Quilt Show « The Backroads to Road to California

Posts Tagged ‘Quilt Show’

Discover Road 2019 Quilt Show Teachers

Monday, June 4th, 2018

A premier quilt show like Road to California always offers a wide variety of expert quilt teachers who provide classroom learning for all levels of quilters.

Road has spent several months securing exceptional quilt show teachers for our 2019 quilt show. Many are returning favorites and some are brand new for 2019. We’ve separated our faculty by category of quilt styles and designs to help you begin planning your teacher preferences. For more information regarding each teacher, please follow the attached links on their name.

Fiber Art Quilts

Diane Gloystein Lynn Koolish Grace Errera

Piecing

John Flynn Kate Flynn Nichols Pat Yamin Kimberly Einmo Deb Granger Nancy Mahoney Lisa Calle Missie Carpenter Michelle Crawford Sandy Fitzpatrick Gudrun Erla Linda Hahn Rob Appell Charlotte Angotti Dora Cary

Themed Design

Carrie Fondi Robin Long Gillian Travis Bobbie Berquist

Specialty Techniques/Products

Laura Murray Linda Nitzen Patricia Simons Joyce Teng Dan Tran Deb Tucker Teresa Coates Nancy Prince Laura Heine

Embroidery and Applique

Gina Reddin

Connie Spurlock Beth Watts Margaret Willingham Susan Emory Rosa Rojas Rienda Diane Kirkhart

Catherine Redford Machine Quilting

Mary Beth Krapil David Taylor Wendy Shepherd Gina Perkes Valli Schiller Jodi Robinson Linda Taylor Linda Gosselin

Modern

Linda Sullivan Mel Beach Maria Shell

Non-Quilting Classes

Annie Unrein Amy Loh Kupser

Exact class titles and projects for each quilt show teacher will be announced beginning June 18, 2018.]]>

Tags: Quilt Show, Quilt Teachers, Road to California 2019
Posted in classes, Faculty, Road to California | 6 Comments »

Behind Road To California 2018's Outstanding Modern Quilt

Tuesday, May 22nd, 2018

Direction Optional was made by Stephanie Z. Ruyle and the 2016 members of Bee Sewcial. It was quilted by Christine Perrigo. They received $2,500 from Sponsor, Modern Quilts Unlimited.

Many quilters start out first as garment makers and Stephanie Ruyle is no exception. “I love it when I can use a garment making skill/technique in quilt making,” shared Stephanie. The idea for Direction Optional was based around the concept of linear— using the line in piecing, whether straight or curved. Each Bee Sewcial Member was given this directive as they created their own improv block. The color palette was chosen to keep the composition cohesive. The pops of color help move the eye around the quilt top. Stephanie said that “curating the placement of each member’s block and making the connecting pieces that brought all the varied pieces together into a pleasing whole was both challenging and thrilling.”

Placing the blocks and the irregular pieces together took several months to complete. Stephanie felt “very lucky” to utilize the creative talents from nine of her “Bee-mates.” Seeing their diverse interpretations of the prompt and then how they all came together proved to Stephanie that the “sum is really greater than its parts.” The quilting was done by Colorado longer quilter, Christine Perrigo, and took another several weeks to finish.

Stephanie was at home when she received the email saying that she had won. She had to read it several times before it sunk in. Winning in the Outstanding Modern Quilt category was really special because Stephanie had originally entered it in the Abstract Category. She used her prize money to update her “aging cell phone” and will save the rest for later. What is next with Stephanie’s quilting? “There are definitely more modern quilts in my future, and hopefully more quilt shows as well.” She loves spreading the word about modern quilts and its growing contributions to the greater quilting community by creating quilts that inspire ideas and start conversations. Congratulations to Stephanie and her Bee Sewcial friends for their Road 2018 winning entry.

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Tags: Bee Sewcial, Modern Quilts, Modern Quilts Unlimited, Outstanding Modern Quilt, Quilt Show, Spontaneous Threads, Stephanie Z. Ruyle
Posted in Road to California 2018, Winning Quilts | No Comments »

How Sharp Are Your Quilting Scissors?

