Welcome to the Road to California Blog

Now Showing: TheQuiltShow.com

August 12th, 2014

Have you visited TheQuiltShow.com, the friendliest, interactive, online community for quilters worldwide?

Hosted by Alex Anderson, former host of HGTV’s Simply Quilts and Ricky Tims, quilt teacher, author, and performing artist/entertainer, TheQuiltShow.com is the most diverse website for quilters ever created. Subscribers can watch fully produced web “TV” shows, featuring great instruction as well as entertaining segments that provide insights into the lifestyles of well-known quilt personalities.

The show is the first quilting show series to be shot in front of a live audience. TheQuiltShow.com recently moved to a new much larger, state-of-the-art venue called WEST WORKS Studios in Littleton, Colorado. While filming for the new shows begins in November, all previous shows can be found in the site’s archives.

TheQuiltShow.com is ever evolving and is jam-packed with a multitude of topics for all levels of quilters. Some of the website features include a Daily Blog where members can stay current with all the opportunities on the site, a Forum (message board) for sharing insightful and helpful quilting information and techniques, Chat Rooms for those who like to be instantly connected, and the world’s largest online Quilt Gallery with a search feature that allows you to locate quilts all over the world. Once you log on, you’ll be hooked with this innovative and comprehensive site.

How do you become a member of this amazing community? Simply go to the website and enroll as either a Basic or Star Member. Whichever membership you choose, you will automatically become a member of the TQS World Quilt Guild –another great benefit of TheQuiltShow.com.

If you enjoy watching Alex and Ricky on TheQuiltShow.com, then you will love seeing them in person as they teach the new Lecture-Demo Classes at Road to California 2015. Both Ricky and Alex will be teaching two classes each on Friday and Saturday, sharing their expertise in a lecture hall setting.

Join the new wave of quilters. Watch TheQuiltShow.com where “It’s a new day – every day!”

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Tags: Alex Anderson, Ricky Tims
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A New Style Of Classes At Road 2015

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.

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Tags: Alex Anderson, Lecture-Demo Class, Quilt Classes, Ricky Tims
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Road 2014: An Evening With Alex Anderson

August 5th, 2014

What led you to become a quilt maker?

For Alex Anderson, it was being one unit short of graduating from San Francisco State University. One month before graduating, and in a bind (pun intended), Alex approached her college counselor to get permission to obtain that remaining credit by finishing her Grandmother’s quilt that was begun in the 1930’s. Permission was granted and Alex was off to a local quilt store to buy the materials she would need to finish the quilt, which was the size of a bath mat. She wanted to stay true to the period the quilt was created in, so she purchased batting that had cotton seeds woven in it and for the back, chose some Laura Ashley upholstery fabric. Alex finished the quilt, got her degree, and forever after, became a quilt maker.

Alex’s first quilts were inspired by Amish quilt designs. In the beginning, she wanted to be an art-quilt maker. Her advice for those starting out with their own quilting adventure: “It doesn’t matter what kind of quilt maker you are. What is important is that you quilt.”

Alex reminded those in her class to take advantage of all the resources available to assist them with their quilting. “You have a virtual tool belt,” she told the 100+ crowd in her lecture. “The more tools you add, the more equipped you will be as a quilt maker.” Is there something holding you back in your quilt making? Alex had this advice: “Face your villain and embrace it.” For her, machine quilting was her demon. Alex explained that she was “a really good hand quilter” and didn’t feel she could adapt to machine quilting. After an attitude adjustment and 150 hours of practice later, she felt she finally became competent with machine quilting. The Key? “Anyone can master machine quilting if you stitch straight and get rid of the walking foot.”

The love of quilting has taken Alex on quite the quilt journey. She made 20 quilts using other people’s publications before she decided to do her own quilt book, Start Quilting. Today, it is in its 3^rd Edition and has sold over a quarter of a million copies. What this tells Alex is that “there are still people who want to quilt.” Her latest book, Scrap Quilting, came out September 13, 2013 and celebrates her “stash.”

Start Quilting led to her first television show, Simply Quilts, which had an 11 year run. Who stopped by on the first day of taping her show? Her quilt hero, Jenny Byer. And believe it or not, half the people who worked on Simply Quilts became quilters themselves! Alex’s motto: “If someone taught you to quilt, bring someone else into the quilt fold.”

Where has her quilt making taken her to today? Partnering with fellow quilter Ricky Tims in presenting the “friendliest, interactive, online community for quilters worldwide, TheQuiltShow.com. Members who join TheQuiltShow.com community not only enjoy the full length, “Web TV” programs but receive other membership perks such as multimedia tips, techniques, and tutorials, blocks of the month projects, and access to top quilting experts.

