The Backroads to Road to California

Road 2014 Faculty Spotlight: Meet Karen Sievert

September 27th, 2013

Karen will be teaching half day classes on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday where every student will have their own machine head featuring Gammill machines. Monday: #1006 The Art of Trapunto and #1007 Mini Whole Cloth Quilts; Tuesday: #2006 Feathers and Flourishes and #2007 The Art of Trapunto; and on Wednesday: #3015 Mini Whole Cloth Quits and #3016 Feathers and Flourishes. Karen is also teaching an all-day class on Thursday #4011 Ready, Set, Go-The Basics of Free-Motion Quilting.

Personal: Karen Sievert is a terrific quilter with an international flair. She was born in Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands and has lived in Italy for two years. Consequently, she adores everything Italian. Karen has 3 children (Wayne, Shannah and Travis) whom she is “tremendously proud of,” and two dogs, a Maltese named Harley and a Goldendoodle named Shiloh. She enjoys music (it is always playing in her sewing room) and reading. The last book she read was Saving Faith by Jodi Piccoult.

How did you get started in quilting? My sister dragged me into a quilt shop in 1997, firmly stating that I needed a hobby! I was immediately hooked, had visions of sugar plums dancing in my head, and haven’t looked back since! For those of you old enough to remember what Calgon is, well, quilting is my “Calgon, Take Me Away!”

Does anyone else in your family quilt? Only the sister who dragged me into that quilt shop! But I’ve recently moved and have another sister, a niece and a great-niece that are all looking to learn!

Where do you find inspiration for your quilting? I think inspiration can be found everywhere! It might be the flower in the garden, a Hallmark card, or the pattern on someone’s sweater. The more open I am, the more I see.

What is the one quilting tool you can’t live without? Wow, that’s a tough question! There are so many tools out there that have made our quilting adventures so much easier. I guess when it comes right down to it, it would be my sewing machine! I love my sewing machine and I think it loves me back! Once, when gone for quite some time, I came home and there was a Post It note on it saying, “I miss you.”

What do you like best about teaching? Easiest question so far! The best thing about teaching is the friendships you make with other quilters! I was a ‘military wife’ for almost 30 years which meant moving…ALOT! I could always find a friend in a quilting group!

What is the funniest or most embarrassing moment you have experienced while teaching? I once had a group that wanted me to teach a class using prairie points, a very “iron intensive” project! Before the class, they had changed the materials and supply sheets, deleting the irons! To top it off, my class limit is always 24, but for this class 64 women showed up. We had exactly two irons for all of them!!!! I learned then, that a sense of humor coupled with a great deal of flexibility can make anything work! Believe it or not, even though I was ready to “throw up” in the parking lot, it was one of the best classes I’ve ever had!

What has been the best class you have taken? Ok, so this is embarrassing! I’ve only taken one class. And the instructor did most of my work because I was so inept! It was a Stained Glass Vest. Loved the teacher, loved the vest, and though it no longer fits, I still have it!

Want is your best tip for quilters? OK, so I have three. First, measure twice, cut once! Second, always test your seam allowance. And third, like the Nike slogan says, “JUST DO IT!”

What do you want your students to get out of your class? EVERY THING!!! Always want to over-deliver, not under-whelm! I want my students to have the faith, confidence, and belief that they can do whatever they envision.

You can reach Karen at www.theniftyneedle.com

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Tags: Free Motion Quilting, Gammill
Posted in Faculty, Road 2 CA Blog, Road 2014, Road to California | 2 Comments »

Meet Matt Reese: Road to California Show Manager

September 24th, 2013

What makes Road to California so unique among premier quilt shows is that it is family owned and operated. Carolyn Reese, the matriarch of Road, utilizes her talented family in producing the show. Currently, grandson Matt carries the title and responsibilities of show manager. How did this 6’2” hulk of a man come to be in charge of the biggest quilt show this side of the Rocky Mountains? Read on….

Matt Reese is the youngest of two children (and only son) of Carolyn’s eldest son Mike. He was born in Upland, California and raised in Rancho Cucamonga, California. His interests and passions growing up revolved around music. He played bass trombone in the Jazz Band and tuba in the Concert and Marching Bands at Etiwanda High School. From there, he went on to California State University-Long Beach and graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in Tuba Performance.

