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Archive for the ‘Road to California’ Category

How Do You Thread Your Needle?

Friday, July 25th, 2014

All threads are not created equal. And who should know this more than Bob Purcell, President of Superior Threads and a Self-Certified Threadologist. Mr. Purcell presented two, $5.00 Lectures at Road 2014 entitled, Thread Therapy with Dr. Bob.MasterPiece-Group-Shot-L

How your thread performs depends on Five Thread Criteria:

  1. Quality: The higher the quality of thread, the less special handling is required. Quality thread is worthy of your machine and your project.
  2. Needles: Make sure you are using the right type and size. A topstitich needle works best with most projects because it has a larger eye and deeper groove. Make sure the needle is inserted correctly in your machine and that your machine is threaded correctly.
  3. Tension: Dr. Bob says, “Running your machine always at the same tension setting is like buying a new TV and never changing the channel.” Learn how to make quick and easy adjustments, even if your machine has an auto tensioner.
  4. Delivery System: How is the thread prepared to use on your machine? Is the thread wound on a spool or a cone? Either type is OK but each has a different use. The larger the spool, the greater the savings.
  5. Condition of Sewing Machine: Always keep your machine clean and in good condition. Regular maintenance insures your machine is in the best condition.

Dr. Bob also answered some common questions regarding thread:

How accurate are thread labels? Because different manufacturers use different standards of measurement, labels are not always accurate. Rely more on your sight and touch than the printed label.

What weight of thread should I use? It depends what you want the thread to do. A simple rule, “Heavy to show, thin to blend.”

Should I only use cotton thread in my quilts? Traditional quilters often used all cotton: fabric, batting, and thread. Times have changed and machine quilting has opened a whole new world. Polyester, medium and heavier cotton and even metallic thread can be used to enhance the beauty of a quilt.Banner-Machine_Quilting

Does polyester thread tear the fabric? No. Under normal use, polyester and softer, non-glazed threads will not tear through the fabric and is perfectly fine to use.   

Does the bobbin thread have to match the top thread in type and size? No. The bobbin thread can be a lighter weight than the top thread and still provide sufficient strength. Since bobbin thread does not go through a needle, bobbin threads have fewer problems.Banner-Prewound_Bobbins

Now is a great time to try Superior Threads. From now until July 31, customers can save up to 75% on Try Me Specials. For the first time ever, Try Me Specials are being put on a bigger FREEDOM sale.  These specials are already 30-50% off, but for the rest of July, they are an additional 50% off the already-sale price.  You choose the thread type and Superior threads will choose the colors. Choose from over 50 products.  With prices this low, you can afford to try a thread you have never used before. Just use the Promotional Code tryme at checkout.

Discover what threads work best for you, keeping in mind the Five Thread Criteria and have fun!!!

What is your favorite Superior Threads product?

 

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Taking Care Of You

Saturday, July 19th, 2014

Because they are known to lose track of time doing what they love to do, quilters often keep on quilting until they hurt. Common injuries include neck and back pain from leaning over sewing machines or tight wrists and hands from hand stitching.machines

And when quilters come to Road, often their feet and legs hurt from walking around the vendor floor or sitting in classes all day.vendor floor 2

To help relieve these stresses and strains, Road invites Joyful Healing Massage Therapy to offer therapeutic massage during the show. Two therapists are always available to offer 13 hours of massage time, either on a table or in a chair. Clients sign up on site and pay $1.00 a minute to receive this relaxing and healing treatment.massage__i4c5887

Dawn of Joyful Massage enjoys working at Road. “There is so much positive energy at Road. The therapists are always uplifted at the end of the day because of the quilters’ energy.”

Which day is the busiest for the therapists? Friday. At Road 2014, Joyful Healing provided 800 minutes of massage services.massage__i4c5903

And the most popular massage at Road to California? Foot Massage, of course. Clients relax in chairs while their feet are gently worked on.