Thursday, May 17th, 2018

quilting scissors, quilt show While Kai Scissors are sold in stores, the company enjoys going to a quilt show like Road to California to meet with customers face to face. Jeff Belvill, Director at Kai Scissors, says that they always have an overwhelming response from consumers when they try out in person Kai’s line of scissors, knives, and beauty tools. What are Kai’s most popular quilting scissors? Their Professional 7000 series, especially the 7230. The 7230 is a 9-inch professional scissor, ideal for thicker, more difficult fabrics. Considered a light weight scissor, it is suited for people with smaller hands and is effective for any project. When at Road’s 2018 quilt show, Jeff offered these tips on how to care for your quilting scissors and keep them sharp for optimum use:

Choose the Right Scissor for the Job

Use your scissors for the function they were designed to do. Fabric scissors should only be used on fabric like paper scissors should only be used for paper.

Sharpen the Blade all the Way to the Tip

Any reputable sharpener can sharpen your scissors safely.

Wipe Scissors Down

Use a microfiber cloth to wipe the blades when you are done with each cutting project. Start from the underside, pinch and pull the cloth across the blade.

Keep the Pivot Working Smoothly

Spray rubbing alcohol in the pivot and wipe away any goo or fibers that might get stuck.

Use a Tip Protector

When not in use, prevents ruining tips from accidental drops on the floor.

Never Run with Scissors

A safety tip that hopefully doesn’t any reminders. To learn more great quilting scissors information, visit the Kai website. Also, you can also listen to Jeff talk in depth about the History of Scissors on a recent podcast he recorded with YurView: ]]>

Tags: Care for Quilting Scissors, Jane Monzures, Jeff Belvill, Kai Scissors, Quilt Show, Quilting Scissors, YurView
Posted in Road to California 2018, Vendors | 1 Comment »

Meet The Beach Cities Quilters Guild

Monday, May 14th, 2018

Past President Sherri Peltier remarked that their guild “gives so much.” Anywhere from 60 – 100 quilts are donated each month to military bases in San Diego for their military mother baby showers. Each prospective mother and her yet-to-be born baby receive a quilts at these events. Another popular philanthropy is Quilts of Valor. In 2017, the guild donated 1,500 quilts to this organization. The quilts are presented to the soldiers as they get off the airplane and each soldier gets to pick which quilt he or she wants. New member Jeanette Floyd joined the guild last year and is a new quilter. She became interested in the guild through their philanthropy work, particularly the Angel Baby project. Guild members sew diaper, hat and blanket sets. One set goes to the mother as a keepsake and the other set is buried with the baby. A new philanthropy the guild has just formed a partnership with is the National Institute of Health in Bethseda, Maryland. The Institute treats children with rare diseases. The guild became familiar with the Institute’s work because Sherri’s granddaughter is treated there. Guild members are working on making teddy bears for the patients. FantaSea of Quilts is the theme for the Beach City Quilters Guild Quilt Show and Auction which is being held June 2-3 at the Soka University Gymnasium in Aliso Viejo. Their Opportunity Quilt that will be given away at the show, Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows. The guild reports that this “stunning” quilt has had so many wonderful comments as it has traveled to other guilds and was a huge hit at Road to California. One of the guilds that hosted the quilt was the Friendship Square Quilt Guild in March. It was Beach City’s fifth time attending their show. They appreciated the opportunity FSQG gave them to share Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows.” Quilt Guilds have a goal to support each other and share the tradition of quilting especially to a new generation of fabric artists,” said member Elaine. Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows was made with Kaffe Fassett Fabrics. Sixteen hand applique quilters made the blocks and Sherri Peltier put it together. The quilting was done by Cecelia Quilts in Orange County, California. To learn more about the guild and their quilt show, visit their website. ]]>

Tags: Beach Cities Quilters Guild, Kaffe Fassett Fabrics, Opportunity Quilt, Quilt Guild, Quilt Show
Posted in Quilt Guilds, Road to California 2018 | No Comments »