His initial intent and dream was to have a career in studio performance. But his dad counseled him that it would be wise to pursue a back-up plan as he prepared to be the breadwinner for his future family. Matt took to heart his father’s advice and decided to make law that back-up plan. He is currently attending the University of LaVerne College of Law at night on its campus in Ontario, California. Matt plans on graduating in May, 2015 and taking the bar exam the following July

Matt is Carolyn’s fourth grandchild working for Road to California. His introduction to Road employment came in 2005, helping Uncle Darrell move equipment around in the vendor area before and after the show. In 2007, he was still moving equipment but had his responsibilities expanded when he and a buddy were asked to be on site for the entire show, doing “gopher” duties, helping wherever they were needed. Later, when his cousin Erika Reese went on to grad school and could no longer manage the show, Matt was asked to take over.

What does the show manager of Road to California do? Everything associated with putting on this huge event. Nothing is out-sourced with Road. All decisions are done in-house by either Carolyn or Matt. Matt assists with the class selection process in February for the following year’s show and works throughout the year to make sure each class has everything it needs for the best classroom experience. He also oversees the vendors for the show, and under Carolyn’s guidance, assigns vendors their booths and gives them hands-on support before and during the show. Matt really enjoys prepping for the show. He designs the attendee bags (“The bags for 2014 are going to be really cool”), t-shirts, souvenirs, advertisements, and show book. Matt modernized the registration and contest procedures, putting them on-line. He works with the volunteers for the show, coordinates special exhibits with Carolyn, and communicates with winners of the quilt contest. During the week long show, Matt is on site over twelve hours a day, helping attendees, teachers and vendors as needed and making the sure that Road to California remains a quality show. All of these responsibilities are in addition to his law school studies. He is one busy young man!!!

What does Matt enjoy most about being the show manager of Road to California? Helping people get in to their classes. He does all he can to make sure everyone’s requests are fulfilled. For Matt, good customer service is what really matters. Matt thinks quilters are the “most kind-hearted people I have ever met.”

Has Matt ever made a quilt himself? No. But his grandmother Carolyn has taught him to make pillowcases and his great-grandmother Marie helped him learn how to do hand embroidery. He does have a great respect for quilts and feels the construction of today’s quilts is “unbelievable.”

What does Matt see for the future of Road to California? A continued legacy of strong quality shows for many years to come. With the addition of the pavilion in 2014, Road continues to grow and accommodate its large following of loyal attendees.

And what about his personal future? Did you happen to catch his proposal to fiancée Jennifer at Road 2013? It was one of the highlights of last year’s show.

They plan to be married next May. Along with a promising law career, Matt intends to be the show manager of Road for years to come. Matt loves what he does and it shows in the personal attention he gives to the “Best in the West” quilters’ conference and showcase.

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Tags: California State University-Long Beach, Etiwanda High School, University of La Verne College of Law
Posted in behind the scenes, Road 2 CA Blog, Road to California | 4 Comments »

Lake Powell- A Reese Family Tradition

September 20th, 2013

Beginning in the late 1960s our family spent many of our vacations boat camping on Lake Powell in Southern Utah. We would pile the four kids, all the food and camping gear in a boat and head up lake. Usually there were four to seven other families in their boats going with us. We saw Rainbow Bridge, Hole in the Rock – where early Mormon Settlers lowered their wagons to cross the Colorado River, Cathedral in the Desert, Anasazi Indian Ruins, mountain goats, fox, deer, pink frogs – yes they were pink, lizards and lots of fish. They were really great vacations.

This year I rented a houseboat at Lake Powell and invited my family (3 sons and spouses, 7 grandchildren plus one husband and a fiancé and 2 great grandchildren and my “ex” (and his wife) to join me for another vacation at Lake Powell. Saturday, June 30 began the caravan to the Lake. We arrived at Antelope Point Marina late in the afternoon and began unloading mountains of food and gear for 20 people into the houseboat and Sunday morning began the great adventure.

Darrell navigated the houseboat through the narrows, past Gunsight Butte, Cookie Jar Rock, Crossing of the Fathers, Camel Rock and up to Rock Creek Canyon where David and Susan had already established a camp for us. Darrell, Kevin, Glenn and David secured the anchor lines for the houseboat and then it was time for a swim.