Joyful Healing also offers their services for quilt retreats year round. A great reminder for all quilters to seek a way to relieve nagging aches and pains so they can keep on quilting,  

    

 

 

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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 – 20th 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? 2_22T3731

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.4_22T3745

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 1st.  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!!!bus

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

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Meet The Pass Patchers Quilt Guild

Friday, July 11th, 2014

Located east of Ontario, California in the town of Beaumont, the Pass Patchers Quilt Guild has 125 of the “the friendliest, most welcoming” members, says 2nd Vice-President Nancy Hudson.Pass Patchers

Founded in 1992, Pass Patchers is dedicated to the appreciation and preservation of quilting art.  It provides the opportunity to improve all aspects of quilting, enhance application of design and form and introduce new trends in quilting.  A special emphasis is placed on fellowship, service to the community and sharing of special talents and interests of its members. The guild meets the third Wednesday of each month at the Beaumont civic Center from 9:30 a.m. to noon. 

The Pass Patchers Quilt Guild supports several charities including Habitat for Humanity, Head Start, a math-science conference for local high school girls, and area hospitals as well as present college scholarships to local students.

Every other year, Pass Patchers join with two other guilds – Coachella Valley Quilters of Rancho Mirage and Cactus Sew-Ables of Yucca Valley – to present the Desert Quilt Show. The next quilt show is scheduled for March 2016.

[caption id="attachment_2078" align="aligncenter" width="428"]2014 Viewers Choice Award - "In The Beginning" by Bob Hix  2014 Viewers Choice Award – “In The Beginning” by Bob Hix[/caption]

The opportunity quilt on display at Road 2014 was created by Judy Niemeyer. The guild pieced the quilt together at numerous workshops and the quilting was done by member Lynette Harlan, a professional longarm quilter and local artist. _i4c3318  

 

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Celebrating The Red, White, And Blue With Quilts

Friday, July 4th, 2014

Whether used as a tablecloth at a potluck, a ground covering for a picnic, or  as a blanket to cuddle under while watching fireworks, quilts are an important part of our most patriotic of holidays. And while these 2014 Road to California winning quilts probably won’t be used for such practical purposes, their colors and themes are fitting for such an honored celebration:

[caption id="attachment_2047" align="aligncenter" width="580"]Bias II by Alissa H. Carlton Bias II by Alissa H. Carlton[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2050" align="aligncenter" width="593"]The Price of Freedom by Kim Bruny The Price of Freedom by Kim Bruny[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2049" align="aligncenter" width="612"]Intersections by Alissa H. Carlton Intersections by Alissa H. Carlton[/caption]

Doesn’t this just remind you of Fireworks?

[caption id="attachment_2048" align="aligncenter" width="619"]Byrne's Spiral by Beth Nufer and Clem Buzick Byrne’s Spiral by Beth Nufer and Clem Buzick[/caption]

 

Wishing you a spectacular Fourth of July.

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Meet Mr. And Mrs. Matthew Reese

Monday, June 30th, 2014

Jennifer Matt-Two-0350 Photo courtesy of Robbie Cavanaugh[/caption]

Just in time to share the wedding details of Jennifer Bennett and Matthew Reese

Married May 25, 2014

Alumni House — University of Redlands — Redlands, California

 

Matt and Jen chose their wedding location because , ” It was a beautiful, surrounded by one hundred year old buildings and oak trees.”  It was where Jennifer went to college for her Bachelor’s of Arts and Teaching Credential.Alumi House

Their wedding party consisted of  ten close family and friends. Matt’s best man was also a Matthew, Matthew Gullett. The two have been best friend’s since college and have worked together as Road staff members the past 6 years. Groomsmen included Jennifer’s brother, Bryan Bennett; Matt’s friend from the University of La Verne College of Law, Dave Hamilton; and Adrian Moore, Matt’s Brother-in-Law.

[caption id="attachment_2030" align="aligncenter" width="669"]Photo courtesy of Robbie Cavanaugh Photo courtesy of Robbie Cavanaugh[/caption]

The Matron of honor was Lauren Lening, a friend and fellow teacher of Jen’s at Alta Loma Junior High. Bridesmaids included Jen’s college roommate and friend, Carey Best; and another college friend, Jessica Kunert.  Jennifer’s cousins, Kaitlyn and Kelsey Keele served as Junior Bridesmaids and Matt’s nieces’s, Adrienne and Paighten Moore were the adorable flower girls.