A New Generation For Road To California

Friday, December 15th, 2017

family owned and operated show. Purchased by Carolyn Reese in 1996, it began with just a few classes and through Carolyn’s vision, has become what it is known for today: a week long premiere quilt show hosting over 39,000 visitors from all over the world who come to see the hundreds of quilts on display, take classes taught by experts in the quilt and fiber art world, and visit over 225 nationally and internationally known vendors. This past year saw Carolyn retire from Road and the show acquire new Reese leadership. Road’s new owner is Matt Reese, Carolyn’s grandson and someone very familiar with what makes Road to California the special venue that it is. Through the years, Matt has held many different positions at Road. He started out doing “go-for-it” work: moving teacher equipment from the storage rooms to the classrooms and back as well as handling other functions during the week of the show. In February 2008, Matt was hired to help with the logistical planning of the show which gave him the opportunity to get his hands in just about everything. After he graduated from California State University- Long Beach, Matt was promoted to show manager and worked full time at Road while attending and graduating from the University of LaVerne Law School. Why did this young husband and father decide to purchase a quilt show? Explains Matt, “I am a fourth-generation small business owner. It’s in my blood to be in business. I was facing a decision of stability for the future of my family as to whether I was going to continue at Road, or leave to join the legal profession. I knew my grandmother was getting older and whatever uncertainty may occur if something were to happen to her, left me in a position where I would not be able to offer stability to my family. Therefore, my wife and I decided the easiest solution– and the one that I preferred the most — was to purchase Road.” Of course, continuing to produce a top-quality quilt show is Matt’s highest priority. He is currently working on a couple of new and exciting ideas that will ensure that Road’s attendees continue to have the best possible experience. Additionally, Matt hopes these changes will have a positive influence throughout the quilting industry. During Road 2018, Matt will be directing his staff, ensuring a smooth operation without micromanaging. Guests will be able to see him at a couple of the larger events like Party Time and the Trunk Show with Jenny Doan. Matt says he will know right away if he’s done a good job planning for this year’s show: the office will be quiet but the floor will be buzzing with activity. Matt wants to assure Road’s guests that the familiar Reese faces will still be actively helping at the show. A cousin is still coming to be the night manager. His uncle Darrell will still be managing the daunting task of all the equipment and his Dad, Mike, will be up in the office. The Road booth will still be staffed by Matt’s mom and aunt and other cousins still living local will be involved and working the show. Guests will even see Matt’s wife Jen. She handles the contest quilt unpacking and shipping program. The only Reese not with a job currently is four-month-old Braden but Matt is confident they will find one for him as time goes on!! After being in the business for so many years, Matt says he genuinely “loves all quilts” and feels that “they all have an important place in quilting.” He has quite the collection of Egyptian Tentmaker quilts and is starting to amass a collection of artistic miniatures. Matt has also started to think about collecting some antique quilts as well. Through the years, he has had some wonderful gifted quilts given to him. One that stands out is from the ladies of Sew Kind of Wonderful. They presented Matt with a small, modern wall hanging last year which has become one of his favorites because “the quilting is fantastic and the color scheme perfectly matches my house.” While Road 2018 is just a month away, Matt is already looking forward to 2019 and beyond. As Matt explains, “It takes between 18-24 months to fully plan and prepare for an event. We pride ourselves on covering details that some other shows aren’t able to cover. A lot of our special touch comes from the lessons I learned from Carolyn’s travel as a vendor oh so long ago.” Join us in welcoming Matt Reese, Road’s new owner, who is bringing a new generation of leadership to the world class event that has become Road to California.]]>

Tags: Carolyn Reese, Eqyptian Tentmakers, Matt Reese, Quilt Show, Reese Family, Sew Kind of Wonderful
Posted in behind the scenes, Reese Family, Road to California, Road to California 2018 | 5 Comments »

