Archive for the ‘Road to California’ Category
Wednesday, November 28th, 2012
We love getting requests to share our expertise on quilting techniques. A question we often hear is, “How do I make a quilt sleeve?” Carolyn has developed some easy steps to follow that will give your quilt that professional touch. To learn how, simply click on the following link. When the page opens, click on the square icon and Carolyn’s easy to follow instructions will pop up on your computer screen.
How to Make a Quilt Sleeve
We hope you can use this handy advice for your holiday quilt projects and beyond.
Is there another quilting question we can help you with?
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Tags: DIY, Quilt Sleeve Tutorial
Posted in Road 2 CA Blog, Road to California | No Comments »
Thursday, November 22nd, 2012
During this Thanksgiving season, what are we most grateful for? Everything that makes our annual Quilters’ Conference and Showcase a regular gathering place for those who love quilting. 
Carolyn says, “My greatest joy is seeing people walk around the convention center floor with smiles on their faces, forgetting their problems and truly having a good time during the week of Road.”
Matt adds, “I appreciate the family aspect of our show. Not only does the Reese family come together to deliver this conference but it is all of the families who take the time to attend and enjoy together the Road experience.”
Our conference has a lot more to give than just fabrics, notions, and classes. It is the warmth and friendship shared each year that makes Road to California such a special occasion.
What are you thankful for?
2012 Quilt Entries submitted by (top to bottom) Patricia Wright, Denise Nelms, and Shirley Gisi
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Tuesday, November 20th, 2012
The Quilters’ Showcase is one of the highlights of Road to California. We love providing the opportunity to display and honor up to 250 original quilt masterpieces that bring not only recognition to accomplished quilters, but some nifty cash prizes too. For 2013, over $30,000 in cash prizes is at stake.
How does a quilt make it to the convention center floor? This year’s process began almost as soon as we turned off the lights to the 2012 Road to California. Applications explaining the rules and the eight eligible categories became available late last winter. Prospective entrants had until October 1st to submit the required paperwork along with digital pictures of their quilts for jury consideration.
Technology has made the jurying process more streamlined. A special computer program was specially designed for Road to California to insure a process that is secure and fair for all entrants. Three jurors are selected each year from around the country who have experience with quilting as well as art. Each of the jurors view anonymously the digital representations for every quilt submitted in every category. Consideration is given for workmanship, design and use of color. The quality of the picture and the way a quilt is visually represented truly aids a juror in making their decisions. All entries are given a rating of either Accept, Reject, or Undecided. Individual jurors can also make additional comments regarding an entry or even suggest a category change. When all the quilts in a particular category have been rated, each juror can then view the other jurors’ comments and decisions. In order to be accepted for the showcase judging, a quilt must have a unanimous vote from all three jurors. A second round of jurying is conducted to re-examine all Undecided votes to determine whether those quilts will receive a new Accept or Reject status. Jurying is completed when the available number of quilts for judging and floor space has been reached.
Jurying for 2013 is currently going on. All entrants will be notified by email on or around December 1st of their status. We are so excited to see which quilts will be on display at Road to California. How about you?
Best of Show 2012- Molly Y. Hamilton-McNally
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Tags: Jurying, Quilt Entries, Quilters' Showcase
Posted in behind the scenes, quilt entries, Road 2 CA Blog, Road 2012, Road to California | 4 Comments »
Thursday, November 15th, 2012
OK, we admit it: there are a lot of exciting, inspiring, and really fun classes to choose from at Road to California, all taught by instructors who are the best of the best. Why offer so many great choices? Because it is important to us to provide you with the current trends in the quilting world, whatever your interest and skill level.
Have you checked out the classes featuring Modern Quilting? Emily Cier, author of Pixel Play, will be making her first ever trip to California to share her modern quilting techniques. Emily will help you design your own versions of her patterns that include In the Groove (Class 7016) and Pixelville (Class 6017).
In the Groove Pixelville
Emily will also be teaming up with another modern quilter, Angela Walters, for a panel discussion entitled, Thoroughly Modern Quilting (Class 9401). We are told, not only will Angela and Emily be sharing details on modern quilting BUT on barbecue as well. You won’t want to miss that tasty combination!!!