Mike and Shellee arrived Sunday evening, thank heavens for modern GPS so we were easy to find. Bill, “my ex” and his wife, Helen arrived on Monday.

Matt and Jen arrived on Monday also. Matt has spent much time and $ restoring a 16’ open-bow boat, which he has named “That 70’s Boat”. I welcomed him to the boating community where a boat is a “hole in the water you pour money in”.

We spent our time exploring the canyons and all the sights. On Tuesday a visit to Rainbow Bridge, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, was taken. It is about a one-mile hike to the bridge from where you dock your boat. It really is something to behold.

Back at camp there was a lot of water play including water skiing – Rachel; Darrell’s daughter skied for the first time. David’s personal watercraft was a favorite activity. Even K.J. my three year old grandson experienced a “tube” ride.

My all time favorite spot on Lake Powell is the Escalante River and we did spend one day exploring that area. The water level is almost as low as our first visit so the Cathedral in the Desert and its waterfall was much the same. Because of the low water we could not venture as far back into Davis Gulch to see the petroglyphs and LaGorce Arch. It was sad to see that the Indian Ruins on the Escalante had experienced vandalism, the roofs had caved in and we were restricted from exploring them.

I had the movies from our old vacations put on CD’s and played them on the houseboat TV for everyone to see. My grandchildren could hardly believe that Mike had single skied with his foot holding the handles of the ski and his hands on top of his head. Needless to say Mike did not give us a demonstration this time.

I also took yarn and needles to make knitted scarfs. Shellee, Jen, Carie, Jil, Rachel, Jillianne, and Helen all tried. Some even finished their scarfs.

I must admit a houseboat is very convenient in many ways; especially when several had a bout with a stomach flu problem.

We had a great time and it was sort of sad when the houseboat headed back for the marina. Lake Powell is arguably the most scenic lake in America and truly a beautiful place to vacation.

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Posted in Road 2 CA Blog, Road to California | 2 Comments »

Online Contest Entry Instructions!

September 18th, 2013

Online Contest Entry Instructions

Did you know we have an online contest entry program? Our fully automated program allows you to complete the online entry form, upload your photos and pay the entry fee. By understanding how the process works you will be able to know how to log into your account account later to check the status of your contest entry. We hope the following instructions assist you in using our online contest entry system. Please let us know if you have any difficulties.

Online Contest Entry Instructions

1. Open your Internet browser. (For the best compatibility we highly recommend using Google Chrome or Apple Safari web browser.)

2. In your browser’s address bar type: https://online.roadtocalifornia.com

3. You should see the below page.

a. If you have taken a class or entered a quilt in Road before you already have an account. Please do not create a new account. If you forgot your password click forgot password.

b. If you have not taken a class or entered a quilt before, please create an account. Check your spam box for the activation email!

4. You will see the welcome page once you are logged into your account. Move your courser to ROAD2014 and click on Contest Entry.

5. First Select the Division (Quilt). Next choose the style. Most styles have a theme. Enter the height and width rounded up to the nearest inch.

6. Complete the fields. Design Basis is a required field. Please indicate the year started and finished, any commercial pattern or book which you use in your design. You can check all applicable methods for quilting, appliqué, piecing, paint and machine embroidery. Lastly, your Artist Statement should have your statement about your quilt and any other relevant information. Please note: you are limited to 450 characters including spaces and punctuation. The Submit button will only populate when all required fields are filled in correctly.

7. Once your entry is complete, you should see a submit button. Click Submit. Allow time to load. Once you have submitted your entry, the page should appear as below.

8. Your entry is not yet complete. Make sure you upload your photos. Click upload under front and closeup to upload each photo. Ensuring high quality photos is a must. The image must be at least 2,000 pixels on the smallest side for the computer to upload the image.

9. When your images are uploaded please pay your balance due. Simply click pay bill to pay the $10 entry fee.

10. You may review your entry information and edit the information prior to the start of the jury process by clicking on your entry number. Please make note of the entry number as it will identify your entry at Road to California throughout the process.