Meet The Big Bear Lake Quilters Guild

Wednesday, July 12th, 2017

Best known for its recreational opportunities like fishing, water sports, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, tours and winter sports, it also a haven for quilting. Big Bear Lake has two quilt guilds and two quilt shops in this small community!! It is also a popular destination for quilt retreats. The Big Bear Lake Quilters Guild has around 50 members. They meet monthly the 2^nd Wednesday of the month at Patchworks Quilt Shop. ”Patches of Love” is the name they give to their philanthropy work. Their members make quilts that are given to children who are picked up in police cars or fire trucks after a traumatic event. They also support military families with quilts. When a family has a new baby and their father is deployed, they present the new baby with a quilt. Their annual quilt show is being held this year August 4^th and 5^th at The Lodge at Big Bear Lake. They have invited vendors as well as showcasing quilts from the area. At Road 2017, the guild had their show’s opportunity quilt on display. What makes this quilt original is that there is a hidden bear in the design of the quilt. The guild enjoys asking contributors for this fund raiser to see if they can find the bear. It gives people the chance to see the quilt up close and is “lots of fun.” Can you find the bear? Road to California loves supporting local quit guilds and their endeavors. Opportunities are given on a first come basis to showcase opportunity quilts. Participating guilds must provide 20 hours of white glove service to Road for each day your quilt is displayed. For more information, please visit our website.]]>

Tags: Big Bear Lake Quilters Guild, Opportunity Quilt, Quilt Guilds, Quilt Show
Posted in Road 2017, Road to California | No Comments »

Family Fun At Road

Friday, June 2nd, 2017

Road to California is the perfect place for a family outing!!

[caption id="attachment_4957" align="aligncenter" width="466"]

(l-r) Rebecca, Nicholas, Pearl, Cameron and Daniel[/caption] The Medina family from Moreno Valley, California says quilting and coming to Road is “a family affair.” Young Nicholas is a big fan of Eleanor Burns. He’s been watching her on TV since he was 5 years old. His grandma Pearl shops at Eleanor’s store in San Diego county. One time, she brought Nicholas with her when there was a sale going on. Nicholas marched right up to Eleanor and asked her if she had any cowboy fabric. They struck up a friendship and for the past 3 years, Nicholas and his family have come to Road to meet up with Eleanor and her son, Orion. It was about that same time that Nicholas began sewing on his great-grandma’s machine. He says he prefers to sketch out his own patterns. Grandma Pearl has been coming to Road for 10 years. She has sewn since she was a little girl and has been quilting for the past 15-20 years. She is sharing her knowledge with her daughter, Rebecca, who started sewing twenty-one years ago when she was 7. Rebecca has joined her mom at Road for the past four years and says, “coming with my mom to Road is something we share together.” After attending Road for the past 2 years, Daniel Ganczak, Pearl’s son-in-law, became interested in quilting and bought his own sewing machine. He says he is “practicing for now,” getting ideas and fabric and relaxing during the show. In 2017, Daniel brought his son, Cameron, who said that he was so inspired by Road and his family, he wants to start quilting and join his cousin with the family hobby. [caption id="attachment_4958" align="aligncenter" width="391"]

Cousins Cameron and Nicholas[/caption] Another family from Moreno Valley came to share a day together at Road. Meet Grandma Lydia, Grandpa Larry, Dad Jay, and his daughters, Lulu (age 9) and Scarlet (age 7). Jay says his mom has always sewed and has been a quilter for the past 20 years. Jay starting sewing as a young boy. He is an artist and says that sewing is “another way to express myself.” He is teaching the girls how to sew. Lulu and Jay have made a wall-hanging quilt together. [caption id="attachment_4959" align="aligncenter" width="422"]

Back row: Larry, Jay, Lydia. Front row: Scarlet and Lulu[/caption] It was the first time coming to Road for Larry, Jay and the girls. Larry “didn’t realize how involved quilting was” and was “amazed” at seeing how detailed the quilts on display were. Jay couldn’t believe “how many different ways there are to quilt.” Scarlet was hoping to get some ideas to start her first quilt and Lulu was enjoying all the “free stuff’ that the vendors were handing out. A veteran of four Road to California’s, Lydia is another Eleanor Burns fan and “loves the whole show.” These two families show that the family that quilts together, stays together.]]>

Tags: Family Outing, Family Quilting, Moreno Valley, Quilt Show
Posted in Road 2017, Road to California | No Comments »