Some other great classes for you to consider:
Class 2006 Sew a Scene- Wine and Cheese by Patsy Shields
Techniques: Easy Stitch Appliqué, Scanning, Placement and Embroidery
Skill Level: All
Class 4040 Paintstik Inspirations by Laura Murray
Techniques: Use of Shiva® and Artist’s Paintstiks® that result in layers of color, design, and texture on plain colored fabrics.
Skill Level: All
Class 6701 Scan Your Stash for Machine Applique with Electric Quilt by Linda Matteotti
Techniques: Electric Quilt software to scan, create appliques, and quilt lay out; Machine applique
Skill Level: All
Class 7001 Frame it with Flowers by Allison Aller
Techniques: Fabric transferring photos, Applique, Embellishing, Embroidery
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Class 7008 Heavy Metal Play Day by Judy Coates Perez
Techniques: Craft metals, Embossing, Alcohol inks and markers
Skill Level: All
Class 8501 The Creative Process-Front to Back Pictorial Quilting by Kathy McNeil
Lecture: Insights on how to become more creative and original in your work.
For additional information and to register for these and other class offerings for the 2013 Road to California, please go to our web site, www.road2ca.com
What classes are you going to?
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Tags: Modern Quilting, Road to California, Road to California classes
Posted in classes, Road 2 CA Blog, Road to California | 4 Comments »
Tuesday, November 13th, 2012
We know you do it so we wanted to do it too.
Beginning today, Road to California is expanding it’s reach and becoming more visible in the social media realm.
In case you haven’t noticed, we started our social media makeover right here by revamping our blog. Not only have we changed the look of the site, we are updating the content as well. Through bi-weekly postings, we will be sharing all the behind-the-scenes action of what it takes to bring to you the “Best in the West” Quilters’ Conference and Showcase. We are going to include features on all kinds of quilting techniques, supplies, and projects. Occasionally, we’re even going to throw in some great giveaways. And best of all, you’ll be able to get to know our Road to California family through interviews, insights, and interesting facts. You won’t wan to miss a single post!!!
While we have had a Facebook page for a while, we weren’t always able to give it the attention needed to be a vibrant location of conversation and information. From now on, our Facebook page will be updated daily with show alerts, tips, and lots of opportunities for you to join in and share your thoughts and ideas. If you haven’t already done so, please visit us and like our page. We’d love to have you connect with us.
Twitter is the fastest growing social media force and Road to California is there!!! From our Twitter account, we are able to quickly and efficiently keep you in the loop. Using just 140 characters or less, you’ll get important information and shout outs to enrich your day. And during Road to California, we will be tweeting live from the Ontario Convention Center. We’re excited to add this component as another way to stay in touch with you.
But that’s not all….soon we will be setting up our account on Pinterest. We will be sure to let you know when you will be able to view our boards featuring beautiful quilts, winners from our conference showcase, as well as the latest fabrics and trends.
Whether you are a blog follower, a Facebook fan, a Twitter tweeter, or a Pinterest pinner, Road to California is there for you.
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Tags: Facebook, Pinterest, quilt blog, Road to California, social media, Twitter
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Wednesday, August 29th, 2012
www.quiltsoup.com
(Lead-in, Classes taught and so on)
Matt: Where were you born and what is your birth order?
Barbara: I was born in a teeny tiny town in Idaho named Malad and I am the eldest of three, 1 sister and 1 brother.
Matt: Where did you grow up?
Barbara: Ogden and Roy, Utah
Matt: What motivated you to begin quilting?Barbara: I saw a beautiful quilt in the window of a quilt shop and stopped in to find out how to make it. I was taking my first class within about 2 weeks and have never looked back! I have never made the quilt that lured me but have the pattern and know I could!
Matt: Describe your “quilting studio” — is there something in it that you just can’t live without?Barbara: My “studio” right now is in two separate places! I have a have very small warehouse and production space where my fabric is housed. I sew in a little bedroom at my home when I am doing machine work. I appliqué while stating in front of the tv in my living room.