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Posted in Road 2 CA Blog, Road to California | 2 Comments »

Road 2014 Faculty Spotlight: Meet Karen Witt

September 14th, 2013

Karen will be teaching on Thursday #4018 Civil War Sampler, Friday, #5016 Tree of Life Medallion Quilt, Saturday #6016 Making Reproduction Quilts-19th Century Nine Patch, and on Sunday #7011 Rug Hooking 101

Personal: Karen Witt is all about quilt books. They are her favorite genre to read, especially when they are about antique quilts. (The last book she read was Primarily Quilts by Di Ford). And Karen has written a quilt book with her daughter Erin published by Kansas City Star titled, Like Mother, Like Daughter.

Throughout her life, Karen has lived in areas that are known for quilting. She was born in West Virginia, grew up in Ohio, and now lives in Kentucky. She has three children (2 sons and one daughter) and 12 grandchildren.

How did you get started in quilting? I have always sewed. I was given a Grandmother’s Flower Garden quilt top made by my great grandmother and was fascinated to think that she had made it and that the fabrics were from her own clothes. When I was working for the University of Kentucky, I was asked to teach a color and design course for quilters. The combination of these events led to my own desire to quilt.

Does anyone else in your family quilt? Both of my grandmothers made utilitarian quilts. They had large families and needed to keep everyone warm. My mother sewed clothing and home decor and made one quilt — a Laura Wheeler pattern from the Cincinnati Enquirer — using scraps from all the clothes she made for me. My daughter Erin is a quilter. She has two degrees in textiles. We have worked together in the quilting industry for several years — as vendors at all the major quilt shows, designing patterns, and making quilts for Market and magazine publication.

Where do you find inspiration for your quilting? I love the antique quilts and feel a real connection to quilters in the past. I spend a lot of time looking at museum exhibits and studying quilt history.

What do you like to do when you are not quilting? I’m a gardener — including lots of herbs that I like to use in cooking and to dry for winter wreaths and bouquets. I also enjoy traveling — either teaching and meeting other quilters or with family and friends.

What is the one quilting tool that you can’t live without? A needle — and thread! I love hand piecing, applique and quilting. I can improvise when I don’t have all the 21st century gadgets so I’m pretty basic when it comes to necessities. And, that’s all the women had to work with in making the antique quilts that I admire so much.

Where is the farthest you’ve travelled that is quilt related? I taught in France for Quiltmania magazine. I had to have an interpreter for the class and all the pattern instructions were converted to centimeters. I was delighted to learn that European quilters love our reproduction fabrics and my patterns!

What do you like best about teaching? It is so exciting to meet quilters in other places! I love to see them use my patterns and personalize these designs to make their own unique creations that reflect their interests and personalities.

What is your best tip for quilters? Have fun! If you’re not having fun, STOP! Ask yourself, “What can I change to make this fun?” The best way to make it fun is to make every project “yours.” After all, it is your quilt! If you don’t like the colors, change them. If you don’t like the design, tweak it. We don’t need quilts for warmth. If you’re cold, buy a blanket! Be creative. Take a chance. Just have fun with your quilting!

What do you want your students to get out of your class? I try to create a relaxed, pleasant, affirming classroom and help each quilter discover and develop her/his individual creativity. Since I specialize in making quilts that are reproductions of antique quilts, I like to give my students an understanding of the heritage of quilting and how we share with those from earlier generations.

Visit Karen at www.reproductionquilts.com

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Road 2014 Faculty Spotlight: Meet Patsy Thompson

September 11th, 2013

Patsy will be teaching a two-day class on Monday and Tuesday #1203 Love Birds-Machine Embroidered Applique (MEA), and single day classes on Wednesday #3018 Feathered Wreath Block (MEA) and on Thursday #4019 Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Feathers But…

Personal: Patsy Thompson currently resides in not one but two states: Ohio and North Carolina. When she is not traveling between these two locales, she is enjoying eating chocolate and spending time with her husband whom Patsy says, “is the funniest and kindest person I know.”