The wedding ceremony was conducted by Dr. Roy Halberg.  He included the following readings as part of the ceremony: 1 Corinthians 13;  How Do I Love Thee? By Elizabeth Barrett Browning (This one made Jen tear up during the ceremony.  Luckily Matt had a hanky in his pocket!) and What is Marriage by Anonymous.

[caption id="attachment_2036" align="aligncenter" width="682"]Photo courtesy of Robby Cavanaugh Photo courtesy of Robby Cavanaugh[/caption]

The reception immediately followed the ceremony on the west lawn of the Alumni House. In true Road to California fashion, the guest book consisted of quilt squares that guests were ask to sign. The squares were collected and will be made in to a wedding quilt. So clever!!

[caption id="attachment_2037" align="aligncenter" width="725"]View More: http://robbycavanaugh.pass.us/reese Photo courtesy of Robbie Cavanaugh[/caption]

Look what Grandma Carolyn wrote: 

[caption id="attachment_2038" align="aligncenter" width="660"]Photo courtesy of Robbie Cavanaugh Photo courtesy of Robbie Cavanaugh[/caption]

During the reception, there was plenty of dancing and wonderful toasts.  A highlight was having Matron of Honor, Lauren,  “rap” her speech to the tune of The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.

The traditional first dance was to Adam Sandler’s , “Grow Old With You.”Matt and Jen wedding dance

What was really special and unique that day was that Jennifer had four generations from her side of the family represented at the wedding: her Great Grandmother Dolores Daros, her Grandmother Lee Ann Akers, her mother Debby Bennett, and Jen. See the pearls Jennifer is wearing?  They were originally Jen’s great-grandmother’s. All four women wore them on their wedding day.  How sweet is that

?Photo courtesy of Robbie Cavanaugh

Photo courtesy of Robbie Cavanaugh

The couple that traveled the farthest — who was also the longest married couple in attendance — was Road’s own Stevii Graves and her husband, Randy. For their marital advice, they suggested “travel.” 

The honeymoon began the very next day. Matt and Jen took a road trip to Mammoth, Lake Tahoe, San Francisco, Sonoma Valley, and Monterey.  They visited the Devil’s Postpile, went wine tasting, and toured the Monterey Bay Aquarium.  Said Matt, “We had a wonderful and relaxing time just enjoying the beautiful scenery of California.”

What does the future hold for the new Mr. and Mrs. Reese?  They want to adopt a puppy (Jen is hoping for a Basset Hound!) and to travel (Taking the advice of Stevii and Randy right away!) Long term plans include starting a family but Matt insists, “Don’t expect a big announcement at Road in 2015. This won’t happen for a few years.”

[caption id="attachment_2041" align="aligncenter" width="648"]Photo courtesy of Robbie Cavanaugh Photo courtesy of Robbie Cavanaugh[/caption]

Congratulations Matt and Jen!!!  Your Road family couldn’t be happier for you!!!

***Thanks to photographer Robby Cavanaugh, a childhood friend of Matt’s,  for capturing the big day. http://www.robbycavanaugh.com

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Registering For Classes

Thursday, June 26th, 2014

Class registration is right around the corner. While the webmaster is moving as fast as she can on getting our 2015 classes online, we thought we should give you all a crash course in our online registration system. 

First, make sure your internet browser plays nicely with others. Our system does not work well with Internet Explorer and some versions of Mozilla Firefox. The most recently updated Google Chrome, and Apple Safari play really nice with others, and have been tested and verified to work on our system. Unfortunately, we have not been able to optimize our website for touch devices (including iPads & iPhones.) 

On the same note, you should make sure prior to online registration that you have installed updates for your internet browser. This is very important to your own personal internet security and will enhance your experience with our online registration program. There is a great how-to article on updating your internet browser on the web that you can find here  

Now that we are done with computer housekeeping, lets move onto the Second Step, logging on. Open that fancy new updated internet browser and navigate to: https://online.roadtocalifornia.com. You should see a photo of our beautiful San Gabriel Mountains kissed with snow and the Road to California logo.  If you remember your email address and password from last year, enter it now and skip ahead.Blog 1

If you don’t remember your password, don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. Click on Forgot Password. A yellow box should appear (See Photo Below). Fill out all the required information and click change password. Hint: Your new password needs to be 8 characters long and include a capital letter and a number. Blog 2

If you don’t remember your email address, send us an email to: info@roadtocalifornia.com. We will be happy to assist you with your online account. In your email, please include your name, email address and mailing address. We will use that information to find your account and email you a new password. 