Matt: Does anyone else in your family quilt?Barbara: Unfortunately not.
Matt: Do you have any other hobbies besides quilting?Barbara: I have tried every craft known to man but quilting was the only one that held my attention for so long. I have always crocheted and have knitted a little bit. Right now I have once again jumped back into the knitting pool and am working on mastering felted intarsia. It turns out that I love color in any medium and that’s why like I like intarsia. I also love the challenge of mastering a new skill.
Matt: Do you have children, grandchildren etc?Barbara: I have one child, a grown son. He and his wife had five beautiful and unique children that inspire many of my quilts.
Matt: Do you have any pets?Barbara: No pets yet. I have toyed with the idea of getting a dog but am not sure if I would really want the responsibility and the mess.
Matt: Do you have a favorite food, what is it?Barbara: I like bland, bland, bland comfort food. I love “Sunday dinner” which is roast beef, mashed potatoes with gravy, boiled carrots and hot rolls. I have a huge sweet tooth which as made another part of me huge as well! I don’t like chocolate……can you even imagine that?
Matt: What is your favorite recipe for entertaining?Barbara: A reservation at a terrific restaurant.
Matt: What would be on your “Bucket List” if you could do anything and money was not an object?Barbara: I would move closer to my grandchildren. I would like to go to Wales, Ireland, Spain, Paris, Italy and Canada. I would also like to visit several areas of New York City and the lavender fields of France. I want to learn how to weld. I want to work in the set or props dept of a film company on one movie.
Matt: What is the best class you have taken?Barbara: I have been very fortunate to have taken many great classes. No one stands out more than the rest.
Matt: Where have you traveled in your quilting career? Any favorite locations?Barbara: I have been to Houston, Portland, Minneapolis, Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada, and California. Most recently I was in Kansas City, MO. My all time favorite is Ontario California and the Road to California Quilter’s conference. I have the best time there of anywhere I go. And I must say the weather is lovely and we are warml received by the quilters. Thanks for making it such a good time for us!
Matt: What is the last book you have read, and who is your favorite author?Barbara: I am reading a book called Housekeeping right now and just finished the Dukan diet. I like th Harry Bosch novels by Michael Connelly. I also recently finished the Hunger Games trilogy and loved them. I am working on Miss Pelican’s School for Unusual Children which my daughter in law keeps on the nightstand for me at their house whenever I go to stay with them for a few days.
Matt: What’s the best thing about teaching? Barbara: Seeing my students realize that they too can succeed at hand appliqué. I love to pass the tradition along.]]>
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Tuesday, August 28th, 2012
Washougal, WA (Portland, OR Metro Area)
http://alliesinstitches.blogspot.com/
Allison Aller is one of our Faculty Members for the 2013 Road show. She is teaching 4 classes: 4001 “Pretty Crazy,” 5001 “Curved ‘Piecing’ Crazy Hearts,”6001 “Essential Embroidery for Crazy Quilting and 7001 “Frame It With Flowers.” Space is extremely limited, and only available in classes 5001 and 7001 so hurry over to road2ca.com and signup while space is available!
Matt: Where were you born and what is your birth order?
Allie: I was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the youngest and fourth child with three older brothers. Tragically, when I was 4 and he was 5, my brother Freddie died, but 10 months later my sister was born. So I am a middle child, and my sister is my best friend.
Matt: Where did you grow up?
Allie: I grew up in Grand Rapids, and spent the summers on Lake Michigan near Whitehall.
Matt: What motivated you to begin quilting?
Allie: Family matters motivated me to start quilting, as it has so many of us. My oldest brother got married when I was in high school, and he received my first quilt. 5 years later my mother had a terminal illness; quilting got me through that tough time. Ever since my mom’s quilt, I have never stopped….and that was a long time ago!
Matt: Describe your “quilting studio” — is there something in it that you just can’t live without?