How did you get started in quilting? I have a niece that I have adored since the day she was born. When she was about to move from a crib into a “real bed,” I decided to make her a quilt. I had no idea how to do it and didn’t know anyone else who did. This was back in the 1970’s when there were no quilt shops, so I kind of had to “wing it.” It was an easy quilt, made of many fairly large blocks (I think they were 8-9 inches square) and when I went to quilt it, I had no idea what to do. I used an ultra-high loft polyester batting from Joann Fabrics and didn’t even baste it. (Who knew?!) I machine quilted it and the batting all shifted so there were these huge blobs of quilt in several places. It really wasn’t much of a quilt, but she loved it to death and that experience got me hooked!

Where do you find inspiration for your quilting? Everywhere! I am especially inspired by floral scenes, but pretty much everything I encounter in my daily life gives me some type of inspiration, whether it’s a combination of colors or shapes or patterns.

What is the one quilting tool that you can’t live without? I have two that are tied for first place. The first is the rotary cutter. They didn’t exist when I first started quilting and I spent many years cutting out fabric pieces by pinning small paper triangles, etc. to the fabric as a template. My whole life changed when Olfa debuted that rotary cutter! The other tool that has revolutionized my life is my Sizzix Big Shot machine. That has allowed me to quickly/easily cut out intricate shapes for applique that I would never even try to cut by hand. That little machine has really spoiled me!

What was the best class you have taken? It was a class on free motion quilting taught by Caryl Bryer-Fallert. Mid-way through the class, I had an “aha” moment and finally learned to stitch a free-form feather. I had tried to do this so many times unsuccessfully, so learning this skill meant the world to me. The rest of the class was also fabulous, but it didn’t matter because I had finally conquered feathers!

What do you like best about teaching? There is nothing more rewarding than seeing another quilter learn a new skill, especially if it’s something they’ve struggled with. The other thing that really makes my day is inspiring quilters to try something new.

What is your best tip for quilters? Loosen up! Let yourself bask in the fun of quilting and don’t worry so much about the rules.

What do you want your students to get out of your class? I want them to leave feeling thrilled and inspired by what they have seen and spent the last several hours doing. If they leave the class jacked up and dreaming of ideas of how to use the skills they just learned, I will have done my job.

Please visit Patsy at www.patsythompsondesigns.com

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Tags: Feathers, Machine Embroidered Applique, Olfa rotary cutters, Sizzix Big Shot Machine
Posted in Faculty, Road 2 CA Blog, Road 2014, Road to California | No Comments »

You Can Find A Quilt Shop Anywhere!!!

September 2nd, 2013

This summer, my husband and I took an Alaskan cruise. It was on our bucket list and the timing was right to also include a visit to Seattle to welcome a new grandson as well as see our son who has spent his summer working out of Fairbanks driving those big coach buses for cruise line passenger excursions. It was a magnificent adventure, with each stop along the way providing opportunities to explore the quaint towns and their history.

It was especially fun to discover the quilt shops at our ports of call. Each stop had their own quilt specialty store near the docks that reflected the area they were in. The shops looked like any other quilt store in the lower 48. Except those stores also featured Alaskan themed fabrics that you could only find up there: Alaskan wild life, weather-predicting fire weed, and the northern lights.

I made it a point to visit each store and talk to the owners.

Ketchikan

Anchorage

Skagway

I couldn’t help but ask if they had heard of Road to California. Much to my delight, most had. In fact, the owner of the store in Skagway said it was on her bucket list to attend some day. Of course I extended an invitation to come in 2014!!!

While also in Skagway, we ventured in to the local history museum. They had a display of a patchwork quilt made entirely of beaver pelts. Beautiful.

It was so great to experience firsthand that no matter where you go, near or far, the love of quilting can be found.

Have you discovered quilting in some unusual place?

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Tags: Alaska, Alaskan Quilt Stores, Anchorage, Ketchikan, Skagway
Posted in Road 2 CA Blog, Road to California | No Comments »

Proud To Be A Partner With Quilted in Honor

August 28th, 2013

Do you have a military connection? Maybe you have had a loved one serve or know of someone who is currently serving. Maybe you have personally served. Or maybe you just have respect and honor for those who have or are dedicating their lives to our country.

Whatever your connection, there is a story to tell and that is what the program Quilted in Honor is all about. Led by Island Batik and supported by the quilting industry, including Road to California, Quilted in Honor was designed to inspire quilters, sewing enthusiasts, guilds, and shops to rally around our troops and give back in an innovative and unique way, creating projects that tell the human side of what “serving our country” really means to soldiers and their families back home.

