The new program was successful, our server worked well but the DSL line provided by Verizon was not able to handle the over 230 people who tried to register just after midnight.
Archive for the ‘Road to California’ Category
New Registration Process
Thursday, July 9th, 2009David and Matthew were up that night and online monitoring the registration process to correct any problems, but there was nothing they could do about the problem with Verizon. As a result many of you were very frustrated (and probably really angry) when you couldn’t register.
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A heartwarming story
Tuesday, July 7th, 2009I received this email today and I asked Shirley Rickard if I could share her story.
Here is her story in her own words.
I have been meaning to send you this email about my fantastic, and somewhat eerie, experience from the last Road to California Show.Last year I did not get my first choices, but I’m glad. Sitting in my row in the Hands All Around class (my 2nd choice) was my sister’s roommate from college (she was a walk in) and my sister’s bosses wife (her husband was taking my 1st choice that day). My sister, Peggy, died of cancer 7 months before. I over heard the boss, his wife and her roommate talking, realizing that they all knew Peggy. The roommate did not know that Peggy died, so the boss told her. That was when I asked them if they were talking about a woman named Peggy who lived in Ridgecrest and who died of cancer last year; She is my sister. Debbie then said that she was her college roommate, and Margaret’s husband said that he was her boss before he recently retired. It was the most exciting experience I have ever had. I mean, what are the odds of the 3 of use sitting in the same row in a class that was my 2nd choice and one that Debbie added at the very last minute? I found out later that the women sitting in front of me was so moved that she was crying. Debbie and I had lunch that day because she wanted to hear more about Peggy and her life. We also have kept in touch since the class. My Mom, Dad and older sisters all fondly remember Debbie from those college days and were floored when I told them my story. I feel that Peggy worked hard to get all of us together for that class. Quilting does bring people together! Thank you for being a major part of this fantastic story!Sometimes we wonder why things happen the way they do. I was bummed when I did not get my first choice last year…Now I know why I didn’t. I was meant to be in that class, sitting in that seat (I almost sat in front of the class), and Debbie and Margaret were also meant to be there, sitting in their seats.I feel that this chance meeting was a gift that needs to be shared. Thank you for helping me do that.This is my 3rd year of attending classes at Road to California. You definitely do provide a wonderful haven for women…and men! Thank you!!!!I have always felt that The Fabric Patch, the store Mother and I owned for 25 years, and now Road to California were my mission in life to provide a haven for women. Many times when things were not going well, I would say a prayer and God would help. I love producing Road to California. I like to see ladies smiling as they walk around the show and stories such as Sharon’s are the icing on the cake.God Bless!!Carolyn
Class Brochures
Friday, June 26th, 2009 
Our printer called and our class brochure is ready. They will be delivering copies to our mailer and the brochure should ‘hit’ the post office about July 1. We use bulk mail so they may be a few days reaching your mailbox.
OH!!!!!!!! the printer just delivered our copies.
We hope to get the classes on our web site in the next couple of days. The web site will have photos of most projects and in some cases a more complete supply list.
We are implementing a new registration process. You will know if you are in a class when you press the registration button. No more waiting two weeks for us to process your registration in the office. More info about this will be coming.
Online registration will begin on July 7.
If you want a brochure mailed to you please send $3.00 to: Road to California, 1529 W. 13th Street, Suite A, Upland, CA 91786.
Thursday, June 25th, 2009
Marilyn Badger
Marilyn Badger has agreed to come out of retirement to be a member of our faculty this year teaching hands-on longarm classes. She will be teaching various classes from beginning (pantograms and stencils) to more advanced – anything but feathers. She will also be teaching on Wednesday about using longarm tools and accessories. If you are thinking about buying a longarm machine don’t miss her lecture on Wednesday afternoon on What to look for in a Longarm.
How many years have you been quilting? I would say it has been about 34 or 35 years now. My, how time flies when you’re having fun.
What motivated you to start quilting? I saw a copy of Quilter’s Newsletter way back in the 70s and was stricken instantly. It was something I could do on the boat that didn’t take up much room. That was before rotary cutters and mats and stashes. You bought whatever you needed for a project and no more. Everything was cut and pieced individually by hand. My first quilt was a king-size lone star – nothing like starting big! I had it hand quilted by a group of church ladies my mother knew in Mississippi. I purchased my first longarm machine 13 years after making that first quilt and have been longarm quilting since 1991.
Where have you traveled in your quilting teaching career? I have taught in Australia, Japan, Canada and various places in the US.