Allie: My sewing room is the best room in the house! We are up on a hill, so my windows look out over the treetops to the river valley below and the foothills beyond. I have lots of storage bins full of the goodies we crazy quilters use: lace, silk ribbon, trim, beads, fancy fabrics, cottons….I just wish I had more storage! But since my husband and I became “”empty nesters””, I’ve begun taking over the living room… 😉
I think I couldn’t live without the view…..”
Matt: Does anyone else in your family quilt?
Allie: Not yet, but my son’s fiance does, so soon!
Matt: Do you have any other hobbies besides quilting?
Allie: I love to grow flowers.
Matt: Do you have children, grandchildren etc?
Allie: Our two sons are Max, 25 and Chad, 22.
Matt: Do you have any pets?
Allie: We have a cat, May, who is the subject of one of my class projects, “Frame It With Flowers”. She’s a cutie.
Matt: Do you have a favorite food, what is it?
Allie: The fresh sourdough bread that my husband Robert makes is my favorite food, with lots of butter!
Matt: What is your favorite recepe for entertaining?
Allie: Pizza, salad, and cookies….gets ’em every time.
Matt: What would be on your “Bucket List” if you could do anything and money was not an object?
Allie: I would travel to Cornwall, England and apprentice myself to Amanda Richardson, one of my very favorite textile artists. A few months under her tutelage would be a dream come true! http://www.amandarichardson.co.uk/index.php
Matt: What is the best class you have taken?
Allie: It was a piecing class from Sharon Craig, 20 years ago. It didn’t impact my work so much, but it showed me how generous, lively, and organized a quilt teacher can be. Her spirit inspires me to this day.
Matt: What is the funniest or most embarassing moment you have had happen while you were teaching?
Allie: We have a tradition in crazy quilting…students bring in thrift shop prom dresses and we cut them up, giving everyone chunks of the fancy dress fabrics. It is a fun and cheap way to increase our stash. One time a student brought in a very fancy wedding gown for this purpose and we couldn’t bear to cut it up. I told them I had worn a plain outfit when I got married, and never experienced being a traditional bride…Next thing I knew, my arms were through the sleeves (the dress was too small to actually put on), the students were arranging my veil and I had a bouquet of hand-dyed silk ribbon!
Matt: Where have you traveled in your quilting career? Any favorite locations?
Allie: I’ve been to several regions around the United States and found something to love in all of them, but I have to say that Asilomar in Monterrey, California was my favorite place to work. It is so beautiful there!!!!
Matt: What is the last book you have read, and who is your favorite author?
Allie: I just finished a biography of Bill Donovan, the founder of the OSS in World War II. (I’m a spy buff.) My favorite author of fiction is Alan Furst, whose “historical espionage” makes this reader very, very happy.
Matt: What’s the best thing about teaching?
Allie: I love meeting my wonderful students, and helping them get excited about their own creativity. It’s always a thrill and a joy when their faces light up with new smiles!]]>
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Monday, August 27th, 2012
Colorado
www.helengibb.com
Helen Gibb is the owner of Helen Gibb Ribbons. She is a vendor at our 2013 Show. She is also teaching two classes, 5035 Ribbon Collage Postcard and 6033 Ribbon Flower Bracelet. Hurry to sign up for a class with Helen, space is limited!
Matt: Where were you born and what is your birth order?Helen: I am an Aussie – yep, that’s right – I’m from Australia, but I now live in the USA. I’m the eldest of two.
Matt: Where did you grow up?Helen: Being born and raised in Sydney Australia I had many opportunities to be creative.
Matt: What motivated you to begin quilting?Helen: My sister and I used to make small fabric horses which we played stables and horse jumping with. Both of us were very creative – we even made teeny tiny leather saddles and bridles for the horses and dressed small dollies in breeches and riding jackets.
I never did quilt but all the little fiddly things I made as a child have helped me in my ribbonwork. I love to make ribbon flowers – large and small.
Matt: Describe your “quilting studio” — is there something in it that you just can’t live without?Helen: I have two areas for ribbonwork – one is a design area in my computer room. In here I have all my books, inspiring little knick-knacks, photos, memorabilia etc. I love my chandelier with the zebra silk shades!