It is hoped that through the collective efforts within the quilting industry, attention and donations will be given to Operation Homefront– a leading national charity providing emergency financial and other support to service members and Wounded Warriors. Operation Homefront is rated among the top charities nationally, with over 99% of its resources going towards assisting the lowest ranking and lowest paid service members. Much like the military itself, Operation Homefront has a “no man left behind” attitude as it works with veterans and their families across the United States. Besides financial assistance, Operation Homefront also gives aid to challenges with everyday life such as auto repairs and donations, home repair and items, moving and relocation, food assistance and health care services. In addition, Operation Homefront provides support to families learning how to cope with and adjust to family members who have been wounded or injured in service, transitioning to civilian life, and community involvement. Many of their staff, including the CEO, are former military themselves and therefore know firsthand how best to reach out and assist soldiers and their families.

The flagship of the Quilted in Honor program is Island Batik’s Quilted in Honor fabric line. Made up of 45 vibrant fabrics designed by top designer Kathy Engle, they are sure to be a popular foundation for all kinds of sewing and quilting projects. Additional companies including Aurifil, Pellon, and C&T Publishing, have created additional product lines or are providing marketing opportunities and promotional support for the project.

Road to California got involved with Quilted in Honor because of its far reaching effects. As Carolyn explains, “Operation Homefront helps military families in so many ways, not just through quilt donations but with so much more. I hope our Road family will join in and support this cause.” Look for future announcements on the different ways Road to California will be promoting Quilted in Honor at the quilt show in January.

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Tags: Aurifil, C&T Publishing, Island Batik, Operation Homefront, Pellon, Quilted in Honor
Posted in Road 2 CA Blog, Road 2014, Road to California | 4 Comments »

Road 2014 Faculty Spotlight: Meet Lisa Sipes

August 22nd, 2013

Lisa will be teaching the following all day, hands on long arm quilting classes: Thursday #4012 The Great Feather Debate; Friday #5011 Line It Up; and Saturday #6011 Back to the Basics. She is also teaching a half day hands on long arm quilting class Sunday #7007 Flat Factor.

Personal- A Vegetarian with a “very spoiled fat cat” named Lily, Lisa Sipes was introduced to quilting by her mother. She had been “basically bored with life,” and her mom told her to give quilting a shot. Lisa originally thought that her mom was nuts, because “of course, I had that stereotypical idea of what I thought quilting was.” The first time she saw a long arm quilting machine, she did some custom quilting on a quilt top. As Lisa says, “The rest is history.” Interestingly, Lisa learned to long arm quilt before she learned to properly use a rotary cutter.

Where do you find inspiration for your quilting? Everywhere. I don’t even really have to look for it. Most of my greatest quilt ideas come from my beliefs and ideals. None of them have come to fruition yet (who has the time?), but when they do, it will sort of be an unveiling of a type of quilting that most don’t expect from me.

What is the one quilt tool that you can’t live without? I’m going with two, because they’re both equally important. One is the Sewline Air Erasable ballpoint pen. I don’t mark motifs, and really don’t mark much at all when I’m quilting. But I like to have some registration lines or reference points and I don’t want to have to remove them. I’ve tested the Sewline pen with several different types of fabrics and never have to worry about it becoming permanent (unless it’s pressed). The other is Janet-Lee’s Other Favorite ruler from The Gadget Girls. SMy quilting has transformed exponentially over the last year and a half with my use of straight lines, all accomplished with that ruler.

What do you like to do when you aren’t quilting? I think the better question is, “When are you not quilting?” Seriously! If I’m not physically quilting, I’m planning for quilting, writing about quilting, talking about quilting, teaching quilting… You get the idea. But when I allow myself to have a life beyond quilting, I really enjoy live music and really good food. Preferably simultaneously.

What do you like most about teaching? My absolute favorite thing is seeing that “light bulb moment” where you can tell just by the look on someone’s face that they *get it.* I love encouraging others to find their own path and their own quilting voice. I think that for most people, half the battle is giving themselves permission to try something new. And I’m more than happy to be a cheerleader.