What is the most, unusual, frightening, funny, frustrating experience you have had in your quilting career? Probably the most frightening experience was taping the first TV show with Fons and Porter back in 1998. Never having done anything like that, it was somewhat intimidating to show up at the PBS studio in Iowa and try to appear cool, calm and collected. I was told to prepare to be there all day as we would probably be doing lots of re-takes. However, we just clicked and they made me feel like a friend immediately. We were finished in one take and out of the studio before noon. It’s been that way every year since. Probably the most frustrating experience was co-chairing a major quilt show held in Duluth, MN in 2002 called “Quilting the Quilt 2002. My hat is off to you, Carolyn, for doing this all these years and I’m very thankful to those of you who do it. I’m very happy in my studio doing my thing and leaving the quilt show business to people who know and lov
e what they are doing.
Who is your favorite author? I have been really enjoying reading books by David Baldacci, Michael Connelly and Vince Flynn. Guess you might say I like action books.
What is the last book you read or are reading? Split Second by David Baldacci.
What is your birth order, only child, first, second, third, or ?? I am the 3rd of 3 children, the only girl.
Where did you grow up? Memphis, Tennessee.
Where did you go to college? Memphis State University. Among my classmates was Sen. Fred Thompson.
Do you have children – grandchildren? No.
Do you have any pets? Yes, we have a kitty named Hazel. We rescued her from starvation 20 years ago. She was roaming the beaches in Brookings, OR and finally gave in and came to us when I put a can of chicken meat out for her to eat.
What is your favorite food? I love lots of foods but I would probably say my favorite is seafood. Hartley makes a really wonderful cioppino that has lots of crab, scallops, shrimp, clams and halibut. It has become a tradition to have during the Christmas holidays.
Do you have any other hobbies besides quilting? I play lots of golf with Hartley, work out 3 times a week and also enjoy working in the yard. When I have time, I also enjoy making garments and knitting scarves.
What would be on your “bucket list” (like the movie) if you could do anything and money was no object? I would turn back time to 1978 and be back in Marina Del Rey, CA, where I met my husband, Hartley while pounding abalone for a feast with friends at the dock. We would be living on our boat again and cruising the West Coast from Canada down to the Sea of Cortez and beyond doing some fishing, getting together in anchorages along with way with other boaters and just generally having one heck of a time!!
Wednesday, June 24th, 2009
Linda Thielfoldt
Linda will be teaching in our Longarm Division Classes on Monday and Tuesday. She will also give a lecture on Wednesday afternoon on How to Start a Longarm business.
How many years have you been quilting? Well I made my first quilt in 1974. My sister was expecting a baby – the 1st grandchild and I wanted to make a baby quilt. It was applique and the design was hand drawn by me. I had no clue what I was doing but I did know how to sew. I was 13.
What motivated you to start quilting? Well my grandmother was a quilter and although I olnly got to see her a couple of times a year (she lived in Canada) I was always facinated by the quilts she had made. My mother was not a quilter but a wonderful seamstress. I made the baby quilt and then the bicentennial was coming up and quilting was back in the forefront and I just got the bug.
Where have you traveled in your quilting teaching career? US, mostly places I could drive to since I never can pack light and I had the whole airport thing!
What is the most, unusual, frightening, funny, frustrating experience you have had in your quilting career? Well the most frightening was when a student cut the end of her finger off with a rotary cutter – I mean clean off! I hate blood and was so calm and collected I wondered afterward who it was that picked up the finger, wrapped it in a wet paper towel and called 911. I still to this day cannot believe I actually did that. Even more ironic is that she came back to class with 18 stitches – it was an all day hands on class and she did not want to miss it! Funny thing I just ran into her in JoAnns a couple of months ago and that class was over 12 years ago…her finger looked pretty good.
Who is your favorite author? Well there are quite a few. I am fond of Janet Evonovich – can’t wait for 15, love Emilie Richards and Susan Wiggs
What is the last book you read or are reading? The You I Never Knew – by Susan Wiggs, I read while I ride my trainer (one of my bikes is indoors on a stand -kind of like an exercise bike)
What is your birth order, only child, first, second, third, or ?? Fourth and the “Baby” – change of life baby, my mother was shocked when she found out. I hated being called the “Baby” growing up.
Where did you grow up? Birmingham, Michigan, Small suburb of Detroit
Where did you go to college? Oakland and Macomb Community College, RIT
Do you have children – grandchildren? Just 3 furry ones – I am a 16 year survivor of ovarian cancer and never had any children but do have Zach, Spencer and Winston – all Devon Rex kitties.