In my other space are all my ribbons. I have over 500 spools of ribbon and trim and I must say it can get overwhelming. Students and guests to my studio are amazed when they come to shop here.
Matt: Do you have any other hobbies besides quilting?Helen: i love to read and will often have two or three books going at the same time. I use a Kindle for novels but all my resource books in my office library are “real” books.
Matt: Do you have children, grandchildren etc?Helen: I have one daughter who is married with a dear little boy. His name is Liam – love him to bits!
Matt: Do you have any pets?Helen: I used to have a horse, a Westie and a cat. All are now gone BUT I want to get another Westie as soon as I quit travelling so much.
Matt: Do you have a favorite food, what is it?Helen: My favourite food is an Australian dessert called Pavlove. It is a hard shell of merangue filled with whipped cream and topped with strawberries, kiwi, banana and drizzled with passionfruit. Oh Yum!
Matt: What would be on your “Bucket List” if you could do anything and money was not an object?Helen: Take my family and rent a house in Cortona, Italy for 3 months and then rent a house in England for three months. I teach in Italy once a year and just love it. England I have always loved. I was lucky enough to be in the UK for the week of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee this year. Saw lots of wonderful patriotic window displays showing red, white and blue bits and pieces to commemorate the Queen. Lovely.
Matt: What is the funniest or most embarassing moment you have had happen while you were teaching?Helen: Can’t think of one. Must have been but . . . .
Matt: Where have you traveled in your quilting career? Any favorite locations?Helen: All over the USA, and special workshops in Austraila, Canada, Italy.
Matt: What is the last book you have read, and who is your favorite author?Helen: The Shoemakers Wife – Adriana Trigiani – Fab – get it.
Matt: What’s the best thing about teaching?Helen: Empowering a student to make something lovely when they think they can’t. Nothing is too hard – you just have to set your mind to do it. I am an encourager!]]>
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Thursday, August 16th, 2012
Long Beach, CA
www.beyondthereefpatterns.com
Natalie Barnes is the owner of Beyond the Reef. She has been a Vendor at Road to California for quite a while. She is teaching a lecture this year – 8505 “What’s In Your Toolbox?” Make sure to go check it out at www.road2ca.com
Matt: Where were you born and what is your birth order?Natalie: I was born in Pasadena – home of the Rose Parade – born and raised a sunny southern california girl! I was born “an only child”, so I was lucky to have a great mother to pal around with! We used to drive around in her yellow LTD singing, “We all live in a yellow LTD!” (Beatles – Yellow Submarine)
Matt: Where did you grow up?Natalie: Most of my growing up occurred in Orange County – building forts below the trees in the orange groves, climbing oak trees in Temecula, and riding horses through fields of mustards as high as my horse’s belly. And trying to sew prom dresses out of very very funky stretchy fabrics….
Matt: What motivated you to begin quilting?Natalie: I started cutting up squares of Woolworth fabrics after my high school boyfriend made me a bright yellow and green quilt for my birthday. Not to be out done, I made quilts for E-VVERYYYY-ONE.
Matt: Describe your “quilting studio” — is there something in it that you just can’t live without?Natalie: I live in a small 1940’s beach cottage, so there is not a lot of space to be had, unless you’re out on the bay or the beach. In my studio. I have a day bed, a small round table/desk, my Bernina Industrial table mounted sewing machine that can sew fast enough to scare people, and a whole wall full of bookcases and enclosed storage holding tools, books, papers, favorite pics, a ukulele and mason jars full of every color thread imaginable. Is there something that I just can’t live without? For my quilting, the view through the house into the garden. For me, I just can’t live without the friends that come to stay, and accept the space as their own….
Matt: Does anyone else in your family quilt?Natalie: I have very little family left…sadly. My grandmother, who passed away when I was in 2nd grade, was the closest I ever had to having a quilter in the family – she knit, crocheted, did some embroidery, and always made sure my Barbie dolls were very well dressed!