Being a quilt maker brings joy to Alex. To all quilt makers, Alex says, “As you put one foot in front of the other, you will grow as a quilt maker. Bring others in to the fold and keep our community growing.”

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Tags: Amish Quilts, Quilt Maker, RJR Fabrics, Scrap Quilting, Start Quilting, TheQuiltShow.com
Posted in Road 2 CA Blog, Road 2014, Road to California | No Comments »

The Ultimate Friendship Road Trip

August 2nd, 2014

What does it take for nine friends, who live in Arizona, Oregon and Nebraska, to get together? Why a 10 day vacation centered around Road to California of course!!!

Last January, we caught up with part of the group outside the vendor mall. Their Road Trip took a whole year to plan. A couple of the ladies had never met before this trip but that didn’t matter. Everyone’s love for quilting was all it took to embark on this friendship gathering.

It was friend Barbara (on the far left) who brought all these women together to stay in one house and to explore Road to California and Southern California. She was the one friend who knew everyone. As she put it, “I am like a rolling stone…I gathered all this “moss.” (Oh my–there’s a photo bomber?!! I guess she wanted to be a part of their group too)

Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, Barbara had a 1,000 square quilt studio in her home. A few of these friends met Barbara by coming to her home to quilt. When her husband retired, he and Barbara established a winter home in Goodyear, Arizona. She joined the local Pebble Creek Quilt Guild and that’s how she met the other women. Because Barbara loves all her quilting friends, she wanted to find some way for all of them to meet and play. Road to California was the perfect choice. Especially since one of the friends, Chris Taylor, had three quilts entered in the show.

[caption id="attachment_2115" align="aligncenter" width="669"]

My Blue Loge Cabin – Honorable Mention- Traditional, Wall, Pieced[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2116" align="aligncenter" width="635"]

I Have Felt Lonely In A Crowded Room – Modern Piecing[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2117" align="aligncenter" width="642"]

What’s Up Buttercup?-Art, Naturescape[/caption]

What did they all think about their Road Trip? Cindy, a 30 year quilter from Oregon and an Arizona Snowbird, said, “There was so much to see. It was so inspiring for all of us.”

Happy Friendship Day to these terrific quilting friends.

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Tags: Friendship, Road Trip, Winning Quilts
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Meet The Newest Reese Family Member

July 30th, 2014

Introducing: Robert Glenn Ruiz

Born July 22, 2014

10 pounds!!

22.25 inches

Proud Parents: Carie and Kevin Ruiz

(Carie is David Reese’s Daughter and Carolyn Reese’s Granddaughter)

Carie and Kevin live in Stafford, Virginia. They just moved in to a new house a couple of weeks before Robbie was born. Carie and Kevin have two other children: Kevin Junior (KJ) who is 4 years old and Laura who is 2 years old.

While they had wanted to add to their family sometime in the future, Robbie was too impatient waiting and was an unexpected blessing. Carie was in labor about 6 hours. The baby was named Robert after Kevin’s maternal grandfather and Glenn after Carie’s paternal great-grandfather (Carolyn’s father). He is the fifth great-grandchild for Carolyn. Robbie was born with a full head of hair and the Reese dimpled chin.

Carie likes to sew and knit. She made this newborn sized cloth diaper:

She knitted for Robbie two wool pants/soakers:

and just finished a sweater vest for the Virginia winter:

Great-Grandma Carolyn just happened to be back East for a business trip when Robbie was born. She and Stevii Graves went to visit Robert when he was 6 days old. This is what Robbie looked like after they left:

Congratulations to Carie and Kevin and their families.

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Tags: Family, Great Grandson
Posted in Reese Family, Road 2 CA Blog | 3 Comments »

How Do You Thread Your Needle?

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.

How your thread performs depends on Five Thread Criteria:

Quality: The higher the quality of thread, the less special handling is required. Quality thread is worthy of your machine and your project.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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.

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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Tags: Superior Threads, Thread Sale
Posted in classes, Road 2 CA Blog, Road 2014, Road to California | No Comments »

Taking Care Of You

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.

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

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.

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.

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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Tags: Joyful Healing, Massage Therapy
Posted in Road 2 CA Blog, Road 2014, Road to California | No Comments »

Do You Know The Way To Road?

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.

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Tags: Bus tour
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Meet The Pass Patchers Quilt Guild

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 2^nd Vice-President Nancy Hudson.

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[/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.

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Tags: Quilt Guilds
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Winning Quilters Are Winning Teachers Too

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.

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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 »