Do you have any pets? See children above
What is your favorite food? Well I am not sure it should be called a food – potato chips – I cannot have them in the house! Chocolate howerver can go moldy in my house – I think I still have red and green kisses from Chirstmas, but a bag of chips rarely lasts more than a few days. As for real food, I love broccoli.
Do you have any other hobbies besides quilting? Gardening, cycling – my husband and I love to ride and we have a tandem. I love to play golf but sadly don’t have the time like I used to. I have been making my own bread for the past 6 months and it has become an obsession.
What would be on your “bucket list” (like the movie) if you could do anything and money was no object? Go to art school. My sister got to do that and sadly she does not do anything with it. I would love to have some formal training. I want to sky dive but my insurance won’t insure me if I do. I would love to ride every roller coaster in the US. I am sure there are more things, but my list is pretty short since I am doing what I love to do (professional quilter) and have a happy life – each day is a gift and I am thankful for what I have
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RaNae Merrill
RaNae will be teaching classes based on her new book “Simply Amazing Spiral Quilts.” There will be all day classes on Thursday and Friday and then a 1 ½ day class on Saturday and Sunday morning.
Note: As I was writing this blog I discovered that the #676 class on Sat.-Sun. – “Exploding Spiral”, was omitted from the printed brochure. It will be included in the class listing on the web site. Our apologies for the omission to RaMae. Something always turns up no matter how much you proofread.
1. How many years have you been quilting?
My mom taught me to sew when I was 7 or 8, but I made my first quilt in my first year of graduate school, which would have been 1989, so that’s — YIKES! — 20 YEARS!!!!!
2. What motivated you to start quilting?
My grandmother (mother’s mother) was making a quilt for me when she died in 1976. My mother brought me the unfinished quilt when she came home from the funeral. I finally picked it up in 1989, and that was the first quilt I made. It was king-size and hand-quilted. YIKES! A graphologist once looked at my signature and said “You never start anything small.”
3. Where have you traveled in your quilting teaching career?
I am just starting to travel in my quilt teaching career, and that has taken me to many places in the USA I would not have otherwise visited. But my previous work as a travel writer and photographer took me far and wide — most notably three times to Uzbekistan. I also lived for 1-1/2 years in Argentina back in the 80’s, and return as often as I can to brush up on my tango dancing.
4. What is the most, unusual, frightening, funny, frustrating experience you have had in your quilting career?
None come to mind, except that the whole fact of stumbling into this quilting career has been an incredibly serendipitous surprise!
5. Who is your favorite author?
Diana Gabaldon. Start with Outlander, and you’ll be hooked too!
6. What is the last book you read or are reading?
Magician by Raymond Feist. I don’t love it, but the French grad student who is living with me recommended it (he likes medieval fantasy fiction) and it has been part of my getting to know him. He also loves to cook, so we spend a lot of time together in the kitchen!
7. What is your birth order, only child, first, second, third, or ??
First of six. That’s probably why I ended up teaching — I’ve been telling everybody what to do for my whole life!
8. Where did you grow up?
Southern California, but from the time I was about 12 I wanted to live in New York City. I moved to NYC in 1995, and it has felt like home from the moment I arrived. For my high school years we had a farm in Moorpark, CA, so I feel as at home in the country as I do in the city. I can still milk a goat!
9. Where did you go to college?
Scripps College (the women’s college, not the oceanographic institute) in Claremont, CA for my first 2 years. Then USC to finish my bachelor’s degree in piano performance. After I came back from Argentina I did a master’s degree in piano at UCLA.
10. Do you have children – grandchildren?
11. Do you have any pets?
No kids, but I have a dog. Her name is Morgan, she is half golden retriever, have chow chow. She’s 13 years old and I’ve had her since she was a baby.
12. What is your favorite food?
I enjoy eating anything except liver, and I love trying new things. I won’t hesitate to spend any amount for excellent chocolate.
13. Do you have any other hobbies besides quilting?
Lately there hasn’t been time for much else, but I love the outdoors and there’s the tango dancing I mentioned earlier.
14. What would be on your “bucket list” (like the movie) if you could do anything and money was no object?
Wow, that’s a question about priorities, isn’t it? I could say the question is more about time than money, because I believe you can always find the money for what you really want. But that could be said about time as well. But then there’s the question of finding the time to make the money, which then raises the question of why you’re doing what you’re doing with your time, and if that’s really giving you what you want. And if it isn’t, why are you doing it? And what could/should you be doing instead……?
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Saturday, June 20th, 2009
Linda Ballard
Linda will be teaching two all day machine piecing classes. She will also be the instructor for the two evening mystery classes.