What is the funniest or most embarrassing moment you’ve had while teaching? I was quilting on a machine brand I’d never used before. The hopping foot was really skinny, and backwards (or, I guess sideways) from what I was used to on my Gammills. I was demo-ing ruler work and since the foot was skinny and weird to me, the ruler kept slipping over it; the needle got stuck on the ruler and seized up the machine. That happened three times before I put the ruler down and switched to free motion. I think I recovered okay!

What has been the best class you have taken? I haven’t really taken any classes. I did take a whole-cloth class with Karen McTavish in 2011, but I mostly helped the other students (read/ talked with other students) with their quilts and came home with the same blank piece of fabric I went to class with.

What is the farthest you have traveled that is quilt related? I haven’t been out of the country, and I really don’t plan to as of right now. But considering I’m in middle-USA (for now!) I suppose each of the coasts would have to be the farthest I’ve traveled. It seems I have done a lot of work out on the east coast. I’m looking forward to adding more fun quilty goodness to my schedule on the west coast.

What is your best tip for quilters? Stop talking about it and just DO IT, already. You’ll never know what you’re capable of until you try.

What do you want your students to get out of your classes? Well, that of course depends on the class. Of course I want all of my students to have a good time, to walk away from the classes with bits of knowledge or inspiration that will help them in their journey, and I want them to leave feeling comfortable with their direction. I also try to remind them that if they ever have any questions or need any additional help, I’m only an email away. And even if they don’t need additional help, email me pictures of creations inspired by the class! It makes my day. 🙂 Modern Quilt

You can visit Lisa at: http://thatcrazyquiltygirl.blogspot.com

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Tags: Long Arm Quilting, Modern Quilting, Sewline, The Gadget Girls
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Road 2014 Faculty Spotlight: Meet Julie Herman

August 20th, 2013

Julie will be teaching #1002 Tiny Dancer on Monday and #2002 Snack Time on Tuesday

“One girl on a mission to make life better with fabric.”

Julie Herman is the most energetic quilter you will ever meet. Julie brought her Jaybird Quilts for the first time to the vendor floor last year. She is back again this year and will also be teaching.

Julie was introduced to sewing by her mom. At first, Julie was “not even vaguely interested” in sewing. She was very crafty but sewing just wasn’t on her list of things to do. When her mom’s old machine was in need of replacing, she got a new machine that was much higher tech than she was used to and it made her nervous. She asked if Julie could go with her to take classes on how to use it. Julie soon realized how easy it was to use a sewing machine and how quickly you could create something. After those classes, Julie ended up “borrowing” her mom’s machine to make some decor for her dorm room. She often had the TV on while studying and fell in love with the show, Simply Quilts, on HGTV. From there, she bought a book on quilting and just took off. That was 11 years ago and she never did give back her mom’s machine.

Julie’s mom, Sandy, considers it was a small price to pay, particularly after all the quilting and designing Julie has gotten in to. She loves how her daughter has taken her interests in math, science, and art and turned it in to a quilting passion. In just a short period of time, Julie has become a quilt-maker, designed over 30 quilt patterns, invented an innovative quilt ruler (Hex N More Ruler), written a book (Skip the Borders), and now travels on both coasts, teaching her quilt techniques.

Jaybird Quilts was started as a means to sell Julie’s wares directly to distributors and quilt shops. While Julie “does everything” in the company (design, graphics, photos, patterns, full color pattern books), her family is right there by her side cheering her on. At Road 2013, Julie’s mom and brother were right there, helping out in Julie’s booth.

How does Julie spend a typical day? Designing, creating and blogging. Her Hex N More Ruler cuts four shapes in four different sizes and is a featured tool in her classes.

Newer fabrics that are solid colors and have architectural shapes, are the key to Julie’s modern quilt designs. Many of Julie’s patterns come with these fabrics precut and are beginner friendly. It is important to her to encourage younger, new quilters. She never wants to see quilting go away. There is no way that is ever going to happen. Not if Julie Herman has anything to do about it.

You can visit Julie at http://www.jaybirdquilts.com

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Tags: Hex n More Ruler, HGTV, Jaybird Quilts, Modern Quilting, Simply Quilts, Skip the Borders
Posted in Road 2 CA Blog, Road to California | No Comments »

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