thursday, September 25th, 2014

Sandy’s Scarecrow[/caption]

Robin Kingsley of Bird Brain Designs is overseeing the I Love Embroidery Challenge for Road to California 2015 – 20^th Anniversary Show. The purpose of this challenge is to showcase embroiderers using Bird Brain Designs embroidery pattern designs. As Robin points out, “It is surprising how embroidery as an “old fashioned” needle art is growing in popularity. Not only are ladies who say, “I haven’t done embroidery for years,” rediscovering this art but also much younger folks are becoming interested in learning to do this portable and relaxing form of needle art.”

[caption id="attachment_2226" align="aligncenter" width="569"]

Friendships Garden Embroidery Quilt[/caption]

What are the requirements for the I Love Embroidery Challenge? The key for this challenge is to show off what you can do with Bird Brain Designs basic embroidery patterns and put them together to make a quilt. Participants can use any Bird Brain Designs pattern, embroidering it in multi-color stitching or selecting a favorite single color to embroider the design. Embroidering can either be hand or machine stitched on plain or patterned, neutral background fabric (like muslin or similar fabrics). Several Bird Brain Designs patterns—including the “free designs” found on their website– can be combined to create a unique design. Glitz and glamour embellishments can also be incorporated in to the design. Completed embroidery is to be showcased in a quilt which has a sleeve added to the back for hanging. The deadline for the challenge is January 8, 2015.

Prizes for the I Love Embroidery Challenge include a $10 Gift Certificate from the Bird Brain Designs website given to every entry displayed in the challenge. Three $50 Gift Certificates will be awarded for “Viewers’ Favorite RedWork” as judged by the audience at Road to California.

[caption id="attachment_2227" align="aligncenter" width="602"]

Patty’s Seasons Quilt[/caption]

Robin and Bird Brain Designs is hoping that this challenge will do much to further increase the interest and popularity of embroidery, both by handwork and by embroidery machines. She is excited to see how everyone’s handiwork will be shown off and hopes guests at the show will enjoy seeing these interesting, embroidered inspired quilts. The challenge will be showcased in 50 feet of space in the ballroom during Road to California.

If you are interested in participating in this challenge, please send an email to infor@BirdBrainDesigns.net You can also contact Bird Brain Designs at their email address for additional information or answers to questions; for sending pictures of work in progress, and to alert them when a finished quilt will be arriving at their office.

Robin and Bird Brain Designs are excited for this challenge. Says Robin, “We look forward to seeing the many interesting quilts — both small and large — at the I Love Embroidery Challenge in January, 2015.”

]]>

Tags: Bird Brain Designs, Embroidery Challenge
Posted in Road 2 CA Blog, Road 2015- 20th Anniversary Show, Road to California | No Comments »

2015 Challenge: African Folklore Embroidery Fiber Art And Quilt Challenge

Thursday, September 11th, 2014

Leora Raiken is a familiar face with Road to California patrons. Owner of African Folklore Embroidery, Leora has hosted vendor booths and has taught at past Road shows.

For 2015, Leora and African Folklore Embroidery will again be sponsoring the African Folklore Embroidery Fiber Art and Quilt Challenge, offering cash prizes totaling $500.

[caption id="attachment_2195" align="aligncenter" width="325"]

Roberta Peterson, Washington[/caption]

This is the fifth year of the challenge. As a teacher, for Leora, the most rewarding part is seeing the completed work of her students and customers that have purchased an African Folklore Embroidery kit or attended a class. She especially loves seeing how each person interprets the designs. One of Leora’s students completed six designs and made it into a fabric book which Leora reports as “stunning.” Other people have made the kits into quilts, table runners, jackets and pillows. One woman made “the most beautiful purse” and another woman, a tea cozy.

[caption id="attachment_2196" align="aligncenter" width="437"]

Meagan Luck[/caption]

In order to participate in this year’s challenge, one or more of the current African Folklore Embroidery kit designs on their website must be included in the entry. Completed entries can be incorporated or made into quilts, wearable art, wall hangings, pillows, or they can be mailed in “as is.” They do not have to be “made” into anything to be entered. Judging emphasizes the creative use of African Folklore Embroidery kits with regard to fabrics, visual impact, workmanship and uniqueness. Multiple entries can be entered as well as entries from previous challenges so long as the entry is a kit design currently offered on the African Folklore Embroidery website: www.aflembroidery.com

[caption id="attachment_2197" align="aligncenter" width="458"]

Mona Doshay[/caption]

There will also be a separate children’s category. Leora firmly believes that if we can get the next generation to love stitching and handwork, they will remember this skill forever.

Deadline for submissions is December 15th 2014. A full list of the entry rules can be found on the web site. Completed entries need to be mailed with the official entry form to 7258 Pondera Circle, West Hills, CA 91307. Any questions can be emailed to info@aflembroidery.com. Many of the completed entries from the 2015 and previous challenges will be incorporated into Leora’s new book, Fibers, Fabric and Fun with African Folklore Embroidery, which will be available for pre-ordering at Road to California 2015 20^th Anniversary Show.