How many years have you been quilting?
I’ve been quilting since the early 70’s …. Wow that’s been a long time when I do the math!
What motivated you to start quilting?
I’ve sewn all my life, making clothes and some home decorating items. When I saw a friend doing a quilt, my thought was “I can do that”! So I started with 1” gingham squares, very lofty batting and tied the quilt with baby yarn. If it was a girl, she got eyelet ruffles for the edge, if it was a boy I just whipped the edges together. This was so much fun it was then time to seek out ‘real’ patterns and a quilt shop, not just a yardage store.
Where have you traveled in your quilting teaching career?
Lucky for me, I’ve been all over this country, to Alaska several times, have done 8 quilting cruises that took me to the Hawaiian Islands, Alaska twice, New York to Quebec City and this fall I’ll be doing the Baltic Capitals in Europe. So guess you could say I’ll be international soon. For the most part, it doesn’t make any difference where I travel to teach, I just the fact there’s quilters who wish to have me come to their area …. I’m always ready!
What is the most, unusual, frightening, funny, frustrating experience you have had in your quilting career?
I’m in the airport in Chicago and this lady started staring at me. At first I just caught her glance, I’d look away and then look up and she’s staring at me again. She was facing me talking with a gentlemen ….. she would look away, I would look away and then I’d look up and she would be staring again. Finally I thought maybe she was looking at someone behind me, but there was no one there, it was just me. So I walk to another area, just hanging out. She’s still watching me …. Ok, is there food on my face? Is my zipper down? What’s going on???? Finally she mouth’s something to me …. I look at her with a puzzled look …. She says something again to me, but of course I’m too far away to hear her …. I motion to her ‘are you talking to me’? She says yes. This is feeling really weird, but I can’t let it go. Finally I walk toward her and she says ‘if you didn’t have your glasses on and placed at the bottom of your nose, I wouldn’t have thought twice to look at you …. I told my husband that I saw you on Simply Quilts and I loved the quilt you did and ordered the pattern’.
Who is your favorite author?
If you’re talking casual reading, I enjoy light-hearted reading, something that doesn’t take much concentration. There are a number of authors that fit this category, too many to list. While I read especially when I fly, if I drive I love books on tape.
What is the last book you read or are reading?
The last book will not be the last book when you read this ….. so I’m going to say my quilting magazines as I read them over and over to see what’s happening, what’s exciting, and who’s doing what.
What is your birth order, only child, first, second, third, or ??
I’m have two older brothers …. Yes I’m the youngest and the only girl …. Oh yah, I was daddy’s girl.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in San Fernando Valley, CA …. That’s right, I was a ‘valley girl’. Lived there until I graduated from high school and then moved with my parents to Redding, CA where they retired. I worked for the phone company and got a transfer to the local office where I worked for 4 years.
Where did you go to college?
No college education, my education came from life …. A good job and then became a wife and mother.
Do you have children – grandchildren?
I have two great children …. Jim who is in his residency of becoming a Vascular Surgeon, married to a darling and has my only grandson who is 3 in July. Blake is the love of our life! Everyone tells you how wonderful being a grandparent is …. You need to experience it to know how it feels …. It’s just the best! Cheri is our daughter who is single and works in the hotel industry. Of course you realize my children are in their late 30’s, but they still seem young to me.
Do you have any pets?
No
What is your favorite food?
I could say I don’t have any, but then I come up with a good list of things. Mexican, Italian, good sandwiches, great salads, wonderful fruit and yes sometimes yummy desserts.
Do you have any other hobbies besides quilting?
I used to long ago knit, crochet and do counted cross stitch …. Now it’s all about the quilting no matter what area I’m working in.
What would be on your “bucket list” (like the movie) if you could do anything and money was no object?
So we’re talking anything and no limit to money ….. I would love to take care of my family of course. On the fun side, I would love to have/build a retreat facility so I could have my retreats there or even rent it out to people …. you might say something like ‘Elm Creek Quilters’. Since I’ve been doing the cruises, I’m learning how much I like to travel by sea.
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Katie Pasquini-Masopust
Katie will be a judge for our quilt contest. She is teaching two art quilt classes, each will be two-day class.
How many years have you been quilting?
I have been quilting since I was 18 years old and I just turned 54 so you figure that one out. A very long time.
What motivated you to start quilting?
I made my first quilt for my sisters wedding present and continued making traditional quilts because it was fun then I started to express myself with art quilts of my own design because that was what I was meant to do. I am an artist and my medium is fabric. How cool is that?