Matt: Do you have any other hobbies besides quilting?Natalie: I love my yoga practice. And paddle boarding around the bay. I can swing a golf club here and there (let’s not officially call it Golf…) and I knit. Sew. Embroider. Make jewelry. Have a great raised bed veggie garden. Bike. Swim…
Matt: Do you have children, grandchildren etc?Natalie: …only my good girlfriends’ kids….they’re the best!!
Matt: Do you have any pets?Natalie: I do have a great (great!) dog named Buddy. He was dumped in the hills on the Central Coast. I gotta say, he was born and bred a cattle cutting dog – as a McNab – and has ended up with a quilter as an owner. I certainly appreciate his adaptability. And the fact that we have to walk long distances as a compromise to the work that he normally would be doing, is no compromise at all.
Matt: Do you have a favorite food, what is it?Natalie: Honestly, I love a fresh from the garden arugula and blueberry salad. Warm tomatoes grown right at my door. Hand made hamburgers on the 4th of July eaten standing on the bay with the neighbors…and “made in my own kitchen” thai food with a table full of good friends. I guess you could say my favorite food is the company it keeps!
Matt: What is your favorite recepe for entertaining?Natalie: Salad, salad, salad. Wedges with blue cheese and walnuts.
Arugula with berries and a great aged balsamic.
Romaine, white rice, frozen white corn, black beans, cheese, chicken, black olives, guacamole (from my haas avo tree) and a splash of sour cream.
For winter, homemade chili and crusty artisan bread.
Hot thai coconut chicken soup with fresh basil.
Or the conversation around the bbq while cooking something for dinner.
Matt: What would be on your “Bucket List” if you could do anything and money was not an object?Natalie: I heard a great answer to this question – credit to the writers of The Mentalist – “Well, I WOULD like to have my own personal magic dragon…”
For me, I think I would like to take Buddy and “fly private” to New Zealand, and live for a year in a great big sprawling modern beach house on a big piece of land with some kind of herd and agriculture. And of course, invite all of my friends over, all expenses paid, any time they could get away to come visit.
I would have a big giant barn like structure classroom and create a ‘room and board’ place for people to come and learn and quilt and create.
Of course, world peace is still very high on the list – I would even settle for clean drinking water for all…
Matt: What is the best class you have taken?Natalie: Every class is the best class I have ever taken. Marsha McClosky for perfect accurate piecing. Roxanne McElroy for applique. Sitting next to an expert hand quilter and just watching her quilt for quilting. I would love to be in a class with Gwen Marston – Denyse Schmidt – or learn how to McTavish!!
Matt: What is the funniest or most embarassing moment you have had happen while you were teaching?Natalie: Honestly, it’s hard to pick just one embarrassing teaching moment – I have so many. On any given day, i will be on a roll, talking a blue streak and come to a screeching halt, looking for the word “rotary cutter” or “ruler” or “blue”. Inevitably, tho, whatever I am doing, ironing with an iron that’s not plugged in, cutting something the wrong size and having to toss the piece, forgetting the word “blue” – – it’s a way to engage the people in my class. A way to get human and connect.
Matt: Where have you traveled in your quilting career? Any favorite locations?Natalie: In November, my favorite location will be Long Beach. I will be teaching there. In January, it will be Ontario, California. Wherever I go, wherever there are quilters, that is my favorite location. I enjoyed Florida. If I am ever asked to the show in Japan, I will love Japan. But no more or no less than Ontario California, or Denver, or Portland.
Matt: What is the last book you have read, and who is your favorite author?Natalie: Oh oh…..this one might be a hard one… The very last book I read was some ‘guy book’ fiction about an ex military guy living on his boat. I am a pretty eclectic reader…
It’s Easier Than You Think, Sylvia Boorstein.
Lime Creek, Joe Henry (good friend of one of my good friends). Anything Jill Marie Landis (good girlfriend of mine).
What the Dog Saw, Malcolm Gladwell.
Fifty Acres and a Poodle, Jeanne Marie Laskas
Matt: What’s the best thing about teaching?Natalie: The best thing about teaching? The people, of course!! Spreading enthusiasm and joy and wonder is just the best. Encouragement. I wake up every day so very thankful that I am chosen to do these kinds of things.
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Judy Woodworth