[caption id="attachment_2198" align="aligncenter" width="556"]

Catherine Redford, Illinois[/caption]

Leora hopes that this exhibit will show how easy it is to do African Folklore Embroidery and that it will inspire others to create their own hand work using African Folklore Embroidery kits and threads.

]]>

Tags: Quilt Challenge
Posted in Road 2 CA Blog, Road 2015- 20th Anniversary Show | No Comments »

Quilt Challenge 2015: Step Out Of The Box

Thursday, August 28th, 2014

Road to California 2014 started out with a parade. Led by members of the Colony High School Drum Corps, followed by dignitaries from the show’s host city, Ontario, the entourage marched in to the vendor hall, and stopped near the Quilted with Honor Exhibit, a fitting backdrop for the veteran presentation that followed.

All quilts in the Quilted in Honor Exhibit were made with patriotic fabrics designed by IslandBatik.

These quilts made such a huge impression that Road wanted to extend their versatility by offering a new challenge using these fabrics: Step Out of the Box.

The Step Out of the Box Challenge requires all submitted quilts to be a modern aesthetic design that incorporates at least 50% Island Batik Quilted in Honor fabrics. Quilters are also encouraged, but not required, to use additional materials from other Quilted in Honor sponsors such as Aurifill thread, Pellon batting, OESD embroidery designs, or patterns from Quilted in Honor designers.

Due by October 1, 2014, quilters can submit more than one entry. After the show, all quilts for this exhibit will be donated to Operation Homefront. You can find additional entry rules on our web site.

A fun and unique way to bring together modern quilt design, patriotism and our 20^th Anniversary.

]]>

Tags: Island Batik, Patriotism, Quilt Challenge, Quilted in Honor
Posted in quilt entries, Road 2 CA Blog, Road 2015- 20th Anniversary Show | 3 Comments »

2015 Next Generation Quilt Challenge

Tuesday, August 19th, 2014

Road to California 2015- 20^th Anniversary Show is bringing back a popular exhibit where young quilters are the stars.Each year, budding young quilters attend the show, looking for inspiration for their own creations. Here is a platform to display their talents.

The Next Generation Quilt Challenge is open to youth who are 7 – 16 years of age on or before October 1, 2014. Road is working on securing prizes for EVERY entrant for this exhibit!!!

While Road to California understands that some adult help might be necessary, the primary work on the quilt needs to be done by the youth entering. Both commercial and traditional patterns are acceptable and tying is an appropriate substitute for quilting. For complete details to enter a quilt for the Next Generation Quilt Challenge, please go to our website.

The Next Generation Exhibit will be housed in the Canvas Cafe so everyone — even those supporters of young quilters who may not want to pay admission to see the entire quilt show — can still see the Next Generation Exhibit free of charge!

Is there a young quilter you know that you can pass along this exciting information?

]]>

Tags: Young quilters; Quilt Challenge
Posted in quilt entries, Road 2 CA Blog, Road 2015- 20th Anniversary Show | No Comments »

A New Style Of Classes At Road 2015

Thursday, August 7th, 2014

Road to California 2015 – 20^th Anniversary Show

will have the familiar feel of hands on classes along with lectures where experts share their knowledge on products and techniques.

But Road 2015 will also be offering a new, exciting style of classes featuring remarkable quilt makers, Web-TV stars, and authors, Ricky Tims and Alex Anderson.

These new Lecture-Demo Classes will be held Friday and Saturday in the state of art lecture hall at the Radisson Hotel. The lecture hall is perfect for this type of class as it features tiered seating with a large projector screen so attendees can see the minutest detail from the comfort of their seat. Ricky says, “I promise this educational event for quilters is not like any other quilting experience.”

Why is Road offering these new types of classes? Carolyn Reese says, “I have attended Ricky and Alex’s Super Seminar in the past. When I left their seminar, my brain was saturated with ideas and techniques and not a single UFO in sight. These lectures are presented in the same style.”

What can attendees expect in these Lecture-Demo classes?

Great lecture style master classes.
Lessons are suited for experienced, novice, traditional, and contemporary quilters.
Learn simple, efficient techniques and explore the principles for successful original designs.
There is no sewing, there is no supply list and you won’t be going home with a UFO
The classes are loaded with projects that will allow you to try the various techniques when you get back to your sewing studio. Prepare to have your head spinning with excitement!

Ricky Tims will be teaching morning classes from 9:30 – 12:30, 5018R Improvisational Patchwork on Friday

and 6017R Kool Kaleidoscope and Convergence Quilts on Saturday.