Where have you traveled in your quilting teaching career?
I have traveled all over the United States and Australia, New Zealand, Englan
d, Switzerland, Spain, Belgium, Denmark, Japan, Germany, etc.
Who is your favorite author?
Oh I have so many I love to read everything and anything. Art books, novels, historical stuff not to picky love a good writer
What is the last book you read or are reading?
I am reading one on composition right now and looking forward to the next Janet Evanovich novel out in June
What is your birth order, only child, first, second, third, or ??
I am number 5 of 7
Where did you grow up?
In Eureka California
Where did you go to college?
I didn’t go to college, self taught with some great instructors along the way
Do you have children – grandchildren?
I have three step kids and one grandchild
Do you have any pets?
I have three. A wonderful Chesapeake Retriever – Charlie, an Australian Sheppard – Buddy and a cat – Max. They are great company.
What is your favorite food?
Yogurt granola and fruit; ah what a great breakfast
Do you have any other hobbies besides quilting?
Gardening and knitting
What would be on your “bucket list” (like the movie) if you could do anything and money was no object?
I would love to travel for fun more the galapagous islands, an african safari and being able to plein air paint in all of those locations
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Melinda Bula
Melinda will be teaching two one-day classes featuring her large florals. One of the classes she will be teaching is her new Roses. Melinda was also “Best of Show” winner at Road to California in 2008 and at Chicago this spring.
Carolyn: How many years have you been quilting?
Melinda: I started sewing when I was 9 and made my first quilt at 19.
Melinda: I have always loved to sew and create things. While studying art in college I worked in a fabric store.
Melinda: From Ashland, Oregon to San Diego and all over California. I thought I knew all the towns in California but I guess I really don’t. There is so much to this beautiful state and a lots of it is in these small towns. I love it. Last year was my first time teaching in Houston and this year I will be teaching and speaking from Sacramento to New York. What a life! Thank God I was a flight attendant in my younger years!
Melinda: The most frustrating right now is proving to the IRS that I have a business (and not a hobby). Dealing with my suitcase being overweight is a constant challenge, too.
Melinda: Jennifer Weiner
Melinda: Good In Bed by Jennifer Weiner
Melinda: I am the oldest of 3 girls.
Melinda: I grew up in Orange County, CA
Melinda: I went to Orange Coast College in Southern California.
Melinda: One son, 22. He graduates from college with a degree in Mathematics in May, 2009 and goes to Marine boot camp at Camp Pendleton in California 4 days later. He will be a linguist with his training at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey.
Melinda: Cosmo, the golden retriever. We call him our Russian circus dog.
Melinda: Anything Mexican!
Melinda: Gardening. knitting. cooking, blogging and I collect vintage Barbies.
Saturday, June 20th, 2009
Brenda Henning:
www.bearpawproductions.com
Brenda will be teaching four one-day classes involving mostly piecing.
We didn’t receive photos from Brenda either.
How many years have you been quilting? I have been quilting since the ripe old age of 13 – which is about 5 years ago – actually 35 years ago!?!
What motivated you to start quilting? Apparently a creative bug. My mother is and has always been craft impaired. My grandmothers – that I never really knew – were both crafters and quilters to varying degrees. I guess the bug truly skips generations.
Where have you traveled in your quilting teaching career? Mostly within the US. Currently I am scheduled to teach in Canada and New Zealand with hopefully a side trip to Australia.
What is the most, unusual, frightening, funny, frustrating experience you have had in your quilting career? When teaching in Alaska coming and going from the event can be more eventful than the event itself. In 2008, I attended a retreat on Kodiak Island – at a lodge that was accessible via boat. We were delivered and returned on a 40 ft. fishing vessel that a quilters husband had cleaned up for the excursion. On the return trip we had some heavy seas and many green faces. What a great ride!
Who is your favorite author? Janet Evanovich
What is the last book you read or are reading? John Sanford “Certain Prey”
What is your birth order, only child, first, second, third, or ??
Third of 4
Where did you grow up? Central Minnesota
Where did you go to college? Concordia College, Moorhead, MN
Do you have children – grandchildren? 3 babies – 26, 24, 21 a much loved son-in-law and perhaps some day a few grandbabies
Do you have any pets? Two Rottweilers – Kaia and Jade Two cats – Clove and Esma
What is your favorite food? Chocolate – of course
Do you have any other hobbies besides quilting? Knitting
What would be on your “bucket list” (like the movie) if you could do anything and money was no object? Travel worldwide with my beloved husband.