Meet Road’s Display Manager Debby Bennett

Wednesday, April 26th, 2017

Work began in mid-December, 2016, to plan out the exhibits. Debby reported that her goal for the displays was to organize the quilts by category. Within each category, Debby worked with size, colors and themes to highlight each quilt. At that time, all Debby had to work with were the pictures and dimensions of all the quilts accepted for the contest. It took Debby and her daughter, Jennifer (Matt’s wife), approximately 30 hours to organize and map out the 255 contest quilts. This was all just preliminary work until the winning quilts were chosen (the day before Preview Night) and adjustments would have to be made to the original plans. During the judging, Debby was present so that she could have access to each winner’s information. When the judging was completed on Tuesday, Debby re-mapped the winners’ booths and fine-tuned the rest of the booths. Because maps of the display areas were prepared earlier, Debby felt the hanging process went by more quickly and efficiently than in the past. It took Debby and her team of 15 volunteers approximately 10 hours to hang all the quilts. When her job was done, Debby became a regular guest at the show, shopping and enjoying the quilts. She also was able to have a fun evening with her family at Party Time. What did Debby think about her first experience as display manager? “I had so much fun.” Debby was able to use her organizational skills as well as her creativity to create quilt displays that she was “very proud of.” Debby added, “The group of volunteers that hung the quilts were so welcoming to the ‘newcomer’ and receptive to my new ways. I couldn’t have done it without their quilt hanging expertise. It was truly a team effort.” Debby is looking forward to continuing her position at Road 2018. However, she is going to make sure that she has her own tool box next time around, something she wished she had had last January!! What was your favorite winning quilt on display? ]]>

Tags: Award Winning Quilts, Displaying Quilts, Quilt Show
Posted in behind the scenes, Road 2017 | 2 Comments »

Mothers and Daughters Who Quilt

Tuesday, May 3rd, 2016

Charlotte and Brittany Williams are from Riverside, California. Both quilters, Road 2016 was their first time at the show. They heard about it from their quilt guild, Raincross Quilt Guild in Riverside. Charlotte’s running partner taught her how to quilt in 2012. Brittany has only been quilting for 6 months. Since starting, she has made 7 quilts; six of them in the two months prior to the show. She has done a lot of hand work in the past (knitting and crocheting) so quilting was a natural addition. Her favorite pattern so far is a nine patch and disappearing nine patch. It’s never too early to share your love of quilting with your daughter. Marina Caraway brought her 1 year old daughter, Everleigh, to the show.Marina loves to quilt. Road 2016 was her first time at the show. She bought a kit for a block-of-the-month quilt and thought the displays “were beautiful.” She can’t wait to come back next year. Grandmother Judy Brink, daughter Lori Vandenburg, and granddaughter Allison Vandenburg (9) like to go to their own quilt retreat twice a year in Palm Springs. It is a great time for them to share, swim, and quilt. Alison’s first time at Road was when she was 6 weeks old. She likes sewing pillowcases and taking the scraps from her mother and grandmother’s quilts and making little handbags. Lori’s first quilt was a baby quilt for Allison that Judy helped her make. Judy has been sewing since she was 6 years old. Judy’s mother taught her how to sew and at age 91, she is still participating in her church’s sewing circle. The first time Valerie Yoshimura and her daughter, Vivian Shay (13) came to Road it was in 2014, two hours before closing on Sunday afternoon. “Whoops!!!” was their reaction. This past year, they knew better and stayed two nights at a local hotel so that they could take their time enjoying the show. Vivian designs her own clothes and has taught herself how to draw her own patterns. Valerie sews, embroiders, and hopes to be a quilter someday. She liked seeing what people do with their creativity. Remarked Valerie, “Road is not just for quilters. Anyone involved in fabric arts has a place here. It is worth taking a day off for!!” Road 2016 was the third time Angie and Georgia Germain have come to the show. Residents of Escondido, California (near San Diego), Georgia, age 14, said she sees new things every time she comes. She has been sewing since she was 10 with her mom’s encouragement. She says it is a way for her to use her art skills. Georgia has made one quilt by herself and has helped her mom make others. Quilting is a hobby they enjoy doing together — and going to Road!! ]]>

Tags: Mothers and Daughters, Quilt Show, Quilting
Posted in Road 2016 | 2 Comments »