Alex Anderson will be teaching afternoon classes from 1:00 – 4:00, 5019R Beautifully Quilted & Fabric A – Z on Friday

and 6018R Scrap Crazy & Studio Dream Tours on Saturday.

There is a $60 supply fee for each class that includes a full color syllabus with the projects and lecture information.

We hope you are as excited as we are to be offering these new style classes.

]]>

Tags: Alex Anderson, Lecture-Demo Class, Quilt Classes, Ricky Tims
Posted in classes, Road 2 CA Blog, Road 2015- 20th Anniversary Show | No Comments »

Do You Know The Way To Road?

Thursday, July 17th, 2014

It’s never too early to start planning on how you are going to get to Road to California 2015 – 20^th Anniversary Show, January 22 – 25, 2015, to visit over 200 vendors and view the many magnificent quilts. Perhaps you might want to consider coming by bus. What could be more fun than traveling with a group of friends, saving time and money, not having to worry about finding a parking spot, and best of all, leaving the driving up to someone else?

Attendees coming to Road on a pre-arranged bus trip save $5.00 on their entry ticket and receive a complimentary Show Program. The person organizing the tour gets a free admission bracelet as a thank you for organizing the trip.

For Sharon and Ann from the Central Coast in California, Road 2014 was the third time they have come to Road on a bus. Their last trip was arranged by The Quilt Attic and included other members from their Gold Coast Quilt Guild. Why do they like coming by bus? Says Sharon and Ann, “It’s inexpensive and an easy going way to travel.” While on the bus, they review the Show Program and plan out which vendors to hit first.

Did you know that Road can help you arrange a bus tour? Groups of 30 or more can register online by filling out an interest form on the Road website. Payment has to be made in full, by check only, to Road to California by January 1^st. Should some of your bus group have to cancel at the last minute, Road provides a way to be reimbursed for their entry ticket upon arrival at the show. You can even have Road publicize your bus group on their website if you indicate it on your form. An added fun benefit!!!

Save time, money, and worry. Consider coming to Road to California’s 20^th Anniversary Show by bus. It’s a great travel alternative.

]]>

Tags: Bus tour
Posted in Road 2 CA Blog, Road 2015- 20th Anniversary Show, Road to California | No Comments »

Winning Quilters Are Winning Teachers Too

Wednesday, July 9th, 2014

Knowing what it takes to win in an exceptional quilt show provides great credentials for a quilt teacher. Three of Road to California’s upcoming 2015 faculty were winners in Road’s 2014 Contest:

Lenore Crawford:

2014 Outstanding Art Quilt sponsored by SewBatik.

Lenore won $3,000 for her work.

Lenore will be teaching 2 classes at Road 2015:

4601R Thursday – Saturday Fusing/Fabric Painting to Create Impressionable Fabric Art

Lenore will demonstrate her techniques to help you use your own photo to design a fused project utilizing fabric painting and machine quilting.

7003R Sunday Shredded Fabric Art

Students will learn to create their own shredded fabric impressionistic art quilt using a technique originated by Noriko Endo

Jerry Granata:

2014 Third Place: Mini Quilt Sponsored by Busy Bee Quilt Shop

Jerry won $50.00 for his work.

Jerry will be teaching three different level classes on how to quilt using your domestic machine:

3005C Wednesday Introduction to Domestic Machine Quiltling

4006C Thursday Quilting for Show on Your Domestic Machine

6006C Saturday Introduction to Domestic Machine Quilting

In addition, Jerry will be guiding students in a quilt/art form he has perfected:

5006C Friday Quilting with Unusual Fabrics

You will learn how to quilt with unusual items such as silk, satin, vinyl, theatrical gels, even aluminum foil, among many others!

Cathy Wiggins:

Road 2014 Best Painted Surface sponsored by BlocLoc Rulers USAUS LLC

Cathy won $1,000 for her work

Cathy will be sharing her longarm quilting techniques to assist students in four classes:

3012R Wednesday Quilting for Show

Students will practice techniques as well as walk the show floor to discuss the award winning quilts.

4014R Thursday Discover ‘Your’ Quilting Style

Students will go through a series of exercises to determine their personal quilting style as well as walk the show floor to discuss the award winning quilts.

5013R Friday Quilting the Art Quilt

Cathy will teach how to successfully quilt texture into landscapes, animals, plants and even people.

6012R Saturday Quilting Leather

A hands-on workshop on everything involved with the fun, new medium, leather quilting

Please go to the Road to California website for more details on these upcoming classes. Registration begins Sunday, July 13^th at 8:00 a.m. PDT. For information on how to register, visit this previous blog post.

]]>

Tags: BlocLoc Rulers, Busy Bee Quilt Shop, Cathy Wiggins, Jerry Granata, Lenore Crawford, SewBatik, Winning Quilts
Posted in quilt entries, Road 2 CA Blog, Road 2014, Road 2015- 20th Anniversary Show | No Comments »