If you have not taken a class at Road before, click on the blue create an account link. The following page should appear. Fill out all required fields and click create. Again, your password needs to be 8 characters long and include a capital letter and a number.Blog 3You should now be logged in! On July 11 at 8 AM PDT you can move your mouse to ROAD2015 and click on Register! 

Once you’ve clicked on Register, you will see the following screen. Make sure if you wish to purchase cancellation insurance, you drag over the Cancellation Insurance selection. Simply Click, Drag into your calendar and Release when the calendar turns red. Blog 5

Change the drop down from Miscellaneous Items to the date of the class you wish to register for. Here we have chosen Friday, and want to take Dancing Dots with Nancy Mahoney.Blog 6

Simply Click down on Dancing Dots and Drag the Dancing Dots block over to the calendar (the calendar will turn red) and Release.Blog 7 

Let’s say you also want to take a Sunday class (gotta leave Thursday and Saturday to do some serious shopping in the vendor mall). Being a big fan of stars, you want to take Sparkle Star with Donna Thomas.Blog 8

Click down on Sparkle Star, Drag it over to the calendar and Release. The calendar turns red when you have dragged the class to the proper location. Release when the calendar is red to enroll. Blog 9

What if you change your mind and instead of taking a Friday class, you’d rather take a multi-day class? To remove the Friday class, simply Click on the class under Events/Classes to be Purchased, Drag it out of the calendar and Release.Blog 10 

Multi-Day classes are sorted by the first day they begin. For example, you would love to take a class with Rob Appell, and he happens to be teaching a Three Day Seascape/Landscape Extravaganza starting on Monday! Click on class 1302R, Drag it into the calendar, and Release when the calendar turns red! Blog 11

Once you’ve verified that you’ve got all your classes and cancellation insurance (you can’t add on cancellation insurance after you click register), it’s time to pay and check out! Fill out your credit card information, and verify the contact information we have on file. Once your registration is final, our cancellation policy takes effect, so make sure to read it carefully when classes are posted online! Blog 12

Click Register, and you will be redirected to a page with a confirmation of your registration. You will also receive an email with this information confirming your class enrollment. Take note of the cancellation policy found on the bottom of your confirmation. We will not be granting exceptions for cancellation hardships this year. Please take special care to remember the dates for cancellation. 

That’s it! Class information will be posted by July 1!  Class registration begins on July 13, 2014 at 8 AM PDT! We can’t wait to see you in January!

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How We Choose Classes For Road To California

Monday, June 23rd, 2014

It is almost time to announce our Road to California 2015 classes. Because we are often asked how we come up with our slate of offerings, we wanted to share the planning process that goes in to our class selection. 

The first step is to secure our teachers. Selecting the faculty for Road to California actually begins more than two years prior to an upcoming conference. Carolyn, Matt and Stevii Graves (Road’s consultant and talent scout), search for the newest, upcoming talent (as well as seasoned veterans in the teaching world) that would be a good fit for Road. They look for teachers at trade shows, in trade publications (Stevii does book reviews for IQA) and in blogs on the internet. Searching for teachers is a full time job!teachers_classrooms__i4c6216Choosing the classes can best be summed up as one giant jigsaw puzzle with pieces that don’t fit together! To be certain that we are offering classes that meet the needs and desires of our attendees, we have several methods set in place to ensure that we have a diverse cross section of classes that represent quilters today. We want to make sure that our classes range from Appliqué to Zentangle! teachers_classrooms__i4c6372

We have 22 classrooms with certain rooms better utilized for certain techniques. For example, this year we have Kim Eichler-Messmer teaching a two day class on Fabric Dyeing for quilts. Her classroom must not only be near water, but also be covered with plastic on the floor so that the fabric dye does not damage the carpeting. 

We have received some complaints that Road is primarily catering to the long arm quilter and is not meeting the needs of all quilters. Rather than simply deny this, we would like to provide you with some numbers:

              Three of the 22 rooms are utilized with Longarm Machines (Gammill, Handi Quilters & Innova)  

Two of the 22 rooms are utilized with sit-down, Longarm Machines (Gammill Charm & Handi Quilters Sweet 16). The techniques used in these classes are directly applicable to domestic machines. 

Seven of the 22 rooms have sewing machines provided for attendees (Brother, BabyLock, Bernina, Janome, PFAFF, Viking). These rooms are used for Machine Quilting, Machine Piecing, Machine Applique and many other techniques & projects. teachers_classrooms__i4c6375

Ten of the 22 rooms are utilized for other classes including Hand Work, Fabric Dying, Painting, Bring Your Own Machine classes, etc.teachers_classrooms__i4c6209

Classes for Road 2015 will be posted on our website no later than July 1st and registration begins on-line July 13th.   

We invite you to join us for THE BEST Road to California yet, our 20th Anniversary Conference & Showcase. 

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A Shout Out to The Men At Road

Saturday, June 14th, 2014

Road to California attracts all kinds of patrons: old and young; locals and travelers; women, teens, children, and even men!!! What did some of our male guests think of Road 2014?men_at_road__i4c6033

Richard, from Sacramento, California, came to support his wife and carry her shopping bags. He enjoyed the “artistry” of the quilts.

Bill, from Whittier, California, came one day to help his wife manage her purchases. The rest of the week, he took care of his 97 year old mother-in-law so that his wife could attend the show for the entire week._i4c3410_copy

Louie came with his wife from Newport News, Virginia. Going to Road was their vacation destination. It was their first time coming to Ontario and the show. While his wife took quilt classes, Louie took a tour of the city. He thought the “weather was fantastic” and that the show was “awesome.” Louie was “amazed at what quilters can do.”

Earl Bunker, age 73, has been a quilter for 6 years. He was looking for something to do after retirement and actually started quilting before his wife. He has 7 sewing machines and uses them all in his projects including his grandmother’s 1882 Singer. He uses that machine for sewing straight stitching as it has a ¼” foot. Earl enjoys sewing quilts and tote bags for his granddaughters (none of whom sew – yet). At the show, he was interested in learning how to do paper piecing as he likes appliqueing. Earl loves the “variety” that Road has to offer.Earl Bunker

Have you brought the man in your life to Road?men_at_road__i4c5742

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Meet Valerie Goodwin, Quilt Artist – Exploring The Use of Laser Cutting Technology

Friday, June 6th, 2014

Road to California prides itself on presenting the latest and greatest in the quilting world. Having Valerie Goodwin as one of our teachers for our upcoming 20th Anniversary Conference and Showcase continues this vision.Valerie GoodwinA graduate of Yale University with a Masters Degree in architecture from Washington University in St. Louis Missouri, Valerie Goodwin is an architect, a teacher of architectural design at Florida A & M University, and a quilt artist. Her quilt designs are inspired by the realistic and abstract imagery of maps. Says Valerie, “I am fascinated by the language of lines, shape and pattern…My work is noted for its use of color, emphasis on line, and density. My quilts are part of a continuing investigation of ideas that focus on geometrical relationships, patterns, and ordering principles found in architecture. I try to convey these ideas abstractly, through the use of collage, layering, transparency, density, and improvisation.”   Art Quilt Valerie Goodwin

Valerie’s new passion combines both the digital and the physical realm of creating. This connection came together in the summer of 2013 when Valerie was selected to participate in a 3-week residency at Florida State University’s (FSU) Facilities for Arts Research (FAR). The title of her project was Mapping Time and Place. During her residency, she tested laser settings on over 30 natural and synthetic fabrics.  In addition to exploring combinations of layered materials for her experimental fiber artwork, she also created a binder with fabric samples and laser cutting settings as a resource for future FAR researchers.Art Laser Cutout- Valerie Goodwin

Valerie has continued to fine-tune her experience with the laser cutter and its interaction with fabric. Not only does the laser cut fabrics, but it can also score and etch.

All of this innovative work has sparked a desire with Valerie to share her knowledge with other quilt artists. Road is thrilled for Valerie to be sharing this technique with our guests at Road 2015.Art Quilt Valerie Goodwin2

To learn more about Valerie’s work, please visit her website: Quilts by Valerie

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